Weather Watch
24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 08 July 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level WindAnalysis for 8 a.m., 08 July 2014 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 08 July 2014 |  Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
At 4:00 AM today, the eye of Typhoon "FLORITA" was located based on all available data at 530 km northeast of Basco, Batanes (24.3ºN, 126.0ºE) with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph and gustiness up to 220 kph. It is forecast to move north northwest at 20 kph.
Forecast:
Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA and the Provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas will have monsoon rains. The rest of Luzon and Visayas will experience occasional rains. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over the country and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
PAGASA: At 4:00AM today, the eye of Typhoon "Florita" was located based on all available data at 530km northeast of Basco, Batanes (24.3ºN, 126.0ºE) with maximum sustained winds of 185kph and gustiness up to 220kph. It is forecast to move north northwest at 20kph.
FORECAST: Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA and the Provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas will have monsoon rains. The rest of Luzon and Visayas will experience occasional rains. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over the country and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
FORECAST: Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, MIMAROPA and the Provinces of Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna and Batangas will have monsoon rains. The rest of Luzon and Visayas will experience occasional rains. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over the country and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.
Weather Watch
July 8 , 2014 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Sunny
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Sunny
RIZAL : Partly
Cloudy
QUEZON
: Cloudy
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 4A in coordination with the different Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (PDRRMO) have scheduled a series of meetings to discuss the level of disaster preparedness of each province in anticipation of the onset of the rainy season which may cause typhoons and heavy monsoon rains-induced disasters. Each province will host a meeting with the following tentative schedule: July 8, Laguna; July 16, Cavite; July 18, Batangas; July 23, Rizal; and July 25, Quezon.
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The PDRRMC-Quezon will be holding a tsunami evacuation drill in Quezon province on July 18 with the participation of the municipalities of Real, Infanta, General Nakar, Mauban, Atimonan, Perez, Panukulan, Burdeos, Polilio, Patnanungan and Jomalig. Dr. Henry Buzar of PDRRMC said the activity aims to promote cooperation and networking to increase capacity in responding to disasters and reducing losses.
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 4A and the Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) led the provincial observance of National Disaster Consciousness Month today at the capitol grounds, Lucena City. With the theme 'Kahandaan at Kaligtasan ng Pamayanan, Pundasyon ng Kaunlaran' OCD 4A Dir. Vicente Tomazar urged the public to be self-reliant in responding to any occurrence of calamity.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Namahagi ang pamahalaang lungsod ng mga garbage bins sa iba't ibang departamento ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas na layong maipagpatuloy ang commitment ng pamahalaang lokal upang mapanatili ang Luntiang Batangas at mapaigting ang kampanya sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at pangangalaga ng kapaligiran.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 30 katao ang nakilahok sa isinagawang pagsasanay ng Office of the City Veterinarian and Agricultural Services ukol sa hygienic handling of meats na layong magbigay ng sapat na kaalaman sa mga meat vendor, tauhan ng slaughterhouse at meat stall owner ng tamang kalinisan at paghawak ng karne.
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 | Malacañang marks the founding of the Katipunan | ||
| Palace sees steady growth in tourism industry | ||
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| 64 OFWs from Libya arrive in Manila |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 7 July 2014 - Sixty four (64) overseas Filipino workers from Libya arrived in Manila last Saturday, July 5, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1. The first batch composed of 20 repatriates arrived at 4:35 p.m. on board flight EK332. The second batch composed of 44 repatriates arrived at 10:10 p.m. on board flight EK334. Representatives from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration briefed the repatriates upon their arrival. This brings the total number of Filipino repatriates from Libya to 394. The DFA continues to urge our nationals in Libya who wish to return home to get in touch with the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli and avail of the voluntary repatriation offer under government expense. Their families may also call the 24-hour hotline numbers in the DFA if they have further questions and concerns. |
| PHL stands with Int’l Community vs Nuke terrorism |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 07 July 2014 - – The Philippines joined the partner nations of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) at its Implementation and Assessment Group Meeting that was held from July 1 to 4 at the Lotte Hotel, Seoul. As a subscribing state to the GICNT since 2010, the Philippines was represented at the meeting by Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Nuclear Safeguards and Security Section Head Julietta Seguis, Deaprtment of Foreign Affairs Desk Officer for Disarmament Affairs Merwin Valeza, and Philippine Embassy Attaché Jhoanna Jarasa. Deputy Foreign Minister Dong-ik Shin expressed appreciation to GICNT partner nations for their collaborative efforts in “addressing the shared threat of nuclear terrorism that has no borders” citing the grave threat posed by nuclear terrorism to nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapons states. Ms. Christine R. Martin, US Coordinator of the GICNT, commended the Philippines for “its active contribution towards strengthening the international nuclear security regime.” At the meeting, the Philippines affirmed its commitment to promote and advance the work of the GICNT in the areas of detection and response, and mitigation, citing the Philippines’ contribution to strengthening global nuclear security through the hosting of the CBRN Centre of Excellence and the operation of radiation portal monitors at the ports of Manila and Cebu. Since its inception in 2006 under the stewardship of the US and Russia, the GICNT has expanded to 85 partner nations and four observer organizations and has worked to strengthen the global capacity to prevent, detect and respond to nuclear terrorism. |
| End-June 2014 GIR rises to US$80.7 billion |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| Preliminary data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to US$80.7 billion as of end-June 2014, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 This level was higher by US$0.5 billion than the end-May 2014 GIR of US$80.2 billion. The GIR remains ample as it can cover 11 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 7.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.7 times based on residual maturity.2 The increase in reserves was due mainly to the revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings, net foreign currency deposits by the Treasurer of the Philippines (TOP), and income from the BSP’s investments abroad. These inflows were partially offset by payments for maturing foreign exchange obligations of the National Government (NG). Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also increased to US$80.7 billion as of end-June 2014, compared to the end-May 2014 NIR of US$80.2 billion. ---------------------- 1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th. 2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. |
| Inflation edges lower to 4.4 percent in June |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| Headline inflation decelerated slightly to 4.4 percent year-on-year in June from 4.5 percent in May. The June inflation reading was within the BSP’s forecast range of 4.1-5.0 percent for the month. This brought the year-to-date average inflation rate to 4.2 percent, within the Government’s inflation target range of 4.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2014. Core inflation—which excludes certain food and energy items to better capture underlying price pressures—eased to 2.8 percent in June from 3.1 percent in the previous month. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, the consumer price index increased by 0.1 percent. The slightly lower June headline inflation reading was due largely to slower increases in prices of non-food items. In particular, the downward adjustment in electricity charges and price reductions in LPG and kerosene products more than offset the tuition fee hikes for the current school year. By contrast, food inflation increased further as most food commodities, particularly rice, meat, eggs, oils, vegetables (i.e., garlic, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, and pechay), and sugar posted higher prices due to limited domestic supply. Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. indicated that the BSP will continue to monitor evolving price trends, particularly the prospects of second-round effects of supply-side pressures. The BSP stands ready to undertake appropriate measures as needed to safeguard its price and financial stability objectives. |
| DOJ and SEC establishes merger control regime |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
| To effectively set up the country's merger control regime based on existing provisions of law, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed today a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for guidelines on merger regulation. “Our partnership with SEC will provide a new dimension to anti-competitive mergers enforcement and enable the DOJ - Office for Competition (OFC) to help evaluate the likely impact of proposed mergers on competition,” said Secretary Leila M. De Jima. The MOA provides for the notification of merger or consolidation applications, the timeline and procedure to assess such applications, and preparation of report, among others. In addition, it seeks to define the roles of both parties whenever applications for merger or consolidation are submitted to the SEC. “Part of our commitment in this cooperation is the issuance of a Memorandum Circular to give notice to all entities concerned for the effective implementation of the guidelines,” said SEC Chairperson Teresita J. Herbosa. Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Head of the OFC, noted that this joint initiative stems from the Terms of Reference for the Working Groups adopted in 2013 where the SEC, as Co-Chair of OFC Working Group on Business and Economics, is responsible, among others, to monitor reported transactions involving mergers of corporations, acquisitions, consolidations, and other anti-competitive conduct in the market or concerned industries. The DOJ, through the OFC, as the country's competition authority, is mandated, among others, to provide a level playing field for market players and safeguard consumer welfare. |
| DPWH to plant 772,900 trees in Eastern Visayas |
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
| The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to plant 772,900 trees to replace some 7,729 trees affected by the on-going 222-kilometer Samar Road Rehabilitation Project under the United States - Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Grant Secondary National Roads Development Program. DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the Tree Replacement Program is in compliance to the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) requiring DPWH to plant one hundred (100) tree seedlings as replacement to every tree cut within the project’s road right of way (RROW). Also, to generate additional income for local residents, the DPWH tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to utilize Pantawid Pamilyand Pilipino (2Ps) beneficiaries in the planting of these trees. “The Tree Replacement Program as well as the utilization of the 3Ps families in the tree- planting will contribute to the government’s National Greening Program and the Millennium Development Goals on the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, and at the same time ensuring environmental sustainability, said Secretary Singson. DPWH has initiated partnership with the DENR in the “Tree Replacement Program” inasmuch as they have the expertise and the mandate. The DENR will identify the suitable plantation sites that can accommodate the total number of trees to be planted including preparation of work plan for each site. The DPWH and DENR will also include the typhoon “Yolanda” damaged mangrove areas along the coastal towns. “We have to rehabilitate these damaged mangrove areas and restore them as natural protection agents of communities and ecosystems from strong waves, soil erosion and siltation”. said Singson. The Tree Replacement Program for the Samar Road Project manifests DPWH commitment not only in building national roads but also ensuring environmental sustainability in these areas. The road project traverses the municipalities of Paranas (Wright) and Hinabangan in Samar, and Taft, Sulat, San Julian, Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, Hernani, General Mac Arthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes, and Guiuan in Eastern Samar. |
| Customs X-Ray machines boost revenues at NAIA |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| New X-Ray machines deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have generated incremental revenues as the Bureau of Customs (BOC) beefed-up its capability to detect highly taxable items such as jewellery, luxury watches, designer bags, undeclared foreign currencies and even prohibited drugs hidden in travellers’ luggage. “So far, the new fixed X-Ray machines in NAIA have made significant headways in ensuring that duties and taxes are properly paid, and at the same time, prompted the seizure of undeclared, high-value items,” said JulitoDoria, Office-in-Charge of the BOC X-Ray Inspection Project. Doria noted that BOC-NAIA alone collected revenues of P972,977.50from May to June 2014 from duties and taxes paid by airline passengers on goods detected in their luggage by X-Ray. These items include luxury watches, electronic goods of commercial quantity, assorted machine parts and jewelry. Last May, four state-of-the-art fixed baggage NutechX-ray machines were deployed at NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3—the first tranche of eight (8) fixed baggage X-Ray machines purchased by the BOC early this year. Aside from NAIA, two (2) other X-Ray machines have also been deployed at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport; and one (1) each at the Clark International Airport in Pampanga and the Kalibo International Airport in Aklan. The Bureau allocated about P145-Million for the purchase of new X-Ray machines. “The additional x-ray machines will allow us to better detect contraband goods being smuggled in by airline passengers, rather than just relying on profiling techniques. It will allow us to release luggage faster and improve the traveling experience for passengers,” Doria added. Improving customs processes at the country’s airports is a priority project of Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla. Last April, BOC scrapped the mandatory Customs Declaration Form for passengers arriving on international flights if they carry only goods that are duty-free and required passengers to queue at either the red or green lane for customs clearance at the airport. The Green lane is for those with “Nothing to Declare,” meaning they do not have items in their baggage that are not subject to duties and taxes, can be brought-in duty-free and are not subject to any import prohibition, regulation or restriction. On the other hand, the Red lane is for passengers who bring-in goods are subject to import duties or taxes, are above the exempted Customs limits, or are prohibited, controlled or regulated by several statues. The Bureau plans to procure additional fixed X-Ray machines this year, aside from at least six hand-held X-Ray units and four mobile X-Ray machines. These will be deployed in international airports in the country, including those inLaoag and Davao. In tandem with the X-Ray machines, the BOC will also install close-circuit television systems (CCTV), initially at the NAIA. The acquisition of CCTVs is expected to be completed next year. |
| Customs donates seized laptops to DepEd |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| The Bureau of Customs (BOC) turned-over 3,915laptop computers to the Department of Education (DepEd) to beef up its computerization program which deploys computer packages to public elementary and high schools nationwide to support the teaching and learning process. The computers, entry-level ASUS laptops, were seized in December 2011 from consignee ORZA Marketing for undervaluation and misdeclaration. Section 2503 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines mandates outright seizure and forfeiture in favor of the government if the discrepancy between what the importer declared and what was found by the customs examiners has a difference of over 30% in terms of value, volume or weight. However, as the specifications and features of the personal laptops are not suitable for business use, Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla opted to donate these to DepEd to support its Computer Training and Educators and Resource for Students (CompuTERS) Program, which aims to bring access to computer technology to more than 20 million learners and more than 600,000 teachers across 46,603 elementary and secondary schools nationwide. “While the donation was approved in 2012, it took time to waive the storage, demurrage and other port charges. It is our goal to expedite the disposition of forfeited items so that we can help decongest the ports and maximize returns—whether in terms of revenues or other non-monetary benefits—for our government and our people. Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI), operator of the Port of Manila; and the shipping lines concerned waived their charges to expedite the donation and transfer of the laptop computers to DepEd. |
| Multinational solar company sets good example of compliance to labor standards |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has lauded SunPower, a leading solar technology and energy services provider, for limiting its contracted employees to non-core business and ‘regularizing’ its employees who were previously hired as ‘contractuals’ or agency hires. A multinational company, SunPower maintains two manufacturing facilities in the Philippines: a solar cell manufacturing plant at the First Philippine Industrial Park in Sto. Tomas, Batangas and a solar panel assembly plant at the Laguna Technopark in Biñan, Laguna. More than 3,000 employees at the two facilities produce high reliability, high efficiency solar cells and solar panels for export around the globe. “Your company is a good example of how to address the recurring issue of contracting and sub-contracting in the Philippines. I hope other companies will follow your lead,” said Secretary Baldoz jovially after hearing the experience of SunPower Philippine from Michael Panlaqui, SunPower Philippines director for human resources, during the latter’s message before Labor Law Compliance Officers of DOLE Regional Office No. 4-A who assembled for a consultation and dialogue with Baldoz in Calamba City recently. As part of his message, Panlaqui said SunPower Philippines limited its engagement to only legitimate subcontractors. “We adhere to labor laws, standards, and orders, including D.O. 18-A, issued by Secretary Baldoz in 2011 to clarify the issue of subcontracting. In compliance with the law, Sunpower only subcontracts services that are not part of its core business, such as janitorial and maintenance services, security, employee transport, and canteen operations. Now in its tenth year in the Philippines, Sunpower continues to make a positive impact to the community through its numerous Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) projects, including initiatives that promote the use of clean, renewable solar energy. Under its School Electrification Program, over 60,000 pupils in close to 200 public schools, mostly in remote rural areas, have been given access to solar energy. The company is also a partner of the DepEd’s Adopt-a-School program, providing much needed assistance and support to the public schools in its host communities. SunPower recently announced further expansion in the country, with construction of a new 350-megawatt (MW) solar cell manufacturing facility in Laguna. The new plant is expected to employ hundreds of highly-skilled workers, while continuing to contribute to the local economy. Upon hearing SunPower’s experience, Baldoz urged other companies to follow its example. “When I issued D.O. 18-A, I looked into the issue of subcontracting on two aspects. The first aspect was to harmonize and set in place stricter regulations on subcontracting to eliminate the proliferation of fly-by-night subcontractors. The second aspect was how to ensure that all employers or companies and their subcontractors in the supply chain are compliant with all labor laws,” she explained. According to Baldoz, D.O. 18-A is supported by both labor and employers and was forged at the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council after exhaustive and extensive consultations and discussions which took five months. “D.O. 18-A, I believe, is leading us to achieve its aim of professional and ethical subcontracting where subcontractors are compliant with labor standards and occupational safety and health standards,” she observed. “More than two years after its issuance, we have removed fly-by-night subcontractors that cannot comply with the stringent requirements of D.O. 18-A. What remains now are legitimate subcontractors who comply with labor laws and are registered with the DOLE under the requirements, terms, and conditions of D.O. 18-A,” she finally said. |
| Baldoz extol two regional officials for spending 'best years' of their lives with DOLE |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Cagayan de Oro City--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended Regional Director Allan Macaraya and Assistant Regional Director Crispin Danug for their years of excellent public service at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Regional Director Macaraya and Assistant Regional Director Dannug have recently left the DOLE after reaching their mandatory retirement age, each serving the DOLE for over 30 years. Ang sarap ng pakiramdam nila kasi they will start another chapter of their lives na malalakas pa ang kanilang katawan. Biyaya ito ng Diyos. They will have more stress-free time to spend with their loved ones," said Baldoz in a well-attended appreciation ceremony in honor of the two retirees at the N Hotel in this city. “We have witnessed the many years of dedicated service of our two colleagues in the Department. Maraming nagpapasalamat sa kanilang napakahabang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan at sila ay nag-iiwan ng maraming legacy. Ang ating pasasalamat na ito ay hindi magkakasya in terms of written accolades," said Baldoz. Baldoz extolled Directors Macaraya and Dannug for being honest and hardworking public servants. "Their names and reputations are unsullied and this is more than their retirement rewards; higit pa sa materyal na kayamanan na hindi natin mababayaran o matutumbasan ang inilaan nilang buhay sa paglilingkod. Both DOLE officials are good examples of dedicated public servants who have touched the lives of our clients and stakeholders in the regions where they had been assigned. “Ikinararangal ng DOLE ang mahusay, maayos, at marangal na paglilingkod nina Allan Macaraya at Crispin Dannug sa regional operations. Palaging lilimiin ng mga staff sa regions ang magagandang halimbawa ng tapat, mahusay, at mabilis nilang serbisyo Ang kanilang dangal hindi lang personal, kung hindi dangal na rin ng pamilya at mahal sa buhay, ay hindi nabahiran ng anumang dumi sa mahabang panahon,” said Baldoz. She also thanked Directors Macaraya and Dannug for their tireless effort to help uplift the lives of workers in the regions where they were assigned. “Words are not enough para kami ay magpasalamat sa inyo. I am sure na magpapatuloy ang ating pagtulong sa manggagawa through your continued engagement with the DOLE,” said Baldoz, saying the DOLE remains open to collaboration with the two officials on labor and employment matters. "We belong to the DOLE family. The doors of the DOLE are always open to all retirees," she added. In his long years of service, Macaraya has been assigned in the DOLE Central Office, DOLE National Capital Region, Region 7, and Region 10. On the other hand, Dannug, who started as a publication officer at the DOLE Central Office, has worked in Regions 8, 4-B, and Region 10 before he retired. |
| Roxas to PNP: Intensify campaign vs. Hoarders, price manipulators |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today directed the Philippine National Police to intensify its campaign against hoarders of rice and other basic commodities, with the end in view of breaking cartels possibly responsible for the soaring cost of food. Roxas, at the same time, lauded the efforts of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for the series of successful operations that led to the discovery of more than 170,000 bags of rice from several rice mills, 80,000 of which are suspected to be involved in hoarding activities and are repacked and mixed with other types of rice for reselling. “I expect the PNP to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to break the operations of criminal groups responsible for hoarding and price manipulation of basic commodities,” Roxas said during an inspection of one of the raided rice mills in Cupang, Muntinlupa. “I commend the PNP-CIDG under Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong for the successful operations against suspected rice hoarders. These efforts will definitely jumpstart our campaign to put behind bars those responsible for hoarding and help bring down the cost of food,” he added. Roxas directed the PNP to crackdown on price manipulators last Thursday shortly after President Aquino asked law enforcers to investigate and file cases against those behind the artificial increase in the prices of essential commodities such as rice, garlic, ginger, pork, chicken, and milk. “Inaaasahan ko na gagawin ng PNP ang lahat para matunton kung mayroon talagang cartel na responsable sa pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” the DILG chief said. “Kailangang bigyan ng prayoridad ang kampanyang ito dahil biktima ng krimeng ito ang milyon-milyong Pilipino na dumaraing sa mataas na presyo ng pagkain. Hindi katanggap-tangap na may pamilyang magugutom dahil lamang may ilan kababayan tayong mapagsamantala,” he added. In his report to the DILG Secretary, Chief Supt. Magalong said the PNP-CIDG assisted the NFA in inspecting 12 warehouses suspected to be involved in rice holding. The inspection led to the discovery of 170,263 bags of rice found stacked in the warehouses, 80,000 of which are suspected to be involved in hoarding activities and are repacked and mixed with other types of rice for reselling. Two of the warehouses, which were personally inspected by Roxas and Magalong early Sunday (July 6) morning, yielded 14,996 bags of NFA rice and 4,580 bags of commercial rice, most of which were observed to be unfit for human consumption. During inspection of Warehouse #A1 and #A2, in JY & Son Compound., Km. 23, West Service Road., Cupang, Muntinlupa City, a commercial rice milling machine believed to be used for polishing inferior quality and old stock rice was also discovered. According to NFA Administrator, Arthur O. Juan, violation of Presidential Decree No. 4 and possible violation of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, were committed by the owner of the establishment. Roxas explained that under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, the PNP and other law enforcent units may be deputized to monitor and inspect warehouses for possible hoarding and diversion of NFA rice. The Price Act passed in 1992 forbids three methods of price manipulation of basic or prime commodities including rice: hoarding; profiteering; and, creating a cartel to cause a spike in prices. According to the Web site of the Philippine Statistical Authority - Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (PSA-BAS), the prevailing retail prices per kilogram of commercial rice as of Thursday (July 3) stood at P40 for regular-milled rice, P42 for well-milled, and P45 for premium rice, while fancy rice cost P50/kg. Latest figures from the agency’s Price Situationer of Selected Agricultural Commodities showed that the prices of the staple grain increased in Cebu City, Zamboanga City, and Tuguegarao, with special rice costing P5 per kilogram more in Baguio, and regular milled rice up by P4/kg in Batangas City. Stable prices were observed for beef with bones and lean pork, while a P20/kg drop was noted both for lean beef in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, and for pork liempo in Naga, Camarines Sur. Dressed chicken increased by P10/kg in Metro Manila and by P5/kg in Iloilo City, where the price for chicken eggs experienced an increased similar to prices in Legaspi and Butuan. Bangus (milkfish) prices fell by P40/kg in Legaspi, and P10/kg in Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, and typhoon-battered Tacloban, as it increased by P10/kg in Cebu and Davao, while alumahan (long-jawed mackerel) also reported mixed movements. Galunggong (round scad) prices gained as much as P20/kg in seven trading centers despite going down in Tacloban and Batangas City, which reported a P20/kg cut in tilapia prices, which otherwise remained stable elsewhere. Red onion prices increased in seven trading centers as did carrots in 10 -- including a P50/kg increase reported in Legaspi -- while sitaw (string bean) costs gained as much as P20/kg in six trading centers despite price cuts in Zamboanga and Butuan. Tomato posted both increases and dips including a P10/kg cut for the fruit’s prices in Metro Manila, Cabanatuan, and Tacloban, as did cabbage and habitchuelas (snap beans). Calamansi prices dropped in eight trading centers, while the price of mango reported mixed movements, as did the costs of cooking oil, brown sugar, and refined sugar. |
| DOE holds WESM 101 for energy stakeholders |
| Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph |
| (Taguig City) The Department of Energy (DOE) headed by Sec. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla organized a one-day WESM101, a refresher course on the role of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) at the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) Headquarters in Ortigas, Pasig City last July 3, 2014 to create a more unified and solid energy industry. The symposium was attended by representatives from consumer groups and leaders from the business sector. Officials from both the DOE and the PEMC acted as resource speakers during the event. The subjects covered were electricity generation and distribution, stakeholders of the WESM, its systems and structure. DOE and PEMC facilitators also highlighted the benefits of an existing spot market in the transparency efforts of the government. They also added that WESM encourages competition in the generation industry therefore paving the way towards more investment opportunities for the sector. “I hope that with our new understanding with the WESM, we would now know how to approach future issues concerning the energy sector and share what we have learned to our peers”. Said Sec. Petilla during the open forum. The WESM 101 is a follow up on the recent Inaugural Meeting of the Task Force for Fair Electricity Price held last June 18, 2014. Sec. Petilla noted that the Task Force (TF) was conceptualized to look into several proposals coming from energy stakeholders and determine the future directions of the sector. He also stated that the TF may become permanent when proven effective considering that there are plenty of ideas coming out which needs to be harmonized. At the end of the symposium, the Secretary extended his appreciation for the continued support of the consumer groups and business leaders present and assured them of the DOE’s dynamic role on this undertaking. |
| Statement of GPH Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| The implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is in the critical stage of processing a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that the President can confidently submit to Congress and certify as urgent upon its adoption as an official bill in Congress, shortly after the reopening of Congress on July 28. We know that the review process conducted by the Office of the President (OP) on the proposed law submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) has raised some apprehension over some content where modifications were recommended by the OP review team. That is why we are taking the necessary steps to ensure better understanding of the concerns, and to find a good resolution through frank and open discussion. Last July 3, in an en banc meeting held in Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission passed a resolution “elevat(ing) the matter or process to the Panels for clarification, discussion and resolution of issues that may have been affected by the proposed revisions in the proposed BBL, in the higher interest of finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Mindanao.” The Government Panel readily accepted the task. Together with the MILF Panel, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Ghafar and the members of the International Contact Group, we will be meeting in Kuala Lumpur this week in a workshop that would thresh out the various substantive matters that have arisen from the BTC submission and the subsequent OP review. The members of the BTC will also be present, thereby ensuring close coordination and processing. To begin with, neither the BTC draft nor the OP-reviewed text is so complete and perfect to leave no more room for discussion, or no other option but to choose between one or the other. Closed options have never been the practice in our past negotiation. It shouldn’t be now in the implementation stage. Then and now, “problem-solving” has defined our modalities and this approach has produced the workable results that brought us this far. For both the Government and the MILF, the bottom line is set by the signed documents that make up the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. There is no backtracking on either side. Any perception of backtracking can be duly addressed and rectified during the discussion. On the other hand, details or aspects beyond the signed documents are policy options that the BTC has taken and which the OP team took care to study and uphold as much as possible. But as in any legislation, there are various ramifications to any single text, or gaps that might not have appeared at first instance. The Kuala Lumpur workshop will help sort out these grey zones. If we are going through this difficulty now, it is because we want the next stages to be less difficult not only between the government and the MILF, but among all the institutions and actors that will be or have been playing a role in the process. A well-processed bill that goes through the legislative mill, with the certification of the President as urgent, will stand much better chances of smooth-sailing passage in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. As we have said many times in the past, this partnership between the GPH and the MILF is not for the fainthearted. It is also not for the impatient and the impetuous who, in the face of difficulty, immediately throw in the towel. Rather, it is for those who persevere so that when the going gets rough, they get going. They do not turn back to their old comfort zones, or to the familiar sound of their war cries. Surely, we are not throwing in the towel because we do need the towel for this laborious task that is 99 percent perspiration. We appeal to the understanding of all sectors who have accompanied this process and who like us desire to institutionalize a Bangsamoro that is grounded on a solid foundation and enjoying very strong people's support. Let our peace process continue to be the bright spot amid the violent conflicts that beset many countries in other parts of the globe today. |
| DOST develops "predictive damage," "business continuity" for more pro-active disaster preparedness in PHL |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
| [5 June 2014] MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Science and Technology will share lessons on innovations in disaster risk reduction and management, including its new agenda for including “predictive damage” and “business continuity” as part of the country’s pro-active disaster preparedness agenda. DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo first announced the two concepts during the opening plenary session of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Manila Conference (2014) hosted by the Philippines at the Diamond Hotel on 5th June 2014, Thursday. The recent onslaught of typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) called for new ways on the practice of disaster risk reduction and management and its inclusion as priority in the country’s development agenda. “Recent severe weather events clearly showed that mega disasters are the new challenge we have to face. And we cannot be caught flat-footed or ill-prepared because doing so costs us more,” noted DOST Sec. Montejo. Before Haiyan, mega disasters in Asia included the 2011 tsunami in Japan and the 2004 tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia. “Advanced information on impending disasters derived through the application of science and cutting-edge technologies enables vigilant local governments and the public to take early action and in turn, save lives,” he added. In the Philippines, the use of science-based weather information was made possible by DOST’s modernization project, which included flagship programs such as the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH), which offers an online platform to monitor typhoons and floods based on real-time data feeds from 1,000 rain and water level sensors nationwide and the internationally renowned national 3D mapping project called Disaster Risk Assessment, Exposure and Mitigation-Light Ranging and Detection Technology (DREAM-LiDAR). The latter won the prestigious Geospatial World Excellence in Policy Implementation Award for 2014 awarded by the Geospatial World Forum last May in Geneva. Both projects were launched under the direction of the Aquino administration to promote a more proactive stance on disaster management with the delivery of science-based information to local communities and national disaster managers and the vigilance of leaders and first responders to act accordingly based on the information showed that it can be possible to achieve zero casualties and reduce risks and damages due to flooding, and disasters related to severe weather events. He cited local champions in the country that benefited from the use of Project NOAH and 3D map models of the DREAM Project such as Marikina City, which enforced evacuation hours ahead of the 2012 and 2013 Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) Flood events, which registered Ondoy-like flood levels. In 2009, the same city in the metro was submerged in floods after Ketsana (Ondoy) dumped a month’s worth of rain—about 300mm—in a span of only six hours. Predictive damage and business continuity Since the commencement of the Aquino administration’s term in 2009, the DOST has undergone major improvements to provide quality, accurate, location-specific, and timely information based on science so local leaders and communities may know how to best deal with an impending disaster. To date, DOST has nearly completed the mapping of two-thirds of the 18 major river systems of the country, which included Marikina River and Cagayan River, both of which overflowed and flooded nearby communities during the typhoon season. The DOST plays a crucial role in terms of providing information related to weather and geological hazards in the Philippines, mainly through its agencies Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), respectively. Pushing further the envelope for better disaster preparedness, DOST is introducing the concept of “predictive damage” and “business continuity.” Predictive damage, noted Sec. Montejo, “is the capability of being able to simulate and model severe weather events and the amount or extent of damage that they would cause to the areas affected.” Probability-based behavioral damage models for various types of infrastructure and natural assets of concern can be developed by evaluating and analyzing historical data on damage caused by previous severe weather events. These models then used in conjunction with improving weather forecast methodologies would allow the prediction of probable damage, thus allowing pro-active disaster preparedness and response. “This approach is not only applicable for response or near-term planning but may also be used for a medium- and long- term disaster risk reduction program,” he added. On the other hand, “business continuity is the capability to restore, within a prescribed period, vital services both public and private after a severe weather event. These vital services include power, communications, transport, food and drinking water, heath, security, banking and commerce, among others.” Vital services can be restored after 12, 24 or 48 hours or more depending on the priority of a service. The DOST proposed that a committed “business continuity” timetable for vital services be made the goal for all disaster preparedness and response programs. The predictive damage will serve as the starting point for analyzing the strength and vulnerabilities of critical assets and infrastructure against severe weather scenarios modeled using the maps generated by DOST’s projects. This will allow planners to better understand areas for improvement, retrofitting, and can even go as far as provisioning of backup services for disaster preparedness and response. Other plenary speakers in the event include Philippine cabinet officials and leaders of international organizations on DRRM, such as Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Senator Loren Legarda, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Kristalina Georgieva, and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) Head Margareta Wahlstrom. The Department of Foreign Affairs is the lead coordinator for the conference in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The Philippines jointly organized the ASEM Manila Conference 2014 with Japan, Switzerland, and the European Union, together with sponsorship of Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Norway, Spain, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom. |
| Cebu BRT hailed by foreign, local advocates |
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
| DOTC-World Bank Project ‘A Symbol of Democracy,’ ‘People-Oriented and Sustainable’ The Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) push to modernize urban mobility by introducing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to the country has garnered praises from foreign and local advocates of democratized, sustainable, and environmentally-friendly transport systems. “The goal is not simply to modernize transport facilities and improve commuter experience, it is also to provide the public with a better quality of life. Due to the fast, efficient, and convenient features of BRTs, they save passengers the time normally wasted in traffic jams. BRTs allow people to be more productive and to have better access to opportunities,” remarked DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. The Cebu BRT project of the DOTC, recently approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), was first conceptualized as early as the 1990s. This P 10.6-Billion project is financed by the World Bank through its Clean Technology Fund. Nigel Paul Villarete, who was City Administrator and later City Planning Officer of Cebu, was in charge of project development. Villarete says that: “The fulfillment of the Cebu BRT will change the face of Metro Cebu forever, and will auger well for the metropolis to become a people-oriented, humane, sustainable, and livable city in the future, where the rich share the same ride with the poor. The BRT is not just a transportation project, it’s an urban improvement project.” Although the first BRT-style system was operated in Curitiba, Brazil in 1974, it was popularized only in 2000 by the Transmilenio BRT system in Bogota, Colombia, which was a centerpiece achievement of its then-mayor, Enrique Peñalosa. Peñalosa is recognized worldwide for transforming the living standards of Bogota residents through the Transmilenio BRT system. On its first year of implementation, Bogota’s air pollution dropped by 40%, the average travel time decreased by 32%, and road accidents decreased by 90% in areas plied by buses. In a message sent to Villarete, Peñalosa said: “Please give my congratulations to all Cebuanos for the BRT they have decided to build! I congratulate most particularly all who have had to do with the efforts leading to the final decision to go ahead with the project.” “The Cebu BRT will do many things: it will help Cebu’s mobility and save transportation time to tens of thousands of Cebuanos, which they will better spend with family and friends; it will help Cebu’s urban structure; it will be a symbol of democracy, as public transport users move faster than those in private cars; it will strengthen Cebuanos’ confidence in their capacity to create their destiny,” he said further. The Cebu BRT will run on a 23-kilometer corridor having 33 stations. It will have 176 high-quality buses, which will be environmentally-friendly. A detailed engineering design (DED) will be completed by early 2015, to pave the way for the project’s bidding in Q2 of 2015. |
| Boost for rice R&D budget —experts |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
| Research and Development contributes to 25% yield growth in rice, said the authors of the “Securing Rice, Reducing Poverty” book with the then Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Director and now National Economic and Development Authority Chief Arsenio Balisacan among the authors. Balisacan and associates highlighted the need for increased budget in rice R&D by closing the yield gaps. The authors noted yield gaps in rice are attributable to weeds, pests, and diseases, which can very well be addressed by stepping up initiatives on rice research. Historically, however, research expenditure as a proportion of GDP allocation in the Philippines on R&D has oftentimes been inferior to its neighbors. Citing data from the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, UPLB’s Prof. Teodoro Mendoza said the Philippines allocated only 0.12% of its GDP to R&D. Malaysia and Thailand allocated 0.64% and 0.20%, respectively. Meanwhile, a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute based in Washington, D.C. and the Bangkok-based Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions notes the rather slow-paced improvement in public spending on R&D in the Philippines relative to other countries. In their July 2013 report, Vietnam is reported to have increased its public spending on R&D by over 270%: from $23M in 1996 to $86M in 2008. The Philippines’s spending, on the other hand, showed only a 3% increase from $129M in 1996 to $133M in 2008. Consequently, using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, it can be said that increase in public spending on R&D does have an impact on rice productivity. This is true in the case of Vietnam where rice yield dramatically increased. From 3.77 tons/ha in 1996, Vietnam’s rice yield went up to 4.89 tons/ha in 2008, making it the second highest rice producer in the region next only to China. In a paper titled “Investments in Research, Development, and Extension: Implications on TFP” by PhilRice economists Sergio R. Francisco and Flordeliza H. Bordey, the “pervasive and persistent underfunding in public agricultural Research Development and Extension (RD&E)” was noted. Francisco and Bordey wrote under investment in agricultural R&D slows down productivity. In 2007, an external review conducted to assess impact of PhilRice shows a 75% net return on investment. This means that farmers have benefited from the cost-reducing and yield-enhancing technologies developed by PhilRice. Increasing budget for rice R&D means not just improved rice production, but also better livelihood outcomes for the Filipino farmers, said PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. (DA-PhilRice Development Communication Division) |
| Php30-M worth of ARCCESS subprojects benefit thousands of Bicolano farmers |
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph |
| LEGAZPI CITY -The Department of Agrarian Reform recently signed a total of Php 27-M worth of Business Development Services (BDS) with professional service providers (PSPs) covering 38 subprojects and Php3.5-M Agri-Extension Services (AES) covering 20 subprojects, under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity & Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) program in Legaspi City. Regional Director Luis B. Bueno, Jr. said the support services intervention will benefit 15,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and some 48 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in the region. Bueno said the purpose of outsourcing BDS for ARBs enterprises is to provide them management expertise to fast track the establishment of self-sustaining business units among ARBOs. “Agrarian reform does not end with land distribution. The bigger challenge is for ARBs to retain their awarded lands or not fall into the trap of selling or pawning their lands because of poverty,” RD Bueno added. Bueno noted that through ARCCESS our ARBs are provided with strategic and sustainable support services to maximize the productivity of their awarded lands and engage in agri-related enterprises. Regional Program Beneficiaries Development Chief Lerma B. Dino said that the project aims to improve farmers' performance in the agri-enterprises to increase their income. Dino named some of the subprojects that will benefit thousands of farmers in Bicol such as modernized rice production and marketing, pineapple production and processing, abaca production/processing and marketing, mechanized block farming for corn production, and intensified vegetable production. |
| PDIC raises P118.01 million from sale of assets |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
| The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) successfully raised a total of P118.01 million from the sale of closed banks and corporate assets during a public bidding on July 1, 2014 held at the PDIC office in Makati City. The total amount raised for the 21 properties sold had a premium of P11.31 million as against the properties’ aggregate minimum disposal price of P106.70 million. Of the total properties sold, 16 were owned by closed banks, while five were corporate assets. A total of 186 properties was bidded out during the public bidding. The properties sold were located in the cities of Caloocan, Parañaque and Pasay; Calamba, Laguna; Tuguegarao, Cagayan; and in the provinces of Camarines Norte, Cavite, Cebu, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon and Sorsogon. Proceeds from the sale of closed banks properties are automatically credited to the funds held in trust for the closed banks concerned and are used to settle claims of creditors and uninsured depositors. In accordance with the law, payment to these parties is subject to the rules on concurrence and preference of credits. Meanwhile, proceeds from the sale of corporate assets are added to the Deposit Insurance Fund, PDIC’s main fund source for payment of insured deposits. The PDIC, as Liquidator of closed banks, conducts public biddings in accordance with its strategic direction of expeditious disposal of non-financial assets. Properties not sold during the bidding are available for negotiated sale or may be bidded out again. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the PDIC website at www.pdic.gov.ph and use the PDIC’s Property Finder for information on available inventory of assets for sale. Prospective buyers may also call the Asset Management and Disposal Group at (02) 841-4650 for inquiries on available assets. |
| VP Binay gets "Excellent" approval rating in recent SWS survey |
| Source: http://www.ovp.gov.ph |
| Vice President Jejomar C. Binay once again gained the highest approval rating among government officials in the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS). According to the SWS survey conducted from March 27-30, Binay scored a net satisfaction rating of +73 with 82 percent satisfied and 9 percent dissatisfied with his performance. Binay’s rating is 11 points higher than the +62 he scored in December 2013, raising his grade from "very good" to "excellent." Of the 15 surveys conducted by SWS since he assumed office in 2010, Binay scored eight “excellent” ratings and seven “very good” ratings. "The results of the first quarter Social Weather Stations (SWS) are expressions of appreciation for Vice President Binay’s performance. He is again grateful to the people for their trust and confidence and to the President for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Cabinet," Binay’s spokesman Joey Salgado said. "With two years left to his term, Vice President Binay will remain focused on his work, particularly assisting OFWs, housing, and providing help to our kababayans in need. He will not be distracted by crude attempts of political detractors to malign his name and raise false and baseless allegations against him," Salgado added. The survey scores were based on interviews the SWS conducted with 1,200 respondents. SWS classifies scores of satisfaction scores of +70 and above as “excellent”; +50 to +69,“very good”; +30 to +49, “good; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69 “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.” It said error margins of plus or minus three percent for national percentages and plus or minus six percent for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were used in the survey. |
| Gift of Paglaum shines brighter in the Summer Capital of the Philippines |
| Source: Career Executive Service Board |
| Project Paglaum, which was named after the Visayan term for hope, was launched last year as the CESB’s initiative to reach out to survivors of typhoon Yolanda. It aims to develop the participants’ capacity and competence in facilitating psycho-social processing activities among survivors of disasters and calamities. These activities are envisioned to contribute to efforts in rebuilding lives and communities, and more importantly, igniting the flame of hope in the hearts of disaster survivors. Aptly, graduates of Paglaum Training-Workshops are called “hope bearers.” NEDA-CAR Director Milagros A. Rimando, CESO II, welcomed the new batch of hope bearers and mentioned the timely conduct of the training on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) not only because rainy season has already started but also because their region is prone to landslides and earthquakes due to its elevated and mountainous terrain. CESB Executive Director Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, CESO I, graced the program with an inspiring message, where she explained the importance of learning the skills in providing psychosocial support and of being able to assess the impact of disasters to the psychological health and wellness of disaster survivors because such aspects are intangible and subjective, therefore difficult to measure. She also emphasized that to become an effective hope bearer, one should deeply think through his/her self and be prepared to relate to others. Care and Counsel Wholeness and Training Center (CCWTC) Founder and President, Dr. Violeta V. Bautista acted as lead facilitator of the two-day training workshop. Her co-facilitators were her associates in the CCWTC and three hope bearers from the pioneer batch, namely, Ms. Leila P. Areola of the Department of Education-Cagayan; Ms. Salvacion Z. Baccay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Tuguegarao City; and Ms. Christianne C. Suguitan of the Department of Agrarian Reform-Region I. The program was comprised of various lectures on basic principles and skills on psychosocial support in disaster situations; effects of disaster on children, adults and family; and gender, cultural and spiritual sensitivity in disaster mental health work; self care; and psychological first aid. The second batch of hope bearers also engaged in different psychosocial processing activities including art, music and dance sessions, simulation and debriefing dialogues. Furthermore, they gathered as one during the homily/ ecumenical service themed “Fellowship in Suffering.” As the participants concluded the program with a closing ritual that celebrated paglaum (hope) and pagbinuligan (helping one another), Director Rimando accepted the challenge of rekindling hope and rebuilding lives in disaster-ravaged communities. She encouraged everybody to start their journey as hope bearers by cascading the acquired skills and competencies on providing MHPSS to their respective organizations to heighten their sense of volunteerism and sensitivity towards the need of others. The first batch of hope bearers has successfully completed the training workshop on January 28-30, 2014. Some of the graduates of the workshop went through an immersion activity, anchored on the theme “Kamustahan sa Kapwa Kawani,” which was attended by almost 200 employees from various government agencies affected by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City. |
| Graduate education programs should address PH development needs |
| Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph |
| Philippine graduate education system is critical to serve the countrys development goals. This was stressed in a research paper published by state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). It is necessary to determine if the graduate education programs in the country contribute to the skills and competencies needed in the labor market, said Mira Alexis Ofreneo, author of the study and PIDS research consultant. Moreover, it is important that the countrys masteraland doctoral programs are developing the competencies needed to manage, schools, corporations, and government organizations, Ofreneo said. The study was carried out through the PIDS-CHED research project An Assessment of the State of Graduate Education Programs in the Philippines. There are 2,299 higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines, 656 of which are state universities and colleges (SUCs) while 1,643 are private HEIs, Ofreneo said. A total of 647 HEIs (28 percent) offer masters programs and 313 (14 percent) offer doctoral programs, she said. The masters programs with the most number of graduates are Education (27 percent), Nursing (14 percent), and Business Administration (11 percent), Ofreneo said. Education Management, Public Administration, Teaching, Management, Information Technology, Master of Arts programs, and Public Health were the other programs that landed in the top 10, she said. Meanwhile, the most widely offered doctoral programs are Educational Management (45 percent), Education (25 percent), and Public Administration (19 percent), Ofreneo said. The other programs that landed in the top 10 are Business Administration, Philosophy, Management, Development Education, Science Education, Educational Administration, and Business Management, she said. During the National Workshop on Services last May organized by PIDS and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tereso Tullaoof the Angelo King Institute for Economic and Business Studies, De La Salle University,underscored in his presentation that the country still has a lot of catching up to do to raise the competitiveness level of Philippine higher education. The Philippines is ranked 67th in higher education and training and 81st in tertiary enrollment in the 2013-2014Global Competitiveness Report. The Report assessed the competitiveness of 148 companies to provide insight into the drivers of their productivity and prosperity. In relation to this, only 21.5 percent of the more than 2,200 HEIs in the country have some form of accreditation, Tullao said. Only 12.7 percent of 130,000 faculty members have doctoral degrees. In terms of the number of Scopus-listed articles for each ASEAN University Network (AUN) member-university, three universities in the Philippines are identified. The University of the Philippines - Diliman has produced 2,108, De La Salle University has 1,028, and Ateneo de Manila University has produced 440, Tullao said. Scopus is the largest abstract and citation database for academic journal articles. It presently covers nearly 21,000 titles from over 5,000 publishers. However, these figures are measly compared with the National University of Singapore (NUS)that has produced 74,560 documents and has the highest cumulative number of Scopus-listed documents in the ASEAN region, Tullao said. Leaders of the services sector agree that the graduate education programs in the country should advance Philippine services sectors in the Asia-Pacific region given that the country has vast potentials to be the heart of services trade in the Asia Pacific. The country can tap its vast human resource opportunities in the maritime, outsourcing, franchising, medical, and educational services, said PIDS research consultant Dr. Ramonette Serafica during the workshop. This was supported by Ana Maria Bongato, executive director for talent development at the IT Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP). According to Bongato, thecountrys vast potentials in the Philippine Information Technology " Business Processing Management industry is a treasure trove waiting to be exploited. Bongato said the country currently offers awide range of services such as IT application, engineering, animation, data analytics, and other business process services to foreign firms. |
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