24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 18 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., 18 February 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 February 2015 |
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Synopsis:
Tail-end of a cold front affecting the eastern section of Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
Cagayan
Valley will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated
thunderstorms. Metro Manila, the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera and
Central Luzon will experience cloudy skies with isolated light rains.
the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated
rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
PAGTAYA: Ang Cagayan Valley ay magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang mga pag-ulan at pulu-pulong pagkidlat-pagkulog. Ang Metro Manila, ang mga rehiyon ng Ilocos, Cordillera at Gitnang Luzon ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mahihinang mga pag-ulan. Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Katamtaman hanggang malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa Hilagang Luzon at ang mga baybaying dagat nito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay magiging mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa hilagang-silangan na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 03:00 PM yesterday ----- 32.7 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:45 AM yesterday ----- 19.8 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 94 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 02:00 PM yesterday --------- 47 %
High tide today: 11:09 AM ………..….. 0.33 meter
Low tide today: 01:42 PM …………… 0.28 meter
High tide today: 09:36 PM ………..….. 1.15 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 05:26 AM …………… -0.15 meter
Sunrise today: 6:19 AM
Sunset today: 6:01 PM
Moonrise today: 05:18 AM
Moonset today: 05:19 PM
Illumination tomorrow: 3 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Tail-end ng cold front ang nakakaapekto sa extreme Northern Luzon.
-Bukas ay posible ang thunderstorm sa northern at central section ng Luzon, lalo na pagdating ng hapon.
-Sa Metro Manila, mababa ang tsansa ng ulan sa maghapon.
-Sa Visayas, magiging maaliwalas, maliban sa posibleng mahinang ulan sa ilang bahagi ng eastern section.
-Karaniwang nagsisimula ang tag-araw sa unang bahagi ng Marso o kapag tuluyan nang nawala ang hanging Amihan at lumakas ang easterlies. Sa ngayon ay may Amihan pa kaya hindi pa matatawag na tag-araw sa Pilipinas.
PIA-NCR:
Ipinahayag ni Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles
Jose na walang Pilipinong nasaktan o nasawi sa naganap na lindol sa
Iwate prefecture sa Japan na may magnitude na 6.9.
February 18 , 2015 ( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA 4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The provincial government of Quezon through the integrated Provincial
Health Office is strictly implementing the 'no smoking campaign' in all
public places to safeguard the health of employees and the public
especially in hospitals, health centers, day care centers, playground,
schools and universities.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Namigay ng calamansi seedlings ang Municipal Agriculture Office sa
bayan ng Sto.Tomas sa mga empleyado pamahalaang lokal bilang bahagi ng
pagpapatibay ng programang pang-agrikultura sa bayang ito.
PIA Regional Watch
PIA Regional Watch
16 hrs ·
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
More than 400 pupils of Putol Elementary School in Tayabas City will
benefit from the e-tablet and printer donated by NGCP as part of the
projects of their corporate social responsibility.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The provincial government of Quezon through the integrated Provincial
Health Office is strictly implementing the 'no smoking campaign' in all
public places to safeguard the health of employees and the public
especially in hospitals, health centers, day care centers, playground,
schools and universities.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
The provincial government of Quezon recently donated an amount of
P50,000 last week to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines
(PUP)-Lopez as financial assistance for different activities relative
to 36th foundation anniversary of the university.
PIA-4A/CAVITE:
The provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding for the
wireless program in governance with the Department of Science and
Technology (DoST). The program is in line with provincial government's
vision to provide its citizens a first class connectivity environment
which included broadband access in all densely populated areas in the
province.
DZBB:
Kinumpirma ng Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Tokyo na walang Pilipino ang
nadamay sa magnitude 6.9 na lindol sa hilagang bahagi ng Japan.
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| Davao Oriental mayor faces graft raps |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
| The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of criminal
charges for violation of Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 3019
against former mayor William Duma-an of Caraga, Davao Oriental
for requesting and receiving monetary benefit in exchange for
entering into a consultancy contract with RR Summit Consultants,
Inc. (RR Summit). Records disclosed that in 2010, Duma-an visited the residence of Roseller Macayra, Chief Executive Officer of RR Summit, to discuss its three percent service fee as consultant on the municipality’s P110,000,000.00 loan facility for the construction of the Caraga public market, terminal and commercial complex project. After assuring RR Summit that the consultancy project will push through, Duma-an requested several loans amounting to P2,000,000.00 which was deposited in his personal bank account. According to Duma-an, he obtained the loan “so he could pay the debts incurred in the May 2010 elections,” and was formalized thru a notarized contract with loan confirmation and promissory note. Despite demand, Duma-an failed to make any payment to RR Summit. In finding probable cause against Duma-an, the Resolution cited that “in asking and receiving a loan of P2,000,000.00 from complainant, he secured for himself a personal benefit, which he was able to obtain by dangling the guarantee of releasing the 3% service fee stated in the consultancy agreement between complainant and the municipality.” Section 3(b) of R.A. 3019 prohibits any public official from requesting and/or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage or benefit in connection with a contract or transaction with the government wherein the public official has the right to intervene in his official capacity under the law. |
| TBs' NPL ratio improves |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| The thrift banking industry’s gross non-performing loans (NPLs)
accounted for 4.52 percent of its total loan portfolio (TLP) at
end-September 2014. With the latest figure, the industry’s NPL
ratio sustained a quarter-on-quarter downtrend that began in
June 2013. Gross NPL ratios were 4.83 percent and 5.89 percent
at end-June 2014 and at end-September 2013, respectively. Thrift banks’ (TBs) gross NPL ratio remained low due to a rise in TLP and a decline in gross NPLs. At end-September 2014, the industry’s TLP rose to Php 575.78 billion from Php 562.85 billion a quarter earlier. TBs’ gross NPLs, meanwhile, dropped to Php 26.05 billion in September last year from Php 27.16 billion a quarter earlier. Aside from keeping NPL levels in check, the industry also maintained substantial reserves for potential credit losses. At the end of the third quarter of 2014, the industry’s loan loss reserves represented 74.38 percent of its gross NPLs, higher than the 70.27 percent posted at end-June last year. Moreover, TBs’ NPL levels also remained manageable across economic sectors as gleaned from real estate, renting and business activities; loans to individuals for consumption purposes; financial intermediation; wholesale and retail trade; agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing; other community, social and personal service activities; and manufacturing. The decline in NPL levels indicate an improvement in the TBs’ loan quality. As bank supervisor, the BSP monitors banks’ loan quality as part of its broader effort to promote sound risk management among banks which is essential to maintaining the stability of the financial system. |
| Consumer loans continue to rise |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| Consumer loans (CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift
banks (TBs) reached Php 849.6 billion at the end-September 2014,
5.7 percent higher than the Php 804 billion posted a quarter
earlier. This sustains a quarter on quarter growth in CLs since
2008. The rise in consumer lending is mainly due to a quarter-on-quarter increase in residential real estate and auto loans. Credit card loans also rose at a slower pace during the period. While the consumer finance portfolio expanded, U/KBs and TBs kept the level of their non-performing CLs manageable. At the end of the third quarter last year, the banks’ non-performing CLs represented 4.9 percent of their total CLs, a slight decrease from the 5 percent recorded a quarter earlier. The banks likewise set aside loan loss reserves of 64 percent of their non-performing CLs as a safety net against consumer credit risks. Moreover, the banks’ consumer credit exposure relative to total loan portfolio of 16.7 percent remained low compared to their regional peers. At end-September 2014, the CL exposure in Malaysia was at 54.1 percent followed by Indonesia at 28.2 percent; Thailand, 27.7 percent; and Singapore, 25.7 percent. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas monitors the quality of all types of bank loans as part of efforts to promote high credit standards. This is essential to the BSP’s policy objective of fostering financial stability. |
| More indigent seniors to receive monthly pension |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The government through the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) has lowered the age qualification of indigent
senior citizens who can receive the P500 monthly social pension
as provided for by Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior
Citizens Act of 2010. Starting this year, indigent senior citizens aged 65 and above will now receive the Social Pension. Originally, only senior citizens aged 77 and above received the pension. Based on the law, indigent senior citizens or those 60 years old and above are entitled to monthly pension, however, due to limited government resources only those 77 and above were covered by the law up to 2014. For this year, DSWD’s proposal to lower the age of qualification to 65 was approved by Congress and Senate and has been included in the General Appropriations Act of 2015. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano- Soliman said that with the lower age requirement, more economically disadvantaged senior citizens can have additional cash to spend for their basic needs such as medicines and nutritious food to support their well-being. For 2015, the government has allocated P5.962 billion to benefit some 939,609 indigent senior citizens aged 65 and above nationwide including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). This 2015 budget for the program is P2.853-billion higher from last year’s allocation of P3.108 billion. Qualified to receive the P500 monthly stipend are senior citizens who are frail, sickly, or have disabilities; are not receiving pension from Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), or Veterans Pension; and do not have a permanent source of income or regular support from relatives. The pension is distributed every quarter through cash payment by DSWD Field Offices or city/municipal social welfare and development offices. The first release is scheduled in April 2015. |
| DOJ to telcos: Install |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
| With the recent confirmation from a pilot project in London and
two major cities in U.S. that the installation of
‘kill-switches’ in cellphone units dramatically resulted in the
decrease of mobile phone theft, the Department of Justice —
Office of Cybercrime (OOC) today called on telecommunication
companies to adopt international best practices to protect the
property subscribers and the lives of owners of mobile phones. “We do not need legislation to implement this,” said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima. “It is the responsibility of telcos as public utilities to prevent crimes and to ensure that technology is used to address peace and order issues,” she said. The DOJ-OOC tasked primarily to implement the Cybercrime Prevention Act recommended the policy action and directive. Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, head of the Cybercrime Office said that “It is a common sense solution to a specific type of crime. Commuters and consumers who work hard and save for their phones only to be victimized by criminals will benefit from a small effort from our telcos.” The study showed that since the introduction of the kill switch feature, mobile phone theft has dropped as much as 40 percent. The result of the study is available at http://www.ag.ny.gov/pdfs/SOS%2o1%20YEAR%20REPORT.pdf. |
| DTI SSF Project rolls out bio-compost facility in Cavite |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
| The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through its Shared
Service Facility (SSF) Project rolled out a bio-composting
facility to be operated by the Municipal Government of Mendez,
Cavite which will produce 180,000 kilograms of organic compost
and bio-liquid fertilizers for the year. About 50 members of the Modern Farmers Association of Mendez will be the direct beneficiaries of the Mendez Ecological Processing Center. Other sectors that would benefit from the project are vegetable, fish, and poultry vendors grouped into clusters; food service providers (carinderia, restaurants, etc); more than 5,000 households in Mendez, and traders of organic compost fertilizers. Mendez, primarily an agricultural town, is threatened by development prospects that would attract investors in leisure and entertainment, and ecotourism. Faced with the challenge, the municipal government initiated programs, among them eco-waste management, to encourage farming, especially to the unemployed youth. The aim of the eco-waste management program is to reduce solid wastes dumped and accumulated in the landfill, and at the same time, produce organic compost which can be a source of alternative livelihood. The project is multi-pronged: providing balance between economic growth and ecological stability; entrepreneurship; and creating jobs for 30 individuals. With its increasing population, Mendez generates 7 tons of garbage daily, of which more than half is compostable. Currently, solid wastes are being collected and dumped in a sanitary landfill with no processes being done aside from segregation. The bio-composting facility will reduce 56% of the solid waste and convert it into organic compost fertilizer which can be used by local farmers at a more affordable price. Wastes of market vendors grouped in clusters will be processed, of which 50% of processed products shall be given back to the clusters. The remaining half will be retained at the eco processing center. Cavite Provincial Director Noly D. Guevara said that DTI is keen on the potential micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to be created, as well as the benefits to the farmers who will use organic compost instead of synthetic fertilizers. Mayor Fredderick A. Vida accepted the P999,500-worth of machinery and equipment and stated that the project is expected to restore the lost interest of the younger generation for agriculture. He said the project will strengthen a new system of collecting garbage which is now in coordination with all the barangay officials prompting a full (100%) waste segregation system. “This would be the start of a new partnership with various government agencies for a better Mendez. The SSF Project will definitely play a major role for us to achieve our goals for a safer, healthier and cleaner environment”, Vida said. |
| DTI supports BEMAC in providing viable e-vehicles for Filipinos |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
| Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-APEC/ASEAN Integration
Specific Initiatives on SME Trade Facilitation Undersecretary
Prudencio M. Reyes Jr. attended the inauguration and
ribbon-cutting of BEMAC Electric Transportation Philippines,
Inc. assembly plant in Carmona Cavite last 11 February 2015.
This is in support for “APEC’s Green Growth advocacy toward an
Energy Efficient, Sustainable and Low-carbon Transport Future”
by building practical and cost-effective Filipino-made
E-vehicles. “I am optimistic that these e-vehicles will have a great potential in replacing traditional tricycles that only induce air pollution. This vision is one with DTI to promote a safe and reliable Electronic Vehicle product for the Filipinos,” Reyes said in a dialogue with Masato Oda, the President and CEO of BEMAC-Uzushio Electric of Japan. The inauguration was attended by its President Masato Oda, the directors of BEMAC- Uzushio Electric of Japan and witnessed by Reyes, Board of Investments (BOI) Director Corazon Dichosa, and Land and Transportation Office (LTO) Executive Director Mr. Giovanni Gonzales. The assembly line is built to produce 500 to 1000 units of electric tricycles and is set up for expansion to 1,000 units per month depending on the demand of the market. BEMAC Philippines introduced its 68VM, an AC-motor and lithium powered electric tricycle. Its arrival pioneered quality e-vehicles that has long mileage, powerful drive, flood protection and easy to charge. “We don’t do shortcuts. We only want a quality product that can still be used after 10 years on the road. We know that the bottom line is to help in the livelihood of our public transport drivers and operators and that goal is what we are pursuing every step of the way,” BEMAC Phils. AVP Yvonne Palomar-Castro said. “It only shows that the Philippines has become an e-vehicle hub in Asia and it is with my great pleasure to support this project,” Reyes concluded. |
| Military, police, rebel groups and other sectors bike for love and peace |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| COTABATO CITY – More than 500 bikers celebrated Valentine’s Day
in Cotabato by joining the Bangsamoro Bike for Love (BBL), a
peace activity spearheaded by the 6th Infantry Division of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines as yet another proof of their
collective commitment for peace. Bikers rode through a
106-kilometer route starting at Awang, Cotabato, and ending at
Buluan, Maguindanao. Themed “We Ride Together for BBL,” the participants came from various sectors, including the national government, the local government unit, the business, youth, religious, academic, and security sectors—including both the military and police—and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front. The activity, conceptualized by Maj. General Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the AFP 6th Infantry Division, aims to encourage support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and to foster the spirit of solidarity among bike enthusiasts, called heralds of love and peace. “In passing the Bangsamoro Basic Law, we are also opening the possibility for our country to experience peace, especially here in Mindanao,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. said in his message. “The pathway to a fully peaceful community is not smooth but our commitment in achieving this will not falter. I hope that as we continue to promulgate the BBL, we will carry on upholding the ceasefire agreement we have,” he added. “Through this, the AFP is optimistic that solidarity will be encouraged further for the betterment of our peace process, I hope that you will continue to take part in activities that will help in passing BBL. Any simple act will continue to set the motion for BBL,” Catapang said. “So much harm has been done in the past years that we need to stop unnecessary conflicts and we owe it to our people to keep them safe under our watch,” he explained. After the tragedy in Mamasapano that led to the death of 44 Special Action Force personnel of the Philippine National Police, 18 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the MILF, and five civilians during a clash last Jan. 25, 2015, Gen. Pangilinan related that he was asked whether to continue the activity or not. Gen. Pangilinan answered that the incident made the activity even more important. “The more that we have to pursue this activity for us to show, not only here in Cotabato, not only here in Maguindanao, not only here in Central Mindanao, not only here in Mindanao, but throughout the Philippines, even worldwide, that we here, the people of Central Mindanao, are one and united in pursuit and quest for just and lasting peace,” he said. Equally showing his support for the peace initiative and for the peace process, the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Police Senior Superintendent Noel Armilla said that “at this point in time, we hope that the peace process will push through. There’s no other time. If not now, then when?” A day for lovers, a day for the country Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, who joined the activity, noted that the event, especially as it was held on Valentine’s Day, should serve as a reminder that February 14 is not only for lovers, but also for loving one’s community and the country. “Even if it’s a day supposedly spent with our loved ones, we chose to be here together and fight for love,” Deles said. “A love that is not just between two lovers, but a love that is about embracing the community, about thinking of our country, about reaching out and loving even those that we have fought against before.” Deles also recognized the significance of the peace activity especially at a time when “the peace process has been impugned as the cause of conflict and has been the object of distrust (between the government and the MILF).” “We have shown that we will fight for peace and that we will sacrifice for peace,” she said. GPH Peace Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, who also participated in the activity, similarly enjoined everyone to “pursue the peace process, to ensure that we would achieve a true and sustainable change in our society, change that will bring good governance, change that will bring development for all, justice for all, and a just and lasting peace.” “We will not falter. We will not give up on this peace process,” Ferrer said. “We have gone a long way since 2011, let’s not turn our backs on the successes that we have achieved in our pursuit for peace,” Ferrer added. |
| Local manufacturers express support for DOST Die and Mold Center |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
| Local manufacturers have expressed support to the Department of
Science and Technology’s (DOST) Die and Mold Solution Center
(DMSC) during a recent media briefing at DOST’s Metals Industry
Research and Development Center (MIRDC) in Bicutan, Taguig City. The DMSC is expected to enable local industries to catch up with neighboring ASEAN countries in terms of manufacturing capability. The facility will fulfill this objective through modern infrastructure support services and capabilities which will connect firms involved in processing of raw materials with firms that convert these into the final product. According to Chito Madroño, general manager of 13PM Enterprise, the industry needs to have an infrastructure similar to DMSC to boost the manufacturing industry. 13PM Enterprise has been partnering with the government especially with MIRDC since 1978. Madroño reveals that his game “Brain Twister” was a product of public-private partnership, with the game chip pieces having been developed by MIRDC a couple of decades ago. Brain Twister is a tile-based board game which requires a player to form given shapes using four oddly-shaped tiles. “I went to MIRDC and asked them to fabricate the molds that will be used for the tiles,” explains Madroño. “And I am happy because it is cheaper and produced the expected results.” Madroño, who sought MIRDC’s assistance for his other board game “Word Factory,” reveals that majority of local manufacturers subcontract their manufacturing processes from China because of its cheap overhead costs and faster turn-around. He adds that the country currently cannot catch up with China in terms of production output but with 100 million Filipinos, local manufacturers can rely on the domestic market to boost local production. Philip Ang, president of the Philippine Die and Mold Association shares Madroño’s sentiment. The local market should support local manufacturers as this would equate to more economic gains, Ang said and encouraged the media to come up with more positive news to attract more investors into the country. In previous years, the Philippines only had 170 tool and die shops serving the local manufacturers compared to Thailand’s 1,110. In 2011, the country imported about $50 million of tool and die compared to less than $9 million of exports for the industry. |
| NEDA Board approves six transport infra projects |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
| MANILA – In a meeting today chaired by the President of the
Republic of the Philippines, the National Economic and
Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved six infrastructure
projects. “Most of these projects aim to have a more reliable and efficient transport infrastructure system. These are consistent with the government’s thrust to increase investment in connective infrastructure,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Among the approved projects is the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as implementing agency. The project involves the construction of bridge across Panguil Bay connecting the City of Tangub in Misamis Occidental and the Municipality of Tubod in Lanao del Norte. The project is one of the high priority development projects in Mindanao. The bridge will potentially reduce travel time along the 100-kilometer national road between Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental and Tubod, Lanao del Norte from 2.5 hours to 37 minutes. The project’s total estimated cost is PhP5.09 billion to be fully financed by the government and targeted to be implemented starting 2015 until 2018. Moreover, there are two projects approved under the North-South Railway masterplan. First is Phase 1 of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project, which the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will implement, involves the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow-gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos to Tutuban. It aims to improve efficiency of land transportation capacity of Metro Manila and provide a more environmentally sustainable mode of transport. Also, the NSCR Phase 1 will use the Philippine National Railway’s (PNR) right-of-way with 10 stations and a depot at Valenzuela. The project’s total estimated cost is PhP117.30 billion and targeted to be implemented from 2015 with a 35-year operation period starting 2020. Another is the North-South Railway Project – South Line, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project of the DOTC, which has a total estimated cost of PhP170.70 billion. This project consists of commuter railway operations between Tutuban and Calamba, Laguna. It also includes a long haul railway operation between Tutuban and Legaspi, Albay and on the branch line between Calamba and Batangas and an extension between Legaspi and Matnog. Furthermore, the NEDA Board approved three more PPP projects. First is the expansion of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Project of the DPWH from two (one lane per direction) to four lanes (two lanes per direction), which entails an estimated government support of PhP 2 billion. Full project cost for TPLEX Ultimate Stage is PhP 24.303 billion for the design, financing, construction, O&M of the 88.5 kilometer expressway from the terminus of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City to Rosario, La Union. Next is the NLEX-SLEX Connector Project of the DPWH, with a total estimated cost of PhP20 billion, which will now proceed through unsolicited mode subject to a Swiss Challenge, involves the construction and operation and maintenance (O&M) of a 13.4 kilometer 4-lane elevated expressway over the PNR right-of-way, which starts in Caloocan City and ends in Buendia, Makati. This will connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and SLEX to decongest traffic in Metro Manila. Third is the rebidding of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project of the DPWH, for the highest premium for the government, with a floor of PhP20.105 billion. The total project cost is estimated at PhP35.4 billion. With a total of 47.018 kilometers, the project will start from the Cavite Expressway in Kawit and will end at the SLEX-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna. There will be nine interchanges in areas such as Kawit, Daang Hari, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Blvd., Technopark, and a Toll Barrier before SLEX. “These projects will support the government’s goal of increasing infrastructure spending to at least 5.1 percent in 2016. We hope that they will be implemented efficiently and effectively,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. |
| The Social Security System (SSS) has inaugurated a new branch in Sta.Mesa, Manila to benefit about 22,000 members residing within the area and nearby districts of Paco, Pandacan and Sta. Ana |
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph |
| The Social Security System (SSS) has inaugurated a new branch in
Sta.Mesa, Manila to benefit about 22,000 members residing within
the area and nearby districts of Paco, Pandacan and Sta. Ana. The SSS Sta.Mesa branch located at the J&T Building along Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard corner Santol Extension Road is the 61st office of the SSS in National Capital Region. A total of 3,244 existing employer accounts, which represent 22,634 employees fall under its jurisdiction. Photo above shows SSS President Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. cutting the ribbon with Manila ? District 6 Representative Rosenda Ann Ocampo during the blessing and inauguration ceremonies on January 23. Also present were (from L-R) Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erwin Malaya, Social Security Commission ? Women?s Sector Representative Eva Arcos, SSS Senior Vice President for NCR Operations Group Jose Bautista, SSS Sta. Mesa Branch Head Lazaro Canlas, J&T Realty Corporation Present Lily Tanco, and SSS Assistant Vice President for NCR Central Division Helen Abolencia. |
| P1.5-M Peace Projects for North Cotabato farmers |
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph |
| Five farmers organizations in Makilala town in North Cotabato
recently received livelihood projects amounting to P1.5-Million
under the national government flagship program Payapa at
Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Marion Abella said that the Kisante Fisheries Association, Kisante Flower Growers Association, Bulacanon Irrigators Association, Bato Farmers Association, and Sto. Niño Farmers Association each received livelihood project P300,000 worth of farm inputs and other enterprise development projects. “These peace projects are the answers to the needs of the people in the community to jumpstart their business enterprises and improve the quality of life in agrarian reform areas since the community is greatly involved in identifying their priority livelihood projects,” Abella said. “More than 100 direct farmer-beneficiaries, who are members of the associations are set to benefit from these livelihood projects, he added. Abella said the villagers of Barangay Sto. Niño would no longer worry for a long hike to Poblacion Makilala for a kilo of rice since the Sto. Niño Farmers Association has proposed the establishment of a “Bigasang Bayan” project. The Bulacanon Irrigators Association was granted a mini truck for its rice processing enterprise and the Sto. Niño Farmers Association was provided agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. “The mini truck will be of great help in our rice processing. We will worry no more for the transportation of our harvest,” Joel Abinsay, Bulakanon Irrigation Association Vice President, said. Abinsay also said the mini truck would be helpful in delivering sacks of milled rice to nearby villages. Meanwhile, the Kisante Fisheries Association and Kisante Flower Growers Association received 120 bags (505-510 fingerlings per bag)of tilapia fingerlings with floater and grower feeds for their tilapia fishpond project,and 1,800 pieces of Anthorium planting materials for their flower garden project, respectively. “It is a great privilege to have these kinds of livelihood projects here in our barangay,” Ireneo Ocon, president of the Kisante Fisheries Association, said. Ocon also said that his group would take good care of the projects given to them, hopeful that these would help spur rural development and improve the quality of life of the farmers. DAR, in partnership with the barangay council, will be supervising and monitoring the said projects. (Rodel D. Orejudos) |
| Cassava production in the South gets a boost |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
| General Santos City—Close to 500, 000 farmers and laborers in
South Cotabato rely on cassava as a source of livelihood. In 2012, the province produced a record yield of 34.5 metric tons (MT) per hectare—the highest in the country—transforming the province into a significant player in cassava production not only in Mindanao, but for the entire country. During the same year, the province produced at least 32, 000 MT cassava granules, covering 99% of the total cassava tubers produced in South Cotabato. With a gap of about 70,000 MT needed to fill in the 100,000 MT demand of commercial buyers in the province alone, the Philippine government will launch a P40 million-cassava granules production and marketing project which aims to improve the quality and volume of production, and increase farmers income thru value adding. Enriching from Top to Bottom Through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the national government will support the production and marketing of cassava granules in the province with a financial assistance from the World Bank (WB) and through collaboration with the South Cotabato Local Government Unit (LGU) and Farmers' Groups. The DA-PRDP and Provincial LGU will share 80-20 percent (%) cash equity of the project cost respectively, while the Proponent Group—Polo Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative (POLOSN MPC)—will pitch in at least 20% equity of the total DA and LGU share, totaling to P39.33 million. Through the project, the cooperative will provide inputs and planting materials to cassava farmers from 11 municipalities in South Cotabato, who in turn will sell their harvest to the POLO SN, providing for them a sure market for their produce at a competitive price. Farmers will also be provided technology and financing assistance by the cooperative. POLO SN MPC, together with four other farmers' cooperative namely: Topland MPC, San Jose MPC, Self-reliant MPC, and Poblacion Buto San Isidro Lampitak Agrarian Reform Beneficiary MPC will process and sell cassava granules to commercial feedmills in the province like San Miguel Foods and Agri Min, which collectively require 100, 000 metric tons of the processed cassava annually. From Mindanao to the Whole Country "PRDP is designed to deliver goods and services to improve incomes of farmers and fisherfolk, as well as enable beneficiaries to elevate into the next level of the value chain,” Undersecretary and PRDP National Director Emerson Palad said. He stressed of the similar transparency and participatory qualities of the PRDP with its predecessor—the Mindanao Rural Development Program, adding that geo-tagging, as well as vulnerability and suitability mapping of sub-projects as important ingredient of the project’s efficient and transparent implementation. “And so I urge the LGUs to commit the same level of partnership,” Palad said. During the Mindanao leg of the First WB Review Mission on January 25-26, 2015, the Mindanao cluster presented more than P2.85 billion worth of sub-project portfolio comprising of enterprise development activities and infrastructure support. WB Task Leader Carolina Figueroa-Geron expressed her support to the PRDP and the proponent LGUs stressing that enthusiasm, energy, and teamwork are needed to make the project work, adding that Mindanao and DA have been World Bank’s partner since 1990’s. "We are here to support the project, and at the same time assess the readiness of the LGUs and the regions in implementing PRDP sub-projects, Geron said during the program. Developing the Value Chain The PRDP, a six year project implemented by the DA, aims to uplift the rural economy and increase incomes of farmers throughout the project life and thereafter. The interventions put in place are based on a value chain analysis—a tool used to assess the status of a particular industry, the linkages and interplay of the different value chain players and identify upgrading strategies and interventions that could contribute to the development of the industry. It is the basis in identifying public and private investment opportunities which are identified by LGUs under the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan. Cassava is a prime commodity in South Cotabato, considering high demand for the produce by feedmills, which supply feeds to the robust hog industry in Region 12. Aside from cassava, the Mindanao cluster will initially support agri commodities like cacao, oil palm, seaweeds, rubber, abaca fiber, coconut, mango, and cardava banana under the PRDP. (Catherine Nanta, InfoACE NPCO) |
| WB commends DA implementation on PRDP |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
| Manila, Philippines—The World Bank (WB) has commended the
Department of Agriculture (DA) for the successful kick-off of
the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), which has
already allotted at least P11.4 billion (B) for sub-projects by
early January. WB Task Team Leader Carolina Geron lauded the partnership of the DA and the Local Government Units (LGUs) in implementing PRDP, during a meeting with Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and other DA and WB officials on February 13, 2015 in Quezon City. “With just two months, the project has already mobilized implementing units which resulted in a substantial pipeline,” Geron continued. PRDP was declared effective on December 3, 2014. She added that representatives from other countries including Mongolia are interested to visit the Philippines to see the good strides of what the DA is doing in PRDP. “In a way, you are already giving back to the global community with what you are doing,” Geron continued. The WB team has recently completed a series of reviews in four clusters namely—North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to check the on-going preparation of sub-projects under the PRDP and assess the readiness of both the DA and the LGUs in executing the project. Alcala likened PRDP’s conception into a “healthy baby” who has grown so fast, adding that the national government has a good projection of the project. The Agri chief also recognized the importance of collaboration with the LGU, World Bank, national agencies and other stakeholders, for the successful implementation of the project, stressing that the project would not be successful if DA has to do it alone. He added that more than providing financial assistance to LGUs, the project will offer “out of the box” solutions to promote efficient implementation of rural development projects from the national office down to the regions and LGUs, which the DA can also share to other countries. One of the tools used and promoted under the PRDP is the “geo-tagging” of sub-projects, which promote correct and transparent implementation of projects on the ground. In a separate interview, Alcala stressed the importance of geo-tagging in implementing farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. “Before, FMRs were executed without proper basis, but with geo-tagging we see to it that all proposed FMRs should connect to the national road networks,” he added. Because of the unprecendented success of geotagging, DA has been tapped by other national agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways and National Irrigation Administration—“so they can adopt the same technology.” PRDP, a P27.48-billion project, implemented under the DA has funding support from a World Bank loan, the national government and LGU. It aims to develop the economy in the rural areas while increasing incomes of rural farmers and fishers. (Catherine Nanta, Department of Agriculture) |
| Groundbreaking ceremony held for PDIC-Gawad Kalinga Village in Eastern Samar |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
| The birth of a village. The Philippine Deposit Insurance
Corporation (PDIC) partnered with Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community
Development Foundation, Inc. for the construction of the PDIC-GK
Village in Lawaan, Eastern Samar that will benefit families hit
by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013. PDIC President Cristina Q.
Orbeta (center), Lawaan Municipal Planning Development Officer
Marno Abayan (left) and Acting Mayor Raul Gade (right) led the
groundbreaking ceremony on January 31, 2015. A community will soon rise in Sitio Malmangan in the coastal town of Lawaan, in Eastern Samar after being badly hit by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013 and typhoon Ruby in 2014. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation, Inc. and the local government of Lawaan led the groundbreaking rites of the PDIC-GK Village on January 31, 2015. Expected to be completed in November 2015, the PDIC-GK Village will provide permanent shelters for at least 22 beneficiary families. PDIC President Cristina Q. Orbeta, GK Head for Eastern Samar Renato Badilla, Lawaan Acting Mayor Raul Gade and future beneficiaries were present during the groundbreaking ceremony. President Orbeta, in her message to the beneficiaries, paid tribute to their courage and resilience, and expressed optimism that they will look after their village as one community. In support of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the PDIC partnered with GK in March 2014 to raise funds for Yolanda victims through the benefit run held in May 2014. Drawing close to 3,000 runners from the public and private sectors, the benefit run raised almost P2 million. The amount was turned over to GK to jumpstart the construction of the PDIC-GK Village in Lawaan. A sequel benefit run, Takbo 2, to be jointly hosted by PDIC and GK, is set in May 2015 to raise funds to add more beneficiaries to the housing project. The PDIC's corporate social responsibility program advocates for the protection of the environment and the balanced development of communities. |
| PhilHealth marks 20th Anniversary |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/ |
| SINCE 2007, the nation has been observing National Health
Insurance Program Month every February. Thanks to Presidential
Proclamation No. 1400, s.2007, the value of social health
insurance to every Filipino family has been highlighted and
reinforced at the start of each year. This time, the celebration
of NHIP Month coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the
government corporation primarily tasked to administer the
country’s social health insurance program – the Philippine
Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The agency has opted
to devote the entire 2015 to salute two decades of public
service through low-key but high-impact events that are designed
to make the celebration more meaningful. The celebration started with a two-day Conference on the NHIP entitled ‘PhilHealth@20: 4 Tracks, 1 Goal Towards Universal Health Care.’ The event, which was held at the Century Park Hotel, drew UHC advocates together, including PhilHealth’s stakeholders from the academe, the health care provider sector, the local government, and its development partners. The Conference was a stock-taking exercise which was also aimed at generating insights from stakeholders on how best to approach health care financing through SHI to enable the NHIP to contribute significantly to the attainment of UHC. In her address, Acting Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin cited the important role that PhilHealth plays in helping finance health care services in the country. Being a former legislator, she expounded on the long journey that the then PhilHealth bill went through, and the many other challenges that went with pushing legislation that will impact heavily on the Filipinos’ lives. She challenged PhilHealth to be more, to increase public awareness of the programs and services that it offers, to ensure an updated, reliable database, and to encourage utilization in times of need. PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla cited major strides made by the government corporation over the last 20 years, especially in the areas of membership management, benefits development, provider engagement and provider payment. Last February 12, an anniversary program was held in Mandaluyong City which featured signing ceremonies with two (2) government institutions to strengthen public information and assistance, unveiling of commemorative stamp and medal, launching of a benefit package for the less privileged sector of society, and a press conference. Sunday, February 15, the second nationwide, simultaneous Run will kicked off in 13 sites all over the country, while massive tree-planting and growing activities will continue in various parts of the country. The Run brought together at least 48,000 runners all over the country. The third and fourth weeks of February are devoted to employee-centred activities aimed at enhancing teamwork and cooperation, as well as honouring the agency’s outstanding employees. Other activities that will be undertaken in the Regional Offices within the NHIP Month include health and wellness fairs, unveiling of marker for a PhilHealth protected community, info-education campaigns, awarding rites for outstanding partners and media initiatives. |
| MERSCOV update |
| Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph |
| Ikinagagalak po naming ibalita na dalawa na lamang ang
pasyenteng kasalukuyang nasa RITM, kasama na dito ang ating
'index case' na nurse mula Saudi Arabia. Negatibo po sa second round of tests ang labing-isang (11) pasyente, ngunit minarapat ng ating mga eksperto na huwag muna i- discharge ang isang pasyente dahil sa kanyang X-ray result, making her a probable case. Patuloy po ang home quarantine sa mga nakasalamuha ng ating index case hanggang February 24, upang masigurong ligtas silang lahat. Inuulit po namin, walang dapat ikatakot ang mga taga San Pedro, Laguna. Hindi airborne ang MERSCOV. Nakakahawa Ito sa pamamagitan ng respiratory droplets within a distance of 1 meter or less, preferably with multiple exposure and with enough viral load. With regards to Saudia flight 860, we have contacted 115 passengers and they will be subjected to MERSCOV testing. Considering the 14- day incubation period, today will be the last day for contact tracing of the remaining passengers since February 1. We have, however, put in isolation two of the passengers currently being closely-observed. One is considered a 'patient under investigation' and another one is considered a 'MERSCOV suspect'. As to our index case, let us all include her in our prayers for a speedy recovery. She and her baby deserve utmost respect and understanding. The hospital she is working in Saudi turned out to have a MERS patient recently. Her plight has opened our eyes to initiate moves on further protecting our health workers abroad. Ang importante, huwag nating kalimutan ang pagsasagawa ng hygienic practices tulad ng proper and frequent hand washing, having adequate sleep and by eating a nutritious diet. These are all vital in preventing the spread of infectious diseases like MERSCOV. Awareness and early detection are also important. |
| APEC aims to bolster SMEs’ participation in Regional and Global Markets |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 13 February 2015 - The First Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings, held from
January 26 to February 07 at the Clark and Subic Bay Freeport
Zones, supported efforts to bolster Small and Medium
Enterprises’ (SMEs) participation in regional and global markets
under the APEC 2015 theme to build inclusive growth in the
Asia-Pacific region. This supports “Fostering SME’s participation in regional and global markets,” one of the priorities under this year’s overarching theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” “SMEs account for over 97 per cent of all businesses and half of employment in APEC economies – but less than 35 per cent of exports. That’s why it’s vital that we enhance SMEs’ competitiveness so they can expand into new markets” said Ambassador Laura Q. Del Rosario, Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and 2015 Chair of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting. The Philippines’ proposal for an SME Action Plan would help SMEs improve their management capabilities, strengthen their access to financing, and foster a business environment that encourages SMEs to access overseas markets. The target date for the completion of the SME Action Plan is by the 3rd Senior Officials Meeting in September this year. “Greater SMEs’ participation in supply-chains leads to more jobs and increased exports. Importantly, this will lead to ‘inclusive growth’, so that all parts and members of the economy can benefit,” explained Ambassador Del Rosario. The proposed SME Action Plan complements APEC’s ongoing work on Supply Chain Connectivity, which aims to provide an enabling environment for business by improving logistics, transportation, cross-border transit and infrastructure. APEC’s Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) initiatives provide targeted capacity building to help APEC economies address weaknesses and chokepoints in the supply chain. “ECOTECH initiatives that improve supply chain connectivity will make it easier for SMEs to get their good or service from their office or warehouse, to their overseas customer. This means lower costs and higher efficiency – which allows SMEs to focus on expanding their business,” explained Ambassador Del Rosario. SMEs participation in regional and global supply-chains will also improve under a Philippine-led initiative to help goods exporters’ access overseas markets more efficiently and securely. APEC economies will be encouraged to improve their Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) systems. AEO systems prevent goods in international transport to be tampered with and facilitate trade for low-risk operators. “Strong AEO systems facilitate trust between trading partners which enhances supply chain connectivity,” said Ambassador Del Rosario. “All these APEC initiatives will result in benefits for all SMEs, which comprise 97 per cent of businesses in the APEC region, and build more inclusive economies,” concluded Ambassador Del Rosario. |
| PHL Consulate General in Milan welcomes new Filipino community officers of Parma |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 17 February 2015 – Philippine Consul General Marichu Mauro
inducted the incoming officers of the Filipino community of
Parma and Provinces led by its new president, Mr. Melchor Balba
on February 08. The Filipino community of Parma and Provinces is the umbrella organization of all Filipino groups in the Parma area. The group currently has 29 organizations under its wing. Also present at the event was Parma Vice Mayor Nicoletta Paci. In her speech, Vice Mayor Paci praised the Filipino community in Parma and the surrounding areas and acknowledged their contributions in further enriching the Italian society in general. Situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, Parma is one of Italy’s most prosperous cities. It is known for its proschiutto (Parma ham) and parmeggiano cheese (parmesan). |
#Forbes magazine reports #Philippines as among top retirement destination - See more at: http://t.co/oviHlzDIio
MANILA,
Feb. 16 -- The Palace said it is elated by the Forbes magazine report
that makes the Philippines one of the top retirement havens in the
world.
news.pia.gov.ph
February is National #Dental Health Month w/ the theme: Nakangiti ang Kinabukasan, Kapag Ngipin ay Pinangangalagaan http://t.co/894kDbxnbD
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NATIONAL ASTRONOMY WEEK (NAW) 16-20 February 2015
THEME: "Reaching Our People: Transferring Knowledge in Astronomy"
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THEME: "Reaching Our People: Transferring Knowledge in Astronomy"
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