Dispatch for February 5 , 2015 ( Thursday ) , 2 PIA Calabarzon PR , 3 Weather Watch , 2 Interview with Sec. Coloma , 15 Online News

PCOO - Other Online News

Dost_pagasa added 2 new photos.

8 hrs ·

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
Issued at: 5:00 AM 05 February 2015
SYNOPSIS: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Eastern Visayas.

FORECAST: The regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol and Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of Visayas and Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over the whole archipelago with moderate to rough seas.
PAGTAYA: Ang mga rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Kabikulan at Silangang Kabisayaan at mga lalawigan ng Aurora at Quezon ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahinang mga pag-ulan. Ang Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon ay magkakaroon ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa kung minsan ay maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mahinang mga pag-ulan. Ang nalalabing bahagi ng Kabisayaan at Mindanao ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa buong kapuluan na may katamtaman hanggang sa maalon na karagatan.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 12:00 PM yesterday ----- 30.0 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM yesterday ----- 19.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 97 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 12:00 PM yesterday --------- 48 %
Tidal predictions along Manila Bay (courtesy of NAMRIA)
Low tide today: 06:18 AM ………..… -0.07 meter
High tide today: 12:14 PM …………... 0.31 meters
Low tide today: 03:15 PM ………..….. 0.24 meter
High tide today: 11:07 PM …………… 0.98 meters
Sunrise today: 6:24 AM
Sunset today: 5:57 PM
Moonrise today: 7:01 PM
Moonset tomorrow: 7:36 AM
Illumination today: 99 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

Weather Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-13: Weather Forecast: (5AM,5Feb2015) Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Eastern Visayas. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast with moderate to rough seas.

 

Weather Watch

17 hrs ·

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Patuloy na umiiral ang hanging Amihan sa Luzon hanggang sa may Eastern Visayas.
-Magdadala ito ng maghapong ulan sa Northern Luzon, kasama na ang Cordillera.
-Maaliwalas na panahon pa rin ang asahan sa Metro Manila bukas.
-May mahihinang ulan sa Visayas, maliban na lang sa central section nito na mas maaliwalas na panahon ang asahan.
-Sa Mindanao, mula umaga ang ulan sa eastern section.
-Napakababa ng tsansang magkaroon ng bagyo tuwing Pebrero. Sakaling may mabuong bagyo, karaniwan ay hindi ito nagla-landfall, base sa normal cyclone track ng PAGASA.

 
 Weather Watch

20 hrs ·

GTV: Halos buong bansa na ang apektado ng hangin Amihan. Magiging masungit ang dagat sa northern seaboard ng Luzon at silangang bahagi ng bansa. Maganda naman ang panahon sa bahagi ng Ilocos, gayundin sa buong Visayas. Mahinang pag-ulan naman ang mararanasan sa Caraga at Northern Mindanao.

 February 5, 2015  ( Thuresday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Fair Weather in Lucena City

 
 

 

 

LAGUNA

DTI greening proponents draft climate-smart strategies for MSMEs

• February 04, 2015

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Feb 4 (PIA) — More than 70  regional and provincial directors of the Department of Trade and Industry converged in Cebu City on Monday to draft and integrate greening and environment-friendly strategies that enables micro, small & medium enterprises to be climate-change resilient and consequently increase competitiveness.

The planning activity is under the Promotion of Green Economic Development Project (ProGed), a development cooperation project jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the DTI.  

Regional Director Marilou-Quinco-Toledo said that DTI is gearing to incorporate greening philosophies to be adopted by the MSMEs in their schemes.

Toledo added that ProGeD, which was piloted in Bohol and Cebu, has expanded to 14 other provinces including Laguna and Cavite, Calabarzon’s pilot areas for greening projects on MSMEs.

“Last year, some selected MSMEs of Cavite and Laguna, which were identified according to their capacity to contaminate the environment and the quantity of water and energy use, were recipients of technical assistance provided by Ecowise, a South Korean environmental consulting group”, Toledo said.

Greening means reducing the ecological impact of value chains, that is, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; reducing water usage and water pollution; improved recycling and solid waste management; reducing air pollution; sustainable management of other natural resources used in the production of goods or services.

The Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to climate change in the world. Environmental stress such as pollution in water, air, soil, and deforestation, erodes the very basis of economic development, thus the need to adopt measures to be resilient against climate change. — Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/ Raquel J. Capio, ProGED

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931423033140/dti-greening-proponents-draft-climate-smart-strategies-for-msmes#sthash.RzkYX652.dpuf

DTI greening proponents draft climate-smart strategies for MSMEs

• February 04, 2015

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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Feb 4 (PIA) — More than 70  regional and provincial directors of the Department of Trade and Industry converged in Cebu City on Monday to draft and integrate greening and environment-friendly strategies that enables micro, small & medium enterprises to be climate-change resilient and consequently increase competitiveness.

The planning activity is under the Promotion of Green Economic Development Project (ProGed), a development cooperation project jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the DTI.

Regional Director Marilou-Quinco-Toledo said that DTI is gearing to incorporate greening philosophies to be adopted by the MSMEs in their schemes.

Toledo added that ProGeD, which was piloted in Bohol and Cebu, has expanded to 14 other provinces including Laguna and Cavite, Calabarzon’s pilot areas for greening projects on MSMEs.

“Last year, some selected MSMEs of Cavite and Laguna, which were identified according to their capacity to contaminate the environment and the quantity of water and energy use, were recipients of technical assistance provided by Ecowise, a South Korean environmental consulting group”, Toledo said.

Greening means reducing the ecological impact of value chains, that is, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; reducing water usage and water pollution; improved recycling and solid waste management; reducing air pollution; sustainable management of other natural resources used in the production of goods or services.

The Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to climate change in the world. Environmental stress such as pollution in water, air, soil, and deforestation, erodes the very basis of economic development, thus the need to adopt measures to be resilient against climate change. — Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/ Raquel J. Capio, ProGED

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931423033140/dti-greening-proponents-draft-climate-smart-strategies-for-msmes#sthash.RzkYX652.dpuf

BATANGAS

Tagalog news: P220K, ipinagkaloob ni Tanauan City Mayor Thony Halili sa naulila ng SAF 44

• February 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG TANAUAN, Peb. 4 (PIA) — Nagkaloob ng halagang P220,000 si Mayor Thony Halili bilang tulong pinansyal sa mga naulila ng Special Action Force na naging mga biktima sa Mamasapano incident kamakailan.

Ang naturang halaga ay mula sa sariling bulsa ng naturang alkalde na nakalaan sana sa pagdiriwang ng kanyang kaarawa sa ika-8 ng Pebrero. 

Bawat pamilya ng 44 na Special Action Force(SAF) ay mabibigyan ng P5,000 kung saan maliit mang halaga ay maituturing na malaking tulong na din sa mga pamilyang naulila.

Ang halaga ay ibinigay ng punong lungsod kay Tanauan City Police Station Chief PSupt. Christopher Olazo na siyang magtuturn-over ng naturang tseke sa Batangas Police Provincial Office upang makipag-ugnayan naman at maipadala ito sa mga nakatakdang benepisaryo.

Kaakibat nito, hinikayat din ni Halili ang ibang mamamayan lalo na ang mga may kakayahan na tumulong maliit o malaking paraan sapagkat hindi biro ang naging pakikipagsapalaran ng mga nasawing Special Action Force. — Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681423016907/tagalog-news-p220k-ipinagkaloob-ni-tanauan-city-mayor-thony-halili-sa-naulila-ng-saf-44#sthash.ZmGJxjqX.dpuf

 

04 FEBRUARY 2015.
	Palace calls for calm amid public outcry over Mamasapano incident
	Palace: Armed Forces and National Police remain united
APEC News Releases
	High energy cost affecting country's information technology - business process management competitiveness
	APEC Senior officials to create framework on cooperation paradigm to promote services sector
	Regional connectivity is an effective strategy for inclusive growth
	APEC Business Advisory Council chair expresses full support for decongestion of Metro Manila, full development of Clark
	Internet provides small businesses, entrepreneurs big opportunities, Google policy manager says

High energy cost affecting country's information technology - business process management competitiveness   (CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Angeles City) The Philippines is losing to India in some areas in information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) because of the high cost of power and other factors, an industry leader said Tuesday. However, despite these issues, the country still has an edge over other competitors, executive director for external affairs and membership of the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP),GennyInocencio-Marcial, said. Inocencio-Marcial was one of the resource speakers during the First Public-Private Dialogue on Services held here as part of the First Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) being hosted by the Philippines. Clients prefer the Philippines to other countries due to its huge pool of educated workers, she said, noting that the country produces half a million college graduates each year. The Philippines has a total population of 100 million, with more than 39 million within the working age. Of the total number of graduates, more than 3,000 are certified public accountantswho create a huge value for accounting work being done in the Philippines. In terms of cost competition, the labor cost for English-speaking professionals in the Philippines is still among the lowest in the world, Inocencio-Marcial explained. The country also has a predictable and manageable inflation and very good IT infrastructure, she said, adding that the Philippines has good round-the-clock transportation and a lot of IT economic zones. According to Inocencio-Marcial, the IBPAP is aggressively partnering with the government, and government investment promotions agencies, such as the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)and the Board of Investments (BOI), are very supportive. She further noted that the industry enjoysnumerous incentives from the government, such as tax exemptions, and that there are ongoing talks in both houses of Congress on bills seeking to rationalize fiscal incentives for the sector. The Philippines, she said, has a proven track record in voice services, basically in customer care, technical support, financial services, and sales and collections. The industry recorded a year-on-year compounded annual growth rate of 25 percent in 2013 and closed the year with revenues amounting to $16.1 billion. Employees of the IT-BPM industry increased from 917,000 in 2013 to more than one million in the last quarter of 2014, Inocencio-Marcial said. In an IT-BPM event in Pasay City last week, President Benigno S. Aquino III pledged additional support to make the sector more competitive. This year, the government is set to expand its support for the sector by allotting P443.6 million to education and training, a significant increase from its P304.5-million budget in 2014, the President said. This initiative is being done through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. PND (as) TOP APEC Senior officials to create framework on cooperation paradigm to promote services sector   (CLARK FREEPORT, Angeles City) Senior officials of member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Tuesday began holding dialogues that seek to create a framework on a cooperation paradigm that could help promote and advance services in the Asia-Pacific region. Senior analyst of the APEC Policy Support Unit, Gloria O. Pasadilla, said the ultimate objective of the Public-Private Dialogue on Services is the creation of a framework on a cooperation mechanism that could help promote services and at the same time, lower barriers on trade and investment. Pasadilla said that although services have already been tackled in various working groups, such as those on health, tourism, transportation, information technology, energy, human resources development, telecommunications, and small and medium enterprises, the APEC has no coordinating mechanism in place. "So far, the APEC has no coordinating framework on regulations and capacities," she said at the start of the Public-Private Dialogue on Services at the ongoing APEC Senior Officials' Meeting held at the Fontana Leisure Resorts here. The 2015 Public-Private Dialogue on Services is the first of a series of dialogues envisioned to guide the APEC's public and private stakeholders in fostering collaboration and best practice exchanges for services growth. Pasadilla expressed hope that through the series of dialogues, senior officials of the APEC member economies would be able to understand the intricacies of universal services. "We hope that APEC's public and private stakeholders would be able to examine the developments, challenges, and opportunities for the services sector, identify new strategies for building the full potential of the service sector, generate policy options toward removing barriers to services trade, and develop an innovative approach, pursuing the services agenda of APEC," she said. She also expressed belief that innovation and greater progress will be achieved by the APEC in pursuing its services agenda as a result of increased interaction and collaboration. "The Public-Private Dialogue is designed to be a collective brainstorming on how APEC can push the services agenda forward," she added. PNA (zts) TOP Regional connectivity is an effective strategy for inclusive growth   (SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Angeles City) Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Wilfredo Santos on Monday stressed to member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) the need to accelerate the region’s connectivity in various areas of interest as an effective strategy to attain inclusive growth. “As recognized by the APEC Economic Leaders in 2013, we have already been able, and should continue, to move ahead in a common direction towards furthering travel facilitation for the benefit of business people across economies, in pursuance of the need for more efficient flow of goods, services, capital and people,” Santos pointed out during the Business Mobility Group (BMG) meeting. Santos also sought his fellow officials’ support in developing the APEC Business Travel Card scheme as a major enabling mechanism to facilitate the movement of business people within and among member economies. “Part of our effort in maintaining this free movement of people is ensuring that border control authorities are equipped with tools needed to make better informed decisions for which the Regional Movement Alert System (RMAS) plays a vital role,” he added. In closing, he announced that the Philippines and Australia have reached an agreement regarding the second phase of the RMAS, which he cited as a milestone in border protection initiatives coming from the APEC based on the context of the Philippines’ collaboration with Australia. The BMG is among the ongoing related technical meetings being held in Clark and Subic Freeports in line with the First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) of the APEC. “During the discussions of the senior officials during the SOM1, they will take into account the results of these technical meetings, in addition to recommendations from the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC),” the APEC has said in a statement. The ABAC held its first meeting this year from January 27 to 30 in Hong Kong, China. Marking the inaugural gathering of APEC senior officials for this year’s Philippine hosting, SOM1 will foster discussions on a range of issues relevant to the region, including the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific, trade facilitation and implementation, environmental goods and services liberalization, and efforts toward development and against corruption. The SOM1 will be held from February 6 to 7 at the Fontana Convention Center here. The APEC began as an informal dialogue group in 1989, but has since become the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. It is composed of 21 member economies: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia; Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, and Viet Nam. This year’s meetings carry the theme, “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World. (cljd/mjls-PIA 3) TOP APEC Business Advisory Council chair expresses full support for decongestion of Metro Manila, full development of Clark   (CLARK FREEPORT, Angeles City) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council Chairperson (ABAC) Doris Magsaysay Ho on Tuesday expressed her full support for calls by local businessmen to decongest Metro Manila and for the full development of Clark Freeport in a bid to attain inclusive growth. “We need to grow wealth around the country. Manila is not the only place in this country. We need to grow wealth in different production hubs, not just Clark but there’s a whole corridor here. We have Pampanga, Tarlac, and all the way to Subic. Why is it great? Because you have an airport and a seaport,” Ho said in an interview during the first APEC Public-Private Dialogue on Services in 2015 (PPD 2015), held at the Fontana Leisure Park here. She encouraged all stakeholders -- from the local government units, national agencies, to the private sector -- to promote this corridor due to its potentials, and become “great producers, great manufacturers, great agricultural processors so that we create trade.” The PPD 2015 is the first of a series of dialogues that will be held on services, envisioned to guide the APEC’s public and private stakeholders in examining developments, challenges, and opportunities for the sector; identifying new strategies for building the sector’s full potential; generating policy options towards removing barriers to services trade; developing an innovative approach in pursuing the services agenda of the APEC; and fostering collaboration and best practice exchanges to promote services growth. The first PPD, which was held in Clark Freeport coinciding with the First Senior Officials’ Meeting of the APEC, covered discussions on Information Technology and Business Process Management, Creative Industries, and Research and Development Services. The Second PPD, on the other hand, will be held in Boracay, in conjunction with the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting. It will center on manufacturing-related services. These would lead up to the First Regional Conference of Services Coalitions and Services Industries in Cebu City, which is among the highlights of the Third Senior Officials’ Meeting. “The most important part is always to have the talent available. As you go up the ladder of services, we need to see what the future person is going to be. Right now our strength is English, but one day, maybe our strength should be Spanish, should be Chinese, should be French. That is one...” Ho said. “Aother one would be analytics,” she continued. “Let us be good in Math and learn it all the way up, so we can go higher up the ladder. And then eventually, we can translate those services into much more complex systems, such as programming development and honing the Information Technology.” “Let us dream, let us be ambitious because we have the talent, we have the brain, we have the energy, and we are young -- that is the greatest thing we have. So, let us really have a dream and let us have a vision for it,” Ho added. PIA3 (cljd) TOP Internet provides small businesses, entrepreneurs big opportunities, Google policy manager says   CLARK FREEPORT, Angeles City, Feb. 4 -- The Internet is becoming an important and growing driver of the global economy, a policy manager for Google's Public Policy and Government Affairs said Wednesday. Access to the Internet and the ability to move data freely across borders increase the productivity of businesses and reduce trade costs, thus creating economic growth and jobs, said William Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald served as one of the resource speakers in the First Public-Private Dialogue on Services at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s First Senior Officials' Meeting (APEC-SOM1) being held at the Fontana Convention Center here. During the dialogue, Fitzgerald discussed the evolving services landscapes brought about by digital trade, citing the huge potential opportunities, particularly for small businesses and entrepreneurs. He said that the Internet and cross-border data flows are providing small businesses and entrepreneurs great opportunities to participate in the global economy. Small businesses and entrepreneurs, he said, can now use the Internet to reach customers around the world, unlike before when they had to use local newspapers and other traditional platforms to advertise their products. "Small businesses can do better when they establish a strong web presence," he said. Fitzgerald observed that small businesses and entrepreneurs who use the Internet sell their products four times faster than competitors who use traditional methods. The Internet is also giving small businesses and entrepreneurs access to business services that could increase their productivity and global competitiveness, he said, adding that Google search and other apps help businesses gain access to market intelligence. The Internet, he said, is increasingly being used by businesses in innovative ways, for instance it allows companies to harness the intelligence of users by interacting with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders in product development efforts. PNA (zst) TOP Palace calls for calm amid public outcry over Mamasapano incident   The Palace on Wednesday called for calm amid the furor over the death of 44 police commandos during an operation to arrest two suspected terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. “Ang kailangan po ng ating bayan sa kasalukuyan ay kahinahunan at pag-aaral ng mga usapin na kaharap natin. Isa po sa mga usapin ay hinggil sa patuloy na pakikipaglaban sa terorismo na siya namang misyon na ginampanan ng buong kabayanihan ng ating PNP-SAF (Philippine National Police Special Action Force). At isa rin po diyan ang ating paghahangad na makamit ang pangmatagalang pangkapayapaan sa Minadanao,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. Secretary Coloma enjoined every Filipino to study the issue calmly and face the challenges borne by the incident. “Harapin po natin ang mga hamon na bunsod ng mga kaganapan noong nakaraang linggo na mayroong determinasyong magbagong-tatag at palakasin pa ang demokrasya at ang katatagan ng ating bansa,” he added. He said inquiries are being made by the PNP, as well as the International Monitoring Team and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, and it is best to wait for the result of these investigations to understand what exactly occurred in Mamasapano. “Sa takdang panahon, nahahanda namang magsalita muli ang Pangulo kapag nabuo na ang salaysay at nagampanan na ang mga mahahalagang dapat na gampanan ng (PNP) Board of Inquiry,” he said in response to a question if President Benigno S. Aquino III is again willing to address the public regarding the incident. Asked for the Palace’s reaction to calls made by militant groups and some Church officials for the President to resign due to the incident, Coloma said the Chief Executive is determined to complete his term of office. “Determinado si Pangulong Aquino na gampanan ang kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin na maglingkod sa bayan na may buong katapatan at tapusin ang kanyang paglilingkod hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang araw ng kanyang panunungkulan,” he said. PND (ag) TOP Palace: Armed Forces and National Police remain united   The Palace said on Wednesday that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) remain united. “Wala pong hidwaan o wala pong pag-aaway na nagaganap sa pagitan ng AFP at PNP. Sila po ay nagkakaisa sa ilalim ng iisang bandila at republika, at ginagampanan po nila ang kanilang tungkulin ng tapat sa bandila at tapat sa republika,” Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. He was commenting on the separate press conferences held by the AFP and PNP on Wednesday to give their respective versions of the incident that resulted in the death of 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force (SAF). “Ang batid po natin ay ipinaparating ng ating mga sundalo at pulis sa mga mamamayan ang isang mahalagang mensahe: Sila po ay mga lingkod-bayan. Sila po ay tapat sa pangangalaga sa seguridad ng ating bansa, sa pagtatanggol sa katatagan ng ating mga komunidad, sa katahimikan at kaayusan, at sa paglaban sa mga kaaway ng estado na bumabagabag at lumiligalig sa kapanatagan ng ating mga mamamayan at sa ating katahimikan bilang isang bansa,” Coloma said. PND (ag) TOP

 

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

Radyo Singko / All Ready by Atty. M. Sta. Maria

04 February 2015

ATTY. STA. MARIA: Magandang umaga po, Secretary Sonny. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga sa iyo, Dean Mel. ATTY. STA. MARIA: Secretary Sonny ano ang pananaw ninyo o kaya ng Malacanang na rin dito sa itatag na Truth Commission. Eh kailangan pa bang magdadag pa ng isa? SEC. COLOMA: Kinikilala po natin iyong tungkulin ng ating mga mambabatas na humanap ng mainam na tugon sa ating mga pambansang suliranin. At siguro po antabayanan na lang natin kung ano talaga iyong magiging porma nung kanilang itatatag. Dahil ito naman po, kung panukalang batas, kailangan pa na magkasundo ang dalawang panig, iyong Kamara at iyong Senado. Samantala po ang pananaw namin ay kailangang bigyan natin ng pagkakataon na mabuo iyong salaysay, to complete the narrative, para mabatid iyong ganap na katotohanan hinggil sa lahat ng nangyari noong Enero 25 sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao. At ito po ay tinututukan na ngayon ng Board of Inquiry at kumakalap na po ng testimonya ng mga PNP-SAF troopers na lumahok doon sa misyon para nga po mabuo na itong salaysay at mabatid natin ang katotohanan. Bukod pa diyan nandiyan din po iyong International Monitoring Team at iyong Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities. Sila po kasi ang nasa ground din mismo nung araw na iyon at tumulong po sila sa pagpapahiwalay nung mga armadong puwersa at naipanumbalik po nila iyong tigil-putukan na pinaiiral doon sa lugar na iyon. Sa aming palagay po, mas mainam na makalap muna iyong relevant information at kung meron namang matatatag pang ibang fact finding body ‘no o Truth Commission, kung iyon ang gusto nilang itawag, maari naman nilang magamit iyong findings na nauna at bilang useful reference sa kanilang gawain. Ang pinakamahalaga po dito ay mabatid natin iyong buong katotohanan dahil iyan po ang dapat na maganap para magawaran ng katarungan iyong kabayanihan ng mga nagbuwis ng buhay. ATTY. STA. MARIA: Secretary Coloma, alam naman po natin napakahapdi nga nung nangyari doon sa 44 na ating mga bayani, ano po. Itong sitwasyon na ito,’no. Dito lang napapaling ang ating konsentrasyon, pero napakalawak din po ng iba’t-iba pang mga responsibilidad ninyo bilang gobyerno at ng Presidente. At itong Board of Inquiry, ito po ba ay makakatulong rin para—batid naman natin, may iba ring problema ang Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin ko ay baka tayo ay nasosobrahan din sa pagtutuon dito. Ano po ang palagay ninyo doon? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy po ang trabaho ang ng buong gobyerno habang mataas po ang prayoridad na inuukol doon sa pag-alam ng katotohanan. Hindi naman po nababalam iyong mahalagang trabaho pa rin sa iba’t-ibang larangan ng ating pamahalaan. Isinusulong po natin iyong mga programa para sa pangkabuhayan, lalo na at bumubuwela na naman ng maigi iyong ating ekonomiya, second fastest economy tayo sa ating rehiyon ngayon. At marami pa naman po tayong pagkakataon na lalo pang pag-ibayuhin iyong pagpapaunlad ng ating bansa. At dahil po batid natin na labing-pitong buwan na lamang, isang taon limang buwan na lamang ang nalalabi sa termin0 ng pamahalaan. Talaga pong puspusan iyong pagsisikap na matamo iyong mga mahahalagang layunin ng ating Philippine Development Plan. ATTY. STA. MARIA: Ito pong Korte Suprema ay kamakailan o kahapon lamang ay ibinaba ang kanilang desisyon sa DAP, ano po. Ano po ang sa tingin ninyong kapakinabangan para sa gobyernong nito. Kasi mukhang pinanindigan po ng Korte Suprema ang dati nilang desisyon? SEC. COLOMA: Mainam po siguro ay mabasa talaga iyong buong desisyon. Ang amin pong impresyon ay batay lamang doon sa paunang press briefing na isinagawa ni Atty. Theodore Te kahapon. At ang napulot po namin ay ang mga sumusunod: Una, ay tinanggal iyong mga restrictions doon sa mga appropriations na ipinapatupad na ‘no habang nakasalang itong kasong ito. Kung maalala natin meron iyong distinction between allotment class and expense class. At sinabi ay sapat na na merong item sa budget, puwede nang ma-authorize iyong appropriation para doon. At pangalawa, iyong paglilinaw doon sa pag-iral noong operative fact doctrine o iyong naggagawad ng tinatawag nating “good faith” na mga proponents at implementors nung mga proyekto na kabilang doon sa Disbursement Acceleration Program. Ito ay mahalaga, Dean Mel, sapagkat kung maalala natin nuong fourth quarter of 2014 para bagang nagkaroon ito ng matinding chilling effect doon sa ating—sa iba’t-ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan dahil nga hindi pa malinaw kung ano talaga ang magiging final ruling dito sa kaso ng DAP. At nagkaroon ng considerable underspending po tayo na nagpabagal sa GDP growth natin. Noong third quarter ay pumalo lamang sa 5.3%. Buti na lang ay nakabawi tayo at naging 6.9% muli noong fourth quarter. Mahalaga po kasi ito dahil iyong gobyerno ang isa sa pinakamalaking nag-aambag doon sa ating Gross Domestic Product o Gross National Product. Kaya doon po sa aspeto na nagkaroon ng linaw hinggil sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto makakatulong po iyong pagpapasyang iyon ng ating Korte Suprema. ATTY. STA. MARIA: Ito pong DAP talaga ang laki ng epekto sa ekonomiya natin, ho. Ika n’yo nga iyong spending pero bagama’t ‘cut notwithstanding’ eh iyong mga nasa pahayagan po natin eh medyo tumaas pa ho iyong ating ekonomiya ngayon. Ano po ang paliwanag ninyo dito? SEC. COLOMA: Eh kasi nga po ay napakatibay nung ating tinatawag na macro-economic fundamentals. At ang atin pong imahe nasa international community ay napakamaaliwalas at maganda. Mas matatag po iyong katayuan natin ngayon dahil sa ipinakita nating kapasidad na ayusin ang ating ekonomiya at ipaiiral iyong tinatawag nating good governance o mabuting pamamahala sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay pambansa. Kaya malaking bagay ito, Dean Mel, at nagbigay po ng malaking kumpiyansa sa mga mamumuhunan, sa mga mangangalakal at pati na rin sa mga Pilipino na malaki rin ang ambag nila sa pagpapaunlad ng ating ekonomiya. ATTY. STA. MARIA: Maraming-maraming salamat sa iyo, Secretary Sonny Coloma. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Dean Mel.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

AKSYON TV5 / Punto Asintado by Erwin Tulfo and Martin Andanar

04 February 2015

ERWIN: Magandang umaga po, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Hello. ERWIN: Hello, sir. Good morning. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Erwin. ERWIN: Yes sir. Sir una po sa lahat, maraming-maraming salamat ha. Alam ko hong talagang bising-bisi po ang Malacañang. We have been trying to get in touch with you. But we do understand na sobrang nagkukumahog lang po dahil kaliwa at kanan po itong mga issues ngayon. Under fire po ang Presidente. Ang tanong lang po kasi ng iba, sir: Bakit tila tahimik po ang Pangulo rito, Sec. Ano ho bang nangyayari, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Sa panahong ito po, ‘no. Mas minamabuti ng Pangulo po na hayaan muna sa pagsasagawa ng pagsisiyasat ng Board of Inquiry. Noon pong nagpunta siya sa Camp Bagong Diwa nung nakaraang Biyernes ay hiniling niya doon sa mga lumahok sa misyon na mag-cooperate ng buo doon sa isinasagawang pagsisiyasat at isulat nila lahat nung kanilang rekoleksyon ng mga kaganapan para mabuo po iyong salaysay at mabatid iyong buong katotohanan. Kasi naman po kung ang Pangulo ay panaka-nakang magsasalita, baka naman po ma-duly influenced iyong kanilang paglalahad ng kanilang testimonya. Kaya minamabuti po ng Pangulo bigyan muna ng laya at bigyan ng pagkakataon ito pong pagsisiyasat para makumpleto na po iyong salaysay. ERWIN: Ano po ang reaksyon ninyo, sir, na may mga nagsasabi na ngayon na it’s high time na bumaba na lang ang Pangulo, iyong dating Obispo po, Arsobispo, si Archbishop Oscar Cruz at si Archbishop Arguelles. Nandiyan din po iyong ilang ika nga eh civil society group, iyong Million People March, were asking for the President to resign. Ano po ang masasabi ninyo dito, Secretary Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: May sinumpuang tungkulin po ang Pangulo at nais po niyang matupad iyong kaniyang tungkulin at ginagampanan naman po niya ito sa pinakatapat at pinakamabuti na paraan at determinado po siyang akuin ang kanyang paglilingkod hanggang kahuli-hulihang araw ng kanyang termino. At siya naman po ay nananatiling tapat na mandato ng mga mamamayang Pilipino. MARTIN: Sir Sonny Coloma, sir. Good morning po. Si Martin Andanar po ito, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Good morning, Martin. MARTIN: Pasensiya na po kayo, sir. But I will have to ask you this question. Kasi marami po talaga ang nagalit na hindi siya pumunta doon sa Villamor Airbase. I think ito iyong nag-fuel talaga doon sa panawagan iyon na maraming umuugong na pababain ang Pangulo sa puwesto. And I also believe, Secretary Coloma, na kayo ay isang matalinong Secretary, Kalihim, and you are in touch with the masses. Kanino pong desisyon iyon na hindi siya papuntahin doon sa Villamor Airbase at unahin iyong Mitsubishi? SEC. COLOMA: Nauunawaan naman po namin, iyong pagpapahayag ng (unclear). Pero hinihingi rin po namin ang pag-unawa doon sa malaking larawan o ika nga big picture. Dahil sa simula’t sapul naman po ay buo ang malasakit ang Pangulo (garbled) apatnapu’t-apat na PNP-SAF sa mga pangyayari. Simula po nung Miyerkules, nung siya ay nagtalumpati sa bansa, dineklara na po siya iyong National Day of Mourning na naganap na po nung nakaraang Biyernes. At bago pa po nung Lunes pa inutusan na niya ang Presidential Management Staff na pangunahan iyong pakikipagpanayam sa bawat isa sa pamilya nung apatnapu’t-apat para po maalam ang kanilang sitwasyon at mabatid kung paano makakatulong. ERWIN: Sec. Sonny? Naku naputol tayo. Automatic tawagan mo kaagad, baka mamaya maagawan tayo ng iba diyan. Kasi ang susunod na itatanong ko. Sec. naririnig ba ng Pangulo itong sigawan, napapanuod ba niya itong galit ng taumbayan? Alam ba niya itong pangyayari na inis ang taumbayan sa kanya, sabihin na natin sisenta porsyento, singkuwenta? Kapag nagkaroon ng survey niyan, tiyak bagsak iyong kanyang satisfaction rating. Alam kaya ng Pangulo or busy ang Pangulo at maraming ginagawa? SEC. COLOMA: Ipinapaunawa ko lang iyong buong latag ng pangyayari para po naman maunawaan din na sa simula’t sapul po ay buong-buo naman iyong pakikidalamhati ng ating Pangulo. Ngunit nauunawaan din naman po niya kung ano iyong kanyang naging saloobin hinggil doon sa naganap nung Huwebes. At sa kanya naman pong pananaw, iyong kasing pagtanggap ng mga labi ng mga bayani natin ay private time po iyon para sa mga miyembro ng kanilang mga pamilya, dahil po isasa-ayos pa naman iyong kanilang mga damit para po doon sa public wake na gaganapin pa sa susunod na araw. Kaya nauunawaan naman natin si Pangulo …marami hinggil sa naganap na iyan. ERWIN: Last two question, Sec. Sonny ano po. I know you really wanna go. But naririnig po ba ng Pangulo, napapanuod po ba niya every day, nababasa po ba sa diyaryo iyong sentimyento ng public, kasi it’s on TV, it’s on the radio, it’s on the newspapers. Ano po ang reaksyon ng Pangulo na galit iyong mga “boss” niya sa kanya, sir. Ano pong reactions niya, Secretary, dahil lagi n’yo po siyang kasama, Sec? SEC. COLOMA: Nauunawan po ng Pangulo na mabigat ang damdamin, mataas ang emosyon at matindi ang kirot na nararamdaman ng mga naulila at nakikidalamhati po ang buong sambayanan sa kanila. Bilang Ama ng Bayan, bilang Pangulo po, mini-maintain naman po niya iyong equanimity, iyon pong -- kinakailangan po kasi ay malinaw iyong pananaw ng ating leader. At siya na mismo ang nagsabi, hirap man ang kaniyang kalooban ay talagang inaalam niya iyong saloobin ng mga mamamayan. Hindi rin naman niya maaring pahintulutan na iyong galit ang mamayani, dahil kapag galit ang isang tao ay hindi makakapagdesisyon na batay sa malinaw na pag-aaral ng mga usapin. ERWIN: Panghuli na lamang, sir. Nababagabag po ba siya sa reaksyon ng mga kababayan natin or parang ang treatment niya rito ay it’s all in the day’s work, Sec? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman po, it’s all day’s work, sineseryoso po ito, desidido po siyang tugunan iyong mga panawagan para sa katarungan at ang isang mahalagang hakbang tungkol dito ay iyong pag-alam ng buong katotohanan. ERWIN: Kung maibabalik iyong panahon, sir, bago po itong operation na ito. Do you think may mga adjustments na gagawin ang Pangulo, Secretary, para hindi maulit ito. Kung sabihin natin eh, mag-rewind tayo at mabalik doon sa una. Do you think, iba ang magiging aksyon po ng Malacañang, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyon nga po ang dahilan kung bakit pinag-aaralan ang lahat ng pangyayari. Dahil matindi nga po ang dagok na ating natanggap bilang isang bansa na mawalan tayo ng apatnapu’t-apat na magigiting na kagawad ng ating PNP-SAF at utang po natin sa buong sambayanan at sa mga sumusunod na henerasyon na paghusayin po ang ating mga sistema para hindi na po ito maulit. ERWIN: Talagang paghuli na lamang po, sir. Pasensiya na po kayo, nagsinungaling po ako kanina. Kasi meron po akong natanggap na text dito na hingin lang daw reaksyon sana ng Palasyo doon po sa “cold shoulder treatment” nung tinanong niya iyong mga pulis, kamakalawa yata, na magsabi sila ng kanilang hinaing. Wala ho yatang nagsalita dahil mukhang pinag-usapan nang lahat ng wala magsasalita sa harap ng Pangulo. Iyong iba namang mga SAF daw po ngayon, iyong mga matatandang SAF, mga dating miyembro ng SAF, ay nagpapakalbo pa rin para direktamentang protesta para ipakita raw po sa Pangulo na hindi po sila natuwa sa kanyang walang ginawa, sir. Ano po ang reaksyon dito ng Palasyo, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Alamin lang natin iyong konteksto, Erwin. Kasama po ako doon, nandoon ako sa kaganapang iyan at 12:45 na po ng madaling araw naganap po iyon. Buong araw na po iyong pakikipagdalamhati natin sa mga pamilya. Nauunawaan naman po namin, sandali lang naman kasi iyong pagkakataon. Ang sinabi naman ng Pangulo, kung wala pa silang kahandaan sa oras na iyon, dahil napakabigat pa po ng kalooban, ay bukas naman iyong pintuan para sila ay maghayag pa ng saloobin nila. Kinabukasan ay nagpunta rin mismo si Secretary Roxas doon. At ang punto lang naman ng Pangulo ay patuloy iyong pakikipag(unclear) sa kanila. Inaalam po talaga iyong kanilang saloobin at iyong ganitong mga suhestyon at panukala. Pero iyong sinabi nga niya doon, napakahalaga ng PNP-SAF sa paglaban sa karahasan at terorismo at sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan. Kaya mahalaga na magbagong-tatag at magpalakas ulit ang puwersa ng PNP-SAF. Hindi po ganyan ang aming interprestasyon sa mga nangyari. ERWIN: Secretary Sonny Coloma, sir. Bago ko po kayo bitiwan, nais ko lamang po kami ni Pareng Martin na personal na pasalamatan po kayo na despite the fact na inuulan kayo ng batikos ay sumasagot po kayo sa mga tawag ho namin, lalo na iyong mga critics sa administration. Truly, sir you’re a journalist. Kahit ano ang sabihin niyo. Kayo talaga ay isang (overlapping voices). SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat din sa niyong dalawa, Martin at Erwin. Ang panawagan lang po ay para sa ating mga mamamayan na maging mapag-unawa po sa mga kaganapan dahil dapat po ang isasapunto at isasa-isip natin sa ngayon ay iyong kabutihan at kinabukasan ng ating bansang Pilipinas. ERWIN: Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay po kayo. Secretary Sonny Coloma po. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at Magandang umaga muli. Salamat din po sa pagkakataon. ERWIN: Saludo ako sa Mamang ito. Talagang journalist.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

DZXL-RMN / by Rogie Sending and Lourdes Escaros

04 February 2015

ROGIE: Magandang umaga po, Secretary Coloma, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga sa inyo Lourdes at Rogie, at sa lahat ng ating tagasubaybay. ROGIE: Ano po ang reaksiyon ho ng Malakanyang, bagama’t may nauna na ho kayong pahayag na kahit papaano tanggap ninyo na ho ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema sa DAP? Pero si Atty. Harry Roque kanina nakapanayam namin, ang sabi niya, eh parang nilinlang daw ng Supreme Court ang taumbayan dahil pumabor lalo daw iyong desisyon sa Malakanyang, at hindi totoong dineklarang unconstitutional ang DAP, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Mainam po siguro ay unawain natin kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa ating pambansang ekonomiya at sa kapakanang panlipunan. Kaya po ang tinutukoy po dito ay iyong public funds, iyong gastusin po natin na nakalaan sa national budget. At doon po sa paglilinaw na ginawa ng Supreme Court sa kanilang pagpapasiya sa inihaing Motion for Reconsideration, ang nakikita po natin – ngunit ito ay base pa lamang sa paunang pahayag ng kanilang Spokesman na si Atty. Theodore Te – hindi pa naman po natin natutunghayan iyong buong desisyon. Ang nakikita po natin diyan ay nagkaroon ng linaw doon sa mga aspeto na patungkol sa pag-i-implement ng budget, at binigyan po ng mas dagdag na responsibilidad ang pamahalaan na maipatupad iyong budget sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga savings. Iyon pong isang nabanggit doon sa pahayag ni Atty. Te. Tinanggal na iyong strict interpretation tungkol doon sa expense class at allotment class... basta lang daw po mayroong item sa budget ang isang proyekto ay pupuwede nang ipatupad ito. At sinabi rin na iyon namang mga 116 projects na natutukoy doon sa DAP ay puwede naman pong mapatupad ito. At binalik po iyong tinatawag na doctrine of operative fact, kinikila yung good faith nung mga nagpapatupad ng mga proyekto. Kaya malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa pagtanggal nung tinatawag na chilling effect. Kasi po, nung natapos iyong paglalahad ng desisyon nung Hulyo, bumagal po talaga ang paggastos ng gobyerno, at ito ay nagresulta sa mababang GDP growth natin na 5.3 percent lamang nung third quarter. Mabuti na lang po ay nakabawi sa 6.9 percent nung fourth quarter. Kaya iyan po ang nakikita nating mga kapaki-pakinabang na aspeto ng pasiya ng Korte Suprema. ROGIE: So, sir,para maintindihan ho namin, kahit papaano dito sa Supreme Court decision, dahil kinilala nga nila iyang doktrina na iyan kanyo, na kapag maganda naman ang hangarin, kahit sabihin na unconstitutional, ay hindi dapat itali doon. Iyong P144 billion na inilaan para nga po diyan sa mga proyektong tinukoy sa DAP, magpapatuloy ho ngayon iyan? SEC. COLOMA: Eh, iyan po ang pagkaunawa namin dahil nga sinabi nila na hindi naman sila tryer of facts, hindi naman nila kailangang himayin pa iyong bawat isa doon sa mga proyekto na iyon. Ang kanila pong nilalahad ay iyong batayang prinsipyo na puwede namang ipagpatuloy na iyong mga proyektong iyon dahil nga doon sa doktrina ng operative fact. ROGIE: So, ang mangyayari po dito, sir, after dito? Iyon nga, sinabi ng Korte Suprema na sige, huwag nating itali iyan dahil sabi nga tama naman, maganda iyong hangarin; sa simula hindi naman masama ang hangarin, hayaan na lang kwestyunin. Kung may masamang hangarin talaga, kwestyunin ninyo sa Korte. Ang mangyayari pa ho ba dito, mauulit ho ito? Hanggang diyan na lang ho tayo sa pinondohan na iyan? Gagawa pa ulit muli ang Palasyo ng Malakanyang, ang gobyernong Aquino ng panibagong mga proyekto para sabihin na ito ay in good faith? SEC. COLOMA: Pansinin po natin, ang tinutukoy ng desisyon na iyan ay iyong budget nung nakaraan. Tinatalakay kasi iyan nung 2014, kaya ang ginagamit po nating—ay hindi po ... ah tama, noong 2014 . So ang tinutukoy po nila ay iyong budget nang nakaraang taon na 2011, 2012, 2013. Kaya iyon po ang tinutukoy nung desisyon. Iyon pong para sa taong ito, mayroon na tayong 2015 budget. At iyon pong mga patakaran hinggil sa paggamit ng pondo – at kabilang na iyong paggamit ng savings – ay— ROGIE: Susunod na doon sa Supreme Court decision? SEC. COLOMA: Isiinaalang-alang iyong ganung concern ng Supreme Court tungkol sa pagtalima sa Konstitusyon, kaya iniayos naman po iyan ng ating mga mambabatas at kung ano iyong nakasaad sa General Appropriations Act 2015. Ang kanila pong tiniyak, ito ay naaayon sa Konstitusyon, kaya hindi naman po apektado iyong mga programa ng pamahalaan under the 2015 budget. ROGIE: So ibig sabihin, sir, iyong agam-agam, halimbawa, ni Atty. Harry Roque, na eh, parang sinabing illegal lang iyong pork barrel. O sinabi ninyo basta in good faith, gagawa na naman sila ng ganyang pondo, palalabasin in good faith, at hayaan na lang nating sabihin na kuwestyunin sa Korte. Hindi naman ho pala mangyayari iyan. Ang posisyon ng Malakanyang, ang tingin niya ay ipapatupad lang namin iyong desisyon ng Supreme Court batay doon sa desisyon na iyan diyan sa pondo noong nakaraang taon, at hindi na kami gagawa ulit ng mga pondo para sabihin na may maganda kaming hangarin. Hayaan ninyo na lang kuwestyunin sa Korte para patunayan ninyo na kami ay may masamang hangarin. SEC. COLOMA: Ang mahalaga dito, Ka Rogie, pagtalima sa Saligang Batas at sa mga umiiral na batas. Kaya iyan lang naman ang pinagtatalunan at iyong pinagpapasiyahan ng Supreme Court. Kaya’t tayo naman ay gobyerno ng batas at hindi mga tao. At iyong Pangulo naman po, iyon ang sinumpaang tungkulin ay para ipatupad ang mga batas at ipagtanggol ang Konstitusyon o Saligang Batas. Kaya iyon po ang nagiging batayan natin sa lahat ng pagkilos. Hindi naman po makatuwirang sabihin na walang habas na nilalabag ang batas. Wala pong katuwiran iyong ganung paraan. LOURDES; Secretary, ako naman. Hindi natin puwedeng kwestyunin naman iyong labingtatlo sa mga nagdesisyon na mahistrado rito ng Korte Suprema dahil talagang walang duda sa kanilang desisyon at kredibilidad. Pero kanina kasi—ilagay natin sa perspektibo na maintindihan tayo ng publiko, hano po. May binanggit kayo kanina na positive at negative na impact nito sa public. Number one, sabi ninyo humina ang GDP. Paki-explain nga ho sa amin ano ang naging epekto nang hindi pa nailalabas itong desisyon, at ano ang magiging pakinabang namin na ito ay nailabas na ngayon? SEC. COLOMA: Sa konkretong batayan Lourdes, noong third quarter, meaning, August, September, October, 2014, bumagal iyong paggastos ng mga pondo ng gobyerno. At ito ay tinatawag nating chilling effect noong desisyon na nailabas noong July 1, 2014. Dahil nga doon sa naunang desisyon, may nasabi pa roon na iyon daw mga nagsasagawa nitong mga proyektong ito, kailangang patunayan pa nila na in good faith nila itong ginagawa. O kaya ‘yon iyong sinasabi natin, ngayong natanggal na iyong agam- agam, ay maaari nang makapagpatuloy doon sa mga naumpisahan na mga programa, at mapanumbalik iyong kasiglahan ng ating ekonomiya. LOURDES : Tama ho ba ako na may mga program na talagang nahinto dahil dito? SEC. COLOMA: Bumagal iyong paggastos. Bumagal. LOURDES: Pero wala namang nahinto na programa? SEC. COLOMA: Kailangan gawin natin dahil isang daan at labing-anim na proyekto iyan, Lourdes. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, mayroong desisyon noon na kung mayroon pang mga proyekto na hindi pa nauumpisahan o hindi pa naire-release iyong pondo, ay i-hold muna iyon. Doon po sa isang ahensiya, halimbawa, na sa ilalim ng tanggapan natin, iyong People’s Television, mayroon pong bahagi noong capital budget para sa modernisasyon ng ating People’s Television, na-hold muna po iyan dahil nga hinihintay itong reconsideration nung desisyon. Iyon po ay isang halimbawa lamang. ROGIE: Sir, iyong chilling effect, pakilinaw nga po iyan. Ang ibig ninyo sabihin, nung hindi pa ho lumalabas itong final decision ng Supreme Court diyan ho sa MR ninyo, takot talagang gumastos ang gobyerno dahil ho diyan sa pagkakatali diyan na, I mean, may takot ho bang gumastos talaga ang pamahalaan at that time? SEC. COLOMA: Rogie at Lourdes, tunghayan na lang natin iyong konkretong datos. Nandoon na po sa konkretong datos natin na noong third quarter of 2014, bumagal talaga iyong actual na paglalabas ng pondo. Hindi na po debatable iyon, eh; history na po iyon, eh. At bumawi na lang po tayo nuong fourth quarter. At ang nakita pong paliwanag doon ay nag-ingat ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na sa pagtitiyak na walang nilalabag na batas, dahil nga nagkaroon itong pagpapasiya nung una na para bang inaalis iyong doctrine of operative fact o iyong good faith. LOURDES: Ano po ang inyong opinyon na tila bi-nraso ng Presidente iyong – doon sinabi ko kanina; hindi mo naman kayang ano iyan? _____: Off mic LOURDES: Oo. Na tila bi-nraso at nagkaroon yata ng deal para labintatlo sa mga mahistrado ay pumabor na sa Pangulo. ROGIE: Parang nag-win-win doon yung Supreme Court; napansin iyan ng taumbayan, napansin din iyan ng Malakanyang. SEC. COLOMA: Baka naman po mas responsable na huwag tayong maglako ng intriga at spekulasyon kung walang konkretong batayan. Mahalaga po kasing mapanatili iyong paniwala ng ating mga mamamayan sa sistema ng ating gobyerno na mayroon pong check and balance iyong tatlong sangay ng pamahalaan. Kailangan pong itanghal natin ang integridad ng ating mga institusyon, at huwag po tayong maging tagapamahagi ng hindi makatotohanang mga pahayag kung wala din lamang na konkretong batayan. ROGIE: Ang mahalaga, nagdesisyon na ang Supreme Court, sumunod na lamang tayong lahat. SEC. COLOMA: Ang mahalaga kasi, Ka Rogie, iyong paniwala natin sa mga institusyon ng ating pamahalaan dahil iyon po ang sistema ng demokrasya. LOURDES; Sa ibang tanong, Secretary, pagkakataon na rin ito. May nagkumpirma na obvious na talagang mayroong nasa likod, at nananawagan nang patalsikin si PNoy. Sa impormasyon ninyo – siguro naman po may mga intel kayo – ano ho ba ang totoo? SEC. COLOMA: Sila po ang naglalako niyan. Mayroon din naman po tayong natunghayan na headline sa isang telebisyon na sinasabi naman po doon na iyong kanilang pangkalahatang organisasyon, iyong CBCP, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines hindi naman po sila nananawagan ng ganyan. Sa amin lang po, may sinumpaang tungkulin ang Pangulo, tapat po siya sa paglilingkod, gagampanan po niya iyong tungkulin, at determinado pa rin po siya na patunay na ipairal iyong mabuting pamamahala sa matuwid na daan. LOURDES: Sabi ho ni Archbishop ... (unclear) ... sa interview kahapon talagang may mga lumapit sa kanya, at sinasabing simulan ito para mapatalsik si Pnoy sa puwesto. Pero sa punto ho ng Malakanyang, nababahala po ba kayo rito totoo man o hindi? SEC. COLOMA: Ang demokrasya po ay naka-batay sa pagpapasiya nang nakararami. Kaya alamin po natin, ano ba talaga ang saloobin nang nakararaming Piliipino? Hindi naman po makatuwiran na pagbatayan lamang iyong pananaw ng isa o iilang tao. LOURDES: Pero kung nakararaming tao, alam ho natin—ano ho ba iyong naririnig ninyo, kasi kung kami ho rito talagang nakita ho namin iyong simpatya ng publiko kung pag-uusapan iyong Fallen 44. Iyong simpatya talagang galit ano po, hindi ho, kung titignan ho natin iyon eh pwedeng basehan para ho may ilang mga grupong magdagdag ng init sa usaping ito para po laban kay PNoy? SEC. COLOMA: Tanungin natin ang ating sarili, Ka Rogie at Lourdes, ano ba ang mainam sa ating bansa sa panahon ng panganib at ligalig? Mainam ba iyong pagpapairal sa init ng ulo, sa emosyon, o mas mainam na iyong huminahon at pagkilatis sa buong sitwasyon para makakilos ng batay sa katwiran. Iyon lang po ano. Kung naniniwala po tayo na mas mainam iyong gumamit ng katwiran at hindi pairalin lamang iyong galit o poot at hindi magpadala sa simbuyo ng emosyon, e baka po mas makakabuti sa ating bansa iyong ating tatahakin. Na huwag po tayong malihis doon sa ating pinatutunguhan, huwag po tayong maligalig ng mga pangyayaring ito, bagama’t kagimbal-gimbal, na talaga naman pong nakakasakit pero dapat pa rin po ay tignan natin iyong mas malaking larawan: Ano ba talaga ang nasa Pambansang interes natin bilang mga Pilipino? KA ROGIE: Sir, may mga nagsasabi, di ba, si Senador TG Guingona nag-isponsor nga po ng panukalang batas to compose the Mamasapano Truth Commission. Ano ho ba talaga ang posisyon ninyo, Sir, sa Malacañang o ng gobyernong Aquino? Hindi ninyo ba ito aayunan, hindi ba ito ay—imbes na pipiliin na ipapasa ng Pangulo? Kumbaga, sabi niya okay iyan kaysa sa dami-dami hong iba’t-iba mga imbestigasyong nito, na magkaroon na lang talaga ng isang independenteng pagsisiyasat para lahat ho tayo ay makuntento. SEC. COLOMA: Sa kasalukuyan, Ka Rogie ‘no, at bago pa man ipinanukala iyan, ay kumilos na ang Pamahalaan para makumpleto iyong salaysay at mabatid iyong buong katotohanan sa pamamagitan nitong Board of Inquiry ng Philippine National Police. Meron po kasing halos apatnaraang (400) kasapi ng PNP-SAF na lumahok doon sa misyon na iyon. Ayon po sa ulat na ating natunghayan, halos tatlongdaan (300) na sa kanila nakapagbigay na ng kanilang testimonya. Nariyan din po iyong input ng AFP, na isa rin po sa mga mahalagang elemento nitong pagbatid natin ang katotohanan. Meron din po iyong International Monitoring Team at iyong Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities, sila po ay nandoon mismo sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao, nung araw na naganap ito at tumulong po sila sa pagpapanumbalik ng tigil putukan, kaya batid po nila kung ano-anong mga puwersa ang involved dun sa pangyayari po. Sinasabi lang ho naman po namin ay ito: Bakit po hindi natin bigyan ng pagkakataon na makumpleto itong sinasagawang pagsisiyasat na ito, mabuo po iyong salaysay at kung ano naman po ang resulta nito maaaring din po iyang gawing reference ‘no, o batayan ng ano pang iba pang fact-finding body o truth commission na nais na itatag ng ating mga mambabatas. Sa makatuwid, binibigyan lang po natin ng prayoridad iyong pagkumpleto na ngayon noong salaysay at iyong pag-alam ng kaganapan. Wala naman pong humahadlang sa sino man na kwestiyonin ito kung hindi nila makikitang kapani-paniwala ang mga ilalahad na findings. LOURDES: Ano pong katayuan ni PNoy sa ngayon na may panawagin na panahon na para maghanap ng kapalit ni General Alan Purisima? SEC. COLOMA: Naririnig po niya iyan, at kasama iyan sa mas malaking larawan na kanyang ginagamit sa pagtaya sa sitwasyon at paggagawa ng mga desisyon. Ina-acknowledge po na meron nga pong mga ganyang panawagan. KA ROGIE: Iyong panawagan naman po, Sir, na bago natin—sabi nga ng mga ilang senador na nakakapanayam ano, maghulos dili na lang muna tayo dito sa peace agreement, tsaka na lang natin—hindi naman natin sabihin na hindi itutuloy, itutuloy pero tignan muna natin. Halimbawa, magpakita muna ng sinseridad ang MILF, like isuko iyong mga armas, isuko iyong mga bumakbak sa tropa ng SAF para magpakita naman sila ng sinseridad na talaga namang sila’y seryoso dito sa peace agreement? SEC. COLOMA: Sinabi na rin po iyan ng ating Pangulo noon pong talumpati niya noong January 28. At mainam naman nga po na mag-evaluate po tayo ng sitwasyon at habang sinasabi natin na ang prinsipyo pa rin nating itinataguyod ay iyong pangmatagalang kapayapaan, kailangan din naman talagang alamin kung hanggang saan ba talaga tumutulong itong ating mga partners sa peace process at kung hanggang saan sila pwedeng mapagkatiwalaan. Iyon po ay inihayag na ng Pangulo. LOURDES: Sabi po ng isang abogado, dapat iakyat sa International Criminal Court itong Mamasapano case para po makasuhan, o makulong, masampahan ng kaso si PNoy. Pero sang-ayon ho ba si PNoy na ito po ay payagang iakyat sa ICC? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko pa po siya nakakausap hinggil diyan. Ang pinagbabatayan po natin sa ngayon meron naman po opposite na posisyon na inihayag si Senate President Drilon at ang kanya pong interpretasyon nung binabanggit na Rome Statute ay ito ‘no: ito ay operative lamang kung ang pinag-uusapan natin ay iyong pagganap, paggawa ng isang krimen, kung iyon bang superior ay inayunan iyong pagsasagawa ng krimen ay pwedeng ma-invoke iyong doktrinang ito. Malinaw naman po na hindi naman po krimen iyong ginawa ng PNP-SAF dahil sila po ay nasa isang Law Enforcement Operation. KA ROGIE: Sir, panghuli po, mainam din na inilabas din ng Malacañang television iyong pagharap ni Pangulong Noynoy sa mga miyembro ng SAF noong Biyernes. Sa dulo ho nun tinatanong ninyo ho sila kung meron silang gustong itanong kay Ginoong Pangulo, wala ho nagsalita, sabi niya—meron na ho bang nagpa-abot ng kanilang mga katanungan? Kung hindi man nila nagawang sabihin sa harapan niya noong Biyernes ng gabi? SEC. COLOMA: Ang batid ko po diyan ay ito ‘no, si Secretary Mar Roxas ay nagtungo muli noong sumunod na araw at kinapanayam din niya ‘no, nakipagdayalogo din po siya at meron naman pong nagpahayag ng saloobin nila. Patuloy na proseso naman ho ito. Mauunawaan natin na nung Biyernes, ito po ay naganap mga bandang 12:45am na rin po, natapos sila nung marathon na pakikipag-usap ng Pangulo sa bawat isa sa pamilya nung apatnapu’t apat nating mga bayani. At mauunawaan din naman natin kung sa pagkakataon noon ay hindi pa handang magpahayag ng saloobin iyong ating mga kapatid sa PNP-SAF ‘no. Kaya patuloy naman po itong proseso ng dayalogo at yung pag-alam sa kanilang saloobain. KA ROGIE: Ano ho bang intensiyon ng Pangulo doon, ramdam niya ba na talagang may galit sa puso ng SAF sa kanya? SEC. COLOMA: Ang intensiyon po niya doon ay upang ipakita sa kanila iyong kahalagaan ng pagbabagong tatag at pagbangon natin mula dito sa dinanas na karanasan natin sa Maguindanao ‘no, kaya patuloy po iyong panganib sa ating bansa, patuloy ang ligalig na nililikha ng mga terorista at ng mga kaaway ng estado at hindi po maaaring lubayan po natin ang mga puwersang ito at kailangan pag-ibayuhin po iyong pagtatanggol sa ating demokrasya at sa ating bansa. KA ROGIE: Hindi naman ho… SEC. COLOMA: Mahalaga ang papel ng Philippine National Police. KA ROGIE: Hindi naman ho ibig sabihin nagi-guilty ang Pangulo sa kanila? SEC. COLOMA: Ginagampanan po ng Pangulo ang kanyang tungkulin sa pinakamainam na paraan na batid niya. LOURDES: Ibabalik ko lang ho ng Mamasapano clash. In those hours na nangyari po iyon, nasaan po ng mga oras na iyon si Mr. President, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Batid po ng lahat, ‘no, hindi na po kailangan tanungin, of public record naman po iyon. Siya po ay nasa Zamboanga. Dahil noong nakaraang Biyernes, na January 23, ay may naganap na pagsabog, ikinamatay ng dalawa, kinasugat ng 50 at ito po ay serye rin ng mga terrorist attacks ‘no sa Zamboanga at sa iba’t-ibang lugar at kanya po ay sinayasat ito at inalam niya po yung sitwasyong doon. LOURDES: Bakit ho umabot ng apat (4) na araw bago ho nagdeklara si PNoy na magbibigay siya ng kanyang National Address? SEC. COLOMA: Ilinaw lang natin ‘no. Lunes palang, a day after, ay nagbigay na po ako ng pahayag, nagsasalita po ako para sa Pangulo. Hindi po makatwiran na sabihang tumahimik po ang Malacañang. At araw-araw naman simula noon ay nagbigay na ng pahayag sina Secretary Roxas, AFP Chief Catapang, lahat po kami kasapi ng Executive Branch. Kami po ay mga hinirang at delegado ng Pangulo, hindi po makatwirang tumahimik po, sabihin pong tumahimik po kami. At noong nakaraang Miyerkules naman po, January 28, ay nagbuo po ang Pangulo ng panahon para magdeliber ng mensahe sa buong bansa, sa radio and television. LOURDES: Alam niyo ho umani ho ng negatibo rin kay PNoy itong kanyang pagdalo sa isang car exhibit. Sino raw po ang nag decide nun, si PNoy mismo or yung adviser niya? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko po alam yung detalyeng iyan, ang alam ko po ay ito: iyong pong pagdating ng mga labi ng ating mga bayani, ito po sa paniwala ng Pangulo ay panahon na dapat na private time po ng mga pamilya, dahil sila po ang tuwirang nagdadalamhati dito at tinanggap naman po ng mga opisyal ng Pamahalaan iyong pagdating din ng kanilang mga labi. Noon pa lamang bago pa po naganap ito, inanunsyo na nga ng Pangulo na meron po tayong National Day of Mourning sa susunod na Biyernes at talaga pong pinaghandaan niya na magkaroon ng private time din sa mga pamilya. As early as Monday po ay pinag-utusan na niya iyong Presidential Management Staff at iba’t-ibang ahensya na makipagpanayam sa bawat isang pamilya, alamin ang kanilang sitwasyon. Dahil mahalaga po sa kanila yung pag-alam kung paano makakatulong ang Pamahalaan na ayusin ang kanilang kabuhayan dahil batid naman po niya, batid po natin na yung bawat isa sa 44 ay mga head of the family at bread winner. Kaya napakalaki pong dagok ito sa kanilang pamilya, kaya as early as Monday po ay nagbigay na ng kautusan ang Pangulo hinggil diyan. Hindi po makatwirang sabihin na hindi isinaalang-alang ng Pangulo iyong kapakanan ng mga pamilya o iyong kanilang pagdadalamhati. KA ROGIE: Marami pong salamat Sec. Sonny Coloma sa oras at panahon ninyo sa DZXL, magandang umaga pong muli Ginoong Kalihim. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga po.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center

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04 FEBRUARY 2015 Baldoz sees SWS’ ‘joblessness’ a continuing challenge for DOLE to do more "Tuloy ang laban, tuloy ang SAF" - Roxas DSWD cites top LGU users of database of poor families DSWD aids families displaced by Mamasapano clash DepEd, USAID to expand educ access for OSYs, students in conflict-affected areas Philippines Joins 14th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting in Bangkok Philippines thanks Thai TV channel for Yolanda assistance DOST's die and mold center to help advance manufacturing industry SSS sees growth in membership in Central Visayas DENR taps Ateneo expertise in gauging NGP's impact Vs Climate change Western Visayas receives multi-million agri assistance TESDA offers scholarships to kin of SAF men USFDA issues recall notice for Gala, Granny Smith apples DTI works to revive jewelry industry through SSF Government keeps inflation target at 3 + 1 percentage point for 2015 - 2016 and approves inflation target of 3 + 1 percentage point for 2017 - 2018

Baldoz sees SWS’ ‘joblessness’ a continuing challenge for DOLE to do more
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Although conceptual and methodological differences in the conduct of the official Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority and the Social Weather Stations’ Survey on Adult Joblessness make their results incomparable, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday reiterated that the whole picture of the country’s employment situation that both surveys show challenges the DOLE—day by day—to do better and make its employment facilitation programs respond to the realities and needs Filipino workers. “No, we are not dismayed at all by the results of the SWS’ 2014 Fourth Quarter Survey on Adult Joblessness,” she said in an answer to a question at the commemoration activity on the 88th birthday of the late Secretary reporter’s Blas F. Ople in Malolos, Bulacan. “However, we would like to emphasize that the concept of joblessness and unemployment—which even the SWS is very careful to distinguish—are entirely two different matters,” Baldoz added. She explained that job refers to the type of work that a person does, while employment refers to a person with a job. “An employed person can have more than one job, e.g., a teacher who teaches in a private school, but is also a part-time tutor, and he or she is counted as one person employed in the official Labor Force Survey. The SWS survey joblessness; the Labor Force Survey counts the employed,” she said. Baldoz said the definition of the “unemployed” in the LFS covers people meeting three criteria: (1) without work; (2) looking for work; and (3) available for work. “One who does not meet any one of these three criteria at the time of the survey is considered not “economically active” or not in the labor force. The labor force is the working age population 15 years and above,” she explained. Baldoz also explained that the reference period of the LFS accounts for the SWS’ higher ‘joblessness’ result because the longer the reference period, the lower the number of unemployed could be. The LFS’ reference period for those without work and looking for work is seven days (the past week), while the reference period for those asked whether they are available for work is past week or within two weeks following interview date. Another difference that accounts for the incomparability of the LFS and SWS surveys is the sample size of the surveys. The LFS surveys 51,000 households. On the “one hour” criterion defining the employed, Baldoz said this is an international standard that the Philippines follows. “The term ‘employment’ is linked to the total concept of production defined by the UN System of National Accounts (SNA), which says any activity falling within the SNA, however small, is considered as work for the purpose of measuring employment. All work, even for only one hour a week, contributes to the total national output, and should, therefore, be counted,” she said. Baldoz noted that while the SWS applied the official definition of unemployment in its 4th quarter 2014 survey, the resulting ‘joblessness’ still reached 7.3 million Filipinos. “Here lies the incomparability of the LFS and SWS survey data. Historically, the survey results of the SWS are higher than the results of the LFS,” she said. Having said this, the labor and employment chief said that in looking at the SWS survey result, she noted the positive—the 36 percent of the respondents who said the number of available jobs in the next 12 months would increase, approximates the first quarter 2014 SWS survey result on this indicator. She also reiterated that whether it is shown by the official Labor Force Survey or by the SWS or some other surveys, the DOLE takes the problem of unemployment very seriously. “We see the result of the SWS survey as building blocks in further sharpening our employment facilitation strategies. By taking the problem head-on, we are able to see the clearer picture at various angles. In fact, I have already instructed the DOLE's Institute for Labor Studies to look closely and deeply at the SWS data, not for comparison, but to find positive inputs that can help DOLE enhance its response to this challenge,” she said. Baldoz further said: “The DOLE certainly does not view this problem through rose-colored lenses. This is why we are decisively helping address the problem by promoting and implementing job creation programs, such as the promotion of sustainable industrial peace; and by delivering more efficiently our employment facilitation services, such as the delivery of correct, relevant, and updated labor market information; career guidance and counseling; workers’ training; and capability building," Baldocaz explained. One of the programs she cited is JobStart Philippines, a full cycle employment facilitation program that offers enhanced career guidance services, life skills training, job matching and referral, technical training, and internship and seeks to shorten the job search period from two years to nine months. As of date, a total of 2,162 young people have been provided with enhanced career guidance, which included skills assessment, labor market information, and one-on-one career coaching. Another 1,226 beneficiaries have finished the eight-day life skills training. The DOLE, Baldoz further explained, also continues to intensify its job fairs both on-site and virtual means. It continues to emphasize and support the Special Program for the Employment of Students, or SPES, which in 2014 benefited over 200,000 poor, but deserving, students and out-of-school youth with the opportunity to earn and continue their studies. Under the SPES, the DOLE shoulders the 40 percent of the salaries of beneficiaries, while their employers—government agencies, such as local government units, and private companies and other sponsor-institutions—pay the 60 percent. Other employment facilitation programs that Baldoz mentioned are the Government Internship Program (GIP), Youth Employment and Youth Entrepreneurship (YEYE) Program, and Training for Work Scholarship Program, which she said are already making a dent in youth unemployment. She also mentioned the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, or DILEEP, which she said seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and reduce vulnerability to risks of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers, either through: (1) transitional emergency employment; and (2) promotion of entrepreneurship and community enterprises. Last year, 292,853 individual beneficiaries, or more than a quarter of a million Filipinos, benefited from the DILEEP. “We are working very hard to face head-on the unemployment problem and decisively working with other government agencies to address the problem of jobs mismatch by implementing programs on employment facilitation, enhancing employability, strengthening social protection, and promoting and sustaining industrial peace that will attract investments that further create jobs,” she said.
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"Tuloy ang laban, tuloy ang SAF" - Roxas
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
Malaki ang tiwala ni Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas na maibabalik ang Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) sa dati nitong lakas, sa kabila ng nangyari sa Mamasapano, Maguindanao na nagdulot nang pagpanaw ng 44 na kasapi nito. “Bilang isang pamilya, andito tayo para unti-unti nating tahakin itong mga darating na araw, linggo at buwan hanggang sa masagot natin ang bawat katanungan, hanggang maibalik natin ang kumpiyansa sa PNP-SAF,” ani Roxas. Kaugnay nito, isa-isang binisita ni Roxas ang pamilya ng mga yumaong kasapi ng PNP-SAF upang mapanatag ang kanilang loob, at para ihatid ang tulong mula sa pamahalaan. “Hindi na natin maibabalik ang kanilang mga mister, anak, at kapatid. Ang magagawa na lang natin ay siguruhing nasa ayos ang kanilang mga pamilya kaya sisiguraduhin nating mapapasakanila ang tulong ng pamahalaan,” sabi ni Roxas. Nauna nang dinalaw ni Roxas sa kanilang mga tahanan ang pamilya ng mga nasawing SAF na nagmula sa Hilagang Luzon, partikular ang pamilya nina PO2 Noble Sungay Kiangan at PO1 Angel Chocowen Kodiamant sa Benguet, PO2 Walner Faustino Danao at PO2 Peterson Indongsan Carap sa Baguio City, PO2 Omar Agacer Nacionales sa La Union, at PO2 Ephraim Garcia Mejia sa Pangasinan. Kinausap na rin ni Roxas ang mga kasapi ng SAF upang linawin na magkakaroon ng kasagutan ang bawat katanungan tungkol sa nangyari sa Mamasapano at makakaasa ang buong PNP-SAF, mga pamilya ng mga namatayan, at ang buong bansa na hindi maisasantabi ang pagkamatay ng mga nasabing pulis para sa bayan. “Nasa atin, nasa SAF, kung ito ang magsisilbing dahilan ng pagkakawatak-watak ng pangkat, o kung ito’y magiging isang hamon, inspirasyon at alala-ala sa 44. Ito ang magpapalakas sa atin,” ani Roxas.
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DSWD cites top LGU users of database of poor families
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, awarded the first Gawad Listahanan to the Municipal Government of Dalaguete, Cebu; Escalante City, Negros Occidental; and, Ilocos Norte on January 29 during the Department’s 64th anniversary celebration. Gawad Listahanan is an award conferred to local government units (LGUs) that have registered the most number of beneficiaries of their locally-funded programs using the Listahanan database of poor families. Listahanan is an information management system that makes available to national government agencies, local government units, and other social protection stakeholders a comprehensive list of poor families in need of assistance. “This award recognizes the significant efforts of our data users, and celebrates their success in ensuring the protection and improving the quality of life the poor,” said DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan G. Cesante received the award for the municipal category. The town entered the locally-funded program known as the Local Government Institutional Support Services for Transformation Advancement (LISSTA) that provides educational assistance like school supplies and scholarship grants to Listahanan identified-poor students at the elementary, high school, and college levels. Escalante City Councilor Virgie A. Pastor received the award for the city category. The city implements the Indigency Program, which provides Listahanan-identified poor families with hospital, medical, and burial assistance. For the provincial category, Corazon Lilian C. Rin, Head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Ilocos Norte, received the award. Ilocos Norte has established the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) program using the Listahanan as basis for its local situation analysis, planning, beneficiary selection, monitoring and evaluation of local poverty issues and response mechanism. Some projects under the MDG program include Scholar ni Manang Imee, Animal Dispersal, and Medical and Dental Mission, among others. Gawad Listahanan winners received a plaque of appreciation and cash incentive of P50,000.
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DSWD aids families displaced by Mamasapano clash
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to assist families from six barangays of Mamasapano, Maguindanao who have fled their homes because of the encounter between government troops, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). To date, DSWD Field Office XII has provided 3,600 family food packs given as augmentation to the Municipality of Mamasapano through DSWD-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Secretary Haroun Al-Rashid A. Lucman. About 66 families composed of 330 persons are currently staying at the Barangay Daladap Madrasah Evacuation Center; while 1,258 families or 6,290 persons opted to stay at their friends/relatives’ houses. DSWD also extended P25,000 burial assistance to each of the family of the four civilians who died. The four other civilians who were injured are each given P10,000 financial assistance . The Department, in close coordination with the affected local government units (LGUs), continues to conduct validation and assessment of additional needs of the families.
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DepEd, USAID to expand educ access for OSYs, students in conflict-affected areas
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed the bilateral agreement for Basic Education Programs aiming to increase access to quality education for vulnerable populations such as out-of-school youth (OSY) and students in conflict-affected areas. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that through this partnership, the Department will be able to open opportunities not only for students with special needs and pre-primary students but also to OSYs and students who reside in conflict-affected areas. He added, “Our mandate is to provide every Filipino child with access to quality education.” DepEd Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Alberto Muyot said, “Education is the primary driver of development.” He added that education should be inclusive and should serve everyone, “especially the least, the lost, and the last.” US Embassy deputy chief of mission Brian Goldbeck said, “This bilateral education agreement will sustain and reinvigorate our combined efforts to ensure that the Philippines continues its rise as regional and global leader in this new century.” “Education is a shared responsibility,” Muyot said. He urged the public to take a stand in education and take an active part in shaping the future that every Filipino learner deserves. Under the agreement, DepEd and USAID will provide life skills training to youth, promote community engagement and peace education, increase capacity of teachers and youth leaders to meet the education needs of youth and vulnerable population through alternative learning areas affected by crisis and conflict. The partnership intends to strengthen education governance at both national and local levels. It also aims to empower the local government units, communities, and stakeholders to deliver education and training service for OSYs and to increase OSY employability by providing equitable access to relevant education and skills training. The program also aims to improve learning outcomes in reading, science and mathematics instruction, diagnostics, and teaching and learning materials.
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Philippines Joins 14th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers Meeting in Bangkok
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
04 February 2015 - A delegation of Philippine Information and Communications Technology (ICT) officials, led by Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo, attended the 14th ASEAN Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministers (TELMIN) Meeting, which was held from January 22 to 23 in Bangkok, Thailand. Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia and Minister and Consul General Edgar Badajos joined the Philippine delegation in the meeting’s opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was presided over by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who said, in brief remarks, that “with the help of its dialogue partners, ASEAN can achieve the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 2015 Master Plan and further improve the lives of our people.”
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Philippines thanks Thai TV channel for Yolanda assistance
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
04 February 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, accompanied by Minister and Consul General Edgar Badajos, with Thai TV Channel 7 Assistant Managing Director and Acting News Manager Somkiat Charoenpinyoying on January 28 to personally hand over the original letter of thanks from Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman for the television company’s financial donation to the victims of typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. During the meeting, the Ambassador reiterated the Philippine Government’s gratitude for the company’s financial assistance to the typhoon victims. The Ambassador was also interviewed about the Philippine Government’s efforts to help the typhoon victims and how it can help or is helping other countries in addressing similar risks posed by natural disasters. She said that the Philippine Government has invested in Doppler radars and related equipment to improve the country’s weather-forecasting capability. She added that efforts are ongoing to rebuild safer homes for those who were displaced by the typhoon. Ambassador Batoon-Garcia likewise said that Philippine representatives share the country’s experiences in dealing with natural calamities in international conferences to encourage other countries to adopt strategies to minimize the extent of damage caused by similar disasters.
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DOST's die and mold center to help advance manufacturing industry
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is expected to gear up the manufacturing industry a little faster as the Die and Mold Solution Center (DMSC) – a one-stop solution for die and mold design and fabrication – starts running within the year. DMSC is one of the featured DOST programs and projects during the “Agham na Ramdam”, a series of media briefings which highlights the Science Department’s program milestones and updates. “Agham na Ramdam” is organized by the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute The facility, housed inside DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center, is a project under the Makinarya at Teknolohiya Para sa Bayan or MakiBayan Program. It is a one-stop center for die and mold fabrication, allowing for a shorter production turnaround time at a relatively lower cost, thus avoiding the previous costly practice of sending die and mold designs overseas for fabrication. The center hopes to create a significant impact on the local metals and allied industries as well as in the manufacturing sector. Die and mold fabrication is a key element in the manufacturing industry but a major capability gap among the local metals industry. “Every product starts with the die and molds,” says Philip Ang, president of the Philippine Die and Mold Association, emphasizing the importance of the die and mold sector. This sector of the metals and allied industry takes care of the cutting and shaping of parts that are put into a press to enable the mass production of the final product. Manufacturers usually send out die and mold designs abroad for fabrication as this service was not previously available in the country. This resulted in costly and longer manufacturing process as fabricated die and molds take much time to be shipped back. Consequently, this gap marred the growth of the metals and allied industries in the country. The manufacturing industry in the past three decades was dramatically on the decline due to weak infrastructure support, and research and development. Also, the global free trade has hit the local industry hard in the latter part of 1990. However, with the government’s revitalized vision supported by a pool of local experts, DOST looks forward to DMSC helping the local manufacturing industry accelerate in the global manufacturing supply chain. (S&T Media Service)
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SSS sees growth in membership in Central Visayas
Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph
“We are happy to report that our efforts to cover workers in every sector present in those areas are showing positive results. Other than the self-employed, we also recorded about 72,538 new members from the employed sector,” President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. De Quiros said. Over the past three years, the SSS has been aggressive in its campaign to cover members of informal sector and workers' groups and those in far-flung areas, De Quiros said. "Anyone without social security is vulnerable to life's vicissitudes and efforts such as these must be made to help them secure their future from financial hardships." Since 2012, more than 7,412 workers from 78 informal sector groups and associations within the region were covered as self-employed members under the SSS AlkanSSSya program, a microsaving scheme that offers its members a convenient way to contribute to the SSS by dropping as low as P12 per day in individual coin slots in a secured metal cabinet. Similarly, contributions collected from members in Central Visayas from January to November 2014 jumped by double-digit percentage, registering P7 billion or 14.4 percent higher than the same period in 2013. The biggest amount that was collected came from the employed sector at P6.2 billion, followed by the self-employed and voluntary members at P780 million. Meanwhile, the SSS has released P5.6 billion in payments for social security and employees' compensation benefits of members in Central Visayas. Nearly 90 percent of the amount or P5 billion was paid for the regular pensions for retirement, death and disability “Members in Central Visayas also received P11.2 million in lumpsum and initial payments for retirement, P115.9 million for death, P241.4 million in funeral grants, P19.8 million for disability, P120.5 million for maternity, and P26.6 million for sickness,” De Quiros said. At present, the SSS has 11 branches and six service offices strategically located within the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Samar and Leyte.​
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DENR taps Ateneo expertise in gauging NGP's impact Vs Climate change
Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has tapped the expertise of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) to gauge the actual impact of the government’s massive reforestation program in addressing climate change. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the ADMU will help the agency in assessing the effectiveness of the National Greening Program (NGP) in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which contribute to global warming and weather extremes. Under the DENR’s GHG-NGP project, a deal to hire the services of ADMU was finalized on January 23 during a contract signing between DENR Assistant Secretary Corazon Davis and ADMU president Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. The project forms part of a bigger program that aims to institutionalize and improve climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. “We recognize the expertise of ADMU and its willingness to assist us in this project, which seeks to assess just how effective a strategy the NGP is in climate change mitigation and adaptation, particularly through carbon sequestration or reducing GHGs that actually make it to the atmosphere,” Paje pointed out. NGP is the flagship reforestation program of the Aquino administration that aims to cover 1.5 million hectares with trees by 2016. It also serves as a mechanism for climate change mitigation to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide and other GHGs. GHGs are atmospheric gases that absorb and emit radiation in a greenhouse effect, causing global warming which, in turn, leads to climate change. A periodic inventory of GHGs provides information that can be used to formulate policies and assess progress on climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. As provided in its service contract, the ADMU is expected to deliver projection reports on GHG emissions from production and consumption processes, as well as an assessment on the carbon sequestration of forests. The data will be presented in technical and documentation reports, as well as a website that will be put up specifically for the project. ADMU will also train and orient all stakeholders involved in the project. Moreover, the university will come up with an inventory of the GHG emissions of Malacañang as a pilot office in institutionalizing the Philippine GHG Inventory Management and Reporting System, by virtue of Executive Order No. 174 issued by President Benigno Aquino III in November last year. The DENR, on the other hand, will assign its GHG-NGP team to oversee ADMU’s performance, review outputs and assist in the coordination with other concerned government agencies. The department will also disseminate results, as needed, for the public and other stakeholders to appreciate. ADMU will receive P7.59 million for its services, which Paje described as “acquired through a bidding process that is aboveboard and strictly conforms to government regulations on procurement of consulting services.”
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Western Visayas receives multi-million agri assistance
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala turned-over to the Barotac Nuevo Development Cooperative (BNDC) the P7.5-million worth rice processing center (RPC) located at Barangay Monpon, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. “RPC I, which aims to increase farmers’ income, will not only benefit the members of the BNDC, but will also serve non-members from nearby municipalities and provinces within the Western Visayas region,” Alcala said. “The government is sincere in its mission of helping you (rice farmers) increase income, and so we wanted to help you reduce your post-harvest losses,” he added. “Our experts tell us that we may be able to increase milling recovery from the existing 58% to 65% with the help of this facility,” the Agri chief said. According to DA-Region VI Director Larry Nacionales, the RPC I will provide drying and milling facilities, which will result to an increased milling recovery by 7%. “It has the capability to mill eight tons of paddy rice at an 8hours/day operation, benefitting more than 200 farmers, and servicing around 263 hectares rice areas,” he said. During the ceremonies, Alcala challenged the officers of the co-op to invest in a combine harvester and stand as a service provider for member and non-member farmers. “By being service providers, you not only lead the mechanization and modernization of your rice lands but assist other farmers to attain success,” he said. Alcala announced that the combine harvester may be procured by the BNDC on an 85%:15% sharing scheme with DA, with DA shouldering 85% of the cost and the co-op sharing a 15% equity. Alcala expressed his gratitude to local farmers who have maintained a strong partnership with the Department of Agriculture in ensuring increased and quality rice produce for three consecutive years. Based on records, Iloilo—the rice granary of the Western Visayas region, attained 126% rice sufficiency level in 2012. It also contributed 36% to the total rice production in Western Visayas on 2014 with a total yield of 855,000 metric tons. In 2013, despite of the calamities that hit the province, it was able to maintain a 3rd place rank among rice-producing provinces in the region. While in Iloilo, Alcala also inaugurated a P10-M slaughterhouse located in Brgy. Tabuc Suba. The project supports the Food Safety Act and aims to improve the local animal industry of the province. Alcala, in his message, urged all stakeholders to use and maximize the facility in order to improve skills on slaughtering and meat handling. He added that while the Philippines is slowly gaining ground in the international markets, livestock raisers must take advantage of the opportunity. National Meat Inspection Service Director Minda Manantan announced that last year alone, the local meat industry was able to penetrate six foreign markets including South Korea, Japan, Brunei, the United Arab Emirates, Slovak and Russia. Prior to the inauguration of the Barotac Nuevo Slaughterhouse the government of Russia expressed interest in importing Philippine cattle, hog and poultry products.
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TESDA offers scholarships to kin of SAF men
Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
The 44 members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force who perished in clash in Maguindanao -- all heroes on the battlefield -- would not be forgotten, and so are their families. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) announced that it is offering scholarships for any qualified dependents of the troops based on the government's Social Services Program for the Families of Killed in Action (KIA) Soldiers and Police Personnel. "We are expressing our prayers for the bereaved families of the SAF men. The nation is grateful for the sacrifices of our troops," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. "These scholarships for free technical vocational education will be a lasting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice," Villanueva added. The wounded SAF men and their dependents, he said, could also avail of the scholarships. On Thursday, January 29, the remains of the fallen SAF men arrived at the Villamor Airbase from Mindanao, and were given full state honors. They were accorded medals of valor and spot promotion. "The people left without a father, husband, son, friend -- they are the quiet casualties of war," Villanueva said. "Giving educational assistance to the families of the SAF commandos would help them for the rest of their lives," he added. During the necrological services for the SAF men last January 30, Villanueva accompanied President Benigno Aquino III in personally condoling and talking to the family of each of the SAF men. "The President assured them that alongside efforts to give them justice, the government will also make available the assistance they deserve," the TESDA chief said. Villlanueva said he has instructed all concerned TESDA provincial and district offices to get in touch with the dependents of the SAF men and discuss the scholarship opportunities available to them. TESDA has a variety of courses in which the trainees can learn new skills for employment or to start a business of their own. The scholarships can come from any of TESDA’s major programs such as the Training for Work Scholarship Program, Private Education Student Financial Assistance and the Special Training for Employment Program, which cater to specific needs and qualifications of the grantees.
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USFDA issues recall notice for Gala, Granny Smith apples
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The United States Food and Drugs Administration (USFDA) is recalling Gala and Granny Smith Apples that are produced or exported by the California-based company Bidarth Brothers for being associated with the “Listeriosis Outbreak”. The agency has received information that batches of these apples may have been shipped to the Philippines. Per its recall notice, the USFDA said there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to these goods will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The agency, however, does not have the capacity to follow-up on recalled product(s) that may have been shipped internationally. For this reason and for the interest of public health, USFDA instead provided information so that the suitable agencies can follow-up, as they deem appropriate, to assure that products are removed from commerce in the area.
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DTI works to revive jewelry industry through SSF
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry-Compostela Valley (DTI-Comval) is working towards the revival of the local jewelry industry through its Shared Service Facility (SSF) initiative. Considered as the One Town One Product (OTOP) in the town of Monkayo, the industry is surely a vital component of its economy. DTI-Comval Officer-in-Charge Lucky Siegfred M. Balleque said that the aim of reviving the jewelry-making business gets a boost as the office has provided machines and equipment through its SSF Project. “Once a thriving cottage industry in the town known for its gold-rich mountain of Diwalwal, jewelry-making business declined after Typhoon Pablo swept the municipality to ruins last 04 December, 2012. The calamity brought the town into survival mode, prioritizing food and shelter before anything else,” he said. With jewelry being considered more of a luxury than a necessity, jewelry-makers stopped producing and looked for other trade and livelihood options that they know will give them food to eat right away. Apart from this scenario, the Jewelry Training Center established by the local government unit (LGU) of Monkayo was also completely destroyed by the typhoon, taking away the jewelry-making tools and equipment and the structure that serves as the training ground for future artisans. “Even before Typhoon Pablo happened, DTI-Comval has already conceptualized the establishment of an SSF in Monkayo to cater to micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in jewelry trade,” Balleque said. The facility is envisioned to become a production center to produce various designs of jewelry in volume. To ensure that the project will take off, DTI-Comval identified an association of jewelry makers as the project cooperator. However, the identified association was not able to come up with its counterpart, forcing the office to look for another co-operator. Fortunately, the LGU Monkayo accepted the DTI offer to become the co-operator for the project. Exactly two years after Typhoon Pablo devastation, the long dreamed jewelry-making production center has finally materialized. The SSF project for jewelry-making was formally launched in Monkayo on 04 December 2014. DTI provided almost half a million worth of jewelry-making machines and equipment to make volume production possible for small jewelry makers not only in Monkayo but for neighbouring areas as well. Balleque and Monkayo Mayor Joselito Brillantes signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during a simple ceremony made as one of the activities to also commemorate Typhoon Pablo anniversary in Monkayo. Balleque said that despite the disasters and other challenges, the DTI would not let this industry be neglected, being not only the OTOP of Monkayo but of the province as well. Thus, DTI is working hard to revive the jewelry-making industry thru its SSF project.
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Government keeps inflation target at 3 + 1 percentage point for 2015 - 2016 and approves inflation target of 3 + 1 percentage point for 2017 - 2018
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
In line with the inflation targeting approach to the conduct of monetary policy, the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) through its Resolution No. 2015 – 1 dated 27 January 2015, decided to keep the current inflation target at 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2015 – 2016 and approved the inflation target of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2017 – 2018. The government’s inflation target is defined in terms of the average year-on-year change in the consumer price index (CPI) over the calendar year. The multi-year target presents a long-term view on inflation and fosters greater predictability which helps economic decision-making by businesses, households, and other economic agents. The announcement of the target is in line with the BSP’s commitment to greater transparency and accountability in its conduct of monetary policy. The current 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point fixed annual target for 2015 – 2016 set by the Government remains well attuned to the dynamics of the Philippine economy. In particular, this target is consistent with the country’s economic growth objective of 7.0 – 8.0 percent for both years. The approved medium-term inflation target of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2017 – 2018 is based on the recent assessment of current and prospective inflation trends which indicates a manageable outlook over the medium term. Structural changes in inflation dynamics and improvements in the economy’s productive capacity support a low inflation environment that is consistent with the economy’s growth trajectory. Inflation has been within target in the last six years and is expected to remain so over the medium term. Moreover, the BSP’s credible commitment to price stability has kept inflation expectations well anchored to the target. Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor price developments to ensure that the monetary stance remains appropriate in keeping inflation within target, thus safeguarding price stability.
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