|
End-April infra spending surges to 24.5%
Y-0-Y |
|
Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
|
Government spending for infrastructure and capital outlay (CO) rose
to P93.7 billion as of April—a 24.5-percent growth from last year’s
P75.2-billion level—as the Aquino Administration extends its
cumulative double-digit expansion for infrastructure disbursements
year-on-year.
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad reported that notable
infrastructure disbursements in April were channeled mostly to
ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in communities
devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.
“Our infrastructure spending is still going at a faster clip
year-on-year. Although post-Yolanda reconstruction activities have
played a major role in our infrastructure disbursements, the upsurge
is also on account of the Aquino administration’s stronger focus on
strengthening the economy through infrastructure and capital outlay
investments,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.
“Our campaign to ‘build back better’ for Yolanda-hit areas requires
the introduction of better standards in the recovery and
reconstruction process. We aren’t merely preoccupied with restoring
damaged structures. We’re also determined to rebuild public
infrastructure—such as schools and hospitals—so they’re more
disaster-resistant,” he added.
The reported infrastructure spending performance propelled overall
government disbursements to P626.1 billion—an increase of P42.1
billion or 7.2 percent from 2013’s P584 billion—as of end-April this
year.
Abad also noted the government’s higher disbursements to support
local government units (LGUs), where total capital transfers topped
at P113.9 billion as of April, up by 12.3 percent from the P101.4
billion recorded in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, interest payments from January to April—which amounted to
P116.5 billion—have slowed down by P5.5 billion or 4.5 percent
compared to figures posted as of end-April in 2013.
“We’re directing more funds to our local governments to help them
with their capacity-building initiatives. As our LGUs become more
and efficient, their constituents can likewise look forward to the
improved delivery of public services. This is one of the many ways
through which better government spending can create a direct and
substantial impact on the lives of citizens,” Abad said.
“It’s also worth mentioning that our disbursements for interest
payments have gone down for the first four months of the year. This
essentially means that debt payments are taking up less space in
government spending, so that we can devote more funds towards the
Administration’s priority programs and projects,” he added.
Abad also expressed optimism on the government’s disbursement
performance over the coming months, as the Administration continues
to pursue budget reforms that will help speed up expenditures and
boost the economy.
“While there is a cumulative increase in total government spending,
we expect disbursements on other major expenditure items to pick up
in the coming months. With the help of the agencies’ respective
account management teams (AMTs), we’ve been able to identify
bottlenecks that hold back spending. We have already spotted issues
on planning and procurement, and we’re addressing these as quickly
as possible,” Abad added.
“We will of course maintain our spending momentum for infrastructure
projects, as well as for other socio-economic programs at the heart
of our bid for inclusive growth,” he emphasized.
Disbursements by Expense Class,
2013 vs. 2014
in billion pesos, unless otherwise indicated |
|
Particulars
|
As of April
|
Increase/Decrease
|
|
2013
|
2014
|
Amount
|
%
|
|
Current Oper. Exp. |
495.3
|
503.8
|
8.5
|
1.7
|
|
PS |
177.7
|
186.5
|
8.8
|
5.0
|
|
MOOE |
97.9
|
97.6
|
(0.3)
|
(0.3)
|
|
Subsidy |
5.2
|
1.5
|
(3.8)
|
(71.7)
|
|
Allotment to LGUs |
80.6
|
91.1
|
10.5
|
13.0
|
|
IP |
122.0
|
116.5
|
(5.5)
|
(4.5)
|
|
TEF |
11.8
|
10.5
|
(1.2)
|
(10.4)
|
|
Capital Outlays |
96.2
|
116.7
|
20.5
|
21.3
|
|
Infra & Other CO |
75.2
|
93.7
|
18.4
|
24.5
|
|
Equity |
0.2
|
0.3
|
(0.0)
|
(16.0)
|
|
Cap. Transfers to LGUs |
20.8
|
22.8
|
2.0
|
9.7
|
|
CARP-LO |
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Net Lending |
(7.5)
|
5.6
|
13.1
|
174.9
|
|
TOTAL |
584.0
|
626.1
|
42.1
|
7.2
|
HIGHLIGHTS OF DISBURSEMENTS OF OTHER EXPENSE CLASSES AS
OF APRIL 2014
Personnel Services grew by 5.0 percent
year-on-year or P8.8 billion, amounting to P186.5 billion as of
April this year. The increase was due to the payment of salaries for
new teaching positions in the Department of Education (DepEd), new
police recruits in the Department of Interior and Local
Government-Philippine National Police (DILG-PNP), and the grant of
incentives to the beneficiaries of the rationalization program.
Interest Payments decreased by P5.5 billion or
4.5 percent from last year. However, interest payments still
comprised a major chunk of allotment releases, amounting to P352.7
billion and making up 18.6 percent of total disbursements as of
April.
Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) went
down by 0.3 percent from last year. However, the decrease was
mitigated by releases to public works for roadside maintenance,
assistance to informal settler families (ISF) in dangerous areas,
and assistance to farmers in Yolanda-stricken areas.
Net Lending managed to grow by 174.9 percent or
P13.1 billion, without any increase in repayments by Government
Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for the month of April.
The P5.6-billion level as of end-April is a significant improvement
from the negative P7.5 billion recorded in the same period last year
|
|
|
|
|
Region XII’s extraordinary merrymaking of
Migrant Workers’ Day |
|
Source:
http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
|
Koronadal City – A unique celebration of the 19th Migrant Workers’
Day spearheaded by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration
Regional Welfare Office XII (OWWA RWO XII) featuring the different
culture and festivities of the SOCCSKSARGEN Region offered genuine
gaiety, fun, and excitement on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the
Municipal Gymnasium of Tantangan in South Cotabato.
Anchoring the local theme “Showcasing the diverse culture and
traditions of Region 12 in the spirit of solidarity and oneness”,
OWWA RWO XII organized a regional convention of active OFW Family
Circles (OFCs).
The activity was participated by 10 OFCs from the Province of South
Cotabato, 14 from Sultan Kudarat, 14 from North Cotabato, and 8 from
Sarangani and General Santos City.
One of the highlight includes the Regional Cultural Fair and
Presentation Contest designed by the OIC, Regional Director herself
Marilou M. Sumalinog, exhibited an admiring cooperation among
members of each participating group. Further, their workmanship and
artistic prowess made their piece entirely impressive and
astonishing, making it hard for the critics to decide which one
deserves to be called as winner.
A proud performance of graceful and radiant dancers in their
colourful ethnic costumes also added delight and enjoyment to the
celebration.
Judging the contest were Benhur Z. Abulencia, Artistic Director of
the Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe, Billy E. Sotillo, Dance Training
Program Director of GroundZero, and Michael Floyd C. Tilendo, former
President of Me’dal Kolon Datal Dance and Theatre Ensemble.
Philhealth XII, BPI, and Goldenstate College Inc., OWWA RWO XII’s
social partners expressed their support through the facilitation of
learning session focusing on health, business, and education.
A plaque of appreciation was also awarded by the Goldenstate College
Inc. through its President Josie Y. Tirador to OWWA RWO XII which
was received by OIC, Regional Director Sumalinog.
Other activities include free giveaways, a mouth-watering food
treat, and raffle draw.
With this year’s Migrant Workers’ Day theme,” Magkasangga para sa
Kapakanan, Kabuhayan, at Kalusugan ng mga OFWs”, OWWA continues to
uphold its mission in protecting the interest and promoting the
welfare of its member-Overseas Filipino Workers.
“The Migrant Workers’ Day is now on its 19th year of giving due
recognition to the valuable contributions of our modern heroes, the
OFWs, not only in helping boost our economy but in being models of
the Filipino world-class professionalism around the world as well,”
Sumalinog said.
The annual celebration commemorates the signing into law of the
Republic Act 8042 also known as “The Migrant Workers Act of 1995.” |
|
|
|
|
FCDU loans up by 8.9 percent in Q1 2014 |
|
Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
|
BSP Officer-In-Charge Diwa C. Guinigundo announced that as of the
end of first quarter of 2014, outstanding FCDU loans stood at
US$11.4 billion, up by US$927 million (or 8.9 percent) from the
end-December 2013 level of US$10.5 billion. Loan disbursements grew
by 16.0 percent (or US$1.8 billion) and outpaced the 12.2 percent
(US$1.3 billion) increase in repayments, resulting in net loan
disbursements of US$984 million. The rising trend in outstanding
FCDU loans observed in 2013 may be attributed to the low interest
rate environment, broadly stable exchange rate, high liquidity
position of banks and positive business sentiment arising from
strong macroeconomic fundamentals.
The maturity profile of outstanding FCDU loans was as follows:
medium- to long-term loans [or those payable over a term of more
than one (1) year] represented 58.5 percent of total, which funded
various projects. Short-term accounts [or those with original
maturities of up to one (1) year] comprised the 41.5 percent balance
of the loan portfolio.
Outstanding loans to resident borrowers represented 73.5 percent
(US$8.4 billion) of total, with the following sectors/industries as
major beneficiaries: public utility firms (20.8 percent),
producers/manufacturers, including oil companies (17.7 percent) and
merchandise and service exporters (10.6 percent). The 24.3 percent
balance went to other residents, including government
agencies/enterprises.
Gross disbursements during the first quarter of the year reached
US$12.9 billion from the previous quarter’s US$11.2 billion. The
bulk (US$12.5 billion or 96.7 percent) of loan releases had
short-term maturities, and were largely for working capital
requirements (US$10.0 billion).
Deposit liabilities rose to US$27.4 billion by 1st Quarter of 2014,
or by 5.9 percent (US$1.5 billion) from US$25.9 billion in December
2013. Resident accounts continued to comprise the bulk of deposits
at 97.1 percent. The loans-to-deposit ratio increased from 40.3
percent to 41.5 percent in the first quarter of 2014 as a
consequence of the expansion in both loans and deposits. |
|
|
|
|
DSWD engages ‘Yolanda’ survivors to
rehabilitate mangroves in E. Visayas |
|
Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
|
Tacloban City, Leyte – The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)
launched early this month the Cash-for-Assets Rebuilding “Mangroves
and Beach Forest” Project that would provide employment to
beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program at the same
time rehabilitate the mangroves in identified areas in Eastern
Visayas.
Some 280 Pantawid Pamilya cash grantees who are also Typhoon Yolanda
survivors living along seawalls and coastal areas in this city
initially participated in the project. They completed the
rehabilitation of 60 hectares of mangrove plantation in the city.
Each beneficiary received P260 per day for a maximum of 15 days.
SLP Director Georgina Ann Hernandez said that the project is part of
DSWD’s rehabilitation measures for ‘Yolanda’-hit areas.
“It is both protecting the environment and providing livelihood,”
Dir. Hernandez said.
She emphasized that it is important to rebuild livelihood assets
such as mangroves which will pave the way for the provision of a
more sustainable livelihood for the beneficiaries such as
cultivating fish, crabs, and shrimps that thrive in mangroves.
The Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation gave boots, t-shirts,
and hats for the beneficiaries while the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) demonstrated the techniques of
rehabilitating the mangroves. The local government unit provided the
propagules.
The DSWD has allotted P3 million for the rehabilitation of mangroves
in the city, Guiuan and Hernani in Eastern Samar, Carigara in Leyte,
Basey in Samar, and Lapinig and Palapag in Northern Samar.
|
|
|
|
|
DOF gives one-month extension for customs brokers,
importers to file for accreditation |
|
Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
|
BIR, BOC call on brokers, importers to participate in good
governance by supporting accreditation reform
In response to numerous requests from affected groups and entities
for extension of the period to comply with accreditation
requirements, the DOF further extends the 30 June 2014 application
deadline for importers and brokers to 31 July 2014.
According to Department Order No. (DO) 46-2014, failure to file the
proper application with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the
Bureau of Customs (BOC) by 31 July 2014, and in the manner
prescribed by the pertinent rules, shall result in the automatic
cancellation of the existing accreditation, if any, effective 1
August 2014 or the date of expiration as indicated in the original
BOC accreditation, whichever is earlier.
“We call on brokers and importers to be part of the solution by
supporting accreditation reform. As this is our second deadline
extension, we believe we are giving importers and brokers enough
opportunities to participate in this good governance initiative.
Those who have nothing to hide have no reason to fear these
reforms,” DOF Revenue Cluster Chairperson and Commissioner of
Internal Revenue Kim S. Jacinto-Henares said.
Department Order No. (DO) 12-2014 dated 6 February 2014, and DO
18-2014 dated 26 February 2014, required importers and brokers to
obtain an importer clearance certificate (ICC) and broker clearance
certificate (BCC) with the BIR, prior to being accredited by the
BOC.
The original deadline was ninety (90) days after the effectivity
date of the DOs. DO 33-2014 dated 21 May 2014 extended the original
90 day-deadline to 30 June 2014, with the BIR and the BOC releasing
guidelines to expedite the application process.
“Despite the last-minute applications importers and brokers are
filing with the Bureau of Customs, we are giving our clients a
reasonable amount of time to comply by giving another thirty-day
extension. We expect better cooperation and compliance from
importers and brokers who want to do business with Customs,” Customs
Commissioner John P. Sevilla said.
As of 26 June 2014, the BOC Accounts Management Office (BOC-AMO) has
received a total of 2,575 applications for accreditation from
importers and brokers alike, as compared to the almost 13,000
importers and 2,000 brokers who are currently registered at the BOC.
There has been a surge of applications over the past few days, with
the AMO receiving an average of 500 applications per day. |
|
|
|
|
Baldoz directs stricter protective measures for
Filipino domestic workers in Singapore |
|
Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
|
|
On report about “special discounts” on HSWs Baldoz directs stricter
protective measures for Filipino domestic workers in Singapore Labor
and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday
directed the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Singapore
headed by Labor Attache Vicente Cabe to verify a report that foreign
domestic workers, including Filipino household service workers, are
being put in display and made available for “purchase” at
“discounted prices” in some shopping malls in Singapore, and
directed the labor official to coordinate with the Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), headed by Administrator
Hans Leo Cacdac, in laying down stricter measures to protect
Filipino domestic workers from such practice that degrades human
dignity. “Verify this report if true and submit a definitive
assessment. Coordinate with POEA and lay down stricter measures in
the deployment of HSWs to Singapore to ensure they are protected
from even the slightest moral and psychological abuse, such as being
made to display themselves in malls as if they are commodities,”
instructed Baldoz after she was alerted to a news report on the
matter. The news report identifies the Bukit Timah Shopping Center
in Central Singapore as one of the malls where there are so-called
‘galleries’ inside which foreign women workers are allegedly being
offered and advertised for hiring as domestic workers at “super
promo” rates. Baldoz said that if true, this kind of practice is an
affront to the dignity of the workers. She ordered Administrator
Cacdac to “inventory” all POEA-licensed recruitment agencies
deploying HSWs to Singapore and to find out if any one of these is
privy to, or involved in any way, in the practice. “If it is foreign
placement agencies (FPAs) that are involved, slap them with
applicable sanction, such as blacklisting them from hiring OFWs, or
canceling their accreditation with the POLO,” said Baldoz. The labor
and employment chief’s directive to Labor Attache Cabe included the
expansion of the available space at the Filipino Workers Resource
Center, or Bahay Kalinga, to accommodate more productive activities
and events for OFWs, and to fast-track the repatriation of
distressed domestic workers so that the FWRC can be transformed into
a “center of care and excellence” pursuant to President Benigno S.
Aquino III’s thrust under his 22-point labor and employment agenda.
Enhancing the protection of migrant workers is a key DOLE strategy
to strengthen social protection for vulnerable workers. "The
protection of OFWs is a major mandate of the DOLE. It protects and
promotes the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families through
the provision of social, economic, and legal programs and services
in pursuit of President Aquino III's economic vision of 'a
government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be
a choice rather than a necessity; and when its citizens do choose to
become OFWs, their welfare and protection will still be the
government's priority."' She said the POLO, OWWA, and the POEA must
work closely together to ensure that HSWs and other OFWs have a
decent place with adequate space to stay or visit in the Center
where they could engage in productive and wholesome activities.
"This way, they will not spend their rest days in places where they
could become vulnerable to unhealthy and unproductive pastimes," she
said. "The FWRC must intensify training, seminars, and the like to
improve OFW skills and capabilities," she added. She bared that
towards this end, the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority will already implement at the FWRC with the Consulate and
the POLO in Singapore and other HSW destination its skills training
assessment and certification program. “I reiterate that we must work
towards training and guiding our HSWs towards occupations that
require higher skills and, therefore, pay much higher, such as
home-based domestic work to establishment-based occupations,” she
explained. To Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief
Rebecca Calzado, Baldoz issued the instruction to make the OWWA's
24/7 hotline services accessible at the Center to HSWs in Singapore,
particularly those who would like to lodge complaints about their
working conditions. “The OWWA must also pursue the training module
on transforming our OFWs, not just, HSWs, into becoming ambassadors
of goodwill. This will contribute to their empowerment," Baldoz
said. |
|
|
|
|
Richard King murder solved |
|
Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
|
Upon instructions of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, the Major Crimes Unit
formed by the PNP recorded a significant breakthrough in the
investigation of the June 12 murder of Cebu-based hotelier Richard
King in Davao City with the identification and filing of charges
against four suspects including the gunman and alleged handler.
The DILG Secretary Mar Roxas extended the commendation of the
national leadership to the PNP Special Investigation Task Group
(SITG) “King” and all its component units for achieving this
“textbook example of a systematic and methodical investigation aided
by forensic science, proper police investigative procedure and
criminal intelligence”, and fully supported by intelligence funding
from the DILG.
The PNP has created a Major Crimes Unit under the Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group as an anti-crime initiative of the
DILG-PNP leadership in response to the instructions of President
Benigno S. Aquino III to stem the perceived tide of criminality,
particularly high-profile crime.
A report to PNP National Headquarters from the Regional Director of
Police Regional Office 11, Chief Supt Wendy Rosario, detailed the
well coordinated investigation and police action that led to the
early solution of the high-profile murder case.
Now in custody of the SITG “King” in Davao City are:
1. Paul Dave Molina LABANG aka BULILIT, 24, of Toril, Davao City,
the alleged gunman who shot the victim;
2. Rommel Escote DELA CERNA, 39, confessed lookout;
3. Rodel Escote DELA CERNA, 35, alleged driver of the getaway
motorcycle; and
4. P/Supt. Leonardo A FELONIA, Chief of the Regional Intelligence
Unit 11,Intelligence Group whom the brothers Dela Cerna tagged as
the person who hired them for the job.
Labang was arrested by local police in Ma-a, Davao City last June 22
for possession of a cal.45 handgun. He was positively identified
from a police line-up by witnesses as the gunman who shot and killed
King.
A day later, the brothers Dela Cerna surrendered to authorities and
assured their full cooperation in the investigation.
Based on the facts of the case, and other information uncovered from
testimonies of witnesses and statements of the accused, SITG “King”
was able to establish the following elements of crime, to wit:
Motive- business and hatred; Instrumentation: Motorcycle-riding
gunman, and Opportunity- vulnerability of victim while attending a
scheduled business function.
Case build-up operations started with a background investigation of
the business interests of the victim as owner and proprietor of
Vital C and Crown Regency Hotel, including his alleged personal
relationship with a business partner in a construction venture in
Boracay Island.
Investigators took note of internal conflicts within the victim’s
business ventures, particularly over the alleged mismanagement of
one of his co-owned companies that has resulted in losses estimated
at P150-million.
A Case for Murder was submitted for docketing before the City
Prosecutor’s Office of Davao City on June 23, 2014. Felonia has
since been relieved from post in Davao City and recalled to his
mother unit at the Intelligence Group Headquarters in Camp Crame to
assure his availability to face investigation..(PNP-PIO) |
|
|
|
|
DFA NCR-Northeast to start providing
authentication service on July 01 |
|
Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
|
30 June 2014 - The Department of Foreign Affairs’ satellite consular
office in Ali Mall (DFA NCR-Northeast) is ready to provide
authentication services to the public starting July 01, 2014.
DFA NCR-Northeast can authenticate the following documents issued
within Metro Manila:
1. NBI Clearance;
2. Police Clearance;
3. Barangay Certification with Mayor’s Certification;
4. NSO-issued documents in security paper including CENOMAR;
5. Affidavits of Employment, Trainings/Seminars, and
Baptism/Confirmation with Regional Trial Court (RTC) Certification;
6. Other Notarized Documents (SPA, Affidavit of Support and
Guarantee, Consent, etc.) with RTC Certification;
7. Medical Certifications authenticated by DOH;
8. PRC Documents;
9. LTO License Certification (issued by LTO main office only);
10. Foreign Documents authenticated by the Philippine/Consulate or
documents authenticated by Foreign Embassies/Consulates based in the
Philippines;
11. School Records (TOR, Diploma, Form 137, etc) with CHED, TESDA,
or DEP-Ed Certificate of Authentication and Verification (CAV); and
12. School Records with CAV issued by State Colleges and
Universities.
The satellite office will also cater to the authentication needs of
applicants with claim stubs issued by the Commission on Higher
Education – National Capital Region (CHED NCR). DFA NCR-Northeast
will serve as pick-up point for documents conveyed by CHED NCR for
authentication. Unclaimed and unprocessed CHED NCR-conveyed
documents with release dates from April to June 2014 will also be
released at the said satellite office.
The decentralization of Authentication Services is in line with the
DFA’s goal of making consular services closer to, and more
convenient and comfortable for the public.
DFA NCR-Northeast is located at Level 2 of Ali Mall Araneta Center,
Cubao, Quezon City. It is open to the public from 9:00 a.m to 6:00
p.m, from Monday to Saturday.
The start of authentication service at DFA NCR-Northeast will
compliment the three DFA satellite offices in Metro Manila offering
authentication services, namely: DFA NCR-East (SM Megamall), DFA
NCR-West (SM Manila) and DFA NCR-South (Metro Gaisano Alabang). |
|
|
|
|
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario visits Israel, boosts Philippines-Israel relations |
|
Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
|
|
30 June 2014 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario meets
with Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman during his official
visit to the State of Israel from June 26 to 28 to boost
Philippine-Israel relations. It is the first visit of a Philippine
Foreign Secretary to Israel in 20 years. |
|
|
|
|
DENR chief warns about dangers of mercury and
lead, urges schools to prioritize chemical safety |
|
Source:
http://www.denr.gov.ph |
|
|
Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday urged all primary schools in the
country to make chemical safety a top priority as he sounded the
alarm about the potential health risks of mercury and lead to
schoolchildren.
“Chemical safety and security must be a priority of the schools.
Administrators, supervisors, teachers and students must work
together to ensure that chemicals are handled with precaution and
care,” Paje said during the launch of the “Lead and Mercury Safe
Schools for Bright and Healthy Children” campaign by the DENR and
the European Union (EU) held at Commonwealth Elementary School in
Quezon City.
Paje, along with EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux and Dr. Jocelyn Marcial of
DepEd-National Capital Region and DepEd-NCR chief for elementary
schools division Dr. Genia Santos, and representatives of
environmental advocacy groups signed a “Solidarity Statement”
enjoining stakeholders to work together toward the elimination of
lead and mercury exposures in primary schools nationwide.
He said that with the help of the EU’s SWITCH-Asia Programme, the
Ecowaste Coalition and the International POPs Elimination Network
(IPEN), the government would be able strengthen the capacities of
schools in the management of lead, mercury and other hazardous
chemicals. POPs stands for persistent organic pollutants.
The Solidarity Statement, he added, will help “promote greater
inter-agency and multi-stakeholder support towards lead and
mercury-safe school environments for Filipino children.”
Paje noted that the investments being put in the effort are an
expression of the Aquino Administration’s fervor to channel the
gains in the country’s economy towards building generations of
Filipinos “that are both physically healthy and intellectually
vibrant.”
“The true wealth of a nation can only be truly realized through a
healthy and educated generation and citizenry,” said Paje.
The environment chief expressed hope the undertaking would “inspire
more schools to commit towards a safe and healthy environment for
healthy and bright kids.”
Commonwealth Elementary School was chosen as the venue for the
campaign launch having been the regional champion in the primary
school category of the DENR’s National Search for Sustainable and
Eco-Friendly Schools in 2011 and 2013, and national champion in the
same category for the Meralco Energy Leadership Awards.
Lead and mercury are toxic heavy metals being regulated by the DENR.
Exposure to these chemicals has been found to cause irreversible
neurological damage among children, leading to a decrease in
intelligence and an increase in violent behavior.
The DENR had earlier issued chemical control orders (CCOs) for
mercury and lead to limit, regulate, restrict and even prohibit
their importation, distribution, use, manufacture and disposal.
For his part EU Ambassador Ledoux complemented the government’s
aggressiveness on the problem and described the recent CCO issuances
to limit the use of the chemicals on consumers product as “a
breakthrough” and “effective intervention.”
He said that the “dangers of lead exposure in the Philippines are
real,” citing an EU-sponsored study in 2013 which revealed that more
than 60 percent of paint samples collected in various parts of the
country were with “worryingly high concentrations.”
“The situation is well-known and I would like to congratulate
Secretary Paje for his rapid and effective intervention to address
the issue. The recent chemical control order (issued) by the DENR to
limit the use of lead in consumer products is a breakthrough,” said
Ledoux.
Despite its many uses as in mining, pulp and paper, dental amalgam,
among others, mercury is extremely poisonous to humans. The human
body quickly absorbs mercury through skin contact, ingestion or
inhalation of mercury vapor.
To help address mercury in lamp wastes, the DENR has developed
guidelines in handling these wastes that are regulated hazardous
waste under Republic Act (RA) No. 6969 or the Toxic Substances, and
Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, and considered “special
wastes” under RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
Wastes from fluorescent lamps as well as other types of
energy-efficient lighting contain mercury. Fluorescent lamps are
among the most widely used electric light sources found not just in
homes and workplaces but also in schools.
Fluorescent lighting is energy efficient, using about one-fourth the
energy required compared to incandescent bulbs. When disposed of
improperly, fluorescent bulbs may release mercury into the air,
water and land, posing significant threat to public health and the
environment.
In October last year, Paje represented the Philippine government in
signing the Minamata Convention during the United Nations Conference
on Mercury in Japan. The international treaty calls on all member
states to regulate mercury and develop action plans to reduce and
eventually phase out its use.
As regards lead, the DENR has banned the use of lead and lead
compounds in the manufacture of packaging for food and drink, toys,
schools supplies, cosmetics, water pipes and other consumer
products, and its use as fuel additive.
Standards were set for the content of lead at 90 parts per million
for locally produced paint, and the timeframe for the strict
implementation of the standard from 2016 to 2019.
By 2016, paints intended for architectural, decorative, household
applications must comply with this lead content while paints for
industrial applications must conform to the content standard by
2019. The DENR has also been pushing for a shift to lead-free
production in the paint industry.
Since lead is a toxic substance, the regulation covers not only the
production process, but starts at the importation of the chemical to
transport, recycling and even up to disposal of lead-containing
wastes.
When lead gets inside the body, the body confuses it with other
essential nutrients and this gradual confusion can cause permanent
damage to the health of both children and adults.
Children six years and below can have learning disabilities while
adults can have nerve disorders, high blood pressure and increased
chance of illness for pregnant women affecting unborn babies, among
others. |
|
|
|
|
DBP grants additional P690-million loan to CamSur
LGU |
|
Source:
https://www.devbnkphl.com |
|
|
The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) extended recently an
additional loan of P690-million to the local government of Camarines
Sur as part of its commitment to support the various development
programs of the province.
The DBP loan will be used to finance infrastructure projects worth
P300-million, and a food terminal project amounting to P200-million.
Proceeds of the loan will also be used to finance Internet-based
curriculum and connectivity of public schools amounting to
P100-million, tourism development initiatives worth P50-million, and
completion of other various priority projects pegged at
P41.9-million.
DBP previously financed various infrastructure, school buildings and
facilities, mini-hospital/ health centers, IT park and tourism
projects of the LGU including the world-renowned Camarines Sur Water
Sports Complex and Gota Beach Resort in Caramoan Island. The bank's
assistance to the Camarines Sur LGU earned the Most Outstanding
Local Economic Development Project award for DBP from the
Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the
Pacific in 2011. It also helped Camarines Sur become the country's
top tourist destination from 2009-2010. |
|
|
|
|
Early planting, tissue culture eyed to boost
annual garlic production |
|
Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
|
|
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for a two-crop cycle
for garlic to boost the country’s production of the commodity and
ease its dependence on imported supply. Current crop cycle could
only support single planting in a year.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said he has ordered DA’s
regional office in Ilocos Region to work alongside farmer-groups in
Baccara and Pasuquin to test if dual cropping is possible by
planting a month earlier than usual and by using early-maturing
varieties.
Alcala was in Ilocos Norte on June 24-25, 2014, to lead a gathering
of DA national officials in Laoag and to launch several projects,
including two onion and garlic storage facilities in Pasuquin and
inside the Mariano Marcos State University campus in Batac, each
costing P1.3 million.
Garlic, with a crop cycle taking about five months from planting to
harvest, grows well during dry months. Local farmers typically plant
on October or November and harvest by February or March.
Alcala proposed that farmers plant as early as September so they
could harvest by December and plant again within the month which
they will reap by March.
“Planting twice a year means double income for farmers,” he said.
DA will also test the viability of growing the crops in a nursery
for a month before transplanting them to the open field saving one
month in the crop cycle.
DA Regional Field Unit 1, headed by Director Valentino Perdido, is
expected to complete fleshing out the details of the proposed
activities before the end of the month.
He said DA will conduct a parallel research in its research station
in Batac to ensure the integrity of the results.
Tissue culture Earlier, Alcala asked the officials of the Mariano
Marcos State University, led by President Miriam Pascua, to
fasttrack its research and development initiatives aimed at
developing quality planting stocks through tissue culture.
Alcala said DA will provide additional funds to fast-track the
improvement of high quality planting stocks. Lack of quality
planting stock has been identified as a major factor of low
production during the last five years.
MMSU experts said the development of tissue-cultured planting stocks
for garlic may take about four years if done through the normal
process. |
|
|
|
|
Probe on missing Vietnamese national on-going,
BI says “Manhunt against missing Vietnamese on—Mison” |
|
Source:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
|
|
Immigration authorities are currently investigating how a Vietnamese
national managed to evade arrest shortly after being put under
custody early Saturday morning.
Meanwhile, Immigration chief Siegfred Mison vows to use the full
powers of the agency to locate and bring back the recalcitrant
Vietnamese national who managed to escape Immigration custody
shortly after being deemed excluded from entry into the Philippines.
Atty. Elaine Tan, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson says the bureau
is exhausting its efforts to find out how Phan Tan Loc, an excluded
passenger of Cebu Pacific flight number 5J572, managed to escape
authorities right before he was about to be boarded on the plane
back to where he came from.
Tan says Phan was prevented entry into the Philippines after
authorities found him to be a likely public charge, which is
supported by Section 29(a)5 of the Philippine Immigration Act. When
he was being asked about details of his travel, the foreign national
was unable to provide any detail on where he intends to stay. Phan
was likewise found to have misrepresented the fact of having a
Filipina girlfriend when the claim was discovered to be false upon
verification.
Initial investigation showed that Phan managed to go pass stringent
security checks unnoticed by authorities. Tan says that the minute
their findings point to a lapse in security, the bureau will not
hesitate to mete the proper administrative charge against those who
are responsible for Phan’s disappearance.
“Exclusion orders under Section 29(a)(5) may be reversed upon
showing that subjects are capable of supporting their stay in the
Philippines such as having a guarantor or any document to prove that
he is a legitimate tourist.”
“We are currently checking the background of Phan to determine the
reason behind his refusal to go back to his home country,” Tan
added.
Subjects who evade exclusion proceedings are subject to summary
deportation.
Charges against Phan are now being prepared parallel to
administrative investigations against BI personnel for misconduct.
The BI is currently coordinating with airline authorities and the
Vietnamese Embassy to trace the whereabouts of Phan. |
|
|
|
|
Central Visayas gets over P40M scholarship
from TESDA |
|
Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
|
Secretary Joel Villanueva, Director General of the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) embarked on a
three-province swing in three days in the Central Visayas region -
signing partnership deals, playing in basketball exhibition games,
and handing out scholarship vouchers to allow the youth to avail of
free training.
The bulk of the scholarship worth P40.5 million were given to 16
municipalities in northern Cebu, which were affected by typhoon
Yolanda last year. The mayors and their constituents accepted the
scholarship grants.
"We know the typhoon survivors badly need jobs and money. The free
training could provide the key to unlocking opportunities that could
go a long way," Villanueva said.
He urged the residents to use the training to learn skills that they
could use in rebuilding their communities and starting their own
small business.
"From carpentry to welding, to commercial cooking and massage
therapy, there are a variety of courses that could help the
survivors start anew," he added.
Providing entertainment to the people, Villanueva joined the
basketball exhibition game organized by TESDA Region VII as part of
their social marketing and advocacy program.
"Shoot for you Dream Cebu" pitted Team Specialistas, composed of
TESDA graduates and local political personalities, and Team Trabaho,
composed of former players of the Philippine Basketball Association
like Alvin Patrimonio, Marlou Aquino, Bal David, Jerry Codinera,
Rodney Santos, Bobby Jose and Kenneth Duremdes.
Team Specialistas was backed by ex-PBA stalwarts Ramon Fernandez and
Bonel Balingi; Cebu’s political Leaders Congressmen Samsam Gullas
and Bebot Abellanosa and Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama; and businessman
Glenn Soco.
While in Cebu, Villanueva also gave an inspirational message to the
graduates of the Department of Manpower Development and Placement,
the training arm of the Cebu City government. He also signed a
Memorandum of Agreement with the Cebu Contractors Association for
training, assessment and certification programs.
In Siquijor province, Villanueva led the distribution of
Certificates of Training to TESDA graduates, and visited the Lazi
Technical Institute, a school supervised by the agency. He also met
with the local government officials of the province.
In Dumaguete City, Negros Oreintal, he awarded P1 million worth of
scholarship to the provincial government represented by Governor
Roel Degamo. He also inducted the newly-elected officers of the
Negros Oriental Association of Training Institutions.
Scholarship coupons were also handed to the Kapisanan ng mga
Broadcaster sa Pilipinas in Negros Oriental.
The TESDA chief signed a Deed of Usufruct to a 500-square meter lot
donated by the Dumaguete City government to the agency as a site for
TESDA's provincial office.
Villanueva's Central Visayas tour took place from June 24 to 26. |
|
|
|
|
VP warns of high-tech poll fraud in 2016 |
|
Source:
http://ovp.gov.ph |
|
|
Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has issued a warning on possible
high-tech cheating in the 2016 presidential elections.
“Disturbing reports have reached us about the possible high-tech
tampering to favor certain candidates, especially for high offices
in 2016,” Binay said during the Joint Convention of the Integrated
Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Western and Eastern Visayas in Iloilo.
“If this is true, such an act will be an assault on the people’s
sovereign power to confer their mandate on the leaders of their
choosing,” he added.
The Vice President repeated the warning before Rotary Governors in
Manila.
He urged the IBP and the Rotary Club to take active roles in
ensuring clean and honest elections and fighting electronic fraud in
the 2016 polls.
“As early as now, the seeds of advocacy for fair and honest
elections in 2016 must be sown and nurtured in order to defend our
people’s sovereign will. I hope the IBP will pick up the gauntlet
and be among the vigilant guardians of a clean electoral process
less than two years hence,” he added.
Binay also lauded the IBP for their efforts in “taking to task those
who flout the Constitution” in the handling of government funds.
“With your filing of a petition before the Supreme Court assailing
the constitutionality of the so-called ‘Disbursement Acceleration
Program’, or DAP, the IBP has registered its strong position to be
on the side of impartial accountability and genuine reform in
governance,” he said.
“Hopefully, our Supreme Court will soon rule on your petition and
find merit in the same for the sake of a truly holistic resolution
of the ‘pork barrel scam’,” he added. The Vice President, who is
also a lawyer, also urged the IBP to lead in the restoration of
order and national discipline in the country.
He said prominent citizens and community leaders, as well as civic
and sectoral organizations have joined to form a movement for
national discipline called Kilos Kaayusan, which is set to launch in
August.
“As professional advocates sworn to defend the Constitution and
uphold the laws of the land at all times, we lawyers are in the
commanding position to spearhead a dynamic movement to restore
kaayusan in our country and persuade our people to observe
discipline in their daily lives. For the sake of the nation, this I
urge you to consider,” he said.
The lack of order and discipline, the Vice President said, is the
root cause of corruption.
“Official corruption finds its roots in the weakness of patriotic
commitment and lack of discipline in our bureaucracy. Think about
it: will this ‘pork barrel scam’ materialize if there was strict,
proper, and professional handling of public funds by the Budget
Department and the implementing agencies,” Binay said.
“The system is so weak, disorderly, and prone to manipulation that a
scheming street-smart person from Basilan has been able to conspire
with the bureaucracy and fleece the people of their money,” he
added.
Meanwhile, during the Joint Induction Ceremonies of the Philippine
College of Rotary Governors and the Philippine Rotary Magazine
Foundation, Inc., Binay urged Rotarians to act and do their parts in
renewing "our sense of national discipline."
"As quick as we are to decry the void in law and order, we must be
even quicker to fill that gap with solutions. As one organization,
Rotary is capable of unleashing fresh winds of hope across the land
and inspiring people to remain engaged in nation building. I am
counting on the new officers of the Philippine College of Rotary
Governors as well as each and every Rotarian to rise to this
ambitious challenge and lead the way," Binay said.
"This road will not be easy but it will not be lonely. In certain
parts of the country, community-based activities have been organized
to respond to the challenge of restoring order to society and
government," he added. |
|
|
|
|
AEC opportunities must be seized, not feared |
|
Source:
http://www.pids.gov.ph |
|
|
The ASEAN Economic Integration (AEC) offers immense business
opportunities that both the government and the private sector must
exploit to fully benefit from its advantages.
This was underscored in a regional forum on the ASEAN Economic
Community organized by the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 9 with the participation of state
think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office in
Zamboanga City.
PIDS Senior Research Fellow Erlinda Medalla stressed the need to do
more to take advantage of the opportunities from AEC.
The AEC does not only reduce tariffs but also promote trade
facilitation. It commits the country to implement reforms on customs
modernizations and establishment of a national single window and an
ASEAN Single Window, she said.
"National single window is a single submission and accelerated
processing of applications of licenses, permits, and other
authorizations required prior to undertaking a trade transaction,
while the ASEAN Single Window is a regional initiative that
integrates the national single windows of ASEAN countries," Medalla
said.
Medalla has been pushing for the implementation of a national single
window to speed up data processing and cargo clearance procedures.
"This would have positive impact on the cost of doing business, not
just for large industries, but more importantly for micro, small,
and medium enterprises."
She added that the country needs to step up in educating and
informing the public about the benefits of the coming integration.
"There is a need for greater information and education campaign to
help small and medium enterprises get linked to the supply chain and
receive support from all sectors. An agro-industry roadmap would
also be a great help," she said.
DTI Assistant Secretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy
Perry Rodolfo said that in 2010, duties for 98.63 percent of
Philippine products are already at zero percent. As of 2010, all
duties have been eliminated for agricultural and industrial products
except for live swine, live chicken, meat of swine, meat of chicken,
cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, rice, and sugar, he said.
Senen Perlada, Director of Export Marketing Bureau of DTI, said vast
trading opportunities will come with the integration. "We should not
limit our markets only to 100 million Filipinos considering that
ASEAN has a combined GDP of USD 2.4 trillion as of 2013. About 67
million households in the ASEAN are now part of the consuming
class," he said.
Perlada cited as an example a firm in General Santos City that
shifted from exporting tuna to frozen smoked salmon. The firm
imports zero-tariff salmon from New Zealand and then processes it
for export to free trade agreement (FTA) partners.
Another example is Universal Robina's C2 Green Tea. C2 is now one of
the largest in the Vietnamese bottled green tea market, Perlada
said.
"We should also take advantage of the Halal market," he added. There
is an advantage in food, logistics, and banking, he said.
"The Philippines has to engage in free trade agreements to maintain
its competitiveness and promote cross-border complementation."
Perlada emphasized that it is necessary to maximize the benefits
made available by FTAs to our exporters.
Improving the quality of infrastructure in the Philippines was also
a key topic in the forum. According to PIDS Senior Research Fellow
Adoracion Navarro, the Philippines is the third lowest in overall
quality of infrastructure in the ASEAN region based on the Global
Competitiveness Report 2013-2014.
Critical investments in airport infrastructure facilities and air
navigation system are needed to address congestion in airport
terminals, Navarro said. "NAIA 1 served 7.5 million passengers in
2012, but its capacity is only 5.5 million passengers." She
emphasized that it is necessary to boost infrastructure spending to
five percent of GDP by 2016. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
..jpg)
