PIA Dispatch for Oct. 28, 2014 , 2 PIA Calabarzon Prs , 2 Weather Watch, 2 Regional Watch, 1 PNOY Speech, 1 Radio Interview of Sec. Coloma, 20 Online News , 20 Photonews

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PIA Dispatch for Oct. 28, 2014 , 2 Weather Watch, 2 Regional Watch,

OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech, 1 Radio Interview of Sec. Coloma, 20 Online News , 20 Photonews

PAGASA 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at: 5:00 AM 28 October 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 AM Today Until 5:00 AM Tomorrow

SYNOPSIS: Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

Forecast: The regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will have cloudy skies with light rains. Bicol region and Quezon province will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly over the eastern sections.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to east with slight to moderate seas.


OVER METRO MANILA:

Maximum Temperature: 11:00 AM Yesterday --- 32.3°C
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 23.1°C

Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 96 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 10:00 AM Yesterday --- 61 %

Low Tide Today: 7:48 AM ..... -0.12 Meter
High Tide Today: 2:42 PM ..... 0.36 Meter
Low Tide Today : 4:12 PM ..... 0.35 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 12:15 AM ..... 1.08 Meter

Sunrise Today: 5:50 AM
Sunset Today: 5:30 PM

Moonrise Today: 8:35 AM
Moonset Today: 8:20 PM
Illumination Today: 10 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/weather/daily-weather-forecast

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Umaga pa lang bukas ay asahan na ang katamtaman hanggang sa minsang malakas na ulan sa Eastern Luzon. Sa hapon naman, mataas ang posibilidad ng pag-ulan sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa.
-Sa Metro Manila, may mahinang ulan bukas hanggang sa Huwebes. Mas maaliwalas naman ang lagay ng panahon sa Biyernes at Sabado.

1. PIA Regional Watch

12 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: DSWD Sec. Corazon "Dinky" J. Soliman turns over to local government of Santa Cruz the 50-room pilot evacuation center multi-purpose building earlier today in Brgy. Duhat, Santa Cruz, Laguna. The P19.4 M center, complete with play, baby feeding and psycho testing areas can accommodate 1,000 evacuees.

2. PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: DSWD Sec. Corazon "Dinky" J. Soliman leads today, October 27, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the turn over of the two-storey, Php19.4M Pilot Evacuation Center Multi-Purpose Building at Brgy. Duhat, Santa Cruz, Laguna.

27 OCTOBER 2014.
	President Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on U.N. Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho
	Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team calls on President Aquino
	Palace acknowledges results of Social Weather Stations survey on self-rated poverty
President Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on U.N. Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday conferred the Order of Lakandula, with the rank of Grand Officer, on United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines Luiza Carvalho. The President gave the award to Carvalho during her farewell call, held at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace. Carvalho, who is also the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was honored for strengthening and deepening the relations between the Philippines and the UN; for her outstanding and dedicated service in the field of humanitarian work, peace and development; and for being an “exceptionally worthy and competent representative” of the UN in the country. She was also recognized for her “steadfast efforts in promoting partnerships between Philippine private and public institutions, with the end view of providing support to marginalized communities”. The Chief Executive acknowledged her efforts in mobilizing international support to the Philippines in sectors of crisis intervention and emergency response, disaster risk reduction management, good governance, education, and social welfare and development. Carvalho was also praised for her contribution and support to the Philippine initiatives in the domestic, regional and multilateral arena, especially in the areas of human rights, empowerment of women and peace building and conflict resolution. Also present at the awarding ceremony were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Carvalho was joined by her spouse and other UN officials. PND (jb) TOP Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team calls on President Aquino President Benigno S. Aquino III received the members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañang Palace on Monday. Upon entering the room, President Aquino warmly greeted the Philippine Army paddlers, led by team leader and president Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc. He shook hands with the team members, who were proudly wearing their gold medals, which they bagged during the 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships held in Ravenna, Italy last September. The team gave honor to the country for setting two world records by winning the competition’s 200- and 500-meter small boat open categories. The members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team were: steersman Technical Sergeant Franco Tinoco; paddlers Senior Sergeant Joemar Ocquiana, Sergeant Ronald Tan, Private First Class Ramie Llano, Private First Class Gerald Dela Cruz, Private First Class Hardy Pabulayan, Private First Class Cresmark Dayumat, Senior Sergeant Romy John Dionio, Senior Sergeant Usman Anterola, Senior Sergeant Salvador Sumagaysay, Sergeant Rodrigo Tanuan Jr., Private First Class Romel Donesa, Private First Class Rame Llano, and Private First Class Gil Martin Gonzales; and drummer Private First Class Jayson dela Cruz. Also present during the courtesy call were National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio Catapang, and Army Chief Hernando Iriberri. PND (jb) TOP Palace acknowledges results of Social Weather Stations survey on self-rated poverty Malacañang on Monday acknowledged the findings of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on self-rated poverty and self-rated food poverty, saying the government is focused on addressing poverty alleviation. In a statement sent to members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. however noted that a similar government survey showed a decline in poverty incidence. “While we take cognizance of the slight rise in the self-rated poverty and self-rated food poverty, the government policies and programs are pursued based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) of the Philippine Statistics Authority, which shows that poverty incidence has eased to 24.9 percent for the first semester of 2013, compared to the 27.9 percent in the same period in 2012,” Secretary Coloma said. He said the same FIES showed a decline in the proportion of extremely poor Filipino individuals who could not afford to meet basic food requirements from 13.4 percent in 2012 to 10.7 percent in 2013. “Nonetheless, the government shall continue to focus on intensifying programs for poverty reduction and social protection, including increasing the budget and coverage of the Conditional Cash Transfer program,” he said in the statement. The government, he said, has earmarked the biggest portion of the proposed P2.606-trillion 2015 national budget for social services at P967.9 billion or 37.2 percent. “The proposed budget also focuses on delivering high-impact projects in 44 provinces with high poverty magnitude where more job opportunities will be created: provinces with high poverty incidence that require adequate social safety nets and those which are vulnerable to natural calamities,” said Coloma. The SWS survey on self-rated poverty, conducted from September 26 to 29, showed 55 percent of the 1,200 respondents nationwide considered themselves poor. The survey said the figure, which is equivalent to an estimated 12.1 million families, is unchanged from June and three points above the 52 percent average for the four quarters of 2013. PND (ag) TOP 27 OKTUBRE 2014 Ginawaran ng Pangulong Aquino ng ‘Order of Lakandula’ si United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho Nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino ang ‘Dragon Boat Team’ ng Hukbong Katihan Kinilala ng Palasyo ang resulta ng pinakahuling ‘Social Weather Stations survey’ sa ‘self rated poverty’ Ginawaran ng Pangulong Aquino ng ‘Order of Lakandula’ si United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho Ginawaran ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ng Order of Lakandula, may ranggong Grand Officer si Luiza Carvalho, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator sa Pilipinas. Ang parangal ay ipinagkaloob ng Pangulo kay Carvalho nang magsadya ito sa Music Room ng Malakanyang upang magpaalam. Si Carvalho ay siya ring resident representative ng United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Pinarangalan ng Pangulo si Carvalhi dahil sa malaking nagawa nito para lalo pang gumanda ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at ng Bansang Magkakaanib, gayundin sa namumukod-tanging paglilingkod sa larangan ng gawaing makatao, kapayapaan at kaunlaran at sa pagi-ging “tunay na katangi-tangi at may kakayahang kinatawan ng UN sa bansa. Kinilala rin siya sa “matatag na paninindigang isulong ang magandang samahan ng mga pribado at pambayang istitusyon sa Pilipinas na ang pakay ay tulungan ang mga maralitang komunidad.” Binigyang halaga rin ng Pangulong Aquino ang pagsisikap ni carbalho na makuha ang suporta ng daigdig sa iba-ibang sektor ng Pilipinas ukol sa crisis intervention and emergency response, disaster risk reduction and management, mabuting pamamahala, eduksyon at kaun-larang panlipunan. Pinuri rin si Carvalho sa malaking naitulong sa pagsisikap ng Pilipinas sa lrangang panloob, panrehiyon at iba-iba pang larangan, lalo na sa karapatang pantao, pagkakaloob ng kapangyarihan ng kababaihan, pagtataguyod ng kapayapaan at paglutas sa mga sigalot. Kaharap sa paggagawad ng parangal kay Carvalho sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugna-yang Panlabas, Corazon Soliman ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran, at Kalihim Arsenio Balisacan ng Socioeconomic Planning. Kasama ni Carvalho sa pagtanggap ng parangal ang kanyang kabiyak ng puso at ang iba pang pinuno ng Bansang Magkakaanib. PND(jb/zaf) TOP Nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino ang ‘Dragon Boat Team’ ng Hukbong Katihan Tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Dragon Boat Team ng Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas Lunes sa President’s Hall ng Malacanang. Masiglang binati ng Pangulo ang mga mananagwan ng Hukbong Katihan na pinangungunahan ng lider ng team at pangulo na si Tenyente Koronel Harold Cabunoc. Isa-isang kinamayan ng Pangulo ang mga kagawad ng koponan na suot at ipinagmamalaki ang kailang mga medalyang ginto na natamo sa 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships na idinaos sa Ravenna, Italya noong nakalipas na Setyembre. Binigyang karangalan ng koponan ang bansa nang matamo nila ang dalawang pandaigdig na rekord matapos magwagi sa paligsahang 200- at 500-metrong kategorya para sa small boat open. Ang mga kabilang sa Dragon Boat Team ng Hukbong Katihan ay sina: steerman Technical Sargeant Franco Tinoco; tagasagwan na sina Senior Sargent Joemar Ocquiana, Sarhento Ronald Tan, Private First Class Ramie Llano, Private First Class Gerald Dela Cruz, Private First Class Hardy Pabulayan, Private First Class Cresmark Dayumat, Senior Sargeant Romy John Dionio, Senior Sargeant Usman Anterola, Senior Sargeant Salvador Sumagaysay, Sarhento Rodrigo Tanuan, Jr., Private First Class Romel Donesa, Private First Class Rame Llano at Private First Class Gil Martin Gonzales at drummer Private First Class Jayson dela Cruz. Dumalo sa pagbibigay-galang na ito sa Pangulong Aquino sina Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Bansa, Heneral Gregorio Pio Catapang, Puno ng Estado Mayor ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at Heneral Hernando Iriberri, puno ng Hukbong Katihan. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Kinilala ng Palasyo ang resulta ng pinakahuling ‘Social Weather Stations survey’ sa ‘self rated poverty’ Kinilala ng Malacanang Lunes ang pinakahuling Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey tungkol sa self-rated poverty at self-rated food poverty at binigyang diin na nakatuon ang pamahalaan sa pagsisikap na mabawasan ang karalitaan. Sa pahayag na ipinadala sa mga kasapi ng Malacanang Press Corps, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na sa isang survey na isinagawa ng pamahalaan, lumitaw na nabawasan ang karalitaan sa bansa. “Bagaman kinikilala naming ang bahagyang pagtaas ng self-rated poverty at self-rated food poverty, ang mga patakaran at programa ng pamahalaan ay nakasalig sa Family Income and Expenditures Survey (FIES) ng Philippine Statistics Authority, kung saan lumabas na bumaba sa 24.9 porsiyento ang karalitaan para sa unang anim na buwan ng 2013, kung ihahambing sa 27.9 porsiyento nang gayunding panahon noong 2012,” paliwanag ni Kalihim Coloma. Idinugtong niya na sa nasabi ring FIES, lumitaw na bumaba ang bilang ng pinakadukhang Pilipino na hindi makatugon sa pangangailangang pangunahing pagkain sa 10.7 porsiyento noong 2013 buhat naman sa 13.4 porsiyento ng katulad noong 2012. “Gayunman, ipagpapatuloy pa rin ng pamahalaan ang pagtuuon ng pinag-ibayong programa para mabawasan ang karalitaan at pangalagaan ang lipunan, kabilang na ang pagtataas ng badyet at saklaw ng Conditional Cash Transfer program,” wika ni Coloma sa pahayag. Idinagdag niya na ang pamahalaan ay naglaan ng pinakamalaking bahagi ng panukalang P2.606 trilyong pambansang badyet para sa 2015 na kabuuang P967.9 bilyon o 37.2 porsiyento para sa serbisyong panlipunan. Nakatuon ang nasabing badyet sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang proyekto sa 44 lalawigang kung saan mataas ang bilang ng dukha upang makalikha ng pagkakataon sa hanapbuhay para sa mga lalawigang mataas ang bilang ng maralita nang kasama ang karampatang social safety nets at mga pook na malimit dalawin ng mga kalamidad,” pagbibigay-diin ni Coloma. Salig sa SWS survey on self-rated poverty (ang tao mismo ang nagsabing maralita sila) na ginawa mula ika-26 hanggang ika-29 ng Setyembre, lumitaw na 55 porsiyento ng 1,200 na tinanong (respondents) sa buong bansa ang nagsabing maralita sila. Ayon sa survey, ang naturang bilang ay tinatayang kabuuang 12.1 milyong pamilya ay hindi nagbago mula noong Hunyo at tatlong puntos naman na mataas sa 52 porsiyento ng average para sa apat na kuwarter ng 2013.PND(ag/zaf) TOP  21 Photonews

Last Updated: 27 OCTOBER 2014
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with the members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team, led by Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall Sala of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The 17-man team posted world records and won Gold medals in the 200-meter and 500-meter small boat categories in the 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crews World Championships in Standiana Bacin, Ravenna, Italy last September. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team, led by Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The 17-man team posted world records and won Gold medals in the 200-meter and 500-meter small boat categories in the 9th International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crews World Championships in Standiana Bacin, Ravenna, Italy last September. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno) on outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho during the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The Order of Lakandula is the Order of Political and Civic Merit of the Republic. Also in photo are Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and her spouse Jose Renato Carvalho. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno) on outgoing United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho during the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The Order of Lakandula is the Order of Political and Civic Merit of the Republic. Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and her spouse Jose Renato Carvalho. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno) on outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho during the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The Order of Lakandula is the Order of Political and Civic Merit of the Republic. Also in photo is her spouse Jose Renato Carvalho. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Lakandula with a rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno) on outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho during the Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (October 27). The Order of Lakandula is the Order of Political and Civic Merit of the Republic. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide spiritual director and international president Bro. Eduardo “Eddie” Villanueva leads the congregation for a pray over and blessing for President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 36th anniversary of the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). The Jesus Is Lord Church aims to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the living God regardless of race, status, belief and religious affiliations through the saving, healing, delivering, and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 36th anniversary of the Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). The Jesus Is Lord Church aims to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the living God regardless of race, status, belief and religious affiliations through the saving, healing, delivering, and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 36th anniversary of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide at the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). The JIL Church aims to bring all peoples to the kingdom of the living God regardless of race, status, belief and religious affiliations through the saving, healing, delivering, and transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Shiota Tochi Co. Ltd. officials, headed by its Executive Director Keigo Iue during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (October 24). The Shiota Tochi Group provides housing and operates a leisure business including management of a large scale shopping facility, resort hotel and golf course in Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the 40th PBC Resolution presented by 40th PBC chairman George Barcelon, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Atty. Miguel Varela and PCCI president Alfredo Yao, during the 40th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo closing ceremony at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). With this year's theme: “Proudly Pinoy: Partnering Towards Sustained Growth," the PBC and Expo is an annual business summit that provides a collaborative venue for business leaders, government officials and other development stakeholders to exchange ideas on issues on business and the economy, and share business opportunities. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech following presentation of the 40th PBC Resolution by 40th PBC chairman George Barcelon, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) chairman Atty. Miguel Varela and PCCI president Alfredo Yao, during the 40th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo Closing Ceremony at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). With this year's theme: “Proudly Pinoy: Partnering Towards Sustained Growth, the PBC and Expo is an annual business summit that provides a collaborative venue for business leaders, government officials and other development stakeholders to exchange ideas on issues on business and the economy, and share business opportunities. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 40th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo Closing Ceremony at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). With this year's theme: “Proudly Pinoy: Partnering Towards Sustained Growth," this PBC event and expo is an annual business summit that provides a collaborative venue for business leaders, government officials and other development stakeholders to exchange ideas on issues on business and the economy, and share business opportunities. Also in photo is 40th PBC chairman George Barcelon. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 40th Philippine Business Conference (PBC) and Expo Closing Ceremony at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Friday (October 24). With this year's theme: “Proudly Pinoy: Partnering Towards Sustained Growth," this PBC event and expo is an annual business summit that provides a collaborative venue for business leaders, government officials and other development stakeholders to exchange ideas on issues on business and the economy, and share business opportunities. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with GMR Group of Companies chairman G. M. Rao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23, 2014). GMR Group is an infrastructural company with interests in Airports, Energy, Highways and Urban Infrastructure sectors. Founded in 1978, the Group is well diversified and professionally managed. Employing the Public Private Partnership model, the Group has successfully implemented several iconic infrastructure projects in India. It has a global presence with infrastructure operating assets and projects in several countries including Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives and the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. - Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets GMR Group of Companies chairman Mr. G. M. Rao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23). The GMR Group, founded in 1978, is an infrastructural company with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure sectors. Employing the Public Private Partnership model, the Group has successfully implemented several iconic infrastructure projects in India. It has a global presence with infrastructure operating assets and projects in several countries including Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives and the Philippines. Also in photo are Megawide Construction Corporation chief executive officer Michael Consiquien, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation Louie Ferrer and Meena Raghunathan of GMR Foundation. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from GMR Group of Companies chairman G. M. Rao a glass Swan figurine during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23). The GMR Group, founded in 1978, is an infrastructural company with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure sectors. Employing the Public Private Partnership model, the Group has successfully implemented several iconic infrastructure projects in India. It has a global presence with infrastructure operating assets and projects in several countries including Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives and the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets GMR Group of Companies chairman G. M. Rao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23). The GMR Group is an infrastructural company founded in 1978 with interests in airports, energy, highways and urban infrastructure sectors. Employing the Public Private Partnership model, the Group has successfully implemented several iconic infrastructure projects in India. It has a global presence with infrastructure operating assets and projects in several countries including Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, the Maldives and the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials, headed by JETRO Chairman and CEO Hiroyuki Ishige, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23). JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Also in photo is JETRO minister and deputy chief of mission Tetsuro Amano. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Japan External Trade Organizations (JETRO) officials, headed by JETRO chairman and chief executive officer Hiroyuki Ishige during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (October 23). JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 36th Anniversary of the Jesus is Lord Church Worlwide

Quirino Grandstand, Manila

24 Oct. 2014

Brother Eddie Villanueva; siyempre, Sister Dory Villanueva; Secretary Joel Villanueva; Senator Sonny Angara; Congressman Sherwin Tugna; Officials and followers of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide; fellow workers in government, honored guests, mga minamahal ko pong kababayan, magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. [Palakpakan] Kung namumuti na po ‘yung buhok ni Joel, kabahagi po ako doon. Tatlong taon na po ang nakakaraan mula nang makasama ko kayo sa pagdiriwang ng inyong anibersaryo dito rin po sa Quirino Grandstand. Mahigit isang taon pa lang tayo noon sa puwesto; nasa unang yugto pa lamang ng pagkukumpuni ng iniwan na sa ating sira-sirang sistema sa pamahalaan. Sa araw pong ito, ikinalulugod kong muli kayong makasama para naman ipagdiwang ang inyong ika-36 na anibersaryo; [Palakpakan] ngayon po, kung kailan pinipitas na natin ang positibong bunga ng mga repormang ating ipinunla, at tuloy-tuloy pa ring dinidiligan. Sa mga panahong lumipas, at sa bawat araw ng pag-usad natin sa tuwid na landas, talaga namang napapatunayan natin ang bisa ng sama-samang pagdalangin upang humingi ng patnubay sa Panginoon sa paghaharap natin sa mga hamon. Muli nga po tayong nagbubuklod upang magbigay-puri at magpasalamat sa Panginoon para sa panibagong taon ng mga tagumpay ng inyo pong samahan. Gayundin, nagtitipon tayo sa hangaring mangibabaw ang kapayapaan at kabanalan sa ating mga kalooban, tungo sa pagsisikap nating marating ang kaharian ng Diyos. Siyempre, hindi rin natin mahihindian ang imbitasyon po ni Bro. Eddie Villanueva, na talaga naman pong katuwang natin sa pagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala. [Palakpakan] Sa bawat kilos at pasya niya sa buhay, malinaw pong nasa sentro nito ang Panginoon, at lagi siyang nakatuon sa kapakanan ng kanyang kapwa. [Palakpakan] Inilalapit nga po ni Bro. Eddie ang lahat ng kanyang mga nakakahalubilo sa kalooban ng Poong Maykapal. Gayundin, ipinamamalas niya ang pananagutan sa kapwa, nang buong tapang siyang tumutol at lumaban sa mapang-aping sistema noong panahon ng Batas Militar. Dalawang beses man siyang nakulong sa panahon ng diktadurya, ipinagpatuloy pa rin niya ang adbokasiyang labanan ang katiwalian sa pamahalaan, ang kawalang-katarungan sa lipunan, at ang laganap na kahirapan sa ating bayan. Nang dumating ang panahon na tila namanhid na ang marami nating kababayan sa korupsyon at pang-aabuso sa kapangyarihan ng ating pinalitang administrasyon, nanguna muli si Bro. Eddie sa panawagan sa tunay na pagbabago. Kasama siya sa mga nagmulat sa taumbayan sa katotohanan, at buong pananalig na ipinaglaban kung ano ang tama at makatuwiran. [Palakpakan] Sa mga panahon pong iyon na marami sa atin na ang nagsara ang puso sa pagbabago, aktibong nakilahok sina Bro. Eddie at ang Jesus Is Lord Church sa mga prayer rally para sa reporma, at dumulog sa Diyos upang gabayan ang ating bansa. Siyempre, nariyan po ang katuwang niya sa buhay na si Sister Dory, na katuwang din niya sa pagsasakatuparan ng mabuting adbokasiya para sa Diyos at sa bayan. [Palakpakan] ‘Di na po tayo nagtataka: ang mabuting halimbawa nina Bro. Eddie at Sister Dory ang isinasabuhay ng kanilang mga anak, unahin ko na po si Secretary Joel Villanueva. [Palakpakan] Kita naman po ninyo ang gilas ni Secretary Joel sa serbisyo-publiko mula pa noong kasamahan natin siya sa Kongreso, at ngayon, bilang pinuno ng TESDA. Talaga naman pong malayo na ang narating ng ahensyang ito sa ilalim ng pamamahala ni Secretary Joel. [Palakpakan] Isipin po ninyo: Ayon sa tala ng Department of Budget and Management, 28.5 percent lamang ng TESDA scholars ang nakahanap ng trabaho noong mga taong 2006 hanggang 2008. Sa matuwid na pamamahala sa ahensya, nagtala ng general average na 68.5 percent employment rate [palakpakan] ang mga nagtapos ng Training for Work Scholarship Program ng TESDA noong 2012. Kung titingnan naman ang datos ng mga nagtapos ng tech-voc training sa ilalim ng TESDA at Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines ngayong Abril hanggang Setyembre 2014, halos 96 percent na ang employment rate po. [Palakpakan] Ano po’ng ibig sabihin nito? Sa pamamahala ng mga kasama nating tumatahak sa tuwid na daan, ang pondong mula sa taumbayan ay tunay na naghahatid ng mga benepisyo’t pagkakataon sa napakarami nating kababayan. Isama na rin po natin ang dumagdag sa pamilya ni Bro. Eddie na si Congressman Sherwin Tugna. [Palakpakan] Nagsisilbi po siyang isa sa mga haligi natin sa Kongreso ngayon, at kabalikat natin sa pagtataguyod ng katapatan at pananagutan sa pamahalaan. Lubos po tayong humahanga sa adbokasiya ng Jesus Is Lord Church, na mahigit tatlo’t kalahating dekada, ay nagpalalim ng pananampalataya ng ating mga kababayan sa iba’t ibang panig ng daigdig. [Palakpakan] Ang misyon ninyo: Gabayan at ihatid ang kapwa sa kaharian ng Diyos, anuman ang kanilang pinanggalingan o estado sa buhay, basta’t matibay ang kanilang pananampalataya sa kaligtasang handog ng Maykapal. Pinapalakas ninyo ang pananalig ng napakarami nating kababayan upang lalo silang maging matatag sa pagharap sa mga pagsubok ng buhay. Mulat po tayo: Kasabay ng pag-usad ng panahon, dumarating ang mga bagong hamon na sumusubok sa ating paniniwala at pananampalataya. Lumalalim ang panawagan sa ating magmalasakit at umunawa sa kapwa, lalo pa’t nagiging malay tayo sa panlipunang mga salik ng kasalanan, gaya ng kahirapan at kawalang-katarungan. Sa tulong ng Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide, marami tayong mga kababayan ang nabuhayan ng pag-asa sa kabila ng kanilang hinaharap na pagdurusa. Sinisikap ng inyo pong kongregasyon na gabayan ang inyong mga kasapi sa kanilang mga desisyon sa buhay, at humanap ng maiging paraan upang tugunan ang problema. Gayundin, nagpapasalamat po ako sa Jesus Is Lord Church sa tiwala at pakikiisa ninyo sa mga inisyatiba ng gobyernong tibagin ang korupsyon sa pamahalaan, upang maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating kababayan, [palakpakan] lalong-lalo na po ang mas nangangailangan. Makakaasa kayong dodoblehin pa ng inyong gobyerno ang pagsisikap nitong maghatid ng malawakan at pangmatagalang benepisyo sa mas nakakaraming Pilipino. [Palakpakan] Sa tulong ng inyong lumalagong samahan, nananalig ako sa pagdami pa ng mga Pilipinong magsasabuhay ng dakilang aral ng Panginoon. Bilang mga tapat na tagasunod ni Hesukristo, nawa’y lagi natin Siyang gawing sentro ng ating buhay, lagi natin Siyang gawing patnubay [palakpakan] sa pag-abot ng ating mga kolektibong mithiin para sa bansa. Sa pagsunod sa Kanyang halimbawa ng walang-hanggang pag-ibig sa sangkatauhan, mararating ng bawat isa ang kinabukasang puspos ng kaluwalhatian at kasaganahan. Bago po ako magtapos, baka puwede po niyo akong damayan dito sa iminungkahi nga pong dasal na palagay ko po’y angkop na angkop: Aming Amang sumasalangit, tulutan Niyo po ako, ang inyong lingkod, bilang ama ng bansang Pilipinas, na manikluhod kasama ng aking mga kababayan. Batid po namin ang katotohanang hiwalay sa Inyong Dakilang presensya ay hindi namin makakamit ang tunay na kapayapaan. Kapayapaang matagal na po naming ipinaglalabang makamit ng aming bayan. Ngunit bantad po sa inyo, aming Panginoong Hesus, ang mga kasamaang pilit na numamanakaw ng kapayapaang ito—gutom, kahirapan, at iba’t ibang uri ng karamdaman; maging ang dibisyon sa lipunan, pagnanakaw, pagpatay, pagtutunggali sa kapangyarihan, at iba’t ibang kasamaang dulot ng kasakiman. Kaya’t kami po’y naninikluhod sa Inyong harapan upang humiling ng isang napakalaking bagay—biyayaan po Ninyo ng tunay na kapayapaan ang aming bayan. Tunay na kapayapaang nagmumula sa Inyong dakilang pag-ibig na nagbubuklod, na kayang pagaanin ang pasanin ng aming bansa, kayang magbigay ng pag-asa sa aming mga kababayan, at kayang palakasin ang aming mga bisig upang kami’y lalo pang magtuwang-tuwang tungo sa daang matuwid, sa daan ng kabanalan, sa daan ng tunay na tagumpay. Ang lahat pong ito ay inaangkin namin sa Pangalan ng aming Panginoong Hesus. Amen. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

DZRB / Pilipinas, Pilipinas by Efren Montano, Vanz Fernandez & Albert Sebastian

26 October 2014

OPENING STATEMENT Paghahanda para sa darating na Undas Batay sa kautusan ng Pangulo, isinasagawa ng lahat ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan ang puspusang paghahanda para sa darating na Undas. Nakatakdang magtaas ng full alert ang Philippine National Police (PNP) para sa nalalapit na Undas. Ayon kay PNP Chief Alan Purisima, nakaalerto na ngayon ang lahat ng pulisya sa bansa para sa mga magsisimula nang umuwi patungong probinsya. Mas mahigpit na rin ang ipinapatupad na seguridad sa mga pantalan, terminal ng bus, at airport terminals. Ayon sa PNP, handa na ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para sa Oplan Undas 2014. Ilalagay sa full alert ang PNP sa araw ng Undas kung saan paiigtingin ang presensya ng pulisya sa mga simbahan, sementeryo, terminal, at iba pang matataong lugar. Ayon naman sa LTO (Land Transportation Office), simula bukas Oktubre 27 ay round the clock ang pagbabantay ng mga tauhan ng ahensya sa mga terminal ng bus sa Metro Manila upang alalayan ang dagsa ng mga pasahero na magtutungo sa mga lalawigan. Gayundin ang isasagawa ng Philippine Ports Authority sa lahat ng pantalan at ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines sa lahat ng paliparan sa buong bansa. Karagdagan dito, ayon sa LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), tumatanggap na sila ng application para sa special permit ng mga Metro Manila buses na gustong bumiyahe sa probinsya para sa Undas. Hanggang Nobyembre 3 ang pagpapalabas ng special permit. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Albert Sebastian: Sir, tungkol po doon sa heightened alert ng PNP, i-clarify lang natin kailan po magsisimula ito? SEC. COLOMA: Ayon po sa aking pinagbabatayan, nakatakdang magtaas ng full alert ang PNP para sa nalalapit na Undas. Sa kasalukuyan ay nakaalerto na po sila, pero ‘yung pagpapataas po niyan, habang lumalapit tayo doon sa araw mismo ng Undas. Mr. Sebastian: Okay. Then, ‘yung announcement ninyo po, ‘yung (October) 31 mayroon pong pasok? SEC. COLOMA: Pakiulit lang po. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir, ‘yung October 31 po. So base na rin po sa pronouncement ninyo kahapon, may pasok po ang October 31. SEC. COLOMA: Regular working day po ‘yon dahil hindi po ‘yon kasama sa nai-anunsyo na regular holiday at special non-working holiday. Regular working day ang October 31. Efren Montano: Depende po sa mga opisina ‘yan siguro kung magha-half day. Ganoon po ba ‘yon? SEC. COLOMA: Nasa kanila na po ‘yon. Basta ang tinutukoy po natin ay hindi po ‘yon naideklarang holiday. Mr. Montano: Okay. ‘Yung sa schedule naman po sa Undas nitong si Pangulong Aquino? SEC. COLOMA: Hintayin po natin ang magiging media advisory hinggil diyan. Batid naman po natin noong mga nakaraang taon, bago po mag-araw ng Undas ay ginawa niya ‘yung pag-inspeksyon sa iba’t ibang terminal dito sa Metro Manila. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, may question po mula kay Bernard Taguinod. May aksyon ba na ginagawa ang gobyerno sa plano ng China na magtayo ng air at naval base sa Kagitingan Reef? SEC. COLOMA: Kung hindi ako nagkakamali ay naitanong ‘yan ng mga kasapi ng FOCAP (Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines) noon lamang nakaraang Miyerkules. At tuwing maitatanong naman ‘yan, ang atin pong ginagawa muna ay beripikahin, at ang gumagawa ng opisyal na pahayag kung mayroon na pong beripikasyon ‘yung tinutukoy ay ang Department of Foreign Affairs, kaya hindi ko po alam kung ang binabanggit niya ay latest. Kung latest po, kailangang hintayin po natin ‘yung beripikasyon mula sa Department of Foreign Affairs. Sa pangakalahatan naman ay malinaw ang naihayag na pong patakaran ng ating pamahalaan. ‘Yung ating pagtalima sa mapayapang pagresolba ng mga usapin hinggil sa maritime entitlements sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea. Mr. Montano: ‘Yung tungkol naman po sa Binay-Trillanes debate, ano po ba ‘yung mababanggit ng Palasyo ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi sa pagiging masigla ng isang demokrasya ang pagkakaroon ng mga public debate ng mga lider pulitika sa mga napapanahong usapin. Hayaan po nating maganap ang mga talakayang magbibigay ng dagdag na kaalaman sa ating mga mamamayan. Mr. Montano: So ibig sabihin the Palace welcomes this development? SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon na lang pong sinabi ko. Mr. Montano: Okay. ‘Yung tungkol naman po sa—although medyo maaga itong ating lighter side—‘yung kaso naman po ni Camarines Norte Governor (Edgardo Tallado). Ano po ba ‘yung mababanggit ng Palasyo dahil isa po siyang public official at may mga kumakalat pa nga sa social media na hindi kanais-nais na litrato? SEC. COLOMA: Mayroon po kasing pribadong aspeto rin itong bagay na ito. Mayroon din namang aspeto na kailangan din ‘yung pagresolba sa mga usapin na sakop po ng batas. Ang masasabi lang po natin, batay sa tugon ni Secretary (Edwin) Lacierda sa kahalintulad na tanong, ang kanyang napag-alaman po ay ito: Hiniling ni Mrs. Josefina Tallado, sa pamamagitan ng kanyang abogadong si Atty. Lorna Kapunan, ang assistance ni DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary Mar Roxas; at ayon din sa mga nalathalang balita, ang mga kinatawan ni Gobernador Tallado at ni Mrs. Tallado ay nagtungo na sa tanggapan ni Secretary Roxas sa Camp Crame noong nakaraang Huwebes. Gagawin po ni Secretary Roxas at ng DILG ang nararapat hinggil dito. Mr. Montano: Okay. So magandang development po ‘yan dahil isang public official itong si Camarines Norte Governor Tallado. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, question po mula kay Bernard Taguinod. Sa banggaan ng kampo nina (Vice President Jejomar) Binay at Mar Roxas, hindi kaya maapektuhan ang misyon ni PNoy para sa kabutihan ng sambayanang Pilipino? SEC. COLOMA: Sa maraming pagkakataon po ay nasabi na po ng Pangulo na ang pinakapokus po ng administrasyon ay ‘yung tungkol sa pagpapatatag ng programa sa reporma at wala naman pong pagbabago sa ganyang posisyon. Pokus po ng administrasyon at ng Gabinete ‘yon pong pagapapatupad sa mga programa sa reporma. Vanz Fernandez: Sir, regarding po dito sa nakalagay po sa isang newspaper na tila binara po ni Binay ‘yung PNoy admin, lalong-lalo na po itong kanyang mga kaalyado. Ano po ang (masasabi ninyo) regarding po dito sa mga complaint po ng public that, according to him, his detractors are saying that… May mga problems (but) they chose to advance their own interest by destroying my name and those of my loved ones’. He said he is referring to administration allies in the Senate who have mounted an inquiry into alleged corruption in Makati during his term as the city mayor. Reaksyon po dito sa sinabi ng the former mayor ng Makati? SEC. COLOMA: Para lang nagkakaunawaan tayo, ito ang isinasaad ng balitang nalathala sa isang broadsheet, and I quote: “Asked later if his statement was directed at the administration of President Aquino, Binay said”—quoted statement po ni Vice President—“it was not against the President. I was just saying a factual information.” Linawin natin kung ano pa ang nalathalang balita. Ayon din sa balita sa pahayagang ‘yon, nang tinanong si Vice President Binay kung tinutukoy niya ang kasalukuyang administrasyon ni Pangulong Aquino, ito naman po ang nakalahad doon, ‘yung quotes: “The Vice President was referring to administration allies in the Senate who have mounted an inquiry into alleged corruption in Makati during his term as Makati mayor.” Yaman din lamang na ang paksa ng balita sa pahayagan ay ukol sa usapin sa pagitan ni Vice President Binay at ng mga mambabatas na tinutukoy niya, wala na kaming maidadagdag sa usaping ‘yan sa kasalukuyan. Mr. Montano: Okay po. Pero hindi ba napapanahon sa tingin ng Palasyo na ipakita nga ni Vice President Jejomar Binay ‘yung kanyang tunay na kulay? Dahil sa isang banda, parang umaatake siya, tapos biglang kakambiyo na hindi naman si Pangulo ang kanyang binabanatan. SEC. COLOMA: Natugunan ko na po ang naunang tanong. Wala na po akong maidadagdag. Mr. Sebastain: Yes, sir, question po galing kay Bernard. Sa Ebola preparation po, regular po bang ina-update si PNoy? SEC. COLOMA: Hello? Pakitapos lang. Hanggang doon na lamang ba? Mr. Sebastian: Hindi, sir, may question po si Bernard. SEC. COLOMA: Oo nga. Ang huli kong narinig ay tungkol sa pag-a-update. ‘Yon na ba ang kabuuan ng tanong? Mr. Sebastian: Opo, kung ina-update po ba ang Pangulo. SEC. COLOMA: Todo tutok po ang ating Pangulo at ang Gabinete sa isyung ‘yan. (With) highest importance po ang pagtingin sa banta ng Ebola. Mr. Sebastian: Another question from Bernard po, doon naman po sa isyu ng China, ang sabi niya: Latest announcement ng China ang pagtatayo ng naval base sa Kagitingan (Reef) na inihayag ni Kalayaan mayor (Eugenio) Bito-onon. SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga po, tulad ng aking inilahad, kapag may tinatanong po na ganyan ang una pong ginagawa natin ay ‘yung pagkuha ng beripikasyon sa Department of Foreign Affairs. Kapag mayroon na po ay saka po tayo nagbibigay ng komento na nauukol diyan. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, tungkol lang po sa budget deliberations, is the Palace confident po na bago mag-adjourn ay maipapasa na po? Mr. Montano: Oo, kasi ang deadline po yata October 29 sa House of Representatives. HInahabol po nila na ma-approve ‘yung naturang budget. SEC. COLOMA: Umaasa po tayo na sa suporta ng liderato ng Kongreso ay matutupad po ‘yung ating hinahangad na maipasa sa kabuuan ang pambansang budget ng Camara de Representantes at ng Senado sa loob ng panahong nakatakda para katulad noong mga nakaraang pagkakataon ay maaprubahan po ito at malagdaan ng Pangulo, at maisabatas para maipatupad mula sa unang araw ng papasok na taon, katulad po ng naganap para po sa mga nakaraang budget mula sa simula ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Ms. Fernandez: Sir, pabor po ba kayo dito sa hiling na furlough ni Senator Jinggoy Estrada na makabisita sa puntod ng mga mahal niya sa buhay sa November 1? SEC. COLOMA: Ang bagay pong ‘yan ay nasa pagpapasya ng hukuman, ‘yung Sandiganbayan, at kinikilala po namin ang kanilang pagiging independiyente mula sa ehekutibo. Pinakamainam na hintayin na lang natin ang pagpapasya ng hukuman. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, question from Bernard ulit. Sa e-power (emergency powers) mukhang wala na raw oras ang Kongreso kasi magbabakasyon na sila. Umaasa ba kayong maipapasa pa ang e-power? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinakamahalaga dito ay ‘yung pagtiyak na hindi po mapeperwisyo ang ating mga mamamayan at ang kalakal at industriya kapag magkaroon ng problema sa kakulangan ng suplay ng kuryente sa tag-init sa 2015. Kaya patuloy po ang pakikipag-ugnayan namin sa mga lider ng Kongreso para masolusyonan po ang bagay na ito dahil, katulad ng inilahad ni Pangulong Aquino sa FOCAP forum, malaki po ang magiging kabawasan sa ating gross domestic product, magmumula sa siyam hanggang sa 23 bilyong piso, depende kung gaano kadalas o kung magiging mabigat ang epekto ng mga brownout na ayaw po nating maganap sa summer of 2015. Mr. Montano: Okay po. On another topic po, ‘yung Christmas bonus tax exemption, ini-expect po na ito ay maipapatupad next year. Ano po ba ang take ng Palasyo ukol dito, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Hihintayin po natin ang pagpapasya ng Kongreso hinggil diyan, kung ito po ay maisasabatas. Ang tungkulin po ng ehekutibo ay [tagapagpaganap o tagapagpatupad] ng mga batas. Ang pagpasa po ng batas ay nasa poder ng ating Kongreso. Mr. Montano: Okay po. Ibig sabihin, we welcome this measure, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Gagawin po ng ehekutibo ang tungkulin nito at iginagalang din po natin ang pagganap sa tungkulin ng ating Kongreso, at sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ang isinasaalang-alang naman po natin ay ang pambansang interes at ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Ms. Fernandez: Okay, sir. Until now po ba, sir, mayroon po ba kayong magiging kandidato for president this coming 2016. May we know, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Vanz, tinanong na ‘yan sa ating Pangulo—pinakahuli doon sa FOCAP forum noong Miyerkules—at batid mo ang kanyang tugon hinggil dito. Mr. Montano: Okay po. SEC. COLOMA: Tumugon na po ang Pangulo, para sa kanya pong pagtugon ‘yan, ang bagay na ‘yan. Tumugon na po siya noon lamang nakaraang Miyerkules. Ms. Fernandez: Okay, sir, kasi baka sakali lang po. Sir, regarding po dito, kasi may mga mall po na nagkakabit ng sarili nilang solar gadgets. Will some lawmakers or Palace convince other malls na magkaroon po ng solar gadgets para po makatipid dito sa ating power prices? SEC. COLOMA: Nasa pagpapasya po nila ‘yan dahil may gastos pong involved diyan. Siyempre po ay tatayain nila kung ‘yong paggastos nila o ‘yung pamumuhunan nila sa ganyang bagay ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang. Ang nais po natin ay magkaroon ng sapat na suplay ng enerhiya sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Mayroon pong programa ang ating pamahalaan hinggil sa paghimok sa pagdevelop at paggamit ng mga alternatibong pinanggagalingan ng enerhiya, katulad po niyang solar, at iba pang anyo ng renewable energy. Kaya’t most welcome naman po ang inisyatibang ‘yan pero ipaubaya na lang po natin sa pagpapasya ng mga namumuhunan. Ang layon lang po natin ay magkaroon ng maaasahan at sapat na suplay ng kuryente sa presyong abot-kamay o abot-kaya ng ating mga mamamayan. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, ‘yun pong isyu ng Uber cars po between MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) and LTFRB, mamamagitan po ba ang Palasyo para maisalba po itong isyu na ito? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko po ganap na nakuha. Ano po ‘yung isyu ng (MMDA at) LTFRB? Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir, ‘yung tungkol po doon sa Uber cars. SEC. COLOMA: Uber card? Mr. Sebastian: ‘Cars’—mga sasakyan po. SEC. COLOMA: Ah, okay. Siguro po ay kinakailangang pag-aralan lang po ang bagay na ito sapagkat ang pinag-uusapan dito ay ‘yung pagkakaroon ng isang paraan ng pagkuha ng transportasyon ng mga mamamayan at ito ay naging paksa rin ng usapin sa ibang bansa. Sa akin pong pagkabatid, ito ay lumikha pa ng malakihang mga protesta sa Europa dahil ‘yung mga transport union ay tumututol doon sa operasyon ng Uber. Doon naman po sa Estados Unidos ay malawak ang paggamit dito at wala naman tayong nababalitaang usapin hinggil sa legalidad nito o pagtutol ng mga public transport operators. Dito po sa atin, sa aking pagkaalam ay tinutukoy na ng LTFRB ‘yung implikasyon nito dahil nga po, sa ating batas, bago makapag-alay ng pampublikong transportasyon ang sinoman, kinakailangan ng prangkisa mula sa LTFRB, at ang MMDA naman ay katuwang ng LTFRB sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Kaya ‘yan po ang sitwasyon, ano. Ang hinahangad naman po natin ay ‘yung matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa transportasyon nang naaayon sa batas. Kaya ‘yan po ay tutukuyin ng ating pamahalaan. Mr. Montano: Okay po. Siguro ang idugtong na lang natin diyan ‘yung paghahanda naman ng ating pamahalaan—although nabanggit na rin ni MMDA chair—‘yung strike po bukas yata isasagawa. SEC. COLOMA: Okay po, mayroon akong babanggitin hinggil diyan—sandali lang po. Kinikilala ang karapatang magpahayag ng saloobin sa maayos at mapayapang paraan. Tungkulin din ng pamahalaan na ipatupad ang batas at pairalin ang kaayusan para sa kapakanan ng mga mamamayan. Batay sa prinsipyong ito, nagpahayag ang Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board ng sumusunod: “Ang paglahok sa protesta ay hindi ipinagbabawal. Ngunit kung ito ay makakaapekto at hindi makasakay ang ating mga kababayan, at ang naging sadya nila ay para ihinto ang public transport natin, ito ay isang paglabag sa ipinatutupad na memorandum circular ng LTFRB.” ‘Yan po ang kanilang pahayag. Kaya nananawagan po tayo sa hanay ng ating mga tsuper na isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at tuparin ang kanilang tungkulin na isinasaad sa prangkisang ipinagkaloob sa kanila. Mr. Montano: Okay po. At nagbanggit lang sa akin ‘yung isang nag-text na sa San Francisco raw ay tinututulan ‘yung Uber type of system of transportation. Pero ito ay pag-aaralan naman ng ating pamahalaan. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Efren. Ang mahalaga ay ‘yung maayos na pagbibigay ng serbisyo at ‘yung pagbigay din ng proteksyon sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. Mr. Montano: Opo, ‘yon po ang mahalaga. ‘Yon din ang ipinupunto yata ni MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, tanong ko lang, ngayong araw po may ni-launch ang Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines na national sign-up day against pork barrel system. So mayroon silang signature campaign na nagsimula po ngayon. Is the Palace supporting this? SEC. COLOMA: Kinikilala po natin ang karapatan ng mga mamamayan at ng mga organisasyon na maglahad ng kanilang saloobin nang naaayon po sa batas. Ms. Fernandez: Sir, regarding po dito sa mga PUV (public utility vehicle) operators na napag-usapan natin lately na magkakaroon sila ng mga strike. The group is calling President Aquino and DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) to scrap the implementation of the order, which imposes higher fines on traffic violation and colorum operation. Are you in favor of this sa sinasabi po nila? SEC. COLOMA: Kung ‘yon po ang kanilang pakay, mayroon naman pong proseso sa pagbibigay konsiderasyon sa mga saloobing tulad niyan. Ms. Fernandez: At sinabi po ng isa po sa kanilang mga head na si George San Mateo na ‘yung joint administrative order (is a) money scheme of the government. Ano po ang inyong masasabi rito? SEC. COLOMA: Nakasaad na po mismo doon sa order ang layunin ng pamahalaan at hindi po ‘yung binanggit ninyo o ‘yung binanggit niya. Mr. Montano: Okay. Wala na po yatang mga questions, so ‘yung parting message po natin, paalala rin siguro sa darating na Undas. Nasa inyo po ang pagkakataon, Secretary. SEC. COLOMA: Siguro lang po ‘yung panawagan sa ating mga mamamayan na maging mapagmasid sa kanilang pagkilos para maging ligtas ang kanilang paglalakbay. Gumawa po ng sapat na preparasyon. Alam po natin na ang panahon ng Undas ay ang panahon na pinakamaraming Pilipino ang lumuluwas patungo sa kanilang mga hometown para magbigay-pugay sa alaala ng mga mahal sa buhay na pumanaw. Kaya’t pagtulungan na lang natin ‘yung kaayusan ng ating paglalakbay at ang kaligtasan po rin natin. *****

SOURCE: Presidential News Desk

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27 OCT 2014 PNoy admin rolls out P8-B more for Yolanda housing; Abad: Gov't rehab efforts part of 'Build back better' strategy Relief for Mayon evacuees aided by P61.5-M release; Abad: Enough funds for Albay relief operations BSP amends UITF regulations DSWD holds multi-stakeholders’ summit on street dwellers Good Governance Dialogues CDO leg redefine “good governance” DTI issues SRPs for Noche Buena products Basic and prime goods, home appliances and motorcycle helmets in DTI's Diskwento Caravan Roxas orders implementation of "Pasadya" or Customized Police Intervention DOLE, ILO team up for orientation and capacity-building for workers and employers on the new LLCS and ILO Convention 81 In Narra, Palawan, OFWs and dependents complete OWWA entrepreneurship development training; establishes eight OFW Family Circles Bangsamoro Law will not affect powers and IRA of LGUs CSC gets fifth ISO 9001:2008 certification DOST’s Mission Possible: Science chief bats for training to get jobs in manufacturing industry PHL Consulate General in Agana joins visit to USS George Washington PHL Consulate General in Shanghai builds Country Team, learns to save lives Alcala: farmers and fishers should benefit from R&D DA Chief awards P204-M projects to SOCCSKSARGEN PDIC to sell 310 properties at 9th Housing Fair PIDS report reveals 35% dropout rate among SGP-PA state scholars PH gets invited at Int’l Forum on Emerging Markets Infra
PNoy admin rolls out P8-B more for Yolanda housing; Abad: Gov't rehab efforts part of 'Build back better' strategy
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release an additional P8 billion to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the construction of permanent housing units for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. This comes after the Budget department released P11 billion for the same purpose in October 20, as announced by Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery Panfilo Lacson last week. The P8-billion release will be sourced from the 2014 Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (RRP), bringing the total released amount for Yolanda housing to P19 billion. DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Ultimately, our goal is to restore normalcy in these communities and improve their resiliency to disasters. This release will not just allow the NHA to provide shelter to Yolanda’s survivors. It will also ensure that the affected families will have quality, permanent housing that will enable them to weather future disasters safely.” The NHA had made the request for funds after assessing the housing requirements of the different areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The total requested amount of P19 billion, divided among the following regions, will be used to construct a total of 64,982 houses. The division of the amount and housing units is as follows: REGION HOUSING UNITS AMOUNT Region IV-B (areas in Palawan) 708 P207M Region V (areas in Masbate) 102 P29.9M Region VI (areas in Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, Aklan, Negros Occidental) 24,481 P7.14B Region VII (areas in Cebu) 6,292 P1.84B Region VIII (areas in Eastern Samar, Biliran, Leyte) 33,399 P9.78B TOTAL 64,982 P19B “But more than just building permanent housing for the Yolanda victims, the government is implementing the ‘Build Back Better’ strategy to rebuild communities in safer areas rather than in the danger zones where they were first located,” Abad said. The ‘Build Back Better’ goal also means government will target stronger infrastructure and better opportunities for economic growth in the newly-built or rebuilt communities, from properly repaired roads that can transport goods from farms to markets, to the reconstruction of classrooms, he added.
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Relief for Mayon evacuees aided by P61.5-M release; Abad: Enough funds for Albay relief operations
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P61.5 million to the Albay provincial government to augment their relief operations in assisting evacuees affected by the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The Albay provincial government is working closely with other government agencies to ensure the well-being of all affected families in evacuation centers. We are confident that Albay Governor Joey Salceda and his team will be able to direct their relief operations with the appropriate support from the national government.” The areas surrounding Mayon Volcano have been evacuated given the possibility of an eruption due to the presence of magma at the crater and a number of earthquakes in the past week, as reported by the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). In an October 21 update, the NDRMMC said a total of 13,591 families or 58,012 people have been affected in 39 barangays in two cities and five municipalities of Albay province. Of this number, 11,698 families or 46,421 people have been evacuated to 45 evacuation centers. Abad said, “The Aquino administration continues to monitor the situation in Albay. Meanwhile, we want to reassure the public that the National Budget can properly support contingencies like this. We have enough in the NDRMM and Quick Response Funds to draw on in the event of disasters, and our agencies and local governments are prepared to act quickly should an emergency arise.” In the same NDRMMC update, a total of P165 million worth of assistance had already been provided by different government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well as the Philippine Red Cross, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
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BSP amends UITF regulations
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
The Monetary Board (MB) approved new rules on the creation of a multi-class unit investment trust fund (UITF), enhancements in the disclosure requirements of UITFs, and the clarification of certain features of the target fund of a fund-of-funds/feeder fund UITF. The new regulations, which are stated in twin circulars approved by the MB on 25 September 2014, are in line with the thrust of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to implement regulatory reforms that promote a more efficient and transparent financial market environment. A multi-class UITF is a type of fund with more than one class of units which can be differentiated based on the level of trustee fees and expenses, minimum participation, minimum holding period, and target participants. Existing UITF regulations allow only for a single fee structure, minimum participation, minimum holding period and target participants for each UITF. The creation of the multi-class UITF is expected to promote operational efficiency by eliminating the need to create separate UITFs with different fee structures but with the same objectives and strategies; hence, improving the economies of scale for collective investments. Likewise, the BSP strengthened the disclosure requirements for UITFs by prescribing the use of the Key Information and Investment Disclosure Statement (KIIDS) and online posting of UITF information via a website. The KIIDS underscores key product features and information in a clear and concise manner which is expected to facilitate understanding and comparison among UITFs offered by trust entities. The enhanced disclosure was adopted to align with global best practices and provide easier access to UITF information. Moreover, for uniform application, the BSP clarified that exchange traded funds (ETFs) as well as other collective investment schemes (CIS) regulated by other regulatory authorities acceptable to the BSP aside from those who are members of the International Organization of Securities Commissions may be allowable target funds of fund-of-funds and feeder fund UITFs.
DSWD holds multi-stakeholders’ summit on street dwellers
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
For the first time, more than 100 participants from various sectors of society, national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and business groups; as well as program planners and street dwellers shall come together in a multi-stakeholders’ summit dubbed “A Conversation: Ensuring that Street Dwellers are Not Left Behind,” starting today until the 29th in Mandaluyong City. The summit carries the theme “Pagtutulungan Tungo sa Ligtas at Kaaya-ayang Pamumuhay”. Organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Future by Design Pilipinas (FBDP), the summit aims to come up with concrete suggestions and recommendations on how stakeholders and street dwellers can empower each other towards creating and sustaining safe and healthy communities for families, children, and unattached adults at risk on the streets. According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, stakeholders and street dwellers need to join hands to determine what this sector needs. With a convergence of efforts and resources of all stakeholders, street dwellers can be empowered towards an improved quality of life,” she said. To address the needs of street dwellers, DSWD is continuously implementing the Comprehensive Program for Street Children, Street Families, and Indigenous Peoples, especially Bajaus. The program aims to reduce visibility and vulnerability of street children and street families in critical areas in NCR where most of them can be found. Sec. Soliman said that the Department is working with partner-agencies and stakeholders in the community, converging and maximizing resources to ensure that the services under the comprehensive program are implemented in these areas. Services being provided to street children and their families include the operation of activity centers, social preparations, provision of opportunities to go back in the province and live a new life with better income opportunities through a livelihood program, and conduct of psycho-social services for healing and development through camping project and day/night minding center for very young children to enable their parents to work and earn for the family. As of September 2014, a total of 4,756 street children and 1,785 street families have availed of the package of services.
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Good Governance Dialogues CDO leg redefine “good governance”
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
(Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, October 24, 2014) — Participants of the Good Governance Dialogues in Cagayan de Oro saw citizen engagement in action as civil society organizations (CSOs) pushed for a third “K” to be added to Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad’s “may kwento ang bawat kwenta” mantra. More than kwento and kwenta, there should be also be “kilos,” said a CSO representative during the forum, attended by close to 200 heads of local government units and CSOs from Regions IX, X and XIII. Previously held in Manila and Cebu, the series of regional fora is organized by the Cabinet Cluster on Good Governance and Anti Corruption, in cooperation with the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) and INCITEGov. The regional forum is supported by the USAID-Facilitating Public Investment (FPI) project. It aims to make governance accessible to the grassroots by bringing together national and local governments, civil society organizations, business, academe and development partners for meaningful engagement. DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad opened the first day of the dialogues yesterday with a presentation on the reforms instituted under the Aquino Administration’s Budget Transformation agenda. Central to these reforms, according to Secretary Abad, is the policy of “spending within our means, on the right priorities, and with measurable results.” For its part, the USAID-FPI, represented by USAID Mission Director Gloria Steele, expressed its continuing support for the regional forum, as we as overall efforts by the government’s to bring stakeholders together to promote good governance and make government reforms work for the people. With budget openness framing the dialogues, the panel sessions on the second day focused on localizing good governance and inclusive government by exploring ways by which local government units and CSOs can build linkages towards meaningful and constructive engagement. The first talakayan session drew out the innovative ways model local governments are localizing good governance and creating inclusive local governments. The panel was composed of Mayor Evelyn Uy of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte; Vice Governor Ma. Cristina Navarro-Atay of Lanao del Norte; Councilor Melleanette Mercado of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and Councilor Kirk Asis of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The session emphasized the importance of empowering CSOs and citizens to take part in the government so programs are responsive to needs, especially of sectors like persons with disabilities (PWD), women and children, and youth. For the second talakayan session, DBM Undersecretary Richard Moya and Assistant Secretary Maxine Tanya Hamada, Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin, and Marie Labajo of the National Anti-Poverty Commission weighed in on the state of citizen engagement in the current government. The panelists discussed at length current government initiatives for citizen engagement, such as the award-winning Grassroots Participatory Budget Process and the bigger challenge of sustaining the positive gains in opening the government. Undersecretary Moya emphasized the importance of choosing leaders that will continue the reforms. Assistant Secretary Hamada, on the other hand, raised the urgent need to confront such challenges that have an impact on citizen engagement, such as downloading public funds to CSOs for program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. The government challenge to CSOs is to co-create the solution by coming up with localized commitment plans. The second day concluded with participants converging to create a commitment plan to localize good and inclusive governance. These plans were presented to the Governance Cluster secretariat to feed into the country’s next Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitment plan. The next Good Governance Dialogues will happen in Davao City and Baguio City in November. To join the good governance discussion online, “like” GGAC’s page (https://www.facebook.com/goodgovernancedialogue) on Facebook, or follow @goodgovPH) and the hashtags #goodgovPH and #opengovPH on Twitter.
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DTI issues SRPs for Noche Buena products
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued the 2014 Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) of Noche Buena products to guide consumers in their purchases during the holiday festivities at the same time to warn retailers nationwide to sell within the SRPs. “The SRPs are provided by manufacturers to set retail prices of products. With the published SRPs, consumers are guided on whether the goods sold are over-priced or above the profit margin,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba stated. “The DTI intensifies its market monitoring activities particularly for Noche Buena products to ensure stable prices and supplies this Christmas season and protect consumers from unscrupulous traders taking advantage of the spike in shopping activities,” Dimagiba added. DTI released the list SRPs of various Noche Buena products under its Price Watch section and will publish it in major newspapers. It will also distribute posters to supermarkets and retail stores nationwide. “Those retailers found selling above the SRPs shall be asked to explain the price hike and show cost of acquisition. If it turns out that the manufacturer or distributor was the one selling goods higher than the SRP, then DTI shall issue summons to these manufacturers or distributors to explain the increase in price,” Dimagiba explained. An administrative fine of up to P1M shall be imposed for violation of the Price Act subject to the circumstances provided after due notice and hearing. Criminal liability for illegal price manipulation may result to imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a maximum fine of P2M. The Filipinos’ commonly called “Noche Buena” products include: ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, keso de bola, pasta spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and, cream. For the DTI, a list of SRPs serves as the widely published prices of certain products to inform consumers and retailers. These SRPs assist consumers and retailers in managing and budgeting their finances when they are aware how much they need in buying goods. The DTI, through its Consumer Protection and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB), maintains an SRP verification program to double check if the product prices in the market are reasonable. The DTI requires the manufacturers of basic necessities and prime commodities to quarterly submit their product SRPs whether there are price changes or not. If the manufacturers have plans to change their SRPs, they are required to submit these changes a month prior to their effectivity dates together with their reasons and justifications. Meanwhile, Dimagiba advised, “DTI urges consumers to be vigilant and carefully check and compare the weights of competing brands, and more importantly, the expiration dates of food items prior to purchase." He emphasized that consumers must make sure that prices of goods at the cashier are the same with the shelf or item price, and to pay the lesser amount in case of price difference. DTI is closely coordinating with various industry associations such as the Philippine Association of Supermarket Inc. (PASI), and the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association (PAGASA) to ensure that there is prior notification and consultation with the Department whenever there are any plans of adjustments in SRPs so as to avoid problems with the retailers.
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Basic and prime goods, home appliances and motorcycle helmets in DTI's Diskwento Caravan
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joined the nationwide celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month (CWM) through a “Diskwento Caravan para sa CWM” on 08-10 October 2014 at the Trade and Industry building, 361 Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. The Diskwento Caravan is composed of manufacturers and distributors of basic necessities and prime commodities that the DTI and the Department of Agriculture (DA) monitor in the market. These products include rice, fresh meat, vegetables, sugar, cooking oil, canned meat and fish, bread, processed meat, detergent soap, instant noodles, and milk. Included in this caravan are the manufacturers and importers of products covered in the DTI’s Product Certification Scheme and have been issued the Philippine Standard (PS) license and/or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate. Among the critical products with the PS or ICC mark in the caravan are home appliances, Christmas lights, and motorcycle helmets. All products offered for sale in the Diskwento Caravan Para sa CWM have discounts ranging from 10% to 50%. The DTI has also arranged other dates of Diskwento Caravan in cooperation with the local government units. In the National Capital Region (NCR), below are the dates and areas for the Diskwento Caravan. 1. 08-10 October – DTI Main, Buendia, Makati City 2. 13-14 Oct – City Hall, Mandaluyong City 3. 15 Oct – City Hall, Quezon City 4. 16-17 Oct – City Hall, Paranaque City 5. 22-23 Oct – City Hall, Pasig City 6. 07 Nov – City Hall, Makati City 7. 29 Nov – Municipal Hall, Pateros City For the schedules of Diskwento Caravan in other regions and provinces refer to the National Schedule in the advisories section call DTI Direct 751.3330 and 0917.8343330. For the complete list of home appliance and their brands that bear the PS & ICC marks, visit www.bps.dti.gov.ph. Consumers may report establishments that sell critical products without the PS or ICC mark or with a questionable PS or ICC mark also to DTI Direct.
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Roxas orders implementation of "Pasadya" or Customized Police Intervention
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
As the Christmas season draws nearer, Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas ordered the packaging of a “pasadya” or customized intervention for the different malls in Metro Manila. He directed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) P/Dir. Gen. Carmelo Valmoria to order the different station commanders who has jurisdiction over the said malls to coordinate with mall owners to get data about the malls’ foot traffic and security guards manning the establishment and package a “pasadya” or customized intervention based on these data. He said, “ibang patient ito, so separate gamot, separate therapy (this is a different patient, so it needs a separate medication, separate therapy).” He also ordered the NCRPO to implement the pasadya approach in the eight crime-prone areas in Metro Manila, including Masambong area in Quezon City, Sampaloc in Manila, Pasig City and Mandaluyong City. Roxas earlier likened the strategy to a tailor who sometimes makes outfits which are custom-made for particular clients. He said, “we can implement using the ‘pasadya’ approach (in these areas) and the rest can use ready-to-wear (RTW) interventions. (we can implement using the customized approach (in these areas) and the rest can use ready-to-wear (RTW) interventions).” He ordered Valmoria to coordinate with mall owners to declare the areas crime-free shoppers zone. He said “this is an area which has its own characteristics. Do a specific intervention.” Roxas also ordered the deployment of additional 1,300 police personnel to the crime prone areas as part of the pasadya approach. He likewise directed the installation of the high-resolution closed circuit television (CCTVs) in the said areas before the Christmas season.
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DOLE, ILO team up for orientation and capacity-building for workers and employers on the new LLCS and ILO Convention 81
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Over a hundred officials and members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils (RTIPCs), representatives of labor and employers from local TIPCs and ITCs, officers and staff of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), officers of the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Boards of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, human resource development officers of selected private sector companies, and the regional directors of DOLE regional offices in the island of Mindanao yesterday received, for the first time, a comprehensive orientation on the DOLE's new Labor Laws Compliance System and on Convention 81 of the International Labor Organization (ILO). This is the second such activity, organized and conducted by the DOLE's Bureau of Labor Relations, or BLR, and supported by the ILO, in as many weeks. The first area-wide orientation was held Friday last week in Manila for the officers and members of the same offices in Luzon. The third area-wide orientation in the Visayas will be held on 30 October in Cebu City. Top officials of the DOLE, led by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Undersecretary Rebecca Chato, the DOLE's internal and labor relations cluster head, attended the area-wide orientation. Also attending were DOLE's Legal Service chief Atty. Romeo Montefalco, Bureau of Working Conditions Director Atty. Catherine Legados-Parado, and Bureau of Labor Relations Director Atty. Benjo Benavidez. "We hold this area-wide consultation on the new LLCS and Convention 81 to (a) raise awareness on labor laws and regulations; (b) capacitate labor and employers to voluntarily comply with labor laws, (c) advocate the use of feedback mechanisms on the LLCS and the Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs); and (d) raise awareness on ILO Convention 81 (1947)," said Baldoz who, in her message, explained the general policy thrust of this far-reaching and comprehensive DOLE reform on labor inspection, a principal mandate of the Department. In her message, Baldoz narrated the history of the reform, how it was conceptualized and why, and how President Benigno S. Aquino III, no less, had personally instructed the Department of Budget and Management to provide the DOLE with a budget and gadgets for 372 new plantilla positions for labor laws compliance officers (LLCOs), formerly labor inspectors, to complement the DOLE's 202 existing labor inspection positions. "We have now an integrated framework of voluntary compliance and enforcement of labor laws and social legislations under the Rules on Labor Laws Compliance System as provided for by Department Order No. 131, s.2013," Baldoz said. Under the new LLCS, the DOLE has revolutionized labor inspection through a system that encourages labor laws and regulations compliance and fosters labor-management cooperation through social dialogue. "With the system, the DOLE is no longer feared, unlike in the previous labor enforcement system where business owners regard the DOLE's corps of labor inspectors as police officers looking for violations," said Baldoz. She said the new LLCS is aligned with the principles of ILO Convention 81 (Labor Inspection Convention), which provides for the “establishment of a system of labor inspection responsible for securing the enforcement and bringing to the notice of the competent authority possible loopholes in existing legal provisions relating to conditions of work and the protection of workers in industrial workplaces”. The ILO's Convention 81, according to ILO programme manager Diane Respall, is one of the four Governance Conventions that the ILO promotes for universal ratification. Respall, during the orientation, provided an overview of ILO Convention 81.The other ILO officer who attended the orientation is Cerilyn Pastolero, project coordinator. Director Parado gave the orientation on D.O. No. 131 S. 2013, which included a discussion on the modes of the LLCS implementation. Sonia Delfin, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE Regional Office No. 11 explained to the participants the LLCS's assessment checklist, with focus on the general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards. Director Benavidez; officer-in-charge Director Ma. Theresa M. Francisco of NCMB Region 11; and Ruby A. Badilles, Board Secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board in Region 11, took turns in discussing the other salient aspects of the LLCs, such as labor relations certification, LMC convergence, productivity, compliance committee, and labor and employment education services, etc. At the end of the orientation, the employers, workers’, and DOLE regional representatives from each region did a workshop on the formulation of an action plan on given scenarios that depict findings of non-compliance with labor standards. The action plan, according to Director Benavidez, will serve as guide to the tripartite partners during the remediation period. Baldoz said raising the awareness and capacitating the stakeholders on the LLCS is integral to its success and to effective compliance, particularly among labor and employers. "When we crafted this reform program, we believed that teaching our employers and workers on how to comply, what to comply with, and why they should comply is the key to our effort to cultivate a culture of voluntary compliance at the plant-level. Thus, the DOLE, through the Bureau of Labor Relations and the Bureau of Working Conditions, is going out of its way to "knock on your doors and windows" like the "friendly Electrolux" guy in the neighborhood. DOLE regional directors Sisinion Cano (Region 9); Raymundo Agravante (Region 10); Joffrey M. Suyao (Region 11); Ofelia Domingo (Region 12); and Johnson Canete (Caraga) were joined in the orientation by RTWPB Board Secretaries Joel Ijirani (Region 9); Atty. Gretchen Lamayan (Region 10); Ruby Badilles (Region 11); Jesse M. dela Cruz (Region 12); and Earl dela Victoria (Caraga). For the NCMB, Director Reynaldo Foncardas and Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Grace Joyce Bautista (Region 9); Director Florido J. Akut and Junaliza Aragon, Senior Labor and Employment Officer (Region 10); Director Francisco (Region 11); Director Feliciano Orihuela and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Gerie Lampitco (Region 12); and Officer-in-Charge Director Atty. Ligaya R. Lumbay and Labor and Employment Officer Isobel Tabaniag (Region 13) were at the orientation. Gina Ysrael of PHILAMCOP Davao City and Arrine Marie R. Reyes, Conciliator-Mediator were also present. From Region 9, the RTIPC members representing both labor and management from PERMEX, ZAMSURECO, Mega Plywood, Mega Fishing Corporation, and PCBSI, were at the orientation. From Region 10, presidents of five unions in SOLE Skyland North, DMPI, Integrated Port of Ozamis, Trine Construction and Metal Industry Corporation, and Philippine Sinter Corporation, were present. The ITCs of the tourism, banana, construction, maritime, and academe sectors in Region 11 were represented by their vice chairmen. The ITCs of the academe, plantation, construction, were also represented. Representatives, both from labor and management of the following companies also attended the orientation: ZAMCELCO, Southern Mindanao Colleges, DAVCO Southern Fresh Products, Elim Agri Supply Magnolia Division, Daima Shipping Corporation, and Oro Geometric Builders, were also present at the activity.
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In Narra, Palawan, OFWs and dependents complete OWWA entrepreneurship development training; establishes eight OFW Family Circles
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
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Bangsamoro Law will not affect powers and IRA of LGUs
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
KORONADAL CITY – "The exclusive legislative powers of the proposed Bangsamoro government as provided for in the (draft) Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) shall not, in any way, undermine the powers already enjoyed by the current local government units (LGUs) within and beyond the core territory of the Bangsamoro," said Atty. Al Julkipli, legal team member of the Government of the Philippines' peace panel. Julkipli issued this statement during the public hearing of the House of Representatives' Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL held Thursday at the FB Hotel in this city when officials of the LGU of South Cotabato led by Provincial Governor Daisy Fuentes expressed their concerns on how the provisions of the BBL may impinge on current rights and powers of LGUs. According to Julkipli “the exclusive legislative powers of the Bangsamoro government are in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 Section 20 of the Philippine Constitution, which affirms that the organic act of autonomous regions shall provide for its legislative powers within its territorial jurisdiction.” Julkipli also assured that the legislative power that will be vested on the Bangsamoro government will remain to be in consonance with national laws. “National laws will not be set aside. There will be efforts to harmonize national policies and regional laws through intergovernmental relationships, “ he explained. According to the draft BBL, filed as House Bill 4994 in the HOR, there will be an intergovernmental relations (IGR) body that will be set up to help the Bangsamoro and Central governments coordinate with each other in the exercise of shared powers. These shared powers are in areas such as social security and pension; pollution control; penology, coast guard; customs and tariffs; funding for the maintenance of national roads, bridges and irrigation systems; and public order and safety. Misamis Oriental second district Representative Henry Oaminal who serves as vice chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL affirmed Julkipli's statement, saying that the BBL does not seek to diminish nor contravene any existing national policies, which includes the Local Government Code. Instead, Oaminal said that “the goal of the (Bangsamoro) bill is to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.”‎ The congressman likewise explained that the internal revenue allotments of LGUs will not be affected nor decreased due to the annual block grant that will be allocated to the Bangsamoro. “The four-percent (4%) revenue allocation intended for the annual block grant (of the Bangsamoro) shall be deducted from the 60% share of the National Government,” Oaminal said, stressing that the current 40% budget allocation equally appropriated to all the LGUs in the country shall not be decreased nor touched at all. For her part, Fuentes said that she “has nothing against the establishment of the Bangsamoro government” and explained that the concerns she raised from her constituents only reflect their desire to understand and help in ensuring that the Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed “will not create more problems. That it will solve problems. That it should provide an environment that will provide every Bangsamoro to have a chance of bettering themselves.”
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CSC gets fifth ISO 9001:2008 certification
Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph
More and more services of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) are being certified to ISO 9001:2008, the international standard on Quality Management System, with its Accreditation and Registration Services for Employees’ Organizations as the latest to receive such certification. Particular services certified to ISO 9001:2008 are the Accreditation of Employees’ Organizations and the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) Registration. These are in line with CSC’s functions to ensure the development of responsible public sector unionism, improve management-employee relations, and assist and support employee organizations in government, which are managed by its Human Resource Relations Office. CSC Chair Francisco T. Duque III, Commissioner Robert S. Martinez, and Commissioner Nieves L. Osorio received the certification from TÜV Rheinland Philippines, Inc. Chief Operating Officer Tristan Arwen Loveres on October 20, 2014 at the CSC Central Office, Quezon City. “This latest certification to ISO 9001:2008 symbolizes our promise to our clients that we will continue to assess and improve our systems and processes so that we can deliver only the best quality of service to them,” Chair Duque said. Two years ago, the CSC began to pursue ISO certification for its core processes, in line with its vision to become a leading center of excellence for strategic human resource and organization development in Asia. The four previous certifications awarded to CSC were for Cases Adjudication, Examination, and Appointments Processing in 2012, and for Provision of External Training Service in 2013. With this latest development, the CSC has met its 2014 target in its Enterprise Scorecard to maintain the previous four certifications and obtain the fifth one for the Accreditation and Registration Services for Employees’ Organizations.
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DOST’s Mission Possible: Science chief bats for training to get jobs in manufacturing industry
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
Brighter employment prospects await at least 800 individuals who have received free training for CNC Tool Programming and Operations from the Department of Science and Technology- Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC). MIRDC’s training program is part of DOST’s push for industry competitiveness in the metals and engineering sector and in accordance with Secretary Mario G. Montejo’s directive to address the lack of workers with this skill in the manufacturing industry. Dr. Danilo N. Pilar, Chief of Technology Diffusion Division of MIRDC revealed that the Secretary’s directive came after Department of Labor and Employment identified CNC machining as a “mission critical skill” in 2012. This means that such is an absolute necessary skill in the industry; takes a long time to produce; and cannot be easily replaced. Computer numerical control (CNC) is a process in manufacturing that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. CNC machinists are in-charge of programming, setting up and operating CNC machines to cut, shape and form metal castings. Such machines allow the manufacture of products that are exactly the same copies. This is very important in aerospace, medical equipment, and other industries that require precision in manufacturing. MIRDC’s program to provide free CNC training to qualified unemployed individuals started in 2012 and will end December this year. “The trainees are given Php 300 per day as stipend for the entire duration of training program”, explained Dr. Pilar. The 62-day training program includes a twenty-day industry immersion with partner companies of MIRDC. So far, 569 have graduated from the program and another 237 are set to graduate from the ongoing batches, revealed Dr. Pilar. “This means we have exceeded the target of 800 trainee graduates by the end of the year,” he added. He also said the demand for CNC machinist is very high. In the first batch alone, MIRDC has monitored that more than half of the graduate trainees were eventually employed in the companies where they had their industry immersion. Most of their industry partner companies promise to hire the graduates from the training. According to Labor Market Trends Publication of the DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment, an entry level CNC machinist earns a salary of Php 15,000 to Php 20,000. Dr. Pilar clarified that they also accept employed individuals from their partner companies in the training program however a minimal training fee will be charged from them. Most of their trainees are from the unemployed ranks. The training graduates will also have to render three years of service in the country in exchange for the free training provided. The training program is being implemented in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in eight locations nationwide which include: MIRDC office in Bicutan Taguig, and TESDA training offices in Taguig, Baguio, Batangas, Ilo-ilo, Negross Occidental, Cebu, and Davao. Virgilio Lanzuela, immediate past national president of Metalworking Industry Association of the Philippines and owner of RollMaster Machinery and Industrial Services Corporation, commended DOST for its CNC training and other initiatives in the Metals Industry Sector. His company is one of the 24 industry partners of MIRDC in its training program. “Napakahirap para sa isang maliit na kumpanya ang magtrain ng CNC operators. Dati makakapagtraining ka lang kapag bumili ka ng equipment kasi kasama yun sa package (It’s difficult for a small company to get CNC ooperator trainings. Before, you can only avail of training if you buy an equipment as it is included already in the package,” He said. “With this training provided by MIRDC, companies like us can also have an opportunity to upgrade the skills of our employees.” To qualify under the program, an applicant must be at least be high school graduate with machining course from TESDA or TESDA accredited training institutions; vocational/trade course graduate or completed two years of college preferably in engineering course. Aside from CNC Machine Tool Programming and Operations, MIRDC also provides other trainings related to the metalwork industry. For more information, please log on to mirdc.dost.gov.ph or call (02) 8370764. (S&T Media Service)
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PHL Consulate General in Agana joins visit to USS George Washington
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
27 October 2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Agana joined the tour of the USS George Washington on October 03, upon the invitation of the Guam Agency of Human Resources Development (AHRD) and the US Navy in Guam. The USS George Washington (CVN-73) is a United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier or a "super carrier," the sixth carrier in the Nimitz class and the fourth US Navy ship named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. Based in Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan, it was among the first responders dispatched by the US government to bring aid to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan that struck Central Visayas in November 2013. Consul Edgar Tomas Q. Auxilian represented the Philippine Consulate General and joined the Guam government delegation led by Atty. Naoko Shimizu, wife of Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio, and AHRD Director Alfredo Antolin. The USS George Washington was docked at the Apra Harbor in the Guam US Naval Base for a four-day goodwill port visit from October 02 to 05 after the conclusion of the Valiant Shield 2014 exercise last September, to allow interested visitors in Guam a rare chance to tour the aircraft carrier. The Valiant Shield is a US-only exercise integrating Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps assets, offering real-world joint operational experience to develop capabilities that provide a full range of options to defend US interests and those of its allies and partners. While touring the aircraft carrier, Consul Auxilian had the chance to meet LTJG Hans “Stasi” Toohey, a pilot of one of the helicopters that brought relief goods in Tacloban City in the aftermath of Yolanda. Consul Auxilian thanked him and his other colleagues for their commendable efforts to help the typhoon survivors.
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PHL Consulate General in Shanghai builds Country Team, learns to save lives
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
27 October 2014 - Officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General and its attached agencies in Shanghai conducted a team-building activity at the Dai-ichi Electronics facilities, Jiading District, Shanghai from October 18 to 19. Going beyond the traditional games to improve unity and harmony in the workplace, the country-team learned from Dr. Sanjeev Choubej, a general practitioner at St. Michael Hospital in Shanghai, basic information and practical skills on first aid and basic life support. Aptly entitled “Your Hands Can Save Lives,” the lecture and demonstration provided the country-team information on detecting the symptoms of and responding to medical emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke and choking. Philippine Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan, who led the two-day activity, expressed his gratitude to the country-team for working together to fulfill their mandate in Shanghai and enjoined them to remain strong amid the challenges at the Consulate General.
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Alcala: farmers and fishers should benefit from R&D
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
Agriculture Secretary encouraged scientists and researchers to conduct studies geared towards uplifting the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisher folks at the grassroots level, the ultimate beneficiaries of their technical work. During the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s 26th National Research Symposium (NRS) Awarding Ceremony held on 24 October 2014, Alcala congratulated the winners and encouraged the commercialization of their outstanding research in agriculture and fisheries development. “Kailangan na i-apply ang research para magkaroon ng practical at commercial value. Sayang naman kung maganda at mahusay yung research ngunit walang commercial value” [Research must be applied to gain practical and commercial value. Excellent research is futile if it will not have commercial value], said Alcala. Alcala stressed that agriculture and fisheries sector will not move forward if Research and Development (R&D) work is neglected. “We will be left behind kung pababayaan ang R&D,” he added. Since Alcala assumed post, he has been continually pushing for the increase of R&D funding. From PhP 200 million in 2010, budget for research ballooned to PhP 1 billion in 2014. DA’s proposed R&D budget for 2015 is PhP 1.3 billion. DA institutions and research stations fielded more participants and winners in this year’s NRS compared to previous annual symposia. The team from DA-Cagayan Valley Research Center received the Gold AFMA Best R&D Paper Award in Development Research category for their paper entitled “Peanut MAGIC: CPAR Approach Towards Enhanced Productivity in Corn-based Areas of Region 02.” The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech) bagged the Gold AFMA Best R&D Paper Award in Socio- Economics research for the paper “Corn Postproduction Modules for Farmer-based Agribusiness Enterprises” and also the Gold Award in Applied Research TG/IG Agriculture for “Optimization of Parboiling Conditions of Local Rice Varieties” The Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) was awarded for entries under the Applied Research TG/IG Agriculture entitled “Development and Evaluation of Functional Beverage with Germinated Brown Rice as Base Ingredient,” “Development of In Vitro Technique for Micropropagation of Nipa Palm (Nypa fruticans Wurmb., Arecaceae) from Embryo,” and “Development of Rice Varieties for High-temperature Tolerance in the Philippines” (Southern Cagayan Research Center, Iguig, Cagayan). Baguio National Crops Research and Development Center – Bureau of Plant Industry was recognized for research on “Trichoderma-based Management of Soil-borne Pathogens of Potato and Strawberry in the Highlands,” and the DA_Regional Crop Protection Center in Bangcud, Malaybalay City for work on “Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead as Biological Control Agent of Rice Leaf Folder (Cnaphalocrosis medinales, Guenee). DA-Regional Office 01 and Ilocos Integrated Agricultural Research Center took home the Silver Award under the Development Research-Agriculture category for the paper “Community-based Participatory Action Research: An Effective Strategy in the Development of Rural Communities in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.” Nine out of seventeen NRS awardees this year hail from DA agencies and research centers, the rest coming from state universities and colleges namely University of the Philippines – Los Banos, Central Mindanao University, University of the Philippines – Visayas, Isabela State University, Cagayan State University, Central Luzon State University, and Cavite State University. Sec. Alcala said DA is gaining ground in its goal to produce quality practical applications of technologies. The theme of the 26th NRS is “Agriculture and Fisheries R&D: Facing the Challenges of Agricultural Landscape for Sustainable Development.” Alcala conferred the awards for AFMA Best R&D Papers and Best Poster Winners together with DA-BAR Director Dr. Nicomedes Eleazar, Asst. Director Teodoro Solsoloy, and ASEAN Center for Biodiversity Executive Director – Atty. Roberto Oliva during the NRS Closing Program at the Sequioa Hotel, Quezon City. (Marlo Asis, DA-AFID)
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DA Chief awards P204-M projects to SOCCSKSARGEN
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala led the awarding of P204-M worth of projects to farmer groups and LGUs of SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12) in a mass distribution of farm machineries and postharvest facilities at the Tupi Seed Farm, Bololmala, Tupi, South Cotabato on October 22, 2014. “We are positive that with these investments, SOCCSKSARGEN can further improve its agricultural production, with the region being known to produce word-class quality agricultural products,” Alcala said in a statement. Farmers in the region have been exporting brown and black rice to Asia and the Middle East, Amalia Jayag Datukan, Regional Executive Director of DA-SOCCSKSARGEN said. Alcala said that DA has been heavily investing in farm machineries and post-harvest facilities through various fund sources such as the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Program (GPBP), Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), and the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), along with the department’s Agri-Pinoy banner and regular programs. Alcala stressed that these investments not only aim to meet food security targets but also to prepare the agriculture sector for the ASEAN integration, which will form the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). “Of course it would be best to invest in areas that have big potential to compete in the AEC market. We are maximizing SOCCSKSARGEN’s good reputation in terms of producing high-quality products,” Alcala added. Eligible farmer-recipients received seven certificates of turn-over for small-scale irrigation projects (SSIP) worth P40M, while the local government unit of Isulan officially received the Certificate of Availability of Funds (CAF) worth P33.7M for the rehabilitation of three farm-to-market roads. Secretary Alcala also led the distribution of checks worth P68.5M under the GPBP and PAMANA projects to recipient LGUs from the four provinces of the region. Datukan said that almost P63M worth of farm machineries, postharvest facilities, infrastructure projects, and other agricultural-projects were handed to the partner farmer groups. These include 43 units of hand tractors worth P4.5M; 48 units of rice threshers worth P5.9M; 10 units of farm tractors worth P20.9-M; five units of farm tractors worth P10.8M; 12 units of cassava grater worth P1.6M; one four-wheel drive tractor worth P637,500; one unit shallow tube well worth P85,000; 6 units of multi-cultivator with accessories worth P1.3M; 30 power sprayers; one coffee processing facility worth P1.1M; one cacao processing facility worth P 1.6M; and 700-meter farm-to-market road in Surallah town worth P2.9M. Prior to the activity, the Secretary attended the ground blessing of the on-going construction of the P75-M DA RFO-12 building located at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City. More than 1,000 farmer-beneficiaries, congressional representatives, barangay and local officials, and other agriculture industry stakeholders attended the activity. This was the Secretary’s fourth visit in Region 12. (DA-RAFID 12)
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PDIC to sell 310 properties at 9th Housing Fair
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is offering for negotiated sale a total of 310 properties at the 9th Housing Fair organized by the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) on October 24 to 26, 2014 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. These properties have a combined minimum disposal price of P145.41 million. Up for sale are corporate assets as well as properties owned by various closed banks. These include residential, commercial and industrial properties located in the National Capital Region particularly in the cities of Caloocan and Pasay, and in various cities and municipalities in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Mindoro Occidental, Mindoro Oriental, Quezon, Rizal, Romblon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Aklan, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental. The PDIC said that it is selling the assets on cash and installment basis at discounted interest rates of up to 20% of the minimum disposal price on cash basis, and up to 10% of the minimum disposal price on installment basis. Inquiries on the assets for sale may be addressed to the Asset Management and Disposal Group that will man the PDIC exhibit booth at the Fair. Information on the properties for sale may also be accessed through the Property Finder in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The participation in housing fairs is in line with the PDIC's strategic direction to expeditiously dispose of non-financial assets, as outlined in its medium-term Roadmap to 2019. As Liquidator of closed banks, PDIC disposes assets acquired from closed banks to benefit the uninsured depositors and creditors by way of helping enhance recovery of their deposits and investments. Meanwhile, proceeds from the sale of corporate assets are added to the Deposit Insurance Fund, PDIC's main fund source for payment of insured deposits.
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PIDS report reveals 35% dropout rate among SGP-PA state scholars
Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph
AROUND 35 percent of those who dropped out of the Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) were uninterested in pursuing tertiary education. This was stated in a policy note titled How Should Income-Based Grantees in Tertiary Education be Chosen? authored by Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) consultant Denise Valerie Silfverberg. Silfverberg said that because of this, there is a need to refine the selection process of choosing grantees of tertiary-degree programs in the future. The selection process needs to be refined to efficiently allocate the financial assistance to the targeted population. The program should aid those who are financially constrained but should focus on those who have the least ability constraints. The best available tool for gauging this would be admission exams, Silfverberg said. Silfverberg said the SGP-PAs primary criteria for eligibility is if the potential grantee is a recipient of the Conditional Cash-Transfer Program and if there is no college graduate in the family. The study also stated that academic merit was not considered when choosing the beneficiaries except for high-school completion. However, the study showed that 139 students who dropped out of the program for various reasons. The highest number of dropouts was recorded at 39 at the Cordillera Administrative Region. There were 12 reasons the students dropped out and three of them accounted for 35 percent of the dropouts who cited lack of interest, preference to work and academic difficulties. Silfverberg said this indicated that the chosen grantees were simply unprepared for tertiary education. Other reasons for dropping out included pregnancy, health issues, familial obligations, behavioral issues, homesickness and even cultural change experienced through relocation. Apart from ensuring the overall readiness of scholarship grantees, there is a need to increase scholarship funds and improve the delivery of stipends to scholars. A number of grantees who have dropped out have indicated their intention to return to university and finish their degrees. Most of these grantees were those who had unplanned pregnancies and those who had financial difficulties due to the delayed release of stipends, Silfverberg, however, said. The SGP-PA supports students unable to afford tertiary education. The program was implemented in academic year (AY) 2012 to 2013 and will be expanded to 36,000 students from 4,000 students in AY 2014 to 2015. The total grant amounts to P60,000 per academic year per student. The amount covers tuition, textbook support, and stipend or living expenses for the grantees. The government extends P10,000 per semester for tuition and other fees; P2,500 per semester for textbooks and other learning materials; and P3,500 per month for 10 school months as stipend.
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PH gets invited at Int’l Forum on Emerging Markets Infra
Source: http://ppp.gov.ph
A leading international financial information group invited the Philippine government through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)Center to join the gathering of global infrastructure fund managers and asset owners, institutional investors, infrastructure developers and other foreign government and multi-lateral agencies at London, England last week. The Private Equity International (PEI), a financial information group dedicated to the alternative asset class of private equity globally, requested the PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao to be one of the speakers at the Infrastructure Investor: Emerging Markets Forum 2014 in London, England. The two-day forum aims to provide insights from leading figures on the goals, challenges, risks and opportunities associated with emerging market infrastructure developments. During the forum, Executive Director Canilao discussed the government’s role in accelerating infrastructure development and creating a framework attractive to private sector investment. She also presented the various PPP investments opportunities in the country, PPP projects open to bidding, and the status of awarded projects. So far, the Philippines has already awarded eight (8) projects through the public-private partnership program. The highlight of her talk was the sharing of the Philippines’ experience in building up the country’s PPP program through the PPP Center and major efforts in the areas of policy and process improvements, project development and structuring, capacity building, continuous dialogue with the market, and public communications. This experience has in fact been considered a source of learning for countries in the Asia-Pacific Region developing their own PPP programs. Recently, the royal governments of Tonga and Bhutan visited the country to gain insights and study the Philippines PPP program. Canilao reiterated in the forum the different key success factors of the government’s PPP program. “The key success factors of the Philippines PPP program are the Project Development and Monitoring Facility and active Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) facilitation during project preparation”, she said. She also stressed the importance of a streamlined evaluation process for PPP projects. “Another success factor is the streamlined PPP evaluation process with core Technical Working Group composed of PPPC, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority and Department of Environment and National Resources”, she added. The government is currently pushing for the amendment of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) law into the PPP Act to facilitate more private sector investments in key infrastructure and development sectors and to ensure sustainability of the program.
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1. Tagalog news: 2 programa ng Quezon, binigyang pagkilala

sa  Galing Pook Awards

Monday 27th of October 2014

QUEZON, Okt. 27 (PIA) -- Itinanghal kamakailan ang dalawang programa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon bilang Outstanding Local Governance Program sa buong Pilipinas sa katatapos lamang na Galing Pook Awards na ginanap noong  ika-21 ng Oktubre sa EDSA Shangri-La Manila.

 

Kabilang sa mga programang binigyan ng pagkilala ay ang Serbisyong Suarez Health Coupon o Lingap Kalusugan para sa Barangay na napakinabangan ng mahigit 162,081 Quezonian para sa serbisyong medikal simula ng ipatupad ito noong 2010.

 

Kabilang rin ang Quezon’s 2 in 1, programang pang kalikasan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, kung saan umabot sa mahigit na 2,766,342 bakawan ang naitanim sa ekta-ektaryang baybay-dagat sa lalawigan ng Quezon.

 

Ang parangal ay ipinagkaloob ng Galing Pook Foundation katuwang ang iba't-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno kabilang ang Department of Interior and Local Givernment (DILG), Ford Foundation, Local Government Academy, Landbank of the Philippines at Philippine Postal Corporation.

 

Ang Galing Pook Awards ay maituturing na pinakamataas at pinakaprestihiyosong parangal na maaaring matanggap ng isang local government unit kung saan kinikilala ang mga epektibo at sustainable na programa na ipinatutupad ng lokal na pamahalaan. (Reygan Mantilla-Quezon PIO/FSC, PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=621414374867#sthash.VndiE0Xz.dpuf

2. Tanauan whiz kid bags silver in int'l math and science 

olympiad

 

Monday 27th of October 2014

TANAUAN CITY, BATANGAS Oct. 27 (PIA) -- Still grieving for the tragic loss of his father, 11-year-old math and science whiz Albriz Moore Comia Bagsic once again brought honors, not only to Tanauan City but also to the whole country after copping a silver medal in the recently concluded 11th International Math and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary Schools held in Bali, Indonesia last October 5-11, 2014.

 

A consistent member of the Philippine Math Team competing in various international tilts, the Grade-6 standout from Lilyrose School placed second in the Science Category of the annual event considered as the toughest among international math and science competitions. 

 

This year’s IMSO edition drew 226 participants from different countries such as Brunei, China, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and host Indonesia.

 

“This is how our schools are performing and this is our response to the call of the Mayor for quality and excellence in education as we present here our return on investment,” said Ronald Ramilo, Math Supervisor of Department of Education (DepEd)-Tanauan as he thanked the city government led by Mayor Thony C. Halili during the regular flag raising ceremonies held last Monday at the city hall gymnasium.

 

Meanwhile, Mayor Halili praised Bagsic’s feat and affirmed his unwavering support to the student.  He also congratulated the DepEd-Tanauan City officials and Bagsic’s mother Alnice for their astounding roles in bringing honors and adding colors to the city.

 

Last June of the present year, the Bagsic family was waylaid by still unidentified gunmen which resulted to the death of his father, Police Officer 2 Estratuto Bagsic. (Gerard Laresma-Tanauan CIO/PIA Batangas/PIA-4A)