Dispatch for October 21 , 2014 (Tuesday), PIA Calabarzon PRs , 2 Weather Watch , 2 Reg’l. Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 2 Radio Interview of Sec. Coloma , 14 Online News , 20 Photonews ( October 20)
24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 21 October 2014Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 p.m., 21 October 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 p.m., 21 October 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
Easterlies affecting Luzon and Visayas.
Forecast:
The whole country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section.
PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong on DZMM:
-Makakaasa ang buong kapuluan ng maalinsangang panahon ngayong araw ng Martes.
-Ito ay dahil sa apektado ng easterlies ang Luzon at Visayas.
-At dahil mainit ang temperatura, maaaring magkaroon ng pulo-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
-Ang pag-init ng panahon ay bunsod na rin monsoon break. Bagama't Northeast Monsoon o Amihan pa rin po 'yung hangin, ang problema ngayon kasi tumatama na sa dagat, so pagdating sa dagat, mainit na 'yan pagdating sa'tin mainit na ang nararanasan natin.
-Posibleng sa Biyernes o Sabado, muling magbalik ang Amihan.
-Sa loob ng dalawa hanggang tatlong araw, walang nakikitang sama ng panahon o bagyong papasok sa bansa.
-Makakaasa ang buong kapuluan ng maalinsangang panahon ngayong araw ng Martes.
-Ito ay dahil sa apektado ng easterlies ang Luzon at Visayas.
-At dahil mainit ang temperatura, maaaring magkaroon ng pulo-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
-Ang pag-init ng panahon ay bunsod na rin monsoon break. Bagama't Northeast Monsoon o Amihan pa rin po 'yung hangin, ang problema ngayon kasi tumatama na sa dagat, so pagdating sa dagat, mainit na 'yan pagdating sa'tin mainit na ang nararanasan natin.
-Posibleng sa Biyernes o Sabado, muling magbalik ang Amihan.
-Sa loob ng dalawa hanggang tatlong araw, walang nakikitang sama ng panahon o bagyong papasok sa bansa.
October
21
, 2014 ( Tuesday
)
as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE
: Sunny
LAGUNA
: Sunny
BATANGAS
: Cloudy
RIZAL
: Sunny
QUEZON
: Partly
Cloudy
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is
set to conduct a disaster preparedness training at Pagbilao, Quezon on
October 28-29. The disaster training to be participated by members of
MDRRMC, barangay officials and volunteers is part of the disaster
preparedness program of Pagbilao MDRRMC.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Nagkaloob ng financial assistance ang pamahalaang panlalawigan para sa
apat na kooperatiba mula sa bayan ng Lobo, Padre Garcia, Batangas City
at Lipa City bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Cooperative Month na layong
maisulong ang lalong pagpapaunlad ng mga kooperatiba sa lalawigan.
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 70th anniversary of the Leyte landing |
| Palo, Leyte |
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20 Oct. 2014
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Seventy years ago today, at 10:00 a.m. sharp, Allied soldiers began to climb
down from their ships using rope ladders. They boarded a landing craft and
swept unto this very beach where, a few hours later, at 1:00 p.m., President
Sergio Osmeña, Generals Carlos P. Romulo and Basilio Valdes, and General
Douglas MacArthur would wade ashore. By reclaiming these shallow waters, the
Allied Forces would begin to unfurl the sails of freedom for the
Philippines. They had embarked in Hollandia, New Guinea, a week before. They entered Leyte Gulf at midnight, and dropped anchor at 7:00 a.m. The real journey, however, had started two years earlier, when from Corregidor, in the darkness of defeat, the Voice of Freedom had broadcast, “We, too, shall rise.” Some time before, in Brisbane, Australia, MacArthur had vowed, “I shall return.” Finally, here, at Red Beach, unfazed by sniper fire, he once again broadcast a simple statement, which was repeated around the world, “I have returned.” By October 23, 1944, a mere three days after they have landed on Red Beach, the Philippine government was re-established in Tacloban, resuming the journey to independence interrupted by the onset of war. In four more months, Manila would be liberated. As we gather here to mark perhaps one of the most crucial turning points in the war, it is only fitting that we recognize the courageous leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, who reminded the world of the need to reclaim the freedom the Philippines had lost. At the same time, we gather to reaffirm that the story of the Leyte landings, and of the Philippine liberation, was woven not just by the resolve of an individual. It also consists of the stories of thousands upon thousands of brave men and women of different nationalities who came together in the Philippines in defense of freedom. Thus, on this occasion, we likewise pay tribute to the generation of GIs, sailors, Marines, airmen, and guerrillas, who fought to get here, and who continued the fight until the end of the war in 1945. Their numbers are very few today, and we are reminded of the reality that, in time, what was so vivid to the wartime generation will pass from living memory. The Leyte landings made up the largest amphibious operation in the Pacific; the Battle of Leyte Gulf would later be known as the largest naval battle in recorded history. Neither side doubted the importance of the fight. The Japanese Imperial General Staff saw Leyte as “the defining battle” that would decide the outcome of the war; their actions were proof enough of this belief. It was in this battle where the first kamikaze units were organized and deployed from Mabalacat, Pampanga, with the mission of crashing their aircraft into American ships. Allied forces likewise saw it as a battle to win back the future of the Far East, and its gravity was reflected in the terrible cost that humanity paid in this battle: The American soldiers and allies struggling to advance in the torrential rain and mud at the Leyte Valley, and Breakneck Ridge on the way to Limon; the sailors on aircraft carriers and cruisers in Leyte Gulf and Surigao Strait; the Japanese kamikaze airmen who vowed to turn their aircraft into the instruments of a Divine Wind; the thousands of Filipino guerrillas under the command of Ruperto Kangleon; the civilians in surrounding communities: All of them paid the price. Spanning 100,000 square miles of sea, this battle would claim around 13,000 lives on both sides. The campaign for the island of Leyte would add to that number, with 3,500 American and 48,000 Japanese casualties. These numbers encapsulate the idea that in war, it is the ordinary soldier and the unarmed civilian who suffer the most profound consequences for decisions made by those in power. The soldier is expected to demonstrate valor and to lay down his life, if need be, while the civilian must find ways to survive, from day to day, in the face of bombs, bullets, and wartime shortages. At the end of the conflict, when all is said and done, leaders may rise or fall, but the veterans and the civilians are left with the task of rebuilding their lives and their nations. It is this common experience that, in many ways, provides the opportunity for reconciliation based on shared privations. It lays the foundation for a solidarity based on a common resolve: To never again allow humanity to undergo the same terrors and losses. As President, I have always been conscious that my decisions today will have a bearing on the lives of my countrymen tomorrow, and for the generations to come. Looking back on the past, and on how previous leaders faced the supreme challenges of their times, I have always felt it incumbent upon me to seek out the lessons that will keep us from having to call on our people to make such sacrifices, and from having to embark on the path of disaster that led to so much suffering and loss. Today’s ceremony, I believe, gives us an opportunity to engage in this kind of reflection: to pay tribute to our forefathers who fought and died here, and to recognize the good will we now extend to those who were once our enemies. Beyond cataloguing the horrors of war, let us honor the peace that has reigned among our nations for close to 70 years. Let us renew our commitment to the strong and enduring friendships between the Philippines and its wartime allies, and perhaps most meaningfully, the countries that were once its foes. Through these friendships, we saw, just last year, vessels bearing the proud names of those that had fought at Leyte Gulf, once more journeying to the Philippines: Ise from Japan, Washington and Denver from America. Seventy years ago, ships with these names engaged in battle, seeking to eliminate the threat of the other; last November, they came here as partners, to demonstrate their unity with the Filipino people at a time of such massive loss and tragedy. Typhoon Haiyan saw countries who belonged to the Allied and Axis Forces, all once characters in a great war, united as friends in their desire to help the Filipino people. Today, we are bound by the determination to help each other, to echo General MacArthur’s own words, “For our homes and hearts, for future generations of our sons and daughters,” and in the name of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice so many years ago. Indeed, there is no more fitting tribute: to show that, from strife, not merely reconciliation, but genuine, meaningful solidarity is possible. Thus, today, as we salute those who gave their lives here at Red Beach, and as we continue a pilgrimage of memory that began in Bataan and Corregidor, and which culminates in Manila next year, we remember the brave; we mourn the dead; and most of all, we commit to peace as the true legacy of a conflict that should never be repeated, and look to a shared future, founded on the trust we now extend towards each nation of good will, and nourished by the freedom we so cherish. Thank you. Good day. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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Radyo Singko / All Ready by Mel Sta. Maria
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21 October 2014
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MEL: Secretary Sonny, ang daming lumalabas na survey ngayon, ‘no. Iyong
lalung-lalo na itong survey patungkol kay Senator Binay na dapat na daw
siyang humarap sa Senado. Kayo po, Secretary Sonny, ano po ang kahalagahan
na ibinibigay ninyo sa mga lumalabas na mga survey na ito? Meron ba hong
silbi talaga ito? SEC. COLOMA: Lahat naman po iyan ay pahiwatig ng saloobin ng mga mamamayan. Nagbibigay-atensyon po tayo dahil iyan ay pinanggagalingan ng significant feedback mula sa ating mga ‘boss”. Pero siyempre po kinakailangan din nating unawain iyong konteksto at magkaroon po tayo ng tinatawag nating “perspective in relation to the bigger picture,” especially kung ang mga tinutukoy natin ay mga survey pertaining to very specific issues. MEL: Ito bang mga survey patungkol kay Senator Binay halimbawa eh… SEC. COLOMA: …Vice President po siguro. MEL: Vice President, sorry po, baka tayo ay maakusa diyan. Vice President Binay eh sa tingin n’yo po ay meron itong koneksyon sa nalalapit na eleksyon sa 2016? SEC. COLOMA: Marami pong nagsasabi na umiinit na nga iyong political climate natin. Ang mahalaga siguro sa lahat ng talakayan na iyan ay huwag mawawala iyong focus ng ating mga mamamayan sa kahalagahan ng patuloy ng pagpapatupad ng reporma. Dahil sayang naman iyong panahon kung ito ay gugulin lamang sa mga usapin na hindi naman nagreresulta sa konkretong benepisyo para sa ating mga mamamayan. MEL: Sa gitna nitong batuhan ng mga pagpaparatang ng panig ni Binay at panig ng kung sinuman iyon, eh ang Presidente at si Vice Presidente Binay, nakalathala nga sa mga preyodiko ngayon at nabalita kagabi, na nag-uusap naman sila. At nag-usap nga po sila, tinanong nga daw ni Presidente kung kumusta ang mga pamilya niya at nagkaroon nga ng medyo pagpapahiwatig sa tungkol sa mga senador, sa imbestigasyon na ito. Ano po ba talaga, meron po ba kayong kaalaman kung ano talaga ang napag-usapan nila? SEC. COLOMA: Pinakamainam siguro, Mel, ay tunghayan na lang natin iyong mismong interview kay Pangulong Aquino, dahil tinanong naman siya ng mga mamamahayag kahapon ng mga particular na tanong at siya naman ay nagbigay ng mga konkretong kasagutan. MEL: Eh iyong patungkol naman dito sa VFA na ito, nagkaroon na ba ang Malacañang ng pagpapahiwatig sa embassy o sa gobyerno ng Amerika na gustong o maari bang amyendahan itong tungkol sa jurisdiction sa VFA? SEC. COLOMA: Nagpahayag din, Dean Mel, ang ating Pangulo kahapon. Una tinukoy niya iyong mga panawagan para i-abrogate o isantabi na iyong VFA at ang kanyang sagot naman doon, ‘pangalanan natin ang anumang lugar na walang krimen at tama ba na iyong kasalanan ng iisang tao ay gawing kasalanan ng isang buong bansa.” At sinabi niya, ito po ang kataga niya, “ang importante dito meroong krimen na nangyari, kunin lahat iyong ebidensiya na magpapatunay na ang salarin ang may kasalanan dito at magkaroon tayo ng katarungan.” At iyong pagkamit ng katarungan ay pinagtutulungan na ngayon ng bansang Pilipinas at Estados Unidos. MEL: Kung tutuusin po, itong sitwasyon ni Jeffrey o si Jenny at pati ni Pemberton, iyong diumano’y gumawa ng krimen, eh kung tutuusin ninyo hindi naman simple kung hindi ito ay isang kasong pribado at ano po ang pananaw ninyo kung bakit lumalaki at lumalaki at lumalaki at ngayon pa nga po ay pupunta na tayo sa Senado at magkakaroon na ng inquiry. Ano po ba ang ugat nito? SEC. COLOMA: Mahaba po kasi ang kasaysayan niyan, ‘no. Na kung tutukuyin natin, iyang mga insidenteng katulad niyan ay naitanghal din nung pinag-usapan iyong isyu kung papalawigin ba o tatapusin na iyong Military Bases Agreement. At ang naging pasya nga po noong 1991 ay tapusin na ito at dahil nga po meron tayong umiiral na Mutual Defense Treaty minabuti ng dalawang bansa na magkaroon ng Visiting Forces Agreement para pangasiwaan iyong pagpunta ng mga tropang Estados Unidos sa ating bansa at pagkakaroon ng joint military exercises. At nagkaroon pa rin po ng mga hindi kanais-nais na insidente, meron pong krimen na naganap noong ilang taon na ang nakararaan. Kaya’t nauunawaan natin na tuwing magaganap ang mga bagay na iyan ay nagkakaroon ng maigting na talakayan. Prero patuloy po nating pinapaalala sa ating mga mamamayan na may mas malaking larawan, iyong malaking larawan na iyan ay iyong pangangailangan ng Pilipinas ng isang matibay na tanggulang pambansa, at kasama po diyan iyong Mutual Defense Treaty at Visiting Forces Agreement. Habang inaayos po natin iyong mga…habang tinutukoy po natin iyong isyu ng katarungan hindi dapat mawala din iyong mas malaking larawan na isyu ng tanggulang pambansa. MEL: Iyong larawan po bang ito ay patungkol lang sa depensa ng Pilipinas o meron pang iba pang bagay? SEC. COLOMA: Batid po natin na ang Estados Unidos ay isa sa dalawang bansa na meron tayong strategic partnership. Kaya iyon po siguro ang pinakabuod, meron pong strategic partnership sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. MEL: Nag-aalala po ang mga kababayan na baka daw, baka daw sa pagkukupkop ng Estados Unidos dito kay Pemberton ay bigla na lang itakas ito. Ano bang pananaw ninyo diyan? SEC. OCLOMA: Batay sa mga napag-usapan at tinatalakay, wala po iyan sa kaisipan ng…wala po iyan sa konsiderasyon sa kasalukuyan. Dahil nga po malinaw na ang layunin ay pairalin ang katarungan at pairalin din ang hurisdiksyon ng Pilipinas at ang mga proseso ng batas ng ating Republika na kung saan ay merong pananagutan ang mga sangkot sa usapin. MEL: Maraming-maraming salamat, Secretary Sonny Coloma. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Dean Mel. |
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| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center | ||||||||||
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| DAR bridges get P2.1-B boost; Abad: "Tulay" project to raise agribusiness opportunity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P2.1
billion to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to pay for
bridging materials and services to be used in the Tulay ng Pangulo
para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo (TPKP) project. Sourced from the 2014 budget of the Department of Public Works Highways (DPWH), the amount will pay Matiere SAS, a French company that supplied the DPWH with the material to be used for the construction, installation, and establishment of the girder-type universal bridges (unibridges). The TPKP unibridges will connect agrarian reform communities and the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)-covered areas and road networks to main markets nationwide under DAR’s Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) support services delivery component. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “This release will jump-start the construction of these unibridges, so that we can link our farmers to commercial areas where they can sell their produce. The goal is to allow our farmers to become more active participants in the local economy, and ultimately, to expand the reach and development of the country’s agriculture industry.” The DAR will be the executing agency for the TPKP project while the DPWH will be building the pre-fabricated modular steel bridges as supplied by the Matiere SAS-Eiffel Consortium. Of the 418 bridges to be constructed, DAR has already endorsed 287, of which 15 have been completed and one is undergoing construction. “The Program Beneficiaries Development is an important component of DAR’s mandate to help achieve agrarian reform. At the same time, the infrastructure developed by the TPKP will help our agrarian reform beneficiaries as they make themselves more competitive in the agribusiness sector,” Abad said. The DAR and the DPWH also agreed to replace the damaged Desamparados and Tultugan bridges beside the Bohol circumferential road. However, this is subject to the assessment that the replacement bridges will help develop agrarian reform communities and CARP-covered areas within the region. |
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| OPAPP, PCW to mainstream women in peace concerns in gov't | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
(OPAPP) and Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) recently made
history with the signing of a circular that aims to ensure that
concerns on peace and women are better integrated in government
programs and services in conflict-affected areas. The signing of Joint Memorandum Circular 2014-0 makes the Philippines a global pioneer and model in mainstreaming and institutionalizing in the government bureaucracy the empowerment and protection of women in conflict-affected areas through the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) and intensified implementation of the Magna Carta on Women. “Women have borne the brunt of decades of conflict, and change must begin with them. There can be no healing and wholeness of our body politic if women remain broken, insecure, and violated,” said Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles. “The Joint Memorandum Circular reflects a broader policy of peace building which we hope will be a lasting legacy of this administration,” she informed guests coming from national government agencies, local government units, civil society groups, and international development organizations at the Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Forum last week at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City. The Philippines was the first country in Asia to formulate and adopt a NAPWPS to operationalize its commitment to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions on women, peace and security. OPAPP and PCW are co-chairs of the steering committee in the implementation of the National Action Plan. National Action Plan, a 'living document' Revised indicators for the National Action Plan were also issued during the event to ensure heightened implementation and accountability. The revised NAPWPS indicators were formulated by OPAPP in extensive consultations with civil society groups and national government agencies, and will serve as a guide for the implementation of NAPWPS programs, projects, and activities. “The National Action Plan is a living document that should respond to the needs of the times,” said OPAPP Undersecretary for Programs Maria Cleofe Gettie C. Sandoval as she outlined the revamped indicators. Another highlight of the forum was the formal launch of the second edition of the Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Magazine, a biannual publication of the OPAPP on women, peace, and security. The second edition focuses on the NAP, the women behind it, and other key figures involved in its implementation. |
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| 52 OFWs from Libya to arrive October 18 and 19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Sec. Soliman addresses participants of int’l conference on disaster response, calls on better coordination | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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“In disaster operations, trust is the foundation of an effective
working relation.” This was the thrust of the message of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman earlier this week to the participants of the Disaster Response Government Dialogue Global Conference hosted by the Philippine Government in partnership with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which is chaired by Australia. For her, in the landscape of humanitarian response, trust paves the way for cooperation needed between governments, donor institutions, and non-government organizations implementing approaches and strategies that help rebuild the lives of people affected by disasters. “The success of any working relationship depends on the ability of different sectors to trust one another,” Sec. Soliman said With the theme “Improving trust and cooperation for more effective humanitarian responses”, the event was participated in by representatives from international non-government organizations, donor-countries in various disaster operations worldwide, and key persons working in the department/ministry responding to disaster situations from different countries. ‘Yolanda’ experience Sec. Soliman also shared the Department’s experience during disaster operations for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. She said that the magnitude of ‘Yolanda’s’ destruction was so vast that there was room for everyone to attend. This however created a logjam in attending to the needs of the survivors. The large number of donors and new actors led to spending at least three weeks in meeting new faces, leveling off expectations, discussing working protocols and setting up procedures among other things. “The lack of familiarity with each other made it difficult,” she said. A lesson she shared from the disaster operations was that experiences and expertise will be most effective if practiced with proper understanding, and proper grasp of the context of the situation by those coming in to help. “The surge of compassion and desire to help expressed by foreign agencies must be balanced with an understanding of the situation and capacities of the country they will support,” she added. Sec. Soliman suggested that the approach of the donors/international organizations be tailor-fit to the context of the country and should encourage the use of in-country resources. “We need support for the local agencies rather than bringing in people from foreign offices who have yet to familiarize themselves with the political and cultural climate of the country and the affected areas,” she stressed. Sec. Soliman also took the opportunity to thank all the institutions, organizations, and countries which helped and continue to help in the relief, recovery and rebuilding of areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Donation accountability issues The Secretary also mentioned that the influx of donors at the height of the ‘Yolanda’ disaster operations posed a challenge to the country especially in ensuring that the contributions/donations are effectively utilized. She also noted that while the financial assistance was overwhelming, a good part of the donation was given outside formal protocols and bypassed procedures and consultation with local authorities in using these to respond to the needs of survivors. “Most funds from donor-countries in the relief phase went through United Nations agencies and international organizations, yet, the public asked government to account for it,” Sec. Soliman cited. She said that to avoid this, all UN agencies and international organizations should coordinate officially with the government for a place within the overall coordinated disaster response. Policy recommendations As the core objective of the conference, the participants conducted a workshop to come up with policy recommendations for establishing and strengthening a more effective coordination between the disaster-affected country and the international humanitarian aid organizations or donor-countries. The policy recommendations, which would be further studied, will provide a platform for a better and more effective working relationship towards the important task of rebuilding the lives of the families affected by disasters. The dialogue was first initiated in 2011 by Switzerland through its Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), and Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to bring together governments and humanitarian organizations involved in international disaster response to improve trust and mutual cooperation. |
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| DOJ-OFC establishes International Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The DOJ-Office for Competition announced today the establishment of
its International Division which will be responsible for maintaining
and fostering OFC's international relations, particularly in
formulating and reviewing the country's strategic international
interests in relation to competition policy and law. "The International Division complements the existing divisions of the OFC, particularly in view of the increasing requests from fellow government agencies for OFC to participate in several trade agreements and negotiations which have their own competition policy chapters," said Secretary Leila M. De Lima. "This dedicated unit will reinforce our commitment to forging international partnerships in the field of competition policy and law in light of globalization and regional economic integration," she said. Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Head of the OFC stated that the International Division will increase engagement with stakeholders and provide focus on advocacy. He noted that the International Division aligns with the functions of the OFC under Executive Order No. 45 on the promotion of international cooperation and strengthening of Philippine trade relations with other countries, economies, and institutions on competition policy and law. |
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| DPWH appeals for voluntary re-routing at Magallanes area | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Motorists are advised to consider alternative routes to avoid
traffic build-up at the area of Magallanes in Makati City. “While the Magallanes Interchange is undergoing repair works, we encourage private motorists to voluntarily take alternate routes to reduce vehicles in the area, said Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. “With permission from MMDA, repair works are being implemented between 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM on weekdays and 24-hour scheme during Saturdays and Sundays with only one (1) lane closure at a given time. “The repair works, costing P167 Million, include asphalt overlay of the third-level flyover (along EDSA) and second-level flyovers, repair of expansion joints, retrofitting of deck slab of the second-level and the inner lane of the third-level (Pasay Bound) flyover. “To date, about 58% of the overall rehabilitation activities was already accomplished with most of the retrofitting works on bottom slab completed. “Remaining works for each segment are replacement of expansion joint for Stage 1 (Osmeña-Alabang), retrofitting on top slab for Stage 2 (Ayala to Roxas Boulevard), and asphalt overlay and replacement of expansion joint for Stage 3 (Alabang to Ayala). “Singson said that this is the first time that the interchange is being repaired since its construction in 1975. “Meanwhile in Eastern Visayas, six (6) wheeler vehicles and above are not allowed to pass Rawis Bridge in Calbayaog City now until October 26, 2014 due to concreting activities. Heavy vehicles going to Allen, Catarman, Catbalogan and Tacloban are advised to take Magsaysay Boulevard Extension Route. |
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| Roxas to dig into alleged PNP's failure to enforce court orders | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas would look into
the concern of Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes over the
latter's frustration that the Philippine National Police is not
enforcing court orders during a speech delivered in a forum with the
Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines last Thursday. "I would look into CJ Sereno's concerns that our local police authorities are not enforcing court orders that include cases involving journalists," Roxas stated. "We will cooperate with the Supreme Court on this issue," he added. The Chief Justice, however could not immediately give figures on how many orders and writs had been unserved, saying she was still in the middle of conducting her own investigation to address this problem, which she said has been practiced by law enforcers "for a significant number of years" already. |
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| IPOPHL to sustain strong copyright management | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Given impending ASEAN integration to come into force by the end of
2015, the country should take advantage of this upcoming opportunity
by establishing strong copyright management. In a 2006 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) study on copyright industries, it showed that Philippine copyright-based industries contribute 4.92% to the GDP and 11.1% to national employment of the country. And these copyright industries that serve as one of the major tools for economic development include the press and literature, music, theater and opera, motion picture and video, radio and television, photography, software and databases, visual and graphic arts, and advertising. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), a government agency mandated to implement State policies on intellectual property under R.A. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code, continue to do lots of efforts to strengthen the copyright protection and awareness campaigns in the country. In the recently held “Copy & Repro”, the first international conference on intellectual property policies and copyright licensing for schools and universities at the 35th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), IPOPHL Director General Ricardo Blancaflor gave his keynote address highlighting the efforts of IPOPHL and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) of making the Philippines removed from the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) Watch List this year after having been on the list for the past 20 years. “The Philippines, which was first placed on the Watch List in 1989 and considered to be having the potential of becoming a center of pirate optical media production in Asia in 2001, is removed from the Watch List in 2014 based on sustained actions that the Philippine government has undertaken to improve intellectual property rights protection,” Blancaflor said. To sustain this such unilaterally granted trade preferences, USTR must be continuously to be satisfied that the Philippines meets certain discretionary criteria, including whether it provides adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights. This international conference was co-organized by the IPOPHL, together with the National Book Development Board (NBDB), Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society (FILCOLS), and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organizations (IFRRO). International and local experts were able to discuss the implications of Republic Act 10372 on book piracy and the mandatory crafting of intellectual property (IP) policies for schools and universities. |
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| Bulacan Police arrests hostage taker in NLEX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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A knife-wielding suspect was arrested after he commandeered a
Manila-bound bus (Everlasting bus) along the North Luzon Expressway
(NLEX) Toll Plaza in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan this morning. Lauro G. Sanchez was subdued by police after taking two bus passengers hostage at knife point. After series of negotiations failed to convince the suspect to surrender, the Crisis Management Committee of Bulacan Police Provincial Office, led by its Provincial Director PSSupt Ferdinand O Divina, decided to launch an assault which led to the arrest of Sanchez and rescue of the hostages and passengers at about 8:40AM today. Two (2) police officers, were slightly injured as they grappled with the hostage taker.(PNP-PIO) |
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| DOST disaster preparedness programs to help IT-BPM industry – Montejo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The local information technology-business process management
(IT-BPM) industry, a leading economic driver expecting $18 billion
in revenues by the end of 2014 yet hounded by climate issues, will
benefit from disaster preparedness management to help boost its
productivity, according to Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo Speaking at the 2014 International IT-BPM Summit last October 13 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Sec. Montejo assured DOST’s full commitment to the industry and pointed out that the availability of up-to-date and real-time weather information and resources enable industry investors to map out better strategies and manage their operations more effectively. The Philippines is prone to many natural calamities and most typhoon-prone areas are in the provinces where some IT-BPM players are located. In response to this challenge, Montejo highlighted DOST’s initiatives on developing and deploying weather monitoring sensors to prepare local communities, including those in the countryside, before natural calamities hit them. According to the DOST secretary, Doppler radars can provide accurate and timely information on upcoming weather disturbances while hazard maps can describe how the floods look like. He also cited DOST’s Project NOAH website where various valuable information on upcoming weather disturbances may be found. The IT-BPM industry continues to spur economic growth, not only in Metro Manila, but also in the provinces. Montejo reported that the industry had 525,000 full-time employees in different career segments back in June 2010. As of August 2014, the number has since increased to 1 million. Montejo added that $18 billion in revenues by the end of the year will make the $25 billion target by 2016 more realistic. However, different areas in the country are beset by issues such as security, internet connectivity, poverty, and climate, which discourage industry investors to put their IT-BPM operations there. The International IT-BPM Summit served as an avenue to address new trends and advancements in outsourcing models, management solutions and technology that will shape the future of IT-BPM. It was organized by the Information Business Process Association of the Philippines in partnership with DOST’s Information and Communications Technology Office. (S&T Media Service) |
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| COMELEC approves pilot Internet Overseas Voter Registration Project, Registration Center opens at OWWA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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20 October 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs - Overseas
Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) announced on October 17 that the
Commission on Elections, through the promulgation of Resolution No.
9903, approved the piloting of the iRehistro Project, an
internet-enabled system for overseas voter registration. The pilot project will be implemented by the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, Spain starting on the first week of November 2014 for a period of one month, to cover both sea-based and land-based registrants. Within 30 days of its initial implementation, The Embassy will submit its report and recommendation on the viability of the project. If the pilot IRehistro Project is found to be viable, other Philippine Foreign Service Posts may then request for inclusion in the project. On October 03, the Overseas Voter Registration Center (OVRC) at the Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA) was inaugurated. This is the third OVRC to be launched in preparation for the 2016 Presidential Elections. The first OVRC is in the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) in Macapagal Avenue, Paranaque City, while the second is located in the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) in Quirino Avenue, Manila. Last September, overseas voter registration continued to accelerate by reaching a monthly tally of 42,482. The tally for May was 18,670; 20,836 in June; 24,366 in July; and 38,945 in August, bringing five month total of new overseas registrant to 145, 299. The opening of more OVRCs in other locations and the full implementation of internet registration for overseas voters, will help sustain the momentum towards reaching the ambitious but statistically attainable goal of one million new overseas voter registrants by October 31, 2015. “At the current pace of registration, we could have an overseas voter stock of over two million for the 2016 Presidential elections. Attaining this goal can definitely be a game changer,” DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns and DFA-OVS Chairman Rafael E. Seguis said. The breakdown per region of the September tally is as follows: the Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) in the Middle East and Africa (MENA) processed 19,423 new OV registrants, 9,380 from the Americas, the European FSPs with 4,324, and 4,788 from the Asia Pacific (4,567 from Philippine OVRCs). The top ten FSPs are Riyadh (6,055), Abu Dhabi (4,027), Dubai (3,711), Los Angeles (2,407), Jeddah (2,390), San Francisco (1,655), Singapore (1,485), Toronto (1,323), Vancouver (1,181), and Rome (1,049). “The preparations by the Department and the Commission on Elections led to a successful start for the registration process,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said in a letter. “The challenge for OV registration is to maintain the momentum by keeping the overseas Filipinos interested and engaged in this democratic process,” Secretary Del Rosario added. All Filipino citizens who expect to be abroad during the thirty day (09 April – 09 May 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 presidential elections, at least 18 years old on 09 May 2016, and not otherwise disqualified by law, may register as an overseas voter, at all Philippine Foreign Service Posts including the three (3) Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECO), Office of Consular Affairs, Macapagal Ave., ASEANA Business Park, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), 1345 Pres. Quirino Ave., Paco, Manila and at other COMELEC approved registration centers within or outside the Philippines. An updated list of registration centers may be viewed on www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph orwww.comelec.gov.ph. |
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| DFA, APO Production Unit ink MOA on Procurement of Authentication Certificates with IT components | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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20 October 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and APO
Production Unit (APO), Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
for the Procurement of Authentication Certificates with e-Registry
and Document Management Systems (DMS-EMR) Components last October
13. DFA Undersecretary for Administration Linglingay F. Lacanlale and APO Production Unit Chairperson Milagros S. Alora signed the MOA. The DFA engaged the service and sought the cooperation of APO Production Unit, a recognized government printing office, for the printing of highly-secure authentication certificates and co-develop an e-Registry System and Document Management System for the Department. The development of the two IT systems, including the necessary computers, servers and other equipment, comes at zero cost to the Department, and is subsumed under the purchase of the new certificates. The Document Management System is a software solution co-developed by the Authentication Division and APO Production Unit which will standardize and streamline the current authentication backend processes, significantly reduce turnaround time, optimize manpower resources, and minimize Authentication Certificate spoilage rate. On the other hand, the e-Registry System will make available a database of specimen signatures which can be accessed by DFA Consular Offices. The e-Registry System likewise makes online verification of Authentication Certificates issuance by interested parties possible, further fostering security and integrity of public documents. The e-Registry System, which enables online verification of Apostille issuances, is a major requirement for joining the Apostille Convention. The Apostille Convention streamlines into a single formality the legalization procedure of public documents to be used abroad. |
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| NEDA calls for greater support and opportunities for small farmers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SAVAR CITY, BANGLADESH — Greater support and opportunities for small
farmers in the Philippines and Asia are needed to enable agriculture
workers to take part in the growth process, according to the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan made this statement in a video message for the 8th International Conference of the Asian Society of Agricultural Economists (ASAE) at the BRAC Center for Development, Savar, Bangladesh on October 15, 2014. Balisacan said that despite their size, the importance of small farms cannot be overlooked, as countries in Asia are among those with an overwhelming panorama of small farms. The latest statistics from the World Census of Agriculture reported that 90 percent of about 428 million agricultural landholdings in Asia are small farms, which are less than two hectares in area. “In Asia, which is home to around 4.4 billion people, including two-thirds of the world’s undernourished, majority of people living in poverty rely on these small farms for food. Thus, potentially, further development of the agriculture sector, specifically the small farms that constitute it, could redound to rural welfare improvement and poverty alleviation,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General and ASAE President. He also noted that although the role of agricultural performance in reducing rural poverty may be less clear today that it was during the Green Revolution period, there are remaining areas for policy interventions that can strengthen smallholders’ agricultural performance for them to continue their role as backbone of rural economies and key vehicle for more rapid poverty reduction. “Smallholders are not a homogeneous group. Some of them have the potentials to improve production performance and be transformed into commercially-oriented and profitable farming systems. These smallholder farmers need a policy environment that would support and nurture this transformation and help them overcome the challenges they face,” he said. Balisacan added that small farms are the major sources of raw materials for agribusiness and manufacturing industries and that agricultural commodities geared for exports are good sources of foreign exchange earnings to finance capital accumulation needed for industrialization. “As the economy goes through an industrialization process, agricultural workers, especially during off-planting and harvesting seasons, are often employed in other sectors as contractual or part-time workers. And as agriculture modernizes and links with the industry and services sectors to increase value adding in agricultural production, more remunerative jobs are created. The range of products and services becomes wider, and markets expand,” Balisacan explained. Balisacan recommended policy levers to further develop the initial conditions that would facilitate pro-poor growth. “Interventions should be focused in improving farm productivity, especially in areas where topography is not conducive to agriculture. It is also very important to facilitate the linkage of smallholders to supply chains and markets and overcome the threat of climate change,” he said. Balisacan also cited that agricultural investments in adaptation to help farmers improve land management, adjust their planting dates, and introduce new crop varieties are increasingly becoming important. “The increasing complexity and diversity of the environment in which smallholders now exist would not warrant a single policy, but rather a mix of interventions. What is important is that these interventions holistically address the needs of the poor in the agricultural sector and expands opportunities for smallholders to take part in the growth process,” Balisacan concluded. The ASAE International Conference is conducted every three years, and participated in by agricultural economists, development practitioners, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and students from all over the world. The 2014 Conference intended to address issues on wages, constraints in agricultural investment, adoption of improved technologies and productivity, and public policies to address constraints of small farms in Asia. Director Mercedita A. Sombilla of the NEDA Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Staff also attended the conference and is also a member of the ASAE Secretariat. |
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| Php18.5-M concrete road project turns ‘road to Calvary’ to ‘walk in the park’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FOR several years, local residents of Barangays Santa Lucia Young
and Santa Lucia Old in Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija were having a taste of
hell, walking and traveling to and from the town proper through a
2.6-kilometer road that turned dusty during summer and sticky muddy
during rainy season. Not anymore. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Zaragoza municipal government have recently launched the P18.5-million farm-to-market road that would put behind the back of the 3,794 local residents memories of past hardships that they had endured over that stretch they used to call as the “Road to Calvary.” “Hopefully, going to and fro the town proper from here onward will be ‘a walk in the park’ for our farmer-beneficiaries and other residents in the two barangays,” DAR-Central Luzon Regional Director Arnel Dizon said shortly after the turnover ceremonies graced by Zaragoza town Mayor Lovella “Lally” Belmonte-Espiritu. As if this farm-to-market road was not enough, the DAR also turned over to Belmonte-Espiritu two more projects, a potable water system and a day-care center. They were parts of the P29.8-million package that the department implemented in tandem with the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP), a foreign-assisted project financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Dizon expressed his appreciation to the all-out support extended by the Zaragoza municipal government, which made the implementation of the projects possible. The local government contributed P5 million as counterpart equity for the three projects, P2.4 million for the farm-to-market road, P2.5 million for the construction of an elevated water tank for the potable water system for 216 households, and P100,000 for the day-care center that is attending to 914 children. Mayor Belmonte-Espiritu said local residents had suffered long and hard, waiting for the road to be concreted. Now, they can finally walk through it and transport their farm produce to the market with relative ease. Belmonte-Espiritu also returned the compliment to the DAR for picking up her municipality as one of the many recipients of various support services aimed at enhancing farm productivity and increasing household income, promoting health care like the provision of the potable water system, and attending to the needs of parents and their children through the day-care center. Earlier, the DAR turned over to the Rizal municipal government the P18-million farm-to-market road, covering 5.37 kilometers. It links up Barangays Canaan East and West, Sasiligan and General Luna to the town proper. |
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| Schedule of initial registration for new Certified Public Accountants (October 2014) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manila, October 20, 2014 --- The Professional Regulation
Commission hereby informs all those who passed the October 2014
Board Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants
(BLECPA) of the schedule of their initial registration at the
PRC-Registration Division (PRC Main Building, Manila):
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| PH team leaves for the ASEAN Skills Competition in Vietnam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Wearing the pin of the Philippine flag, delegates to the ASEAN
Skills Competition left on Saturday, October 18, for Hanoi, Vietnam
with the aim to go for the gold. "Go for God, Go for Gold, Team Pilipinas, as one," was the battlecry of the 42-member delegation, composed of the competitors to skills match, their coaches and officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). They will participate at the 10th ASEAN Skills Competition (ASC) scheduled from October 19 to 29, 2014. The biennial meet was designed to showcase the skills of students and graduates, and promote and improve technical vocational skills in the region. Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, underscored the importance of having faith in God and in oneself, and focusing on the goal during the competition. Villanueva earlier met with the delegates in a send-off ceremony at the TESDA Women's Center in Taguig City. "Remember that you have to pass through the eye of the needle to be in this spot, because not everyone gets the chance to represent the country in a prestigious international competition," he said. “Don’t be overexcited. Don’t feel pressured to win. Just keep your cool and focus on the work you have to do. To us, you are all winners already. Keep the faith and enjoy yourselves,” Villanueva told the delegates. The competitors will participate in the following trade areas: Beauty Therapy, Mechatronics, Fashion Technology, Mechanical Engineering Design-CAD, Graphic Design Technology, IT Software Solutions for Business, Cooking, Welding, Restaurant Services, Electronics, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, Web Design, IT Network System Administration, Electrical Installation, Industrial Automation and Hairdressing. The send-off ceremony started with a Holy Mass and featured messages of exhortation from TESDA executives representing the various regions and partner institutions that supported the training of the competitors in preparation for the skills competition. The 18 competitors are: 1.Rey Mark S. De Mayo, Peace Training Center - Beauty Therapy 2.Joshua F. Lizardo, Baguio City School of Arts and Trade -Cooking 3.Michelle D. Navarro, MFI Foundation, Inc. - Mechatronics 4.Mark Jason B. Torio, MFI Foundation, Inc. - Mechatronics 5.Joshua D. Mina, CLSU-CTC, Munoz, Nueva Ecija - Mechanical Engineering Design CAD 6.Francis Erizz C. Tolentino, ACL-Malolos - IT Software Solutions for Business 7.Percian Joseph C. Borja, Eastwoods Professional College of Science and Technology - Web Design 8.Christopher J. Gania, St. Nicolas College-Pampanga - Graphic Design/Technology 9.Angelica I. Rafallo, Mel B. Learning Institute - Hairdressing 10.Karlos Emmanjuel A. Buted, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas - Restaurant Services 11.Glenn Christopher B.Silang - MFI Foundation, Inc. - Industrial Automation 12.Jemuel Gerson S.Isnec, MFI Foundation, Inc. - Industrial Automation 13.Gino A. Eulatic, RTC-Mariveles - Electrical Installations 14.Lunar Angelo E. Pajarola, MFI Foundation, Inc. - IT Network System Administration 15.Christian Ray Callo, PTC-Malilipot - Welding 16.Lhemuel C. Endaya, RTC-Pili - Refrigeration and Air-conditioning (RAC) 17.Jessica P. Babon, Sisters of Mary - Fashion Technology 18.Keith A. Beja, PTC Orion - Electronics The 16 coaches/experts are: 1.Clarinna A. Cabayan, Bergoend Hair and Make-up Studio-Wellness and Spa Professional Services - Beauty Therapy 2.Jose Gabriel E. Prats, Culinary Institute of Aristocrat, Malate, Manila - Cooking 3.Dennis Porlaje, MFI Foundation, Pasig City - Mechatronics 4.Faustino M. Salazar, Jr., CLSU-CTC, Munoz, Nueva Ecija - Mechanical Engineering Design CAD 5.Joey C. Manansala, Jr., ACLC-Malolos, Bulacan - IT Software Solutions for Business 6.Stephen I. Cezar, TESDA - Web Design 7.Glennjo T. Quinto, St. Nicolas College, Pampanga - Graphic Design Technology 8.Angelito F. Falconi III, Angelo Falconi III Salon Professionals, Inc. - Hairdressing 9.Dexter R. Buted - LPU, Batangas - Restaurant Service 10.Randelle A. Dacanay, MFI Foundation, Pasig City - Industrial Automation 11.Henry J. Ocampo, RTC-Mariveles, Bataan - Electrical Installation 12.Joey F. Orating, MFI Foundation, Pasig City - IT Network Systems Administration 13.Samuel M. Cunanan, Norwegian Training Center - Welding 14.Manuel P. Azucena, UNEP-ROWA/RACTAP - Refrigeration and Airconditioning 15.Maria A. Roque, TESDA - Fashion Technology 16. Junjon L. Santuyo, PTC-Orion - Electronics |
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| Party-list Rep indicted with plunder for PDAF scam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of plunder
charges against Representative Edgar Valdez of the Association of
Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC), Janet Lim Napoles and John
Raymund De Asis in relation to the misuse of Priority Development
Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to P95 million from 2007 to 2009. The P95 million PDAF was released through 16 Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) coursed through the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), Zamboanga del Norte Agricultural College Rubber Estate Corporation (ZREC), National Livelihood Development Corporation (NLDC) and the Technology Resource Center (TRC) as Implementing Agencies (IAs), using the Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (SDPFFI), Masaganang Ani Para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (MAMFI), and the Philippine Social Development Foundation Incorporated (PSDFI) as NGO-partners. In a Joint Resolution approved on 14 October 2014, Ombudsman Morales also found probable cause for seven counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against Valdez, Napoles, De Asis, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) officials Mario Relampagos, Rosario Nuñez, Lalaine Paule and Marilou Bare; ZREC representatives Salvador Salacup and Eduardo Nolasco; NABCOR officials Alan Javellana, Romulo Relevo, Ma. Julie Villaralvo-Johnson, Maria Ninez Guañizo, Victor Roman Cacal, Rhodora Mendoza; TRC officials Antonio Ortiz, Dennis Cunanan, Maria Rosalinda Lacsamana, Consuelo Lilian Espiritu, Marivic Jover; NLDC officials Gondelina Amata, Emmanuel Alexis Sevidal, Gregoria Buenaventura, Ofelia Ordoñez, Sofia Cruz, Chita Jalandoni; SDPFI representatives Noel Macha; MAMFI representatives Theresita Samson, Eulogio Rodriguez, Margarita Guadinez; and PSDFI representatives Evelyn De Leon and Roy Bongalo. The Joint Resolution found that during the term of Valdez, he continuously endorsed the implementation of his PDAF-funded livelihood and agricultural products to Napoles-controlled NGOs. From 2007 to 2009, MAMFI received P15 million while PSDFI received P18.9 million, and SDPFFI received P46 million. The funds were supposed to be used for livelihood projects, farm inputs and farm implements, agricultural starter kits, technology transfer training via video courses and printed materials, vegetable seeds, gardening packages, knapsack sprayers, concentrated fertilizers, and other tools and equipment. It stated that the PDAF of Valdez was never used for the intended projects as these were considered “ghost” projects, with fabricated documents submitted for its liquidation. The mayors and municipal agriculturists reported that they never received anything from the office of Valdez, or from any of the project partners. In fact, many of the names appearing on the lists as farmer-recipients were neither residents nor registered voters of the municipalities. In his sworn testimony, Benhur Luy testified that Valdez received kickbacks and commissions amounting to P57,787,500.00 from 2004 to 2010 with the payoffs usually made at the JLN office in Ortigas. Whistleblowers Marina Sula and Merlina Suñas claimed that they often heard Napoles call Valdez by his code name “kuryente.” In approving the Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Morales stated that Valdez showed “a pattern – a combination or a series of overt or criminal acts – directed towards a common purpose or goal which is to enable him to amass, accumulate or acquire ill-gotten wealth.” Meanwhile, the criminal charges against notaries public Editha Talaboc, Delfin Agcaoili, Jr., Joel Gordola, Antonio Santos, and accountants Lucita Solomon, Susan Victorino and SDPFFI incorporator Doreena Bazan were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. A copy of the Joint Resolution was also forwarded to the Anti-Money Laundering Council for its appropriate action on possible violations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act. With the issuance of this Joint Resolution, the Office of the Ombudsman has completed the resolution of the first batch of criminal complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation and Field Investigation Office. |
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| PDIC raises P23.9 million from sale of properties | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC)
successfully raised a total of P23.9 million from the sale of
commercial and residential properties during a public bidding on
October 9, 2014 held at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)
Regional Office in Cebu City. A total of 14 properties were sold, which generated a premium of P2.08 million as against the properties' aggregate minimum disposal price of P21.82 million. All properties sold were owned by closed banks. Bidded out during the PDIC's third public bidding for the year was a total of 131 properties located in the provinces of Cebu, Negros Occidental, Quezon and South Cotabato. Proceeds from the sale of closed banks properties are automatically credited to the funds held in trust for the closed banks concerned and are used to settle claims of creditors and uninsured depositors. In accordance with the law, payment to these parties is subject to the rules on concurrence and preference of credits. The PDIC, as Liquidator of closed banks, regularly conducts public biddings in accordance with its strategic direction to expeditiously dispose non-financial assets. Properties not sold during the bidding are available for negotiated sale or may be bidded out again. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the PDIC website at www.pdic.gov.ph and use the PDIC's Property Finder for information on available inventory of assets for sale. Prospective buyers may also call the Asset Management and Disposal Group at (02) 841-4650 for inquiries on available assets. |
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| Safety and health in DOLE’s own backyard, DOLE Davao Region completes its own occupational safety and health program and policy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday lauded the DOLE Regional Office No. 11 for the completion
of its own Occupational Safety and Health Program and Safety Policy. “An injury-and accident –free workplace has always been a quest and responsibility of the DOLE. This quest and responsibility applies to both workers in the private sector, as well as to the DOLE’s own personnel. We believe that compliance with occupational safety and health standards should always start in our own backyard,” said Baldoz. DOLE Regional Office No. 11 Director Joffrey Suyao reported to the Secretary that the regional offices’ Green our DOLE Program Committee had conceptualized the Occupational Safety and Health program and Safety Policy in February this year. “The first draft was completed in August and we launched the program on 15 September,” he said in his report. The program, encapsulated in a manual, was formulated in a bid to instill a culture of safety and health in the regional office. “It is us, for sure, who will implement the OSH program, “Suyao said. Suyao, as chair of the regional office GODP committee, is assisted by Asst. Regional Director Veberando Cebrano, vice chairman. The committee has for its members safety officers who each acts in his respective field, from mediator to safety first aiders, among the few. “The DOLE, through its agencies and regions, recognizes and bears the responsibility for employees’ safety and health. There is a constant need for joint effort between the Department and its people for a more effective delivery of service to its clients,” Baldoz said. The regional office’s Health and Safety manual consists of Safety and Health Promotion and Education. It sets-out the responsibilities of personnel in the office in assuring that safety is implemented at all times. It also requires the development of a safety bulletin to inform personnel of different health-related concerns in the workplace. It also assigns persons responsible of maintaining the bulletin. The Manual also discusses procedures and requirements in cases of accidents in the workplace, and the appropriate investigation on the matter; health programs for the employees; adequate housekeeping for each offices; emergency contingencies; emergency flow chart of procedures in cases of fire, earthquake, bomb threat or incidence, typhoon or storm, flood or inundation, and robbery threat; analysis of job hazards; and the appropriate penalties for offenses or violations of the Manual’s provisions. “In an effort to simplify and laymanize the safety and health program for our personnel, we came up with this Manual,” Director Suyao said. “Compliance is well-expected from a well-informed public, much more if they can see that it is implemented by the government itself. They will be more encouraged,” Baldoz observed. The ceremonial signing of the manual was held on 15 September 2014 in Davao City, headed by Davao Regional Office Director Joffrey M. Suyao and Assistant Secretary Ma. Gloria A. Tango. “Davao region is just one among the DOLE’s 16 regions. I hope to see the same in the other regions’” Baldoz said in urging other regional offices to follow this notable initiative of the DOLE regional Office. |
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| 6 PPP projects for roll out – NEDA Board | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The National Economic and Development Authority Board has given
implementing agencies (IAs) a go signal to roll out six (6)
public-private partnership (PPP) projects in a meeting held last 17
October 2014. Development, operations and maintenance of four (4) airports were approved by NEDA Board for roll out. These are Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bacolod, and Iloilo airports. The airport projects have an indicative cost of Php 96.46 billion pesos or 2.143 billion US dollars and will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). The private partners shall undertake the expansion, operations and maintenance of these airports as well as provision of additional facilities and other necessary improvements to enhance passenger safety, security, access, passenger and cargo movement efficiency, and operational efficiency. The other project that was approved by the NEDA Board is the Regional Prison Facilities through Public-Private Partnership. The Regional Prison Facilities through PPP project is the first of its kind in the country. The project will entail the construction and maintenance of a modern prison facility in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. It has an indicative cost of 50.18 billion pesos or 1.115 billion US dollars. Through this PPP project, a suitable prison facility will be created that can accommodate 26,880 inmates, including those currently incarcerated in the existing penal facilities such as the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) and the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW). It shall include staff housing and administrative buildings, areas for rehabilitation (sports, work and religious activity), and a high security equipment shall be installed. The Department of Justice (DOJ) will implement this PPP project. The DOTC and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will also implement the development of the existing Davao Sasa Port in Davao City into a modern, international-standard container terminal after being approved by the Board. This PPP project with an indicative cost of 17.46 billion pesos or 0.388 billion US dollars will improve trade access to Mindanao and the Philippines. The private proponent will finance the construction and modernization of the existing port facility. The six (6) solicited PPP projects that were approved by the NEDA Board have a total indicative cost of 164.10 billion pesos or 3.646 billion US dollars. |
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Last
Updated:
20 OCTOBER 2014
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 70th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Leyte landing commemorative stamp from Philippine Postal Corporation Post Master General Ma. Josefina dela Cruz during the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Commemorative Medal from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Vicente Aquino during the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, joined by Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla Palo, Leyte Municipal Mayor Remedios Petilla and United States of America Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Philip Goldberg, for a snap shot during the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Marcelino Pascua/ 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 honor guards upon arrival for 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the re-enactment presentation during the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, with National Historical Commission of the Philippines executive director Ludovico Badoy and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. leads the wreath laying ceremony at the 70th Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Candahug, Palo, Leyte on Monday (October 20), with the theme: “Leyte 1944, Leyte 2014: Yesterday’s Heroes, Today’s Inspiration on the Road to Recovery.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17 ) Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17 ). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17 ). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino and Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17). Also in photo are Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Head Julia Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya and Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17, 2014). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 17). Also in photo are PCOO Secretary Herminio Coloma, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya and Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 113th Anniversary Celebration at the PCG ceremonial area of the PCG Headquarters in Port Area, Manila City on Thursday (October 16). With the theme: “Matuwid na Pagtatanod Baybayin Tungo sa Maayos at Mapayapang Karagatan,” the PCG is bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the maritime environment, enforce maritime laws and conduct maritime security operations. Also in photo are Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya and PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 113th Anniversary Celebration at the PCG ceremonial area of the PCG Headquarters in Port Area, Manila City on Thursday (October 16). With the theme: “Matuwid na Pagtatanod Baybayin Tungo sa Maayos at Mapayapang Karagatan,” the PCG is bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the maritime environment, enforce maritime laws and conduct maritime security operations. Also in photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, inspects the static display of newly procured aluminum boats, diving equipment and PCG personnel during the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 113th Anniversary Celebration at the PCG ceremonial area of the PCG Headquarters in Port Area, Manila City on Thursday (October 16). With the theme: “Matuwid na Pagtatanod Baybayin Tungo sa Maayos at Mapayapang Karagatan,” the PCG is bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the maritime environment, enforce maritime laws and conduct maritime security operations. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, inspects the static display of newly procured aluminum boats, diving equipment and PCG personnel during the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 113th Anniversary Celebration at the PCG Ceremonial Area of the PCG Headquarters in Port Area, Manila City on Thursday (October 16). With the theme: “Matuwid na Pagtatanod Baybayin Tungo sa Maayos at Mapayapang Karagatan,” the PCG is bestowed with substantial responsibilities as a multi-mission maritime agency tasked to promote safety of life and property at sea, protect the maritime environment, enforce maritime laws and conduct maritime security operations. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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