PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The DOLE urged the provincial government of Quezon to cooperate in eliminating child labor in sugar cane plantations in Batangas Province. As per record, hundreds of minors are recruited from the towns of San Francisco, Buenavista, San Andres, and San Narciso to work in the sugar cane plantation in Batangas.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA-4A/QUEZON: The DILG-Quezon will intensify campaign for
the implementation of the Mandatory Registration of all forms of recruitment and
placement registration in the barangays. The campaign aims to eliminate or
lessen illegal recruitment and anti-trafficking in the province.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA4A/QUEZON: The Bureau of Fire Protection continues to
hold fire drill and seminar to students of public and private schools in Lucena
City to teach the school children about safety and protection.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Taytay Municipal Government has declared
February 16 as a no-work day in all local government offices in line with the
celebrations of the Araw ng Pasasalamat celebrated every third Sunday of
February and the HAMAKA festival.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Antipolo City Government through the
Public Employment Services Office conducted today a Local Recruitment Activity
for Hizon Laboratories at the Gender and Development Building, Sumulong Park.
The office is in need of 18-30 year old applicants who have graduated from high
school with or without work experience and are willing to work in Antipolo City
as production workers.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA-4A/BATANGAS: May kabuuang 21,030 EBD Healthcard holders
na ang nakinabang sa lungsod ng Batangas simula ng ilunsad ang programang ito
noong 2004 na layong makatulong sa mga Batangueno sa usaping pangkalusugan.PIA Regional Watch
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PIA-4A/RIZAL:
The Rizal Provincial Government and Rodriguez Municipal Government recently led
the inauguration of an eight-classroom, two storey building at the Rodriguez
Heights Elementary School, Brgy. San Jose in line with the provincial
government's prioritization of education. Present to officiate the activity
were Rizal Governor Nini Ynares and Rodriguez Mayor Cecilio Hernandez
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Justice Secretary: No law prohibits President Aquino from consulting former Police Chief Purisma | ||
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| CSC provides recognition, financial assistance to slain public servants | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Do you know a government official or employee who died in the
performance of his/her job or was killed in the line of duty? The Civil Service Commission (CSC) calls on the public to nominate to the Pamanang Lingkod Bayani, a program that aims to pay tribute to public servants who were killed in the line of duty, or those who died while in the performance or pursuit of their respective functions, duties and responsibilities. “This is the least we could give to repay honest and hardworking civil servants who had given the ultimate sacrifice for the nation,” said CSC Commissioner Robert S. Martinez. The family of those who will be awarded will receive a plaque of recognition from the CSC and financial assistance worth P100,000. In addition, three of the heirs shall be extended either a baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral scholarship grant ranging from 50% to full discount on tuition and school fees. The scholarships may be availed by the beneficiaries in any of the 111-member institutions of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) nationwide. Government agencies are encouraged to submit the names of the civilian and non-uniformed government personnel nominees to the Pamana to the nearest CSC Regional/Provincial or Field Office one month from the time of death. Recent recipients of the Pamana are OIC-Department Chief Accountant Cipriano M. Pumanes of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Agriculturist II Leilani G. Naga of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) of the Department of Agriculture. Pumanes braved super typhoon Yolanda to comply with an order to attend a budget meeting and he has been missing since. He was last seen at the DPWH lodging house which was badly destroyed as it was located near the sea walls in Palo, Leyte. It is believed that his remains have been carried out to sea or buried among the unidentified graves. Meanwhile, Naga died in one of the cloud seeding operations conducted as the plane she was boarding crashed in a corn field in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. For more details on the program, contact the Honor Awards Program Secretariat at telephone numbers  (02)931-7993, (02)
932-0381 and hotline (02) 932-0111, TextCSC 0917-839-8272, via
www.facebook.com/honorawardsprogram or email
hapsecretariat@yahoo.com or hapsecretariat@gmail.com. |
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| Misamis officials face graft raps on fertilizer fund scam | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft
charges against local officials of Lopez Jaena, Misamis
Occidental in connection with the anomalous procurement of 666.7
liters of Macro-Micro Foliar fertilizer worth P1,000,000.00 in
2005. Facing charges before the Sandiganbayan for violations of Section 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019 are former municipal mayor Zenaida Azcuna, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members Marietes Bonalos, Aurora Alon, Marcial Lamoste, Homer Lariba and Alicia Penales, and supplier Alberto Aquino of Malayan Pacific Trading Corporation (MPTC). Records disclosed that in January 2005, the municipality received funds amounting to P1,000,000.00 from the Department of Agriculture-Region X for the purchase of inorganic liquid fertilizer. Based on the audit conducted by the Commission on Audit-Region X, it was discovered that the local officials committed numerous violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act No. 9184) such as reference to specific brand names, lack of public bidding and resort to direct contracting without complying with the requirements of the procurement law, delivery of the products prior to the award, overpricing by as much as P1,375.00/per liter, and lack of warranties by the supplier. The Resolution also noted that the project was vigorously endorsed to the BAC by Azcuna’s husband, then vice-mayor Melquides Azcuna. Ombudsman Morales stated that “the BAC had ample time to do all what was needed to protect the interest of the LGU, as the procurement was not urgent in nature” yet “it did not examine the product of MPTC through an independent and reliable chemist to verify the certification of MPTC.” Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 prohibits public officials from performing official duties with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable neglect, thereby causing undue injury to the government or any private party; or which would give any party unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference. On the other hand, Section 3(g) of R.A. No. 3019 is committed by public officials who enter into contracts or transactions that are manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government regardless whether or not the public officer profited or will profit thereby. The complaint as against Municipal Accountant Juren Magamay was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. |
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| BSP rediscount rates for February 2015 and availments as of January 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The BSP announced today the applicable Peso Rediscount Facility
and Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF) rates
for the month of February 2015 and loan availments as of end
January 2015.
The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting Windows
(RWs) I and II for February 2015 are as follows:
The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are effective
starting 15 September 2014 up to the next policy rates revision
and are based on the applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate
and overnight reverse repurchase rate, respectively, plus term
premia for longer maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15
August 2013.
The following are the rates for the month of February for loans
under the EDYRF:
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 30 January 2015 plus 200 basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of
thrift banks amounted to P61 million for the period 01 to 31
January 2015, which is 69.4 percent higher than the P36 million
total for the same period last year. Out of the aggregate
availments for the period, 84.3 percent went to commercial
credits and 15.7 percent to other credits consisting of housing
(13.2 percent) and permanent working capital (2.5 percent).
There was no dollar availment for the period 01 to 31 January
2015 under the EDYRF. This represents a 100.0 percent decrease
in availments compared to the US$0.2 million grants for the same
period last year. There was likewise no Yen-denominated
availment under the EDYRF in 2014 and 2015.
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| Housewife withdraws from vices, becomes ‘businessmom’ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dolores Lawas, 36, of Don Victoriano, a hinterland municipality in Misamis Occidental in Northern Mindanao, used to spend her time drinking alcohol with her friends while enjoying ‘tong-its’, a locally known card game. Jobless, Dolores said that her life seemed a routine. She just stayed home and took care of her three children. She completely depended on her husband who is a casual government employee. She had no interest to look for a job to augment their family’s income. “Basta kumakain kami ng mga anak ko ng tatlong beses sa isang araw, ayos na sa akin (As long as we eat three times a day, that is OK with me),” she shared. This complacent attitude of Dolores went on for some time until the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was implemented in their town. Her family became a beneficiary which paved the way for the change in Dolores’ attitude, and eventually in their economic status. Pantawid Pamilya provides monthly cash grants of P500 for health and P300 per child in elementary or P500 per child in high school with a maximum of three qualified children per household for their educational and nutritional needs. In exchange, they have to comply with program conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending Family Development Sessions (FDS). The FDS is a gathering of parent-beneficiaries where they discuss topics on effective parenting, husband and wife relationships, child development, laws affecting the Filipino family, gender and development, and home management. Dolores recounted that her regular attendance to the monthly FDS became instrumental to the positive changes in her as a person. With lessons learned about responsible parenting, children’s nutrition, and other worthwhile topics, Dolores soon found the motivation to slowly turn away from her vices and focus on improving the well-being of her family. Eventually, she also became a beneficiary of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD, which further strengthened her desire to better their plight. Through the livelihood skills and P10,000 capital assistance provided by SLP, Dolores was able to put up a small eatery in their community. Barely a year in operation, Dolores was able to expand her eatery into a refreshment shop. She is now earning P3,500 a week from the P2,000 when it first opened. “Dati rati pinapalipas ko ang oras ko sa bisyo. Pero dahil sa oportunidad na binigay ng Pantawid Pamilya at SLP, nalaman ko na hindi dapat sayangin ang oras sa walang kabuluhan at dapat patuloy na mangarap para sa ikabubuti ng pamilya ( Before, I used to pass the time by engaging in vices. But through Pantawid Pamilya and SLP, I realized that I should never waste my time on useless activities. I should not also stop dreaming for my family),” Dolores said. To date, there are 740 families in Don Victoriano who are also enjoying the benefits of Pantawid Pamlya and SLP. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Philippine Statistics Authority conducts major surveys of business establishments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducts the following
general purpose establishment surveys reviewed under the
Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) as of 30
January 2015:
(SSRCS No.: PSA-1260; Clearance expiry date: 1/31/2016)
The MISSI is a regular survey conducted every month in order to
provide planners and policymakers in both public and private
sectors with timely flash indicators on the performance of
growth-oriented industries in the manufacturing sector.
These indicators include the Value of Production Index (VaPI),
Volume of Production Index (VoPI), growth rates of value and
volume of net sales, and average capacity utilization rate.
The MISSI collects data on employment, compensation, value of
production, revenue/sales, inventories and capacity utilization
of the establishment.
A total budget of PhP 9.1 million is allocated for the conduct
of the 2015 MISSI covering 1,100 establishments with total
employment size of 20 and over. Data collection will be employed
every 10th to 20th day of each month after the reference month.
A press release on the key indicators derived from the MISSI
results shall be published at the PSA website every 40th day
after the reference month. Revision policy indicates that
the revised/final data shall be communicated to the public
through the press release in the succeeding month.
MISSI results can be accessed at the following link: http://census.gov.ph/statistics/survey/monthly-integrated-selected-industry.
(SSRCS No.: PSA-1261; Clearance expiry date: 3/31/2016)
The PPS is a survey conducted monthly to collect producer price
data of manufactured commodities for the generation of the
Producer Price Index (PPI), which measures the average monthly
and yearly changes in the prices received by domestic producers
in the manufacturing industry.
Around PhP 3.7 million is earmarked by the PSA in 2015 to
administer the survey to 1,100 establishments with recorded
total employment size of 20 and over. PPS questionnaires
are distributed to establishments every 10th to 25th of each
month after the reference month. Press releases on the PPI
are scheduled to be published every 35th day after the reference
month. An annual publication containing results of the MISSI and
PPS will be issued on September 2016.
Latest results of the PPS are available for access at: http://census.gov.ph/statistics/survey/price/pps.
(SSRCS No.: PSA-1259-01 to 07; Clearance expiry date:
1/31/2016)
The ASPBI is a regular survey designated to be conducted on a
yearly basis, except during the years when the Census of
Philippine Business and Industry (CPBI) is to be undertaken
(every 10 years). This year, the survey shall be
undertaken from April
to May 2015, covering 30,000 business establishments
engaged in various economic activities, which include: (1)
agriculture, forestry and fishing; (2) manufacturing, mining and
quarrying; (3) electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning
supply; (4) sewerage, waste management and remediation
activities; (5) construction; (6) wholesale and retail trade;
repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles; (7) financial and
insurance activities; and (8) business services. The data
to be gathered from the survey include characteristics of
establishments in 2014 in terms of capital participation,
employment, income, expenses, sales from e-commerce
transactions, capital expenditures fixed assets, capacity
utilization, inventories, branches and other general information
about the establishment.
Survey results provide basis in the estimation of the National
and Regional Accounts of the Philippines, which are critical in
monitoring and in the formulation of plans and policies for
national and regional economic goals. The survey shall
also aid in the evaluation of regional economic structures and
performance, updating of the sampling frame for the future
conduct of establishment surveys, and provide data support to
market research and feasibility studies.
The conduct of the 2014 ASPBI will entail about PhP 149.3
million (or Php 4,976,67 per establishment) to cover expenses
for training, field operations and data processing, as well as
printing of questionnaires, publications and other survey
materials. Press releases of the results and tables of the ASPBI
shall be issued by the PSA during the period February 2016 to
June 2016.
Results of the 2012 CPBI can be accessed at: http://web0.psa.gov.ph/statistics
/census/business-and-industry. Meanwhile, latest
ASPBI results are posted at: http://census.gov.ph/statistics/survey/business-and-industry/aspbi-2009-PSIC.
The conduct of the ASPBI and MISSI are designated statistical
activities of the PSA under Executive Order (EO) 352,
Designation of Statistical Activities That Will Generate
Critical Data for Decision-Making of the Government and the
Private Sector, issued on July 1, 1996. Per the EO, preliminary
results of the ASPBI are released two years after the reference
year, whereas final results are disseminated three years after
the reference year. In the case of MISSI, results are
released 45 days after the reference month.
Like all other government surveys, the PSA surveys are evaluated
under the Statistical
Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism
instituted by the PSA to ensure that statistical censuses and
surveys sponsored or conducted by government agencies conform to
prescribed statistical standards and that data generated from
them are statistically reliable, comparable and consistent.
The SSRCS also aims to effect economy in statistical data
collection and minimize respondent burden. Confidentiality of
information gathered from establishments by the PSA is ensured
under the Republic Act No. 10625 (Philippine Statistical Act of
2013).
Establishments are enjoined to participate in the nationwide
survey undertaking.
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| Local firms start taking advantage of EU GSP+ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Following the approval by the European Parliament of the
Philippine application for the Generalized System of Preferences
Plus (GSP+) last December 2014, many local companies have
already started taking advantage of the newly-approved trade
preferential scheme by expanding their current operations in the
country. These expansions include hiring additional workers to
increase production capacity to increase exports to European
Union (EU) countries. The EU GSP+ is a special incentive arrangement that provides zero duties to more export products from beneficiary countries like the Philippines. The program, according to a study by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), will increase Philippine exports by at least €600M during the first year of availment. The following product sectors will be particularly benefitting: animal or vegetable fats and oils; prepared foodstuffs; textiles and garments; footwear, headwear, and umbrellas; and chemical products. The projected increase in exports is also expected to translate to about 267,000 jobs in both the agriculture and manufacturing sectors mostly in the rural areas. One such first-mover is CS Garment Inc., a garment manufacturing plant located in the Cavite Processing Zone, which recently announced it is expanding operations and hiring an additional 100 employees. CS Garment Inc. caters to the European market and produces five of the top luxury brands known worldwide. EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia De Lima toured the garment plant on 04 February on invitation of CS Garment chief executive officer Claus Sudhoff. Joining them in the tour were EU member states' Ambassadors Josef Muellner (Austria); Thomas Ossowski (Germany); Jaroslav Olša, Jr. (Czech Republic); Jan Top Christensen (Denmark); Ms. Ruth Emmerink, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. (Netherlands); Mr. Mihai Sion, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. ( Romania); Mr. Xavier Leblanc, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. (Belgium); Mr. Iain Mansfield, Director for Trade, (United Kingdom); Mr. Antonio Macaluso, Commercial Attache (Italy); Mr. Walter van Hattum, EU Delegation to the Philippines Head of Trade and Economic Section; DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba; and Cavite Economic Zone Administrator Norma Cajulis. "The garment factory we [visited] is one concrete example that the European trade preference called GSP+ is creating jobs in the Philippines. It is foreseen to recruit around 100 workers to respond to increasing orders from the European market," EU Ambassador Guy Ledoux said. For his part, DTI Secretary Domingo thanked the European Parliament for approving the inclusion of the Philippines in the EU's GSP+ scheme last December. He said, “It was a most welcome outcome of the all out effort of our President Benigno Aquino III to seek the support of various E.U. member countries for its approval that culminated in his visit to Europe in September last year.” He noted that the zero duty not only makes Philippine products more competitive it also opens up opportunities for attracting investments. Domingo also announced that the DTI has began conducting sessions on “Doing Business with the EU using GSP+” in Cebu, Davao and General Santos City last month and will continue to do so in key cities nationwide in the coming months. |
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| Roxas: “They have done their part, we now have to do ours" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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“They have done their part, we now have to do ours,” Interior
and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas stated before the
Senate committee looking into the Mamasapano incident. In his opening statement, Roxas paid tribute to the heroes of Mamasapano by reiterating that the 44 SAF troopers did their ultimate duty and sacrifice for their country. “Tungkulin natin na masiguro na anuman ang mga peligrosong misyon na ito, ang mga ito ay may kabuluhan, na ang mga dapat gumawa nito ay may sapat na pagsasanay, kagamitan, at magawa natin ang lahat upang mapalaki ang tsansa na magtatagumpay sila,” Roxas said. He pointed out that the SAF operatives were sent on a dangerous mission and he directed the Board of Inquiry to determine if they were given the means necessary to ensure success. Secretary Mar Roxas stated his views before the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident. He assured that the Board of Inquiry will continue its investigation in a proper, objective, and timely manner. The fact-finding board, led by P/Director Benjamin Magalong, based its findings on 374 interviews, 318 sworn statements, messages, and other forms of correspondence submitted to the PNP. Since it started in January 26, it has spent around 5,160 man-hours in collecting pertinent data. The initial BOI report focused on reconstructing the plan to get Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and his associate Basit Usman. Both are notorious international terrorists hunted by several governments with rewards for their capture. Marwan detonated five bombs and had several encounters with law enforcement officers that killed 46 and wounded 207 people in the Philippines alone. Basit Usman was tagged in five bombing incidents that killed 17 and wounded 62 people. |
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| CIDG bares names of members of the Board of Inquiry | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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“In the interest of transparency as PNP OIC PDDG Leonardo A
Espina has always espoused, we are giving the public the names
of the PNP officers who will compose the Board of Inquiry that
will conduct an objective, impartial and thorough investigation
into the Mamasapano incident last January 25,2015 in Maguindanao
province”, said P/Director Benjamin Magalong, CIDG Director. “Since the BOI’s activation on February 2, 2015, the body has already documented more than 300 signed affidavits of SAF members, AFP officials, witnesses and other civilians who may have any knowledge, to aid our investigators in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the operation to neutralize two high-value terrorist targets that precipitated into a bloody tactical engagement that resulted in the neutralization of one of the targets and the death of 44 PNP –SAF troopers,” Magalong added. OIC PDDG Espina named Magalong as head of the BOI with instructions and a freehand to compose its members who will come from the officer corps. Named to compose the BOI are: *PDIR CATALINO RODRIGUEZ PMA class 81; currently the Director of the Directorate for Reseach and Development (DRD); was former Regional Director of PRO 10 in Northern Mindanao; former Director, DIPO-Visayas in 2013-2014 and was Provincial Director of Misamis Oriental in 2008. Finished graduate studies with a Degree of Master in Criminal Justice and Police Management at the University of Lei Ces Per in U.K. with Civil Service Executive Examination(CSEE) eligiblity. *PCSUPT JOHN SOSITO PNPA class ’84, current Executive Officer of DIPO-Eastern Mindanao, member of Philippine Bar; Provincial Director of one of the Provinces in PRO8,NCRPO in 2006 and Training Service with Police Executive Senior Eligibility (PESE) of NAPOLCOM; *PSSUPT ROBERT PO PNPA class 85, formerly assigned at the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), NCRPO Manila Police District as Chief Directorial Staff, in General Santos as City Director in 2008 and in CIDG as Regional Chief of NCRCIDG, he is the current Deputy PIO, PNP; *PSSUPT RONALD DELA ROSA PMA class ’86, former City Director of Davao City, assigned also in Camp Crame at the DHRDD in 2003, and former CIDG investigator; *PSSUPT CESAR HAWTHORNE BINAG PMA class ’87 who was formerly assigned with NCRPO as Station Commander of PS 10 in 2003, HPG in 2004 and served a tour of duty with the UN Mission in Liberia in 2013-2014; *PSSUPT BENIGNO DURANA, JR. PMA class ’88, who was formerly Provincial Director of Aklan PPO, had a brief assignment with SAF in 1990-1992 as Operation Officer, with DCA, PAOCC and saw action in the PNP-UN mission last 2002; and lastly, *CHIEF INSPECTOR DAVID JOY DUARTE PNPA class 2005, the topnotcher of his class and a graduate of the Asia Institute of Management (AIM). He served the SAF in 2005-2011 as Intelligence Officer and Logictics Officer, and presently assigned at the Center for Police Strategic Management. PDir Benjamin B. Magalong, who heads the BOI, is himself a former SAF Battalion Commander, Chief Directorial Staff (CDS) and saw action during the siege at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City in March 20015 during the term of then CPNP PDG Arturo Lomibao, where ASG members staged a stand-off but were ultimately neutralized by Magalong and his team. Authority:PDIR BENJAMIN B. MAGALONG (CIDG Director) Date:February 6, 2015 PCI ELIZABETH D JASMIN Chief CIDG- Public Information Office 0917-827-9295722-08-20 loc. 5472 www.cidg.gov.ph |
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| GPH, MILF ceasefire mechanisms contribute to success of law enforcement ops | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – Several successful law enforcement operations that led to the neutralization of terrorists and capture of criminal lairs in Central Mindanao were facilitated by the ceasefire mechanisms of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “This shows that our ceasefire mechanisms work," Brig. Gen. Manolito Orense, the chair of the government side of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) said, noting that law enforcement operations can be "smoothly implemented thru a collaboration of all parties and by adhering to the ceasefire protocols." The AHJAG is one of several ceasefire mechanisms under the GPH-MILF peace process. It was established in May 2002, through a joint communiqué between the GPH and MILF and formally organized in 2005. Its mandate is to coordinate, monitor and disseminate information between and among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) for the Government, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) for the MILF, to effect the apprehension and arrest of the identified selected criminal elements within the "MILF areas/communities." The AHJAG, along with the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), are vital to the implementation of the ceasefire accord signed by the parties in 1997. A joint CCCH was established as provided for by the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and was designed to activate and respond immediately to de-escalate any reported hostile armed confrontation between the Government and MILF forces, with no need for Presidential nor Cabinet Secretary level instruction. Orense made the statement following the Senate hearing on the unfortunate incident in the town of Mamasapano in the province of Maguindanao, where a police operation against two high-value targets led to a deadly firefight with the MILF and other armed groups in the area. Cited as reason in the misencounter between government troops and the MILF is the lack of coordination, which is an important component in the Revised AFP/PNP Guidelines for the AHJAG signed by the leaderships of government security forces in 2013. Successful operations Orense cited at least three operations that were successfully carried-out following the protocols under the ceasefire agreement and operational guidelines for the AHJAG. He said a military operation under the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and its 1st Infantry Division made a significant blow against the Killafah Islamiyah Mindanao at Lumbaca Unayan, Lanao del Sur on November 2, 2013. The military overran the group’s training camp and seized subversive documents and other war materials. The group has been tagged as perpetrators of previous bombing incidents in some parts of Mindanao. According to Orense, the success of said operation was assured when the joint CCCH and AHJAG were notified at least 24 hours prior to the actual combat operation. Another case was on February 2, 2014, when a joint operation was conducted by operatives of the Philippine National Police, the military’s 6th Infantry Division, and the Joint Task Force Central Mindanao to run after key leaders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao province. He said a major camp of the BIFF, where the regional terrorist group Jemah Islamiyah had established a foothold, was seized and their armaments were confiscated. In said case, the CCCH and the AHJAG of both the GPH and the MILF were notified at least 72 hours prior to the conduct of operation. He said the coordination led the fighters of the MILF to “pull-out of the area to pave the way for the successful operation.” Meanwhile, the most recent operation facilitated by the ceasefire mechanisms was in November last year, where the military launched an operation against bomb-making expert Abdul Basit Usman and his cohorts, who are members of the BIFF in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The operation resulted to the death of Usman’s father-in-law. “These operations were coordinated through the ceasefire/AHJAG mechanisms and resulted in the recovery of sizeable improvised explosive devices and other bomb-making components including high-powered firearms and other war materials,” Orense said. Mary Ann Arnado of the Bantay Ceasefire attested that “all these years, the joint CCCH and IMT mechanisms were proven and effective.” She said if only the Special Action Force used the ceasefire mechanism the tragic Mamasapano incident would not have been happened. “Even in the recent Mamasapano [encounter], they (CCCH and AHJAG) were instrumental in disengaging the warring forces. The efficacy of the mechanism lies in the cooperation of the parties. Coordination spells survival because we are dealing with combatants on both sides who have only known language thru guns,” she said. As per official records, there have been no reported skirmish between government and MILF forces since 2012 until the unfortunate encounter in Mamasapano last month. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PHL, Qatar successfully convene 2nd Joint Committee Meeting on Labor Matters | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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10 February 2015 - The Philippines and Qatar successfully
convened the 2nd Joint Committee Meeting on Labor Matters from
February 04 to 05 in Doha,Qatar with Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA) chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac
leading the Philippine delegation and Deputy Minister of Labor
and Social Affairs Hussein bin Youssef Al-Mulla heading the
Qatari delegation. Administrator Cacdac acknowledged the many job opportunities for Filipinos in Qatar created mostly from the upcoming hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He cited the health, construction, services, and production sectors as offering the most opportunities for prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). He further added that the Philippines received 78,426 job orders from Qatar. In response, Deputy Minister Al-Mulla informed the Philippine delegation that there are 94,289 visas reserved for Filipino workers that Qatar is hoping to be deployed soon. These are mostly in the health sector and in the ongoing rail project. Deputy Minister Al-Mulla also informed the Philippine side that Article 33 of the Qatari Labor Law prohibits the payment of recruitment fees. Hence, POEA Administrator Cacdac promised to issue a circular warning prospective OFWs to Qatar from paying such fees to recruiters. Qatar likewise announced that it is nearing completion of the drafting of a law to protect household service workers (HSWs). Currently, HSWs are outside the jurisdiction of Qatari labor law. Both sides agreed to exchange blacklists of erring recruitment agencies and white lists of good performing agencies. The JCM also saw the two delegations discussing other issues, such as recruitment policies, dispute settlement, and bilateral pursuits under the Abu Dhabi Dialogue. Prior to the actual JCM, the Philippine delegation visited the Labor Inspection and Labor Relations Departments where they got to see firsthand Qatar’s efforts to protect the welfare and rights of OFWs in the country. The delegation was also toured around a labor camp being constructed at the Doha Industrial Area, where future Migrant Workers will be provided with comfortable and quality accommodations. The 1st Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) was held in Bohol in 2009. The 3rd JCM will be hosted by Manila sometime later this year, to be preceded by a technical working group meeting. |
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| PHL Embassy pushes for greater PHL-Russia Cooperation in Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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10 February 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Moscow participated
in the conference on “Education Relations between Russia and
Southeast Asian Universities: Retrospect and Prospects,”
organized by the Moscow State University of Economics,
Statistics and Information (MESI) on February 04. Third
Secretary and Vice Consul Luningning G. Camoying, who
represented the Embassy in said conference, highlighted the
importance of education cooperation as a means to promote
people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and Russia. She noted that the Embassy encourages and facilitates the establishment of linkages between Philippine and Russian institutions of higher education through the conclusion of agreements that provide for information-sharing on academic developments, teaching methodologies and research activities; exchange of students for study and visit; exchange of faculty members for visit, research, lectures, and discussions; and joint organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops, among others. For instance, under the Academic Cooperation Agreement between the University of the Philippines-Diliman and M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), two MSU students majoring in Philippine Philology cross-enrolled in the University of the Philippines and took courses on Philippine Regional Literature and Asian History from November 2013 to March 2014. This provided the students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Philippine culture and thus obtain a better grasp of the nuances of the Filipino language. Also present were representatives from the Embassies of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The rest of the participants were professors from MESI and other Moscow-based universities, such as the Russian State University for the Humanities, State University of Management, and Moscow State Regional University, among others. |
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| DAR signs agreement with State Universities and Colleges | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Zamboanga del Sur -The Department of Agrarian Reform through the
Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support
Services (ARCCESS) recently signed the Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with State Universities and Colleges to implement the
Organizational and Enterprise Needs Assessment (OE NADA) that
will help identify programs and projects needed by the selected
Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs). Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang said the DAR designed the OE-NADA as basis for identifying the succeeding interventions to be extended to the ARBOs and to be commissioned by the engaged professional service providers (PSPs) from state universities and colleges (SUCs), civil society organizations (CSOs), national government agencies, and private institutions to enhance the capacity of the ARBOs on agri-extension and agri-enterprise development. Ragandang said the endeavor aims to enhance the capacity of ARBOs in increasing farm yield and productivity, improve household incomes, business management and to incubate their agri-enterprise until such time that these ARBOs can effectively and sustainably manage their respective agri-enterprises. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo N. Soria, said that the MOA defined the modalities of the OE-NADA as a systematic approach to identify the nature and scope of the social problems in the proposed ARBOs. Soria said the output of the partnership is the Design Assessment to ensure that the goals and assumptions are reasonable to the needs of the ARBOs so that appropriate services will be in place to counter the problem. Engr. Josephine G. Sisican, Chief of Program Beneficiaries Development Division, said that among the identified projects Damit Multi Purpose Cooperative and Salawagan Agrarian Reform Cooperative and NIMALUSAN IA of Bayog are candidates for the adoption of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) cum Palay Trading and Establishment of Organic Agricultural Supply. Dr. Edgardo H. Rosales, the SUC President disclosed that the school is honored for being selected as conduit in the conduct of the organizational and enterprise Needs Assessment of the ARBOs and its immediate community. Rosales said SUC will examine the ARBOs access to credit and market and enterprise capacities to implement the sub-project, Crop and crop production suitability; and the suitability of the identified intervention requirements; business development; technology and extension; common service facilities; and other development opportunities. |
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| DA-BFAR’s target program to establish hundreds of fish landing centers nationwide | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (DA-BFAR) will establish 252 Community Fish Landing
Centers (CFLCs) in strategic areas nationwide to improve the
socio-economic conditions of fisherfolk communities with high
poverty incidence. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala told the good news during the project’s launching in Tanza, Cavite, on Friday, February 6. The CFLCs are under BFAR’s umbrella program Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET), which was launched in November last year. “The construction of the fish landing centers is part of the government’s commitment to deliver precise interventions and promote inclusive growth in the fishery sector,” said Alcala. The DA, through the BFAR, is targeting to reduce fisheries post-harvest losses from 25% to 18% or even lower, he added. The CFLCs, each costing P2.85 million, will house post-harvest equipment and tools that will enable fisherfolk to preserve the good quality of their fish and fishery products, which they could sell for a higher price. Local consumers will also benefit from the fish landing centers as they will have better access to safe and quality fishery commodities. The facilities will also be opened as venues for skills trainings on disaster-resilient fisheries-based livelihoods and resource management such as monitoring fish catch and stock assessment. BFAR national director Asis G. Perez said the bureau made use of its own fisherfolk database and the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) with the assistance of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) in determining the sites where the CFLCS will be established. Based on NAPC’s recommendation, the areas were assessed based on poverty incidence, municipal density, fish production, number of registered fisherfolk and number of existing fish ports and fish landing areas. Upon completion, Perez said, the CFLCs will be operated by the local government units (LGUs) and later on by fisherfolk cooperatives. Meanwhile, BFAR, in partnership with Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), launched the Boat Admeasurement Mobile Application to fast track the national program on the municipal fishing vessels and gears registration (BoatR). Under this program, BFAR will provide municipal agriculture officers a tablet where the mobile application can be accessed. BFAR also announced the first 100 municipalities who completed their fisherfolk database under the national program for municipal fisherfolk registration or FishR. Perez said each municipality will receive fisheries livelihood projects amounting to P2 million from the bureau. Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food Sen. Cynthia Villar expressed optimism for the development these projects would bring the fisheries sector especially the fisherfolk and fish workers. “The government, through the DA, is making progress in realizing our goals. Let us continue our concerted and collective programs for the benefit of the sector,” she said. ###(BFAR Information and Public Relations Group) References: Information and Public Relations Group Telefax: (02) 454-5863 Mobile Number/s: 0917-8914233Website: www.bfar.da.gov.ph |
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| PRC Iloilo observes Governor Evelio B. Javier Day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Manila, February 9, 2015 – The Professional Regulation
Commission (PRC) announces that the PRC-Iloilo office shall be
closed on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in observance of Governor
Evelio B. Javier Day. The Holiday declaration is stipulated in Republic Act No. 7601, approved on June 3, 1992, entitled "An Act Declaring February 11 of Each Year Governor Evelio B. Javier Day, a special non-working public holiday in the provinces of Antique, Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo". PRC Iloilo Regional Office will resume services on February 12, 2015 (Thursday). |
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| TESDA reminds bus drivers to take gov't certification | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Following a series of deadly road crash traced mostly to
reckless driving, the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) issued a reminder to all bus companies to
ensure that their drivers have been assessed and certified by
the agency to guarantee their passengers' safety on the road. "The aim is reduced, if not zero accidents as they ply the roads and take their passengers to their destination," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. Bus drivers who have passed the assessment will be issued the National Certificate III by TESDA. Starting 2011, the Land Transportation Office and the Department of Transportation and Communications mandated all bus drivers in Metro Manila to secure an NC III before they can drive. TESDA has been assisting bus companies to develop their capability to train and assess their drivers as it aims to get them all certified. The agency's Training Regulations for Driving NC II and NC III provides the minimum standard for the training and assessment of drivers of buses, trucks and other vehicles. "Training should be continuous because every day, the drivers' skills are put to test on the road. Drivers can't take chances and always rely on instincts because the safety of their passengers are at stake," Villanueva said. The core competencies of the Driving NC III course are: Perform Minor Maintenance and Servicing on Vehicles Classified under LTO Restriction Codes 3 up to 5; Perform Pre-and Post Operation Procedures Vehicles Classified under LTO Restriction Codes 3 up to 5; Obey and Observe Traffic Rules and Regulations; Observe Road Health and Safety Practices; Implement and Coordinate Accident-Emergency Procedures; Drive Passenger Bus and; Drive Straight Truck. Road accidents involving buses have recently figured in the news headlines, prompting authorities to mete out harsh penalties to the bus companies involved. Last Thursday, February 5, a Dela Rosa Transit bus hit and almost flattened a Toyota Vios along the northbound lane of Edsa in Quezon City. A total of 48 passengers were hurt when a passenger bus fell off a cliff along National Highway in Barangay Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur last February 2. |
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement at the joint press conference during the State Visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo |
| Reception Hall, Malacañan Palace |
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09 February 2015
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Your Excellency : Indonesia has long been a good friend, a strong partner, and a reliable ally to the Philippines. This is something seen most evidently in our response to natural calamities. After the earthquake and tsunami that struck Indonesia in 2010, for instance, our country stood in solidarity with their nation, and provided support that we could. Likewise, Indonesia has always been ready to assist the Philippines during times of disaster. They were quick to provide financial and logistical support in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. To our Indonesian friends: On behalf of the Filipino people, I express our nation’s gratitude for your help, and I assure you that our nation will always be prepared to repay your kindness. More than 65 years since the formal establishment of our bilateral ties, I believe we can continue to look to the future with optimism, and that our relations will be further strengthened during President Widodo’s administration. President Widodo and I had a fruitful discussion that covered the considerable expanse of cooperative activities between our countries. On top of this, we also spoke about possible areas that could be boosted through our increased cooperation, towards our peoples’ mutual benefit. One of the highlights of today’s discussion was our countries’ meeting of the minds as regards the protection of migrants and migrant workers. Indonesia and the Philippines both have a significant number of nationals overseas, and it is in our mutual interest to work closely with one another to protect our migrants wherever they may be in the world. We thus welcome the Joint Declaration on the Protection of Migrants and Migrants Workers issued by our Secretary of Foreign Affairs and his Indonesian counterpart. The declaration aims to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia in promoting and protecting the rights of migrants and migrant workers, and in outlining the measures we will take to assist each other’s nationals through our diplomatic missions overseas. Another notable topic we discussed was that of maritime affairs. Indonesia and the Philippines are two of the world’s largest archipelagic states, and are among the top five countries with the longest coastlines. We are both parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and of the Coral Triangle Initiative. Therefore, closer cooperation and coordination between our two countries in maritime affairs is vital. Both sides agreed to coordinate more closely on a number of maritime issues. Having found success in delimiting our exclusive economic zones, we are more encouraged to further improve our approach to maritime boundary delimitation, border cooperation, and cooperation in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or IUUF under the scope of the Philippines-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation or JCBC. President Widodo and I also exchanged views on economic cooperation, including how to expand trade and investment between our countries. The opportunities are certainly there, especially given that Indonesia and the Philippines are two of the fastest growing economies in the region. Discussions likewise touched on defense cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and possible roll-on/roll-off arrangements between Philippine and Indonesian Ports, as well as Indonesia’s continuing role in our Peace Process. The Philippines and Indonesia hold similar positions on a variety of regional and international issues. As further proof of the meaningful and tangible cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia, three agreements were likewise signed today. These are: The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking and Abuse of Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors; The Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Technical Vocational Education and Training; The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Defense College of the Philippines and Indonesia’s Lembaga Ketahanan Nasional (LEMHANAS) on Cooperation in Education, Research and Training. These agreements pave the way for enhanced bilateral collaboration in these fields, as the Philippines continues to engage Indonesia towards having our people reap the maximum benefits from our partnership. Indeed, my meeting with President Widodo filled me with optimism. I believe that, under his presidency, Philippines-Indonesia relations will be propelled to even greater heights. In his few months in office, President Widodo has demonstrated his strong commitment to inclusive growth, an idea that has always served as my administration’s north star. I am thus incredibly eager to work closely with His Excellency, given the vision we share for our respective peoples. I am hopeful that, during his stay, President Widodo can feel the inherent hospitality and warmth of our people, which characterizes our nation’s sentiment towards one of our most solid partners in the ASEAN region. Rest assured, the Philippines will continue working to deepen our bilateral relationship even further, and build further on the enduring friendship between our countries and our peoples. We thank you. |
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Last Updated:
09 FEBRUARY 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, lead the ceremonial toasts during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09, 2015). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, share a light moment following their joint press statement at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. Also in photo are Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, witness the signing of agreements at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Welcome Ceremony during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. With President Widodo is wife Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo being introduce to Presidential sisiter Maria Elena "Balsy" Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, greet Indonesian officials during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 9). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Aquino III announces that suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan has been confirmed dead during the SAF operation in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and accepted the resignation of suspended PNP Chief Police Director General Allan Purisima during his message on Friday (Frebruary 6) held at the President hall in Malacanang. (Photo By Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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The APEC Senior Officials are gathered for a family photo at the start of the 2-day formal Senior Officials’ Meeting at the Fontana International Convention Center in Clark on Friday (February 6). APEC Senior Officials will lay down the groundwork for policy direction of APEC in 2015, that would reflect both the outcomes of APEC 2014 in China, and build on the APEC Philippines 2015 theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” PIA | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Memorare Manila 1945 Foundation, Inc. represented by founders Roderick McMicking Hall and sister Consuelo McMicking Hall and Foundation President Ambassador Juan Jose Rocha during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). Also in photo is former Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) delegation, led by JCCI chairman Akio Mimura, for a group photo souvenir during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). JCCI is a network of comprehensive local economic organizations made up of the representatives of some 1.26 million member businesses from large and medium-sized corporations down to small firms and sole proprietors in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) delegation, led by JCCI chairman Akio Mimura, during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). JCCI is a network of comprehensive local economic organizations made up of the representatives of some 1.26 million member businesses from large and medium-sized corporations down to small firms and sole proprietors in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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