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Synopsis:
Forecast:
Cagayan Valley , Cordillera and Ilocos
Region will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with
isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be
partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms
mostly over the eastern section.
Weather Watch
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel
Cruz:
-Easterlies ang umiiral sa silangang bahagi ng bansa habang may tail-end ng cold front na nakakaapekto sa extreme Northern Luzon.
-Bukas ay asahan ang maulang panahon sa extreme Northern Luzon mula umaga.
-Sa Metro Manila, may tsansa ng ulan sa hapon susunod na limang araw.
-Sa Visayas, mahinang ulan ang maaaring maranasan sa maghapon bukas.
-Thunderstorm ang asahan sa Mindanao, lalo na sa northern section at ARMM Region.
-Easterlies ang umiiral sa silangang bahagi ng bansa habang may tail-end ng cold front na nakakaapekto sa extreme Northern Luzon.
-Bukas ay asahan ang maulang panahon sa extreme Northern Luzon mula umaga.
-Sa Metro Manila, may tsansa ng ulan sa hapon susunod na limang araw.
-Sa Visayas, mahinang ulan ang maaaring maranasan sa maghapon bukas.
-Thunderstorm ang asahan sa Mindanao, lalo na sa northern section at ARMM Region.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/CALAMBA CITY: The University
of the Philippines Los Baños once again proved their excellence in statistics
claiming its sixth championship title in the 23rd Philippine Statistics Quiz
(PSQ) Regional Elimination held Nov. 13. Raymond John P. Diaz, an Applied
Mathematics student bested 24 other contenders from different colleges and universities
in the Calabarzon region. Diaz will represent Calabarzon in the PSQ national
finals to be held on December 9 at the Commission on Higher Education
auditorium in Quezon City.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/ANTIPOLO CITY: May 859
estudyante at out-of-school youth ang nabigyan ng pansamantalang trabaho ng
pamahalaang lungsod ng Antipolo sa pakikipagtulungan sa Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) sa ilalim ng Special Program for Employment of Students
(SPES), ang bilang ng benepisaryo ay mas marami kumpara noong isang taon na
umabot lamang sa 190 kabataan.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May P27 milyon na
ang halagang nagugol ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa proyektong
"cattle fattening" na pinasimulan noon pang 1998. Ang programa ay
pinakikinabangan ng may 2,130 magbabaka na nabibilang sa mga higit na
nangangailangang mamamayan, ayon kay Batangas city planning and development
officer Januario Godoy.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May 32 residente
mula sa apat na barangay sa lungsod Batangas ang nakinabang sa cattle-fattening
project na ipinapatupad ng city planning and development office (CPDO). Bawat
benepisaryo ay tumanggap ng P20,000 bilang pambili ng baka sa auction market sa
Padre Garcia, pagpoproseso ng dokumento at pamasahe o trucking upang maiuwi ang
nabiling aalagaang baka.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: Food carts with
cooking utensils including build-up capital were distributed by the provincial
govenment to 300 members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and 4-H Club in
the town of Unisan last Nov. 5, 2014. Under the, “Serbisyong Suarez sa
Kabuhayan,” the project aims to help members of women’s association in the
province to be productive by providing livelihood assistance needed to start a
small business such as food vending.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial
government through the office of the provincial agriculturist organized a
rehabilitation caravan in the towns of Gen. Luna, Pitogo, Macalelon, Mulanay,
Catanauan and Tayabas City last Nov. 3-11, 2014 to help farmers affected by
typhoon Glenda through the provision of fruit and vegetables, corn and palay seedlings
as well as fertilizers, knapsack sprayers and other farm tools. A fiber glass
banca, marine plywood, oar, paint, and tilapia and bangus fingerlings were also
turned-over to fisherfolks.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Atimonan
municipal police station (MPS) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)
have warned the public to beware of illegal recruiters by checking the
background of the company or agency before applying for a job vacancy to avoid
scams or illegal recruitment.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Humigit kumulang sa
800 grade 4-6 mag-aaral sa lungsod ng Batangas ang nakilahok sa citywide junior
emcampment na layong madevelop ang pagkakaisa sa pagitan ng mga batang scouts
at maisabuhay ang kahalagahan ng scouting.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The city government
of Laguna and Social Security System officials signed earlier today a
memorandum of agreement (MOA) entitling all city govermment contractual and job
order employees who are not GSIS members to be registered as self-employed SSS
members under the SSS Expanded Self-mployed Program Coverage.
PIA OFW Watch
DZBB: Wala pang deklarasyon ang DFA
kung itataas ang crisis alert level sa mga bansa sa West Africa na may kaso ng
Ebola. Ayon kay DFA spokesman Charles Jose, nananatili pa rin sa crisis alert
level 2 ang sitwasyon ng mga OFW doon. Plinaplantsa kasi aniya nila ang
mahahalagang hakbangin bago itaas sa alert level 3 ang sitwasyon.
1. Quezon government turns-over food carts to
womens association
November
17, 2014
UNISAN,
Quezon, November 17 (PIA) –The provincial government through “Serbisyong
Suarez sa Kabuhayan” distributed food carts with cooking utensils including
build-up capital to 300 members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) and 4-H
Club in this town last Nov. 5, 2014.
The
program aims to help members of women’s association in the province to be
productive by providing livelihood assistance needed to start a small business
such as food vending.
Quezon
governor David Suarez along with: Mrs. Ana Villaraza Suarez; provincial
agriculturist Roberto Gajo, Gumaca Vice Mayor Raquel Mendoza of Gumaca; and
Petronilo E. Abuyan, president of association of municipal agriculturist
of Quezon led the turn-over of livelihood assistance. RIC and 4-H clubs
coordinators witnessed the event.
Aside
from Unisan, other municipalities that are recipients of food carts include:
Guinayangan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Buenavista, Catanauan,
Tayabas, San Antonio, Real, Pagbilao, Padre Burgos, Candelaria, Macalelon,
Sariaya, UNisan, San Francisco, Atimonan, Sariaya, Lopez, Agdanagan,
Lucban. (RMO, PIA-Quezon with
reports from Cristy Lucila-OPA)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701415949588/quezon-government-turns-over-food-carts-to-womens-association-#sthash.T4PkFl0p.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: DTI-Quezon, patuloy ang suporta sa
mga kooperatiba
November
17, 2014
LUNGSOD
NG LUCENA, Quezon, Nob. 17 (PIA) − Namahagi kamakailan ang Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) ng mga makinaryang nagkakahalaga ng P16 milyon sa mga
kooperatiba sa lalawigan.
Ilan sa
mga kooperatiba, partikular ang mga pangkababaihan ay binigyan ng mga makina
para maging maayos umano ang aspeto ng kanilang produksyon. Isang kooperatiba rin mula
sa bayan ng Alabat ang pinagkalooban ng ahensya ng mga makinang panggawa ng
cassava chips.
Samantala,
isang kooperatiba mula naman sa bayan ng Tagkawayan ang nakatanggap ng 'juicer
machine' upang mapabilis umano ang pagkakatas ng dalanghita na ipinagbibili sa
mga bar at iba pang establisyamento sa Maynila.
Kasabay ng mga pamamahagi ng mga makinarya ay ang pagkakaloob din ng ahensya ng libreng pagsasanay sa tamang paggamit ng mga ito gayundin sa tamang pamamalakad ng kooperatiba.
Ang
inisyatibong ito ng DTI ay naglalayong maitaas ang klase at kalidad ng mga
produkto at mapabilis ang produksyon ng mga ito. (Charlie Dajao,
DTI-Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy-DTI Quezon/FSC, PIA-4A)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931416191008/tagalog-news-dti-quezon-patuloy-ang-suporta-sa-mga-kooperatiba#sthash.93re59aG.dpuf
3. Quezon agri office distributes assistance
November
17, 2014
LUCENA
CITY, Quezon, Nov. 17 (PIA) --The provincial government through the office of
the provincial agriculturist organized a rehabilitation caravan in the
towns of Gen. Luna, Pitogo, Macalelon, Mulanay, Catanauan and Tayabas
City last Nov. 3-11, 2014.
The
caravan aims to help farmers affected by typhoon Glenda through the provision
of fruit and vegetables, corn and palay seedlings as well as fertilizers,
knapsack sprayers and other farm tools.
In
addition, provincial agriculturist Roberto Gajo turned-over to fisherfolks a
fiber glass banca, marine plywood, oar, paint, and tilapia and bangus
fingerlings.
Gen. Luna
mayor Jose Stevenson M. Sanggalang, Macalelon mayor Nelso Traje, Mulanay mayor
Joselito Ojeda, Catanuan mayor Ramon Orfanel of Catanauan, Pitogo Vice mayor
Dexter Sayat, and acting city mayor Luz Cuadra thanked the provincial
government for the assistance to their constituents during the rehabilitation
caravan. (Ruel Orinday, PIA- Quezon with reports from Cristy Lucila-OPA- Info
Training unit)
- See
more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701415949209/quezon-agri-office-distributes-assistance#sthash.IuhHVaZS.dpuf
1. UPLB wins regional statistics quiz tilt, remains
undefeated
November
17, 2014
LOS
BAÑOS, Laguna, Nov. 17 (PIA) − The University of the Philippines Los Baños once
again proved their excellence in statistics claiming its sixth championship
title in the 23rd Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Elimination held
Nov. 13.
Raymond
John P. Diaz, an Applied Mathematics student bested 24 other contenders from
different colleges and universities in the Calabarzon region.
Following
Diaz, meanwhile, are Bill Joseph Suguitan from the De La Salle
Universirty-Dasmariñas and Edrian Christopher Lein Roque from the Malayan
Colleges Laguna.
Diaz will
represent Calabarzon in the PSQ National Finals to be held on December 9 at the
Commission on Higher Education Auditorium in Quezon City.
Last
year, Jose Ramon G. Saray, a BS Electrical Engineering student from the same
University was hailed as champion in the 22nd PSQ National Finals.
Launched
in 1992, the PSQ is being held annually by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA) in coordination with the Philippine Statistical Association, Inc., (PSAI)
to assess the competency and skills of college freshmen in statistics. (Charity
Bautisa, PSA-4A/FSC, PIA-4A)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931416190636/uplb-wins-regional-statistics-quiz-tilt-remains-undefeated#sthash.lt4nHJFe.dpuf
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President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Speech during the
75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National
Defense (DND)
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AFP Theater, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City
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17 Nov. 2014
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Maraming salamat ho. Maupo ho tayong lahat. Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa; Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Secretary Sonny Coloma; Chairman Francis Tolentino; Director General Emmanuel Villanueva; Senator Sonny Trillanes; members of the House of Representatives present including Congressman Albano; Chairperson Loreta Ann Rosales; General Manager Jose Angel Honrado; General Manager Chito Cruz; General Gregorio Catapang, the Chief-of-Staff; Lieutenant General Hernando Irriberi of the Philippine Army; Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado; Police Director General Alan Purisima; Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena; Most Reverend Leopoldo Tumulak; Local Government Officals present; Foreign Military Attaches present; former Secretaries of the National Defense; former Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; awardees of the 75th Founding Anniversary of the Department of National Defense; officials and staff of the Department of National Defense; officers, men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; fellow workers in government; honoured guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-75 taong anibersaryo ng ating Tanggulang Pambansa, nagbabalik-tanaw din tayo sa mga yugtong dinaanan ng inyong institusyon sa nakalipas na mga dekada. Nariyan nga po ang madilim na kabanata ng ating kasaysayan kung saan ipinasailalim ni Ginoong Marcos ang bansa sa Batas Militar. Sa panahon pong yun, kinasangkapan ng diktador ang Tanggulang Pambansa para sa pansariling interes. Ginamit niya ang puwersa ng kasundaluhan para manatili sa kapangyarihan, at maghasik ng takot at dahas upang walang kumuwestiyon sa kanyang mga kagustuhan. Gayumpaman, dumating ang puntong nagkaisa at nagtipon ang milyun-milyong Pilipino sa EDSA upang labanan ang diktadurya. Nakita natin dito kung paanong nanumbalik sa pananaw ng ating mga sundalo kung sino ang kanilang tunay na Boss, walang iba kundi ang taumbayan. Pumanig ang ating mga kawal sa sambayanang Pilipino, at nagsilbing pangunahing kabalikat sa panunumbalik ng demokrasya. At ngayon nga po, tumatahak na tayo sa tuwid na daan, ang dating sumusupil sa karapatan ng mamamayan, kinikilala nang tagapagtanggol ng kapakanan ng lahat. Ang dating kinatatakutan, tunay nang tagapagtaguyod ng kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating bayan. Malinaw po: Kayong mga kawal ay sandigan ng mamamayan bilang magigiting na lingkod-bayan. Malaking bahagi po ng tagumpay na tinatamasa ngayon ng ating unipormadong hanay ay bunga na rin sa repormang isinusulong ng ating butihing Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin. Subok na ng panahon ang serbisyo ni Secretary Volts; na tuwing humaharap sa sangandaan ay laging pinipiling gawin ang tama at ang makakabuti sa kapwa. Nang ipakulong ang aking ama dahil sa paglaban niya sa diktadurya, si Secretary Volts ang isa sa kakaunting nakitungo nang tama at maayos sa aking ama. Siguro nga, dahil dito, hindi natuwa kay Secretary Volts ang mga makapangyarihan nang panahong iyon. Ang ibinigay sa kanyang gantimpala: idinestino siya sa Mindanao mula 1975 hanggang 1986. Nang manungkulan namang pinuno ng Presidential Security Group si Secretary Volts, kung kailan ilang coup ang dinaanan ng administrasyon ng aking ina, matagumpay niyang pinangunahan ang pagtatanggol sa akin pong pamilya, at sa ating bagong silang na demokrasya. Alalahanin po natin: Totoong peligro ang mayroon ng mga panahong iyon; totoong mga baril na may totoong bala ang hawak ng mga taong para bang ang daling makalimot sa mga aral ng Batas Militar. Sa kabila ng panganib, pinili ni Secretary Volts na protektahan ang ating kalayaan. At ngayon naman, bilang sibilyan, ibinubuhos pa rin niya ang lakas at panahon upang isulong ang ating agenda ng reporma sa Sandatahang Lakas. Bilang indibidwal na nagmula sa hanay ng kasundaluhan, kompiyansa tayong nauunawaan ni Secretary Volts ang kultura, pati na ang mga kakulangan at pangangailangang dapat tugunan sa inyong sektor. Kaya nga po siya ang nagsisilbi nating pangunahing tagapagpayo para ipatupad ang mga programang isinusulong ang interes ng Sandatahang Lakas at ng mamamayan. Batid din natin: Malaking bahagi ng tungkuling ginagampanan ng ating tanggulan ay hindi lamang nakakahon sa bakbakan at pagtatanod sa bansa mula sa mga panloob at panlabas na banta. Nariyan din ang mandato ninyong makiambag sa kaunlaran ng ekonomiya at ng kalakhang lipunan. At sa larangang ito, saludo rin ako sa inyong di-matatawarang sipag at dedikasyon. Isang halimbawa rito ang pagtulong ninyong makumpleto na, sa wakas, ang Basilan Circumferential Road. Isipin po ninyo: taong 2000 pa itong under construction. Matagal itong naudlot dahil sa usapin ng peace and order. Ano ba ang pakinabang ng proyektong ito? Oras na matapos ang pagpapagawa ng kalsadang ito, ang dating tatlong oras at 45 minutong biyahe sa pagbagtas ng circumferential road, magiging dalawang oras na lang. Ang bilang ng makikinabang ditong residente nasa 450,000 katao. Kasama rito ang mga mangingisda at magsasakang mas mabilis nang maihahatid ang kanilang ani patungong pamilihan, at ang mga biyaherong mas maaliwalas na ang magiging paglakbay. Gayundin, sa mas maayos na kalsada, mas mabilis na makakaresponde ang ating mga unipormadong hanay sa oras ng pangangailangan. Sa kabila nito, mayroon pa ring nagnanais na hindi ito matuloy; silang mga nakikinabang sa kaguluhan at kawalan ng oportunidad sa komunidad. Hindi natin sila hahayaan sa kanilang pansariling agenda. Sa tulong ng ating Sandatahang Lakas, kasama na ang ating mga Local Government Units, target makumpleto na ang circumferential road sa susunod na taon. Patunay lamang ito na ang ating mga kawal ng bayan ay hindi lang pang-bakbakan, kundi maaasahan ding katuwang sa serbisyong panlipunan. Hindi na po bago sa atin ang kabayanihang ipinapamalas ninyo: mula sa kahandaan ninyong humarap sa peligro upang ipagtanggol ang mamamayan laban sa masasamang elemento, sa pagbabantay sa ating teritoryo, hanggang sa pagsaklolo at paghahatid ng serbisyo sa mga sinalanta ng kalamidad, naroon kayo, handang tumulong at umagapay. Binabati nga po natin ang ating awardees sa araw na ito. Sa ngalan ng sambayanan, maraming salamat sa inyong pagsisikap na taasan pa ang antas ng paglilingkod sa ating kapwa at bandila. Nawa’y lagi kayong magsilbing huwaran sa inyong mga kasamahan upang lalong pagbutihin ang pagtupad sa tungkulin. Tapos na ang panahon kung kailan ang nagmamalasakit sa taumbayan ay sila pang naaapi at kinakalimutan. Ngayon, kung paanong inaaruga ninyo ang mamamayan, sinusuklian na rin ito ng karampatang pagkalinga ng gobyerno. Habang tinututukan naman natin ang inyong kapakanan, tumataas din ang inaasahan natin sa inyong serbisyo. Makakaasa naman kayo sa pagpapakitang-gilas ninyo, lalo ring ginaganahan ang inyong liderato na tulungan kayong lampasan ang mga hamon ng inyong misyon, at maging ang inyong pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Malinaw po: Sa mabuting pamamahala, wala nang naisasantabing “sila,” wala nang inuunang “kami”; mayroon lamang “tayo” na sabay-sabay humahakbang tungo sa katuparan ng ating kolektibong mga mithiin. Sa isinasakatuparan nating AFP Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, mula Hunyo 2010 hanggang Oktubre 2014, ang pondong nailaan na natin umabot na po sa 41.38 billion pesos. Di hamak na mas mataas ito sa pinagsama-samang pondong nailaan ng nakaraang tatlong administrasyon mula 1995, na halos 32 bilyong pesos po. Ang nakumpleto naman nating proyekto umabot na sa 46; nalampasan na rin natin ang 45 proyektong natapos ng sinundan nating tatlong administrasyon. Mayroon pa tayong natitirang mahigit isang taon at pitong buwan, kaya’t tiyak na madaragdagan pa ang makukumpleto natin. Sa 2013 pa nga lang, 12 proyekto na ang ating naisakatuparan. Kabilang rito ang pagbili ng dalawang modernong barko, tatlong naval helicopters, at 8 combat utility helicopters. Ongoing na rin ang ating DND Medium Term Capability Development Program na saklaw ng ating Revised AFP Modernization Law. Sa programang ito, 33 proyekto ang kinukumpleto na natin na aabot hanggang 2017. Ang halagang inilaan natin dito: 90.86 billion pesos. Kanina, nasaksihan natin ang paglulunsad ng Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028. Magsisilbi itong masterplan upang siguruhing ang lahat ng ating inisyatiba ay kongkretong naipapatupad. Sinisiguro nating hindi mababalewala ang ating mga pinaghihirapan. Sa komprehensibong planong ito, titiyaking nagtutugma ang roadmaps ng mga kaugnay na ahensya ng DND upang maabot ang ganap na transpormasyon ng ating tanggulan. Bukod naman sa pagkakaloob ng makabagong kagamitan sa ating mga kawal ng bayan, nandiyan na rin ang iba pang isinusulong na serbisyo ng ating estado para sa inyo. Kabilang dito ang pag pamamahagi ng mga disente at abot-kayang pabahay, pagsasaayos ng inyong pension system, pati na ang mga programang pangkabuhayan para sa mga aktibo at retiradong sundalo. Ang nais natin: ipagkaloob ang mga benepisyong karapat-dapat lang matanggap ng mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan. Sa pagdiriwang nating ito ng inyong anibersaryo, ginugunita rin natin ang sakripisyo ng mga nauna sa ating mga kawal; silang mga nakipaglaban upang makamit ang kalayaang tinatamasa natin ngayon. Huwag lang sanang kalilimutan ng sambayanan: Obligasyon, hindi lang ng mga sundalo, kundi ng bawat Pilipino, na pangalagaan ang ating kalayaan at sa pagpapahalaga sa mga pamanang kaisipan at paninindigan ng ating mga bayani, masisiguro nating hindi na muling mananakaw ang kasarinlang umuusbong mula sa kanilang kagitingan at pagmamalasakit. Sa pag-aambagan ng mamamayan at ng kasundaluhan, lalo pa nating maiaangat ang bayan tungo sa pinapangarap nating kinabukasan. Sama-sama po nating abutin ito, upang sa pagdating ng panahon na tawagin na tayo ng Panginoon, taas-noong masasabi nating “Paglisan ko, di-hamak na mas mabuti ang iniwan kong kalagayan ng bansa kaysa aking dinatnan, isang lipunan kung saan walang sinumang naiiwan sa malawakang kaunlaran.” Bago po ako magtapos, palagay ko po napakarami nating gustong gumawa ng tamang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Paminsan-minsan napapag-isip, ito ba ay napapansin, ito ba ay may halaga; ito ba ay talagang nakakatulong. Ngayon po dumating na tayo sa sandali kung saan talagang may tinatawag tayong virtuous cycle. May katahimikan tayo, nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon ang ating ekonomiyang umusbong at lalo talagang yumabong. Pagdating naman po nung nagkakaroon ng istado nang dagdag na kakayahan talagang paglingkuran ang ating mga kababayan. Lahat ng ginagawa nating pagtutulungang ‘to siya ang nagpapamadali na maabot natin ang gusto nating datnan. Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat po. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRB / Pilipinas, Pilipinas by Efren Montano, Vanz
Fernandez & Albert
Sebastian
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16
November 2014
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OPENING STATEMENTS Pagkakaroon ng access ng mga kamag-anak ng ating mga peacekeeper Ayon sa Department of Health, kailangang magpatuloy ang 21 araw na isolation o quarantine para sa Filipino peacekeeper na muling nagkasakit ng malaria, dahil nga po sa kabila ng kanyang pagiging negative for Ebola at positive for malaria, umiiral pa rin ‘yung 21-day isolation o quarantine para sa Ebola. Kaya mananatili po siyang nandoon sa ganoong kalagayan. Nagpapasalamat ang pamahalaan sa mga kamag-anak ng ating mga bumalik na Filipino peacekeepers mula sa Liberia sa kanilang pag-unawa at patuloy na pagsuporta sa isinasagawang quarantine bilang bahagi ng pag-iingat pangkalusugan. Ayon kay AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) spokesperson Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, magkikita ang mga peacekeeper at ang kanilang mga kamag-anak sa heroes’ welcome ceremony na nakatakdang idaos sa Malacañang sa unang linggo ng Disyembre. Walang limitasyong ipinaiiral hinggil sa paggamit ng cellphone sa Caballo Island para sa may sariling gamit nito. ‘Yung walang sariling gamit ay nakagagamit ng cellphone ng kanilang unit, pero kailangan nilang sumunod sa time limit para sa kapakinabangan ng lahat. Mayroong libreng wifi coverage para makipag-usap sila sa kanilang mga kamag-anak sa pamamagitan ng Skype o Viber, at sa kagandahang loob din ng Smart at Globe ay pinagkalooban sila ng expanded benefits, katulad ‘nung unlimited texting. Operasyon sa pagitan ng AFP at ASG sa Sulu Hinggil naman doon sa naiulat na mga bihag ng Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) at sa kasalukuyang isinasagawang operasyon doon, ito po ang pahayag ng ating AFP: Malaking dagok sa ASG ang isinasagawang pinaigting na law enforcement operations ng mga tropa ng Sandatahang Lakas sa Sulu. Walang opisyal na ulat sa umano’y bihag na galing sa bansang France. Ang batid at tinututukan ng AFP ay ang mga bihag mula sa Japan, Malaysia, at Europa. So ‘yan po ang pahayag ng ating AFP. Paglagda ni Pangulong Aquino ng EO No. 173, Series of 2014 Considering that local government units were collecting real property taxes from independent power producers (IPP), which will eventually result to massive liabilities of the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) that could lead to an increase or spike in the cost of electricity, President Aquino signed on 31 October 2014 Executive Order No. 173 granting a “reduction and condonation of real property taxes and interest/penalties assessed on the power generation facilities of independent power producers under build-operate-transfer contracts with government-owned and/or -controlled corporations.” Pursuant to the executive order, real property taxes imposed by LGUs for all years up to 2014 on “property, machinery, and equipment actually and directly used by IPPs for the production of electricity under build-operate-[transfer] contract will be reduced to an amount equivalent to the tax due, if computed based on an assessment level of 15 percent of the fair market value of said property, machinery, and equipment depreciated at the rate of two percent per annum less any amounts already paid by the IPPs.” The same executive order also stated that “all fines, penalties, and interest on such deficiency, real property tax liabilities are also hereby condoned and the concerned IPPs are relieved from payment thereof.” Mga kondisyon sa Manila Reception Center para sa mga kabataan Ayon kay Secretary (Corazon) Soliman sa isang text message po sa akin kanina, ito po ang kanyang sinabi: “I will order a fact-finding team to look at the conditions in the Manila Reception Center. We can provide technical assistance to the City of Manila Social Welfare and Development Office.” Handang tumulong ang pambansang pamahalaan sa pamahalaan ng Lungsod ng Maynila upang pabutihin ang mga kondisyon sa Manila Reception Center. Ayon kay Secretary Dinky Soliman, aatasan niya ang isang pangkat upang alamin ang mga kondisyon doon para makatulong ang DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) sa City of Manila Social Welfare and Development Office. MALARIA-AFFLICTED PEACEKEEPER Albert Sebastian: Sir, itanong lang ulit [namin] ‘yung tungkol doon sa period of stay ‘nung peacekeeper sa RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) po. Kasama na po ba ‘yung 21 days na quarantine niya doon o hiwalay pa rin po? SEC. COLOMA: Pagpapasya po ng mga manggagamot at ng RITM ‘yung kanyang pananatili sa RITM na sa ngayon ay para sa pagpapagamot ng malaria. Mr. Sebastian: Opo. SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yung itinakdang 21-day isolation o quarantine period para sa pagberipika ng sintomas ng Ebola ay magwawakas sa ikatlo ng Disyembre. So ‘yan ay umiiral pa rin. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, ‘yun ding pong ano, ‘yung tungkol doon po sa amenities and facilities doon sa Caballo Island. Mayroon pong ilang complaints galing doon sa kaanak ng mga sundalo na hindi raw po nila ma-contact. So ‘yun po bang mga ano unli[mited] daw po ba—‘yung mga ginagamit? SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga po. Kung tutunghayan niyo po ang aking kasasabi lamang sa pahayag, nilinaw po ng AFP natin sa pamamagitan ni Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc na walang limitasyong ipinaiiral hinggil sa paggamit ng cellphone kung ito ay personal na gamit nila. Bukod pa riyan ay sa kagandahang loob ng dalawang pinakamalaking telcos ay binigyan sila ng unlimited access, ‘yun pong mga unlimited text, at dahil libre din po ‘yung wifi ay pwede silang makipag-usap sa kanilang mga kamag-anak sa pamamagitan ng Skype o Viber, dahil nais po ng pamahalaan na maging kaaya-aya at komportable ang kanilang pamamalagi sa Caballo Island. Efren Montano: Ah, okay, so ibig sabihin ay… Pero ibig sabihin walang basehan ‘yung complaint na napaulat sa isang pambansang pahayagan? SEC. COLOMA: Basta sa panig po ng Sandatahang Lakas ‘yan po ang isinasagawa at lahat ay ginagawa ng pamahalaan para maging komportable at kaaya-aya ang pamamalagi ng ating mga nagsibalikang peacekeepers. MANILA RECEPTION AND ACTION CENTER Mr. Sebastian: Okay. Sir, question mula kay Bernard Taguinod, sabi niya: May mananagot po ba sa kapabayaan sa Manila Reception and Action Center? SEC. COLOMA: Sa atin pong natunghayan ay mayroon nang pahayag si Manila Mayor/former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada hinggil diyan at nasa kanila na po ang angkop na pagkilos dahil ito pong pasilidad na tinutukoy natin ay nasa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng City of Manila Social Welfare and Development Office. Mr. Montano: Okay po. At ‘yung sa opening message po natin ay lahat po mga good news at nasagot itong tungkol sa problema sa power, lalo itong sa NAPOCOR na may condonation na aspeto doon sa executive order na nilagdaan ng ating Pangulo. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Efren. PNOY’S UPCOMING TRIPS Mr. Montano: At ‘yung tungkol naman po dito sa significance and agenda ng parating na biyahe ng ating Pangulo sa South Korea maging diyan sa Singapore. Ano po ‘yung magiging agenda ng ating Pangulo sa bisita mula sa Turkey? SEC. COLOMA: Antabayanan po natin ang opisyal na pahayag ng Department of Foreign Affairs. Sila po ang gumagawa ng ganitong pahayag sapagkat ito po ay diplomatic matter. Pagkatapos po nila magsagawa ng pahayag na gagawin po nila sa lalong madaling panahon ay maaari na tayong magbigay ng sarili nating pahayag. Sabihin na lang po natin na ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan ang lahat para mapabuti at mapahusay ang ating bilateral relation sa ating mga kalapit na bansa, lalong-lalo na sa mga bansang tinukoy. ‘Yon pong bansang Korea ay isa sa ating matagal nang kaalyado at kaibigan. ‘Yon pong pagdalo diyan ng ating Pangulo ay para sa ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. ‘Yon lang po ang aking masasabi sa ngayon. ‘Yon naman pong pagtungo sa Singapore [sa Martes] ay tatalakayin sa opisyal na pahayag ng Department of Foreign Affairs. ISSUES ON VP BINAY Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir, question ulit mula kay Bernard. Sabi niya: Nakausap na po ba ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga senador, lalo na si Senador (Koko) Pimentel? Nagkalinawan na ba sa pagkalito sa pahayag ng Pangulo tungkol kay (Vice President jejomar) Binay? SEC. COLOMA: Wala po akong impormasyon kung sila ay nagkausap simula ‘nung pagbabalik ng Pangulo noong Biyernes ng umaga. Ang batid ko lang po ay hinggil sa opisyal na pahayag ng Pangulo hinggil diyan sa bagay na ‘yan dahil ako mismo po ang gumawa ‘non habang kami ay magkasama sa Naypyidaw, Myanmar noong nakaraang linggo. Wala na pong ibang karagdagang pahayag hinggil diyan. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, comment lang po doon sa statement ng kampo ni Vice President Binay na the worst is over na raw po. ‘Yun po ang kanilang pahayag. SEC. COLOMA: Kasi po ang primary focus ng ating pamahalaan ngayon ay tungkol sa governance. Kung mayroon pong ibang mga usaping politikal na hindi po natutungkol diyan, hindi po ‘yon ang aming primary focus, at hayaan na lang po natin kung ano man ang naging pahayag ng iba pang partido hinggil sa kanilang mga usapin. Mr. Montano: Opo. Kasi hindi po ba makukumbinsi ‘yung kaalyado ng ating Pangulo na talagang mag-focus na sa enactment ng mga priority measures instead of diyan sa tinatawag na politicking, pag-imbestiga. Ano po ba ang mababanggit ng ating (pamahalaan)? SEC. COLOMA: Ang aking palagay ay sapat na ang nabatid na saloobin ng Pangulo hinggil diyan at nasa kanila na pong pagpapasya ang kanilang gagawin. PAPAL VISIT Mr. Montano: ‘Yung tungkol naman po dito sa papal visit. Although nabanggit na na hindi pala kasama ang Pangulo doon sa pagpunta ng ating Santo Papa diyan sa Tacloban, may iba pa po ba tayong mababanggit ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Wala na po sa ngayon. PARTING MESSAGE Mr. Montano: Opo. At wala na yatang mga padalang question mula sa Sunday group unless mayroon po tayong parting message at iba pang pahayag dito sa Sunday habit ng Radyo ng Bayan para sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps. SEC. COLOMA: Well, tila wala na rin po akong maidadagdag. Ang aking paghahanda ay batay doon sa ipinarating na mga katanungan. Kung mayroon pa pong ibang gustong tanungin ‘yung mga kagawad ng Malacañang Press Corps pagkatapos nitong ating pagsasahimpapawid ay malaya naman po sila at maaaring makapagparating ng tanong at sasagutin din po ‘yon nang naaayon sa ating nakaugalian nang mga proseso. **** |
| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk |
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| Govt employees to get 13th month pay, cash gift |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad announced that starting this week, government
employees and officers will get the remaining half of their 13th
month pay and cash gift before the coming Christmas. Abad said, “For the past year, government employees have been working quietly and without fanfare for the good of the nation. It’s only proper that their efforts and hard work are given fair recognition. The year-end bonus and extra cash should help them prepare for the holiday season and its demands.” Under Budget Circular 2010-1 first issued on 28 August 2010, government personnel are entitled to a year-end bonus equivalent to a month’s pay as well as a cash gift of P5,000. The budget circular covers civilian and uniformed personnel across all government departments and agencies, including regular co-terminus employees in government. The funds for the bonuses and cash gifts for national government agencies (NGAs) are sourced from the 2014 National Budget. Government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) will tap into their corporate funds for the bonuses, while local government units (LGUs) will source their perks from local government funds. Abad noted that, “Funds to support the requirements of government personnel were released to the agencies at the very start of the year. The General Appropriations Act (GAA)-as-release-document ensures that funds are sufficiently available to the agencies from the very start, so that they can roll out the year-end bonuses and cash gifts at the appropriate time.” Government employees and officers first received half of their 13th month pay and cash gift last May. This is because the first half of the bonus and cash gift can only be given not earlier than May 1 and the remaining half not earlier than November 15. Last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered an early release of the year-end bonus and cash gift to help government employees affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Prior to this, they also received their year-end bonuses early in the aftermath of Ondoy. |
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| August govt spending rises by 6.1% Y-O-Y; Abad: New BAC positions to fast-track procurement |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported that
total government spending year-on-year increased to P1.296
trillion as of August this year, an expansion by P74.5 billion
or 6.1 percent from 2013. This is in line with the Aquino
administration’s commitment to respond to the country’s
development needs through the delivery of high-impact programs
and projects. As of August, DBM records show that almost all expenditure items went up from the same month in 2013, including a P6.6 billion or 3.9-percent rise in infrastructure disbursements. The 5.4-percent growth in August alone brings total year-on-year spending for infrastructure and other capital outlay from P169.6 billion to P176.2 billion in the first eight months of 2014. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said: “Aside from the social services and education sectors, our socio-economic plan is dedicated to pouring investments towards infrastructure development. That’s why we’ve been continuously expanding our budget for infrastructure since we came in, with a set target of five percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2016.” “This goal is also supported by the budget reforms that we’ve instituted this year. For one, the GAA-as-release document reform ensures that funds are sufficiently made available to agencies for their respective programs and projects at the start of the year,” Abad said. Abad reported that total allotments released to implementing agencies amounted to P2.050 trillion or about 91 percent of the total obligation program for the year. Agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) recorded significant increases in allotment releases with 31.1 percent and 83.3 percent respectively for various infrastructure development projects, among others. The budget chief also expressed optimism in improving the spending pace through the creation of new positions under Bids and Awards Committees (BAC) in key departments. The hiring of additional procurement personnel aims to substantially improve the performance of agencies in terms of their procurement activities. “We’ve been working with key implementing agencies to clear the bottlenecks in the procurement process. By opening up these new positions in the various bids and awards committees, procurement activities can proceed faster and more efficiently. Measures like this should facilitate further improvement in public expenditures and allow us to jumpstart procurement for next year,” Abad said. Spending by Other Expense Classes in August 2014: Subsidies to GOCCs continued to expand further by 71.7 percent through releases to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the implementation of the 2012 Resettlement Program, as well as the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for its 2014 Sitio Electrification Program. The P25.5-billion or 75.5-percent increase recorded as of August is the highest year-on-year growth among all expenditure items. Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) disbursements registered a 10.3-percent increase in August, bringing cumulative growth to P11.1 billion or 6 percent for the first eight months of 2014. This was brought about by the implementation of the National Community-Driven Development Project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), plus the fund requirements for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference (APEC) in 2015. |
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| Bicol Region LGUs set up OFW help desks |
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
| Only within a month, thirteen (13) local government units in the Bicol Region set up an OFW Help Desk. Led by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte, the municipal governments of Daet, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Labo, Mercedes, J. Panganiban, Capalonga, Sta. Elena, and San Vicente, established the help desks to attend to the problems and concerns of the OFWs and their families, and to provide infomation on all aspect of overseas employment. In Sorsogon, a help desk was created in the municipality of Castilla after ABC President Neson Marana, regional winner of 2014 MOFYA, sponsored a resolution before the Sangguniang Bayan. The establishment of OFW Help Desks is mandated by the Migrant Workers’ Act (RA 8042 as amended by RA 10022), and is institutionalized with a Memorandum of Agreement on Convergence Program for OFWs forged by DOLE, TESDA, POEA and OWWA with the local government. OWWA Region V seeks the support of the local government units, especially those in areas far from the regional office in Legazpi City and the satellite office in Naga City. |
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| Sorsogon City and Talisay Municipality provide OWWA center |
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
| Instead of an OFW Help Desk, the local government of Sorsogon City and the municipality of Talisay in Camarines Norte provided the OWWA Regional Welfare Office V with an office facility, free of charge, in recognition of the OFW communities’ contribution to the local economy. With a field office in the area, the OWWA Region V deployed Family Welfare Officers Ma. Cecilia Furaque and Arjay Callada, to attend to needs of the OFWs and their families in the provinces of Sorsogon and Camarines Norte. |
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| Personal remittances continue to rise in September 2014; First nine months level reaches US$19.6 billion |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) amounted to
US$2.3 billion in September 2014, rising by 8.1 percent relative
to the comparable period last year. On a cumulative basis,
personal remittances for the period January–September 2014
reached US$19.6 billion, representing a 6.7 percent year-on-year
growth, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco,
Jr. announced today.1 The increase in personal remittances in
the first nine months of the year was driven largely by the
steady increase in transfers from land-based workers with work
contracts of one year or more (5.4 percent), and sea-based and
land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year
(8.2 percent). Meanwhile, cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks increased by 7.9 percent year-on-year to US$2.1 billion in September 2014. For the first nine months of 2014, cash remittances reached US$17.6 billion, or a 6.1 percent growth compared to US$16.6 billion in the same period last year. Cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers grew by 5.4 percent (to US$13.5 billion) and 8.3 percent (to US$4.2 billion), respectively. The bulk of cash remittances (about 80 percent) came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Canada.2 Remittances remained resilient on the back of sustained demand for skilled Filipino manpower overseas. Based on preliminary reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for the period January-September 2014, job orders reached 680,392, of which 43.1 percent were processed job orders intended for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Taiwan, and Qatar. Moreover, the network of bank and non-bank remittance channels established worldwide and the efforts of remittance service providers to expand financial services to cater to the various needs of OFs facilitated the inflow of remittances. As of end-September 2014, the number of commercial banks’ established tie-ups, remittance centers, correspondent banks, and branches/representative offices abroad totaled 4,587, four percent higher than the level as of end-September 2013. |
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| MB releases Guidelines on Further Entry of Foreign Banks |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The Monetary Board (MB) approved the implementing rules and
regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10641. The new law
provides for the further entry of foreign banks into the
Philippines and thus amends R.A. No. 7721, which was passed into
law in May 1994. With the approval of the IRR, additional foreign banks can now apply to operate in the Philippines either as a branch or as a wholly-owned subsidiary. In addition, the new law allows foreign banks to acquire up to 100 percent of the voting stock of an existing domestic bank. This is an increase from the 60 percent cap under the previous law (R.A. No. 7721). The IRR reflects the enhancements in the entry criteria prescribed by R.A. No. 10641. Instead of a bank’s ranking by size either globally or in their own jurisdiction, the new law focuses on the demonstrated expertise of a potential entrant as an established, reputable and financially sound bank. The MB shall also consider strategic relationships and reciprocity rights in accepting the application of a foreign bank entrant. In addition, foreign banks interested to enter the Philippines under R.A. No. 10641 are required to be widely-owned and publicly-listed in their home country. “We are very appreciative of the efforts of our legislators to pass into law R.A. No. 10641 and the BSP is quite happy to now issue the IRR to execute this law,” BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. commented. Governor Tetangco further noted that “implementing the new law comes at an opportune time because the foreign banks can be vehicles for foreign direct investments into the Philippines at a time when we have attained investment-grade rating while also preparing further for regional integration.” Recognizing the added economic contributions by foreign banks, R.A. No. 10641 allowed foreign banks to control up to a combined 40 percent of the total assets of the banking system. This is 10 percentage points higher than the previous 30 percent limit. With the expected increase in the share of total assets under the management of foreign banks, the IRR reflects the authority of the MB to adopt necessary measures to ensure that the 60 percent domestic-controlled proportion is preserved. Such measures shall consider vested rights and non-impairment of contracts that will be non-discriminatory to existing foreign banks. The minimum capital requirements applicable to foreign bank branches have been aligned with that of domestic banks of the same category. However, foreign banks entering under R.A. No. 10641 shall comply outright with the new capital requirements as well as with the prescribed minimum capital ratios. Similar to the provisions under Republic Act No. 10574 (An Act Allowing The Infusion Of Foreign Equity In The Capital of Rural Banks), foreign banks are also allowed to bid and take part in foreclosure sales of real property mortgaged to them. Foreign banks can avail of any of the three modes of entry into the Philippines. At any time, however, they must only avail of one mode of entry subject to compliance with all the requirements. |
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| BIR collection for October 2014 grew by P 6.21 billion |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
For the month of October 2014, the BIR collected Php101.8
billion in tax revenues, Php6.2 billion or 6.5% more than
collections made in October 2013. For October 2014, collections from BIR operations amounted to Php99.64 billion, PhP6.42 billion or 6.88% more than collections made in October 2013. Collections from non-BIR operations amounted to Php2.16 billion, Php204 million or 8.6% less than the collections made in October 2013. Collections by the Regional Offices amounted to PhP39.61 billion, or Php6.89 billion or 21.08% more than the collections made in October 2013. While collections by the Large Taxpayers Service amounted to PhP60.03 billion, PhP476.61 million or 0.79% less than the collections made in October 2013. |
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| Customs employee nabbed in entrapment operation after extortion try |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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In its continuous effort to rid itself of scalawags in its
ranks, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) led an entrapment operation
against one of its employees who’s trying to extort money from
two student-trainees of a brokerage firm. In an entrapment operation led by the Bureau’s Intelligence Group (IG) last Wednesday, November 12, a 12-year Customs employee Aristotle Tumala was nabbed after receiving P7,000 in marked money from two student-trainees who are seeking the release of tax-exempt imports of Panay Power in the Port of Iloilo. The trainees are graduating students who are taking up BS Customs Administration and are doing internship at a licensed brokerage firm as part of their on-the-job training course. When the two trainees went to Tumala who is working at the office of the Tax-Exempt Division as administrative aide for the processing and releasing the endorsement for release of the shipment, Tumala allegedly said there is a problem with their papers and ‘kailangan ng ulo ng aso’. Sensing that the ‘ulo ng aso” was a bribe Tumala was asking for so they asked how much, to which Tumala allegedly said P7,000. The trainees then reported the incident to the IG officials led by Customs Deputy Commissioner Jessie Dellosa. The entrapment operation was quickly mobilized by Dellosa together with Customs Director Willie Tolentino and the suspect was immediately apprehended after receiving the marked money. Tumala is now facing criminal and administrative charges. “We are doing this to rid the Customs of the culture of corruption that has plagued the Bureau and to show that we mean business in reforming the BOC. This is also to show everybody especially these students that there is no room for corruption in the Bureau of Customs. You may thrive now or get away with your extortion activities but we will still get you in the end,” Dellosa said. “We commend these students for their bravery, courage and integrity. With their full cooperation, we were able to catch this erring employee with his extortion attempt. We look forward to working with them as licensed Customs brokers who we know will live by a code of honesty, professionalism, and integrity,” Dellosa added. According to brokers, ‘ulo ng aso’ is a code word for money because of a small design feature on the upper left portion of the P1,000 bill resembling the head of a dog. |
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| DTI chief commended the IPOPHL in championing IPR enforcement |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
In the recently concluded 4th Philippine Anti-Counterfeiting and
Piracy Summit held at Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo lauded the
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on
effectively promoting the intellectual property and industry
development in the country. Domingo, who delivered the keynote message of President Benigno Aquino III, recognized the efforts of IPOPHL under the leadership of Director General Ricardo Blancaflor as well as the members of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR). He said, “The achievements of our government agencies involved in IP development, protection, enforcement and adjudication reflect a positive sign for industries both on the local and international levels.” Spearheaded by the IPOPHL, an attached agency of DTI that is mandated to implement state policies on intellectual property (IP), this year’s celebration of IP Summit highlights the importance of putting in place an effective IP enforcement and a just and efficient adjudication system in the country. The Philippines became the 85th member of the Madrid Protocol in 2012 which serves to protect trademarks across the international community. And in 2013, there was a remarkable rise in the International Property Rights Index ratings on patent protection which makes the country in the 2nd place in the Asia and Oceania Region and 25th in the world. This year marked the country’s removal from the US Trade Representative’s special 301 watch list after being in the list for more than 20 years. This is due to series of significant legislative and regulatory reforms to enhance the protection and enforcement of IPR in the country, including special rules of court procedure, increased effective enforcement activities, and substantial and effective public education and awareness efforts. “As more Filipino companies expand operations in the country and abroad in this time of resurgence, we are working to promote a business environment in the Philippines that is conducive to investments, one that has a level playing field, where talent is truly abundant, and where hard work is rewarded with advancement," Domingo said. Adopting the theme “Strengthening Intellectual Property Enforcement and Adjudication in the 21st Century,” the Summit provided a venue for the country’s top local IP experts and foreign luminaries to discuss and share experiences, best practices and lessons learned in IP development, protection, enforcement and adjudication. Local and foreign guests and IP stakeholders who graced the Summit lauded the IPOPHL for introducing a program that directly involves young Filipinos in IP education and awareness. Mr. Peter Fowler, the Regional IP Attache of the United States of Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) congratulated the IPOPHL in teaching the importance of the Intellectual Property. Twenty-one high school students who came from the Makati Science High School, Manila Science High School, Muntinlupa Science High School, Taguig Science High School, Philippines Science High School, University of Sto. Tomas High School and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Laboratory High School were inducted as 2nd Batch of IP Young Advocates. Three students from each participating schools attended the three-day IP Youth Camp last 24-26 September in Baras, Rizal. Fowler, in behalf of the USPTO, received the award as one of the 2014 IP Champions. The other awardees were the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This serves as recognition to their support and cooperation in the development of strengthening the IP system in the Philippines. “We aim to make the IP system work better and faster for our IP right holders,” Blancaflor said, adding that “the continuing push to improve IP enforcement and adjudication in the country is aligned with our bigger objective of having a demystified, democratized, and a development-oriented IP system.” As the protection of intellectual property rights is now a global economic and trade issue, reform measures spearheaded by the IPOPHL will make the Philippine business environment more attractive both to local and foreign investors, now that ASEAN Economic Community will come into force by the end of 2015. |
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| Laguna food processors gets support from public, private sector |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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The Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALAFOP) is getting
full support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
the City Government of Calamba, and SM City Calamba. Speaking at the opening of the Kalakal Laguna food fair on Monday at the SM City Calamba, Susan R. Palo, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that her office organized the food selling fair to strengthen the food sector since food is a major industry sector in Laguna and also a priority sector at the national scale. The fair, organized by DTI Laguna and participated by twenty four food processors under ALAFOP, featured unique food products dubbed ‘Natatanging Pagkain, Lasang Lagunense’ that will ran up to November 16. “With several attempts to organize the players of the food sector here in Laguna after five years, we now have the Association of Laguna Food Processors (ALFOP) composed of active and commendable food processors. It is timely because we need a strong food industry cluster to support the province’s tourism sector,” Palo said. Palo acknowledged the support of SM City Calamba to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by hosting DTI-initiated trade fairs and showcasing products in shelves, and hopes that similar cooperation be replicated in SM Malls in San Pablo and Sta. Rosa. “It’s just a matter of letting people know that we have good products. Our challenge is in retailing, thus, we are negotiating with SM to put up a section where the best of our local products can be exhibited for sale," Calamba City Mayor Justin Marc “Timmy” Chipeco said. Chipeco continued that the local government intends to put up pasalubong centers in every tourist spot in the city such as the Rizal‘s Ancestral House, and the Rizal Monument – considered the tallest Rizal monument in the world which is fast becoming an attraction. DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that assistance for the SMEs through various programs is continuing as proof of DTI’s commitment for the welfare of the SMEs. “Some of our SMEs have already accessed the international market. Months ago, we embarked on a selling mission to the US West Coast and we have confirmed that we have a market there. Based on the merits of our products and with our knowledge on exporting food items, we are convinced that we can compete with other exporting countries. The key is working towards registration and qualification with the FDA requirements, i.e., compliance with regulations, food standards, labeling standards and manufacturing practices. It’s not easy but many of our SMEs like Makiling Organics and Chocovron have successfully sold their products," Toledo said. DTI Calabarzon, whose office will be moving to a new location next year, will put up a ‘business resource center’ (BRC) that would serve as knowledge center and venue for market matching, credit facilitation, access for office equipment and meeting rooms, and consultancy services. “Along this line, we are persuading Mayor Chipeco to put up as well a ‘Go-Negosyo Center’ in Calamba,” Toledo added. Clarke Nebrao, Chairman of ALFOP, revealed that the association of 36 food processing enterprises generates annual revenues of about P250-million and are providing jobs to more than 400 people. “That is why we are tagged as ‘mga makabagong bayani ng Laguna’," Nebrao said. Nebrao added that ALAFOP aims to provide more jobs and embarks on a program that would assist other SMEs on their start-up stages. “We are allocating a portion of every sale we make for a fund to assist SMEs particularly those who are starting up and with nothing except their bright enterprising ideas. Parallel with the government, we have the strong desire to alleviate poverty, feed the hungry, and make a difference as well," he concluded. |
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| DOST-NAST Academician bats for more genetics counsellors in hospitals |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
|
Academician Carmencita D. Padilla said there should be an item
for a genetics counsellor in the plantilla of secondary and
tertiary hospitals in the country to help address the gaps in
the treatment and services for rare disease patients in the
Philippines. The UP Manila College of Medicine professor made this statement during a Roundtable Discussion on Rare Diseases organized by the Department of Science and Technology’s National Academy of Science and Technology (DOST-NAST) held at Traders Hotel recently. Padilla is a DOST-NAST Academician. According to Padilla, there are only nine geneticists in the country, with one each in Visayas and Mindanao. While she acknowledges the need to increase the number of geneticists, Padilla believes that there is not much demand for geneticists. What the country needs are more genetic counsellors, she said. “We don’t have enough geneticists and we don’t need a geneticist in every hospital. At least, a genetics counsellor can take care of counselling the patient and his family. The counsellor is not limited to genetic conditions alone,” she stated. Most rare diseases are genetic and involve functional and physical birth defects. According to Dr. Mary Anne D. Chiong of UP Manila’s National Institutes of Health, there is no existing effective cure for these disorders. Among the 7,000 identified rare diseases include Maple Syrup Urine Disease --in which a patient’s urine smells like maple syrup, mucopolysaccharidosis, Gaucher Disease, galactosemia, Phenylketonuria, Hunter Syndrome, and Pompe Disease. These illnesses are chronic, progressive, degenerative, and most of the time disabling. They also cause heavy social, emotional, and financial burden on patients and their families. What further compounds this problem are the current challenges in treatment and research. Among these challenges are lack of access to treatment, frequent misdiagnosis, and lack of research. In the Philippines, the small number of geneticists worsens the problem. “I cannot do it on my own,” Padilla admitted. “But I can put it in place, with the help of the Department of Health (DOH) who will provide the jobs and DOST who will provide the scholarships.” In the same discussion, Dr. Anthony P. Calibo of DOH’s Family Health Office said that “we have an antiquated health resource plan.” He explained that many hospitals in the country are not attuned to current requirements. “There is a disconnect. We are now looking at emerging diseases. There are so many vacant positions in hospitals.” Calibo stated. Expressing NAST’s stand in the discussion, National Scientist Mercedes B. Concepcion stressed on the importance of family planning training. “What we need is the human resource and the aspect of capability building. Although we need to see genetic counsellors all over the country, there are not enough of them. In the very early years, we already realized that the medical professionals themselves did not have training in family planning,” she disclosed. According to the World Health Organization, rare diseases, also called orphan disorders, affect 6.5-10 people out of 10,000. In the Philippines, one in every 20,000 have a rare disease. In some families, more than one member is affected. The silver lining is that some rare disorders may be treated, said Padilla. She emphasized that if proper treatment is given early, a patient may become a productive member of society like 37-year-old Juan Benedicto Magdaraog. Diagnosed with Pompe Disease, a rare inherited neuromuscular disorder causing progressive muscle weakness, Magdaraog has been wheelchair bound since age 17. However, he eventually earned a degree in Industrial Design from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde and now works as a web designer. (S&T Media Service) #genetics #genetics counselling #dostPH #nastPH #rarediseases |
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| President Aquino to keynote The Economist’s The World in 2015 in Singapore |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
17 November 2014 – President Benigno S. Aquino III will travel
to Singapore to serve as keynote speaker at The Economist’s The
World in 2015 Gala Dinner tomorrow, November 18. This is the
first time that a Philippine president will keynote the Gala
Dinner since its inception in 2009. As the subject of the keynote interview for The World in 2015 Gala Dinner, President Aquino will have the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who will be attending the prestigious event. It will also be a chance for the President to generate goodwill and support for sustaining his reform agenda and plans and programs for sustainable economic growth, his vision for the Southeast Asian region and the Mindanao peace process as a core element of the government’s program for inclusive growth. Presient Aquino is likewise scheduled to meet Singapore’s government and business leaders in separate events. He will return to the country on November 19. The award-winning The World in 2015 Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist and invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. It is hosted by The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin. |
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| PHL Ambassador sheds light on PHL Foreign Policy goals at New Zealand Military Course |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
17 November 2014 - Upon the invitation of the New Zealand
Defence and Staff College, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand
Virginia H. Benavidez made a presentation on “The Philippines
and New Zealand as Friends and Partners in the Asia-Pacific
Region” on October 14 at the New Zealand Advanced Command and
Staff Course, Trentham Military Camp, Upper Hutt. There were 35 participants from the New Zealand Navy, Army, Air Force and from the militaries of Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United States and Vietnam. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Ministry of Primary Industries were also in attendance. Lt. Col. Emil J. Cruz from the Philippine Army was among the participants. Topics focused on the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, Philippines-New Zealand bilateral relations and the Philippines’ strategic approach to regional security and development. Ambassador Benavidez highlighted the Philippines’ determined efforts to find a durable and lasting solution to the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea case through the peaceful settlement of disputes, adherence to the rule of law and compliance with universally accepted international processes. She gave an overview of the political, defense and security, economic cooperation and people-to-people ties between the Philippines and New Zealand, the peace building efforts through the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the regional security architecture with vital contributions from the Philippines and New Zealand. Ambassador Benavidez thanked the New Zealand Defence and Staff College for the much valued opportunity to present crucial developments, opportunities, challenges and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. RNZN Commander and Commandant, NZDF Command and Staff College, N.E. Philpott conveyed appreciation to Ambassador Benavidez for her support and for providing a comprehensive and enlightening presentation. |
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| Wage board in Region 3 approves P13 minimum wage hike |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Wage board in Region 3 approves P13 minimum wage hike The Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 3 (Central Luzon) had approved a P13 increase in the daily basic pay of workers in the region, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced yesterday. “The increase will become effective 15 days from its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the region,” said Baldoz after receiving a report on the minimum wage from Ma. Criselda Sy, Executive Director of the National Wages and Productivity Commission. Director Sy, in her report, said that upon effectivity, the new minimum wage in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales will range from P342 to P349 for workers in the non-agriculture sector; P303 to P319 for workers in the agriculture sector; and P324 to P338 for workers in retail/service establishments. In the province of Aurora, the new minimum wage will be P298 for non-agriculture workers; P271 to P283 for agriculture workers; and P228 for workers in retail/service establishments per day. According to Sy, the new wage order allows financially distressed establishments, retail/service establishments employing not more than 10 workers and establishments affected by natural and human-induced calamities to apply for exemption from the payment of minimum wages. Covered by the new wage order are minimum wage workers and employees in the private sector, regardless of position, designation or status of employment, and irrespective of the method by which wages are paid. It does not, however, cover household or domestic workers and persons employed in the personal service of another, including family drivers and workers of Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with Certificates of Authority. In arriving at a decision to adjust the regional minimum wages, the RTWPB Region 3, composed of representatives from the labor and employer sectors, as well as from the regional offices of the DOLE, DTI, and NEDA, considered the region’s poverty threshold, average wage, and impact of changes in the consumer price index (CPI), or the inflation rate, on workers’ purchasing power, among other factors. The wage increase came after the Indo-Phil Textile Workers’ Union-Philippine Trade and General Workers’ Organization filed a petition on 20 May 2014, citing as basis increases in prices of basic goods and services thereby causing the current minimum wages to lag behind. “Even before the petition, the RTWPB Region 3 had already conducted consultations in Nueva Ecija on 24 April; in Aurora on 25 April; and in Pampanga on 13 May. Then on 27 May, and 10, 24, 15 of June, it conducted consultations in Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, and Tarlac. Finally, the Board conducted a public hearing on 10 September and arrived at the decision,” explained Dir. Sy. Meanwhile, the NWPC official said six other regions have their current wage orders already past their one-year anniversary dates and the RTWPBs in these regions are already conducting wage studies, consulting with labor and management, and assessing the socio-economic conditions to determine if the prevailing wages in these regions would warrant wage adjustments, as the wage rules provide. These are Regions 4-B, whose wage order reached its one-year anniversary date on 1 February; Caraga (21 May); Region 9 (10 June); National Capital Region (4 October); Region 8 (16 October); Region 10 (October 16) and Region 6 (29 November). Earlier, the RTWPBs in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions 1, 2, 4-A, 7, 11, and 12, have issued wage orders increasing minimum wages in these regions. In the CAR, the RTWPB issued Wage Order No. 16 granting an increase of P6 to P8 in basic minimum daily pay which became effective on 3 February 2014. Region 1, on 5 February 2014 increased the minimum wage in the region by P8 to P20. Region 2 had issued Wage Order No. 16 granting a P9 to P17 wage increase which takes effect on 5 January 2014. Region 4-A issued Wage Order No. 16 granting a P12 increase in the basic pay of retail/service workers effective 1 May 2014. Region 7 approved of Wage Order No. 18 granting a P13 cost-of-living allowance (COLA) which became effective on 21 March 2014. Region 11 had issued Wage Order No. 18 providing an P11 increase in basic pay effective 1 June 2014; and Region 12 issued Wage Order No. 18 granting a P5 cost-of-living allowance and integrating the previous P10 to P14 COLA to the basic pay effective 1 August 2014. Two regions, Regions 4-B and ARMM have their wage order one-year anniversary dates still to come in 2015 |
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| Monitoring in emergencies, key to better gov’t crisis response and decision-making – NEDA |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Monitoring in emergencies can provide crucial
information for the government to improve crisis response and
decision-making in the short and long-term, according to the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan made this statement read by NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando Tungpalan during the 4th M&E Network Philippines Forum “Monitoring and Evaluation in Emergencies: Ensuring Accountability to Affected Population” on November 13, 2014 at the Marco Polo Hotel, Pasig City. “In emergencies, providing credible and useful information is imperative in order to ensure accountability and the incorporation of lessons learned into the decision-making process. The final aim is always to improve future interventions, while lessening the need for the same by building back better,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. Balisacan also pointed out the importance of determining the efficiency and effectiveness of government interventions to assess if the resources used and the efforts exerted have truly helped the affected population. “It is necessary to ensure that interventions are not only making an impact, but are making an impact for the long-term and for all Filipinos,” he said. To aid the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts of the public and private sectors, NEDA has produced the Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda (RAY), which was published in December 2013 and a follow-up document, RAY Implementation for Results (RAY I4R) published in September this year. RAY provided a preliminary assessment of damage, loss, and needs following Yolanda. It also outlined the way forward, including core principles and institutional arrangements for short- to medium-term response. Meanwhile, the RAY I4R serves as the overarching results framework for recovery and rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected areas. Both these documents informed the recently approved Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Recovery. The forum, convened by NEDA, M&E Network Philippines, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aimed to highlight the importance of monitoring and evaluation in emergencies and how it can drive improvement in results-based management and provide sustainable interventions to those affected. Among the event’s resource speakers were: National Statistician Lisa Grace Bersales of the Philippine Statistics Authority; Dr. Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of the Department of Science and Technology’s Project NOAH; Mr. David Carden, National Program Coordinator for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Mr. Hamman Masood and Ms. Lotta Sylwander of UNICEF. |
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| Top Filipino agri scientist is coming home |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
|
The only Filipino to date who has served as head of a global
agricultural research institute relinquishes his post on
December 31, 2014, after an unprecedented three five-year terms,
leaving behind a legacy benefitting millions of farmers in
India, Africa, and other dryland countries in the world,
including the Philippines. Dr. William Dollente Dar, 61, from Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, who is the Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), based in India, has transformed ICRISAT into one of the best agricultural research institutes in the world in terms of innovative research programs, impact to clienteles, and financial health and stability. Through his strong and transformative leadership and astute governance, Dar has quadrupled the income and investments poured into ICRISAT since he took over in 2000, from US$ 21 million to US$ 85 million as of 2014. “We have turned around ICRISAT into a financially-stable, and a leading global research institute, receiving several awards particularly from the CGIAR,” said Dar, who served as Philippine Agriculture Secretary from July 1998 to May 1999. CGIAR is a consortium of 15 research institutes in the world that also include the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines. With the innovative research-for-development (R4D) programs he introduced, the institute continues to attract much-needed R4D investments into the development of modern, climate-smart and sustainable crop cultivars and technologies of its five major commodities (pearl millet, chickpea, cowpea, groundnut and sorghum) that are farmed by millions of smallholder farm families in semi-arid countries. The top donor of ICRISAT to date is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, contributing about US$ 18 million per year, which is allotted to the conduct of ICRISAT’s major R4D initiatives. Two projects being funded by the foundation are the HOPE project (Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement of Sorghum and Millets) and the Tropical Legumes II (TL-II) project. The HOPE project seeks to increase by 30% the productivity of sorghum and millets in 200,000 farmers’ fields in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while TL-II aims to enhance productivity of six legume crops (groundnut, cowpea, common bean, chickpea, pigeonpea and soybean) by at least 20% through improved cultivars and management practices and the development of markets and value chains. ICRISAT has also partnered with the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture,through the Bureau of Agricultural Research, sharing modern sustainable farming technologies and cultivars of sweet sorghum, peanut, cowpea (garbanzos) and chickpea (kadyos) to farmers in rainfed areas of Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, Southern Luzon, Southern Mindanao. The other notable achievements of ICRISAT under his watch include: 1. The formulation of a new, more dynamic institutional strategy known as Inclusive Market-Oriented Development (IMOD) which shifted ICRISAT’s focus towards enabling poor farmers to harness markets for poverty escape. 2. Establishment of centers of scientific excellence for genomics, transgenic and climate change research, and information and communications technology (ICT) innovations for agriculture. 3. An inclusive and technology-based entrepreneurship and agribusiness program through public-private partnerships to bring science-based technologies and products to the market for the benefit of smallholder farmers. As he is set to return to the Philippines, Dar will share his management and technical experience and knowledge with Filipino farmers, particularly in transforming barren and unproductive farmlands into productive, sustainable and climate-smart farms through an agri-based movement called Inang Lupa. The social movement aims to enhance the food, nutrition and energy security, increase the productivity and incomes of small, marginal Filipino farmers in through soil rejuvenation, sustainable and integrated natural resource management, use of improved cultivars and hybrids, and advocating for relevant policies and reforms in agriculture. |
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| PH agri expands despite typhoons |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
|
Boosted by crops and livestock subsectors, Philippine
agriculture managed to grow by 9.55 percent in terms of value
and by 0.33 percent in terms of volume for the first nine months
of the year, all despite considerable damage caused by
successive typhoons to the industry, the Philippine Statistics
Authority reported. National agricultural output grossed P1.1 trillion at current prices on the back of better prices paid to food producers in the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors, according to the PSA report. Palay production reached 11.41 million tons from January to September, translating to a 0.41 percent increase from last year’s output. Meanwhile, harvest of corn production inched up by 0.07 percent to 5.93 million metric tons during the same period. PSA said growth for palay could have been higher had Typhoons “Glenda” and “Luis” not adversely affected the third quarter production and had “habagat” not caused damages on standing crop in Central Luzon that resulted in lower yield. In Davao Region and Zamboanga Peninsula, PSA traced the decline in harvest area and production to the delayed plantings because of insufficient supply of water from the irrigation system and rainfall. For corn, PSA said decreases in area harvested and late plantings due to insufficient water supply during planting time in the first quarter slowed down the good harvest corn farmers registered in the first half of the year. Production of sugarcane, mango, cassava and other high value crops was also on the uptrend, the PSA report also indicated. Sugarcane expanded by 7.09 percent largely due to the increased yield as a result of the efficient use of fertilizer and favorable weather conditions in Negros Occidental, the country’s sugar capital. Mango harvest inched up by 9.09 percent as more voluntary flowering, lesser fruitfall and increased bearing trees were noted in Ilocos Region in the second quarter of the year. Cassava likewise continued its production uptrend with an 8.92 percent growth. In all, the crops subsector which contributed 51.03 percent to the total agricultural production grew by 1.2 percent. Livestock, which shared 16.11 percent to the total output, expanded by 1.05 percent output on the back of growth in the production of hog (1.2 percent), carabao (0.15 percent), cattle (0.46 percent) and dairy (2.01 percent). However, poultry and fisheries suffered production decreases as the subsectors reeled from the damage inflicted by bad weather conditions such as typhoon Glenda in the third quarter, among other factors. Poultry output dropped by nearly one percentage point (.74%) as harvest of chicken and duck eggs went down by 5.31 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively. In contrast, chicken production increased by half a percentage point (.54 percent) largely due to the increased demand from the hotel and restaurant industry in Luzon and Mindanao. The fisheries subsector, which accounted for 18.01 percent in the total agricultural production, fell by 1.8 percent in output due lower harvest of aquaculture commodities such as milkfish (-2.59 percent), tiger prawn (-4.87 percent) and seaweed (-4.37 percent). In the same period, skipjack tuna recorded an output gain of 11.44 percent compared with last year’s record. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala welcomed the report, saying it indicated the sustained growth of the agri-fishery industry while showing the need to continue finding ways to serve as many stakeholders as possible, especially small-scale farmers and fisherfolk. “Kailangan ang interventions at programa sa ibaba, tuloy-tuloy lang, at ating pag-iibayuhin kung kinakailangan,” said Alcala. (Mac Garcia, DA-OSEC) |
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| Ph has two new ASEAN heritage parks |
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph |
|
The globally important Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary
(MHRWS) and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) have been added
to the prestigious list of Southeast Asia’s most treasured
parks, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P.
Paje announced on Wednesday. Paje said that environment ministers from the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have approved the nomination of the MHRWS and the TRNP as the 34th and 35th ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP), respectively, during the 15th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment held on October 29-31 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. “The designation of TRNP and MHRWS as regional heritage parks is long overdue, both having been named earlier as UNESCO World Heritage Sites,” Paje said. The environment chief said the country was delighted by the designation, which brings to seven the total number of AHP from the Philippines. “This latest recognition indicates that the natural characteristics of both TRNP and MHRWS are so exceptional they deserve to be protected for the benefit of everyone in Southeast Asia,” Paje pointed out. The nomination of the two parks was facilitated by Director Theresa Mundita Lim of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Lawyer Roberto Oliva, executive director of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, said the two nature parks are now part of the AHP Programme, a regional network of national protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving a complete spectrum of respective ecosystems to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN’s rich biodiversity. The five other AHPs in the country are the Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, all in Mindanao; the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park in Occidental Mindoro; and the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve in Laguna. Covering a total of 6,834 hectares, MHRWS is shared by seven barangays, namely: Macambol and Cabuaya of Mati; La Union, Maputi and Talisay of San Isidro; and Osmena Sr. and Tandang Sora of Governor Generoso, all in the province of Davao Oriental. Established in 2004, the sanctuary is dominated by Mt. Hamiguitan, which stands at 1,637 meters. Mt. Hamiguitan is distinguished by a bonsai field or “pygmy” forest of 100-year-old trees on ultramafic soil. Noted for its rich biodiversity, the protected area has also been identified as one of the key biodiversity areas in the country. Major forest types in the sanctuary include cultivated forests with brushland and grassland at the lower portions of the park; secondary growth forest; and mossy forest in the highlands. Trees within the mossy-pygmy forest have an average height of only 1.4 meters with a diameter of eight centimeters. One of the dominant species that can only be found in this forest type is tinikaran or red fig tree andWendlandia nervosa. Other rare plant species found on Mt. Hamiguitan include the slipper orchid, nepenthes, staghorn fern, rhododendrons, and Philippine hardwoods such as yakal and tangile. Recorded fauna species in MHRWS include endemic mammals such as the golden-crown flying fox, Philippine tarsier, Philippine warty pig, Philippine brown deer, Philippine mossy-pygmy fruit bat, Philippine monkey, Philippine palm civet, Philippine tree squirrel, Philippine common field rat, and Mindanao wild pig. The Philippine eagle has been recorded in the park, as well as endemic bird species including the Philippine glossy starling, Philippine flowerpecker, Philippine turtle dove, Philippine coucal, Philippine hawk-eagle, Mindanao bleeding-heart, Philippine cockatoo, and the Philippine dwarf kingfisher. Dubbed as the country’s “ultimate diving destination,” TRNP is home to amazing diversity of marine life; at least half of all coral species in the world and almost 80 percent of all coral species in the Philippines; and green sea and hawksbill turtles. Rays and sharks are common in the reefs. Pelagics such as tuna, mackerel, jacks and barracudas are observed in schools near the reef crests. The park contains roughly 10,000 hectares of coral reef and more than 86,000 hectares of surrounding waters, lying at the heart of the Coral Triangle which is the center of global marine biodiversity. TRNP’s isolation has ensured that the rich marine resources of the park has remained relatively intact, and thus provides the dream diving experience for those lucky enough to visit the park. Located 181 kilometers southeast of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, TRNP is found at the very center of the Sulu Sea. It lies along the Cagayan Ridge, which traverses the Sulu Sea from the northeast, from the Sultana Shoal in Cagayancillo, to the southwest, to the San Miguel Islands of Tawi-Tawi. The park is uninhabited and is composed of the South and North Atolls and Jessie Beazley Reef. The boundaries of TRNP are located three nautical miles from the edge of these marine formations. Because of the exceptional biodiversity of the park, TRNP has been declared a key biodiversity area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and a RAMSAR Site in 1999. |
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| Agusan Norte Farmers’ Cooperative and Farmer-Beneficiary cited in Land Bank’s Gawad Pitak 201 |
| Source: http://dar.gov.ph |
|
The Baug CARP Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BCBMPC)
in Agusan del Norte bagged the 24th annual Ginintuang Gawad sa
Pinakatanging Kooperatiba Award (Gawad Pitak 2014) of the land
Bank of the Philippines (LBP) under the agri-based category
during the celebration of the bank’s 51st Founding Anniversary
at the Land Bank Plaza, Malate, Manila. Ruben M. Ragas of Sanghan Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Agusan del Norte romped away with the honor of 1st runner-up under Ulirang Magsasaka category for his exemplary contribution to community development and in diversified farming system that promotes environmental protection. Luxmie B. Auxillo, BCBMPC General Manager and also an agrarian reform beneficiary, said that the award is the most prestigious award the BCBMPC has so far received from any award-giving bodies. For its feat, the cooperative won P1 million worth of fixed assets. “This is another year of spectacular achievements for BCBMPC. Last year, the coop was conferred with the Hall of Fame award under the agri-based category where it won P100,000 worth of fixed assets,” Luxmie added. After a decade of spectacular growth, Luxmie said, the coop has grown exponentially and illuminate the lives of its members particularly the need of agrarian reform beneficiaries in Agusan del Norte to earn a living that creates a positive impact in the community. BCBMPC is purely managed by ARB farmers. It operates in different municipalities in Agusan del Norte and extends it services in some areas in the Caraga Region. |
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| TESDA mobile classroom arrives in Laguna |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
On the busy road in a village in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, a huge bus
rolled along carrying computers and other learning materials. Intended to service some 200 youth, the mobile bus will provide access to technical vocational education or tech-voc, which used to be available only in formal classroom settings. The Mobile Training Bus Plus is an offering of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) together with private tech-voc institutions and the local government unit to give the youth of Laguna access to quality training. "If you can't go to TESDA, TESDA will go to you. This is what the agency always has in mind in designing programs, especially for the country's poor communities," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. Villanueva is hopeful that the residents of Laguna will take advantage of the presence of the Mobile Bus Plus and enrol in courses that would help them get jobs or start a business. The mobile training program for the city of Sta. Rosa in Laguna was launched on November 10, and focused on residents of Southville 4 in Barangay Caingin. It offers training courses on Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Hilot Wellness, Mechatronics, Beauty Care, Computer Hardware Servicing, and Cellphone Repair. The Mobile Training Bus Plus has been on tour of duty in a number of areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces bringing along course offerings to individuals who want to try tech-voc as a route towards decent employment. The program was launched in 2012 after TESDA received several units of buses as donations from Genesis Transportation Inc., one of the agency's partners in promoting tech-voc. "From classrooms, learning on the bus is TESDA's way of encouraging people to hop on and experience something new,” Villanueva said. During the launch, Villanueva was joined by Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez, TESDA regional director Luisita Dela Cruz, provincial director Pascual Arriola, Sta. Rosa City tourism officer Arnold Arcilla, Barangay Chairman Christopher Dictado, and other local government officials. |
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| PDIC to continue processing claims of Fil-Agro Rural Bank depositors |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced
that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance
claims from depositors of the closed Fil-Agro Rural Bank at the
PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue
corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. Claims may also be filed
through mail. PDIC has conducted the onsite claims settlement operations (CSO) for the closed Fil-Agro Rural Bank at the bank's premises and completed the CSO on October 15, 2014. PDIC sent notices of payment to depositors with aggregate deposits amounting to P5.9 million involving 1,575 accounts. Filing of claims for these accounts with balances of P50,000 and below is waived by PDIC. Meanwhile, PDIC paid 270 claims during the onsite CSO involving 231 accounts for a total amount of P38.4 million deposits. As of October 15, 2014, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for 821 accounts that require the filing of claims. The total amount of deposits covered by these outstanding accounts is P4.9 million. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of document requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney. In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Fil-Agro Rural Bank is on September 26, 2016. After said date, PDIC, as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers  (02) 841-4630 to 31,
or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila
may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |
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Last
Updated:
17 NOVEMBER 2014
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. Also in photo is Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, upon arrival during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Friday (November 14) from his successful participation in the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, China; and the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Friday (November 14) and is welcomed by members of his Cabinet from his successful participation in the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, China; and to the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Friday (November 14) from his successful participation in the APEC CEO Summit and the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting in Beijing, China; and to the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Escorted by NAIA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado and AFP Chief Gregorio Pio Punzalan Catapang Jr. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the 2nd ASEAN-United States of America Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN-US dialogue relations have been progressing well since its establishment in 1977. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the 2nd ASEAN-United States of America Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. Also in photo are Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, American President Barack Obama and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The ASEAN-US dialogue relations have been progressing well since its establishment in 1977. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the 2nd ASEAN-United States of America Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. Also in photo are Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, American President Barack Obama and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The ASEAN-US dialogue relations have been progressing well since its establishment in 1977. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, United States of America President Barack Obama, 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 2nd ASEAN-United States of America Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN-US dialogue relations have been progressing well since its establishment in 1977. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, United States of America President Barack Obama, 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 the traditional group photo souvenir during the 2nd ASEAN-United States of America Summit at the Sapphire Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, China Premier Li Keqiang, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, United States of America President Barack Obama, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Russia Federation Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Korea President Park Geun-hye, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, group together for the official photo during the opening of the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Myanmar President U Thein Sein upon arrival at the Myanmar International Convention Center for the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the discussions during the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins United States of America President Barrack Obama, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in attending the 9th East-Asia Summit at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, China Premier Li Keqiang, Myanmar President Thein Sein, United States of America President Barack Obama, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Russia Federation Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Korea President Park Geun-hye, Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, group together for the official photo during the opening of the 9th East Asia Summit Plenary Session at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Thursday (November 13) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit. The East Asia Summit is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III with Commonwealth of Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott during a pull aside meeting at the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday evening (November 12), at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Australia is one of the Philippines’ closest bilateral partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott during a pull aside meeting at the Myanmar International Convention Center on Wednesday evening (November 12), at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Australia is one of the Philippines’ closest bilateral partners in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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