24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 16 February 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 February 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 February 2015 |
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Synopsis:
Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Norhern and Central Luzon.
Forecast:
The
regions of Cagayan Valley,cordillera, Ilocos, Central Luzon and the
province of Quezon will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains
and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country
will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or
thunderstorms.
February 16, 2015
( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A
/ PIA QUEZON : Cloudy in Lucena City
ANC: A Filipina OFW from Jordan who arrived last February 6, was confined in Cotabato City after exhibiting MERS-CoV sypmtoms.
BATANGAS
Tagalog news: Million Volunteer Run, isasagawa ng Red Cross Batangas chapter
- February 16, 2015
Sinabi ni PRC Batangas chapter administrator Ronald Generoso, na layunin ng Run for Humanity na maiangat ang kakayahan ng PRC Batangas chapter sa disaster preparedness and response.
May registration fee na P 150.00 (inclusive of singlet, race bib and finisher's certificate), ito ay sabayang isasagawa simula alas-5:30 ng umaga sa mga lungsod ng Batangas, Lipa at Tanauan at sa bayan ng Nasugbu gayundin sa ibang lalawigan. Sa Lungsod ng Batangas, ito ay magsisimula sa Batangas city sports center.
Ang mga registration booth ay matatagpuan sa mga mall, paaralan, establisyimento at sa mga Red Cross chapters at branches.
Target ng MVR3 na makahikayat ng 52,000 volunteers mula sa lalawigan ng Batangas (3,000 per district) kung kaya’t inaanyayahan ang lahat na lumahok sa naturang 5KM run, bata man o matanda. Ang mga sasali na may edad 17 taong gulang pababa ay kinakailangang may pahintulot o kunsinti ng kanilang magulang.
Ang pondong makakalap sa MVR 3 ay gagamitin ng PRC Batangas chapter sa mga serbisyong gawain nito tulad ng Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Health Service, Social Services, at Red Cross Youth.
Bukod sa MVR3, idaraos din ang Ms. Batangas Province Red Cross na siyang magsisilbing ambassadress ng mga programa ng PRC. Bawat munisipalidad at bayan ay maaaring magpadala ng kanilang kinatawan. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681423737508/tagalog-news-million-volunteer-run-isasagawa-ng-red-cross-batangas-chapter#sthash.gcP7xnAU.dpuf
Tagalog news: TESDA libreng serbisyo sa barangay, isinagawa sa Tanauan
- February 13, 2015
Ilan sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ay libreng gupit, masahe, manicure/pedicure at domestic appliance repair.
Sinabi ni Provincial Director Carlos Flores, na ang libreng serbisyo sa barangay ay iikot sa buong Calabarzon at napakaswerte ng Batangas lalo na ang Barangay Darasa dahil ito ang pinakaunang nabigyan ng ganitong serbisyo.
Sa naturang programa, nakibahagi ang mga TESDA Espesyalista graduates upang kumita ang mga ito habang pinapakinabangan ang kaalamang natutunan sa kanilang mga pagsasanay.
Dagdag pa ni Flores na sa halip na kumuha ng ibang mga magseserbisyo mas pinili ng TESDA na ang kanilang mga sariling graduates ang makinabang sa programa.
Dumating din si Tanauan Mayor Thony Halili at sinabi nito na dapat samantalahin ng mga Tanaueno ang mga ganitong serbisyo sapagkat malaking tulong ito sa kanila. Hinikayat pa ng alkalde ang mga mamamayan na sumailalim sa mga pagsasanay ng TESDA sapagakt mas in demand ito at mas madali ang panahon ng pag-aaral at pagkakaroon ng trabaho.
Malaki naman ang pasasalamat ng mga residente ng barangay sa kanilang natanggap na serbisyo. (Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681423790122/tagalog-news-tesda-libreng-serbisyo-sa-barangay-isinagawa-sa-tanauan#sthash.03I0KVXY.dpuf
Tagalog news: Pangunahing produkto ng bayan ng Ibaan, tampok sa "Les Kuhliembo" festival
- February 13, 2015
Sinabi ni Mayor Juan Toreja, na ang pagdiriwang ay pagbibigay pugay sa mga mamamayan ng Ibaan sa patuloy na pagpapalago ng mga produktong tunay na makikita lamang dito. Aniya, inaasahan nilang patuloy ang pagtangkilik at pagpapalago ng mga produktong ito maging sa ibang mga bayan at karatig lalawigan na karaniwang dinadala ng mga maglalako mula sa bayan ng Ibaan.
Nagsimula ang pagdiriwang sa pamamagitan ng isang banal na misa at sinundan ng street dance competition na nilahukan ng mga kabataan, opisyal ng barangay at senior citizens.
Naglakoob din ang lokal na pamahalaan ng mgha special awards upang kilalanin ang effort ng mga lumahok kung saan tinanghal na Biggest Delegation ang Brgy. Poblacion; Most Creative barangay costume ang Brgy. Palindan at Brgy. Poblacion; Most energetic ang Brgy. Bungahan at Most Synchronized Streetdance Steps and Brgy. Tulay.
Isa din sa mga itinampok na programa ang Liempo grilling na nilahukan ng 26 na barangay at pagkatapos ay isinagawa ang boodle fight at sama-samang pagkain ng mga Ibaanos.
Pinagkalooban din ang lahat ng barangay ng certificate of appreciation para sa kanilang pakikilahok sa pagdiriwang.
Samantala nagsagawa naman ng Palaro ng Lahi para sa mga empleyado ng munisipyo at barangay na ipinakita ang iba't-ibang mga laro na madalang ng makita sa ngayon tulad ng tamales eating challenge, tara na magkulambo, balaatan ng tubo gamit ang ngipin, hulihan ng biik at Mariang nakahabi went to market na akma din sa tampok na produkto ng naturang festival. (Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas)
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International arbitration still country’s preference to resolve West Philippine Sea dispute, says Palace | ||
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Palace reiterates eagerness to find out the truth behind the Mamasapano incident | ||
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Palace: Government, MILF must study proposal for independent Mamasapano probe | ||
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Goverment ready to deal with MERS-CoV, says Palace | ||
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| Protect the country's future, continue with peace process -- Independent peace monitoring body urges |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
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MANILA – The Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), the body that
monitors the progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro, highlighted the need to continue
with the peace process especially after the tragedy in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao which claimed nearly 70 lives from all
sides, including civilians. “The recent tragic events at Mamasapano have underlined yet again the human costs of conflict, and the TPMT joins in expressing their condolences to the families of all the victims,” TPMT Chair Alistair MacDonald said during a press briefing held for the release of their second annual Public Report on February 13. “Pending the results of the various investigations now being carried out, it would be premature to comment substantively on these events,” he noted. “But it will be essential to protect the future while providing just remedies for the past – and that future can only prosper in the context of a widespread and lasting peace.” According to MacDonald, while public attention is focused on the tragedy, the substantial progress made in the peace process for 2014 must not be overlooked. He noted that the report they release should serve to remind the public of this progress. The TPMT cited the completion of the Normalization Annex in January, the historic signature of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March, the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Congress in September, and the conduct of extensive Congressional consultations and deliberations on the BBL immediately after its submission as proof of this progress, along with movements in the other dimensions of the peace process. The latter include the initial progress made in the Normalization track; the setting up of the Joint Normalization Committee, the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and the Independent Decommissioning Body; preparations for the decommissioning or turnover of MILF firearms; continued work on socio-economic development, through the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program and the preparation of a detailed Bangsamoro Development Plan; and preparations for the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, with the establishment of a Coordinating Committee for the Transition. Formally established in 2013, the TPMT is tasked to monitor the implementation of the peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government. Joining MacDonald, a former European Union ambassador to the Philippines, in the TPMT are Husseyin Oruc of Human Rights and Freedoms Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH); Karen Tanada, executive director of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute (GZOPI); Rahib Kudto of UNYPAD Philippines; and Steven Rood, country representative of The Asia Foundation. Continuing commitment to peace “What struck me is that those calling for all-out war are not the people affected, not the police or military, not the people who live in the area,” MacDonald noted. He said that while it is necessary for the parties to restore trust in the peace process, he remains confident it will continue, and that the parties will be able to find lasting solutions to armed conflict. Oruc, clarifying that the TPMT is neutral and not part of either the government or the MILF, noted that they “saw sincerity in both sides,” and that “we will continue to hope for peace in Mindanao.” “Ending decades of violent conflict cannot be accomplished overnight,” MacDonald said, “and the painstaking efforts of all those working for peace deserve to be acknowledged.” “The best guarantees of success are the continuing commitment to peace of both Parties, at the highest level, the massive engagement of Congress and the public in deliberating on the BBL, and the underlying hopes of the people of Mindanao that their children should be able to grow and prosper in a peaceful and just society,” the TPMT said. -process-independent-peace-monitoring-body-urges#sthash.E6Mpc1Kf.dpuf |
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| Immigration agents intercept illegal passengers |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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Manila, Philippines--- Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents
intercepted three Chinese nationals who tried to leave the
country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on
Monday. Chen Li Hui, Shi Jinxing, and Ke Meiru were immediately apprehended by BI Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) officers at the boarding gate after prior investigation based on verified information. Passenger Chen was caught using fake extension stamps, entry visa, and arrival and departure stamps. Passengers Shi and Ke likewise had improper travel documents. “We are conducting a thorough investigation on this matter to find out if there is any culpability on the part of our personnel, and to gather further information on similar incidents”, said BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. The intercepted passengers were immediately turned over to the BI Legal Division and consequently charged for deportation. |
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| Run with us: Corporate institutions support PhilHealth’s 2nd nationwide simultaneous run |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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Together we run! SEVERAL corporate institutions namely the People’s Television Network Inc., Oishi, Smart Communications, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Air Juan and Maxima Machineries Incorporated, are sponsoring the second simultaneous running event of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on February 15, 2015 in 13 major sites in the country. Other sponsors like Pfizer Philippines, Nine Media Corporation, Tupperware Brands Philippines, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Land Bank of the Philippines, Tiger 22 Media Corporation, Philippine Veterans Bank, Businessmirror, Cook Magazine, KFC, Philippines Graphic, Businessworld, Maynilad Water Services, Banco de Oro, Insurance Manila, GT Metro Foundation, and Social Security System, who were part of the 2013 PhilHealth Run shall also support this activity. Dubbed “PhilHealth Ready, TSeKaP, Go!”, the running event is among the many activities lined-up to mark PhilHealth’s 20th anniversary with the theme “Ensuring Universal Coverage for All Filipinos.” As partner institutions, the said organizations shall support the PhilHealth Run through sponsorships in cash or in kind. This is in line with their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Said support shall help also boost resources to be turned over to beneficiary-institutions such as the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES) in Quezon City and other 12 local institutions caring for the vulnerable sectors of the society. “We are happy with the response of our corporate partners. Since we started our simultaneous run in 2013, we were able to promote active, healthy participation nationwide. We look forward to engaging more corporate partners in the coming years as we inspire them to move and be active through our nationwide run,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla. |
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| Secretary Del Rosario’s Oslo visit reaffirms PHL-Norway Partnership |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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13 February 2015 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario visited Norway from February 11 to 12 upon the
invitation of Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende,
reaffirming the growing partnership between the Philippines and
Norway across many sectors. During his tête-à-tête with Secretary Del Rosario, Minister Brende expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Mamasapano tragedy but also expressed hope that the pursuit of peace in Mindanao would continue despite the latest serious challenge. He assured the Philippines’ top diplomat that Norway remained fully committed to a long-term engagement in the Mindanao Peace Process. Secretary Del Rosario thanked Minister Brende for his sympathy. He also expressed appreciation for Norway’s role in the Mindanao Peace Process as a member of the International Monitoring Team and as Vice-Chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body. The Secretary assured Minister Brende of the Philippines’ resolve to see through the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro while being fully committed to finding justice for the slain police officers. Referring to bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector, Secretary Del Rosario expressed appreciation for Norway’s technical assistance in ensuring that the country’s maritime education and training institutes meet the standards required by the International Convention on Standards of Timekeeping, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention). This has resulted in the continued recognition of Philippine-issued licenses and certificates by the European Union (EU), a requirement for Filipino seafarers for employment as officers in EU-flagged vessels. With over 25,000 Filipino seafarers on board Norwegian-owned and -managed vessels, Minister Brende noted that it was in the common interest of both countries to continue efforts to achieve adequate progress in meeting STCW requirements. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress of the proposed free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (PH-EFTA FTA). Norway is the largest member of this four-country association which also includes Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Negotiations are set to commence next month after the conclusion of the scoping exercise. The two ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral organizations, including mutual support of candidatures in the United Nations. Earlier, Secretary Del Rosario met with the Chair and members of the Norwegian Parliament’s (the Storting) Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. In the bilateral consultations held the day before, Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson and Norwegian Director General Tore Hattrem agreed to strengthen relations in the energy sector, disaster risk reduction, water, social security and law enforcement. Secretary Del Rosario was assisted by Ambassador Bayani Mercado in his first-ever visit to Norway, which is home to about 18,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Norwegians. |
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| Rejoinder to the Manila Times’ column “Back to Bubble” by Mr. Ben D. Kritz |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Rejoinder to the Manila Times’ column “Back to Bubble” by Mr.
Ben D. Kritz 13 February 2015 MR. BEN D. KRITZ Columnist The Manila Times 2/F Sitio Grande Building 409 A. Soriano Avenue Intramuros, Manila Dear Mr. Kritz: We would like to respond to your column on 11 January 2015 in the Manila Times on the is-sue of “excessive number of official holidays” and their effects on business. We certainly don’t agree that DOLE wage regulations—which you called “needlessly confus-ing”—should be blamed for employers’ extra payroll costs during holidays. The DOLE infographic that you referred to is inte nded to provide workers and enterprises a quick reference, a guide, of the pay regulations during holidays and special (non-working) days, including pay for work rendered beyond eight hours. We assure you workers and em-ployers don’t call the DOLE hotline, or proceed to DOLE regional offices, and its attached agencies to say they are confused with pay regulations: they call or visit for help on how to do the math for holiday pay. The DOLE issues wage regulations in response to the categories of non-working days ob-served in the Philippines. Proclamation No. 831, Series of 2014, declared 10 regular holidays, seven special (non-working) days, one special holiday for schools, and two holidays in ob-servance of Eid’l Adha and Eid’l Fit’r for 2015, a total of 20 holidays—12 regular and eight special holidays. In addition, Proclamation 936 declared January 15, 16 and 19 of this year as special non-working days in the National Capital Region, in view of the visit of Pope Francis. The Labor Code entitles a worker to 100 percent of his regular wage during regular holidays, if unworked, and 200 percent of the regular wage, if worked. In the case of special non-working holidays, workers are entitled to 130 percent of their regular wage, only if work is rendered on these days. The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is included in the computa-tion of (regular) holiday pay. Workers benefit from the observance of holidays because it gives them respite from the daily routine and demands of work. It allows workers to spend time with the family, and to engage in recreational and cultural activities that contribute to greater work-life balance. These ac-tivities also stimulate consumption which means profits for enterprises and revenues, in the form of taxes, for government. We agree that higher labor costs affect businesses, especially more seriously the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which comprise 99 percent of the 900,000 establishments nationwide. MSMEs have relatively limited capacity to absorb additional labor costs and when they are forced to continue operations even during the holidays, the additional costs are almost entire-ly passed on to consumers through higher prices. Higher prices, in turn, may erode MSMEs’ competitiveness, on one hand, and may discourage consumption, on the other hand. Variabil-ity in the number and scheduling of holidays may also affect the capability of firms to coor-dinate a mutually-desired equilibrium of wages and labor hours. Lastly, the DOLE has repeatedly called for a balanced approach to the crafting of legislative measures on additional non-working holidays as more holidays affect the overall productivity and competitiveness of the Philippine economy, particularly on labor and employment. The Philippines, next to Cambodia, has the most number of national holidays among ASEAN member-states. The Philippines, however, grants the least number of annual leave benefits (5 days) compared to Cambodia (18 days), Malaysia (8-16 days), Lao (15 days), Brunei (7-14 days), Myanmar (10-14 days), Vietnam (12 days), Indonesia (12 days), Singapore (7 days) and Thailand (6 days). Thank you for your kind consideration of this rejoinder. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ Secretary |
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| Rizal execs charged with falsification |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of the Ombudsman affirmed the charges against Pililla,
Rizal Mayor Leandro Masikip and former Vice-Mayor Tomas Aguirre
in connection with the falsification of Resolution No. 22,
Series of 2005 authorizing the appropriation of P105,350.00 for
the expropriation of a parcel of property for the construction
of a barangay road. The Office found that Masikip and Aguirre made it appear that members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Pililla deliberated upon and passed the Resolution when, in fact, they did not participate therein. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “as a rule, proposed ordinances and resolutions must specify the date of its effectivity, a brief explanation justifying its approval and most of all, it must be signed by the authors thereof and submitted to the Secretary of the Sanggunian who shall report the same …during its next meeting.” On the administrative aspect of the case, Aguirre was found guilty of Simple Dishonesty and meted out the penalty of fine equivalent to six months’ salary while the administrative case against Masikip was dismissed in view of his reelection in 2007. The cases against Sangguniang Bayan Secretary Alejandro Amores were dismissed on account of his death in 2008. |
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| Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries now licensed teachers |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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Once, Gay Myrell Abrogena and Mary Rose Cabrera believed that
getting a college degree was just an elusive dream. Now the two
teachers are ready to give back to their communities, thanks to
the Students Grant-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation
(SGP-PA). Myrell and Mary Rose belong to families who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Ilocos. Through the SGP-PA, an educational program for college students from Pantawid Pamilya households, they were given the opportunity to continue their studies and finish higher education. Last year, Myrell and Mary Rose’s hard work paid off when they passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). “Passing the LET is a dream come true. Years ago, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish my studies, but now I’m already a licensed teacher. I’m so happy! Another chapter of my life begins, thanks to SGP-PA,” said 21-year-old Myrell who graduated from Mariano Marcos State University. Mary Rose, who is also a Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University graduate, was likewise elated when she learned that she was a LET-passer. “I didn’t have any second thoughts when I applied for the scholarship,” she said. “I worked hard to graduate and to pass the LET. I hope I will be able to serve our country soon.” Both SGP-PA grantees took up Bachelor in Elementary Education and are soon to be appointed in public schools in their respective communities. An inspiration to others Myrell and Mary Rose want to share the passion they have for education to their future students. Their experiences could be an inspiration to children to achieve their dreams, even if they are poor. “I want to mold young minds and encourage them to study hard despite poverty. It should not be a hindrance in getting [a] good education and being successful,” Myrell shared. Mary Rose, on the other hand, hopes to inspire students to serve others. She also has a piece of advice to the student grantees of SGP-PA. “Study hard and strive to achieve your goals. An opportunity like this does not come very often, so don’t waste it,” she said. Over 30,000 student-grantees SGP-PA is a joint program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It helps to increase the number of graduates in higher education among poor households and to get these graduates employed in high-value added occupations. This way, the grantees will be able to help lift their families out of poverty. Each SGP-PA scholar is entitled to receive P10,000 for tuition and P2,500 for textbooks and other learning materials per semester. A scholar also gets a stipend of P3,500 each month for board and lodging, clothing, health, and medical needs, basic school supplies, and other related expenses. A total of P30,000 worth of educational assistance is given to a student every semester. As of January 2015, there are 31,350 enrolled SGP-PA student grantees in 112 state universities and colleges nationwide. |
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| Monetary Board maintains Policy Rates |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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At its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to maintain the
BSP's key policy rates at 4.0 percent for the overnight
borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 6.0 percent
for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The
interest rates on term RRPs, RPs and special deposit accounts
(SDA) were also kept steady. The reserve requirement ratios were
left unchanged as well. The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriate. Latest baseline forecasts show a lower inflation path within the target range of 3.0 percent ± 1 percentage point for both 2015 and 2016, while inflation expectations remain firmly anchored. Inflation pressures have moderated further since the previous monetary policy meeting, reflecting mainly the significant decline in international oil prices. At the same time, the Monetary Board observed that prospects for domestic activity continue to be firm, and positive growth dynamics are expected to be supported by buoyant private demand, sustained bank lending growth, and upbeat business sentiment. The Monetary Board also noted that the risks to the baseline inflation forecast remain broadly balanced, with potential price pressures emanating from pending petitions for adjustments in utility rates and possible power shortages. Meanwhile, downside risks could arise from possible slower-than-expected global economic activity. Given these considerations, the Monetary Board is of the view that the within-target inflation outlook and robust domestic growth support keeping policy settings steady. Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor developments affecting the inflation outlook to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with its price and financial stability objectives. |
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| Amazing Glory faces smuggling charges again |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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Amazing Glory General Merchandise, which was charged by the
Bureau of Customs (BOC) last year for smuggling fake goods, is
once again facing similar charges in the Department of Justice
(DOJ). Amazing Glory General Merchandise owner, proprietor and general manager Herman Dela Cruz and licensed customs broker Dennis Bancairen are facing charges once again for bringing in fake goods from China worth an estimated P100-Million. Last July 2014, BOC filed a similar case against Amazing Glory for the same offense with the fake goods amounting to P310-Million. The fake goods, stored in two 40-foot container vans, were declared as “1,552 packages of ladies bags, shoes, stationery, blender, watch, cellphone accessories, toilet soap and moisturizers.” However, upon further examination the shipment was revealed to contain over 33,000 pieces of assorted goods with infringing trademarks like Nike bags, pouch bags and wristwatches; Adidas and Nike children’s bags; Sanrio bags; Gucci wristwatches and ladies bags; Swatch, Puma and Calvin Klein wristwatches; Longchamp ladies bags; Sony headsets; and Oakley pouch bags. For importing counterfeit products from China through the Port of Manila last May 2014, Dela Cruz and Bancairen are facing charges for violation of prohibited articles under the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines Sections 3601 and 101, as amended in relation to Section 166 on infringement of Republic Act 8293 (Intellectual Property Code); and violation of Section 3602 of the TCCP. “They never learn. They think they can get away with their smuggling activities but they are wrong. We will continue our aggressive drive against smugglers. We also appeal to our consumers not to patronize fake products as these take away livelihood from legitimate business and their workers. If people will continue to buy fake goods then the smuggling will not stop. To help us curb smuggling, please patronize only the real stuff,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla. From January to November of 2014, the government has seized an estimated P13.3-Billion in fake goods, a 116-percent surge compared to the P6.16 billion worth of counterfeit products confiscated last year with the biggest contribution to the seizures coming from the joint operations conducted by the Bureau of Customs, NBI, IPOPHL, which hauled in P9.34 billion worth of counterfeit products. |
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| Taiwanese electronics firm to start new factory’s operations in PHL |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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Taiwanese electronics company New Kinpo recently announced that
its newest factory in the Philippines will start operations by
the end of first quarter this year. New Kinpo Chief Executive Officer Simon Shen said that the focus of company’s operation is to be the main production base of consumer electronics products such as calculators and electronic keyboard for a known Japanese brand. Last year, New Kinpo invested USD 31.5M or P1.4B to set up this new factory in Batangas which will be operated by its subsidiary Kinpo Electronics Inc. They also announced that they intend to invest another USD 31M for the factory’s expansion this year. These projects are expected to employ 4,000 to 6,000 workers. With these new investments, the company is expecting to contribute around 10% to 30% of the New Kinpo’s total revenue this year. “We are continuously bringing to fruition government’s efforts to boost Philippine economic relations with Taiwan as we welcome more inbound trade missions from Taiwan and enable businesses like New Kinpo to flourish in the Philippines,” Department of Trade and Industry-Industry Promotion Group (DTI-IPG) Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said. With the growth of companies like the Kinpo Electronics Group in the Philippines, Manalo noted that the country takes part in Taiwan’s progress as a major supply chain source of industries in the region. Taiwan is currently one of the Philippine's top trading partners and investment sources. Through the assistance of the DTI, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Taipei and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Kinpo Electronics Group has been able to set up and operate factories in the Philippines. The group’s previous investments in the Philippines include its subsidiaries such as AcBel Polytech Inc. for the manufacture of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and smart grid solutions, and CalComp Electronics and Communications Co. for the production of handsets, printers, and Liquid-crystal-display televisions (LCD TV). Kinpo Electronics Group is a leading global original design manufacturer (ODM) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) partner. At present, the group has a total of 96,000 employees worldwide and has 23 subsidiaries, wherein seven are publicly listed corporations. New Kinpo is one of the major subsidiaries of Kinpo Group. The group produces a wide range of consumer electronics products such calculators, printers, 3D printers, external hard disc drives, modems, and motherboards for brands like HP, Toshiba, Western Digital, and Casio. |
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| PNP holds meeting with gov't, NGAs on implementation of CCTVs in Metro Manila |
| Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph |
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The PNP through the Directorate for Information and
Communications Technology Management headed by Police Director
Rodrigo P. De Gracia, held today an Exploratory Meeting at the
PNP National Headquarters with various government and
non-government agencies on the implementation of the PNP CCTV
Project in Metro Manila. The said project was initiated by the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Mar Roxas II in response to the various crime incidents in the different areas in NCR with priority on the identified crime prone areas to maximize the effectiveness of the OPLAN “Lambat/Sibat” anti-crime initiative. The PNP conducted the exploratory meeting in order to expedite the implementation of the project, share best practices and technology and to explore the possibility of using other government and non-government’s facility to enhance this project. The project would closely monitor and record all incidents in crime prone areas for the police to be able to execute immediate police action based on the live feed of the CCTVs and recordings may be used in investigation and prosecution of criminal incidents. Said CCTVs will have a direct link to the nearest police stations through the use of Internet Protocol radio where police officers could easily track, monitor, or capture all the incidents in the crime prone areas for immediate police action. This project is the continuation of the initial installation of four (4) CCTVs on each 38 police stations and five (5) District Offices completed last January 20, 2015 under the NCRPO which aims to monitor the services and activities of the police. The project is expected to be completed by second week of April 2015 for NCR and will be replicated in highly urbanized areas nationwide to complement crime prevention and solution. (PNP-PIO) |
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| Deles: Best way to disconnect legitimate rebel movements from terrorist groups is thru peace process |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
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MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita
Quintos Deles on Thursday emphasized that the best way to
disassociate legitimate revolutionary movements such as the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from terrorist groups is to
engage them in a peace process. “Aalalahanin lang natin yun, yun po ang sinabi na ang pinakamabisang paraan na mai-disconnect mo ang isang revolutionary movement at ang terorismo is through the peace process (Let us remember that it's said that the best way to disconnect a revolutionary movement from terrorism is through the peace process),” Deles said during the third day of the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident. Deles issued the statement in response to the manifestation of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in which he cited a letter of the U.S. government sent during the Bush administration which warned the Philippine government of the possible link between the MILF and the terrorist network of Jemaah Islamiyah. Deles clarified that the U.S. government fully supported the move of the Philippine government to engage the MILF through the peace process. During the Feb. 10 Senate hearing, the peace adviser noted that the MILF's "disavowal of terrorism" was an explicit demand of the Philippine government prior to the resumption of peace talks with the rebel group in 2003. According to Deles, this "was monitored by the Philippine government, by our intelligence, as well as the international community." The peace process is part of the government’s national security policy. The decision on whether or not to pursue peace talks with the MILF or any other non-state actor is determined by the continuing assessment and recommendation of the Cabinet Security Cluster. Deles noted that, throughout the globe, other revolutionary groups which are now fully integrated in their respective countries through the peace process have been previously tagged as terrorist groups as well. “Let me also just mention your honors that IRA (Irish Republican Army) was labeled as a terrorist movement, ANC (African National Congress) of [Nelson] Mandela was also a terrorist movement, FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia) in Colombia where there are negotiations now ongoing that may lead to an agreement where they will become part of the government was also a terrorist movement,” Deles said in a bid to explain the context on the current southern peace efforts. “Yun po yung ating sinasabi na kailangan titignan lagi ito in a narrative. Ang evolution ng revolutionary movement ay hindi napapako sa iisang sandali...at ang gulong ginagawa mo ngayon ay dapat naaangkop doon sa kalagayan nito ngayon (This is what we've been saying that we should always look at this [peace process] in a narrative. The evolution of a revolutionary movement does not stop in a moment... and the movement that happens should be seen in the context of current realities),” she added. MILF against terrorism MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, who attended the hearing, said that their organization has a standing policy against all forms of terrorism. “We have made a solemn vow to fight terrorism in our areas. Terrorism is inconsistent with Islam and has no place in the orientation and principles of the MILF," he said. "Our previous actions bear witness to our commitment against terrorism. To tag the MILF as a terrorist group is unfair." Iqbal also appealed to the Senate to let the investigation take its course to prove that the MILF is not coddling terrorists. “The MILF did not harbor [terrorist Zulkifli Abdhir alias] Marwan or [Abdul Basit] Usman. The MILF has no links with these terrorists and terrorist organizations. Marwan and Usman were in areas outside the MILF-controlled areas,” he said. Senators also agreed that the paramount long-term solution to prevent the repetition of the Mamasapano tragic incident is to address the complex problem in Mindanao by passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). “It's important that we stay the course on the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan, a former military officer, said. Honasan said that he understands the public sentiment over the Mamasapano incident, and the call of some quarters to launch a full-scale war in retaliation for the death of the 44 police special forces. However, he cautioned that it is unwise to succumb to emotions and stop the entire peace process. “We cannot inflict [a halt to] the peace process. The long-term cost might be too high to bear,” he advised. The same point was also raised by another former military officer, Sen. Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV who said that the southern peace process is very “crucial” especially since the two parties have already signed a peace agreement and is currently on the implementation stage. Iqbal expressed the importance of moving forward with the BBL to ultimately address the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people and make future Moro armed movements irrelevant. “Pag napasa ang BBL, wala na pwedeng lumaban sa gobyerno na may legitimate cause kasi na-address na lahat (When the BBL is passed, there will be no more rebel group that will fight the government with a legitimate cause because it would have already been adressed),” he said. He appealed to the public to understand the Bangsamoro struggle and noted that the future “Bangsamoro government will give us the chance to rule ourselves, but still under the government of the Philippines.” Iqbal said that once the peace process is completed, the MILF will become a social movement and no longer a revolutionary organization. “We are committed to peace. We have been in negotiations with the Philippine government for 17 long years. Our present partnership with Pres. Aquino has been durable. There has been no recorded armed hostilities between the government and the MILF since 2011. We signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. Each of these agreements is a testament to our commitment to pursue our objectives through peaceful means,” he said. Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the MILF will undergo a phased decommissioning process or turnover of firearms and forces parallel to the implementation of the provisions of the agreement such as the passage of the BBL and other milestones in the roadmap to the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity. Part of the objectives of the southern peace process is to answer the century-old clamor of the Bangsamoro people for their right to self-determination, and to transform the MILF armed combatants to productive civilian lives. |
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| NAPOLCOM okays special promotion of undercover cop |
| Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph |
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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) today announced that
the enhanced On-Line Examination Application Scheduling System
(OLEASS) will be activated in the websites www.napolcom.gov.ph
or www.napolcom-oleass.com on February16 – 20, 2015 for the
police entrance examination and on February 23 – 27, 2015 for
the police promotional tests in time for the nationwide conduct
of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Entrance and Promotional
Examinations on April 26, 2015. The OLEASS systematizes the scheduling of the processing of exam applications at the NAPOLCOM NCR Office and the other 16 regional offices nationwide. The period of filing of application is from March 2 – 27, 2015. NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the OLEASS shall be opened at 12:00 NN onwards on February 16 for the entrance exam and February 23 for the promotional tests. Acceptance of applications shall be on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis and, upon due notice, may be stopped even ahead of the deadline. Escueta added that in view of resource constraints, the NAPOLCOM Regional Offices reserve the right to limit the number of examinees they will accommodate. “The examination center where the applicant shall take the exam is automatically assigned by the computer system based on the home address or unit of assignment provided by the applicant,” Escueta said. He also said that only applicants with a confirmed scheduled appointment with reference number shall be entertained. The PNP Entrance Examination is open to all Filipino citizens who are not more than 30 years old, bachelor’s degree holder, and 1.57 (female) and 1.62 meters (male) in height. “Police Officers I (PO1) whose appointments are temporary for lack of appropriate eligibility are also required to take the PNP Entrance Examination,” Escueta said. On the other hand, the Promotional Examinations are open exclusively to all qualified uniformed members of the PNP who meet the minimum qualification standards for examination in terms of rank and eligibility. Application forms and index cards can be obtained for free at any NAPOLCOM Regional Office nationwide. They may also be downloaded from www.napolcom.gov.ph. Civilian applicants must bring the printed letter-reply/corresponding reference number confirming the scheduled appointment; two recent, identical and color 1”x1” ID pictures with white background and complete name tag (for PNP members, the name tag should indicate the rank before the name); one legal size window envelope with P15 worth of mailing stamp; transcript of scholastic record with Special Order issued by CHED or diploma; and birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar or National Statistics Office (NSO). For a PO1 with temporary appointment, a certified true copy of Attested Appointment, Plantilla Appointment or Special Order is also required for submission. Applicants for the Promotional Examinations should submit the first three requirements mentioned above; a certified true copy of Attested Appointment, Plantilla Appointment or PNP Absorption Order; and a Report of Rating/Certification issued by the NAPOLCOM Central Office, CSC Certificate of Eligibility and/or PRC Board Certificate. Escueta pointed out that only duly accomplished application forms with all the required documents filed personally and received by the NAPOLCOM Regional Office on or before the deadline for filing shall be accepted. Applications received through postal mail shall not be processed. Applicants who failed in these examinations and decided to apply again for the same test category in the same exam center shall submit only the Admission Slip of the last exam applied for; fill out a new application form and index card with ID pictures; and pay the examination fee. Examination fee is P400 for the PNP Entrance and Police Officer Examinations; P450 for Senior Police Officer Examination; P500 for Police Inspector Examination; and P600 for Police Superintendent Examination. The coverage for the PNP Entrance Examination consists of general information, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and logical reasoning; while the PNP Promotional Examinations include general information, police administration and operations, and police customs and traditions/values and ethical standards/Performance Governance System. The NAPOLCOM issued Memorandum Circular No. 2013-007 last October 30, 2013 to deter examinees from committing any form of cheating. “Civilian examinees shall now be permanently barred from taking the PNP entrance examination instead of just barring them from taking the said exam for a period of three (3) years. In addition, if these anomalous acts were committed by a police officer, he/she shall be charged with dishonesty and, if found guilty, be meted the penalty of dismissal from the service,” Escueta said. |
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| PISAY studes bag major awards in Thailand Science Fair |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
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Students from the Department of Science and
Technology-Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHS)
brought another honor to the country for topping two major
categories in an international science fair held at Nakhon
Pathom Province in Thailand recently. The research of Joseph Adrian Dela Cruz, Marnoel Cruz, and Justine Ryan Silvestre entitled Oxygen Plasma Surface Modification of Polylactic Acid-Cellulose Acetate-Chitosan Nanocomposite Fiber: Its Effect on Hydrophilicity and Anti-Bacterial Property Against E. coli and S. aureus was hailed as Best Overseas Project and Best in Oral Presentation out of 127 research entries around the world. The awarding was held in Mahidol Wittayanusorn School (MWITS) Science Fair last Jan 27-30, 2015. The research was ableto discover plastic materials that are biodegrable but at the same time resistant to heat. MWITS Science Fair is an annual gathering that serves as avenue for Thai students to showcase their scientific research ability and exchange ideas and experiences among fellow students and researchers. It is the second year that the organizer of said fair had invited schools from other countries, including Philippines. This year’s science fair concentrated on activities related to Science Project Presentations, the Science Exhibitions, Science Zone, and Collaborative Problem Solving, and Teacher Session. Meanwhile, just last year, a team composed of students from PSHS Main Campus in Quezon City was also recognized in the international scene. The research project of Adrielle Theresa Cusi, John Christian G. Nacpil and Lizbeth Joy Tan in developing an alternative method for measuring the range of motion (flexion and hyperextension) of the distal and proximal interphalangeal joints of human finger was named as Most Creative and Innovative during 10th International Student’s Science Fair (ISSF) held in Moscow, Russia. PSHS is a science-oriented secondary school operating under the DOST. It offers scholarship for high school students who will be trained towards careers in science and engineering. PSHS has 13 campuses all over the country, with three additional campuses to be opened by 2016. The newest campus, PSHS-CALABARZON in Batangas City, will open in June this year. (S&T Media Service) Students from Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHS) in Central Luzon and Eastern Visayas campuses get the opportunity to participate in Mahidol Wittayanusorn School (MWITS) Science Fair at Nakhon Pathom Province in Thailand. MWITS Science Fair is an annual gathering that serves as avenue for Thai students to demonstrate their scientific research ability and exchange ideas and experiences among fellow students and researchers. In the said fair, the research of Joseph Adrian Dela Cruz, Marnoel Cruz, and Justine Ryan Silvestre entitled Oxygen Plasma Surface Modification of Polylactic Acid-Cellulose Acetate-Chitosan Nanocomposite Fiber: Its Effect on Hydrophilicity and Anti-Bacterial Property Against E. coli and S. aureus was named as Best Overseas Project and Best in Oral Presentation out of 127 research entries around the world. The research was able to discover plastic materials that are biodegrable but at the same time resistant to heat. (Photo from DOST-PSHS) |
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| PHL Embassy conducts lecture on West Philippine Sea at Elite International School in Riyadh |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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13 February 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh conducted
its first lecture on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) at Elite
International School in Riyadh on February 02. It was the first of its series of lectures in 2015 on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the ongoing case filed by the Philippines against China with the Arbitral Tribunal under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The lecture was conducted by Vice Consul Red Genotiva. In attendance were senior-year students from Elite International School, their teachers and two principals. During his lecture, Mr. Genotiva highlighted the strategic and policy imperatives for the Philippines as an archipelagic state. He explained to the students the importance of understanding the Philippine government’s position, particularly in pursuing arbitration, which is a peaceful, friendly and internationally-accepted means to resolve disputes. In closing, Mr. Genotiva exhorted the students to learn more about the WPS issue. He also thanked the teachers and management of Elite International School for graciously hosting the lecture. |
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| PHL Consulate General moves to strengthen immigration ties with Manado, Indonesia |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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13 February 2015 – Philippine Consul General in Manado Jose D.R.
Burgos paid a courtesy call on the Head of the Regional Office
of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (KEMENKUMHAM), Drs. Andi
Dahrif Rafied, and Drs. Alif Suaidi, Regional Division
Coordinator for Immigration of KEMENKUMHAM’s Regional Office in
Manado City on February 05. The meeting was an opportunity to highlight the excellent relations and desire for further coordination between the Consulate General and KEMENKUMHAM, as well as discuss recent developments in Indonesia’s immigration procedures, cooperation on immigration data, as well as shared issues related to the Philippines-Indonesia border, particularly matters of cross-border marriage, documentation and recognition and regularization of citizenship of both countries’ nationals. Also discussed was the need for greater integration in the border areas, in light of the upcoming One ASEAN Economic Community 2015, necessitating greater coordination between the KEMENKUMHAM and the Consulate General. The Consul General also took the opportunity to highlight its efforts, especially in providing consular services to Filipinos in its area of jurisdiction, including its coordination with local authorities, the private sector, and other stakeholders, as well as its efforts in promoting trade and regional interconnectivity between the two regions of Southern Mindanao and North Sulawesi, particularly the development of regional interconnectivity projects such as Direct Flights between Davao and Manado cities, and the upcoming Davao-General Santos-Tahuna-Bitung (DGTB) shipping service, projected to commence sometime in the first quarter of 2015. |
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| DAR provides potable water facility in Guinobatan |
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph |
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Residents in the agrarian reform community of Singungtan,
Guinobatan, Albay heaved a sigh of relief after the Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over a potable water supply
systems. The project, implemented under the Community-managed Potable Water Supply Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH), is a collaborative effort of DAR, Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation (PCWS) and the Local Government Unit of Guinobatan to provide safe drinking water, and promote proper hygiene especially in areas with high incidence of water-borne diseases. In a simple turnover ceremony, one unit of rain-water collector, two units of biogas digester, and six units of iron-removal filter were formally turned over to the barangay. Regional Director Luis Bueno, Jr. said that prior to the potable water project of DAR, farming families in Sinungtan used to fetch water from deep wells and other sources that were suspected of being contaminated with disease carrying organisms. “Some sources [of water]reportedly were found to have high levels of toxins which cause acute and chronic illnesses,” said Bueno. During the turn over, certificates of training were also awarded to five local masons who were trained in the construction of the potable water facilities. Graduates of said training are referred to as CPWASH Para-Engineers and they are authorized to offer CPWASH construction services in their area. |
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| DA-BFAR, Smart unveils mobile app for vessels registration |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) will employ the so-called
Machine-to-Machine (M2M) wireless solutions of Smart
Communications to speed up and ensure the accuracy of its
upcoming nationwide registration of municipal fishing boats. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala recently led the formal launch in Tanza, Cavite of the Boat Admeasurement Mobile Application, along with other initiatives designed to boost incomes in a sector where poverty incidence remains very high. Official estimates put poverty incidence in the sector at a staggering 39 percent as of 2012. The government hopes to bring it down by 10 percentage points within the next two years based on its revised goal. The customized application would enable local agriculture officers as survey takers to capture and store relevant data – including contact details of the owner and the vessel’s actual photos, engine serial number and specifications – using a tablet computer. They can directly send these information from their tablets to a database where it will be centrally collected and processed. Smart will provide the tablets for free, with DA-BFAR paying only the one-year data subscription bundled with the units. “Isa po itong magandang halimbawa ng private-public sectors partnerships,” the DA chief said as he emphasized the vital role of local government units, the private sector, as well as the convergence of government institutions, in ensuring the future growth of the fishery industry. Boat registration is a parallel effort to the ongoing registration of municipal fishery stakeholders, said DA Undersecretary and concurrent BFAR Director Asis Perez. The two initiatives are designed to aid the government craft tailor-made policies and programs for smallholder fishers. During the program, DA-BFAR also launched its Community Fish Landing Centers (CFLC) Program aimed at improving fishery postharvest facilities in coastal communities, in partnership with the National Anti-Poverty Commission. Initially, 252 CFLCs will be constructed within the year, with an allocated budget of P718.2 million (P2.85 million per CLFC project). The agency also honored the first 100 local government units to complete their enlistment to the Municipal Fisherfolk Registration or FishR. The winners received P2 million worth of projects from DA-BFAR. FishR is a simplified and standardized registration system of municipal fishery stakeholders, in keeping with the Fisheries Code of the Philippines under Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998. Long overdue and implemented just a year ago, FishR has thus far listed 1.5 million registrants out of the targeted 1.8 million registrants. Registration is still ongoing. Local leaders expressed support to DA-BFAR’s initiatives, which form part of its revitalized livelihood program called Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation or TARGET. They said it is both timely and necessary considering that 813 of the country’s 1,490 municipalities are coastal. “Nagpapasalamat kami kay Secretary Alcala at sa BFAR [na ang mga proyektong ito] ay nailunsad na. Ina-appreciate namin may katulong po kami sa pagtulong sa aming mga constituents,” said League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Leonardo “Sandy” Javier. “[For our part], this is an art of giving back in trying to help our countrymen get out of poverty.” Around 500 local chief executives, municipal farm extension workers and other fishery stakeholders took part in the event, including Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chair Senator Cynthia Villar, House deputy speaker and Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, NAPC Secretary Joel Rocamora and officials of Smart |
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| P53-M assistance to spur agri growth in Bicol |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Agriculture Department recently turned over P53-million
worth of financial, livelihood, equipment and infrastructure
assistance to local government units, farmers and fishers in
Bicol to further spur agricultural and economic growth in the
region, which registered unprecedented economic growth since
2013. “We can sustain this growth by providing additional interventions—those that are targeted based on value-chain analyses, and that empower farmers to be more independent and productive,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said. In his visit to Bicol on February 10−11, 2015, Alcala inaugurated and turned-over two rice processing complexes (RPCs) in Bula, Camarines Sur worth P6 million; and in Polangui, Albay worth P16 million. These facilities will be respectively operated by farmer organizations—the San Agustin-San Ramon Farmers Cooperative (SARFC) and the Hibiga River Irrigation System Irrigators Association (HRSIA). Both organizations were awarded P500,000 to cover administrative and capability building costs. The HRSIA, being recipient of the bigger facility, was granted P2 million to cover initial operating costs. SARFC, meanwhile, received five units of hand tractor worth P130,000 each. “With our RPCs, we will no longer depend [solely] on commercial rice mills that could be more expensive for our small farmers,” Alcala said, adding that RPCs can help the country attain rice self-sufficiency as post-harvest processing is improved and wastage is reduced. Alcala also stressed that the RPCs were turned over to farmer organizations to enable them to become self-reliant. He said that the next step will be for the organizations to be provided with other farm mechanization equipment and be trained to become farm service providers. He is positive that through farm mechanization, more youth can be encouraged to venture into farming. The highlight of the Secretary’s visit in Bicol was his attendance to the Regional Agri and Fishery Stakeholders’ Summit and Agricultural Extension Workers’ Congress where he conferred the 2014 Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards to agricultural extension workers, farmer technicians and LGUs who have shown outstanding performance in the implementation of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program. According to Alcala, Bicol was among the top five rice producing regions for 2014. At the same venue, Alcala led the awarding of farm equipment, gardening tools, fishing equipment and gears, certified vegetable seeds, hybrid rice and corn seeds and livestock. Certificates of award were also given to 10 Local government units that were included in the top 100 finishers in the National Fisherfolk Registration System. Lastly, the Secretary also formalized partnerships with other institutions with the signing of memoranda of agreements on three collaborative undertakings, namely, the DA-Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology partnership to accelerate agricultural development in the province of Masbate through the upgraded, application-based and entrepreneurship-inclined agricultural education; the DA-Department of Education and Bicol Recovery and Economic Development Commitee PapaYaman-C para sa Eskwelang Bikolnon, a convergence project that promotes papaya and kalamansi in improving the nutrition of schoolchildren, incorporating these in feeding programs; and the DA-AKO Bicol partnership to produce, process and distribute organic fertilizers from chicken manure. On the last day of his visit, Alcala led the inauguration of the renovated DA Regional Soils Laboratory, and the newly constructed DA Coco Water Processing Center and DA Regional High-Value Crops Processing and Value-Adding Center in Camarines Sur. The Agri chief stressed that through these interventions, the government has laid out the necessary foundations to stimulate continuous agricultural growth, not only in Bicol but also in other regions in the country, which could be sustained even after the present administration’s term ends. |
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| February 2015 Metallurgical Engineer Licensure Examination results released on the last day of examination |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
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The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 3
out of 6 passed the Metallurgical Engineer Licensure Examination
given by the Board of Metallurgical Engineering in Manila this
February 10-12, 2015. The members of the Board of Metallurgical Engineering who gave the licensure examination are Engr. Agustin M. Fudolig, Chairman and Engr. Juancho Pablo S. Calvez, Member. The three-day examination was held at PRC-Manila using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE). The CBE is a user-friendly, desktop, windows-based and competency-based computerized testing system. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 2 pieces passport size (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2015-2018. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals, prior to the oath-taking ceremonies. The performance of schools in the February 2015 Metallurgical Engineer Licensure Examination in alphabetical order as per R.A. 8981 otherwise known as PRC Modernization Act of 2000 Section 7(m) “To monitor the performance of schools in licensure examinations and publish the results thereof in a newspaper of national circulation” is as follows: (Any discrepancy in the report is not intentional on the part of the Commission, but rather due to miscoding of school codes by the examinees themselves. Concerned schools may write the Commission for correction.) |
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| PDIC to hold public auctions of closed banks’ assets in Davao, Makati |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), through its
Real & Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) Disposal Committee, is
set to sell on an "as-is, where-is" basis various assets of
closed banks with an aggregate minimum disposal value of P253.9
million in separate public auctions to be held in Davao and
Makati City. To be auctioned on February 26, 2015 at Unit 80, 8th Floor, Landco-PDCP Condominium Building, Pryce Business Park, J.P. Laurel Davao City, Davao Del Sur are 115 properties consisting of condominium units, parking slots and other real properties. The auction will be conducted from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Properties for auction are located in Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cagayan de Oro City, Compostella Valley, General Santos City, and Camiguin. Meanwhile, for auction on March 5, 2015 at the 9th Floor, SSS Building 6782 Ayala Ave. corner V. A. Rufino St., Makati City are 12 transportation equipment and three generator sets. The auction will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Auction time may be extended by the ROPA Disposal Committee. Bidders are advised to bring proper identification (ID) with photo and to come at least one hour prior to the opening of bids to register and submit the requirements. Bid documents such as Bid Forms, Conditions of Bid, and standard format of the Special Power of Attorney and Secretary's Certificate may be downloaded free of charge from the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph . A participation fee in the amount of P25,000.00 either in cash and/or Manager's check is required of all bidders. The fee will be returned to non-winning bidders at the end of the auction. The winning bidder is required to pay a downpayment equivalent to 10% of the bid on the day of the auction. The participation fee of the winning bidder will form part of the downpayment and purchase price. |
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Pia Laguna and 2 others shared a link.
one luzon e-newsmagazine 16 February 2015 Vol 5 no 031 Helen Tibaldo issuu.com
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