Monday, January 19, 2015

Dispatch for January 21 , 2015 (Wednesday) , 1 PIA Calabarzon PR, 3 Weather Watch , 1 OFW Watch ,PNOY Speech , Interview with Sec. Coloma , 15 Online News , 96 Photonews 19 JANUARY 2015


24-Hour Public Weather Forecast


Issued at 5:00 a.m., 21 January 2015 
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow


24-hr Mean Sea Level Pressure
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure

Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 January 2015
24-hr Mean Sea Level StreamliSEs
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind 
Analysis for 8 a.m., 21 January 2015
Satellite Image
Satellite Image 

Synopsis:

 Northeast monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.

Forecast:

The regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Visayas And Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rains. Thunderstorms are likely to occur over these areas. 
                       
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.  Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north with slight to moderate seas. 
 

 
PAGASA weather forecaster Chris Perez on DZBB:
-Wala na pong bagyo at walang pang namamataan na sama ng panahon within 24 hours.
-Amihan na lang magdudulot ng bahagyang kaulapan at pag-ulan Cagayan at CAR.
-Visayas at Mindanao makakaranas din ng bahagyang kaulapan at pag-ulan.


 January 21 , 2015 (Wednesday) as of 6:00-7:00 A.M. 

PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Sunny in Lucena City





PIA-4A/RIZAL: More than 70 class presidents, student council members and school newspaper staff are currently participating in the Department of Natural Resources and Philippine Information Agency - Calabarzon Students' Forum on Climate Change at the Sampaloc National High School, Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. The student forum aims to provide a conducive area for discussion of climate change and the DENR National Greening Program.












 


Palace acknowledges latest survey on administration's net satisfaction rating
The Palace on Tuesday acknowledged the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, where the administration received an overall satisfaction rating of "+34" or "good."

"We take cognizance of the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations, which shows a net satisfaction rating of +34 for the general performance of the administration," Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

The survey was conducted from November 27 to December 1 last year, using face-to-face interviews with 1,800 adults nationwide, during which they were asked to rate the performance of the government on certain issues.

According to the survey results, 58 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the government’s performance, while 24 percent said they were dissatisfied. Some 17 percent of the respondents were undecided.

Among the issues that received a rating of "good" were: helping victims of disasters (+42); defending the country’s territorial rights (+40); providing enough supply of electricity (+38); promoting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (+38); foreign relations (+33); helping the poor (+33); and preparing for climate change (+31).

Meanwhile, the issue on fighting inflation received a "poor" rating of -12; while the issue on resolving the Maguindanao massacre case with justice got a “bad” rating of -41.

Secretary Coloma assured the public that the government will continue to address these issues.

"In the remaining months of the administration, we shall continue to ramp up the implementation of vital plans, activities and programs in order to achieve our goals of inclusive growth, especially in the areas of peace and order, job security and livelihood, strengthening the purchasing power of consumers and providing justice to the victims of the Maguindanao massacre," he said. PND (ag)

Palace says Reproductive Health Law supports responsible parenting
The Palace said on Tuesday that the Reproductive Health (RH) Law promotes responsible parenthood.

“Ang pinakamahalagang aspeto nito (RH Law) ay ang pagtuturo ng kaalaman sa ating mga mamamayan kung paano magiging responsableng magulang, sapagkat ang kinokosidera natin dito ay ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng sapat na kakayahan na buhayin ang kanilang mga anak at magtatag ng mga matitibay na pamilya, na isa sa mga focal points ng papal visit,” Communication Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr. said during Tuesday’s press briefing in Malacañang.Pope Francis, on his flight back to Rome, appealed for responsible parenting, saying that good Catholics do not have to breed “like rabbits.” He however reiterated the Church ban on contraceptives, suggesting natural family planning methods.
The government has passed a law making artificial contraceptives easily available, a move that has met opposition from the Church.
Asked to comment on Pope Francis’ statement, Secretary Coloma said the government, through the RH Law, also encourages responsible parenting.
“Sinabi ng Santo Papa na mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng mga matatatag na pamilya, at siyempre, ang matatag na pamilya ay nakabatay sa kabutihan at sa kaalaman. Iyan din ang layunin ng patakaran ng pamahalaan,” he explained.
“Kaya’t dapat lang siguro pagkatapos nitong pagdalaw ng Santo Papa ay magkaroon ng mas maigting na pagtutulungan sa ating lipunan ang iba’t ibang mga sektor at stakeholders, para mapalakas po natin ang mga pamilya. At isa sa mga paraan dito ay ang pagkakaroon ng mga responsableng magulang.”
He noted that the Church and the government may not agree on every aspect of the RH Law but they should focus on "common ground for common action".
"Hindi po magkahalintulad sa lahat ng aspeto ang posisyon ng pamahalaan at ng simbahan at kinikilala din natin ang pagkakaiba. Pero habang may pagkakaiba, puwede namang maumpisahan na ang pagtutulungan at pagbabayanihan batay sa pinagkasunduan at pinagkaisahan,” he said.

“Kaya ‘yan ang pokus ng ating pamahalaan, ang pagkasunduan, pagtulungan ang mga aspeto na puwedeng maging batayan para matulungan natin ang nakararami sa ating mga kababayan, para magtatag tayo ng mga mas matitibay na pamilya at sa ganoong paraan ay lalong bumuti ang ating lipunan," Coloma said. PND (ag)

Government efforts to secure Pope Francis were effective, Palace official says
Following the successful state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis, a Malacañang official said on Tuesday that the government's efforts to secure the Pontiff were effective.

Asked during a press briefing at the Palace if there were grave threats to the Pope, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the government dealt with “generic threats.”

“Ayon mismo kay Pangulong Aquino, ang mga batid ng ating mga intelligence agencies ay ang tinawag niyang ‘generic threats’ at hindi mga ‘specific threats’,” Secretary Coloma said.“Ang lahat ng mga banta na natutukan at napagalaman ay siniyasat, at nakita naman natin na sa buong kaganapan ng pagdalaw ng Santo Papa ay hindi naman ito nagambala sa anumang paraan,” he said, reassuring the public that the authorities have been looking into and will always check any security threat.
After his five-day visit to the Philippines, Pope Francis safely returned to Rome on board Philippine Airlines Flight PR 801, arriving at the Ciampino Airport at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Philippine time. PND (ag)

Palace defends President Aquino's speech after his meeting with Pope Francis
Malacañang on Tuesday defended President Benigno S. Aquino III's speech following his meeting with Pope Francis last week, which has been criticized by netizens as unstatesmanlike.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during the daily press briefing at the Palace that in his speech, the President was merely recounting his personal experiences and observations regarding the role played by the Church in the country.

"Makatotohanan ang kanyang talumpati at wala siyang layuning mapanira,” Secretary Coloma said.

“The speech was a truth-telling statement. If we review the entire text, we will understand the context. It was a narrative that is historically accurate and truthful and there is no singling out of any personality or any group," he explained.

He described the President’s speech as a personal testimony of someone who experienced the events he was talking about.

Following his 15-minute closed-door with Pope Francis, President Aquino spoke about the Church’s "silence” while abuses were being committed by the previous administration.

The speech drew criticisms from netizens who called it “inappropriate.”

"It was a truthful statement and there was no other purpose for that speech except to tell the truth," said Coloma. PND (ag)

 

20 JANUARY 2015
City treasurer convicted of graft
Poverty-reduction takes lion's share in 2015 Budget
Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 venue
BSP issues limited edition Commemorative Coins for the Papal visit
DSWD to recognize modern-day heroes of community development
DTI warns public against unreputable freight forwarders
Women peace leaders laud Pope Francis' call for greater women participation
Assistance is coming, Baldoz assures OFW family of dead volunteer in Tacloban during Pope Francis’ visit
Philippines to host 1st APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) in Clark and Subic
New firetrucks raised CRK rating to Category 10
BI takes action against personnel allegedly involved in extortion
Intensified agricultural R &D crucial in achieving biotech’s potentials
New Environmental Planning Law upgrades qualification of standards for planners in government service
Former bank president arraigned for P748-M estafa case
Z Package Cares for the Heart

City treasurer convicted of graft
Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph
The Sandiganbayan convicted former Dumaguete City treasurer Ofelia Oliva for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for the procurement of an overpriced weighing scale without the requisite public bidding.

In a 24-page Decision penned by Associate Justice Samuel Martires, the Sandiganbayan found that the weighing scale which costs P130,000.00 was requisitioned by the Office of the Market Superintendent in April 1990 through canvassing of prices from Metro Manila suppliers instead of Dumaguete City.

The Sandiganbayan cited the Commission on Audit (COA) report that the weighing scale purchased from Joe Bart Enterprises was overpriced by P59,820.00. The anti-graft court found that the weighing scales quoted by the suppliers during the canvass were of different specifications and that Oliva violated the previously existing regulation on personal canvass for items not exceeding P30,000.00.

The court also noted that the weighing scale was of poor workmanship, without serial number, and not Japan-made as per technical specifications. Oliva alone signed the canvass slip, to the exclusion of the representatives from the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod.

“This act of accused Oliva, coupled with her utter disregard of proper procurement procedures, clearly demonstrates bad faith and manifest partiality towards Joe Bart Enterprises, thus giving the latter unwarranted benefits, advantage and preference through the purchase of overpriced fabricated weighing scale and ultimately causing injury to Dumaguete City,” the Decision stated.

The Sandiganbayan sentenced Oliva to suffer the penalty of imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) month as minimum to ten (10) years as maximum, with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

Poverty-reduction takes lion's share in 2015 Budget
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
In support of the Aquino administration’s intensified drive to reduce poverty in the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today said that Social Services now corner 36.6 percent or P952.7 billion—the largest of all sectoral allocations—of the 2015 P2.606-trillion National Budget.

The allocation towards the Administration’s poverty reduction programs reinforces President Aquino’s key message for the 2015 fiscal year: “No one, especially the poor and the vulnerable, should be left behind.”

The Social Services 2015 budget program of P952.7 billion—up by 13.2 percent compared to last year’s budget—will help the National Government achieve their Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing poverty incidence to 16 percent by 2016 while sustaining equal opportunities for all.

Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “To ensure that the Administration can properly reach out to the country’s poorest, we had to ensure sufficient funding support for programs under our agencies on the front lines of poverty reduction.”

One of these agencies, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was already set to receive a larger share from the then-proposed 2015 National Budget even before the latter’s congressional review and approval. In the end, the DSWD received P108.2 billion, 29.8 percent higher from its 2014 budget.

The DSWD’s primary program in helping the poor is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), also known as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. With a budget of P62.3 billion, the program provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to help reduce poverty for 4.3 million families.

The DSWD also has other programs to address social protection:

- The KALAHI-CIDSS National Community-Driven Development Project, which seeks to empower communities in accessing services and participating in local planning, budgeting and implantation. This program will support 6,735 community projects that cater to 1.5 million poor households.

- The Sustainable Livelihood Program, which covers families who graduate from the CCT program. This program will support 265,175 family beneficiaries with micro-enterprise developments and 113,647 households under the employment facilitation through capacity development.

- Social pensions for indigent senior citizens, which allocates a monthly social pension of P500 to 939,609 indigent senior citizens aged 65 years and above.

- The Supplemental Feeding Program, which is part of the government’s Early Childhood Care and Development program, is a food supplementation program that will give hot meals to children during snack-/mealtime five days a week for 120 days.

- The National Household Targeting System, an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are, besides ranking and classifying them. Updated every four years, it has already identified 5.2 million poor households entitled to social protection as of 2011.

Abad said, “The budget allocation for social protection is part of the Administration’s investment in the people, who are ultimately the country’s most invaluable resource. From creating more jobs for our growing population to ensuring the well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable, the National Government is resolved to improve the quality of life of our citizens. More important, however, is ensuring that Filipinos get equal opportunity to benefit from our economic gains, and that the growth we’ve already tracked can be sustained beyond this administration.”

Tagum City is Palarong Pambansa 2015 venue
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
PASIG CITY – After careful deliberation, officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) have selected Tagum City, Davao del Norte to host the 2015 Palarong Pambansa. The city beat out five other bidders – Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Koronadal City, Lanao del Norte province, and CARAGA region.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked for the support of the cities that were not selected. “This is a vote for Mindanao. This year we were surprised at the number of bidders. We hope that we still have your support.”

When asked what he expected from the host Luistro replied, “The only thing we need to expect is for Tagum to deliver.” He added, “Ang maganda sa Tagum ay mukhang handa na ang lahat. Hindi na kailangan pa ng dagdag na buwang preparasyon.” The Palarong Pambansa is held in May with hosting duties rotating yearly among the island groups.

Competitive bidding

Months before the official presentation, DepEd and Philippine Sports Commission officials inspected each venue to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate. PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez reported to the body the rating system that they used, which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the adequacy of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

Based on the criteria, Tagum City garnered the highest points. According to Gomez, the local government had already upgraded its facilities, which were used to host PSC’s Batang Pinoy competitions in 2013.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair Ricardo Garcia congratulated all the bidders. “I am impressed with the way everyone conducted themselves. The PSC will definitely consider one of you to host Batang Pinoy and our other events in 2015.”

Palarong Pambansa Law

Palarong Pambansa 2015 will be the first national games to be held under the Palarong Pambansa Law (RA 10588) signed May 27, 2014, which mandates the creation of a Palarong Pambansa Board as the lead policy-making and coordinating body for the preparation and conduct of the games. The Board shall be composed of the DepEd Secretary as Chairperson, a DepEd Undersecretary, two (2) DepEd Assistant Secretaries, the Chairman of the PSC, the President of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

BSP issues limited edition Commemorative Coins for the Papal visit
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
To commemorate the state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) today announced the issuance of limited edition 50-piso and 500-piso papal coins. Both coins are legal tender and will be sold for P100.00 and P1,000.00, respectively, to cover production, packaging and other costs. The coins are minted under a licensing agreement with the Vatican.

As a matter of policy, the BSP commemorates significant events in our country’s history through the minting of coins, medals or overprints on our banknotes. Papal commemorative coins were also issued for the 1970 visit of Pope Paul VI, and for the 1981 and 1995 papal visits of Pope John Paul II.

The 50-piso Commemorative Coin for Pope Francis is made of Nickel Brass while the 500-piso is made of Nordic Gold with gold plating. Featured on both coins are:
On the obverse:
• The portrait of Pope Francis
• The markings:
o “Republika ng Pilipinas”, “Pope Francis”
o Signature of Pope Francis
o The Denomination
o Yearmark “2015”
o BSP Mint Mark
On the reverse:
• The BSP seal
• The markings:
o “Papal Visit/Philippines”
o Date of Visit “January 15-19, 2015”
o Logo of the Papal Visit 2015
o Mini letters “Mercy and Compassion”
To reserve, forms may be downloaded from the BSP website, www.bsp.gov.ph, and sent topapalcoins@bsp.gov.ph. Please wait for a confirmation e-mail with the date when you can pay for and pick up the coins at the BSP. Please note that the coins are not available over the counter. Reservation forms may be submitted only until the end of June 2015.
The 50-Piso and 500-Piso coins will be available beginning the last week of January 2015. 1,000-Piso silver and 10,000-Piso gold Papal commemorative coins will also be available in May 2015.

DSWD to recognize modern-day heroes of community development
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to conduct the first “bayanI Ka!” Awards on January 23 at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City, to recognize representatives from various sectors in their initiatives for community development through their participation in the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP), one of the Agency’s biggest poverty alleviation programs. Called the “bayanI Ka!” Awards, the event will recognize ordinary citizens, local government units (LGUs) at the barangay, municipal, and provincial levels, and program staff who have gone beyond what is expected of them in their involvement in KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP. KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP is a program that seeks to help alleviate poverty through the community-driven development (CDD) strategy, a development approach that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement sub-projects that address needs identified by communities themselves. It is the scaling up of Kalahi-CIDSS, which started in 2003. ‘bayanI’ campaign The “bayanI Ka!” Awards is part of the “bayanI” information campaign of KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP, which promotes the involvement of Filipinos in community development, regardless of their age, gender, educational attainment, and status, by encouraging them to put their community (bayan) before their own selves (“I”). The “bayanI Ka!” Awards pays special focus to the areas KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP deems important: community participation, local governance, peace, gender, and disaster risk reduction and mitigation (DRRM). Special awards are also given for the Best Youth, Best Senior Citizen, Indigenous People (IP), and Best Person with Disabilities (PWD)-Volunteers. LGUs are also recognized for the promotion of good governance, transparency, and accountability. Seventeen awards will be given on January 23, with the awardees coming from different parts of the country. Among the awardees is Rey Jaboneta, a PWD from Barangay New Panay in Maragusan, Compostela Valley, who led his community in their Kalahi-CIDSS implementation, allowing them to construct classrooms and a livelihood center. This provided a new opportunity for his fellow residents to generate more income through the center and during the construction phase and establish a school facility for the children in the community. Another winner is Catherine Asi of Barangay Delabayan in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, the “bayanI ka!” Awardee for Gender. Her leadership in KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP helped settle the conflict between Muslims and Christians in her region, leading them to work together to complete their Kalahi-CIDSS sub-project. Santos Balilid, a B’laan from Barangay Sinapulan in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, won the “bayanI ka!” Award for IP Welfare. When he was nominated as the leader of the Kalahi-CIDSS’ volunteers in their village, he used this opportunity to promote the welfare of his fellow B’laans to ensure that they will not be left behind in development. The Environmental Movement for Earth (EMFE) is a winner in the environmental protection and DRRM category. The group was founded by Mark Bangco through his volunteer work in Kalahi-CIDSS, where he learned about the importance of environmental protection and its impact on their community in Barangay Simborio in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. The organization is comprised of students at the elementary, high school, and college levels and out-of-school youths who work together not only to participate in Kalahi-CIDSS, but also to conduct initiatives such as information and clean-up drives and tree planting activities to help protect their community from environmental hazards. The Brgy. Pulo Water System (BAPWASA) in San Antonio, Quezon is an awardee for volunteerism. Through the initiatives of the BAPWASA, which was organized through Kalahi-CIDSS, the community is able to enjoy having clean drinking water. Silvino Lubos in Northern Samar was chosen as a “bayanI Ka!” Awardee for Peace Promotion. Through the leadership of Mayor Edmund S. Gillamac, they were able to complete their Kalahi-CIDSS sub-projects and advocate for transparency despite peace and security issues. Other LGU awardees are Surigao del Sur under Gov. Johnny Pimentel and Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay for their promotion of CDD, good governance, and transparency. Spokespersons for community development According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, the awardees of the “bayanI Ka!” represent the new breed of Filipinos who are willing to go beyond themselves in order to support their communities. “These are people who, without being paid for their involvement in KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP, give their time, their talent, and even their resources just so they can help their communities rise from poverty,” said Soliman. She continued, “These awardees prove that there is a hero waiting to be discovered in everyone – all it takes is the genuine desire to help.” The “bayani Ka!” awards will serve as the closing activity for the Unified Program Review and Evaluation Workshop, which looks into the convergence of the big-ticket programs of the DSWD: KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

DTI warns public against unreputable freight forwarders
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) warned the public against the 43 unreputablefreight forwarders, which were the subject of complaints from shippers and consignees for non-delivery of Balikbayan boxes.

“In its latest advisory, DTI-FTEB listed these erring foreign and local sea freight forwarders to prevent consumers in patronizing their services. The advisory also cited the 54 foreign freight forwarders/consolidators from Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East and USA that have pending complaints pertaining to Balikbayan boxes,” DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba narrated.

The FTEB, a DTI-CPG line bureau, regularly posts its advisory of erring foreign and local sea freight forwarders for non-delivery of Balikbayan boxes in the DTI website. The non-delivery of Balikbayan boxes usually occurs when foreign consolidators/ principal sea freight forwarders do not remit a portion of their collected charges to their accredited Philippine agents/ local sea freight forwarders to prompt the release and delivery of balikbayan boxes.

“When necessary funds are not remitted to accredited Philippine agent/ local freight forwarders, the shipment or the balikbayan boxes with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will not be released and will not be delivered to consignees/ recipients. Unfortunately,the DTI-FTEB records show that some incidents of undelivered balikbayan boxes involved freight forwarding companies with accreditation. Thus, we have already revoked the accreditation of D’Winner Logistics Phils. Inc. and Globalnet International Freight, Inc. and currently seeking for revocation of accreditation of Steadfast Air-Sea International Incorporated for, together with its licensed Customs Broker/Mr. Victorino C. Guilles, Jr., abandoning shipment consigned to it," Dimagiba underscored. The DTI-FTEB implements an accreditation scheme for sea freight forwarding companies.

As of 09 January 2015, the DTI-FTEB has issued the accreditation certificate to 664 sea freight forwarders, of which 57 are also engaged in handling Balikbayan box shipments. Undersecretary Dimagiba stressed, “The accreditation scheme helps professionalize the freight forwarding industry and the DTI will continue to strictly implement its criteria to weed out those companies that are not qualified to engage in this business."

The DTI enjoins the public to regularly check the following websites for guidance on which sea freight forwarders they can transact with and be assured in sending their Balikbayan boxes:
List of accredited door-to-door sea freight forwarders and DTI-FTEB Advisory
Bureau of Customs Balikbayan Box Tracker

Women peace leaders laud Pope Francis' call for greater women participation
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
MANILA – Two of the top women leaders in the peace process extolled Pope Francis' call for greater women participation and representation in society when he spoke to the Filipino youth at the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, January 18. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles and Government of the Philippines chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer both said that they "love the pope"‎ especially for championing the rights of women. "Talagang I love this pope (I really love this pope)! It is so heartening that, in his attention to the periphery, he did not miss the women," Deles said. "It's so important that he notes that men are a factor in the problem." In his speech during the meeting with Filipino youth, Pope Francis noted the lack of women representation. “Women have much to tell us in today's society. Sometimes, we are too machistas (chauvinistic) and we don't allow enough space for women,”‎ the pontiff said. “Women can see things from a different angle [from] us, with a different eye. Women are able to pose questions we men are unable to understand,” Pope Francis added, responding to 12-year old Glyzelle Palomar, a street kid who related how her life has been exposed to the ills of drugs and prostitution. Coronel-Ferrer noted Pope Francis' compassion. “He is with us in our struggle for peace and justice—in Mindanao, in our everyday life, among the poor and dispossessed in our society.” “Women and girls are affected by poverty, drugs, and prostitution, as well as by war, in distinct ways,” Coronel-Ferrer pointed out. “Pope Francis thus poignantly noted the different perspectives that women and girls can offer.” “The young girl’s question was heartbreaking,” she said. “But the question is really addressed to us: Why do we let these things happen?” “Women tend to ask many of the ‘why’ questions about life upfront," Coronel-Ferrer said. "Amazing how a young girl said it best. Even more amazing was how the Pope built on the moment to make a pitch for more women’s participation in both societal and spiritual affairs." "The Pope knows that justice and peace for women and girls have to be spelled out in ways that will be equally meaningful to the other half of humankind," said Coronel-Ferrer. PH lauded for gender-inclusive peace process As the Pope calls for greater women’s participation in the Philippines, last December the country was also lauded for its gender-inclusive peace process by former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during a speech at Georgetown University. Deles and Coronel-Ferrer were both cited by Clinton for making inclusivity the guiding principle in peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, resulting to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final political settlement ending one of the longest internal conflicts in Southeast Asia. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, the agreement's legal iteration, is currently under deliberation in both chambers of Congress. “Consider what has happened recently in the Philippines," Clinton said. "Hope for peace was all but gone when two strong women, Teresita Quintos Deles and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, took over the negotiations. They made inclusivity their mantra. And thanks greatly to their efforts, finally a peace was brokered in a historic deal.” Coronel-Ferrer has already received acclaim as the first woman to sign a major peace agreement in the world under a peace process office whose chief, Deles, is also a woman. They were ‎also joined by a negotiating team that included two more women -- National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao and National Security Council Undersecretary and Technical Working Group on Normalization chair Zenonida Brosas. Deles and Coronel-Ferrer have also received awards from N-Peace Network, an organization under the United Nations, which recognizes notable peace workers from around the globe. Clinton shared the story of the Philippine peace process with women peace leaders from various countries who were gathered at Georgetown’s Institute of Women, Peace, and Security, and emphasized the important role of women in peace-building around the globe, noting that with women involved in the peace process, “entire societies enjoy better outcomes,” and “often-overlooked issues—[such as] human rights, individual justice, national reconciliation, economic renewal—are often brought to the forefront.” Clinton also said that “women leaders, it has been found, are good at building coalitions across ethnic and sectarian lines and speaking up for other marginalized groups… It's important to underscore this overriding fact: Women are not just victims of conflict. They are agents of peace and agents of change.”

Assistance is coming, Baldoz assures OFW family of dead volunteer in Tacloban during Pope Francis’ visit
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday assured the family of 21-year old Kristel Padasas, whose mother is an OFW in Hong Kong, that the DOLE, through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), will provide them all the necessary assistance on account of their being an OFW family. Padasas, a Catholic Relief Services volunteer, died when she was hit by a steel scaffolding-mounted audio equipment, a speaker, that fell due to heavy rain and strong winds spawned by Typhoon Amang during the visit of Pope Francis in Tacloban on Saturday. “I have received a report from our POLO in Hong Kong identifying Kristel Padasas’ mother as Judy Cleofe Padasas. She will come home tomorrow onboard a Dragon Air flight. Welfare Officer Kris Furaque is assisting her. In Manila, the OWWA will meet the OFW in the airport to provide her with assistance and psycho-social counseling. It is also sending two officers to visit and condole with the family at Padasas’ wake,” said Baldoz. OFW Padasas, a BS Psychology graduate from Adamson University, has been working as a domestic worker in Hong Kong for 19 years. She is an active OWWA member. As such, OFW Padasas is entitled to such benefits as job referrals (local and overseas employment) if she decides to stay in the country for good and pursue wage employment, and business counseling and financial literacy training if she choose to engage in business. Further, if she opts for the latter, she can avail of a business loan from the P2 Billion loan facility of the OWWA being implemented in cooperation with the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, where a member or her/his legal dependent can avail of between P300,000 to P2 million to finance a business. She can also avail of the Balik-Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program of the DOLE and the OWWA, under which displaced or distressed OFWs can avail of either a grant of small livelihood starter kit worth P7,500 or a livelihood grant assistance of P10,000.

Philippines to host 1st APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) in Clark and Subic
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
14 January 2015 – The Philippines will host the First APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM1) from January 26 to February 07 at Clark and Subic Freeport Zones.

As the first comprehensive Senior Officials’ Meeting for the year, SOM1 begins with a series of more than thirty working group and committee-level meetings covering various topics such as Trade and Investment, Economic and Technical Cooperation, Anti-Corruption, Counter Terrorism, Competition Policy, Ocean and Fisheries, Customs, E-Commerce, Life Sciences, Health, Illegal Logging, and Services.

Following from the outcomes of the APEC Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting (ISOM) held from 08 to 09 December 2014 in Manila, the various meetings will also discuss how each APEC working group can advance the APEC 2015 priorities and the overall theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”.

The series of working group and committee-level meetings held from January 26 to February 05 will culminate in the Senior Officials’ Meeting to be held on 06 to 07 February 2015 in Fontana Leisure Park, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

As host, the Philippines will also hold a Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), Creative Industries, and Research and Development Services on 03 February 2015. The PPD on Services is the first in a “Dialogue Series,” which aims to guide the APEC Senior Officials and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in promoting trade in services in the Asia-Pacific region.

New firetrucks raised CRK rating to Category 10
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph
The Clark International Airport (CRK) is now rated Category 10 after the acquisition of P115 million two units Rosenbauer Firetrucks capable of handling emergency disasters at the 2,267 hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex.

At the same time, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Atty. Emigdio Tanhuatco III led on January 12, 2015, the blessings of the firetrucks and a newly installed P92 million two finger Passenger Boarding Bridge at Clark International Airport.

The acquisition of two units of 6x6 3000 gallons Major Tender (MT) with a High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) and a 6x6 2250 gallons Major Tender (MT) firetrucks have raised Clark International Airport to Category 10 from its previous Category 9 status. The two vehicles costs some P115 million. The Category 10 is the highest rating set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) which means Clark Airport can handle emergency disasters involving wider aircrafts such as the Boeing-777, and the Airbus A-380.

Tanjuatco explained during the blessings of the two firetrucks at CIAC said that “this are state of the art vehicles which are the first in the country today.”

“This vehicles would be used for emergency disasters at Clark Airport and we are now capable of handling such disasters involving wider aircrafts which are currently being used by air carriers.”

Tanjautco also led the blessing of the newly installed Two finger Passenger Boarding Bridge aimed at providing more convenience to passengers at the Passenger Terminal of the airport. The new Passenger Boarding Bridge cost about P92 million.

At the same time, Tanjuatco and other SM Clark City Officials led the opening of the SM Travelers Lounge located at the Bayanihan Terminal near SM City Clark.

Tanjuatco said “the opening of the new Travelers Lounge will make more convenience to passengers taking their flights at Clark Airport and to provide a seamless transportation service in the area.

“I would like to thank the management of SM City Clark for their support to Clark Airport and rest assured that CIAC will continue to provide support to SM Clark and especially to the passengers.” He added.

The SM Travelers Lounge is open daily from 4am to 11pm which is being serviced by the Philtranco Bus Lines. Passengers departing from Clark Airport can now use the SM Travelers Lounge and take their respective transportation via Philtranco Bus that will take them to SM Pampanga, SM North EDSA, SM Mega Mall and SM Mall of Asia vise-versa.

Tanjuatco cited that there are eight low-cost carrier and legacy airlines currently flying out of Clark. Among them are Asiana Airlines with daily flights to Incheon in South Korea with connecting flights in the United States. Dragonair with flights to Hong Kong, Cebu Pacific Air with flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau and domestic flights to Cebu. Tiger Air Philippines with flights to Singapore and Hong Kong. Jin Air with flights to Incheon and Air Asia Berhad with flights to Kuala Lumpur, Seair-International with flights to Caticlan. Qatar Airways with daily flights to Doha in Qatar.

BI takes action against personnel allegedly involved in extortion
Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph
Manila, Philippines--- Bureau of Immigration (BI) chief Siegfred Mison today assured victims of an alleged extortion and kidnapping that the bureau will do its best to probe deeper into the reported incident involving certain BI personnel.

Mison likewise ordered a thorough investigation in parallel with the one being conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation.

“As part of our “Good guys in, bad guys out” policy, we in the bureau do not condone or tolerate behavior that violates our laws. We will look into this matter seriously and will not hesitate to mete the necessary punishment to those found to have committed such heinous crimes against other people,” says Mison.

Immediately after Mison gave his directive, BI spokesperson Elaine Tan revealed that the BI’s Board of Discipline has already coordinated with the NBI to find out the details of the case filed against certain BI personnel who reportedly extorted and kidnapped a foreign national last December.

“We are coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in order to ascertain the allegations in the complaint and to support whatever actions that the BI may take”, said Tan.

The criminal complaint for extortion, kidnapping, and robbery were allegedly filed before the NBI.

Tan said those named persons allegedly regular employees of the bureau have already been summoned for the probe while the contracts of the agents have been summarily ordered terminated.

“The two regular employees involved in the incident have been directed to submit their respective explanations while the contracts of the confidential (contractual) agents have been terminated”, Tan said further.

While the criminal matter is being handled by the NBI, the BI has likewise commenced its own administrative investigation to evaluate the liability of its personnel.

“We will make sure that every person who has an involvement in this incident will be properly sanctioned”, explained Tan.

WB conducts 1st review mission for DA's rural development projects
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
The Department of Agriculture's (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) sub-project portfolio is now pegged at P11.382 Billion (B), which includes production, marketing, and logistics support for farmers and fishers in the countryside.

The amount covers rural infrastructure projects and marketing and technical assistance for rural agri-producers, processors, and traders proposed by Local Government Units (LGUs) during DA-PRDP's Year 1 implementation, which can still increase in the coming months.

The Philippine Government and the World Bank signed PRDP’s P27.5 billion loan-and-grant agreement on September 8, 2014 and was declared effective and ready for loan drawdowns in early December 2014.

For the project’s official first year (July 2014 to June 2015) I-PLAN, the planning component, has engaged 66 provinces out of the total 80 provinces in the country as of December 2014, 29 of which have Provincial Commodity Investment Plan (PCIP) approved by their respective Provincial Development Council.

A total of 195 sub-projects have already been proposed by LGUs under the Infrastructure Development Component (I-BUILD) worth P11.02 B, part of which is the construction and rehabilitation of 1,121 kilometers farm-to-market roads with a total projected cost of P9.7 B.

The Enterprise Component (I-REAP) has a current portfolio of 31 sub-projects worth P361.84 million (M), which includes market assistance, capability-building, technology development, and production and post-harvest support, among others.

This rural project accomplishment will be highlighted during the World Bank (WB) Review Mission for DA-PRDP Kick-off Meeting which will be held today (January 20, 2015) at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) Convention Hall, Quezon City.

The first of the two review missions this year of the WB for DA-PRDP aims to look into the progress pace of the rural development project, as well as problems and issues that affect its implementation.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala urged PRDP implementers to check on the measures of results of the review mission, particularly, those that record the improvement in the incomes and lives of farmers and fishers.

He also called on officials and implementers to be creative in identifying the mainstream of DA activities and programs that the Project should build on.

"We do not need to start new projects and enterprises if there are those we can enhance, upscale or mainstream. All our trading posts, grains processing centers, fish ports and other facilities are I-REAP projects in waiting. Some of these only need to be appropriately situated in the commodity value chain or only need to be jumpstarted through one of our financing programs," he added.

Based on PRDP's progress report, 58 provincial Local Government Units (LGUs) have already entered into a partnership with the DA for the Project through a Memorandum of Agreement.

Since its inception two years ago, the project has now value chain analyses (VCA) for 25 PRDP priority commodities all over the country including coffee, rubber, mango, and seaweeds among others.

A VCA is used to assess the status of a particular industry, the linkages and interplay of the different players along the value chain and identify upgrading strategies and interventions that could contribute to the development of the industry. It is used as the basis in identifying public and private investment opportunities.

As a platform for a transparent and modern government, Alcala highlights PRDP tools that promote transparency and accountability such as the geo-tagging and Expanded Vulnerability and Suitability Assessment (E-VSA).

"Foremost among the gains that already benefit the Department is, of course, geo-tagging - an innovative and cost-efficient ICT application, that enables accurate long-distance monitoring of projects by connecting --with high degree of precision-- digital photos and videos with reliable geographic information. Developed under MRDP, PRDP continued to improve on it and expand its users."

"Another trail-blazing technology is (E-VSA), an online tool that guides users in targeting project areas based on poverty indicators, soil suitability and vulnerability to climate risks," added Alcala.

For his part, DA Undersecretary for Operations and PRDP National Project Director Emerson Palad assured participants and stakeholders that the Project will further address production, logistics, and post-harvest problems through the establishment of strategic infrastructures like farm-to-market-roads, communal irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, among others.

The Review Mission's Kick-off meeting will be attended by a Team from World Bank, officials from national agencies and DA bureaus and attached agencies and DA Regional Executive Directors.

The event will be followed by cluster review meetings in Negros Occidental for Visayas, General Santos for Mindanao, Albay for South Luzon and La Union for North Luzon. (NPCO InfoACE)

Intensified agricultural R &D crucial in achieving biotech’s potentials
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
A strong research and development pillar built around a robust and creative scientific community that is able to generate novel and beneficial technologies is needed to realize the potential benefits of biotechnology for the country, according to Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano.

It has long been the primary concern of the DA to promote agricultural development, translated into improvement of farm income and generation of work opportunities for farmers, fishermen and other rural workers, he added.

“A modernized smallholder agriculture and fisheries and a diversified rural economy that is dynamic, technologically advanced and internationally competitive are envisioned by the Department. Needless to say, the challenges that the country continues to face include food security, poverty alleviation, environmental problems and impacts of climate change,” Serrano said.

The pursuit of securing food and improving levels of living, with adaptability to climate change in our minds, has led us to explore several ways and technological means to help address productivity and resiliency issues in Philippine agriculture, Serrano continued.

Earlier, Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO) Director Antonio Alfonso said biotechnology can help in the country’s drive for food self-sufficiency and can also help us adapt to climate change. He emphasized, however, that R&D should continue in order to realize these benefits in the form of improved varieties of crops and strains of animal and livestock commodities. Other important products of biotechnology are natural ingredients and bioactive compounds with numerous applications.

Biotechnology has been used in the development of climate-ready crops, he said. He added, tissue culture, a biotechnology tool, is being used in the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program in mass propagating coconut, abaca and banana planting materials.

Biotechnology is used in developing natural health products from indigenous Philippine plants and in the development of biopesticides for the control of insects that attack jackfruit and other crop commodities, Alfonso said.

According to Alfonso, because of our rapid population growth, the Philippines’ agricultural lands grow smaller every day, as rice fields give way to subdivisions and our environment gets degraded.

As our farmlands shrink, we are faced with the challenge of producing more food, feed, fiber and even biofuels, he added, and expounded on how biotechnology can help address these challenges.

He added, biotechnology is vital in the development of drought and flood tolerant crops that can be dispatched to affected areas whenever there is a projection of flooding or prolonged dry spell.

On the other hand, the DA promotes ‘submarino’ rice variety, which can withstand long periods of being submerged, to flooded areas. The ‘submarino’ type palay of the DA, he added, can withstand being submerged for 14 days. Meanwhile, saline water and high temperature tolerant crop varieties are being developed through conventional breeding and using tools of biotechnology, Alfonso said.

The Philippines, as reflected in its national policies, has been open to modern technologies such as biotechnology, among others, to improve the efficiency of our agricultural system; thereby, increasing productivity in a sustainable manner.

According to Serrano, the global recognition of the potential contribution of biotechnology and its application to securing food is unprecedented, for it offers adaptive technologies and farming approaches that ensure crop production through sustainable agriculture, improve resource efficiency, minimize wastage/losses in the supply chain, ensure affordable prices, and improve food utilization.

Philippine agriculture continues to exhibit a declining contribution to the national economy over the past years—around 11% share of the economic growth pie as compared to 30% back in 1946.

Poverty has stricken the agriculture sector as farmers and fishermen are among the least paid workers in the Philippine economy. Yet, agriculture employs, on average, one-third of the total labor force.

“It is precisely this reason that agriculture still plays an indispensable role in the Philippine economy. It remains to be a main pillar of the Philippine economic growth and a crucial sector for reducing poverty,” Serrano said.

New Environmental Planning Law upgrades qualification of standards for planners in government service
Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph
Manila, January 7, 2015 --- Recognizing the importance of environmental planning in nation building and development, the Professional Regulatory Board of Environmental Planning reiterates the provisions of the newly adopted "Environmental Planning Act of 2013" (R.A. No. 10587) in the appointment of positions requiring the knowledge, skills, competence and qualifications of registered and licensed environmental planners.

According to Board of Environmental Planning Resolution No. 03 series of 2014, Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 10587, the Civil Service Commission shall set the qualification standards for environmental planners at various levels in government service, including government-owned and controlled corporations and other entities. After the lapse of five (5) years from the effectivity of the new law, only registered and licensed environmental planners shall be appointed to the position of heads and assistant heads of groups, departments, divisions in government offices, agencies, bureaus or instrumentalities including government-owned and controlled corporations, provinces, cities and municipalities, and other positions requiring the knowledge, skills, competence and qualifications of registered and licensed environmental planners.

"Appointments made in violation of the R.A. 10587 and its IRR shall be considered null and void", the Board said.

Moreover, the Board of Environmental Planning reiterates the prescribed period of three (3) years from the effectivity of R.A. 10587 to local government units who may continue to issue appointments to persons who are not registered and licensed environmental planners for the positions of national or local planning and development coordinators, or chiefs of local planning and development offices, only on a temporary status or acting capacity.

Former bank president arraigned for P748-M estafa case
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
The former Chairman and President of a closed rural bank was arraigned on January 12, 2015 at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Imus City, Branch 20 for estafa charges in the amount of P748 million.

Charged with estafa is Mr. Banlee Choa, former Chairman and President of the closed GMA Rural Bank, a bank under liquidation by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). Choa voluntarily surrendered in November 2014 and has been detained at the Imus City Police Station in Cavite since then. Choa pleaded not guilty after details of the estafa charges were read to him in open court. Acting Presiding Judge Josefina E. Siscar has set the pre-trial of the case on March 9, 2015.

Based on the complaint filed by PDIC with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Task Force on Financial Fraud and the criminal information filed by the DOJ before the court, Choa is accused of estafa for misappropriating funds of GMA Rural Bank in his capacity as President/Chief Executive Officer/Chairman of the bank. He created a special division in GMA Rural Bank, which he called the "executive/extension office" wherein he, through the creation of fictitious loans, diverted around P748 million of bank funds generated via deposit-taking activities to the "executive/extension office", which in turn, transferred the misappropriated funds to corporations and business entities owned and controlled by the accused Choa and/or members of his immediate family through the grant of unsecured loans.

Records of the DOJ show that PDIC has filed a Petition for Review with regard to the dismissal of its complaint relative to the other co-respondents of Choa who are former officers of GMA Rural Bank or officers of other Choa-controlled corporations that benefited from the diversion of bank funds.

The filing of the criminal complaint against Choa, other former officers of the GMA Rural Bank and other officers of other Choa-controlled corporations is in line with PDIC's efforts to bring to justice parties who commit fraud, circumvent the deposit insurance scheme or engage in unsafe and unsound banking practices that may put the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) at risk. PDIC vigorously pursues legal action against erring bank officers, for the benefit of depositors/creditors and to protect the DIF, PDIC's funding source for payment of insured deposits.

GMA Rural Bank was placed under the receivership of PDIC in February 2011.

Z Package Cares for the Heart
Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph
According to Enrico de Castro of Tugbok, Davao City, the cost of undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the country is P2,000,000.00 and this is the very reason why he endured his chest pain for six long years.

The mere thought of the cost of hospitalization hinders the 54-year-old PhilHealth informal economy member from seeking further medical treatment.

"Malaki na ang nagagastos ko dahil umiinom ako ng gamot araw-araw. Pabalik-balik pa ako sa doktor pero hindi maalis ang sakit ng dibdib ko,” he narrated.

Due to the recurring chest pain, he was required by his doctor to undergo a coronary angiogram, a procedure that uses X-ray imaging to see one’s heart blood vessels and help diagnose heart conditions.

“Tatlong bara (sa puso) ang nakita ng doctor, kailangan ko na talagang maopera,” said de Castro. He was diagnosed of having Severe Coronary Artery Disease.

After his angiogram procedure last February, he suffered a heart attack. Fortunately it was also on that same month when PhilHealth introduced its Expanded Z Packages for heart surgeries, particularly for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), Surgery for Total Correction of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and patch repair of Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) for patients who are eligible PhilHealth members or dependents.

In one of his check-ups, his doctor informed him about the PhilHealth Z Package for CABG and advised him that he just needs to pass the selections criteria to avail himself of the package.

He complied with all the requirements and before Marchend, merely a month of waiting, he was informed that he was the first PhilHealth member to avail of the Z Package for CABG in Mindanao.

“Buti na lang dumating ang Z Package. Noong nalaman ko ang good news, umuwi ako na tuwang-tuwa. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko pasasalamatan ang PhilHealth,” he happily exclaimed.

He was very satisfied not only of the PhilHealth benefits he was able to avail himself of but also about his stay in the hospital. “Wala akong problema sa aking benepisyo at sa ospital. Maganda ang facilities at pakikitungo sa akin sa Southern Philippines Medical Center,” he added.

“Maraming salamat sa PhilHealth dahil mayroon silang Z Package. Kung wala ito, nagtitiis pa ako sa sakit ko hanggang ngayon o kung hindi naman, patay na ako,” he said.

For his wonderful experience with the Z Package for CABG, de Castro interestingly paraphrased part of PhilHealth’s vision of “Bawat miyembro, protektado” to “Bawat puso ng miyembro, protektado”.

The PhilHealth Z Package rate for CABG surgery is P550,000.00 and may be availed of at the Philippine Heart Center (NCR), Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and Southern Philippines Medical Center.

All eligible members and their dependents are qualified to avail of the package provided that they passed the selections criteria set by PhilHealth.

Eligible Sponsored and Indigent members, Kasambahay and IGroup Gold members and their dependents may also avail themselves of the No Balance Billing policy when availing of the Z-Benefits for CABG in designated government hospitals. On the other hand, a fixed co-pay which shall not exceed the package rate shall be applied to formal, informal, overseas Filipino workers and lifetime members, should they need to avail themselves of the package.


Last Updated: 19 JANUARY 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to Pope Francis on board Philippine Airlines that would fly back the Pope to Rome Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III joins the crowd of well wishers during the departure of Pope Francis Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis makes waves farewell to thousands of well wishers at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City Monday morning (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III makes kisses the ring of Pope Francis before the pontiff boards the Philippine Airlines plane that would fly him back to Rome Monday, January 2015 . (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, walks towards Philippine Airlines plane that would fly him back to Rome Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno Aquino III, Cabinet officials and Church Leaders thanked the Pope Francis for the Philippine visit before boarding a Philippine Airlines flight to Rome Monday (January 19). (photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis is meet by President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival in Villamor Airbase Monday morning (January 19). The President thanks Pope Francis for the Philippine visit before the pope boards the Philippine Airlines flight to Rome. (photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday, (January 18) where an estimated six (6) million people attended, including President Benigno S. Aquino III and his family, some cabinet members and other (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Ryan Lim/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis on board Popemobile waves to the crowd as he leaves Quirino Grandstand, Sunday (January 18) after celebrating holy mass. An estimated six (6) million people attended the mass. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno Aquino III, together with his family attends the mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Sunday (January 18). An estimated six (6) million people attended mass under pouring rain. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis arrives at the Quirino Grandstand Sunday (January 18) to celebrate mass despite rains in Manila. The Pope was met by President Benigno S. Aquino III. This will be the last activity of the visiting Pope as he is scheduled to leave Manila tomorrow morning, Monday.( Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis visits Palo Cathedral in Leyte Province Saturday, (January 17) where he announced that his trip has been cut short due to the ongoing typhoon in the area. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis, wearing raincoat, blesses the crowd after the mass near Tacloban Airport, Saturday (January 17), before proceeding to Palo, Leyte to visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis visits with the families of typhoon Yolanda victims in Palo, Leyte Saturday (January 17). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis, wearing a yellow raincoat, celebrates mass amidst heavy rains and strong winds near Tacloban Airport Saturday, (January 17). After the mass, the Pope visited Palo, Leyte and met with families of typhoon Yolanda victims. The Pope's visit to Leyte was shortened due to strong rain and wind in the area. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis arrives at the Tacloban Airport in Leyte Saturday morning, (January 17) to celebrate holy mass and visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. Thousands of people, all in raincoats, met the Pope despite heavy rains and strong winds in the area as Typhoon Signal Number 2 is raised in Leyte and neaby provinces. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis wears a raincoat, upon arrival at Tacloban airport in Leyte Saturday morning (January 17), to celebrate holy mass and visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. Thousands of people, all in raincoats, met the Pope despite heavy rains and strong winds in the area as Typhoon Signal No. 2 is raised in Leyte and neaby provinces. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
Pope Francis disembark from plane after a visit to Tacloban and Palo Leyte, Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
Pope Francis blesses a child while he boards the Popemobile upon his arrival from Tacloban and Palo, Leyte Saturday afternoon (January 17) in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
Pope Francis hugs children upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Tacloban on Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip to Leyte was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
Pope Francis poses for a selfie with some women upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Tacloban on Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip to Leyte was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Banquet / NIB)
His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard a Popemobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey Of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III bids His Holiness Pope Francis farewell at the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace following ceremonies for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis comforts the sick and gives the Apostolic Blessing during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16, 2015). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis listens to President Benigno S. Aquino III as he delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Holiness Pope Francis sign the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard a Pope Mobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child in the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during ceremonies at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presents a sculpture of Mary, Undoer of Knots made of old wood by Paete sculptor Fred Baldemor, as one of his gifts to His Holiness Pope Francis during the tete-a-tete at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presents a commemorative Philippine coin worth 500 pesos as one his gifts to His Holiness Pope Francis during the tete-a-tete at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Jubilant crowd cheers His Holiness Pope Francis as the Papal convoy arrives for the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Holiness Pope Francis members of the Cabinet during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16, 2015). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis gives the Apostolic Blessing during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard the Popemobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during ceremonies held at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis lead the singing of the Pontifical and Philippine National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Holiness Pope Francis members of the Cabinet during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, hugs children at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Holiness Pope Francis signs the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday(January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III kisses His Holiness Pope Francis’ ring during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis lead the singing of the Pontifical and Philippine National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Palace Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippineson Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis arrive for the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with His Holiness Pope Francis during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Holiness Pope Francis sign the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III escorts His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Palace Main Lobby following the welcome ceremony at the palace grounds on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, hugs children at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Jubilant crowd cheers His Holiness Pope Francis as the Papal convoy arrives for the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis acknowledge the family members of the Cabinet Secretaries at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Holiness Pope Francis signs the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of Malacañang during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Holiness Pope Francis during the General Audience of senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis rides the popemobile following his arrival Thursday (January 15) on his way to the Papal Nunciature. Also in photo is Luis Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis with Archbishop Antonio Tagle along with members of the Papal Delegation during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Students from different schools participates in welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, receives a bouquet of flowers during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis pass through the Honor Guards during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis along with members of the Papal Delegation during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis greet members of the Presidium of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the security preparations at Villamor Air Base, the Apostolic Nunciature and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 Quirino Station during the dry run on Tuesday night (January 13) of the Papal convoy for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. With the President is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Members of the Philippine Military Academy and Presidential Security Group stand at attention during the rehearsals for the arrival honors for Pope Francis in Malacanang Wednesday (January 14). (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
Members of the Philippine Military Academy stand at attention during the rehearsals for the arrival honors for Pope Francis in Malacanang Wednesday (January 14). (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB)
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma, Jr. (extreme left) answers a query from the press during a media briefing on Monday (Jan. 12, 2015) on the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. Also in photo are Bishop Mylo C. Vergara, Bishop Ruperto Santos and Msgr. Pedro Quitorio. The Pope is arriving in Manila on Thursday (Jan. 15, 2015). (PNA photo by Johnny D. Guevarra)
President Benigno S. Aquino III asked for the cooperation of the people on television Monday (January 12) to ensure a safe and successful pastoral visit of Pope Francis. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, leads the traditional toast for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, leads the traditional toast during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto at the reception line for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Vice President Jejomar Binay at the reception line of the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the reception line during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the crowd upon his arrival for the ceremonial nauguration of new buildings of the recently upgraded Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The upgraded RPH serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III with Romblon Lone District Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona views the works of the sculptors of the province and other products of Romblon being showcased Friday (January 09) after gracing the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III escorted by Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo views the works of sculptors of th province and other products of Romblon being showcased in the Romblon Marble Fair at the Romblon Shopping Center Friday (January 09) after gracing the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of Romblon Provincial Hospital. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III with Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo as he shows the map upon arrival for the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III gives baller band's to the crowd upon his arrival for the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Rodolfo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the crowd upon his arrival for the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Rodolfo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III views the works of sculptors of the province and other products of Romblon being showcase in the Romblon Marble Fair at the Romblon Shopping Center Friday (January 09) after gracing the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital . (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III gives baller band's to the crowd upon his arrival for the Ceremonial Inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater in Poblacion, Romblon on Friday (January 09). The Hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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