http://pcoo.gov.ph/photo.htm
24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 10 December 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 p.m. today until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 10 December 2014 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 10 December 2014 |  |
At
4:00 AM Today, Tropical Storm "RUBY" was estimated based on all
available data at 370 km west of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro (13.7°N,
117.8°E), with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and
gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move west at 20 kph.
Northeast monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.
The Regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will
experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of
the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or
thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the
northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast
to southeast over the rest of country with moderate to rough seas.
DOE Sec. Jericho Petilla on ANC:
Re: Restoring power in 'Ruby'-affected areas
-We aim to restore electricity in affected areas by Christmas.
-Hard to reach areas will have power before New Year.
-Some areas in southern part of Batangas still without power.
-Everybody is always ready, prepared. The materials are there.
-My instruction to everybody, including NGCP, huwag muna kayong magkwentahan. Hahanapan natin 'yan ng pondo. Mangungutang kung kailangan.
-Without power, there will be no good rehab.
Re: Restoring power in 'Ruby'-affected areas
-We aim to restore electricity in affected areas by Christmas.
-Hard to reach areas will have power before New Year.
-Some areas in southern part of Batangas still without power.
-Everybody is always ready, prepared. The materials are there.
-My instruction to everybody, including NGCP, huwag muna kayong magkwentahan. Hahanapan natin 'yan ng pondo. Mangungutang kung kailangan.
-Without power, there will be no good rehab.
DA Sec. Proceso Alcala on ABS-CBN:
Re: Effects of Typhoon Ruby
-Ang amin pong ginagawa kapag ganito (panahon ng bagyo), pinapalipas po muna namin ang isang linggo para maasikaso nila (mga magsasaka) ang pagsasaayos ng kanilang mga bahay.
-Kailangan lang po na mag-inform ang mga magsasaka natin sa ating agriculturists na sila ay nasalanta ng bagyo.
-Ang gulay po na mino-monitor namin, halos minimal lang po ang damage.
-Nananawagan po kami sa mga kababayan natin na nagtitinda na huwag samantalahin ang mga nasalanta.
-Wala pong dahilan para tumaas (ang presyo ng gulay)
Re: Effects of Typhoon Ruby
-Ang amin pong ginagawa kapag ganito (panahon ng bagyo), pinapalipas po muna namin ang isang linggo para maasikaso nila (mga magsasaka) ang pagsasaayos ng kanilang mga bahay.
-Kailangan lang po na mag-inform ang mga magsasaka natin sa ating agriculturists na sila ay nasalanta ng bagyo.
-Ang gulay po na mino-monitor namin, halos minimal lang po ang damage.
-Nananawagan po kami sa mga kababayan natin na nagtitinda na huwag samantalahin ang mga nasalanta.
-Wala pong dahilan para tumaas (ang presyo ng gulay)
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Lalo pang humina ang bagyong Ruby. Ibinaba na ng PAGASA ang lahat ng storm signal sa bansa.
-Sa forecast track ng PAGASA, Huwebes ng madaling araw ay posibleng lumabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Ruby.
-Hindi pa man nakalalabas ang bagyong Ruby, isang tropical disturbance na malapit sa Guam ang muling binabantayan. Posible itong pumasok sa PAR sa Huwebes.
-Bukas ay asahan ang ulan sa Northern Luzon dahil sa hanging Amihan.
-Sa Metro Manila, mababa ang tiyansa ng ulan sa maghapon bukas.
-Magpapatuloy naman ang maaliwalas na panahon sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, lalo na sa central section.
-Asahan ang thunderstorm sa ARMM at Zamboanga Peninsula.
-Lalo pang humina ang bagyong Ruby. Ibinaba na ng PAGASA ang lahat ng storm signal sa bansa.
-Sa forecast track ng PAGASA, Huwebes ng madaling araw ay posibleng lumabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Ruby.
-Hindi pa man nakalalabas ang bagyong Ruby, isang tropical disturbance na malapit sa Guam ang muling binabantayan. Posible itong pumasok sa PAR sa Huwebes.
-Bukas ay asahan ang ulan sa Northern Luzon dahil sa hanging Amihan.
-Sa Metro Manila, mababa ang tiyansa ng ulan sa maghapon bukas.
-Magpapatuloy naman ang maaliwalas na panahon sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, lalo na sa central section.
-Asahan ang thunderstorm sa ARMM at Zamboanga Peninsula.
December 10, 2014 (Wednesday) as of 6:00-7:00 A.M.
PIAIVA / PIA QUEZON : Fair Weather
CAVITE
1. River
systems governing board, take oath of office
December
09, 2014
TRECE
MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Dec. 9 (PIA) --Officers and board members of the Imus,
Ylang-Ylang, Rio Grande river systems governing board recently took their oath
of office in a ceremony presided by the Environmental Management Bureau
(EMB)-CALABARZON at Dominique Hotel in Tagaytay City.
Engr.
Marcelino Javier, Jr., chief of the Water Quality Section EMB-Quezon City
officiated the oath taking of the governing board that is tasked to oversee the
implementation of the Water Quality Management Area (Action Plan) for the next
five years.
During
the oath taking, the governing rules were approved and the action plan was
reviewed and evaluated. The officers and members of the governing board agreed
to finalize the action plan and approved it on the next board meeting.
The Imus,
Ylang-Ylang, Rio Grande river systems encompasses the cities of Tagaytay,
Dasmariñas, Imus, Bacoor and the towns of Silang, Amadeo, General Trias,
Noveleta and Kawit.
Designation
of Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) is pursuant to Section 5 of the
Republic Act 9275 otherwise known as the Clean Water Act (CWA). WQMA is a
significant tool in enforcing the CWA. It aims for the improvement of water
quality to meet the guidelines (DAO 34, s. 1990) under which they have been
classified or to improve their classification so that it meets its projected or
potential use.
Last
year, majority of the provincial board members including its presiding officer
Vice Governor Jolo Revilla joined hands in the conduct of Information,
Education and Communication (IEC) Model for the Water Quality Management Area
(Imus-Ylang-Ylang-Rio Grande) rivers preparation.
The
officers of the governing board are: EMB Director as Chairman, The Office of
the Governor, Co-Chairman; LGU of Dasmariñas City, Secretary; LGU Silang, Asst.
Secretary; Maynilad Water Services; Treasurer; LGU Imus, Asst. Treasurer; DTI,
Auditor; NWRB, Asst. Asst. Auditor; LGU Kawit, DepEd Region 4-A, and NGO
representative.
Members
of the Board include DENR-EMB Region 4-A; National Water Regulatory Board;
Office of the Provincial Governor; Regional Development Council CALABARZON
Region; Cavite Mayors League; LGUs of Tagaytay City, Dasmariñas City;
Imus City; Bacoor City; Municipalities of Silang, Amadeo, Gen. Trias, Noveleta,
and Kawit; DA Region 4-A; DPWH; DOH; DepEd Region 4-A; DOST; DTI Region 4-A;
NEDA; BFAR-Region 4-A; NIA, Region 4-A; HLURB-Region 4-A; PEZA; Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Cavite; Manila Bay
Coordinating Office (MBCO); Maynilad Water Services; Tagaytay City Water
District; Provincial Inter-Faith Values Formation (NGO); Aksyon Kalikasan
(Eco-Action Ph.) Inc.; NGO: Imus Institute, Academe; Quick Service Restaurant,
Business Sector; and Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management
Council. (Judaline Fabro, PIO, PENRO-Cavite/ Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671417919735/river-systems-governing-board-take-oath-of-office#sthash.JGTfkyfc.dpuf
MANILA BAYanihan means working together of committed stakeholders in achieving the common goal of cleaning the Manila Bay thru volunteerism.
In Cavite, MANILA BAYanihan is an advocacy program of the DENR-MBCO to strengthen, mobilize all the efforts and produce cooperation among the stakeholders and agencies involved.
Noel Antonio V. Gaerlan, Executive Director MBCO-Quezon City discussed during the launching the significance of the brand name, mentioning that “MANILA BAYanihan” will serve as umbrella that will synergize the respective activities of Mandamus agencies.
He added the brand name will set the direction of all the activities, plans and programs in compliance of each mandamus agencies to Supreme Court Mandamus Order to clean-up the Manila Bay.
During the launching, a clean-up of more or less 350 square meters of shoreline in Barangay Capipisa in Tanza was undertaken by guests and participants and planted 30 Agoho seedlings in the cleaned area.
A signing of pledge of commitment of all the participants capped the event.
Hon. Felix A Grepo, Board Member 6th District, Chairman, Committee on Environment; Hon. Irene Bencito, Board member 7th District, Vice-Chairman Committee on Environment; Hon. Edwin B. Sisante, Mayor, Municipality of Magallanes; Hon. Reynaldo A. Rillo, Mayor, Municipality of Maragondon; Hon. Virgilio P. Varias, Mayor, Municipality of Alfonso; Hon. Yuri Pacumio, Vice Mayor, Tanza (host Municipality) and all concerned agencies from the national and local levels participated in the significant environmental event. (Judaline Fabro, PENRO Information Officer/RBF, PIA-Cavite)
2. “MANILA BAYanihan” launched in Cavite
December 10, 2014
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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Dec. 10 (PIA) – The Cavite-based Manila Bay
Coordinating Office-Site Management Office (MBCO-SMO4) and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources
Office (DENR-PENRO) recently launched the “MANILA BAYanihan” aimed to heighten
awareness of government’s mandates and efforts for the rehabilitation of Manila
Bay.MANILA BAYanihan means working together of committed stakeholders in achieving the common goal of cleaning the Manila Bay thru volunteerism.
In Cavite, MANILA BAYanihan is an advocacy program of the DENR-MBCO to strengthen, mobilize all the efforts and produce cooperation among the stakeholders and agencies involved.
Noel Antonio V. Gaerlan, Executive Director MBCO-Quezon City discussed during the launching the significance of the brand name, mentioning that “MANILA BAYanihan” will serve as umbrella that will synergize the respective activities of Mandamus agencies.
He added the brand name will set the direction of all the activities, plans and programs in compliance of each mandamus agencies to Supreme Court Mandamus Order to clean-up the Manila Bay.
During the launching, a clean-up of more or less 350 square meters of shoreline in Barangay Capipisa in Tanza was undertaken by guests and participants and planted 30 Agoho seedlings in the cleaned area.
A signing of pledge of commitment of all the participants capped the event.
Hon. Felix A Grepo, Board Member 6th District, Chairman, Committee on Environment; Hon. Irene Bencito, Board member 7th District, Vice-Chairman Committee on Environment; Hon. Edwin B. Sisante, Mayor, Municipality of Magallanes; Hon. Reynaldo A. Rillo, Mayor, Municipality of Maragondon; Hon. Virgilio P. Varias, Mayor, Municipality of Alfonso; Hon. Yuri Pacumio, Vice Mayor, Tanza (host Municipality) and all concerned agencies from the national and local levels participated in the significant environmental event. (Judaline Fabro, PENRO Information Officer/RBF, PIA-Cavite)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671417242486/-manila-bayanihan-launched-in-cavite#sthash.DFczTzEf.dpuf
QUEZON
1. Tagalog
news: Kampanya laban sa child labor at trafficking sa Quezon, patuloy
December
09, 2014
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SAM
NARCISO, Quezon, Dis. 9 (PIA) --Patuloy ang ginagawang kampanya ngayon
upang masugpo ang kaso ng child labor at trafficking sa ilang barangay sa bayan
ng San Narciso at San Andres sa pagtutulungan ng Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE)-Quezon, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-Quezon) at ang lokal na pamahalaan ng San
Narciso.
Sa
ginanap na pagpupulong kamakailan sa bayang ito ng mga nabanggit na ahensiya ng
pamahalaan, sinabi ni provincial labor officer Edwin Hernandez ng
DOLE-Quezon na kailangan nang mapigilan ang pagdami ng kaso ng child
labor at child trafficking sa nasabing mga bayan sa pamamagitan ng
sama-samang pagkilos ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan.
Ang
kampanya ay sinimulan matapos ma-monitor ang pag-recruit ng mga suspek sa mga
bata upang magtrabaho sa sugar area sa lalawigan ng Batangas kasama ang
magulang na pumayag magtrabaho sa sweldo na P60.00 kada araw.
Ang mga
bata umano kasama ang kanilang mga magulang ay isinakay sa bus ng mga suspek
kasama ang ilang mga gamit sa bahay tulad ng kaldero at ilang mga kagamitan sa
paggawa ng pansamatalang bahay kagaya ng pawid at iba pa.
Sinabi ni
Hernadez na ito ay malinaw na child labor at child trafficking kung kaya’t
hinihingi niya ang tulong at suporta ng iba pang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan
kasama na ang lokal na pamahalaan ng San Narciso at San Andres, maging mga mga
barangay captain upang agad na matigil ang ganitong mga gawain.
Sinabi
naman ni Mayor Uy ng San Narciso na mayroon silang mga pagkabuhayang programa
para sa mga mahihirap na ipinatutupad subalit hindi naman ito tinangkilik ng
mga bata o pamilya ng mga child laborers.
Sa
ngayon, naghahanda ang DOLE, PNP at iba pang ahensiya ng pamahalaan para
magsagawa ng surveillance o pagsisiyasat sa sugar area sa Batangas upang
mailigtas ang mga batang biktima ng child labor mula sa lalawigan ng Quezon.
Nakahanda
namang kausapin ng DSWD o provincial child labor committee ang mga
magulang ng mga batang child laborers sa oras na mailigtas ang mga bata.
(RMO-PIA, Quezon)
- See
more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701418102406/tagalog-news-kampanya-laban-sa-child-labor-at-trafficking-sa-quezon-patuloy#sthash.MMG983Bn.dpuf
2. Pag-Ibig
fund, PhilHealth, SSS to conduct "Kasambahay registration
December
10, 2014
LUCENA
CITY, Quezon, Dec. 10 (PIA) --The Pag-Ibig Fund–Lucena branch, Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)-4A and THE Social Security
System (SSS), Lucena branch have jointly scheduled a “Kasambahay Registration”
on December 13-14 at SM City Lucena.
Norma
Cayabyab, head, Pag-Ibig Fund-Lucena members services branch, said the
registration is Iine with the implementation of “Kasambahay Law,” enjoining
employers to register their household workers in Philhealth, Pag-Ibig and SSS
to avail of benefits such as hospitalization, multi-purpose loans/housing loans
and other benefits same with the regular government/ private employees.
Employers
who failed to register or pay the monthly contributions of
their household workers to PhilHealth, Pag-Ibig and SSS will be
penalized under “Kasambahay law”.
Meanwhile,
household workers are advised to bring 2 valid IDs during the registration.
Kasambahay
registration will be held simultaneously in other SM stores nationwide.
(RMO-PIA, Quezon)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701418102884/pag-ibig-fund-philhealth-sss-to-conduct-kasambahay-registration-#sthash.scR5MHPl.dpuf
3. 4Ps, SLP beneficiaries showcase products in PaskuJuan Bazaar
December
10, 2014
LUCENA
CITY, Quezon, Dec. 10 (PIA) --At least 30 groups from the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) in the
Calabarzon region showcased various products in the Pacific Mall here during
the PaskuJuan National Holiday Festival and Bazaar, a nationwide activity
initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Featuring
handmade products such as accessories, eco-wallets and bags, the bazaar aimed
to build connections between beneficiaries and the public. It also targeted to
show the public that the beneficiaries are not merely relying on the cash
grants provided by the program.
In an
official statement, DSWD IV-A Regional Director Letica Diokno encouraged the
beneficiaries to engage in income-generating activities to support and sustain
the needs of their families.
The 4Ps
provides conditional cash grants to qualified poor families in support for the
needs of zero to 18 years old children in terms of health, nutrition and
education. (FSC, PIA-4A with reports from DSWD-4A)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931418102444/4ps-slp-beneficiaries-showcase-products-in-paskujuan-bazaar#sthash.Jv6uLlIU.dpuf
BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: Fireworks and pyrotechnics
regulatory offices at vendors, nagpulong
December
09, 2014
LUNGSOD
NG BATANGAS, Dis. 9 (PIA) --Bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na pagsalubong sa
bagong taon, nagsagawa ng kauna-unahang fireworks and pyrotechnics regulatory
offices and vendors meeting ang Batangas City PNP kamakailan.
Layunin
ng pagpupulong na bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga magtitinda ng paputok at ang
mga opisinang naatasang mag-regulate nito na magkaroon ng maayos na usapan
hinggil sa sistema ng pagtitinda ng mga paputok bago sumapit ang bagong
taon.
Sinabi ni
PO3 Ding Calalo ng Batangas City PNP, na itinatakda ng RA 7183 o “An Act
Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution and Use of Fire Crackers and
Other Pyrotechnic Devices” ang pagkakaroon ng isang lugar na
paglalagakan, magbenta at bumili ng paputok na legal.
Ilan sa
mga ipinagbabawal o iligal na paputok ay ang watusi, piccolo, pop-up at iba
pang malalakas na uri ng paputok tulad ng Bin Laden, Goodbye Philippines,
Yolanda at Napoles.
“Nakasaad
din sa batas na ang nagnanais magbenta ng mga paputok ay kinakailangang kumuha
ng special permit sa Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) ng
pamahalaang lungsod at Firearms and Explosive Division sa Camp Crame,” ayon kay
Calalo.
Sa
kasalukuyan, may 48 retailers na ang kumuha sa kanilang tanggapan ng sertipikasyon
upang makapagtinda sa Disyembre 28-31, 2014.
Sinabi
naman ni Ditas Rivera hepe ng BPLO, na ginawa nilang apat na araw ang
distribution period bilang pagbibigay na rin sa kahilingan ng mga magtitinda.
Subalit
ito aniya ay mahigpit ang monitoring at kailangang sumunod ang mga retailers sa
itinakdang oras, mula 8:00 ng umaga hanggang 9:00 ng gabi maliban sa December
31 kung saan may ibinigay silang extension na hanggang ika-10 ng gabi.
Ang
Batangas City Sports Coliseum grounds ang itinalaga nilang lugar bilang
distribution complex.
Idinagdag
pa ni Rivera na mula Nobyembre 3 hanggang Disyembre 15 lamang ang itinakda
upang kumuha ng special permit sa kanilang tanggapan. Hindi na aniya sila
magbibigay ng extension para rito.
Bukod sa
Batangas City PNP at BPLO, dumalo rin sa 1st fireworks and pyrotechnics
regulatory offices and vendors meeting sina Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
Chief Romel Tradio at City Engineers Office representative Engr. Geane Ilustre
kasama ang may 30 magtitinda at negosyante sa lungsod. (JERSON J. SANCHEZ, PIO
Batangas City)
-
See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681417164727/tagalog-news-fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-regulatory-offices-at-vendors-nagpulong#sthash.f2C3fCQ5.dpuf
LAGUNA
1. Laguna
prov'l government supports campaign to End Violence Against Women
December
09, 2014
SANTA
CRUZ, Laguna, Dec. 9 (PIA) --Officials and employees of the provincial
government of Laguna are participating as a show of support to the 18-Day
Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence.
Launched
November 25 and to last until December 12, the event aims to increase awareness
to end Violence Against Women (VAW) reinforcing the theme “End VAW Now! It’s
our Duty!”
A parade
dubbed “2014 Walk to End VAW Activity,” sports festival and ceremonial signing
of pledge of commitment are some of the activities that highlighted the
national event.
VAW is a
global campaign that originated from the First Women’s Global Leadership in
1991 as a 16-day event. Then in the Philippines, Presidential
Proclamation 1172 was signed in 2006 extending the campaign to 18 days.
The country has been joining the annual campaign which aims to increase
awareness on VAW and undertake the necessary actions to eliminate it.
In 2013,
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Republic Act 10398 declaring November 25
of every year as the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence
Against Women and Children. (ACO, PIA-Laguna)
-
See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641417417719/laguna-prov-l-government-supports-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women#sthash.0pwEIEji.dpuf
2. Calamba
city government, SSS sign MOA to benefit contractual and job order employees
December
09, 2014
CALAMBA
CITY, Laguna, Dec. 9 (PIA) --The city government and the Social Security System
(SSS) recently sealed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that would benefit
contractual and job order employees of the city government.
Calamba
City Mayor Justine Marc Chipeco and Social Security System (SSS) Assistant Vice
President-Luzon South Division, Ms. Virginia S. Cruz signed the MOA as
witnessed by city board members and city government officials and employees.
Under the
MOA, contractual and job order employees who are not members of the Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS), will be allowed to register under the SSS’
Expanded Self-employed Program Coverage as self-employed SSS members.
AVP Cruz
said the provision of SSS coverage is beneficial to all contractual and job
order employees, adding that once these personnel become members of the SSS,
they are qualified to avail of the SSS financial assistance during times of
paternity, maternity, sickness, disability, old age and death.
Meanwhile,
Mayor Chipeco thanked the SSS and commented that the MOA is an early Christmas
gift which solicited a warm applause from the crowd.
The MOA
signing is in compliance with the DILG Memo Circular No. 2014-83 which orders
all local chief executives to encourage job orders and contractual employees to
enroll in the Social Fund Protection. (ACO, PIA-Laguna)
-
See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641416880122/calamba-city-government-sss-sign-moa-to-benefit-contractual-and-job-order-employees#sthash.3Vn6gg7f.dpuf
RIZAL
1. POPCOM
runs 1st AHYD Short Film and Docu Festival
December
09, 2014
TANAY,
Rizal, Dec. 9 (PIA) --At least six short films and one documentary produced by
high school students here were showcased recently in the 1st AHYD Short Film
and Documentary Festival organized by the Population Commission (POPCOM).
Depicting
adolescent concerns and issues, the film festival aimed to raise awareness and
appreciate the impact of population development concerns relative to the goals
of the Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP).
Outdoing
other short films, Tanay West National High School won Best Film for their
masterpiece “Benjo.” It also won three major awards including Best Screenplay,
Best Actor for the role of Regie Matavere and Best Supporting Actor for the
role of Aysonnel Limpiado.
Meanwhile,
Tanay East National High School won Best in Cinematography for their film
“Loramigos” and obtained Best Actress award for the role of Nina Mateo.
The film
“Talon” of Gen. Mariano Alvares Technical High School secured two awards in the
film festival including Best Musical Score and Best Supporting Actress for the
role of Aniessa Kasan.
Also
presented in the film festival were “Bangungot, Mahirap Malimot” by Gen. Vito
Belarmino National High School; “Sapatos” by Tanay National High School;
“Patalim” by Marciano P. Catolos Memorial National High School and; “Bata,
Bata, Paano nga Ba” by Trece Martires City National High School.
The short
film and documentary festival is part of the celebration of the Population
Development Week held every last week of November as per Executive Order No.
76.
Meanwhile,
POPCOM plans to expand the coverage of the film festival setting it as a
nationwide competition next year. (FSC, PIA-4A with reports from POPCOM-4A)
- See
more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931418087444/popcom-runs-1st-ahyd-short-film-and-docu-festival#sthash.Jhufb1ey.dpuf
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| DepEd exec sued for unremitted GSIS premiums | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Department of Education (DepEd) official faces charges of
violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act) and 15 counts of violation of Section
52 of Republic Act No. 8291 (GSIS Act of 1997) for failing to
timely remit the GSIS premiums of teachers and employees from
the DepEd-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). In an Order that denied the Motion for Reconsideration, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the finding of probable cause against Leovigilda Cinches, former Officer-in-Charge Regional Secretary of DepEd-ARMM. Documents show that from October 2001 to November 2004, DepEd-ARMM failed to timely remit the GSIS premiums/contributions amounting to P232.9 million resulting to the suspension of employees’ loan privileges and other benefits. The Joint Resolution cited that as OIC Regional Secretary and Director II for Administrative, Finance and Other Support Services, “these two positions are mandated to ensure that the monthly GSIS premiums were collected and remitted to the GSIS within thirty (30) days from the time each monthly contributions fell due.” Aside from criminal indictments, Cinches was also found guilty of Grave Misconduct and was ordered dismissed from the service with the accessory penalties of forfeiture of benefits and disqualification from reemployment in any branch of government. The complaints against Accountant III Pangalian Maniri, Budget Officer III Mosbicak Ibrahim and Cashier Norensa Arimao, all of DepEd-ARMM were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. Similarly, the complaints against former GSIS officials, namely: President and General Manager Winston Garcia, members of the Board of Trustees: Leonora De Jesus, Elmer Bautista, Florino Ibanez, Reynaldo Palmiery, Fulgencio Factoran, Jr. and Aida Nocete were dismissed for lack of merit |
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| DBM presents P22.47-B supplemental budget to congress; Abad: Budget addresses urgent funding requirements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) presented to the
House of Representatives on Tuesdaythe proposed P22.47-billion
supplemental budget that would address urgent funding
requirements for priority infrastructure, socio-economic, and
rehabilitation and reconstruction projects. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “These priority projects were identified as urgent this year but only after the 2015 National Expenditure Program (NEP) had been sent to Congress last May. As such, there is no truth to misgivings that these projects are funded by any existing appropriations law, much more the proposed 2015 National Budget.” The supplemental budget will fund urgent projects like the housing component required by the Comprehensive Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan (CRRP) for Typhoon Yolanda, which had been approved only this July. Though P11 billion of the funding requirement for housing was covered by the 2014 National Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRMMF) and released to the National Housing Authority (NHA), it would still draw P8 billion from the supplemental budget for a total of P18.9 billion as required by the CRRP. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will receive P1.94 billion to update their National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). Also known as Listahanan, this is a nationwide database of the poor who urgently need support, especially those recently affected by Yolanda. This project update was not funded by either the 2014 or 2015 national budget because its fund source was supposed to be savings incurred this year, but this was hindered by the SC ruling that savings could only be declared at year’s end. Thus, the National Government could not fund the program until its inclusion under the supplemental budget. The P22.47-billion supplemental budget will also address valid obligations incurred by the National Government on completed or commenced projects under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) as well as approved projects supported by the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) that need implementation. Though the enactment of both programs was halted by the Supreme Court, these projects were not ruled illegal by the high court. Abad added that, “We crafted the proposed supplemental budget under the principles of transparency and accountability under President Aquino’s Tuwid na Daan. But we were also guided by the high court ruling advising us to resort to a supplemental budget to support priority projects not funded by current or future General Appropriation Acts (GAAs).” For the reference of the legislators, the presentation of the projects listed under the proposed supplemental budget have had their appropriations disaggregated with corresponding project descriptions for transparency and accountability purposes. The proposed supplemental budget, if approved, will make appropriations available for release and obligation for the purposes specified for one year from its date of effectivity. |
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| Emergency funds ready as Ruby sweeps through Ph; Abad: affected areas to get priority relief efforts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Aquino administration has ample emergency funds on the ready
for 2014 and 2015 as Tropical Storm Ruby (international code
name: Hagupit) continues to move across the country, Department
of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad
said today. “Preparation is critical in ensuring the safety of Filipinos in the face of natural disasters. The current year’s budget can fully support emergency operations as they’re needed, especially in the wake of Ruby. To date, the National and local governments have been working together to ensure that pre- and post-disaster activities are executed well.” The Administration recently augmented the 2014 National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) with P2.61 billion for the government’s relief and emergency response activities. Likewise, a number of government departments have Quick Response Funds (QRFs) amounting to a total of P5.34 billion ready to use specifically for this situation. Here is a breakdown of the QRFs per department:
¹The QRFs are released at the start of the year as part of the GAA-as-release document regime, allowing government agencies to make immediate use of funds for emergency response functions. In view of Tropical Storm Ruby, the DPWH received replenishment of funds worth P650 million for their QRF last Friday, December 5, 2014. |
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| Customs Collector downed by inconsistencies with estranged wife’s SALN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Bureau of Customs Collector has been ordered dismissed by the
Ombudsman following failure to declare and explain wealth in a
case his wife has emerged unscathed from. Maximo Dela Peña
Reyes, Collector IV at the Bureau of Customs, was charged
together with his estranged wife when both were found to have
not filed their SALNs for the years 2001 and 2009 and were
suspected for not having truthfully disclosed their true net
worth for the period 2000 and 2010. Summarizing analysis of financial statements, The Ombudsman found that the spouses, separated since 2002, have a total unexplained wealth in the amount of P89.19 million, excluding the documented liabilities worth P4.27 million and P8.40 million earned in salaries as public officials from their total net worth of P101.86 million. Spouses also admit to owning interests in 17 businesses, 25 properties, and 15 vehicles. Reyes even unsuccessfully painted his wife, Cristeta Cuevas-Reyes, former Mayor of Malvar, Batangas, as “arrogant, domineering, and possessive” in a failed bid to explain inconsistencies in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and massive wealth disproportionate to his income as a public official. The Ombudsman found Reyes’ “battered or henpecked husband defense” to hold very little water and found him guilty of committing gross neglect of duty. Previously, he was placed under preventive suspension in 28 May 2013. While former Mayor Cuevas-Reyes was able to reasonably explain her wealth in citing income generated from various legitimate businesses involving poultry and drug store chains, Collector Reyes was not able to bring forth a solid defense of his unexplained wealth and improper SALN filings. Citing “generous parents” and his troubled marital relationship as the reason for his misdeclarations, Collector Reyes failed to declare and explain 6 properties and cash on hand worth up to P21.05 million. The Ombudsman, in its decision approved last 5 November 2014, stated that a “deteroriating marital relationship could not in any way have prevented proper and accurate documentation of properties in [Reyes’] SALN.” In contrast, his wife Cuevas-Reyes was afforded the presumption of good faith after the former mayor cited separation for the failure to secure documents needed for full and accurate declaration. Whereas former Mayor Cuevas-Reyes had proof of legitimate income supporting her wealth, Collector Reyes had none of value to show for in court. Collector Reyes, aside from failing to file SALNs in 2001 and 2009, did not sign wife’s SALN in the years 2000, 2002-5, 2007, and also did not verify nor accurately declare properties in his filings for 2006, 2008, and 2010. Found guilty of gross neglect of duty due to repeated acts of negligence, Collector Maximo Dela Peña Reyes was also meted the penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in the government service. The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) welcome this resolution as an unmistakable step forward in the fight against corruption. The DOF and its attached agencies will continue to hold employees in its ranks to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. |
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| Balikbayan box tracker launched | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As deliveries of packages and parcels from overseas Filipinos
(OFs) surge in time for the Christmas season, the Bureau of
Customs (BOC) has launched an online tracker that will enable
recipients of Balikbayan Boxes to check on the status of their
packages. The tracker contains the list of all Balikbayan Box
shipments lodged by local cargo forwarders with the BOC, the
country of origin, port of entry in the country, and the Bill of
Lading (BL) number of the shipments. “This is our way of helping our kababayans find their boxes when they encounter problems. We have received several complaints from Overseas Filipino Workers' (OFWs) families blaming BOC for lost boxes. With this tracker, the public will not be given the run-around by people responsible for delivering their balikbayan boxes,” Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla said. To access the Balikbayan Box tracker, just go to the Bureau of Customs website and click the “Balikbayan Box Tracker” banner. The tracker contains information on all Balikbayan Box shipments lodged with the Bureau, including its country of origin, Bill of Lading (BL) number, name of the foreign forwarder, name of the local forwarder/broker, date entry filed, date cleared, and current status. Families expecting Balikbayan Boxes should know the name of the forwarder and the BL number to be able to track the shipment where the Balikbayan Box is included. Balikbayan Boxes sent from abroad are usually consolidated into batches, and placed in one container van aboard a cargo vessel bound for the Philippines. Each container van has about 400 Balikbayan Boxes. Shipments from within Asia typically arrive in the country in 15 to 20 days; while those from North America or Europe arrive in 55 to 65 days. These container vans are filed in a Bill of Lading and consigned to one entity, usually a local cargo forwarder. The latter handles customs clearance of the entire shipment and handles delivery of each box to the intended recipients in the Philippines. DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba underscored, “The DTI fully supports the BOC in this initiative that can greatly assist consumers on the delivery and receipt of their Balikbayan boxes. Simultaneously, the tracker can serve as a venue for accredited Philippine sea freight forwarders to police their own ranks and prevent questionable acts and dealings." The DTI further expects that the tracker can lessen, if not eliminate the consumers’ complaints on loss, non-delivery, and pilferage of Balikbayan boxes. As of November 2014, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the DTI has accredited 64 Philippine sea freight forwarders that engage in door-to-door balikbayan box delivery services. An estimated 5.5M Balikbayan Boxes are sent to the Philippines each year, about 40% of which arrive during the so-called “ber” months approaching the Christmas season. Approximately 65% of all Balikbayan Box shipments arrive at the Manila International Container Port, while the rest are shipped through the Port of Manila (South Harbor), Cebu, Davao and Subic. |
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| DSWD intensifies food distribution for ‘Ruby’ survivors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amid road clearing in major thoroughfares to Borongan town in
Eastern Samar which was heavily affected by Typhoon Ruby, staff
of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
accompanied five military trucks loaded with rice sacks and food
packs for typhoon survivors here. Upon arriving in the town, they proceeded to five barangays where they distributed 189 sacks of rice for 1,575 families. These were in the villages of Bugas where they provided 60 rice sacks, Sta. Fe with 38, Canhaway with 17, Tamoso with 31, and San Santorino with 43. These are on top of the food assistance earlier prepositioned by the DSWD in the town. For the whole province of Eastern Samar, DSWD has already provided 6,150 sacks of rice and 9,900 family food packs. The towns which received the 50-kg. rice aid were Balangiga 200, Borongan 200, Can-avid 400, Dolores 650, Giporlos 200, Guiuan 200, Hernani 250, Jipapad 350, Lawaan 300, Mercedes 200, Oras 200, Salcedo 200, San Policarpio 400, Sulat 400. The Provincial Social Welfare Office was also given 2000 sacks. On the other hand, towns which received family food packs were Llorente with 1440 food packs and Quinapondan with 960. Some 5,000 food packs were also prepositioned at the DSWD Borongan Hub. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman is now in Borongan to oversee the ongoing disaster operations in the town. Sec. Soliman said that 30,000 food packs will come from DSWD-Field Office XI and CARAGA going to the town of Taft and municipalities north of Borongan. Total aid Meanwhile, provision of assistance in other regions affected by ‘Ruby’ continues. As of 10 a.m. today, a total of P62 million has been provided to typhoon survivors from the combined resources of DSWD with P55 million and local government units (LGU) with P6 million. Repacking of relief goods continues in the different relief hubs in Cebu and at the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City. DSWD-Field Office MIMAROPA also opened a relief hub in Batangas City as pick up and delivery point for Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and Romblon. Evacuees As of presstime, a total of 463,449 families or 2,065,224 persons have been affected. Some 5,193 evacuation centers, down from 5,529 at the height of the typhoon, continue to serve 369,193 families or 1,653,241 persons. DSWD-Field Offices in the regions affected by ‘Ruby’ reported that some evacuees have started to return to their homes after the weather has cleared in their areas. Members of the DSWD’s Quick Response Team in the affected regions continue to coordinate with LGUs to monitor and assess the impact of the disaster. |
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| All Ruby-affected LGUs to receive aid from?? Roxas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR - Despite persistent challenges to
the transportation of goods, Interior and Local Government
Secretary Mar Roxas has assured all affected local government
units (LGUs) that assistance from the national government is on
the way and will come shortly. "We are doing our very best to coordinate and communicate with all affected LGUs to ensure that relief goods are delivered to those who need them," said Roxas. As soon as then typhoon and now tropical depression Ruby left Eastern Samar, Roxas led the National Frontline Team in the inspection of nearby municipalities, starting with San Julian and Dolores, where the typhoon made the first landfall on Saturday at 8PM. The team even had to use motorcycles to travel the 65-km distance between Borongan and Dolores amidst uprooted trees and fallen power lines and to reach their destination quickly. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), there were more than 230,000 families or about a million individuals staying in 3,640 evacuation centers in all affected areas at the onset of Ruby's series of landfalls. Initial reports in Eastern Samar alone state that there are 233 evacuation centers in 19 municipalities, with a total of 14,990 families and 76,594 individuals. But the DILG has also been receiving reports that some local chief executives (LCEs) have already asked people to return to their homes under clearer skies. Roxas has also established a 24/7 Operations Center in Camp Crame to coordinate preparations and immediate responses to needs of affected LGUs nationwide. Through the operations center, the DILG is able to determine the preliminary number of evacuees and casualties, and even the particular needs of each municipality. "We are closely monitoring the situation and we welcome any voluntary assistance from people who are eager to help out," Roxas remarked. |
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| DepEd affirms "No militarization in schools" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PASIG CITY -- “Walang eskwelahan, pribado man o pampubliko, na
nagpapahintulot sa pagpasok ng kahit sinumang armadong
indibidwal o grupo,” Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary
Br. Armin Luistro FSC emphasized during a dialogue Tuesday with
some Lumad representatives and members of the Save Our Schools
Network on the alleged military presence in some schools in
Mindanao. Luistro clarified the content of DepEd Memorandum 221 entitled “Guidelines on the Protection of Children During Armed Conflict,” issued last 2013. He reiterated that armed persons are not allowed to enter school grounds following the guidelines stipulated in the said memo. “Nakalagay po diyan sa DepEd Memo na iyan ang sistema ng imbestigasyon. Kasama po diyan na hindi lang hanggang division lamang. Kasama po sa prosesong iyan ang monitoring, investigation, and action. Ang laman po ng DM 221 ay ang proseso na sinusundan natin.,” Luistro explained. “Madali lang magrevoke ng memo. Ang problema, pag ni-revoke ko yang memo, wala tayong masusundan na proseso para sa hinaing na inyong inilahad. Baka po pwede ninyong ireview ulit yung memo kasi pag ni-revoke ko po yan, lalu akong walang panghahawakan.” He stressed that DepEd is one with the protesters in their concern for the safety of all persons in schools. “Napagkasunduan namin na DepEd ang mangunguna at magiging tulay para maipakita ang kanilang mga dokumento at mailahad ang kanilang mga sinalaysay na karanasan. Dahil napapaloob rin sa EO138 ang mga nasabing hinanaing, amin itong idudulog sa Inter-agency committee sa pangunguna ng Council on the Welfare of Children.” Executive Order 138 establishes the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) as the chair of the Inter-agency Committee on Children in Armed Conflict, with DepEd as one of its member agencies. "We maintain that schools are zones of peace so there should be no armed personnel inside school grounds as it puts our students at risk,” Secretary Luistro underscored during the dialogue. He also emphasized that military operations and engagements are not allowed inside school premises, except for civil-military activities like Brigada Eskwela and Medical Missions. “Pati nga po pulis, hindi basta puwedeng pumasok sa eskwelahan. May programa dapat yan, walang baril,” he added. “The concerns (on military presence in schools) brought to our attention are alarming but we still need to follow a process, a proper investigation on the allegations we heard in the dialogue,” explained Luistro. He also requested members of the affected schools to submit documentary evidence like photographs, videos, or narratives of the harassment done by armed personnel on the schools for a more “swift and comprehensive investigation.” At present no documents have been submitted to DepEd by the Save Our Schools Network. “It's our mandate to ensure the safety and well-being of learners, teachers, and staff in our schools therefore we remind all armed persons, be they members of the military, police, or civilians, to uphold our guidelines in the interest of keeping our schools safe and peaceful,” said Luistro. |
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| AI cites PNP human rights best practices | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippines has been recognized by the human rights watchdog
Amnesty International (AI) for taking tangible steps in
improving the Philippines’ human rights record. AI Director Steve Crawshaw said the human rights watchdog is interested in learning from the experience of the PNP on the Challenges and Breakthroughs in Human Rights Promotion and Protection. Crawshaw, representing AI Secretary General Salil Shetty, led an 8-man AI delegation that visited the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame today as part of the group’s itinerary in its Asian sortie. During the visit, Crawshaw discussed general issues and concerns on human rights with PNP officials led by PDDGen Felipe Rojas, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration (DCA). Rojas cited a report by the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR) that showed a sharp decline in reported cases of torture and ill-treatment from a high of 53 cases in 2010 and 68 cases in 2011, down to only six (6) cases in 2013. The CHR also reported a similar trend in cases of extra-legal killings from 89 cases in 2010 down to only 15 cases in 2013. The CHR report is consistent with the AI assessment that in the last decade the Philippines has taken steps in addressing human rights concerns by establishing an excellent human rights treaty ratification record and robust human rights-based national laws Because the legal infrastructure is already in place in the Philippines, proper implementation of the existing laws and policies against torture and improvements in the criminal justice and accountability systems will ultimately led to ending the use of torture in the country, the AI said. Chief Superintendent Antonio Viernes, Chief of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) said over the years, the PNP has steadily institutionalized stronger safeguards to ensure strict adherence to international human rights standards in all aspects of police operation and procedure. |
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| Typhoon Ruby slows down, Eastern Visayas starts clearing operations - DOST-PAGASA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TAGUIG City -- Typhoon Ruby (international code name Hagupit)
has weakened according to the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
and has been has been downgraded to a tropical storm. On its 11 a.m. advisory on Monday, December 8, PAGASA noted that Typhoon Ruby has weakened and is now packing maximum sustained winds of 105 kilometers per hour (kph) with a gustiness of up to 135 kph. With its present track, it is forecast to move west northwest at a slow pace of 10 kph. Because TY Ruby weakened, it is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Thursday instead of the initial forecast of Wednesday. Metro Manila expects to experience strong winds and heavy rains from Typhoon Ruby when the tropical cyclone passes close to the metropolis between 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, December 8. DOST-PAGASA has raised public storm warning Signal No. 2 over Metro Manila, while Signal No. 3 warning was raised in several provinces south of the nation's capital. Storm Signal No. 3 (with winds of between 101-185 kph is expected in at least 18 hours) is raised over the following areas: Bataan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Lubang Island and Southern Quezon. Storm Signal No. 2 (with winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hours) is raised over the following areas:MKetro Manila, Pampanga, Rizal, Bulacan, rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, CamarinesNorte, Camarines Sur, Romblon, and Burias Island. Storm Signal No. 1 (with winds of 30 - 60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) remains hoisted over the following areas:Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Polillo Island, Albay, Sorsogon, Ticao Island, Calamian Group of Islands, Masbate, Aklan, Capiz, and Semirara Island. DOST-PAGASA also issued a warning of possible 3-meter-high storm surges in areas where storm Signal No. 3 is hoisted. Typhoon Ruby will be bringing moderate to heavy rainfall within the 450-km diameter, slightly smaller than its initial size of 600-700 km diameter when it first hit landmass in Dolores, Eastern Samar on Saturday, December 6. Meanwhile reports from different provinces are starting to come in either through media coverages on radio and television and even through social media and those received by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council or NDRRMC. According to NDRRMC, at least two people had been reported dead in the Visayas, in Estancia and Balasan in Iloilo, due to hypothermia. However, it was good news for the province of Masbate where no casualty has been reported yet as of this writing according to Jose Tamayo, Provincial Administrator of Masbate during a live radio interview in DZRH this morning, December 8. Also, Jojo Vicencio of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association in an interview with DZRH this morning, December 8, noted that the provinces of Samar and Negros Oriental experienced orderly evacuation operations with early advice from different government agencies like the NDRRMC and PAGASA and local government units. He reported that clearing operations have started in the Tacloban-Guiuan Road that leads to Borongan, Eastern Samar. He also noted that many motorcycle riding residents of the affected areas were roaming the streets and giving reports and updates to local authorities; a sign that the Filipino “bayanihan spirit” is very much alive. (S&T Media Service) |
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| P-Noy honors former DA chief, 32 others as outstanding overseas Filipinos | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President Benigno S. Aquino III recently honored former
agriculture secretary William D. Dar and 32 other overseas
Filipino individuals and organizations who have either improved
the lives of Filipinos worldwide, supported relief,
rehabilitation and development programs in the country, or who
have excelled in their field or profession. A native of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, 61-year old Dar received from President Aquino a Pamana ng Pilipino Award and was cited for “his exemplary leadership in successfully extending the frontiers of science and technology to ensure food security for all, and for his staunch advocacy of the important role of professional horticulturists in this endeavor.” President Aquino urged the awardees, including world-renown artist Lea Salonga, to “continue your pursuit of excellence, fulfill our individual roles in nation building, and show the world that the excellence of the Filipino knows no bounds,” during ceremonies in Malacañan, spearheaded by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas chaired by Secretary Imelda M. Nicolas, on December 5, 2014. “It is a humbling experience, and I dedicate the Pamana Award to all Filipino farmers. I look forward to serving them again when I return next year,” said Dar, who concludes an unprecedented 15-year term on December 31, 2014, as director general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in India. It is among the 15 global research centers under the CGIAR that also includes the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna. To date, Dar is the only Filipino who has served as director general of a global agricultural R&D facility. He leaves behind a legacy benefitting millions of farmers in India, Africa, and other dryland countries in the world, including the Philippines. Dar 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 stability. Through his strong leadership and governance, he has quadrupled the income and investments poured into ICRISAT since he took over, from US$ 21 million in 2000 to US$ 85 million in 2014. ICRISAT has also partnered with the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), sharing modern sustainable farming technologies and cultivars of sweet sorghum, peanut, cowpea (garbanzos) and chickpea (kadyos) to farmers in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos, Southern Luzon, and Southern Mindanao. When he returns home next year, Dar said he will share his management and technical experience with Filipino farmers to transform barren rainfed and drylands into productive, sustainable and climate-smart farms through Inang Lupa social movement. He said it aims to enhance the country’s food, nutrition and energy security, increase the productivity and incomes of small farmers 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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| With DA’s proactive response, Ruby’s damage on agri sector not as grave as Yolanda’s—DA chief | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secretary of Agriculture Proceso Alcala assured the public that
with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA’s) proactive response,
tropical storm Ruby’s damage on agriculture is expected to be
not as severe as what the sector had experienced during the
onslaught of Yolanda last year. Secretary Alcala stressed that initial figures on damages presented by Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna and Undersecretary Emerson Palad of DA Field Operations are much lower, compared during typhoon Yolanda. De Luna and Palad reported that as of 2:00 p.m. on November 8, total cost of damages and production losses in crops and infrastructure reached P1.02 billion, involving 55,850 hectares of farmlands and with estimated production losses of 56,090 metric tons in Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. The volume of palay production affected is at 48,054 metric tons; 7,550 tons for corn and 486 tons for high-value crops all valued at P941.04 million. For fisheries, production losses amounted to P48.225 million, while damage inflicted to the livestock sector amounted to P809,550. Damage to various agrifishery infrastructure and equipment P29.993 million. According to Alcala, damage on agriculture was worse during Yolanda because farmers had yet to harvest their crops. For typhoon Ruby, farmers were able to harvest mature crops even before the typhoon had its landfall while fishers were also able to place their boats into safety, following DA’s and other government agencies’ advisories. “What we can [also] assure the public is that although Ruby is also a destructive typhoon, we are ready to roll out remaining assistance, aside from what had already been prepositioned,” Alcala said. Secretary Alcala said that DA had prepositioned a total of 78,479 bags for rice and 17,554 for corn nationwide intended to lessen the impact of any weather disturbance. With regard to supply of fruits and vegetables for the holiday season, Secretary Alcala also assured the public that this will not be significantly affected as the top sources of fruits and vegetables such as Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya will not be seriously affected by the typhoon. Secretary Alcala as well said that the poultry industry may be negatively affected but not as worse as during typhoon Glenda, which has devastated southern Luzon earlier this year. “Looking at its trajectory, typhoon Ruby will not affect poultry production areas. As of now, our supply of chicken is stable and the SRP has not changed, so hopefully, we can maintain this. We will also facilitate in balancing the supply,” Alcala added. Meanwhile, Atty. Asis Perez, Undersecretary for Fisheries and BFAR Director, stressed that there might be a slight increase on the price of seafood this holiday season because of the increased demand. “Lapu-lapu and shrimp will be of high demand, because we usually prepare red-colored food during Christmas. It’s not the supply but the demand that will increase the prices, so we should not be surprised if there will be a slight increase,” Perez explained. Secretary Alcala said that basing on the lessons learned from typhoon Yolanda, DA has been conscious in mainstream mechanisms to cope up with extreme weather events in its programs, hence reducing the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to damage and losses. |
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| New PRC Chairman and PRC Commissioner formally assume post | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, December 9, 2014 --- The Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) announces the assumption into office of Dr.
Florentino C. Doble as new PRC Chairman and Architect Yolanda D.
Reyes as new PRC Commissioner. Chairman Doble and Commissioner Reyes were both sworn into Office by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz in a simple oath-taking rite held at the Midas Hotel in Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on November 19, 2014. Prior to his appointment as PRC Chairman, Dr. Doble served as member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine from December 2003 to December 31, 2013. He was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Medicine in 2008. He finished his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in 1967 and passed the Medical licensure exam in 1968 and the Management Aptitude Test of the Career Executive Service Board in June 2002. Dr. Doble’s exemplary achievements and exceptional professional competence and expertise for his 46 years of professional practice manifest his indefatigable passion to pursue excellence. He specializes in General and Laparoscopic Surgery. He is currently a life member of the Philippine Medical Association and Fellows of the Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Society of General Surgeons, Philippine Society of Laporoscopic Surgeons, Philippine Society of Oncologists, Surgical Oncology Society of the Philippines, Philippine Academic for Head and Neck Surgery, Sports Medicine Association of the Philippines, Academy of Medicine (Malaysia), Asian Surgical Association, Asian Vascular Society, International College of Surgeons, and International Hepato-Pancreatico Bilary Association. Chairman of the Department of Surgery and served as Medical Director – OIC of East Avenue Medical Center. First National Legends of the Knife Awardee conferred by the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS). Chairman Doble’s sterling academic achievements include authoring (and co-authoring) of not less than 90 published and unpublished scientific papers at the PMA-Manila Medical Society, Philippine College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, and the University of Santo Tomas, to which he served as a full-time professor. Meanwhile, Architect and Environmental Planner Yolanda D. Reyes served as member of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture from 2013 until her appointment as PRC Commissioner. She finished her Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture in 1975 and her Master of Science Degree in Architecture in 1986 at the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture and Fine Arts and the UST Graduate School. She also served as Dean of the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture and Fine Arts for a period of nine years. Under her leadership, the College achieved the status of “Center of Excellence” in the year 1999 granted by the Commission on Higher Education of the Philippines. Architect Reyes has given major contributions and services to her profession when she served as the first woman National President of the United Architects of the Philippines. She demonstrated her vision, leadership and unrelenting vigor and zeal, by instituting various reforms within the organization. She also projected the UAP and the Philippines in the international scene as the first lady-architect to be elected as Chairperson of the Architects Regional Council of Asia or ARCASIA comprising a membership of 18 Asian countries. In recognizing her noteworthy achievements, she was conferred the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Presidential Medal and an Honorary Membership in Las Vegas, USA. Architect Reyes was awarded the most coveted distinction as Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in San Francisco, USA, the first woman architect from Southeast Asia to receive it. Her numerous commendations include The Award for Architecture in Design Excellence for the Caleruega Retreat House located south of Manila, Philippines by the UAP in 1996, The Outstanding Thomasian Alumni Award (Architecture) given by the UST in 2002, Distinguished Architecture Award given by the City of Manila, A special Cultural Award by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, First Diamond Award for Architecture by the UST Graduate School in 1998. In 2008, she was bestowed as the Most Outstanding Professional of the Year in Architecture by the Professional Regulation Commission. |
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| TESDA grads finish second at 9th Isuzu World Technical Competition | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Two graduates of the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority Auto Mechanic Training Centre bagged second place at
the 9th Isuzu World Technical Competition (2014 I-1), Category
B, held at Kawasaki, Japan. They represented Isuzu Philippines
Corporation (IPC). Rey Bombita of Isuzu Pasig and Roel Gacela of Isuzu Davao, who were coached by Napoleon Marquez, were selected from among the winners of the annual Isuzu Philippines Competition held in May 2014 at IPC Laguna. They are also holders of TESDA national Certificate in Automotive Servicing National Certificate I to IV. This was the first time that graduates of the TESDA Automotive Training Center participated and represented Isuzu Philippines in the skills competition. TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva congratulated the TESDA specialists on their feat and stressed the importance of continuous learning and technology in their field of specialization. "TESDA and the entire country are proud that our specialists are using every ounce of technical vocational skills learned in school and in the workplace to achieve great feat," Villanueva said. The Isuzu World Technical Competition is designed for Isuzu's most accomplished service technicians, testing both their techniques and knowledge. It aims to heighten the level of the Japanese carmaker's service in every country it is present in. The ultimate goal is to provide Isuzu customers around the world with the best possible after-sales service. The competition has two components: technical and written. The technical competition consists of vehicle inspection, vehicle repairs and engine procedures. The written competition consists of questions relating to knowledge necessary in basic structure and operations, adjustment and diagnosis of engine and chassis, and the unique content of Isuzu vehicles. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas
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Malacañan Palace
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05 Dec.2014
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When I
was looking at the progam and I saw that Lea was going to sing, I said, “We
are indeed very fortunate.” Who would not want to hear Lea sing? And you’ve
come a long way in your 21 years, Lea, talaga—of life. [Laughter]
Of course, we have our own artist-in-residence here in the Palace. We have a very efficient Secretary of Justice. Who also performs the entertainment functions [laughter] from time to time, but not at this time because she is preparing a lot of memos to guide certain quarters with regard tackling Ruby–so not today. [Laughter] I’m sure we’ll be able to prevail upon her in some future time. [Laughter] As President, I am confronted each day with a seemingly endless stream of issues and concerns, each of which claims to be the most urgent, and demands my immediate attention. Part of my job is prioritizing which urgent concern to address first. For instance, this week, we have been preparing for Typhoon Ruby, which entered our country’s area of responsibility yesterday. This involves coordinating all agencies to make sure that they are working in the most efficient manner possible, so that damages we can greatly reduce the risk to our population and minimize the sufferings of those that will be affected. This, we have done on top of all the issues that likewise need appropriate solutions. Events like this awarding ceremony, then, are very welcome, as they provide me a respite, no matter how brief, from the heavy and never-ending demands of the job. Each awardee in this hall today has an inspiring success story that infuses a little more positivity into our lives. We have those who have championed better lives for Filipino migrants abroad, and those who have become channels through which the world can witness the excellence of the Filipino. It is thanks to individuals like you that Filipinos abroad are able to cope with the many challenges of being far away from home. This is something I know, slightly, from experience. Some of you might know that, during the Martial Law years, my family lived in exile in Boston. Back then, it was the warmth and solidarity of our countrymen that kept the fire of hope alive within all of us, as we continued the battle against the dictatorship. Indeed: it is men and women like you who help to forge a sense of community on distant shores, and who display to the world the innate talents and drive of our people. I have no doubt that those of you who have flown in from abroad have seen that, while many things have changed in our country, some things will always stay the same, namely: the warmth our country is known for, both literally and figuratively. Some of you may have already caught up with relatives over some home-cooked adobo. But perhaps if you take a closer look around, you will notice that the Filipino people have made even grander preparations for your return, and for the eventual return of the rest of our countrymen abroad: a country that is revitalized and filled with optimism. Over the past four years and five months, the support of the Filipino people has allowed us to turn our country’s fortunes around for the better. In May of 2010, they voted for the idea that was the heart and soul of my campaign for the Presidency, encapsulate in the slogan: “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” or in English, “Where there is no corruption, there will be no poverty.” The backing of the Filipino people has allowed us to pursue major reform after major reform. It has allowed us to overhaul our budgeting process, so that we only spend our people’s money on projects that will benefit our people. It has helped us foster a fair and level macroeconomic environment, winning the confidence of investors and thus leading to more expansive opportunities for our people. It has allowed us to channel the state’s resources to invest in projects geared towards health, education, and poverty alleviation, thus empowering our countrymen to make the most of our current economic resurgence. Our people’s continued support has likewise made it possible for us to pursue all those who have erred against the people, regardless of their power or influence. Perhaps you have seen, in the countries you reside in, the dramatic change in how the Philippines is perceived. As economies all over the world are still steadying themselves after the uncertainty of recent years, the global community has made no secret of their renewed belief in our country. Credit ratings agencies around the world have granted us a total of 20 positive credit ratings actions during our term, with the most significant ones coming last year, when Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch unanimously granted us investment grade status. We have gone from being considered an economic basket case to being referred to by some as “Asia’s New Tiger.” We have made continued and significant progress along many global measures of competitiveness, including the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index and the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report. In fact, just yesterday, Transparency International released its 2014 Corruption Perceptions Index, where the Philippines improved once more, marking a 49-place improvement for our country since 2010. You will also be interested in the strides we have made in the aviation industry. Last year, through the hard work of our Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and our local carriers, the International Civil Aviation Organization lifted the significant safety concerns it had previously issued our country. This was followed by the European Union lifting the ban on Philippine Airlines. This 2014, the EU did the same for Cebu Pacific. Needless to say, this means that we can expect direct flights to multiple locations in Europe to increase in the near future. In 2014, the United States Federal Aviation Administration likewise upgraded the Philippines back to Category 1 status. Thus, we can also expect an expansion of routes going to and from the United States. The implications are wide: Filipinos such as yourselves will now find it easier to come back home; tourists and businessmen alike will also find it more convenient to visit our country and see what we have to offer. This was made possible through the leadership of CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss, the cooperation of our airlines, and the continued backing of our people. Indeed, times have changed. As you continue your work in your offices, your community centers, your studios, your clinics, and laboratories towards the pride and upliftment of our people, you have a government and a Filipino people that is working shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you. Together, we have given rise to a global community where Filipinos can truly hold their heads high. While the awards you receive today are symbols of your success, I am hopeful that you also treat them as invitations: to continue your pursuit of excellence, and the way you bring pride and honor to our country. Let us continue doing our very best to fulfill our individual roles in nation building. We have changed the way the world sees us, and we must build on this; we must ride our current momentum and show the world that the excellence of the Filipino knows no bounds. Thank you, good day, and an early Merry Christmas to all. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
28th annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party
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Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City
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05 Dec.2014
|
Magandang
umaga po sa inyong lahat
As President, I look forward to every Bulong-Pulungan. [Applause] It has always been a pleasure to be with you, as it brings back many memories, most particularly of the time Tita Deedee and our good friends in this room helped mom communicate the message of hope to our people. To me, you have always been a consistent, engaging group of respected friends and partners who never ask inane questions. [Laughter] Rather, I would have to admit: your queries are often presented in a thought-provoking manner, and thus every question from you is a welcome opportunity to reflect and find deeper insight. It is unfortunate, however, that our gathering once more comes at a time of concern. All of us here were looking forward to having a quiet Christmas this year, to taking a breather and finding the time to recharge for 2015. However, as you are all well aware, Typhoon Ruby confronts us as a nation. The recent days in anticipation of this typhoon have been filled with varying opinions and reports from our friends in the industry, and being with you brings to my mind the vastness of media’s capacity to shape discourse, agenda, and the priorities of both government and society. Thus, allow me to share this example with you: On Tuesday, Secretary Mario Montejo of our DOST informed me that Ruby’s estimated strength would be somewhere in the neighborhood of about 140 kilometers per hour, bringing with it heavy rains if it makes landfall, expectedly on Sunday. Let us remember that now that Yolanda’s maximum winds based on some reports were pegged at about 300 kph. On Wednesday, one of our major dailies headlined Ruby as “Yolanda-like.” We all know that the paper had to be printed on Tuesday, and thus the information that the report was based must have come from Tuesday’s information. I was concerned with such a statement, and I had to ask Secretary Montejo to confirm this information; and up until yesterday at the NDRRMC briefing, there was no indication or official analysis predicting that Ruby would be Yolanda-like in strength. At best, if Ruby struck, its strength would be more comparable to Pablo. One has to ask: What was the basis of such speculation, and don’t we all agree that in reporting, we must always get the facts right, the angle right, and the news right, if we are to truly inform our people? Now, even as we ponder this point, let us bear in mind that it is the Christmas season, and it is incumbent upon all of us to demonstrate goodwill and good cheer. Yesterday’s NDRRMC briefing reminded everyone, from those of us in government, to our partners in the private sector, and even our friends in media, that we must do our utmost, leave nothing to chance, improve where we can, and match what we have done so well in the past. Today, it is my hope that from your pens will come the responsible, sober writing that will help foster the confidence we need as we weather this challenge again as a people. In the spirit of the season, allow me to express my gratitude to you for being exemplars of your profession. Interacting with you always highlights the fact that you are women and men who enjoy respected status in our media; you are journalists who have paid their dues to propel the standards of your profession. You are widely quoted as influencers in our society, and you are free to say what you think with a sure audience ready to listen. As you have earned the respect of our people, you have no other motivation than to do what is right, to voice your informed and honest opinions, to stimulate relevant and productive discussions, and to set a standard in news-making that caters not to the mob but to the truth. May you continue to serve as exemplars who adhere to the most fundamental principles of journalism, principles which have served to enlighten our nation for generations, principles that inspire our people to action, principles that remind us that we can achieve so much more when we rest our faith in each other and, of course, in the Lord Almighty. I look forward to your thought-provoking questions, and might I preempt you though regarding one question that is always asked here, the one about my love life, [laughter] to which the answer remains the same. [Laughter] Thank you, and I wish everyone a meaningful Christmas. |
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Q & during
the Annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party and Forum
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Sofitel
Philippine Plaza, Pasay City
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05
December 2014
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Joanne
Ramirez (The Philippine Star): Good morning, Mr. President. Mr. President,
perhaps… I prepared this question before Ruby—I heard of Ruby—so I was going
to ask you: After you step down from office has the thought of running for
office, not necessarily President, crossed your mind? Because I know JFK
(John F. Kennedy) seriously thought of running for senator after he stepped
down from office and he didn’t think it was a downgrade or something. So,
your plans after 2016, when you could, would you run for another office and
serve?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: After 2016 I think the foremost on my mind, together with my Cabinet, is to take at least a year break and recharge and recover from all the tensions, turmoil, concerns over the past six years by that time. So I think I will try to look for a means to serve in another capacity rather than elective office. Ms. Ramirez: Secretary (Gregory) Domingo, in fact, said that he was not afraid of the future because you would be there as fiscalizer. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, I think we can… There are very many roles that can be done not just in politics, and perhaps I owe it to those closest to me—especially my sisters, for instance—and even some of my staff, who have been with me since Congress, they are all looking forward to some time off. Ms. Ramirez: Thank you and Merry Christmas, Mr. President. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Merry Christmas. Rina Jimenez-David (Philippine Daily Inquirer): Good afternoon, Mr. President. In fact, the question I had in mind was to ask you: What is the first thing you would do when the new president is inaugurated? When you come home from Luneta, and the new president is sworn in, what are your personal plans? Where would you go? What would you do? What would be the first thing on your mind? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, going back to Times and staying in my own bed, in my own house will be parang—and relishing that point—and perhaps looking forward to the following day when I don’t have to wake up too early. I can laze around and get used to living in Times again. And perhaps visit the neighborhood charms like the supermarket and the fast food joints all around. Ms. David: You’re saying that you were thinking that there were other ways to serve after you leave office. Is there a particular field? Would you go like your mother did into cooperatives and NGO (non-government organization) work? Or is there a field of endeavor that, a special field of endeavor, that you’re thinking of? PRESIDENT AQUINO: People from our political persuasion seem to note that there is—how should I put it?—a dearth of institutionalizing the lessons that have been learned. So, perhaps one of the dreams (is), perhaps I can write a book to share the experiences. But, more importantly, we’d really want to interact with the youth and really help shape the next generation so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes. In exactly what form? I’m not exactly sure at this point in time. We are concerned with today’s issues. Julie Yap Daza (Manila Bulletin): Happy advent, Mr. President. I was listening to you preside over that NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) meeting yesterday for all of three hours, and I’d like you to confirm or deny that from the way you were reacting to the presentation, you were somewhat obsessive-compulsive? The way you pay attention to the minutiae of specific details. I think that was the first time we saw how your brain works. How would you describe yourself? PRESIDENT AQUINO: At the end of the day, I think I’m ultimately responsible for how this government works, and I want to impress upon everybody that it is not just doing something but rather doing the right thing. And, in certain instances, I really have to—how should I say?—press and overcome the inertia of some of the members of the bureaucracy. And I think that question will be better put to the secretaries present, who they claim are sometimes tortured, and have to endure a thesis-like defense presentation whenever I have to ask the questions. But, at the end of the day, I really want to be able to say to myself when I look myself at the mirror that we have done everything that was humanly possible to address whatever you’re issuing to us. And I impress upon that on all the members of this government, and not just in the executive, that we do bear a responsibility to everybody and we should not have a period where we are regretting that we could have done something and we didn’t choose to do so. So perhaps that is my way of making sure that everybody is doing the utmost in their respective roles. Ms. Daza: So on a scale of one to 10, how would you grade the quality of the presentation? Were you very happy, slightly happy? Did you think you wanted more out of their inputs? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Some of it… It was a three-hour meeting but some of it was already in shorthand. For instance, DOST (Department of Science and Technology), of course we had to learn about the science of all of this. We had to be clarified, precise, as to the precise meaning of all of the phrases and words and the jargon that was being thrown about in hopes of being able to direct the necessary actions in a more precise manner. So I was very happy with the DOST presentation. DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) where Secretary (Rogelio) Singson says the equipment that are creating the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s road in Samar is ready, which helped us in ‘Yolanda,’ is still available and they tell us that they are even more prepared than ‘Yolanda,’ then it doesn’t have to be talked about too long. When the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police) also say that their units, their personnel are prepositioned to include the maintenance, the logistic supply, then you’re calm. When DOE (Department of Energy) says there is fuel abundant already in Leyte alone, also, so perhaps… Ms. Daza: What grade would you give? PRESIDENT AQUINO: All of them? If I say they’re at 80 or 90 they might relax. So can I just say that they are at 50 pending resolution of this crisis? [laughter] Ms. Daza: Did something like this happen before ‘Yolanda’ hit? We were not so conscious about climate change at the time unlike this year. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Prior to ‘Yolanda,’ you had ‘Pablo,’ you had ‘Sendong’ that were localized in impact or intensity— Ms. Daza: Like a dress rehearsal. PRESIDENT AQUINO: In a sense. We thought the Zamboanga crisis with the hundred thousand mouths to feed was big. Then ‘Yolanda’ comes and it was 1.47 million families affected, and the sheer logistics involved, transferring all of these resources from either Luzon or Mindanao to get it into the areas most affected, especially Region VIII where you had to clear the roads, where you had to clear the airports or rebuild the ports and get everything, all the rest, was really a very, very severe challenge. It still is a challenge. Ms. Daza: So we can say that tomorrow will be a much better scenario? PRESIDENT AQUINO: In terms of— Ms. Daza: That everything will be in place in a better way? PRESIDENT AQUINO: In terms of preparation. But, of course, the track is not yet definite. There are two high pressure—I think you heard it yesterday—two high pressure areas that are impacting on the direction of ‘Ruby’ and dependent on how they influence Ruby’s path that will… Yesterday, for instance—I don’t know if you caught it—but I was asking: So we are looking at the red portion, we are looking at this as the probable track, and then we shift the resources to areas where they will be safe. If there is a divergence from that path, will it not be that our resources are in the place where the most destruction will happen? So they have been… I think they are doing the actual planning to make sure that regardless… We’re not putting all of the eggs in one basket. So regardless of where this track eventually finally settles, then we will be able to do a lot better than ‘Yolanda.’ Of course, dependent on the magnitude of ‘Ruby.’ Sandee Masigan (Travelite): Good morning, Mr. President, and advanced Merry Christmas. My question is: Since you assumed office, so many young people like myself have decided to come home from abroad and, you know, find a way to be able to contribute and help the country. And I know a lot of these young people would like to go and be public servants. So what advice would you give these future public servants? PRESIDENT AQUINO: I think it’s parang inappropriate for me to say so, ano, pero parang it’s like ‘marriage.’ [laughter] It’s a commitment. If you’re going to be honest or not, you’re going to get a reward in terms of financial considerations. The satisfaction will come from really impacting on people’s lives, especially for us, those really on the margins of society, and your ability to be able to contribute. I guess it also flows from why is the situation as it is? I think I’m misquoting JFK when he said some people see things as they are, and asked why, and he said—if I remember the quote—he asks: ‘Why not?’ So instead of having the same problems with each generation, having to repeat trying to address them, if we really put in our two cents worth and we really contribute, then the next generation should be solving a different set of problems and we are progressing, so… Especially the young, you have… After college, perhaps, easily you can do five years without being too delayed in your respective careers later on. And the energy that you bring in for those of us who are little less young, added with our experience, really does make finding the solutions that much easier. So, at the end of the day, you can stay on the sidelines and complain ‘til hell freezes over, or you can take an active part in it and be proud that, you know, you contributed to changing the status quo leading to the improvement of everybody’s lives. Domini Torrevillas (Philippine Star): Good afternoon, Mr. President. What have been the happiest moments in your life as President of the Republic? None? Too many? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, siguro when you look at the economy, when you have all of those credit ratings upgrades. When you get the investment grade status would be one of them. When we started out, we said there would be an improvement of lives, and the economy really has to improve and it has to be very inclusive. So when NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) reports that there are about two and a half million people lifted out of poverty, and this was just last year’s figures, ‘yung parang above the poverty… Anyway, and 1.6 million net new jobs, when manufacturing comes in, when TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) has all of these graduates that have really improved their lots in life… You know, I think in the SONA (State of the Nation Address) we highlighted one of them. He was a barker in Negros. He’s now a senior supervisor at a BPO (business process outsourcing) outfit in, if I remember correctly, Negros. Then, you can go on and on with the list. Things are changing. When ‘Ondoy’ hit, for instance, I had a staff member whose house was in the path of ‘Ondoy,’ and I was a senator at the time and asking so many people to assist her because we were in Mindanao at that point in time. I think we got to rescue her about what? 36 hours later. And when we got back to the NCR (National Capital Region), you see all of these tarpaulins wherein the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) is asking for donations, where government is hard-pressed. To now, where we are prepositioned, and besides ‘Yolanda,’ I think we were ready to meet disaster head-on. We were not reacting. We were proactive. That makes me happy also. But I guess, at the end of the day, when you see the renewed optimism and the attitude that is different in our people where it seems nothing is impossible. That, I think, brings out the ‘great’ as a nation from the time we stepped into office when there was massive cynicism, where the primary goal was how to leave the Philippines, to now, Sandee was just talking about the young coming back home. That, again, makes us all happy and makes all of this worthwhile. Ms. Torrevillas: How do you describe your relationship with the media? Has the media reported faithfully what you would like to be told the public? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Siguro, like any product, you get what you pay for. There are certain publications that make it a point to, not just say it’s half-empty, but almost totally empty regardless of whatever the topic is. There are those that will tend to be objective, but there is of course the temptation to be negative. You know, we had one dialogue Tagaytay with senior members of the industry, and we were asking and we were appealing: ‘We are all Filipinos here. Shouldn’t there be a balance between the negative and the positive?’ And the reply was: ‘That is not our job.’ I said, it is not your job when, when you help us grow the economy; when you help us motivate our people; why can it not be your job when you are part of this society? Why bring everybody down when there are good stories naman that can bring them up and have a balance? So, I guess, we have learned to deal with each other and hopefully… I really try to strive for a consensus and it’s still a work in progress be it the church, be it media, be it other sectors. The appeal has always been: Why don’t you look at what we are trying to do, and if we can improve, we are always ready to listen; and if we are wrong, please do point it out, we want to correct it. But please don’t start out dialoguing with us with a mind that is already close. That is really such a waste of time and redounds to nobody’s benefit. Thelma San Juan (Philippine Daily Inquirer): Good morning, Mr. President. We honestly wish you a merry, love-filled Christmas. PRESIDENT AQUINO: I’ll talk to Joshua and Bimby about that. Ms. San Juan: Since you already preempted my signature question, may I ask two questions? Well, I know the enormity of the task is such that it’s hard to set priorities. But between now and 2016, when you step down, what will be your ultimate focus that you think has a long way to go pa? PRESIDENT AQUINO: The meat here is when I’m asked, for instance, of how do you perpetuate that which you have already started? Then, at the end of the day, ‘yung sovereignty resides in the people. The people really have to feel that there were significant changes and that they were responsible for these changes. So 2015 really is focused on demonstrating so many of the results be it infrastructure, be it a better employment picture, be it more investments, and so on and so forth. So if there is a direct correlation that they gave us this opportunity, this mandate, we will be reaping the fruits in 2015, substantially. Therefore, we can have that picture of what can be achieved, building upon that which we already did. So the focus on 2015, again, is more intensified inclusivity of the growth in the economy and the empowerment of the people and that this is very palpable to everybody. That is, I guess, the main focus for our remaining time. Ms. San Juan: How about the PPP (public-private partnerships), sir? PRESIDENT AQUINO: ‘Yung PPP we have… We have already bid around eight. We awarded eight actually. There are 15 in the pipeline. We should note that the previous three administrations had six solicited PPP projects. We have already surpassed that and we think there will be a lot more, especially for next year. Ms. San Juan: You are known as a music lover. Has the presidency affected your music tastes? In what way? PRESIDENT AQUINO: [laughs] Well, music became more important, number one. ‘Yung, kunwari, the Great American Songbook; ‘yung jazz standards at night to calm down; or sometimes religious songs when you really need to calm down. Sometimes naman you need to be filled with energy so it becomes either rock or some dance music. Sometimes you need something really different to take your mind off things, so it becomes classical. Except rap, I still don’t like rap, with all due apologies. Ms. San Juan: How about love songs? [laughter] PRESIDENT AQUINO: If I can avoid them, I do. [laughter, applause] Ms. Yap Daza: I can’t let this question go, follow-up, speaking of music. To whom in the government, not just the Cabinet, to whom in the government would you sing ‘Let it Go’? [laughter] I see you haven’t watched that movie, Mr. President. Deedee Siytangco: ‘Frozen,’ Mr. President. ‘Frozen.’ PRESIDENT AQUINO: I’m culturally deficient in that aspect. Ms. Yap Daza: [sings] ‘Let it Go…’ PRESIDENT AQUINO: I really can’t comment intelligently on that. Rene’s version is not doing it justice. [laughter] Perhaps I should watch that while waiting for developments of ‘Ruby’ here sometime tomorrow. Ms. Yap Daza: Thank you, sir. Chay Santiago (Woman’s Home): Good morning, Mr. President. Speaking of religious songs, what will you tell the Pope when you meet him? PRESIDENT AQUINO: I’m the host and normally I let the visitor ask, ask the questions or channel, steer the discussions. Of course, he’s the Holy Father. We’ll have something like a maximum of one hour and I’m sure there are so many people who would love to have an opportunity to be blessed with him—blessed by him, rather, in that one hour. So I’m—I guess I really will leave the discussion topics to him out of respect. Ms. Santiago: What will you ask him to pray for you or for the (country)? PRESIDENT AQUINO: ‘Yung for the country, we are visited by so many typhoons, and they come here at very unseasonal moments and they’re very strong. We also have the earthquakes and the volcanoes and parang our ability to stop the cycle of destruction and reconstruction. The goal really is to, when we reconstruct, it’s better. It withstands the glowing intensity of the effects of global climate change better, and our people are spared the ravages of the increasing challenges. So, ‘di ba, parang… I’m sure some are asking: Why are we being visited with all of these always at this point when it is supposed to be the most joyous and most celebratory period of the year? Aida Sevilla (Philippine Daily Inquirer): Mr. President, when you are no longer President and you’re free to do what you can and want to do, will you buy your dream car? And what is your dream car? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Can I check on 2015 models before answering that? [laughter] Ms. Sevilla: There are some classic cars, you know. PRESIDENT AQUINO: ‘Yung classic cars, I’m really not into it. I really want to… When I start it, you know, when I turn the ignition switch I want it to start all the time. I don’t want it to be a labor of love. Ms. Sevilla: Among your achievements at this point of your presidency, which one do you think will be the most lasting one no matter who succeeds you, whether an opposition or Liberal Party? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Again, when… For instance, we said ‘good governance is good economics’ to the 4.1 million families benefiting from the CCT (conditional cash transfer). If somebody decides na, you know, those of you who have the least ability to impact your own lives, we will remove this, in effect, this crutch, this aid to you; then, we’ll say, ‘why will you have to remove it?’ And they will have a voice even if they are—they have been empowered. When you have the students talking about better quality education, more opportunities for everyone... You name the particular sector of society, and they are demanding of government that which government should be doing to begin with, then I think that will be the legacy. Instead of before, of merely just accepting what is, they are now demanding what should be as a normal right. Then, if we have been able to transform them into that, then I think it was all worth it. Ms. Siytangco: Now, just so that the President won’t think this is an all ladies’ club, I’d like to call one male member—a new male member—Bob Zozobrado of the Manila Standard to ask a question. We have broken the gender barrier, sir. Mr. Zozobrado: Good morning, Mr. President. First of all, I’d like to wish you well and I hope you last your term, so that you can get rid of more crooks. Secondly, I would like to ask you: Have you ever found yourself talking or asking help from your parents on some crisis that the country was faced with? Did you ever get to that situation? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Yes, I think from the start to even last night, I was praying to both my mom and my dad and asking for, you know, strength, guidance, wisdom. You know, even if I don’t pray to them, they serve as the inspiration. Whenever I face a crisis, I look at all the crises that they had to undergo and that they overcame. So, I said and normally I say, what I’m undergoing now pales in comparison to what they had to undergo with perhaps even less resources to address. So that serves as—their lives serve as an inspiration. Sometimes they serve also as a safety valve, you know. My mom used to say something like she’d pray to my dad and say: ‘Ninoy, ano ba naman itong iniwan mo sa akin?’ So now I… The next generation says: ‘Mom, Dad, ano ba naman itong iniwan ninyo sa akin,’ ‘di ba? [laughter] But, at the end of the day, just remembering their lives really does point out what had already been done, and it says it’s no longer just an abstract idea. It was really done, therefore, there’s no question that we can do more or the same, especially since we’re standing on their shoulders and their achievements, and a lot of other people who contributed to where we are at now. Ms. Siytangco: Now, Mr. President, it’s my privilege to ask the last question. Sir, what is your Christmas wish for yourself and for the country? Before I used to ask your mom that (question). PRESIDENT AQUINO: One, ‘di ba, Christmas to the Filipino is family time and, hopefully, the family… We have 10 million Filipinos supposedly out of the country and you’d want some contact between the 10 million and their families here, and quality time at that, ‘di ba? ‘Yung not centered on the material things, but rather really being able to relish each second that you have spent with each other. So the wish really is that we have that peaceful moment where we are not confronted with very severe challenges like last year, and that we are focused on really just pausing and enjoying something that is so intrinsically part of the Filipino culture, which is having that family time. So if we are able to assist in maximizing that opportunity, then I think that is the central wish. Ms. Siytangco: Thank you, sir. Now, just for the closing remarks from me also, thank you, sir. Thank you very much to the group that asked. |
SOURCE:
Presidential News Desk
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Last Updated:
09 DECEMBER 2014
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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Jaime Zobel De Ayala, ABAC Philippines Member, and CEO, Ayala Group of Companies, Ambassador Tang Guogiang, Chair, China National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and Ms. Trudy Witbreuk, Head of Division, Development Division, Trade and Agriculture Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development are resource speakers at the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting on Monday (December 8) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan speaks at the APEC 2015 Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting Monday (December 8) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Secretary of Trade and Industry Gregory Domingo speaks at the APEC 2015 Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting Monday (December 8) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Delegates of the APEC 2015 Informal Senior Officials' Meeting pose for an official family photo. At the front row are (from left) Megawati Manan-Brunei, Raul Patino-Peru, Laura Del Rosario-Philippines Chair, Tan Jian-China, and Quynh Mai Pham-Vietnam; (second row, from left) Doris Magsaysay Ho-Asean Business Advisory Council, Sasanee Sahussarungsi-Thailand, Carlos Pinera-Mexico, Alison Mann-New Zealand, and Mak Ching Yu-Hong Kong; (third row, from left) Ivan Pomaleu-Papua New Guinea, Susan Gregson-Canada, Andres Culogovski-Chile, and Antonio Basilio-PECC; (fourth row, from left) Tatsuo Sato-Japan (MOFA), Manuel Esguerra-Philippines, Toshiyuki Sakamoto-Japan (METI), Yuri Thamrin-Indonesia, Dato 'N Vasudevan-Malaysia, and Robert Shiao Wong-USA; (fifth row, from left) Tai Chu-Chinese Taipei, Valery Sorokin-Russia, Ark Boon Lee-Singapore, John Larkin-Australia, Allan Bollard-APEC Secretariat, Executive Director, and Young Bae Choi-South Korea. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. delivers his welcome remarks at the APEC 2015 Informal Senior Officials Meeting on Monday (December 8) at the Grand Ballroom, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, Makati City. (REY S. BANIQUET/NIB) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as Filipina international singer Lea Salonga renders a song as an intermission number during the presentation of awards of the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Pamana ng Pilipino Award to Lea Salonga, international singer, voice talent and Broadway theater actress, during the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas awarding ceremony at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). Salonga is cited for exemplifying the musical talent and ingenuity of Filipino. Assisting the President are Sec. Imelda Nicolas of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas and Sec. Patricia Licuanan of the Commission on Higher education. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas awarding ceremony at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). Also in photo are Sec. Imelda Nicolas of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas and Sec. Patricia Licuanan of the Commission on Higher education. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the awardees of the 2014 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). Institutionalized in 1991 through Executive Order No. 498, the Presidential Awards is a is a biennial search for overseas-based individuals and organizations that dedicated their work in the service and improvement of lives of Filipinos worldwide, selflessly supported relief, rehabilitation and development programs in the home country, or who have excelled in their field of profession. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras exchanges pleasantries with Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). Also in photo are Sultanate of Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Munther Mahfoodh Al-Mantheri, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs ASEAN Department Head Ambassador Aflah Suleiman Al-Tal, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, and Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Amable Aguiluz V (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras welcomes Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). Also in photo are Sultanate of Oman Ambassador to the Philippines Munther Mahfoodh Al-Mantheri, Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs ASEAN Department Head Ambassador Aflah Suleiman Al-Tal, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, and Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Amable Aguiluz V. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary-General Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi with Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Amable Aguiluz V arrives at the Palace during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 05). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a gift from the Bulong Pulungan core members during 28th annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Friday (December 05). The Bulong Pulungan media forum started 28 years ago on the onset of People Power by the country’s leading lifestyle journalists. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 28th annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Friday (December 05). The Bulong Pulungan media forum started 28 years ago on the onset of People Power by the country’s leading lifestyle journalists. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 28th annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Friday (December 05). The Bulong Pulungan media forum started 28 years ago on the onset of People Power by the country’s leading lifestyle journalists. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Exemplar in Government Service Award from Bulong Pulungan Media Forum co-founder and moderator Deedee Siytangco, co-founders Julie Yap-Daza, Rina Jimenez-David and Joanne Ramirez during the 28th annual Bulong Pulungan Christmas Party at the Luzon Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City on Friday (December 05). Eight other public servants were awarded during the event. The Bulong Pulungan media forum started 28 years ago on the onset of People Power by the country’s leading lifestyle journalists. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the updates on the government’s pre-disaster readiness preparation for Typhoon Ruby at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting at the NDRRMC headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (December 04). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting on the government’s pre-disaster readiness preparation for Typhoon Ruby at the NDRRMC headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday (December 04). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). Also in photo are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Executive Secretary and Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). Also in photo are Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Executive Secretary and Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). Also in photo are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). Also in photo are Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the 2nd State Conference Resolution presented by Executive Secretary and Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales during the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 2nd State Conference on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Implementation and Review at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (December 02). Also in photo are Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Executive Secretary and Presidential UNCAC Inter-Agency Committee chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Benhur arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III recieves a facsimile of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off Ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). Also in photo are Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City on Monday night (December 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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![[Adm-03] Vigan has been selected as one of the New 7 Wonder Cities of the World. Completing the list of the New7 Wonder Cities (N7WC) are :
Beirut, Lebanon
Doha, Qatar
Durban, South Africa
Havana, Cuba
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
La Paz, Bolivia
(Photo Credit: Gem Paula Lucero)](https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p640x640/10847880_964402353592512_1241565439858223931_n.jpg?oh=2409a2e4a647923d8b5a2360319deabe&oe=55061BE0&__gda__=1426331582_ec4d11f991d75a0a38cfbe763da88830)
Beirut, Lebanon
Doha, Qatar
Durban, South Africa
Havana, Cuba
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
La Paz, Bolivia
(Photo Credit: Gem Paula Lucero)
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