Dispatch for Dec. 18 , 2014(Thursday) , 3 Weather Watch , PNOY Speech ,Interview with Sec. Coloma, 17 Online News , 28 Photo Release 16 DECEMBER 2014

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 18 December 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 December 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 December 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Tail-end of a cold front affecting Central and Southern Luzon. Northeast monsoon affecting Northern Luzon. Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Mindanao.

Forecast:

Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Caraga and the Provinces Of Aurora, Quezon and Palawan will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The Regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

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

Weather Watch

19 hours ago

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Patuloy na uulanin ang eastern section ng Luzon bukas, lalo na ang Bicol Region.
-May posibildad ng pag-ulan bukas sa Metro Manila.
-Western at Eastern Visayas ang makararanas ng hanggang katamtamang pag-ulan.
-Uulanin din ang kalakhang Mindanao bukas, lalo na sa Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN at ARMM.
-Sa datos naman ng US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, bumaba ang tsansa na magkabagyo sa Western Pacific Ocean at PAR sa natitirang araw ng 2014. Gayunman, posibleng makaranas ng above average na rainfall sa malaking bahagi ng Pilipinas, lalo na sa Visayas at Mindanao area.

Weather Watch

19 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Tatlong weather systems ang umiiral pa rin ngayong araw sa bansa. Una ay ang amihan o northeast monsoon sa Northern Luzon. Ikalawa ang tail-end ng cold front na magdudulot ng pag-ulan sa Southern Luzon. Ikatlo ang trough ng LPA sa Mindanao na magdadala ng maulap na papawirin at pag-ulan sa Mindanao. Bukas asahan ang pag-ulan sa eastern at southern Mindanao, partikular sa General Santos at Davao. Maulap at may pag-ulan din sa Surigao at Zamboanga Peninsula. Sa Visayas, maulap at may pag-ulan sa Samar-Leyte, Dumaguete, Bohol, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, at Boracay. Maulap din at may pag-ulan sa Isabela, Aurora, at Bicol region sa Luzon. Base naman sa 3-day weather forecast sa Metro Manila, may 50% chance of rain bukas ng gabi, 60% chance of rain sa umaga ng Friday, at 60% chance of rain sa hapon ng Sabado. Ayon sa PAGASA, maliit na ang posibilidad na may mabubuong bagyo sa pagtatapos ng taon.

December 18, 2014 as of 6:00 -7:00 A.M.

PIA IVA / PIA QUEZON  :  Cloudy with Scattered rainshowers

18 DECEMBER 2014.
	President Aquino enjoins soldiers to do what is right
	President Aquino announces increase in daily allowance of uniformed men

President Aquino enjoins soldiers to do what is right President Benigno S. Aquino lII has called on members of the military to shun corruption and instead do their duties well for the benefit of the entire country. "Sa ating kasundaluhan: Huwag sana ninyong kalilimutang sa bawat panahon, obligasyon ninyong gawin ang tama at makatuwiran," the President said in his speech during the 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Day held Thursday morning in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "Huwag kayong magpapadala sa tukso o magpapakaladkad sa sinumang nagbabalak na ilihis tayo sa tuwid na landas. Nalalapit na po ang 2016, at alam naman po natin na sa panahon ng halalan, talagang may mga magpupumilit pa ring gamitin kayo para sa pansariling interes." Soldiers, he said, are mandated by the people to ensure an orderly and peaceful election. “Inaasahan ang inyong hanay na manatili sa panig ng taumbayan,” he said. President Aquino also noted that while it is a challenge for soldiers to be away from their families, especially during the Christmas season, they draw their strength from knowing that their fellow countrymen are safe during the holidays. "Sa ngalan ng sambayanan, maraming salamat sa inyong paglilingkod," the President said, expressing his gratitude to the uniformed men and women of the AFP. PND (as) TOP President Aquino announces increase in daily allowance of uniformed men President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday announced that the government will increase the subsistence allowance for soldiers, police officers and other uniformed men. The President made the announcement during the celebration of the 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Day held in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "May good news nga po tayo sa inyong anibersaryo: Ang sabi sa atin ni Senate President Franklin Drilon, naipasa na kagabi sa Senado at sa Kamara de Representates ang panukalang iangat sa P150 mula sa P90 ang subsistence allowance ng ating mga sundalo, pulis, at iba pang kasapi ng unipormadong hanay. Inaabangan na lang po natin ang panukala, at ‘pag lumapag ito sa ating mesa ay pipirmahan agad natin ito," he said. To improve the welfare of uniformed men and their families, he said, the government is enhancing its housing program, the livelihood program in Fort Magsaysay for active and retired servicemen, and the pension system for retired personnel. President Aquino further promised that the government would do everything to help the AFP improve the skills and capabilities of its members to strengthen the institution’s professionalism and integrity. He said that the government is addressing the uniformed men’s lack of skills and equipment through the capability development and professionalism enhancement programs under the AFP Transformation Road Map, and the acquisition of new ships, helicopters and fighter jets. “Lalo pa nating pag-iibayuhin ang force-on-force training ng ating mga kawal, kasabay ng pamumuhunan sa tinatawag ninyong ‘miles equipment’,” he added. On behalf of the Filipino people, President Aquino thanked the members of the AFP for their service. “Sa nalalabing sandali ng ating administrasyon, makakaasa kayong mas matatayog pang mga pangarap ang ating aabutin para sa inyong hanay at para sa kalakhang lipunan,” he said. PND (ag) TOP

 

17 DECEMBER 2014.
	President Aquino condemns 'barbaric' attack on a Pakistani school

President Aquino condemns 'barbaric' attack on a Pakistani school President Benigno S. Aquino III has condemned Tuesday’s attack on a Pakistani army-run school that left at least 141 dead, mostly children. "Today, we join the world in condemning the outrage perpetrated on innocent schoolchildren, and school officials and personnel in Peshawar, Pakistan," President Aquino said in a statement released at Official Gazette (www.gov.ph.) "The senseless deaths of so many young lives, and the barbarism of this attack is an affront to all civilized peoples. Such an act of terror and savagery deserves nothing less than our condemnation. There can be no justification for this tragedy, which has dishonored Islam," he said. The President said the Filipino people are one with the people of Pakistan in mourning. “Today, every person of goodwill is a father, mother, brother, and sister to the people of Pakistan,” he added. According to news reports, seven Taliban attackers, all wearing bomb vests, entered the school and attacked an auditorium where children were taking an exam. They reportedly went from classroom to classroom, shooting students and teachers. At least 132 children and nine staff members were killed and 125 people were wounded. All seven attackers were killed, reports said. PND (ag) TOP

 

17 DISYEMBRE 2014 Kinondena ng Pangulong Aquino ang makahayop na pagsalakay sa isang paaralan sa Pakistan

Kinondena ng Pangulong Aquino ang makahayop na pagsalakay sa isang paaralan sa Pakistan Mariing kinondena ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pagsalakay Martes sa isang paaralang pinamamahalaan ng hukbo ng Pakistan na ikinasawi ng 141 katao na ang karamihan ay mga bata. “Sa araw na ito, kaisa tayo ng daigdig sa pagkondena sa katampalasanang ginawa sa mga walang malay na batang mag-aaral, gayundin sa mga pinuno ng paaralan sa Peshawar, Pakistan,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa pahayag na inilathala sa Official Gazette (www.gov.ph.) “Ang pagkaputi ng buhay ng napakaraming kabataan at ang makahayop na pagsalakay na ito ay hamon sa lahat ng taong sibilisado. Ang kahindik-hindik at walang katulad na kalupitang nasabi ay dapat lamang nating isumpa. Wala ni katiting na katuwiran sa malupit na trahedyang ito na sumira sa dangal ng Islam,” dugtong ng Pangulo. Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang sambayanang Pilipno ay kaisa ng mga mamamayan ng Pakistan sa pagdadalamhati at pagluluksa sa kahindik-hindik na pangyayaring ito. “Ngayon, bawa’t taong may mabuting kalooban ay ama, ina, kapatid na lalaki at babae ng mga mamamayan ng Pakistan,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Alinsunod sa mga balita, pitong sumalakay na Taliban na pawang nakasuot ng bomb vest, ang pumasok sa paaralan at sinalakay ang awditoryum kung saan natitipon ang mga batang kumukuha ng eksamin. Batay sa mga report, ang mga tampalasan ay nagpunta sa bawa’t silid-aralan at walang awang pinagbabaril ang mga bata at mga guro. Hindi bababa sa 132 bata at siyam na mga guro ang napatay, samantalang 125 katao ang sugatan. Napatay na lahat ang pitong sumalakay sa paaralan, alinsunod sa mga ulat. PND (ag/zaf) TOP Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) added 18 new photos to the album 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Day Celebration. 1 hr · Pia Quezon Like   President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Speech at the 79th Armed Forces of the Philippines Day celebration Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City 18 Dec.2014 Nitong Lunes lang, humarap tayo sa 146 na bagong opisyal ng AFP na sumailalim sa Officer Candidate Course. Sa kanilang pagtatapos, ipinabatid natin sa kanila ang bigat ng responsibilidad na tangan ng isang kawal na Pilipino. Malinaw ang atas sa bawat isa sa inyo: Itaguyod ang isang Sandatahang Lakas na kabalikat sa pangangalaga sa demokrasya; isang Sandatahang Lakas na huwaran ng katatagan sa harap ng pagsubok; isang Sandatahang Lakas na sandigan at bukal ng inspirasyon ng napakaraming Pilipino. Ito mismo ang ipinagdiriwang natin ngayong ika-79 na anibersaryo ng inyong hanay: ang prinsipyo, tapang, at dedikasyon na ipinapakita ng bawat opisyal, sundalo, reservist, at kawani ng AFP na nakatutok sa pagprotekta sa interes ng ating mga Boss, ang taumbayan. Buong bayan po ang nagpupugay sa makabuluhang serbisyo ng ating mga kawal ng bayan; kayo na walang pinipiling panahon upang ipagtanggol at tulungan ang ating mga kababayan. Halimbawa po: Nariyan ang mahuhusay na kasapi ng ating Hukbong Himpapawid. Noong kasagsagan nga ng Zamboanga Crisis, tiniyak nila na laging operational ang ating mga C130. Ni minsan di tayo nakarinig ng reklamo mula sa kanila; sa halip, ang bawat misyong inilatag sa kanila, buong-loob na tinugunan ng Air Force upang maihatid sa ating mga tropa sa Zamboanga ang mga kailangang kagamitan. Nariyan din ang ating mga kawal na nagbabantay sa West Philippine Sea, at maging sa iba pang liblib na bahagi ng ating teritoryo. Naaalala ko nga ang naging supply operation natin sa Ayungin para sa ating mga Marines doon. Hinarang ang ating supply team, pero ipinakita ninyo ang talento at imahinasyon ng Pilipino; nagawa ninyo ang misyon, nang di napapataas ang tensiyon. Sa ganitong husay, paano ba namang di lalakas ang kumpiyansa natin sa ating mga kawal? Sa inyong pagpapakitang-gilas, pinatunayan ninyo: ang ating kasundaluhan, talagang maaasahan. Siyempre po: Nariyan ang mga peacekeeper natin, tulad ng mga nagtanod sa Golan Heights, na bagaman humarap sa misyong imposible ay talagang ipinamalas sa mundo ang abilidad at tapang ng Pilipino. Di rin puwedeng kalimutan ang napakaraming sundalo na nagsilbing frontliners at first responders sa kabila ng patong-patong na pagsubok na hinarap ng ating bansa sa mga nagdaang taon. Mula sa mga lindol sa Bohol at Cebu, pati na sa mga naunang bagyo ng Sendong at Pablo; mula kina Santi at Yolanda, at kamakailan lamang kay Ruby, hindi nagpatinag ang Sandatahang Lakas; bagkus, pinangunahan ninyo ang ating relief at clearing operations sa mga apektadong komunidad, para mahatid sa kanila ang pag-asa sa panahon ng trahedya. Bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, talagang ipinagmamalaki kong pamunuan ang isang Sandatahang Lakas na sinasalamin ang mga mabuting katangian ng ating lahi: ang pagdadamayan, malasakit, at pagiging tapat sa kapwa’t bandila. Binabati nga po natin ang 28 na kasapi ng inyong hanay na pinarangalan natin sa araw na ito. Sa pagpapakitang-gilas ninyo sa serbisyo, lalong tumitingkad ang umaangat nang kalidad ng serbisyo ng ating mga kawal ng bayan. Ano nga ba ang resulta ng paglilingkod na matapat at maaasahan mula sa ating kasundaluhan? Susi ang inyong hanay sa pagpapatibay sa tinatawag nating “virtuous cycle.” Dahil napapangalagaan ninyo ang kapayapaan at estabilidad, nagagawa ng pamahalaan na magtanim ng higit na reporma, at mas naeengganyo ang mga mamumuhunan na magtaya sa ating bansa. Ang resulta nito: ang paglago ng industriya at ang lalong pagganda ng ating ekonomiya; lumilikha naman ito ng mas maraming pagkakataon na naghahatid ng mas malawak na kaunlaran para sa ating mamamayan. May good news nga po tayo sa inyong anibersaryo: Ang sabi sa atin ni Senate President Franklin Drilon, naipasa na kagabi sa Senado at sa Kamara de Representates ang panukalang iangat sa P150 mula sa P90 ang subsistence allowance ng ating mga sundalo, pulis, at iba pang kasapi ng unipormadong hanay. Inaabangan na lang po natin ang panukala, at ‘pag lumapag ito sa ating mesa ay pipirmahan agad natin ito. Ngayon nga pong sumasailalim sa modernisasyon at humaharap sa matatawag na “renaissance” ang ating buong Sandatahang Lakas, gagawin pa ng inyong gobyerno ang lahat ng makakaya nito upang maabot pa ninyo ang mas mataas na antas ng paglilingkod; mapalalim pa ang inyong kakayahan; at tumibay pa ang propesyonalismo at integridad ng inyong institusyon. Totoo po: Mula sa mga modernong kagamitan tulad ng mga barko, helicopter, at fighter jet; hanggang sa capability development at professionalism enhancement ng ating mga kawal sa pamamagitan ng AFP Transformation Roadmap, siniguro nating natutugunan ang kakulangan at pangangailangan sa inyong hanay. Lalo pa nating pag-iibayuhin ang force-on-force training ng ating mga kawal, kasabay ng pamumuhunan sa tinatawag ninyong “miles equipment.” Malinaw po: Isinasagad ng inyong gobyerno ang pagkakataon na palakasin ang inyong hanay at ihatid sa inyo ang nararapat na benepisyo; nagtutulak tayo ng repormang nagdadala ng higit na serbisyo sa inyong mga kasapi ng AFP, at sa inyong mga pamilya. Patuloy ang pag-arangkada ng ating housing program para sa inyo at sa iba pang uniformed personnel. Nagsisimula na ring pakinabangan ng ating mga sundalo, aktibo man o retirado, ang ating mga programang pangkabuhayan tulad sa Fort Magsaysay. Bukod dito, isinasaayos na rin natin ang dinatnan nating masalimuot na pension system ng ating unipormadong hanay. Ang buod po ng lahat ng ating pagsisikap: Nais nating isulong ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas na mas moderno, mas maaasahan, at tinitingala ng buong mundo. Tapos na po ang panahon na kulang-kulang ang baril ng mga tagapagtanggol ng bayan; tapos na ang panahon na ultimo maayos at kinakailangang kasuotan ay hindi pa sa inyo maipagkaloob ng pamahalaan; tapos na ang panahon na ginagawang raket ang pagbili sa Kevlar helmets at isinasangkalan ang buhay ng ating mga kawal. Ngayon, buong-buo na ang suporta sa inyo ng estado at ng taumbayan. At sa mga nagnanais pang ibalik ang inyong institusyon sa lumang kalakaran: Mahiya naman kayo, at matakot din. Hindi titigil ang reporma, at hindi titigil ang aming pagsisikap para masigurong mananagot ang mga tiwali. At sa ating kasundaluhan: Huwag sana ninyong kalilimutang sa bawat panahon, obligasyon ninyong gawin ang tama at makatuwiran. Huwag kayong magpapadala sa tukso o magpapakaladkad sa sinumang nagbabalak na ilihis tayo sa tuwid na landas. Nalalapit na po ang 2016, at alam naman po natin na sa panahon ng halalan, talagang may mga magpupumilit pa ring gamitin kayo para sa pansariling interes. Ang atas ng taumbayan: Tungkulin nating siguruhin ang katiwasayan pagdating ng halalan. Inaasahan ang inyong hanay na manatili sa panig ng taumbayan. Ngayon nga pong Kapaskuhan, nagsisilbi ring hamon sa marami sa inyo ang mawalay sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Gayumpaman, alam kong pinaghuhugutan din ninyo ng lakas ng loob na payapa at ligtas na ipagdiwang ng ating mga kababayan ang Pasko. Sa ngalan ng sambayanan, maraming salamat sa inyong paglilingkod. Sa nalalabing sandali ng ating administrasyon, makakaasa kayong mas matatayog pang mga pangarap ang ating aabutin para sa inyong hanay at para sa kalakhang lipunan. Sa patnubay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, pihadong malalampasan natin ang anumang hamong makakasalubong natin tungo sa katuparan ng inaasam nating kinabukasan. Sa lahat ng ito, tiwala akong patuloy lang na ipamamalas ng ating Sandatahang Lakas ang husay, disiplina, at karangalang tatak ng sundalong Pilipino. Maraming salamat po, maligayang anibersaryo, at Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat. [HOME]   INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue 16 December 2014 ALAN: Sabi po ng US hindi po nila iwe-wave iyong custody over Pemberton kahit na po siya ay, kumbaga, officially pinapa-aresto na ng korte ng Pilipinas, Secretary Coloma, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinakamahalaga po dito ay iyong pag-iral ng katarungang para sa naganap na krimen at iyan naman po ang mahalagang layunin ng ating pamahalaan, na magkaroon po ng hustisya. Iyong sa kasalukuyang usapin patungkol ito sa isyu ng custody at meron naman pong mga probisyon sa Visiting Forces Agreement hinggil sa usaping iyan. Ayon po sa ating pagkaunawa, ang hurisdiksyon sa mga kasong kriminal ay nasa pamahalaan ng ating Republika, kaya nga po ang nagsagawa ng pagsisiyasat ay ang City Prosecutor’s Office ng Olongapo. At pagkatapos noon ay inihain iyong findings nito sa Regional Trial Court at dahil nga po doon ay nag-isyu ang Hukom ng warrant of arrest. Iyan po ay sakop lahat noong usapin sa jurisdiction. Kaya nakita naman po natin na iyong usaping iyan ay nasa ilalim nga ng jurisdiction ng Republika natin sa pamamagitan ng hukumang nito at mga prosecutory agency. Doon naman po sa aspeto ng custody, meron ding probisyon sa Visiting Forces Agreement hinggil diyan na ginagamit ngayong batayan ng Estados Unidos sa pagsasabi na ayon sa kanilang pag-unawa iyong kustodiya sa akusado mula sa simula hanggang sa katapusan ng criminal proceedings ay sa Estados Unidos nakalagak. So, iyon po ang kanilang interprestasyon. Kung meron pong pagkakaiba ng pagkaunawa, meron din namang proseso ng pagtalakay at pagresolba doon sa pagkakaiba. Kaya ang magaganap po dito ay patuloy iyong mga proseso ng batas natin. Magtatakda po ang hukom ng mga paglilitis nito at ayon din naman sa commitment ng Estados Unidos, ihaharap nila iyong akusado sa lahat ng kinauukulang pagdinig at kung kinakailangan ang prisensiya nito sa hukuman. Kaya maaari naman pong maghanap iyong pagtalakay doon sa mga pagkakaiba habang umuusad na iyong gulong ng karatungan. ALAN: Ayon. So ang garantiya ng US government a-appear si Pemberton kung kinakailangan humarap sa mga pagdinig ng korte natin. SEC. COLOMA: Ang commitment po nila ay ipo-produce po nila iyong akusado sa lahat ng mga itinawag na paglilitis o pagdinig ng hukuman. Kaya hindi naman maaantala iyong proseso ng pagdinig sa kaso habang tinatalakay pa iyong isyu ng kustodiya. ALAN: Opo, ayun. Sa ibang usapin po, Sec. Sonny ano po. Earlier naglabas ng anunsyo ang Malacañang ng ceasefire from December 18 to January 19. Ang CPP naglabas din po ng deklarasyon na sila ay magse-ceasefire din pero mukhang staggered naman daw iyong kanila, Secretary Sonny, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Wala po tayong sangkot doon sa kanilang deklarasyon. Kaya ang atin pong oobserbahan ay iyong sariling deklarasyon ng Sandataang Lakas at ng ating mga puwersang pangkatahimikan. Siguro po ay ganoon na lamang, dahil hindi rin naman po natin sakop iyong kanilang pagpapahayag. ALAN: Ayon. But of course iyong sa atin is a month starting December 18 hanggang January 19 of next year, ano po. SEC. COLOMA: Ang mahalaga diyan, Alan, ay anuman iyong mga petsa, sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay tinitiyak ng ating pamahalaan iyong pangangalaga sa kaayusan ng ating pamayanan at mga komunidad at iyong pagbigay ng protection sa kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. Anuman ang deperensiya doon sa petsa at kung anumang kaganapan, sana ay hindi naman makasira doon sa pagdiriwang ng ka-Paskuhan, ginagarantiya po ng ating pamahalaan iyong puspusang pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa kaligtasan at kaayusan ng ating mga komunidad at sa pangangalaga sa ating mga mamamayan. ALAN: Opo. Kagabi po, Secretary Coloma, Sir, ang dalawang kapulungan ng Kongreso ay inaprubahan na itong, on third and final reading, supplemental budget na P22.467 billion, Sec. Sonny, Sir? SEC. COLOMA: Mainam po na naganap iyan dahil hiningi po ng ating pamahalaan iyong otorisasyon ng Kongreso na siyang humahawak ng kapangyarihan sa pagba-budget para po magastos iyong panalapi na kinakailangan para sa mga mahahalagang proyekto. Kaya katulad din po ng kanilang pagpapasa sa Pambansang Budget para sa 2015 itong ipinasang supplemental budget ay magbibigay ng legal na paraan sa paggastos po ng pondo ng bayan na inilaan para sa mahalagang proyekto. ALAN: Opo. Ayon. Well, Secretary Coloma, Sir, muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the Palace, Sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at Magandang umaga, Alan. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME]

 

17 DEC 2014 Additional P5K bonus for govt employees; Abad: LGU incentive rate up to Sanggunian 33,000 DSWD-identified poor fisherfolk to get livelihood aid Secretary De Lima commends CTA for convicting a big-time Georgian arms smuggler Fake smartphones, electronic goods seized in Binondo raid Finance Department Reviews 2014: Philippines in virtuous cycle DPWH bares 2014 performance in Western Mindanao Canada reforms caregiver program; promises faster action on applications for permanent residence Yolanda heroes among 2014 outstanding public servants Extended holiday truce with communist rebels gives way to a hopeful year ahead -- Deles Statement of Secretary Balisacan at the 2014 Year-end Press Briefing ‘Good Governance’ makes the Philippines eligible for significant funding from US Philippines assured of US assistance if major disaster strikes Palawan ventures into Cacao farming ANNOUNCEMENT: PRC Tuguegarao PRC-ILOILO holds Orientation-Seminar on “MOVE” Tatak TESDA video-making contest now open to graduates, schools Harvesting Lessons in Environmental Governance from the City of Gentle People

Additional P5K bonus for govt employees; Abad: LGU incentive rate up to Sanggunian

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

In line with rewarding civil servants for their hard work and motivating them towards higher productivity, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad reported that government employees will be receiving a one-time P5,000 bonus for the year starting on Monday, December 15. According to DBM records as of October 31, about 1.4 million national government employees (civilian and uniformed personnel) will be granted the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) of a maximum of P5,000 and totaling around P7 billion. Abad clarified that this is on top of the year-end bonus equivalent to a month’s pay and the additional P5,000 cash gift recently provided by the department across-the-board. “We will be providing our employees the PEI worth P5,000 as recognition of their efforts and consistent showing this year. We also hope to motivate them further to increase their efficiency and overall performance as we collectively continue pursuing our socio-economic development goals,” Abad said. Under Budget Circular 2014-3, the PEI will be granted to employees who are in active service as of October 31 and have rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four months of service for the year. On the other hand, employees who have rendered less than four months will be entitled to pro-rated PEI. While the PEI of national government agencies will be sourced from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) under the 2014 budget, the PEI for the employees of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) will be charged against their respective approved corporate operating budgets for the year. The Budget Chief also highlighted that Local Government Unit (LGU) employees are eligible to receive the PEI, to be charged against the available funds of their respective LGUs and more importantly, at rates that will be determined by their respective local sanggunian. This discretion, Abad noted, will be subject to the Personnel Services limitation in LGU budgets under the Local Government Code, the same guidelines on the eligibility of employees from the Executive branch, and provided that the sanggunian shall determine reasonable amounts and will not, in any way, adversely affect the delivery of services to their respective communities. “The PEI will help our employees in terms of their expenses now that the holiday season is already upon us. At the same time, we also hope to remind our personnel that their contributions and commitment to the country are well acknowledged and counted upon as we continue to respond to the needs of the Filipino people,” Abad added. Please follow the link for a copy of Budget Circular 2014-3: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Issuances/2014/Budget%20Circular/BC%202014%20-%203.pdf

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33,000 DSWD-identified poor fisherfolk to get livelihood aid

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

More than 33,000 poor fisherfolk identified through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Listahanan shall be prioritized in a livelihood support program of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). The program, known as the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and General Economic Transformation (TARGET) in the fishery sector, aims to provide poor fisherfolk with fishing boats, motor engines, aquaculture inputs, and farm implements. In addition, it shall enforce Executive Order 154 series of 2014 which sanctions or penalizes illegal fishing in the country. The implementation of TARGET is in line with President Benigno S. Aquino III’s social agenda of poverty alleviation and inclusive growth in sectors with a high poverty incidence that include the fisherfolk sector, which has a poverty incidence of 39.9%, the highest among the nine basic sectors based on the 2012 Official Poverty Statistics. This means that four out of 10 fisherfolk are poor. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said that improving the lives of the 33,000 poor fisherfolk will reduce 4% of the poverty incidence. “We are supportive of the goals of TARGET program. We believe that converging the government’s resources on the Listahanan-identified poor will translate to a higher impact on poverty reduction,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. It makes available to national government agencies, local government units, and other social protection stakeholders a comprehensive list of poor households as a basis for beneficiary identification. In 2011, the Listahanan identified around 3.3 million poor farmers, foresters, and fisherfolk. The 33,000 beneficiaries of TARGET constitute 30% of 166,000 Listahanan-identified poor fishermen who are also registered in BFAR’s Fisherfolk Registry System (FishR). The DSWD is set to update the Listahanan database in 2015. In its second assessment, the DSWD will get detailed information on the type of occupation of each individual who will be assessed. “A detailed information on occupation, including fishing, will surely be helpful in the implementation and targeted delivery of government social protection initiatives,” Sec. Soliman added. - See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2014/12/33000-dswd-identified-poor-fisherfolk-to-get-livelihood-aid/#sthash.LSrjoso1.dpuf

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Secretary De Lima commends CTA for convicting a big-time Georgian arms smuggler

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

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima hailed the recent decision of the Court of Tax Appeals convicting a Georgian national, who smuggled into the country illegal firearms from Indonesia, approximately amounting to more than PhP5 million. The Court of Tax Appeals, Third Division meted the penalty of an indeterminate term of eight (8) years and one (1) day of prision mayor, as minimum, to ten (10) years of prision mayor, as maximum, and to pay a fine of eight thousand pesos (PhP8,000), without subsidiary imprisonment in case of insolvency and to pay the costs against Lawrence John Burne for violation f the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. The Court, likewise, ordered the forfeiture of the articles confiscated from Burne in favor of the Philippine Government. "This is a warning to all those who want to harm the economy, those who want to deprive our country of rightful levies including customs duties and taxes worth millions. Smugglers, regardless of influence or economic stature, have no place in our society but in jails," the Secretary said. Investigation showed that sometime in August 2009, accused Capt. Lawrence John Burne, master of the vessel MV UFUK with thirteen (13) crew members who are all Georgian nationals arrived in Mariveles, Bataan unlawfully and fraudulently importing and bringing into the Philippines 20 wooden crates/boxes painted black to conceal the nature and origin of the cargo containing 100 units of Indonesian rifles approximately valued at PhP5,211,126.00 on board the vessel M/V UFUK from Jakarta, Indonesia, with total duties and taxes of more than PhPl million and ten (l0) units of pistol valued at almost PhP400,000.00 with total duties and taxes amounting to more than PhP97,000.00. Burne was apprehended by a team from the Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard for alleged Violation of the Tariff and Customs Code for failure to produce necessary documents to support the cargo of the vessel, was detained at the Bureau of Immigration and posted a cash bail bond of P120,000.00 in 2011. Unexpectedly, the accused has jumped bail and is now a fugitive of the law. “Once an accused jumps bail, escapes from prison or confinement, or flees to a foreign country, he loses his standing in court and unless he surrenders or submits to the jurisdiction of the court, he is deemed to have waived any right to seek relief therefrom,” the Court stressed in its decision. “Burne cannot disown responsibility for the cargo that was onboard the vessel at the time that he was in command as its master. He may have been merely a substitute or replacement captain, but at the time of the discovery of the smuggling, he was the only captain in command,” the Court further said. The Court concluded that his guilt has been established beyond reasonable doubt and is guilty of committing unlawful importation as defined under Section 3601 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines. Burne was indicted by the Department under the joint program, Run After the Smugglers (RATS) of the DOJ and the Bureau of Customs. The Secretary commended Asst. State Prosecutor Ramon Chito R. Mendoza for the successful prosecution of the case. - See more at: http://www.doj.gov.ph/news.html?title=Secretary%20De%20Lima%20commends%20CTA%20for%20convicting%20a%20big-time%20Georgian%20arms%20smuggler&newsid=332#sthash.xwJgGAdf.dpuf

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Fake smartphones, electronic goods seized in Binondo raid

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

Joint inter-agency government operatives raided a warehouse of a top online shop supplier in Binondo, Manila and seized various counterfeit smartphones, electronic gadgets and accessories worth at an estimated P70-Million on Monday (December 15, 2014). Among the items seized are counterfeit Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy Grand, Iphone 5c, Iphone 5s, Iphone 4s, Nokia Duos, assorted Android tablets of various brands, Apple Shuffle, smartphone casings, power banks, juice blender, and Lacoste perfumes, among others. Some of the seized items do not have ICC marks required for imported electronic products and accessories. The raided warehouse located in Barraca Street in Binondo belonged to LFA Enterprises who claims to be the number one supplier in the Philippines of electronic gadgets, toiletries, small home appliances, and accessories to various popular online shopping sites. The raid was conducted by the combined operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Enforcement (NICE) Team and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG), based on the strength of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) issued by Port of Manila District Collector Mario Mendoza. The WSD was issued on the complaint of several brand holders and their representatives on the proliferation of counterfeit products being marketed and sold online. Also present during the raid were representatives of several brand holders. The BOC NICE–CIDG Team is conducting follow through operations and investigations to pin down and file charges against those behind the LFA operations. According to the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR), the government has seized P13.3-Billion worth of fake goods in the first 11 months of the year with the biggest contribution coming from the joint operations conducted by the BOC, NBI, PNP, IPOPHL hauling in P9.34-Billion worth of counterfeit products.

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Finance Department Reviews 2014: Philippines in virtuous cycle

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

“The Department of Finance (DOF) has finished 2014 strong,” DOF Chief Economist and Undersecretary Gil Beltran of the Policy Development and Management Services Group concluded at the DOF year-end performance review last 15 December 2014. Delivering remarks on Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima’s behalf, Beltran noted that achievements in the year 2014 is part of a virtuous cycle sprung by good governance reforms at the start of this administration. Citing the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, Beltran remarked that the DOF has built strong foundations enabling growth and reforms to further pick up in the near future. “Inflation slowed to 3.7% in November. Interest rates net of inflation remain one of the lowest in Asia despite QE tapering in the United States. The exchange rate is stable on account of strong BOP inflows and the fiscal position is at its strongest (almost in balance at -0.3% of GDP as of end-October) with the NG revenue effort up by 1/2 percentage point (as of October) and the public sector debt ratio at its lowest in 30 years (66.3% for Consolidated Public Sector, 52% for non-financial public sector and 38.1% for consolidated general public sector),” Beltran reported to all DOF employees in attendance at the review. “We are still keeping a 6% average quarterly growth rate for the entire Aquino administration, and there is headroom to sustain an even higher growth rate in the next two years. The growth rate is also private sector-led, investment-led and broad-based, ensuring growth is sustainable,” Beltran added. Beltran welcomed the positive response the Philippines received with four credit upgrades, most recently by Moody’s on 11 December 2014 and S&P on 8 May 2014 to a notch above investment grade, the highest rating ever given by both ratings agencies to the country. The Philippines also received upgrades from Japanese R&I and NICE Investors Service of Korea. The World Economic Forum has also recognized the Philippines as the most improved country since 2010 with a 7-slot gain in its 2014 international competitiveness rankings. “Our ever improving economic trajectory is a turnaround story for the books. History will remember the Philippines as having proven that good governance is indeed good economics. Our reforms have resulted in concrete gains that resonate with the Filipino people: increased fiscal space have enabled us to double our education and triple our health budgets. We stand ready to achieve even more in the next years as the Philippines is already in a virtuous cycle,‘ Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said. The Philippines also received Finance Asia’s Region’s Best Borrower Award for its innovative execution of an accelerated 1-day switch tender offer last January 2014, its first transaction as an investment grade sovereign. The country was likewise cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit for a financial inclusion policy framework that is among the best three in the world, the best in Asia, and as an acknowledged leader in microinsurance regulation. The GIZ also cited the Philippines as the Asian emerging country with the highest microinsurance outreach as the country recorded 27 million persons covered. The Philippine model is now being used by GIZ in its technical assistance program for neighboring Asian countries. The DOF also received acclaim for its excellent hosting of the World Economic Forum on East Asia which showcased the country’s emergence as an economic tiger. On the home front, Beltran noted that the DOF also earned accreditation from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for its appointments which no longer need to undergo CSC approval before they take effect. With this accreditation, the CSC expressed its trust on the personnel screening capabilities of the DOF. Beltran called on DOF employees to look forward by saying, “With these improvements and citations, the challenge is there for us to outperform ourselves. In 2015, we will work harder to push the revenue effort further up by at least 1/2 percentage point of GDP, reduce the NG debt ratio by at least a percentage point and further expand fiscal space for infrastructure and social services. We will also host the APEC finance ministers’ meeting to showcase our development experience, focusing on more inclusive growth.” “Seeing the fruits of our labor appear in a virtuous cycle only makes one thing clear: we will roll our sleeves up and hunker down to institutionalize reforms in the tail-end of this administration. Next year, we hope to pass a comprehensive and equitable tax reform package that improves tax administration and revises the tax structure to drive growth and equity for all Filipinos. As we approach the finish line, we will power through with our priorities to modernize the Bureau of Customs, and rationalize fiscal incentives, among other legislative initiatives,” Beltran added.

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DPWH bares 2014 performance in Western Mindanao

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

The new road opening for the Zamboanga City By-Pass Road, now 62 percent complete, is among the 2014 significant accomplishments of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Mindanao. Linking east with the west coast through Barangay Patalon to Barangay Culianan, the road project will decongest traffic within the Zamboanga City proper providing the neighboring cities of Dipolog, Pagadian and other municipalities a direct trade route to the Zamboanga Free Port Zone. The road project received initial funding of P310 Million and subsequently allotted with a total amount of P750 Million for phases 2 and 3. In a report submitted to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 9 implemented this year 1,860 current and carry-over projects valued at P 16.771 Billion of which 1,412 projects were completed. According to DPWH Region IX Director Jorge Sebastian, major part of the total budget was allotted for the construction and improvement of roads, highways and bridges amounting to P1.3 Billion of which 607 projects were completed. Sebastian said that 168 flood control and drainage projects worth P115.463 Million were also completed. Funding amount of P965.712 Million for elementary and secondary school buildings, and P280.629 Million for hospitals and health centers resulted to the completion of 674 and 47 projects, respectively. Following the massive destruction wrought by the 23-day armed conflict in 2013 at Zamboanga City, DPWH was at the forefront of building back better with 19 on-going projects and accomplishment of 32.47% in the implementation of Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R). Under the Transition Investment Support Program (ISP) for Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao, all 10 projects were completed amounting to P1.216 Billion. DPWH Region IX manages a total of 1,620.387 kms of national roads with 972.25 kms concrete, 398.282 kms. asphalt, 262.821 kms gravel and 7.007 kms earth. The total road length includes newly converted Zamboanga del Sur Coastal Road with length of 125.883 kms. Also, the total length of gravel road increased by more than 44 kms due to additional road length of Zamboanga West Coast Road to include 19.181 kms Siocon-Sirawai-Sibuco-Limpapa Road with a length of 19.181 kms and 25.493 kms. Imelda-Bayog-Kumalarang-Lapuyan-Margosatubig Road. The total 300 existing bridges with a length of 12,576.90 lineal meters consist of 231 concrete bridges, 68 steel bridges and 1 temporary bridge.

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Canada reforms caregiver program; promises faster action on applications for permanent residence

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

Canada reforms caregiver program; promises faster action on applications for permanent residence Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Toronto has reported that the government of Canada had implemented reforms in its caregiver program, a feature of its immigration system as a component of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. “Labor Attache Leonida Romulo had reported that Minister Chris Alexander of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) had announced sweeping reforms in Canada’s Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP). Filipinos who wish to work in Canada as caregivers must study the reforms to ensure they make correct decisions about their plans,” said Baldoz. The LCP, now the Caregiver Program, enables Canadian employers to recruit foreign nationals to live and work in their homes to provide childcare or home support for senior citizens or Canadians with disabilities when there are no Canadians or permanent residents to fill available positions. After two years of work, caregivers have the option to apply for permanent residence. The CIC said on its website that the removal of the live-in requirement will result to greater opportunities for Canadians in caregiver occupations and an increase in wages for foreign caregivers after employers clearly demonstrate that there are no Canadians available for the job. It also said the Government of Canada plans to admit 30,000 caregivers (including their spouses and dependants) in 2015 by fast-tracking applications from those who have completed their work experience but are facing long waits for their permanent residence to be finalized. Under the reforms, caregivers are no longer required to live in the home of their employer, which can place them in vulnerable conditions, including unpaid overtime work, poor working conditions, or worse, until they are able to achieve the status of permanent residents. The reforms provide for two career pathways for caregivers: (1) the Caring for Children Pathway and (2) Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway. For the first pathway, applicant caregivers must have a two-year work experience in Canada as a home child care provider; “initial intermediate” Canadian language benchmark 5 provided in a designated third-party language test; and a Canadian post-secondary education of at least one year, or an equivalent foreign education credential. The limit or cap to the number of applicants to be accepted under this pathway is 2,750 per year. The second pathway, Caring for People with High Medical Needs Pathway, is for caregivers who provide support to those with high medical needs. The requirements are as follows: (1) two-year full-time work experience in Canada providing in-home care or care in a health facility to the elderly or persons with disabilities or chronic diseases; (2) licensed to practice in Canada; and (3) “intermediate” Canadian language benchmark 7 provided in a designated third-party language test, if applying as a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse. The limit or cap to the number of applicants to be accepted under this pathway is 2,750 per year. On this matter, Secretary Baldoz advised those who would like to work in Canada as caregivers to visit the CIC website for more detailed information, and urged them to only deal with legitimate and licensed Philippine recruitment agencies to avoid getting duped or victimized by illegal recruitment agencies and individuals with criminal intent. “Still, the safe and legal pathway to work overseas is through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration,” she said.

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Yolanda heroes among 2014 outstanding public servants

Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph

Fire officers Oscar Ma. S. Guarda, Jr. and Luisito C. Tizon of Tanauan Fire Station in Leyte put others’ safety above their own when they rescued eight children from the strong winds and flash flood brought by super typhoon Yolanda. The Marinduque Animal and Wildlife Rescue Emergency Response Team was the first animal welfare group to set foot in the impact zone in Leyte after the typhoon. Through operation “Sagip Hayop”, affected animals, including livestock, were rescued and preserved as source of income and food. It also saved the government millions of pesos in terms of possible animal disease outbreak. Aircraft mechanic Elton Monet B. Merelos’ expertise in the repair and maintenance of UH-1H aircrafts has helped the Philippine Air Force (PAF) maximize its 21-unit fleet at a much lower cost, as well as provide the much-needed air support for rescue and relief operations. These ‘heroes’ that emerged in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda are some of the people who make up the roster of this year’s Outstanding Public Officials and Employees. They were awarded in Malacañan Palace on December 15 as part of the government’s Honor Awards Program (HAP). The awards rites was led by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III. The HAP, administered by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), aims to recognize and reward state workers for outstanding work performance and consistent ethical behavior. Its goal is to motivate and inspire state workers to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service. CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said while the rotten eggs in government are the ones getting the most attention from the public, there are many silent workers who go beyond the call of duty without expecting recognition or higher pay. “These people do not make it to the headlines but their deeds are nothing less than heroic. At the CSC, we call them lingkod bayani – mga lingkod bayang bayani.” “Through the stories of HAP awardees, we hope to inculcate the values of heroism – selflessness, bravery, excellence, and integrity – not only among state workers but also to the rest of our fellow Filipinos,” Duque added. Types of awards Three awards were given. The Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred on an individual or group for exceptional contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had nationwide impact on public interest. Recipients of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award are: • Brigadier General Rolando M. Aquino (Wing Commander, Philippine Air Force [PAF]) • Kim S. Jacinto-Henares (Commissioner, Bureau of Internal Revenue) • Elton Monet B. Merelos (Aircraft Mechanic II, PAF) • Alfredo E. Pascual (President, University of the Philippines [UP]) • Mudjekeewis D. Santos (Supervising Aquaculturist/Scientist I, Natural Fisheries Research and Development Institute) • Romeo G. Seguban (Professor II, Isabela State University) • Edgardo E. Tulin (University Professor, Visayas State University) • ITDI-DOST Research and Development Team (Industrial Technology Development Institute) They were given PHP200,000, a gold gilded medallion, plaque with citation signed by the President, scholarship grant, and other incentives. In addition, individual Lingkod Bayan awardees are entitled to automatic promotion to the next higher position or equivalent salary increase. The Dangal ng Bayan Award is given to an individual for performance of extraordinary act or public service and consistent demonstration of exemplary ethical behavior on the basis of observance of the norms of conduct provided under Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees. The Dangal ng Bayan award was conferred to: • Saldon A. Arajil (Police Officer III, Philippine National Police) • Roldan V. Colas (Heavy Equipment Operator I, Department of Public Works and Highways) • Alfred Mel P. Dagaylo-an (Veterinarian I, Municipal Government of Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte) • Oscar Ma. S. Guarda, Jr. (Fire Officer III, Tanauan Fire Station, Leyte) • Jubaira A. Isnain (Chief of Hospital, Parang District Hospital, Sulu) • Melecio J. Maghanoy (University Research Associate II, UP Los Baños, Laguna) • Euthemia G. Plariza (Midwife II, Municipal Government of Dalaguete, Cebu) • Alicia B. Rebuelta (Agricultural Technologist, Municipal Government of Kalibo, Aklan) • Rhia B. Sotomil (Senior Police Officer III, Pavia Municipal Police Station, Iloilo) • Luisito C. Tizon (Senior Fire Officer I, Tanauan Fire Station, Leyte) They were given PHP200,000, a trophy designed by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon Abueva, scholarship grant, and other incentives. They are also entitled to automatic promotion to the next higher position or equivalent salary increase. The CSC Pagasa Award is granted to an individual or group for outstanding contributions that directly benefited more than one department of government on a certain degree of standards. The CSC Pagasa awardees are: • Maricel M. Bechayda (Local Government Operations Officer VI, Department of the Interior and Local Government) • Lourdes A. Floria (Principal I, Zaragoza Elementary School, La Union) • Ariel R. Larona (Museum Technician I, UP Los Baños) • Rodolfo B. Modelo (Elementary School Principal IV, Commonwealth Elementary School, Quezon City) • Gilbert D. Peremne (Superintendent, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office VI) • Romela N. Ratilla (Senior Science Research Specialist, Department of Science and Technology Regional Office X) • Concepcion T. Tababa (Master Teacher II, Tubungan Central Elementary School, Iloilo) • City Agriculturist’s Office (City Government of Tabuk, Kalinga) • Davao City Central Communications and Emergency Response Center or CENTRAL 911 (City Government of Davao) • Marinduque Animal and Wildlife Rescue Emergency Response Team (Provincial Government of Marinduque) • Special Audit Team-ORG ARMM (Commission on Audit) They received PHP100,000, a gold gilded medallion, a plaque with citation signed by the CSC chairman, scholarship grant, and other incentives. Judges The awardees were chosen by respected personalities from the public and private sectors. The 2014 Committee on the Lingkod Bayan/Pagasa Awards was composed of CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III, Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria, Manila Hotel President and former Senator Jose D. Lina Jr., RGMA Network Inc. President Miguel “Mike” C. Enriquez, and Dynamic Teen Company Founder/CEO and 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren G. Peñaflorida Jr. This year’s Committee on the Dangal ng Bayan Award is composed of CSC Commissioner Robert S. Martinez, Tanodbayan Conchita Carpio-Morales, Commission on Audit Chairperson Ma. Gracia M. Pulido-Tan, Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna M. Feria, and Deputy Executive Secretary for General Administration Teofilo S. Pilando Jr.

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Extended holiday truce with communist rebels gives way to a hopeful year ahead -- Deles

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

MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles welcomed the joint suspension of military and police operations (SOMO-SOPO) announced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) noting “more reasons for an extended Christmas ceasefire” this year with the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Peoples' Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF). ‎ “The SOMO-SOPO covering the period 19 December (from midnight of 18th) 2014 to 19 January 2015 is in line with government’s Christmas tradition, as we have always wished to provide for our people's peaceful and joyful celebration of this holy season and a hope-filled welcome to a new year.” Citing more reasons, the peace adviser also underscored that the “cessation of hostilities will allow unhampered rehabilitation of calamity-affected communities, many of which are also conflict-affected, and sustain the goodwill generated from the positive results of the collective disaster preparedness undertaken by government and communities.” The unilateral ceasefire also puts in mind the much-anticipated Papal Visit in the Philippines early next year. “With the silencing of guns, our preparations for and celebration of Pope Francis' visit may be carried out with undistracted reflection and prayers and deep hope for abundant blessings to be showered on our people,” said Deles. The AFP and PNP, on the other hand, assured that the security forces will continue to perform their functions in ensuring the safety and welfare of the people for the duration of the SOMO-SOPO, covering the country's Christmas and New Year's celebration. “After the difficult trials of the past Christmas seasons, we pray for a peaceful, happy and hopeful season for everyone—a chance for all families and communities to come together in celebration and steadfast hope,” wished Deles. - See more at: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/cpp-npa-ndf/news/extended-holiday-truce-communist-rebels-gives-way-hopeful-year-ahead-deles#sthash.47p1iokF.dpuf

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Statement of Secretary Balisacan at the 2014 Year-end Press Briefing

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

To our friends from the media, colleagues in government, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. On behalf of NEDA, I would like to thank you all for taking time to join us today as we conclude another year of milestones and challenges. Considering our constant battle with climate-related disasters, along with the uncertainties in the global economy, we can say that the Philippine government has remained resolute in its stance to strengthen the foundations for sustained and inclusive growth through wide-ranging reforms in governance and the economy. We are aware that the road to inclusive growth is filled with obstacles and we need to continue our journey, even with extreme weather, so we can move closer to our destination. Let me now discuss in brief our country’s economic and development story for 2014. Economic Growth For the first three quarters of this year, the economy grew at an average of 5.8 percent. While this falls below our target of at least 6.5 percent, the Philippine economy remains among the brightest spots in the region. Economic growth has been predominantly private sector-led, as it should be, indicating increased economic activity in sectors where there are opportunities for better employment. On the other hand, government spending for the year was restrained and thus held back growth. Nonetheless, there is reason to believe that the recent growth slowdown is merely transitory and part of the adjustment process associated with the recent reforms in public financial management. There are bright prospects to look forward to as the year ends. Our macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong. The latest business expectations outlook from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shows a more buoyant fourth quarter, with more firms optimistic about the country’s economic prospects. Export performance in 2014 has been notable, especially for high-value products, and this bodes well for the economy as a whole. The growing household consumption indicates greater consumer confidence, which could boost growth. For eight quarters now, since the second half of 2012, growth of the industry sector has outpaced that of the services sector. This is consistent with our strategy to promote the resurgence of industry and the manufacturing subsector, in particular. The services sector continues to be robust, especially the IT-BPM. We also saw the tourism subsectors recovering from the temporary setback brought about by the natural calamities that hit our country late last year. The target of 6.8 million international tourist arrivals for 2014 will likely be met. Investments The Business Expectations Survey of the BSP also shows continued business confidence. This has translated into higher investments and investment commitments. Net foreign direct investments (which account for the actual flow of foreign investments) for the first nine months of the year grew by 61.3 percent. Meanwhile, total approved investments for the first semester of 2014 grew by 11 percent. For the full year, the target is 8 percent. Employment and Poverty With respect to employment generation, the latest round of the Labor Force Survey shows the unemployment rate at a 10-year record low of 6.0 percent. The employment figures also suggest that establishment-based jobs involving mostly full-time work were generated. However, underemployment remains a major challenge, as more than seven million employed Filipinos still desire to work additional hours, an indication of inadequate incomes. In terms of poverty reduction, we are confident that, with our strategy of promoting rapid growth while implementing targeted programs to equalize opportunities, we will achieve the targets we have laid down in the PDP Midterm Update. Data from the Philippine Statistical Authority show that poverty went down to 24.9 percent in the first semester of 2013, from 27.9 percent in the same period in 2012. During the same period, the subsistence incidence, or the proportion of extremely poor Filipino families or individuals who could not afford to meet their basic food requirements, decreased to 7.7 percent among Filipino families and 10.7 percent among Filipinos. This year, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps was expanded to cover 15- to 18- year-old children who are in school. As of September 30, 2014, the 4Ps cover a total of 4.3 million households from 1 million in 2010. Of this figure, 4.2 million are covered by the regular 4Ps while the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer or MCCT covers about 153 thousand households. The MCCT beneficiaries are homeless and street families and IP households in the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas who are not covered by the regular CCT. Economic Outlook for 2015 Moving into 2015, we know that we need to work even harder to sustain economic growth over the short term. Our wider fiscal space due to the country’s continuous rise in competitiveness ranking and investment grade ratings should allow us to accelerate implementation of infrastructure projects, particularly those that will address transport and logistical challenges to facilitate movement of people and goods. Building on our transport roadmap for Metro Manila and nearby regions, we are now working on more comprehensive master plans to develop the other regions in the country. We will also take advantage of the opportunities presented by the country’s hosting of APEC and the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community by the end of 2015. The 2015 budget is consistent with the sectoral and spatial strategies indicated in the PDP Midterm Update. The priority sectors have been identified based on their potential for rapid growth and/or massive generation of quality employment. These are agri-business, manufacturing, construction, IT-BPM in the Next Wave Cities, logistics and tourism. The objective is to improve competitiveness in the production sectors while ensuring that there is ample supply of the needed skills. The spatial strategies, on the other hand, are intended to deliberately address the constraints being faced by the poor in these areas. In Category 1 provinces which have the highest number of poor families, priority will be given to streamlining government procedures concerning business to encourage more investments and enhancing skills training and employment facilitation to address the job-skills mismatch. In Category 2 provinces where there is a high proportion of poor individuals relative to the population, the focus will be on promoting economic mobility including physical connectivity, human capital development and linking producers to the supply chain. Peace efforts will continue to be pursued as well. In Category 3 provinces which are exposed to natural hazards, the goal is to build up resilience through income diversification, income protection including insurance, and most importantly, disaster preparedness. The reconstruction and rehabilitation of Yolanda-affected areas, as contained in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan or CRRP is expected to spur investment and provide livelihood and employment opportunities. The CRRP outlines the National Government’s plans for the recovery of the 171 affected cities and municipalities in 14 provinces and six regions (collectively known as the ‘Yolanda corridor’). Under the CRRP, resettlement projects account for the biggest slice of the proposed budget at P75.67 billion. The Department of Budget and Management has already released P51.98 billion from the national budget for the rehabilitation plan in the Yolanda corridor since November 2013. Needless to say, the government continues to be vigilant on the possible risks that the country might face. The threat of natural calamities such as drought, earthquakes and typhoons have been a recurring challenge for both the government and the citizenry. But as proven by our experience in the recent Typhoon Hagupit, we have certainly improved in our disaster response and adaptation systems through better preparedness and faster response mechanisms. These disaster risk reduction and management interventions will be pursued and continuously improved upon to mitigate the loss of output, destruction of property and infrastructure, and human lives. The government will also continue its governance reform program and ensure that the gains will be sustained even beyond the term of President Aquino. We are always reminded of the catalytic role that government is supposed to play in promoting inclusive growth. For this, we will continue to implement measures to enhance revenue generation, regulatory efficiency, improve the links between planning, investment programming and budgeting, and build capabilities on planning, investment programming, budgeting and budget execution. As I’ve mentioned many times before, the Philippine economy should consistently grow at a rapid pace over a longer period of time in order to effectively solve the poverty problem. Moreover, we need to be mindful that there are no quick fixes for long-standing problems; they require long-lasting solutions. The challenges we face are complex and thus require a high degree of cooperation and coordination within government and among development partners, private sector and citizens. Along this line, I call on everyone to give their support and work with the government in sustaining and strengthening the reforms that have been started and that have already started to produce tangible results. As we sprint towards 2016, let us not allow ourselves to be sidetracked. On this note, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a bountiful 2015! Thank you.

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‘Good Governance’ makes the Philippines eligible for significant funding from US

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

16 December 2014 - Because of its strong efforts at policy reforms, including its successful campaign against corruption, the Philippines has found itself eligible for significant funding from the United States to help reduce poverty in the country. The eligibility of the Philippines for a new five-year grant or compact was announced by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an independent American aid agency created by the US Congress in 2004. The MCC’s announcement of Manila’s eligibility for a second compact came four years after it awarded the Philippines with $434-million to fund three major poverty reduction projects in the country. “The selection of the Philippines for a subsequent compact recognizes the significant progress achieved under the current compact and its strong efforts at policy reform, including successful efforts to root out corruption,” the MCC said in a statement issued on Thursday. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. immediately welcomed the positive development, saying it brings the Philippines one step closer to a second compact that will allow the country to avail itself of US funding to support its poverty alleviation programs. “The selection of the Philippines for a second compact is a recognition of President Aquino’s commitment to good governance,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “I believe a smooth transition to a second compact will help the Philippines in further institutionalizing good governance policies and reforms.” Ambassador Cuisia said he was informed by MCC Vice President for Operations Kamran Khan of the approval by the MCC Board of the recommendation to start discussions for a second compact for the Philippines. He then reported the good news to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. “The government has been a strong partner in compact implementation. Selecting the Philippines now allows for a seamless transition from one compact to the next,” the MCC said, adding that the Philippines is currently on track to complete its first compact by May 2016. Approved in 2010, the first compact provided the Philippines with $214.4 million for the construction and repair of 220 kilometers of Samar roads to improve access to markets and services for farmers, fishermen and small businessmen; $120 million for a development project that empowers communities by encouraging their participation in poverty reducing activities; and $54.3 million for the computerization and streamlining of business processes of the Bureau of Internal Revenue to bolster tax collection and reduce corruption. Ambassador Cuisia said Manila’s eligibility for a second compact was greatly enhanced after the recent release of the latest MCC scorecard where the country passed 13 out of 20 indicators, including Immunization Rates, Land Rights Access, Rule of Law, and the “must-pass” indicator Control of Corruption. Rule of Law and Control of Corruption are based on the World Governance Indicators (WGI) where the Philippines recently improved its ranking. Several individual indicators such as the Global Integrity Index, the Transparency International Global Corruption Barometer Survey, the World Justice Project and Freedom House are used to construct the WGI indicators. “I note the big improvement in the Control of Corruption and Rule of Law indicators in WGI. I am gratified that these have resulted in the Philippines’ positive MCC scorecard in Fiscay Year 2015,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “I echo our economic managers’ sentiments that this indeed will heighten the confidence level in the Philippines and complement the gains in the economic front,” he added. Aside from the Philippines, the MCC selected Mongolia as eligible for a new compact and approved efforts to continue developing compacts with Benin, Lesotho, Liberia, Morocco, Niger and Tanzania. The MCC also voted to make Nepal eligible for a compact; selected Cote d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone to develop Threshold Programs; and approved a $28-million Threshold Program for Guatemala.

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Philippines assured of US assistance if major disaster strikes

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

16 December 2014 - Even if it did not have to call for international assistance in the wake of Typhoon Ruby/Hagupit last week, the Philippines is assured of the assistance of the United States if another major disaster strikes the country, Philippine Ambassador to Washington said. “Had Typhoon Hagupit wrought serious damage, I am sure that the US would have dispatched assistance the same way it did during Typhoon Haiyan,” Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose L. Cuisia Jr. told the World Affairs Council of Missouri at a forum at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza here on Wednesday evening. “Our alliance and partnership could not have been more evident than during the tragedy that was Typhoon Haiyan,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he described the overwhelming and timely assistance by the US military in last year’s search, rescue and relief operations in the affected areas in the Central Philippines. The Filipino envoy also cited the more than $86 million that Washington committed as well as the $60 million pledged by US businesses and NGOs to support relief efforts in the country. “As you know, Typhoon Hagupit hit the Philippines over the weekend but due to better efforts on the part of the government to pursue mandatory evacuation early on, casualties were very minimal,” Ambassador Cuisia told his audience of prominent business leaders, policy makers, diplomats and academicians. Although Hagupit left at least 18 people dead and more than P3 billion in damage, Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippine Government was able to handle the post-disaster response so well that it did not ask the US to deploy the C-130 transport aircraft that Washington had placed on standby. “Nonetheless, the benefits derived from the immediate support of the US on humanitarian assistance and disaster response during Typhoon Haiyan clearly highlighted what we can do when we work together,” Ambassador Cuisia said. According to the former Central Bank governor, the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) that was signed in April is one way the US is helping the Philippines maintain and develop its maritime security and domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities. Ambassador Cuisia also touched on other aspects of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the US and Washington’s relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He also discussed the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including the recent massive reclamation being undertaken by China in several disputed reefs in the Spratlys. In his remarks, Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines recognizes China’s peaceful rise as a world power but Beijing’s recent actions in the South China Sea raises serious doubts whether it could honor its international obligations and respect the rule of law. “We acknowledge China’s role in world affairs and support its peaceful rise. To be truly viewed as a positive force and a responsible power, China must manifest its adherence to and respect for the rule of law,” Ambassador Cuisia said. “A world power following the rule of law is now an obligation, not a choice.” Ambassador Cuisia’s statements came in the wake of reports that China has been conducting massive reclamation activities that have resulted in the destruction of the marine environment in Johnson Reef, McKennan and Hughes Reef, Cuarteron Reef and Gaven Reef that are part of the Kalayaan Island Group. Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines openly and fully acknowledges the emergence of China as an economic power and that its ascendance has greatly benefited not only the Asia-Pacific but also the world. “All of us hope that China's unprecedented growth would further expand world trade, investment and tourism,” he said, adding that the Philippines and the rest of the world also appreciate China’s positive role in expanding science and technology, undertaking functional cooperation, deepening cultural connections and enhancing people-to-people understanding. However, Ambassador Cuisia pointed out that “it is only in advocating and practicing the rule of law that we can ensure that our dynamic and thriving community continue to exist for everyone’s benefit.” “The challenge before us is to encourage the major players, in this case, China, to adhere to the rule of law,” he said. “What is needed is a shared and serious commitment by all stakeholders to exert political will that transcends national propaganda and the dynamics of international affairs.” Ambassador Cuisia said the Philippines continues to believe that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provides a viable mechanism to resolve conflicts, particularly through the process of arbitration that Manila initiated. “We see arbitration as an open, friendly, and durable solution to the dispute. We believe it benefits everyone,” the former Philippine Central Bank governor said. “For China, arbitration will define and clarify its maritime entitlements. For the Philippines, arbitration will clarify what is ours, specifically our fishing rights, rights to resources and rights to enforce laws within our Exclusive Economic Zone,” he added. “For the rest of the international community, the clarification of maritime entitlements will assure peace, security, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.”

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Palawan ventures into Cacao farming

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

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently signed the Cacao Production and Purchase Agreement with Kennemer Foods International, Inc (KFI) involving 54 hectares of idle lands in Apurawan, Aborlan, Palawan to help agrarian reform beneficiaries’ (ARBs) need for sustainable farming and high-income enterprises. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Conrado S. Guevarra said the cacao production project is a partnership between the DAR, KFI, Department of Agriculture and Land Bank under the Agricultural Production Credit Program. Guevarra said the Land Bank of the Philippines released an initial capital of PHP 406,000 to 33 ARBs venturing into cacao farming for the first time. Earlier, similar undertakings had been forged between KFI and a number of agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBOs) involving 200 hectares of agricultural land in selected agrarian reform communities (ARC) in Zamboanga del Norte and more than 250-hectare agricultural land in Davao City. Guevarra added that one hectare of cacao farm is expected to yield 2000 kg of dried cacao beans per year. With cacao’s average selling price of 40/kg in the international market, an income of 96,000 per hectare per year for cacao farmers. Guevarra added that DAR-KFI also conducted trainings on cacao production and maintenance to help the ARBs and field implementers to understand the requirements of land preparation and cacao production management through the proper application of KFI’s technologies. “We are so thankful to the Department of Agrarian Reform and Land Bank of the Philippines for providing us financial assistance to pursue our dream to become a cacao capital in the province, and even in the whole country,” Jaime Favila, Sr., chair of Sto. Niño Multipurpose Cooperative, said.

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ANNOUNCEMENT: PRC Tuguegarao

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

PRC Tuguegarao announces that in observance of the celebration of its 15th Charter day Anniversary of the City of Tuguegarao on Thursday, 18 December 2014 is declared as a Special (NON-WORKING) day (per Proclamation No. 928 dated 11 December 2014), hence, office transactions/operations are temporarily suspended on the said date.

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PRC-ILOILO holds Orientation-Seminar on “MOVE”

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

PRC-ILOILO conducted an Orientation-Seminar on MOVE or “Men Opposed to Violence Against Women and Their Children Everywhere” yesterday, Tuesday, 16 December 2014, as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) activities. The objectives of the Orientation-Seminar were for PRC-Iloilo personnel to: (1) acquire awareness on the nature and organization of MOVE; (2) increase knowledge on the protection of women and their children against violence; (3) become acquainted with the significance of the involvement of men in reducing the incidence of violence against women and their children (VAWC); (4) strengthen the resolve to join in the advocacy for the protection from VAWC; and (5) develop interest in organizing MOVE within the PRC organization. The Resource Speakers included Mr. Daryl V. Alfuente, MOVE Coordinator for the Province of Iloilo, and Project Development Officer and Provincial Coordinator, Sustainable Livelihood Program , Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); and Mr. Richard Sevilla, Secretary of MOVE, DSWD Regional Office 6, who is the Regional Information technology Officer of said office. Another GAD seminar is scheduled today, Wednesday, 17 December 2014, entitled “Responding to Incidence of VAWC” to be conducted by Hon. Anne Beatrice A. Balmaceda, Presiding Judge, Branch 1, MTCC of the Hall of Justice, Iloilo City. (larb/prc-iloilo)

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Tatak TESDA video-making contest now open to graduates, schools

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

How has technical-vocational education transformed one's life? The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is inviting graduates to document their tech-voc experience in a short video and share it with the agency for a chance to win cash prizes and scholarship vouchers. "Tell us how TESDA has made a significant impact on your life. We want to listen. Inspire us and inspire others about the tech-voc ways," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. The Tatak TESDA Video Making Contest Year 2 is open to individuals and schools engaged in technical vocational education and training (TVET). The TVET graduate should be a finisher of any course from 2010 onwards, a holder of a National Certificate or Certificate of Competency, and working either in the country or abroad. For the school category, the technical vocational institution should be accredited by TESDA, of good standing, and holder of Certificate of TVET Program Registration. The entry sender for either the individual or school category must produce a two to three minute video, taken at the workplace, and then uploaded in Facebook or Youtube. The link should be submitted along with the official entry through the email to the TESDA Provincial Office and copy furnished the Office of the Director General through tataktesda@gmail.com. The videos may be in the form of dramatization, storytelling, music video and other creative format. The videos should answer the question: How did TESDA transform your life? The closing statement of the video should be: Ako si ______, sa TESDA, sumaya ang buhay ko. Buhay n'yo, sasaya rin sa TESDA." The official entry form may be downloaded from the TESDA website (www.tesda.gov.ph). The contest will have three levels: provincial/district, regional and national. Only the top two entries (one for each category) for each province/district as determined by the respective provincial/district screening committees will be considered for the regional level of the competition. In the same manner, only the top two entries (one for each Category) for each region as determined by the respective regional screening committees will be considered for the national competition. Entries for the provincial/district level may be submitted from January 2 to 31, 2015. There will be winners for best in story, best in video, people's choice award and the grand Tatak TESDA award.

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Harvesting Lessons in Environmental Governance from the City of Gentle People

Source: Career Executive Service Board

Harnessing the Power of Private-Public Partnerships The Environmental Quality Management Officer of the award-winning Dumaguete City Septage Management Program (DCSMP) briefs IGABAY learners. The DCSMP, a partnership between the Dumaguete City Government and the Dumaguete City Water District, shines as the nation’s first successful public-private partnership simultaneously addressing the needs for adequate, affordable and accessible quality water resources; sustainable business viability, and; long-term health and environmental security. “My exposure in this activity enabled me to engage my ideas with those of others, in the process sharpening my knowledge using a multi-dimensional focus in resolving a problem. Indeed, it was a greatly enriching experience.” This was the experience shared by one of the 43 learners from 18 different government agencies who completed the twentieth (20th) session of the Integrated Gabay ng Paglilingkod (IGABAY) Training Course of the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) from 2-10 October 2014 at the Manhattan Suites and Hotel in Dumaguete City, Province of Negros Oriental. As one of the CESB’s foundational capacity-building courses, the IGABAY Course features an array of strategically important topics essential to any public manager’s leadership toolkit. These modular topics not only sharpen their skills and deepen their accountabilities in efficiently managing day-to--day agency operations. They also clarify and highlight the value of scope of leadership roles in defining the future directions of public sector organizations and the parameters for their effectiveness and relevance to the nation. Hence, the IGABAY Course capacitates public managers with the competence, the confidence and the commitment as frontline leaders in leading the nation against current and emerging challenges and the expectations for excellent governance. The IGABAY Course Session XX culminated in the Community-Organizational Attachment Module (COAM). The COAM provided multi-dimensional platforms for the learners to study, learn from, and also to strengthen, promote and sustain exemplary governance models and practices aimed at institutionalizing reforms and achieving sustained development through culture change, systems and process innovations. The COAM organizational/ community laboratory model chosen was the Dumaguete City Septage Management Program (DCSMP) which was awarded as a 2012 Outstanding Program under Gawad Galing Pook Awards. The COAM learners were divided into three groups to validate and assess the innovation’s “road map” – its relevance, viability, results and impact on the various sectors and institutions of the city and its environment. They generated a consolidated assessment report highlighting the innovation’s: 1) Results and Impact, 2) Engineering Efficiency and Health/ Environmental Impact, and its 3) Financial and Business Operations. The successful COAM learning experience resulted from the partnership forged between the City Government of Dumaguete and CESB. The city’s warm hospitality in hosting CESB and its IGABAY Course was only matched by the enthusiasm, generosity and honesty of the city’s elected and appointed officials in sharing vital information, participating as resources persons and reactors, and in providing various technical, coordinative and logistical support measures and other forms of assistance to facilitate the field evaluation research processes. City Administrator and former Vice-Mayor Mr. William E. Ablong led city officials in welcoming the COAM learners and engaging them in various learning interaction sessions. The partnership was made even more memorable with a dinner-fellowship program organized and hosted by the Department of Education-Division of Dumaguete City headed by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Ramir B. Uytico, CESO IV. No less than Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel E. Sagarbarria, Cong. George P. Arnaiz (2nd District) and Cong. Pryde Henry A. Teves (3rd District) of the Province of Negros Oriental graced the occasion. I-GABAY is a nine-day residential training program taken after the Salamin-Diwa ng Paglilingkod Training Course (SALDIWA), both under the Executive Leadership Program (ELP) and prescribed as official requirements for Career Executive Service eligibles to qualify for appointment to a CESO rank. For 2015, the CESB will conduct IGABAY Course Session Nos: XXI (16-24 April); XXII (23-31 July); and XXIII (15-23 October). Interested applicants must completely fill-up ELP Application Forms downloaded from the CESB website and fax/ e-mail/ mail them to CESB. Sharing and Learning from Success Stories Dumaguete City Administrator William E. Ablong led city officials in sharing the challenges, issues and stories of triumph behind the DCSMP to a group of IGABAY learners in one of the various learning interaction sessions. Savoring the Hospitality of Dumaguete IGABAY learners pose with City Mayor Sagarbarria, Cong. Teves, Cong. Arnaiz and CESB Exec. Dir. Ma. Anthonette V. Allones after the dinner-fellowship program hosted by the Division of Dumaguete City-Department of Education.

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Last Updated: 16 DECEMBER 2014
Alternative photo archive with high resolutions
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA at the main chapel of the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Monday (December 15). The shrine was consecrated by Jaime Cardinal Sin on December 15, 1989. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			The patrons and donors of the EDSA Shrine pose for a photo opportunity Archbishop Socrates Villegasand Presidential Sister Ballsy Aquino Cruz during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA at the main chapel of the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Monday (December 15). The shrine was consecrated by Jaime Cardinal Sin on December 15, 1989. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA at the main chapel of the EDSA Shrine in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Monday (December 15). The shrine was consecrated by Jaime Cardinal Sin on December 15, 1989. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Probationary 2nd Lieutenant (P/2Lt.) Kenneth Aquino, PAF during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15, 2014). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Probationary Ensign (P/ENs) Cathleen Joy Cruz, PN during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Probationary 2nd Lieutenant (P/2Lt.) Rodel Bacquial, PN during the joint graduation ceremony of the Officers Candidate Courses at the AFP Theater of the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (December 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (December 12). The President returned from his successful participation in the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in Busan. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III greets his official family during the arrival ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (December 12). The President returned from his successful participation in the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit in Busan. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects an FA-50 fighter jet at the Gimhae Airbase here on Friday (December 12) before leaving for Manila. Also in photo are Korea Aerospace Industries president and CEO Sung Yong-ha and other Korean Air Force officials, along with Secretary Rene Almendras and Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Korean President Park Geun-Hye offer a toast during the Leaders Luncheon at the Luncheon Hall of the Nurimaru APEC House for the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit on Friday (December 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during the Leaders Luncheon at the outdoor deck of the Nurimaru APEC House for the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit on Friday (December 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during the Leaders Luncheon at the outdoor deck of the Nurimaru APEC House for the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit on Friday (December 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the Leaders Luncheon at the outdoor deck of the Nurimaru APEC House for the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit on Friday (December 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Korean President Park Geun-Hye and Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, tour the Special Exhibition on Public Governance at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12), at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Korean President Park Geun-Hye, tour the Special Exhibition on Public Governance at the Exhibition Center 1 of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the Tour of Special Exhibition on Public Governance at the Exhibition Center 1 of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12), at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit at Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). With the theme: “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness,” the summit aims to strengthen Korea's relationship with ASEAN through trust, which should result in happiness for the citizens of ASEAN and the ROK. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino joins other leaders of ASEAN Member States (AMS) for the Leaders Group Photo during the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014 at the Convention Hall of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). Also in photo are Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Korean President Park Geun-Hye and Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares for the Leaders Group Photo during the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014 at the Convention Hall of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). Also in photo are Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares for the Leaders Group Photo during the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014 at the Convention Hall of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). Also in photo are Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Korean President Park Geun-Hye, Republic of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Korean President Park Geun-Hye arrive for the Leaders Group Photo during the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014 at the Convention Hall of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). With the theme: “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness,” reflecting ROK’s commitment to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN member states, the summit covers a review of the ASEAN-ROK cooperation and its future direction, and the cooperation on non-traditional security issues with emphasis on climate change and disaster risk management. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Korean President Park Geun-Hye upon arrival for the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014 at the Lobby of the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center on Friday (December 12). With the theme: “Building Trust, Bringing Happiness,” reflecting ROK’s commitment to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN member states, the summit covers a review of the ASEAN-ROK cooperation and its future direction, and the cooperation on non-traditional security issues with emphasis on climate change and disaster risk management. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia during a bilateral meeting at the Westin Chosun Busan Hotel on Thursday (December 11) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BUSAN, South Korea) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Razak during the bilateral meeting at the Westin Chosun Busan Hotel on Thursday (December 11) at the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2014. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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