Thursday, April 3, 2014

PIA Dispatch for April 4 , 2014 (Friday) , 4 PIA Calabarzon PRs, 2 Weather Watch , 5 Regional Watch, 1 OFW Watch, 2 PNOY Speech , 21 PCOO Online News , 57 Photonews (Apr. 3 )

PCOO - Photo Releases

A Dispatch for April 4 , 2014 (Friday) , 4 PIA Calabarzon PRs, 2 Weather Watch , 5 Regional Watch, 1 OFW Watch, 2 PNOY Speech , 21 PCOO Online News , 57 Photonews (Apr. 3 )





24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at : 5:00 AM 04 April 2014

Synopsis: Easterlies affecting the Eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon.

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

Light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country and the coastal waters will be slight to moderate.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 35.3 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.0 ºC

Maximum Relative Humidity: 1:50 AM Yesterday --- 87 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 44 %

Low Tide Today: 5:09 am …..………. 0.32 meter
High Tide Today: 12:37 pm …..………. 0.95 meter
Low Tide Today: 8:31 am …..………. -0.05 meter

Sunrise Today: 5:50 AM
Sunset Today: 6:08 PM

Moonrise Today: 9:11 AM 
Moonset Today: 10:16 PM
Illumination Today: 20 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
— with Boy Aplaca Molina.
Photo: 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at    : 5:00 AM 04 April 2014

Synopsis:  Easterlies affecting the Eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon.

Forecast: The entire archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. 
                     
Light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country and the coastal waters will be slight to moderate.  

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature:              1:50 PM Yesterday   ---  35.3 ºC
Minimum  Temperature:             6:00 AM Yesterday  ---  24.0 ºC

Maximum Relative Humidity:       1:50 AM Yesterday        ---    87 %
Minimum  Relative Humidity:       1:50 PM  Yesterday       ---    44 %

Low Tide Today: 5:09 am    …..……….    0.32 meter
High Tide Today: 12:37 pm  …..……….    0.95 meter
Low Tide Today: 8:31 am    …..……….   -0.05 meter

Sunrise Today:                           5:50 AM
Sunset Today:                            6:08 PM

Moonrise Today:                        9:11 AM 
Moonset Today:                         10:16 PM
Illumination Today:                     20 %     
                                                                   
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.














PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura on DZMM:
-May inaasahang papasok na Low Pressure Area (LPA) sa Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) ngayong Linggo.
- Patungo ito sa Eastern Visayas at Eastern Mindanao pero posibleng tumaas at gumilid ng Luzon.
-Una itong dadaan sa karagatan bago tumama sa kalupaan pagsapit ng Martes o Miyerkules sa susunod na linggo.
-Maaaring maging bagyo ang naturang LPA at tatawaging Bagyong Domeng.
- Gayunman, sa ngayon ay malayo pa ang LPA at hindi pa nakakaapekto sa alinmang bahagi ng bansa.
-Ngayong weekend, may iiral ding northeasterlies na hangin. Bahagya nitong maiibsan ang mainit na panahon.
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April   4  , 2014  ( Friday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE              :  Sunny
LAGUNA           :  Sunny
BATANGAS       :  Sunny
RIZAL                 :  Sunny
QUEZON            :  Sunny





PIA-4A/BATANGAS...Isang jobs fair ang isinasagawa ngayon sa bayan ng Agoncillo na layong makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay at trabaho sa mga job seekers sa naturang bayan.Ang aktibidad ay bahagi ng ika-65 taong pagkakatatag ng bayan ng Agoncillo.
 
 
 
 
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinagawa ang paglulunsad ng Coke-TESDA Sari sari Store Training and Access to Resources(STAR)Project sa lungsod ng Tanauan na layong mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang may 180 may-ari ng sari-sari store upang mas mapatatag ang kanilang hanapbuhay at maparami ang kanilang puhunan sa pagnenegosyo.



PIA-4A/CAVITE: The local government of Carmona recently gave a certificates of recognition to 13 mothers (Huwarang Ina Award) due to hardworking and perseverance in raising their families despite their minimal budget. Said program is in celebration of Women's Month 2014.



PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ngayon ng Provincial Blood council ang ika-apat na Blood Olympics sa bayan ng Mabini na naglalayong makakalap ng sapat na dugo upang magamit at mapakinabangan ng mga nangangailangang maysakit na Batangueno.
 
 
 
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Quezon will implement 'enterprise development' to the women's enterprises based in the province.This will to improve the marketing and production of the enterprises as it will help to augment the women's source of income.
 


DZBB: Wala pang makuhang kumpirmasyon ang DFA sa napaulat na pagdukot umano sa isang Pilipinong manggagawa sa Semporna, Malaysia kagabi. Bukod sa Pilipino, sinasabing kasama ring nadukot ng mga salarin ang isang Chinese tourist. Sinabi ni DFA spokesman Charles Jose na inaalam pa ng embahada ng Pilipinas sa Malaysia ang tungkol sa insidente.
 
 
 





1.  Restricted areas in Mt. Banahaw and Mt. San Cristobal, expanded
Friday 4th of April 2014
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, April 4 (PIA) --Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 4A CALABARZON Executive Director Reynulfo A. Juan, concurrently chaiman of the Mounts Banahaw–San Cristobal Protected Landscape-Protected Area Management Board (MBSCPL-PAMB) said the restrictions covered in the PAMB’s Resolution No. 002-2012 is still in place until March 2015 and announced in a special meeting on April 2, the board’s coming out with a new resolution to include areas in strict protection zones in Mount San Cristobal.
 Juan revealed that some 90.42 hectares area in Mount San Cristobal in Sitio Calo, Brgy San Cristobal were razed by fire on March 18, just a day before a 50 hectares area  (as earlier estimated during the aerial surveillance) at the Durungawan in Mount Banahaw. Protected Area Superintendent Salud Pangan informed Juan that a team sent to the area to assess the damage on the ground has set the total area burned at 14.20 hectares.
 Protected Area Superintendent Salud Pangan informed PAMB Chair Juan of another fire incident on Mount San Cristobal on Tuesday, April 1, which consumed some 50 hectares in Brgy. Sta. Lucia, Dolores, Quezon.  The fire has not been completely declared under control as of this writing the PAMB was in session since smoke can still be observed from afar.
 Juan also revealed that to give more teeth to the resolutions, the PAMB decided to issue an ordinance expanding the restricted areas within the MBSCPL. The PAMB members who attended the special meeting laid out areas as strictly restricted, limiting entry of pilgrims and tourists without first securing permits, imposition of fees, filing of appropriate charges on violators and setting fines and jail punishments.
 Lawyer Sheila de Leon of Tanggol Kalikasan facilitated the discussion and was tasked to finalize the ordinance.
 Juan enjoined members of the PAMB, as well as the constituents of the officers and members to lead in execution of the provision of the ordinance in their respective areas of jurisdiction. PAMB members include the barangay captains and the mayors of the towns and cities surrounding the protected area.
 MBSCPL-PAMB Resolution No. 001-2014 formalizes the reinstatement of all the incumbent PAMB members’ appointment to the PAMB because their term had expired after the last October 31, 2013; and affirmed the appointment for the newly elected officials.
 To beef up the limited forest ranger force assigned to MBSCPL, Juan announced the possible enlistment of some 50 Bantay Banahaw deputized personnel to help in the protection efforts specifically during the Holy Week. He said some P500,000 will be allotted for the purpose.
 He assumed that there could be more Bantay Banahaw warm bodies with the support of Quezon Provincial Government as he suggested PG ENR Officer Manny Calayag getting Quezon Governor David Jayjay Suarez’ go signal.
 Calayag, who has been at the forefront of protecting Mount Banahaw even before the 2004 moratorium, maintained that the recent fire was not ‘spontaneous’ but was caused by people who were not supposed to be there.  He also maintained a stern stance that violators should be punished as necessary.
 Meanwhile, De Leon reported that the six pilgrims pilgrims (Fracisco Alpapara, 73; Cristy Bolante, 45; Emerenciana Santiago, 44; Richard Espita, 43; Tristan Joe Alpapara, 28 and Jinky Mae Dumanan, 21) earlier detained at the Sariaya Police Station have been charged with violation of RA 9847 Section B, Item No. 1 and of PAMB Resolution No. 2012-002 at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Lucena City. PASu Pangan, however, said they have been released after posting bail. (Audie L. De La Cruz, DENR-Calabarzon/PIA-4A)







1.   2 Batangueño achievers, commended
Thursday 3rd of April 2014
BATANGAS CITY, April 3 (PIA) --The provincial government of Batangas, led by Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, honored two Batangueño achievers last March 27 at the provincial capitol. 
They are Atty. Rudy Ortea of the University of Batangas, 2013 Bar examinations 3rd placer and Alyssa Valdez of the Ateneo de Manila University, who led the Lady Eagles to the Season 76 UAAP women’s volleyball championship.
 Ortea who hails from Natunuan, San Jose earned a rating of 84.2 percent at the recent bar exams and became the highest scoring bar passer in UB history. He also topped the criminology board exams in 2008.
 He attributes his success to his father, Romeo Ortea, who raised his family working as a tricycle driver.  He said he learned hard work and patience from his father, while his mother pushed them always to be the best.
 Blue Eagle's Valdez, meanwhile, guided a young and rebuilding team of mostly rookies to an unexpected title over the four-peat seeking De La Salle Lady Spikers in the recently concluded UAAP volleyball season.
 The San Juan, Batangas native, dubbed the Batangueña Phenom, also won the season and finals Most Valuable Player awards, Best Scorer and Best Server.  Guided by their new but charismatic Thai coach, Anusorn Bundit, the “heart strong” Ateneans took home the school’s very first volleyball crown.
 The governor expressed her pride for these achievements that again showcased the talents and intellect of Batangueños.  She hopes that they will serve as inspiration to the province’s youth.
 Meanwhile, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Gov. Mark Leviste and Board Member Kathleen Briones, also presented plaques of recognition to their two distinguished provincemates.
 Ortea was accompanied by his family and UB school officials, while Valdez was with her parents, relatives and some Lady Eagle teammates, including super rookies Jia Morado and Mich Morente.  (Vince Altar, PIO Capitol/PIA-Batangas)

2.   Tagalog news: 88 loose firearms, nakumpiska ng Batangas PPO
Thursday 3rd of April 2014
 LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Abril 3 (PIA) --Inihayag kamakailan ng Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) na may 88 loose firearms ang nakumpiska ng kanilang mga tauhan mula sa may 86 katao sa unang kwarter ng taon.
 Sinabi ni BPPO provincial director PSSupt.Omega Jireh Fidel, na ito ay umpisa lamang ng kanilang mas pinalawak at pinalakas na kampanya sa mga nagkalat na loose firearms sa lalawigan.
 “Mas pinag-iibayo naming mga kapulisan ang pagsawata sa pagkalat ng mga armas na ito na walang kaukulang lisensya at karaniwang ginagamit ng mga kawatan sa pagsasagawa ng mga krimen,” sabi ni Fidel.
 Bunga nito, binigyan ng parangal noong Marso 31 ang mga natatanging police stations na nagpakita ng karampatang serbisyo at paglilingkod sa kanilang nasasakupan.
 Ang Lipa City Police Station ang nahirang na “Best Performing City Police Station” dahil sa maigting na kampanya nito kontra loose firearms at pagpapatupad ng focused police operations tulad ng kampanya laban sa mga wanted persons, service of search warrant at kampanya kontra illegal na sugal gayundin ang Batangas City Police Station dahilan sa kampanya nito laban sa illegal na droga.
 Nahirang namang Best Performing Class A Municipal Police Station (MPS) ang Sto. Tomas MPS at Bauan MPS, Best Performing Class B Police Station ang Calaca MPS at Balayan MPS, Best Performing Class C Police Station ang Taal MPS at Talisay MPS. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)

3.   Tagalog news: PCG Southern Tagalog, pinagkalooban ng mga bagong search and rescue equipment
Thursday 3rd of April 2014
 LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Abril 3 (PIA) --Binasbasan ang mga bagong search and rescue equipment na ipinagkaloob sa Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Tagalog sa okasyon ng pagdiriwang ng ika-31 taong anibersaryo nito noong Marso 18 sa tanggapan nito sa barangay Sta. Clara ng lungsod na ito.
 Ang mga kagamitan na kinabibilangan ng rubber boat, outrigger boat, tatlong multicab service vehicles at isang truck ay ipamimigay sa mga iba’t-ibang mga istasyon ng PCG sa buong Timog Katagalugan.
 Sinabi ni PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, na nagpapasalamat siya sa 31 taong kasipagan, pagseserbisyo at pagtupad ng lahat ng kawani ng PCG upang makamit ang mithiin nito na maglingkod sa bansa.
 Binigyang-diin ni Isorena na patuloy ang PCG sa pagpapaigting ng kampanya para sa mas malinis na karagatan at pagsusulong ng mga kapabilidad sa disaster risk reduction management.
 Idinagdag pa nito na patuloy ang pagsusulong ng moderisasyon ng kanilang tanggapan kung saan parating na ang apat na 24 meter vessels mula sa Pransiya gayundin ang karagdagang sampung 40 meter vessel mula sa Hapon, at search and rescue vessel mula sa Pransiya sa susunod na taon.
 Ang mga kagamitang ito ay bago at bahagi ng programa ng administrasyong Aquino upang makapagbigay ng karampatang serbisyo ang PCG sa publiko.
 Sinabi pa ni Isorena na binibigyang pansin din nila ang pagbuhay at muling pagsasaayos ng iba’t-ibang light stations na malaki ang nagagawang tulong sa mga manlalakbay sa mga karagatan sa buong bansa.
 Sa kasalukuyan may anim na istasyon, 41 sub-stations at 1 mobile team ang bumubuo sa buong PCG District Southern Tagalog. (MPDC, PIA-Batangas)










Singaporean leader arrives for 4-day state visit
 
Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam arrived in the Philippines Wednesday afternoon for a four-day state visit to the country.

President Tan was given arrival honors after he arrived at 5:45 pm at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal I Wednesday afternoon.

Among the members of the reception party include Vice President Jejomar Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino and Manila International Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado.

President Tan is visiting the Philippines for the first time and his arrival in the country serves as a reciprocal visit to President Aquino’s state visit to Singapore in 2011. The two leaders are expected to discuss cooperative activities in defense, trade and investment.

On Thursday morning, President Tan will lay a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park. He will then proceed to Malacanang for a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. President Aquino will tender a state luncheon in honor of the Singaporean leader.

Other schedule of President Tan will be a visit to Fort Santiago in Manila, a dinner with the Singapore community in the Philippines and a meeting with Philippine-Singapore Business Council.

President Tan will then visit on Saturday typhoon-ravaged areas in Tacloban, Leyte, and Basey, Western Samar, where he will turn over medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital. The hospital is the beneficiary of the joint rehabilitation project by the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Singapore was the Philippines’ fourth largest trade partner last year, with total trade amounting to $8.22 billion.

President Tan will depart for Singapore Saturday evening. PND (as)

Singaporean President Tony Tan leads wreath-laying rites at Rizal Park
 
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam kicked off his second day in the Philippines by offering a wreath in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park on Thursday.

President Tan arrived at the park at about 10:30 a.m. and was joined by his wife, Mary, and his lean delegation during the ceremony.

The visiting President was received by Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras.

Following the short ceremony, President Tan proceeded to Malacañang Palace to attend a state luncheon hosted by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The two leaders are slated to discuss various issues in defense, trade and investment.

After his engagements at the Palace, President Tan will tour Fort Santiago, one of the famous historical sites in Manila.

His day will be capped off with a dinner reception with the Singaporean community at the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Taguig.

Part of the President Tan’s hectic schedule in the Philippines will be his visit to Tacloban, Leyte and Basey, Western Samar on Saturday, where he will turn over medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, the beneficiary of the joint rehabilitation project between the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

This is President Tan’s first official visit to the Philippines through the invitation of President Aquino, who made a state visit to Singapore in 2011. PND (jb)

President Aquino welcomes President Tan of Singapore in Malacañang
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who arrived in Malacañang late Thursday morning after laying a wreath in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila.

Upon signing the guest book, President Tan paid a courtesy call on President Aquino, where they discussed various issues of mutual concern, including trade, investment, and security.

In a statement delivered to members of the press after their meeting, President Aquino said he was pleased to host his Singaporean counterpart and his delegation, and hoped they would have a ‘truly fun’ stay in the country.

“Your visit today reaffirms the warm and cordial relationship between our two countries, and we look forward to further strengthening our ties, and moving forward as strong partners for progress who share the goal of empowering our peoples and propelling our countries and our region to even greater heights,” President Aquino said.

President Tan, for his part, thanked President Aquino and the Filipino people for the very generous hospitality extended to them during his first state visit to the Philippines. He noted that this was not his first time in the country.

“President Aquino, Mary and I look forward for a fruitful visit, where we will meet all and make new friends, and to cement the deep friendship between our two peoples,” President Tan said. PND (hdc)

President Aquino thanks Singapore for relief efforts after typhoon Yolanda
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam for Singapore’s assistance to the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda last year.

Filipinos will never forget the kindness extended by Singapore to the Philippines, he said in a speech to welcome President Tan.in Malacanang on Thursday.

“Singapore was one of the first countries to reach out to the Filipino people in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan—and the assistance that their people and government gave is deeply appreciated,” President Aquino said.

Following the calamity, Singapore deployed a Civil Defense Force team to assist the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities, as well as a C-130 aircraft to support ferrying operations between Tacloban and Manila, he said.

According to the President, Singapore also donated $33,600 in emergency supplies, $96,000 in relief goods, and $160,000 as seed money for the Singapore Red Cross’ Typhoon Haiyan fund-raising drive.

Fund-raising efforts by the private sector, businesses, non-government organizations, the academe, as well as the Overseas Filipino Community in Singapore have also collected more than $10 million, the President said.

“Singapore’s generosity will indeed be remembered with gratitude,” he added.

President Aquino further noted that President Tan will visit Basey, Western Samar on Saturday to present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital. The initiative is a joint rehabilitation project of the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The Philippine government plans to build better, stronger, and more resilient communities for the typhoon survivors, the President said, adding that the speedy rehabilitation of health service facilities in affected areas is key to these efforts.

The Singaporean leader arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday for his first state visit to the country.

His four-day official visit includes a tour of Fort Santiago in Manila, dinner with the Singaporean community, and a meeting with the Philippine-Singapore Business Council.

On Saturday, he will go to Tacloban and Basey in Western Samar for a handover ceremony of a health facility there. He will leave for Singapore Saturday evening. PND (as)

President Tan congratulates President Aquino on peace agreement with MILF
 
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam congratulated President Benigno S. Aquino III and his administration on the recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). President Tan conveyed this during his courtesy call with President Aquino in Malacañang on Thursday.
“This is a momentous accomplishment and a testament to the leadership and efforts of President Aquino and his administration in brokering peace and stability for the Philippines and the region,” President Tan said in his speech.
The CAB was signed last March 27 by the peace panels of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Malacañang after 17 years of negotiation.
President Tan, on behalf of his countrymen, expressed his sympathy to the Filipino people due to the many lives lost when super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) struck the Visayan region in November last year.
“We are heartened that the spirit and resilience of the Philippine people remain strong in such devastation. We have been working with the Philippine government and stakeholders in the rehabilitation efforts,” he said.
President Tan will hand over tomorrow  the Singaporean people’s contributions to various projects aiding the thousands of families displaced by the typhoon.

He will visit on Saturday Basey, Western Samar, where he will present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, a joint rehabilitation project of Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

President Aquino thanked President Tan and the people of Singapore for their kindness as this bolsters the government’s plan to build better, stronger, and more resilient communities in the affected areas.

“I have always said that we Filipinos never forget the kindness extended to us by friends, and I reiterate that now, as Singapore continues to lend a helping hand,” President Aquino said. PND (hdc)

President Tan thanks Filipinos for their contribution to Singapore’s growth
 
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam expressed his appreciation for the contribution of the Filipino workforce to Singapore’s economic development.

“The Filipino community in Singapore plays an irreplaceable role in our economy and society. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for their contributions to Singapore’s growth and development,” President Tan said during a state luncheon given in his honor in Malacanang on Thursday.

As more Filipinos come to Singapore to work, the number of Singaporeans going to the Philippines is also increasing, given the country’s better business climate, he said.

The longstanding Singaporean community in the Philippines is expanding, President Tan said, noting that most Singaporeans are attracted by the Philippines’ strong growth prospects.

“Our people-to-people ties are robust. Growing air connectivity has been an important catalyst, not only for trade and business, but also tourism between our countries,” President Tan said.

The Singaporean leader also said he is delighted with the recent expansion of his country’s Air Transport Agreement with the Philippines, as this would increase the weekly air service capacity between Singapore and Manila by at least 25 percent.

With the new air pact, he said, the charming cities and beautiful beaches of the Philippines will be a quick plane ride away for Singaporeans. PND (as)

Philippines, Singapore agree on enhanced defense, security cooperation
 
The Philippines and Singapore agreed on a greater defense and security cooperation after President Benigno S. Aquino III and visiting Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam met in Malacanang on Thursday.

President Aquino said the enhanced defense and security cooperation includes high-level military training, and educational and intelligence exchanges between the two countries.

The Philippines has proposed the holding of a Defense Dialogue to further strengthen this cooperation, he said.

President Aquino welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security Exhibition at the World Trade Center on July 16 to 18.

“I believe that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability,” President Aquino said.

He said they also discussed the revival of the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan, as a mechanism for expanding bilateral discussions between the two countries.

The Action Plan provides a consolidated framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation, covering trade and investments, information technology, education, culture, defense, and people-to-people exchanges, he noted.

The President said he looks forward to the implementation of initiatives in these areas, to have a positive impact on relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

He said he and his Singaporean counterpart also had a fruitful dialogue on business and trade cooperation.

The greater transparency, accountability, and integrity in the Philippines today enhance the country’s business climate, he said.

Foreign and local authorities have acknowledged the Philippines’ increased competitiveness as an investment destination and this has created an ideal environment, facilitating growing trade between the Philippines and Singapore, he said.

“We are indeed encouraged by the increasing presence of both Philippine and Singaporean companies in each other’s countries; and we believe this bodes well for the future,” the President said.

President Aquino further said they discussed the expansion of the two countries’ cooperation in infrastructure and construction, tourism facilities, information technology-business process management, shipbuilding, logistics services, and agribusiness.

The Philippines also invited Singapore to participate in the Philippines’ business sector, through the Philippines-Singapore Business Council.

President Aquino thanked his Singaporean counterpart for his government’s hospitality to the estimated 180,000 Filipinos living and working in Singapore.

The presence of Filipinos in Singapore is a vital part of the people-to-people exchanges that foster greater understanding and strengthen relations between the two countries, he said. PND (as)

President Tan commends President Aquino for exemplary economic stewardship
 
Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam praised President Benigno S. Aquino III for his good economic stewardship, which helped turn the Philippines into one of the strongest economies in Asia today.

“Your Excellency, over the past few years, the Philippines has made tremendous progress under your capable leadership. The Philippine economy is consistently one of the strongest in Asia,” President Tan said in his speech during the state luncheon in Malacanang on Thursday.

“Investment inflows are growing as a result of burgeoning business confidence. These resulted from your resolute commitment to enhance the level of social economic development in the Philippines,” he added.

The Singaporean leader said he is confident that with the administration’s efforts, the Philippine government will further spur growth and bring greater prosperity to the people.

A better business environment in the Philippines would mean greater collaborative opportunities for Singaporean businesses wanting to be part of the Philippines’ success story, he said.

The Philippines has had successive investment upgrades from major rating agencies under President Aquino’s leadership.

In October last year, the country obtained a rating upgrade from Moody’s Investors Service, completing the nation’s ascent to investment rank.

Fitch was the first to upgrade the Philippines in March 2013, with S&P following in May. PND (as)

President Aquino: Singapore President Tan’s visit reaffirms deep friendship between two countries
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday the visit of Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam to the Philippines reaffirms the deep friendship between the two countries.

In his toast during the state luncheon in honor of the Singaporean leader, President Aquino said President Tan’s visit also serves as an opportunity to explore areas of cooperation.

“As a friend and neighbor to Singapore, the Philippines believes that development between our two countries should not only proceed in parallel, but should be hand-in-hand. After all, it is through solidarity and cooperation that we will see the achievement of vast gains for both our peoples,” he said.

President Tan met with President Aquino to discuss matters of mutual concern, including cooperations in defense, trade and investment, as well as the Filipino community in Singapore.

In his toast, President Aquino also expressed his gratitude to Singapore and its people for their solidarity with the Philippines, especially in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda.

The President assured Singapore that the Filipino people would never forget the help it extended to support the relief and rehabilitation efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

“It was a time of great grief and sorrow for all Filipinos, and your assistance, along with that of the rest of the international community, eased the burden, and helped us along the path to recovery,” he said.

“I assure you. The Filipino people will never forget the support you gave us, and we will always be ready to repay your kindness,” the President added.

President Aquino also thanked Singapore for the hospitality it has extended to all the Filipinos living and working in the city-state, whom, he said, “advance our two countries’ desire for mutual progress.”

“Their work helps Singapore maintain its competitive position as a center for international trade and commerce, while their remittances serve as a significant boost to their family members here, as well as to the Philippine economy,” he said.

President Aquino also expressed his admiration for Singapore’s achievements, citing NEWater, Singapore’s reclaimed water, as a prime example of how initiative and a little ingenuity can go a long way.

“From your country’s inception, you have successfully worked to maximize the resources available to you, showing the world that great things can be and are made possible by a can-do attitude,” he said.

“Seeing your success, I believe more and more Filipinos have become more aware of the possibilities this approach can open up; and now, I am pleased to say that, like Singapore, we are beginning to fully utilize all of God’s bounties and gifts to us,” he said. PND (co)

President Aquino poses for a selfie with Ateneo Lady Eagles
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III enjoyed a light moment with members of the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles as he posed with them for a selfie during the group’s courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañang Palace on Thursday.

The Ateneo Lady Eagles has been in the spotlight since bagging their first-ever title during the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's volleyball league last month.

The Ateneo ladies dethroned last season’s champion and arch-rival, the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, in a three-set sweep.

Leading the Ateneo Lady Eagles were UAAP Season 76 Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, and teammates Amy Ahomiro and Michelle Morente.

Wearing a big grin, the President willingly posed as Lady Eagles' spiker Mary Mae Tajima snapped a selfie together with her teammates.

President Aquino gave his fellow Ateneans books and pins as tokens during the courtesy call. PND (jb)

 


OPS2007-ban-balita.jpg (34469 bytes)


Dumating ang Pangulo ng Singapore para sa apat na araw na state visit
 
Dumating ang Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam ng Singapore Miyerkoles ng hapon para sa apat na araw na state visit sa Pilipinas.

Inukulan ng karamptang parangal si Pangulong Tan nang dumating siya ika-5:45 ng hapon sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Ang Pangulo ng Singapore ay sinalubong nina Pangalawang Pangulong Jejomar Binay, Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim ng Gabinete Jose Rene Almendras. Chairman Francis Tolentino ng Metropoltan Manila Development Authority at Tagapamahalang Jose Angel Honrado ng Manila International Airport Authority.

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay dumalaw ang Pangulong Tan sa Pilipinas bilang ganting-dalaw sa ginawang state visit ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquinoi III sa Singapore noong 2011. Nakatakdang pag-usapan ng dalawang lider ang pagtutulungan sa larangan ng tanggulan, kalakalan at pamumuhunan.

Huwebes ng umaga, nag-alay ng bulaklak ang Pangulong Tan sa bantayog ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa Rizal Park at pagkatapos ay tumuloy sa Malacanang hinggil sa pag-uusap nila ng Pangulong Aquino. Hahandugan ng state luncheon ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang ang panauhing Pangulo ng Singapore.

Nakatakda ring magsadya ang Pangulong Tan sa Fort Santiago sa Intramuros, Maynila. Isang hapunan ang ihahandog ng Singaporean community sa Pilipinas kay Pangulong Tan at makikipagpulong siya sa Philippine-Singapore Business Council.

Dadalawin ng Pangulong Tan sa Sabado ang malubhang nasalanta ng bagyo sa Tacloban, Leyte at Basey, Kanlurang Samar. Ipagkakaloob niya ang mga kagamitang medikal sa Basey District Hospital. Ang nasabing ospital ay magkatuwang na tinutulungan ng Red Cross ng Singapore at ng International Committee of the Red Cross.

Ang Singapore ang pang-apat sa pinakamalaking kabalikat sa kalakalan ng Pilipinas noong nakalipas na taon at umabot sa $8.22 bilyon ang kabuuang kalakalan.

Gabi ng Sabado ang balik ng Pangulong Tan sa Singapore. PND (as/zaf)

Nag-alay ng bulaklak ang Pangulo ng Singapore sa bantayog ni Dr. Rizal
 
Sinimulan ng Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam ng Singapore ang ika-2 araw ng state visit niya sa Pilipinas sa pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa bantayog ni Dr. Jpse Rizal sa Rizal Park Huwebes.

Ika-10:30 ng umaga nang dumating ang Pangulong Tan sa Rizal Park, kasama ang maybahay niya, Mary, at maliit na delegasyon, para sa seremonya.

Ang panauhing Pangulo ay sinalubong nina Alkalde Joseph Ejercito Estrada at ni Kalihim ng Gabinete Jose Rene Almendras.

Pagkatapos ng maikling seremonya, tumuloy ang Pangulong Tan sa Malacanang upang daluhan ang state luncheon na handog sa kanya ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III.

Nakatakdang mag-usap ang dalawang lider tungkol sa iba-ibang isyung may kinalaman sa tanggulan, kalakalan at pamumuhunan.

Pagkagaling ng Pangulong Tan sa Malacanang, tutuloy siya at mga kasama sa Fort Santiago, isa sa pinakamakasaysayang pook sa Maynila.

Ngayong gabi naman ay hahandugan ang Pangulong Tan ng mga taga-Singapore na nasa Pilipinas ng hapunan sa Embahada ng Republika ng Singapore sa Lungsod ng Taguig.

Bahagi ng maraming pupuntahan ng Pangulong Tan habang nasa Pilipinas ang pagdalaw sa Tacloban, Leyte at sa Basey, Kanlurang Samar sa Sabado na mga pook na malubhang nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda noong nakaraang taon.,

Ibibigay ng Pangulong Tan ang medical supplies sa Basey District Hospital na magkatuwang na tinutulungan ng Red Cross ng Singapore at ng International Committee of the Red Cross.

Ito ang kauna-unahang opisyal na pagdalaw ng Pangulong Tan sa Pilipinas bilang pagpapa-unlak sa paanyaya ng Pangulong Aquino na noong 2011 naman ay nagsagawa ng state visist sa Singapore. PND (jb/zaf)

Masiglang tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang ang panauhing Pangulong Tan ng Singapore
 
Masiglang tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Malacanang Huwebes ang Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam ng Singapore bago mananghali ng Huwebes pagkagaling ng huli sa pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa bantayog ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa Rizal Park sa Maynila.

Pagkalagda sa guest book, nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino si Pangulong Tan. Sinundan ito ng pag-uusap nila tungkol sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa kanilang mga bansa, kabilang ang sa kalakalan, pamumuhunan at kapanatagan.

Sa pahayag sa mga kinatawan ng media pagkatapos ng pulong nila ng Pangulong Aquino, sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino na ikinalugod niyang maging panauhin ang Pangulo ng Singapore at ang mga kasama nito at umaasa siyang magiging “tunay na kasiya-siya” ang pamamalagi nila sa bansa.

“Ang pagdalaw ninyo ngayon ang nagpapatibay na lalo sa masigla at matapat na samahan ng ating dalawang bansa. Umaasa kami na lalong magiging matibay ang ugnayan ng mga bansa natin at magpapatuloy ang matibay na ugnayan natin tungo sa kasaganaan na ang pakay ay lalo pang mabigyang lakas ang mga kababayan natin upang isulong ang mga bansa natin at ang ating rehiyon sa rurok ng tagumpay,” wika ng Pangulong Aquino sa pagtanggap kay Pangulong Tan sa Malacanang.

Sa panig naman niya, pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Tan ang Pangulong Aquino at ang sambayanang Pilipino sa kagandahang-loob at masiglang pagtanggap sa kanila sa kauna-unahan niyang state visit sa Pilipinas. Binanggit niya na hindi ito ang unang pagkakataong nakapunta siya sa bansa.

“Pangulong Aquino, si Mary at ako ay umaasang magiging ganap na mabunga ang pagdalaw na ito na magiging daan para makakadaupang-palad namin ang lahat at ang magkakaroon ng mga bagong kaibigan, at upang lalo pang ihinang na mabuti ang pagkakaibigan ng ating mga mamamayan,” sabi ng Pangulong Tan. PND (hdc/zaf)

Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Singapore sa pagtulong sa bansa nang manalanta ang bagyong 'Yolanda'
 
Taos-pusong nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kay Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam sa pagtulong ng Singapore sa Pilipinas nang salantain ng bagyong "Yolanda" noong nakalipas na taon.

“Hindi malilimot kailanman ng mga Pilipino ang kagandahang-loob ng Singapore sa Pilipinas,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa talumpating pagtanggap sa Pangulong Tan sa Malacanang Huwebes.

“Isa sa kauna-unahang bansa ang Singapore na tumulong sa mga Pilipino matapos salantain ng bagyong Yolanda o Haiyan—at ang tulong ng kanyang mamamayan at pamahalaan ay taos-puso naming pinasasalamatan,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino.

“Matapos manalanta ang bagyo, ang Singapore ay nagtalaga ng Civil Defense Force Team para tulungan ang Tanggapan ng Bansang Magkakaanib ukol sa Coordination of Humanitarian Activities, gayundin ang pagpapagamit ng isang eroplanong C-130 upang tumulong sa paghahatid ng tulong mula Maynila patungong Tacloban,” dagdag ng Pangulo.

Idinugtong ng Pangulo na nagbigay rin ang Singapore ng emergency supplies na halagang $33,000, relief goods na $96,000 at $160,000 na seed money para sa Singapore Red Cross’ Typhoon Haiyan fund-raising drive.

“Nakalikom ang pribadong sektor, mga negosyante, non-government organizations, academe, gayundin ang Overseas Filipino Community sa Singapore nang mahigit na sampung milyong dolar na pantulong sa Pilipinas,” dugtong ng Pangulong Aquino.

“Laging maaalaala ang kagandahang-loob na ito ng Singapore nang lakip ang pagtanaw ng utang na loob,” wika pa ng Pangulo.

Binanggit ng Pangulo na nakatakdang dalawin ni Pangulong Tan ang Basey sa Kanlurang Samar sa Sabado para magdala ng medical supplies sa Basey District Hospital. Magkasanib na proyekto ito ng Reng Singapore at ng International Committee of the Red Cross
.
Idinugtong ng Pangulo na balak ng pamahalaan na magtayo ng higit na matibay at matatag na mga pamayanan para sa mga biktima ng bagyo. Idinagdag niyang mabilis na inaayos ang mga pasilidad na pangkalusugan sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda.

Dumating sa Pilipinas ang Pangulo ng Singapore Miyerkoles. Ito ang kauna-unahan niyang pagdalaw sa bansa.

Ang apat na araw na state visit ni Pangulong Tan ay tinampukan ng pagtungo sa Fort Santiago sa Intramuros, Maynila, pagdalo sa hapunang handog ng komunidad ng mga taga-Singapore at pakikipagpulong sa Philippine-Singapore Business Council.

Sa Sabado, magtutungo sa Tacloban, Leyte at Basey sa Kanlurang Samar ang Pangulong Tan para sa pagbibigay ng pasilidad pangkalusugan doon. Gabi ng Sabado ang alis niya pabalik sa Singapore. PND (as/zaf)

Binati ng Pangulong Tan ang Pangulong Aquino dahil sa kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa MILF
 
Binati ng Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam ng Singapore ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ang administrasyon nito dahil sa kalalagda lamang na Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Ang pagbati ay ginawa ng Pangulong Tan nang magbigay-galang siya sa Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang Huwebes.

“Ito ay katangi-tanging nagawa at katibayan ng liderato at pagsisikap ng Pangulong Aquino at ng administrasyon niya sa pagsisikap na magkaroon ng kapayapaan at kapanatagan ang Pilipinas at ang rehiyon ,“ wika ng Pangulong Tan sa talumpati niya.

Nilagdaan ang CAB noong Marso 27 ng peace panels ng pamahalaang Pilipino at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sa Malacanang pagkaraan ng 17 taong negosasyon.

Ang Pangulong Tan, sa ngalan ng mga kababayan niya, ay nagpahayag ng pakikiramay sa sambayanang Pilipino dahil sa maraming buhay na naputi dahil sa napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda (Haiyan) na nanalanta sa rehiyon ng Kabisayaan noong Nobyembre, 2013.

“Nalulugod kami sapagka’t ang diwa at paninindigan ng mga mamamayan ng Pilipinas ay nanatiling matatag sa kabila ng malawak na pinsalang dinanas. Kabalikat kami ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at ng iba pang kaisa sa ginagawang rehabilitasyon,” sabi ni Pangulong Tan.

Sa Sabado, ibibigay ng Pangulong Tan ang abuloy ng mga mamamayan ng Singapore sa iba-ibang proyektong tumutulong sa libu-libong pamilyang nawalan ng tahanan at kabuhayan dahil sa napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda.

Pagkakalooban ng Pangulong Tan pagtungo niya sa Basey, Kanlurang Samar ng kagamitan sa panggagamot ang Basey District Hospital na magkatuwang na tinutulungan ng Red Cross ng Singapore at ng International Committee of the Red Cross.

Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aquino si Pangulong Tan at ang mga mamamayan ng Singapore sa kagandahang-loob ng mga ito sa pagtulong upang maisakatuparan ng pamahalaan niya na malikha ang higit na mahusay, malakas at matatag na komunidad sa pook na sinalanta ng bagyo.

“Inuulit-ulit ko na hindi kailanman malilimot ng mga Pilipino ang tulong na ibinigay sa atin ng mga kaibigan at uulitin ko rin ngayon ang bagay na ito habang ang Singapore ay patuloy sa walang sawang pagtulong sa atin,” sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (hdc/zaf)

Nagpasalamat si Pangulong Tan sa mga Pilipino sa kontribusyon nila sa pag-unlad ng Singapore
 
Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Tony Tan Keng Yam ng Singapore ang naiambag ng lakas-bisig na Pilipino sa kaunlaran ng kabuhayan sa Singapore.

“Ang mga Pilipino sa Singapore ay gumaganap ng hindi matutumbasang papel sa aming ekonomya at lipunan. Sasamantalahin ko ang pagkakataong ito upang pasalamatan ang kanilang kontribusyon sa pagsulong at kaunlaran ng Singapore,” sabi ng Pangulong Tan sa talumpati sa state luncheon na inihandog sa karangalan niya sa Malacanang Huwebes.

Idinugtong ni Pangulong Tan na habang dumarami ang mga Pilipino na nagtutungo sa Singapore para magtrabaho, ang bilang ng mga taga-Singapore na nagsasadya naman sa Pilipinas ay dumarami rin dahil sa mabuting business climate sa bansang ito.

Sinabi ni Tan na palaki pa ang bilang ng mga taga-Singapore na nasa Pilipinas sapagka’t ang mga kababayan niya ay nahahalina ng magandang palatandaan ng pagsulong ng Pilipinas.

“Masiglang-masigla ang ugnayang people-to-people natin. Ang palaki ring air connectivity ay mahalaga, hindi lamang sa kalakalan at negosyo kundi pati sa turismo sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa,” wika ng Pangulong Tan.

Nagpahayag din ng kasiyahan ang lider ng Singapore sa pagpapalawak kamakailan ng Air Transport Agreement ng bansa niya sa Pilipinas dahil madaragdagan ang lingguhang air service capacity sa pagitan ng Singapore at Maynila ng 25 porsiyento man lamang.

Dahil sa bagong air pact na ito, sabi niya, ang mga kahali-halinang mga lungsod at magagandang dalampasigan ng Pilipinas ay mapupuntahan nang mabilis ng mga taga-Singapore sa pamamagitan ng eroplano. PND (as/zaf)

 
 
 
 
 



 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Joint Press Statement with His Excellency Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore
Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace
03 Apr 2014
 
Your Excellency President Tony Tan Keng Yam of the Republic of Singapore, members of the Singaporean delegation, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen:

On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of the Philippines, allow me to welcome Your Excellency and the members of the Singaporean delegation to our country. We are pleased to host Your Excellency, for your reciprocal visit, following my State Visit to the Republic of Singapore in March of 2011.

Our two countries share a history of friendship and common ideals. The President and I engaged in fruitful discussions on how our relations can be further strengthened, towards expanding areas of cooperation and solidarity.

Singapore was one of the first countries to reach out to the Filipino people in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan—and the assistance that their people and government gave is deeply appreciated. Singapore deployed a Civil Defense Force team to assist the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities. They also deployed a C-130 aircraft to support ferrying operations between Tacloban and Manila. This is on top of the cash and in-kind donations consisting of 33,600 US dollars in emergency supplies, 96,000 US dollars in relief goods, and 160,000 US dollars as seed money for the Singapore Red Cross’ Typhoon Haiyan fund-raising drive. Fund-raising efforts by the private sector, businesses, non-government organizations, the academe, as well as the Overseas Filipino Community in Singapore have also raised more than 10 million US dollars, all for the survivors of the typhoon. Singapore’s generosity will indeed be remembered with gratitude.

I am pleased to note that part of His Excellency’s itinerary is a visit to Basey, Western Samar, where he will present medical supplies to the Basey District Hospital, which is a joint rehabilitation project of the Singapore Red Cross and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Our government’s plan is to build back better, stronger, and more resilient communities, and the speedy rehabilitation of health service facilities in affected areas is key to these efforts. I have always said that we Filipinos never forget the kindness extended to us by friends—and I reiterate that now, as Singapore continues to lend a helping hand.

President Tan and I also discussed our countries’ defense and security cooperation, which includes high-level training, educational, and intelligence exchanges. The Philippines proposed the holding of a Defense Dialogue in order to further strengthen our cooperation. We also welcomed the opportunity to host this year’s Asian Defense and Security exhibition on July 16-18, 2014. I believe that strengthening defense and security cooperation between the Philippines and Singapore is key to maintaining regional stability.

We also discussed the revival of the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan, as a mechanism for expanding bilateral discussions between our countries. The Action Plan provides a consolidated framework for strengthening our bilateral cooperation, covering expansive areas including trade and investments, information technology, education, culture, defense, and people-to-people exchanges. I look forward to the implementation of initiatives in these areas, knowing that it will have a positive impact on relations between the Philippines and Singapore.

Today, the Philippines is indeed reaping gains from our drive for transparency, accountability, and integrity—not only in governance, but also in the private sector, to enhance our business climate. Authorities both here and overseas have acknowledged our increased competitiveness as an investment destination. This, in turn, has created an ideal environment that is facilitating growing trade between the Philippines and Singapore. We are indeed encouraged by the increasing presence of both Philippine and Singaporean companies in each other’s countries; and we believe this bodes well for the future. As such, we also discussed the expansion of cooperation with Singapore in the fields of infrastructure and construction, tourism facilities, information technology-business process management, shipbuilding, logistics services, and agribusiness. We also extended an invitation to Singapore to participate further in the Philippines’ business sector, specifically through the Philippines-Singapore Business Council.

As President, my duties encompass ensuring the welfare of all Filipinos, both here and abroad. As such, I wish to thank the Singaporean people and government for the hospitality they have extended to around 180,000 Filipinos in Singapore, which is a vital part of the people-to-people exchanges that foster greater understanding and strengthen relations between our countries.

Indeed: Singapore is a true partner of the Philippines, and we are hopeful that this visit will give our countries more opportunities to deepen our engagement. On this note, may I wish President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his delegation a truly “fun” stay in the Philippines—especially since this is his first State Visit to our country. Whether in his further interactions with the Philippine business community, or in his visit to Basey, I am sure that the rest of his activities will be as meaningful and productive as our discussions today.

Your Excellency, your visit today reaffirms the warm and cordial relationship between our two countries, and we look forward to further strengthening our ties, and moving forward as strong partners for progress who share the goal of empowering our peoples and propelling our countries and our region to even greater heights.

Thank you.





 

President Benigno S. Aquino III"s Toast during the State Luncheon in honor of H.E. Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore
Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
03 Apr 2014
 
It is my privilege to welcome Your Excellency, Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam, your wife, and the members of your delegation during your State Visit to the Philippines.

Mr. President, I have gone on record expressing my admiration for the Republic of Singapore for achieving so much with so little. From your country’s inception, you have successfully worked to maximize the resources available to you, showing the world the great things can be and are made possible by a can-do attitude. For instance, I am sure that many of us in this room are cognizant of how your country addressed your water shortage through the concept of NEWater. It is a prime example of how initiative and a little ingenuity can truly go a long way. Seeing your success, I believe more and more Filipinos have become more aware of the possibilities this approach can open up; and now, I am pleased to say that, like Singapore, we are beginning to fully utilize all of God’s bounties and gifts to us.

Today, I take the opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, and the Singaporean people for your solidarity—especially in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. It was a time of great grief and sorrow for all Filipinos, and your assistance, along with that of the rest of the international community, eased the burden, and helped us along the path to recovery. I assure you: the Filipino people will never forget the support you gave us, and we will always be ready to repay your kindness.

I reiterate my gratitude for the hospitality you have extended to around 180,000 Filipinos who have found another home in Singapore—all of whom advance our two countries’ desire for mutual progress. Their work helps Singapore maintain its competitive position as a center for international trade and commerce, while their remittances serve as a significant boost to their family members here, as well as to the Philippine economy.

Of course, while this visit reaffirms the deep friendship between our two countries, it also serves as an opportunity to explore areas of cooperation—areas that will allow us to realize in full the potential of our partnership on both the bilateral and ASEAN levels. I am heartened by the discussions we conducted earlier, and I trust that this is a step forward in improving the synergies between our countries. As a friend and neighbor to Singapore, the Philippines believes that development between our two countries should not only proceed in parallel, but should be hand-in-hand. After all: it is through solidarity and cooperation that we will see the achievement of vast gains for both our peoples.

On this note, allow me to propose a toast:

To the good health and well-being of His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife Madam Mary Tan;

To the stronger friendship between the peoples of the Philippines and Singapore;

And to the further progress of the peoples of Singapore, the Philippines, and the rest of Southeast Asia.





03 APRIL 2014
DPWH resumes EDSA reblocking, repair this weekend
Infra spending kicks off 2014 wirt 45.1% upsurge Y-O-Y; Total gov't expenditures also rose by 15.9%
E. Visayas local execs speak up on relief issues
POEA voids license of another recruitment agency
OWWA-RWO IX invites students for scholarship grants
DOF: Tax incentives cost gov’t at least 1.5% of GDP in 2011
544 establishments adopted compressed work week in 2013 -- Baldoz
DOLE-Regional Office No. 8 readies 7,000 job vacancies for job fair in Guiuan, Eastern Samar where Typhoon Yolanda first made landfall
SPES 2014 trainees
Statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the press release of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro
Statement on the abduction of a Filipino national in Sabah
Philippine embassies in Damascus and Beirut, IOM repatriate 37 Filipinos from Syria
DAR and DENR issue joint guidelines for the disposition of untitled privately claimed agricultural lands
March 2014 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination results released in three (3) working days
Ombudsman opens new Public Assistance Office in Davao
BIR Asst. Commissioner faces dismissal and perjury raps for unexplained wealth
Spotlight shines on competitors in national skills contest
OVP distributes 1.5 K relief goods to fire victims in Metro Manila in March
Grateful over help from PhilHealth
DOTC, AF consortium sign ten-year concession agreement for LRT-MRT single ticketing system
Amendment of cabotage law eyed to bring down domestic shipping cost

DPWH resumes EDSA reblocking, repair this weekend
Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will continue with its re-blocking and repair of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) this coming weekend.

DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) has secured clearance from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to undertake rehabilitation works on six (6) road sections along EDSA, from 10 PM of April 4 (Friday) until 5 AM of April 7, 2014 (Monday).

Sections of EDSA which will undergo repair are as follows:

•Between Roosevelt Ave. and East Lawin (Southbound,4th lane), Quezon City;

•Along Balete Drive between Aurora Blvd. and Campanilla (1st lane), Quezon City;

•Between Guadalupe Bridge and Ayala Avenue (Southbound, 1st lane), Makati City;

•Between Reliance and Ortigas Ave. (Northbound, 1st lane of Shaw Blvd. tunnel);

•Between Santolan and Ortigas Ave. (Southbound, 5th lane from Santolan to approach of Ortigas flyover and 1st lane of service road of Ortigas flyover; and

•Between New York St. and Monte de Piedad (Southbound, 1st lane).

These repairs are part of the EDSA road improvement project being implemented by DPWH NCR including concerned District Engineering Offices, in coordination with MMDA.

Infra spending kicks off 2014 wirt 45.1% upsurge Y-O-Y; Total gov't expenditures also rose by 15.9%
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
The Aquino Administration’s continuing bid for economic expansion and inclusive growth was off to an excellent start in 2014, as end-of-January expenditures for infrastructure and other Capital Outlay (CO) surged to P23.8 billion—a P7.4 billion or 45.1-percent increase—from the P16.4 billion recorded in the same month last year.Overall, total national government expenditures likewise registered a P25.1-billion or 15.9-percent increase, from P157.9 billion in 2013 to P183 billion this year.
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad attributed the upsurge primarily to disbursements related to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts on areas affected by calamities last year, most notably Super Typhoon Yolanda.
“With new budget reforms in place, expenditures hit the ground running to post a strong start for government spending in 2014. These reforms—including the GAA-as-Release Document policy—helped spur faster disbursements for key programs, including those for post-calamity reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. What’s particularly notable is that we were able to ramp up expenditures to levels that would have been expected of election season, and we’re definitely a good way off from that.
“The 75-percent expansion of our budget deficit also testifies to our commitment to accelerate spending at the start of the year. The front-loading of expenditures in the first semester also fits very well with our goal of sustaining the country’s growth trajectory this year,” Abad said.
Abad further reported that 86 percent of the allotments for national government agencies and departments under the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA) have already been released through the GAA-as-Release Document policy.
“The impact of budget reform on our spending performance cannot be emphasized enough. By aiming for swifter and more efficient fund releases, agencies can move quickly in obligating their allocations. What’s so important about this is that fast disbursements will naturally give way to the prompt delivery of public goods and services. Our aim is to meet the public’s expectations of our governance agenda, where transformative and efficient leadership can directly benefit the people,” he added.
National Government Disbursements Performance, 2013 vs. 2014
For the Month of January 2014
(in billion pesos) 
Particulars
January
2013
2014
Amount
%
Current Oper. Exp.
     146.0
      150.7
       4.8
         3.3
  PS
     40.8
      42.8
         2.0
      4.8
  MOOE
     29.7
      28.0
     (1.7)
      (5.7)
  Subsidy
       0.3
        0.7
          0.4
     132.4
  Allotment to LGUs
     20.2
      22.8
         2.6
      13.0
  IP
     54.8
      56.5
1.6
        3.0
  TEF
       0.2
        0.0
       (0.1)
     (80.4)
Capital Outlays
     21.9
      29.4
       7.5
      34.5
  Infra & Other CO
16.4
      23.8
         7.4
      45.1
  Equity
         0.1
          0.0
     (0.1)
 
  Cap. Transfers to LGUs
       5.4
        5.6
0.2
        4.3
  CARP-LO
          -
           -
            -
-
Net Lending
     (9.9)
      2.9
      12.9
 (129.6)
TOTAL
     157.9
     183.1
25.2
      15.9 
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also reported that major allotment releases for the month of January include those for the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Program of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Development of Crop Sector Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), provision for the creation of new teaching positions and GASTPE scholarship program of the Department of Education (DepEd), and the network development and asset preservation of national roads, flood control projects and other various infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), among others.
HIGHLIGHTS: Expense Classes as of January 2014
Infrastructure and Other Capital Outlay (CO) were buoyed by the various projects of the DPWH and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), as well as the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health (DOH). The implementation of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting infrastructure projects (formerly Bottom-up Budgeting) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) and the Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (H.E.L.P.S) programs in ARMM also contributed to the expansion.
Personnel Services slightly grew by 2 percent year-on-year due to increase in pension claims, payment of deficiencies in GSIS premiums of government employees in the ARMM-DepEd,   and the impact of the payment of salaries for positions of the DepEd and the Judiciary.
Interest Payments rose by P1.6 billion or 3 percent because of the combined effect of the servicing requirements of domestic debt and increase in foreign debt.
Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) slightly dipped to P28 billion, a P1.7 billion or 5.7 decrease from last year due to the decrease in disbursements from the Department of Social and Welfare Development’s (DSWD) Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

E. Visayas local execs speak up on relief issues
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Manila, Philippines – At least seven mayors from Eastern Visayas expressed their contentment of how the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has augmented their resources for relief efforts in their respective towns in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda.

This expression of support came amid various false accounts such as rotten goods being distributed to ‘Yolanda’ survivors, rotten rice being kept in a DSWD warehouse in Tacloban, and relief goods not reaching the survivors, are being hurled against the Department.

The seven mayors, along with other local chief executives of other towns in the region participated in the recently concluded Leaders for Disaster Resilient Communities Seminar/Workshop organized by the Ateneo School of Government and the Kaya Natin! Movement .

DSWD assistance

To date, all the seven mayors said that their towns have received enough relief goods from DSWD.

Mayor Edgar C. Boco of Hernani, Eastern Samar, said, “Hindi nagkulang ang DSWD sa pagbibigay ng relief goods (DSWD was not remiss in the provision of relief goods). We have enough food to last until May this year from the relief assistance provided by the DSWD.”

“DSWD is doing all it can to respond to the problems, given the magnitude of the disaster,” Mayor Buco added.
Mayor Daisy A. Lleve of Mahaplag, Leyte recalled, “In those days following the onslaught of ‘Yolanda’, only the DSWD was able to reach and provide us assistance. Most of the relief goods that we received were from DSWD.”

“Our municipality is remote so even the NGOs had a hard time getting to our town. I am very grateful to DSWD and to Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman for all the assistance they have given, and still giving to us,” the lady chief executive said.

Mayor Emiliana P. Villacarillo of Dolores, Eastern Samar, stressed, “DSWD has always been there for us, not only during disasters, but all times of the year. DSWD has the most effective tools in giving assistance to children and senior citizens.”

“Thank you very much, for sharing your life with the people you helped,” the lady mayor relayed her message to DSWD.

On the other hand, Mayor Manuel S. Que of Dulag, Leyte, emphasized, “We should not put political color in the distribution of relief goods so that the people will not be hungry.”

“I am grateful to DSWD because they properly handled the disaster operations. Everyone was provided assistance,” Mayor Que stated.

“Until now, we are still receiving relief goods, we are able to receive two kinds of canned goods and two tranches of rice, 25 kilos each.”

“They did not forget their obligation in putting back the lives of the people,” Mayor Que stated referring to the DSWD staff who helped the survivors.

Livelihood support

The mayors also said that their municipalities are all beneficiaries of the Cash-for-Work (CFW) program implemented by DSWD to provide means of livelihood for the survivors.

“In fact, before I left for Manila, I already signed the Memorandum of Agreement with DSWD for the implementation of the CFW,” La Paz, Leyte Mayor Lesmes Lumen stated.

He also shared that with about 90% of the coconut trees destroyed in LaPaz, he encouraged his constituents to shift from coconut to rice farming, planting vegetables and cash crops.

Meanwhile, Mayor Villacarillo expounded that 70% of the devastated islands of Dolores have already been rehabilitated.

“We have distributed pump boats for the fishermen since the main livelihood here is fishing. We have also started a housing project for those left homeless by Yolanda,” the mayor said.

Mayor Boco, on the other hand, added that Hernani is also on its way to recovery.

“We have received bancas for our fishermen which they are now using for their livelihood.”

He cited that farmers have begun planting crops that can be harvested in the coming months.
Not of hunger but natural cause

The mayors also disputed the claims of some activist groups that relief goods are not reaching the survivors causing hunger and death among them.

Mayor Jaime S. Ty whose town of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, was reported to have seven deaths due to hunger, underscored that there are no casualties in his town and “nobody’s complaining”.

He further stated, “I have no problems with DSWD. The Department was able to assist the Yolanda victims in our municipality. “

Mayor Ty said that his constituents have enough supply of relief goods.

“Katatangap lang nila ng rice packs at mga de lata. Sabi nga nila, may naipon pa silang isang sako ng bigas at apat na karton ng mga de lata. Kaya, paano sila magugutom (They have just received rice packs and canned goods. The survivors said that they still have one sack of rice and four boxes of canned goods, so how can they go hungry),” Mayor Ty related.

On the spoiled goods, he admitted that they have a few spoiled sacks of rice but they did not distribute these.
Barangay Chairmen Edmundo Mentes and Rosalinda Misagal of Liwayway and Danao, respectively, agreed with Mayor Ty, saying, “No one has died of hunger in our respective barangays. “

Mentes even said that he still has sacks of rice from his August 2013 harvest. Another resident, Antonio Millar, even showed his two sacks of rice hidden in his hut when they were visited by staff of the DSWD Field Office in the region.

Mentes said that their town was spared from the storm surge.

Mentes and Misagal admitted that the people identified by activitst groups, indeed, have died but due to natural causes and not of hunger.

The natural causes of deaths were confirmed by their respective family members. DSWD staff even attended the wakes.

From Brgy. Liwayway, the 3-month old baby died because she was born prematurely, Felisa Pantin died of old age, Anito Tisgado died of kidney failure, and Francisco Salico died in a motorcycle accident,
Meanwhile, from Brgy Danao, the persons identified were Elizabeth Adonis who died of cervical cancer, Herminia Milar who was suspected to have died from “bangungot” or pancreatitis, and Daniel Lota who died of old age.

The families and relatives of the deceased expressed their disbelief of the allegations. They are hurt and insulted that the names of their departed loved ones would be dragged into something as demeaning as this.
For his part, Mayor Boco added that there was really no truth that DSWD has distributed rotten or spoiled goods nor that his constituents got hungry.

Mayor Villacarillo stated, “I have no doubt about the efficiency of DSWD’s handling of the disaster operations.”
On the alleged complaints of survivors that they are not receiving any kind of assistance since Yolanda struck, Mayor Villacarillo stated that “there are always gossip-mongers who spread inaccurate information.”

“I did not hear any complaints from the people in our municipality,” she pointed out.

“Also, there are some people who transfer from one barangay to another to double their ration, and when they are doubted since they are not residents of that area, they begin to talk against DSWD and the local government,” Mayor Vilacarillo further explained.

Lesson learned

For Mayor Alden Avestruz of Baurgo, Leyte, coordination among stakeholders played a big role in the overall disaster response saying that this should be sustained or better yet, strengthened.

OWWA-RWO IX invites students for scholarship grants
Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph
In the effort to extend as much help as possible to the OFWs, the Regional Welfare Office-IX (RWO-IX) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) invites incoming 4th year High School students who are dependents of OFWs based in the region to apply for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for Academic Year 2015-2016.

OWWA-RWO IX Regional Director Hassan Gabra T. Jumdain announces that the application for the said scholarship must be as early as this month to allow more time for incoming graduates to enlist before their commencement exercises.

The EDSP, an OWWA welfare program which started in 2004 through scholarship grants, entitles the qualified OFW dependents to take any four- or five-year baccalaureate course in any CHED-accredited College or University in the Region at a maximum amount of P60,000.00 per school year (P30, 000.00 per semester).

Moreover, the agency also opens application for the Congressional Migrants Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) for those who desire to pursue science and technology-related degrees as identified by the Department of Science and Technology.

Qualified applicants are children of OWWA member or brother/sister of unmarried OWWA member, must be below 21 years old, Filipino citizen, must have not earned units in any post-secondary/undergraduate course.

Interested applicants must bring the following documentary requirements to the OWWA Regional Office for processing: Two (2) sets of accomplished Application Form (available at OWWA Office or download from www.owwa.gov.ph), health certificate (Form A), certificate of good moral character (Form B);

Certification that the applicant belongs to the upper 20% of the graduating class (Form C), applicant’s certification (Form D), parent’s certification that the applicant has no pending application for resident immigrant status or dual citizenship (Form E);

Two (2) copies of 2×2 ID pictures, proof of relationship to OWWA member (birth certificate of applicant or birth certificate of both the single OFW and the applicant-dependent and certificate of no marriage duly certified by the Local Civil Registrar or Philippine Statistics Authority, if OFW is single), proof of OWWA Membership (Official Receipt of OWWA Contribution/Certification from OWWA Membership Registry Division) and Form 137/High School Report Card.

For more information, interested applicants may visit OWWA Office located at 3rd Floor Goodwill Center, Major Jaldon St., Canelar, Zamboanga City or call (062) 991-2785/955-2651.

DOF: Tax incentives cost gov’t at least 1.5% of GDP in 2011
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
Purisima calls on legislators to pass the twin fiscal incentives rationalization and transparency bills

The government’s revenue loss from the grant of income tax holidays, reduced income tax rates and duty exemptions to investments was revealed to be at least P144 billion in 2011, the initial Tax Expenditures Report (TER) released by the Department of Finance said. This represents a significant loss in revenues: 1.5% of GDP, 9.3% of government’s expenditures, or 10.6% of government revenues in 2011.

These figures are conservative given the report covers only 29% of all investment promotion agency (IPA-) registered firms.

“With the current tax incentives system that has been largely unaccounted and uncoordinated, the government loses billions of pesos in revenues every year which could have helped improve our fiscal position,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said in a bid to push for urgent reforms in the fiscal incentives system.

The DOF is pushing the enactment of two laws that aim to build a transparent and accountable mechanism in the grant of tax incentives. The Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA) will give the government the necessary tools to account for the magnitude of government support given to a certain sector and the appropriateness of using tax incentives in achieving socioeconomic goals, while the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization (FIR) reform bill coordinates and organizes the grant of incentives to different sectors that has been largely unfettered over the last few years.

“Tax incentives distort the tax structure of the Philippine economy. Through these twin fiscal incentives reform measures, in the long term the government will enhance the country’s fiscal capacity to continue to build on its macroeconomic fundamentals, level the playing field and improve competitiveness and investment opportunities. Accounting for tax incentives needs to be transparent, and these tax incentives need to be granted properly,” The Secretary added.

IMF: Current PH incentives regime ‘very generous’ and ‘unnecessarily complex’

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) supports the reform on the rationalization of the fiscal incentives structure, as stated in their Fiscal Affairs Department report in November 2013, ”The need for the rationalization of tax incentives in the Philippines is widely recognized. Numerous [IMF] studies and reports… established that the existing regime is very generous and unnecessarily complex.”

The IMF report also says that the tax incentives management and transparency act (TIMTA) “could be an important step towards improving the transparency of tax incentives, and capping revenue foregone by tax incentives. This means that IPAs have to begin to focus on revenue foregone costing so that IPAs begin to concentrate on the cost-effectiveness of tax incentives.”

Tax expenditure report puts PH at par with OECD countries in transparency

The Finance Secretary said the DOF’s efforts to come up with a TER puts the country at par with all of the OECD countries and some emerging economies in Asia which place a high regard in promoting transparency in the government’s tax policy actions. These countries have been producing a comprehensive Tax Expenditure Report annually, usually as part of their budget document, that allows their incentive policies to get the same level of budget scrutiny as normal budget expenditures.

The necessity of being transparent and accountable in the grant of these incentives becomes more apparent with the inundation of proposals to grant tax incentives to numerous sectors in the economy.

544 establishments adopted compressed work week in 2013 -- Baldoz
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
 A total of 544 establishments voluntarily adopted flexible work arrangements, such as the compressed work week in 2013, to improve business competitiveness and productivity.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz bared this yesterday, saying that the 544 establishments implemented the compressed work week scheme after consultation and in agreement with their employees.

“They did this to cut cost in utility consumption, and more importantly, to provide their employees with additional rest and more time to spend with their families,” she said.

The concept of a flexible work arrangement refers to alternative work arrangement or schedule other than the traditional, or standard, work hours, work days, and work week that aims to give employers and employees flexibility in fixing hours of work compatible with business requirements and the employees' need for work-life balance, Baldoz explained.

Director Catherine Legados-Parado of the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC), reported to Sec. Baldoz the top five regions having the most number of establishments that implemented the compressed work week scheme in 2013 were the National Capital Region (NCR), with 257 establishments; Region 7, with 163 establishments; Region 4-A, with 64 establishments; and Regions 3 and 9, with 17 establishments each.

On the other hand, the top five industries which adopted the scheme were the manufacturing industry, 118 establishments; customer service/BPO, 114 establishments; services, 81 establishments; retail, 36 establishments; and export trading, 31 establishments.
The compressed work week scheme is allowed under DOLE Advisory No. 4, Series of 2010, or the "Guidelines on the Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements and the Exemption from the Night Work Prohibition for Women Employees in the Business Process Outsourcing Industry."

Under the DOLE Advisory, companies and their employees may consider the following three flexible arrangements:

• Compressed work week, where the normal work week is reduced to less than six days, but the total number of work hours of 48 hours per week remains. In this arrangement, the normal work day is extended to more than eight hours without corresponding overtime premium, but should not exceed 12 hours.

• Gliding, or flexi-time schedule, where the employees are required to complete the core work hours, but are free to determine their arrival and departure time.

• Flexi-holidays schedule, where the employees agree to avail the holidays at some other days, provided there is no diminution of existing benefits as a result of such arrangement.

The idea of a compressed work week and other flexible working arrangements has generated interest among sectors as a way to minimize vehicular traffic in Metro Manila.

Baldoz emphasized, however, that the implementation of any flexible work arrangement shall be based on a voluntary agreement between the employer and the employee.

"That's the way to gauge its effectivity. Also, it shall in no case result to the diminution of existing employee benefits. The parties to the arrangement shall be primarily responsible for its administration and differences in interpretation shall be treated as grievance under the applicable grievance machinery of the company, if there is any," she said, adding, finally:

“If there is no grievance mechanism, or if this mechanism is inadequate, the grievance shall be referred for appropriate conciliation to the DOLE regional office which has jurisdiction over the workplace.”

DOLE-Regional Office No. 8 readies 7,000 job vacancies for job fair in Guiuan, Eastern Samar where Typhoon Yolanda first made landfall
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the government-private sector convergence to bring job opportunities to Yolanda survivors continues as the DOLE Regional Office No. 8 leads on 2 April a job fair in severely-damaged Guiuan, the municipality in Region 8 where super Typhoon Yolanda first made landfall in November last year. "This is the fourth job fair for Typhoon Yolanda victims. The first was in Ormoc City in December, and the second and the third in Tacloban in January," said Baldoz after she received the report of Regional Director Exequiel "Ondo" Sarcauga on the forthcoming Guiuan job fair. Baldoz said the job fair is a DOLE strategy of facilitating job matching and placement of workers to enhance employability of workers and competitiveness of enterprises, a planned DOLE outcome for 2014. "The DOLE works to make it easy and fast for jobseekers to find jobs that fits their qualifications, interests, and career inclinations, and this job fair is one of those strategies that will contribute to the realization of our goal," she said. Director Sarcauga said in his report that initially 39 licensed overseas recruitment agencies and six local employers in Eastern Visayas and Cebu have confirmed participation in the one-day job fair. “As of date, these agencies and employers are readying over 7,000 job vacancies for new graduates, displaced workers, affected OFW families and survivors, the unemployed, and other job seekers from Guiuan and neighboring typhoon-affected municipalities of Balangiga, Gen. MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo," Sarcauga reported. Sarcauga said that while the DOLE regional office is still finalizing the list of local job vacancies, he is already announcing the following job vacancies for abroad, which include carpenters, building painters, marble floor installers, site supervisors, salesmen, refrigeration technicians, mechanics, general cooks, welders, food technicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospital attendants, pipefitters, cargo workers, carpenters, masons, laborers, assistant barmen, project engineers, cost accountants, plumbers, scaffolders, cooks, document controllers, process control systems engineers, crane operators, ticketing staff, physical therapists, pipe workers, foremen, general electricians, nursing aides, furniture assemblers, auto painters, photographers, waitresses, and kitchen staff. The Department of Public Works and Highways is leading government agencies participating in the job to hire workers for their Community-Based Employment Program, or CBEP, which the DOLE monitors. The National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and the Social Security System have been invited to the job fair to make it easier and faster for job seekers obtain documents they needed for their job application. Baldoz said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, like in the three previous job fairs in the region, is supporting the Guiuan job fair by bringing in licensed overseas recruitment agencies for their overseas job vacancies. POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said a three-person team composed of POEA Deputy Administrator Ameurfina Reyes, Manpower Registry Division Chief Cora Ortizo, and POEA Regional Extension Unit Rose Jerboso is spearheading invitation to 39 licensed overseas recruitment agencies for the job fair, 22 of whom have confirmed. The 22 licensed overseas recruitment agencies--21 of them land-based--are United Global Manpower Resources, Inc. (229 vacancies); Grand Placement and General Services Corp. (431 vacancies); LBS-Recruitment Solutions Corporation (980); Eyequest International Manpower Services, Inc. (221); Joseline Manpower Corporation (formerly Paras Enterprises, 250); YHMD (220); Eureka Personnel Management Services, Inc. (60); Global Asia Alliance Consultant (1,071); Krona International Services System, Inc. (203); SMC Manpower Agency Phils. Co. (29); Lifelinks International Resources, Inc. (279); Sunway International Manpower Services, Inc. (500); RRJM International Manpower Services, Inc. (50 ); Non-Stop Overseas Employment Corp. (365); YWA Human Resources Corp. (363); Placewell International Services Corp. (835); and Key’s Placement (268); MMML Recruitment Services, Inc. (1,521); The agencies still to finalize the number of vacancies, but have confirmed participation include Arjoy’s Human Resources Management Corp.; Mirben International Manpower Services; Overseas Professional Achievers International Inc.. The lone seafarer recruitment agency is Island Overseas Transport Corp. which has an open sea-based job orders. Sarcauga infromed Secretary Baldoz that the job fair has the support of the Eastern Samar Provincial Government headed by Governor Conrado Nicart, Jr. and Congressman Ben Evardone of the lone Congressional District of Eastern Samar. "The DOLE Regional Office Nos. 7 (Eastern Visayas) and 5 (Bicol) are providing us logistical support, so is the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army which have committed to ensured peace and order for a productive jobs fair," Sarcauga said. Any question about this release? Please call the DOLE Region VIII Office at mobile no. 09176225039; the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration at tel. nos. 722-11-72, 722-11-47, or the POEA Hotlines 722-11-44 and 722-11-55.

SPES 2014 trainees
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
The Orientation and Welcome Program will be on April 7, 2014, 9:30 AM at Bulwagan ng Karunungan, DepEd Central Office, Meralco Ave., Pasig City. Download the list of trainees  here.
  • Joneca Sunshine C. Canieso
  • Kimuel N. Loredo
  • Marco Rico
  • Xyrus Anthony B. Palada
  • Haziel J. Osina
  • Charlie D. Oñasa
  • Abraham A. Soriano, Jr.
  • Paul John R. Tuprio
  • Marvin C. Vista
  • Edison V. Aranay
  • Jerlyn Rose H. Ligon
  • Marlynn P. Campos
  • Tim N. Cruzada
  • Amir Ephraim F. Palomeno
  • Beveryly T. Bayo
  • Cedie C. Antiporda
  • Rhea Theresa V. Canja
  • Mark Jordan T. Cruzado
  • Angel Gylliane A. Santos
  • Crealin M. Avenido
  • Rustan T. Andura
  • Patrick R. Gamboa
  • Mark Anthony L. Bamba
  • Florence Joyce R. De Castro
  • John Carlo L. Mondejar
  • Danica Q. Perez
  • Rashyl L. Delobio
  • Jerrl J. Abogadie
  • Glenn C. Manuel
  • Rose Ann Bernadine C. Garcia
  • Ma. Secilea S. Calano
  • Sheryl F. Arroyo
  • Jerikho Emmanuel D. Aguilar
  • Mary Rose D. Desuyo
  • Jomel A. Cruz
  • Henry I. Lumanta, III
  • John Dave D. Villaluz
  • Paolo Syd D. Ruiz
  • Ronaldo S. Enriquez
  • Raymard O. Bacolod
  • Jouie T. Petalver
  • Maribel D. Cruz
  • Krystle M. Gabriel
  • Antonio B. Pensader
  • Renz Niño C. Salvidar
  • Vilmar S. Roco
  • Paulina Isabel D. Medidas
  • Jerico M. Flores
  • Mariz S. Delos Santos
  • John Peter E. Brizuela
  • Darylle Nyl L. Yumang
  • Jake Anthony T. Santillan
  • Carmela F. Nargatan
  • Gieliane V. Harbaliga
  • Jinky D. Cobilla
  • Kenneth Christopher I. Tapia
  • Yza Denise L. Delos Reyes
  • Jaime Boy C. Tenorio
  • Jayvee M. Ladim
  • Flora Andrea R. Aragon
  • Charlane L. Medrano
  • Ma. Christine D. Montalbo
  • Marlene Joy S. Calaguin
  • Marjorie J. Martinez
  • Hazel Louise G. Gonzales
  • Irene S. Firmalan
  • Nora S. Nebreja
  • Jessamine C. Dejan
  • Abegail B. Ordoño
  • Mary Rose Bernadette Mabato
  • Elzel Mae M. Cruz
  • Angel Leah C. Ybas
  • Mark Francis A. Quisay
  • Dave G. Alejaga
  • Mark Bryn M. Agcambot
  • Jason B. Balaoing
  • Jamaica B. Ambon
  • Judel M. Tabano
  • Elliazar M. Manzanero
  • Jessica N. Bignotea
  • John Bryan B. Buray
  • Gilbert A. Malvas
  • John Renzo A. Oira
  • Michael Gregor V. Magana
  • Eula Marie E. Padlan
  • Florizza V. Pescasio
  • Princess Gay V. Mariano
  • Mark Jefferson D. Bartolome
  • Alfredo B. Perez
  • Edu P. Bermillo
  • Rhica R. Delos Reyes
  • Ma. Kersthel Cene M. Baga
  • Maria Camille Louise C. Chen
  • Mary Grace Y. Santos
  • Mariella A. Tabin
  • John Alex B. Caballa
  • Erika Mae Joy D. Villaflores
  • Katrinne Phyllis M. Topacio
  • Andrea R. Casim
  • Gladys Glide D. Laurente

Statement of GPH Peace Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the press release of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
The Honorable Senator is a brilliant professor and an expert in constitutional law. We certainly appreciate her insights and opinion on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

We assure the good Senator and the public that through every stage of the negotiations, we remained ever mindful of the President's instructions that any agreement we must conclude must be within the framework of the 1987 Constitution, and accordingly, the roadmap set by the CAB leads to Congress as the established lawmaking institution.

We will be seeking a meeting with the Honorable Senator and other legislators to extensively discuss the different provisions in the CAB and to allow for a deeper understanding of the context and substance of the documents.

In the meantime, we are waiting for the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to finish its draft bill on the Bangsamoro which will be endorsed by the President as an administration bill to Congress for their due consideration and passage at the soonest possible time. The Bangsamoro Basic Law, as enacted by Congress, shall serve as the organic act for the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao provided for in the 1987 Constitution.

Statement on the abduction of a Filipino national in Sabah
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
3 April 2014 - Our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur received reports about the abduction of a Filipina and a Chinese national by criminal elements at the Singamata Resort near Semporna, Sabah Wednesday night at around 10:30 p.m.

The Embassy’s Police Attaché immediately alerted Philippine police authorities in nearby areas for possible interdiction.

Philippine authorities, especially Philippine National Police maritime units and anti-kidnapping operatives, are actively and closely coordinating with their counterparts in exchanging information and in working towards the speedy resolution of the case.

We join the authorities in the desire for a speedy resolution of the case and the safe return of the victims to their families.

Philippine embassies in Damascus and Beirut, IOM repatriate 37 Filipinos from Syria
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
30 March 2014 – On March 6, the Philippine Embassies in Damascus, Syria and Beirut, Lebanon with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Damascus and Lebanon once again facilitated the successful repatriation to the Philippines of another batch of 37 Filipinos from Syria. IOM provided the airfare, land transportation and meals of the repatriates.

A team from the Philippine Embassy composed of Vice Consul Dennis John Briones and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) officer Dexter Macaraeg, along with representatives from the IOM, assisted the repatriates at the Masna’a border crossing. After completing immigration procedures, the Embassy team escorted the repatriates directly to the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut where another team from the Embassy and IOM assisted them in going through airline and exit formalities. Vice Consul Rona Beth Goce and Collecting Officer Alberto Bansil composed the Embassy airport team.

The repatriates left Beirut for Dubai where they took their flight to Manila. The group arrived in Manila on March 7.

This was the 47th cross-border operation undertaken by the two Embassies. The departure of this group of 37 Filipinos brought to 5,249 the total number of Filipinos brought home from Syria. Of that number, 2,222 were repatriated via the Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut.

DAR and DENR issue joint guidelines for the disposition of untitled privately claimed agricultural lands
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued new guidelines to put order to the distribution of untitled privately claimed agricultural lands (UPALs) through joint DAR-DENR Administrative Order No.03, Series of 2014.

DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that the objectives of this Joint Administrative Order (JAO) are to define the limits of authority of DAR and DENR in the coverage of UPALs under CARP and its distribution in excess of the applicable titling limit on the ownership of public lands; to clarify the procedure in the validation and documentation of vested rights of the landowner-claimant, to conduct subdivision survey and disposition of the areas to be retained by DAR for distribution under CARP and the excess of the applicable titling limit to be retained in DENR's jurisdiction; and to clarify the rules and speed-up the disposition of UPALs by the DAR under the applicable titling limit.

De los Reyes noted that the maximum titling limit of twelve (12) hectares under 1987 Constitution shall be observed in the acquisition and disposition of identified UPALs covered under the Operation Land Transfer (OLT) program and the CARP. He said the applicable titling limits of 24 hectares as prescribed under the 1935 and 1973 Constitution will also be respected provided that the vested rights of the landowner-claimant over the land had accrued during the effectivity of these Constitution.

De los Reyes said that the criteria for the determination of whether or not a person has already acquired a recognizable private right over an untitled landholding are continuous occupancy and cultivation for at least thirty (30) years, classification of the land as alienable and disposable, payment of the real estate tax and absence of any adverse claims on the land.

De los Reyes added that the areas in excess of the applicable titling limit shall be retained under the DENR's jurisdiction and surveyed as one (1) lot to be designated as public land.

He disclosed that this joint administrative order should not apply to untitled privately agricultural lands already issued with certification of deposit prior to its effectivity and provided that the validity of any and all acts already undertaken on land acquisition and distribution of private agricultural lands shall still be governed by the rules and procedures governing at the time of the said acts were undertaken.

March 2014 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination results released in three (3) working days
Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 885 out of 1,252 passed the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Medical Technology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao last March 2014. The results of examination with respect to six (6) examinees were withheld, until necessary documents have been properly reconstituted and submitted to the Commission.

The members of the Board of Medical Technology who gave the licensure examination are Dr. Marietta C. Baccay, Chairman; Ms. Marilyn R. Atienza and Ms. Marian M. Tantingco, Members.

The results were released in three (3) working days from the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on April 14, 15 & 16, 2014. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2014-2017. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

Those who failed to pass the board examination for Medical Technology but had obtained a general rating of at least 70% can register as Medical Laboratory Technician.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

Ombudsman opens new Public Assistance Office in Davao
Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph
The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao (OMB-Mindanao) inaugurated the new workstation of the OMB-Mindanao’s Public Assistance Center in Davao City on March 28, 2014. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales together with newly-appointed Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao Rodolfo Elman and Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Gerard Mosquera led the ceremonies.

Located at the ground floor of the H & C Building, Alvarez Street, Sta. Ana District, the premises serve as the public assistance center of the Ombudsman’s area office in Mindanao dedicated to ensure the fulfillment of its mandate as protector of the people.

As public assistance is one of the institution’s key functions, the inauguration of the new office is envisioned to accommodate the growing number of Requests for Assistance (RAS) coming from the general public.

This traditional role of all Ombudsman systems worldwide is very much performed by the Philippine Ombudsman such that, over the past years, it had acted upon and facilitated public assistance in more than 30,000 requests.

BIR Asst. Commissioner faces dismissal and perjury raps for unexplained wealth
Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph
The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal from the service of Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Assistant Commissioner Zenaida B. Chang for Serious Dishonesty and Gross Neglect of Duty.

The Office also ordered the filing of (a) Informations for eight (8) counts of Perjury for falsely declaring her net worth, and (b) a Petition for Forfeiture before the proper court for acquiring ill-gotten wealth amounting to P5,287,000.00.

In a Decision approved on 12 March 2014, the Office adjudged Chang guilty of Gross Neglect of Duty and Serious Dishonesty for deliberately concealing her true net worth in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) for the period 1995 to 2007 and for likewise acquiring assets with illicitly obtained funds. It found that she underdeclared her true net worth as she could not explain the yearly increase ranging from P512,000.00 to P710,000.00 for the period 1996 to 2000, and why her own declared wealth increased by at least P5,287,000.00.

In a Joint Resolution approved on 12 March 2014, the Office directed the filing of eight (8) criminal charges against Chang for making false statements under oath about her net worth as declared in her SALNs from 2000 to 2007. In addition, for acquiring ill-gotten wealth in the conservative amount of P5,287,000.00, the Office ordered the filing of a Petition for Forfeiture.

Spotlight shines on competitors in national skills contest
Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
After emerging winners in the regional competitions, technical-vocational (tech-voc) graduates and trainees will demonstrate the best of their skills in the national finals.

The Philippine National Skills Competition (PNSC) scheduled this month will select the cream of the crop who will participate in the ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC) this year.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) holds the competition to showcase the competencies of tech-voc graduates and skilled workers in their respective trade areas.

"The national finalists have shown they have what it takes to excel in rapidly growing trades and industries," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said.

"More than the prizes and recognition that the participants get, the competition brings them to a spot in which they are seen as role models to other young people who want to explore careers in high-demand qualifications," he added.

The national finalists came from the hundreds of participants who joined the regional skills competition organized by TESDA's provincial and regional offices starting late last year.

During the regional skills competition, each participant was given a test package that contains instructions on the required output to be completed within a given time. A jury panel will rate the competitors based on a given criteria.

Winners will be awarded gold, silver or bronze depending on the number of points earned. The gold winner must meet the 500-point criteria as prescribed in the standard. They will receive medals and certificates.

The national finalists will participate in either of the following trade areas: Automobile Technology; Beauty Therapy; Cooking; Electrical Installation and Maintenance; Electronics; Fashion Technology; Graphic Design Technology; Hairdressing; IT Network Systems Administration; IT Software Solution for Business; Information Network Cabling; Mechanical Engineering Design-CAD; Mechatronics; Refrigeration and Air conditioning Servicing; Restaurant Servicing; Web Design; Welding.

Each region was allowed to field only one competitor in each trade area. The competitors will undergo training to prepare them for the national level competition.

"I hope the participants will have a challenging and fun experience. And as they put to test their skills, may they be guided by the essence of camaraderie, fairness, and excellence," Villanueva said.

"Our youth today is the workforce of tomorrow. The government's investment in skills development through competition will make a difference in the country's long-term growth and overall prosperity," he added.

OVP distributes 1.5 K relief goods to fire victims in Metro Manila in March
Source: http://ovp.gov.ph
The Office of the Vice President distributed 1,572 packages of relief goods as aid to three areas in Metro Manila hit by fire in March.

Relief operations teams were dispatched by the OVP to respond to victims’ call for help as fires razed homes in the cities of Caloocan, Pasig, and Manila, Assistant Secretary Rosalie Licauco said in a report to Vice President Jejomar C. Binay.

700 bags of relief goods were distributed to affected families in Calaanan Street, Barangay 86, Caloocan City.

Meanwhile, 550 bags were given out to victims in Barangay 123, Tondo, Manila.

322 packages were also given to victims in a fire in Brgy. Malinao in Pasig.

Binay said his office regularly responds to disasters through the distribution of relief goods and conducting of rescue operations.

"Sometimes, we are even the first responders to affected areas," he added.

Grateful over help from PhilHealth
Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph
Not expected.

This was how Linda A. Membrano of Nangka, Marikina City summed up her experience when she learned just before her discharge from Amang Rodriguez Medical Center (ARMC) that PhilHealth is paying her hospital bill of more than P10,000 in full.

That was in early February in 2013. That was after she ignored the advice of her attending doctor earlier during a medical mission that she needs to seek medical attention immediately.

Linda was experiencing shortness of breath and palpitation then, and complained of what appeared to be prolonged menstruation. Her blood pressure was also abnormally low. "Lagi nga akong ninenerbyos at kinakabahan iyun pala ay mababa na raw ang presyon ko," Linda explained.

She reported to ARMC’s Outpatient Department and there she was told to undergo tests that included an X-ray, urinalysis and ECG. Linda resolved to just submit the results to the hospital for reading, hoping that everything will turn out to be fine and perhaps remedied by just following some prescriptions.

Getting admitted for possible treatment was the last thing on her mind.

"Natatakot kasi ako dahil walang-wala kami. May apat akong anak na nag-aaral pa," Linda said in an interview while waiting for the launching of Alaga Ka (para sa Maayos na Buhay) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

"Kaya lang ay pinilit ako ng mga kapit-bahay ko na magpatingin, baka delikado daw ang kondisyon ko," she added.

Linda is among the delegates sent by the City of Marikina to the launching of Alaga Ka, a multi-agency advocacy campaign that aims to deepen their knowledge about their PhilHealth benefits and to encourage them to maximize these in times of medical situations in the family.

Then came what she has been dreading to hear. After seeing her laboratory results, Linda was no longer allowed to go home. "Sabi ng mga taga ospital ay emergency na ang lagay ko, kaunti na lang ay tigok na ako (I will be dead soon)". She was immediately admitted and prepped for an operation.

"May dipirensiya daw ang laylayan ng matris ko at kailangang linisin iyung namumuong dugo. Limang bag ng dugo ang kinailangan ko dahil sabi ng duktor mauubusan na raw ako ng dugo at mahina raw ang puso ko."

She was allegedly told that her condition could even lead to leukemia if not detected earlier.

Linda underwent dilatation and curettage and stayed for one week in the hospital with one lingering thought in mind: "Paano ko babayaran ang bill ko eh walang-wala nga kami!"

She recalled that she only had P200 when she went to the hospital as she was just expecting her laboratory results interpreted and get some advice on how to improve her condition.

Then came the unexpected.

It was very remote in her mind that she will receive some kind of help until she saw a copy of that familiar yellow Member Data Record (MDR) among her discharge papers. It was her husband Aurilio’s, who turned out to be listed in the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction or simply the Listahanan of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Those in the Listahanan are automatically provided with PhilHealth coverage as indigent members.

"May nag-interbyu kasi sa akin na taga-center nuon. Hindi ko akalain sa PhilHealth pala iyon. Nung inasikaso ng pinsan ko na si Guillerma iyung paglabas ko, sabi niya 'may PhilHealth ka pala eh.'"

Linda then showed this writer a copy of the MDR handed earlier by a PhilHealth staff member that cloudy morning of March 24 at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Coverage has been extended up to December 2014 by virtue of the National Government’s continuing financial support to the Indigent Program.

This year, some 14.7 million indigent and even near-poor families, including Linda’s family, stand to benefit from the P35.3 B fresh infusion from the Government through the sin taxes.

"Ibabalik ko pa ito mamaya sa booth kasi may mga maling spelling sa pangalan ng mga anak ko," she explained. Also listed in the MDR are their five children: Antonio, 18; Aurio Jr, 16; Anthony, 13; Lislie, 11; and Vincent, 9.

"Iyung panganay ko ay nagpupulis (studying Criminology)," noted the proud mother who hails from San Isidro, Bohol.

When asked what she would have done to bail her way out of the hospital, Linda paused for a while, "mangungutang kami sigurado para makalabas." It was a definite answer.

Knowing that her entire family is insured with PhilHealth gives a certain level of peace and deep feeling of thankfulness.

"Ang PhilHealth po ay para sa kalinga ng buong pamilya, kaya sana bawat pamilya meron nito. Wala akong ibang masabi kundi salamat sa lahat ng bumubuo sa PhilHealth," Linda ended with a cheerful face, her eyes gleaming.

As expected.

DOTC, AF consortium sign ten-year concession agreement for LRT-MRT single ticketing system
Source: http://ppp.gov.ph
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines, through the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), and AF Consortium of the conglomerates Metro Pacific Investment Corporations (MPIC) and Ayala Corporation signed on Monday, 31 March 2014, the ten-year concession agreement to build and implement the new single ticketing system for Metro Manila’s MRT and LRT lines.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, MPIC Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, and Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala signed the agreement for the P1.72-billion Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City.

“The AFCS is the first leap forward in modernizing our mass transportation systems,” Secretary Abaya said.

According to the Transport chief, the new MRT-LRT payment system is expected to be implemented in September 2015.

“The private partner will start building the project in December 2014 and is targeted to be completed in July 2015, “ he added.

AF Consortium on the other hand expressed their enthusiasm and confidence to work on this PPP transport project. This was echoed by MPIC Chair Manny Pangilinan who assured the government of their commitment to modernize the payment system and ease the burden of travel of millions of light rail commuters.

“Now that the bid is over and we are about to conclude this agreement, we think that the hard work really begins this afternoon. We have about 18 months to deliver on this promise,” Pangilinan said.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala also expressed Ayala’s excitement for the AFCS project and other projects to be offered by the government in the future. “We are absolutely delighted to be here with the MPIC group, to address some of the needs of the country,” he added.

PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao hailed the AFCS contract signing as an achievement for the Philippine PPP program. ”The AFCS is the sixth PPP project awarded to the private sector under the Aquino Administration. This project is also one of those that will be completed under the administration, ”the PPP Center chief explained.

“We are very happy with the positive turn-out of the AFCS bidding. The very positive response from the private sector has been very encouraging,” Canilao added.

She likewise thanked AF Consortium for accepting the challenge to partner with the government. She called on them to look at the AFCS project not only as a business opportunity, but as a privilege to share with government its technology, innovation, and efficiency aimed to improve public service.

In December 2013, the AF Consortium submitted the best bid offer, paying the government the amount of Php1,088,103,900 on top of the project cost of installing and operating the AFCS.

The AFCS project involves the decommissioning of the old-magnetic-based ticketing system and replacing the same with a contactless-based smart card technology for LRT Line 1 and 2 and MRT Line 3 similar to the Octopus card system in Hong Kong and EZ Link system in Singapore. This will lessen the need for long queues by allowing passengers to seamlessly transfer from one line to another, making train travel more convenient and efficient.

Amendment of cabotage law eyed to bring down domestic shipping cost
Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph
High local shipping costs may be attributed largely to the absence of competition in the local shipping industry, thus the need for a comprehensive review and amendment of the Philippine cabotage law. This was according to a recent study published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

Authored by Drs. Gilberto Llanto, PIDS president, and Adoracion Navarro, senior research fellow, the study argued for a well-planned review and lifting of cabotage restrictions to bring down the high cost of domestic shipping rates in the country.

Under the present cabotage law, only domestic shipping lines can serve domestic routes. The absence of competition has resulted in "high cost of transporting raw materials to manufacturing sites, finished products and agricultural goods to various destinations, and imported products to distribution areas, thereby increasing operational costs that are passed on to consumers as high prices," the study noted.

The study recommended a serious review of lifting cabotage restrictions, especially in the light of the planned Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Single Shipping Market.

It cited a study of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (JFCCP), which showed the high cost of domestic shipping compared with the cost of shipping via foreign transshipment.

"It is cheaper to send a container from Manila to Cagayan de Oro via Hong Kong or Kaohsiung (in Taiwan) than to simply transport the cargo directly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro."

A 40-footer container domestic shipping, from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, costs USD 1,860, which is a lot expensive than foreign transshipment via Hong Kong (USD 1,144) and via Kaohsiung (USD 1,044). A local trader could save approximately 43 percent in shipping costs via transshipment to Kaohsiung than by directly availing of domestic shipping services.

The ageing domestic fleet of the maritime transport industry is also a cause for concern. "Domestic vessels for cargo in 2007 were generally 20 years old. Moreover, average age of passenger vessels in 2012 is higher compared to the average age of 5 to 10 years old in the late 1990s."

"Even though the Philippines is the world`s fifth largest ship building country, domestic shipping lines continue to use smaller and even older vessels in transporting cargo, which are uncompetitive compared to those used by their foreign counterpartsthe small capacity of cargo vessels implies longer transit and more turnaround times in ports, resulting in higher shipping costs."

For comparison, the study cited that the domestic shipping is dominated by vessels that have a capacity of 200-300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) compared with those of foreign container ships that can carry as much as 5,000 TEUs.

Thus, it underscored the need for the Maritime Transport Authority to examine very closely the likely effects of the removal of cabotage restriction on domestic shipping, trade, and movement of passengers and cargo.

Several developed countries have moved toward a more liberal cabotage regime. In New Zealand, for example, 21 vessels were engaged in coastwise trade in 2000, 19 of which were flying foreign flags.

Policymakers should seriously review and consider lifting cabotage restrictions, but in a phased-in and well-planned approach, the study emphasized.

Fears of foreign players immediately dominating the local shipping industry may be unfounded. The lack of familiarity with domestic markets may not allow foreign shipping companies to do business in all sectors of coastwise trade.

"The need for market adjustments by foreign competitors interested in engaging in coastwise transport will also give domestic shipping operators ample time to modernize their fleet and operations to be more competitive," the study said. "Competition provides a credible threat to those who refuse to modernize and maintain efficient operation."













Last
Updated:

03 APRIL 2014










Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the University Athletic
Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 76 women's volleyball
champion Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles, led by Season
and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez, for a group photo
souvenir during the group's courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Thursday (April 03). (Photo by Robert Viñas /
Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the University Athletic
Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 76 women's volleyball
champion Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles, led by Season
and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez, for a selfie shot
during the group's courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Thursday (April 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert
Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the University Athletic
Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 76 women's volleyball
champion Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Lady Eagles, led by Season
and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez, during the courtesy
call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (April
03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as President Tony Tan Keng Yam
of Singapore delivers his message during the state luncheon at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of
the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This is President
Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the state
luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit
to the Philippines of His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of the
Republic of Singapore, on Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s
first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Tony Tan Keng Yam of
Singapore share a light moment during the joint press statement at the
Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the
Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This
is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with His Excellency Tony
Tan Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, during the joint
press statement at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the
State Visit to the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on
Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s first state visit to the
Philippines. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as President Tony Tan Keng Yam
of the Republic of Singapore, delivers his remarks during the joint
press statement at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the
State Visit to the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on
Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s first state visit to the
Philippines. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his remarks at the joint press
statement with President Tony Tan Keng Yam of Singapore, at the
Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the
Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This
is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by His Excellency Tony Tan
Keng Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, greets guests in the
receiving line at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the
State Visit to the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on
Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s first state visit to the
Philippines. Also in photo are President Tan’s spouse Mary Tan and
Presidential Sister Aurora Corazon Aquino-Abellada. (Photo by Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III watches as President Tony Tan Keng Yam
of the Republic of Singapore, signs the Palace Guest Book at the
Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the
Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This
is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. Also in photo
are President Tan’s spouse Mary Tan and Presidential Sister Aurora
Corazon Aquino-Abellada. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo
Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with President
Tony Tan Keng Yam of the Republic of Singapore, at the Music Room of the
Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call during the State Visit to the
Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This
is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Tony Tan Keng Yam of the
Republic of Singapore, enjoy the cultural presentation during the
welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to
the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03).
This is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. Also in
photo are President Tan’s spouse Mary Tan and Presidential Sister Aurora
Corazon Aquino-Abellada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam,
President of the Republic of Singapore, enjoy the cultural presentation
during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the
State Visit to the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on
Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s first state visit to the
Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Tony Tan Keng Yam of the
Republic of Singapore, review the honor guards during the welcome
ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the
Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This
is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan
Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Tony Tan Keng Yam,
President of the Republic of Singapore, honor the colors during the
welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to
the Philippines of the Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03).
This is President Tan’s first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Tony Tan Keng
Yam, President of the Republic of Singapore, upon arrival at the
Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines of the
Singapore Head of State on Thursday (April 03). This is President Tan’s
first state visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson
witness the turnover of the $1 million check donation for the Yolanda
fund from Swami Ramakhrisnananda, member of the M.A. Center board of
directors, Rene Butch Meily, President of the Philippine Disaster
Recovery Foundation in a ceremony at the NAC Tower in 32nd Street,
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Thursday (April 2). The M.A.
Center is one of Amma’s global humanitarian organizations. Also in photo
is Under sec. Danny Antonio . (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Medalya ng Kagalingan to
Tacloban City Police Office Headquarters City Operations Officer P/Insp.
Marjorie Manuta during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng
Parangal sa Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in
Quezon City on Tuesday (April 01, 2014). The President recognized
policemen and policewomen for their courage in performing their duties
during the Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol, and in the
aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among others. (Photo by Rey Baniquet /
Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine National Police
(PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center,
Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April 01, 2014). The President
recognized policemen and policewomen for their courage in performing
their duties: during the Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol,
and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among others. Also in photo are
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Director
General Alan Purisima. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with PNP Director General Alan
Purisima during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa
Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on
Tuesday (April 01, 2014). The President recognized policemen and
policewomen for their courage in performing their duties during the
Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of
Typhoon Yolanda, among others. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo
Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Director General Alan
Purisima during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa
Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on
Tuesday (April 01). The President recognized policemen and policewomen
for their courage in performing their duties during the Zamboanga City
siege, the earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda,
among others. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo
Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a kris memento from PNP
Director General Alan Purisima during the Philippine National Police
(PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center,
Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April 01). The President
recognized policemen and policewomen for their courage in performing
their duties during the Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol,
and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among others. Also in photo is
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, presents the Medalya ng Kagalingan
to Tacloban City Police Office Headquarters City Operations Officer
P/Insp. Marjorie Manuta during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw
ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in
Quezon City on Tuesday (April 01). The President recognized policemen
and policewomen for their courage in performing their duties during the
Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of
Typhoon Yolanda, among others. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, presents the Medalya ng
Pambihirang Paglilingkod to PNP Deputy Chief for Administration P/DDG
Felipe Rojas, Jr., during the Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng
Parangal sa Kapulisan at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in
Quezon City on Tuesday (April 01). The President recognized policemen
and policewomen for their courage in performing their duties during the
Zamboanga City siege, the earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of
Typhoon Yolanda, among others. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the
PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April
01). The President recognized policemen and policewomen for their
courage in performing their duties during the Zamboanga City siege, the
earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among
others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet /
Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the
PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April
01). The President recognized policemen and policewomen for their
courage in performing their duties during the Zamboanga City siege, the
earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among
others. 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)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with PNP Director General Alan
Purisima, lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the
PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April
01). The President recognized policemen and policewomen for their
courage in performing their duties during the Zamboanga City siege, the
earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among
others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNP Director General
Alan Purisima, troops the line during the arrival honors for the
Philippine National Police (PNP) Araw ng Parangal sa Kapulisan at the
PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Tuesday (April
01). The President recognized policemen and policewomen for their
courage in performing their duties during the Zamboanga City siege, the
earthquake in Bohol, and in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, among
others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 35th Philippine National
Police Academy (PNPA) commencement exercises of the Mandilaab Class of
2014 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang,
Cavite on Monday (March 31). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





Jubilant members of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)
Mandilaab Class of 2014 celebrate during the 35th PNPA commencement
exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in
Silang, Caviteon Monday (March 31). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his commencement address
during the 35th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement
Exercises of the Mandilaab Class of 2014 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp
General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Monday (March 31).



Class Valedictorian, Police Cadet Glenn Tabo Santelices, will receive
the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief of the Philippine National
Police (PNP) Kampilan Award and a Plaque of Merit, 1st Place. The
academy was established under Section 19 of Presidential Decree 1184 and
became a primary component of the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC)
pursuant to Section 67 of Republic Act 6975 which was created to provide
preparatory education and training to the three uniformed bureaus of the
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), namely, the PNP,
the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management
and Penology (BJMP). Also in photo is Presidential Communications
Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his commencement address
during the 35th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement
Exercises of the Mandilaab Class of 2014 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp
General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Monday (March 31). (Photo
by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan
Award to Police Cadet Glenn Tabo Santelices for topping the Mandilaab
Class of 2014 during the 35th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA)
Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano
Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Monday (March 31). Also in photo is
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan
Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, together with Presidential
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; PPSC president Atty.
Ruben Platon, Ph.D; Vice President Jejomar Binay; Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; PNPA director P/CSupt. Noel
Constantino; and PNP Director General Alan Purisima, lead the singing of
the Philippine National Anthem during the 35th Philippine National
Police Academy (PNPA) commencement exercises of the Mandilaab Class of
2014 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang,
Cavite on Monday (March 31). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, together with Vice President
Jejomar Binay, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II
and PNPA director P/CSupt. Noel Constantino, lead the singing of the
Philippine National Anthem during the 35thPhilippine National Police
Academy (PNPA) commencement exercises of the Mandilaab Class of 2014 at
the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on
Monday (March 31). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNPA director P/CSupt.
Noel Constantino, troops the line during the arrival honors for the 35th
Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) commencement exercises of the
Mandilaabe Class of 2014 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano
Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Monday (March 31). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th
Diamond Anniversary Gala Night, Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and
Casino on Saturday (March 29). the FFCCCII is the largest organization
of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force
in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former president
Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President
Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th
Diamond anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and
Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization
of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force
in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former president
Joseph Estrada, Senate president Franklin drillon and FFCCCII President
Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th
Diamond Anniversary gala Night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort
and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest
organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a
moving force in the Filipino-Chinese community. Also in photo are former
President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII
President Dr. Alfonso Siy. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the Federation
of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
60th Diamond Anniversary Gala Night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire
Resort and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest
organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a
moving force in the Chinese-Filipino community. (Photo by Robert Viñas /
Malacanang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III Graces the ceremony of the Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th
Diamond Anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort
and Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest
organization of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a
moving force in the Chinese-Filipino community. Also in photo are former
president Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII
President Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. ( Photo by Robert Viñas /
Malacanang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the Federation
of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
60th Diamond Anniversary gala night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire
Resort and Casino (March 29) . The FFCCCII is the largest organization
of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force
in the Filipino-Chinese community. (Photo by Exequiel Supera /
Malacanang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremony of the Federation of
Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) 60th
Diamond Anniversary gala Night at the Grand Ballroom, Solaire Resort and
Casino on Saturday (March 29). The FFCCCII is the largest organization
of Filipino businessmen of Chinese heritage. It has been a moving force
in the Chinese-Filipino community. Also in photo are former President
Joseph Estrada, Senate President Franklin Drillon and FFCCCII President
Dr. Alfonso Siy, among others. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacanang
Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during
a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday
(March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic
growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other
development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace
and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points,
JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a
better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief
Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka and
Japan Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Head of Mission Tetsuro Amano.
(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during
a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday
(March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic
growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other
development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace
and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points,
JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a
better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief
Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka,
Japan Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Head of Mission Tetsuro Amano,
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Teresita Quintos-Deles and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene
Almendras. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during
a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday
(March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic
growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other
development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace
and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points,
JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a
better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief
Representative Takahiro Sasaki, JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka,
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene
Almendras. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during
the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday
(March 28, 2014). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in
economic growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as
other development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting
peace and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus
points, JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure
a better future for Filipinos. Also in photo are JICA Philippines Chief
Representative Takahiro Sasaki and JICA Director General Keizo Takenaka.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during
the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday
(March 28). JICA in the Philippines provides cooperation in economic
growth, poverty reduction, disaster mitigation, as well as other
development issues such as health and governance, and in promoting peace
and development in conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points,
JICA aims to promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a
better future for Filipinos. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japan International Cooperation
Agency (JICA) president Akihiko Tanaka during a courtesy call at the
Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 28). JICA in the
Philippines provides cooperation in economic growth, poverty reduction,
disaster mitigation, as well as other development issues such as health
and governance, and in promoting peace and development in
conflict-affected Mindanao. With these focus points, JICA aims to
promote inclusive and dynamic development to secure a better future for
Filipinos. Also in photo is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Prime Minister
Najib Razak during the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday
(March 27). (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno Aquino III in a photo opportunity with the members and
officials of the peace panel as GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer holding a copy of the signed Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro during the signing ceremony at the Kalayaan
Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Photo By Robert
Viñas/Malacanang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak,
MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles in a photo opportunity with the
official’s of the peace panel after the signing of the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan
Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, GPH Peace Panel
chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Malaysian facilitator
Tengku Ghafar affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on
the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan
Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are MILF chairman Al Haj
Murad Ebrahim and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary
Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Rodolfo
Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the signing
of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan grounds
of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). Also in photo are
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad
Ebrahim (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the signed
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro during the signing ceremony at
the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27).
Also in photo are Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Haji Mohammad Najib
bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim,MILF
Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal GPH Peace Panel chairperson
Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul
Ghafar.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)





President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak
and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim grace the signing of the
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at the Kalayaan Grounds of the
Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/
Malacañang Photo Bureau)


 
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