Dispatch for August 1 , 2014 ( Friday ) , 4 Weather Watch , 4 Reg’l. Watch , 1 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , Radio Interview of Sec. Coloma on DZRB, 18 Online News , 38 Photonews ( July 28)

Dost_pagasa

5 hours ago

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at:5:00 AM 1 August 2014

Synopsis: Southwest Monsoon affecting Luzon  and Western Visayas. Meanwhile, At 4:00 Am today, the center of Tropical Storm “Halong” was estimated based on all Aaailable data at 1,740 Km East of Central Luzon (14.8ºn, 139.7ºe) with Maximum Sustained Winds Of 85 Kph and Gustiness of up to 100 Kph. It Is forecast to move West Northwest slowly..

Forecast: The provinces of Zambales and Bataan will have monsoon rains. Metro Manila, the rest of Central Luzon and the regions of Ilocos, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol and Western Visayas will experience occasional rains. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail throughout the entire archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 9:30 AM Yesterday --- 28.5 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.5 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 100 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 9:00 AM Yesterday --- 85 %

Low Tide Today: 6:02 AM --- -0.53 Meter
High Tide Today 1:04 PM --- 0.97 Meter
Low Tide Today: 7:56 PM --- -0.32 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow 2:23 AM --- 0.75 Meter

Sunrise Today : 5:39 AM
Sunset Today : 6:25 PM

Moonrise Today : 9:36 AM
Moonset : 9:48 PM
Illumination Today : 22 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

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about an hour ago

Heavy Rainfall Warning No.2 #NCR_PRSD
Weather System: Southwest Monsoon
Issued at 08:00 AM 01 August 2014

Warning Level: Yellow
Areas: #Tarlac and #Zambales
Impact: Flooding in low lying areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains affecting #Rizal (Rodriguez, San Mateo), #Bulacan, #Pampanga, #Bataan, #NuevaEcija and portion of #MetroManila which may persist for 2-3 hours.

The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next advisory to be issued at 11:00 AM Today.

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.http://prsd.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/ncr

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Weather Watch

4 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong
-Patuloy nating binabantayan ang tropical storm Halong sa labas ng PAR. May lakas ito ng hangin na 85kph at pagbugsong 100 kph. Nasa Pacific Ocean pa ito kaya maaari pang lumakas.
- Posibleng itong pumasok ng PAR at tatawaging "Jose".
-Sa ngayon, hindi pa naman ito nakikitang tatama sa kalupaan at wala pa ring direktang epekto sa bansa, pero makapagpapaigting sa Habagat.
-Ang nararanasang pag-ulan sa Luzon at kanlurang bahagi ng Visayas ay dulot ng Habagat at maaaring magpatuloy ngayong weekend.

Weather Watch

16 hours ago

DZRH: Batay sa monitoring ng PAGASA, kaninang 3:00 ng hapon lumabas ng PAR ang bagyong Inday at patungo ng Japan. Hindi nakaapekto ang bagyo sa kalupaan, pero patuloy na hinihila ng bagyong habagat na nagdadala ng malakas na hangin at pag-ulan sa Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA at Western Visayas. May bagong binabantayang LPA na posibleng pumasok sa PAR sa Linggo o sa Lunes ng umaga. Kung maging ganap na bagyo ay tatawaging Jose. Tulad ng bagyong Inday, dadaan lamang ito at hindi tatama sa kalupaan.

August  1  , 2014  (   Friday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE            :  Partly cloudy with scattered rainshower

LAGUNA          :  Cloudy

BATANGAS      :   Partly cloudy with scattered rainshower

RIZAL                :  Cloudy

QUEZON           :  Partly cloudy

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The Cavite provincial government recently celebrated the 40th Nutrition Month Monday July 28 with this year's theme "Kalamidad Paghandaan: Gutom at Malnutrisyon Agapan." The Provincial Health Office emphasized advocacy activities in times of disaster particularly on infant and child feeding in emergency situation owing to the fact that children become more vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.

 

2. PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago · Edited

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The provincial government in partnership with DENR-Cavite, the local gov't of Amadeo and volunteers from the private sectors once again celebrated Cavite Arbor Day this month of July with a thousand of fruit- bearing and forest trees planted at the Buhay Forest Summit 3 in Barangay Ramirez in the town of Magallanes. The activity aimed to uphold the province's commitment to the national government Greening Program.

3. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: DOLE- Quezon provincial office is scheduled to turn over livelihood checks worth P3,443,884.00 to 10 associations in Quezon this afternoon at DOLE conference room, Lucena City. The fund will be utilized by the associations in the different livelihood projects.

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4. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 4-A is currently conducting productivity seminar at DOLE, Quezon provincial office, Lucena City. Participants in the seminar are livelihood program beneficiaries of DOLE such as farmer's association, cooperatives and small entrepreneurs of Quezon province.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago · Edited

DZMM: Inanunsiyo ni DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz na pinayagan na ng Libyan Ministry of Labor (LNL) na makaalis ng bansang Libya ang mga OFW doon kahit walang exit visa. Ayon kay Baldoz, dahil sa naturang authority na ibinigay ng LML ay hindi na kailangang makipagnegosasyon ang mga opisyal ng POLO sa mga Libyan employer para mag-isyu ng exit visa sa kanilang mga pinoy na manggagawa.

 

31 JULY 2014.
	Malacañang condemns assault on Filipina in Libya
	Palace focused on pushing social reforms, not politics, official says
	Proposed 2015 national budget gives priority to social services
	Palace says 2015 National Budget to be funded using government revenues, borrowings

Malacañang condemns assault on Filipina in Libya Malacañang on Thursday condemned the kidnapping and rape of a Filipina nurse by youths in Libya. “Kinokondena po natin ang krimen na naganap laban sa isang mamamayan natin doon,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a press briefing at the Palace. According to reports, four Libyan youths kidnapped the Filipina nurse and brought her to an undisclosed place where she was assaulted by six men. She was released hours after the abduction. Some 3,000 Filipino doctors and nurses are working in Libya. Coloma assured the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is continuing the repatriation of Filipino citizens in Libya. “Patuloy pa rin ang pagsisikap ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs na nagtalaga na ng mga quick response teams para tulungan ang ating mga kababayan,” Coloma said, adding that the department has already chartered a ship to evacuate Filipinos out of the conflict zone. The DFA on Monday relocated non-core staff of the Philippine Embassy from Tripoli to Tunisia, while staff dependents were repatriated last week. PND (ag) TOP Palace focused on pushing social reforms, not politics, official says The Aquino administration remains focused on carrying out reforms and solving the country's problems, and is not giving priority to politics, a Palace official said Thursday. "Ang focus ng Pangulo at ng pamahalaan ay ang pagpapatupad ng mga ipinangakong reporma at paghahatid ng serbisyo publiko sa nalalabing 23 buwan ng administrasyon. Hindi pinagtutuunan ng pansin ang usaping pampulitika," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press conference in Malacañang. Coloma was commenting on speculations that the President’s mention of Vice President Jejomar Binay in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) could mean that he is endorsing the latter for the 2016 presidential election. On the 2015 budget submitted to Congress by the Executive branch, Coloma said the Palace will not influence lawmakers, especially regarding funding programs in their respective districts. He said the administration remains committed to the principle of adhering to the Straight Path being championed by the Aquino government. "Malinaw po na ang prinsipyo ng ating Pangulo ay ang mabuting pamamahala at matuwid na daan," Coloma said in response to comments that with a huge allocation at the President's discretion, he could influence lawmakers, especially with regards to the construction of projects in their respective districts. The Palace will also not politicize the budget approval and will solely use the 2015 National Budget to improve the lives of the people, he noted. Critics have said that the administration might use the huge allocation from the national budget for political ends. In response, Coloma said: "Ang tema po ng ating budget ay “Kaunlaran para sa Lahat”. Ito ay pagsasa-pilipino lamang ‘nung nasa Ingles na inclusive growth.” PND (as) TOP Proposed 2015 national budget gives priority to social services The biggest share of the proposed 2015 National Expenditure Program, amounting to P967.9 billion, will go to the government’s social services, a Palace official said on Thursday. The figure covers 37.2 percent of the proposed P2.606 trillion budget for next year that was submitted to Congress for ratification on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. “The budget also focuses on delivering high-impact projects in 44 provinces with the following characteristics: those with high poverty magnitude where more job opportunities will be created; those with high poverty incidence that require adequate social safety nets; and those which are vulnerable to natural calamities,” Coloma said. Social services include basic education and universal health care. The provision for education covers the construction of 31,728 classrooms and 13,586 water/sanitation facilities, as well as the acquisition of 1.3 million classroom chairs, among others. Economic services meanwhile will have a 26.9 percent cut of the national budget totalling P700.2 billion, while general public services will get 16.2 percent amounting to P423.1 billion. National defense will receive 4.4 percent or P115.4 billion. Coloma further noted that the 2015 budget enhances the government’s accountability for the results of public spending. He said that in the 2014 budget, the performance targets were pegged against the outputs or tangible goods and services that the agencies must deliver, while the proposed budget for 2015 includes indicators for outcomes. “We continue to implement the basic management principle that each peso that the government spends must be tightly linked to measurable results,” Coloma quoted President Benigno S. Aquino III as saying in his 41-page budget message. “Hence, this budget does not only show how many households or families, for example, will benefit from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, but it also discloses how many of these beneficiaries will actually be lifted from the level of survival to a level of subsistence, and eventually to a level of self-sufficiency,” Coloma explained. In his budget message, the President emphasized that the proposed 2015 budget expands with the economy and supports further economic expansion; focuses on the imperatives of inclusive development; prioritizes the needs of the poor and vulnerable localities; increases the people’s voice in the use of their taxes; increases the government’s accountability for the results of public spending; supports the rapid and effective delivery of public services; and enhances the health of government’s finances. PND (ag) TOP Palace says 2015 National Budget to be funded using government revenues, borrowings The government will fund the proposed 2015 National Budget using government revenues and borrowings, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Thursday. Coloma was responding to reports that Congressman Ronaldo Zamora has commented that the 2015 budget submitted by the Palace is big, prompting him to wonder how the administration would fund it. “From government revenues and from borrowings. Ang suma total po niyan, we will be able to maintain the deficit at only two percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said. He acknowledged that the proposed P2.606 trillion budget for next year is bigger than the combined revenues of the Bureau of Internal Revenues, Bureau of Customs, and other government agencies. He however said that government earnings will be augmented by borrowings. “Yung balance, uutangin natin ‘yon. Pero ‘yung deficit, ‘yung hindi nakaya ng ating koleksyon ng Rentas Internas at iba pang revenues, hindi ito lalagpas sa two percent of the GDP,” he said. Explaining the principle behind the President's budget message, Coloma said the 2015 budget expands with the economy and supports further economic expansion. The government has to increase its expenditure to enhance production and the overall economy, he said, adding that an enhanced economy would mean more money to fund social protection and social services. Coloma also defended the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), saying its effects in reducing poverty is based on scientific analysis and it has proven to have positive results. The CCT, he said, encourages poor families to maintain their children’s health and keep them in school, so they would have better job opportunities in the future. This is why the administration has been trying to increase the program’s coverage, he noted. PND (as) TOP

 

30 HULYO 2014 Nalugod ang Palasyo sa pahayag ng Batikano na dadalawin ni Pope Francis ang Maynila Tinanggap ni Kalihim Coloma sa Malacanang ang mga turistang Pilipino-Amerikano Walang ligalig sa sandatahang lakas ayon sa Palasyo Nagalak ang Malacanang sa pagpapalaya ng mga rebeldeng komunista sa apat na pulis 2.5 milyong Pilipino na ang nakaahon sa karalitaan, ayon sa ‘survey’ ng pamahalaan

Nalugod ang Palasyo sa pahayag ng Batikano na dadalawin ni Pope Francis ang Maynila Malugod na inaasam ng Malacanang ang gagawing apat na araw na pagdalaw ng Kanyang Kabanalan Papa Francis sa Pilipinas sa darating na taon, na ayon sa ulat ay kabilang sa mga sasadyain ay ang mga oook na malubhang sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong "Yolanda," gayundin ang Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas. “Ang pamahalaan ay kaisa ng sambayanang Pilipino sa malugod na pagtanggap sa pahayag ng Batikano na magsasagawa nga ng Apostolic Visit sa Pilipinas ang Kanyang Kabanalan Papa Francis sa ika-15 hanggang ika-19 ng Enero 2015,” wika ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa isang pahayag Martes ng gabi. Sinabi ni Kalihim Coloma na pinakilos na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga kina-uukulang mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan at hiniling sa sambayanan na puspusang makipag-tulungan sa Papal Visit Committee upang tiyakin ang tagumpay ng pagdalaw ni Papa Francis. Itinalaga ng Pangulong Aquino si Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. bilang lead point person ng pamahalaan kaugnay ng pagdalaw ng Papa. Ayon kay Coloma, ang kauna-unahang pagdalaw ni Papa Francis sa bansa ay natapat sa ika-20 anibersaryo ng pagdiriwang ng World Youth Day sa Maynila na ang namuno ay ang isa sa mga sinundan niya at kamakailan ay idineklarang Santo, St. John Paul II. “Tiyak na si Papa Francis ay masigla at bukas-bisig na tatanggapin ng mga Pilipino upang ipadama ang ating katutubong kagandahang-loob at sigla at alab ng kanilang pananalig sa pagsalubong sa kauna-unahang Papa buhat sa Timog Amerika,” dagdag pa ni Coloma. Ang Pilipinas ang kinikilalang pangatlong pinakamalaking bansang Katoliko Romano sa buong daigdig, kasunod ng Brazil at Mexico. Alinsunod sa National Statistics Office, mahigit na 80 bahagdan ng populasyon ng bansa ay Katoliko Romano. PND(hdc/zaf) TOP Tinanggap ni Kalihim Coloma sa Malacanang ang mga turistang Pilipino-Amerikano Masiglang tinanggap ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office ang mga kalahok sa 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) sa Heroes’ Hall ng Palasyo ng Malacanang Miyerkoles. Kasama ni Kalihim Coloma si Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas sa pagtanggap sa 264 mga delegado ng ACGTDT na pawang galing sa Estados Unidos. “Bawa’t Pilipino na naglalakbay o kaya ay naninirahan at nagtatrabaho sa ibayong dagat ay nakadarama ng hangaring makauwi upang madalaw ang lupang tinubuan. Tulad ng pananabik at kasiyahan ng mga migranteng Pilipino na nangarap makatungo at magpakitang kakayahan sa ibang bansa, sila man ay nananabik na sariwain ang pagkakaibigan at madamang muli ang init ng pagtanggap sa bayang pinagmulan,” wika ni Coloma sa maikling pangungusap bilang pagtanggap sa ACGTDT. Isinalaysay ni Coloma ang kanyang karanasan sa pagtatrabaho sa loob ng opisyal na tanggapan at tahanan ng Pangulo ng Pilipinas at kung paanong ang ibang tao, kabilang na ang Pangulong Barack Obama ng Estados Unidos ay humanga sa ganda at gara ng Malacanang. Ang paglilibot sa Palasyo ang tampok ng ACGTDT na ang nagpanukala noong 2005 ay si Kalihim Del Rosario. Sa kanyang talumpati, nagpasalamat naman si Kalihim Del Rosario sa pagpapatuloy ng programang ito na ang pakay “ay sariwain ang pagkakaibigan, itatag ang balikatan sa kalakal at pagtuklas ng mga bagay na pansarili.” Binigyang diin ni Del Rosario ang malaking ambag ng paglalakbay ng mga embahador sa sektor ng turismo para magpatuloy ang kaunlarang panlipunan-pangkabuhayan ng bansa. “Malaking bagay ang nagagawa ng inyong dolar sa lokal na mga negosyo dahil kumikita ang maraming industriyang tulad ng mga otel, restawran at mga trasportasyon,” sabi pa ni Kalihim Del Rosario. Sinabi ni Del Rosario na ang mga repormang isinagawa ng pamahalaan ay lalo pang magsusulong ng industriya ng turismo. “Inuuna ang kailangang-kailangang mga imprastraktura, tinutugunan na ang kakulangan sa mga kuwarto sa mga otel at pinag-aaralan na rin ang tungkol sa mga buwis sa industriya at sa aviation sa kapakanan ng industriya ng turismo,” dugtong pa ni Del Rosario. Binanggit ni Del Rosario ang higit pang mabuting samahan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos at ang pagdalaw sa bansa hindi pa gaanong nagluluwat nina Pangulong Barack Obama, Kalihim ng Estado John Kerry, Kalihim Chuck Hagel ng Tanggulang Bansa ng Estados Unidos at Kalihim Penny Pritzker ng Kalakal. Tinukoy rin ng Kalihim ang $40 milyong grant ng Security Contingency Fund para mapalakas ang kakayahan ng Philippine Coast Guard at ng Pambansang Pulisya sa pangangalaga sa karagatan at pagbaka sa terorismo. Inulit ni Del Rosario na ang kalalagda lamang na Philippine-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement na lalong magpapatibay ng magandang samahan ng dalawang bansa at isusulong ang kakayahang pantanggulan at kahandaan ng bansa sa mga kalamidad. Inihayag din ng Kalihim ang kasalukuyang konsultasyong ginagawa upang mabatid kung paano makikinabang ang Pilipinas sa pagsapi sa Trans-Pacific Partnership. Nagpahayag ng pag-asa si Del Rosario na lubos na mauunawaan ng mga delegado ang kanilang pinagmulan at kamanahan sa pamamagitan ng pagdalaw na ito sa Pilipinas. “Mahalagang programa ang ACGTDT na malaki ang itutulong para lalo pang gumanda ang napakainam nang relasyon natin. Habang ang dalawang bansa ay patuloy sa pagtahak sa kinabukasang tigib ng pagkakataon at hamon, ang ating samahan, maging sa larangan man ng ekonomya, pulitika, o tao-sa-tao ay dapat manatiling matatag, walang pagbabago at ibayo pang gaganda,” sabi ng Kalihim ng Ugnayang Panlabas. Ang ACGTDT ay pinagsanib na proyekto ng Philippine Foreign Service Post sa Estados Unidos at Canada upang mahimok ang mga Pilipino-Amerikano na dumalaw sa Pilipinas bilang bahagi ng masigasig na kampanya ng bansa ukol sa turismo. Ang biyaheng ito ay pinangungunahan ng matataas na pinuno ng Pilipinas sa Hilagang Amerika at nilalahukan ng mga pangkat ng propesyonal at mangangalakal. Tanging ang Estados Unidos ang lumahok sa paglalakbay sa taong ito sapagka’t ang Canada naman ay nagtakda ng hiwalay na biyahe sa Enero 17 hanggang 24. Ang basic tour package ay tatlong araw at apat na gabing pamamalagi sa Maynila at mga mga kalapit na pook, pagtungo sa Malacanang at pag-aalay ng bulaklak sa bantayog ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa Luneta. Ang mga kalahok ay hinahandugan din ng pasalubong at paalam na hapunan, gayundin ang pagpili sa tour package na patungo sa mga tanyag na pasyalan sa bansa na tulad ng Boracay, Cebu, Palawan at Bohol. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Walang ligalig sa sandatahang lakas ayon sa Palasyo Isinaisang tabi ng Malacanang Miyerkoles ang umano ay balak na “coup” laban sa pamahalaan at tiniyak na hindi nagkakaroon ng ‘ligalig’ sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Bansa (AFP). “Walang ano mang report ng pagkabalisa ng mga tauhan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa Malacanang Press Corps sa pulong balitaang idinaos sa Malacanang. Sinabi ni Lacierda na naniniwala ang Palasyo na walang dahilan para ang mga tauhan ng militar ay sumama sa ano mang destabilization plot. “Ang dahilan sa kawalan ng interes ay dahil sa mga repormang ipinatupad na ng administrasyong Aquino sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Binigyan nang sapat na mga kagamitan ang mga tauhang nasa larangan. Pinagkalooban sila ng mga pabahay. Ginawa ang modernisasyon ng AFP, “ paliwanag ni Lacierda. “Ito ang mga hakbang na ginawa na upang palakasin ang ating Sandatahang Lakas. At nalalaman ng mga tauhan ang bagay na ito. Kinikilala at pinahahalagahan nila ang malasakit at pagsisikap ng administrasyong Aquino tungkol sa bagay na ito,” dugtong ni Lacierda. Si Senador Antonio Trillanes IV ang nagsabing ang mga retiradong heneral na malapit sa dating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ang umano ay nagbabalak ng “coup” laban sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. “Malaya si Senador (Antonio) Trillanes na ipahayag ang kanyang kuru-kuro at iginagalang namin ang kanyang opinyon,” pahayag ni Lacierda. “Hindi niya sinabi ang mga lalaki at babaeng nasa aktibong serbisyo. Pababayaan namin ang mga retiradong heneral na magsalita tungkol sa bagay na ito, hindi kami. Sapat nang sabihing kami sa pamahalaan, lalo na ang mga kawal na lalaki at babae, ay nanumpang kilalanin ang may kapangyarihang mga pinuno. Walang ano mang pagkabalisang nagaganap sa militar,” sabi ni Lacierda. Idinugtong pa ni Lacierda na nagsalita na si Tenyente Koronel Demy Zagala, Tagapagsalita ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, umaga ng Miyerkoles na walang katotohanan ang mga sali-salitaan tungkol sa “coup.” “Walang ano mang pagkabalisa sa hanay ng Sandatahang Lakas,” ulit ni Lacierda. PND (ag/zaf) TOP Nagalak ang Malacanang sa pagpapalaya ng mga rebeldeng komunista sa apat na pulis Nagpasalamat ang Malacanang sa pagpapalayang ginawa sa apat na pulis na binihag ng mga rebeldeng komunista sa Surigao del Norte kamakailan at sinabing ang bagay na ito ay “mahalagang bagay” na maaaring humantong sa panunumbalik ng usapang pangkapayapaan sa National Democratic Front (NDF). “Mainam ang ginawang ito ng NDF na palayain ang apat na pulis. Umaasa kami na magiging daan ito para ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) ay magsikap na ipagpatuloy ang proseso ng kapayapaan nang walang ano mang kondisyon at pasubali,” sabi pa ni Lacierda.Inulit ni Lacierda na ang pamahalaan ay laging nakahandang makipag-usap sa kanila. “Ganyang lagi ang hangad namin. Umaasa kami na ang bagay na ito ay magiging daan patungo sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa mga makakaliwa,” dugtong pa ni Lacierda. Ang apat na pulis na pinalaya ay dinukot ng mga rebelde nang salakayin nila ang himpilan ng pulisya sa Alegria, Surigao del Norte noong Hulyo 10. Magbubukang-liwayway ng Martes nang palayain ng mga rebelde ang mga pulis sa isang ilang na barangay sa Kitcharo, Agusan del Norte. PND (ag/zaf) TOP 2.5 milyong Pilipino na ang nakaahon sa karalitaan, ayon sa ‘survey’ ng pamahalaan Dalawa at kalahating milyon nang Pilipino ang naiahon sa karalitaan batay sa isang taunang poverty indicator survey na ginawa ng National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), alinsunod sa Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo. “Mayroon kaming istatistika ng gobyerno tungkol sa bagay na ito at ginagawa namin ito nang walang alinlangan,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Ang tinutukoy ni Lacierda ay ang survey on self-rated poverty and hunger na isinagawa ng Social Weather Stations (SWS) na nagsaad na iilan nang pamilyang Pilipino ang nakaranas ng gutom sa ikalawang kuwarter, bagaman marami pa rin ang nagsabing maralita sila. “Walang kaming problema sa bagay na iyan. Iginagalang namin ang survey na iyan,” wika pa ni Lacierda at idinugtong na ang resulta ng SWS survey ay baba-taas sapagka’t ginagawa ito tuwing ikaapat na buwan. Sa kabilang dako, ang pamahalaan naman ay may pormulang sinusunod para tuusin ang kalagayan ng karalitaan, ayon kay Lacierda. “Isinasaalang-alang ng survey ang bilang ng mga pamilya, ang kanilang suweldo na mababa sa poverty income level threshold, kaysa sa bilang ng pamilya na bahagi niyan,” dagdag pa ni Lacierda. “Kaya nabawasan ng tatlong porsiyento ang karalitaan sa ganang taunang poverty incidence survey,” pagbibigay-diin pa ni Lacierda. PND (ag/zaf) TOP

 
 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's State of the Nation Addresss (SONA) 2014

Session Hall, House of Representatives Complex, Constituion Hills, Quezon City

28 July 2014

Maraming salamat po. Salamat po. Maupo po tayong lahat. Salamat pong muli. Maupo po tayo. Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay; dating Pangulong Fidel Valdez Ramos; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon at ang mga miyembro ng Senado; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. at mga miyembro ng Kamara de Representante; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at ang ating mga mahistrado ng Korte Suprema; mga kagalang-galang na kagawad ng kalipunang diplomatiko; mga miyembro ng Gabinete; mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan; mga kasapi ng militar, pulis, at iba pang kawani mula sa ating unipormadong hanay; mga kapwa ko nagseserbisyo sa taumbayan; at sa aking mga Boss, ang mga minamahal kong kababayan: magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat. Ito po ang aking ikalimang SONA, isa na lamang ang natitira. May kasabihan po tayo: Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paroroonan. Kaya marapat lang po siguro tayong magbalik-tanaw: Noon, sa sitwasyon natin: Para bang kahibangan ang mangarap. May burukrasyang walang saysay, patung-patong ang tongpats, at bumubukol ang korupsyon sa sistema. Naturingan tayong “Sick Man of Asia.” Ang ekonomiya natin, matamlay; ang industriya, manipis. Walang kumpiyansang mamuhunan sa atin pong bansa. Ang resulta: kakarampot ang trabahong nalilikha. Dinatnan nating tigang sa pag-asa ang mamamayang Pilipino. Marami sa atin ang sumuko at napilitang makipagsapalaran sa ibang bansa. Nakayuko na lamang nating tinanggap: Talagang wala tayong maaasahan sa ating pamahalaan at lipunan. Nalugmok nga po ang Pilipinas dahil sa labis na pamumulitika. Naglaho ang pananalig natin sa isa’t isa, humina ang kumpiyansa sa atin ng mundo, at ang pinakamasakit: Nawalan tayo ng tiwala sa ating mga sarili. Sa puntong ito natin sinimulan ang pagtahak sa tuwid na daan. Bilang ama ng bayan, nakaatang sa aking balikat, hindi lang ang mga suliraning ating dinatnan at mga lumilitaw sa kasalukuyan—obligasyon ko ring paghandaan ang kinabukasan. Sa bawat sandali, kailangan kong isaalang-alang ang interes at punto-de-bista ng lahat. Isipin na lang po ninyo: Para kang nanonood ng 200 channel sa telebisyon nang sabay-sabay. Kailangan, alam mo, hindi lang ang kasalukuyang nagaganap, kundi ang pinanggalingan at paroroonan ng nilalaman ng bawat channel. Bawal malito, at kailangan, may tugon ka sa anumang tanong, suhestyon, at kritisismo—at dapat sagutin mo ito, bago pa iharap sa iyo. Hindi po madali ang trabahong ito, at tao lang po ako, na kung minsan, nagkakaroon ng agam-agam. Ngunit buo ang aking loob dahil malinaw ang aking pangunahing layunin: Ang ibalik ang gobyerno sa dapat nitong tuon—ang paglingkuran ang taumbayan sa lahat ng panahon. Di po ba’t may kasabihan tayo: Bigyan mo ng isda ang tao, at mapapakain mo siya ng isang araw. Turuan mo siyang mangisda, at habambuhay niyang mapapakain ang sarili niya. Halimbawa nito ang TESDA. Sa Training-for-Work Scholarship Program, nag-ambag ang DAP ng 1.6 billion pesos. Nakapagpatapos po ito ng 223,615 benepisyaryo. 66 percent nito—o katumbas ng 146,731 graduates—ang nagtatrabaho na ngayon. Iyon naman pong 34 percent na natitira, tinutulungan na rin ng TESDA na makahanap ng trabaho. Tingnan po ninyo: Lahat po ng mga TESDA scholar, nakalista ang pangalan at iba pang datos, na puwede ninyong kumpirmahin. Kung hahatiin natin nandyan po yata ang listahan sa bilang ng graduates ang naipagkaloob na pondo, pumapatak ng 7,155 piso ang naipuhunan ng pamahalaan para sa training ng bawat scholar. Sa BPO sector, mababa na ang kitang 18,000 piso kada buwan. Kada taon, kikita siya ng 234,000 piso. Ibigay man ang maximum tax deduction, ang magiging income tax niya kada taon: 7,900 piso. Ibig sabihin, ang pinuhunan ng estadong 7,155 piso, sa unang taon pa lang, nabawi na, may sobra pa. Ito, at ang lahat ng ibinuwis ng ating scholar hanggang magretiro siya, ay magbibigay naman sa kanyang kababayan ng parehong pagkakataon. Ito po ang mabuting pamamahala: May tama pong intensyon, pamamaraan, at resulta. Lahat panalo. Pakinggan po natin ang kuwento ng dalawang TESDA graduate: [VIDEO PRESENTATION – 2 TESDA STORIES] Nasimulan na rin po natin ang Expanded Conditional Cash Transfer Program nitong Hunyo 2014, na may pondong 12.3 billion pesos. Ngayon, suportado na rin ng estado hanggang umabot ng 18 taong gulang ang benepisyaryo.May magtatanong bakit? Batay po kasi sa pag-aaral ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies, 40 porsyento ang dagdag na sinasahod ng high school graduate, kumpara sa grade school lang ang natapos. Namumuhunan po tayo sa pinakamahalagang yaman ng bansa: ang taumbayan. Pinapatunayan ito ng datos ng NEDA. Ayon sa kanila, ang 27.9 percent na poverty incidence natin sa unang semestre ng 2012, bumaba patungong 24.9 percent sa kaparehong panahon noong 2013. Ang 3 percentage points pong ito ay katumbas ng halos 2.5 milyon na Pilipinong naka-alpas na sa poverty line. Totoo namang dapat pagtuunan ng masusing pansin ang pinakamahihirap sa lipunan. Pero hindi tayo titigil diyan: Ngayong nadagdagan ang kakayahan natin, sinisikap nating hindi na manumbalik sa ilalim ng poverty line ang lahat ng nakaalpas na. Dumating po tayo sa lipunang parang isang sirang bahay na hindi natin malisan. Ang malala pa dito, halos wala tayong kagamitan at materyales para ayusin ang sira. Nitong mga nakaraang taon, sa pakikiambag ng bawat mapagkapwang Pilipino, nabubuo na natin ang mga kagamitan at materyales na ito—tulad po ng budget na tanging nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan, at apat na sunud-sunod na taon na nating naipapasa sa tamang oras. Kasama nito ang mga batas na nagpapabilis ng pagdating ng pakinabang sa ating mga Boss. Dito po—sa isang patas na sistema—nagsimula ang panunumbalik ng sigla ng ating ekonomiya. Nakatipid tayo dahil sa maayos na pangangasiwa ng pondo. Napapalawak natin ang saklaw ng mga serbisyo nang hindi nagtataas ng buwis, maliban sa Sin Tax Reform na layuning ibsan ang bisyo sa lipunan. Nagtrabaho tayo para magkaroon ng kakayahang tustusan ang mga proyektong ipinapatupad, ipinatutupad, at ipatutupad pa natin. Pinaigting natin ang pangongolekta ng buwis: mula sa koleksyong 1.094 trillion pesos noong 2010, naitaas natin ito sa 1.536 trillion noong 2013. Inayos natin ang pamamahala ng ating mga utang. Ang resulta: Bumaba ang ating debt to GDP ratio; ang perang dating dapat ibabayad sa interes, napupunta na sa social services. Pati ang mga obligasyong karamihan ay minana lang, natugunan din natin. Halimbawa po nito: 1993 o panahon pa ni Pangulong Ramos nang itinakda ang obligasyong i-recapitalize ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas sa halagang 50 bilyong piso para magawa niya ang kanyang tungkulin. Ang napondohan ni Presidente na 10 bilyong piso, at hindi na nadagdagan ito. 40 bilyon ang kakulangang iniwan sa atin; nabayaran na po natin ito. Pinaghirapan natin ang pondong mayroon tayo ngayon, kaya’t hindi po natin maaatim na waldasin lang ito. Kung pipili nga ng tamang pinuno ang ating mga Boss, malalagpasan pa ng susunod ang ating mga nagawa, dahil malaki na ang naibawas natin sa problema, at mas matayog na ang kanilang pagmumulan. Bakit po mas matayog? Nitong 2013, sa unang pagkakataon, nagkamit tayo ng investment grade status mula sa Moody's, sa Fitch, at Standard and Poor's—ang tatlong pinakatanyag na credit rating agency sa mundo. Sa pagsusuri nila ng ating macroeconomic fundamentals at governance, nabawasan ang riskong itinatala, kaya tumingkad ang kumpiyansa ng mga namumuhunan. Hindi pa nga po nakuntento ang Standard and Poor's: Nitong Mayo lang, panibagong upgrade na naman ang ibinigay nila sa atin. Ang hatid po nito: Dahil nga investment grade na tayo, mas murang mahihiram ng gobyerno ang pondo para sa mga programa at proyekto, mas maraming naaakit na mamuhunan sa ating bansa, at mas mabilis na natatamasa ng Pilipino ang benepisyo. Kung susumahin naman po ang lahat ng puhunang pumasok sa Philippine Economic Zone Authority simula nang itatag ito noong 1995, makikitang 42 porsyento ang pumasok sa apat na taon ng ating panunungkulan. Ang natitirang 58 percent, inabot ng 15 taon ang ibang mga administrasyon para bunuin. Kumpiyansa po tayo: bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto, papantayan o hihigitan pa natin ang halagang ito. Kay Director General Lilia de Lima: Salamat sa nagawa mo na, at gagawin pa, sa pagkamit ng tagumpay na ito. Talagang pa-take-off na ang ating ekonomiya at bansa, at inaabot na natin ang mas matatayog pang mithiin. Minana natin ang tila grounded na aviation industry: napatawan tayo ng significant safety concerns ng International Civil Aviation Organization o ICAO, nabigyan ng downgrade ng United States Federal Aviation Administration, at nilagyan ng restriction ng European Union ang ating mga local carrier. Nitong 2013, inalis na nga po ng ICAO ang significant safety concerns sa Pilipinas. Sa parehong taon, sinundan ito ng pagpayag ng European Union na muling lumipad ang Philippine Airlines patungong Europa, kaya direkta nang makakabiyahe ang Pilipino mula Maynila po hanggang London. Malamang nga po, pasunod na ang Cebu Pacific dahil nabigyan na rin sila ng pahintulot ng EU ngayong 2014. Ngayong taon din, inupgrade ng United States Federal Aviation Administration ang Pilipinas balik sa Category 1. Dahil dito, maaari nang dumagdag ang mga ruta papunta sa Estados Unidos. Sa larangan ng turismo at pangangalakal, malaki ang itinulong ng pagdami ng flight ng ating airlines tungo sa mga bansang kasapi ng EU at Estados Unidos. Dumarating sa atin ang mga ulat na sa dami ng gustong bumisitang negosyante at turista sa ating bansa, kulang na ang mga biyahe papunta rito. Magandang balita nga po ang mga upgrade: Dadami ang biyahe, kaya't matutugunan ang suliraning ito. At sa patuloy na pagtutulungan ng CAAP at ng ating mga local carriers, pihadong mas marami pa tayong maaakit na turista at negosyante sa mga susunod na taon. Panalo ang mga umaasa sa sektor ng turismo, panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino. Mabuting pamamahala po ang ugat ng mga tagumpay na ito. Nagpapasalamat nga tayo kina Director General William Hotchkiss, sa CAAP, at sa ating mga local carrier para sa inyong pagsusumikap Talagang nasa sentro ng pandaigdigang entablado ang Pilipinas. Nito lang pong nakaraang Mayo, nagpakitang-gilas tayo sa tagumpay ng pagdaraos ng World Economic Forum on East Asia sa ating bansa. Ihahayag natin sa gaganaping APEC Summit dito sa susunod na taon ang kaunlarang nakakamit natin at ang pagkakataong hatid ho para sa lahat. Wala pong duda: More open for business na nga po ang Pilipinas. Bukod nga po sa maaliwalas na pagnenegosyo, isinusulong din natin ang maayos na relasyon ng ating mga manggagawa at mga kompanya. Isipin po ninyo: Mula 2010, nananatiling mababa sa sampu kada taon ang bilang ng mga strike ayon sa National Conciliation and Mediation Board. Isa po itong positibong bunga ng itinataguyod nating Single Entry Approach o SEnA ng DOLE, kung saan dumadaan sa 30-day conciliation-mediation ang mga nakahaing labor cases. Ang maganda nga po: sa 150 notices of strike and lockout noong 2013, isa lang ang natuloy na welga. Ito ang pinakamababa sa kasaysayan ng DOLE. Maraming salamat po Linda Baldos, sa pamilya ng DOLE. Batid rin natin: Para magpatuloy ang pag-angat ng ekonomiya at pagbukas ng pagkakataon, kailangan ng imprastruktura. Ito ang aakit sa mga negosyante, magpapabilis sa daloy ng produkto at serbisyo, at sisigurong kaya nating makipagsabayan sa iba pang merkado sa daigdig. Napakalaki po talaga ng pagbabago: Lampas doble na ang budget para sa imprastruktura, mula 200.3 billion pesos noong 2011, naging 404.3 billion pesos ngayong 2014. Paalala ko lang po: Hindi po tayo nagdagdag ng buwis maliban sa Sin Tax Reform na nakatugon sa kalusugan, habang napanatili din ang ating allowable deficit, at patuloy na bumababa ang ating debt to GDP ratio. Malaki po ang epekto nito, dahil hindi lang lumaki ang pondo: binawasan pa natin ang mga tagas sa sistema, kaya natitiyak nating mas sulit ang bawat pisong ginagastos ng estado. Sa pamumuno ni Secretary Babes Singson ng DPWH: Bawal ang tongpats, bawal ang bukol. Tinapalan na ang mga butas sa lumang sistema, at pinatag ang proseso sa ahensya. Isang simpleng halimbawa po nito ang pagtatanggal ng Letter of Intent sa bidding process. Noon po kasi, ginagamit ito bilang kasangkapan sa kuntsabahan—kapag nalaman kung sinu-sino ang bidders ng proyekto, binibigyan ng puwang ang sabwatan. Isa pa po: Ang mga dokumentong hinihiling mula sa bidders: lima na lang, mula sa dating 20. Mas mabilis ang proseso, at mas kaunti ang pagkakataong manghingi ng pampadulas suhol. Ang resulta: Halos 28 bilyong piso ang naisalbang pondo, at napapaaga ang pagpapatupad ng mga susunod na proyekto. Kaya naman kay Sec. Babes at sa bumubuo ng DPWH: muli, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Hanep po talaga: Kasabay ng mga natipid ng DPWH, ang nailatag, napapaayos, napapalawak, o naipagawa nilang kalsada mula nang maupo tayo, umabot na sa 12,184 kilometro. Nung nakita ko nga po ang report na ito ay inisip ko kung paano ipaliwanag ang 12,184 kilometro na ito. Isipin ninyo: katumbas ito ng apat na kalsadang nag-uugnay sa Laoag hanggang Zamboanga City. National roads lang po ito; wala pa rito ang mga local farm-to-market roads o tourism roads. Sa Public-Private Partnership program naman po: Mula Disyembre 2011 hanggang nitong Hunyo, nakapag-award at nakalagda na ng pitong PPP projects ang inyong pamahalaan; ang halaga nito: tinatayang 62.6 billion pesos. Sa apat na taon natin sa tuwid na daan, nalampasan na natin ang pinagsamang anim lamang na aprubadong solicited PPP projects mula sa nakaraang tatlong administrasyon. Ang laki na po talaga ng pinagkaiba ng noon sa ngayon. Sabi nga ni Secretary Cesar Purisima, dati, hindi makaakit ang Pilipinas ng mga namumuhunan. Noon, gobyerno pa mismo ang nag-aalay ng kaliwa’t kanang insentibo, tulad ng pagbibigay ng commercial development rights, subsidy, at iba pang garantiya. Ngayon, baliktad na ang sitwasyon. Matindi ang kompetisyon ng mga nag-uunahang kompanya; handa silang magbayad para makuha ang pribilehiyong itayo ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin. Halimbawa po: Sa Mactan-Cebu International Airport Passenger Terminal Building, may premium ang gobyerno na umabot sa mahigit 14 bilyong piso; sa NAIA Expressway Project Phase 2, nakakuha ang gobyerno ng prima na 11 bilyong piso. Muli: Mabuting pamamahala ang ugat ng lahat ng ito. Tingnan naman natin ang TPLEX. Dahil sa kalsadang ito, maginhawa na ang biyaheng Tarlac hanggang Rosales sa Pangasinan. Ayon po sa kanila, ang bahagi hanggang Urdaneta, makukumpleto na bago matapos ang 2014. Sa susunod na taon, aabot na raw ang daang ito hanggang sa dulo sa Rosario sa La Union. Ang mga imprastrukturang matagal nang ipinako sa pangako, atin na rin pong isinasakongkreto. Ang Aluling Bridge, na 1978 pa po binuo ang konsepto, bukas na sa publiko. Ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, na bahagi ng Metro Manila Expressway na proyekto pa noong dekada sitenta, inilunsad na natin noong Enero. Sa mga dumadaan ng Osmeña Highway, nakikita naman po ninyo kung gaano kabilis itayo ang mga haligi para dito. Ang Ternate-Nasugbu Road, na noon pang 1994 sinimulang ilatag ang plano—100 percent complete na rin ngayon. Ang Basilan Circumferential Road, na year 2000 pang under construction, malapit na rin pong matapos. Ilan lang po ito sa mga imprastrukturang wala tayong planong ipamana bilang problema; sa halip, ngayon, nagsisimula na itong mapakinabangan ng ating mga Boss. Muli, dahil sa mabuting pamamahala, mas may kakayahan na tayong tugunan, maging ang mga problemang paparating pa lang. Halimbawa po: sa tubig. Alam nating habang lumalago ang populasyon at umaangat ang ekonomiya, mas maraming tubig ang kakailanganin sa mga susunod na taon. Ayon nga po sa pag-aaral, maaaring magkaroon ng kakulangan ng tubig sa Metro Manila pagdating ng 2021. Hindi na po natin hihintayin ang tagtuyot: Ang mga solusyong talagang pinag-aralan ng mga dalubhasa, inaprubahan na po natin—ang Kaliwa Dam Project sa Quezon, at ang pag-aayos ng mga linya ng Angat Dam. Magandang solusyon po ito kaysa kumuha ng tubig mula sa mga aquifer sa ilalim ng lupa, na mas madaling pasukin or magbibigay ng daan para pasukin ng tubig-alat. Isa pa, kung sa mga aquifer lang tayo nakasalalay, mas mapapabilis ang paglubog ng lupa—na siya namang nagiging dahilan ng pagbaha. Kasabay po ng mga dam para sa Metro Manila at mga karatig-bayan ang suporta natin sa mga taga-lalawigan. Aprubado na rin ang Water District Development Sector Project, sa ilalim ng LWUA – Local Water Utilities Administration. Siguro po, narinig na rin ninyo ang pinakamalaki nating PPP project—ang Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike—na bubuksan na rin ang bidding bago matapos ang 2014. Napakaraming benepisyong maidudulot nito. Una, mababawasan ang pagbaha. Ngayon po, pag pumalo ng 12.5 meters ang taas ng tubig sa lawa, tiyak, babahain na ang mga komunidad sa paligid nito. Ang solusyon: dikeng may taas na higit sa 15 metro. Ikalawa pong pakinabang: Malilinis ang tubig sa Laguna Lake. Ang ikatlo po: Bawas trapik. Sa ibabaw ng dike, magkakaroon ng expressway, na babagtas sa Los Baños hanggang Taguig. Pag natapos ang C-6 road na kokonekta sa San Jose Del Monte, may isa na naman tayong paraan upang makatawid ng Kamaynilaan nang hindi na kakailanganing dumaan sa EDSA. Sa pakikituwang ng pribadong sektor, ang obligasyon natin dito ay right of way lang; porsyento ng lupang mare-reclaim ang ipapambayad sa mananalong bidder. Dahil dito, makukuha natin ang ating mga pangangailangan, habang mababawasan din ang ating gastusin. Ilang halimbawa lang po iyan ng mga proyektong nakapila na para magdala ng benepisyo sa ating mga Boss. Marami pang iba: Aprubado na rin ng NEDA Board ang Laoag City Bypass Link Road Project; ang Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project; at ang LRT Line 1 South Extension and Line 2 East Extension. Sa mga taga-Palawan naman: Maliban sa mga proyekto sa Puerto Princesa Airport, abangan na rin ninyo ang Busuanga Airport. Naka-go signal na rin po ang pagpapatayo ng phase one ng modernong Clark Green City sa Capas, Tarlac. Pihadong magsisilbing sentro ng komersyo at industriya, hindi lang sa Gitnang Luzon, kundi sa kalakhang bansa. Sa dulo po, ang ambisyon natin sa Clark Green City—maging di hamak itong mas malawak na Bonifacio Global City. Ang dating liblib, magiging hitik sa oportunidad. Sa mabuting pamamahala, nanunumbalik ang tiwala ng merkado, ng mundo, at ng taumbayan sa ating gobyerno. Nagbubunsod ito ng isang siklo: Dahil nakikita ang resulta ng agenda ng reporma, nakikiambag ang bawat isa sa ating mga Boss. Talagang hindi nag-iisa ang gobyerno sa pagsusulong ng malawakan at makabuluhang reporma. Totoo nga po: Kayo ang aming lakas. Kaya nga po mga Boss: Salamat sa inyong tiwala at pakikiisa, na lalong naging mahalaga sa mga panahong sinalubong tayo ng sunud-sunod na trahedya. Noong Setyembre 2013, sinugod ng masasamang elemento ang Zamboanga: Ginawang human shield ang mga kababayan nating namumuhay nang mapayapa, at sinunog pa ang kanilang mga tahanan. Nasubukan ang galing ng ating unipormadong hanay. Pinakamasalimuot sa larangan ng bakbakan ang tinatawag na urban combat—ngunit 195 ang nailigtas natin, sa 197 kataong naipit sa putukan. Saludo tayo sa ating mga kapatid sa unipormadong hanay: Nagtagumpay ang sambayanan dahil sa inyong sakripisyo. Inatasan po natin si Secretary Singson na pangasiwaan ang rehabilitasyon ng imprastrukturang nasira sa Zamboanga. Pangunahin sa mga pangangailangan: mabigyan ng tahanan ang mga kababayan nating nasunugan. Ito po mismo ang isinasagawa natin sa ilalim ng Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction. Pagpasok nga po ng Agosto, magsisimula nang lumipat ang mga apektadong pamilya sa mga permanenteng bahay sa Martha Drive Subdivision. Kabuuang 7,176 na kabahayan sa iba't ibang lugar ang target nating makumpleto sa Hunyo ng susunod na taon. Humihingi po kami ng pang-unawa. Maraming problemang kinailangan munang lutasin ukol sa pagkuha ng lupang lilipatan. Tinitiyak din nating ang mga tahanang ito ay sumasang-ayon sa pangangailangan ng kanilang relihiyon at kultura, kaya't hindi pangkaraniwan ang mga ito. Sa 1,661 pamilya namang gustong sila mismo ang magkumpuni ng sariling tahanan, 30,000 pisong halaga ng Home Materials Assistance ang ipinapamahagi na. 3.5 billion pesos po ang nakahanda para sa pagpapaayos ng imprastruktura, pagbili ng mga lote, pagpapatayo ng mga permanenteng tahanan, at iba pang suporta sa Zamboanga. 2.57 billion pesos dito, nai-release na sa NHA at DPWH. Ilang linggo naman po matapos ang krisis sa Zamboanga, niyanig ng lindol ang Central Visayas; pinakamalaki ang pinsala sa Bohol. Dito natin nakita ang maaaring maabot ng sambayanang nagkakaisa sa pagresponde sa sakuna. Isang linggo matapos ang lindol, may kuryente na sa Tagbilaran at sa lahat ng munisipalidad ng Bohol. Ngayon nga po, bawat isa sa 25 na kritikal na tulay at kalsadang nasira ng lindol, nadadaanan na. May kabuuang 3.583 billion pesos nang nai-release para sa rehabilitasyon ng Bohol at Cebu. Kasama na rito ang 2.49 billion pesos na ipinagkaloob ng DILG sa lokal na gobyerno, para sa pagpapagawa ng mga palengke, civic center, tulay, water systems, munisipyo at iba pong istrukturang pampamahalaan. Bago naman po matapos ang 2013, dumating naman si Yolanda— ang pinakamalakas na bagyo sa kasaysayan. 1.47 milyong pamilya ang talagang naapektuhan, at 44 sa ating 81 probinsya ang tinamaan. Sa Eastern Visayas, kung saan pinakamalakas ang pinsalang nadulot, napakaraming kinailangan ng agarang lingap. Sa sobrang lakas ng bagyo, naparalisa ang maraming LGU dahil sila mismo ang tinamaan. Natangay po pati ang ating prepositioned relief goods, kaya't talagang kinailangang manggaling sa ibang lugar ang tulong. Lalo pang naging mabigat ang pagdadala ng ayuda, dahil bagsak ang imprastruktura: Walang kuryente, hindi madaanan ang kalsada, at halos lahat ng truck at heavy equipment na kailangan ng ating first responder ang nasira sa pinakaapektadong lugar. Wala ring gasolina, walang komunikasyon. Kinailangan po talaga ng pambihirang pagkakaisa para ipaabot ang tulong sa mga apektadong pamilya, kalingahin ang mga naulila't sugatan, siguruhing walang mangyayaring outbreak ng sakit, at marami pang ibang tungkulin. Halimbawa lang po sa pagkain. Hindi lang bigas at de-lata ang kinailangang intindihin: kailangan din ng mga repacking center, ng maraming truck, pati na ng mga barkong magtatawid ng ayuda sa mga apektadong probinsya. Pagdating doon ng relief goods, kailangang malinis na ang kalsadang dadaanan, at mapagasolinahan ang mga truck nang makabalik sila sa pinanggalingan, upang muling makapagkarga ng ating mga food pack. Hindi nagpatumpik-tumpik sa pagresponde ang inyong gobyerno. Nagmadali tayong linisin unang-una ang airport, kaya sa loob ng 24 oras matapos ang bagyo, nakapasok na ang tatlo nating C130 na may dalang ayuda. Sa mismong araw ding iyon, nakapagtayo tayo ng communications hub para maging mas mabilis ang daloy ng impormasyon. Sa ikalawang araw, dumating na ang Rapid Health Assessment teams ng DOH; ang dagdag na sundalo, pulis, at BFP personnel mula sa ibang probinsya; pati na mga kawani ng DSWD na nanguna sa relief operations— sa distribution centers man sa Eastern Visayas, o sa maraming repacking centers na agad na nagbukas sa buong bansa. Sa loob lang ng dalawang araw, napagana na ang Leyte water district; sa ikatlong araw naman, bumukas ang unang gasolinahan. Agad na nilinis ang pangunahing mga kalsada. Pagsapit ng ika-22 ng Nobyembre o dalawang linggo matapos ang bagyo, naipamahagi na ang ika-isang milyong food pack sa mga nasalanta; na-clear na ang 35,162 cubic meters ng debris sa mga kalsadang dadaanan ng mga relief; at nalinis at nadadaanan na muli ang 3,426 kilometers ng National Roads—kasalukuyan po naman nating kinukumpuni ang 108.8 kilometrong napinsalang daanan, tulay, approaches, at landslide prone areas. Pagsapit nga po ng Pasko noong 2013, may kuryente na sa lahat ng munisipalidad na tinamaan ng sakuna. Kumbaga po sa Emergency Room, ibinuhos ng estado ang lahat ng kanyang kapangyarihan upang agad na mai-stabilize ang pasyente. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga kasapi sa ating Gabinete, na talaga naman pong nanguna sa pagresponde sa mga apektadong komunidad. Sina Sec. Cesar Purisima at Sec. Joel Villanueva ng TESDA, na namuno sa logistics at nag-organisa sa mga repacking center, nagmistula po silang dalawang warehouse operator. Si Sec. Greg Domingo ng DTI, naging head purchasing agent ng bansa, habang si Sec. Linda Baldoz naman ng DOLE ay minabuting maging call center operator para sa lahat ng gusto or nag-alok ng tulong. Salamat din kina Sec. Jun Abaya ng DOTC, na naging dispatcher ng ating transportasyon; kay Sec. Dinky Soliman na talagang pinatunayan ang pagiging punong relief worker ng bansa; at kina Sec. Mar Roxas ng DILG at Sec. Volts Gazmin ng DND, na nagbigay ng marching orders sa ating unipormadong hanay mula sa frontline ng sakuna. Muli po, salamat sa ating Gabinete. To our friends and neighbors around the world: Your outpouring of solidarity will never be forgotten by a grateful Filipino people. Again on their behalf, we thank you. Marahil nga po, sa kahandaan nating makiambag sa abot ng ating makakaya, na siyang ipinapamalas ng ating OFWs, peacekeepers at iba pang Pilipino sa labas ng bansa, nang tayo naman ang nangailangan, nakita ng mundong karapat-dapat din tayong tulungan. Salamat sa inyo, at sa lahat ng Pilipinong nag-alay ng dalangin at suporta, dito man o sa ibang panig ng mundo. Hindi po natigil ang trabaho natin. Nagsagawa tayo ng livelihood interventions, upang maging mas mabilis ang pagbangon ng mga nasalanta nating kababayan. Ngayong Hulyo nga po, 221,897 trabaho na ang nalikha matapos tayong magkaloob ng bangka, kagamitan sa pangingisda at pagtatanim, mga binhi, at livestock. Kasama na rin po dito ang mga sinuwelduhan nating naging kabahagi ng cash for work program. Tanggap naman po siguro ng lahat na malaki ang problemang dala ni Yolanda. Ayon nga po sa international standards, kapag nangyari ang ganitong klaseng sakuna, isang taon ang inaabot bago matapos ang relief at mag-umpisa ang rehabilitasyon ng isang bansa. Pero sa loob lang ng 8 buwan, idineklara ng United Nations na nasa yugto na tayo ng rehabilitation. Si Ginoong Yuri Afanasiev ng United Nations Development Programme na nga po ang nagsabi, and I quote: "We have never seen a recovery happen so quickly. And many of us have been in many different disasters." Mahabang panahon ang bubunuin para tuluyang makabangon sa mabibigat na sakuna. Sa Haiti, dalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula ng lindol, at marami pa rin ang nasa evacuation center. Ang mga kapatid natin sa Indonesia, inabot ng walong taon para maka-recover sa tsunami sa Aceh. Mismong sa Amerika nga po, sinasabing walong taon ang inabot para makabalik sa dati matapos humagupit si Hurricane Katrina. Hindi pa po tapos ang ating trabaho. Marami pang bahay na kailangang ipatayo; marami pang mga kababayan natin ang kailangang ibangong muli; patuloy pa rin ang pag-build back better para sa mga hinagupit ni Yolanda. Kaya nga po: Ngayong Hulyo, isinumite na sa atin, at nilagdaan na rin natin, ang LGU Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan para sa Cebu, Iloilo, Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, at Tacloban City. Pumasa po ito sa masusing pagsusuri ng mga cluster ng Gabinete; laman nito ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan, ayon na rin sa isinasagawang malawakang post-disaster needs assessment. Nabuo po ang planong ito sa maigting na pagsisikap ni Secretary Ping Lacson, na inatasan nga nating tumutok sa mga hamong iniwan ni Yolanda. Umaasa po ako sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso, dahil malaking halaga ang kailangan, upang tuluyan nang maibangon ang ating mga kababayan. Alalahanin po natin: Nasa Diyos nga raw po ang awa; nasa tao ang gawa. Ito rin ang parehong ideya sa likod ng ating mga hakbang para sa disaster preparedness. Binigyang-lakas natin ang mga LGU na siyang mga frontliner tuwing bagyo, at ibang sakuna gamit ang moderno at malawakang forecasting system. Sa DREAM-LiDAR project sa ilalim ng Project NOAH, halimbawa, napapadali ang pagtukoy kung saan ang mga lugar na pinaka-babahain. Nakamapa na po ang 19 sa target nating 20 river systems para matukoy kung ano ang mga lugar na agad naapektuhan tuwing bumubuhos ang ulan. Dahil mas eksakto na ang pagtukoy natin kung kailan at saan tatama ang epekto ng bagyo, ngayon po, napapaaga ang paghahanda at pagbibigay babala ng ating mga LGUs. Maaga na ring naililikas ang kanilang mamamayan. Kung ang maayos na forecasting, tatambalan pa natin ng mahusay na LGU, talaga naman pong maraming buhay ang maililigtas. Sa Albay na hinagupit kamakailan ng Bagyong Glenda, walang naitalang pumanaw dahil sa bagyo, salamat sa mabuting pamamahala ni Governor Joey Salceda. At kung kaya itong gawin ng isang probinsya na siya ngang parang natawag na nga po na highway ng mga bagyo, bakit naman tayo magdududa na kaya ito ng lahat? Pag-usapan naman natin ang seguridad. Mulat po tayo sa mga hamon sa bansa, at alam din nating mahal ang kailangan nating mga kagamitan. Ngayon po, ikinalulugod kong iulat sa inyo: Tuluy-tuloy ang modernisasyon ng AFP. Nakuha na natin ang brand new na 8 Sokol Combat Utility Helicopters, tatlong AgustaWestland-109 helicopters, at ang kauna-unahang landing craft utility ship na ginawa dito mismo sa ating bansa, ang BRP Tagbanua. Dumating na rin po ang apat na refurbished UH-1 helicopters at 2 navy cutters. Nito namang nakaraang Mayo, pinasinayaan na rin natin ang state-of-the-art Command Center ng Naval Forces West sa Palawan. Sa susunod na taon, lalapag na ang 2 sa 12 na FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets na binili natin. Ang natitira naman po, inaasahan nating maidedeliver bago matapos ang 2017. Target din nating makuha ang karagdagang brand new na 8 Bell combat utility helicopters, 2 anti-submarine helicopters, 10 pang AgustaWestland-109 helicopters, 2 light-lift aircraft, 3 medium-lift aircraft, mga radar system at iba pang kagamitang magpapaunlad sa kakayahan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Samantala po, sa Setyembre ng taong ito, inaasahan ang pagdating ng karagdagang 17 refurbished UH-1 helicopters. Dumating na rin ang paunang mga M4 assault rifles na binili natin para sa kasundaluhan. Sa mga susunod na buwan, ang kabuuang bilang ng baril na mapapasakamay ng ating mga kawal: 50,629 na ng M4 units. Ang bonus pa: dahil sa maayos na proseso ng procurement at tapat na pangangasiwa sa pondo, may savings tayo na mahigit 1.2 billion pesos savings, ito pong savings ay ipinambibili na natin ng mas marami pang baril. Ididiin ko lang po: Brand new at de-kalidad ang lahat ng ripleng ito. Di po ba noong araw: naubos na nga ang pondo, hindi pa alinsunod sa ispesipikasyong kailangan natin. Tulad po nang binili nilang Kevlar Helmets. Imbes na sa US, sa ibang bansa sila bumili. May na-convict na po dahil dito. Pati ang isang hukom na diumano'y sangkot dito, natapos na ang imbestigasyong inutos ng Korte Suprema, at hinihintay natin ang kanilang pasya. Tuloy ang pagtugis natin sa kalaban ng estado at masasamang elemento para sa mga krimeng ginawa nila. Halimbawa nga po: Nahuli na ang Chairman at Secretary General ng NPA nitong Marso. Nanunumbalik na rin po ang normalidad at kaayusan sa 31 probinsyang dating ginambala ng NPA. Nagbabago na rin nga po ang mukha ng ating kapulisan. Patunay po rito ang 30 pulis, sa pangunguna ni Inspector Charity Galvez, na tumalo sa tinatayang 250 NPA na sumugod sa kanilang presinto noong 2011. Nitong Marso naman po, 4 na bagitong pulis ang buong-tapang na sumagupa laban sa Martilyo Gang sa Mall of Asia. Mabuti nga po't naabot na ang 1:1 police to pistol ratio, kaya't na-isyuhan na rin ng bagong baril ang ating mga rookie policewomen. Dati, nakakaligtaan ang kapulisan; ngayon, kinakalinga na sila ng estado, at talaga namang tinutumbasan nila ito ng wagas at masigasig na serbisyo. Pakinggan po natin ang tinig ng magigiting nating pulis: [VIDEO PRESENTATION – Four Policewomen] Nito naman pong Hunyo, naging sunod-sunod ang high-profile na pamamaslang. Arestado na ang ilang mga sangkot sa pagpatay kina Mayor Ernesto Balolong, sa negosyanteng si Richard King, at may sinusundan na ring magandang lead ang ating kapulisan sa pagpatay sa racecar driver na si Ferdinand Pastor. Huwag po kayong mag-alala: hahabulin natin ang hustisya sa kabuuan, hindi ang bahagi lamang. Kaya bukod sa mga ginawa nating pag-aresto, patuloy tayo sa paglikom ng ebidensiya laban sa iba pang suspect. Pananagutin natin ang lahat ng may-sala. Pinapaigting pa natin ang pangangalaga sa seguridad ng taumbayan. Simula ika-16 ng Hunyo ngayong taon, ipinapatupad natin sa NCR ang Operation Lambat. Matapos nating triplihin ang dami ng checkpoints at magsagawa ng iba't ibang operasyon, ang resulta: 862 sasakyan at 29 firearms ang nakumpiska natin. Nakapag-serve tayo ng 587 warrants of arrest, na nagresulta sa pagkakaaresto ng 410 suspect. Ibinalik din natin ang Oplan Katok para matiyak na ang may tangan ng lisensyadong baril ay ang karapat-dapat lamang. 28,714 na bahay sa NCR ang kinatok ng mga pulis para sa operasyong ito. Bago natin ipatupad ang Oplan Lambat, mula Enero hanggang ikalawang linggo ng Hunyo, ang murder at homicide sa National Capital Region, umaabot sa 31 kaso kada linggo. Sa limang linggo pa lang ng operasyon, ang murder at homicide: Bumaba na sa 22 kaso na lamang kada linggo. 29 porsyentong pagbaba ang naitala—katumbas ng 9 na pagpatay ang napigilan natin kada linggo. At sa NCR pa lang po ito. Kung maisasabatas natin ang pension reform, at makakakalap nga tayo ng sapat na pondo para sa dagdag na pulis at para matuloy ang planong pagbili ng kagamitan, lalong mapapalawak ni Sec. Mar Roxas ang Operation Lambat, upang gawing mas ligtas ang buong bansa. Nasa ilalim nga po sana ng DAP ang pondong pang-kagamitan, pero dahil hindi ito na-obligate bago bumaba ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema, kailangan po nating maghanap ng pagkukunan ng karagdagang pondo. Tunay nga po: Tiwala ang pundasyon ng mabuting pamamahala. Tiwalang maaasikaso ang lahat ng tinamaan o tatamaan ng bagyo; tiwalang sa bawat araw ng trabaho, ligtas mong mauuwian ang pamilya mo. Tiwala na hindi kayo lalamangan ng inyong mga pinuno; tiwalang nariyan ang inyong gobyerno, kakampi ninyo, lalo na kung kayo ang nadedehado. Tiwala na mananagot ang mga nang-abuso, at maitatama ang mga proseso at institusyong ginamit para nakawan kayo. Tiwala na kung sumunod ka sa tama, makukuha mo kung ano ang dapat sa iyo. Ang pagbabalik ng tiwala ninyo: Iyan po ang ibig sabihin ng reporma. Halimbawa: Sa Customs, na talaga naman pong sinubok ang ating pasensya noong nakaraang mga taon. Naging malinaw sa atin: Reset button ang solusyon. Bumuo po tayo ng mga bagong tanggapan para suriin at gawing epektibo ang mga patakaran sa Customs. Nagtalaga tayo ng bagong commissioner, anim na bagong deputy commissioner, kasabay na rin ang 40 pang iba pang maaasahang indibidwal para ipatupad ang ating mga reporma. Ibinalik din natin sa tamang posisyon ang mga empleyado. Totohanang ipinagbawal ang mga guwardiyang umaastang kahera, o warehouseman na ginagawang examiner. Marami nga po ang nagsasakripisyo para ayusin ang Customs. Kabilang dito ang mga kawani mula sa ibang departamento at ahensiya ng gobyerno, na hiniling nating lumipat sa Customs dahil tiwala tayo sa kanilang integridad. Sino nga ba naman ang naghahanap ng sakit ng ulo, lalo pa't walang garantiya ng tagumpay? May mga ipinagpaliban ang kanilang promotion. May mga nagpahiwatig din ng agam-agam dahil sa takot na balikan sila ng mga sindikato. Pero sa huli, tumugon sila sa ating panawagang maglingkod. Marapat lang na personal kong pasalamatan ang lahat ng kawaning ito, sa pangunguna na nga ni Commissioner Sunny Sevilla. Pinapatunayan po natin: Sa paninindigan at pagkakaisa, kayang linisin kahit pa ang isang institusyong napakahabang panahon nang dinungisan ng katiwalian. Patunay po rito ang good news na natatanggap natin: Mula Enero hanggang Abril 2014, umangat ng 22 porsyento ang cash collections ng Customs kumpara sa parehong panahon noong nakalipas na taon. Ang kabuuan nilang koleksiyon sa unang apat na buwan ng taon: 117 billion pesos. Ang masasabi ko naman sa mga patuloy na rumaraket: Alam kong hindi na kayo tinatablan ng takot at kahihiyan. Nasa inyo kung makukunsensya kayo—kung maaawa kayo sa mga nalululong sa drogang pinapapasok ninyo, o pahihintulutang pumasok sa mga magsasakang napagkakaitan ng tamang kita. Ang sa akin lang: Kapag sumapat na ang nililikom na ebidensiya laban sa inyo, sa Bilibid ang susunod ninyong destino. Kung pag-uusapan natin ang mga repormang nagsisimula nang magbunsod ng malawakang kaunlaran, marapat din pong ibalita ko sa inyo ang mga pangyayari ukol sa repormang agraryo. Alam naman po natin, at malinaw sa batas: kailangan munang tukuyin ang maaari at hindi maaaring ipamahaging lupain. Pero ang masaklap, ipinamana sa atin ang bungi-bunging datos. Bakit kanyo: Taong 1913 pa sinimulan ang Cadastral Survey, na tutukoy ng hangganan ng mga lupaing saklaw ng bawat lungsod, bayan, at lalawigan sa Pilipinas. Isa pang problema: Inuna ng mga nakaraang administrasyon ang distribusyon ng mga lupaing madaling ipamahagi tulad ng mga government-owned land, at lupaing napagkasunduan na ng may-ari at magsasaka. Ang naiwan sa atin ay mga lupaing maraming kumplikasyon, at ugat pa ng mahabang debate at demandahan. Dagdag din nga pong suliranin ang masalimuot na sitwasyon sa ARMM. Ang lupa ng ARMM ay tinatayang 1.5 milyong ektarya. Pero ang lupang nakatala na dinatnan natin ngayon ay nasa 2.9 million hectares dahilsa patung-patong na pag-angkin ng lupa. Nagtataka nga po si Governor Mujiv Hataman ng ARMM at tinanong nga sa akin minsan: Paano kaya nanganganak ang lupa? Wala po tayong balak na ipasa ang mga suliraning ito sa susunod sa atin, para pag-ugatan lang ng panibagong mga problema at ng lalong pagkaudlot ng repormang agraryo. Sa 2015, makalipas ng 102 taon, matatapos na rin ang Cadastral Survey. Ngayong taon, ihahain din nating muli sa Kongreso ang panukalang batas para i-extend ang paghahain ng Notice of Coverage, na hindi agad natapos nang husto dahil nga sa mga problemang kinailangan muna nating solusyonan. Oras na maihain ang panukalang batas, umaasa tayong maipapasa ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Kung tiwala nga po ang pag-uusapan, dapat ding isama ang Bangsamoro. Matapos ang mahabang panahon ng hidwaan at napupurnadang negosasyon, naibalik na natin ang tiwala. Pruweba po nito: Noong nakaraang Marso, nilagdaan na ang Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Pero simula pa lang ito ng ating pag-usad sa landas ng malawakang pag-unlad sa Mindanao. Wala pong makakatangging napag-iwanan ang ARMM. Gusto po nating bigyan ng pantay na pagkakataon ang lahat ng Pilipino, kaya nga dapat may boost up, para naman maka-catch up ang ating mga kababayang nasa laylayan. Halimbawa, sa budget na iminumungkahi natin para sa 2015, 5.17 billion pesos mula sa budget ng DPWH ay nakalaan para sa imprastraktura ng ARMM. Kasalukuyan na po nating pinapanday ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law. Humihingi po tayo ng pang-unawa sa ating Kongreso ukol rito. Mahalaga pong maging masusi ang paghimay natin ng bawat probisyong ilalatag. Sa abot ng ating makakaya, isusulong natin ang isang panukalang batas na makatuwiran, makatarungan, at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat. Kung maisasabatas nga po ang Bangsamoro Basic Law bago matapos ang taon at maisasagawa ang kinakailangang plebesito, mabibigyan ng isa't kalahating taon ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority para ipakita ang positibong pagbabago. Kung maaantala naman ito, natural pong iikli rin ang panahon para mapatunayan na tama nga ang landas ng kapayapaang tinatahak natin. Napakarami na nga po nating narating dahil sa tiwala—at wala tayong balak basagin ang tiwalang ito. Ang gobyerno ninyo ngayon: mayroong isang salita. Hindi ko na po iisa-isahin ang mga natupad nating panata sa tuwid na daan; baka masabihan lang tayong nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko. Pero mahirap din namang hindi tayo magbanggit, dahil malamang nag-aabang na ang mga magsasabing wala tayong ginawa. Kaya samahan ninyo na lang akong magbigay ng ilang halimbawa: Trabaho’t pagkakataon para sa napakaraming Pilipino, nalikha at patuloy pang nililikha. Sa katunayan, mula Abril 2013 hanggang Abril ng 2014: nasa 1.65 million ang nadagdag sa bilang ng mga Pilipinong nagtatrabaho.Minanang kakulangan sa aklat, upuan, at silid-aralan, napuno na; habang ang mga panibagong pangangailangan dahil sa K to 12, pinupunuan na rin. 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio, meron na rin po. Modernisasyon ng Sandatahang Lakas, nangyayari na. Pangmatagalang kapayapaan sa Mindanao, sumusulong na. Pag-angat ng ating ekonomiya, tuluy-tuloy pa rin po. Sabay-sabay nating natutupad ang ating mga pangarap: kalusugang pangkalahatan, silid-aralan, trabaho, daungan, kalsada, paliparan, kaligtasan, kapayapaan. Ang nabawi nating pambansang dangal, sinamahan pa ng pagkilala ng mundo sa bagong anyo ng Pilipinas. Ang kaban ng bayang mula sa pawis ng mamamayan, ginugugol para lamang sa kanilang kapakanan. Pakinggan po nating muli ang isa pa sa ating mga Boss: [VIDEO PRESENTATION: Housing for Informal Settlers] Ngayon nga po: Ang problemang dinatnan, nasolusyonan. Ang nandiyan, tinutugunan. At ang problemang parating pa lang, pinaghahandaan na rin. Naniniwala ako: Kung mananatili ang inyong tiwala, masusolusyonan natin ang mga ito. Tingnan po natin ang sitwasyon sa enerhiya. Ginagawa na po natin ang lahat para siguruhing natutugunan ang lumalagong pangangailangan ng bansa. Sa kabila nito, meron pong mga pangyayaring talagang hindi natin inaasahan, na maaaring magbunsod ng problema sa susunod na taon. Halimbawa: Kailangan nating bunuin ang mga kakulangan dahil sa outages para sa maintenance ng mga lumang planta, ng mga biglaang paghinto ng operasyon dahil sa pagkasira, at ng delay sa implementation o pagpapatayo ng mga bagong planta. Huwag po nating kalimutan, may banta din ng El Niño na makakaapekto sa kapasidad ng mga hydro powerplant, at magpapataas pa ng demand sa kuryente. Kung sa ating mga kabahayan nga, lalakas ang gamit natin ng electric fan o aircon dahil sa init ng panahon, lalo naman po sa mga industriya at negosyo. Hindi ito kasing-simple ng pagpunta sa tindahan at pagsabing, "Pabili nga po ng 600 megawatt generator, at paki-install na rin bukas." Ang habol natin: kumpletong paghahanda para hindi tayo maparalisa sakaling mangyari ang worst-case scenario. Dapat, kahit sa susunod na taon pa uusbong ang problema, meron na tayong pinaplanong solusyon para dito. Kaya nga po inatasan ko si Secretary Icot Petilla ng DOE: Makipag-ugnayan ka sa Joint Congressional Power Commission, sa Energy Regulatory Commission, sa industriya, at pinakaimportante sa mga consumer, upang madagdagan ang kakayahan nating tugunan ang problema sa enerhiya. Batid ko rin po na apektado ang mga Boss natin sa pabugso-bugsong pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas. Mukhang totoo nga po ang mga ulat: May ilang mga halang ang bitukang hoarder na itinatago lang ang bigas, para kapag tumaas ang presyo, ibebenta nila ang stock para kumita nang di-makatuwiran. Hindi po puwede ito. Kung sa tingin nila wais sila, mas mahusay ang ginagawang diskarte ng inyong gobyerno. Ang agarang solusyon: mag-import po ng bigas, i-supply sa merkado, pababain ang presyo, at panatilihin ito sa risonableng antas, para malugi ang mga nagsasamantala sa Pilipino. Noong Nobyembre ng nakaraang taon, nagsimula na tayong mag-import ng 500,000 metriko tonelada para magsilbing ayuda sa supply na pinanipis ng nagdaang mga bagyo, at dumating na lahat ito nitong Marso. Nito ding Pebrero, inaprubahan ng NFA Council ang pag-angkat natin ng karagdagang 800,000 metriko tonelada bilang pagpuno sa ating buffer stocking requirement, at 360,750 metric tons na nito ang dumating ngayong Hulyo; pagdating ng Setyembre, makakarating na ang kabuuan. Naaprubahan na rin ngayong Hulyo ang agarang importasyon ng 500,000 metriko tonelada ng bigas sa pamamagitan ng open bidding. May standby authority rin ang NFA na mag-angkat ng karagdagan pang 500,000 metriko tonelada, bilang paghahanda sa magiging epekto ng kalamidad sa ani at sa presyo ng bigas. Kapag dumating ang karagdagan nating inaangkat, mapupuwersa na ngayong magbenta ang mga hoarder ng bigas na nakatago sa kanilang mga kamalig. Sa mga hoarder na ito: Kung gusto ninyong makipagmatigasan, okay lang, subukan ninyo ang estado. Tandaan lang ninyo: Anim na buwan lang ang itatagal bago mabulok ang stock sa mga warehouse ninyo. Siguradong malulugi kayo kapag nalunod na ang merkado sa dagdag na bigas. Kumikilos kayo kontra sa mga Pilipino; kami naman, isinusulong ang interes ng bawat Pilipino. Tingnan natin kung sino ang mananalo. Bukod po sa pag-iimbestiga sa mga diumano'y nagtago ng NFA rice, sinisiyasat na rin natin ang lahat ng mga pwedeng nagkutsabahan sa mga ahensya. Iniimbestigahan na ang mga empleyadong pinagdududahan upang makasuhan at mapakulong ang mga may sala sa lalong madaling panahon. Sabay ng pagtugis sa mga mapang-abuso, patuloy rin ang mga proyekto natin para alagaan ang mga nasa sektor ng agrikultura. Ginagawa nating kaakit-akit na kabuhayan ang pagtatanim ng palay. Alam naman po natin na tumatanda na ang ating mga magsasaka, kaya malaki ang maitutulong sa food security kung mahihikayat natin ang mga kabataan na pasukin ang ganitong hanapbuhay. Nagkakaloob po tayo ng mga makabagong kagamitan sa pagsasaka para sa episyenteng pagtanim at pag-aani. Mula 2011 hanggang Mayo ng 2014, naipamahagi na natin ang kabuuang 4,628 production machineries, 11,362 post-production machineries, at 105 rice mills sa iba't ibang farmer's associations. Sa tulong po nito, nabawasan ang nasasayang sa ani ng ating mga magsasaka. Bukod rito, pinapaunlad natin ang mga patubig, nagpapagawa tayo ng farm-to-market roads, at nagsusulong ng training programs upang masagad ang kanilang kita. Pag-usapan naman po natin ang budget. Ang Ehekutibo, nagmumungkahi ng mga proyekto at programa; inaaprubahan naman ito ng Kongreso. Kailangan nga lang po nating itigil ang ilan, para makasiguradong sumusunod tayosa naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema ukol sa Disbursement Acceleration Program o DAP. Alam ko pong kaisa kayong mga nasa bulwagang ito sa paniniwalang hindi dapat ipagkait ang benepisyo sa ating mamamayan, at dapat nga itong makarating sa kanila sa lalong madaling panahon. Kaya nga po: Ipinapanukala namin ang pagpasa ng supplemental budget para sa 2014, upang hindi naman maantala ang ating mga programa at proyekto. Kasabay po nito, nananawagan din tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso, upang maipasa ang isang Joint Resolution na maglilinaw sa mga depinisyon at kaisipang tila pinagtatalunan pa—at iba pang mga usaping kayo lang sa lehislatura, bilang mga nagsulat ng batas, ang makakapaglinaw. Sa unang araw po ng trabaho matapos ang SONA, ihahain natin sa Kongreso ang panukalang 2.606 trillion pesos na 2015 National Budget. Gaya ng lagi, binuo ito kasama ang mamamayan, gamit ang stratehiyang naglalaan ng pondo kung saan lamang ito tunay na maghahatid ng benepisyo. Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng ating mga mambabatas na pagtibayin ito, bilang pangunahing instrumento sa paglikha ng pagkakataon para sa sambayanang Pilipino. Pakinggan naman po natin ngayon ang isang benepisyaryo ng Alternative Learning System program po ng DepEd. [VIDEO PRESENTATION: Alternative Learning System] Mga kababayan: Siya po, at ang marami pang benepisyaryong tulad niya, ang natatabunan sa tuwing umiingay ang orkestra ng negatibismo sa balita. Itong maiingay na ito, sadyang isinasara ang isip at namumuhay sa sariling mundo at riyalidad. Habang nakikita ang pagbabago sa lipunan, nangyayari na nga ang ating inasahan: lalong dumadalas, lalong umiinit, at lalong tumitindi ang pag-atake nila sa atin. Habang lumilinaw ang benepisyo ng reporma, pahirap nang pahirap ang pag-asang magtagumpay ang panlilinlang nila, kaya't nagtatanim sila ng duda. Desperado na po sila. Bakit nga po ba sila galit na galit? Tingnan po natin ang kanilang motibasyon. Para sa mga ginawa nang negosyo ang kanilang posisyon: kung maayos natin ang mga sistema, nawawalan sila ng pagkakataong mansamantala. Natural lang na kontrahin nila tayo. Ito namang mga walang ibang layunin kundi ibagsak ang gobyerno: Puwede lang madagdagan ang kanilang hanay kung maraming nagdurusa, at nawalan ng tiwala sa sistema. Ngayong nakukumpuni na ang sistema at natutugunan ang pagdurusa, nababawasan na ang puwede nilang i-recruit, kaya pakaunti nang pakaunti ang kanilang bilang. Natural lang din na kontrahin nila tayo. Ang pinakamaingay na kumokontra sa atin ay ang ayaw ng transpormasyon, dahil nagsamantala at nakinabang sila sa lumang kalakaran. Ganito ko nga po naisip ang ating situwasyon: Para tayong mga mamamayang matagal na naipit sa isang isla kung saan may nag-iisang tindahan. Dahil walang pagpipilian, nagpapataas sila ng kanilang presyo kung kailan nila gusto, at talaga nga naman pong inaabuso tayo. Inatasan po ninyo akong itimon ang bangka ng estado tungo sa kabilang isla, kung saan mas maraming tindahan, mas maraming pagpipilian, mas maayos ang buhay, at mas malawak ang pagkakataon. Siyempre po, ang nagpapatakbo ng tindahan sa isla na ating nilisan, ayaw tayong pumalaot, dahil mawawalan sila ng inaabuso. Lahat, gagawin nila para pigilan ang ating pagtawid sa kabilang pampang: Sasabihin nilang pareho lang naman doon; wala naman talagang pagbabago doon. Itatali nila tayo sa daungan, bubutasan ang ating bangka, makikipagkuntsabahan para iligaw ang ating biyahe. Ang totoo po, hindi naman ako ang kinokontra ng mga ito, kundi ang taumbayang nakikinabang sa tuwid na daan. Kontra sila sa magsasaka sa Iloilo, na mahigit limampung taong nangarap ng maayos na irigasyon, at ngayon ay nakikita nang ginagawa ang Jalaur Multi-purpose River Project. Kontra sila sa napakaraming estudyanteng hindi na kailangang magsiksikan sa mga classroom. Kontra sila sa nagkatrabaho dahil nasanay ng TESDA; kontra sa mga maagang naililikas sa panahon ng bagyo dahil sa pinahusay na PAGASA; kontra sa mga informal settler na nailayo sa panganib dahil sa programang pabahay; kontra sa mga maralitang libre nang nakakapagpagamot sa pampublikong ospital; kontra sa mga sundalong may modernong kagamitan kaya mas may kumpiyansa nang ipagtanggol ang bansa; kontra sa mga Moro at katutubong abot-tanaw na ang kapayapaan. Mga Boss, kontra po sila sa inyo. Ang totoo po niyan, wala pa tayo sa puwesto, inaatake na tayo. Sanay na tayong sinalubong ng negatibong komentarista sa almusal, pang-aalipusta sa tanghalian, insulto sa hapunan, may intriga pa bilang midnight snack. Ngayon nga pong Pangulo ako, tuloy pa rin ang mga kontra sa pagbabago. Sa tingin ko, maski sa pagbaba ko sa puwesto, hindi pa rin sila titigil. Naalala ko po ang isang matandang babaeng nakausap ko dati sa kampanya. Ang sabi niya sa akin, "Noy, mag-iingat ka. Marami kang makakabangga." Totoo ang kanyang babala. Pero buo ang loob kong kaharapin ang mga nakakabanggang ito, dahil alam ko: iilan lamang sila, at di hamak na napakarami natin. Mas malakas po tayong mga handang makisagwan tungo sa pagbabago. Magtatagumpay tayo sa labang ito, dahil tayo ang nasa tama. Nangarap tayo, nagsimula tayo, nagsikap tayo, nakabuwelo tayo, at ngayon, umaarangkada na nga po ang Pilipino. Lalong magiging sulit ang pagod at sakripisyo natin kung itong nasimulan natin ay itutuloy ninyo. Kayo ang haharap sa sangandaan; kayo ang magpapasya kung magtutuloy ang pagbabago. Tandaan na lang po natin, ito ang aking ikalimang SONA; isa na lamang ang natitira. Sa 2016, pipili kayo ng bagong pinuno ng ating bayan. Ang sa akin lang po: Para ipagpatuloy at mas mapabilis pa ang pagbabagong tinatamasa ng ating lipunan, iisa lang ang batayan sa pagpili ng papalit sa akin: Sino ang wala ni katiting na dudang magpapatuloy sa transpormasyong ating isinasakatuparan? Kayo po ang Boss, kayo ang lakas, kayo ang gumagawa ng pagbabago—kaya kayo rin ang magpapatuloy nito. Nasasainyo kung paanong isusulat sa kasaysayan ang mga panahong ito. Maaari itong maalala bilang tuktok ng ating tagumpay, bilang magandang simulaing nasayang lang. Pero mas maganda pong di hamak kung maalala ang mga nagawa natin bilang simula pa lang ng ating mahabang paglalakbay tungo sa katuparan ng mas matatayog pang pangarap. Noong minungkahi po ng ilang mga grupo na ako'y tumakbo, ang sabi nila sa akin noon, hindi namin inaasahan na lutasin mo lahat ng problema ng ating bansa sa loob ng anim na taon. Pero simulan mo na sana. Nakita naman ninyo kung saan tayo nanggaling, at nakita naman ninyong lampas-lampas pa sa ating mga pinangarap noong simula ang tinatamasa natin ngayon. Pinapanday na natin ang sistema kung saan talagang patas ang laban; kung saan ang sumusunod sa patakaran ay nakakarating sa nais niyang paroonan; kung saan may tunay na kumpetisyong nagbubukal ng pagkakataon at malawakang kaunlaran; kung saan ang lahat ay may kakahayang panghawakan ang sariling kapalaran. Abot-kamay na ang isang lipunang kayang sumalo sa mga nasa laylayan; kung saan ang bawat isa ay kumikilala sa kanyang tungkulin sa kapwa at sa bayan; kung saan tuloy-tuloy at walang-hanggan ang pakikiambag at sama-samang pag-angat ng sambayanan. Papalapit na po talaga tayo sa minimithi nating kinabukasan, kung saan naghahari ang katarungan, at tunay pong walang maiiwan. Ito ang resulta ng reporma, at ito ang ipinaglaban natin, at patuloy pang ipinaglalaban: Hindi ang pagpapanatili ng nakasanayan, kundi ang pagbabago ng sistema para makinabang ang lahat. Mga Boss: Binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataong pamunuan ang transpormasyon. Kung hinindian ko ang hamon na iniharap niyo sa akin, para ko na ring sinabi na tutulong akong pahabain ang inyong pagdurusa, at hindi maaatim ng konsensiya ko iyon. Kung tinalikuran ko ang pagkakataon, parang tinalikuran ko na rin ang aking ama't ina, at ang lahat ng inialay nila para sa atin; hindi po mangyayari iyon. Sa paghakbang sa tuwid na daan, pinili ninyo ang mabuti at ang tama; tumotoo kayo sa akin—at ako naman po ay tumotoo sa inyo. Ang transpormasyong tinatamasa natin ngayon, ay magagawa nating permanente sa gabay ng Panginoon, hangga't buo ang ating pananalig at tiwala. At hangga't nagsisilbi tayong lakas ng isa’t isa, patuloy nating mapapatunayan na, “the Filipino is worth dying for,” “the Filipino is worth living for,” at idadagdag ko naman po: “The Filipino is definitely worth fighting for.” Alam po ni Vice President na noong 1987, nagkasama kami, may kudeta, na-ambush po tayo doon, at tapos noon ay pangalawang buhay ko na po ito. Hindi natin maiiwasang mag-isip sa mga binubunggo natin, may araw kayang pagsampa ng entablado ay ito na ba huling araw, may magtatagumpay bang maglagay ng bomba; magtatagumpay ba iyong mga maiitim na balak ng atin pong mga katunggaling gusto tayong ibalik sa maling kalakalan. At kung dumating nga ang panahon pong iyon at natapos na po iyong ating pangalawang buhay, masasabi ko ho bang sa lahat po nang inaabot natin, ako po masasabi ko kuntento na ako. Kuntento na po ako dahil panatag ang kalooban ko na kung ako po’y mawala na dito, marami po ang magpapatuloy ng ating tinahak na; baka iyon lang po talaga ang papel ko, na umpisahan ito. Nandiyan po ang mga taong katulad ni Cardinal Chito Tagle, at ni Ka Eduardo Manalo, at tulad ni Brother Eddie Villanueva, Father Catalino Arevalo’t Father Jeff Villarin, Salvatier – sila po sa sektor na relihiyoso, itutuloy nila ang ating sinimulan. Meron pong Aris Alip ng CARD na magtutuloy sa kaniyang ambag pamamagitan ng micro finance. Nandiyan po ang isang Alice Murphy at ang kaniyang mga kasamahan sa Urban Poor Associates na talagang tutuluyan ang pangangalaga sa atin pong mga informal settlers. Nandiyan po ang ating mga sundalo at kapulisan na talagang araw-araw naman po pinipilit gawin ang tama, tulad ng ating bagong Chief of Staff, ang ating mga service commanders, mga sundalong light reaction battalion at mga JASIG. Iyon pong mga pulitiko may duda ba na dadalhin tayo ni Senate President Franklin Drilon at ni Speaker Belmonte sa tamang landas? Naging pribilehiyo ko rin ho makipagtrabaho at makipag-ugnayan sa isang Gov. Alfredo Marañon ng Negros Occidental, hindi ko po kapartido pero sa palagay ko naman po kasama rin niya ako sa fans club sa tama niyang pamamalakad sa Negros. Meron rin tayong mga humahangad na bago o mas bata sa aking pulitiko – ayaw ko naman pong sabihing makaluma na akong pulitiko sa pagtukoy sa mas bata – mga taong tulad ni Mayor Patrick Mabilog at Mayor Len Alonte. Meron din naman mga sektor na sabihin nating cultured katulad ni Noel Cabangon at ni Ogie Alcasid na hindi pansarili lang ang iniintindi. Gabi-gabi po, bago ako matulog, “Thank you, nakalagpas pa ako ng isang araw.” Kung sabi nga noong bata kami, “Finished or not finished, pass your paper,” ay dumating na sa akin. Palagay ko naman, nararamdaman kung anong pagbabagong karapatan ng bawat Pilipinong mangyari. Mga Boss, kayo ang gumawa ng transpormasyong ating tinatamasa. Kayo ang susi ng pagpapatuloy ng lahat ng positibong pagbabagong naaabot natin. Buong-buo ang tiwala ko: Nasa eksena man ako o wala, tutungo ang Pilipino sa tama niyang kalalagyan. Kaya hanggang dito na lang po ako. Magandang hapon sa lahat. Maraming salamat sa inyo.

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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue

31 July 2014

ALAN: Secretary, ano po ang mas bibigyan ng prayoridad ika nga ng kaukulang budget dito po sa kabuuan ng panukalang budget natin for next year, Sec. Sonny, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinakamalaking bahagi ay nauukol sa social services and social protection. Ito ay umaabot sa P967.9 billion at ito ay 37.1% ng kabuuan. Ang pinakamalalaking bahagi nito ay iyong sa Department of Education na halos P365 billion. Number one pa rin ang DepEd dahil sa tinatadhana ng Constitution that the highest budgetary allocations shall be for education. Hindi naman malayo doon iyong sa Department of Social Welfare na P109 billion, ang pinakamalaking bahagi katulad noong dati ay sa Conditional Cash Transfer Program na aabot na sa P78 billion. Dahil itataas pa sa limang milyong pamilya ang pagkakalooban nito from the yearend 2014 target na 4.3 million families, of which 4 million families na ang naitala noon pang nakaraang Hunyo. At iyong DOH ay merong P102 billion budget. Katulad ng dati ang malaking bahagi nito ay para sa Philhealth, for universal health care. Dadami pa rin lalo ang bilang ng mga sakop dito na sa ngayon ay umabot na sa 82% ng lahat ng Pilipino. Pagkatapos ng social services, sa economic services naman ay 700.2 billion o 27% ng ating budget. Iyong national defense din ay may pinakamataas na increase mula sa nakaraang taon, 29%. Although kung sa kabuuan ay 4% lamang ng budget, lalaki ito mula … lumaki ito sa P144 billion at batid naman natin, Alan, ang pinakamalaking bahagi nito ay para sa patuloy na modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Magkakamit tayo ng mga bagong air assets, naval assets at iba pang mga kagamitan para sa isang mas epektibong pagpapatupad ng kaayusan sa ating bansa at pagtatanggol din sa ating soberanya. Iyong General Public Services P423 billion; iyong sa interest payments ay P372.9 billion. Ang iba pang mga departamentong nasa mataas na bahagi ay iyong DPWH dahil ito ay para sa imprastruktura, umabot na sa P300 billion ang budget nito. At iyong Department of Agriculture naman halos P89 billion. Iyung DOTC bagama’t P59.4 billion lamang, pansinin natin ito iyong nagpapatupad ng mga pinakamalalaking proyekto sa imprastruktura, lalung-lalo na iyong sa mass transport system at iyong sa mga airports and sea ports. Mataas din iyong sa DENR dahil umabot na rin ng P21 billion at number 9 na ito. ALAN: Opo, iyon pong nabanggit ninyo, of course, sang-ayon sa nakatadhana sa Saligang Batas ay iyong Department of Education ang may pinakamataas na budget. Kasama po ba rito sa paglalaanan ay ang mga dagdag na mga classrooms at hiring ng dagdag na mga guro for next year, Sec. Sonny, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Kasama. Kasama doon. Importanteng bahagi iyon ng DepEd budget, imprastruktura para sa basic education. ALAN: Okay. At iyon pong mga pag sinabi pong school buildings eh siyempre nakapaloob na din po ba roon iyong mga upuan, mga mesa? SEC. COLOMA: Kasama na. Pati iyong water and sanitation. ALAN: Ayun. So talagang matindi ang pagtutuon ng pansin para sa edukasyon para sa susunod na taon. Nabanggit po ninyo na malaking bahagi din ng budget ng Department of Social Welfare and Development ay nakalaan para dito sa “4Ps,” iyong Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Ibig pong sabihin nito’y talagang dadagdagan pa ang scope? SEC. COLOMA: Sinabi ko na, Alan at itinaas na, itataas pa sa 5 million mula sa 4.3 million families. Binanggit ko na kanina. ALAN: So, it will be an additional 700,000 beneficiaries. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon na nga, Alan. Gusto pa nating mapalawig at mapalawak ang coverage nito. Bukod pa riyan ay itinaas na iyong coverage sa mga anak ng mga benepisaryong pamilya. Dati-rati hanggang doon lamang sa mga nag-aaral sa elementarya, ngayon ay itutuloy na hanggang matapos sila ng high school para mas tumaas iyong probabilidad na makakuha ng trabaho at kapag nakakuha ng trabaho ang kanilang kikitain ay halos 40 porsyentong mas mataas. ALAN: Ayon. Okay, Sec. Sonny nabanggit po ninyo iyong DENR. We understand na bukas ay meron po kayong ilo-launch kasama ang DENR at ang PCOO na isang advocacy campaign para sa Climate Change dito po sa National Capital Region, Sec. Sonny, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi rin iyan ng ating patuloy na pagtataguyod ng pagtugon sa mga hamon ng Climate Change ng para tayo ay maging handa sa pagdating ng mga unos at iba pang mga kalamidad at kinakailangang mapalalim at mapalawak ang kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan para makatugon sila sa tamang paraan para sa kanilang sariling kaligtasan at kapakinabangan. ALAN: Okay. Well, Secretary Coloma, Sir, muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the Palace. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan, sa iyo at sa ating mga tagasubaybay.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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31 JULY 2014 GSIS boosts network speed to improve service Statement on Libya repatriation Philippine Embassy in Beirut commemorates Mabini’s 150th Birth Anniversary Baldoz augments contingency team to assist in repatriation of OFWs from Libya OWWA-RWO 8 successfully held OFW Help Desk Officers Conference Bicol Region’s economy posts fastest growth in 2013 PCSHS, VABES to employ alternative delivery modes DTI widens reach to consumers through television DTI’s Presyo Diskwento Caravan helps 8k consumers in DavSur, generates P1.7-M sales Bangsamoro Basic Law to respect IP rights –Deles 17 years in the making: Full airline operations at NAIA T3 by July 31 Agri-chief urges local hog producers to prep for the ASEAN free trade Affordable SSS savings scheme reaches 74,000 workers from 748 ISGs Alcala: DAP allotment used to finance rural infrastructure buildup Former Sulu Prov’l Board Member indicted Kidapawan disbursing officer sacked by Ombudsman Women on top in skilled trades PNoy advances 2015 Budget for inclusive growth; Abad: Proposed P2.606-T 2015 Budget signals brighter dev't prospects

GSIS boosts network speed to improve service

Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is set to upgrade this August, its existing telecommunication lines and acquire additional bandwidth for its branch offices across the country, to further improve its service to members and pensioners. Under the project, GSIS will increase the telecommunication lines of remote GSIS offices to provide fast and reliable wide area network (WAN) connections and better network infrastructure support to GSIS employees in branch offices. “A stronger interconnection among GSIS offices will improve productivity and efficiency of our employees ultimately leading to the faster processing of benefits of our members and pensioners,” President and General Manager Robert Vergara said. A bandwidth of 2 Mbps (Megabits Per Second) will be installed in 20 big and medium branch GSIS offices (serving up to 30,000 members); 1 Mbps in nine small branch offices (serving less than 20,000 members); and 512 kbps (Kilobytes Per Second) in eight extension offices (serving less than 10,000 members). The increased bandwidth will also minimize network disruptions for more efficient sharing of data among offices. GSIS has not upgraded its telecommunication lines since 2006. Vergara said that along with the upgrade in telecommunication, the pension fund is leveraging on advances in technology to provide responsive and seamless services to its more than 1.7 million members and pensioners through various systems enhancements. This month, GSIS rolled out the Electronic Billing and Collection System (eBCS), a web-based application that enables the pension fund to send its billing statements for premium and loan amortization to government agencies electronically, and accept payments online. Also in December, GSIS will pilot the electronic GSIS Members On Line or eGSIS MO, a new web-based system that will allow GSIS members to update and create their service records. Initially, those members aged 59 years old and above, may access electronically their membership profile, premium payments, status of loan applications, loan repayments and balances, service records and Statement of Member’s Account. “We want to empower our members and pensioners by providing them access to their records real time,” Vergara said.

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Statement on Libya repatriation

Source: hhttp://www.dfa.gov.ph

The Department of Foreign Affairs reassures the public that repatriation efforts are on-going in Libya under Crisis Alert Level 4 (Mandatory Repatriation). At no point in time was it discontinued. Repatriation efforts are headed by Mr. Adelio Angelito Cruz, Chargé d'Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli and leader of the Rapid Response Team. The DFA remains committed to the protection of our nationals in Libya as evidenced by the continued presence of core Embassy personnel as well as the Rapid Response Team despite the highly volatile security situation in that country. We reiterate our call to our remaining nationals in Libya to immediately get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli and register for repatriation. The Philippine Government will shoulder the repatriation costs. To register for repatriation, Filipinos can contact the Embassy in Tripoli through the telephone numbers (00218) 918-244-208 / 914-370-399 / 945-348-481 and the e-mail addresses tripoli.pe@gmail.com and tripoli.pe@dfa.gov.ph. The Embassy's address is KM 7 Gargaresh Road, Abu Nawas, P.O. Box 12508, Tripoli. Families can also call DFA’s 24-hour hotlines (02) 552-7105 / (02) 834-4685 to register their relatives in Libya for repatriation. They may also call these numbers for any questions and concerns, or send their queries by e-mail to oumwa@dfa.gov.ph.

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Philippine Embassy in Beirut commemorates Mabini’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

30 July 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Beirut and members of the Filipino community in Lebanon commemorated the sesquicentennial birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini, the brains of the Philippine Revolution and the first Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs on on July 27 at the Chancery. This year’s theme is “Talino at Panindigan ng Taong may Kapansanan: Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran.” Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) sheltered in the Embassy’s Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Center also took part in the activity. The simple commemoration started with the singing of the Philippine national anthem, followed by the message of Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz and the reading of Apolinario Mabini’s timeline and the True Decalogue by Assistance-To-Nationals Officer Dexter Macaraeg. In her message, Philippine Ambassador Ruiz encouraged everyone to ensure that the heroic example set by Apolinario Mabini will serve as an inspiration towards raising public awareness on the rights of differently-abled persons and true appreciation for their potential and contribution to society. Starting July 23, the Embassy displayed a huge poster of the 150th commemoration at the façade of the building as well as posters featuring Apolinario Mabini’s timeline and True Decalogue at the waiting/interview room.

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Baldoz augments contingency team to assist in repatriation of OFWs from Libya

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Update on Libyan crisis Baldoz augments contingency team to assist in repatriation of OFWs from Libya Gearing up for a possible mass repatriation of OFWs from civil war-torn Libya and to ensure a smooth implementation of the government's evacuation plan just in case, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday has approved the augmentation of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Libya and the Philippine Rapid Response Team in Tunisia and Malta. "With orders to leave the country as soon as they are ready, the earliest by Tuesday next week, I am sending to Libya and Tunisia Welfare Officer Ron Lionel Bartolome and Labor Attache Naser Munder to assist in a possible repatriation of our OFWs," said Baldoz. "I have also issued a travel authority to Labor Attache Ramon Tionloc to go to Malta to join the country's Rapid Response Team. In Malta, Labor Attache Tionloc will perform the task of cooperating and coordinating with the Philippine Mission on assistance to OFWs who will transit in Malta from Libya before they fly back to the Philippines," Baldoz added. Also yesterday, the labor and employment chief issued an order to Milan, Italy-based Welfare Officer Cynthia Lamban to join Labor Attache Tionloc in Malta. She said the deployment of Munder and Bartolome to Libya and Tunisia will bring to six the DOLE's ground personnel in Libya, and further strengthen the POLO team there assisting OFWs. Presently in Libya are four officials, namely, Labor Attaches Nasser Mustafa and Melchor Dizon and Welfare Officers Eduardo Mendoza, Jr. and Lynol Fulgencio. "Munder, Bartolome, and Tionloc are crisis veterans. Bartolome was in Tunisia in the Libyan crisis of 2011, while Munder had been involved previously in not a few evacuation of OFWs in the Middle East. As to Tionloc, he, as a maritime expert, is also a veteran of several crises involving our OFWs. He will be in Malta to coordinate and assist in the negotiations for a chartered vessel that may be used to evacuate OFWs Libya. He had also been involved in this in 2011 when the Philippines chartered a vessel, the Ionian Queen which brought out from the port of Misurata 500 OFWs," Baldoz said. As to Labor Attache Mustafa, Baldoz said he was the DOLE's point man in Libya in 2011, while Welfare Officer Mendoza assisted in the evacuation of OFWs who exited Libya through Alexandria in Egypt, also in 2011. "With these officials on the ground, I am confident that our OFWs will be in safe hands and no harm will befall them." Here at home, Baldoz said the DOLE Quick Response Team headed by Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac yesterday reviewed the implementation of the DOLE's Assist WELL Program and have agreed to further strengthen the assistance and services being offered to OFW repatriates from Libya. The Assist WELL Program, adopted to address the Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, and Legal needs of OFWs repatriated due to emergency or crisis situations, is a component of the National Reintegration Program for OFWs. "The Welfare, Employment, Livelihood, and Legal Assistance Committees under the Assist WELL Program are functioning as envisioned. As of yesterday, a total of 623 out of 732 repatriates who have came home have been assisted under the Assist WELL Program," Baldoz said. On a related development, Baldoz said that in view of the on-going crisis between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, she had also issued a travel authority to Labor Attache Merriam Cuasay to proceed to Israel to coordinate and cooperate with the Philippine Embassy on the mandatory repatriation of Filipino nationals from the Gaza Strip. "I have also ordered Atty. Rudy Gabasan , the newly-designated labor attache to Israel, to already leave for Tel Aviv so he could fully assume his duties and perform his responsibilities," Baldoz concluded.

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OWWA-RWO 8 successfully held OFW Help Desk Officers Conference

Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph

21 July 2014 (Tacloban City) -- OWWA-RWO VIII successfully conducted the OFW Help Desk Officers Conference on July 17-18, 2014 at Kuting Reef, Macrohon, Southern Leyte wherein 19 out of 35 OHD Officers of various municipalities within the region had participated. OWWA-RWO VIII continues to abide its mission to protect and promote the interest and welfare of its members-OFWs, from insurance to loan programs, livelihood programs, and scholarships. All of these programs and services are constructed to meet the needs of every member and qualified beneficiaries. During the conference, Ms. Evangelina V. Filamor the Chief-PSD of OWWA-RWO 8 thanked the PESO Managers/OHD Officers for their active support on the implementation of the programs of the agency. Also, OWWA-RWO 8 conducted a re-orientation of OWWA Programs and Services, reviewed the performance of the OHD Officers, presentation of plans, and the participants were given a chance to vent out their concerns and have their queries answered. At the end of the day, all OHD Officers were grateful for the chance to widen their knowledge regarding the interventions of the agency and to help OWWA disseminate relevant information to member-OFWs. OWWA-RWO 8 and OHD Officers are planning more activities for the member-OFWs, to make them feel the presence of OWWA, and to enlighten them that there is an agency which is more than willing to respond to their needs.

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Bicol Region’s economy posts fastest growth in 2013

Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph

Bicol Region’s economy recorded the fastest growth among the country’s 17 regions in 2013. It grew by 9.4 percent in 2013, surpassing its growth of 6.9 percent in 2012. It was followed by: National Capital Region (NCR) with 9.1 percent; SOCCSKSARGEN, 8.4 percent; Caraga, 7.8 percent; and Ilocos Region, 7.7 percent. On the other hand, the economy of MIMAROPA posted the lowest growth rate at 1.7 percent in 2013, slower than its 4.8 percent in 2012. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was second lowest with 3.6 percent in 2013 – an improvement from its 1.1 percent growth in 2012. Western Visayas closely followed with 4.1 percent growth in 2013 which is relatively lower as compared to its 7.7 percent growth in 2012. Seven regions record accelerated growth Out of the country’s 17 regions, seven regional economies recorded accelerated growth from 2012 to 2013. The economy of Eastern Visayas rebounded from a 6.4 percent contraction in 2012 to a growth of 5.7 percent in 2013. Other regions which recorded faster growth in 2013 were: NCR, from 7.0 percent to 9.1 percent; Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), from 1.0 to 6.0 percent; Ilocos, from 5.2 to 7.7 percent; Bicol, from 6.9 to 9.4 percent; SOCCSKSARGEN, from 8.0 to 8.4 percent; and, ARMM, from 1.1 to 3.6 percent. Zamboanga Peninsula’s economic growth, on the other hand, suffered the biggest deceleration - from a growth of 12.9 percent in 2012 to a 4.3 percent growth in 2013. Other regions that slowed down in 2013 were: Cagayan Valley, from 8.1 to 6.6 percent; Central Luzon, from 6.5 to 4.3 percent; CALABARZON, from 7.3 to 6.7 percent; MIMAROPA, from 4.8 to 1.7 percent; Western Visayas, from 7.7 to 4.1 percent; Central Visayas, from 9.4 to 7.4 percent; Northern Mindanao, from 7.2 to 5.6 percent; Davao Region, from 7.4 to 6.8 percent; and, Caraga, from 10.7 to 7.8 percent. NCR continues to account for the largest share of the national economy NCR continued to have the largest share of the country’s total economic output with a 36.3 percent share in 2013, slightly higher than its 35.7 percent share in 2012. It was followed by CALABARZON with a share of 17.4 percent and Central Luzon with 9.0 percent. On the other hand, ARMM accounted for the lowest share to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 0.7 percent. In terms of contribution to the national GDP growth rate of 7.2 percent in 2013, NCR contributed the highest, at 3.2 percentage points; followed by CALABARZON with 1.2 percentage points; and Central Visayas with 0.5 percentage point. On the other hand, ARMM and MIMAROPA had less than 0.1 percentage point contribution. Real per capita GRDP of NCR nearly three times the national per capita GDP The average real per capita GDP of the Philippines increased by 5.3 percent or from PhP65,404 in 2012 to PhP68,897 in 2013. In 2013, NCR posted the highest per capita GRDP at PhP195,806, nearly three times the national average and is 10.5 percent higher than its per capita GRDP in 2012. Aside from NCR, two other regions, CALABARZON and CAR likewise had per capita GRDP higher than the national average at PhP84,657 and PhP76,284, respectively. Meanwhile, ARMM had the lowest per capita GRDP among the regions at PhP14,566.

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PCSHS, VABES to employ alternative delivery modes

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

PASAY CITY — In the interest of protecting the safety and welfare of its learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Pasay City suspended classes in Buildings A and B of Pasay City South High School (PCSHS) and Buildings A and B of Villamor Air Base Elementary School (VABES) after detecting cracks on their floors. DepEd Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC instructed both schools to implement contingency plans while the school buildings are being rehabilitated. “Just like in major calamities, this is only temporary but education should never stop. Both schools shall employ alternative delivery modes to prevent learning gaps. The school heads have met with parents and their full support, together with the faculty, the community, and the local government is expected." In PCSHS, the two three-story buildings affected have 40 classrooms serving 3,345 students in Grades 7, 8, 9 and 4th year high school. Online learning materials and printed modules prepared by the faculty will be distributed weekly for free in a span of one month until the temporary learning spaces are ready. PCSHS OIC-Principal Diosdado Rosales confirms the 24-hour construction of makeshift classrooms, “at this rate, we are optimistic that the 20 makeshift classrooms will be ready in a month. Once they are, we will implement a shifting class schedule to accommodate all of our students affected in both buildings. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Grade 7 and 4th year students will occupy the makeshift classrooms, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are for students in Grades 8 and 9.” In VABES, Buildings A and B have four and five-stories respectively, housing 55 instructional classrooms, the Property Office, Guidance Office, school clinic, gymnasium, canteen, and the home economics laboratory. Faculty-prepared modules will be distributed to the 4,273 students affected for 20 days until the 24 temporary classrooms are complete. VABES Principal Dr. Severo Bajado affirms that the normal shifting schedules will resume after the 20-day construction period, “as usual, the morning class will be composed of the first half of the kindergartners and the Grades 1, 3 and 6 pupils. The second half of the kindergartners and pupils from Grades 2, 4 and 5 are scheduled for the afternoon class.” The 51 students enrolled in VABES’ SPED program will not utilize the makeshift classrooms but instead, will conduct classes in the school library. The Nutrition Council of the Philippines in Fort Bonifacio is also being cleared out to make room for the additional 16 classrooms to be occupied by the 1,479 students residing in Taguig. All classes in all temporary learning spaces will resume simultaneously.

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DTI widens reach to consumers through television

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection Group (DTI-CPG) forged partnerships with the three top television networks to air its infomercials on exercising consumers’ rights and on sending Balikbayan boxes for the general public’s welfare. The infomercial on Consumer Rights is a 30-seconder television material that has a question and answer format on the usual instances of consumers concerning their purchase transactions. On the other hand, the infomercial on Balikbayan Boxes is a 15-seconder TV material showing a Filipino family with a father who is an overseas worker; the father properly sends a Balikbayan box home to his family that contains products for their personal use. "This is another level of our information campaign to get the public involved in understanding and taking action on their rights as consumers," DTI-CPG Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba said. “This time, the Department aggressively embarks on the field of television to reach out to more consumers from other areas of the country. For the past two years, the DTI has tapped the film sector and produced infomercials in theater format for captured viewing in cinemas prior to the showing of movies," he added. The DTI-CPG and its media partners decided to air the infomercials during the news programs of primetime television through ABC Channel 5, ABS-CBN Channel 2, and GMA Channel 7. In the 2012 interrelated studies on Filipino viewers and consumers of Kantar Media, TNS Philippines and Kantar World Panel, it reveals that of the 19M Filipino homes (whose members average between four and five), 80% own a television set and 40% of them watch television during morning and night primetime schedules. Undersecretary Dimagiba asserted, “We’re airing the infomercials for a month through the said television networks and we intend to sustain this program until the year ends subject to the availability of funds. But the materials are easily accessible from the DTI website (www.dti.gov.ph) and the Konsyumer Atbp Facebook (konsyumeratbp)." Consumers have eight rights to know and to exercise. These are: right to basic needs, right to safety, right to information, right to choose, right to representation, right to redress, right to consumer education, and, right to a healthy environment. Filipinos abroad have referred to a corrugated box as Balikbayan box wherein they send their pasalubong or goods and items to their family, relatives and friends back home in the Philippines. These Balikbayan boxes are shipped by sea freight forwarders that DTI regulate for accreditation.

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DTI’s Presyo Diskwento Caravan helps 8k consumers in DavSur, generates P1.7-M sales

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Presyo Diskwento Caravan has helped a total of 8,300 buyers in the province. The Presyo Diskwento Caravan is an initiative that aims to bring relief to consumers from the rising prices of goods. This is in partnership with other government agencies and the private sector. At least 10-% discount is given to the buyers for their purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities at the caravan’s venue. Basic necessities include canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, detergent/laundry soap, and rice. Prime commodities, on the other hand, include processed and canned meat, instant noodles, and toiletries (e.g. shampoo, bath soap). In Davao del Sur, four Presyo Diskwento Caravans have already been conducted as of July this year. The first was conducted in Bato, Sta. Cruz last May, with three participating suppliers/distributors. An amount of P262,500 was generated in sales from 1,200 buyers. The second leg was held in Kiblawan last 12-13 June, with six participating firms. It generated P576,500 in total sales from 1,600 buyers. The third was conducted last 17-18 June, still in Kiblawan, with just one participating firm. The said caravan generated a total sales of P728,500 from 2,500 buyers. The last one was conducted in Hagonoy last 4-5 July, with three participating firms which generated a sales of P430,305 from 3,000 buyers. DTI-Davao del Sur Officer-in-Charge Eulogio C. Orevillo said that the conduct of the Presyo Diskwento Caravans in the province is now becoming a response to the clamor of various local government units (LGUs). “Well, we have targets of our own but oftentimes, we conduct Presyo Diskwento Caravans in certain areas because the LGUs requested for it. There are also instances wherein we have already conducted a Presyo Diskwento Caravan in the said municipality but we go back and conduct another round again because of their request,” he said.

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Bangsamoro Basic Law to respect IP rights –Deles

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles in a meeting with leaders of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Mindanao on Friday affirmed that IP rights will be respected in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). “From the start, the government has been committed to IP rights. We will never allow you to become second-class citizens in Mindanao,” Deles told IP leaders in a meeting held at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on July 25. In attendance were representatives from the Teduray Justice & Governance, Gempa te Kelindaan ne Erumanen ne Menuv and Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID). Datu Roldan Babelon said that IP leaders are supportive of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Hindi kami aayaw sa peace agreement. Support kami doon sa Bangsamoro right to self-determination. (We will not say no to the peace agreement. We support the Bangsamoro’s right to self-determination),” he said. “Kami po ay magpapatotoo doon sa historical injustice na nakamit nila. Support kami na magkaroon na talaga ng peace ang Mindanao (We were witnesses to the historical injustice they experienced. We support achieving lasting peace in Mindanao).” Deles stressed that indigenous peoples, like the Bangsamoro people who form a minority in Mindanao, shall be respected in the future Bangsamoro region that will be created to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) by 2016. “The IPs are national minorities that are respected in the country,” she said. “We have always made sure in the peace process that the new Bangsamoro must be inclusive. That means there will be respect for minorities within this minority area (future Bangsamoro region),” Deles added. The peace adviser likewise mentioned that even MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim supports inclusivity in the Bangsamoro, quoting his statement during the signing of the CAB last March 27, “The CAB is not only for the MILF. It is for the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as well as much as it is for all the Muslim ethnic tribes, the Christian settlers, and the indigenous peoples in the prospective Bangsamoro government territory.” Provisions in BBL for IPs The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) drafted the BBL in line with the provisions of the CAB. The Office of the President received it in April and has made comments on the draft. Upon the request of the BTC, the draft is currently being discussed by the GPH and MILF peace panels to arrive at a mutually acceptable proposed law that will be submitted to Congress for passage this year. BTC Chair Mohagher Iqbal, also the MILF Peace Panel Chair, said last May during a meeting with the IP sector that the BTC has ensured the inclusion of IP concerns in the draft law. He mentioned some provisions in BBL, which include among others: the right of the IPs for native titles and respect to indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems, and political structures; right to an equitable share in the revenues from utilization of resources in their ancestral land; right to free and prior and informed consent; right to political participation including at least two reserved seats for the IPs in the parliament; right to basic services; and right to freedom of choice to self-identity.

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17 years in the making: Full airline operations at NAIA T3 by July 31

Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph

Abaya Confirms Transfer of 5 Major Airlines from Terminal 1 Starting Next Week Seventeen (17) years after the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awarded the concession agreement for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 project, the modern passenger terminal building (PTB) will finally be ready for full airline operations this coming July 31st. “We are extremely pleased to confirm that full airline operations will begin at NAIA Terminal 3 next week. Our gateway airport will now be able to welcome 3.5 million more passengers with modern facilities every year, and Terminal 1 will now be considerably decongested to improve passenger convenience,” DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya stated. “The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has informed us that Delta Airlines will have its first flight out of Terminal 3 on August 1st, while KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will move within the first week of August. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific will follow suit by the end of next month. These five carriers have the highest volume of international flights coming in and out of NAIA, so we look forward to giving them a new home,” Abaya added. This project was awarded in 1997, for supposed completion in 2002. Legal issues related to its bidding process mired the project, however, delaying its opening until 2008, and even then it was only 52% operational. Faced with this situation, then-DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas initiated talks with Terminal 3’s original contractor, Takenaka Corporation of Japan, to complete its facilities regardless of the ongoing cases. “When I assumed office in October 2012, I continued Secretary Roxas’ negotiations with Takenaka until we were able to convince them in July last year to finish the project. President Aquino’s Daang Matuwid promise calls for political will to prevail in order to deliver the government services our people deserve, so we made sure that 17 years and 4 administrations later, the whole Terminal 3 facility may be enjoyed by the public within this term,” Abaya remarked. Takenaka’s $ 40 million-contract began in August last year. Over the past one-year period, the Japanese firm has undertaken completion works for systems such as, flight information displays, computer terminals, gate coordination, landing bridges, and fire protection systems. As of 18 July 2014, around 85% of these works had been completed. Certain systems which are non-critical to full airline operations, such as the building maintenance system, will be completed within the year. The transfer of the 5 airlines will reduce Terminal 1’s annual passenger throughput from the current 8 million down to its design capacity of 4.5 million. This will free up more space at Terminal 1 and reduce the number of travelers affected by the ongoing rehabilitation works.

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Agri-chief urges local hog producers to prep for the ASEAN free trade

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged local hog producers to prepare for the upcoming ASEAN free trade in 2015, stressing that an open market would offer advantageous opportunities for the Philippine local hog industry. “Remember, ours is the only foot-and-mouth disease free country without vaccination in the Southeast Asia, and we must take advantage of that,” Alcala said during the opening program of the Philippine Swine Forum 2014, July 24 in Quezon City. The economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations aims to create a single market economy with free movement of goods, services and investments throughout the 10-member nations of ASEAN, including the Philippines. Aside from providing infrastructure and facilities, DA’s main concern pre-ASEAN free trade is modifying the country’s agricultural practices to match with international standards. “Dito po nakasalalay ang ating mga gawain para sa darating na pagkakataon. Gumawa po tayo ng paraan para tayo’y makapagluwas ng ating produkto,” he said. The country’s swine industry showed good performance in previous years because of the effective collaboration of the Department of Agriculture with the swine industry players, effecting benefits both to the hog producers and consumers. Data from the Philippine Statistical Authority reveal that for the first quarter of 2014, livestock production went up by 1.20% accounting for 15.44% of the country’s total agricultural output for the said period. The major source of growth came from the hog industry, which expanded by 1.25%. DA’s Livestock Development Council (DA-LDC) Executive Director Manuel Jarmin said that the swine industry has consistently dominated other livestock industries in terms of volume and value of production. “In fact for the last three years, the swine industry contributed the most to the growth of the livestock subsector,” he added. Dir. Jarmin said that in 2013, 2.01 million tons (liveweight) of hog valued at P 191.92 B was produced making hog commodity the 2nd (or next to palay – 19.82%) highest contributor, 13.48% of overall contribution to agriculture based on percentage distribution of value of production at constant price. Hog inventory as of 2014 is at 11.8 million heads, 65% from backyard farms and 35% commercial, while in 2010 majority of the supply comes from backyard (77%). “The government, thru the DA’s National Livestock Program (NLP) aims to maintain the country’s disease free status for FMD, reduce production cost and achieve cost-efficiency, self-sufficiency in pork, develop value added products for domestic and export markets, and export ventures to Asia and Middle East,” added Jarmin. DA has allocated P1.021 B from its total budget in 2014 for major strategies under the NLP including genetic improvement (PhP 288.49 M); disease and control eradication (PhP 152.524); research, extension support and training (PhP 155.049 M); postharvest and infrastructure development (PhP 30.526 M); market development assistance and export initiatives (PhP 20.4 M); and meat safety and quality thru the National Meat Inspection Service

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Affordable SSS savings scheme reaches 74,000 workers from 748 ISGs

Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph

Offering social protection for as little as P11 per day, the AlkanSSSya program of the Social Security System (SSS) has attracted more than 74,000 members from 748 informal sector groups (ISGs) nationwide as of May 2013. Amalia Tolentino, SSS AlkanSSSya Program Director, said informal sector workers who save at least P11 per day – about the price of cellphone load or softdrink --- can complete the minimum P330 monthly AlkanSSSya contribution based on a declared monthly income or “salary credit” of P3,000. “The growth in participating ISGs reflects the AlkanSSSya's appeal to the needs of informal sector workers such as affordability and convenience, especially since many among them have busy work schedules and tight budgets,” Tolentino noted. A total of 180 ISGs representing over 17,000 members joined the program within the first five months of 2014. Luzon-based groups account for 337 out of the 748 covered ISGs – nearly half of the nationwide total – while 179 ISGs were from the National Capital Region, 116 ISGs were from Visayas, and 116 ISGs were from Mindanao. To date, the transport industry accounts for about half of the AlkanSSSya-enrolled ISGs, including groups for operators and drivers of tricycles, jeepneys, trisikad, vans, shuttle buses and habal habal; motorboat and pumpboat operators; airport service providers; and bus dispatchers. A total of 332 out of these 389 transport-based ISGs are tricycle operators and drivers associations. Apart from transport workers' groups, other covered ISGs include associations for ambulant and market vendors, farmers and fisherfolk, jail inmates, garbage pickers, pottery makers, lay ministers, beach cottage owners, and members of cooperatives and community-based organizations, among others. Workers' savings are placed in a communal AlkanSSSya unit that houses dozens of secure box-type “piggy banks” owned by the ISG members. Recently, the SSS has also started the e-AlkanSSSya program, which primarily caters to job order (JO) and contractual workers in state-run institutions who are excluded from the mandatory coverage of the Government Service Insurance System.  “The e-AlkanSSSya employs automatic deduction of contributions from workers’ salaries and wages, which the government office will then remit to the SSS. Like the regular AlkanSSSya, this program helps promote an active SSS membership among workers by putting in place a system for the regular remittance of their SSS contributions, as facilitated by their respective organizations,” Tolentino explained. Out of the 106 government-based ISGs, 73 are enrolled in the regular AlkanSSSya program while 33 opted for the e-AlkanSSSya scheme. Workers benefiting from these partnerships include JO and contactual workers in government offices, barangay employees and tanod, street sweepers and daycare workers.

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Alcala: DAP allotment used to finance rural infrastructure buildup

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has confirmed that the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) actually helped accelerate theimplementation of the second phase of the World Bank-supported Mindanao Rural Development Program, which gave rise to a soon-to-commence nationwide countryside infrastructure buildup initiative called the Philippine Rural Development Program. Speaking at a farmers’ forum in Tuburan, Cebu, Alcala said on Friday that the Department of Agriculture used a total of P919.3 million from DAP as counterpart funds to co-finance with MRDP-participating local government units various infrastructure projects worth P2.3 billion. These included communal irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads,potable water facilities and single-lane bridges implemented around MRDP areas that include 225 municipalities from 26 provinces across Mindanao. “It is my obligation to tell you how the DAP funds were spent,” Secretary Alcala told farmers, fishers and local officials that included Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and 3rd District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia. Prior to DAP, MRDP was a slow-moving infrastructure and livelihood project because very few LGUs could afford the required counterpart funds, then pegged at 50%, said Alcala. To attract more takers and boost the number of realized projects, Alcala lowered the equity of LGUs to just 10%, with DA and World Bankabsorbing the combined 90% of the required share. The result: from merely 15% participation rate among LGUs as of July 2010, proposals dramatically increased so that MDRP component projectsbecame oversubscribed. Proposed infrastructure projects alone, at P10.5 billion, exceeded the P4.8 billion budget, MRDP records show. MRDP Phase 2 is now on its final stage of implementation. Based on latest available data from the MRDP Secretariat, DAP funds were used to complete the construction and rehabilitation of communalirrigation systems (CIS) with a total service area of 3,326 hectares, and the establishment of 21 units of potable water system. DAP funds also allowed the completion or rehabilitation of some 640.6 kilometers of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) and 377.9 linear meters ofsingle-lane bridges. DAP funds also enabled MRDP to carry out and further enhance its award-winning and globally-recognized geotagging tool to monitor theprogress and implementation of its projects, and prevent fraud or alternations in the project plans. Geotagging also helps prevent duplication and overlapping of identical projects by other agencies through collaboration of data. Using its own camera software installed on tablet computers, MRDP takes pictures of its projects to gather data such as geographicalcoordinates, accurate dates, elevation, terrain, and estimated land area. Geotagged data are then embedded into the global positioning system-aided Google Earth, which helps detect fabricated project designs and plans that do not conform to actual field conditions resulting in inconsistencies in information and reports. Geotagging, has in fact, helped the government to save at least P200 million in funds as it enhanced transparency of project bidding andprocurement, MRDP said in an earlier statement. MRDP’s innovation topped the Science of Delivery Awardees in the global Procurement for Complex Situation Challenge in 2011. “The World Bank took notice of these achievements and so we have now the PRDP in the pipeline, similar to MRDP but wider in scope as it will cover the entire country,” Alcala said. To be bankrolled largely from World Bank loan proceeds along with counterpart funds from LGUs and the Department, the P27.5-billion PRDP will be implemented over six years as the agency’s platform for inclusive growth and value-chain development and help create a climate-resilient agri-fisheries sector. Two-thirds (68%) of PRDP funds are allotted for infrastructure projects while the remaining percentage will go to value-chain agri-fishery enterprises. It will cover all 81 provinces in 16 regions. As an "upscale" version of the MRDP, the proposed PRDP aims to increase the agricultural and fishery productivity and incomes of small farmers and fishers through the establishment of needed infrastructure that include FMRs, bridges, CIS, and potable water systems. World Bank President Kim Jong Kim, who visited Manila, recently, said PRDP is scheduled for presentation to the international financialinstitution’s board of executive directors next month.

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Former Sulu Prov’l Board Member indicted

Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph

The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to criminally indict a former Sulu Provincial Board Member for failure to liquidate local funds amounting to P300,000.00. By Joint Resolution approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, the Office filed an Information against Alkhadar Loong for the crime of Failure of Accountable Officer to Render Accounts penalized under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). According to the Joint Resolution, Loong was an accountable public officer with respect to the local funds he received. Records of the case showed that as of 27 February 2009 Loong has yet to liquidate the amount of P300,000.00 he received in July and August 2008. The failure to render an account of such public funds to the Commission on Audit (COA) or to the Provincial Auditor for a period of two months after such account should have been rendered constitutes a violation of Article 218 of the RPC. Meanwhile, the charge for Malversation of Public Funds was dismissed for lack of probable cause while the administrative aspect of the complaint was dismissed for being moot and academic as he was re-elected in 2010.

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Kidapawan disbursing officer sacked by Ombudsman

Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph

For failing to liquidate a huge amount of public funds, the Disbursing Officer of the Kidapawan City, North Cotabato was meted out the penalty of dismissal from the service. In a Decision issued by the Office of the Ombudsman, Disbursing Officer Darwin Loyola was found liable for Serious Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct when he failed to liquidate his cash advances. Records show that Loyola had a shortage in his accountabilities amounting to P6,097,533.22 which was part of the cash advances granted to him for salaries and wages, allowances and honoraria of various personnel, teachers, job order workers, flash flood victims, senior citizens, and barangay tanods of Kidapawan City. The Office concluded that when Loyola was found short of his accountabilities and could not present the funds supposedly on hand, he is presumed to have taken the same for his personal benefit, thus causing undue injury to the government, as well as to the persons who were deprived of their salaries, wages, and benefits as a result of his illegal acts. “Flight is an indication of guilt,” the Decision remarked, considering that Loyola fled during the investigation. In addition to his dismissal from the service, Loyola faces the accessory penalties of forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from re-employment to any public office including government-owned and-controlled corporations. In so far as the related criminal case, the Office filed Informations for Malversation of Public Funds and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Loyola before the Regional Trial Court of Kidapawan City. Meanwhile, co-respondent accountant Rovir Ian Golosino was meted out the penalty of one month suspension without pay, for still issuing several cash advances to Loyola despite the latter’s unliquidated cash advances. As Galosino is no longer in government service, the penalty imposed was converted to a fine equivalent to his one month salary.

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Women on top in skilled trades

Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph

In various trades dominated by highly-skilled male workers, a number of females are successfully breaking the barriers. Last year alone, 53 percent of the total 1,765,757 technical vocational education and training or tech-voc graduates are women, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva said. "Reports from TESDA show that women are now actively participating in tech-voc training and are seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families," Villanueva said. Five of the Top 20 finalists in this year's Tatak TESDA Video Making Contest were female who have shown that through tech-voc, they could excel in their chosen trade and make a decent and stable living. From Cebu province, 24-year-old Ingrid Ponce is now making raves in a company in Japan as a welder. Aside from putting together metal plates, she has learned a new skill under the company, and can now operate a forklift. "Welding is not only a skill, it's an art," Ponce said, that's why she took Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II and Gas Metal Arc Welding NC II despite objections from her parents. With her current status, Ponce said she made the right decision in pursuing her dream job. Jonnalyn Navarossa of Tacloban City, took a course more popular among men, and excelled in it. After obtaining a National Certificate for Automotive Mechanic, she was hired in a firm run by Japanese managers. Navarossa said her training enabled her to land in a job that helped her sustain her family. But she's not stopping from dreaming of becoming a full-fledged engineer someday. Cristina Reyes, a former overseas Filipino worker of Pangasinan, on the other hand,finished a course on Massage Therapy and became a National Certificate II holder. She joined a group of massage therapists and did home service. With a growing number of clients, she sought the help of her school, Greenmont Systems International, in putting up her own spa, which she called the Habitat Spa. To help future trainees, Reyes said she also serves as livelihood trainer to out of school youth in their community. Like Reyes, Mary Gold Albano of Iligan City, is also running her own business. Her dream of learning creative design and graphic techniques led her to the Iligan Computer Institute Inc. Where she finished Visual Graphic Design NC III. She now operates her own small shop, which gives her an everyday challenge of turning brilliant ideas into good design, such as logos and artworks. "Everyday is a learning experience," she said, adding that because she loved what she was doing, it was as if she was not working at all. Andylyn Barona of South Cotabato graduated valedictorian of her batch, but could not enter college, so she took the tech-voc route. Soon after, she became a National Certificate II holder in PC Operations. With this, employment came quickly as she was hired by a fishing company. She now heads the Management Information Systems department of the company. Adding a feather on her cap is a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, which she obtained while working. "If not for my tech-voc training, I would not have found a job and finish a degree," Barona said.

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PNoy advances 2015 Budget for inclusive growth; Abad: Proposed P2.606-T 2015 Budget signals brighter dev't prospects

Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph

President Benigno S. Aquino III—through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)—today submitted the government’s proposed P2.606-trillion 2015 National Budget to Congress, in fulfillment of the Administration’s commitment to further facilitate rapid, inclusive, and sustainable growth in the country. The Administration’s proposed expenditure program for 2015 is 15.1 percent higher from the current year’s P2.265-trillion budget, representing 18.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and reflecting the jump in the Administration’s growth assumption of 7.0-8.0 percent for 2015. “Our proposed spending program is an expression of the President’s unerring commitment to bring inclusive socio-economic development to the people. In 2011, we started our budget reform agenda from the jump-off point of good governance, with the end goal of lifting more Filipinos out of poverty. “It has been four years since President Aquino assumed his position, and the 2015 proposed Budget—aptly themed Kaunlaran Para sa Lahat—shows the progression of our priorities. Now that we’ve set many of the critical foundations of good governance, we’re working harder at bringing inclusive growth to the country through transparent, accountable, and participatory budgeting,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. According to Abad, the 2015 Budget takes off from the achievements that the Administration has so far recorded over the last four years, including various fiscal reform accomplishments, as well as several groundbreaking investments in social protection and economic services. “The Philippines was once considered the weak man of Asia, so to speak. By now, however, we’ve earned quite a reputation as one of the region’s most promising economies, given the expansion of our GDP and our unprecedented governance gains. “This time around, the challenge is for us to make public spending even more efficient and effective, especially in the wake of the previous year’s calamities. Thousands of Filipinos are still recovering from the effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda and other disasters that struck the country in 2013, and this budget—in line with the Administration’s Philippine Development Plan—will carefully account for these communities’ needs. No one should be left behind; this principle is the driving force of our 2015 expenditure program,” Abad said. ALLOCATION BY SECTOR Social services continue to take the lion’s share of the proposed 2015 budget, attesting to the Administration’s continuing pursuit of its antipoverty goals. Social protection and welfare services—which include the provision of basic education and universal health care—account for 37.1 percent of the proposed expenditure program, with P967.9 billion now devoted to the sector. This amount is 15 percent higher than the P841.8 billion that currently supports social services under the 2014 National Budget, and will allow the Administration to strengthen its K-12 program, as well as the Universal Health and Conditional Cash Transfer programs. Economic services are still a major mover in the President’s inclusive growth campaign, with the 2015 proposed budget directing P700.2 billion towards this sector. This comprises 4.9 percent of the country’s GDP and accounts for 27 percent of the expenditure program for the next fiscal year.  At least P339.4 billion in funds will go towards various infrastructure programs, including the construction of national roads and integrated transport systems nationwide. FY 2015 Proposed Budget By Expense Class (in billions) PARTICULARS Levels2015 Percent Share2015 Growth Rate2014-2015 Percent of GDP2015 Economic Services      700.2              26.9            18.1 4.9 Social Services      967.9              37.1            15.0 6.8 Defense      115.5                4.4            29.0 0.8 General Public Services      423.1              16.2            16.7 3.0 Net Lending        26.5                1.0              6.2 0.2 Interest Payments      372.9              14.3              5.7 2.6 TOTAL   2,606.0            100.0            15.1 18.4 TOP 10 DEPARTMENTS TOP TEN DEPARTMENTS (In million pesos)  Department 2015 Budget Rank DepEd 364,958 1 DPWH 300,519 2 DND 144,036 3 DILG 141,423 4 DSWD 108,970 5 DOH 102,178 6 DA 88,818 7 DOTC 59,463 8 DENR 21,290 9 JUDICIARY 20,285 10

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Last Updated: 28 JULY 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a standing ovation after delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28, 2014). Also in photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon. (Photo by Lauro Montellano jr / Rey Baniquet / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a standing ovation after delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III is shown with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon, before delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the legislators upon arrival for the 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 28). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the Apolinario Mabini Museum to formally open the museum during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). The modernized museum features Mabini’s life and legacy, and historical artifacts which highlight Mabini’s role in the Philippine-American war in 1899. With theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Batangas 3rd District Representative Nelson Collantes and Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the Apolinario Mabini Museum to formally open the museum during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). The modernized museum features Mabini’s life and legacy, and historical artifacts which highlight Mabini’s role in the Philippine-American war in 1899. With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Batangas Vice Governor Jose Antonio Leviste II. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a commemorative stamp presented by Philippine Postal Corporation postmaster general and chief executive officer Josie dela Cruz during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivities aims to honor Mabini, "The “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a commemorative coin presented by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo is Philippine Postal Corporation postmaster general and chief executive officer Josie dela Cruz. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the Apolinario Mabini Museum to formally open the museum during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). The modernized museum features Mabini’s life and legacy, and historical artifacts which highlight Mabini’s role in the Philippine-American war in 1899. With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Batangas 3rd District Representative Nelson Collantes and Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the Apolinario Mabini Museum to formally open the museum during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). The modernized museum features Mabini’s life and legacy, and historical artifacts which highlight Mabini’s role in the Philippine-American war in 1899. With theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a commemorative stamp presented by Philippine Postal Corporation postmaster general and chief executive officer Josie dela Cruz during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23, 2014). With theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the Apolinario Mabini Museum to formally open the museum during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). The modernized museum features Mabini’s life and legacy, and historical artifacts which highlight Mabini’s role in the Philippine-American war in 1899. With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, "The Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo is Batangas 3rd District Representative Nelson Collantes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Batangas 3rd District Representative Nelson Collantes, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are Batangas 3rd District Representative Nelson Collantes, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Tanauan City Mayor Antonio Halili. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Mabini Shrine in Barangay Talaga, Tanauan City, Batangas on Wednesday (July 23). With the theme: “Mabini: Talino at Paninindigan,” the yearlong festivity aims to honor Mabini, the “Sublime Paralytic,” as the brains behind the Philippine revolution. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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)
			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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