NDRRMC OpCen
@NDRRMC_OpCen NDRRMC
Advisory on Gale Warning No.17 pic.twitter.com/RXJleHaXY4
Retweeted by PIA News 
Class suspensions for July 22, 2014, Tuesday #WalangPasok #HenryPH
July 21, 2014 at 8:10pm
(As of 7:00AM, July 22) As Typhoon 'Henry' continuesly enhancing southwest monsoon or 'Habagat' which brings moderate to occasionally heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of Luzon, the following areas/provinces have declared suspension of classes for today, July 22, 2014 as preparation for rainy weather:
ALL LEVELS
Almeria in Biliran Island
Batangas
Cavite
Laguna
Muntinlupa City
Quezon Province
(This list is based on our TV, radio and online monitoring and we
(the Philippine Information Agency) will update this list as soon as new
announcements are made or reported. For areas and schools not on the list, it
means there is no announcement yet. For updates, please refresh this note from
time to time. Thank you!)
PIA-4A/QUEZON: Quezon Gov. David
Suarez declared no classes in all levels throughout the province due to
impending heavy rains brought by Habagat as enhanced by Typhoon Henry.
5. Weather Watch
DZBB: Nananatili sa blue alert ang
NDRRMC habang nasa PAR ang bagyong Henry. Sinabi ni NDRRMC Executive Director
Alexander Pama na ang ibig sabihin nito ay kalahati ng kanilang mga tauhan sa
lahat ng regional at municipal DRRMO ay dapat nasa kanilang mga puwesto para
i-monitor ang sitwasyon. Binibigyang pansin ng NDRRMC ang bahagi ng Cagayan at
Batanes kung saan nakataas ang mga storm signal.
6. Weather Watch
ABS-CBN: Bukas pa ng umaga
inaasahang lalabas ng PAR ang bagyong Henry. Huli itong namataan sa layong
280km northeast ng Aparri, Cagayan. Taglay pa rin nito ang lakas ng hangin na
130kph at pagbugso na 160kph. Nakataas ang Signal No. 2 sa Batanes Group of
Islands habang Signal No.1 naman sa Cagayan, Babuyan at Calayan Group of
Islands.
GMA: Isa pang sama ng panahon ang binabantayan ng PAGASA sa labas ng PAR. Isa na itong tropical storm at posibleng pumasok sa bansa sa Biyernes.
GMA: Isa pang sama ng panahon ang binabantayan ng PAGASA sa labas ng PAR. Isa na itong tropical storm at posibleng pumasok sa bansa sa Biyernes.
July 22 , 2014 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Cloudy with Rainshower
LAGUNA : Rainy
BATANGAS : Cloudy with
Rainshower
RIZAL : Rainy
QUEZON
: Cloudy with Rainshower
 1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Laguna PDRRMO
Valentin Guidote announced at the RDRRMC pre-disaster risk assessment meeting
at Camp Vicente Lim that Laguna Gov Ramil Hernandez has suspended all levels
of classes in Laguna tomorrow, July 22 due to expected heavy rains as
forecast by PAGASA-DOST.
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 1. PIA OFW Watch
DFA spokesman Charles Jose on ANC:
Re: OFWs in Iraq -We already raised alert level 4 in Iraq. -Our OFWs in Iraq should get in touch with our embassy for repatriation. -There are still about 146 OFWs in Baghdad that we are targeting to bring back home. Re: Beheaded Filipino worker in Libya -We have identified his name but we cannot disclose it. -Our embassy people in Libya are working to bring back his remains. 2. PIA OFW Watch
GMA: Muling nanawagan ang DFA sa
mga PIlipino sa Gaza Strip at Libya na makipag-ugnayan na sa mga embahada ng
Pilipinas upang makauwi na sa bansa. Ito ay dahil sa tumitinding kaguluhan sa
naturang mga lugar kaya naman sapilitan na ang pagpapauwi sa ating mga
kababayan. Tinatayang nasa 100 mga Pinoy ang naiiipit sa gulo sa Gaza habang
nasa 13,000 naman ang nasa Libya. Samantala, inaayos na ng pamahalaan ang
pagpapauwi a labi ng Pinoy na pinugutan ng ulo matapos na kidnapin sa Libya.
3. PIA OFW Watch
ABS-CBN: Kinumpirma ng DFA na
isang Pinoy worker ang dinukot noong nakaraang linggo at pinugutan ng ulo sa
Benghazi, Libya. Nagbigay pa raw ng ransom ang kompanyang pinagtatrabahuan ng
Pinoy para rito pero matagal na pala itong pinatay dahil sa pagiging
Kristiyano. Dahil dito, nakataas na rin ang alert level 4 o mandatory
evacuation sa nasabing bansa.
4. PIA OFW Watch
GMA: Pinugutan ng mga rebelde ang
isang Pilipino sa Benghazi, Libya. Siya ang kauna-unahang Pilipinong namatay
sa nakalipas na tatlong taong kaguluhan sa Libya.
5. PIA OFW Watch
DZBB: Pinugutan ng ulo ang isang
OFW na na-kidnap ng mga rebelde sa Benghazi, Libya. Sinabi ni DFA spokesman
Charles Jose na tukoy na ang identity ng Pilipino pero hindi nila ilalabas
ang pangalan nito dahil na rin sa kahilingan ng kanyang pamilya.
6. PIA OFW Watch
DZBB: Nanawagan ang Palasyo sa mga
Pilipino sa Libya na tumalima sa apela ng pamahalaan na mag-balikbayan muna
kasunod ng pagtataas ng crisis alert level 4 sa nasabing bansa. Sinabi ni
PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma na panahon na para bumalik sa Pilipinas ang ating mga
kababayan lalo't hindi na ligtas manatili o manirahan sa Libya.
7. PIA OFW Watch
Umapela na ang Palasyo sa mga
Pilipino sa Libya na sumunod sumunod sa payo ng pamahalaan kasunod ng
pagtataas ng DFA sa alert level 4 doon. Sinabi ni PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma na
dapat tumugon at umuwi ng bansa ang mga nasa Libya lalo na’t hindi na ligtas
manirahan doon.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
Inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria
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Bocaue, Bulacan
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21 July 2014
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Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Tinuro po sa akin ng aking ama, na ‘pag nagtatalumpati, may kausap, tignan daw po sa mata. Pero talagang napakalawak po ng ating kailangang titigan ngayon lalo na po ‘yong mga nasa taas ng balconahe. Sana po ay sa kasuluk-sulukan ay nagkakaintindihan pa rin tayo. Salamat po. Binabati po natin ang lahat ng bumubuo ng Iglesia ni Cristo, sa pangunguna ng inyong Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan na si Ka Eduardo Manalo. Binabati ko po kayo sa nalalapit ninyong ika-100 anibersaryo. Narito nga po tayo ngayon upang saksihan ang makasaysayan ninyong pagdiriwang, na lalong nagbibigay-kulay sa inyong sentenaryo: ang paglulunsad ng Ciudad de Victoria. Angkop nga po ang pangalan ng lugar na ito—na may kahulugang “Lungsod ng Tagumpay”—lalo pa’t sinasalamin nito ang mga nakamit na tagumpay ng Iglesia sa nagdaang siglo. Mula po sa pagkakatatag ng Kagalang-galang Felix Manalo, hanggang sa patuloy na paglago ng inyo pong kongregasyon, tinitingala ang Iglesia ni Cristo, hindi lang sa ating bansa, kundi maging sa iba’t ibang panig ng daigdig. Talaga naman pong ikinalulugod ko ang pagkakataong maging bahagi ng pagtitipong ito. Personal nga po nating sinusuportahan ang isang institusyong tulad ng Iglesia sa maalab na paghubog ng inyong mga miyembro bilang mga tapat na alagad ng ating Panginoon. [Applause] Nagsisilbi po kayong tulay upang mapalalim pa ang pananampalataya ng inyong mga kasapi, at maigting ninyong ginagabayan ang buhay ispiritwal ng napakarami nating kababayan. Lubos po din tayong humahanga sa matibay ninyong pagsasamahan sa Iglesia bilang isang pamilya at komunidad. Malinaw po sa akin: Hindi natatapos sa loob ng kapilya ang inyong pagbubuklod at pananampalataya. Hindi kayo nakukuntento sa pangangasiwa sa araw ng pagsamba; dinadalaw din ninyo ang inyong mga kaanib upang personal silang kamustahin , at aktibo po silang hikayatin na makilahok sa mga gawain ng komunidad. Sa paraang ito, nababatid ninyo ang kanilang kalagayan at ang mga suliraning nakakaapekto sa kanilang kilos at pasya; nagagabayan n’yo sila upang mapatibay ang kanilang ugnayan sa kapwa, at ang pananalig sa Panginoon. Tunay pong isinasabuhay ninyo ang mga dakilang aral ni Hesukristo. Ayon nga po sa Aklat ni Juan, Kabanata 13, Bersikulo 34 hanggang 35, nang magbigay ng bagong utos si Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, sabi po: Mag-ibigan kayo. Kung paanong inibig ko kayo, gayon din naman, mag-ibigan kayo. Kung kayo’y mag-ibigan, makikilala ng lahat na kayo’y mga alagad ko. Nakasaad naman po sa Aklat ni Mateo, Kabanata 25, Bersikulo 40. Alam ho n’yo po, napapag-isip ako, bakit mag nag-quo-quote po ako sa bible , maski matagal ko nang kasamahan parang, nabibigla ho. Anyway po, nakasulat nga po: Anuman ang ginawa ninyo sa isa sa pinakahamak na kapatid ko, ginawa ninyo ito sa akin. Kongkretong patunay nga po ang paglulunsad ng Ciudad de Victoria sa diwa ng pagkakaisang nangingibabaw sa Iglesia ni Cristo. Naipatayo ito mula sa buong-pusong paghahandog ng inyong mga kasapi, kaakibat ang hangaring makatulong sa mabubuting gawain at misyon ng Iglesia. Patunay din po ito sa tayog ng mithiing kayang maabot ng mga Pilipino, at sa kakayahan nating makipagsabayan sa buong mundo. Nandito nga po tayo sa strukturang inaabangan na ng lahat—ang Philippine Arena, na kikilalaning pinakamalaking dome arena sa buong mundo. Tunay nga pong pambihira: Sa kapasidad na kasya ang 55,000 katao, higit raw sa doble ang laki nito kaysa Staples Center sa Los Angeles, California. Pero batid nating itinayo ang strukturang ito, hindi para makipagpaligsahan. Ipinagawa ito para sa banal at dakilang layuning noon pa man ay pinangarap na ni Ka Eraño Manalo ang magtaguyod ng espasyo upang maglingkod at ibahagi ang biyaya ng Panginoon sa lokal at pandaigdigang komunidad. Bukod sa Philippine Arena, nasasabik din tayo sa uusbong ditong iba pang pasilidad na maghahatid ng benepisyo, hindi lang para sa mga kaanib ng kongregasyon, kundi pati na rin sa lahat ng ating kababayan. Taos-puso po tayong nagpapasalamat sa Iglesia ni Cristo sa pagmamalasakit ninyo sa ating kapwa; tunay pong ipinapamalas po ninyo ito, hindi lang sa salita, kundi sa gawa. Maraming salamat po sa pagiging kabalikat ng ating administrasyon sa pagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala. Sa pag-aambagan nga po ng sambayanang Pilipino, nagbukal ang tinatamasa nating malawakang transpormasyon sa ating lipunan. At sa trabaho po nating ito ng pagsusulong ng reporma, hindi maiiwasan na mayroon tayong makakaaway. Mayroon pong iilan na anuman ang gawin ko, gaya ng pagdalo rito, ay maghahanap pa rin ng puwedeng ibatikos. Paalala ko lang sa kanila: Kung kapwa ko Kristiyano, tungkulin nating magmahalan sa ngalan ng Panginoon, sa halip na maghasik ng agam-agam at ‘di-pagkakaunawaan. Bilang mga tagasunod ng Panginoon, lagi sana tayong magtulungan sa pagtataguyod ng ikabubuti ng lahat; lagi sana tayong maging bukal ng pag-asa at paglingap sa ating kapwa, lalo na sa mas nangangailangan. Muli po, maligayang pagdiriwang po sa Iglesia ni Cristo. Nawa’y patuloy kayong maghatid ng positibong ambag at mabuting impluwensiya sa sambayanang Pilipino; pagpalain pa sana kayo ng Diyos ng marami pang biyaya at tagumpay hanggang sa susunod na daantaon. Muli po: Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat at maraming salamat po. |
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| Nearly 100% of Glenda-affected school divisions back to regular operations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Department of Education (DepEd) reported all 117 school
divisions affected by Typhoon Glenda have resumed classes and
operations, with the exemption of a few schools conducting clearing
operations with the support of the local government units (LGUs) and
school officials, July 21. DepEd schools are implementing interventions to address the temporary displacement of classes due to damaged classrooms. This includes provisions of temporary learning spaces, merging of classes, and other measures that have been proven effective in addressing education in emergencies. The department has already directed the school heads to submit initial school damage report. The public was also encouraged to participate in reporting school damage through the use of #SchoolPatrolPH in different social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). Through this online initiative, the public has reported a total of 35 schools with damages caused by the typhoon. DepEd continues to urge the public to report school damage by sending photos and other relevant information to DepEd’s official Twitter Account (@DepEd_PH) using the hashtag: #SchoolPatrolPH, or via email at communications@deped.gov.ph. Together with the LGUs and other national government agencies, the Department remains committed to ensuring the delivery of basic education services. |
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| GSIS pushes July 24 deadline for condonation program of "Study Now, Pay Later," "Fly PAL, Pay Later" accounts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)
reminds grantees of the "Study Now, Pay Later" (SNPL) and "Fly PAL,
Pay Later" (FPPL) programs that they have until July 24, 2014 to
apply for condonation. Under the condonation program, SNPL grantees (and their co-makers) and FPPL borrowers will enjoy a 100% condonation of all surcharges if they would pay their outstanding balance in full. The program gives grantees and borrowers three months after the submission of their application to pay their outstanding accounts in full. If the full amount is not settled within three months, program availees may resubmit their application form before July 24, 2014. The computation of the loan interests will be up to the month of full payment. SNPL is an educational program that was implemented in 1976. This later evolved into the Educational Assistance Loan (EAL) approved in 1988; and in 1998, the program was amended by RA 8545, an act providing assistance to students and teachers in private education. A similar credit facility for travel assistance was offered by GSIS under the Fly PAL, Pay Later (FPPL) Program, which ran from 1978 to 1989. All SNPL grantees and FPPL borrowers with outstanding accounts have been informed of the condonation program through a letter from the GSIS. Interested borrowers may visit the nearest GSIS branch office or call the contact center at 847-4747 for more details. |
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| Government to launch Fiber Optic Network at NSTW | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The government is scheduled to formally launch the fiber optic
network currently in the final stages of development at the upcoming
National Science and Technology week organized by the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) on 25 July 2014 at the SMX Convention
Center. Government operations can expect a significant improvement in their operations and the delivery of their services with the use of fiber optic technology and systems currently being developed under the Integrated Government Philippines (iGovPhil) project of the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) of the DOST. DOST Undersecretary Louis Napoleon Casambre, executive director of ICT Office, said a fiber optic network connecting 160 government offices in Metro Manila is now ready and will be operational in a few weeks. A similar fiber optic network connecting 22 government offices is already operational in Cebu. Casambre said the adoption of fiber optic technology will not only help government agencies coordinate faster but also facilitate other necessary services like cloud computing, data center co-location, web hosting, document and records management, email and online security. “Cloud computing, for instance, will be impossible without broadband connectivity that fiber optics provides,” Casambre said. The fiber optic network is one of the components of the iGovPhil project of the DOST, which aims to interconnect government agencies, integrate all their functions and simplify processes to better serve the public and make the government transparent. The iGovPhil project itself is composed of several projects considered to be the building blocks in the establishment of an e-government, Casambre said. The fiber optic cables connect government agencies to data centers where their information and data are stored in servers. Most of the services offered by iGovPhil, like government website hosting, email, cloud, online payment system, public key infrastructure, archives and records management system, and project management system, are launched from the data centers. The NSTW, where the Fiber Optic Network will be launched, will run on 24-28 July 2014 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. This is the country’s biggest gathering of scientists, researchers, inventors, innovators, industry players, academicians, students, and science and technology (S&T) enthusiasts. The event is open to the public. More information can be found at the event’s official website www.nstw.dost.gov.ph. About DOST-ICT Office – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity. For more information, see the General Program of Activities. |
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| Feeding program hopes to make 1.7-M kids healthier, brighter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Children sit in groups in small tables, writing and coloring, while
their mothers are busy preparing their lunch for the day. This was the scene at Franvile Day Care Center, Barangay 177 in Camarin, North Caloocan one bright morning, where 137 day care children, three to five years old, are beneficiaries of the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government unit (LGU) of Caloocan City. SFP, which started in 2011, is a major anti-hunger program of DSWD that provides food supplementation in the form of hot meals to be served during snack and meal time to children enrolled in LGU-managed day care centers and supervised neighborhood play groups, five days a week for 120 days. The program beneficiaries are three- and four-year-old children, and five-year-old children not included in the Department of Education (DepEd) pre-school curriculum, but enrolled in day care. This program is implemented in response to the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), which showed that 11 percent of Filipino families are “food poor” which means that their income is not sufficient to buy the food needed by family members for nutritional well-being and health. Meal time According to Marilyn Calitoy, Caloocan City SFP and Day Care Service Focal Person, the LGU, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), has been conducting its school feeding program for almost three years now. The feeding session continues even during the summer break. Some Grade 1 pupils who graduated from the day care center also continue to benefit from the program. “Franville DCC holds three sessions for each batch of pre-schoolers. Each session, including lessons, play time and meal time, lasts for three hours”, explained Erlyn Alcantara, a day care worker. The children are weighed monthly. Out of the 137 enrolled pre-schoolers, 27 are normal, six are below normal (BN) and four are below normal very low level (BNVL). “We are very happy with the very obvious improvements in the health of our students,” Erlyn enthused. “For instance, Ericka, 5, weighs only 12.5 pounds when she entered Franville DCC last year. As of April this year, she now weighs 15.5 pounds.” To enforce the gains of the program, the children are not allowed to bring junk food and soft drinks as snacks. “We also encourage the parents to set a good example, when the kids see them eating nutritious food, such as vegetables, they will follow,” Erlyn affirmed. Aside from the nutritional benefit of SFP, it also aims to improve the knowledge, attitude and practices of children, parents and caregivers through intensified nutrition and health education, which will lead to improved and sustained nutritional status of the target beneficiaries. Complementary activities are also undertaken to fully maximize SFP’s impact. These include biannual deworming, micronutrient supplementation specifically provision of vitamin A, growth monitoring, conduct of Parent Effectiveness Seminars (PES) and Family Development Sessions (FDS), and Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, among others. Parents’ role “Parents play a pivotal role in the growth and development of their children. They are the first teachers and our partners, hence they should actively participate in the activities at the DCC,” Erlyn stated. Part of their commitment when they enrol their children is to help in the preparation of meals, attend the PES sessions, and maintain the cleanliness in the day care center. “If they cannot attend the sessions, a caregiver or a member of the family should be there,” she explained. Erlyn narrated that PES sessions are very helpful in changing the mind set of parents regarding disciplining their children. The modules cover the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Family Development, and Disaster Preparedness. Marigel Mariano, a single mother to five-year-old Sophia tearfully related her experience in the positive discipline sessions. “Aminin ko na dati, sinisigawan ko ang anak ko, at nasasaktan ko rin minsan gawa nga ng kakulitan niya. Ngunit nang dumalo ako ng PES ay naliwanagan ako na hindi ko dapat sinasaktan at sinisigawan ang bata. Hindi ko dapat ginagawa ang mga bagay na eto dahil may masamang epekto ito sa bata (I admit that before, I shout at and physically hurt my child. But when I attended the PES sessions, it became clear to me that I should not do these things because of the negative effects).” Marigel, who works as a house helper, finds time to assist in the preparation of meals and participates in PES sessions and other activities. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa DSWD at LGU ng Caloocan sa pagpapatupad ng programang ito. Dahil sa SFP, hindi lang kalusugan ng anak ko ang napabuti kung ‘di pati na ang pananaw ko sa pagdidisiplina at pagpapalaki sa aking anak. (I am thankful to the DSWD and the Caloocan LGU for implementing this program. Because of SFP, it’s not only my child’s health which improved, but also my viewpoint on disciplining and nurturing my daughter). Funds To fully implement the SFP, DSWD downloads the funds to each recipient LGU, which shall procure the needed goods with proper supporting documents as required under the existing budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations. The LGUs shall take full responsibility in the proper disbursement and liquidation of funds for the program’s implementation. Strong LGU support Caloocan City is an example of an LGU which fully supports the SFP. According to Calitoy, their mayor is very supportive of the program. “We hold monthly meetings of day care workers in all barangays, and we also conduct trainings to capacitate them,” Calitoy expounded. She added, “We hope SFP will continue because we can really see the improvement in the children.” The strong LGU support to the program is evident down to the barangay level. “The Barangay Council shoulders the costs of water and electricity so the parents would not have to pay for them,” Erlyn expounded. LGU initiatives Aside from the SFP, LGUs have their own feeding programs, such as the one in Naga City. On August 20, 2013, Mayor John Bonggat and DepEd-Region V launched the “Taranoman para sa Tamang Nutrisyon” project participated in by 29 selected public elementary schools in the city. Mayor Bongat encouraged the concerned city offices and DepEd to grow nutritious plants that can be used as ingredients for the school feeding menu given to children under the Nutri-Dunong program of the City Population and Nutrition Office. Under the project “Backyard Gardening”, they planted vegetables, such as pechay, squash, tomatoes, cassava, kangkong, carrots, cabbage, malunggay, monggo, beans, corn, camote, ginger, pepper (for its leaves), gabi, upo, sayote, raddish, Baguio beans, and eggplant in school gardens. The harvested vegetables are used as ingredients in the school feeding program to improve the nutrition level among public school children. The project is also aimed at allowing school personnel and the children to appreciate gardening as a means of producing healthy food for the home and community. Nationwide implementation About 1,755,034 children in 45,389 day care centers nationwide benefitted from the SFP for school year 2013-2014. In the 2013 DSWD budget, it has allocated more than P2.9 billion for the program covering all 17 regions including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “With this program we are helping solve hunger among young children,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. Likewise, this is part of government’s efforts to capacitate program beneficiaries instilling in them the willingness to change for the better. As Marigel enthused after looking back at how the program helped them, “Kaya ko pala ang pagbabago.” |
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| Baldoz urges companies to accredit OSH practitioners with the DOLE’s Bureau of Working conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday urged companies to have their respective occupational
safety and health practitioners accredited with the DOLE’s Bureau of
Working Conditions to ensure that only qualified OSH practitioners
will assist in the implementation of the updated OSH provisions
applicable to DOLE programs. “The accreditation of safety and health practitioners by the Bureau of Working Conditions is pursuant to Rule 1030 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. It is a strategy to enhance the culture of safety and voluntary compliance to labor standards, particularly on occupational safety and health,” said Baldoz. The accreditation of OSH practitioners, she added, is aimed not only at professionalizing the ranks of OSH practitioners, but also at increasing the number of competent individuals qualified to carry out the provisions of occupational safety and health standards. "I also encourage Filipinos who are so inclined to become OSH practitioners. Being responsible for the safety and health of workers in the workplace is an important and valuable line of work," she said. Records of the Bureau of Working Conditions show there are 1,249 accredited safety and health practitioners nationwide as of June 2014. Under Rule 1030 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards, as amended by Department Order No. 16, Series of 2001, the accreditation of practitioners, consultants, and organizations on occupational safety and health (OSH) is issued to OSH Personnel and Training Organizations to assist the Department in instituting new, and to update existing, programs to ensure safe and healthful working conditions in all places of employment. To qualify as OSH practitioner, an applicant must have completed the prescribed 40-hour Basic Occupational Safety and Health Training Course from any DOLE-accredited or -recognized organization. The applicant must also have relevant experience in occupational safety and health. Three (3) years experience is required if an applicant is duly licensed; four (4) years experience, if he is a graduate of any four- or five-year college course without license; and ten (10) years experience if the applicant is a college undergraduate. Under the rules, relevant experience shall mean actual work experience on OSH or a combination of actual work experience and attendance or participation in various training, seminars, and other related learning processes. |
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| Roxas commends Disaster-Ready LGUs, calls on Mayors to build better, safer communities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today lauded local
officials who worked round the clock in leading their constituents
to safer grounds before the onslaught of typhoon Glenda, saying
their efforts were responsible for low casualty rate during the
calamity. “Binabati ko ang mga lokal na opisyal sa kanilang maagap na pagtugon sa panawagan ng ating pamahalaan na maging handa laban sa ano mang uri ng kalamidad. Ang mababang bilang ng casualty ay isang indikasyon na tayo ay unti unti nang nagiging handa,” said Roxas, who is vice chairman for preparedness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. At the same time, Roxas expressed sympathy to families and friends of the fatalities who according to latest NDRRMC count has reached 51. “Ako po ay nakikiramay sa mga kababayan natin na nawalan ng mahal sa buhay at patuloy po tayo na nanawagan sa ating local government units na kumilos para hindi lang paigtingin ang kanilang mga disaster risk reduction plans kundi para gawing mas maayos at mas ligtas ang mga komunidad na kanilang nasasakupan,” the DILG chief said. Roxas said that “one death is one too many” and local government units (LGUs) should work harder to achieve the “zero casualty” target of the NDRRMC, of which local DRRMCs are part of. He cited as an example the Provincial Government of Albay which again achieved “zero casualty” owing to its effective disaster risk reduction and management plan that was put into place by the local officials and the people in so-called disaster-prone areas. The disaster-readiness of Albay and other LGUs in the Bicol area, he said, is something worth emulating. Last Monday, Roxas distributed to members of the League of Municipality of the Philippines – Luzon Cluster the LGU Disaster Preparedness Journal - A Checklist of Minimum Actions for Mayors prepared by the DILG to serve as guide to local chief executives to help them prepare against the impact of climate change-triggered natural calamities. According to Roxas, LGUs are mandated by Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 as “first responder” to ensure the safety and resiliency of communities in facing the challenges of disasters. The “Checklist of Minimum Actions for Mayors” calls for the creation of the local disaster risk reduction management structures and systems to be mobilized before, during and after natural calamities; institutionalize policies and plans; enhance competency of the structures through various trainings; and compliment the competency by purchasing and preparing the needed hardware and supplies. |
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| 900-SARO count a "Misleading" measure for DAP projects; Abad: DAP project list with legislator details up soon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Responding to news reports implying that the Disbursement
Acceleration Program (DAP) mostly supported legislator-endorsed
projects, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today said
that the number of Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) issued
to agencies for lawmaker-backed projects was not the proper measure
for the program’s reach. “Judging the DAP by these figures is misleading to the public. When the DBM issues SAROs to implementing agencies for legislator-backed projects, that usually involves several SAROs all at once. That’s because each allocation under a legislator’s office is used for many projects at the same time. These include releases to State Colleges and Universities for scholarship grants, hospitals for medical assistance, and local governments for local infrastructure projects, among others. “You can’t put all these projects in one SARO. Separate SAROs are required because the implementing agencies are different, each with its own set of accountable officers,” the DBM Public Information Unit (PIU) said. “And contrary to what these reports may imply, no cash nor projects are given to legislators. Instead, what lawmakers only do is nominate projects from a list of priorities that will benefit their constituents or districts. The funds for these projects are then released to and implemented by national agencies,” the DBM-PIU said. Meanwhile, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad explained that lawmakers normally use their allocation for several projects to respond to as many of their constituents’ needs as possible. “It’s not uncommon for lawmakers to use their respective allocations for several projects under various implementing agencies. The number of projects supported by a single allocation can easily go up to around 20 projects per legislator, and if you multiply that by the number of House Representatives, you will naturally arrive at a large figure,” Abad said. “Lawmakers direct their allocations to multiple projects because that permits them to fan out key economic and social support services to a broader range of their constituents. Of course, we rightly expect that the funds we release to the implementing agencies will be used properly. If there are irregularities in the implementation of these projects, the burden of accountability rests on the implementing agency or the legislator, depending on findings from the Commission on Audit,” Abad added. The Budget head also said the DBM is now preparing a more detailed list of projects funded through the DAP. The new list will distinguish legislator-backed projects from those housed under government departments and agencies, local government units, and government-owned or –controlled corporations. “Most of the funds released through DAP were in fact made to National Government departments. After all, we were looking at accelerating government disbursements, and we could do that by supporting fast-moving and high-impact projects, many of which are under national agencies. The list we will soon be releasing will show just that,” Abad said. |
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| 14.7-M poorest households to get Philhealth coverage; Abad: Ensures access to quality medical, health services | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P35.3
billion as subsidy for the health insurance coverage of indigent
families enrolled in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) or
PhilHealth. This is in line with the Aquino Administration’s
continued commitment to extend quality health services, especially
to the poor and marginalized. The release covers the health insurance premiums of a total of 14,706,524 household beneficiaries—identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR)—for January to December this year. “Bringing universal health insurance is still a priority in the Aquino administration’s reform campaign. Central to our health agenda in the country is ensuring that the poorest have access to quality medical and health services. We therefore allotted a significant amount for the health insurance benefits of our indigents and their families this year,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “We’ve already secured a list beneficiaries who are qualified to receive PhilHealth support. The release also allows these families to enjoy health care services otherwise unavailable to them. We’re also looking at boosting health security for those whose well-being are compromised by their environments or lack of resources,” he added. As the Department of Health’s (DoH) budget under the NHIP was transferred to the Budgetary Support to Government Corporation (BSGC-Others), the P35.3 billion has been charged against the latter under the 2014 National Budget. The Bureau of Treasury will be releasing the subsidy to PhilHealth based on actual billings; the number of identified families per region, municipality, and barangay; and the names of each enrolled beneficiary identified by the NHTS-PR. All indigents identified under the targeting system are automatically enrolled under the PhilHealth’s indigent program. “Our focus on achieving inclusive growth is propelled by our commitment to further empower the less privileged through healthcare and other basic social services. To this end, it is only fitting that we extend health insurance to those who need them the most,” Abad said. |
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| DFA Cagayan de Oro moves to its new home at Ayala Centrio Mall | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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21 July 2014 – The Department of Foreign Affairs Regional Consular
Office in Cagayan de Oro was formally declared “open for business”
in partnership with Ayala Land Inc. during its inauguration on July
17. DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael E. Seguis led the inauguration of the new DFA Cagayan de Oro in its new home at Centrio Mall. It is the 16th mall-based DFA Regional Consular Office (RCO) in the country. The new RCO is located at the third floor of Centrio Mall, an integrated mixed-use complex composed of a shopping mall, a hotel, a BPO/office building and a condominium tower in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City. DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Wilfredo C. Santos and Operations Manager of Centrio Mall, Ms. Pamela Mendez, also attended the inauguration. Top local officials present during the event included Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of 2nd District Cagayan de Oro City and Governor Yevgeny Vicente (Bambi) Emano of Misamis Oriental. In his message, Undersecretary Seguis said that the transfer of DFA Cagayan de Oro to Centrio Mall “is a testament to the Department’s goal of providing quality and dedicated consular service to the people in Cagayan de Oro and neighboring provinces and regions.” DFA Cagayan de Oro is currently headed by Abdurraheym “Pepe” Macud, a career foreign service staff officer. The DFA Office renders consular services to the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte. It is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every Saturday. |
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| Filipino-American graduates attend 2nd Annual PHL Graduation in New York | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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21 July 2014 – Filipino-American fresh graduates gathered and
celebrated their accomplishments together at the second annual
Philippine Graduation at the Philippine Center New York on June 9,
organized by Pilipino Unity for Progress (UniPro) and Legacy New
York in cooperation with the Philippine Consulate General in New
York. About 30 gleeful students from New York, New Jersey and even as far as Washington, DC – whose majors ranged from various fields of Medical Sciences, Business Management, Communications and Arts – participated in the ceremony. When the Philippine Consul General Mario L. De Leon, Jr. gave his welcome address, he quoted a few lines from the cult pop song “Everybody’s Free to Wear Sunscreen” to frame his advice for the youth. He stressed the importance of understanding their heritage as Filipino-Americans and keeping a strong network of like-minded people who share their values as a support group while they build their careers. He urged them to capitalize on the virtues of the Filipino to achieve their life goals and be able to contribute and give back to the community. First Filipino-American Federal District Judge Lorna Schoefield delivered the keynote speech and shared to the youth her adventures growing up and her journey as a child of an immigrant mother that led to her present success. She encouraged them to explore the world, to seek opportunities and ways to improve themselves. Judge Schoelfield reminded everyone that her office is open to all of them, should they need her assistance and advice. St. John’s University’s Filipino student organization, P.A.R.E., reprised the cultural skit they performed during Battle of the Barrios last March, which drew cheers and laughter from the audience during the intermission. New York University B.A. Journalism graduate and UniPro staff member Kristina Rodulfo delivered the class valedictory address; she suggested that her peers find a role model they can emulate as well be strive to be an inspiration to others. The graduates received a customized P-Grad medal and a diploma written in Filipino signed by the Philippine Consul General. |
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| Clark Airport opens modern passenger wing; New LCC terminal proposed to NEDA next month | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Playing a significant role in the country’s long-term airport
strategy, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) are pouring
investments into the Clark aerotropolis’ development, to prepare it
as an international hub alongside the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport (NAIA) and the Sangley airport for decades to come. “We see Clark International Airport (CRK) as a premier gateway alongside NAIA and Sangley, especially in view of its rapid growth over the past few years, as well as government’s development plans for the entire economic zone and the rest of the region. This is the direction we are taking for presentation to the President, for his consideration,” remarked DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. “The airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB) was expanded last May, providing new and modernized facilities to better serve the public and boosting annual passenger capacity to around 4 million from the previous 2.5 million,” he said. The P 417-Million improvement project increased the PTB’s size from 11,439 square meters to 19,799 square meters, and increased its check-in counters from 13 to 34. In order to accommodate more passengers and ease queuing, 12 departure counters and 5 arrival counters have also been added. The modernized portion of the terminal itself has 8 entry points and 3 customs stations. This allows CRK to expand its airport operations by accommodating more international flights from Qatar Airways and Emirates. CRK’s expanded operations began last May, upon the completion of its Passenger Terminal Expansion Project (Phase II). French Firm Presents Concept Design for New LCC Terminal For the airport’s longer-term development, the DOTC and CIAC earlier this year commissioned Aeroports de Paris (ADP) – which owns and operates the French capital’s airports – to prepare a master plan for the aerotropolis and a feasibility study for the construction of a new P 7.2-Billion low-cost carrier (LCC) terminal to enhance the airport’s increasing popularity as a regional hub. “ADP presented its concept design for a new LCC terminal to DOTC and CIAC officials last month, and CIAC is now scheduled to present this proposal to the National Economic Development Authority–Investment Coordination Committee in August. The proposed new budget terminal will boost CRK’s capacity further to between 8 and 16 Million passengers per year. We are hoping for a smooth process in order for the project to be completed within 2016,” Abaya quipped. “These exciting new developments signal even greater economic progress for Clark and the entire region in the coming years. We at the DOTC are encouraging its growth by equipping the airport with modern facilities to meet passenger demands today and in the future, and we hope that CRK will indeed become the low-cost carrier hub of choice for the region,” the transport chief remarked. |
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| Gov't intensifies information campaign on Climate Change, Manila Bay rehab | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The government on Friday launched
a massive advocacy campaign aimed at raising public awareness about
two of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the country
today: climate change and Manila Bay rehabilitation. Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), along with Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), led the launching of the twin campaign at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office in Quezon City. The Climate Change Advocacy Campaign aims to soften public apathy toward climate change through strategic communication and social mobilization, while the Manila BAYanihan Para sa Kalinisan Campaign seeks to harmonize all existing causes for the rehabilitation of one of the country’s most important water bodies. Paje expressed hope that with the renewed and intensified campaign of the government, people would come to realize that “everyone is accountable” for the impacts of climate change and the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. “Everyone is accountable for the phenomenon of climate change. All of us will be accountable and each of us can do something to help. The same goes for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay,” Paje said. He said the twin campaign was aimed at “breaking through public apathy on the two issues and make people do something for the environment.” “The antidote to our environmental problems is a change in attitude. Nagbabago na ang panahon. Panahon na para magbago,” Paje said, quoting the overall theme of the awareness campaign. To make the campaign more popular and recognizable to the public, the organizers have created some branding like KALIgKASAN, a play on the words kaligtasan (safety) and kalikasan (environment), and Punoan. KALIgKASAN focuses on strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change and reduce disaster risk on both humans and the environment. It uses social media to disseminate information to the public. Punoan, on the other hand, supports the implementation of the National Greening Program, the flagship reforestation program of the Aquino administration that seeks to cover 1.5 million hectares of land with trees by 2016. The DENR also announced that a mobile application named “Alerto Pinoy” will soon be made available to the public. The application will provide relevant information and data that are particularly useful during calamities and disasters like geohazard maps, alert warnings and advisories. The DENR and PIA also formalized their partnership with media network GMA 7, which agreed to air the infomercials for the campaign. Also during the event, the DENR’s Manila Bay Coordinating Office presented a 30-seconder infomercial on the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Supreme Court Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr. is the chairman of the Advisory Committee that verifies compliance reports of government agencies mentioned in the high court’s landmark decision on the Manila Bay clean up. In 2008, the high tribunal issued a mandamus directing some 11 government agencies, led by the DENR, to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay and restore its waters to a condition that is safe for recreational activities. Paje said that although a lot of people are already aware of climate change and Manila Bay issues, the main objective of the campaign was to translate such awareness into action by “improving people’s perception of their role in environmental protection.” “The environment is not the government’s monopoly. Every citizen should see himself as part of a solution to environmental problems,” he reiterated. |
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| DAR turns over Php34.3M Roads to Lanao Norte | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CAGAYAN DE ORO - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently
turned over two farm-to-market roads (FMR) amounting to PHP32.1
million in Kalambuan agrarian reform community (ARC) in Kolambugan
and Php2.2 million to RAKIM ARC in Barangay Ramain, Sultan Naga
Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. Regional Director Felix Aguhob said more agricultural development is expected to happen in the remote barangays of Kulasihan, San Roque and Palao following the completion of the 7.583 km. Kulasihan-Palao farm-to-market road and 2.2 km. junction national highway to Sitio Langgoyo Ramain road of this province. Aguhob said these projects are implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project III and funded from the Philippine government and Japan International Cooperation Agency. The DAR-10 officials turned over the symbolic key to Mayor Lorenzo Manigos of Kolambugan and Mayor Ulwan Dimaporo of Sultan Naga Dimaporo. Both expressed sincere gratitude for the government assistance and hoping for more interventions in their respective municipalities. Aguhob informed Congresswoman Imelda Dimaporo of the 1st District of Lanao del Norte that the Kulasihan-Palao road is the longest FMR constructed in the province. Dimaporo thanked the DAR for the project and urged the LGU officials to do their part in the preparation of project proposals as required by the implementing agencies. Gov. Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo also expressed his appreciation for the delivery of the said projects and urged for more government support that will enhance the development of the province. |
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| BFAR conducts trainings on TRACES for improved Export Certification Systems | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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With the support of the Trade Related Technical Assistance Project 3
(TRTA 3) and the Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) programme,
over forty participating fish exporters together with the certifying
officers of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are presently undergoing a two-day
training on the “Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) for the
Export of Fishery and Aquatic Products to the European Union (EU)”.
The training is set to be conducted in two batches on 17-18 June and
19-20 June 2014 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City. The EU-funded Trade Related Technical Assistance Project 3 (TRTA 3) is an ongoing partnership between the Philippine Government and the European Union (EU) that aims to contribute to the integration of the Philippines into regional and international trading and investment system. While BFAR is recognized by the EU as the Competent Authority for the inspection, approval and certification of fishery and aquatic products and establishments exporting to EU, TRTA 3 backs the provision of capacity building for its officers as enablers of trade between the Philippines and the EU. On the other hand, the Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) is an initiative of the European Commission (EC) that, among others, provides trainings on the EU import requirements for Competent Authorities and the private sector of countries that EU imports food products from. With the increasing number of exporters in the country that aspire to gain entry to the EU market for fishery and aquatic products, BFAR acknowledges the urgent need for its system to be capable of processing higher volumes of documents more effectively and efficiently. For BFAR to be able to operate as an effective Competent Authority, its data management capabilities have to be significantly improved. This training on TRACES addresses these concerns and may be followed by similar capacity building for other Philippine Government regulatory agencies as the direct beneficiaries of TRTA 3, which aims to boost trade as a potent tool for achieving inclusive growth, poverty reduction and employment generation. BFAR Assistant Director Drusila Esther Bayate further emphasizes the end goal of the training. “The TRACES, when adopted, is envisioned to be an effective tool to enable BFAR to implement a product certification system that will demonstrate efficient real time export processing , upgrade its product traceability system, curb fraudulent shipments and instill more confidence on the business operators as well as on the BFAR as the Competent Authority for the control of fish and fishery products in the Philippines”. For the conduct of the trainings, the BTSF has provided the services of exemplary resource persons: Mr. Didier Carton, the Head of TRACES, EC –DG SANCO in Brussels, Belgium; Mr. Faryaz Hotee, the TRACES Administrator of the Department of Fisheries, Republic of Mauritius and Mr. Vince Andre, the BTSF Representative in East Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand. Reference: RENEA MARIAN M. CRUZ Knowledge Management (KM) Officer Tel.# - 976-5700 loc 5317 |
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| July 2014 special Certification Examination in Ocular Pharmacology for Optometrists result released in seven (7) working days | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 9 out of
12 examinees passed the Special Certification Examination in Ocular
Pharmacology for Optometrists given by the Board of Optometry in
Manila this July 2014. The members of the Board of Optometry are Dr. Maria Elizabeth B. Valconcha, Chairman; Dr. Mary Rose S. Paredes, Dr. Vivian S. Sarabia and Dr. Teresita R. Yambot, Members. The registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration of the successful examinees will be on July 22, 2014. |
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| Preparing for an Integrated Asean Financial Market* | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The process of integration of a regional bloc
such as the Association of Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN), must
necessarily look to an integrating financial market as one of the
key benefits where the member countries can benefit from economies
of scale and deeper and broader sources of capital and options for
diversified investments. Thus, the Philippines must gear up for this
event vigorously over the next several years.
The financial market profile of ASEAN member
countries
The financial development of ASEAN member
countries are quite varied and the range of development goes from
just beginning as in the case of Myanmar to the most developed and
sophisticated as in the case of Singapore. The relative size of the
Philippine financial market would have us behind Singapore,
Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand in terms of size, although in terms
of level of sophistication, we may still be ahead of Indonesia and
at par with Thailand. The tables below show the market
capitalization of the stock exchanges of the six ASEAN member
countries with existing active stock exchanges compared to each
other, and to the exchanges of Hong Kong, Japan and the United
States and the population of the ASEAN member countries.
It should be noted that in terms of the size of
the stock market per capita, the Philippines is still ahead of
Indonesia which has a population of nearly 250 million compared to
the estimated 98 million for the Philippines. However, the relative
size of the Philippines on a per capita basis compared to Singapore,
Malaysia and Thailand shows even sharper contrasts. A comparison
with Singapore shows the widest contrast with Singapore having a
market cap two and a half times bigger than the Philippines with a
population of only 5.4 million. This also indicates that Singapore,
as a financial center, handles big trading volumes for offshore
issuers as well as offshore investors.
In discussing financial centers, the stock market
of Hong Kong comes out succinctly which has a market capitalization
much bigger than that of the combined six ASEAN countries in the
table. Hong Kong is not only a financial center in the East Asian
region, it also functions as a financial center for China, the
world's second biggest economy.
Other components of the Financial Market
The stock market is but one component of the
financial market that we expect to be in an integrative process
among ASEAN member countries. The bond market is another component
of the capital market. There are also the money, deposit and foreign
exchange markets. Even the paper trading of future commodity prices
would be considered part of the financial markets. The varied levels
of development and resource endowments of the ASEAN member countries
present great challenges and opportunities for the population of the
member countries and for foreign investors. The ASEAN population is
a combined 623 million and growing. This represents a formidable and
dynamic resource and consumer market. The financial markets of the
ASEAN countries need to develop and align to support the dynamisms
of the other markets to maximize the flows of capital.
The Philippines with the core competencies of its
population, is in a very good position to spearhead financial market
development in ASEAN integration. It has a history of having the
oldest stock exchange in Asia. Philippine expatriates have been
actually working and introducing financial and banking products in
other ASEAN countries since the seventies and the eighties. However,
our banking and financial laws and institutions have to be
strengthened and aligned to the standards required to be regionally
and globally competitive.
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| PhilHealth holds SHINeS in Tuguegarao and Isabela | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Shoulder- to- shoulder in bringing out the good news! This was how Israel Francis A. Pargas, MD., OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) described the relationship between PhilHealth and the Media in promoting and advocating the importance of having social health insurance coverage. Pargas emphasized the partnership during the First Social Health Insurance Educational Series (SHInES) for members of the media held recently at the Philippine Information Agency office in Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The activity was attended by more than 30 media practitioners from different local radio stations in the province of Cagayan. The activity was also intended to inculcate among the participants better appreciation for the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) as they relate to the general public through the stories or articles that they write. The SHInES for Media was immediately followed by the SHInES for Local Chief Executives (LCEs) of Region II at the Provincial Capitol of Isabela. The LCE component was participated in by some 120 participants that included 14 mayors, 13 vice mayors, and 30 Municipal Health Officers. Among the topics discussed were the basic framework of the NHIP, the role of LCEs in the implementation of the NHIP, new and enhanced PhilHealth benefits as well as the new premium rates. Resource speakers for both editions of the SHInES were PhilHealth officers Dr. Francisco Z. Soria Jr., OIC-SVP for Health Finance Policy Sector, Daniel F. de Leon, Area Vice President for NCR and Luzon Area , Oscar B. Abadu Jr., Regional Vice President for PhilHealth Regional Office II, Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, OIC-Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group and Vergil de Claro, OIC-Senior Manager for Corporate Planning Department. Among the issues raised by participants during the orientation were concerns pertaining to the Animal Bite Treatment Package (ABTP), No Balance Billing (NBB), reimbursement of benefits, case rate benefit ceilings, inclusion of all government employees in the TSeKAP, updating of records, compensability of certain surgical procedures, and the backlog issues as claimed by the Private Hospital Association(PHAPI). Soria, Abadu, Pargas, and de Leon responded to the questions. The SHInES will be replicated in other Regions soon. |
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| Php 24.4-B Bulacan Bulk Water Supply PPP attracts 15 interested bidders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Php24.4 Billion Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project (BBWSP) of the
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) under the
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program has attracted 15
prospective bidders from the local and international groups. The prospective bidders that bought prequalification documents from the MWSS include Manila Water Company Inc., Marubeni Corp. of Japan, Filinvest Development Corp., Abengoa of Spain, Megawide Construction Corp., San Miguel Holdings Corp., First Balfour, Inc., Maynilad Water Services, Inc., Prime Water Infrastructure Corp., Korea Water Resources Corp or K-Water, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Datem Water, Inc., Sojitz Corp., New San Jose Builders, Inc. and Acciona Agua of Spain. In response to the request of prospective bidders to extend the submission of prequalification documents originally slated for August 5, 2014, the Pre-qualification Bids and Awards Committee (PBAC) of MWSS during the prequalification conference last July 17, 2014 extended the submission date to an additional 45 days. The new deadline is set for September 19, 2014. The BBWSP aims to address the water supply requirements of municipalities in the province of Bulacan, thereby reducing groundwater extraction and use of deep wells which are being discouraged due to adverse environmental impact. The project intends to supply treated bulk water to water districts in Bulacan province through the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities for abstraction, treatment, and conveyance of treated bulk water supply. The project would be procured through a competitive public bidding using performance or output-based approach in accordance with Republic Act No. 7718 also known as the Revised Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) law. |
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Last
Updated:
21 JULY 2014
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshimitsu Motegi during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (July 21). Also in photo is, Ambassador Toshinao Urabe of Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Toshimitsu Motegi during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (July 21). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the nauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the Inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the first copy of the Philippine Arena Coffee Table Book presented by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo during the Inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the INC in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo, unveils the marker at the gazebo of the Philippine Arena during the Inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21, 2014). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo Manalo upon arrival for the inauguration of Ciudad de Victoria (City of Victory) in Bocaue, Bulacan on Monday (July 21). Ciudad de Victoria is a 50-hectare tourism enterprise zone established by the INC in time for its centennial celebration on Sunday (July 27). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the golden wedding anniversary celebration of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and wife Belen at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City on Friday (July 18). Around 50,000 guests and members of El Shaddai attended the event. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the members of the Velarde family during the golden wedding anniversary celebration of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and wife Belen on Friday (July 18) at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City. Around 50,000 guests and members of El Shaddai attended the event.(Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde and his wife Belen during their 50th wedding anniversary celebration at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City on Friday (July 18). Around 50,000 guests and members of El Shaddai attended the event. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III extends his best wishes to Belen Velarde, the wife of El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde, on the couple’s golden wedding anniversary celebration held at the El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Amvel Business Park, Paranaque City on Friday (July 18) .(Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, with Phil. Stock Exchange Chair Hon. Jose Pardo, joins other guests during the golden wedding anniversary of El Shaddai leader Bro Mike Velarde and his wife Belen at Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City on Friday (July 18). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the golden wedding anniversary of Bro Mike Velarde and his wife Belen at the El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Amvel Business Park in Paranaque City Friday (July 18). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during his attendance to the Testimonial Review in Honor of Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and the AFP Change of Command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo Headquarter in Quezon City Friday, July 18, 2014. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is replaced by Lt. General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr as AFP Chief of Staff. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III hands-over the Saber to Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr. during the Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters grandstand of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Friday, July 18, 2014. Retiring AFP Chief Emmanuel Bautista is replaced by Lt. General Catapang. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Testimonial Review and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters Grandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City Friday (July 18, 2014). With the President is Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, the new AFP Chief of Staff. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Bernardita Bautista, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander on outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista during the Testimonial Review and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City Friday (July 18, 2014). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Testimonial Review and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters Grandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City Friday (July 18, 2014). With the President is Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, the new AFP (left), outgoing AFP Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista Chief of Staff and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Gil Nartea /Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista troop the line during the Testimonial Review and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the AFP general headquarters grandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City Friday (July 18). Retiring General Emmanuel Bautista is replaced by Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang as AFP Chief of Staff. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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