Women find worth in helping build
community infra projects
|
|
|
|
Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte – Gina Pagente, 40, of Barangay
Poblacion, attends to her clients day in and day out.
She goes around each day to provide manicure and pedicure to her loyal
patrons.
She does these with all humility plus a big dazzling smile.
Gina is among the many women of today who are faced with the challenging
realities of life, among which are some customs and traditions depriving
women of opportunities to find their worth.
“Pero hindi na ganito ang sitwasyon ngayon (But this is a thing of the
past),” exclaimed Gina.
Now, women in this town, including her, are empowered to rise above the
stereotyping of yesteryears.
Patriarchal society
In a community of mixed cultures with different principles and traditions,
conflict tends to brew within communities.
Gina said that the patriarchal concept in their community is still strong.
The men are considered to be heads of the family while the women manage the
household.
Seldom do women work or even participate in community activities. This
practice is handed down from generations to generations.
Women become dependent on their husbands due to patriarchal beliefs in the
community.
For families who are not well off, the practice is alarming as families
nowadays need more than a pair of hands to provide for the family’s needs.
Rolly, Gina’s husband, works as a Civilian Security Staff for the local
government. She related that she finds it difficult to budget his meager
salary.
“Lalo akong nahihirapan mag- budget ‘pag tuwing delayed ang pag dating ng
sweldo niya (It gets more difficult to make both ends meet when my husband’s
salary is delayed),” she continued.
“Para makatulong sa panggastos ng pamilya ay nagtatrabaho ako bilang
manikurista (To earn some money for my family, I work as a manicurist),” Gina
added.
Slowly but surely, she was able to raise money to buy manicure/pedicure kit.
She decided just to do home service so she can still care of her children.
There were days, though, when she had no customers. Eventually, Gina had to
stop the home service as she did not have the money to buy her supplies.
She was again a stay-home mom, but she did not stop finding means to be
productive.
Finding joy in volunteer work
Out of curiosity, Gina decided to attend the barangay orientation of the
PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan (PAMANA) Project under the Kapi-tBisig Laban
sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services
(Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
After finding out about the program, Gina was drawn to Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA’s
principle of community driven-development.
She found the program unique since it was the community members who would
implement the program , including managing the funds.
Further, Gina liked the Kalahi-CIDDS because of the conduct of Participatory
Situational Analysis (PSA), wherein the residents get to determine what
projects to fund, depending on the community’s needs.
But what she embraced the most was the project’s advocacy for equal rights
and opportunities for men and women.
The Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA is undertaken in conflict-affected areas as a
strategy to promote peace. And as part of its program principle, it advocates
gender equality in the project implementation. Jobs were offered to both men
and women.
Empowerment and employment opportunities
Brgy. Poblacion started to implement a drainage canal project to address the
perennial flash floods in the town. People were hired to work on the project,
and Gina was fortunate enough to be hired as a timekeeper at the site,
earning P200 a day.
“Ang maganda sa Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA ay nabibigyan din ng pagkakataong
makapagtrabaho sa mga infrastructure projects ang kababaihan kasama ang
kalalakihan. Walang diskriminasyon (One good thing about Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA
is that it gives opportunities for both men and women to participate in the
construction of infrastructure projects. There is no discrimination),” Gina
said.
In the four days that she worked as a timekeeper, Gina was able to raise
enough money to buy a new nail polish kit.
Soon enough, she was able to resume her manicure business which is now her
extra job.
Gina thanks Kalahi-CIDSS for all the opportunities she had in being part of
the program.
“Sa dami ng problema namin sa buhay, ang Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA ang nagbigay ng
pag-asa sa amin na kaya naming maiangat ang aming buhay. Kaya namin ang
pagbabago (With all the problems we have in our lives, Kalahi-CIDSS gave us
hope to improve our lives. We can make the change),” Gina said with
conviction.
As another way of giving back to the program, she also helps out in the preparation
of food for the workers. By volunteering her services, Gina believes she can
encourage others to use their free time to improve their community.
To date, Gina is among the 116 woman- laborers who have regular jobs under
Kalahi-CDSS PAMANA in the region.
|
|
|
|
ROXAS: CCTV ng
mga Banko, Food Chains, Supermarkets at Ospital gagamitin na rin sa Crime
Prevention Drive ng PNP
|
|
|
|
Pinangunahan ngayong hapon ni Interior at Local Government
Mar Roxas ang isang malayang talakayan sa pagitan ng mga negosyante sa food
chain business, petroleum dealers, supermarkets association, rural bankers,
bank security management, private hospitals at drugstores association at
local government units (LGUs).
Sinabi ni Roxas na ginawa ang talakayan upang ipaliwanag sa mga negosyante
ang benepisyo ng pagkakaroon ng closed circuit television (CCTV) partikular
sa pag-iwas sa krimen.
“Sa gitna po ng mga krimeng nagaganap sa Metro Manila ay pinag-aralan ng PNP
at DILG ang bisa ng CCTV. At hindi maitatanggi na mabisa ito sa crime
prevention dahil hindi makakapag-sinungaling ang CCTV,” pahayag ni Roxas.
Ayon pa sa kalihim, mahalaga na makuha ang pulso o damdamin ng mga
namumuhunan upang maging tugma ito sa memorandum circular na ipapalabas ng
DILG sa lahat ng provincial, city, at municipal government office na
nagtatakda na maging mandatory ang paglalagay ng closed circuit television.
Nilinaw din ni Roxas na hindi magiging biglaan ang implementasyon ng memo
circular sa LGUs na magiging batayan naman sa pagbibigay ng business permit o
di kaya naman ay sa renewal ng business permit ng mga pribadong kumpanya.
“Hindi biglaan ito. Magkakaroon ng sapat na panahon ang lahat para paghandaan
ang implementasyon ng CCTV,” dagdag pa ng kalihim.
Tiniyak din ni Roxas na walang irerekomendang supplier at tatak o brand ng
CCTV camera ang DILG.
“Ang habol lang namin sa panig ng DILG at PNP ay ang specification ng camera,
halimbawa sa aspeto ng frontal angle, luminage at digital, sana
mapapakinabangan. Bahala kayo kung saan ninyo bibilhin ang inyong CCTV. Ang
pakiusap lang namin ay sana iyong mga bibilhin at ikakabit ninyong camera ay
maaring magamit ng PNP sa crime prevention,” paglilinaw pa rin ng kalihim.
Isang kundisyon lang ang hiningi ni Roxas sa mga dumalo sa pulong, ito aniya
ay maglagay ng CCTV camera na nakaharap sa kalsada upang makatulong sa
pulisya na matukoy kung ano ang ito ng gumawa ng krimen, sasakyan na maaring
ginamit nito at lugar na maaring tinakbuhan.
“Kung maglalagay kayo ng camera sa harap ng kamera, na alam naman natin na
marami sa inyo ay ginagawa na, sana ay may isa pang camera na nakatutok sa
street scene,” dagdag pa nito.
Mabilis naman sinang-ayunan ng hanay ng drug stores association na basta
hindi magiging katulad ng pamantayan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, sa
paglalagay ng CCTV sa mga bangko ang itatakda ng DILG at LGUs ay makakatugon
sila sa ipapalabas na patakaran.
Una dito tinukoy ni Police Senior Supt. Rosauro Acio ng PNP directorate for
detention management sa pagpupulong ?na mula noong Enero hanggang Hunyo ng
taon umabot ng 78 kaso ng theft at robbery ang naitala ng PNP dahilan sa
tulong ng CCTV.
Ayon kay Acio sa 78 insidente, 45 ang naipakulong, 17 ang nasa korte, 11 ang
amicably settled o nagkabayaran na lang at 5 ang iniimbestigahan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PNP CIDG’s pride, Police Chief Inspector Fernando L.
Cunanan Jr., caught the admiration of the whole country for being the only
Filipino to stretch the limits of human endurance by successfully finishing
the recently concluded 2014 IRONMAN Texas, Full Distance Triathlon atMemorial
Hermann, Texas, USA.
With a total of 2,781 tri-athletes from 40 countries participated and among
these tri-athletes, IRONMAN Triathlon is dubbed as the toughest, the longest
international triathlon event done on different parts of the world now on its
4th year in Memorial Hermann, Texas.
The Full Distance IRONMAN consists of three (3) disciplines starting from 2.4
miles (3.8km) Swim along the Lake Woodlands where tri athletes enter the
North Shore Park and swim towards the South Shore Park then finishing at Town
Green Park which is the transition for the Swim to Bike.
After a quick change of wet suit to bike jersey, 112 miles (180km) Bike ride
from Downtown Woodlands to the scenic National Parks and farmlands of
Woodland County then back to downtown Woodlands.
The race was highlighted by a 3 loop totaling 26.2 miles (42km) Full Marathon
circling around the Lake woodland and a finish at Woodlands Commercial
Center.
PCI Cunanan had long been dreaming to become a full pledge IRONMAN when he
first joined the Cobra IRONMAN in Camarines Sur on 2009 where he was the 1st
PNP officer to finish a Half Ironman or 70.3 with a distance of 1.9km Swim,
90km Bike and 21.1 km Run.
Since then, he regularly joined the Ironman 70.3 races, ultra marathons and
other triathlon events in the country. PCI Cunanan also encourage police
officers to exercise and adopt a healthy lifestyle in order to fulfill their
jobs well.
“This kind of achievement proves that policemen are truly tough and healthy.”
said PCSupt Reuben Theodore C Sindac, PNP Public Information Office Chief.
(PNP-PIO)
|
|
|
|
Fun
run
set for tech-voc skills competitors
|
|
|
|
With their sneakers laced up, families, friends, office
workers, students and runners are expected to gather in Manila before
daybreak on Sunday, August 17, to run for the cause of technical vocational
education.
The Run for ASEAN Gold will be held to promote tech-voc education and to
raise funds for the Philippine delegates to the 10th ASEAN Skills Competition
in Vietnam this October.
Secretary Joel Villanueva, Director General of the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Manila City Mayor Joseph Estrada and
Vice Mayor Isko Moreno will lead some 8,000 participants in kicking off the
three-kilometer run that will begin at the Parade Grounds of Rizal Park.
"We want to tap into the Filipinos' love for running and turn it into an
activity that will help further the cause of technical vocational education
and training," Villanueva, the events ceremonial runner, said.
"Specifically, we are doing this to help raise funds for our delegates
to the ASEAN Skills Competition, who will be doing the country proud as they
showcase their skills and try to win the gold," he added.
The delegation will be composed of 18 competitors and 16 coaches, who will
take part in various competition areas during the skills event.
The country's official competitors have emerged as winners from the regional
and national skills competition held earlier.
The holding of the skills competition is one major strategy that TESDA has
adopted and has, for the past years, elevated the image of tech-voc graduates
and skilled workers at par with those of other ASEAN member countries as
proven by its winning records since joining the previous international skills
competitions.
In the forthcoming 10th ASEAN Skills Competition in Vietnam, the Philippine
delegates will compete in the following trade areas: Electronics,
Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering Design, Welding, Cooking, Beauty Therapy,
IT Network Systems Administration, Industrial Automation, Hairdressing,
Graphic Design Technology, Electrical Installation, Refrigeration and
Air-conditioning, Restaurant Service, Web Design, IT Software Solutions for
Business, and Fashion Technology.
"We hope this fun run will boost the morale of our delegates to do their
best, knowing that the Filipino people is backing them all the way,"
Villanueva said, who also thanked the individuals and groups who helped
organize the fun run.
Registration of participants will start at 4 a.m. to be followed by a Zumba
dance as a warm-up activity for the runners at around 4:30 a.m. The opening
program is at 5:30 a.m. and the race proper starts at 6 a.m.
The first 100 finishers will be awarded with a Finisher's Certificate. The
first three male and female finishers will be awarded with prizes by
Villanueva and assisted by TESDA-National Capital Region (NCR) regional
director Nenuca Tangonan and Alliance of TVET School Association of NCR
president Jose Gabriel Prats.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced the
semi-finalists to the 2014 Government Choral Competition.
Dasmariñas City Teachers Chorale, Ilocos Norte High School Chamber Singers,
and Pangasinan Provincial Chorale for Luzon; Calbayog City Chorale for
Visayas; Bayugan City Division Choir for Mindanao; City Government of Makati
Employees Chorale, PAGCOR Voice Symphony, and PAG-IBIG Fund Chorale for Metro
Manila.
Semi-finalists will perform at the grand finals to be held at the Cultural
Center of the Philippines (CCP) Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo on September 30.
Grand prize winners will receive PHP150,000 cash prize and plaque. First,
second, and third runners-up will receive plaques and PHP100,000, PHP70,000,
and PHP50,000, respectively.
Special awards await the best conductor and best arrangement of competition
song. Best Regional Entry will receive a plaque, while non-winning finalists
will each receive PHP20,000 and certificate.
Organized by CSC in partnership with the Philippine Choral Directors
Association (PCDA), the Government Choral Competition is one of the events
lined up for the 114th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary on September,
with the theme “Tapat na Serbisyo Alay Ko Dahil Lingkod Bayani Ako.”
For more details on the contest, contact the event coordinator Director
Ronnie Mendoza at CSC Regional Office No. 4, Panay Ave., Quezon City,
telephone number (02) 927-1830, email cscro4_pald@yahoo.com, or visit the CSC
website www.csc.gov.ph.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Madalag, Aklan - Joana Nabalde, 27, of Brgy. Sta. Catalina
has had various problems come her way in the past two years.
Despite her youth, she has gone through more than other women twice her age –
losing a child to an illness, being abandoned by her husband, and taking care
of her two children singlehandedly.
Joana admits that her experiences for the past couple of years almost broke
her.
“Akala ko, wala akong kakayahang makagawa (I thought I did not have the
capacity to do anything),” Joana said teary-eyed, describing how her
self-esteem crashed after being abandoned by her husband.
According to her, she would have been completely devastated if not for the
arrival of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) in their town.
New chance
Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the poverty alleviation programs of the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). As a community-driven development
project, it involves citizens in the development process by ensuring that
they are active participants in identifying and solving local poverty issues.
One of the selected sub-projects implemented here is the provision of Abaca
handicrafts trainings, in partnership with PIÑA MANTRA.
The handicrafts training was implemented as part of the Gender Incentive
Grant (GIG) provided by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) through
the Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P) to Kalahi-CIDSS to help
resolve gender issues that contribute to local poverty issues.
Aside from Abaca handicrafts, the GIG also provided plumbing and welding
trainings for women who were interested in taking part in these.
Joana, with 59 other women, was able to join the handicrafts training.
She said her being part of the training and volunteering in the Kalahi-CIDSS
formed part of the first steps she took to move on with her life.
She recalls thinking, “Ako na lang ang mag-aalaga sa mga anak ko (I will take
care of my children myself).”
Being a Kalahi-CIDSS volunteer, she became more active in her community,
resulting in her Barangay Captain entrusting her with more responsibilities,
including serving as the Barangay Representative in the municipality, roles
which she accepted although she was reluctant at first.
Part of her reluctance stemmed from the fact that some people are doubtful of
her abilities.
Joana said that some fellow villagers talked behind her back.
She narrated, “Sinasabi ng mga tao na ‘di naman daw ako naka-graduate ng high
school. Wala raw akong alam, walang kakayahan (People say that I am just a
high school undergraduate. I don’t know anything and have no skills).”
These comments, according to Joana, humiliated her at first.
“Minsan, nahihiya na akong pumunta sa munisipyo kasi parati na lang ako
sinasabihan ng mga tao (I sometimes get embarrassed to go to the municipal
hall because of what people are saying).”
Eventually, however, she was able to tune out these negative comments, thanks
in part to the support of her Barangay Captain and her increasing confidence
through her volunteerism in Kalahi-CIDSS.
“Nawala na ang hiya ko (My shyness waned),” Joana said with a small smile.
Completing the training is a source of great pride for her.
Joana said, “Na-experience ko kung paano makatanggap ng diploma. Natakot ako,
pero naging masaya rin. Ganito pala ang graduation na tinatawag (I got to
experience what it’s like to receive a diploma. I was scared, but it turned
out well. So this is what they meant by graduation),” she said with a big
grin.
She added, “Sinasabihan kasi nila ako na wala akong diploma. Ayan, may
diploma na ako (They keep telling me that I don’t have a diploma. Now I do).”
Joana is now getting ready to apply her new skills by working in a
handicrafts company in their town.
She shared, “Excited na ako magtrabaho. Nag-pa-practice ako mag-isa sa bahay
(I am excited to work. I practice at home).”
When asked the most important lesson she learned in Kalahi-CIDSS, Joana had
this to say: “Mapapakita ko na sa ibang tao na kaya ko na. Kaya ko nang
mabuhay na wala ang asawa ko. Noon, lagi lang ako umaasa sa asawa ko. Pero
noong naranasan ko na ang hirap, kaya ko pala. Kapag may mga tao na
sumusuporta sa iyo, kaya mo pala (I can show other people that I can stand on
my own two feet. I can live without my husband. In the past, I always relied
on him. However, when I went through hardships, I learned I can do things
without him. You can make it when you have people supporting you).”
She concluded, “Nalaman ko sa Kalahi-CIDSS na may silbi ako (I learned in
Kalahi-CIDSS that I have value).”
|
|
|
|
Phl
Embassy
facilitates smooth repatriation of OFWs from Libya exiting through Istanbul,
Turkey
|
|
|
|
15 August 2014 - Two groups of repatriated overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) from Libya – one group from Hyundai Engineering, Ltd.
composed of 336 OFWs in four batches arriving in Istanbul on August 10 and
11, and another group of two batches totaling 118 OFWs, employees from Doosan
Heavy Industries, arriving on the evening of August 10 and early morning of
the 11th, were successfully repatriated to Manila in various flights. The
Philippine Embassy in Ankara facilitated their visas-on-arrival and landing
permits for the groups’ chartered aircraft.
|
|
|
|
PHL
and US
conclude MDB-SEB EXECOM Meeting, commit to boost Defense Alliance
|
|
|
|
15 August 2014 - The Philippines-United States Mutual
Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) Executive Committee
(EXECOM) Meeting concluded on August 13 at the US Pacific Command (PACOM)
Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Brigadier General Raul Del Rosario, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans J5
and Major General Michael Dana, Director of the Strategic Planning and Policy
(J5) of the PACOM, led the Philippine and US delegations, respectively.
The three-day MDB-SEB Execom Meeting was held in preparation for the full
MDB-SEB Meeting which will be held in Manila, Philippines in October 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson
discussed with Convenors of National Save the Trees Coalition led by Fr.
Robert Reyes, the Department’s program to improve the quality and safety of
our national roads and how the coalition can help the government achieve its
objectives and at the same time address the concerns on tree cutting. Also in
the meeting are (clockwise) Dr. Roger Guzman, Executive Director of
Philippine Federation for Environmental Concerns; Ms. Gwen Borcena; Ms. Julia
Senga of Abra; Ms. Socorro Lammoglia and Ms. Ma. Theresa Lorenz, members of
Green Convergence and Citizens Organization Concerned with Advocating
Philippine Environmental Sustainability (COCAP); Ms. Virginia Pasalo of
Pangasinan; and DPWH Undersecretary Raul C. Asis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Social Weather Stations (SWS) recently
conducted a survey showing that Filipinos believe that the Aquino
administration is doing a good job of protecting the country’s environment.
The survey, conducted on June 27-30, showed
that 65 per cent of the 1,200 respondents nationwide were satisfied with the
national administration’s performance on protecting the environment. In
contrast, 18 per cent were dissatisfied, giving a net approval rating of +46
or “Good”.
Government performance on protecting the
environment got the highest rating among 17 specific issues rated by the
public in the survey. #
Source: Business World Online
Exclusive, August 10, 2014
|
|
|
|
Personal
remittances
growth hits six-month high in June 2014; First half level reaches US$12.7
billion
|
|
|
|
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) rose by
7.0 percent year-on-year—the highest recorded growth in six months—to US$2.3
billion in June 2014. This brought personal remittances for the first half of
2014 to US$12.7 billion, up by 6.2 percent than the level registered in the
same period last year, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M.
Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 The sustained growth in personal remittances
during the January – June 2014 period was driven by increased remittance
flows from both land-based workers with long-term contracts (by 4.8 percent)
and sea-based and land-based workers with short-term contracts (by 8.8
percent).
Similarly, cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks grew by 5.9
percent year-on-year to US$2.0 billion in June 2014. For the first half of
the year, cash remittances reached US$11.4 billion, higher by 5.8 percent
relative to the US$10.8 billion recorded in the comparable period in 2013. In
particular, cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers expanded
by 4.8 percent (to US$8.7 billion) and 8.8 percent (to US$2.7 billion),
respectively, during the first six months of 2014. The bulk of cash
remittances (about 79 percent) during the January-June 2014 period were
received from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the
United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and Hong Kong.2
Remittances remained robust on the back of stable demand for skilled
Filipinos abroad. Latest data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
(POEA) showed that for the January-June 2014 period, job orders reached
371,097, of which 38.5 percent were processed job orders intended for
service, production, and professional, technical and related employment in
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Taiwan, and Qatar.
Meanwhile, the steady stream of remittances was supported by continuing
efforts of banks and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their
international and domestic market coverage through tie-ups and establishment
of remittance centers abroad and other financial services to cater to the
various needs of OFs and their beneficiaries. As of end-June 2014, commercial
banks’ established tie-ups, remittance centers, correspondent banks, and
branches/representative offices abroad rose by six percent to 4,675 from
4,409 in the same period last year.
|
|
|
|
PSA
ranks
10th among top performing government agencies—MBC
|
|
|
|
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) ranks 10th among
top performing government agencies, according to the 2014 Makati Business
Club (MBC) Executive Outlook Survey.The survey which was conducted from July
1 to 25, 2014 showed that PSA has a net satisfaction rating of +58.4 percent,
with 76.9 percent of the respondents satisfied and 18.5 dissatisfied. In its
statement, the MBC said that the newly-organized PSA alongside other agencies
has “made a surprisingly impressive debut in the business scorecard of
government performance.” It explained that this reflects “the continuing
effort to make the country’s statistical system more accurate and efficient.”
The PSA was organized through Republic Act No. 10625 otherwise known as the
Philippine Statistics Act of 2013 which merged the National Statistical
Coordination Board, the National Statistics Office, the Bureau of Labor and
Employment Statistics, and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics into one
organization. The PSA is headed by Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales who serves as
National Statistician. Dr. Bersales said that the ranking is inspiring and
expressed her appreciation to the MBC for the recognition. She extends her
thanks to the men and women of the PSA for their hard work. She said that
this feat will provide the impetus for the PSA to better serve its
stakeholders.
The survey results show that 43 out of 62 government agencies and offices
have positive net satisfaction from the business sector. The top ten
government agencies are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of
Tourism, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, DOST-PAGASA, Securities and
Exchange Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Health,
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Department of
Finance, and the PSA. The survey was participated in by 65 senior business
executives, representing 8.8 percent of 736 individual MBC members.
|
|
|
|
Ex-PADC officials indicted for
unliquidated funds
|
|
|
|
Top ex-officials of the Philippine Aerospace Development
Corporation (PADC), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation
and Communications face criminal indictment for unliquidated travel expenses.
Former PADC President Roberto Navida and former PADC Department Manager
Antonio Suba were charged before the Sandiganbayan for Failure of Accountable
Officer to Render Accounts (Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code).
The Resolution narrates that on October 10-14, 2006, Navida and Suba attended
the 4th International Aircraft Conversion and Maintenance Conference in Beijing,
China, with cash advances amounting to P241,478.68 issued by PADC to Navida
and Suba. Despite repeated notices from the Commission on Audit (COA) for the
liquidation and submission of supporting documents such as Authority to
Travel and Itinerary of Travel, they failed to liquidate the cash advances
immediately after their return to the Philippines.
Section 16 of Executive Order No. 298 and COA Circular No. 96-004 require
accountable officials to liquidate the cash advances.
The criminal charge for Malversation was dismissed for lack of probable cause
while the charge for violation of Presidential Decree No. 1445 (Philippine
Government Auditing Code) was dismissed on the ground of prescription.
The criminal charges against former PADC officials Richard Lazaro, Corazon
Aguinaldo and Rolando Broas were dismissed for lack of probable cause.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SC
upholds
government interest in toll road companies, issues TRO against Makati RTC and
Cuenca
|
|
|
|
In a Resolution issued on 04 August 2014, the Second
Division of the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order enjoining
the Regional Trial Court of Makati City (RTC), Branch 132 from implementing
the RTC’s Writ of Preliminary Injunction prohibiting the implementation of
the Interim Rules and Guidelines created by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)
and the Commission on Audit (COA).
The Interim Rules and Guidelines governs the net income remittable by PNCC of
interests it holds in trust for the national government in the toll road
companies operating several toll roads.
In its Resolution dated 4 August 2014, the SC issued the TRO and ordered the
respondents to file their comments, noting that Judge Baybay’s ruling will
cause the government grave and irreparable damage as it deprives the
government of income based on government’s direct ownership of the said
assets.
Dated 9 May 2014, in his capacity as presiding judge of the said court, Judge
Rommel O. Baybay directed the Manila North Tollways Corporation, Citra Metro
Manila Tollways Corporation, South Luzon Tollways Corporation and Manila Toll
Expressway Systems, Inc. “to forward the entire amounts to be remitted by
them” under their respective supplemental toll operation agreements to the
Philippine National Construction Corporation.
In 2009, the SC had ruled that PNCC’s toll assets and facilities, including
the net income derived from these toll assets and PNCC’s very share or
participation in the various joint venture agreements were automatically
turned over to the National Government upon the expiration of PNCC’s
franchise on 1 May 2007.
The Supreme Court then directed the TRB, with the assistance of COA, to
prepare and finalize the implementing rules and guidelines for determining
the net income remittable by PNCC to the national government.
Issued in 2012, the Interim Rules and Guidelines set the formula for the net
income remittable by PNCC through the joint venture companies to the national
government. The Interim Rules and Guidelines were issued pursuant to the
rulings of the Supreme Court in Francisco v. TRB and Strategic Alliance Devt.
Corp. v. Radstock Securities, Ltd.
Last year, the Bureau of Treasury collected almost Php800 million worth of
remittances from MNTC, TMC, SLTC, and CMMTC. Also last year, Rodolfo Cuenca,
who is still claiming interests in the said joint venture companies as an
original incorporator of what was then the Construction and Development
Corporation of the Philippines, filed the case in an attempt to stop the
joint venture companies’ remittances to the TRB and to National Treasury.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With the increasing cases and loss of money because of ATM
Card Fraud, the Joint Anti-Bank Robbery Action Committee (JABRAC) has
strengthen its focus in locating ATM Fraud syndicates who are responsible for
putting skimming devices to an automated teller machine.
Skimming devices are placed secretly in ATMs to copy the bank account data
from inserted ATM cards and loot the owner’s bank account.
Recently, elements of the PNP Anti-Cyber Crime Group and Police Regional
Office 3 (PRO3), arrested two (2) Bulgarian Nationals at the BDO ATM booth
inside SM City Pampanga (on May 15, 2014) after they were caught in the act
of installing ATM skimming devices on the ATM pin pads of the said bank.
Arrested were Mladenov Emil STOYANOV and Kanev Lyuben GEORGIEV and
confiscated from them were, three (3) data port cable matching the ATM card
skimmer; one (1) small flat screw driver used in picking ATM cards; and one
(1) laptop allegedly with software that decodes ATM accounts. The PNP-Anti
Cyber Crime Group found that certain software for decoding ATM cards was
installed in the laptop of the suspects.
Stoyanov and Georgiev are now accused for violation of RA 8484 or the “Access
Devices Regulation Act Of 1998”. Judge Divina Luz P Aquino-Simbulan of RTC, B
R. 41 also recommended the bail of Php 1.5 million each accused who are
presently detained at Pampanga Provincial Jail.
Suspects are possible members of an international ATM skimming ring; this is
manifested by a similar incident that transpired in Angeles City of February
7, 2014 that resulted in the arrest of a Romanian national.
While the PNP and JABRAC continue to search for other related syndicates,
bank owners are also advised to implement maximum installation of CCTV cameras
near their ATM booths. Also, the designation of civilian guard will be a
great help to watch and secure their respective ATMs.
JABRAC is a joint effort of the government and private sector to fight
bank-related crimes where the Chief, PNP serves as its Chairman. (PNP-PIO)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PH’s
21.3%
exports growth in June 2014 tops trade-oriented economies in East, Southeast
Asia
|
|
|
|
MANILA— Philippine merchandise exports grew by 21.3
percent, making it the top export performer among selected East and Southeast
Asian economies, and raising hopes for a stronger expansion for the rest of
2014, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“This is the highest level since the economy started posting a continuous
positive growth in the same period last year. It is also way faster than the
6.9-percent increase in May 2014 and the 4.1-percent expansion in June 2013,”
said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.
The Philippines outperformed Vietnam (12.7%), People’s Republic of China
(7.2%), Malaysia (5.6%), Singapore (4.7%), Thailand (3.9%), Indonesia (3.8%),
Hong Kong (2.7%), Republic of Korea (2.5%), Taiwan (1.2%), and Japan (-6.5%).
Philippine exports grew to US$5.4 billion from US$4.5 billion in June 20l3.
For the first half of 2014, total exports rose by 8.3 percent to US$29.8
billion from US$27.5 billion in a comparable period last year.
“The export gains are broad-based, as reflected by increased overseas demand
for our manufactures, mineral products, total agro-based, and forest
products. This also indicates that the global economy is ready for a strong
recovery,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.
Manufactured goods posted a double-digit growth rate of 15.7 percent, which
amounted to US$4.3 billion in June 2014 from US$3.7 billion in June 2013.
Most notably, the exports value of electronics products reached US$2.2
billion in June 2014, up by 10.7 percent compared to US$2.0 billion in the
same period last year.
In addition, semiconductors, which comprised more than half of the country’s
total electronics exports during the period, posted its first positive growth
rate in 2014.
“The positive performance of semiconductor exports mirrored the upward trend
in the global chip industry,” said Balisacan.
Likewise, strong outward sales of iron ore agglomerates and chromium ore with
Japan and China propelled mineral products to a hefty growth rate of 85.1
percent, amounting to US$486.0 million in June 2014 from US$262.5 million in
June 2013.
Forest products also registered a 24.0-percent growth in export revenues in
June 2014, as supported by strong overseas sales of logs and lumber.
Meanwhile, total export revenues from petroleum products contracted by 99.9
percent from US$89.4 million June 2013 to US$0.06 million in June 2014 due to
lower export volume.
“Our overall outlook for Philippine merchandise exports continues to be
optimistic in view of favorable expectations on the global economy for the
rest of 2014, particularly on the growth prospects of advanced countries such
as the USA and the Euro Area,” said Balisacan.
“On the domestic front, industry expectations also point to a favorable export
performance for the full-year 2014. For instance, the Semiconductors and
Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) and exporters of some
non-electronics manufactures such as furniture, fixtures and garments expect
upward adjustment and expansions in their annual growth forecasts,” he added.
“For agro-based commodities, bright prospects for banana and mango exports
are seen on the back of a possible increase in market access, notably in
Australia and the US,” the cabinet official concluded.
Japan remains as the top destination of Philippine exports, accounting for
17.6 percent of the country’s total overseas merchandise sales receipts, with
a total value of US$956 million.
PR China was the second largest export market with a 15.8-percent share,
followed by the USA with 13.8-percent share in total exports.
In terms of regional destination, shipments to the Association of Southeast
Nations (ASEAN) member-countries comprised about 14.2 percent of total
exports while the European Union covered 10.2 percent.
|
|
|
|
Ex-TESDA chief, others face charges for
PDAF misuse
|
|
|
|
For siphoning off government funds from legitimate
beneficiaries and programs of TESDA and diverting the funds to an ineligible
Syjuco-founded non-governmental organization (NGO), former TESDA Director
General Augusto Syjuco, Jr., former Iloilo Congresswoman Judy Syjuco, former
TESDA Deputy Director General for Field Operations Santiago Yabut, Jr. and
Maria Nela Yniesto, President of Tagipusuon Cooperative face graft charges
before the Sandiganbayan.
The Office of the Ombudsman filed the criminal Informations for violations of
Section 3(e) and (g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act after
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the finding of probable cause
against the four respondents.
The charges arose from the disbursement and use of the Priority Development
Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congresswoman Syjuco amounting to Twenty Million
Pesos (P20,000,000.00) which was coursed through the TESDA, and released to
and implemented by the Tagipusuon Cooperative, a Syjuco-founded NGO. Fifteen
Million Pesos of the PDAF was used to purchase school uniforms, notebooks,
schools bags and supplies for public elementary and high school students of
the 2nd District of Iloilo.
The funds were originally appropriated for the TESDA scholarship program
(Invigorating Constituent Assistance in Reinforcing Employment, or I-CARE
program) involving technical and vocational job-related skills training
program for middle-level manpower.
The Syjucos together with Yabut and Yniesta, entered into a Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) on 23 December 2005 to make it appear that the Education for
All Projects of Congresswoman Syjuco is a counterpart project of the I-CARE program
“in order to attain a semblance of legitimacy on the disbursement of P20
Million.”
The Resolution stated that “the TESDA funds, which were originally
appropriated by law for the conduct of job-related skills training programs,
were applied differently from their purpose since they were utilized by
Tagipusuon, under the auspices of the I-CARE Program, for the purchase of
school bags, notebooks and uniforms, and thereafter, distributed to
elementary and high school students instead.”
Ombudsman Morales affirmed the charge for violation of Section 3(e) “since
the funds were eventually disbursed for the implementation of a project which
was clearly inconsistent with the mandate of the implementing agency TESDA to
the detriment of the intended beneficiaries of the I-CARE Program.”
Insofar as the graft charge for violation of Section 3(g) is concerned, the
“respondents entered into a contract or transaction that is manifestly and
grossly disadvantageous to the government, when DDG Yabut and Cong. Syjuco entered
into the assailed MOA with Tagipusuon, which was ineligible and not qualified
to be a beneficiary to implement the subject government transaction.”
Ombudsman Morales also noted that “Tagipusuon used P916,000.00 of the funds
as payment for the salaries and wages of the members/employees of the
cooperative” which is prohibited under National Budget Circular No. 476, and
P546,181.16 for administrative costs to cover office rentals, hotel expenses
for general assembly, communication/cellphone load expenses and other
expenses.
In addition to the criminal indictments, Ombudsman Morales referred the
copies of the Joint Resolution and Joint Order to the Anti-Money Laundering
Council (AMLC) for immediate action on possible violations of the Anti-Money
Laundering Act.
Dismissed for insufficiency of evidence are the complaints against Milagros
Hernandez, Buen Mondejar, Annabelle Quimbo and Cariza Dacuma.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pantukan, Compostela Valley - Vanessa I. Diez, 33, a
volunteer of Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) in this town believes that women
can actually contribute to the progress and development of their community.
Struggles
Vanessa, fondly called Em-Em, grew up poor.
“Ayaw ng tatay ko na magtrabaho ang aking Nanay dahil kailangan niyang
alagaan ang pito nilang anak. Naniniwala siya na ang mga kababaihan ay dapat
nasa bahay lang at pinagsisilbihan ang pamilya (My father did not allow my
mother to work because she had to care for their seven children. He believes
that women should stay home and serve the family),” Vanessa related.
However, her father’s unstable income as an electronic technician made it
difficult to sustain their family’s daily needs.
Vanessa recalled that her father would rarely go home due to his work and she
had to find ways to help her mother by selling snacks in her school.
“Kailangan kong tulungan ang aking ina dahil wala siyang mapagkakakitaan, at
bihirang nasa bahay ang Tatay ko dahil nagtatrabaho siya sa malayong lugar.
Minsan, kinakapos kami ng perang pambili ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan
(I had to help my mother as she had no livelihood to rely on, and my father
was seldom home, working far away. At times, we were short of cash to buy our
basic needs),” she added.
Because they were poor, Vanessa’s childhood was different from those of other
children in their neighborhood. She had to be contented with the little that
they have, but this never discouraged her, rather she learned from their
hardships and emerged tougher than most. She also realized that nothing comes
easy in life.
With her father finding a new source of income, she was able to pursue her
dream of earning a degree.
“Gusto ko ng kursong Civil Engineering ngunit gusto ng Tatay na maging guro
ako. Pinilit ko ang gusto ko at nakuha ko naman (I took up Civil Engineering
but my father wanted me to become a teacher. I insisted and I made it),” she
said.
In her second year in college, Vanessa got pregnant, stopped schooling and
got married. Since they were both young and unprepared to settle down and
raise a family, Vanessa thought this could be the end of her dream of having
a better life. She was assailed by doubts and fears.
To make both ends meet, she began selling banana cue.
“Sanay naman ako sa hirap ng buhay. Napagdaanan ko na ito (Hard life was
nothing new to me as I have been through it all),” Vanessa expounded.
Her husband, on the other hand, had a hard time looking for a job. The
responsibility of providing for their family begun to strain their marriage,
more so, when Vanessa saw her husband’s lack of determination to be the
family’s good provider.
“Hindi madali nu’ng umpisa, gusto ko talagang magkaroon ng pamumuhay na iba sa
naranasan ko nang ako’y bata pa. Parati kaming kinakapos dahil ang Tatay lang
ang may trabaho (It was not easy at first, I really wanted to have a
different life from the one I experienced as a child. We were always
struggling because it was only my father who had a job),” Vanessa recounted.
Their marriage became better when her husband gradually started to recognize
Vanessa’s efforts, as well as her need to grow. Since then, they have started
working together, teaching their children to be responsible and independent.
Women power
Vanessa also started to serve in her church because helping others gives her
a sense of fulfillment more than anything else. She also actively
participated in other community undertakings.
“Ini-engganyo ko ang mga magulang at mga bata na mag-avail ng iba’t-ibang
libreng serbisyo na ipinagkakaloob ng pamahalaan, katulad ng pagtutuli at
pagbibigay ng mga gamot. Ayaw sumali ng ibang kababaihan sa aming purok dahil
marami silang gawaing bahay. Ayaw kong mawala sa kanila ang mga ganitong
oportunidad (I would encourage parents and children to avail of the different
free services offered by the government, such as circumcision and medicines.
The other women in our purok refused to participate as they were already
burdened with household chores. I did not want them to miss out on these
opportunities),” she emphasized.
Because of Vanessa’s active participation in community affairs, the Barangay
Council of Women elected her as president with 14 puroks under her watch. She
was then encouraged to run as Purok Leader, and was overwhelmed with her
fellow residents’ support, considering that it was her first attempt to run
for public office.
Further, she was the only woman out of four candidates aiming for the
position.
That was when ‘women power’ began to unfold in their village.
When Kalahi-CIDSS conducted its Municipal Participatory Analysis in October
2012, Vanessa was elected to represent her Purok along with two other
residents. She was hesitant at first but accepted the new assignment with
determination.
“Hindi naging madali ang paglalakbay. Nahirapan akong kumbinsihin ang mga
miyembro ng aming komunidad, ang mga nakatira sa 14 na purok sa aming
barangay, na tanggapin ang pagbabagong eto. Inisip nilang hindi rin naman
matutuloy ang ipinakilalang istratehiyang ito ng pamahalaan, bakit pa
pag-aksayahan ng oras (The journey was not easy. To convince the members of
the community of this new development strategy seemed to be impossible to
achieve. Residents of the 14 puroks in our barangay had a hard time
submitting themselves to this change. They thought that what the government
introduced will not be sustained anyway, so why waste time),” Vanessa
explained.
Closer to dream
With the construction of the 200-linear meter road through Kalahi CIDSS, she
felt she was one step closer to her dream.
Vanessa considered this project as one of her childhood dreams. For a long
time, villagers had a hard time transporting their products to the Poblacion
especially during rainy season. Road accidents were common as the road
condition was awful, apart from being strewn with potholes.
During the Kalahi-CIDSS Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF), where all
barangays were present to defend their prioritized community sub-projects,
Vanessa took the stand for their project. She admitted she became emotional
during the presentation.
All their efforts and sacrifices became more meaningful when their
sub-project was prioritized.
“Walang pagsidlan ang aking kagalakan nang maging boses ako ng aming
komunidad. Naniniwala akong maaari tayong magbago dahil sa nagkakaisa tayong
nagtatrabaho at nagtutulungan sa isa’t isa. Ngayon ay nasa atin na ang daang
magdadala sa atin sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap (My happiness could not
be contained when I became the voice of my community. I believe we can change
for the better because we are a united community, working hard and supporting
each other. Now, we have the road that will lead us to achieving our
dreams),” Vanessa enthused.
|
|
|
|
Customs on second phase of hiring process
|
|
|
|
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is now on its second phase of
the process to hire over a thousand new employees needed to fill up the lack
of manpower in the bureau.
Around 6,013 applications from all over the country were received by the BOCs
Internal Administration Group (IAG) all vying for the 1,056 plantilla
positions available at the bureau’s main office as well as its various
collection districts throughout the country.
This number does not include applicants who did not meet the basic requirements
like Civil Service Eligibility, those who submitted their applications beyond
the August 6 deadline; and those who sent their applications through email.
According to BOC-IAG, majority of the applications came from Luzon with 4,364
applicants, 702 came from the Visayas, while 947 applicants are from
Mindanao.
The applications are now undergoing preliminary screening to determine if all
the minimum qualifications like education, experience, training, and
eligibility of the position applied were met. Those who passed the initial
screening will be notified via text message or email notice from BOC between
August 18 to 24. They are required to take the pre-employment, general
ability examination to be conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on
August 31.
Once they passed the CSC exam, the applicants will also take aptitude and
psychometric tests determined to measure their personality, interest,
aptitude, and values. This will greatly help the bureau in eliminating future
employees who are susceptible to graft and corrupt practices.
To prohibit nepotism, applicants with relatives in the BOC up to the 4th
degree of consanguinity are barred from applying for any position in the
Bureau in accordance with the Administrative Code (Executive Order No. 292).
Applicants who pass the general ability and aptitude exams will then undergo
competency-based tests crafted by the BOC which will further test the fitness
of applicants to perform the duties of specific positions. These
competency-based tests consist of a written exam and interview. A physical
fitness test will be conducted for applicants of the Intelligence and
Enforcement groups.
The new BOC hiring process is in line with the Revised Guidelines and
Procedure in the Hiring and Promotion of Personnel for First and Second Level
Positions under Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) 15-2014. The CMO aims to
simplify the guidelines, widen the sphere of selection, as well as clarify
the procedure for applicant screening to get the best qualified applicants for
the bureau.
The BOC only has about 3,600 employees, about half of its actual plantilla
size of about 7,000. Hence, most employees are tasked to do double duties.
The lack of manpower is further aggravated by natural attrition like
retirement, death, dismissal from service, among others.
|
|
|
|
BOC employee arrested for accepting
bribe
|
|
|
|
An employee of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was arrested
today (Thursday, August 14) by operatives from the BOC’s Enforcement and
Security Service (ESS) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) for allegedly asking for bribe
money to facilitate the clearance of used clothing (“ukay-ukay”) seized by
the Bureau.
The employee, Ethel Bernas, holds the rank Customs Operations Officer III
(COO 3) and is assigned at the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the BOC
at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Colleciton District. She was
arrested following a complaint filed by a certain Jane Louise Balse with the
Customs Police. According to Balse, Bernas offered to facilitate the release
of container vans loaded with used clothing from Hong Kong and the United
States in exchange for an initial payment of P1-Million. Bernas allegedly
asked Balse for additional payment purportedly intended for other BOC
officials totaling P425,000. Balse claimed that even after producing the
money and paying Bernas, the shipment was not released, with the latter
claiming the certain documents were not signed. Last August 8, Balse claimed
Bernas called her and demanded P155,000—prompting her to file the complaint.
Republic Act (R.A) 4653 bans the commercial importation of used clothing and
textiles “to protect the health of the Filipinos and to preserve the Filipino
dignity.”
Bernas will face charges related to violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act, Direct Bribery and Estafa. She will be subjected to inquest
and booking at the PNP-CIDG Headquarters in Camp Crame. On top of this,
Bernas could face administrative charges under the BOC Code of Conduct and
related civil service laws.
Bernas had been found guilty of Grave Misconduct by the Ombudsman. In a
six-page decision dated June 25, 2014, Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor
Arthur Carandang approved the verdict and meted Bernas with the penalty of
Dismissal from the Service. The dismissal was effective last July 31, 2014.
However, Bernas continued to go to her office at BOC-NAIA claiming that she
filed an appeal before the Ombudsman.
Last May 23, operatives of the Bureau’s Intelligence Group, in coordination
with the Philippine National Police, arrested BOC employee Freddie Castro
Ruba, an employee assigned at the BOC-North Harbor and Rafael Reyes Sevilla,
a casual worker (or hiao-siao) at the BOC-North Harbor, on charges of robbery
and extortion following an entrapment operation. At least 16 other employees
of the Bureau of Customs have been slapped administrative charges for
conniving with smugglers and importers in illegally bringing rice into the
country; while 47 others are under investigation for collusion with
unscrupulous rice traders.
|
|
|
|
DOST-ICT Office, PSIA launch Philippine
Startup Challenge
|
|
|
|
Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and
Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office)
and the Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA) launched the first
ever Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) to promote ITpreneurship in the
country.
Philippine Startup Challenge, a nationwide startup competition catered
towards college students, aims to inspire the youth to jumpstart innovative
technology ideas that can address relevant issues in the society today. The
competition also aims to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship among
students.
Preceding the launch of the national competition, DOST-ICT Office and PSIA
also conducted a series of startup bootcamps among IT and computer sciences
teachers to equip them with the basic methods and principles of building a
startup.
Bootcamps were held last July in key regional locations throughout the
country including Cebu, Legazpi, Davao, Baguio, and Metro Manila. Faculty
participants of the bootcamps in these cities were encouraged to mentor
students who are interested in joining PSC.
Teams composing of four (4) members (3 students and 1 faculty adviser) are
invited to join the competition with their software or internet-based entries
until September 5. To be eligible for application, the faculty adviser of the
team must have attended at least one (1) preparatory bootcamp conducted in
their city.
The entries will go through two phases of selection process. Top 20 teams
from the overall number of entries will receive coaching sessions and will be
given a chance to pitch their
startup ideas to a panel of respected judges from the startup incubator,
accelerator, and investment sector.
Winning teams will be chosen at the end of the year and they will have the
chance to receive mentoring and guidance from experts in the technology
startup community.
The startup challenge was also conceptualized as a way to tap the potential
of the Philippines to be a startup hub as the fastest growing economy in
Asia.
According to Monchito Ibrahim of the DOST-ICT Office ― "Majority of
local software startups are born during their early years in college and
continue to grow right after graduation The same trend goes for all startups
all over the word wherein most entrepreneurs of this generation started at a
relatively young age. We and PSIA conceptualized the PSC with the objective
of encouraging our students to come up with innovative startup ideas as early
as possible."
PSIA President Joey Gurango mentioned that ―"The PSC is part of our
objective to develop at least fifty (50) startup companies by the end of 2014
and develop ten (10) globally recognized startups earning a total of one (1)
million US Dollars in revenue by 2016."
PSC is made possible with the support of the Philippine Society of IT
Educators (PSITE) and the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines
(NICP) and with the collaboration of IBM, Ideaspace Foundation Inc.,
Microsoft and the Vibal Group
For more information on the Philippine Startup Challenge, contact Karen Reyes
through karen.reyes@psia.org.ph or 8172727 loc 109. You may also contact
Karla Legaspi through karla.legaspi@icto.dost.gov.ph or 9200101 loc 1301.
|
|
|
|
ROXAS:
Hindi
ko kukunsintihin ang mga incompetent na Pulis
|
|
|
|
Inatasan ni Interior at Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas si
PNP NCRPO Police Director Carmelo Valmoria na ayusin ang hanay ng kapulisan
sa National Capital Regional Police.
Ito ayon kay Roxas matapos na iulat ang pagtaas ng insidente ng theft at
robbery sa mga lungsod ng Quezon at Pasay at gayun din ang kuwestiyonableng
aktibidad ng ilang pulis sa Caloocan.
Binigyang diin ni Roxas na hindi nito kukunsintihin ang katwiran na hindi
sapat ang kakayanan ng pulis o “incompetence” para hindi masolusyunan ang problema
ng kriminalidad sa Metro Manila.
Kaugnay nito binigyan ng direktiba ni Roxas ang hepe ng PNP NCRPO na linisin
ang kanyang hanay laban sa mga pulis na mapapatunayang hindi ginagawa ng ayos
ang tungkulin.
“Kung mapapatunayan talaga na hindi makakasunod sa itinatakda ng kanilang
tungkulin itong mga unipormado nating kasama, ilagay lang natin sa tamang
proseso, at kung ang rekumendasyon ay alisin, alisin natin sa serbisyo. Gawin
natin ito sa mabilis, may paninindigan at tamang proseso,” pahayag ni Roxas
kay Valmoria sa pulong.
Inatasan din ng kalihim si Valmoria na ilagay sa personal records ng mga
pulis na mabibigyan ng disciplinary action ang ipapataw na parusa sa mga ito
at ang dahilan.
“Tama lang din siguro na ilagay ninyo sa record files nila ang dahilan kung
bakit sila nawala sa serbisyo. At makita din sana natin kung gaano kahaba o
kaikli ang panahon na inilagi nila sa police service partikular sa kanilang
huling poste,” dagdag pa ni Roxas.
Samantala binasbasan din ni Roxas ang pagpapalabas ng may 100 police
enforcers mula sa Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) ng PNP na
ipapakalat sa Metro Manila para tulungan ang national regional police command
sa pagpapalakas ng police visibility at seguridad sa publiko.
Ang pinag-isang hakbang ng Department of Interior at Local Government at PNP
ay sanhi ng nakaka-alarmang pagtaas ng insidente ng nakawan, pandurukot at
maging ang paglipana ng riding in tandem na kalimitan ay pumapatay ng
kanilang biktima.
Sinabi pa ni Roxas na hindi mahalaga kung mas tumaas ang insidente ng
kriminalidad na naitatala, dahil ang mas mahalaga ay kung paano
sino-solusyunan ang problema.
|
|
|
|
Baldoz
issues
pay rules for Ninoy Aquino Day, a special non-working day
|
|
|
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday said that proper wage rules and core labor standards for workers
must be observed on Thursday, 21 August 2014, which is a Special Non-Working
Day across the nation marking Ninoy Aquino Day.
The labor and employment chief said that the Special Non-Working Day is by
virtue of Proclamation No. 655, Series of 2013, Declaring the Regular
Holidays, Special (Non-Working) Days, and Special Holiday (for all Schools)
for the Year 2014.
Baldoz emphasized that the declaration of 21 August 2014 as a special
non-working day was meant to remember and honor the martyrdom of the late
Senator Benigno Aquino which was first proclaimed by virtue of Republic Act
No. 9256.
“Proper observance of the pay rules on a Special Non-Working Day strengthens
decent work and encourages productivity. Voluntary compliance of companies
with this labor standard is good business practice,” she said.
The labor chief reminded employers to observe the following pay rules during
the Ninoy Aquino Day, thus:
(a) If the employee did not work, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply
unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining
agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day;
(b) For work done during the special day, he/she shall be paid an additional
30 percent of his or her daily rate on the first eight hours of work [(Daily
Rate x 130%) + COLA);
(c) For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work), he/she shall be
paid an additional 30% of his/her hourly rate on said day (Hourly rate of the
basic daily wage x 130% x 130% x number of hours worked);
(d) For work done during a special day that also falls on his/her rest day,
he/she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his/her daily rate on the
first eight hours of work [(Daily rate x 150%) + COLA); and,
(e) For work done in excess of eight hours (overtime work) during a special
day that also falls on his/her rest day, he/she shall be paid an additional
30% of his/her hourly rate on said day [Hourly rate of the basic daily wage x
150% x 130% x number of hours worked).
For inquiries about this release, please call the Bureau of Working
Conditions at Tel. Nos. 527-3000 locals 303 or 307; the nearest DOLE regional
office (for DOLE-NCR 400-6011); or the DOLE Hotline, 527-8000.
|
|
|
|
DTI
joins
DA in monitoring chicken price and supply
|
|
|
|
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Consumer Protection
Group (CTI-CPG) joined the Department of Agriculture (DA) in monitoring the
price and supply of chicken in major wet market and supermarket in Quezon
City.
“We have been in a series of discussions with the Department of Agriculture
(DA) since last week because we have received various reports on price increases
on dressed chicken. As the Chairman and Secretariat of the National Price
Coordinating Council (NPCC), the DTI has a duty to assist another government
office in ensuring that basic necessities in the market, like chicken, have
reasonable prices for consumers’ proper purchase,” DTI-CPG Undersecretary
Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba explained.
In the joint monitoring activity, the selling price of a whole dressed
chicken is P160 a kilo. Choice cuts are sold for up to P170. But when
consumers will ask, a P10-discount is usually granted.
From the prodding of DA-Livestock Undersecretary Jose Reano and
DA-Agribusiness Assistant Secretary Leandro Gazmin, vendors admitted that
they have difficulties in getting their supply for selling. The vendors
reported that their suppliers are saying that supply is tight coming from
Region III (Central Luzon) and Region IVA (CALABARZON), thus, they have to
increase their price to sell to market vendors.
The vendors revealed that their buying price of dressed chicken from suppliers
range from P125 to P135, to which they add their costs for their own price of
P160 that DA considers quite high compared to the prevailing price of P130
two weeks ago.
DA reported that 30 monitored stalls in this Quezon City wet market will be issued
the Show Cause Order (SCO) that will require the stall owners to explain
their price of P160 per kilo of dressed chicken.
Similarly, DA issued an SCO to the monitored supermarket for selling chicken
per kilo at a price range of P135-170 considering it directly acquires its
chicken supply from the broilers.
Upon evaluation, if DA finds the stall and supermarket owners executing
illegal acts of price manipulation such as profiteering, which is a violation
of the Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, they shall face an administrative
fine of up to P1M subject to the circumstances provided after due notice and
hearing. They can also be criminally liable for illegal price manipulation
that may result to imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a maximum fine
of P2,000,000.
Dimagiba stated, “This begins the assistance of DTI to DA in monitoring the
price and supply of chicken in the wet market and grocery stores. DA will
provide us its list of wet markets to monitor and DTI will visit those that
have not been identified yet many of our consumers go to for their basic
goods."
“Again, the DA and the broilers industry assure the consumers that supply in
the market is enough for the Filipino consumers. They mentioned that supply
is tight in some areas where chickens are grown because of typhoon Glenda but
supplies from other areas can cover this to provide the usual more than
enough supply of chicken in the market”, Dimagiba narrated.
Dimagiba urged consumers to report the price and supply of chicken in their areas
so DA and DTI can gather more information in resolving the spikes on chicken
prices. In addition, he said them to be vigilant in their purchases. Further,
he reminds the retailers and establishments to keep their prices of basic
goods steady.
The DTI recently received reports from consumers that the price of chicken in
wet markets has reached a high of P160. These reports prompted DTI to inquire
from DA on the price situation of chicken. Subsequently, the DTI, DA, chicken
industry, supermarket associations and wet market groups have met and
discussed the increases for the past week.
To further guide consumers in their purchases, DA lists its weekly price
report of agricultural products at www.bas.gov.ph; while DTI updates its
weekly price monitoring report of non-agricultural products and list of
Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) of selected basic necessities and prime
commodities at the Price Watch section.
Consumers can report any complaint on chicken price and supply to DA’s
926.8203 and 928.8765 ext. 2140 or to DTI Direct 751.3330 and 0917.8343330.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., leads
the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the ceremonial
distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine
Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General
Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on
Thursday (August 14). One of the major programs of the AFP Modernization
is to upgrade the mission-essential capability requirements of the AFP
in terms of firepower for the ground troops. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and
Philippine Navy Marine troops was held at the Armed Forces of the
Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major programs of the
AFP Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential capability
requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground troops. The
whole project will be delivered within the year and will be shipped in
two batches. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III chats with AFP Chief of Staff General
Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., during the ceremonial distribution of
assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops
at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14).
One of the major programs of the AFP Modernization is to upgrade the
mission-essential capability requirements of the AFP in terms of
firepower for the ground troops. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin
during the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine
Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the
Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo
in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major programs of the
AFP Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential capability
requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground troops.
(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial distribution of
assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops
at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14).
One of the major programs of the AFP Modernization is to upgrade the
mission-essential capability requirements of the AFP in terms of
firepower for the ground troops. The whole project will be delivered
within the year and will be shipped in two batches. (Photo by Robert
Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr leads
the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and
Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the Philippines
General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon
City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major programs of the AFP
Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential capability
requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground troops.
Shown recieving the rifle here is PFC Patrick Paul E. Alcala of
Philippine Army. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin, leads the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the
Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of
the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio
Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major
programs of the AFP Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential
capability requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground
troops. The whole project will be delivered within the year and will be
shipped in two batches. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Rey
Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
ceremonial distribution of Assault Rifles to the Philippine Army (PA)
and Philippine Navy (PN) Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters Canopy at Camp General Emilio
Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (August 14). One of the major
programs of the AFP Modernization is to upgrade the mission-essential
capability requirements of the AFP in terms of firepower for the ground
troops. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP
Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Gavino Trono, Jr., PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the
Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Trono
received the Presidential Medallion for his outstanding contributions in
the field of tropical marine phycology with focus on seaweed
biodiversity, biology, ecology, and culture. He is credited for his
extensive studies on the culture of Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus
alvarezii, Gracilaria spp., Caulerpa lentillifera, and Halymenia
durvillei, seaweed that benefited thousands among the coastal
populations. Also in photo are Mrs. Lety Trono, Science and Technology
Secretary Mario Montejo and National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
president William Padolina. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Gavino Trono, Jr., PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the
Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Trono
received the Presidential Medallion for his outstanding contributions in
the field of tropical marine phycology with focus on seaweed
biodiversity, biology, ecology, and culture. He is credited for his
extensive studies on the culture of Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus
alvarezii, Gracilaria spp., Caulerpa lentillifera, and Halymenia
durvillei, seaweed that benefited thousands among the coastal
populations. He was the first to report the occurrence of “ice-ice”
disease which has caused tremendous loss of biomass in seaweed farms..
Also in photo is Mrs. Lety Trono. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Edgardo Gomez, PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Gomez received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition for his outstanding
contributions to science particularly his researches on marine
ecosystems which became the bases for management of and the conservation
programs for the country's marine resources. Also in photo are
Ambassador Phoebe Gomez, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo
and National Academy of Science and Technology president William
Padolina. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Edgardo Gomez, PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Gomez received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition for his outstanding
contributions to science particularly his researches on marine
ecosystems which became the bases for management of and the conservation
programs for the country's marine resources. Most notable among his
researches have been on coral reef ecology and conservation,
reestablishment of giant clam stocks, and marine science capacity
enhancement. His pioneering research works on invertebrate zoology,
coral reef science and assessment, and invertebrate aquaculture, where
he steered the world’s first national-scale assessment of damage to
coral reefs, which brought widespread concern over the status coral
reefs. This led to worldwide conservation initiatives, such as the
Global reefs and Risk Analysis, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network,
and the International Coral Reef Action, among others. Also in photo is
Ambassador Phoebe Gomez. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Edgardo Gomez, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Gomez received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition for his outstanding
contributions to science particularly his researches on marine
ecosystems which became the bases for management of and the conservation
programs for the country's marine resources. (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Ramon Barba, PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12, 2014). Dr. Barba
received the Presidential Medallion for his distinguished achievements
in the field of plant physiology, focusing on induction of flowering of
mango and on micropropagation of important crop species that have earned
him national and international accolades. His pioneering work on the
induction of flowering and fruiting of mango resulted in the change from
seasonal supply of fresh fruits to all year round availability of
abundant fresh mangoes, the key ingredient in the development of mango
exports which gave rise to an entirely new industry of processed mango
products. Also in photo are Dr. Corazon Veron Cruz-Barba, Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and National Academy of Science and
Technology president William Padolina. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Ramon Barba, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Barba received
the Presidential Medallion for his distinguished achievements in the
field of plant physiology, focusing on induction of flowering of mango
and on micropropagation of important crop species that have earned him
national and international accolades. His pioneering work on the
induction of flowering and fruiting of mango resulted in the change from
seasonal supply of fresh fruits to all year round availability of
abundant fresh mangoes, the key ingredient in the development of mango
exports which gave rise to an entirely new industry of processed mango
products. Also in photo are Dr. Corazon Veron Cruz-Barba and Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Ramon Barba, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Barba received
the Presidential Medallion for his distinguished achievements in the
field of plant physiology, focusing on induction of flowering of mango
and on micropropagation of important crop species that have earned him
national and international accolades. His pioneering work on the
induction of flowering and fruiting of mango resulted in the change from
seasonal supply of fresh fruits to all year round availability of
abundant fresh mangoes, the key ingredient in the development of mango
exports which gave rise to an entirely new industry of processed mango
products. Also in photo is Dr. Corazon Veron Cruz-Barba. (Photo by Ryan
Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Angel Alcala, PhD. during the conferment ceremonIes at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Alcala received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition of his seminal and original
research on the systematic, ecology, and diversity of Philippine
amphibians and reptiles, and, marine biodiversity, reef fishes and
conservation (marine-protected areas). The Order of National Scientist
is the highest honor given by the President to a man or woman of science
in the Philippines who has made significant contributions in one of the
different fields of science and technology. Also in photo are National
Academy of Science and Technology president William Padolina, Science
and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Mrs. Naomi Alcala. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Angel Alcala, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Alcala received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition of his outstanding seminal and
original research on the systematic, ecology, and diversity of
Philippine amphibians and reptiles, and, marine biodiversity, reef
fishes and conservation (marine-protected areas). Also in photo is Mrs.
Naomi Alcala. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the 2014 Order of
National Scientist awardees Drs. Edgardo Gomez, PhD.; Ramon Barba, PhD.;
Gavino Trono, Jr., PhD.; and Angel Alcala, PhD. for a group photo
souvenir during the Conferment Ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12,). The Order of National
Scientist is the highest honor given by the President of the Republic of
the Philippines to a Filipino man or woman of science in the Philippines
who has made significant contributions in one of the different fields of
science and technology. Also in photo are Science and Technology
Secretary Mario Montejo and National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
president William Padolina. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rolando Mailo / Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Gavino Trono, Jr., PhD. during the conferment ceremony at the
Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Trono
received the Presidential Medallion for his outstanding contributions in
the field of tropical marine phycology with focus on seaweed
biodiversity, biology, ecology, and culture. The Order of National
Scientist is the highest honor given by the President o to a man or
woman of science in the Philippines who has made significant
contributions in one of the different fields of science and technology.
Also in photo is Mrs. Lety Trono. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Edgardo Gomez, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Gomez received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition for his outstanding
contributions to science particularly his researches on marine
ecosystems which became the bases for management of and the conservation
programs for the country's marine resources. His pioneering research
works on invertebrate zoology, coral reef science and assessment, and
invertebrate aquaculture, where he steered the world’s first
national-scale assessment of damage to coral reefs, which brought
widespread concern over the status of coral reefs. The Order of National
Scientist is the highest honor given by the President to a man or woman
of science in the Philippines who has made significant contributions in
one of the different fields of science and technology. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Ramon Barba, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Barba received
the Presidential Medallion for his distinguished achievements in the
field of plant physiology, focusing on induction of flowering of mango
and on micropropagation of important crop species that have earned him
national and international accolades. His pioneering work on the
induction of flowering and fruiting of mango resulted in the change from
seasonal supply of fresh fruits to all year round availability of
abundant fresh mangoes. The regularity of mango production is the key
ingredient in the development of mango exports which gave rise to an
entirely new industry of processed mango products. The Order of National
Scientist is the highest honor given by the President of the Republic of
the Philippines to man or woman of science in the Philippines who has
made significant contributions in one of the different fields of science
and technology. Also in photo is Dr. Corazon Veron Cruz-Barba. (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of National Scientist
on Dr. Angel Alcala, PhD. during the conferment ceremonies at the Rizal
Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 12). Dr. Alcala received
the Presidential Medallion in recognition of his seminal and original
research on the systematic, ecology, and diversity of Philippine
amphibians and reptiles, and, marine biodiversity, reef fishes and
conservation (marine-protected areas). The Order of National Scientist
is the highest honor given by the President of the Republic of the
Philippines to a man of science in the Philippines who has made
significant contributions in one of the different fields of science and
technology. Also in photo is Science and Technology Secretary Mario
Montejo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in
generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by AFP Chief
of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. for a photo souvenir after
administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (August 11). Also in photo is Defense Secretary
Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo
Bureau / PCOO) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Armed Forces of the
Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. after
administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (August 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office of newly
appointed generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in a ceremony
at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (August 11). (Photo
by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Armed
Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang,
Jr. in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday
(August 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the oath taking of newly
appointed generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by
AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., at the Rizal Hall
of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (August 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with U.S. Ambassador to
the Philippines Philip Goldberg, U.S Senator Bob Corker and members of
the United States Congressional Delegation during the courtesy call at
the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 08,
2014). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes U.S Senator Bob Corker and U.S.
Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg during the courtesy call
of the United States Congressional Delegation at the President’s Hall of
the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 08). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the United States Congressional
Delegation during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 08). In photo are from right, Rep.
Jim Moran, Rep. Ken Calvet, Rep. Kay Granger, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen,
and Senator Bob Corker (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Alan
Purisima, honors the colors during the 113th Police Service Anniversary
at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday
(August 08). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay ang Mamamayan para sa
Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the Philippine National Police
celebrates Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint
founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901
and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner
organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 113th Police Service
Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City
on Friday (August 08, 2014). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay ang
Mamamayan para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the Philippine
National Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in commemoration
of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary
established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in
1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief
Director General Alan Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 113th Police
Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in
Quezon City on Friday (August 08). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay
ang Mamamayan para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the
Philippine National Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in
commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular
Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police,
organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 113th
Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame
in Quezon City on Friday (August 08). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay
ang Mamamayan para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the
Philippine National Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in
commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular
Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police,
organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in
photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and
PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, presents the Special Unit Award to
President Roxas Municipal Station for its laudable accomplishment that
is beyond the rating period (MPS Level), represented by P/SInsp. Romy
Castañares, during the awarding ceremony in the 113th Police Service
Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City
on Friday (August 08). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay ang Mamamayan
para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the Philippine National
Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the
joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in
1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both
forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNP Chief Director
General Alan Purisima, troops the line during the 113th Police Service
Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City
on Friday (August 08). With the theme: “Pulisya, Kaagapay ang Mamamayan
para sa Patuloy na Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran," the Philippine National
Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the
joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in
1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both
forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the premier screening of the
“Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust” at the Rizal Hall
of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (August 7). The one hour documentary
on how the Philippines became asylum of approximately 1,300 Jews who
escaped Nazi tyranny during World War II. (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcome documentary filmmaker Russ Hodge
during premier screening of the “Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from
the Holocaust” at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday
(August 7). The one hour documentary on how the Philippines became
asylum of approximately 1,300 Jews who escaped Nazi tyranny during World
War II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the premier
screening of the “Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust”
at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (August 7). The
one hour documentary on how the Philippines became asylum of
approximately 1,300 Jews who escaped Nazi tyranny during World War II.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the premier screening of the
“Rescue in the Philippines: Refuge from the Holocaust” at the Rizal Hall
of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (August 07) documentary showed how
the Philippines became asylum of approximately 1,300 Jews who escaped
Nazi tyranny during World War II. The Rescue was orchestrated by their
Philippine President Manuel Quezon, US High Commissioner Paul McNutt, US
Army Colonel Dwight Eisenhower, and the five Frieder brothers. (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with outgoing New Zealand
Ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Anthony Joannes Levermore during
the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday
(August 07). Also in photo is Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio
Balisacan. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with outgoing New Zealand
Ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Anthony Joannes Levermore during
the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday
(August 07). Also in photo are New Zealand Embassy Deputy Head of
Mission Justin Allen and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio
Balisacan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
|
|
|
|
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com
if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY
|
Presidential Communications Operations Office - Other News Online |
No comments:
Post a Comment