Dispatch for November 13 , 2014 (Thursday) , 2 Weather Watch, 2 Regional watch , 2 OFW Watch , 12 Online News , PCOO 40 Photo Releases :

PCOO - Photo Releases

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

• 

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 13 November 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 13 November 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 a.m., 13 November 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Tail-end of a cold front affecting Eastern Visayas. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern and Central Luzon.

 

Forecast: 

Eastern Visayas will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos Region will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north with slight to moderate seas.

 
OVER METRO MANILA:

Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 32.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:30 AM Yesterday --- 22.6 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:30 AM Yesterday --- 97%
Minimum Relative Humidity: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 54%

Low Tide Today: 9:40 AM ..... -0.06 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 1:48 AM ..... 0.86 Meter

Sunrise Today: 5:56 AM
Sunset Today: 5:24 PM

Moonset Today: 11:03 AM
Moonrise Today: 10:57 PM
Illumination Today: 65%

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

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Nawala na ang LPA na huling natagpuan sa silangan ng Visayas.
-Makararanas pa rin ng minsang malakas na ulan ang Eastern Visayas bukas.
-Makararanas ng thunderstorm sa umaga ang Caraga Region at Northern Mindanao.
-Magiging maulan din sa Southern Luzon, lalo na sa Bicol Region.
-Sa Metro Manila, mababa ang tsansa ng ulan maghapon hanggang gabi.

 

PIA Regional Watch

15 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 240 iskolar ang nagtapos sa pagsasanay kamakailan sa ilalim ng programang Bridging Employment through Skills Training (BEST) na magkatuwang na itinaguyod ng Malampaya Foundation, Inc.

 

 

 

PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pinangunahan ng National Nutrition Council (NNC) CALABARZON ang forum on the salt iodization sa lalawigan ng Batangas sa layuning mapalaganap ang pagsusulong ng paggamit ng iodized salt upang malunasan ang problema sa iodine deficiency.

 

 

 

  

PIA OFW Watch

15 hours ago

PIA-6/ILOILO: Bombo Radyo Hong Kong correspondent Merly Bunda reported that Ilonggo OFW Sevelio Solinap based in Dubai was acquitted for the death of an Indian national who was killed after a scaffolding fell at the construction site. It was learned that Solinap was operating the crane that touched the scaffolding that collapsed. With the decision of the court, Solinap is now free to go home in the country.

PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

DZMM: Inalerto ni DOJ Sec. De Lima ang mga ahensyang nasa IACAT na magpatupad ng agresibong kampanya upang hikayatin ang mga manggagawang Pilipino na huwag ng bumiyahe sa Syria. Ayon kay De Lima, dapat na ipaalam sa mga Pilipinong manggagawa ang modus ng mga trafficker at ang maaari nilang kaharapin pagdating sa Syria na nahaharap sa kaguluhan.

 

 

 

 
 

RIZAL

1. Antipolo CSWD nagsagawa ng “lingap-kabataan” sa mga bata sa lansangan

November 13, 2014

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Nob. 13-- Matagumpay na inilunsad ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Antipolo ang “Operation: Lingap ng Kabataan” kung saan mahigit sa 20 street children ang nasagip sa mga Barangay ng San Isidro, Inarawan at Sta. Cruz ng mga operatiba.

Ang “Operation: Lingap ng Kabataan” ay alinsunod sa direktiba ni Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares na pinangangasiwaan ng City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) sa pakikipagtulungan ng Philippine National Police - Antipolo. Layunin ng Operation: Lingap Kabataan na paigtingin ang pangangalaga sa kalagayan ng mga kabataan sa lungsod ng Antipolo.

“Nais ng ating butihing mayor na maiiwas ang ating mga street children sa kapahamakan, pang-aabuso at pagsasamantala at sa pamamagitan ng Lingap sa Kabataan, nabibigyan natin ang mga street children ng sapat na kalinga at pag-asa para sa mas magandang kinabukasan,” ang pahayag ni CSWD Officer-in-Charge Monette Martin.

Idinagdag pa ni OIC Martin na kasama sa adhikain ni Mayor Ynares na mai-angat ang antas ng kalagayan at edukasyon ng mga kabataan sa lungsod at maipadama sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa na bukod sa kanilang pamilya ay handang tumulong ang lokal na pamahalaan upang maibsan ang kanilang kahirapan.

Isasailalim ang mga magulang o guardian ng mga street childen sa Spiritual Enhancement for Parents habang ang mga kabataan ay bibigyan ng Children Counseling na ibibigay ng kani-kanilang barangay. Kabilang din dito ang pagbibigay ng community services sa mga batang nasagip at tuluy-tuloy na guidance counseling seminar para sa mga magulang.

Kamakailan ay nagkaroon ng pagpupulong ang mga opisina ng CSWD, Office of the City Mayor for Peace and Order Concerns, mga government agencies at barangay officials para sa preparasyon at hakbang na dapat gawin para sa pagpapatupad ng Operation: Lingap sa Kabataan. (ANTIPOLO PIO/PIA-Rizal)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2261415838981/antipolo-cswd-nagsagawa-ng-lingap-kabataan-sa-mga-bata-sa-lansangan#sthash.hhZMvJFc.dpuf

 

QUEZON

1. DSWD, Quezon Province sign MOA for KALAHI CIDSS-NCDP

November 12, 2014

QUEZON PROVINCE, Nov. 12 (PIA) ― The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government here signed recently a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDP).

Signed by DSWD Field Office IV-A Director Leticia T. Diokno and Gov. David C. Suarez, the MOA details the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in the implementation of the program.

The KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is the expanded and upgraded implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS program, which had been implemented in the Quezon province for the past 10 years.

The said program utilizes the Community Driven Development approach of empowering communities to participate and spearhead in the identification, planning, implementation and management of the necessary sub-projects, including those that aims to response or mitigate the effects disasters. Among these sub-projects are farm to market roads, school buildings, health stations, and water systems projects.

In her message, Dir. Diokno explained that the KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP which will further improve basic access to services is one of DSWD’s responses to poverty situation in the province.

On the other hand, Governor Suarez said that the provincial government is grateful for the continuous assistance of the agency.  He affirmed that they will provide the needed counterpart for the upgraded implementation of the program.

During the ten years of implementation of the Kalahi-CIDSS in the province, a total of 637 community sub-projects had been implemented with a total project cost of P626 million, including P203 million local counterpart.

The upgraded program now targets 20 municipalities in the province including Burdeos, Mauban, Candelaria, San Antonio, Agdangan, Buenavista, Catanuan, Gen. Luna, Macaleon, Plaridel, Unisan, San Andres, San Francisco, Alabat, Calauag, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Perez, Quezon and Tagkawayan. (FSC, PIA-4A with reports from DSWD-4A)

       

 

12 NOVEMBER 2014.
	President Aquino hopes initial meeting with President Xi improves Philippine-China relations
	President arrives in Myanmar for the 25th ASEAN Summit
	Philippines to send medical resources to Ebola-stricken West Africa, President Aquino says
	President Aquino remains upbeat about Filipino-Chinese relations after brief meeting with President Xi Jinping
	President Aquino says he hopes Congress would focus on important legislation
	President Aquino remains firm on CALAX rebid
	President Aquino, other leaders gather for ASEAN Summit in Myanmar
	President Aquino hopes to emulate China’s success in hosting APEC
	ASEAN launches two books on devastation caused by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Philippines
	Palace: President Aquino is not stopping Senate probe on Vice President
	President Aquino seeks support of India, U.N. member nations in sea dispute
	Myanmar President extols Bangsamoro peace pact

President Aquino hopes initial meeting with President Xi improves Philippine-China relations   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III said he hopes his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the APEC Leaders' Meeting here will improve relations between the two countries. The President told the Philippine media delegation in an interview at the Philippine embassy here that he and President Xi had an opportunity to talk for several minutes after a tree planting event at the Summer Grounds of the International Convention Center near the Yanqi Lake. According to the President, Xi mentioned the good relationships between the Philippines and China that dates back many years ago. President Xi hoped that the Philippine side could return to the basis of the previous consensus, and go in the same direction as China to deal with the relevant issues in a constructive way, and to create conditions for the healthy development of China-Philippines relations, he said. "We are very happy in the sense that it’s the first time that we’ve had direct contact with them after I met with President Hu Jintao previously," the President said. "So it’s a nice opening. Hopefully, it will lead to something concrete." The Philippines and China have been embroiled in territorial dispute in the West Philippines Sea. The country filed an arbitration case in the international tribunal to resolve the territorial row, a move rejected by China. The President said he invited President Xi to come to Manila for the 2015 APEC Summit, adding they both asked for the support of all the APEC leaders. APEC activities are year-round events, and the President said his last interaction with fellow leaders was to ask for everybody’s support for the success of the country's hosting of APEC next year. President Aquino concluded his attendance to the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting with an interview with the Philippine media. He flies to Myanmar Tuesday evening to attend the 25th ASEAN Summit. PND (as) TOP President arrives in Myanmar for the 25th ASEAN Summit   (NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno Aquino III arrived here on Tuesday night to participate in the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which will be held at the Myanmar International Convention Center from November 12 to 13. On board chartered Philippines Airlines Flight PR001, President Aquino, together with his official delegation, touched down at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport at 11:10 p.m. The President, who came from his successful visit to China for the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua and Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Colonel Edgardo de Leon. On the side of Myanmar, officials who welcomed the President were Myanmar Chief Protocol U Thurin Thant Zin, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Ye Myint Aung, Liaison Officer of the President Han Win Nain and Security Officer to the President Police Colonel Tun Naing. Aquino’s official delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria. The President went straight to his hotel where he was welcomed by Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. UPresident Aquino will start his busy day here on Wednesday, November 12, with the opening ceremony of the 25th ASEAN Summit at 9 a.m. At 10 a.m., the President, along with fellow ASEAN leaders, will grace the launching of ASEAN Institute of Green Economy. The ASEAN Communication Master Plan will also be launched, which aims to enhance regional cooperation through human development and social welfare. After the launching, the President will attend the 25th Plenary Session, and will join his fellow leaders for the traditional group photo. Myanmar President U Thein Sein will deliver his opening remarks to welcome the leaders. He will then invite ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minih to report on the developments in ASEAN. President Thein Sein will make his intervention and then invite other leaders to deliver their respective interventions starting with Malaysia as the incoming chair of ASEAN. After the plenary session, the President will take part in other related summits including the 12th ASEAN-India Summit, 17th ASEAN-Japan Summit, 6th ASEAN UN Summit, and ASEAN-Australia 40th Commemorative Summit. President Aquino is scheduled to have a bilateral meeting with Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and a pull aside meeting with Australia Prime Minister Tony Abott. A gala dinner hosted by President Thein Sein and spouse Madama Daw Khin Khin Win will cap off the President’s first day in Myanmar. PND (jb) TOP Philippines to send medical resources to Ebola-stricken West Africa, President Aquino says   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Philippines will send medical resources in support of the global effort to help nations overwhelmed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. President Aquino conveyed this Tuesday evening during a chat with Manila-based reporters covering his participation at the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit here. “Talagang severe ‘yung pressures on the health systems of the countries in West Africa, and America, Japan, China, etc. (are) all sending people to assist people, resources, etc. Tayo naman palagay ko, we will just send resources—medical kits, medical supplies, and so on and so forth,” the President said. World leaders who attended the APEC Summit made a commitment to tackle pandemic diseases, terrorism, natural disasters, climate change, and other global challenges, as stated in paragraph 45 of the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration. “In confronting the current Ebola Virus Disease epidemic, we are determined to intensify our cooperation and work shoulder to shoulder with African nations to help them effectively end this epidemic and prevent, detect, manage, and respond to future outbreaks,” the APEC leaders stated in the declaration. President Aquino said his counterparts talked in passing about the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, thinking of ways to contain an epidemic of these diseases. “So ‘yung emphasis on Ebola is it’s a very serious problem. It needs coordinated action throughout the world. And, ‘yun na nga, (the fact that) may formal and public commitments to do something about it now is, I guess, the biggest takeaway there, especially from those that have the most resources and most knowledge to deal with something like this,” he explained. President Aquino further mentioned the need to have government procedures against Ebola in place, especially in time for the return of Filipino peacekeepers from Liberia, which was among the heavily affected areas. “Naninigurado tayo na (maayos) ‘yung proseso ng BID (Bureau of Immigration and Deportation). For instance, paano ba ‘yung screening? ‘Yung screening, manganganak din ‘yon; mag-aapela tayo to the general public: ‘Baka may kamag-anak kayo na nandiyan, may kaibigan kayo—hindi joke ito—baka lang exposed diyan. Danger sa inyo iyan; danger sa buong community,” he said. More than 5,000 people have reportedly died from the Ebola fever, out of 13,592 confirmed cases in eight affected nations -- Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Mali, Spain, and APEC-member economy, the United States. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino remains upbeat about Filipino-Chinese relations after brief meeting with President Xi Jinping   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a brief discussion on Tuesday about their respective countries’ maritime disputes. The meeting was viewed to be an encouraging sign towards the improvement of bilateral relations between the Philippines and China. In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday afternoon, President Aquino said he is thankful for the warm welcome extended to him by President Xi and for engaging him in a short dialogue on the sidelines of a tree-planting event at the conclusion of the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting here. “I think the warmth was there… When we had the informal pull-aside after the tree-planting ceremony, there was the sincerity. There was a factual laying out of the attendant issues, and also where we were, where we are, and where we hope to be,” President Aquino said. “And, I guess, in most of the general points, I think we had a meeting of the minds. But, again, the details of how to actually operationalize this are something that will have to be tasked to perhaps other levels on both sides,” he added. President Aquino and President Xi touched on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during their pull-aside meeting and both agreed to come up with “constructive” ways to address the issue. “He told me that we’ve had good relations from, I think, was it generations? Decades? For a very long time, we’ve had good relations. From all the previous leaders of our countries, we’ve had good relations. Hopefully, we can go back to having good relations, or something to that effect. This was after the tree-planting ceremony, so (it lasted) probably about 10 minutes or so, while we were walking back to the building,” the Chief Executive said. The meeting between the two leaders was unexpected, but President Aquino welcomed this positive development. The last time a high-level interaction took place between the leaders of China and the Philippines was when President Aquino met with then Chinese President Hu Jintao during the former’s state visit in Beijing in 2011. “We are very glad that there was this opportunity to discuss and to have this dialogue with him, given the fact that the last time there was a high-level dialogue between a Philippine leader and a Chinese leader was when I had a state visit in 2011 and, of course, there were so many developments after that,” the President said. “So we’re glad that there was this opportunity, and for our part, we reiterated that the primary aim and ambition of the Philippine government is to address the issue of how to improve our people’s lots in life. Anything that distracts from that mission is not something that we would want to pursue,” he added. President Aquino also told Manila-based reporters in a separate interview that he did invite President Xi to visit the Philippines and asked for his and the other APEC leaders’ support when the country hosts next year’s summit. “We can’t find any fault with the way they (China) hosted, especially the leaders’ summit. The precision, the perfection, I think, sets a standard for us to try and at least match next year when we host APEC,” he said. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino says he hopes Congress would focus on important legislation   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wished the Senate investigation on Vice President Jejomar Binay would conclude soon so legislators could focus on pressing issues. The President said that while he respects the Senate as a co-equal branch of government, legislators also have obligations to the people, aside from conducting such investigations. "Hindi ko maiaalis, siyempre, tulad ninyo iniisip ko rin: Parang may balance in politics at saka ‘yung responsibilities natin dito," he told the Philippine media delegation in an interview at the Philippine embassy here Tuesday night. "And I’d like to think that we have responsible members in the Senate who are attending to their other functions besides this." The President noted that a number of bills are pending before the Congress, among them the fiscal rationalization bill, the military pension system, the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, the supplemental budget, and the Bangsamoro Basic Law. He said he wishes that Congress would focus on these legislative matters, considering that he has less than 600 days in office before he steps down in 2016. Vice President Binay is being investigated by a Senate committee for alleged overpricing on the construction of the Makati City hall building. PND (as) TOP President Aquino remains firm on CALAX rebid   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III said he remains in favor of rebidding the multibillion-peso Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project despite negative reactions from the business sector. "We are obligated to get the best deal for our people," the President said during an interview with the Philippine media delegation at the Philippine Embassy here Tuesday. The President maintained that the P8.4 billion difference in the offer of the winning bidder and the disqualified company is significant, and that the amount could be used to fund the construction of government infrastructure, such as socialized housing. Asked about the rebid’s possible repercussions for the business sector, the President said he would rather take criticisms from investors than be blamed by the people. "Mamimili na ako kung sino ang magagalit sa akin. Siguro maganda nang magalit sila kaysa ang taumbayan," he said. Business leaders have expressed opposition to the Aquino administration’s inclination to rebid the controversial public-private partnership (PPP) toll road project. They argued that a CALAX rebid could lead to a higher price for the project, and consequently higher toll fees. The P35.42-billion Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project under the Department of Public Works and Highways received a P20.1 billion bid from San Miguel Corporation’s subsidiary Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc., and an P11.66 billion bid from Team Orion, a consortium of Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation and Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc.’s Aboitiz Land Inc. The San Miguel subsidiary, however, was disqualified due to a defective bid security. PND (as) TOP President Aquino, other leaders gather for ASEAN Summit in Myanmar   (NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III and fellow Southeast Asian leaders on Wednesday gathered for the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits here. Myanmar President U Thein Sein on Wednesday morning welcomed President Aquino and other heads of state/government at the opening ceremony of the summit. President Aquino was greeted by President Thein Sein and spouse, Daw Khin Khin Win, upon his arrival at the Main Lobby of the Myanmar International Convention Center in Myanmar’s capital. President Thein Sein officially opened this year’s summit. “On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and on my own behalf, I have the great pleasure to welcome you to Nay Pyi Taw for the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits,” the Myanmar leader said. In his opening statement, President Thein Sein expressed satisfaction on the ASEAN’s progress in various areas in line with this year’s theme, “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community”. “We all are making progress in implementing the ASEAN Community Roadmap. We are able to maintain and promote peace and stability in our region,” he said. The Myanmar leader also noted the ASEAN statements on combating terrorism, condemning the downing of Malaysia Airline Flight MH 317, and violent acts of extremists. He also mentioned the ASEAN statement welcoming the successful outcome of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Our unity and centrality have further expounded our voice in regional and global issues of common interests and projected ASEAN as a united and credible regional organization in the international community,” he said. President Thein Sein also emphasized the importance of promoting resilience against emerging challenges faced by ASEAN member states, such as natural disasters, global economic uncertainty, infectious diseases including the Ebola virus, and the spread of violence and extremism. He also congratulated and welcomed President Joko Widodo of Indonesia and Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan O-cha of Thailand, who are attending the ASEAN Summit for the first time. This is the first time for Myanmar to host the ASEAN Summit since it joined the bloc in 1997. The Summit is the association’s highest policy-making body and its chairmanship is rotated alphabetically among member states every year. Established in 1967, the ASEAN member states include Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and the Philippines. PND (co) TOP President Aquino hopes to emulate China’s success in hosting APEC   (BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III did not conceal his admiration on the way China handled this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, saying he hoped the Philippines could emulate their success when it takes over the chairmanship in 2015. In an interview with members of the Philippine media delegation here Tuesday evening, President Aquino could not help but heap praises on China for its “precise” hosting of the meetings. “If I were to characterize one thing in the way they hosted it, especially this portion that I was actually witness to, ‘yung precision. ‘Yung fireworks, for instance—‘yung human, ‘yung video, at saka ‘yung fireworks—wala kang makikitang out of sync. Walang nahuhuli; walang nauuna,” he said. President Aquino, in a way, admitted to feeling the pressure of at least matching what China did. He, however, said he would not preempt the plans of the APEC coordinating committee in the Philippines, which is tasked to handle these matters. “Ewan ko kung nakita ninyo ‘yung venue. Nakita ba ninyo ‘yung painting na medyo wall-to-wall? To be honest, I was looking at it quite intensely. I was, you know, assuming na… We have the talent, but how do you actually produce something on this level?” he said. The APEC leaders’ gatherings in Beijing were held at the China National Convention Center, the National Aquatics Centers (also known as “The Water Cube”) at the Olympic Green, and the International Conference Center near Yanqi Lake. “‘Yung entertainment aspect na lang, kinombine (combine) si Chinese, si Western… I was very impressed with parang may hearing-impaired na may dance, and I was like trying to figure out: If you cannot hear the music, how do you actually do the dance?” the President added, referring to the cultural performance at the Water Cube. China’s hosting of the events was very elaborate, especially during Monday’s gala dinner at the National Aquatics Center, where leaders were given exuberant arrival honors and treated to a cultural presentation and fireworks show. When asked how the Philippines is preparing for similar events next year, especially in terms of the communications aspect, President Aquino said they are still in the process of fine-tuning the details of everything. “Baka ipi-preempt ko naman ‘yung mga nagplaplano nitong lahat ng APEC activities on several locations. Can I just task the head of the coordinating committee to schedule more regular briefings? Lahat ng mga detalye, pati nga ang mga scheduling for those who would want to have a state visit, prior to or right after (the APEC),” he said. “Coordination with Malaysia with regards to kung magba-back-to-back ba ‘yung APEC Leaders’ Summit and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit also, like what has happened now. Kailangan din i-fine tune ito,” the President added. President Aquino emphasized the need to come up with contingency plans all the time in case last-minute changes arise, such as heads of state seeking an audience with him on short notice. “‘Yung lahat nitong mga lider na ito… Katulad ngayon, tonight I’m going to Myanmar. May dadaan sa atin, one of the leaders here in APEC, on the way to Australia. So parang medyo last-minute tayong naabisuhan doon. Kailangan nating asikasuhin pagdaan sa atin pansamantala. Ako ba ang sasalubong sa kanya o magde-designate ako ng iba? Parang there’s so many of these details that I just want to make sure na-finalize na lahat ang plano before we start saying this or that,” he said. President Aquino said he sought the support of his counterparts for the success of the Philippines’ hosting of the summit next year. “As you know, the whole of the APEC activities is a year-round event, so my last interaction with everybody was to ask for everybody’s support for the success of our hosting of APEC next year,” he said. PND (hdc) TOP ASEAN launches two books on devastation caused by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ in Philippines   (NAY PYI DAW, Myanmar) The 10-member nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has launched two publications documenting the experiences of the Philippines when it was hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November last year. In a statement issued by ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh, he said the two publications – the book on Typhoon Yolanda Y (It Happened), and the ASEAN book Weathering the Perfect Storm – serve as learning platforms for disaster management practitioners and humanitarian community when it comes to disaster management and mitigation. "These publications underscore the reality that in responding to a large-scale disaster, new modalities of work processes to cope with the situation are required," he said. He said the book launch reminds the ASEAN community not only of the devastation and tragic losses caused by Typhoon Haiyan, but also the experiences of the Philippines and the humanitarian community in responding to devastation caused by one of the strongest tropical cyclones to ever hit land. Minh thanked the Philippine government and other stakeholders in the region for sharing their views and experiences in coming up with the two publications to further improve the ASEAN's efforts in responding to disasters and building a disaster-resilient and safer community. In the opening statement of Myanmar President U Thein Sein during the opening ceremony of the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) here, he noted that natural disaster is one of the emerging challenges faced by the ASEAN member states. He said the ASEAN nations are mapping out measures to promote resilience against these challenges, which also include global economic uncertainty, Ebola virus, and the spread of violence and extremism. During the book launch, Minh also reaffirmed the ASEAN’s commitment to incorporate disaster risk reduction measures into the daily lives of their respective peoples to prevent and minimize losses of lives and property caused by disasters. He said Typhoon Haiyan has invigorated existing regional mechanisms embodied in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). As the operational engine of AADMER, the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Center) coordinated the massive support coming from other ASEAN member states, the region's national disaster management organizations, and other stakeholders. The role of the ASEAN Secretary-General as the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator was activated to ensure effective delivery of support from the ASEAN, showing ASEAN solidarity amid such large-scale disasters. PND (jb) TOP Palace: President Aquino is not stopping Senate probe on Vice President   Malacañang on Wednesday clarified that President Benigno S. Aquino III is not stopping the Senate investigation of Vice President Jejomar Binay. “We wish to correct the report that states that the President wanted the Senate investigation of Vice President Jejomar Binay stopped. For the record, what the President did was to relay the request of the Vice President to the Senate President,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement released at the government’s Official Gazette on Wednesday. “Furthermore, prior to relaying the request to the Senate President, the President already informed the Vice President that the senators could not be dictated upon, as the Senate is composed of 24 ‘separate kingdoms’. In response, Senate President Franklin Drilon echoed the same message,” he said. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte also told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace that the President was merely conveying a message from the Vice President. “He (President Aquino) was (just) relaying a message (from the Vice President). I remember in the FOCAP (Foreign Correspondence Association of the Philippines) forum, the President already mentioned this, that with this conversation with the VP, he said that he will speak to the Senate President, ‘I will convey your message’,” she said. Valte was referring to the meeting of the President with Vice President Binay in Bahay Pangarap last month, when the latter asked the President to tell the Senate to stop the investigation. “The president was asked to convey a message, that was very straight forward and the message was conveyed… To his mind, there is nothing wrong with conveying the message, especially because the way the conversation went was, when the request to convey was made, the President said: 'I can do that but remember that I came from the Senate. Your daughter is in the Senate, you know well enough that there are 24 ‘different republics’ and no one can dictate to them',” she said. The Senate is conducting an investigation on the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall construction during Vice President Binay's term as city mayor. PND (ag) TOP President Aquino seeks support of India, U.N. member nations in sea dispute   (NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III has sought the support of India and other members of the United Nations in easing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The President made the appeal in his intervention during the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit held at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Centre here on Wednesday. “He (President Aquino) sought the support of India and other United Nations member nations for the Philippines’ 'proposal to reduce the rising level of tensions' in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea that was presented at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly last October,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement following the summit. President Aquino cited the recently concluded Bay of Bengal Maritime Boundary Arbitration between India and Bangladesh as “a good example” that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea “provide the most rational, just and right mechanism for countries to find harmony and understanding in the face of their differences”. Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated in recent years, as Beijing has aggressively pressed its claim over resource-rich islands in the South China Sea, which Manila calls the West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government has opted to resolve the conflict through diplomatic and legal means by filing an arbitration case before a United Nations tribunal, which China has refused to recognize. During the summit, President Aquino congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent election as leader of the second most populous country in the world. He also signified the Philippines’ interest to work with India in promoting its proposal to establish an ASEAN-India task force on maritime connectivity. PND (jb) TOP Myanmar President extols Bangsamoro peace pact   (NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) The historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was one of the developments in the ASEAN region that was acknowledged by Myanmar President U Thein Sein during the opening ceremony of the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit here Wednesday. President Thein Sein is the chairman of this year's ASEAN Summit, which carries the theme "Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community". "We also welcomed the successful outcome of Philippines Government’s Bangsamoro peace agreements," he told fellow ASEAN leaders and other delegates of the summit. President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived here on Tuesday to participate in the biannual gathering of ASEAN leaders to discuss regional issues and other challenges faced by the association’s 10 member states. The President just came from his successful visit to China, where he attended the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Last March, the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, ending decades of conflict in the southern Philippines. "Our unity and centrality have further expounded our voice in regional and global issues of common interests and projected ASEAN as a united and credible regional organization in the international community," President Thein Sein said. "It is very encouraging that the ASEAN’s norms and principles we have set for interstate relations are contributing toward peace, security and stability in the region. This is why countries are showing interests in our regions to promote engagement with ASEAN," he added. President Thein Sein further noted the ASEAN’s efforts in combating terrorism, disaster preparedness, and resiliency against infectious diseases, including the Ebola virus. The opening ceremony was attended by heads of state/government of ASEAN member countries, namely Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia, and the Philippines. PND (jb) TOP

 

12 NOVEMBER 2014 Inaasahan ng Pangulong Aquino na nakabuti ang pulong nila ng Pangulong Xi sa ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Tsina Umabot na sa P199.46 bilyon ang pondo para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo, ayon sa Malacanang Magpapadala ang Pilipinas ng ‘medical resources’ sa West Africa na sinasalanta ng 'Ebola virus,' sabi ng Pangulong Aquino

Inaasahan ng Pangulong Aquino na nakabuti ang pulong nila ng Pangulong Xi sa ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Tsina   (BEIJING, Tsina) Inaasahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na nakabuti sa ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Tsina ang pulong nila ng Pangulong Xi Jinping ng Tsina sa idinaos na APEC Leaders’ Meeting dito. Sinabi ng Pangulo sa panayam ng delegasyon ng media sa Embahadang Pilipno rito na siya at ang Pangulong Xi ay nagkausap nang ilang minuto pagkatapos ng pagtatanim ng punung-kahoy sa Summer Grounds ng International Convention Center na malapit sa Yanqi Lake. Ayon sa Pangulo, binanggit ng Pangulong Xi ang magandang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Tsina sa loob ng maraming taong nakalipas. Ipinahayag ng Pangulong Xi na umaasa siyang babalik ang Pilipinas sa dating consensus at tatahak sa landas na tulad ng Tsina sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa mahahalagang isyu sa maayos na paraan para malikha ang maiinam na kalagayan tungo sa higit na mainam na ugnayan ng Tsina-Pilipinas, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. “Nagagalak kami na nagkaharap kami sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon dahil nakadaup-palad din namin ang dating Pangulong Hu Jintao,” pahayag pa ng Pangulong Aquino. “Napakainam na simula ito. Nawa ay humantong ito sa kongkretong mga bagay,” dagdag ng Pangulong Aquino. Ang Pilipinas at Tsina ay may hindi pagkakaunawaan sa mga teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea. Ang Pilipinas ay nagharap ng arbitration case sa International Tribunal upang malutas ang sigalot sa teritoryo, ngunit tinutulan ito ng Tsina. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na inanyayahan niyang magpunta sa Maynila ang Pangulong Xi sa idaraos na 2015 APEC Summit at kapuwa nila hiniling ang suporta ng lahat ng lider ng APEC. Idinagdag ng Pangulo na ang mga aktibidad ng APEC ay para sa buong taon at sa huling pakikipagniig niya sa mga kapuwa lider ay hiniling niya ang suporta nang lahat para maging matagumpay ang pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa pulong ng APEC sa lilipat na taon. Tinapos ng Pangulong Aquino ang pagdalo sa 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting dito sa pamamagitan ng interbyu sa mga kinatawan ng media ng Pilipinas. Gabi ng Martes nang lumisan siya rito patungong Myanmar upang daluhan naman ang 25th ASEAN Summit doon. PND (as/zaf) TOP Umabot na sa P199.46 bilyon ang pondo para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo, ayon sa Malacanang   Umabot na sa P199.48 bilyon ang pondo para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, alinsunod sa Malacanang. Sa pahayag ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa Malacanang Prtess Corps ay sinabing ang nasabing halaga ay binubuo ng financial grant at mga donasyon. “Salig sa mga tinipong ulat ng Kagawaran ng Pananalapi, ang Pilipinas ay nakatanggap ng kabuuang P199.48 bilyon ang loans/grants/donations (batay ito sa palitang US$1-P43 na siyang umiiral nang matanggap ang mga ito at ginamit sa pagsaklolo at pagtulong, gayundin sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda.. Ang halagang ito ay idinaan sa Kagawaran ng Pananalapi at Bureau of Treasury,” sabi ni Coloma. Iniulat din ni Coloma na sa naturang halaga, 85 porsiyento o P260.48 bilyon ang pinadaan sa iba-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan, habang ang nalalabing P30 bilyon naman ay idinaan sa mga non-government organization. Sang-ayon sa Kagawaran ng Pananalapi, halos 53 porsiyento ng P199.49 bilyon o P106.41 bilyon ang nagugol na sa iba-ibang nga programa, gawain at proyekto sa mga pook na sinalanta ng Yolanda, pahayag pa ni Coloma. Idinugtong ni Coloma na ang mga pondo ay 63 porsiyento o P126.18 bilyong galing sa pautang ng multilateral lending institutions at development agencies na katulad ng World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, International Fund for Agricultural Development at ang French Development Agency. Ang nalalabing P73/3 bilyon naman ay binubuo ng mga donasyon at “grants” buhat sa mga bansang kinabibilangan ng Australia, Tsina, Hapon, Alemanya, Korea, United Kingdom, Estados Unidos at European Union. Ang mga tinanggap na tulong at mga pangakong tulong ng mga dayuhan na salapi at non-cash noong panahon ng pagsaklolo at pamamahagi ng tulong ay sinubaybayan ng Foreign Aid Transfarency Hub (FAiTH) na pinangungunahan ng Kagawaran ng Badyet at Pangasiwaan, ayon pa kay Coloma, gayundin ang United Nations Office for the Coordination and Humanitarian Affairs. Samantala, ang mga donasyong lokal naman ay pinamamahalaan ng National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, dagdag ni Coloma. “Nililinaw lamang namin na may pagkakaiba ang mga donasyong pangako (pledge) at ang mga tinanggap na sapagka’t may mga dayuhang bansa at organisasyon na nagpahayag ng pagtulong nila bagaman hindi pa ito ipinadadala,” paliwanag ng Kalihim ng Komunikasyon. “Ayon sa Kagawaran ng pananalapi, ang Tanggapan ng Office of the Presidential Assistant for Recovery and Rehabilitation ay nagsagawa na ng pagsubaybay at pagtutuos ng lahat ng mga donasyon, kabilang na ang grants na walang kinalaman ang Kagawaran ng Pananalapi,” sbi pa ni Coloma. PND (ag/zaf) TOP Magpapadala ang Pilipinas ng ‘medical resources’ sa West Africa na sinasalanta ng 'Ebola virus,' sabi ng Pangulong Aquino   (BEIJING, Tsina) Magpapadala ang Pilipinas ng medical resources bilang tulong sa pagsisikap na pandaigdig na tulungan ang West Africa na sinasalanta ng “Ebola virus" alinsunod sa pahayag ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. Inihayag ito ng Pangulong Aquino Martes ng gabi sa pakikipag-usap sa mga reporter na narito upang magbalita ng mga pangyayari sa 22ng Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit. “Talagang mabigat ang suliraning pangkalusugan ng mga bansa sa Kanlurang Aprika kaya ang Amerika, Hapon, Tsina at iba pang mga bansa ay nagpapadala ng makatutulong sa taong bayan, sa magugugol at iba pa. Tayo naman, palagay ko, magpapadala lamang ng medical kits, medical supplies at iba pang kailangan,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. Nangako ang mga lider ng daigdig na dumalo sa APEC Summit na tutulong sila upang masugpo ang sakit na nasabi, gayundin ang terorismo, mga kalamidad na bunga ng Kalikasan, pagbabago ng klima at iba pang suliranin ng daigdig na tulad nang nakasaad sa talata bilang 45 ng 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Declaration. “Sa pagbaka sa epidemya ng Ebola Virus, matatag ang ating pasiya na pag-ibayuhin pang lalo ang pagtutulungan at pagsisikap na makibalikat sa mga bansa ng Aprika upang matulungan silang mabisang masagkaan ang epidemyang ito at maiwasan, matukoy agad, malunasan at maagap na maiwasan ang paglaganap nito sa hinaharap,” wika ng mga lider ng APEC sa deklarasyong inilabas nila. Sinabi ng Pangulong Aquino na ang mga kapuwa niya lider ay nag-usap din kung paano maiiwasan ang paglaganap ng epidemya ng mga sakit na tulad ng Severe Respiratory Syndrome at Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. “Ang nabigyang diin ay ang napakalubhang problema tungkol sa Ebola. Kailangan nito ang pinagsanib na pagkilos sa buong mundo. At iyon na nga, may pormal at hayagang pangakong gawin ang nararapat tungkol dito. Palagay ko ang pinakamainam gawin, ang mga may maraming kaalaman at mailalaan sa sakit na ito ang dapat ibayong gumawa ng hakbang,” sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Binanggit din ng Pangulong Aquino na kailangang magkaroon ng tuntunin ang pamahalaan tungkol sa Ebola, lalo na ngayong mag-uuwian na ang Filipino peacekeepers na galing sa mga pook na labis na naapektuhan ng naturang sakit. “Naniniguro tayo na ang proseso ng Kawanihan ng Pandarayuhan halimbawa, paano ba ang screening? Manganganak din iyon. Mananawagan tayo sa taong bayan. Baka may kamag-anak kayo na nandiyan, may kaibigan kayo, hindi biro ito—baka lamang exposed diyan. Mapanganib po iyan, mapanganib sa buong komunidad,” wika pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Mahigit na 5,000 katao na ang sinasabing namatay dahil sa “Ebola fever” buhat sa 13,592 na kompirmadong mga kaso sa walong mga bansang kinabibilangan ng Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Mali, Espanya at ang APEC-member economy na Estados Unidos. PND (hdc/zaf) TOP

 

12 NOV 2014 Comelec exec indicted for P44.3 million unliquidated funds PhilHealth run in NCR to benefit the Elderly BSP conducts Learning Outreach Activities in Butuan City Authorities seize anti-anxiety drugs Roxas, Bibisita sa mga nasalanta ni Yolanda sa Palawan DTI confiscates over 5,000 sets of uncertified Christmas lights in Caloocan City Baldoz lauds DOLE’s NCMB for settling dispute in PLDT Company DFA Spokesperson briefs Indian Military Delegation on Regional Security, West Philippine Sea Developments Filipino Communities Council of Australia Awards 2014 Filipino-Australian of the Year DAR to build a processing center for Ilocos Sur farmers LANDBANK posts P9.3B for Q3, on track to reach profit target 9 firms secure PQ documents for LRT Line 2 O&M

Comelec exec indicted for P44.3 million unliquidated funds

Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of Informations against an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for failure to account P44.3 million of public funds he received from 1998 to 2007. Gideon De Guzman, former Director for Finance Services, faces 46 counts of Malversation of Public Funds and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (R.A. No. 3019). Records show that as Special Disbursing Officer, De Guzman received cash advances amounting to P44,325,033.32 to be used for various expenditures ranging from expenses for conferences and meetings, and food allowances to gifts and tokens. In 2008, a series of demand letters to liquidate were already sent and received by him but to no avail. The 11-page Joint Resolution stated that “[De Guzman’s] failure to settle and liquidate the P44,332,613.67 despite repeated demands raises the presumption that he has either appropriated, took, misappropriated or through abandonment or negligence allowed another person to take them.” Malversation is committed when a public officer, who has custody of funds or property by reason of the duties of his office and to which he is accountable, appropriated, took, misappropriated or consented or, through abandonment or negligence, permitted another person to take these funds or property. On the other hand, Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 is violated when a public officer who, in the discharge of his official functions, acts with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence causing undue injury to any party, including the government, or giving any private party unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference. De Guzman was dismissed from public service effective July 15, 2012.

|TOP|

PhilHealth run in NCR to benefit the Elderly

Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph

In celebration of its 20th year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will once again hold a running event dubbed “PhilHealth: Ready, TSeKaP, Go!” on February 15, 2015 in Quezon City. It was in 2013 when PhilHealth organized its first simultaneous run in 18+ sites nationwide in support to mother and child health protection. This time, PhilHealth particularly in the National Capital Region, is running for the vulnerable sector of the society - the elderly. Aside from promoting public awareness on PhilHealth benefits particularly its primary care, preventive and diagnostic services through “Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya” or TSeKaP, the 2015 PhilHealth Run highlights the value of generosity by providing a helping hand to those who need them the most. The Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases or simply called GRACES was chosen as the beneficiary of the PhilHealth Run in NCR. The facility is located at the back of one of the biggest malls in Quezon City and serves as temporary shelter to the elderly. GRACES is being managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – NCR. It was then called the Golden Acres. GRACES also offers various services to the elderly to relieve their loneliness of being away from their families. Occupational and recreational activities are being conducted to enhance the resident’s vocational skills and their capacity to earn. Health and medical services are also provided including treatment and referral for psychiatric examination to promote their psychological and mental well-being. Currently, the Center houses 148 residents, mostly females who were endorsed by the Local Government Units, some abandoned in the hospitals, others rescued from the streets and some left by their own families. “We want our elderly to experience genuine care from real people. As we run together, we can somehow ease their pain, emotionally and physically until the remaining days of their twilight years,” says PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla. For those who want to help and make a difference, have your running shoes ready and join the PhilHealth: Ready, TSeKaP, Go! on February 15, 2015. For details, log on to run2015.philhealth.gov.ph.

|TOP|

BSP conducts Learning Outreach Activities in Butuan City

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will conduct the fifth leg of its Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSP-EFLP) for 2014 in Butuan City on 18-20 November 2014. The BSP-EFLP consolidates the learning outreach activities of the BSP under one flagship program. It includes a series of learning sessions that aim to promote greater public awareness and understanding of key economic and financial issues. The EFLP also embodies the goal of the BSP to promote economic and financial education among its stakeholders, who can then become more effective partners of the BSP in safeguarding price stability and in ensuring a stronger and safer banking and payments system. The following programs will be conducted at Almont Inland Resort, J.C. Aquino Avenue, Butuan City: “Be up to SPeed on BSP,” Information Campaign on the Role of the BSP in the Economy, 18 November 2014, Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (module for professionals), and 19 November 2014, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (module for students); Financial Education Expo for the Working Sector, 19 November 2014, Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; “Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan,” Financial Learning Campaign for Overseas Filipinos and their Beneficiaries, 20 November 2014, Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Financial Education Expo for Students and Members of the Academe, 20 November 2014, Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The “Be up to SPeed on BSP” information campaign will cover recent economic developments and the role of the BSP in the economy, with emphasis on the three pillars of central banking, i.e., price stability, financial stability and efficient payments and settlements system. Two sessions will be conducted: one for professionals (including representatives from government agencies, business sector, and banking community), and another for students and members of the academe. The “Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan” Financial Learning Campaign for Overseas Filipinos and their Beneficiaries (FLC-OF), which is organized in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), aims to educate participants on the importance of using remittances to build up savings and directing these into investments in financial products and business ventures. Through this learning advocacy, the BSP hopes to help overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries achieve financial security, bring them into the fold of the formal financial system, and enable them to participate more meaningfully in the country’s economic development. Officials from the BSP, as well as from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) will give briefings on topics such as the importance of remittances, financial planning, investment/business options and agri-business opportunities. Meanwhile, the Financial Education Expo offers various financial education activities for students, professionals and others from the public and private sectors. It features learning booths with audio-visual presentations, graphic displays and interactive activities that will help participants become self-reliant in promoting their financial welfare. Two separate sessions of the Financial Empowerment Course, which is an integral part of the Expo, will also be conducted for students and members of the work force. The learning sessions will present the importance of financial education, the Philippine financial system, basics of budgeting, saving, investing and borrowing, financial planning for life-cycle events, and credit card awareness. Interested parties may contact Ms. Lizette O. Antonio at telephone number: (+632)306.2707, or email address: antoniolo@bsp.gov.ph.

|TOP|

Authorities seize anti-anxiety drugs

Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph

The Bureau of Customs, in partnership and cooperation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, seized two “balikbayan boxes” filled with 8,152 unbranded blister packs, or a total of 81,529 caplets of Alprazolam. The drug, used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, has an estimated market value of at least P2-Million. The shipment arrived from Pakistan via Emirates Air Flight EK 332 last June 30, 2014. It was sent by a certain Iqra Garments to a Jasmen Tameyo, with address at Garden City, Parañaque. It was declared as “food supplement.” Operatives from PDEA and BOC waited for someone to claim the boxes but these were never claimed by the consignee or a designated representative. The Alprazolam caplets have been turned-over to PDEA. Follow-up operations are on-going to determine whether this seized shipment has a connection to past apprehensions of illegal and dangerous drugs sent through air parcels. Last October, BOC operatives intercepted a parcel mailed from the United States containing 268 pills suspected of sildenafil citrate, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction that was mailed last January 6, 2014 to a certain Angelica Amor Vasquez with address at 171 Gomez Street, Barangay Addition Hills, San Juan City. “By law, Alprazolam is a prohibited drug. Not everyone can import this and you need a special permit to do so. Following a series of illegal drugs seized in mail parcels, we are stepping-up our coordination with PDEA, the Philippine Postal Corporation and the express couriers to thwart attempts to smuggle prohibited and illegal drugs through the mail,” said BOC-Enforcement and Security Service Director Willie Tolentino. Republic Act 9165, or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 prohibits the delivery, distribution and transportation of any dangerous drugs. It likewise penalizes any person who delivers, gives away to another, distributes or transports any controlled precursor and essential chemical or who acts as a broker in such transactions, unless he or she is authorized by law.

|TOP|

Roxas, Bibisita sa mga nasalanta ni Yolanda sa Palawan

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Nakatakdang bumisita ngayong araw sina secretary Mar Roxas, kasama sina Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Sec. Dinky Soliman at Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Voltaire Gazmin sa Coron, Palawan upang dumalo sa isang seremonya para sa mga benepisyaryo ng mga programang pangrehabilitasyon ng pamahalaan. Ninais ng kalihim na magsilbi itong patunay na buong pamahalaan ang nakahandang tumulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo at walang maiiwan sa proseso ng muling pagbangon mula sa sakuna. Makikipagpulong din si Sec. Roxas sa mga alkalde upang iparating ang naisin ng pamahalaang matulungan ang lahat na naging biktima ng Yolanda sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong natapos o tinatapos sa kasalukuyan. Sa lalawigan ng Palawan, aabot sa P21.1 milyon ang Recovery Assistance on Yolanda (RAY) na naibuhos ng DILG para sa pagkumpuni ng mga munisipyo, civic center at palengke: P3.5 milyon sa Busuanga; P1.27 milyon sa Coron; P15 milyon sa Culion; P330,000 sa Cuyo at P1 milyon sa Linapacan.

|TOP|

DTI confiscates over 5,000 sets of uncertified Christmas lights in Caloocan City

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

With just a month away from Christmas day, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) continues to intensify its campaign against the proliferation of uncertified Christmas lights as it confiscated and pulled out over 5,000 sets of Christmas lights with no Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers valued almost P500,000.00. The enforcement team led by DTI Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, went to Zabarte Town Center in Caloocan City today and inspected Christmas lights that are being sold in the establishment. Inside the Hypergate Commercial Center of the shopping mall, the enforcement team found sets of Christmas lights that have no ICC stickers and have expired or old version of ICC stickers. After visual inspection, the team also found that the wires of the said Christmas lights were thinner compared to the required measurement of 1.5mm. The team took note that some were sold at P45.00 to P50.00 per set, which is too cheap from the usual retail price of a Christmas light. “Since the Christmas lights were not compliant with the required ICC sticker, these will be subjected to destruction. The enforcement team issued a Notice of Violation to the retail establishment while the uncertified Christmas lights were sealed-off for these to be permanently withdrawn from the market, and stopped from being sold to the consumers.” said Undersecretary Dimagiba. Likewise, Undersecretary Dimagiba instructed the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) to forthrightly suspend via Motu Proprio, the ICC certificate issued to the importers of the confiscated Christmas lights namely, Great Circles Trading and Highest Regard Enterprises. The brands of the uncertified Christmas lights that were sealed and withdrawn were mostly “Mabuhay Star” and some were “Ako” and “Lucky Deer”. The DTI enjoins retailers to only sell certified Christmas lights; and reminds consumers to buy those brands of Christmas lights that have already passed the product certification scheme of the BPS. The DTI warns the manufacturers, importers and retailers of Christmas lights that the non-compliance with the BPS’ product certification scheme is punishable under the DTI Administrative Order No. 2, Series of 2007, Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394), and the Standards Law (Republic Act No. 4109). If found guilty, violators will be imposed an administrative fine of up to P300,000 and the cancellation of any DTI-issued permit or license. Visit the BPS portal (www.bps.gov.ph) to check for the list of DTI-certified brands of Christmas lights and to know more about the BPS product certification scheme. To report retailers that sell substandard and uncertified Christmas lights, call DTI Direct 751.3330 or 0917.8343330.

|TOP|

Baldoz lauds DOLE’s NCMB for settling dispute in PLDT Company

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), an attached agency of the DOLE, for the amicable and fast resolution of a labor dispute between the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and its union, the Manggagawa sa Komunikasyon ng Pilipinas (MKP). The union, represented by its president, Arthur Castillo, filed a Preventive Mediation (PM) case on 4 September 2014 before the NCMB on the ground of unfair labor practice, specifically, the company’s non-compliance with Sec. 7, Paragraph 9 of the DOLE Department Order No. 18-A. Sec. 7, Paragraph 9 of the D.O. 18-A is one of the prohibitions against labor-only contracting, stating that it is against law or public policy for an employer or contractor to refuse to provide its contractual workers copy of the Service Agreement and the employment contracts between the contractor and employees deployed to work in the bargaining unit of the principal’s certified bargaining agent to the sole and exclusive bargaining agent (SEBA). “During the initial conciliation conference, the NCMB validated that the issue raised by the union is the refusal of the management to provide the union a copy of the service agreement and the employment contracts of all PLDT contractors as required by D.O. 18-A,” explained Director Edgar G. Aquino of the NCMB-NCR. On the second conciliation conference, the parties agreed to resolve their dispute amicably. The management presented and gave the union a copy of the service contract and scope of work of PLDT contractor I-PLUS and the Special Contractor’s License issued by Philippine Contractors’ Accreditation Board (PCAP). “I commend the NCMB, through its Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo. I also laud Conciliator-Mediator Estelita Baustista for her diligent effort in resolving the case amicably”, said Baldoz. “I also laud the union and the company for their willingness to settle their differences, which showed their maturity to maintain a peaceful industrial climate in the PLDT,” Baldoz added. PLDT, one of the country’s leading telecommunication companies, has more or less 30,000 employees and was represented in the dispute by Hector Herrera and its legal counsel, Atty. Rafael Khan. The MKP, on the other hand, is the exclusive bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of PLDT, with 1,116 members.

|TOP|

DFA Spokesperson briefs Indian Military Delegation on Regional Security, West Philippine Sea Developments

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

12 November 2014 – The Spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose, briefed a twenty-member delegation from the Indian Army High Command Course on the evolving regional geopolitical landscape and developments in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea yesterday, November 11, at the DFA main office in Pasay City. The delegation, led by Brigadier Paramdeep Singh Bajwa and Commodore Ajay Kumar Agarwal, was composed mostly of Colonels and officers of equivalent rank. “Indeed, your visit to the Philippines promotes stronger relations and deeper friendship between our two countries. The Philippines considers India as an important bilateral partner and we hope for greater interaction between our peoples,” Assistant Secretary Jose said in his welcome remarks. “With India we share the belief that disputes should be peacefully settled, that freedom of navigation should be protected and that the rule of law should be upheld,” he added. The delegation expressed appreciation for the briefing and likewise expressed hope for continued cooperation with the Philippines in the fields of defense and security.

|TOP|

Filipino Communities Council of Australia Awards 2014 Filipino-Australian of the Year

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

12 November 2014 – The Filipino Communities Council of Australia (FILCCA) presented the Filipino-Australian of the Year Award 2014 to Mr. Ignatius Jones during the Gala Night of its 13th Annual Conference held on October 25 at the Novotel Hotel in Parramatta City, New South (NSW) Wales. The event was attended by Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota, Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells who represented Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Federal Member of Parliament for Greenway Michelle Rowland, State Member of Parliament for Parramatta Geoff Lee representing NSW Premier Mike Baird, State Member of Parliament for Fairfield Guy Zangari, Parramatta City Mayor Scott Lloyd, and Councillor Jess Diaz of the City of Blacktown, a former FILCCA President. Ambassador Anota congratulated Mr. Jones on receiving the award and lauded him for being an inspiration to Filipinos in Australia. Born in Singalong, Manila, in 1957, Ignatius Jones, whose real name is Juan Ignacio Trapaga, is the son of Basque-Chinese and Catalan-American parents. He trained in classical ballet and branched out to rock music, jazz, journalism, theatre, television and major event production. He is a leading major event director, creative strategist and event script-writer, and has directed international events such as the 2000 Sydney Olympic Ceremonies, the Doha 2006 Asian Games Ceremonies, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the opening of the Shanghai 2010 World Expo. Mr. Jones has been the Artistic Director of the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade since 2011. He is the Executive Producer/Creative Director of the Vivid Sydney Festival 2014, which broke all records achieving attendance of 1.43 million people. He took over the helm of the Vivid Sydney Festival in 2011. Mr. Jones has won numerous awards for his works. In accepting the award, Mr. Jones traced his Filipino ancestry and emphasized both the diversity of his roots and the multicultural beauty of the Philippines. He also noted the rich pool of artistic talents in the Filipino community in Australia. He was accompanied during the Gala Night by members of his family including his sister, Ms. Monica Trapaga, who is herself an accomplished artist and best known for her work on the Australian series, “Play School”. The FILCCA is the national umbrella organization of Filipino community councils in various states in Australia. The Association holds its national conference every two years. During the Conference held in Perth in 2012, Mr. Rudy Gomez, a metallurgist/mining engineer with 47 patents who discovered the Carrapateena copper deposits in South Australia, was awarded as Filipino-Australian of the Year.

|TOP|

DAR to build a processing center for Ilocos Sur farmers

Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has opened a new door of opportunities to its 500 agrarian reform beneficiaries in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur when it spearheaded the construction of a food processing center to raise their level of competency from being mere raw farm products producers into food processors themselves. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Christianne Suguitan and Sta. Maria Mayor Edgar Florendo led the groundbreaking rites of the P500,000 food processing center in Barangay Tinaan, Sta. Maria. Suguitan said the project’s aim is to increase the income of farmers by providing them with a facility to process and add value to their farm products, like sugarcane vinegar or sukang Iloko, a by-product of sugarcane. Sukang Iloko is the “One Town One Product (OTOP)” of the municipality and the main agri-product of farmers in Sta. Maria. “With this facility, farmers’ products can now compete in a wider commercial market for they can now process and test their products in accordance with the standards of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” Suguitan said. Prior to the groundbreaking rites, the DAR signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Municipal Mayor Edgar Florendo and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the construction of the processing facility. The project would benefit the Macati Rang-Ay Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative. Under the MOA, the DAR shall provide P350,000 for the construction of the facility, P100,000 for the product testing analysis and other laboratory tests of agri-products and P50,000 for the skills training of farmers. It was also agreed that the DTI would provide machines for the processing facility such as sugarcane crusher, pasteurizer and bottle sealer, and technical assistance for product improvement. The local government, in return, would provide counterpart fund for the construction of the facility and help in the promotion and marketing of sukang Iloko. “We expect that the facility will be operational by next year, with the DTI taking care of its registration with the FDA,” Suguitan said.

|TOP|

LANDBANK posts P9.3B for Q3, on track to reach profit target

Source:  https://www.landbank.com

The Land Bank of the Philippines is on track to meet its full-year target net income of P12 billion, despite an 11-percent decline for the first nine months of the year. The Bank’s third-quarter net income stood at P9.3 billion against P10.4 billion of the same period last year. LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda E. Pico attributed the decrease to more challenging business conditions this year as against exceptional trading gains recorded in 2013. “We managed to surpass the year-to-date target net revenue by 3 percent and we remain confident about meeting our full-year target,” Pico said, adding that the decline in the third-quarter revenue is significantly narrower than the 29 percent drop in the first half of the year. The nine-month net income translated to a return on equity of 14.5 percent. Meanwhile, the Bank’s total assets grew by a hefty 24 percent to P910.9 billion from P731.8 billion in the same period last year on the back of steady growth in loans and investments. As of the third quarter, LANDBANK’s gross loan portfolio grew 22.7 percent to P362.3 billion from P295.3 billion, while investments grew 6 percent to P273.9 billion from P258.3 billion. Total deposits likewise registered substantial growth to P781.8 billion, 32 percent higher than the P593.3 billion in September last year. Total capital stood at P72.1 billion, lower by 3 percent from P74.2 billion. LANDBANK is the only bank present in all provinces of the country with the recent opening of its branch in Dinagat island. This brings to 346 the Bank’s total number of branches in the country, complemented by 1,315 ATMs. It remains the biggest credit provider to small farmers and fishers, local government units, and the biggest lender to microenterprises and SMEs among government financial institutions.

|TOP|

9 firms secure PQ documents for LRT Line 2 O&M

Source: http://ppp.gov.ph

Nine (9) bidders have bought pre-qualification documents for the Operation and Maintenance of LRT Line 2 project. The first companies that secured PQ documents are LRMC (Ayala-MPIC), San Miguel Corporation, GT Capital Holdings, Inc., Marubeni Corporation, D.M. Consunji, Inc., and RATP Developpment SA. Three (3) more firms have bought the PQ documents: APT Global, Inc., Globalvia, and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. The LRT Line 2 Operation and Maintenance PPP Project will infuse private sector efficiencies into the operations of the LRT Line 2 to provide better service levels to the riding public. The private partner will undertake the operation and maintenance of the existing LRT Line 2, the 4.14 kilometer East Extension, and any other future extensions implemented by the Government during the project’s term. The Department of Transportation and Communications recently moved the deadline for the submission of qualification documents from November 20 to December 15, 2014 through a general bid bulletin last November 7. DOTC moved the deadline to give prospective bidders ample time to prepare their qualification documents. LRT Line 2 O&M project is one of the six PPP projects that are currently under procurement. Other projects are the Integrated Transport System – South and Southwest terminal, Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project, Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project and New Centennial Water Source – Kaliwa Dam Projects. These PPP projects have an indicative cost of Php 172.42 billion pesos or 3.83 billion dollars.

|TOP|

Last Updated: 12 NOVEMBER 2014
Alternative photo archive with high resolutions
Please click on thumbnails to magnify

			President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the launching of ASEAN Institute of Green Economy during the 25th ASEAN Summit at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12, 2014). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with cabinet members during the 25th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the discussions during the 25th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, links arms with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesia President Joko Widodo for the 25th ASEAN Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders, arrives for the 25thASEAN Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12). Also in photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesia President Joko Widodo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III joins fellow regional leaders at the 12th ASEAN- India Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Also in photo are Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, Indonesia President Joko Widodo and Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong for a group photo souvenir during the 12th ASEAN-India Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins his counterparts and their spouses for the traditional group photo opportunity before the opening ceremony of the 25th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday (November 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Madame Daw Khin Khin Win upon arrival at the Front Concourse of the Myanmar International Convention Center during the opening ceremony of the 25th ASEAN Summit on Wednesday (November 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III passes through the Static Guards upon arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Tuesday night (November 11) to join fellow regional leaders in attending the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits to be held here. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins fellow world leaders for the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic APEC Leaders’ Meeting Family Photo at the Hongyan Hall of the International Conference Center here at Yanqi Lake on Tuesday (November 11). The summit's theme this year is "Shaping the Future through Asia-Pacific Partnership." (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Chinese President Xi Jinping upon arrival for the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting at the Hongyan Hall of the International Conference Center here on Tuesday (November 11) (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Commonwealth of Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott during the 22nd Apec Leaders’ Meeting Tree Planting Ceremony at the Summer Garden of the International Conference Center at Yanqui Lake here on Tuesday (November 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III plants a tree during the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting Tree Planting Ceremony at the Summer Garden of the International Conference Center at Yanqi Lake here Tuesday (November 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting Tree Planting Ceremony at the Summer Garden of the International Conference Center, Yanqi Lake here on Tuesday (November 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Banigno S. Aquino III joins fellow world leaders for the Leaders Retreat during the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting at the Hongyan Hall of the International Conference Center here on Tuesday (November 11). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins fellow world leaders for the APEC Leaders’ family photo during the welcome dinner and cultural performance during the 22nd APEC) Leaders’ Meeting at the Water Cube (National Aquatic Center) on Monday night (November 10). Also in photo are Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Russian Federation President His Excellency Vladimir Putin. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins fellow world leaders for the APEC Leader's Meeting welcome dinner and cultural performance at the Water Cube (National Aquatic Center) on Monday night (November 10). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Li Yuan upon arrival for the APEC Leaders' Meeting welcome dinner and cultural performance at the Water Cube (National Aquatic Center) on Monday night (November 10). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key during a bilateral meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. New Zealand has significant, and growing, people-to-people links with the Philippines with its Filipino population now over 40,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets New Zealand Prime Minister John Key during a bilateral meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. New Zealand has significant, and growing, people-to-people links with the Philippines with its Filipino population now over 40,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes New Zealand Prime Minister John Key upon arrival at the Lobby of the Philippine Embassy here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC) Leaders' Meeting. New Zealand has significant, and growing, people-to-people links with the Philippines with its Filipino population now over 40,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Independent State of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill during a bilateral meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy in here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APECLeaders' Meeting. The Philippines was one of the first countries to formalize diplomatic relations with Papua New Guinea in 1975. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III walks going to the Philippine Embassy for a bilateral meeting here in Beijing on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC) Leaders' Meeting. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a bilateral meeting at the St. Regis Hotel here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. At the core of Philippine-Canada relations is the human dimension - the presence of more than 682,000 Filipinos in Canada, as they now comprise the 3rd largest immigrant community there. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a bilateral meeting at St. Regis Hotel here on Monday (November 10), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. At the core of Philippine-Canada relations is the human dimension - the presence of more than 682,000 Filipinos in Canada, as they now comprise the 3rd largest immigrant community there. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Johnson & Johnson’s chairman and chief executive Alex Gorsky and Annaswamy Vaidheesh during a business meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Sanofi senior vice president in Asia Jean-Luc Lowinski during a business meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Sanofi senior vice president in Asia Jean-Luc Lowinski during a business meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Moody's President and CEO Raymond McDaniel, Jr. and Regional Head and Managing Director Min Ye during a business meeting at the Social Hall of the Philippine Embassy here on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Socialist Republic of Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang during a bilateral meeting at the Philippine Embassy here Sunday night (November 09), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Socialist Republic of Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang during a bilateral meeting at the Philippine Embassy here Sunday night (November 09), at the sidelines of the 22nd APEC Leaders' Meeting. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the APEC CEO Summit 2014 at the China National Convention Center (CNCC) here on Sunday (November 09). The APEC CEO Summit 2014 is the most important business event during the APEC Leaders Week organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. It aims to show the vision for the future of global growth and how APEC and China seek to foster common prosperity for all. Also in photo are UPS chief executive officer David Abney, OECD secretary general Angel Gurria, Merck Serono president and chief executive officer Dr. Belen Garijo and Rio Tinto chief executive officer Sam Walsh. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions during the panel discussion in the APEC CEO Summit 2014 held at the China National Convention Center here on Sunday (November 09). The APEC CEO Summit 2014 is the most important business event during the APEC Leaders' Week. (November 09). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions during the panel discussion in the APEC CEO Summit 2014 held at the China National Convention Center here on Sunday (November 09). The APEC CEO Summit 2014 is the most important business event during the APEC Leaders' Week. Also in photo is UPS chief executive officer David Abney. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BEIJING, China) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Special Aircraft Terminal of the Beijing Capital International Airport on Sunday (November 09) to join fellow world leaders attending the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting here. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the NAIA Terminal II. The Chief Executive will join fellow world leaders at the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, People’s Republic of China on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			President Benigno S. Aquino III chats with his cabinet members before boarding during the send-off ceremony at the NAIA Terminal II. The Chief Executive will join fellow world leaders at the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, People’s Republic of China on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guard during the send-off ceremony at NAIA Terminal II. The President will be attending the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, People’s Republic of China on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, chats with Vice President Jejomar Binay and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin before boarding during the send-off ceremony at the NAIA Terminal II. The President will be attending the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, People’s Republic of China on Sunday (November 09). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY