04 SEPTEMBER 2014
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday honored Asian businesses that have contributed to social
transformation by carrying out projects through corporate social responsibility.
In his speech during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility
in Makati City, the President said businesses have changed for the better
through the years.
He said that while in the past, businesses only considered profit as the
end-all and be-all and viewed their responsibilities in isolation from the
community, today's manufacturing facilities think of how to minimize their
environmental impact and waste, thus preserving the sustainability of their
source materials as well as enhancing their relations with the community.
"When I see corporations focused on social responsibility, I see kindred
spirits who, like me, have to tackle issues in their multifaceted forms and
complications—who realize that, indeed, no man is an island," he said.
To the institutions being recognized for helping redefine the concept of
business, the President said corporate responsibility is good business.
“Your shareholders include your employees, consumers, and now, the members of
the communities in which you operate, thus redefining value not only in terms
of profit, but also in terms of the empowerment of others,” he said.
Citing examples, he said Jollibee Foods Corporation’s Busog, Lusog, Talino
School Feeding Program, which provides lunch for undernourished students in
kindergarten, and first and second grades, has resulted in 80 percent of the
beneficiaries reaching a normal Body Mass Index, as well as a decrease in
absenteeism.
The Farmer Entrepreneurship Program, which aims to support the livelihood of
Filipino farmers by linking them to the supply chain of institutional markets
such as Jollibee, has helped more than 900 farmers across the country become
more productive and gain access to a broader market, he added.
The President commended the awardees for proving that the growth of companies
and of private industry cannot be separated from the growth of the
communities.
He further said that companies joining social reforms inspire him.
"These events never fail to inspire me—and I hope that they have the
same, if not a greater effect on you and even your peers," he said.
"Through your work, you have already shown that the simplest ideas can
bring about the most profound transformations."
Several companies were awarded during Wednesday's event for their
contributions to solving social challenges.
The awardees were the Jollibee Group Foundation for its poverty alleviation
initiatives; the Dow Chemical Thailand for its works on preserving the
environment; the Jollibee Group Foundation for its initiatives on education;
PT Unilever Indonesia for its health care programs; the Valsad District
Cooperative Milk Producer in India for providing livelihood to farmers; and
the Magsaysay Maritime Corp. for producing highly skilled seafarers for the
maritime industry.
The Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) is the largest
annual conference on corporate social responsibility in the region.
It was launched in 2002 by the AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for
Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia to
concentrate on corporate social responsibility issues. PND (as)
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Security authorities tackling criminality in the country, says Palace
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The Palace made an assurance on Thursday that the government is doing everything to address
crimes in the country, especially kidnapping for ransom.
“The Philippine National Police (PNP) is exerting all efforts to crack down
on the criminal elements behind kidnapping-for-ransom cases,” Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a
press briefing in Malacañang.
He said that on Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel
Roxas, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima, and representatives of
concerned citizens’ groups, including Teresita Ang See, discussed the
concerns of the Filipino-Chinese community.
Coloma said that according to the PNP, the reported number of
kidnaping-for-ransom cases as of last August increased to 38 from 31 in the
same period last year.
“This is what the police are working on now, in terms of intensified police
efforts,” he said.
The people need to understand the situation in perspective, he said, noting
that in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month, the President made
it clear that the government's thrust is to capture the criminals, and gather
strong evidence to successfully convict them.
"Ang palaging ipinapahayag ng Pangulo at ine-emphasize hinggil diyan ay
ito: Dapat ay may kasiguruhan na ang mga hinuhuli at isinasakdal ay
mapaparusahan," he said.
"Dapat may kasiguruhan na pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan ang kaligtasan at
kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Kaya iyan ang patuloy na nagsisilbing pamantayan
sa lahat ng ating mga law enforcement authorities."
Coloma said that as the President leaves for Europe and the United States
next week, the chief executive can assure investors that the Philippines is
safe for doing business.
"The President can face the world with a clear view that the Philippines
is safe for investors, the Philippines is safe for its citizens," he
said, appealing to the public to avoid painting a gloomy picture of the
country's security situation.
“Hindi kinakailangang magpinta tayo ng larawan ng ligalig dahil ang sitwasyon
naman ay masasabi nating stable. The crime situation is well under the
control of the police authorities. Kaya hindi dapat lumikha ng ligalig
hinggil dito,” he said. PND (as)
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Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights to end tour of duty properly, says Palace
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The government wants the Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights to complete their tour of duty to
fulfill the country’s commitment to the United Nations (UN) properly,
Malacañang said on Thursday.
“We want to complete our tour of duty and wind down our UN commitment in the
proper way,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio
Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace.
He noted that the government’s decision to recall peacekeeping forces from
Liberia and the Golan Heights came earlier than last week’s stand-off between
the Filipino peacekeepers and Syrian rebels.
“Kung maalala natin, bago pa sumiklab ang insidente noong nakaraang linggo ay
naihayag na ang pasya na tatapusin na lamang ang current tour of duty at ito
ang naging desisyon. Hindi naman ito naapektuhan nang mga kaganapan noong
nakaraang lingo,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating
with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) regarding the report on the Golan Heights incident.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the DND and the AFP,
and is in close consultation with the United Nations on this matter. After
all, the deployment of Filipino peacekeepers is a UN matter and that is a
matter of international diplomacy for which the DFA is responsible,” he said.
President Aquino has sought a comprehensive report on last week’s incident in
the Golan Heights to use it as the basis for future deployments of Filipino
peacekeepers. PND (ag)
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President Aquino wants hoarders, price manipulators behind bars, Palace official says |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III continues to monitor cases on alleged abuses in the import and
trade of basic commodities, warning that the authorities will prosecute those
found to have violated the law, a Palace official said Thursday.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday attributed the spike in garlic
prices a few months ago to collusion between government officials and a
garlic importer.
During a press briefing in Malacañang, Presidential Communications Operations
Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that the DOJ's finding “is the
outcome of the continuing efforts of the government to stop abuses that
produce disadvantage and detriment to our populace.”
He said that last month, the President called meetings among concerned
agencies to determine the cause of unusual movements in the price of prime
commodities.
He further said that the President has already instructed government
agencies, especially the Department of Agriculture (DA), to focus on the
supply of goods and their prices in anticipation of the Christmas season.
"Nagpatawag na ang Pangulo ng pagpupulong at mahigpit ang pag-uutos sa
lahat ng mga ahensiya, lalung-lalo na ang Department of Agriculture na
tutukan ang supply and price situation, lalung-lalo na at padating ng holiday
season at tiyak na mag-i-increase ang demand," Coloma said, referring to
the supply of pork, chicken, and the usual Noche Buena fare.
As for those who have violated the law by engaging in hoarding and price
manipulation, cases have been filed against them, based on the President's
instruction, Coloma said. PND (as)
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Government eyes single broadcasting network before President Aquino steps down in 2016
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The government is eyeing the privatization of the television stations it controls before the
term of President Aquino ends in 2016, Presidential Communications Operations
Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said Thursday.
Two TV stations are currently under the administration: IBC-13 and RPN-9. IBC-13,
a sequestered asset, is 100-percent government-owned.
Coloma said in a press briefing in Malacañang that the government is working
on the privatization of IBC-13, and that the Governance Commission for
Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations has decided to allow the
Development Bank of the Philippines to become the privatization manager of
the station.
“Sa aking pagkabatid ay inuumpisahan na ang prosesong ito at ang target ay
matapos ito sa pagtatapos din ng termino ni Pangulong Aquino,” he said.
He noted that RPN-9 is already privatized, with the government owning only
20.8 percent of the station.
Coloma said that the administration has since 2010 wanted only one
government-owned broadcasting network, which includes television and radio.
The state-run radio station is dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, and aside from IBC-13 and
RPN-9, the government also runs PTV-4.
The PCOO administers these stations pursuant to Executive Order No. 4. PND
(as)
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Despite losing to Puerto Rico, the country should still be proud of Gilas Pilipinas’ efforts in
the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain, the Palace said Thursday.
“Sa aking palagay ay dapat pa ring ipagpatuloy ang ating pagsuporta at dapat
pa rin nating ipagmalaki ang Gilas Pilipinas,” Presidential Communications
Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during the daily press
briefing in Malacañang.
Puerto Rico won against the Philippines 77-73 after trailing behind Gilas
Pilipinas in the first half of the game.
With the result, Gilas Pilipinas has lost its chance to advance to the round
of 16.
“Hindi nga lang nakaya na talunin ang Puerto Rico. Pero katulad nang naganap
na mga laro laban sa Croatia at Argentina, nagwakas ito sa napakalapit na
score, at sinumang nakakaunawa ng basketball ay magsasabing kung nadagdagan
lang ang swerte ay maaari pang napagtagumpayan ito,” said Coloma.
The Philippine Basketball Team had lost its previous games with a margin of
less than 10 points: against Croatia (81–78); Greece (82–70); and Argentina
(85–81).
The team even took the lead in its games with Croatia, Argentina and Puerto
Rico before losing.
“Taas-noo ang ating mga manlalaro, taas-noo pa rin ang mga Pilipino, sapagkat
kahanga-hanga rin naman ang kanilang ipinakitang husay sa pakikipaglaro,”
said Coloma. PND (ag)
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04 SEPTYEMBRE 2014
Iniutos ng Pangulong Aquino na ikulong ang nagtatago ng bigas at mga ‘price manipulators’
Pinapurihan ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga negosyong nakapag-aambag sa
mga repormang panlipunan
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Pinapurihan ng
Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga negosyong Asyano na nakapag-ambag sa
pagbabagong panlipunan sa pagsasagawa ng mga proyekto sa pamamagitan ng
corporate social responsibility.
Sa talumpati Miyerkoles sa 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social
Responsibility sa Lungsod ng Makati, binanggit ng Pangulo ang malaking
pagbabago ng mga negosyo tungo sa kabutihan sa nakalipas na mga taon.
Sinabi ng Pangulo na bagaman nang nakalipas ay pawang ang pakinabang lamang
sa mga negosyo ang binibigyang pansin at inihihiwalay ang pananagutan nila sa
mga komunidad, ang mga pasilidad ngayon sa manufacturing ay pinagsisikapang
hindi makapinsala sa kapaligiran upang mapangalagaan ang pinagmumulan ng
kanilang mga materyales, gayundin kung paano makikisama nang mabuti sa
komunidad.
“Kung nakakikita ako ng mga korporasyong nakatuon sa kanilang pananagutang
panlipunan, ang nakikita ko ay ang bagong sigasig na tulad ko, hinaharap ang
mga isyu nang puspusan at ang ibubunga nito sapagka’t katotohanang hindi
mapupuwing na ang tao ay nabubuhay hindi para sa sarili niya lamang,” sabi pa
ng Pangulo.
Ayon sa Pangulo, ang mga istitusyong kinikilala sa pagtulong na bigyan ng
bagong kahulugan ang diwa ng pagnenegosyo ay mga pananagutan ng korporasyon
sa mahusay na pagnenegosyo.
“Kasama sa inyong shareholders ang inyong mga kawani, ang mamimili at ngayon,
ang mga tao sa mga komunidad na inyong ginagalawan kaya ang kahulugan ng
negosyo ay hindi lamang ang pakinabang o tubo, kundi pati ang pagkalinga sa
kapwa,” dugtong ng Pangulo.
Tinukoy ng Pangulo ang Busog, Lusog Talino School Feeding Program ng Jollibee
Food Corporation na nagbibigay ng tanghalian para sa mga kulang sa sustansiya
na mga mag-aaral sa kindergarten, una at ikalawang baitang ng mababang
paaralan na nakatulong upang ang 80 porsiyento ng mga pumailalim sa
programang ito ay magkaroon ng normal Body Mass Index, at nabawasan ang
pagliban nila sa klase.
“Ang Farmer Entreprenuership Program na naglalayong suportahan ang kabuhayan
ng mga magsasakang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pag-uugnay sa kanila sa supply
chain of institutional markets na tulad ng Jollibee ay nakatulong sa mahigit
na 900 magsasaka sa buong bansa para pag-ibayuhin ang kanilang produkto dahil
may tiyak na bibili ng mga ito,” pahayag pa ng Pangulong Aquino.
Pinuri ng Pangulo ang mga tumanggap ng gawad sa ginawang pagpapatunay na ang
paglaki ng mga kompanya at ng pribadong industriya ay hindi maaaring ihiwalay
sa pag-unlad ng mga komunidad.
Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang ginawa ng mga kompanya na pakikiisa sa
repormang panlipunan ay nagbigay sa kanya ng ispirasyon upang sikaping
pagbutihin pa ang kanyang pagtupad sa tungkulin.
“Sa pamamagitan ng ginawa ninyo, inyong pinatunayan na ang simpleng ideya ay
maaaring magbunga ng malaking pagbabago,” dugtong pa ng Pangulo.
Sa maraming kompanyang binigyan ng pagkilala Miyerkoles sa naiambag sa
paglutas sa mga pagsubok at hamong panlipunan ay kabilang ang Jollibee Group
Foundations—sa pagsisikap na mabawasan ang karalitaan; Dow Chemical
Thailand—sa puspusang paggawa ng mga paraan para pangalagaan ang kapaligiran;
Jollibee Group Foundation—sa malasakit sa edukasyon; PT Unilever Indonesia—sa
mga programang pangkalusugan; Valsad District Cooperative Milk Producer ng
India—sa pagkakaloob ng hanapbuhay sa mga magsasaka; at Magsaysay Maritime
Corp. sa pagsasanay ng mga dalubhasang magdaragat para sa Maritime Industry.
Ang Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) ay pinakamalaking
taunang kapulungan tungkol sa corporate social responsibility sa rehiyon.
Ito ay inilunsad noong 2002 ng AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for
Corporate Responsibility, isa sa pinakaunang sentrong panaliksikan sa Asya na
nakatuon sa mga isyung may kinalaman sa corporate social responsibility. PND
(as/zaf)
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Puspusang binabaka ng mga alagad ng batas ang kriminalidad—Palasyo
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Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa sambayanan Huwebes na puspusang ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat upang
bakahin ang kriminalidad sa bansa, lalo na ang kidnapping for ransom para
manatiling namamayani ang katahimikan at kaayusang pambayan sa lahat ng dako.
Binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications
Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang na ginagawa ng Pambansang
Pulisya ang lahat ng makakaya upang sugpuin ang lahat ng uri ng krimen, lalo
na ang mga kaso ng kidnapping-for- ransom.
Sinabi ni Coloma na nagpulong sina Kalihim Manuel Roxas II ng Interyor at
Lokal na Pamahalaan, Direktor Heneral Alan Purisima ng Pambansang Pulisya at
ang mga kinatawan ng iba-ibang grupo, kabilang si Teresita Ang See, kung saan
tinalakay ang pagkabahala ng Filipino-Chinese community.
“Puspusan ang ginagawang pagsisikap ng Pambansang Pulisya upang masugpo ang
mga kaso ng kidnapping-for-ransomna ayon sa PNP ay umabot na sa 38 kaso buhat
sa 31 kaso noong isang taon,” wika ni Coloma.
Ayon kay Coloma, binanggit na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang bagay na
ito sa kanyang Ulat sa Bayan (SONA) noong nakalipas na buwan at malinaw na
sinabi ng Pangulo na ang pakay ng pamahalaan ay madakip ang mga kriminal at
magkaroon nang sapat na mga katibayan upang mahatulan ang mga ito.
“Ang palaging sinasabi at binibigyang diin ng Pangulo hinggil diyan ay ito:
Dapat ay may kasiguruhan na ang mga hinuhuli at isinasakdal ay
mapaparusahan,” sabi ni Coloma.
Binigyang diin pa ni Coloma na ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat tungo sa
kaligtasan at kapakanan ng mamamayan na siyang pamantayang sinusunod ng ating
mga alagad ng batas.
Idinugtong pa ni Coloma na ang Pangulo ay pupunta sa Europa at Estados Unidos
sa susunod na linggo at titiyakin ng Punong Tagapagpaganap sa mga imbestor na
ang Pilipinas ay isang ligtas na pook para magnegosyo.
“Taas-noong makahaharap ang Pangulo sa daigdig na ang Pilipinas ay pook na
ligtas para sa mga imbestor…ang Pilipinas ay pook na ligtas para sa mga
mamamayan nito,” pahayag pa ni Coloma.
“Hindi kinakailangang magpinta tayo ng larawan ng ligalig dahil ang sitwasyon
naman ay masasabi nating panatag. Puspusang pinangangalagaan ng mga pulis ang
sitwasyon, kaya hindi dapat lumikha ng ligalig hinggil dito,” dagdag pa ni
Kalihim Coloma. PND (as/zaf)
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Maayos na tatapusin ng ‘Filipino peacekeepers’ ang gawain nila sa Golan Heights, ayon sa Palasyo
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Nais ng pamahalaan na tapusin ng mga Filipino peacekeepers sa Golan Heights ang kanilang mga gawain
upang matupad ang pangako ng bansa sa Bansang Magkakaanib (UN), alinsunod sa
Malacanang Huwebes.
“Ibig naming matapos ang ating tour of duty at matapos sa maayos na paraan
ang ating pangako sa UN,” wika ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng
Presidential Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa
Malacanang Huwebes.
Binanggit ni Coloma na ang pasiya ng pamahalaan na pauwiin na ang
peacekeeping forces na nasa Liberia at Golan Heights ay nauna pa kaysa sa
naganap na stand-off ng mga peacekeepers na Pilipino at mga rebeldeng Syrian.
“Kung maaalaala natin, bago pa sumiklab ang insidente noong nakaraang linggo
ay naihayag na ang pasiyang tapusin na lamang ang current tour of duty at ito
ang naging desisyon. Hindi naman ito naapektuhan ng mga kaganapan noong
nakaraang linggo,” paliwanag ni Coloma.
Samantala, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang Kagawaran ng Suliraning Panlabas (DFA) sa
Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Bansa at sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas (AFP)
hinggil sa ulat na may kinalaman sa naganap sa Golan Heights.
“Ang Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang nakikipag-ugnayan sa Tanggulang Bansa
at sa AFP, at sumasangguni sa Bansang Magkakaanib tungkol sa bagay na ito.
Ito naman ay dahil sa ang pagtatalaga ng Filipino peacekeepers doon ay ang UN
ang kausap at ito ay may kaugnayan sa pandaigdig na diplomasya na ang DFA ang
nananagutan,” dugtong ni Coloma.
Humingi ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ng comprehensive report tungkol
sa pangyayaring naganap sa Golan Heights upang magamit itong saligan sa
pagtatalaga ng Filipino peacekeepers sa darating na panahon. PND (af/zaf)
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Iniutos ng Pangulong Aquino na ikulong ang nagtatago ng bigas at mga ‘price manipulators’
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Iniutos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na puspusang subaybayan ang umano ay pagmamalabis sa
pag-angkat at pagbibili ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan kasabay ang
mahigpit na babalang uusigin ang mga matuklasang lumalabag sa batas.
Binigyang diin ito ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes.
Sinabi ni Coloma na ang natuklasan ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan (DOJ) na
sabwatan umano ng ilang pinuno ng pamahalaan at ng umaangkat ng bawang ay
“bunga ng pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na masugpo ang pagmamalabis na nagiging
dahilan ng kapinsalaan ng sambayanan.”
Inihayag ni Coloma na pinulong ng Pangulo noong isang buwan ang mga
kinauukulang ahensiya ng gobyerno upang alamin kung bakit biglang tumaas ang
halaga ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan.
Idinugtong niya na inatasan na ng Pangulo ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan,
lalo na ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka (DA) na pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga
paninda at ang halaga ng mga ito lalo pa nga ngayong nalalapit ang Pasko.
“Nagpatawag na ng pulong ang Pangulo at mahigpit na ipinag-utos sa lahat ng
mga ahensiya, lalo na sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na tutukan ang mga paninda at
ang halaga ng mga ito, lalung-lalo na ngayong parating ang panahon ng
Kapaskuhan at tiyak na lalaki ang pangangailangan sa mga panindang nasabi,”
wika ni Coloma na ang tinutukoy ay ang karne, manok at ang mga ginagamit kung
Noche Buena.
Ayon kay Cioloma, sa utos ng Pangulo, naipagharap na ng sakdal ang mga
natuklasang nagtatago ng bigas at nagtataas ng presyo nito. PND (as/zaf)
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President Beningo S. Aquino III's Speech at the 13th Asian Forum on Social Responsibility
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Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City
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03 Sept. 2014
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Allow me to begin by saying that I am indeed very happy to be with you tonight, for two reasons. The first: as some of you might know, my first job—which was not that long ago—was with the
Philippine Business for Social Progress. The PBSP started in 1970—I was not a
founding employee at that time of course—with 50 business leaders who made a
rather unusual pledge: to give 1% of their gross profits towards funding
activities that now fall under the title of “corporate social responsibility”
(CSR). In effect: they pooled resources to fund development efforts at a
grassroots level. Working for the PBSP made concrete the lessons that my
parents, the Church, and my university had taught me: that we must be men or
women for others, especially for those on the margins.
The second reason is that these kinds of events show me that much has changed
for the better throughout the years. In the older days, a manufacturing
facility probably just considered only the desired inventory, input and
output levels, production schedules, among other similar factors of
production. In the older days, profit was the end-all and be-all, and
businesses could view their responsibilities in isolation from the community.
At best, this was a singular, and coldly practical motivation. At worst, it
was myopic, with businesses acting as if they operated in a world where their
actions did not affect other sectors—believing that they were contributing to
society by concentrating entirely on the bottom line.
Today, the paradigm shift is clear. That same manufacturing facility now
thinks of how to minimize its environmental impact; how to minimize waste,
and by so doing, preserve the sustainability of source materials; and how to
preserve and enhance their relations with the immediate community.
When I see corporations focused on social responsibility, I see kindred
spirits who, like me, have to tackle issues in their multifaceted forms and
complications—who realize that, indeed, no man is an island. After all, your
continued growth cannot happen when the environment that allowed you to
embark on this business venture is left by the wayside. Your continued profit
cannot happen when you manufacture products that are increasingly out of the
reach or relevance of your workers.
Here, today, we are honoring a number of institutions that are helping to
redefine the concept of “business.” For all of you, corporate responsibility
is good business; your shareholders include your employees, consumers, and
now, the members of the communities in which you operate: thus redefining
value not only in terms of profit, but also in terms of the empowerment of
others.
For instance, we have the Jollibee Foods Corporation, or JFC, from the
Philippines, recognized for two unique programs. Through the Busog, Lusog,
Talino School Feeding Program, the JFC has worked with partners in both the
public and private sectors to provide lunch for undernourished students in
kindergarten, and in the first and second grades. The effects are clear: more
than 80% of beneficiaries have reached a Normal Body Mass Index, and
absenteeism has been reduced. There is also their Farmer Entrepreneurship
Program, which aims to support the livelihood of Filipino farmers by linking
them to the supply chain of institutional markets such as Jollibee. To date,
they have helped more than 900 farmers nationwide not only to be more
productive, but also to have access to a broader market.
Next, we have Unilever Indonesia, which has worked to promote the health and
well-being of millions of young Indonesians, through their School Program—an
Integrated Health Hygiene Promotion. Your program brings together the
fundamentals of a sustainably healthy lifestyle through simple practices,
such as washing hands with soap, drinking safe water, and eating a nutritious
breakfast, among others.
We also have the Dow Chemical for Sustainable Industry program of Dow
Chemical Thailand, which has the goal of institutionalizing sustainable and
environmentally responsible industry standards and practices for key sectors.
They did this by developing and applying Lean Management principles that
focus on the production of goods with maximum efficiency, minimum cost, and a
minimal impact on the environment. By coming up with a manual that contains
standards and solutions for sustainable organization improvement, they are
helping personnel all over Thailand to perform their duties more effectively.
Of course, we cannot forget the Tribal Development through Cooperative
Movement program of the Valsad District Cooperative Milk Producer in India.
Credit, training, and infrastructure support are provided to tribes,
especially to women, in response to the need to produce more quality milk.
This does not only address the problem of supply; it also gives the women
dignified and meaningful livelihood that allow them to meet the needs of
their children without the need to migrate for work.
Finally, there is the Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, which has worked to
address the needs of seafarers, from training and scholarship programs
focused on improving skills, to employee benefits that foster financial and
educational security, and even to the extent of providing SIM cards enabling
seafarers to keep in touch with their families at discounted rates.
Diverse though they may be, all of our awardees today are proof of the fact
that the growth of companies and of private industry cannot be divorced from
the growth of the communities you find yourselves in. This is only common
sense. Now that we have the benefit of hindsight, we have to wonder: why was
this not a common truth or an accepted idea in the dawn of big business?
After all, in working towards sustainable livelihood, responsible business
practices, and employee welfare, you are ensuring a stronger consumer base
for your products and services. In investing in the people, you are
displaying a strong commitment to the belief that progress must be inclusive,
that economic growth, and consequently, the growth of businesses, relies
first and foremost on the empowerment of the people. What does social
responsibility mean, after all, if not dealing with your fellow men in a
correct and upright manner? Doing so leads to greater stability, which is
necessary for the continued growth of your companies. This, in turn, requires
an even greater immersion and even greater stakes to be held in the
community. This is the virtuous cycle of corporate social responsibility,
with businesses and the citizenry helping each other thrive.
These events never fail to inspire me—and I hope that they have the same, if
not a greater effect on you and even your peers.Through your work, you have
already shown that the simplest ideas can bring about the most profound
transformations.
To those who have not yet seen the wisdom of the CSR movement: it is
certainly a choice that is left to your discretion, but those of you who are
truly worthy of leadership will know that it is not only the right thing to
do, but also and more importantly the imperative for each one of us.
Thank you. Good evening.
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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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04 September 2014
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ALAN: Magandang umaga po.
SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Alan.
ALAN: Yes sir. Eh binabasa ko po itong initial report na ang Pilipinas
umakyat by seven notches dito sa Global Competitive Index Report ng World
Economic Forum. Ano po ang significance nito pagdating po sa atin, sa
Pilipinas, Sec. Sonny, Sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Mahalaga iyang pagtaas ng ating ranking, Alan. Sapagkat iyan ang
sumusukat sa kahusayan ng ating bansa sa larangan ng pandaigdigang ekonomiya.
Alam naman natin na sa kasalukuyan may inter-dependence ang iba’t-ibang
bansa. Hindi tayo nag-iisang bansa lang sa daigdig. Kung tayo ay competitive
mas uunlad ang ating bansa. Ang mga elemento niyan ay iyong tinatawag na
macro-economic fundamentals, iyong ano ba talaga ang galaw ng kabuhayan sa
bansa.
ALAN: Opo.
SEC. COLOMA: Paano ba ito napapahusay, paano ba ito napapabuti. Kaya’t
kapansin-pansin na noong 2010 ay nandoon tayo sa number 85 sa hanay ng 140 na
bansa.
ALAN: Opo.
SEC. COLOMA: Ngayon ay nasa number 52 na tayo. Ibig sabihin 33 lugar ang
ating nilagtawan sa loob ng apat na taon. At tayo ay nasa number 52 na. Ang
ating ambisyon ay nandun tayo sa “Top 1/3.” Ang 1/3 ng 140 ay 42. Kung
mapasama tayo doon sa Top 40 ay mainam na lugar na iyon, Alan. At doon nga sa
tinatawag na macro-economic fundamentals, pang-26 tayo, napakataas ng ranggo
natin. At pati iyong ating market size o iyong papulasyon ay plus factor dito
sa pagtutuos ng World Economic Forum. Dahil kapag malaki ang papulasyon,
malaki rin ang bilang ng tao na maaring alukin ng mga produkto at mga
serbisyo. Kaya all around ay napakainam nitong performance na ito at
nagpapakita lamang na sa kolektibong pagkilos ng mga Filipino at dahil na rin
sa pagbibigay atensiyon ng pamahalaan sa ating pinaka-likas na kayamanan -
ang mga mamamayang Filipino, nagbunga ang mga repormang ipinatupad nitong
nakaraang apat na taon.
ALAN: Opo, tinitingnan ko itong mga binanggit ninyong mga “pillars” Among
them: Innovation, government efficiency, business sophistication, financial
market development. Mukhang mabibigat ho pala iyong mga basehan pala sa
pagre-rate nitong Global Competitiveness Index na ito, Secretary Coloma, Sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Ganun nga, Alan. Meron din tayong dapat pansinin diyan, iyong
“institutions.” Dapat kasi merong mga matibay na institusyon na nagpapatuloy
ng pagbabago at pagpapahusay. Pero doon naman sa pinakamalaking room for
improvement, iyon po iyong imprastraktura at meron ding mga security concerns
na dapat nating i-address para lalong gumanda ang ating performance at lalo
tayong maging mahusay na bansa na puwedeng maging ka-partner ng maraming
bansa sa pangangalakal. Ito naman ay magbubunsod ng marami pang oportunidad
para sa ating mga mamamayan.
ALAN: Ayon. Okay, nabanggit ninyo iyong infrastructure. We understand na
nakahanay na rin, nasa drawing board na rin ika nga iyong among others, iyong
magiging kapalit ng kasalukuyang Manila International or Ninoy Aquino
International Airport. Iyong ina-aral yata ay iyong nandito sa may area ng
Cavite o iyon bang pagpapalawak ng Clark as a replacement para sa
international airport po ng Maynila, Secretary, Sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi iyan ng programang pang-imprastraktura ng ating
pamahalaan. Marami pa ring malalaking proyekto katulad nung Laguna Lake
Expressway, iyon ding Kaliwa Dam Project para sa water supply naman ng
Maynila at kalapit na rehiyon at mga iba pang mga airport, iba pang mga
seaports at tulay, irrigation. Marami pa talagang dapat asikasuhin para mas
maging competitive ang ating ekonomiya. Pero mahalaga din nga iyong aspeto ng
“people development,” iyong ibinigay nating atensiyon sa pagpapahusay ng mga
skills sets ng mga Filipino dahil malaking bahagi din ito nung
competitiveness.
ALAN: Opo. Sec, sa ibang usapin naman po nitong nagdaang mga linggo ay isa po
sa mga concerns ay iyong pagde-decongest sa Port of Manila. May mga concerns
po from various stakeholders, mga truckers at iba pa ano ho. We understand
that merong apila ang Malacañang mismo sa mga negosyante kaugnay po ng
paggamit ng Port of Manila, Secretary Coloma, Sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Tama iyon, Alan. Pansinin natin na dahil na rin sa paglago ng
ating ek0nomiya talaga namang mas sumigla ang daloy ng negosyo at kalakal sa
ating bansa. At siyempre ang unang pinagdadaungan ng mga barko ay itong
pantalan natin, iyong Port of Manila. Doon sa istraktura kasi ng ating
ekonomiya, mas marami tayong ini-import na kagamitan para mag-produce ng mga
kalakal na binebenta naman sa ibang bansa. Kaya talagang matindi iyong dating
ng mga kargamento na nakalulan sa mga container vans. At nitong nakaraang
buwan ay nagkaroon ng backlog, dahil nga isa ngang factor iyong kakulangan ng
lugar, pangalawang factor naman iyong masyadong naka-concentrate kasi iyong
pag-landing mga barko sa Port Manila. Dahil nga ito na iyong nakaugaliang
daungan. Samantalang meron naman tayong hindi naman kalayuan na Subic at
iyong Port of Batangas. Iyong Port of Batangas ay unti-unti na ring napupuno,
iyong Subic malaki pa ang potensyal, kaya ito naman ang ating ginagawang
alternate port.
Samantala, kinakailangang lutasin iyong problema ng congestion sa loob ng
Port of Manila dahil nga sa mabagal na paglabas ng mga containers. Kasi nga
‘no, import-export operation iyan. Talagang mas marami tayong ini-import, mas
mabilis iyong dating dito ng imports kaysa sa ini-export. Naiipon iyong mga
container, hindi lamang iyong may lulan na container na dapat ilabas sa Port
of Manila kung hindi iyong mga walang laman o iyong mga “empties.” Kaya ito
iyong tinutukoy ng ating pamahalaan sa kasalukuyan at nais nating magbigay ng
insentibo sa mga lumalahok sa operasyong ito na kapag araw ng Linggo.
Halimbawa iyong hapon ng Sabado, buong araw ng Linggo at kalahating araw ng
Lunes, iyon iyong pinaka-kokonti ang gumagalaw na cargo sa Port of Manila.
Bumabagsak sa halos 500 containers lang, samantalang libu-libo dapat iyon.
Kaya nagbibigay tayo ng insentibo na kapag nag-operate sila sa araw ng Sabado
ng hapon o gabi, Linggo at Lunes ng umaga, bibigyan sila ng espesyal na prebelehiyo.
Iyong tinatawag nating “last mile.”
Ano ang ibig sabihin ng “last mile,” iyong paghahatid ng door-to-door doon sa
mga warehouse na pupuntahan nila. Bibigyan sila ng laya na makapaghatid sa
loob ng dalawang linggo na walang limitation. Kasi nga ang limitation sa
kasalukuyan, Alan, ay iyong truck ban. Pero maging iyong truck ban ay
nakiki-isa rin naman ang mga local governments natin. Meron na tayo ngayong
24 hours na route para makalabas at makapasok sa Pier kahit na oras ng truck
ban.
ALAN: Iyon iyong single lane lang sila, single file ika nga.
SEC. COLOMA: Iyon. At saka iyong patungo at palabas sa Port of Manila tulad
nung Roxas Boulevard at A. Bonifacio. Kaya ito ay pinapatupad na at malaki
rin naman ang nagawa sa pagde-decongest ng Port of Manila.
ALAN: Okay. Sec, isa pa po. The other day ay napag-usapan din natin itong
Gilas. Pero kagabi ay nag-vow ang Pilipinas dito po sa Puerto Rico. Matinding
laban, 77 against 73. Eh, dahil ho rito mukhang magba-vow out muna ang Gilas
dito ho sa World Cup ika nga, Sec. Sonny, Sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Taas-noo tayong lahat diyan, Alan. Wala tayong dapat ikahiya,
dahil kahanga-hanga ang pinakitang husay at tapang ng ating mga manlalaro.
Iyong outcome ng game kagabi kahit na—puwedeng tayo rin ang nanalo, lamang pa
tayo nang pumasok sa mga huling minuto, pero sabi nga sa basketball eh “it’s
the breaks of the game.”
Pero walang magkakaila na isa sa pinakamahusay na koponan ang ating Gilas
Pilipinas. Dahil halos tinalo natin yung number three team na Argentina,
number 20 na Croatia at itong number 17 na Puerto Rico. Ang medyo malayo lang
na score ay iyong number 5 na Greece. Kahit isa o dalawa doon sa tatlong game
na iyon, o kahit tatlo doon sa tatlong game na iyon ay puwede sana nating
naipanalo kung pinalad lang tayo.
Pero wala tayong dapat ikahiya. Taas-noo tayo dapat diyan na ipagpatuloy
natin ang mahusay na performance sa huling laban sa Senegal na tinalo na
natin noong nakaraan bagama’t sa ngayon ay magkalapit ang ranking natin; sila
ay number 37, tayo ay number 34. At pagkatapos naman nito ay pupunta sa
Incheon, Korea, ang Gilas Team natin at makikipaglaban naman doon sa Asean
Games. Kaya marami pang larangan kung saan puwede nating patunayan ang husay
at galing ng ating mga manlalaro.
ALAN: Opo. Well, Secretary Coloma, Sir, muli salamat po ng marami for the
updates from the Palace, Sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan.
ALAN: Thank you, Sir.
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SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center
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- 04 SEPT 2014
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Gov’t hires int’l advisor for its biggest PPP project
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12th Development Policy Research Month
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State think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), in celebration of the 12th
Development Policy Research Month (DPRM), has organized a series of fora
for the whole month of September anchored on the theme “Addressing the Jobs
Challenge toward Inclusive Growth”. The series of fora will gather
policymakers, program planners, development researchers, and labor leaders to
identify the causes of unemployment and underemployment and to seek ways on
how to effectively address these.
To formally launch the DPRM, a press conference is scheduled on August 28,
2014, Thursday, from 10:30AM to 1:30 PM at the Romulo Hall, NEDA sa Makati
Building, Amorsolo St., Makati City.
“This year’s DPRM is very timely since job creation is a central feature of
the Aquino administration’s strategy for inclusive growth,” PIDS president
Gilberto Llanto said. “PIDS conducted several studies to address this
critical development issue. We hope that the evidence-based policy
recommendations offered in these studies, along with the inputs of experts
from concerned government agencies and the academe, would help shape
employment policy directions to make economic growth more inclusive through
more welfare-enhancing labor regulations and poverty-reducing employment
generation programs,” he added.
Income inequality and poverty incidence in the Philippines remain high and
stable in the last two decades despite a rapidly growing economy. It is
widely believed that this failure to attain greater inclusiveness is due to
widespread joblessness and underemployment owing to the country’s inability
to rapidly expand quality job opportunities.
Discussions about the jobs challenge is strong from various sides of the
sociopolitical spectrum of the country, as well as among international
development agencies.
Confirmed panelists are National Economic and Development Authority Deputy
Director-General Emmanuel Esguerra, Department of Trade and Industry
Assistant Secretary for Industry Development Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, Bureau of
Local Employment Director Dominique R. Tutay and PIDS Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Aniceto Orbeta, Jr.
September of every year is observed as DPRM per Presidential Proclamation No.
247 dated September 02, 2002. The DPRM aims to promote and draw nationwide
awareness on the importance of policy research in national development
planning and policymaking. Under the proclamation, PIDS is designated as the
lead government agency in the observance of the DPRM.
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Abad: Ph competitiveness rockets with governance, budget reforms
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Following the announcement of the Philippines’ seven-place jump in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global
Competitiveness Index, Department of Budget and Management Secretary
Florencio “Butch” Abad today said that the country’s extraordinary
performance in the rankings was largely influenced by governance and fiscal
reforms set by the Aquino administration.
“Under President Aquino’s leadership, the Philippines has leapt impressively
up the competitiveness rankings over the last four years. The WEF has
recognized the Administration’s efforts to curb the very same corruption that
has long stymied our progress. What we are now seeing is that our governance
reforms are bearing fruit. We’re pleased that the world agrees,” Abad said.
“It’s worth mentioning as well that the Administration’s pioneering work in
the Open Governance Partnership has allowed us to make leaps and bounds in
our transparency efforts. Our open data initiatives have likewise made a
decidedly positive impact on the way government works. A bureaucracy that is
at once transparent, accountable, and citizen-focused is an efficient one.
That’s what we’re working towards,” he added.
The country now holds 52nd place in the competitiveness ratings, after
ranking 59th in 2013.
Introduced in 2004, the WEF Global Competitiveness Report tracks the
competitiveness of countries based on their performance in 12 categories. The
categories—branded as the 12 pillars of competitiveness—include a country’s
institutions, infrastructure, market and economic environment, health and
basic education, among others.
The WEF noted the Aquino administration’s principal role in driving economic
growth and overall competitiveness in the country.
“The [Aquino administration], which came into power in 2010, has made the
fight against corruption an absolute priority; corruption had historically
been one of the country’s biggest drags on competitiveness. There are signs
that these efforts are producing results: in the ethics and corruption
category, the country has jumped from 135th in 2010 to 87th this year,” the
organization said in the ranking’s country highlights.
Abad said that the DBM is determined to pursue more budgetary reforms in line
with the Administration’s good governance and economic reform agenda.
“The transformation of our budget processes towards increased transparency,
accountability, and openness are central to the economic gains we’ve been
making in the last four years. We will continue to hew these reforms very
closely with the President’s governance and development priorities.
“The Philippines has already made a name for itself as one of the world’s
most promising economies. There’s no reason why we can’t do better, as long
as we’re guided by our drive for good governance, and as long as Filipinos
remain engaged in our work of bureaucratic transformation,” Abad said.
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Love blooms tighter for childless foster parents
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Married for nine years, starting a family proved difficult for Rico and Jocelyn Manalang of Barangay Wawa,
Taguig City, as they were unable to have a child despite undergoing fertility
work-ups.
At the age of 48 and 45, respectively, they believed that God had a better
plan for them and decided to share their home to a child through Foster Care.
Foster Care is part of the alternative parental care program of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) wherein an abandoned or
neglected child is given to the temporary care of licensed foster parents.
It is temporary in nature and can be a short-term (minimum of three months)
or long-term foster placement (maximum of seven years). The Foster care
program’s main goal is to provide temporary family care to a child until
his/her return to biological family or prepare him/her for permanent
placement through adoption.
In cases where the adoption or reintegration with the biological parents is
not possible, the child stays with the foster parents who initially cared for
them for long-term care if they are willing. If not, the child will be given
under the care of other willing licensed foster parents.
“Gusto naming mag-ampon talaga, pero dahil sa nawalan ako ng trabaho nitong
January, nag-decide kaming mag-foster muna at i- share ang aming buhay sa
bata kahit medyo limited ang aming resources (We really wanted to adopt
initially but since I lost my job this January, we opted for foster care to
share our life with a child despite our limited resources),” shared Jocelyn
or Joy to her friends.
The couple got interested in the Foster Care Program after watching a segment
of the program, The 700 Club, where the guest, Ms. Malen Papadapoulous from
Operation Compassion, discussed adoption and foster care.
The Manalang couple approached DSWD to learn more about the program.
They became licensed foster parents on April 23, 2014. As foster parents,
they attended a matching activity with foster kids.
Matching
Rico and Joy were matched with AP, 5, who had been rejected twice – by his
parents who abandoned him and by the foreign prospective adoptive parents.
AP is a special child who has been diagnosed with Global Development Delay
that affects his intellectual and communications abilities. Aside from this,
he also has spinal deformity.
Joy said that they were surprised to learn that their foster kid is a special
child and had second thoughts about accepting him, but the couple’s desire to
have a child conquered their fears.
The Manalang couple expected their life to change with the arrival of AP but
they were admittedly caught unprepared by the big change.
Speaking in front of DSWD officials and employees during the flag ceremony
yesterday at the Central Office, Joy shared, “Mahirap pala ang mag-alaga ng
bata (It’s difficult to raise a child).”
She added, “Hindi makatarungan para sa amin ang tanggihan siya dahil iniwan
na siya ng biological mother niya at umurong naman ang prospective adoptive
parents niya (We believe it would be unfair to reject him because he had
already been surrendered by his biological mother and his prospective
adoptive parents had second thoughts).”
Rico and Joy decided to push through with fostering AP for three months, as
initially committed.
On May 11, 2014, AP was already placed in their care and their journey as a
family began.
“Unang araw pa lang po ay na-realize namin na hindi pala picnic ang pinasok
namin. Mahirap po at nakakapagod dahilang baby po namin ay hyperactive,
speech deficient, not toilet trained, at fully dependent (We realized on the
first day that taking care of AP was no picnic. It was hard and tiring
because our baby is hyperactive, speech deficient, not toilet trained, and
fully dependent),” Joy added.
But Joy also said that it was heartening to hear her mother saying that AP
kept on improving with every month of his stay with them.
Despite the hardships, Rico and Joy do not regret taking care of AP.
Joy shared, “Ricky and I are happy together. With only the two of us, I can
say we are content to be together. But when AP came, our lives became
colorful. There is so much love in our home.”
Three months came too fast. Though hesitant to return AP to Hospicio de San
Jose, they had no choice. They are hopeful that their separation from AP
would be temporary as they are willing to renew their commitment and take him
again in their care.
Joy said that while waiting for the return of AP, she and Rico are making the
necessary preparations needed to ensure that they are better equipped to take
care of him.
“Sa pagbabalik ni AP, alam namin na mas kaya na namin ang pagbabagong dala
niya sa aming buhay (When AP returns, we are sure that we can cope with the
change that he will bring to our family),” Joy stated.
Humility
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman lauded the Manalang’s big heart in
welcoming AP to their home, albeit temporarily.
“Sina Rico at Joy ay mga modelo ng kababaang-loob, dahil sa pagpapakumbaba
nila sa pagtanggap kay AP. Lalong higit na kahanga-hanga na pinili nilang
mahalin si AP na tulad ng isang biological na anak kahit na ito ay may
kapansanan (Rico and Joy are models of humility as they humbled themselves in
accepting AP. Moreover, it is admirable that the couple chose to love AP like
their own child despite his disabilities).”
The Secretary also explained that the story of Joy and Rico, a simple couple,
is proof that even ordinary Filipinos can help better our country.
“Kaya ng kahit na mga simpleng mamamayan ang tumulong sa pagbabago, basta may
sinserong puso para dito (Joy and Rico’s story shows that even an ordinary
Filipino can help towards the betterment of the country for as long as they
have the heart for it).”
Support
Sec. Soliman emphasized that a foster child is given a monthly subsidy by the
government to support his/her needs. The subsidy may be in the form of
financial aid, goods, or support services.
Likewise, a foster parent can treat the foster child as a dependent for a
particular taxable year. S/he is also given skills training and livelihood
assistance, among others.
Throughout the process of fostering, the DSWD and licensed foster care
agencies or child placing agencies will be there to support and guide foster
families/parents in every step of the way.
For the 1st semester of 2014 alone, 119 children from the National Capital
Region are under the foster care of 107 licensed foster parents.
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DOJ: High garlic prices caused by collusion, cartel
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The Department of Justice recently completed its report on the garlic industry that saw big spikes in recent
months - reaching a high of Php287.06/kilo in June 2014, which is a
staggering 74% increase within a one-year period and more than 100% increase
from average prices.
"As directed by the President and after a comprehensive evaluation, the
main finding can be summarized into three major points: 1) there was no
shortage of supply and, in fact, there were more than adequate stocks of
garlic; 2) majority of the 'import permits' issued was granted only to one
preferred group; and 3) due to a cornering of supply, this group can dictate
the high prices," said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima.
The demand for garlic is largely supplied by imports (73% imports, 27% local
produce). The importation process requires an "import permit" from
the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
"We also find that the formation of a National Garlic Action Team (NGAT)
by the DA is unnecessary, unhelpful and actually contributed to the
problem." she added. "We are recommending its abolition and the
establishment of a fair and transparent system that will allow competition in
the garlic industry consistent with the dictates of economic justice,"
she said.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is already investigating
the matter, will gather further evidence to prosecute the personalities
mentioned in the Report, as well as the BPI officials who may have been in
collusion with them, with the end in view of filing the appropriate charges.
The Report on the Garlic Industry was conducted by the Office for Competition
(OFC) of the Department of Justice pursuant to its mandate to investigate all
cases involving violations of competition laws and prosecute violators to
prevent, restrain and punish monopolization, cartels and combinations in
restraint of trade. It was completed in sixty days with a set of four
findings and five recommendations. The Report will now be endorsed to the Office
of the President and the relevant agencies for consideration.
"Competition is essential for the economy to grow and for rule of law
institutions to develop," said Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Head
of the OFC. "The country's competition authority will continue to assess
the priority sectors of electricity, transport and telecommunications
together with prime commodities and basic goods," he said.
SUMMARY OF OFC'S FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
MAJOR FINDINGS:
1. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)'s primary mandate is to restrict or
control the importation into the Philippines of plant products, which could
be a source of plant pests and, for that purpose, to issue Plant Quarantine
Clearance. The BPI has no authority to utilize the Plant Quarantine Clearance
as effectively an import permit and allocate the volume of garlic to be
imported.
2. The lack of clear-cut guidelines and established procedures in determining
the allocation of import permits has made the BPI system prone to partiality,
manipulation and collusion. The flawed permit system abetted the
establishment of a garlic cartel, possibly with the collusion of some BPI and
DA officials.
3. Importation of garlic in the country is controlled mainly by at least four
(4) known individuals and allied interests through a web or series of dummy
entities duly accredited by the BPI. In particular, a person named Lilia M.
Cruz, a.k.a. Leah Cruz, cornered at least 75% of the total garlic importation
in the country by virtue of such import permits.
4. The price of imported garlic, considering all incidental costs in its
shipment; should not reach as high as PhP 350/kilo, even factoring in the
increase in trucking charges and related costs.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The NBI should pursue the leads and gather further evidence to prosecute
the personalities mentioned in the Report as well as the BPI officials who
may have been in collusion with them. The final report of the NBI is awaited
as to the filing of appropriate criminal charges against those that may be
found responsible for this, garlic cartel, particularly Lilia M. Cruz, a.k.a.
Leah Cruz, and the dummy entities affiliated with her, as well as the other
industry players engaged in the same modus operandi.
2. Given the high dependence on imports to supply the demand for garlic and
based on the analysis of the vulnerabilities in the supply chain, it is
recommended that the permit system currently lodged with the BPI be removed.
The BPI should only be concerned on implementing its primary mandate, which
is to issue the Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC) to
prevent entry of plant pests in the country. It should not be concerned with
volume of imports or determining the financial capacity of importers.
3. Other than the removal of the permit system of the BPI, it is also
suggested that impartial standards and clear criteria be adopted in the grant
of these SPSIC to legitimate and accredited importers without any
subjectivities. Exercise of discretion led to abuse of the system and this should
not be condoned or continued.
4. The Office of the President, through the Department of Agriculture, may
consider abolishing the National Garlic Action Team (NGAT) since the
investigation revealed that it failed to serve its primary purpose and to ensure
a balanced representation from both government and private sectors. The
composition of the NGAT suggested blatant conflict of interest. The DA should
consider either the abolition of the NGAT, or reconstituting it only as a
policy team and not as an allocating entity.
While farmers and local producers are to be supported and encouraged, the use
of such import allocation scheme results in the perversion of markets.
Farmers are not encouraged to engage in importation and should instead focus
on crop growth with the assistance of the DA.
5. The DA and BPI have no visitorial powers, which affect their capacity to
monitor the inventory of garlic in warehouses and cold storage facilities.
Moving forward, it is recommended that the governing law be amended to
include a provision on the grant of visitorial powers to the DA and BPI.
Actual inspection of the garlic wholesalers' and traders' storage facilities
shall aid in the discovery of hoarding or any other: anti-competitive
activities. In the meantime, the existing and prospective importers should be
required to execute a waiver of rights, allowing the DA and BPI to enter
their storage facilities for inspection purposes. This waiver may be included
in the current Application for Accreditation or annexed to the requirements
upon updating.
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OWWA’s Tuloy-Aral Program bolstered with P250,000 support from KAMPI donors
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Tuloy-Aral Program (TAP), one of the scholarship programs of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
(OWWA) for OFW dependents and funded by donations of OFWs from abroad,
non-government organizations and groups advocating migrant workers and
education, is augmented anew this year with monetary support from institutional
partners of Kabalikat ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Incorporated or KAMPI.
In a simple turn-over rite held morning of September 4, 2014 at the OWWA
Administrator’s office , Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado received the check
of P250,000 from KAMPI President Luther Calderon as representatives of
I-Remit, Sterling Bank of Asia, Pioneer Life Insurance, and PAG-IBIG Fund
look on.
The amount will benefit 50 OFW dependents from grade school to college with
five (5) coming from National Capital Region and the rest from other regions.
Each TAP beneficiary will receive P5,000 for their school expenses this year.
Unlike other OWWA scholarship programs implemented by OWWA fund, TAP’s
resources rely on OFW sponsors or donors solicited by OWWA welfare officers
posted overseas and from public and private institutions. The
student-recipients come from OFW families classified as indigent by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development. They were selected by social
workers from KAMPI out of the many applications gathered by OWWA regional
welfare offices.
KAMPI, or Kabalikat ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Incorporated, is a
non-government organization whose advocacies leaned on Filipino migrant
workers and literacy. It has been supporting OWWA since 2010.
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Smuggling cases filed vs counterfeit goods trader
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The owner of a trading firm engaged in the importation of counterfeit goods and its customs broker face
smuggling-related charges for the illegal entry of various fake products
filed by the Bureau of Customs before the Department of Justice.
Noel Villaflor, owner and proprietor of NSGV Trading; and customs broker
Sherjun Saldon have been charged with violating the Tariff and Customs Code
of the Philippines, in relation to the importation of fake products which
violates Republic Act (RA) 8293, or the Intellectual Property (IP) Code of
the Philippines. In addition, Villaflor and Saldon are charged with violating
the Revised Penal Code for falsifying public documents.
The case stemmed from NGSV’s importation of one (1) 40-foot container that
arrived at the Manila International Container Port from China in May 2014.
The shipment, composed of 600 cartons of what was declared to contain
assorted women’s blouses; cotton fabric; polyester women’s pants, jackets,
coats and scarves; board paper; ladies’ canvas shoes; PVC flooring; assorted
plastic cases and boxes; belts and caps; skateboards; skateboard parts;
compactor parts; and aluminum ladder and grinders were found to contain
15,960 assorted undeclared items, many of which were counterfeit or “Class A”
luxury bag models like the “Hermes Evelyne” and “Hermes Lindy; “Ralph Lauren
Ricky”; “Tory Burch Ella” tote; “Prada Saffiano Lux” tote; “Celine Phantom”;
“Michael Kors Selma” satchel and “Michael Kors Jet Set” tote and the
“Burberry Susana” hobo tote. Also found were fake “Fitflop Fleur” sandals’
“Lacoste” wallets and tote bags; “Ray-Ban” eyewear; as well as clothing and
footwear bearing local brands “Onesimus” and “Una Rosa.” Total estimated
value was pegged at over P300-Million.
“We have been in close coordination with the brand owners, IPOPHL and other
government agencies to step-up our drive against fake products. It is our
duty and responsibility to protect our consumers from the entry of products
that may bring health hazards or cause harm to legitimate entrepreneurs and
businesses,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla.
The Bureau has been working closely with the multi-agency IP taskforce
National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) to improve
seizures and apprehensions of counterfeit traders. NCIPR is composed of
Department of Justice (DOJ), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the
Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Optical Media Board (OMB), Philippine National
Police (PNP), Food and Drug Administration(FDA), National Telecommunications
Commission (NTC), National Book Development Board (NBDB), Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of the Special Envoy on
Transnational Crime (OSETC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
SUMMARY OF THE CASE
IMPORTER
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NSGV TRADING
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RESPONDENTS
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- NOEL S. VILLAFLOR,
Owner/Proprietor of NSGV TRADING, with office address at 2229 Tomas
Mapua St., Brgy. 357, Zone 036, Sta. Cruz, Manila
- SHERJUN N. SALDON, licensed
customs broker of NSGV TRADING, with address at Rm. 449 Padilla de los
Reyes Bldg., Juan Luna St., Binondo, Manila
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VIOLATIONS
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1. Sections 3601 and 101 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP), as amended, in relation to Section 166 of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual
Property Code)
2. Sections 3602 and 2503 of the TCCP, as amended
3. Article 172 in relation to Articles 171 and 183 of the Revised Penal Code of the
Philippines (RPC)
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GOODS
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1 x 40’ container van declared as apparel and other items, but found to contain various counterfeit goods, with labels: Hermes Bags/Pants/Sandals, Louis Vuitton Bags/Shoes, Gucci Shoes, Michael Kors Bags, Tory Burch Bags/Shoes, Calvin Klein Bags, Prada
Bags/Jacket, Kipling Bags, Lacoste Bags, Mango Bags, Longchamp Bags, Zara
Bags, Burberry Bags/Pants, Kate Spade Bags. Chanel Bags, Ralph Lauren Bags,
Celine Bags, Fendi Bags, Una Rosa Shoes
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DATE & PORT OF ARRIVAL
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May 13, 2014; Manila International Container Port
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ESTIMATED MARKET VALUE
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Over P 300-Million
*The value was provided by the
brand owners to IPOPHL, based on the price of the original goods.
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PORT OF ORIGIN
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China
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Creation of investment ombudsman team seen to boost investments
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) lauded the creation of the investment ombudsman team as an
innovation that will further boost investments in the Philippines, strengthen
investor confidence, and build an "enabling business" environment
for foreign and local investors.
“With the establishment of the investment ombudsman office, we advance the
policy thrust of the Aquino administration for good governance and
transparency, and attract more investors in the country,“ DTI Undersecretary
Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr. said.
By virtue of Office Order No. 327, series of 2014, that took effect on 01
June, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales created the Investment Ombudsman Team
(IOT), and has named Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur H. Carandang as
the Investment Ombudsman of the team.
Manalo noted that consistent with the goal of the government to attract more
local and foreign investors, providing speedy action on investment-related
grievances and complaints of existing and potential investors will also
elevate the country’s global competitiveness ranking.
Board of Investments - Investment Assistance Center (BOI-IAC) Executive
Director Raul V. Angeles said that the BOI, the DTI, and DTI's other attached
agencies already met with the team to discuss the details of the Office Order
and set related capacity training programs.
This September, the DTI and its attached regulatory agencies are scheduled to
brief the IOT on their mandates and functions and to discuss the coverage investment
related issues.
“In line with these administrative arrangements, the BOI is also pursuing
cooperative agreements with other government agencies on the joint
facilitation of business permits and licenses for its registered firms and
applicants,” Angeles said.
To date, the BOI already signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with
Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management
Bureau (DENR-EMB), and is currently negotiating agreements with the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Housing
and land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and
Department of Agriculture (DA).
“In addition to these initiatives, the BOI will set-up its One Window Network
(OWN), a project that will enable investors to make electronic transactions
with the agency,” Angeles said.
Angeles noted that through this planned initiative, transactions with the BOI
can be done online through computers and mobile phones. An investor can log
on to a website to post queries or complaints, which will be initially
scanned and passed to concerned agencies within the network. Then, the
investor will be notified in real time.
At present, the BOI is working with the University of the Philippines
Information Technology Development Center (UP-ITDC) to design and develop the
website and customer relationship management (CRM) application for the
project.
“With these current developments and initiative in delivering our services to
the business community, we further encourage economic activity in a
competitive setting and increase job creation in the country,” Manalo said.
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Cebu Pacific launch, Philippine Tourism update held in Sydney
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04 September 2014 - In the lead up to its inaugural flight to Sydney on September 09, Cebu Pacific Air, in
coordination with the office of the Department of Tourism in Sydney headed by
Tourism Attaché Consuelo Jones, held several activities on August 03 and 05
at The Grace Hotel in Sydney to launch Cebu Pacific’s presence in Australia.
On these occasions, a Philippine Tourism Update was held with Tourism
Promotions Board of the Philippines Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon
Emeril III as resource speaker.
On August 03, the team from Cebu Pacific, led by its General Manager for Long
Haul Division Alex Reyes, met with representatives from the Filipino
community in New South Wales, including the Filipino community media. Several
members of the Filipino community said that with the introduction of the Cebu
Pacific flights, their visits to the Philippines would become more frequent.
On August 05, Mr. Emeril and Mr. Reyes gave presentations on Philippine
tourism and Cebu Pacific Air, respectively, to two groups of audiences. The
first was to local journalists and writers, and the second to representatives
from travel agencies and related sectors. The guests had the opportunity to
enjoy Philippine cuisine which lent a truly Filipino flavor to the events and
enticed many to visit the Philippines to savor more of the Filipino dishes.
In her remarks on these occasions, Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on
Louis welcomed Cebu Pacific Air as a new partner of Philippine Team-Australia
in promoting the Philippines as a destination of choice for both tourism and
business. She said she was looking forward to working with the Cebu Pacific
team in showcasing various holiday destinations in the Philippines to the
Australian public.
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PHL Ambassador graces inauguration ceremony of Architects’ Association in Brunei Darussalam
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04 September 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Nestor Z. Ochoa was invited to serve as guest
speaker at the Charter Presentation and Inauguration Ceremony of the United
Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Brunei Chapter on August 24 held at the
Rizqun International Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan.
In his message, Ambassador Ochoa extended his congratulations to the formation
of the UAP Brunei Chapter, with its initial membership of 31 Filipino
architects. He stated that the Philippine Government is relying on the UAP
Brunei Chapter to cooperate and coordinate with other allied professions,
trade, and industry in Brunei Darussalam, and actively participate in matters
concerning national and regional developments in the Philippines.
Ambassador Ochoa also assured the UAP Brunei Chapter that it can count on the
Philippine Embassy’s support for programs and activities that promote the
professional development of UAP’s members in Brunei.
UAP Vice-President for Area A Arch. Corazon F. Tandoc, FUAP, and UAP
Immediate Past National Executive Vice-President Arch. Lora B. Rivera, FUAP,
together with the National Executive Officers of the UAP, also paid a
courtesy call on Ambassador Ochoa on August 26 at the Philippine Chancery.
The UAP Brunei Chapter Officers who accompanied the two UAP National
Executive Officers included: Arch. Wario C. Tacbad, UAP, Chapter Charter
President; Arch. Neil R. Rutor, UAP, Chapter Charter Vice-President for
Operations; Arch. Noel R. Consular, UAP, Chapter Charter Auditor; Arch.
Hernando J. Hautea, Jr., UAP, Chapter Charter Director; and Arch. Ramonito P.
Broncano, UAP, Chapter Charter member.
The UAP Brunei Chapter, which is composed of 31 Charter Members including
eight Charter Officers, is a professional organization of Filipino architects
registered in Brunei under the umbrella of the Filipino Association in Brunei
(FAB).
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Making impact evaluation matter: Better evidence for effective policies and programmes
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Good afternoon.
On behalf of our colleagues in the Philippine government, I am pleased to
welcome you all to this international conference on impact evaluation. Our
presence here today shows our mutual recognition of the importance and
potentials of impact evaluations in crafting more effective policies and
programs. This recognition also shows that the field has crossed over to
mainstream research. For this milestone, I commend the Asian Development
Bank, the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation or 3ie, and the
Philippine Institute for Development Studies or PIDS for organizing this
important conference in the Philippines.
I also wish to thank the Australian government for its continued assistance
to the Philippines through the impact evaluation of several development
programs and projects in the country. NEDA, with the assistance of 3ie, fully
supports this development intervention, as the country aims to realize its
commitment to the development effectiveness agenda and to continue promoting
evidence-based decision making, program improvement, and accountability.
As you know, impact evaluation is fast becoming an indispensable tool for
policy-making in the developing world. Knowing what programs work and what
programs do not leads to an efficient and prudent use of public and donor
funds, particularly by providing guidance to policymakers in their
decision-making and in directing resources to more efficient development
interventions.
The Philippine government, for example, has made inclusive growth the
cornerstone of its socioeconomic policy. The idea is to have every Filipino
contribute to and benefit from the country’s remarkable growth and
development. As you may have heard, our economy showed such extraordinary resilience
amid external shocks and natural disasters. In fact, we reported last week a
6.4-percent growth in our gross domestic product, making the Philippines the
second fastest growing economy among major Asian countries.
To sustain this robust economic growth and to ensure the participation of
majority of Filipinos in the development process, the Philippine Development
Plan Midterm Update emphasizes the prioritization of human capital
development along with key economic policy reforms and programs. It is also
worth noting that the continuing reform efforts and good governance
undertaken by this administration since 2010 have given us wider fiscal
space, enabling us to make greater spending on health, education, and other
social services.
A major government undertaking in social services is the conditional cash
transfer or the CCT, where the government has been investing in the health
and education of children from poor households. The idea behind CCT is to
ensure that the lowest sectors of society will have equal access to basic
services such as healthcare and education. This program is supported by
independent evaluations conducted by PIDS, ADB, and the World Bank, with
results indicating that concerns over the supposed creation of a culture of
dependency and irresponsible use of cash assistance were unfounded. In fact,
further analysis of data led the researchers to recommend extension of the
program to cover poor students in high school. For this reason, the
government is now expanding the program to include children aged 15-18.
Moreover, our recognition of impact evaluation’s vital role in governance had
us institute in 2010 the Zero-Based Budgeting or the ZBB approach, a
performance management, results-oriented system to ascertain if key
government programs and projects are achieving the desired outcomes. The
intention was to guide decision-makers on whether the resources for the
program or project should continue at its present level, or be increased,
reduced or discontinued. The ZBB studies were entrusted to the Philippine
Institute for Development Studies.
In the first year of ZBB approach, budget items worth PHP 82 billion were
subjected to evaluation. These were programs and projects with large funding;
but with evidence from evaluation studies pointing to poor program designs,
poor implementation records and improper targeting, among others, the
government was able to either cut or terminate programs such as the provision
of farm input subsidies, which were found to be ineffective and suffering from
leakages.
Clearly, these evaluation practices have provided effective feedback of
lessons learned for the improvement of program and project designs of future
development projects. This year we are taking it a step further by including
in the national budget a significant amount to conduct process assessments
and impact evaluations of more government programs. With impact evaluation,
the objectives of government transparency and accountability become a reality
and do not remain mere slogans.Finally, let me underscore the important role
of our development partners in these initiatives. Given resource constraints
and other limitations, we are grateful for the assistance of our development
partners in building capacity for monitoring and impact evaluation in the
country. This is an investment made not just for mutual accountability, but
also for the advancement of global agenda for development.
Thank you and I wish everyone a productive conference.
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P32.88-M released to 3,288 OFWs from Libya; 3,473 assisted under Assist WELL Program--Baldoz
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said that the Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration, an attached agency of the DOLE, has released a total
of P32.880 million to 3,288 OFWs from Libya as of 3 September under the
OWWA's Financial Relief Assistance Program.
Citing a report by the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, Baldoz said
3,473 overseas Filipino workers repatriated from Libya have also been
assisted by the DOLE through its Assist WELL Program.
“The 3,473 OFWs assisted through the Assist WELL program as of 3 September
2014 have requested for a total of 10,766 assistance of various types. Most
of the OFWs have requested three or more assistance under the program,"
said Baldoz.
She added that aside from the Assist WELL Program assistance, some of the
OFWs were also allowed to use cellular phones by the assigned duty officers
of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the airports upon
their arrival. They were also assisted in the processing of their documents
before they exited the airports in Manila.
Assist WELL is a package of comprehensive reintegration assistance and
services to ensure that returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who
voluntarily sign up for repatriation, or those who are compelled to go home
under mandatory repatriation due to crises or emergency situations, are
successfully reintegrated in the mainstream of Philippine society.
Through the program, agencies and offices of the DOLE concerned with local
and overseas employment and the provision of welfare services for OFWs, have
converged to address the Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood needs of
repatriated OFWs.
These agencies and offices are the OWWA, Philippine Overseas Employment
Administration, Bureau of Local Employment, Bureau of Workers with Special
Concerns, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority, International Labor Affairs Bureau, and the
Labor Communications Office.
Most of the OFW returnees--2,276 of them--or 66 percent, requested for
assistance in finding overseas jobs. About 401 OFWs, or 63 percent, asked for
transportation in going to their provinces; while 1,779 OFWs, or 51 percent,
have requested for livelihood assistance. Some 1,276 OFWs, or 37 percent,
requested for local employment.
Last week, the DOLE offered over 12,000 job vacancies in a special job fair
for OFW returnees at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon
City, 5,601 of which were for local employment, while the rest were for
overseas. Of the 384 OFW repatriates who registered for the special job fair,
187 were hired for local job opportunities.
Other assistance requested and the number of repatriates who requested them
are as follows: scholarship or training, 945 (27 percent); legal assistance,
774 (22 percent); temporary accommodation, 541 (21 percent); medical
assistance, 353 (10 percent); and stress debriefing/counseling, 213 (six
percent). Some OFWs also requested direct financial assistance; medical
assistance for a family member; financial loan/loan for business; scholarship
for OFW dependents; refund for placement fee, and claims for unpaid salary.
The NRCO report said that majority of the OFWs assisted under the Assist WELL
Program, or 2510, are active OWWA members, while 830 are not. About 133 OFWs
repatriated have no record.
A total of 853 OFWs, or 25 percent, came from Region 4-A; while 630, or 18
percent, came from Region 3. About 507, or 15 percent, came from the National
Capital Region; 275, or eight percent, are from Region 6 (Western Visayas);
191 or six percent are from Region 5 (Bicol region); 171, or five percent are
from Region 1 (Cagayan Valley); 133, or four percent, are from Region 7
(Central Visayas); 111, or three percent, are from Region 10 (Northern
Mindanao); and 99, or three percent are from Region 8
(Eastern Visayas).
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DOLE's OWWA IV-B gears up for OFW Family Circles reactivation; capacitates PESO managers and desk officers
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Each of the five new family welfare officer (FWO) of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional
Welfare Office No. 4-B had produced a one-year action plan on community
organizing as the outcome of their three-day capability building organized by
the OWWA regional branch headed by Director Allan Ignacio. This was the
report to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of OWWA
Administrator Rebecca Calzado, who said the capability-building activity
included a familiarization tour of the OWWA by MIMAROPA PESO managers and
desk officers. "Despite Typhoon Jose hovering over Metro Manila, 31 PESO
managers from the five provinces of the region, namely, Oriental Mindoro,
Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, attended the
capability-building and familiarization tour," Calzado said in her
report. Director Ignacio, who welcomed the participants, said the activity
sought to formalize the community organizing skills of the regional office's
family welfare officers, PESO managers, and desk officers for their work of
organizing OFWs and their families into OFW Family Circles (OFCs) in the
towns and cities of the region. "Our latest directive is to strengthen
existing OFCs and organizing new ones. This is the reason for this
capability-building training. After the training, we expect enhanced
cooperation between OWWA and LGUs, through their PESOs, in the region in
carrying out this directive, helping our FWOs resolve welfare cases, and
enabling them to deliver OWWA programs and services," said Ignacio,
saying that community organizing and information dissemination are only two
of the multifarious tasks of FWOs. Prof. Froilan Alipao of the sociology
department of the University of Sto. Tomas taught the participants the basics
of community organizing and the different strategies and approaches in
organizing people. He also shared his knowledge on how to work with
communities with different backgrounds and experiences. During the workshop
on preparing a community organizing plan, Professor Alipao stressed the need
for the FWOs as community organizers to understand the backgrounds and social
contexts of the OWWA's clients. "This will benefit both the LGUs and the
established OFCs to come up with development programs and policies based on
the OFCs' needs. It will also enable the FWOs in helping OFCs supervise their
projects rooted in their culture. It will help them manage limited
resources," Prof Alipao said. On the other hand, he said the community
organizing plan will serve as guide to FWOs in going about organizing OFCs,
an institution that OWWA envisions to empower OFWs and their families to
become self-reliant and flourishing. "We want our OFWs to organize
themselves or, if they already exist as OFCs, to strengthen their established
community circles toward united community involvement," Alipao added.
The capability-building training was an occasion for the OWWA to discuss with
the participants not only OWWA's programs and services, but also the National
Reintegration Program for OFWs being implemented jointly by the OWWA and the
National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), a new DOLE office. Andrea A.
Agutaya from NRCO IV-B discussed the P10-K Livelihood Program; Balik-Pinay,
Balik Hanapbuhay Program; and training, such as the Small Business Management
Training and Financial Awareness Seminar.
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Agencies pass survey, get excellence seal
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The Civil Service Commission (CSC) awarded over a hundred government service offices nationwide which passed the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA) Report Card Survey (RCS) with flying colors.
Recipients of the Client Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence in the
National Capital Region are the Laguna Lake Development Authority; Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
Regional District Office (RDO) No. 52 – Parañaque City; BIR RDO No. 53A – Las
Piñas City; BIR RDO No. 31 – Sta Cruz, Manila; Public Attorney’s Office (PAO)
Malabon City District Office; PAO Las Piñas City District Office; National
Center for Mental Health Mandaluyong City; PAO Central Office, Quezon City;
Valenzuela Medical Center, Valenzuela City; and Land Bank of the Philippines
(LBP) Plaza Malate, Manila.
Region 1 recipients are Land Transportation Office (LTO) Urdaneta Service
Office, Pangasinan; National Statistics Office (NSO) Regional Office (RO) No.
1, San Fernando City, La Union; LBP Dagupan City Branch, Pangasinan; LBP
Vigan City Branch, Ilocos Sur; LBP Agoo Branch, La Union; LBP San Carlos City
Branch, Pangasinan; PhilHealth RO1, Dagupan City, Pangasinan; and Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS) San Fernando City, La Union.
Region 2 recipients are City Government of Santiago, Isabela; PhilHealth
Local Health Insurance Office, Santiago City, Isabela; Land Transportation
Franchising Regulatory Board RO2, Tuguegarao City; Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration RO2, Tuguegarao City; LBP Alicia Branch, Isabela; LBP
Cabarroguis Branch, Quirino; Commission on Higher Education (CHED) RO2,
Tuguegarao City; Department of Environment and Natural Resources – City
Environment and Natural Resources, Aparri; LBP Cauayan Branch, Isabela; and
Land Registration Authority (LRA) RDO, Cabarroguis, Quirino.
Region 3 recipients are the Provincial Government of Zambales; Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) RO3; City Government of Mabalacat, Pampanga;
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Clark Satellite Office; BIR RDO No. 23A –
North District Nueva Ecija; DTI Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; DTI San
Fernando, Pampanga; DTI Malolos City, Bulacan; Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office – Tarlac City Provincial Office; Securities and Exchange Commission –
Tarlac City Extension Office; LBP Iba Branch, Zambales; PAO Iba District
Office, Zambales; PAO Guimba District Office, Nueva Ecija; National Food
Authority – Tarlac City District Office; CHED RO3, Pampanga; GSIS Malolos,
Bulacan Branch; LBP Malolos Plaza Branch, Bulacan; PAO Macabebe District
Office, Pampanga; LBP Balanga Branch, Bataan; LBP Gapan City, Nueva Ecija;
LBP Capas Branch, Tarlac; and LBP San Fernando Branch, Pampanga.
Region 4 recipients are PhilHealth RO4-B, Batangas City; DTI RO4-A, Calamba
City, Laguna; PhilHealth Palawan Local Health Insurance Office, Puerto
Princesa City; GSIS Pagsanjan, Laguna Branch; PAO Batangas City District
Office; LBP Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro; LBP Los Baños Branch, Laguna; LBP
Biñan Branch, Laguna; and LBP Candelaria Branch, Quezon.
Region 5 recipients are the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur; NSO Naga
City; Social Security System (SSS) Catanduanes Branch; Development Bank of
the Philippines (DBP) Naga City Branch; Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF)
Naga City Branch; LRA Naga City; SSS Goa, Camarines Sur; SSS Tabaco City
Branch, Albay.
Client Satisfaction Centers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) are
DTI Tabuk, Kalinga; Department of Social Welfare and Development CAR, Baguio City;
CHED CAR, La Trinidad, Benguet; and Department of Labor and Employment CAR,
Cabinet Hills, Baguio City.
Region 6 Client Satisfaction Centers are Bago City Water District, Negros
Occidental; BIR RDO No. 76 – Victorias City; BIR RDO No. 77 – Bacolod City;
DTI Provincial Office, Bacolod City; DTI Provincial Office, Iloilo City; DTI
Field Office, Roxas City, Capiz; PhilHealth Service Office, Passi City;
PhilHealth Service Office, Kabankalan, Negros Occidental; PhilHealth Service
Office, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental; DBP Bacolod Branch; Department of
Tourism Boracay Island Field Office; GSIS Bacolod Branch; NSO Aklan
Provincial Office; LTO Roxas City District Office; GSIS Antique Satellite
Office; PAO Roxas City District Office; PAO Bacolod City District Office; PAO
Kalibo District Office, Aklan; LBP Miag-ao Branch, Iloilo; and LBP Kalibo
Branch, Aklan.
Region 7 Client Satisfaction Centers are Municipal Government of Loboc,
Bohol; BIR RDO No. 82 – Cebu City; DTI Provincial Office, Siquijor;
PhilHealth Dumaguete City; HDMF Cebu South Branch; GSIS Bohol Branch; and PAO
Tagbilaran City District Office.
Region 8 Client Satisfaction Centers are the City Government of Borongan,
Eastern Samar; Municipal Government of Burauen, Leyte; DFA Regional Consular
Office VIII, Tacloban City; PhilHealth Tacloban Service Office; BIR RDO No.
85 – Catarman, Northern Samar; and LBP Borongan Branch, Eastern Samar.
Region 10 Client Satisfaction Centers are Provincial Government of Bukidnon;
City Government of Gingoog, Misamis Oriental; BIR RDO No. 97 – Gingoog City,
Misamis Oriental; PAO Cagayan de Oro City District Office; and PAO Iligan
City District Office, Lanao del Norte.
Region 11 Client Satisfaction Centers are the Provincial Government of
Compostela Valley; City Government of Mati, Davao Oriental; Municipal
Government of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley; DTI Mati City; PhilHealth Mati
City; HDMF Davao City; PhilHealth Digos City, Davao del Sur; PAO Mati City
District Office, Davao Oriental; and LBP Bansalan Branch, Davao del Sur.
Region 12 Client Satisfaction Centers are the City Government of Tacurong,
Sultan Kudarat; GSIS General Santos City Branch; PAO Kidapawan City District
Office, North Cotabato; and PAO Isulan District Office, Sultan Kudarat.
Recipients of the Client Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence in Caraga are
the BIR RDO No. 103 – Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, and GSIS Surigao City
Branch.
Client Satisfaction Centers in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao are
the Municipal Government of Upi, Maguindanao; Municipal Government of Datu
Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; City Government of Lamitan, Basilan; PhilHealth
Marawi City Service Office, Lanao del Sur; Tuan Ligaddung Lipae Memorial
Hospital – Sapa Sapa, Tawi-Tawi; and Dr. Serapio B. Montañer Jr., Al Haj Memorial
Hospital, Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
“The CSC conducts the RCS every year. Service offices which received an
overall rating of Excellent undergo a second-phase validation process. If the
service office passes this validation, it will be conferred the Client
Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence, which is a mark that said office is
rendering quality and efficient frontline service to the public,” explained
CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III.
Under Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, the CSC should
conduct an annual survey to check agency compliance with the provisions of
the ARTA law.
The RCS checks if the frontline office has a Citizen’s Charter visible to
transacting clients and an anti-fixing campaign, if frontline staff wear
identification cards, if there are no hidden transaction costs, if there is a
manned Public Assistance and Complaints Desk, and if the frontline unit
observes the No Noon Break policy. It also rates overall client satisfaction.
Offices which obtained a score of 90 to 100 are rated Excellent; 80 to 89.99
Good; 70-79.99 Acceptable. A service office fails the RCS when it incurs a
final score that is below 70.
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DAR distributes land titles in Bukidnon
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The Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR) recently distributed 309 certificates of land ownership award (CLOA),
covering 2,034.18 hectares of agricultural lands, to 1,189 agrarian reform
beneficiaries (ARBs) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO ll) Julio C. Celestiano,
Jr. said the farmers are now new landowners, and like other fellow
farmer-beneficiaries, are facing more challenging task of making their farms
more productive.
“These ARBs will play significant role in eradicating hunger and in reducing
poverty in the countryside,” Celestiano said.
He added that as the world celebrates the International Year of Family
Farming this year, these farmer-beneficiaries play a major role in ensuring
food security by working doubly hard for the continued and sustainable
agricultural production.
The CLOA distribution, held at the Kaamulan Grounds in Malaybalay City, was
one of the highlights that capped the month-long Kaamulan Festival this year,
which was headed by Governor Jose Ma. R. Zubiri.
The foundation of Bukidnon and the Kaamulan Festival, which used to be
celebrated from February to March every year, was moved to August and
culminated on September 1, 2014.
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PSA launches remote sensing-based rice crop monitoring system
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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, Japan Fund
for Poverty Reduction, and Japan Global Development Assistance, launched the
RCDTA 8369, a remote-sensing based data collection system on rice production
in an inception workshop held on September 1, 2014 at the Sequoia Hotel,
Quezon City.
Attended by representatives of relevant government agencies, as well as
international project funders and partners, the workshop aimed to promptly
orient the agencies about the RCDTA 8369 project, which stands for Regional
Capacity Development Technical Assistance 8369: Innovative Data Collection
Methods for Agricultural and Rural Statistics; hence, non-duplication and
harmonization of existing and future related projects on agricultural
statistics are ensured.
According to Dr. Lisa S. Bersales, National Statistician, as the lead agency
on national statistics, PSA’s role is to provide data for policymakers and
currently for the agriculture sector. But with the high cost of conducting
surveys, PSA sees the need to explore other ways of collecting data.
“We consider it timely and necessary that we use appropriate technology in
data collection and we are happy that we now have this satellite and remote-sensing
based technology introduced through the RCDTA 8369 project. This will improve
our data gathering methods on rice production, minus the high cost of field
surveys,” Dr. Bersales announced.
“PSA wants to check on different methodologies. This technology is one of the
methodologies that we want to explore,” she explained.
She added that PSA wants that official statistics generated address the needs
of agencies using the most effective methodologies since statistics are used
as bases for analysis, planning, implementation, and monitoring and
evaluation of policies and programs.
“Timely, accurate, useful and responsive data are needed for equitable
national development. All of these we do for effective policy making based on
accurate information. This project is a good start for PSA as it celebrates
its first anniversary,” she concluded.
The RCDTA 8369 in brief
According to Ms. Dalisay S. Maligalig, Principal Statistician of the Asian
Development Bank-Philippines, agencies should work together in providing
timely and reliable data to policy and decision makers to come up with
evidence-based policies and programs on food security. The Philippines is
privileged to be a recipient, along with Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand, of
RCDTA 8369, which could streamline the data collection methods in
agriculture, particularly in rice production, through the use of satellite
imagery.
“Alternative or supplemental data support systems would be needed and one of
these is through remote sensing or the use of satellite data. With funding
from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and technical advice from the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), PSA will implement activities under
RCDTA 8369 in the Philippines such as the introduction of the JAXA software
called the International Asian Harvest Monitoring System for Rice (INAHOR) to
implementing agencies’ staff,” she said.
She added that the INAHOR software will be modified as needed to suit needs
and priorities through the assistance of the Remote Sensing Technology Center
of Japan (RESTEC). The software will be further refined and be used with
satellite data from the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) in the
2015 cropping cycle.
“The modified software will be used with archived data—and later, ALOS-2
data—to compare software estimates against provincial estimates. Filed visits
will be done to further calibrate the software and improve yield and other
production estimates,” she said.
She explained that final modification of the software will be done based on
technical documentation and inputs from implementing agencies and the ADB.
Challenges, future activities
Romeo S. Recide, Interim Deputy National Statistician for the Sectoral
Statistics, said that “while PSA welcomes new ways of doing things, introducing
the project and the software poses some challenges, one of which is the
readiness of concerned government agencies to adopt the technology.”
“With satellite data, rice area may be estimated several times a year and
land use can be studied better by comparing area maps taken in different
times; however, the new technology may be difficult to adapt as statisticians
have to be trained on the software and policy makers and planners have to be
influenced to accept [the technology],” Ms. Maligalig said.
Mr. Jing B. Jalisan, Chief of PSA’s Information and Dissemination Services
Section explained that aside from the inception workshop, there will be
upcoming activities to effectively implement the project, as well as to keep
stakeholders, especially relevant government agencies, abreast of its
progress.
“The project will be piloted in Nueva Ecija, being it a leading
rice-producing province. We will start with an initial training program on
Linux, basic remote sensing, and software installation, configuration and use
of INAHOR software,” he said.
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LANDBANK loans to priority sectors increase to P268.9B
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LANDBANK’s total loans to its priority sectors exhibited a sustained uptrend, with outstanding loans
amounting to P268.9 billion as of end-June 2014. This represents 82 percent
of the Bank’s total loans of P328.9 billion. Loans to priority sectors
expended significantly by 30 percent from last year.
The increase was primarily due to higher loans to small farmers and fishers,
micro-enterprises and SMEs, utilities, and socialized, low-cost, and
medium-cost housing.
“At LANDBANK, the pursuit of our social mandate remains at the front and
center of our operations. While we constantly strive to grow our profits, we
have always kept our sight on our reason for being, which is to help grow the
agricultural sector and the rural communities we serve,” LANDBANK President
and CEO Gilda E. Pico said.
The Bank’s priority sectors include small farmers/agrarian reform
beneficiaries and fishers (SFFs) and their associations, microenterprises and
SMEs, agri- and aqua-businesses, agri-aqua related projects of LGUs and
GOCCs, communications, transportation, housing, education, health care,
environment-related projects, tourism, and utilities.
LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to small farmers and fishers increased by 11
percent to P31.4 billion from P28.3 billion last year. Meanwhile, loan
releases to these sectors from January to June reached P23.8 billion, 30
percent higher than the P18.3 billion released in the same period last year.
These loans were channeled through 739 farmers and fishers cooperatives, 152
countryside financial institutions and 163 irrigators’ associations,
benefiting 422,342 SFFs.
Loans to micro enterprises and SMEs increased by a hefty 31 percent to P45.4
billion from P34.7 billion in June 2013. Loans for socialized, low cost, and
medium cost housing expanded by a high 33 percent to P31.3 billion from P23.5
billion of the same period last year.
LANDBANK’s loans to the utilities sector reached P41.4 billion. The Bank
recently formalized a partnership with the National Electrification
Administration to provide financing assistance to Electric Cooperatives and
wholesale power aggregators under its BRinging Inclusive Growth in every
Household through National Electrification Support Services or BRIGHTNESS
Program.
LANDBANK remains the single largest lender to small farmers and fishers and
the leading provider of financial assistance to micro, small and medium
enterprises among GOCCs and government financial institutions. It is also the
biggest credit provider to the LGU sector, financing projects in
agri-infrastructure, agri-business, schools and hospitals, farm-to-market
roads, housing and livelihood, and other developmental projects.
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Quezon City – The government commissioned a renowned international law firm and project advisory company
as transaction advisor in the procurement of the Php 122.81 billion pesos
worth Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Through the PPP Center’s Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF),
the Jones Day of the United States was engaged to conduct due diligence
review of the project feasibility study, manage the project’s bidding
process, prepare PPP transaction documents and provide advisory support to
DPWH.
Jones Day is an international law firm with 41 offices worldwide and
considered as the third largest law firm in the world. Jones Day will provide
PPP transaction advisory support to DPWH together with its sub-consultants
ARC Developments International Pty Ltd. of Australia, Jacobs Engineering
Group of USA, Puno and Puno Law Offices, and Engineering Development
Corporation of the Philippines.
The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway-Dike (LLED) Project has already attracted at
least 20 bidders which include Ayala Land Inc., Metro Pacific Tollways
Corporation, Muhibbah Engineering BhD of Malaysia, JV Power and Wealth
Corporation, Megaworld, Minerales Industrias Corporation, GT Capital,
Leighton Contractors of Australia, Egis Projects S.A. of France, LT Group,
Laguna Lakeshore Consortium (D.M. Wenceslao Group), Filinvest Land, Macquarie
Securities (Phil.) Inc., San Miguel Corporation, Megawide Construction
Corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, JG Summit Holdings, PT Star Line of
Indonesia, State Properties Corp., and Alloy MTD-Hashin-Vista Land
Consortium.
DPWH announced earlier that interested companies have until October 16 to
submit pre-qualification documents for the LLED project.
The LLED project has an estimated concession period of thirty-seven (37)
years inclusive of seven (7) years for design and construction and thirty
(30) years for operation and maintenance. It will be financed mainly by the
private capital with no government subsidy, except for the right-of-way
costs.
The project has two components: road dike and land reclamation. A
47-kilometer flood control dike on top of which will be a high speed six-lane
expressway will be constructed. The expressway-dike will run on a mainly
off-shore alignment at least 500 meters away from the western shoreline of
Laguna Lake, including pumping stations and floodgates. It will start at
Taguig, passes through Muntinlupa and Calamba, and ends in Los Banos at its
boundary with Bay, Laguna.
The project’s second component is the reclamation of about 700 hectares of
foreshore and offshore areas, west of the dike, in Taguig and Muntinlupa, for
mixed land uses. This component will support the private financing for the
construction of the entire project, especially the expressway-dike.
When the Project is completed, it will protect more than 200,000 households
or around a million residents living in low-lying communities and save
billions of pesos damages to more than 5,000 factories and commercial
establishments affected by yearly flooding. It will also improve the
environmental condition of the Laguna Lake, promote economic activities, and
provide opportunities for developing new business and residential district in
the reclaimed areas.
The PDMF is a revolving pool of funds from the Philippine Government and the
Government of Australia under a Capacity Development Technical Assistance
from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The PDMF is being used to engage
project preparation and transaction support consultants to develop a robust
pipeline of viable and well-prepared PPP projects.
To date, the PDMF has provided funding support to a total of thirty-nine (39)
projects. Five (5) out of seven (7) successfully awarded PPP projects were
PDMF-supported, namely the Department of Education’s (DepEd) School Infrastructure
Program I and II, Department of Health’s (DOH) Modernization of the
Philippine Orthopedic Center, and the Department of Transportation and
Communications’ (DOTC) Automatic Fare Collection System and Mactan Cebu
International Airport New Passenger Terminal Projects.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for
Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka
Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. present the medals
and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum
on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom
of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night
(September 03). The conference theme this year is: “Building Resilient
Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work
Together.” AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social
responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian
Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for
Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in
Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Robert
Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 13th
Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal
Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on
Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is:
“Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social
Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual
conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It
was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del
Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one
of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate
responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for
Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka
Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. presents the medals
and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum
on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom
of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night
(September 03). The conference theme this year is “Building Resilient
Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work
Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate
social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by
the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR)
Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research
centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo
by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by AIM-RVR Center for
Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka
Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr., upon arrival for
the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the
Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on
Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is
“Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social
Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual
conference on corporate social responsibility in the region. It was
launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del
Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one
of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate
responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Foreign Chamber Council
of the Philippines (FCCP) officers for a photo souvenir during the
oathtaking ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on
Wednesday(September 03). The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Edward
Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs, Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice
Chairman External Affairs, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade
And Commerce, Ram Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman, Philip Chien
FCCP Chairman, Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice Chairman-Ways and Means, and
Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility, Eddie B H Yeo
FCCP Vice Chairman Tresury and Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And
Information. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the Foreign Chamber
Council of the Philippines (FCCP) officers in a ceremony at the
President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (September 03).
The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Philip Chien FCCP Chairman, Ram
Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman,Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice
Chairman-Ways and Means, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade
And Commerce,Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice Chairman External Affairs, Edward
Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs,Eddie B H Yeo FCCP Vice
Chairman Tresury, Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And Information
and Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly
appointed government officials in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall of
the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly
appointed National Peace and Order Council officials in a ceremony at
the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in
photo is Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. (Photo by
Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in
government officials for a photo souvenir after administering the oath
in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday
(September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government
Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis
Jardeleza. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. /
Marcelino Pascua /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in
Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Jose Favia for a photo souvenir
after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates National Youth Commission
(NYC) Commissioner-at-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III after
administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and TV host/actress Marian Rivera.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas
at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the Department of Health (DOH)
Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday
(September, 01). With the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,"
this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella
Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of
measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique
Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Janette
Garin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas
at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San
Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With
the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide
campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental
Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in
the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and
Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo
by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas
at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San
Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With
the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide
campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental
Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in
the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and
Health Undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching
of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH
Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday
(September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,"
this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella
Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of
measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique
Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Janette Garin
and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas
at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San
Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With
theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide
campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental
Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in
the country. Also in photo is Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona. (Photo
by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Health Secretary Dr.
Enrique Ona leads the ceremonial “patak” of oral polio vaccine during
the Launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at
the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City
on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa,
Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011
Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current
transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health
Undersecretary Dr. Janette Garin and Health Assistant Secretary Dr.
Enrique Tayag. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Randy Halasan from the
Philippines as being one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the
presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon
Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the
region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to
Randy Halasan from the Philippines as one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay
awardees during the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the
Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines.
Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor
and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to
Wang Canfa from China as one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during
the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of
the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the
Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as
the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to
the representatives of the The Citizen's Foundation from Pakistan as one
of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies
Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay
City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is
Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent
to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to
Omara Khan Masoudi from Afghanistan as one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay
awardees during the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the
Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines.
Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor
and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to
Saur Marlina Manurung from Indonesia as one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay
awardees during the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the
Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines.
Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor
and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to Hu
Shuli from China as one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the
presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the
Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon
Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the
region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang
Photo Bureau) |
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President benigno S. Aquino III poses with the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay
awardees (from left) Randy Halasan, Philippines; Wang Canfa, China; The
Citizen Foundation (two representatives), Pakistan; Saur Marlina
Manurung, Indonesia; and Ho Shuli, China during the presentation
ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines
in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay
Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's
equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the presentation
ceremonies of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay Awards at the main theater of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City Sunday (August 31). The
Ramon magsaysay Awards, established in 1957, is Asia's highest honor and
widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by
Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III sings the national anthem at the start
of the program during the presentation ceremonies of the 2014 Ramon
Magsaysay Awards at the main theater of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines in Pasay City Sunday (August 31). The Ramon magsaysay
Awards, established in 1957, is Asia's highest honor and widely regarded
as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Oriental
Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr., and Public Works and Highways
Secretary Rogelio Singson during the briefing on the infrastructure
projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held in Barangay Talipanan,
Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). (Photo by Exequiel Supera /
Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the briefing on the
infrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro in Barangay
Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). Also in photo are
Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice, Occidental
Mindoro Lone District Representative Josephine Sato, Oriental Mindoro
2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali, Public Works and Highways
Secretary Rogelio Singson and Interior and Local Government Secretary
Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau /
PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the briefing on the
infrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held in
Barangay Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). Also in photo
is Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan
/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the briefing on the
Infrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held in
Barangay Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). Also in photo
are Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative Josephine Sato,
Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali, Public
Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Oriental Mindoro Governor
Alfonso Umali, Jr., and Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative
Reynaldo Umali upon arrival for the briefing on the infrastructure
projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held in Barangay Talipanan,
Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the briefing
on the infrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held
in Barangay Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). Also in
photo are Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice,
Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative Josephine Sato, Oriental
Mindoro 2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali, Public Works and
Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government
Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Puerto Galera Municipal Mayor Hubbert
Christopher Dolor. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the briefing
on the infrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro held
in Barangay Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). Also in
photo are Caloocan City 2nd District Representative Edgar Erice,
Occidental Mindoro Lone District Representative Josephine Sato and
Oriental Mindoro 2nd District Representative Reynaldo Umali. (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the briefing
on theoil nfrastructure projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro
held in Barangay Talipanan, Puerto Galera on Friday (August 29). (Photo
by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III in an exclusive interview with Elmar
Acol of Bombo Radyo Philippines at the Music Room, Malacañan Palace on
Monday (August 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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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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