Dispatch for February 24, 2015 ( Tuesday) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , PNOY Speech , 3 Interview with Sec. Coloma , 15 Online News , 31 Photonews (Feb. 20 )

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

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Issued at 5:00 p.m., 24 February 2015  
Valid beginning: 5:00 p.m. today until 5:00 p.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 p.m., 24 February 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 p.m., 24 February 2015

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Eastern Mindanao. Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon.
 

Forecast:

CARAGA and Davao Region will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila, Central and Southern Luzon, Visayas and the rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated light rains. Northern Luzon will experience partly cloudy skies.


Light to moderate winds from the east to southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon, from the northeast to north over eastern section of Mindanao and coming from northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

PAGTAYA: Ang Silangang Kabisayaan, Davao region at Caraga ay magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mahinang mga pag-ulan. Ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagya hanggang sa kung minsan ay maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mahinang mga pag-ulan.
Katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan hanggang sa silangan ang iiral sa Luzon at mula naman sa hilagang-silangan sa silangang bahagi ng Kabisayaan at ng Mindanao at ang mga baybaying dagat sa mga lugar na ito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa 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: 01:50 PM yesterday ----- 32.3 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:30 AM yesterday ----- 18.2 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:30 AM yesterday --------- 89 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 02:00 PM yesterday --------- 40 %
Low tide today: 07:36 AM ------- 0.24 meter
High tide today: 02:06 PM ------- 0.78 meter
Low tide today: 09:06 PM ------- 0.15 meter
High tide tomorrow: 02:54 AM ------- 0.44 meter
Sunrise today: 6:16 AM
Sunset today: 6:03 PM
Moonrise today: 10:22 AM
Moonset today: 11:19 PM
Illumination today: 29 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

2.   Weather Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-NCR Weather Updates
The Northeast Monsoon may bring rains to parts of Southern Luzon and the eastetn parts of Visayas and Mindanao on Tuesday, according to PAGASA. It added, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated light rain.

3.  Weather Watch

4 hrs ·

Phivolcs Dir. Renato Solidum on DZBB:
Re: Lindol sa Baguio
-Nagkaroon ng minor earthquake na may magnitude na 4.1 kaninang 7:14AM sa Baguio City. Naramdaman ang intensity 4 sa Baguio City, La Trinidad Benguet, intensity 3 sa Itogon, Benguet
-Hindi namin ini-expect na may damage sa mga ganitong intensity ng lindol.
- Hindi namin ine-expect na magkaroon ng significant effect.

February 24 , 2015  ( Tuesday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

 PIA 4A / PIA QUEZON   :  Fair weather  in Lucena City

 

CAVITE

DepEd, TESDA launches round 2 of Grand Gulay Cook-Off challenge

• February 23, 2015

SILANG, Cavite, Feb. 23 (PIA) --To increase awareness for more nutritious food choices among public school and encourage school children to eat nutritious meals, the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched the round 2 of the “Get Your Gulay On: Grand Gulay Cook-off Challenge” CALABARZON edition.

Twelve participants from Calabarzon region prepared healthy foods and snacks for 100 public school students who acted as judges of the contest held at the Ragationist College in Barangay Lalaan 2 in Silang.

In an interview after roaming around and talking to participants, DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC commended the participants in supporting the program by explaining the importance of proper nutrition to the students. He also, encouraged the parents, teachers and the local government units to support the meaningful activity of DepEd and TESDA.

The activity aims to hold cooking contest for public school students using ingredients produced from DepEd's Gulayan sa Paaralan program and address nutrition consciousness in public schools and to promote tracks of the Senior High School Program under the new K to 12 curriculum.

As part of the directive by the President through Executive order No. 26 entitled the implementation of the National Greening program, the Gulayan sa Paaralan was formed as a task force for all public schools to “establish vegetables gardens to serve as food basket and a main source of commodities to sustain supplementary feeding.”

The cooking competition also aims to identify nutritious snacks that elementary school-aged students will like. The competitors shall prepare healthy savory or pastry dishes by making use of ingredients typically found in a nutritious diet with accepted standards of presentation and service. (DepEd, TESDA/Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671424407211/deped-tesda-launches-round-2-of-grand-gulay-cook-off-challenge#sthash.Y8efxFZy.dpuf

BATANGAS

Tagalog news: Batangas safety riding summit, idaraos sa Marso

• February 23, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Peb 23 (PIA) --Isinusulong sa Batangas ang ikalawang Safety Riding Summit na nakatakdang isagawa na Marso 7-8, 2015 na pangungunahan ng Honda Philippines Inc.(HPI), Honda Safety Driving Center at tanggapan ng ikalawang Distrito ng Batangas.

Kaugnay nito, lumagda sa memorandum of understanding (MOU) ang mga kabahagi sa programang kabilang sina: 2nd District Congressman Raneo Abu at Honda president and general manager Yasushi Okamoto; Mr. Gene Paralisan, assistant vice president for safety driving promotions; Mr. Masakazu Kawai, adviser for business administration; Mr. Joseph Dela Cruz, HSDC operations manager; at Mr. Peter Gatchalian, safety riding promotions project head.

Ang programang ito ay una nang isinagawa sa Virac, Catanduanes sa layuning mabawasan ang dumaraming bilang ng aksidente sa kalsada na karamihang sangkot ay mga motorsiklo.

Sinabi ni Cong. Abu, na masuwerte ang ikalawang distito sapagkat dito isasagawa ang programa na makakapagbigay ng karagdagang kaalaman sa mga motorcycle drivers upang maging palagiang ligtas sa daan gayundin ang pag-alam sa kundisyon ng makina ng sasakyan.

"Kapag naikintal sa isipan ng lahat ng driver ang road safety ay magiging sanay na ang mga ito sa pagsusulong ng pagbiyahe ng ligtas at pagsunod sa tamang batas," dagdag ni Abu.

Nagpasalamat din ang Kongresista sa pamunuan ng Honda Phils. Inc sa pakikipagtuwang upang maging ligtas ang lahat ng gumagamit ng motorsiklo.

Ilan sa mga aktibidad sa darating na summit ang seminars/lectures, learn-to-ride, safety riding challenge at Ayatori o “road safety” para sa mga kabataan.

Maituturing na pinakaimportanteng bahagi ng summit ang safety riding challenge kung saan ang HSDC ay magbibigay ng masusing assessment sa mga riders sa pamamagitan ng kanilang kaalaman, kasanayan at kahandaan. (Bhaby De Castro, PIA-Batangas)

RIZAL

Tagalog news: Antipolo City, namahagi ng pampuhunan sa negosyo sa mga residente

• February 23, 2015

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Peb. 23 (PIA) --Namahagi ng tulong puhunan sa negosyo ang Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Antipolo, katuwang ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), sa 13 SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran) Association mula sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program).

Isa sa mga prayoridad ni Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares ang mai-angat at i-ahon ang buhay ng bawat mamamayan sa lungsod kung kaya’t malaking suporta ang ibinigay ng lokal na pamahalaan na mabigyan ng tulong puhunan ang ating kababayan sa programang sustainable livelihood program ng DSWD.

Sa pamamagitan ng tanggapan ng City Social Welfare and Development Office sa pangangasiwa ni Gng. Monette Martin, mayroong 155 na myembro mula sa iba’t ibang barangay ang natakatanggap ng nasabing tulong na may kabuuang 1.6 milyong piso. Ang bawa’t miyembro ay nakatanggap ng P10,000.

Sinabi ni Martin na bago naibigay ang tulong puhunan ay nagkaroon ang mga residente  ng tatlong araw na training upang ihanda sila sa paghawak ng kanilang magiging negosyo.

“Nagsasagawa ng regular monitoring ang CSWD team sa mga miyembro upang matiyak na napapalago nila ang kanilang negosyo at para alamin kung ito’y nakakatulong sa kanilang pamilya. Binigyan ang mga myembro ng isang taon upang mabayaran ang pinahiram na puhunan na walang tubo,” sabi ni Martin.

Kaugnay nito, nagpahayag ng pasasalamat ang mga benipisyaryo sa pamahaalaan lungsod ng Antipolo at CSWD-4A dahil sadyang malaking tulong ito sa ikauunlad ng kanilang kabuhayan. (ANTIPOLO PIO/PIA-Rizal)

 

23 FEBRUARY 2015.
	Government will go after those responsible for the death of the 44 police commandos, says Palace

Government will go after those responsible for the death of the 44 police commandos, says Palace The government will charge those responsible for the death of the 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, once they have been identified, a Palace official said on Monday. "Let us wait for the report of the (Philippine National Police’s) Board of Inquiry because we have yet to identify who these people are. So if charges are filed, we will go after them. It is our responsibility to enforce the law," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang. Lacierda was responding to a question on the need for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to surrender their members who were involved in the deadly encounter between Moro rebels and the police commandos during the latter’s mission to arrest two terrorist suspects in Mamasapano last January 25. “When crimes have been determined and those to be charged identified based on due process, as embodied in Philippine laws, the government will enforce the law without fear or favor," he said, quoting Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Teresita Deles. President Benigno S. Aquino III, in a public address, asked the MILF to show their sincerity to the peace process by returning the belongings and firearms seized by the rebels from the slain police commandos; surrendering those who killed the police officers; and helping capture suspected terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, who had evaded arrest during the operation. PND (ag) TOP

 

23 FEBRUARY 2015 Ombudsman indicts Valencia City exec for falsification DOF, DBM update standards on LGU reporting of receipts and expenditures BI issues new guidelines on RA 7919 visa restamping POEA suspends agency for recruiting a hotel employee to work as a domestic worker DSWD, partner agencies push for stronger advocacy on legal adoption Roxas orders stepped up operation against MWPs Roxas to PNP: Be focused, systematic in solving crimes Bangsamoro Law must address Filipino aspiration for peace & justice -- Ferrer French President François Hollande to undertake State Visit to the Philippines Paje urges collective effort to improve Boracay's water quality DAR partners with DA, DSWD against hunger & poverty in Pagadian City Implementing guidelines of Food Safety Act signed Immigration agents intercept illegal passengers Jolo Sulu, Bongao Tawi Tawi and Catanduanes as additional testing centers for the March 2015 BLEPT KATBP marks 10th Anniversary

Ombudsman indicts Valencia City exec for falsification
Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph
For submitting a false liquidation report, the City Planning and Development Coordinator of Valencia City, Bukidnon is facing criminal charges for Falsification under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code. Acting upon a complaint filed by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation - Cagayan de Oro City, the Office of the Ombudsman found that Junaida Prantilla used falsified receipts in her liquidation report for the expenses incurred by the city government during its 2009 Annual Budget Hearing held on 24-26 November 2008 at the Crown Regency Davao. Records of the case show that Prantilla submitted two liquidation reports both dated 16 January 2009, the first bearing expenses totaling P396,000.00 while the other contained an amount of P151,288.00 only. The Resolution states that, “the second liquidation report was only submitted as an afterthought in order to obviate the untruthful statements made in the first liquidation report and to evade criminal and administrative liability.” Meanwhile, the other criminal charges for Malversation and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Prantilla were dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. The charges against co-respondents Ruth Piano, Leonora Guibone and Alfredo Guzman were all dismissed for insufficiency of evidence.
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DOF, DBM update standards on LGU reporting of receipts and expenditures
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima and Secretary of Budget and Management Florencio B. Abad have issued Joint Circular (JC) No. 2015-1 setting the guidelines in the adoption of modified Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (SRE) format to be used in local government budgeting. “LGU financial reports must be consistent, comparable, and reliable across oversight agencies. We are working closely with DBM to achieve greater transparency and accountability in the local finance sector. This is to improve planning, budgeting, and promote administrative efficiency in local finance,” Secretary Purisima noted. The SRE, which is installed in the local treasury offices in all provinces, cities and municipalities and maintained by the DOF’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), is the official financial monitoring and reporting system of the DOF for local governments. “By streamlining the reporting format, we’ve successfully developed an updated classification system to facilitate the uniform treatment of accounts. The fact that we’ve harmonized LGU financial reports also helps local treasurers, budget officers, and accountants work with greater efficiency and accuracy.” Since 2008, the DBM had been using the SRE to determine the LGU Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing, which details the LGU expenditure program covering the actual obligations for the past year, the actual and estimated expenditures for the current year, and the proposed budget program for the coming year. Under the new circular, the SRE report to be submitted by LGUs to the DBM will cover a three-year period which will be accomplished by the local treasurers for the actual year, and the accountants and budget officers for the current and proposed budget years. The joint circular also delineates the roles and responsibilities of the DBM and the DOF-BLGF, including their respective central and regional offices, and the LGU officials in the preparation of the SRE reports. In 2013, the DOF started analyzing and publishing the fiscal performance of the LGUs through the LGU Tax Watch and the Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan website based on official reports submitted by local treasurers.
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BI issues new guidelines on RA 7919 visa restamping
Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph
Manila, Philippines--- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) issued its new rules on re-stamping of visas for permanent residents under Republic Act No. 7919 (RA7919), otherwise known as The Alien Social Integration Act of 1995. Under Immigration Administrative Circular No. SBM-2015-001, all RA7919 holders must have the new security visa stamp implemented in their passports as a requirement for renewal of their Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) I-Card. RA7919 granted permanent residency to illegal aliens upon compliance with certain conditions provided in the law. “The new guidelines intend to update the BI’s database on holders of the visa”, said BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. Visa holders must submit the following documents to process the re-stamping application: 1. Duly accomplished RA7919 Re-stamping form; 2. Photocopy of passport pages showing: a. Bio-data page; b. Latest admission as 7919 visa holder; c. Old RA 7919 visa imprint; d. New/amended name of the applicant, if any; and 3. Photocopy of ACR I-Card (front and back). “The new rules will take effect around the second week of March, or 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation”, said Tan.
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DSWD, partner agencies push for stronger advocacy on legal adoption
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
“It is important for an adopted child to feel he/she is truly loved, na anak silang totoo (that they are true children) wanted by the families who adopted them.” This was the gist of the message of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman during the signing of a memorandum of agreement among DSWD, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Health (DOH) held last week at Sequoia Hotel, pushing for the intensified advocacy of legal adoption. Sec. Soliman also underscored that although there are child-caring institutions, having a loving family and stable home is vital for every child. “A houseparent in a child care residential facility with 10 or more children…cannot hug all of them at the same time, only parents can do that,” the Secretary stated, citing a study that a person needs 20 hugs a day to make him or her feel whole and stable. On the other hand, DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro said, “[The] choice to love an adopted child challenges all of us.” He expressed his gratitude to Sec. Soliman for including DepEd and other national agencies in the campaign for legal adoption. “Informing the public about legal adoption will help clear the air about so many misconceptions and prejudices against adopted children,” Sec. Luistro added. “A couple wanting to have a child should really go through the legal adoption process to protect the child’s best interest.” Sec. Luistro said it is important to share the message, “Ang tunay na “totoo” ay galing sa puso, hindi lang yung galing sa pusod.” (“Genuine” children are born from the heart and not only from the womb.) He added that parents’ love for an adopted child is no different from love for a biological child. Agency commitments The agreement signed by the officials specifies the responsibilities of each agency in ensuring that all schools, local government units, and health and medical facilities are made aware of the importance of legal adoption. For instance, DepEd shall include adoption and other forms of alternative family care and child placement as a subject matter in the school curriculum in all levels. The DILG, on the other hand, shall supervise and guide the LGUs in ensuring that all surrendered, neglected, and/or abandoned children in their barangay/city/municipality/province be assessed and declared legally available for adoption by the DSWD before placement for adoption. For its part, DOH shall ensure that all health and medical facilities have competent and trained professionals who will report to the DSWD and appropriate authorities. They will also provide services needed by children and parents who are at risk of or in a situation of abandoning and surrendering their children for adoption. Likewise, DOH shall establish, sustain, and monitor the system of reporting abandoned, abused, and neglected children in lying-in clinics or hospitals. Adoption journey During the program, adoptive parent Gil Velez shared his story with a moving audio visual presentation of their journey towards legally adopting Rafa and his sister, Angel. Gil and his wife Cecille decided to adopt to have a child to love, nourish, and care for. Through the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation (KBF), a DSWD accredited child-caring agency, the arrival of Rafa and Angel in their lives “brought immeasurable joy.” “Being a parent means loving your children more than you’ve ever loved yourself,” he said. The agreement signing and opening of a photo exhibit showcasing the joys of adoptive families with their children ushered in the week-long observance of Adoption Consciousness Week from February 17-24 with the theme, “Legal na Ampon Ako, Anak na Totoo” (A Child Finds Worth in Adoption).
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Roxas orders stepped up operation against MWPs
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to run after the remaining targets in its list of Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) “to prevent them from committing crimes.” During the weekly meeting in Camp Crame, PNP officials reported that of the PNP’s 603 targetted MWPs, 230 have been arrested from Aug. 13, 2014 to Feb. 17, 2015. Roxas said the arrest of these targeted individuals “has an immeasurable contribution to the reduction of crime statistics” in Metro Manila: from 919 in June 2014 to 446 reported incidents per week. He said “by any measure, these (arrests) constitute substantial accomplishment. Let’s just keep it up.” He ordered the PNP officials to hunt down the remaining targeted persons even if they are already outside of the National Capital Region (NCR) following the “one PNP” principle. The capture of the MWPs is part of the PNP’s Oplan Lambat-Sibat initiated by Roxas, aimed at combating crimes through “deliberate, programmatic and systematic” approach. Because of the program’s success in Metro Manila, Roxas ordered that it be cascaded in the regions. It shall be launched on the first week of March in Region III and on the first week of April in Region IV-A.
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Roxas to PNP: Be focused, systematic in solving crimes
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has urged the Philippine National Police to be more focused, systematic and investigative in addressing crime situations in Metro Manila. Roxas, in a weekly command conference in Camp Crame, said crime statistics that are gathered weekly based on blotters booked in different police stations in the National Capital Region (NCR) should be reviewed and analyzed by the station commanders and district directors in order to further bring down the number of crime incidents. Roxas explained that while he is pleased with the performance of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in curbing criminality in the metropolis, thorough assessment of the crimes committed in a particular area should be made as a follow through. He cited as example the 13 firearms that were confiscated by the PNP during the conduct of Oplan Bakal Sita for the week covering February 9 to 15. We apprehend illegal firearms in checkpoints. Our officers flag them and if they see that there is a firearm, we ask for their permit, and if they fail to show the required documents, we automatically confiscate the firearms. But now, illegal firearm carriers avoid the PNP checkpoints, Roxas said. In line with this, Roxas ordered NCRPO Director General Carmelo Valmoria to coordinate with the District Intelligence Unit and come out with a mechanism that will strengthen the confiscation of unlicensed firearms. He also instructed the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to assist the NCRPO in determining which of the 396 robbery and theft incidents that were recorded from February 9 to 15 involved the use of firearms. Roxas likewise reiterated that any tool available to assist PNP in battling crime will not be effective unless the approach is deliberate, programmatic and systematic.
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Bangsamoro Law must address Filipino aspiration for peace & justice -- Ferrer
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
MANILA – Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer today asked Congress to enshrine and protect the people's aspirations for peace and justice as envisioned in the 1987 Philippine Constitution ‎when it considers changes to the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. The chief negotiator referred to the statement of the framers of the Philippine Constitution which states that "the decision on the Bangsamoro will ultimately rest on what the people want of our country. And what the deliberations and the overwhelming vote in the plebiscite for the Constitution tell us is that they dream of a free people in a democratic society where peace and justice reign." According to the statement of the Constitutional framers, "the core principle of the 1987 Constitution in mandating a special status for the autonomous regions is human development." ‎ ‎ "Definitely, it is the aim of the BBL to fulfill this intent. To address the human development of the Bangsamoro people, which will in turn redound to shared prosperity and shared security for the entire country," Coronel-Ferrer said.‎ "In this regard, we look up to our legislators for wisdom and guidance, in crafting a good legislation ‎for the Bangsamoro peoples," she said. ‎ ‎ An effective way to give members of the House of Representatives and the Senate a deeper understanding of the principles that lie behind the proposed Bangsamoro law is “if our legislators see the BBL within the context of the Bangsamoro's historical and legitimate aspirations.” “The creation of the Bangsamoro will also realize the mandate of the Constitution for social justice for our brothers and sisters who have historically been marginalized politically, culturally and socially,” Coronel-Ferrer said.‎ "It is in this regard that we will welcome the enhancement of the BBL without diminishing its substance or purpose as set out in the CAB," the chief negotiator added, referring to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27, 2014.‎‎ ‎ The chief negotiator also noted that the establishment of the new Bangsamoro government shall be accompanied by the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants. ‎ "This is a victory for the Filipino people," Coronel Ferrer said referring to the willingness of the MILF to turn in their arsenal of weapons to the decommissioning body and participate in the social and political processes of the country. Just recently, Cagayan de Oro second district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, said that the new target date of the House of Representatives for the passage of the law is June 11.
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French President François Hollande to undertake State Visit to the Philippines
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
21 February 2015 – The President of the French Republic, François Hollande, will visit the Philippines from February 26 to 27 on the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Accompanied by a delegation of over one hundred officials, celebrities and media people, the State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. President Aquino and President Hollande will discuss various facets of a bilateral relationship that has gained momentum in recent years. They will also exchange views on pressing regional and global issues, including terrorism, which has recently manifested itself in France in the Charlie Hebdo killing spree that claimed the lives of 20 people in the heart of Paris. Upon arrival, President Hollande will motor straight to Luneta Park to lay a wreath in honor of Jose Rizal. The Philippines’ national hero was inspired by the ideals of the French revolution in 1789 - liberty, equality and fraternity. Rizal wrote the first chapters of El Filibusterismo in Paris. Aside from shared democratic values, increased economic partnership will be a common objective. France is the Philippines’ 2nd largest trading partner in the European Union (EU) with two-way trade amounting to US$2.39 billion in October 2014. This represented an increase of 24% from the same period of the year before. President Hollande will use the occasion of his State visit to the Philippines to drum up support for action on climate change. France is hosting the 21st meeting of the Conference of Parties or COP21 in Paris in December 2015. It is estimated that about 40,000 stakeholders will attend COP21. President Hollande’s visit reciprocates President Aquino’s first official visit to France in September 2014. In 1986, France was the first country to recognize the government of President Corazon Aquino under another Socialist President - François Mitterand. France is the fifth largest economy in the world, and second largest EU economy after Germany. It is a major global investor and a leader in the Francophone world composed of some 40 countries in Africa, Europe and the Americas. France is one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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Paje urges collective effort to improve Boracay's water quality
Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph
Environment and Natural Resources Ramon J.P. Paje, has called for collective effort by the national and local governments, businesses, and residents to address water quality problems in Boracay. “All stakeholders, who benefit from the various tourism and business opportunities of the island, should help maintain the good quality of its beaches,” Paje said following a report that bacterial levels in Boracay waters are extremely high, significantly exceeding DENR guidelines for recreational water. The environment chief said the evident cause of beach pollution, which can be a big turn off for most of the tourists, is the lack of proper drainage system in the area. Thus, he called for completion of the ongoing sewerage and drainage improvements on the island to help reduce the amount of pollutants directly discharged to surface water and groundwater. “Concerned authorities, particularly the local government of Malay, Aklan and the Department of Tourism which heads the Boracay Task Force should look into the situation especially since the summer season is fast approaching and we are expecting highest tourist influx at this time,” he said. The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau office in Western Visayas had earlier reported that coliform bacteria levels in a drainage outlet that empties into the sea in Sitio Bulabog in Boracay exceed safe standards and reach 47,460 most probable number (mpn) per 100 milimeter (ml). The safe level is 1,000 mpn/100ml for waters for swimming and other human contact activities. Apart from posing serious health and sanitary problems, coliform bacteria could also adversely affect aquatic resources, including marine life and coral reefs which, aside from the powdery white sand beaches, form part of the island’s main attractions. Paje said that he already instructed the local DENR office to closely monitor establishments and apprehend violators of the Clean Water Act. He also reiterated his appeal to the local government to withhold issuing business permits to establishments that do not have a discharge permit or connection to the sewerage system. At the same time, Paje urged commercial establishments and residents to practice self-regulation in improving the water quality of the island paradise. “Let us not wait to be penalized for not complying with environmental policies and local ordinances. Taking the initiative to connect with the drainage and sewerage system benefits everybody and the environment,” he pointed out.
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DAR partners with DA, DSWD against hunger & poverty in Pagadian City
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur - The Department of Agrarian Reform in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) , and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of San Miguel, Molave, Midsalip and Pagadian City is aiming to focus on hunger mitigation, food security and poverty reduction as it jointly implements projects under Partnership Against Hunger & Poverty (PAHP). Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer (PARPO) II Arturo Soria said forty two (42) officers and representatives from the said agencies were tasked to implement the program. Soria challenged the PAHP team to bring the government programs directly to the poorer sectors in the rural areas. “The Government of Brazil is technically assisting us thru its Zero Hunger Program under its Center for Excellence Against Poverty. We also have the support of our Development Partners - the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),World Food Program (WFP), and Asian Development Bank (ADB)”, Soria added. PARPO I Sherwin B. Tubog said that FAO will provide technical assistance to improve agriculture and fisheries production, and natural resource management. The World Food Program assistance will include treating the undernourished children, providing skills enhancement and higher income opportunities for the rural poor. Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) Chief, Engr. Josephine Sisican, discussed the interplay of integrated and comprehensive support services delivery for capacity development and provision which include : agri- extension services, rural infrastructure & facilities, foreign assistance projects, agri – insurance, access to credit and micro finance to AR Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) with different market access. Local Day Care Centers will also be handled by DSWD and DepEd while institutional outlets for the various livestock, crops, grains, and veggies will also be facilitated by of DAR - DA – DSWD to be assisted by ARBOs who will be spurred to increase farm productivity. DAR thru the PBDD, empowers the ARBOs by producing and supplying food items as required by the Pantawid Parent Leaders Organizations who in turn prepare the food menus for their children. With these concerted efforts, and following the Brazilian Government’s Model, PARPO Soria is optimistic that hunger will be lessened, health of undernourished schoolchildren recovered, food security and poverty reduction will be attained, as farmers improve their productivity, increase their income and eventually make their communities flourish.
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Implementing guidelines of Food Safety Act signed
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
In what was called a historic moment, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Health Secretary Janette Garin signed on Friday (20 February 2015) the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Food Safety Act or Republic Act 10611 (An Act to Strengthen the Food Safety Regulatory System in the Country to Protect Consumer Health and Facilitate Market Access of Local Foods and Food Products, and For Other Purposes) in a ceremony at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The IRR spells out the regulatory requirements to be complied with by food businesses and the specific functions of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health , Local Government Units and the Department of Interior and Local Government in the implementation of science-based food safety regulations, based on a farm-to-fork approach to control food hazards. “Hindi na sapat na ang pagkaing mabibili sa ating mga pamilihan ay masarap at kaaya-ayang tingnan lamang. Mas mahalaga, dapat ito ay ligtas at masustansya,” Alcala said his remarks after the signing. “Sabi nga natin sa DA – Ang Pilipino hindi lamang dapat busog. Higit sa lahat, dapat siya’y malusog.” Based on the IRR, DA will be in charge of food safety regulations of primary and postharvest foods, while food safety regulations of processed and pre-packaged foods will be the look out of DOH. For their part, local government units (LGUs) will enforce food safety regulations (including implementation of the Code of Sanitation of the Philippines) of food businesses within their territorial jurisdiction, including that of street food and ambulant vendors. The supervision of food safety enforcement will be the guard of the Department of the Interior and Local Government , including collection and documentation of food-borne illness data, monitoring and research . RA 10611 – which basically aims to strengthen the country’s food safety regulatory system to protect consumer health and facilitate market access of local foods and food products – also covers imported food products. In line with this, the Bureau of Customs came up with an updated and expanded list of regulated food imports to include detailed instructions where to get the specific permit /import clearances for a particular product. “This will help eliminate confusion and corruption,” said BOC Commissioner John Sevilla during the signing. He said BOC will start strictly enforcing its rules based on that list by April this year. To ensure the smooth coordination among implementing agencies and partners, a Food Safety Regulation Coordinating Board (FSRCB) composed of representatives from the DA and DOH food safety regulatory agencies (FSRA), DILG, Leagues of Barangays, Municipalities, Cities and Provinces, DTI and DOST, among others, will be created. In particular, the Board is expected to craft the policies and procedures on coordinating food safety regulatory and enforcement functions ,research , training, monitoring and surveillance programs. The signing came one year and a half after President Aquino signed into law RA 10611 in August 2013. Technical Working Groups from the food safety regulatory agencies and support agencies of the DA and DOH spearheaded a series of nationwide consultations (held in Manila, Cebu and Davao) with stakeholders from the food, agribusiness, smallholder fishing and farming , LGUs, academe and adjunct industries. Alcala said the Food Safety Act could be considered as legacy of the Aquino in its efforts to provide safe, nutritious and affordable food for every Filipino, and boost the competitiveness of Filipino food products in the global market. “It [the signing of the IRR of the Food Safety Act] is indeed a fitting culmination to the many years of work to enact this very important piece of legislation. Para po sa akin, isa itong napakahalagang pamana o legacy ng Administrasyong Aquino sa sambayanan.” In the agribusiness context, he said DA is faced with the reality that the future advancement of Philippine agriculture will significantly depend on the government’s ability to guarantee, “with absolute credibility,” the worth and merit of locally produced food commodities. “Food exports account for roughly 11%-12% of the country’s total export value and our food and beverage exports reach various parts of the world,” the DA chief explained as he added that Agriculture, Hunting, Forestry and Fishing collectively account for roughly 10% of GDP and employ one-third of total national employment.
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Immigration agents intercept illegal passengers
Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph
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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Jolo Sulu, Bongao Tawi Tawi and Catanduanes as additional testing centers for the March 2015 BLEPT
Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph/news/?id=2915
Manila, February 20, 2015 --- The Professional Regulation Commission and the Professional Regulatory Board for Professional Teachers announces the designation of Jolo Sulu, Bongao Tawi-tawi, and Catanduanes as additional testing centers for the March 29, 2015 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT). The Board for Professional Teachers, through Board Resolution No. 2015-08, resolved to include Jolo Sulu, Bongao Tawi-tawi and Catanduanes in the list of Testing Centers to serve examinees coming from these provinces. Aside from Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Catanduanes the March 2015 BLEPT will be held simultaneously in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, San Jose Antique, Catarman and Zamboanga.
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KATBP marks 10th Anniversary
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
The Konsyumer Atbp (KATBP) consumer advocacy broadcast program celebrated its 10th year on 19 February 2015. The DTI’s Consumer Protection Group (CPG), through its Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), in partnership with the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s DZMM Radyo 630 and DZMM Teleradyo, has set several activities to reiterate its commitment to enhance consumers’ education and involvement on their rights and responsibilities, on performance and safety of products and services, on price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities, and on other relevant issues that consumers encounter daily. The highlights of the celebration are: Launch of Bidang Konsyumer question for the week to choose the KATBP’s Konsyumer Patrollers (14 February) DTI-ABSCBN special studio episode for the anniversary date on 19 Feb with Secretary GLDomingo (21 February) Konsyumer Expo at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall (20-21 March) Consumer Lecture Series (20 March) Opening Ceremony of Konsyumer Expo (20 March) Anniversary special live remote broadcast episode of KATBP in Konsyumer Expo (21 March) 5th Consumers’ Essay Writing Contest (21 March) The CPG and ABS-CBN enjoin the DTI family to participate in the celebration activities. For more information, call CPG at 751.4748/40 or ABS-CBN-DZMM at 415.2272 ext 5623/ 5644.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the TAYO Awarding Ceremonies of Ten Accomplished Youth Organization Year 12 Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace 24 February 2015   Ganda ho ng umpisa nitong araw na ito. Can I thank the St. Paul’s High School Choir Pasig? Your voices were really very clear. It was really a pleasant way to start the day. Parang kanina lang ho tinitingnan ko, lalo na itong mga awardees, pati iyong finalists, ang babata n’yo. Ang tanong yata doon, ang tatanda na ba namin?  Huwag kayo masyadong tatawa, Perci at saka Earl. Kasama na rin kayo sa seniors ngayon. Parang kahapon lamang kayo ang youth. Sabi ni Maria, papunta na kayo sa “ga-youth.” . Anyway, mga kasamahan: Halos tatlong dekada na nga ang lumipas mula nang magwakas ang diktadurya, ngunit marahil, sariwa pa sa ating kababayan ang alaala ng Batas Militar. Gaya ng marami, saksi ako sa pagmamalupit ng makapangyarihang diktador, at sa idinulot niyang pagdurusa sa ating mga kababayan. Nang ideklara ang Batas Militar, talagang bumaligtad po ang aming mundo. Dahil sa pagiging kritikal niya kay Ginoong Marcos, ipiniit ang aking ama; kinulong siya nang pitong taon at pitong buwan, at napilitan kaming mangibang-bayan. Nang magpasya namang umuwi ang aking ama upang manawagan ng pagbabago sa pamahalaan, ay walang habas pa siyang pinaslang. Sa sinapit na ito ng aking ama at ng aming pamilya, ang tanong na bumabalot noon sa isip ko: Ano pa kayang kinabukasan ang maaari naming asahan? Sa mga panahong iyon, hindi ko maiwasang isiping hahantong ang lahat sa madugong himagsikan. Subalit sa gabay ng Panginoon at malasakit sa kapwa, nagawa ng sambayanang Pilipinong gawin ang imposible. Buong mundo ang humanga nang milyon-milyon nating kababayan ang nagtipon upang pangunahan ang mapayapang rebolusyon sa EDSA. Nakuha nilang malampasan ang takot at kaba upang magpunta sa EDSA. Nagtungo sila roon nang walang dalang armas; ang tangi nilang sandata ay ang panalangin at hangaring manumbalik ang demokrasya. Di nila inalintana ang panganib sa kanilang buhay; isinantabi nila ang agam-agam na baka mabaril sila o makanyon. Ang iniisip na lamang nila: Kung mananatili ang mapaniil na diktadurya, anong klaseng bukas kaya ang naghihintay sa aming mga mahal sa buhay? Matapos nga ang apat na araw ng sama-samang panawagan ng pagbabago, matagumpay na napatalsik ang diktador, at muli namang nabawi ang ating demokrasya. Interes ng mas nakakarami, kalayaan mula sa baluktot na kalakaran, magandang kinabukasan para sa susunod na henerasyon: ang mga ito ang isinaalang-alang ng mga nakipaglaban sa EDSA noong taong 1986. At bilang pinuno ng ating bansa, ang ganitong diwa ng EDSA ang ating isinasabuhay sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng ating panahon. Sa aking panunungkulan, marami tayong pagsubok na pinagdaanan at pinagdadaanan. Isang halimbawa nito ang tensiyong namagitan sa North at South Korea noong 2010 kung saan maaaring maipit sa hidwaan ang 50,000 nating mga kababayan. Nariyan din ang sigalot na dulot ng Arab Spring noong 2011. Bukod sa kaguluhan sa ibang bansa, nariyan din ang pagsisikap nating mapigilan ang paglaganap ng mga sakit tulad ng Ebola at MERS-Coronavirus sa bansa. Kung matatandaan rin ninyo, patong-patong na pagsubok ang ating hinarap noong 2013: lindol sa Cebu at Bohol, krisis sa Zamboanga, at ang paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda. Kamakailan lang, humarap muli ang sambayanan sa panibagong pagsubok bunsod ng insidente sa Mamasapano. Bilang Pangulo, ginagawa ko ang lahat, upang harapin at tugunan ang mga suliranin ng bansa. Madalas, binabalewala na lang natin ang pagod at puyat. Hindi ako puwedeng magpadala sa bugso ng aking emosyon dahil baka mapalala ko pa ang problema. Sa bawat pagkakataon, kailangan kong maging mahinahon, at laging balikan kung para saan natin ginagawa ang lahat ng ating pagsisikap. Ito nga ang tangi nating hangad: Ang hindi na maulit pa ang kamalian ng nakaraan, at maipamana sa susunod na salinlahi ang di-hamak na mas maunlad at magandang Pilipinas kaysa ating dinatnan. Simula pa lang, batid kong hindi ko kakayanin ang lahat nang mag-isa. Sa nakalipas na mahigit apat at kalahating taon ng ating pamamahala, pinatunayan nating kapag mas marami tayong kumikilos, mas mabilis nating nakakamit ang ating hangarin. Dito ko nga naalala ang kaisipang ibinahagi sa akin: Kapag daw ang dunong ng mas nakakatanda at ang lakas ng kabataan ay nagsanib, talagang malayo ang ating mararating. Sa ganitong konteksto pumapasok ang halaga ng pagtitipon natin ngayon, sa pagbibigay parangal sa Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations ng bansa. Sa pangunguna ng National Youth Commission, TAYO Awards Foundation, EDSA People Power Commission, Coca-Cola Foundation, gayundin sa pakikipagtulungan ng aking kuya, si Bam Aquino [tawanan], kinikilala ang ambag ng kabataan sa pagtugon sa suliranin ng lipunan. Kasama ang sambayanan, nagpapasalamat ako sa dedikasyon at pagsisikap ninyong ipagpatuloy ang inyong makabuluhang mga adbokasiya. Binabati po natin ang mga nagwaging organisasyon sa araw na ito: Sa Phi Lambda Delta Sorority sa programang niyong Milk Matters upang itaguyod ang breastfeeding para sa mabuting kalusugan ng mga sanggol [palakpakan]; sa Kanlungan Pilipinas Movement, na pinapaunlad ang kaalaman ng mga naninirahan sa liblib na lugar gamit ang teknolohiyang pinatatakbo ng solar power system [palakpakan]; sa Rescue Assistance Peacekeeping Intelligence Detail, RAPID, at Cauayan City National High School – Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team, na sinasanay ang ating kabataan kung paanong makatulong sa pagtugon sa panahon ng sakuna at sa oras ng pangangailangan; sa Katipunan ng mga Kabataang Santiagueno sa paggamit ng mga agricultural waste upang gawing uling at maging katuwang sa kabuhayan ng komunidad; sa ACCESS-PYLP Alumni Association, na nagkakaloob ng kasanayan sa kabuhayan ng ating youth combatants sa Basilan, Sulu, at Zamboanga; sa Move This World-Pilipinas, sa pagsisikap ninyong tugunan ang isyu ng bullying sa mga paaralan; sa Youth for Environment in School Organization, sa pangunguna ninyo sa Mangrove Reforestation Program sa inyong pamayanan; sa Indigenous Youth Servant Leaders Association of the Philippines para sa pagtataguyod ng kapakanan ng ating indigenous people sa lalawigan ng Isabela at gayundin sa University of San Agustin Little Theater para sa serye ng produksiyon sa teatro at sa inyong pagkamalikhain upang bigyang lakas at inspirasyon ang mga nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Siyempre, nagpapasalamat din tayo sa iba pa nating finalists. Pinangunahan din ninyo ang programang naghahatid ng agarang benepisyo sa napakaraming Pilipino. Mula sa pagkakaloob ng kabuhayan at dekalidad na edukasyon para sa mga katutubo at kapos-palad nating kababayan, paglinang sa kaalaman sa modernong kagamitan, pagsusulong ng musikang Pilipino, pagpapabuti ng supply ng kuryente, at pag-aruga sa kalusugan, hanggang sa pangangalaga sa kalikasan; nakikibahagi kayo sa solusyon imbes na dumagdag sa problema. Gayundin, nagsisilbi kayong huwaran sa mga kapwa ninyo kabataan, upang maengganyo silang makilahok sa pagtataguyod ng kapakanan ng kapwa’t bansa. Saludo din ako sa marami pang mga organisasyong nakilahok at patuloy na nakikilahok sa TAYO Awards. Makakaasa naman kayo: Sa gumagandang estado ng ating ekonomiya, pinapalawak natin ang mga pagkakataon para sa kabataan lalo pa’t kayo ang mga susunod nating propesyonal at lingkod-bayan. Isang halimbawa nito ang Conditional Cash Transfer for High School Expansion program. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, sinusuportahan na ng estado ang benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilya hanggang umabot siya sa 18 taong gulang. Sa kasalukuyan, 1.2 milyong estudyante mula 15 hanggang 18 taong gulang ang tinutulungan nating makatapos na ng high school. Ano nga ba’ng maidudulot nitong benepisyo? Batay sa pag-aaral po ng Philippine Institute for Development Studies, 40 percent ang dagdag na sinasahod ng high school graduate, kumpara sa umabot lang ng grade school. Ibig sabihin, dahil sa mas pinalawak na benepisyo ng Pantawid Pamilya, mas lalawak din ang pagkakataon para sa nakakaraming kabataan. Tuloy-tuloy naman ang pag-arangkada sa bilang ang scholars nating napapagkalooban ng kabuhayan ng TESDA. Tingnan natin ang kanilang Training for Work Scholarship Program: Mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Disyembre 2014, nasa 774,532 na ang graduates ng TWSP. Kasama na sa good news na ating natatanggap ang resulta ng training ng TESDA at Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines. Ang employment rate ng graduates dito mula Abril hanggang Setyembre 2014: halos 96 percent. Konting tulak na lang ay maaabot na ang 100 percent na full employment. [Palakpakan] Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ito upang iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga naghihikahos sa buhay. Sinasagad natin ang pagkakataon upang bigyan sila ng kakayahang tulungan ang mga sariling umasenso. Nasa iisang bubong lang tayo; ang problema ng isa ay problema po ng lahat. Tandaan ninyo: Kayong kabataan—gusto ko sanang sabihin “tayong kabataan” [tawanan]—ang magmamana sa anumang bunga ng ating pagsisikap. Mas mahaba pa ang itatagal ninyo sa mundo kumpara sa aming medyo nakakatanda. Kung negatibismo at pag-una sa sarili ang mangingibabaw ngayon, mas matagal kayong magtitiis sa pagdurusang dulot nito. Kung gagawin natin ang tama, mas matagal naman ninyong matatamasa ang positibo nitong bunga. Sa tuwid na daan, hindi natin hahayaang danasin ninyo ang parehong problemang hinarap namin at hinaharap natin sa kasalukuyan. Patuloy ang pagsisikap nating madagdagan ang mga batang may hawak na lapis at papel, at mabawasan ang mga may tangan ng basahan sa kalsada para magpunas ng windshield ng mga sasakyan. Hindi tayo titigil sa pagbibigay ng wastong kasanayan sa kabataan, upang hindi kayo mauwi sa pagbebenta ng sampaguita at paglilimos. Magbubukas tayo ng marami pang oportunidad upang imbes na malulong sa bisyo ay tunay kayong maging pag-asa ng bayan. Tunay ngang malayo na ang ating narating dahil pinili nating gawin ang nararapat, at unahin ang interes ng mas nakakarami. Sa kabila nito, alam nating marami pa tayong pagsubok na haharapin. Ngunit ngayon pa ba tayo susuko kung kailan ang mga dating inaambisyon lang, naisasakatuparan na natin? Ngayon pa ba tayo aatras kung kailan mas marami na tayong nakikilahok tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran? Ang hamon ng ating panahon: Ituloy ang pagbabagong atin nang tinatamasa. Paigtingin pa natin ang pagkakapit-bisig, at patibayin ang pundasyon ng isinusulong nating Pilipinas; isang bansa kung saan ang bawat isa ay may kakayahang tuparin ang inaasam niyang kinabukasan. Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat po.   [HOME] INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanique 24 February 2015 ALAN: So, ngayon po officially ang simula ng mga aktibidad kaugnay po ng paggunita ng sambayanan dito sa 29th anniversary ng EDSA People Power Revolt. We understand na batay po sa initial pronouncement ng Malacañang ito ay gagawing simple pero makabuluhan in preparation for the big event, malaking celebration para sa 30th next year, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyan nga ang nakatakdang maganap, Alan. Simple lang ang ating paggunita sa ika-29 na anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power Revolution dahil ito naman ang nararapat at sa isang taon ay maaring mas malaki ang selebrasyon natin dahil ikatlong dekada na ang ating mamarkahan at iyon na rin ang magiging huling EDSA celebration sa administrasyon ni Pangulong Aquino. ALAN: And of course iyong clarification din na ito ay isang working day para sa lahat at holiday lamang para sa lahat ng antas ng mga eskuwelahan, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan. ALAN: Okay. Sa ibang usapin naman po, Sec. Sonny, sir. Bibisita po simula sa a-26 ng kasalukuyang buwan, Pebrero, ang pangulo ng France dito sa atin at makikipagpulong po kay Pangulong Noy. Ano pong mga updates sa aspetong ito, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Nakatakdang dumating sa ating bansa si Pangulong François Hollande ng Pransya at siya ay makikipagpulong kay Pangulong Aquino sa darating na Huwebes, Pebrero 26. At siya ay babalik sa Pransya sa Pebrero 27, Alan. ALAN: Ayon. We understand na ito ho ay bahagi ng higit pang pagpapalakas ng bilateral relations sa pagitan po ng Pilipinas at ng France and a lot of things are scheduled to be discussed between the two, Sec. Sonny, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga dahil ang Pransya at Pilipinas ay meroong mahabang kasaysayan ng mabuting pakikipag-ugnayan at matatag na pagtutulungan. Ang Pransya ang unang-unang gobyerno na kumilala sa pagiging Pangulo ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino pagkatapos ng EDSA People Power Revolution at tamang-tama na ang kanyang pagdalaw ay malapit doon sa atin ding pagdiriwang ng EDSA People Power. ALAN: Okay. Sec., tinitingnan ko po itong ilang mga pahayagan at isa sa mga, kumbaga, banner story nila ay itong pakikipag-usap ng Pangulo sa ilang mga kongresista tungkol pa rin dito sa usapin ng iyong doon sa SAF 44. At parang lumalabas nga po na mukhang kulang ang impormasyon na ipinarating sa Pangulo ng mga taong nasa operations mismo, nandoon sa ground, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ang malinaw, Alan, ay ito: Nagbigay ng klarong kautusan ang ating Pangulo hinggil sa dalawang bagay. Unang-una, iyong kahalagahan ng koordinasyon dahil nga ito ay kumplikadong operasyon sa iba’t-ibang mga anggulo. Iyong lugar ay masukal at maraming mga terrain na dapat na laktawan - may mga ilog, may mga kumunoy o iyung marsh, meron ding open-fields. At pagkatapos, pinakamahalagang konsiderasyon din diyan ay iyong pagsasagawa ng law enforcement operation o iyong pag-serve ng warrant of arrest ay laban sa mga tinatawag na high-value terror suspects na kilala na hindi nangingiming gumamit ng extreme force o violence. Kaya mahalaga talaga iyong pagkakaroon ng koordinasyon lalung-lalo doon sa terrain nga ‘no na kung saan ay hindi ito favorable sa mga puwersang umaatake kung wala silang numero o kung hindi superior number ang kanilang gagamitin. Kaya iyan ang ipinaliwanag ni Pangulong Aquino sa pakikipagpulong niya kina Speaker Sonny Belmonte at mga lider at kagawad ng Kamara kahapon ng umaga. ALAN: Okay. At isang puntos pa po, Secretary Coloma, sir. Meron pong ini-anunsyo kahapon ang Department of Health, iyong isang Pilipino, 52-year-old Pilipino, na nagtatrabaho bilang isang musician sa China eh matapos pong bumalik dito sa Pilipinas eh, namatay dahil po sa pinaghihinalaang sanhi ng bird flu. Ano po ang dagdag na updates na pinagkaloob po ng Department of Health din sa inyo po sa Malacañang, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Sa aking pagkabatid ay inaalam pa ng masinsin ng Department of Health kung ito nga ay isang kumpirmadong kaso ng bird flu ‘no dahil kinakailangang matukoy ito at ayaw nating magkaroon ng epidemya o paglaganap ng mga infectious or contagious diseases sa ating bansa. Kaya tulad din nung isinagawa nung matuntun iyong MERS Corona Virus mula sa Middle East nung nakaraang taon at katulad din nung ating naisagawa na laban sa Ebola virus nung dumating iyong ating mga peacekeeping soldiers and policemen from Africa ay tinututukan ng husto ng Department of Health ang sitwasyong ito. Nagsasagawa ng mga information dissemination, quarantine measures para ma-screen iyong mga dumarating na Pilipino mula sa ibang bansa. At handa naman iyong mga pasilidad ng pagtanggap doon sa mga pinaghihinalaang meron nitong mga contagious or infectious diseases at tinitiyak iyong kalusugan at kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. ALAN: Well, Secretary Sonny, sir. Salamat po muli ng marami sa mga updates mula diyan sa Palasyo, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME] INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano 22 February 2015 PAUNANG PAHAYAG Isa lang paglilinaw hinggil sa kung holiday ba o hindi ‘yung February 25. Batay sa Proclamation No. 831 na inilabas noon pang Hulyo 2014, ang darating na ika-25 ng Pebrero ay may pasok para sa lahat. Ang holiday o walang pasok ay para lamang sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral o estudyante. So ‘yon po ang paglilinaw natin, ‘yon po ay school holiday lang po, hindi apektado ang trabaho sa February 25. Regular working day po ‘yon. ‘Yon lamang ang aking pahayag at handa na akong sagutin ang mga tanong. MGA TANONG AT SAGOT Mr. Sebastian: Sir, sa Martes mayroong planong sit-down strike ang ilang grupo ng mga teachers, sir. Ano kaya ang pwede nating panawagan sa kanila? SEC. COLOMA: Pwedeng pakiulit? Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Sa Martes, sir, ‘yung Alliance of Concerned Teachers are planning to conduct a sit-down strike. SEC. COLOMA: Concerned teachers? Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir, grupo po ng mga guro. SEC. COLOMA: Pwedeng malaman kung ano ang paksa ng kanilang protesta? Mr. Montano: Kasama po yata diyan ‘yung kanilang mga hinaing at siguro po ‘yung— Mr. Sebastian: Sa mga karagdagang sahod po ‘yung kanilang… Mr. Montano: Oo, ‘yung the usual, alam niyo na. ‘Yung resignation calls, although nasasagot na ito ng ating mga spokespersons… SEC. COLOMA: Pwede bang subukan nating ayusin ‘yung signal natin? Parang paputol-putol kasi ‘yung dating. Maayos ba ‘yung dating ‘nung aking… Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir, malinaw po. SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yung sa inyo kasi ang hindi masyadong malinaw. Mr. Sebastian: Ah, ganoon po, sir. So… SEC. COLOMA: Parang mahina ‘yung signal ninyo. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir— SEC. COLOMA: Sige, pwedeng pakiulit ‘yung tanong kung… Mr. Sebastian: Yes. Sir, ‘yung Alliance of Concerned Teachers have signified that they will conduct a sit-down strike daw po sa Martes. SEC. COLOMA: At ang kanilang tinutukoy ay anong isyu? Mr. Sebastian: Karagdagang sahod at ilan pang mga hinaing tungkol sa— SEC. COLOMA: Nirerespeto po natin ang kanilang pagpapahayag ng saloobin at ang kanilang karapatang magsagawa ng mga kilos protesta. Sana lang po ay hindi maapektuhan ‘yung pagtuturo sa mga mag-aaral at ‘yung pagkatuto ng ating mga estudyante. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Okay, sir, question po galing kay Junry Hildago. Ang tanong po niya: Any reaction po sa nakakasang… Any reaction po sa… Okay, wait ha. SEC. COLOMA: Hello? Reaction po sa ano? Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Reaction po sa pahayag naman ng pamilya daw ni PO1 (Joseph) Sagonoy na hindi katanggap-tanggap sa kanila ang pahayag ng Pangulo na ‘tabla-tabla na lang tayo dahil namatayan din ako ng ama’ nang makaharap nila ang Pangulo noong Biyernes. Nagbanta rin ang ilang mga pamilya na sasama sa anti-Aquino admin rally. SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yung tungkol po sa naiulat na pahayag ng kapamilya ni PO1 Sagonoy, ito lang po ang masasabi po namin: Nauunawaan namin ang ipinahayag niyang saloobin at nirerespeto namin ang kanyang karapatang magpahayag nito. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Another question po from Junry, ang sabi niya: Reaction po sa pahayag ng ilang mambabatas na siguradong may latay sa kandidato ng administrasyon sa 2016 ang nangyaring massacre sa SAF (Special Action Force) 44. SEC. COLOMA: May mahigit pang isang taon bago idaos ang 2016 elections. Mainam na hintayin natin ang pagpapasya ng sambayanan. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Question muli galing kay Junry, sir. Ano po ang mababanggit ninyo sa panghihikayat ng commuters’ group na Riles Network na dapat sampahan ng mga mananakay ng kaso ang pamunuan ng MRT dahil sa sunod-sunod na aberya sa Metro Rail Transit? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy na sinisikap ng pamahalaan ang pagtiyak ng ligtas at maayos na serbisyo sa LRT/MRT. Karapatan ng sinomang mamamayan na maghain ng kaso sa hukuman at mayroong proseso ng batas na dapat sundin hinggil dito. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir. Okay, another question from Junry, sabi niya: Susuportahan ba ng Palasyo ang plano ni Vice President (Jejomar) Binay na sampahan ng kaso ang mga senador na idinadaan sa imbestigasyon ang paninira sa kanya? SEC. COLOMA: Nasa pagpapasya ni Vice President Binay ang bagay na ‘yan. Walang partisipasyon ang ehekutibo sa mga pagsisiyasat ng Senado. Mr. Montano: Okay po. ‘Yung tungkol naman po dito sa reaksyon ng Palasyo ukol dito sa isang measure nitong si Senator Bam Aquino na mabigyan ng pagkilala itong mga SAF heroes ng Medal of Valor that would grant their bereaved families a lifetime monthly gratuity saka ‘yung precedence yata dito sa livelihood o employment sa mga national o non-government offices po. SEC. COLOMA: Ito po, ano: Iginagalang namin ang pahayag ni Senador Bam Aquino tungkol sa panukala niyang paggawad ng Medal of Valor, hindi lamang sa mga SAF 44, kundi doon din sa mga sugatan na miyembro ng SAF. Ang paggawad ng medalyang ‘yan ay may prosesong sinusunod batay sa patakaran ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. ‘Yan po ay ‘yung Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Regulations G 131-053, series of 1986. Antabayanan natin ang magiging rekomendasyon ng AFP ‘pag naihain na pong pormal ang panukalang ‘yon. Mr. Montano: Okay, thank you po. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, mayroon pong panawagan ‘yung ilang mga AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) retirees na ‘yon daw pong kakulangan o ‘yung arrears sa kanilang pension, aabot na raw po sa P18-billion para sa 120,000 na mga retirees, hindi pa raw nila natatanggap. SEC. COLOMA: Sorry po, hindi ko masyadong narinig. Kung pwede pakiulit lang ‘yung buong katanungan. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. ‘Yon pong AFP and PNP pension para sa mga retirees, ‘yung kakulangan daw po, umabot na sa P18-billion ang kakulangan sa kanilang pension. Hindi pa raw nila natatanggap para sa 120,000 na mga retirees po sa buong bansa. SEC. COLOMA: Aalamin po natin ang sitwasyon hinggil diyan mula sa kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office ng Department of National Defense at ng Department of Budget and Management. Ang batid po natin ay mayroong tinutukoy ngayon ang ating pamahalaan hinggil doon sa pagpopondo ng retirement and pension benefits ng ating mga retirees and pensioners. Bunsod po ito noong mga nakaraang pangyayari hinggil sa sistema po ng pagbibigay ng retirement and benefits payment at ito ay patuloy na binibigyan ng masusing pag-aaral ng ating pamahalaan dahil mahalaga po ang kapakanan ng ating mga retirado at tumatanggap ng pension na mga kasapi ng Sandatahang Lakas at pati na rin po ng Pambansang Kapulisan. Mr. Montano: Okay po. Ito po ‘yung, ibang topic naman, parang lighter side na rin po ito. May confirmation na po ba itong Palasyo tungkol sa pagbisita nitong dalawang Hollywood stars na si Jeremy Irons yata at kasama itong si French president sa February 26 para sa isang climate change na event? SEC. COLOMA: Wala akong partikular na item, Efren, hinggil doon sa pagsama ng mga nabanggit mong indibidwal. Ang mayroon ako ngayon ay isang parang overall na pahayag hinggil sa pagbisita ni French President François Hollande. Kaya kung inyong mamarapatin ay bibigkasin ko ngayon ‘yung pahayag hinggil sa kanyang pagdalaw. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir, go ahead po. Mr. Montano: Sige po, kasi may katanungan din si ano diyan, Bernard… SEC. COLOMA: Ito na po. Sa paanyaya ni Pangulong Aquino, nakatakdang magsagawa ng dalawang araw na state visit mula Pebrero 26 hanggang 27 ang Pangulo ng Pransya na si President François Hollande kasama ang delegasyon na kinabibilangan ng mahigit sa 100 opisyal, ilang kilalang personalidad, at mga kagawad ng media. Ito ang kauna-unahang pagbisita ng isang nakaupong Pangulo ng Pransya sa ating bansa simula nang magkaroon ng ugnayang diplomatiko ang ating mga bansa. Ang pagbisita ni Pangulong Hollande ay pagtugon sa unang official visit ni Pangulong Aquino sa Pransya noong Setyembre ng nakaraang taon. Ang gobyerno ng Pransya sa ilalim ni Pangulong François Mitterrand ang kauna-unahang kumilala sa pamahalaan ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino matapos ang 1986 People Power Revolution. Ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs, inaasahang tatalakayin nina Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Hollande ang iba’t ibang aspeto ng bilateral relations ng Pilipinas at Pransya sa larangan ng ekonomiya at kalakalan. Ang Pransya ang tumatayong ikalawang pinakamalaking trading partner ng Pilipinas sa European Union kung saan umabot sa 2.39 billion dollars noong Oktubre 2014 ang naging halaga ng two-way trade sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa. Magpapalitan din ang dalawang pinuno ng pananaw hinggil sa mga usapin na may pandaigdigan at pangrehiyon na kahalagahan tulad ng terorismo bunsod ng naganap sa Charlie Hebdo sa Paris na ikinasawi ng 20 katao. Inaasahan ding kukuha ng suporta si Pangulong Hollande sa usapin ng climate change bilang paghahanda sa gaganaping ika-21 pagpupulong ng Conference of Parties or COP 21 sa Paris sa darating na Disyembre 2015 na lalahukan ng humigit-kumulang na 40,000 katao mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Pagdating ni Pangulong Hollande sa Pilipinas, agad siyang magtutungo sa Luneta upang mag-alay ng bulaklak o wreath bilang pagkilala sa ating pambansang bayani, Dr. Jose Rizal, na naging tagahanga at tumalima sa mga prinsipyo ng kalayaan, pagkapantay-pantay, at kapatiran (liberty, equality, and fraternity) na siyang pundasyon ng French revolution. ‘Yan po ang aking pahayag hinggil sa pagdalaw ni President Hollande. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, follow-up lang po. Si President Hollande ay bibisita rin po ba sa mga biktima ng ‘Yolanda’? SEC. COLOMA: Sorry, pakiulit lang po… Mr. Sebastian: Opo. Si President Hollande din po ba ay nakatakdang bumisita sa mga biktima ng typhoon ‘Yolanda’ po sa Visayas? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po ‘yan bahagi ng aking pahayag. Pwede po nating alamin kung ‘yan ay kasama rin sa kanyang itinerary. Ipagbibigay-alam po natin sa lalong madaling panahon. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir. Sir, naka-full alert po ba ang kapulisan ngayon sa gitna po ng— SEC. COLOMA: Sorry po talaga, ano, medyo… Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Naka-full alert po ba ang kapulisan ngayon dahil doon sa nakatakdang anti-administration rally daw po ngayong araw na ito? SEC. COLOMA: Sorry po, pakiulit lang po ‘yung buong tanong. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, naka-full alert po ba ang kapulisan ngayon at mga law enforcement agency sa gitna po ‘nung nakatakdang anti-administration rally daw po na isasagawa ngayong araw na ito? SEC. COLOMA: Ang narinig ko ay ‘yung unang bahagi, kung naka-full alert ang ating kapulisan. Mr. Sebastian: Opo. SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yung second part ay hindi masyadong malinaw. Kung maaari ay pakiulit lang po. Mr. Sebastian: Sa gitna po ‘nung nakatakdang anti-administration rally ngayon pong araw na ito, kung naka-full alert po ang kapulisan ngayon. SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po natin batid kung ano ‘yung sinusunod nilang alert status. Ang alam po natin ay sa lahat naman ng pagkakataon ay handa ang ating kapulisan na magbigay ng proteksyon sa ating mga mamamayan at bigyan din ng sapat na karapatan ang ating mga mamamayang gustong magpahayag. Sana ay ilagay lang sa ayos na hindi po nakakaabala sa daloy ng normal na aktibidad ng mga mamamayan. Mr. Montano: So ibig sabihin po ay ‘yung kapulisan maximum tolerance pa rin ang kanilang ipapairal sa naturang mga kilos protesta either diyan sa Mendiola o dito sa may Camp Crame? SEC. COLOMA: Ang sagot po ay opo. Mr. Montano: Okay. So wala na po yata kaming natatanggap na katanungan mula sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps. Kung may parting message po tayo dito sa Sunday habit, Radyo ng Bayan, ‘Pilipinas! Pilipinas!’ SEC. COLOMA: Siguro ay napapanahon na ulitin ko na lamang ‘yung latag ng mga aktibidad para sa pagdiriwang ng ika-29 na anibersaryo ng EDSA People Power na idaraos sa Pebrero 25. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Ito ay naunang ipinahayag na noong nakaraan pang linggo, pero dahil mas nalalapit na tayo doon sa selebrasyon, bilang reminder na lang po at muling pag-a-anunsyo ng iba’t ibang aktibidad. Pwede na po ba? Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Go ahead, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Ito po. Sa darating na Miyerkules, ika-25 ng Pebrero, ipagdiriwang ng bansa ang ika-29 na anibersaryo ng People Power Revolution sa ilalim ng temang ‘Ipagpatuloy ang Pagbabago’ na magsisilbing panawagan sa ating mga mamamayan na itaguyod at ibayo pang pasibulin ang naipunlang pagbabago sa lipunan. Dalawampu’t siyam na taon matapos matagumpay na mapatalsik ang diktador at wakasan ang diktadurya sa bansa, patuloy nating isinasabuhay ang diwa ng EDSA sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong at pagpapatupad ng mga kongkretong aksyon upang maibsan ang antas ng kahirapan at pangunahan ang pagbabagong tatag ng mga komunidad na bumabangon mula sa trahedya at kalamidad. Gaya ng nailahad ni EDSA People Power Commission Commissioner Emily Abrera noong nakaraang Martes, pangungunahan ni Pangulong Aquino ang payak na paggunita sa anibersaryo ng EDSA na tatampukan ng mga gawaing nakatuon sa pakikipagpulong sa mga kabataan at paglilimbag ng mga babasahin tungkol sa People Power. Tulad ng nakagawian, magkakaroon ng wreath-laying ceremony na gaganapin sa Martes, ika-24 ng Pebrero, sa Libingan ng mga Bayani bilang pagpupugay sa mga namatay na bayani na nakipaglaban upang matamo ang kalayaan, kabilang na ang mga kawal na nag-alay ng kanilang mga buhay noong 1986 People Power Revolution. Pangungunahan ni dating Pangulong Fidel Ramos ang wreath-laying ceremony. Kasunod dito, pangungunahan naman ni Pangulong Aquino sa Heroes Hall, Malacañang ang pagkilala at paggawad ng parangal sa mga natatanging samahan ng kabataan sa bansa na nagpakita o nagpatunay sa diwa ng bayanihan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga proyekto at programa sa ilalim ng ika-12 Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO) Awards. Katuwang sa gawaing ito ang TAYO Awards Foundation na patuloy na nagsusulong sa mga gawaing bayan sa nakalipas na 12 taon. Sa mismong araw ng anibersaryo, magkakaroon ng wreath-laying ceremony sa People Power Monument na susundan ng isang misa sa EDSA Shrine na pangungunahan ni Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle. Tampok din sa paggunita ngayong taon ang isang pagtatanghal sa CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) main theater, kaisa ang Ballet Philippines, na may pamagat na ‘Manhid,’ isang Filipino superhero musical dance drama na tatampukan ng mga kontemporaryong musika at awitin, at ipapakita po nila diyan ‘yung kanilang naiisip na senaryo sa ating lipunan kung hindi naganap ang EDSA People Power Revolution. So ‘yan po ang latag ng mga events ng ating EDSA People Power celebration. Doon nga pala po sa misa sa Martes pagkatapos ‘nung wreath-laying ay lalahok din si Pangulong Aquino doon sa misang kasunod na idaraos sa EDSA Shrine. Mr. Montano: Okay po. At kung may iba pa po kayong pahayag dito sa Sunday habit, nasa inyo po ang pagkakataon at wala na po tayong natatanggap na... SEC. COLOMA: Wala na akong dagdag pang pahayag, Efren. Mr. Montano: Okay. So maraming salamat po dito kay PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. dito sa bayan, sa Radyo ng Bayan, ‘Pilipinas! Pilipinas!’ SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND) [HOME] INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue 17 February 2015 ALAN: Kahapon po ay inanunsyo ang go-signal, kumbaga, ng Pangulo dito po sa mga infrastructure projects, multi-billion peso projects po, matapos na ito ay aprubahan ng NEDA Board, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Maraming mahahalagang proyekto sa imprastraktura ang naaprubahan kahapon sa pagpupulong ng NEDA Board na pinamunuan ni Pangulong Aquino, Alan. Nariyan iyong sa Panguil Bay Bridge Project, ito ay sa Northern Mindanao at sa pagtawid nito doon sa Panguil Bay ay mababawasan iyong travel time ng mga kababayan natin na naninirahan doon sa bahaging iyon ng ating bansa. At inaasahang bibilis ang paglago ng ekonomiya doon. Inaprubahan din iyong sa rehabilitation at pagpapahusay ng serbisyo ng Philippine Nati0nal Railways mula Malolos hanggang Tutuban, at mula Tutuban hanggang Calamba na first stage lamang ‘no hanggang umabot ito doon sa dulo ng linya sa Katimugan, sa Matnog. At meron ding mga inaprubahang mga proyekto katulad nung rebidding nung CALAX, yung Cavite-Laguna Expressway, na nagkaroon ng kaunting usapin at binigay na iyong go-signal para ito ay ma-rebid na. At inaprubahan din yung muli—kinumpirma iyong approval doon sa North Luzon NLEX-SLEX Connector. Kaya iyan ang ilan lang sa mahalagang proyekto na inaprubahan kahapon sa pagpupulong ng NEDA Board, Alan. ALAN: Ayon. So, ang initial nga po na report ay ito ay umaabot ng hanggang P372 billion sa kabuuan, Sec. Sonny, sir. Napakalaking halaga para sa mga mahahalagang proyekto rin, infrastructure projects po, Sec. Sonny. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan. ALAN: Okay. Sir sa ibang usapin naman po, ano ho. Meron din pong initial report ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas na ang mga remittances ng ating mga Overseas Filipino Workers ay mas mataas by 6.2%, ano ho, base ho sa kanilang figures na pinalabas. Ano pong komento ng Malacañang tungkol dito, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Isa na naman iyang patunay na sa kahusayan, kasipagan at kadakilaan ng ating mga manggagawang Pilipino na nagsusumikap na magtatag ng mas mahusay na kabuhayan para sa kanilang mga pamilya. At kahit na sila ay nagsasakripisyo sa pagiging hiwalay sa kanilang pamilya, malaki ang kanilang nai-aambag sa ating bansa at sa pagpapahusay ng kabuhayan ng kani-kanilang mga pamilya. At pinupuri natin at pinasasalamatan natin sila. ALAN: Update naman, sir, diyan po sa pakiipag-ugnayan ng Malacañang sa both House ng Congress. May mga reports po na nagsasabi na diyan sa House eh sususpendihin muna nila ang pagdinig o magkakaroon ng posibleng rebisyon doon sa initial draft ng Bangsamoro Law at aantayin din muna ang resulta ng inquiry bago magpatuloy ang mga deliberasyon, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang ating pamahalaan, sa Ehikutibo, sa ating mga lider ng Kongreso upang malaman o makapagbuo ng isang katanggap-tanggap na Bangsamoro Basic Law bilang bahagi ng prosesong pangkapayapaan. Kinikilala iyong mga pananaw na inihayag ng ating mga mambabatas. Sila ay nagdaos na ng maraming­ konsultasyon at siguro ay napapanahon na tignan nga kung paano mapapahusay pa ang draft bill na ito. Sapagkat kinakailangang malagpasan ang mga constitutional challenge, iyong mga issues patungkol sa kung ito ay sumusunod ba o hindi sumusunod sa ating Konstitusyon. Kaya patuloy naman iyong koordinasyon at pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng Ehikutibo at Lehislatibo, legislative branches, ng ating pamahalaan para malaman kung paano magkakaroon ng daan patungo sa pang-matagalang kapayapaan sa Kamindanaoan. ALAN: Yes, sir. Sec. Sonny dito naman po sa usapin ng MERS-CoV. Meron po kasing initial report na meron tayong ilang mga kababayan na nariyan po sa may area ng San Pedro, Laguna, na parang nagpapakita ng pagka-panic. Muli ang panawagan po for the peace of mind ng ating mga kababayan, Sec. Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Masinsin na tinututukan ng ating Department of Health ang sitwasyon hinggil sa MERS-Coronavirus. Unang-una huwag tayong magpapaniwala sa mga haka-haka o mga kuwento na wala namang batayan. Hintayin lang po natin iyong mga opisyal na anunsyo at pahayag ng Department of Health. Under control po ang sitwasyon, iisa pa lang po iyong confirmed na MERS-CoV case na isang Pilipina nurse nanggaling sa Saudi Arabia at dito na po nakumpirma iyong pagkakaroon niya ng MERS-coronavirus. Patuloy pang tini-trace iyong mga kasama niya doon sa eroplano, marami nang nasuri at halos kinukumpleto na nga iyong pagsusuri sa mga nakontak na at so far ang resulta naman sa kanila ay negative. Ang mahalaga dito at kapag nakakakitaan ng sintomas MERS-Coronavirus ay agad magpasuri sa pagamutan dahil hindi naman ito madaling makahawa. Ang paghawa dito ay nasa close contact lamang. Kaya’t ang nasa panganib ay iyong mga malalapit na kamag-anak o kaibigan ng isang tao na nagpapakita ng sintomas nito. Ngunit sa pamamagitan ng sapat na kaalaman, pag-iingat at pagtalima sa mga gabay na pinalabas ng Department of Health ay maiiwasan naman natin iyong pagkalat ng MERS-coronavirus. Napaalala din sa atin ni Acting Health Secretary Janet Garin na ito kasi iyong season ng uwian ng ating mga kababayan mula sa Middle East at ang konsentrasyon nga nito kaya natin tinawag na MERS ay Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Isa sa mga guideline na kanilang minumungkahi na kung puwede nang magpa-testing doon na mismo sa panggagalingan nila para mas panatag ang kalooban hinggil sa kanilang kalusugan pagdating dito. At dito naman ay isinasaalang-alang at pinagtutulungan ngayon ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor at iba pang mga ahensiya. ALAN: Secretary Coloma, sir. Muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the Palace, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salama­­­­­­­t. Magandang umaga, Alan. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME]

 

Last Updated: 20 FEBRUARY 2015
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives officials of Unilever headed by Paul Polman, Global Chairman and CEO of Unilever; Rohit Jawa, Chairman of Unilever Philippines; Ramon Gil Macapagal, Vice Preisdent for Corporate Affairs; and Carl Cruz, Vice President for Customer Development during a courtesy call Friday, Febryary 20, 2015 in Malacanang. Unilever is a manufacturer and distributor of home goods, food and beverage items, dairy and personal care products. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives officials of Unilever headed by Paul Polman, Global Chairman and CEO of Unilever; Rohit Jawa, Chairman of Unilever Philippines; Ramon Gil Macapagal, Vice Preisdent for Corporate Affairs; and Carl Cruz, Vice President for Customer Development during a courtesy call on Friday (February 20) in Malacanang. Unilever is a manufacturer and distributor of home goods, food and beverage items, dairy and personal care products. With the President are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Milo / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives officials of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corpotation headed by Takeshi Kunibe, President and CEO; Shosuke Mori, General Manager; and Yukio Asahina, SMBC Manila Representative in Malacanang Friday, February 20. The Japanese banking corporation and its group of companies has offered a broad range of financial services centered on banking. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Milo / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday met with the families of the 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force killed in an encounter in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25. Also in the photo is Secretary Manuel Roxas of the Department of Interior and Local Government. The meeting between was held at the Philippine National Police Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Benjie Basug / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino and Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, lead the ceremonial toasts during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09, 2015). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, share a light moment following their joint press statement at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. Also in photo are Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, witness the signing of agreements at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Welcome Ceremony during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. With President Widodo is wife Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo being introduce to Presidential sisiter Maria Elena "Balsy" Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, greet Indonesian officials during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 9). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III announces that suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan has been confirmed dead during the SAF operation in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and accepted the resignation of suspended PNP Chief Police Director General Allan Purisima during his message on Friday (Frebruary 6) held at the President hall in Malacanang. (Photo By Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			The APEC Senior Officials are gathered for a family photo at the start of the 2-day formal Senior Officials’ Meeting at the Fontana International Convention Center in Clark on Friday (February 6). APEC Senior Officials will lay down the groundwork for policy direction of APEC in 2015, that would reflect both the outcomes of APEC 2014 in China, and build on the APEC Philippines 2015 theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” PIA
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Memorare Manila 1945 Foundation, Inc. represented by founders Roderick McMicking Hall and sister Consuelo McMicking Hall and Foundation President Ambassador Juan Jose Rocha during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). Also in photo is former Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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