24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 28 August 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 August 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 August 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
At 4:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 500 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur (8.8ºN 131.3ºE).
Forecast:
Metro Manila and the regions of Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western and Central Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
Walang
pasok sa lahat ng antas sa Cavite dahil sa posibilidad ng pagbaha sa
ilang lugar dulot ng pag-ulan, ayon kay Gov. Remulla. | via @dzbb
pasok sa lahat ng antas sa Cavite dahil sa posibilidad ng pagbaha sa
ilang lugar dulot ng pag-ulan, ayon kay Gov. Remulla. | via @dzbb
August 28 , 2014 ( Thursday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Rainy
LAGUNA : Rainy
BATANGAS : Rainy
RIZAL : Partly Cloudy
QUEZON
: Cloudy with light rain shower
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
DTI-Quezon provincial office is set to turn over this week a
decorticating machine worth P1.4M at barangay Apad Lutao, Calauag,
Quezon. Mr.Pablito Budoy of DTI said the machine will be utilized by
local residents in making fibers, helping them generate additional
income.
DTI-Quezon provincial office is set to turn over this week a
decorticating machine worth P1.4M at barangay Apad Lutao, Calauag,
Quezon. Mr.Pablito Budoy of DTI said the machine will be utilized by
local residents in making fibers, helping them generate additional
income.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The SM Foundation (SMF) has conducted a 'story telling' project to 120
Badjao children living in Barangay Dalahican, Lucena City. Ms. Maricel
Alquiros, SM city mall manager, said the SMF treated the Badjao children
to play, eat and shop in the mall like ordinary children. The activity
was held in support of the indigenous people month celebration.
The SM Foundation (SMF) has conducted a 'story telling' project to 120
Badjao children living in Barangay Dalahican, Lucena City. Ms. Maricel
Alquiros, SM city mall manager, said the SMF treated the Badjao children
to play, eat and shop in the mall like ordinary children. The activity
was held in support of the indigenous people month celebration.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
School officials from Longos Elementary School in Bacoor City expressed
their profound gratitude to the Villar Social Institute for Poverty
Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) for the donation of plastic chairs
from recycled plastic wastes. The plastic chairs came from SIPAG wastes
plastic factory which produces 250 chairs a month, equivalent to nearly
4,000 kilos of plastic waste.
School officials from Longos Elementary School in Bacoor City expressed
their profound gratitude to the Villar Social Institute for Poverty
Alleviation and Governance (SIPAG) for the donation of plastic chairs
from recycled plastic wastes. The plastic chairs came from SIPAG wastes
plastic factory which produces 250 chairs a month, equivalent to nearly
4,000 kilos of plastic waste.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
The Imus City Police District received five brand new patrol vehicles
from the city government to further enhance their mobility in responding
to any emergency situations and preserving peace and order.
The Imus City Police District received five brand new patrol vehicles
from the city government to further enhance their mobility in responding
to any emergency situations and preserving peace and order.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Nagsagawa ang DENR at lokal na pamahalaan ng Agoncillo ng orientasyon
ukol sa Solid Waste Management na layong maituro at maipaunawa ang
tamang pangangalaga ng mga basura upang maiwasan ang pagkalat nito at
pagdami.
Nagsagawa ang DENR at lokal na pamahalaan ng Agoncillo ng orientasyon
ukol sa Solid Waste Management na layong maituro at maipaunawa ang
tamang pangangalaga ng mga basura upang maiwasan ang pagkalat nito at
pagdami.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Nagdaos ng seminar on rice culture and pest management ang Municipal
Agriculture Office ng Ibaan upang maturuan ang mga magsasaka ng tamang
pag-aalaga ng palay upang mapadami ang kanilang ani at maiwasan ang
peste sa mga palayan.
Nagdaos ng seminar on rice culture and pest management ang Municipal
Agriculture Office ng Ibaan upang maturuan ang mga magsasaka ng tamang
pag-aalaga ng palay upang mapadami ang kanilang ani at maiwasan ang
peste sa mga palayan.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Nagkakaloob ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas ng libreng sakay sa
bangka sa mga mamamayang dumadaan sa Calumpang Bridge. Ito ay
naglalayong magkaroon ng sapat na bilang ng mga bangka upang mapabilis
ang mga pasahero sa kanilang pagbiyahe.
Nagkakaloob ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas ng libreng sakay sa
bangka sa mga mamamayang dumadaan sa Calumpang Bridge. Ito ay
naglalayong magkaroon ng sapat na bilang ng mga bangka upang mapabilis
ang mga pasahero sa kanilang pagbiyahe.
Re: Ebola Virus
-Dito partikular sa kompanya namin ay mayroon kaming mahigit 50 OFWs dito sa kompanya namin.
-‘Yung communication namin dito ay intact.
-Ang sweldo ay okay at ang lagay namin dito sa kompanya ay okay naman.
-Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa concern ng gobyerno natin dito sa mga nagtatrabaho sa Sierra Leone pero dapat sana alamin nila ang tunay na sitwasyon sa Sierra Leone.
-Dito sa Sierra Leone, kontrolado nila ang Ebola virus dito at mayroon
nang mga preventive measure na ginagawa ang gobyerno lalo na itong
opisina namin para hindi mahawaan ng sakit ang mga trabahador dito.
-Every two months kami ay umuuwi sa Pilipinas pero dahil dito sa balita
na repatriation na ito, hindi na lang kami uuwi dahil natatakot kami na
hindi kami makabalik.
-Mayroon na kaming mga kasama na hindi na nakabalik, hinold na ng Immigration natin.
-Hindi kami natatakot sa banta ng Ebola kasi malayo sa amin iyon.
27 AUGUST 2014.
President Aquino appoints U.P. Professor as Acting Solicitor General
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President Benigno S. Aquino III
has appointed Senior State Solicitor and University of the Philippines (UP) Associate Professor Florin T. Hilbay as Acting Solicitor General, Malacañang announced on Wednesday. Hilbay earned his degree in Economics from the University of Santo Tomas in 1995, his law degree from UP in 1999, and his Master of Laws from Yale Law School in 2005. As Senior State Solicitor, Hilbay argued and won the case for the Reproductive Health Law before the Supreme Court in 2013. He teaches Constitutional Law and Philosophy of Law at the UP College of Law and serves as editor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Journal. He was editor-in-chief of the Philippine Law & Society Review from 2010 to 2013. Before joining the Office of the Solicitor General, he was Director of the Institute of Government and Law Reform of the UP Law Center from 2011 to 2013, and was vice-chair of Bantay Katarungan, an organization led by former Senate President Jovito Salonga, from 2003 to 2012. He replaces former Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza, who was appointed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court early this month. PND (ag) |
Government working to improve MRT, LRT services
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The government is
paying close attention to the problems of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to ensure the best service to commuters, a Palace official said on Wednesday. "That is the reason why talagang inaasikaso ngayon ito. ‘Yung maintenance pinag-aaralan. Matatapos na yata ‘yung maintenance ng bagong maintenance provider," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing in Malacanang. "Matatapos na ang kontrata ‘nung maintenance provider. So these are concerns of the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) and LRT." Lacierda also said that LRT administrator and MRT3 officer-in-charge Honorito Chaneco has explained the current situation of the MRT and LRT during a hearing at the House of Representatives. An LRT train stalled at the Pedro Gil Station in Manila on Wednesday (August 27) morning while the MRT-3 had to suspend operations at noon on Saturday (August 23) following a communications system breakdown. Two weeks ago, a defective MRT train crashed into a barrier at the Taft Station, injuring more than 30 passengers. PND (as) |
Palace commends PCGG for recovery of USD 42 million from Marcos’ Arelma account
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Malacañang has commended the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) for the
recovery of USD 42 million from the so-called Arelma Foundation account of former president Ferdinand Marcos. “We would like to commend the PCGG under Chairman Andres Bautista. They were able to recover such a big amount. That is money from the people and that money should really go back to where it can be used for the people,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters during Wednesday’s press briefing in Malacañang. The Sandiganbayan’s Special Division on Wednesday morning directed the transfer of the fund from the Philippine National Bank to the Bureau of Treasury. The USD 42 million, part of the Marcos assets, was deposited with Merrill Lynch Securities in New York in 1972 under the name of the Arelma Foundation. The PCGG filed a petition for forfeiture at the Sandiganbayan on December 17, 1991, involving USD 356 million in alleged “ill-gotten wealth” of the Marcoses, and two treasury notes valued at USD 25 million and USD 5 million. On April 25, 2012, the Supreme Court ordered the forfeiture of all assets, properties and funds belonging to the Arelma Foundation in favor of the government. Imelda Marcos, on behalf of the late President, filed a motion for reconsideration, which the High Tribunal dismissed on March 12, 2014. Lacierda said the government is confident that it will recover other assets from the Marcoses. “Overall, we certainly hope that whatever was stolen from the Filipino people would be returned to its rightful owner,” he added. PND (ag) |
Government ready to hold dialogue with water providers, regulators to ensure sufficient water supply
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The government will work with water providers in Metro Manila as well as other stakeholders to
mitigate the impact of a looming water shortage next year due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, a Palace official said Wednesday. Maynilad and Manila Water recently complained after the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) allowed the release of water to irrigate parts of Bulacan. They argued that this threatens the supply of water in Metro Manila. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the concerns of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Maynilad, and Manila Water are for long-term water supply. "They are looking at a situation where there is a possibility that there will be a water shortage, and for that particular reason, we are all with them in proactively making sure that we try to conserve water," Lacierda told reporters. "There is a concern because of El Niño—a possible El Niño—by the end of this year or by early next year, and so people should be prepared for this particular concern." He however assured the public that the government is already addressing the problem, and as such, Maynilad, Manila Water, as well as government officials in charge of water security, are ready to hold a dialogue to ensure enough water supply in the metropolis. He said the NWRB will certainly be able to explain its decision to release irrigation water in Bulacan. “I understand that because of the irrigation, they were able to save some of the agricultural lands in Bulacan,” Lacierda said. PND (as) |
No basis to impeach the President, people still supportive of 'daang matuwid' agenda, says official
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The Palace believes there is no basis for the impeachment complaints filed against President
Benigno S. Aquino III, whose reform agenda still has the support of the people, an official said Wednesday. "We believe that there is no basis for that," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing. The House of Representatives’ justice committee said on Tuesday that the three impeachment complaints filed against the President are sufficient in form, which means that the complaints meet the requirements for submitting a verified complaint under impeachment rules. Opponents of the administration are entitled to their own opinion and they can take the advantage of the process that is enshrined in the Constitution, Lacierda said. "That is understandable. That is how the Constitution has provided a mechanism for that," he said. "But the majority of the Filipino people are with us in the ‘tuwid na daan.' We believe that the President has not done any impeachable offense," he added. Lacierda further said that the members of Congress will see no merit in the allegations against the President. While the deliberations are important proceedings in Congress, he said the Palace is more concerned with the country’s problems than with the impeachment complaints. "What we are more concerned with is really how to address all the concerns of the country that affect our countrymen," he said. PND (as) |
Palace on worsening traffic: Be patient, we are working on it
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Malacañang on Wednesday apologized for the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila
brought about by heavy rains, drainage system improvements, and road repairs. “Siguro maraming kailangang gawin sa kalye. Siguro nagkakataon lang ‘yan nagkakasabay-sabay at humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa publiko. Marami tayong mga kalyeng inaayos po. Marami tayong mga drainage na inaayos rin po,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the daily press briefing at the Palace. “Sumasabay din minsan ang pag-aayos ng MWSS, or Maynilad, or ng Manila Water. We are improving the quality of the roads, so maraming mga bagay na talagang kailangan gawin, and ‘yon din po talaga ang nakaka-frustrate sa tao, sa traffic, kasi lahat tayo dumadaan naman sa kalye and so, we ask for patience, but these things have to be done,” he added. He said that all these works would result in improved drainage systems and better roads, and hence, better flow of traffic. Last July, the Metro Manila Development Authority identified 22 flood-prone areas in Metro Manila that the public should avoid, particularly during rush hours and heavy rains. They include España-Antipolo-Maceda, R. Papa-Rizal Avenue, P. Burgos-Manila City Hall in Manila; the Osmeña-Skyway northbound and southbound, Buendia-South Superhighway northbound and southbound, and EDSA-Pasong Tamo-Magallanes in Makati; EDSA-North Avenue, North Avenue in front of Trinoma Mall, NLEX-Balintawak, Quezon Avenue-Victory Avenue/Biak na Bato, and Philcoa area in Quezon City. PND (ag) |
27 AGOSTO 2014
Propesor ng U.P. ang itinalaga ng Pangulong Aquino bilang bagong ‘Acting Solicitor General’
Itinalaga ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III bilang Acting Solicitor General (Prokurador Heneral) si Senior
State Solicitor at Propesor ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas Florin T. Hilbay, ayon sa pahayag ng Malacanang Miyerkoles. Si Hilbay ay tapos ng degree in Economics sa Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas noong 1995, ng pagka-abogado sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas noong 1999 at Master of Laws sa Yale Law School noong 2005. Bilang Senior State Solicitor, si Hilbay ang humawak at nagwagi ng kaso sa Korte Suprema tungkol sa Reproductive Health Law noong 2013. Nagtuturo siya ng Constitutional Law at Philosophy of Law sa Kolehiyo ng Abogasya ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas at naglingkod bilang patnugot ng journal ng Integated Bar of the Philippines.Mula 2010 hanggang 2013 ay siya ang punong patnugot ng Philippine Law and Society Review. Bago naglingkod sa Tanggapan ng Prokurador Heneral, siya ay Direktor ng Institute of Government and Law Reform ng UP Law Center. Naging pangalawang tagapangulo rin siya ng Bantay-Katarungan, isang kapisanang pinangunahan ni dating Pangulo ng Senado Jovito Salonga mula 2003 hanggang 2012. Si Hilbay ang ipinalit ng Pangulong Aquino kay Prokurador Heneral Francis Jardeleza na itinalaga niya naman bilang isa sa mga Mahistrado ng Kataastaasang Hukuman ngayong buwang kasalukuyan. PND(ag/zaf) |
Higit na mabuting serbisyo ng MRT, LRT, pinagtutuunan ng Pamahalaan
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Puspusang sinisikap ng
pamahalaan na malutas ang mga problema ng Metro Rail Transit (MRT) at ng Light Rail Transit (LRT) upang matiyak ang pinakamahusay na serbisyo sa mga pasahero nito, sabi ng isang pinuno ng Malacanang Miyerkoles. “Ito ang dahilan kaya talagang inaasikaso ngayon ito. Pinag-aaralan ang maintenance nito. Matatapos na yata ng bagong maintenance provider ang tungkol dito,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Idinugtong ni Lacierda na matatapos na ang kontrata ng maintenance provider, kaya ito ang hinaharap ngayon ng Kagawaran ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon at ng LRT. Sinabi rin ni Lacierda na ang tagapamahala ng LRT at si Honorito Chaneco, oficer-in-charge ng MRT ay nagpaliwanag sa kalagayan ng mga nasabing tren sa pagdinig na ginawa ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan. Miyerkoles (Agosto 27) ng umaga nang mabalaho ang isang tren ng LRT sa Pedro Gil Station sa Maynila, samantalang Sabado (Agosto 23) ng tanghali naman itinigil ng MRT-3 ang biyahe ng mga tren nito pagkaraang magkaproblema ang communications system. Dalawang linggo na ang nakalilipas, isang sirang tren ng MRT naman ang nabangga sa barier ng istasyon sa Taft na naging dahilan ng pagkakasugat ng mahigit na 30 pasahero nito.PND(as/zad). |
Pinapurihan ng Malacanang ang PCGG sa pagbawi sa 42 milyong dolar
buhat sa Marcos Arelma account |
Pinapurihan ng Malacanang ang Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) sa ginawang
pagbawi sa $42 milyon ng tinatawag na Arelma Foundation Account ng dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos. “Binabati namin ang PCGG sa pamumuno ni Tagapangulong Andres Bautista. Nabawi nila ang napakalaking halaga. Ang salaping iyan ng taong bayan ay salaping tunay na gagamitin sa kapakanan ng sambayanan,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Miyerkoles ng umaga nang iutos ng Special Division ng Sandiganbayan ang paglilipat ng nasabing pondo sa Bureau of Treasury buhat sa Philippine National Bank. Ang $42 milyong US dollar na ito ay bahagi ng mga ari-arian ni Marcos na nakadeposito sa Merrill Lynch Securities sa New York noong 1972 sa ilalim ng pangalang Arelma Foundation. Iniharap ng PCGG ang petisyon sa Sandiganbayan noong Disyembre 17, 1991 tungkol sa 356 milyong dolar-Amerikano na umano ay “nakaw na yaman” ng mga Marcos at dalawang treasury notes na nagkakahalaga ng $25 milyon at $5 milyon. Noong Abril 25, 2012, iniutos ng Kataastaasang Hukuman ang pag-ilit sa lahat ng ari-arian, assets at mga pondong pagmamay-ari ng Arelma Foundation para sa pamahalaan. Si Imelda Marcos, sa ngalan ng yumaong Pangulo, ay nagharap ng motion for reconsideration na pinawalang saysay ng Korte Suprema noong Marso 12, 2014. Sinabi ni Lacierda na nagtitiwala ang pamahalaan na mababawi nitong laqhat ang iba pang ari-arian ng mga Marcos. “Sa pangkalahatan, umaasa kaming ano mang bagay na ninakaw sa sambayanang Pilipino ay dapat lamang mabalik sa talagang may-ari nito,” dugtong pa ni Lacierda. PND (ag/zaf) |
Handa ang gobyerno na makipag-usap sa ‘water providers, regulators’ para matiyak na laging may sapat na tubig ang sambayanan
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Puspusang makikipagtulungan ang pamahalaan sa mga water providers ng Metro Manila, gayundin sa iba pang
stakeholders upang mapagaan ang suliraning kaugnay ng napipintong kakulangan ng tubig sa darating na taon dahil sa El Nino phenomenum, ayon sa Tagpagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda. Binigyang diin ni Lacierda sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang na ang inaalagata ng Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Maynilad at Manila Water ay ang pagkakaroon nang sapat na tubig, lalo na sa panahon ng tag-araw. Kamakailan ay tinutulan ng Maynilad at Manila Water ang ginawang pagpapalabas ng tubig ng National Water Resources Boatrd (NWRB) sa Bulacan at Pampanga para patubigan ang mga palayan. Tinutulan ito ng dakawang kompanya ng tubig dahil makababawas daw ito sa tubig na para sa Metro Manila. “Ang iniisip nila ay ang posibllidad na kapusin sa tubig kaya naman kaisa tayo sa paggawa ng hakbang na tiyaking hindi mag-aaksaya ng tubig ang sino man,” sabi ni Lacierrda. Sinabi ni Lacierda sa mga reporter na dahil sa posibilidad na magkakaroon ng EL Nino sa mga huling buwan ng taong ito at sa unang mga buwan ng papasok na taon kaya dapat tumulong ang lahat na huwag aksayahin ang tubig. Gayunman, tiniyak niya sa madla na tinutugunan na ng pamahalaan ang bagay na ito kaya nga ang Maynila, Manila Water, gayundin ang mga pinunong bayang may kinalaman sa kasapatan ng tubig ay nakahanda nang magdaos ng pulong upang matiyak na magkakaroon nang sapat na tubig sa kalungsuran. Idinugtong ni Lacierda na tiyak na maipaliliwanag ng NWRB ang pasiya nitong magpawala ng tubig sa mga palayan sa Bulacan. “Sa pagkaalam ko, dahil sa irigasyon kaya nailigtas nila sa pagkapinsala ang mga palayan sa ilang bahagi ng Bulacan,” paliwanag pa ni Lacierda. PND(as/zaf) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Celebration of National Heroes Day 2014
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Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City
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25 Aug 2014
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Tatlong bagay para sa akin ang kinakatawan ng ating taunang pagtitipon upang ipagdiwang ang Araw ng mga
Bayani. Una, isa itong pag-alala sa mga taong sa simula ay may kani-kaniyang pinagkakaabalahan. Lahat sila ay may personal na ambisyon: makapagtapos ng pag-aaral, makahanap ng kabiyak, magtaguyod ng pamilya, magpalago ng negosyo o kaya umunlad sa propesyon, at mamuhay nang tahimik. Subalit nang dumating ang mga pangyayaring nakaapekto hindi lamang sa kanila kundi pati sa kanilang mga kababayan, nalagay sila sa isang sangandaan. Puwede silang magwalang-bahala at magpatuloy sa kanilang personal na laban. Subalit pinili nilang lampasan ang pansariling agenda, takot, at pangangailangan upang maisulong ang kapakanan ng mas nakararami. Nakita nila ang panganib ng pagbangga sa mga makapangyarihan, pero hindi sila tumiklop. Alam nilang kapag hindi nila ginamit ang kanilang talino at lakas para lumaban ay magpapatuloy lang ang siklo ng pang-aabuso at karahasan. Sila nga po ang itinuturing nating mga bayani. ‘Di po ba, madalas na nasasabi: Bayani ang mga karaniwang tao na nalagay sa di-pangkaraniwang sitwasyon, at piniling gawin ang tama. Ikalawa, isa rin itong pagpapasalamat. Dahil sa kanilang mga sakripisyo ay tinatamasa natin ngayon ang iba’t ibang klase ng kalayaan: Malaya tayo sa mga mananakop. Malaya tayo sa karahasan at pagkasira na dulot ng digmaan. Malaya tayo sa diktador. Malaya tayong ipahayag ang ating mga sarili at abutin ang ating mga pangarap. Ikatlo, isa rin itong pagkakataon upang makapagmuni-muni tungkol sa ibig sabihin ng pagiging bayani, hindi lang noong unang panahon, kundi sa ating kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Mahalaga ito dahil bagamat malayo na ang naisulong ng ating lipunan, malinaw na hindi pa tapos ang ating laban. Bukod pa rito, nakaatang rin sa ating mga balikat ang responsibilidad ng pagsisigurong mas malaya at mas maunlad ang Pilipinas na iiwanan natin para sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Tunay nga po: iba na ang ating panahon kaya iba na rin ang klase ng pagpapakabayaning maaari nating isabuhay. Personal para sa akin ang pagbibigay-depenisyon sa pagiging bayani. Iba-iba ang ating pinanggagalingan, at iba-iba rin ang ating kakayahan. Kung gayon po, iba-iba rin ang pagkakataong bumubukas sa atin para maglingkod sa ating Inang Bayan at sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Naaalala ko nga po ang isang kuwentong ibinahagi sa akin ni Secretary Mon Jimenez tungkol sa mga Pilipinong nakatira sa Fukushima prefecture sa Japan. Taong 2011 noon, at katatapos lang tumama ng isang malaking tsunami. Marami ang pumanaw, naulila at nagkasakit. Nawasak ang mga tahanan, at ang mga naipundar ng mga nakatira sa Fukushima ay nasira, kung hindi man tinangay ng malakas na agos. Malungkot ang mga tao, at tila wala nang pag-asang magpatuloy sa buhay. Sa gitna ng pagdurusang ito ay may mga Pilipinong hindi matapos sa pagpapasalamat sa Poong Maykapal dahil nakaligtas sila sa sakuna. Hinawaan nila ng kanilang sigla at matibay na pananalig ang mga kapitbahay nilang Hapones, at sa tulong ng kanilang positibong disposisyon ay nagsimula ang muling pagtatatag sa Fukushima. Nariyan din po ang kuwento ni Noli dela Cruz, isa sa ating non-uniformed personnel. Noong kasagsagan ng bagyong Yolanda, mabilis siyang kumuha ng mga kumot at damit upang mapagtali-tali ito, nang may makapitan ang kanyang mga kapitbahay na tinatangay ng baha. 36 katao ang nailigtas niya sa pamamagitan nito. Sa dalawang halimbawang ito, kahanga-hanga ang ipinakitang kakayahan ng Pilipino na maging tanglaw sa panahon ng kadiliman. Imbes na magbato ng batikos o magpakalat ng negatibismo gaya ng nakakasanayan ng iilan ngayon, pinili nilang maging lakas para sa kanilang kapwa. Dapat rin nating tandaan na marami ring bayani ang hindi napapangalanan o nababalitaan ng karamihan. Nariyan ang mga Pilipinong imbes na sumuko sa panahon ng sakuna ay walang pagdadalawang-isip na nakipagtulungan sa kanilang kababayan. Nariyan ang mga gurong buong pagmamahal na gumagabay sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Nariyan ang mga alagad ng batas na pinipiling tuparin ang kanilang tungkulin sa halip na sumuko sa tukso ng mabilis na kita. Nariyan ang mga sundalong buong tapang na ipinagtatanggol ang ating teritoryo at mamamayan. Nariyan ang mga propesyunal na ginagamit ang kanilang talino upang mapaglingkuran ang mga kapwa nila Pilipino. Nariyan ang mga pinuno ng relihiyon na kasangga natin sa paglaban sa katiwalian at pagsusulong ng reporma. Nariyan ang bawat mamamayang nagsisikap na paunlarin ang sarili, upang maging kapaki-pakinabang na miyembro ng lipunan. Sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. [Palakpakan] Kayo po ang patunay na ang lahing Pilipino ay tunay ngang lahi ng mga bayani. Nasa isandaang milyon na raw ang bilang ng mga Pilipino, ayon sa huling pagtataya ng Commission on Population. Sa mga araw na tulad nito, hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili na mag-isip at magtanong: Ano kaya ang puwedeng makamit ng isandaang milyong Pilipinong nagbabayanihan tungo sa isang layunin? Wala nang mananakop, wala nang digmaan, wala nang batas militar. Subalit puspusan pa rin ang mangilan-ngilang gustong ibalik ang dating sistema ng pandurugas at panlalamang. Ito po ang laban natin ngayon: ang maging mapagmatyag sa mga naghahasik ng pagdududa at kasinungalingan; ang huwag maging kasangkapan ng mga nagpapanggap na tagapagsulong ng reporma; ang magwaksi ng baluktot at manindigan sa kung ano ang matuwid. Ito nga po ang dahilan kung bakit kahanga-hanga para sa akin ang nabasa kong artikulong inilathala sa isang pahayagan kamakailan lang. Isinulat po ito ni Ma. Francesca Santiago, na estudyante mula sa Bacolod. Sinabi niyang noong una, hindi siya gaanong nakikibalita tungkol sa pulitika dahil ibang bagay ang mas gusto niyang pagtuunan ng pansin. Kaya lang nababahala raw siya sa mga nababasa at napapanood niya sa mga panahon ngayon. Tila uso na raw kasi ang magbato ng sisi, kahit na doon sa mga ginagawa ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya upang maisulong ang interes ng mamamayan. Sabi pa niya, sa harap ng mga hamong dumarating sa ating bansa, imbes na maging bukas ang isip at hanapin ang katotohanan, mas pinipili ng iba na magpakalat ng mga bintang na walang basehan; sa halip na tumulong sa paghahanap ng solusyon, may ilang mas gusto pang palalain ang takot at pagdurusang dinaranas ng ating mga kababayan. Malinaw sa kanya: may karapatan ang lahat na magpahayag ng kanilang saloobin, subalit may obligasyon din ang bawat isa na maging makatwiran. Nagulat nga po ako nang makita ko ang edad ni Ma. Francesca: eh 13 taong gulang pa lang siya. Kahanga-hanga na mas mapanuri pa siya kaysa sa ilang mas nakatatanda sa kanya. Kung ganito ang kalibre ng pag-iisip ng ating mga kabataan ngayon, tiyak na magiging mas maliwanag ang atin pong kinabukasan. Mahigit apat na taon na nating tinatahak ang tuwid na landas. Nagbubunga na ang mga ipinunla nating binhi ng pagbabago, at nagiging desperado na ang mga mapagsamantala. Huwag po sana nating sayangin ito. Ito po ang tanging paraan natin ng pagtanaw ng utang na loob sa mga bayaning nagsakripisyo upang makarating tayo sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Ito po ang tanging paraan upang masiguro nating kapag nagdiwang ng Pambansang Araw ng mga Bayani ang mga susunod na henerasyon, aalalahanin, pasasalamatan, at pagmumuni-munihan nila ang panahong ito, at kanilang sasabihin: Ito ang panahong sama-samang nagpasya ang mga Pilipino na maging bayani. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa lahat. |
INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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ABS-CBN / Umagang Kay Ganda by Anthony Taberna
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26 August 2014
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ANTHONY: Isa po sa kolumnistang love na love ang Pangulo, si Ginoong Jojo Robles ng Manila Standard Today.
Sir Jojo, umagang kay ganda po sa inyo. JOJO: Magandang umaga sa iyo, Tunying. ANTHONY: Opo at nandito rin po ang isang batikang political analyst si Ka Mon Casiple. Sir, Mon. MON: Magandang umaga, Ka Tunying. ANTHONY: At siyempre, hindi po tayo papayag na wala pong panig ang Malacañang. Presidential Communications Chief Sonny Coloma, makakausap po natin maya-maya ng kaunti. Ano po ang dating sa inyo ng talumpati ng Pangulo sa National Heroes Day kahapon, Sir Jojo? JOJO: May bago ba roon? ANTHONY: Tungkol sa kanyang pagpuna sa mga kritiko. Ang termino po niyang ginamit ay “layong ibalik sa dating gawi ng pang-aabuso at mga kamalian.” JOJO: Alam ko ang problema nung Pangulo natin sa tingin ko, hindi talaga siya kailanman nasanay o hindi niya tinanggap iyong idea na meron dapat; meron kang kritiko din dapat. Dahil hindi naman lahat ng gagawin mo ay—maaring sa tingin mo ay tama pero may mga taong magsasabing iyon ay mali. Iyon ang tingin kong problema niya basically with criticism lobbed against him. The very idea na bakit ninyo ako kokontrahin, eh ang ginagawa ko naman ay para sa kabutihan ng bayan. So, simula’t-sapol iyon lagi ang problema niya: ‘Bakit ninyo ako pinupuna. Bakit ninyo ako sinisita.’ Ang hindi niya maintindihan ay kung meron kang democratic space, kung naniniwala ka sa konsepto na iyon, ay dapat maniwala ka rin na lagi kang pagkakaroon ng kritiko. Ang problema lang tingin ko, nitong mga huling araw, ay medyo mas umiingay yata at mas lumalakas iyong mga pagpuna sa kanya at iyon naman ay nakikita natin doon sa mga pagbaba kunyari ng kanyang survey ratings. ANTHONY: Iyon pong sabi ng—actually parang nagdeklara na naman siya ng “giyera patani” doon sa mga bumabatikos sa kanya. Ang pinatutunog po ng Pangulo, ang mga pumupuna sa kanya ay nagpapanggap na reformists ngunit ang layunin ay palaganapin iyong pagdududa sa isip ng mamamayan at ibalik iyng nakagawiang mga kamalian noong nakaraan. Do you feel alluded too? JOJO: Ganito, Tunying ‘no. Ang tingin ko diyan, puwede mo rin namang ibalik sa kanya iyong paratang na iyon eh: “Ikaw ba ay totoong reformer?” Maganda sana kung kaya niyang tanungin iyong sarili niya nung tanong na iyon at kaya niya ring sagutin. Kasi ang pagpasok niya ay talagang sinasabi niya “reporma” ang gagawin ko. Ngayong mahigit apat na taon na siyang nakaupo diyan. Ang tinatanong ko - nasaan iyong reporma? In fact, hindi ako humihingi ng reporma, Tunying. Ang hinahangad ko lang ay iyong pagtupad, pagpatupad sa batas, kunwari. Kaya ito ay sinabi ko na, kunwari iyong pagsisimula - pagbabawal ng paggamit ng wang-wang sa mga kotse, payag ako roon, kasi iyon ay pagpatupad ng batas ng bansa. Pero kapag sinabi mong “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” hindi mo na marinig gaano ngayon iyon. Kasi ang tingin ko napakarami pa ring corrupt at napakarami pa ring mahirap. ANTHONY: Sir Mon, sumosobra na nga po ba—well ang mga kritiko, ang mga media na bumabatikos sa Pangulo. Baka naman hindi binibigyan ng fair play at parehas na space ang Pangulo? MON: Well, ang Philippine press alam mo naman iyong reputasyon ano, alam ng Pangulo iyon. Ang critic bahagi na ng buhay ng lahat ng pulitiko iyan. At kung sundin mo iyong kasabihan: “No all is fair in love and politics.” ANTHONY: Opo. MON: Eh wala ka talagang magawa diyan, kahit nagsasalita ang Pangulo ng ganyan, sigurado meron siyang critic na bibitaw. At ako’y pumapayag ako doon eh na—nitong lately talagang marami siyang criticism na ano sa kanya. ANTHONY: Hindi nga po ba mahaba-haba iyong honeymoon period na ibinigay sa kanya. Ang napansin ko po kung ako ang inyong tatanungin, siguro iyong first three years ng Pangulo ni wala ngang kumikibong Senador at Congressman laban po sa kanya, actually hanggang ngayon nag-aalangang bumatikos sa Pangulo. Tapos ngayon, noong nararamdaman ng Pangulo iyong may pagbaba ng rating, tapos may pumupuna. Iba po ang dating ng Pangulo. Paano po dapat hina-handle ng Presidente iyong mga ganito pong kritisismo? MON: Well, sabi ko nga eh, lately marami siyang critic ano. Eh napakahaba noong panahon na wala siyang critic masyado. Ako tingin ko, ang tawag doon “kibit-balikat,” gawin mo lang ang trabaho mo. In fact, iyon iyong problema. Kasi sa trabaho, hindi masyadong nakikita iyong mga pagbabago. At ako tingin ko, dapat siyang mag-double time na diyan, dalawang taon na lang siya eh. At sinabi niya noong SONA niya marami pa siyang hindi natapos, marami pa siyang kailangang gawin. Ako, kaysa sa magsagutan sa critic, magtrabaho na lang siya. Kasi ang tendency ng pagsasalita ng labanan sa critic, pumasok ka sa ganyan: Aba, baka may balak ka pa. ANTHONY: Opo. Sandali lang po. Makakapiling na po natin sa telepono ang Presidential Communications Chief, si Secretary Sonny Coloma. Secretary Coloma umagang kay ganda po sa inyo, Sir. SEC. COLOMA: Umagang kay ganda, Tunying sa iyo at sa ating mga kabigan na si Jojo at si Mon. ANTHONY: Opo. Gaano po ba iniinda ng Pangulo ang mga batikos ng mga kritiko ngayon, Secretary Coloma? Bakit po nakapagbitiw na naman siya ng mga salita kahapon ng tulad po ng ganoon? SEC. COLOMA: Siguro Tunying kung babasahin natin iyong talumpati ay medyo malayo yata diyan sa napag-usapan ninyo ngayon lang. Dahil ang paksa ay tungkol sa pagbabayanihan ng mga Pilipino, dahil kahapon ay National Heroes Day. Ang kanyang pinunto doon, maraming kabayanihan na pinapakita ang mga Pilipino sa araw-araw na buhay nila. At kung merong isandaang milyong Pilipino ang magbabayanihan ay malaking benepisyo ito para sa ating bansa. Iyon iyong konteksto ng kanyang talumpati, Tunying. ANTHONY: Opo. But of course, hindi naman po siguro maikakaila, napakinggan din naman po namin ang talumpati. Oo nga at iyon ang tema, subalit may mga pasaring po siya sa mga kritiko. Kayo po, Secretary, kayo po naman ay maituturing mamamahayag din. Sa tingin ninyo, sino po bang mga kritiko ang tinutukoy ng Pangulo na nagpapalaganap po ng pagdududa sa bayan at ibalik po ang dating gawi sa pamahalaan? SEC. COLOMA: Again, Tunying ano, ang importante ‘konteksto.’ Ang konteksto lang po ng kanyang sinasabi ay mas mahalaga sa kasalukuyan iyong pagtutuon ng pansin sa reporma at pagbabago, at kung merong kritisismo baka mas mainam kung meron ding katuwiran at kinakailangang tukuyin natin, paano ba higit na mapapayabong ang mga reporma, paano ba magiging permanente ang traspormasyon sa ating lipunan. Mas mainam iyon kaysa iyong nagpo-focus lamang sa batikos na wala namang pinatutunguhan. ANTHONY: Huling tanong ko po sa inyo, ang Pangulo po ba ay nakikinig sa mga pagpuna o itinuturing po niyang kababag talaga ang mga bumabatikos sa kanya? SEC. COLOMA: Nakikinig po siya at napakahaba po ng kanyang pasensiya sa pakikinig, inuunawa po niya ang lahat. Pero sa kahuli-hulian ang hinahanap po niya ay iyong katuwiran. ANTHONY: Okay, Sir, maraming salamat po sa inyo pong paliwanag sa amin. Magandang umaga po sa inyo. Sir Jojo ang Pangulo daw po, ayon din sa sa ilang mga nababasa kong artikulo ng mga komentarista, ay magaling namang manalumpati, kaya lang ay hirap daw makinig? JOJO: Iyon nga iyong sinasabi ni Secretary Coloma kani-kanina lang. Sabi niya ang pinakikinggan ng Pangulo ay katuwiran. Akala ko ang pinakikingan ng Pangulo kakampi. Kasi parang ang nakukuha mong “sense,” o pag pinanunuod mo, pinagmamasdan mo ang Pangulo, ay nakikinig lamang siya doon sa mga nakapalibot sa kanyang pinagkakatiwalan niya. At iyon ay tingin ko ay umaapaw doon sa pananaw niya sa mga kritiko niya. Madali’t sabi, kapag ikaw ay itinuring na niyang kritiko niya, hindi na siya makikinig sa iyo. Iyon ang aking pakiramdam. Maaring iba ang pananaw niya, pero iyon ang aking pakiramdam. ANTHONY: Huling tanong ko na lang po. Sa pagsusulat n’yo po ba may mga isinulat po ba kayong papuri naman sa Pangulo? JOJO: Ay meron. Noong nagsimula siyang umupo, pero ang masasabi ko lang ay noong nangyari iyong four years ago, Agosto ngayon, iyong nangyari iyong Rizal massacre ay magmula noon ay talagang nagbago na ang isip ko tungkol sa kanya. Wala pa akong nakitang dahilan para manumbalik iyong tiwala ko sa kanya. ANTHONY: Kaya pala markado kayo. Salamat po sa inyo Sir Jojo. Ano po ang masasabi n’yo po sa media in general ngayon at dapat po bang ituloy ang ganitong stance na maging mapunahin o pagbigyan ang pamahalaan at ang mga kakampi nito na hinay-hinay naman, palutangin ninyo, mas bigyan ninyo ng espasyo ang mga magagandang nagagawa ng gobyerno? MON: Well, sa kanila iyon eh. Kung tingin nila maganda iyong ginagawa nila; they have all the means para ipaabot sa mga tao niya. The same din sa critic. Ang esensiya iyan ng demokrasya - meron kang kritiko, meron kang okay sa iyo. At entitled ang Pangulo sa opinion niya. Pero entitled din ako sa opinion ko. ANTHONY: Sir Mon salamat po. Sir Jojo thank you po, for the first time na-interview namin kayo dito sa Umagang Kay Ganda. JOJO: Thank you. ANTHONY: Ang atin pong katanungan, sa inyo pong tingin Kapamilya: Sumosobra na ba ang mga kritiko ng ating mahal na Pangulo at ng administrasyon? Ang nagsabi po ng “Oo, sobra na kayo” - naku 89% at nagsabing “Hindi” - 11%. Mga kapamilya, siyam na taon po sa puwesto si dating Pangulong Gloria, ngunit mahigit sampung taon ko po siyang binabatikos. Hindi po masyadong mahirap na punahin si GMA noon, noong kanyang kapanahunan, dahil masagwa po iyong approval at satisfaction ratings niya. Hindi po tulad in Pangulong Aquino ngayon na napaka-popular. Kung convenience at kung gusto lang po natin na maki-angkas sa kanyang popularidad, hindi ba’t mas madaling purihin na lang ng purihin si PNoy at kanyang pangasiwaan at sabihing wala siyang mali sa pamamalakad sa pamahalaan. Kaya ko pong makipag-debate sa Plaza Miranda at sabihing: “Tapat, malinis at hindi magnanakaw si PNoy.” At handa po akong mapaos para ipagsigawan na may napakagandang intensiyon ang ating mahal na Pangulo para sa bansang ito, kahit pa sa umpisa ay ayaw niyang ng ganitong kabigat na trabaho. At naniniwala po ako na ganito rin po naman ang paninindigan ng mga komentarista, kolumnista at mga tinatawag na kritiko. Pero kahit na ba sa mga saliwa at wala sa hulog na diskarte at patakaran, gusto ba ng Presidente natin na paliguan pa rin natin siya ng papuri? Gusto ba ng Pangulo na magsipsip tayo sa kanya at sabihing “happy” tayo sa lumulubhang kahirapan, sa mas dumadaming nagugutom, mas malaking bilang ng istambay o walang trabaho, palubha ng palubhang kriminalidad? Magugustuhan ba ng Pangulo na pabahain natin ng papuri dahil sa mga nadidiskaril na tren, sa pagdurusa ng mahigit na kalahating milyong pasahero ng MRT na ulanin at arawin sa pila sa mga istasyon; sa nakaka-high-blood na traffic; nais ba ng Pangulo na magsawalang-kibo na lang tayo sa kabugukan at kapalpalkan at pang-aabuso ng kanyang mga kabarilan, kaklase at kaibigan, kahit pinupurwiso na ng mga ito ang mamamayan? Kakaunting panahon pa lang po na nararamdaman ni PNoy ang sakit na ma-pulutan sa mga komentaryo at pati ng mga kutsero at barbero. Eh, paano na kung mabibigyan pa siya ng term extension? Mr. President ito po ang mas lohikal, kung ayaw mo pong mapuna, may paraan pa. Sabi po ng dating Pangulong Harry Truman ng Amerika: “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” “Huwag magbalat-sibuyas.” |
SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue
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26 August 2014
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ALAN: Sec. Sonny, Sir. Magandang umaga po.
SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Alan. ALAN: Yes Sir. Kahapon po sa paggunita ng National Heroes Day ay binanggit ho—meron pong babalang binitiwan ang Pangulo, maging vigilant daw tayo, maging mapagmatyag kontra doon sa mga pekeng mga “reformists,” Secretary Coloma, Sir. SEC. COLOMA: Ang tinutukoy ng Pangulo ay iyong mga bumabatikos na hindi gumagamit ng katuwiran at iyong mga nagkakalat ng kasinungaling at sa ganoong paraan ay nalilinlang ang mga mamamayan, Alan. ALAN: Oho at kumbaga eh binigyang pagpapahalaga din ng Pangulo doon yung hindi lamang iyong talagang National Heroes natin noong nakaraan. Meron din siyang tinutukoy na mga “Modern Day Heroes” na nagpakita ng katapangan at dedikasyon para sa kapakanan ng kanilang mga kapwa Pilipino, Sir. SEC. COLOMA: Ang punto ng Pangulo ay bawat Pilipino ay maaring maging bayani. Kaya nga sa ating kultura ay matingkad iyong konsepto ng “bayanihan.” Iyong bayanihan - nagdadamayan tayo, may malasakit tayo sa isa’t-isa. At iyan ang isang magandang kahulugan ng pagiging “bayani;” iyong tumutulong sa pagtatatag ng isang maaliwalas na kinabukasan para sa ating bayan. ALAN: Opo. Sa ibang usapin naman po, Secretary Coloma, Sir. Ano pong latest na pahayag na ipinagkaloob po ng ating mga embassy officials; halimbawa, diyan po sa California, meron po bang mga Pilipino na nasaktan dito sa lindol dito sa California, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy pang tinututukan iyong sitwasyon sa lugar ng naturan, Alan ‘no, dahil napakaraming Pilipinong naninirahan sa California, at makatitiyak tayo na kung meron mang mga kababayan natin ang nasaktan o may nasirang kagamitan o bahay ay tutulungan po iyan ng ating embahada at konsulada sapagkat iyan ay inaasikaso ng ating pamahalaan. ALAN: Sec, pasisimulan na po ng Kamara eto pong kanilang mga plenary debates tungkol dito sa ilang mga economic provisions ng Saligang Batas na planong baguhin daw, itong mga economic provisions of the Constitution. Ano po ang latest sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating mga Congress leaders tungkol dito, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyan po ay inisiyatiba ng Kongreso at kinikilala naman po natin na sila ay meroong karapatan bilang hiwalay at pantay na sangay ng pamahalaan na tukuyin iyong mga bagay na sa kanilang palagay ay naayon sa interes ng sambayanan. Kaya antabayanan po natin kung paano po ang magiging direksyon ng kanilang tinatahak ngayon. ALAN: Okay, okay. Sir, isang usapin na lang po ano ho. Meron pong records dito galing po sa Philippine National Police, sila po ay nakapagtala ng 15% ng pagbaba sa crime incidents sa buong bansa sa unang anim na buwan ng taong kasalukuyang. So, compared to the same period last year, kinse porsyento po ang ibinaba ng crime incidents sa buong bansa, Sir. SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy pong sinisikap ng ating mga law enforcement authorities na pigilin at sugpuin ang krimen. Ang mahalaga dito, Alan, ay iyong patuloy din na pakiki-isa ng ating mga mamamayan sa kanilang mga komunidad. Iyong Police Community Relations ang susi sa pananatili ng kaayusan at katahimikan sa ating mga barangay. Dapat ay manatiling mapagmasid at matulungin ang ating mga mamamayan. Kilalanin din nila iyong mga taong gumagalaw sa kanilang kapaligiran; na isang aspeto din diyan iyong patuloy na kampanya laban sa loose or unlicensed or unregistered firearms, dahil sa karamihan po ng mga mararahas na krimen, ang ginagamit ay sandatang pumuputok o iyung nakakamatay. Kaya, lahat po ng mga elementong iyan kapag pinagsama-sama, iyan po ang magiging sanhi ng pagbaba ng krimen. At sana ay lalo pang lumawig ang sitwasyong ganyan, Alan. ALAN: Opo. Sec, ano po ang latest dito sa panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ang huling update na ibinigay sa atin ay nasa tanggapan na ng Pangulo ito at masusing pinag-aaralan. Kapag naging ganap na ang pagsusuri at pag-aaral dito, pag handa na ang Pangulo ay ibibigay niya iyong kanyang basbas dito at sesertipikahan na urgent legislation para sa Kongreso, dahil meron tayong sinusunod na timetable para sa agarang pagpasa niyan, para maganap na iyong prosesong pangkapayapaan sa Bangsamoro. ALAN: Sec. Sonny, Sir. Muli salamat po sa mga updates mula po sa Palasyo. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. ALAN: Thank you Sir, good morning. Mga kaibigan, PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma. |
SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center
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Ombudsman dismisses municipal treasurer
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For falsifying official receipts and failing to account more than P700,000.00 in government funds, the Office
of the Ombudsman dismissed Tupi, South Cotabato Municipal Treasurer Samuel Sunico for Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. The Commission on Audit (COA) Narrative Report on the Cash and Count Examination showed that despite demand to explain and liquidate the funds, Sunico incurred a total cash shortage of P717,812.79 from November 27, 2007 to June 17, 2008. Records also show that Sunico falsified a government-issued Official Receipt by making it appear in the duplicate and triplicate copies that a payment of P30 only was made when, in fact, the original copy of the receipt shows that Dole Philippines, Inc. paid taxes in the amount of P344,379.77. In addition to dismissal from the service, Sunico faces the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in the government service. |
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Cebu bus rapid transit gets go signal; Abad: More efficient city travel, economic expansion eyed
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As part of the country’s continuing investments in transport infrastructure to
further expand economic development, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the funding strategy and likewise issued a Forward Obligational Authority (FOA) to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in the total amount of P9.48 billion.
The new bus transit—which will be funded through loans from Agence Francaise de
Development (AFD), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the Clean Technology Fund—will provide a safer, more efficient, and environment-friendly mode of travel in and around Cebu city.
“We want to enhance urban mobility in Cebu by establishing a high-quality, viable
and sustainable bus rapid transit system. Once completed, the project will give Cebu’s commuters a fast, comfortable and cost-effective mode of transportation. The main idea here really is to emulate a modern rail-based transit system at a much lower cost,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.
“This Forward Obligational Authority will allow the government to process the loans
for the project. The FOA will also help us in avoiding unnecessary commitment fees along the way,” he added.
As approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board, the
Cebu bus rapid transit system will be undertaken this year and finished in 2018, with a total project cost of P10.62 billion.
The components of the project will include, among others, the provision of
transit services between Ayala and Talamban with signal priority; alongside 33 bus stations of which 23 are proposed stations for the segregated sections of Bulacao to Ayala, and 10 bus stops for the unsegregated sections of Ayala to Talamban. A total of 176 buses are also required for the initial operations to service the system.
The Forward Obligational Authority (FOA) issued by DBM covers P9.48 billion of
this amount—a combination of the national government contribution and loan proceeds—in accordance with the approved funding strategy submitted by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
The remaining P1.14 billion will be shouldered by the private sector and will be
mainly utilized for the purchase of necessary motor vehicles.
“Aside
from improving public access to transportation, we also want to further stimulate the economic activity in the city. The implementation of the project alone will open various employment opportunities for the construction and manufacturing sectors. The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit—among the provision of other economic services nationwide—represents the Aquino administration’s efforts to cultivate a more vibrant economic environment for cities outside Metro Manila,” Abad added. |
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Housewife discovers self-worth through Pantawid Pamilya
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As life happens, there are tons of ups and downs, but it is a journey to self-discovery.
This, according to Larci Loyola, 39 and a mother of seven children, from Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City, describes her experience as a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the conditional cash transfer program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Larci spoke before DSWD officials and employees during yesterday’s flag ceremony. The Loyola family became a member of Pantawid Pamilya in 2007. Their monthly cash grants have helped them meet the daily food, health, and school needs of their children. “Pero higit pa sa perang natatanggap ng pamilya ko mula Pantawid Pamilya ay mas nakilala ko ang aking sarili. Nailabas ko ang aking self-confidence dahil binigyan ako ng pagkakataon na maging isang parent-leader at makibahagi sa mga community events. Sa pamamagitan din ng Family Development Session (FDS), natuto akong mag-budget ng pera at nahasa ang aking kakayahan dahil sa mga training (But more than the cash grants, Pantawid Pamilya has helped me to know myself more. I developed my self-confidence by becoming a parent-leader participating in various community events. Also, through the FDS, I learned how to budget money and I enhanced my skills through trainings),” narrated Larci. FDS is a regular gathering of Pantawid Pamilya parent-leaders where they discuss parent effectiveness, home and financial management, values formation, and disaster preparedness, among others. Attendance to the FDS is one of the conditions of the program that beneficiaries should comply. The other conditions are sending children to school, and bringing them to health centers for check up. The FDS is a unique feature of Pantawid Pamilya. Other countries implementing the program do not have this as one of their conditions. Pantawid Pamilya has also opened a window of opportunities for the Loyola family. Larci was able to get a job as an enumerator for DSWD-Listahanan where she did house-to-house survey and interview with families to be included in the data base of poor household. She also became a volunteer in the program of the Department of Health dubbed as Kalusugan Pangkalahatan where she further enhanced her skill in dealing with people. Her husband, Reynold, was hired as street sweeper through DSWD’s partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) dubbed as Trabahong Lansangan. The program is a convergence effort of DSWD and DPWH to provide employment which will contribute to poverty alleviation and improve the quality of life of the poor families. Larci’s eldest daughter, Lara Jane, was accepted in the Government Internship Program in DSWD-NCR in 2012 where she was exposed to office work. Consequently, Lara was hired by Smart Communications as part of their special project. “Kung meron silang tinatawag na make-up transformation, sa akin po ang nangyari ay total life transformation. Hindi lang panlabas at pansamantalang pagbabago ang naidulot ng programa ng DSWD, ito’y isang pagbabago na gagabay sa amin tungo sa isang mas magandang bukas (If there is what they refer to as make-up transformation, in my case, I can call it total life transformation. The transformation is not just aesthetics, but one that will guide us to our journey to a better future),” Larci explained. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman expressed joy in hearing the positive story shared by Larci. “Our programs are not only intended to improve the lives of the poor but also to equip them to help themselves work towards a better future,” Sec. Soliman said. “Minsan sa aming buhay, naranasan naming walang-wala kami. Pagod kami dahil sa dami ng iniisip na problema, malungkot, nangangamba, at galit palagi. Ngayon nabago ang lahat. Basta pala mabigyan ng oportunidad, kaya pala naming mabago ang aming buhay (At one point in our lives, we experienced having nothing. We were bothered by our predicament. We were filled with sadness, fear, and anger. But everything has changed. I realized that if given the opportunity, like the programs provided to us, we can also change our situation for the better),” Larci ended. |
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PSA Conducts 2015 Pilot Census of Population
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In preparation for the mid-decade Census of Population (POPCEN) in 2015, the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA) conducts the 2015 POPCEN Pilot Census in the following selected municipalities and barangays this August 2014: Brgy. Manggahan (Pasig City) Municipality of Santa Ana (Cagayan) Municipalities of Balanga, Boston and Cateel (Davao Oriental) Selected barangays/cities/municipalities (Cebu, Eastern Samar, Leyte and Samar) Complete enumeration will be done in these areas. The Pilot Census will not only test the appropriateness and effectiveness of the procedures/methodologies and instruments that are recommended for use in the actual census in 2015 but will also: (1) provide benchmark information that will measure the impact of typhoon Yolanda in terms of people and socio-economic and housing characteristics in selected areas; and (2) serve as Master Sample frame for pilot areas where there are no recent list of households based on the 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), or where the list cannot be used as a frame due to the impact of typhoon Yolanda, which caused widespread displacement of households. To attain objective 1 stated above, a different set of questionnaire containing questions on the relocation site (i.e., residence in a temporary relocation, usual place of and intention to live in previous residence) will be administered to typhoon-affected areas (Regions 7 and 8). Households in the non-Yolanda-affected areas which have begun residing in that area since August 2011 will be asked if the transfer/movement was due to natural calamities/disaster. The actual 2015 POPCEN to be conducted on May 1, 2015 will primarily update the population count gathered from the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (CPH). The country’s total population as of May 1, 2010 reached 92.34 million. Topping the list of regions was Region IV-A (CALABARZON) with 12.61 million, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 11.86 million, and Region III (Central Luzon) with 10.14 million Results of the 2010 CPH further showed that among the provinces, Cavite had the largest population with 3.09 M, followed by Bulacan and Pangasinan with 2.92 M and 2.78 M, respectively. The provinces with the smallest population were recorded in Batanes with 16,604; Camiguin with 83,807; and Siquijor with 91,066. The 2015 POPCEN Pilot Census questionnaires have been reviewed and assigned clearance number through the Statistical Survey and Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) on 02 July 2014. The SSRCS is a mechanism implemented the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA No. 10625 (The Philippine Statistical Act of 2013) to: (1) ensure sound design for data collection, (2) minimize the burden placed upon respondents, (3) effect economy in statistical data collection, (4) eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection, and (5) achieve better coordination of government statistical activities. A total of PhP 61.13 M budget or an estimated PhP 228.47 per respondent has been allocated to finance the Pilot Census and results are expected to be released in November-December 2014. Individuals and households in the pilot areas are enjoined to respond to the 2015 POPCEN Pilot Census. |
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BOC, DTI warn against proliferation of substandard tiles, plywood
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In violation of Customs rules, more than half of ceramic tiles and plywood imported into the Philippines in
July 2014 may have been imported and released from Customs without the required clearances from the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Further investigations are ongoing to establish the precise amounts, but there is sufficient evidence that the amounts already released are substantial. Thus, the Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Philippine Standards warn the public to be vigilant when buying ceramic tiles and plywood. The consumer should look for the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality or Safety Certification Mark License/s; or Import Commodity Clearance/s (ICC) issued to manufacturers or importers, respectively. They should also ensure that the packaging or product has an authentic PS Mark or ICC sticker affixed on it. Initial investigation shows that: Of the 66,493 tons of tiles imported in July 2014: 26,226 tons (39% of the total) were released without BPS clearance 14,704 tons (22% of the total) were cleared for release, and may have already been released, without BPS clearance For another 22,818 tons (34% of the total) which were released or cleared for release, BPS is verifying whether the appropriate clearances were issued Of the 31,077 tons of plywood imported in July 2014 7,566 tons (24% of the total) were released without the necessary BPS clearance 13,843 tons (45% of the total) were cleared for release, and may have already been released, without the necessary BPS clearance For another 8,271 tons (27% of the total) which were released or cleared for release, BPS is verifying whether the appropriate clearances were issued To ensure the safety of Filipino consumers and prevent the repeat of such occurrences, measures will be put in place to monitor compliance by importers as well as Customs examiners and appraisers of all import permit and clearance requirements more closely. Such measures will include: Regular sharing of data on regulated imports with import-regulating agencies such as BPS, to verify whether they issued permits on Customs-cleared shipments. Investigations, and when appropriate, sanctions against Customs employees who cleared imports of regulated products without import permits. Legal action against importers who imported products without required import permits. Product recall and appropriate legal action by DTI against subject importers. Conduct of information and educational campaign on PS and ICC Mark Schemes for all stakeholders Most building and construction materials sold in the market are required to undergo the BPS Product Certification Scheme for product safety and reliability. These include steel pipes and bars; cement; ceramic tiles; equal-leg angle bars; flat glass; Polybutylene (PB) pipes; Polyethylene (PE) pipes; Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) pipes and rigid electrical conduit; plywood; rerolled steel bars; sanitary wares; steel sheets for roofing; as well as low-carbon steel wires. Furthermore, all manufacturers and importers of products covered under mandatory certification are required to apply for ICC or PS License, and to subject their products to tests based on the requirements of applicable Philippine National Standards (PNS) at the BPS Testing Center or any DTI-accredited laboratory prior to its distribution and sale. The general public and permit-issuing agencies can also monitor the volumes of imports of all products, including regulated goods, through the regular monthly data releases of the Bureau of Customs, which can be viewed and downloaded from the Bureau of Customs website at http://customs.gov.ph/import-reports/. |
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35 NorMin LGUs to undergo BPLS workshops
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Thirty-five (35) cities and municipalities in Northern Mindanao will undergo a series of workshops on
streamlining Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) to assess and monitor their efficiency in the issuance of permits and licenses to business establishments. DILG Region X Director Rene Burdeos said the workshops, which began last August 20, 2014, will also serve as a venue for DILG to assist the non-compliant cities and municipalities in meeting the BPLS streamlining requirements. “We are aiming for a 100% compliance of BPLS standards among the local government unitsin the different provinces of the region,” said Burdeos. Republic Act 9485 otherwise known as the Anti- Red Tape Act (ARTA) sets the standards for government in processing business permits and licenses aimed at improving efficacy and efficiency in the business registration system. Among the 35 LGUs are: Malaybalay City and the Municipalities of Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Don Carlos, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Libona, Malitbog, San Fernando, Sumilao and Talakag, all from the Province of Bukidnon; Municipalities of Baloi, Magsaysay, Maigo, Matungao, Munai, Nunungan, Pantao Ragat, Poona Piagapo, Tagoloan and Tubod, all from the Province of Lanao del Norte; Municipalities of Balingasag, Balingoan, Binuangan, Jasaan, Kinoguitan, Magsaysay, Naawan, Opol, Sugbongcogon, Talisayan and Tagoloan, all from the Province of Misamis Oriental; and the Municipalities of Baliangao and Calamba for the Province of Misamis Occidental. Said activity will be attended by the respective Local Chief Executives of each LGU, together with the following functionaries: City/Municipal Administrator; City/Municipal Treasurer/BPLO; Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan Member- Chairman on the Committee on Trade and Industry and the City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officer. (Fender Rhodes B. Lumbatan, LGOO II) |
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Oil monitor as of 26 August 2014
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World crude prices seesawed over
the week on mixed news of fading fears of major supply disruption from crude producers Libya and Iraq, and solid economic data in the United States that lifted demand hopes. Supply fears stemming from conflicts in both Iraq and Ukraine diminished on continued flow of crude supply despite ongoing crises in said countries. Supply worries have also been calmed by report from Libya’s National Oil Corporation that the country’s export volume has increased from 400,000 to about 550,000 barrels a day. The additional export volume reportedly came from its largest port that resumed operation after a year-long blockade. Meanwhile, a series of better-than-expected US economic indicators fueled optimism about the economy and hope for stronger future demand. Said positive signs in the US helped to offset weaker data from China and the Eurozone. This was further followed by bullish US oil inventory report, showing a surprisingly big drop in crude stocks last week that also suggested better demand. About the Asian market, Platts noted that gasoline sentiments remained generally weak with sluggish spot demand on a well-supplied market. While there was unexpected spot demand emerging from India that may help provide some support, the volume sought was relatively small to have any significant impact to the market. A dollar price pick-up seen last Thursday was in line with wider cracks movements in the West. On the other hand, relative tightness in the Singapore gasoil/diesel market continued to elevate. Fundamentals in Asia looked to have improved slightly as the excess supply eased with limited exports coming from South Korea and Japan. Poor margins and refinery turnarounds have led refiners to cut gasoil output, Platts noted. Another factor contributing to improved fundamentals was an increase in buying interest driven by lower crude values. Overall, Dubai crude decreased week-on-week by US$2/bbl. Both MOPS gasoline and diesel also decreased by about a US$1/bbl. FOREX: Peso per US dollar rate depreciated week-on-week by P0.09 to P43.74, from P43.83 in the preceding week. |
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Ottawa Forum held for Visiting Philippine Business Missio
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27 August 2014 – A visiting business delegation from the Philippines, composed of heads, owners and
representatives of various Philippine enterprises, was welcomed at the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa on August 20, where a business forum took place at the Embassy Salon. The mission was put together by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Manila, and was led by Executive Director Cora Dela Cruz, with the business forum facilitated by Canada Philippines Business Council (CPBC) President Paul Tesseyman. Welcoming the delegation were the Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Norman Garibay, Philippine Consul General Eric Tamayo, and Minister Flerida Mayo. Ottawa Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Faris led a distinguished roster of speakers. Joining him from the Chamber was Mr. Kenny Leon, as well as Trade Facilitation Office Canada (TFO Canada) Project Manager for Asia Zaki Munshi, Asia of Export Development Canada (EDC) Regional Manager Marti Falcone, and Greater China Market from Invest Ottawa Senior Business Development Manager Sophie Chen. Comprising the Philippine business mission were enterprises whose interests range from education and training, real estate, agri-food manufacturing and agri-business, packaging and labelling. The companies include ABI College, ABI Land Corporation, Agro-Industrial Cable Transport Inc., KCD Builders Corp., KCD Technical Institute, P.H. Espina Realty, Pinoy Care Visa Center Inc., RAON Enterprises and RNF Summit Industries Corp. The Embassy briefed the delegates, highlighting the potential of 24/7 operations for Canadian companies through extended BPO and IT-enabled services in the Philippines, and opportunities in power generation and infrastructure development. Attention was drawn to the credit upgrades obtained by the Philippines that give boost to the country’s credit worthiness. In his remarks, Mr. Faris assured the visiting delegation that their association stands ready to facilitate linkages and expressions of interest of the visiting delegation with the members of their association. For his part, Mr. Munshi encouraged the heads of the enterprises present to take advantage of the services offered by TFOC in exporting products to Canada and for Philippine enterprises to tap into its network of over 1,500 business establishments, most of whom are keen on sourcing various products from overseas. Ms. Falcone drew attention to the Customer Finance Guarantee Programs of the EDC. She indicated that the Philippines is indeed a true emerging market offering growing opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors. She reckoned that priority sectors presenting strong opportunity for Canadian companies include food processing, cleantech, pulp & paper, ICT and mining. Ms. Chen highlighted the value proposition of Ottawa as a compelling destination and source for enterprises partnerships. Philippines-Canada trade remained steady in 2013, with total trade standing at CAD 2.1 billion. Philippine merchandise exports to Canada increased to CAD 1.14 billion, while imports from Canada reached about CAD 600 million. Over 50% of Philippine exports were electrical machinery and equipment, while the bulk of imports from Canada were meat and edible meat offal. |
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Professional Regulation Commission conducts Licensure Examination for
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27 August 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs
that the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) on August 17 at the Bayanihan Centre in Hong Kong. The initiative was in cooperation with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) with Labor Attaché Manuel C. Roldan as Hong Kong Coordinator. There were a total of 508 examinees for both elementary and secondary-level education from the Filipino community in Hong Kong. The PRC team was composed of five (5) members led by Dr. Rodrigo F. Balaqui, Jr. |
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SRA issues PH Sugar Production Policy for CY 2014/2015
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The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issues Sugar Order No. 1, the policy of sugar production
allocation for CY 2014/15, according to SRA Administrator Ma. Regina Bautista-Martin. The SRA Sugar Board during its August 19, 2014 meeting, has approved Sugar Order No.1 for the market destinations of the new crop’s production allocating 5% for the “A” or US quota, 90% for the domestic market and 5% for the world market. Administrator Martin said that estimated sugar production this coming crop year would be about 2.50 million metric tons and consumption of about 2.25 million metric tons. Under Sugar Order No.1, at 5% “A”, “A” sugar would be about 125,000 MT for US quota market and with available verified "A" of 11,704 metric tons which were not shipped out to the US this crop year, the 5% allocation is enough to meet our country's regular US quota of 136,000 metric tons. Administrator Martin is also anticipating a steady domestic demand of 2.25 million MT, a 2% increase in the domestic consumption from CY 2013/14 meeting the per capita consumption of 25 kilos for the 88 million Filipinos (excluding Oversees Filipino Workers (OFWs) of 12 million). "The SRA will closely monitor supply and demand situation in the light of the volatility of the sugar market as the Philippine Sugar Industry prepares for the ASEAN Economic Community Integration come 2015", Administrator Gina Martin stated. “SRA shall undertake periodic assessment of the CY 2014/15 sugar production and consumption trends and shall take necessary actions to stabilize market conditions", Administrator Martin further said. As of August 10, 2014 actual shipments to the US market has already reached 123,148 MT metric tons while about 128,849 MT was delivered to the world markets. (DA-SRA Policy and Planning Department) Reference: SRA Administrator Regina Martin– 09178965071 Rosemarie S. Gumera Manager III, Planning & Policy Department Contact Nos.:+632-9296137;+632-4550446; +63-9175936806; Email: marujazz@gmail.com |
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NDA statement on the role of the Assisi Development Foundation
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A report was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 18 August 2014, entitled, “COA questions P230-M
DAP milk fund,” written by Gil C. Cabacungan. This statement is to clarify the role of the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) in the Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition Program. For the record, the ADF did not receive, hold, or manage any funds for the implementation of the program. The Assisi Development Foundation’s only role was to coordinate the identification and validation of malnourished children in different dioceses and municipalities who would have been the beneficiaries of the milk-feeding program. The ADF provides the social preparation work for the community, i.e. identifying the malnourished and weighing the children, among others. If beneficiaries are thus validated, the process would have been as follows: 1. The NDA pays the dairy cooperative for producing and packaging milk. 2. The cooperative delivers the milk to the diocese or municipality. 3. The diocese or municipality then takes charge of ensuring that beneficiaries receive the milk. A careful reading of the Commission on Audit report, particularly Annexes A and B, would also reveal that there has been no disbursement of funds for the Hapag-Asa Integrated Nutrition Program of the Assisi Development Foundation. |
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Tech-voc graduates soar to historic high
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Technical vocation (tech-voc) has soared new heights as the number of graduates increased tremendously and as
demand for skilled workers brought tech-voc graduates to record peak. During the administration of President Benigno Aquino III from July 2010 up to June 2014, tech-voc graduates reached a total of 6,281,328, according to records of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA data further revealed that from January 1986 to June 2014, there were a total of 21,700,308 tech-voc graduates in the country. The first four years of the Aquino administration also showed a spike in the number of graduates assessed and certified by TESDA. From July 2010 to January 2014, there were 3,781,737 graduates who took the competency assessment and out of these, 3,289,179 were issued National Certificates. TESDA graduates do not remain idle after training, but easily join the workforce either in the country or abroad. Based on the 2013 Impact Evaluation Survey (IES), employment rate of graduates was at 65.3 percent, the highest in the history of the agency. Employment rate was higher at 91.4 percent for graduates of electronics and semiconductor program, while it was 70.9 percent for those finishing courses related to information technology-business process management. As it marks its 20th founding anniversary, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said the agency would continue riding high on its mandate of delivering quality and relevant technical vocational education to Filipinos. "Slowly, we have unlocked the potential of technical vocational education, greatly reduced the social bias against it, and made its impact felt in tackling unemployment," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. "The youth, women, workers, and returning overseas Filipino workers now say that technical vocational education is their future," he added. At the forefront of TESDA's scholarship programs are the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA), which have become vehicles for providing the free training to the scholars. A direct financial intervention to students, the TWSP was able to assist 91,218 students in finishing their tech-voc courses in 2013. As for PESFA, a total of 19,046 students completed their courses for 2013. Review of Training Regulations and development of new ones were given focus by TESDA during the Aquino administration to ensure that courses offered are those needed by industries and to keep up with the technological advancement in the market. TESDA also laid the groundwork for the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF), which serves as the agency's guide in preparing Filipino students into the labor force and harmonizes basic education, technical vocational education and higher education into a nationwide schedule of skills and competencies. With the PQF and the competency-based technical vocational education and training system introduced in TESDA, students gain a clearer picture of the competencies they need for their job interests, while employers are able to easily identify the basic work-skills their employees must possess. Assessment and certification were given top priority as an essential component of post-training support to graduates to prepare them for employment. TESDA offices nationwide offer assessment services on a regular basis. Those who pass the assessment are automatically issued National Certificate that serves as their seal of excellence in their chosen field. Employer satisfaction was at an all-time high when it comes to work performance of tech-voc graduates. In an Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS), majority or 86 percent of the 5,451 public and private establishments that were polled said they were satisfied with the work performance of tech-voc graduates. When asked if they would continue to hire tech-voc graduates, 86.9 percent responded positively. Being at the forefront of tech-voc education, TESDA ensures that trainers all over the country are constantly honed and beefed up. For 2013, a total of 8,398 trainers underwent the Trainers Development Program to strengthen their competencies in the areas of instructional delivery and facilitation, competency assessment and maintenance of training resources and facilities. Others took more specialized training in developing program designs, curriculum, learning materials for both traditional and e-learning programs, assessment tools and analysis of training needs of particular clients or institutions. TESDA likewise expanded its online training program and increased the number of courses it offers to those interested in studying tech-voc courses via the internet. This scheme allows even overseas Filipino workers to access tech-voc and gain additional or new skills. To effectively pursue its programs and to expand the reach of its services, TESDA actively entered into joint ventures with private organizations. It has forged partnerships with Coca Cola, Holcim, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Autodesk Inc., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, World Vision, Garments Business Association of the Philippines, Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) Inc., Philippine Software Industry Association (PSIA), Makati Development Corporation (MDC), Philippine Society of Plumbing Engineers (PSPE) Inc., Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE) Inc., Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors (ACEL), Cebu Contractors Association (CCA)., ABS-CBN's Bayan Academy, Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI), Semi-Conductor and electronics Association of the Philippines (SEIPI), E. Zobel Foundation Inc., Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and other industry partners and business groups to widen access of tech-voc in the country. Venturing into providing green skills for green jobs, TESDA has built the Green Innovation Technology Center at its complex in Taguig City to help cultivate green technical vocational education and training in the country. Partnering with My Shelter Foundation, the agency was able to mobilize trainees who assembled portable solar night lights that were distributed to typhoon-devastated areas in the Visayas regions. TESDA also continued to engage in sustainable convergence with other government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the implementation of the Cash for Training Program. In 2013, the project yielded a total of 61,114 graduates. Of this, 65 percent or 39,518 are now salaried employees or are self-employed. Production of school armchairs using confiscated logs is also ongoing under the PNoy Bayanihan Project of TESDA together with the Department of Education, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. The multi-agency partnership is being intensified to help eradicate backlogs in armchairs in public schools. "Towards the fifth year of the Aquino administration, TESDA will continue to enhance its programs and projects, and strengthen its partnerships to be more relevant and responsive to the economy's future skills requirements," Villanueva said. |
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PDIC to Banco Carmona depositors: Payout will be delayed, Officers refuse to turn over bank records to PDIC
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that there will be a delay in the payment of
deposit insurance for the closed Banco Carmona (A Rural Bank), Inc. due to the absence of complete and updated bank records. In the Depositors-Borrowers Forum held at the Penthouse of the Carmona Municipal Hall on August 11, 2014, the PDIC informed depositors that despite efforts to locate the bank owners, officers and employees of the bank, they could not be located nor have they coordinated with the PDIC for the proper turnover to the PDIC of the records and assets of the bank. Without the complete records, the PDIC will not be able to conduct the validation process for bank deposits, a requirement before deposit insurance claims are paid. During the Forum, the PDIC also explained its objective to pay valid deposit insurance promptly. Payment of deposit insurance claims for accounts with deposit balances of up to P50,000 usually starts within 18 days after a closed bank is taken over by the PDIC. Payment via Postal Money Order check is mailed directly to depositors with valid deposits of up to P50,000, with complete mailing address and without outstanding obligation to the bank. Payment for accounts with deposit balances of more than P50,000 is usually completed within 28 days after bank takeover. The turnaround time (TAT) as well as standard payout procedures for deposit insurance cannot be implemented in the case of Banco Carmona due to incomplete and not updated records. Bank officers and employees, who met with PDIC representatives at the bank premises after the Depositors-Borrowers Forum last August 11, promised to turn over documents but they have not done so as of this writing. Banco Carmona is a two-unit rural bank with Head Office located at J.M. Loyola St., Carmona, Cavite. Its lone branch is also located in Carmona, Cavite. The bank has deposit liabilities of P42 million and loan balances of P67 million as of January 31, 2014, based on the report it submitted to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Banco Carmona was placed under PDIC receivership on August 1, 2014. Based on the latest General Information Sheet (GIS) filed by the bank on May 12, 2014 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Banco Carmona is owned by Arturo Poblete (14.96%), Rowena Rodis (10.66%), Perseveranda Isla (10.08%), Ma. Cristina Creencia (9.16%), Rosalinda Gatdula (8.04%), Salome Landas (7.22%), Olivia Asia (6.47%), Cristobal Umale (5.85%), Elena Levardo (5.70%), Irene Zarraga (4.89%), Maria Alona Poblete (4.39%), Evelyn Encarnacion (2.92%), Vilma Encarnacion (2.92%), Ressurreccion Teano (2.48%), Gloria/Cesar Casal (1.85%), Arnell Ilas (1.13%), Roel Naupal (0.96%), and Rosalie Lourdes Gaco (0.32%). Its President is Perseveranda Isla who is also one of its Directors. The bank's Directors are Rosalinda Gatdula (also Secretary), Ma. Cristina Creencia, Rosalie Lourdes Gaco and Roel Naupal. Other officers are Norma Mendoza (Compliance Officer), Irene Zarraga (Officer-in-Charge), Gilbert de Silva (Loan Officer) and Rowena Rodis (Finance Officer/Treasurer). In the meantime, depositors were advised to prepare their evidence of deposits and two (2) valid IDs, and to accomplish the Mailing Address Update Form (MAUF). Depositors of the bank were likewise advised to visit the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph, for any update or information on the schedule of the payout operations. The PDIC said that notices will also be posted at the bank premises and in other public places as soon as the payout schedule is finalized. For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises or call the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |
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Last Updated: 26 AUGUST 2014
Alternative photo archive with high resolutionPlease click on thumbnails to magnify |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Peter Maurer, President of International Committee of the Red Cross during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace Tuesday (August 26). Also in photo are Alain Aeschliman, ICRC head of operarions for Far East, Paul Maucle, head of the delegation, and Graziells Leite-Piccolo, also of ICRC. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a framed photograph showing his mother, former President Corazon Aquino,receiving officials of the International Committee of the Red during a courtesy call in Malacanang in her time. Peter Maurer, President of ICRCO, gifted the President with the picture. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (August 26). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna on Japanese ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe in Malacanang Tuesday (August 26). (Photo by Gil nartea/ Rolando Mailo/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna on Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe in Malacanang Tuesday (August 26). Also in photo are Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, Minister Tetsuro Amano, Deputy Chief of Mission , and Minister Horonori Shibata, Political Minister. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Rolando Mailo / Malacanang photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the nation in commemorating National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City 2nd District Representative Lino Cayetano, Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / by Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., troops the line during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 25). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino: Lumalaban para sa Makatuwiran at Makabuluhang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano and Taguig City 2nd District Representative Lino Cayetano. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III sprinkles holy water over the grave at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City where a Holy Mass was held to commemorate the 31st death anniversary of his late father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., on Thursday (August 21). Also in photo are Presidential sisters Victoria Elisa (Viel) Aquino-Dee and Kristina Bernadette (Kris) Aquino and Presidential nephew James Carlos "Bimby" Aquino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / LauroMontellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III prays before the grave of his parents at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City where a Holy Mass was held to commemorate the 31st death anniversary of his late father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., on Thursday (August 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / BenhurArcayan / LauroMontellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in Philippine National Police officials for a photo souvenir after oath taking ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (August 20). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office of newly promoted Philippine National Police officials in ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday(August 20). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (August 20). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (August 20, 2014). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks at the Tuao East Town Center Gymnasium in Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meterAngag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Also in photo are League of Provinces of the Philippines national president and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino and Tuao Municipal Mayor Francisco Mamba, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, unveils the marker during the inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks in Barangay San Luis, Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meter Angag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The bridge is expected to boost the local economy of the three regions for it shortens the travel time and eases the transportation of goods and agricultural products of farmers and traders to any point of Regions I, II and CAR. Also in photo are Tuao Municipal Mayor Francisco Mamba, Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba and Public Works and Highways Region II Director Melvin Navarro. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks at the Tuao East Town Center Gymnasium in Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meter Angag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The bridge is expected to boost the local economy of the three regions for it shortens the travel time and eases the transportation of goods and agricultural products of farmers and traders to any point of Regions I, II and CAR. Also in photo are League of Provinces of the Philippines national president and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks in Barangay San Luis, Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meter Angag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The bridge is expected to boost the local economy of the three regions for it shortens the travel time and eases the transportation of goods and agricultural products of farmers and traders to any point of Regions I, II and CAR. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes PNoy baller bands to the crowd as he graces the inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks in Barangay San Luis, Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meter Angag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The bridge is expected to boost the local economy of the three regions for it shortens the travel time and eases the transportation of goods and agricultural products of farmers and traders to any point of Regions I, II and CAR. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm welcome from the locals during the inauguration of the Ninoy Aquino Bridge and its connecting road networks in Barangay San Luis, Tuao, Cagayan on Monday (August 18). The newly constructed 360-meter Ninoy Aquino Bridge across the Chico River, costs P599.40 million, is connected to two other small bridges, the 40-meter Malummin and the 20-meter Angag bridge. It will permanently connect Cagayan to the provinces of Kalinga and Apayao and also an inter-regional link between Regions I, II and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The bridge is expected to boost the local economy of the three regions for it shortens the travel time and eases the transportation of goods and agricultural products of farmers and traders to any point of Regions I, II and CAR. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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