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| President Aquino greets Filipino-Chinese community
on Lunar New Year |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday sent his greetings to the
Filipino-Chinese community as they welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year.
“My warmest greetings to the Filipino-Chinese Community, as you gather in
observance of the Chinese New Year,” the President said in his message.
“Your government joins you as you celebrate the Lunar New Year, as it
enriches your unique heritage, sustains the diversity of our nation, and
stands as an embodiment of the harmony that mutual respect and goodwill can
achieve,” he said.
The Filipino-Chinese community is set to celebrate the Year of the Wooden
Goat on Thursday.
“May the festivities reinforce the values and qualities that enabled your
community to contribute to a more vibrant Philippines; may it forge a
stronger Filipino nation that is conscious of diversity and united in
purpose,” said President Aquino. PND (ag) |
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| Palace appeals for calm amid reports of
security threats via text messages |
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The Palace on Wednesday called on the public to remain
calm following reports that text messages warning people of bomb threats
were circulating in Metro Manila.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. assured the people that the
police is ready to keep the peace in the country.
“Nananawagan po kami na manatiling mahinahon ang ating mga mamamayan at
huwag maligalig sa mga kumakalat na text.
Tinututukan ng Philippine National Police nang masinsinan ang sitwasyong
pangseguridad at tinitiyak na handang pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mga
mamamayan,” Coloma said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
He noted that the National Bureau of Investigation has a unit capable of
searching for the source of these text messages.
“Ang masasabi ko lang ay bahagi rin ng tungkulin ng pamahalaan ang pigilin
ang mga lumilikha ng ligalig at papanagutin din sila, dahil mayroon naman
tayong mga batas hinggil diyan,” he said.
Coloma also denied that the text messages were instigated by some forces in
the government.
“Wala pong ganyang ginagawa ang pamahalaan. Ang pamahalaan po ay
tagapangalaga ng seguridad at kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan at hindi po gagawa
ng mga walang kwentang aktibidad na katulad niyan,” he said. PND (jm) |
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| Return of seized weapons by MILF an
indication of goodwill, says official |
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A Palace official said the return of weapons seized by
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from slain SAF commandos in
Maguindanao is an indication of the rebel groups' sincerity to the peace
process but it must fulfill other obligations mentioned by the President in
his previous address.
"Ang pagsauli ng mga armas ay bahagyang tumutugon sa naunang panawagan ni
Pangulong Aquino na magpakita ng kongkretong katibayan ang MILF na sila ay
maaaring pagkatiwalaan bilang katuwang ng pamahalaan sa prosesong
pangkapayapaan," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Aside from returning the SAF weapons, Coloma said the MILF must also heed
other request of the President: help the government capture Basit Usman,
assist the government in the identification and prosecution of individuals
involved in the Mamasapano clash and return all the personal belonging taken
away from dead SAF commandos.
The SAF assault killed Abu Marwan, one of the targets of the operation but
Usman survived the raid. Maguindanao officials said Usman is wounded and
hiding in the province.
Asked by reporters if the government also wants the MILF to convince the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to return the firearms it seized
from the slain SAF personnel, Coloma said the President wants the MILF to
show its sincerity and its up to the group if it wants to persuade the BIFF
for the surrender of the weapons.
The MILF on Wednesday returned 16 firearms seized from the police SAF during
the deadly January 25 clash between Moro rebels and elite policemen in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
The weapons were turned over Wednesday at Camp Siongco of the 6th Infantry
Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, weeks after the clash that
killed 44 members of the Philippine National Police-SAF, 18 Moro rebels and
three civilians.
The police said a total of 63 firearms were lost during the Mamasapano
encounter.
During the Senate hearing last week, MILF for chief negotiator Mohagher
Iqbal said the MILF will return the firearms as well as personal belongings
of the slain SAF troopers after they finish thorough accounting of the
seized weapons.
He told lawmakers that the families of the dead MILF combatants initially
refused to return the weapons and the MILF leadership had to convince them
to surrender the firearms for the sake of the peace process. The rebel group
said 18 MILF died in the January 25 Mamasapano clash.
The BIFF, a splinter group of the MILF, said it seized 10 high-powered
firearms from the dead SAF members. The group said it will not return the
weapons captured from the government side.
Some lawmakers said that the deadly encounter could possibly derail the
ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF. PND (as) |
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| Former DSWD Sec,
Congresswoman, 5 others face PDAF probe |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Public Assistance and Corruption Prevention Office (PACPO)
of the Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal and administrative
complaints against former Representative Mary Mitzi Cajayon of
the 2nd district of Caloocan City, former Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Esperanza Cabral,
Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, Assistant Secretary Vilma Cabrera,
Director III Pacita Sarino, former Chief Accountant Leonila
Hayahay, and Cenon Mayor, president of Kalookan Assistance
Council, Inc. (KACI) in connection with the anomalous
utilization of Cajayon’s PDAF amounting to P10,000,000.00.
In the complaint, PACPO charges public respondents with
violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act) and Malversation. In addition,
administrative charges of Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of
Duty were filed against Montaño, Cabrera and Sarino, with prayer
for preventive suspension pending investigation. On the other
hand, Mayor faces charges of Malversation and Falsification of
Public Documents.
The complaint alleges that in 2009
Mayor submitted a Project Design on the implementation of a
comprehensive and integrated delivery of social services (CIDSS)
targeting marginalized individuals from Caloocan City as
beneficiaries of financial assistance consisting of medical,
hospitalization, transportation, calamity, death and burial
expenses, as well as small-scale livelihood, socio-cultural and
small-scale infrastructure assistance.
It further
alleges that on 05 May 2009, Cajayon wrote a letter to Cabral
personally endorsing the project and identifying KACI as project
implementor despite being unqualified as it is not a licensed
and accredited “people’s organization.” On the same day, a
Memorandum of Agreement was entered into between DSWD and KACI.
The first tranche amounting to P3,000,000.00 was released on 21
May 2009. Out of this amount, P600,000.00 was utilized as
overhead costs and administrative charges of KACI while the
remaining balance was used to procure tents, medicines, trophies
and balls worth P999,996.00 while P1.4 million was used as
financial and burial assistance. In July 2009, the second
tranche of P7,000,000.00 was released to KACI and the same
remains unliquidated.
The complaint avers several
violations in the utilization of the PDAF such as splitting of
contracts in the procurement of goods, falsified receipts and
delivery receipts, several beneficiaries denied receiving any
financial assistance, the supplier of goods Silver “A”
Enterprise is a non-existent business entity with no business
permit or registration from the Department of Trade and
Industry. It adds that KACI also has outstanding and
unliquidated cash advances totaling P23,100,000.00 for 2006 and
2007 which disqualifies it from receiving additional funds
pursuant to Commission on Audit Circular No. 2007-001. |
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| DAR adjudicator faces graft charge
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| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict a
provincial agrarian reform adjudicator for issuing an illegal
order causing the deprivation of land entitlement of several
farmers in Gov. Camins, Zamboanga City.
In a 10-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales
approved the filing of an Information for violation of Section
3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act
No. 3019) against Jesric Enriquez of the Department of Agrarian
Reform Adjudication Board (DARAB) – Region IX, Zamboanga City.
Records disclosed that in December 2004, DARAB Central Office
issued an Order awarding the parcel of land to its
tenant-tillers and directed the Archdiocese of Zamboanga as
owner to retain the tillers as lessees. However, on 13 August
2009, Enriquez issued an Order stating that the decision
promulgated by DAR Central Office on 20 December 2004 was no
longer enforceable due to the issuance of an Order of Conversion
made by the DAR Secretary in December 2006, reclassifying the
land as non-agricultural, hence, no longer covered by agrarian
reform. At that time, the land was still the subject of a
compromise agreement between the Archdiocese of Zamboanga City
and the tenant-tillers wherein upon finality, the tenants will
each receive a 1,000-square meter lot. Negotiations failed to
proceed after Enriquez issued the Order.
In finding probable cause, Ombudsman Morales said “the DAR
Decision of 20 December 2004 has already attained its finality”
hence, “an executory and final decision cannot be lawfully
altered or modified even by the court which rendered the same,
especially where the alteration or modification is material or
substantial” concluding that “the acts of Enriquez gave the
Archdiocese unwarranted preference or advantage to the prejudice
of the tenant-tillers.” |
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| Communities get P20.9-B support
via bottom-up budgeting; Governance conditions essential to
LGU-citizen engagement |
| Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
To empower communities and strengthen local governments, the
National Government has released P20.9 billion to various
agencies for the implementation of 14,300 Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB)
projects in cities and municipalities nationwide.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad said, “The DBM is always intensifying its campaign
for citizen participation in public spending. While the National
Government has the mandate to deliver public services, we want
to develop the capacity of local government units (LGUs) and
civil service organizations (CSOs). Through BuB, local
governments and CSOs can effectively respond to the different
needs of their communities.”
Though majority of the amount will be channeled to agencies like
the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Education (DepEd)
and the Department of Health (DOH), P2.83 billion will be
released by the DBM directly to the respective LGUs through the
Local Government Support Fund.
However, the release of these funds is conditional to LGU
compliance with the following governance conditions: a) not
receiving an adverse report from the Commission on Audit (COA);
b) compliance with the Full Disclosure Policy; and c) submission
of their LGU Public Financial Management Improvement Plan.
Currently, 573 cities and municipalities have yet to comply with
these governance conditions while 1,017 have already complied
with the requirements.
Abad said, “Political affiliation does not play any role in the
allocation and release of BuB funds for priority local projects.
Our only criterion is that LGUs comply with set governance
conditions. We urge local government officials to prioritize
their compliance with these conditions. Otherwise, their
allocated BuB funding will be forfeited.”
The BuB projects were first jointly identified by LGUs and local
CSOs through a participatory planning and budgeting exercise.
At a BuB forum in Vigan City last February 13 and attended by
almost 200 local chief executives from the Ilocos Region, Abad
delivered a presentation on the reform agenda of the
Administration and their goal of deepening the devolution to
LGUs.
Abad said during the forum: “Bottom-up Budgeting in the
Philippines is a landmark reform, because we are the first
country in the world that has implemented participatory
budgeting at the national level.”
Last September 2014, the Philippines was granted the Gold Open
Government Award for the BuB program in the inaugural Open
Government Partnership (OGP) Awards in New York City. The
country was recognized for its outstanding efforts to deepen
citizen engagement in the budget process. Along with Denmark and
Montenegro, the country was given one of the three gold awards
to recognize innovative and citizen-driven initiatives in
designing and implementing public policy. |
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| Dimasalang road works start |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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The road rehabilitation works involving concreting of pavement
and drainage improvement at Dimasalang Street in Sta Cruz and
Sampaloc, Manila has started.
According to DPWH-North Manila District Engineer Medel Chua, the
construction area covers some Dimasalang road sections spanning
V.G. Cruz, Cristobal, A. Maceda, Blumentritt, Becerra and Maria
Clara Streets.
Medel also said that construction period will take two (2)
months and is targetted for completion on April 17, 2015 or
within 60 calendar days.
To minimize traffic snarl as a result of lane reduction, DPWH
has divided the project implementation into two (2) stages.
Stage 1 involves the reconstruction of concrete pavement at
southbound inner lane within the area of District 3 - Sta. Cruz
side from Dimasalang bridge to the vicinity of Maria Clara
Street.
It also includes concreting works at northbound outerlane from
V. G. Cruz to Cristobal and at the one-way road portion of
Blumentritt, all within the area of District 4 – Sampaloc side.
Stage 1 is expected to be completed within the first 30 calendar
days.
Stage 2 which will commence upon completion of Stage 1 has
similar project limits in the first stage but covers the other
road lane with drainage improvement and repair of reinforced
concrete manholes.
Upon instruction of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, ten (10)
MMDA-trained traffic aides with two-way radio communication will
be employed by the contractor to augment existing Traffic
Enforcers of MMDA and Manila City Hall.
Manning the Dimasalang corner Maceda are four (4) traffic aides
while two (2) traffic aides each are assigned at Dimasalang at
the corner of Maria Clara, A.H. Lacson, and Aurora Boulevard. |
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| DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS raises new set of
environmental warriors |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan – The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), through Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive
and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one
of its major poverty alleviation programs, recently conducted a
forum in the city earlier this month to raise the environmental
awareness of its key officials and staff and its community
volunteers.
The workshop focused on the application of Kalahi-CIDSS’
Thematic Environmental Management Systems (TEMS) on
environmental challenges in island and coastal communities.
TEMS, which was developed in partnership with the Millennium
Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Millennium Challenge
Account-Philippines (MCA-P), is an environmentally-focused
project management system that enables Kalahi-CIDSS project
implementers, from its staff to its community volunteers, to
implement sub-projects that are environmentally responsible,
even as these are responsive to communities’ needs.
As a community-driven development (CDD) program, Kalahi-CIDSS
puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the
opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their
community’s development, including the implementation of
sub-projects that address their most pressing needs.
In most instances, the identified sub-projects of communities
are small-scale infrastructures such as bridges, foot paths,
health stations, school buildings, sea walls, and soil erosion
sub-projects. TEMS identifies mechanisms that guides
implementers to construct these sub-projects with minimal or no
adverse impact on the environment.
Aside from producing new environmental champions, Kalahi-CIDSS
also sought to develop the skills of existing local advocates
from its community volunteers, as in the case of Mark Bangco and
Marissa Nim, who both hail from Negros Oriental.
Both Bangco and Nim were recognized in Kalahi-CIDSS’ first “bayanI
Ka!” Awards, which took place last January 23.
The “bayanI Ka!” Awards is intended to recognize the efforts of
ordinary citizens and local government units for their
involvement in community development through Kalahi-CIDSS.
Both were given “bayanI Ka!” awards for environmental protection
and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). Nim was
awarded for her role in leading the implementation and
maintenance of their Kalahi-CIDSS water system in Barangay
Kauswagan in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.
Bangco, meanwhile, formed his organization, the Environmental
Movement for Earth, composed of students and out-of-school
youth, following his attendance in a TEMS training, to ensure
that residents of Pamplona, Negros Oriental are environmentally
responsible.
Said Bangco, “Climate changes, Kalahi-CIDSS changes. Paglabas ng
training, ibang-ibang ka na e. Nababago na ang buhay mo.
Prinsipyo, puso mo mababago. Environment talaga iisipin mo (You
become a different person after the training. Your life will
change. Your principles and your heart will change. You will
really think about the environment)”.
Bangco shared that he is one of the first community volunteers
who was trained in TEMS. |
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| Customs launches ‘bible’ for all
regulated products |
| Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
To help minimize corruption and make the importing process more
transparent, BOC has come up with a masterlist of all of the
regulated import products in the country and their corresponding
import requirements that can be downloaded online.
“Some importers and brokers would resort to bribery just to make
their transactions with the Bureau faster, and at the same time,
with little or no knowledge of the import process, traders are
often victimized or exploited by unscrupulous Customs employees.
By making the list of all regulated products and their
corresponding import regulations and required clearances /
permits readily available online, we are empowering the public
so they can transact with the Bureau with less hassle and at the
same time eliminate any room for corruption in our personnel,”
Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla said.
“There will be less legwork for importers and brokers as they
wouldn’t have to go from one agency to another just to inquire
about the permits / clearances needed for importation and at the
same time, our front-liners will be empowered as they now have a
single reference list for all regulated products. They don’t
have to guess what permits are needed for a certain product.
They won’t make the mistake of requesting for wrong or
unnecessary clearance / permit,” Sevilla said.
According to Sevilla, this is the first time that a single
reference list of all regulated products has ever been done.
“This is the first in the history of Customs that such a ‘bible’
of all regulated imports and their corresponding import
requirements has ever been compiled. This is truly a major step
in improving the Customs process.”
“By taking stock of all regulations, permits, and clearances of
various government agencies, we were able to see that many
products require clearances from multiple agencies. We are
hoping that this would also serve as a catalyst of change for
the different regulatory bodies to revisit their rules or
regulations so that in the future we can have unified clearances
for products that are presently requiring more than one permit
to import.”
The list of regulated imports can be downloaded by going to the
BOC website customs.gov.ph and clicking the banner BOC Regulated
Imports List. Just download all the links in one folder in your
computer to be able to access the list including the user’s
guide.
The downloadable imports list comes in three versions: by
specific product, by broad category product, and by the
regulating agency. All three lists contain information for over
7,400 regulated products ranging from basic commodities like
rice and sugar to vehicles, iron and steel products, oil, and
electronic goods, among others. Each row in the list corresponds
to one product. Also included in the row is the product’s
category, who can import it, its regulating agency, list of
prerequisite documents for Customs clearance, links to
regulating agencies’ clearances and permits, among others.
The BOC is advising importers and brokers to download and view
the Regulated Imports List as the Bureau will strictly implement
all the requirements shown in the list beginning April 20, 2015.
All imports of products included in the list must have the
required permits from the regulating agencies in the masterlist
before it can be cleared by Customs.
“Because the online masterlist will become the basis of all
involved in the importation of products—from the importers,
brokers, to the Customs personnel, we will make sure that the
list is updated if ever there are any changes in regulations,”
Sevilla said.
BOC has requested regulating government agencies that if there
will be changes in their regulations on imports, to inform BOC
at least one month in advance before implementation so that the
Bureau can reflect the changes in the master list.
The regulatory products master list web page was first announced
by Sevilla during the Economic Development Cluster Meeting last
Friday, February 13. |
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| SAF troopers’ families from Cebu receive
EC funeral benefits |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday said beneficiaries of two members of the Philippine
National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who died during
the Mamasapano incident have already received the funeral
benefits of their husbands under the Employee Compensation
program of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), an
agency of the DOLE.
“The amount of P20,000 each have been delivered to the families
of the two slain SAF members yesterday,” said Baldoz, citing a
report of DOLE Regional Office No. 7 Executive Director Exequiel
Sarcauga.
The regional office, through the ECC Employees’ Compensation
Commission (ECC), is the first among the DOLE regions to turn
over the funeral benefits to the widows of PNP-SAF members,” she
added.
In his report, Michelle D. Candano, wife of the late PO1 Windel
Candano, and Dr. Christine Cempron, wife of the late PO1 Romeo
Cempron, each received P20,000 in the form a check representing
the funeral benefit from the ECC in coordination with the
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
The delivery of the financial benefit took place at the GSIS
Regional Office No. 7 in the presence of Ma. Fatima Alvarez,
GSIS area manager; Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga; and
Ingrid Yumang and Exequiel Salcedo III of the ECC regional
office.
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis, in another
report, thanked the ECC’s regional staff for closely
coordinating with the GSIS for the prompt processing of the EC
claims of the families of the slain PNP-SAF members.
“We would also like to thank the GSIS in Cebu City, especially
Area Manager Ma. Fatima Alvarez, for its cooperation in the
speedy release of checks to the beneficiaries of the PNP-SAF
casualties,” Banawis said, adding that the beneficiaries of the
slain PNP-SAF troopers from General Santos City will receive
their funeral benefit checks today, 18 February.
“Release of checks for the beneficiaries from Zamboanga City and
Catanduanes are also scheduled for this week,” she added.
The ECC official also said she has mobilised all ECC regional
staff to coordinate with the families of PNP-SAF casualties and
with the GSIS branches where the checks will be released, and to
encourage the beneficiaries who are yet to receive the funeral
benefits to contact the ECC regional extension office in their
regions.
“After receiving the funeral benefits, the beneficiaries will be
asked to fill up a form that will start the processing of the
death benefits of their relatives,” Banawis said.
Under the Employees’ Compensation Program, uniformed personnel
of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of
Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP) who are injured, get sick, or who die in the
line of work are entitled for loss of income benefits, medical
reimbursement, carer’s allowance, death, and funeral benefits.
“These benefits will be processed and released by the GSIS, the
administering agency of the ECP for the public sector,” Banawis
concluded. |
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| Baldoz cautions OFWS anew against
bringing stun guns, other prohibited devices while on travel |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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| Baldoz cautions OFWS anew against bringing stun guns, other
prohibited devices while on travel Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday strongly warned
anew overseas Filipino workers to refrain from carrying stun
guns, bullets, knives, and other objects or devices that can be
viewed as ‘threatening.’ The Secretary’s reiteration comes on
the heels of the recent report of Department of Foreign Affairs
Undersecretary Jesus I. Yabes informing the DOLE of the request
of the Hong Kong Police-Airport District to warn Filipino
nationals, especially seafarers, from bringing stunning devices
when travelling to or through Hong Kong’s ports, or to remove
such prohibited items before entering or transiting through the
territory. Secretary Baldoz said the Office of the DFA
Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) asked the
DOLE’s assistance in informing OFWS bound to Hong Kong to
caution them from carrying such prohibited items to avoid legal
sanctions and unnecessary delay in their journey. The DFA report
cites the information provided by the Philippine Consulate
General in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region saying
that stun guns and other devices, such as tear gas, bullets,
extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckle dusters, are
considered as “arms” under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance
of Hong Kong. “Their unlicensed possession is, upon conviction,
punishable by a fine of HK$100,000 and/or a maximum sentence of
14 years imprisonment,” the report stated. “The Hong Kong
authorities are particularly strict with the enforcement of said
Ordinance. All hand-carried and checked luggage of passengers
are subjected to security screening in the terminals,” the
report added. Secretary Baldoz enjoined all OFWs to abide by the
laws of their respective countries of destination to ensure
their safe and hassle-free stay. “Know the rules, respect the
laws and culture, and be always mindful of the updates and other
information from your respective Philippine embassies or
Philippine Overseas Labor Offices. Take to heart the learning
and the awareness you have acquired during the Pre-Departure
Orientation Seminars. It is a requisite to all OFWs leaving the
Philippines and our government’s institutional response to
protect you,” Baldoz said. |
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| Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcák to undertake Official Visit to the
Philippines |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
18 February 2015 – The Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister Miroslav Lajčák will undertake an official visit to the
Philippines from February 21 to 24.
This is the first visit to the Philippines by a high-level
Slovak delegation since 2001. This visit aims to strengthen
bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the Slovak
Republic through the inaugural political consultations, as well
as to expand trade relations. The Minister will also be
accompanied by a business delegation.
Minister Lajčák’s visit follows his successful meeting with
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on the sidelines
of the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Milan, Italy in
October 2014, during which the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
establishing the political consultations mechanism was signed.
The Philippines established diplomatic relations with the Slovak
Republic on 01 January 1993. As of September 2014, total trade
between the Philippines and the Slovak Republic amounted to
US$5.61 million. |
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| Philippines assumes
Chairmanship of ASEAN Consuls General Committee in Vancouver |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
18 February 2015 – Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R.
Ferrer has officially assumed the Chairmanship of the ASEAN
Consuls General in Vancouver (ACGV) Committee for 2015. The
Philippines succeeded Malaysia which chaired for 2014.
On February 12, Consul General Ferrer chaired the first monthly
meeting of the ACGV held at the Philippine Consulate General. In
attendance were the Consuls General plus one officer from the
Consulates of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
The Meeting agreed on the various activities and projects of the
ACGV lined up for 2015. These include the traditional events
like ASEAN Golf Tournament (AGT) and ASEAN Picnic. Over the
years, these two events have helped to bring the ASEAN community
in Vancouver closer and raised awareness of ASEAN among the
Canadian mainstream. They have also successfully raised funds to
support local charities and provide assistance to victims of
natural disasters in Southeast Asia.
Also on the agenda were new initiatives to increase ASEAN
awareness in Canada and promote economic cooperation,
particularly in view of establishment of the ASEAN Economic
Community in 2015. |
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| SSS meets Tagbilaran media and
stakeholders |
| Source:
https://www.sss.gov.ph |
|
Top Social Security System (SSS) officials met with employers
and members of the media during a stakeholders' forum and
Kapihan sa SSS in Bohol, Tagbilaran City this month.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr
led the panel of SSS officials to discuss updates on SSS
operations, particularly in Central Visayas region. The
stakeholders' forum and Kapihan sa SSS were part of the first
SSS Regional Visit for 2015 that is held regularly to get
feedback from members.
The photos show De Quiros with other SSS officials composed of
SSS Tagbilaran Branch Head Marino Talictic, SSS Vice President
for Member Services Mario Sibucao, SSS Senior Vice President for
Information and Technology Management Joel Layson, SSS Senior
Vice President for Administration May Catherine Ciriaco, SSS
Senior Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Eddie Jara, SSS
Assistant Vice President for Central Visayas Helen Solito, SSS
Vice President for Public Affairs and Special Events Marissu
Bugante, and SSS Media Affairs Department Manager III Ma. Luisa
P. Sebastian during their two-day regional visit for the
Stakeholders' Forum on February 3, and Kapihan sa SSS on
February 4 at the Bohol Tropics Resort in Tagbilaran City. |
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| DA furthers coco water production to boost
coconut industry |
| Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun harnessing the
potential of coconut water production as an additional way to
increase revenues from the coconut industry and improve lives of
the smallholder coconut farming sector.
Speaking at the recent inauguration of the Coco Water Processing
Technology, Pilot Testing and Business Incubation Facility at
the DA-Regional Field Office V in Camarines Sur, Agriculture
Secretary Proceso Alcala stressed that the coconut industry
discards about 85 percent of coconut water that could otherwise
be conserved and processed into value-added products.
Alcala said that coconut farmers should be given other ways to
source income from coconuts—not just with coconut oil, the cost
of which has depreciated over the years—and DA has identified
coconut water production as a feasible enterprise for them.
“Coconut farmers are the poorest in the agriculture sector. But
this time, we will use coconut to change the lives of coconut
farmers in the country through the non-traditional coco water,”
Alcala said.
The Secretary added that while processing coco water, the
facility may also be modified to extract virgin coconut oil and
manufacture coconut flour.
“Let’s look into these so we can maximize resources,” he added.
Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte meanwhile said that the
provincial government will extend its full support for the
project especially in packaging and promotion, highlighting the
role of coco water production in uplifting the lives of coconut
farmers.
“With Camarines Sur as a [growing] sports and tourism
destination, we can endorse the product to athletes and
tourists. Being natural, fresh and nutritious, the product can
become popular through word of mouth,” Villafuerte said.
According to Director Rex Bingabing of the Philippine Center for
Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the
Camarines Sur prototype will be set up as village-level
facilities near farming communities to be operated by farmer
cooperatives. In this way, farmers will directly benefit and
jobs will be created for the communities.
Secretary Alcala stressed that financial resources are needed to
replicate and scale-up the project in other coconut-producing
areas of the country. He then urged stakeholders to help DA come
up with data to convince the economic managers of the country to
endorse using part of the coco levy fund to develop the coco
water industry.
The facility was constructed through the concerted efforts of
the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), PhilMech,
DA-RFO5, Camarines Sur Provincial Local Government Unit and
Central Bicol University of Agriculture (CBSUA) to further test
and support the commercial viability of coconut water, improve
the profitability of coconut by-products and provide additional
income and livelihood to coconut farmers in the Bicol region and
eventually, in the whole country. |
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| DA trains farmers on machinery
handling |
| Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
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Some 50 members from different Farmer Associations (FAs) in
Zamboanga Peninsula came to attend the recent Technical Briefing
on Handling Farm Machinery and Postharvest Facilities conducted
by the Department of Agriculture through the Agri- Pinoy Rice
Banner Program at Casa Emsa, Tiguma, Pagadian City.
“This is a very timely activity as we need to sustain our Farm
Mechanization Program. One way to extend the life of our
machines is to have a deeper knowledge on how to maintain them.
As our farm technology is advancing, we need to upgrade our
knowledge in handling these tools,” Zamboanga del Sur
Agricultural Program Coordinator, Mr. Carlito A. Larubis said.
“The Farm Mechanization Program is necessary in attaining our
mission to reduce poverty, generate jobs, increase farmers’
income and produce sufficient, accessible and affordable rice
for all,” added Mr. Maximino de Jose, District 1 Rice Banner
Coordinator.
Engr. Brandon M. Mentolaroc, Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) Science Research
Analyst (SRA) presented the technical requirements of operating
and maintaining selected agricultural machines for rice, and
determine basic operational requirements and scheme in the
operation of agricultural machinery for rice as service
providers.
The participants were also trained on determining the basic
technical and financial requirements of operating selected
agricultural machinery for rice as service provider on land
preparation, planting, harvesting, drying and milling.
Mr. Tilo Abanil, President of Upper Tiparak Farmer Service
Provider was grateful in attending the said activity and said,
“this training is very helpful to all of us because we are
trained not only to properly handle our machines but also to
handle our finances. We hope to acquire and operate additional
agricultural machinery to sustain our FAs.” (Inelin R. Cabeguin/
DA-9) |
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| DOLE’s OSHC meets with LGUs on
construction safety issuances |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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A summit for health and safety in construction
DOLE’s OSHC meets with LGUs on construction safety issuances
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday lauded the Occupational Safety and Health Centre
(OSHC) for ‘drawing into the circle of construction safety and
health’ local government units so that they can better
understand and appreciate why the DOLE is so serious in ensuring
the safety and health of workers in all workplaces, including
construction.
“It is high time. It is timely. And it is relevant,” said Baldoz
as the OSHC convened yesterday a ‘summit’ and workshop on the
inter-agency Memorandum of Agreement-Joint Administrative Order
(MOA-JAO) on construction safety at the OSHC in Diliman, Quezon
City.
Baldoz said this observation about the ‘summit’ as the
government, through the DOLE, is dealing with a spate of
construction accidents that she said were “totally avoidable and
preventable” if all stakeholders share a common goal of
construction health and safety.
Representatives of local governments in the National Capital
Region and Regions 3 and 4-A attended the summit cum workshop.
Also present were representatives of agency-signatories to the
inter-agency MOA-JAO, namely, Departments of Labor and
Employment, Public Works and Highways, Interior and Local
Government, and Trade and Industry (Construction Manpower
Development Foundation and Philippine Contractors Accreditation
Board), and the Professional Regulation Commission, who reported
on updates and accomplishments since the MOA JAO was signed in
2011. The OSHC reported on the results of the Safety Patrol
Program conducted jointly with DOLE Regional Offices in 2012.
“It has been four years since the MOA-JAO on construction safety
was agreed to be implemented, and it is high time that we check
how much has been done in ensuring the safety of our workers in
the construction industry. This was an opportunity to review
what has been done in local governments and in reinforcing the
rules and regulations to strengthen the OSH strategies in this
highly hazardous industry,” said OSHC Executive Director Ma.
Teresita S. Cucueco, MD.
The 2011 MOA-JAO included the commitments and responsibilities
of the signatory agencies to harmonize policies and programs
that they implement for workers’ safety, health, and protection.
For the DOLE, its task was to decentralize the approval of the
Construction Safety and Health Program (CHSP) from the Bureau of
Working Conditions (BWC) to DOLE Regional Offices, which should
evaluate CHSP application within five days upon receipt of the
complete requirements from the contractor/s.
The DOLE Regional Offices, on the other hand, are tasked to
conduct the necessary site inspection for verification of
compliance, while the BWC shall maintain a data base of all
on-going constructions projects and prepare a consolidated
monthly report of all inspection activities.
The MOA-JAO also require that violations are to be reported to
PCAB for blacklisting of errant contractors, pursuant to R. A.
4566 (Contractors’ Licensing Law) and its implementing rules.
On its part, the DPWH had issued Memorandum Circular No. 2 on
March 2011 instructing all local building officials to require
the submission of a DOLE-approved CSHP prior to the issuance of
all building permits.
The DTI-PCAB requires all authorized managing officers (AMOs) of
the contractors to take the 40-hour Construction Safety Training
Course as a requirement for the issuance of a contractor’s
license. The DTI-CMDF also assists the DOLE by offering a safety
and health orientation course for AMOs and the conduct of a
one-day safety orientation seminar for construction workers. It
is also tasked to develop and institutionalize a data management
system for all construction workers and contractors that have
undergone construction safety orientation seminar.
All LGUs have already been directed by the DILG to comply with
the requirements of DOLE’s D.O. 13, s. 1998, D.O. 18 and Rule
1020 of the OSHS and the licensing requirements of the DTI-PCAB.
Through DILG Memorandum Circulars 2004-65 and 65-A, all
contractors, sub-contractors, and specialty contractors are
required to secure first a license from PCAB before engaging in
any construction activity in the country.
Meanwhile, The PRC provides technical assistance in the conduct
of safety monitoring at the worksite, through its Regulatory
Boards and in coordination with the Local Building Officials and
DOLE Regional Offices.
The signatory-agencies to the MOA-JAO have established an
inter-agency task force with members composed of DOLE,
DTI-CMDF-PCAB, DPWH, DILG, and PRC. Its task was to formulate
and recommend policies and measures for the effective
implementation of D.O. 13 and the OSHS.
Baldoz expressed hope that the ‘summit’ cum workshop has
refreshed the participants on their respective roles in the
implementation of the MOA-JAO.
“It behooves us to see to it that this all-encompassing and
comprehensive strategy will result to less or no accident in all
construction sites in the country, which is for the ultimate
benefit of our workers,” she said.
Any question on this release? Please contact Ma. Teresita S.
Cucueco, MD, CESO III, executive director, Occupational Safety
and Health Center, North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman,
Quezon City with telephone numbers 929-6036 to 39 and e-mail
address: oshc_dole@yahoo.com, oshcenter@dole.gov.ph |
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| Davao Oriental mayor faces
graft raps |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of criminal
charges for violation of Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 3019
against former mayor William Duma-an of Caraga, Davao Oriental
for requesting and receiving monetary benefit in exchange for
entering into a consultancy contract with RR Summit Consultants,
Inc. (RR Summit).
Records disclosed that in 2010, Duma-an visited the residence of
Roseller Macayra, Chief Executive Officer of RR Summit, to
discuss its three percent service fee as consultant on the
municipality’s P110,000,000.00 loan facility for the
construction of the Caraga public market, terminal and
commercial complex project.
After assuring RR Summit that the consultancy project will push
through, Duma-an requested several loans amounting to
P2,000,000.00 which was deposited in his personal bank account.
According to Duma-an, he obtained the loan “so he could pay the
debts incurred in the May 2010 elections,” and was formalized
thru a notarized contract with loan confirmation and promissory
note. Despite demand, Duma-an failed to make any payment to RR
Summit.
In finding probable cause against Duma-an, the Resolution cited
that “in asking and receiving a loan of P2,000,000.00 from
complainant, he secured for himself a personal benefit, which he
was able to obtain by dangling the guarantee of releasing the 3%
service fee stated in the consultancy agreement between
complainant and the municipality.”
Section 3(b) of R.A. 3019 prohibits any public official from
requesting and/or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage
or benefit in connection with a contract or transaction with the
government wherein the public official has the right to
intervene in his official capacity under the law. |
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| TBs' NPL ratio improves |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The thrift banking industry’s gross non-performing loans (NPLs)
accounted for 4.52 percent of its total loan portfolio (TLP) at
end-September 2014. With the latest figure, the industry’s NPL
ratio sustained a quarter-on-quarter downtrend that began in
June 2013. Gross NPL ratios were 4.83 percent and 5.89 percent
at end-June 2014 and at end-September 2013, respectively.
Thrift banks’ (TBs) gross NPL ratio remained low due to a rise
in TLP and a decline in gross NPLs. At end-September 2014, the
industry’s TLP rose to Php 575.78 billion from Php 562.85
billion a quarter earlier. TBs’ gross NPLs, meanwhile, dropped
to Php 26.05 billion in September last year from Php 27.16
billion a quarter earlier.
Aside from keeping NPL levels in check, the industry also
maintained substantial reserves for potential credit losses. At
the end of the third quarter of 2014, the industry’s loan loss
reserves represented 74.38 percent of its gross NPLs, higher
than the 70.27 percent posted at end-June last year.
Moreover, TBs’ NPL levels also remained manageable across
economic sectors as gleaned from real estate, renting and
business activities; loans to individuals for consumption
purposes; financial intermediation; wholesale and retail trade;
agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing; other community,
social and personal service activities; and manufacturing.
The decline in NPL levels indicate an improvement in the TBs’
loan quality. As bank supervisor, the BSP monitors banks’ loan
quality as part of its broader effort to promote sound risk
management among banks which is essential to maintaining the
stability of the financial system. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday met with the families
of the 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force killed in an
encounter in the town of Mamasapano, Maguindanao, on January 25.
Also in the photo is Secretary Manuel Roxas of the Department of
Interior and Local Government. The meeting between was held at the
Philippine National Police Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame,
Quezon City. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Benjie Basug / Malacanang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic
and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State
Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). (Photo
by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic
and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State
Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in
photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez,
Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Paje. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the National Economic and Development
Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the
Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez,
Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Public Works and Highways
Secretary Rogelio Singson and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary
Arsenio Balisacan. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of
the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez,
Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Jesus Paje and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by
Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of
the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are
Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose
Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and
Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary
Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia
Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman
Francis Tolentino and Mindanao Development Authority chairperson
Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the National Economic and Development
Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the
Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are
Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management
Staff Head Julia Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority
chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Transportation and Communications
Secretary Joseph Abaya, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory
Domingo, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and
Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of
the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez,
Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon
Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential
Management Staff Head Julia Abad and Transportation and
Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, lead the ceremonial toasts
during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first
State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as His Excellency Joko
Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, delivers his message
during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan
Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February
09, 2015). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the
Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the
State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the
State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Monday (February 09).
This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, share a light moment
following their joint press statement at the Reception Hall of the
Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday
(February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the
Philippines. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, sign the Palace Guest Book
at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February
09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the
Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations
and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. Also in photo are Mrs.
Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy”
Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, witness the signing of
agreements at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the
State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is
President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The
Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and
cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Excellency
Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the
expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first
State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy
excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous
areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Malacañan Palace for the
State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is
President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The
Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and
cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the
Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Welcome Ceremony during the State
Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President
Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. With President Widodo
is wife Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo being introduce to Presidential
sisiter Maria Elena "Balsy" Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, greet Indonesian officials
during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on
Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit
to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent
bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas.
(Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, enjoy the cultural
presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace
Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first
State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy
excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous
areas. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency Joko
Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the courtesy
call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February
09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the
Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral
relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency Joko
Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, members of his
official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace
Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first
State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent
bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, review the honor guards
during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on
Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit
to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent
bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, honor the colors during the
welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February
09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the
Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral
relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the
Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President
Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and
Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate
extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo,
President of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Malacañan Palace
Grounds on Monday (February 9). This is President Widodo’s first
State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy
excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous
areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno Aquino III announces that suspected Jemaah
Islamiyah terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan has been
confirmed dead during the SAF operation in Brgy. Tukanalipao,
Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and accepted the resignation of suspended
PNP Chief Police Director General Allan Purisima during his message
on Friday (Frebruary 6) held at the President hall in Malacanang.
(Photo By Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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The APEC Senior Officials are gathered for a family photo at the
start of the 2-day formal Senior Officials’ Meeting at the Fontana
International Convention Center in Clark on Friday (February 6).
APEC Senior Officials will lay down the groundwork for policy
direction of APEC in 2015, that would reflect both the outcomes of
APEC 2014 in China, and build on the APEC Philippines 2015 theme of
“Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” PIA |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Memorare Manila 1945
Foundation, Inc. represented by founders Roderick McMicking Hall and
sister Consuelo McMicking Hall and Foundation President Ambassador
Juan Jose Rocha during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). Also in photo is former
Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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RT @secjoelv: Happening right now: PNoy ensuring all government agencies are working & complying with our… http://t.co/yNf5W4N0Zg
“Happening
right now: PNoy ensuring all government agencies are working &
complying with our commitments in helping the family members of our
fallen SAF…”
PIA | #Customs launches “bible” for all regulated products - http://t.co/1NbrBoZojP
MANILA,
Feb. 18 -- The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has come up with a masterlist
of all of the regulated import products in the country and their
corresponding import...
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May I have a permission to post This Site! Hi I'am Christine From Berkwil Construction Inc. I'm here to Propose about The Berkwil Construction Inc. In Berkwil Construction Inc. We have a Contractor, Interior Designer , Construction Service & Supply.
ReplyDeleteJust visit our website www.facebook.com/Berkwilconstruction
or contact us 455-16-21
I hope you are interested Thank you.