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President Benigno S. Aquino Speech at the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of the Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.
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SM MOA Complex, Pasay City
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27 March 2015
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Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
Tinanong po ako ni Kalihim Roxas kung darating ako ngayong araw sa inyong pagtitipon. Sabi ko, “Bakit naman ako hindi pupunta diyan? Nandiyan na nga si Dr. Alphonso Sy, sinamahan pa ni Dr. Cecilio San Pedro na ‘pag natapos nating pakinggan, fully-charged na po ako maski anong katapat. Haharapin ko ‘tong araw na ito, mao-osmosis na ako nitong dalawa at energized na rin ako. Siyempre, sayang rin ‘yung charging.
Since I assumed office in 2010, your federation has been one of those I have met with regularly. So perhaps you may have noticed how the way I address you has changed over time: Early on, we spoke mostly of what we intended to do over the course of our administration. Over the past few years, however, maybe you have noticed that we speak less about what we intend to do, and more about what has been done. Now, as I am a little more than a year away from stepping down from office, we see an even clearer picture of just how the work of our administration—together with the Filipino people—has transformed the economic landscape of our country for the better.
This list of what we have achieved together over these past four years and nine months is long: There is our Gross Domestic Product, which averaged a growth of 6.3 percent over the period 2010 to 2013, which is a stark improvement from the 4.3 GDP growth between 2006 to 2009. Our net Foreign Direct Investments likewise reached an all-time high in 2014, rising to $6.2 billion from just $1.07 billion in 2010. The international community has regained confidence in us. In 2013, the three most renowned credit ratings agencies unanimously granted us investment grade ratings, and since then, our credit ratings have continued to rise. We have also gone from being considered “the Sick Man of Asia” to being called “Asia’s Rising Tiger.”
Indeed, in such a short span, the Philippines has recaptured the imagination of the world, and I am certain that all of us want to build on our current momentum. Those of you in this room are all captains and lieutenants of your respective industries, and I wish to talk to you about the vital role you play in this regard, and in the future of Philippine commerce at large.
Not too long ago, the idea of maximizing profits was all about cutting down costs. And since a lot of the products we manufacture have labor as a primary value added component, cutting down costs meant keeping wages as low as possible. I submit, however, that this has the net effect of keeping the economy very small. After all, workers, in large part, are also consumers, and by limiting their wages, one also limits the purchasing power of the market. The true path to sustained profit and growth lies in empowering our workers. Increasing their disposable income increases demand, and therefore increases competition. It logically follows that this pushes companies to strive for greater productivity and efficiency, allowing them to become even more competitive, especially beyond our borders, which leads to growth for the economy-at-large. This is the approach that allows for a situation where, truly, everybody wins.
This is why the north star of our administration has always been inclusive growth, and why a large part of our economic strategy intersects with our social strategy. Over the course of our administration, we have nearly doubled the budget of the Department of Education, increased the budget of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority by 84 percent, increased the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development by a multiple of seven, and tripled our infrastructure budget. Might I note that we did this without raising taxes, apart from the sin tax. But of course, the appeal continues: Please pay the correct taxes.
Empowering these agencies has allowed us to double down on projects that expand the spectrum of opportunities for our people. There is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, for instance, which gives cash grants to our poorest 4.4-million families and households, on the condition that pregnant mothers go through health check-ups, and that children go to school, amongst others. Last year, we expanded this program to include households with high school-age children, after a study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies revealed that high school graduates earn about 40 percent more than those who only spent some years in elementary level.
There is also the Training for Work Scholarship Program under TESDA, who I know your Federation assisted with the construction of the Green Technology Center, which was turned over last week. The TWSP equips our people with the skills necessary to take advantage of the growing number of opportunities in our country, and under our administration, we have not just expanded it, we have increased its efficiency. The numbers are impressive: Over the course of our administration, TESDA has granted more than 1.4-million scholarships. Of course, this is considering that some of these scholars took multiple courses. Furthermore, due to Secretary Joel Villanueva’s active engagement with the relevant sectors, there has likewise been a very significant improvement in terms of employment rates. TWSP graduates, for instance, registered an employment rate of 70 percent in 2012, and has even reached nearly 96 percent in specific sectors. Compare this to the employment rate of all TESDA scholars from 2006 to 2008, which was just at 28.5 percent.
It is true that the primary goal of these programs is to provide opportunities to each and every Filipino willing to devote their time and energy to improving their lot in life. But there is an added bonus: an increase in empowered consumers, which bodes well for businesses like yours and the economy at large.
The members of the FFCCCII have always reached out to help their communities, whether it is through scholarship funds, or medical missions. Today, however, I am inviting you to do even more to help us empower the Filipino people.
When I was in the Legislature, I proposed a measure that called for businesses to share part of their net new profits with their employees. The thinking behind this was simple: Our business environment had reached a point where management and labor had become too adversarial. Where labor wanted more benefits, management wanted to minimize costs, leading to a seemingly endless tug-of-war, often at the expense of potentially lucrative opportunities for all. My intent was to make the antagonistic “you” versus “I” into a “we,” and the methodology was a system that rewards productivity, that allows all stakeholders to benefit from increased profits. I do not expect such a bill to be passed anytime soon, but perhaps your companies can take the initiative: make the effort to give your employees a little more, and it will serve to drive them to be even more productive, while at the same time spurring a virtuous cycle of trust, confidence, and sustained growth in terms of our economy.
Thus, I am hoping for your continued, if not increased, participation in the grand task of nation building. The Chinese people are known to place great value in family ties, very much like the typical Filipino. In fact, the Chinese usually expand the idea of family to cover multiple generations. The question I wish to leave with you today is this: When the time comes for us to leave this Earth, will the succeeding generations look to us and say, “Thank you for bequeathing to us a better world”? Or will they ask why we left them exactly the same set of problems if not more? I am certain that, like me, you want to be remembered as part of the solution and not the problem. Thus, I invite you: Let us continue working together, the way we did in the aftermath of Yolanda, and in solving the problem of the port congestion. Moving forward, I hope you will continue to partner with all our fellow countrymen and help steer our ship of state towards its rightful place in the sun.
Thank you. Good day. |
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| Women sector leads CAB anniversary celebration |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
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MANILA — Women’s groups marched in Quezon City yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“Ang laban para sa kapayapaan ay laban ng mga kababaihan. Panahon na upang iparinig natin sa buong sambayanan ang samang-samang tinig ng mga kababaihan (The fight for peace is part of the women struggle. The time is ripe for the whole nation to hear the collective voice of women on this issue),” proclaimed government peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.
Ferrer, who had suffered severe media and personal attacks for advocating the peace agreement during the public uproar over the Mamasapano incident, stressed that women are among those most affected by the armed conflict in Mindanao.
“Bagama’t walang pinipili ang giyera, isang katotohanan na ang mga kababaihan ang isa sa mga lubhang nahihirapan sa panahong tulad nito. Bukod sa pag-aalaga at paghahanap buhay para sa kaniyang pamilya’t anak, dumadagdag ang giyera sa pasanin ng babae (Even though war do not discriminate, that women are most affected by it remains a truism. Aside from working for and taking care of their families and children, war adds to the burden of women),” she said.
The march was a joint peace parade dubbed as “Women March for Peace” and “SUROY-SUROY SA KALINAW: Kapayapaan sa Mindanao, Kapayapaan Nating Lahat”. The two parades, initiated respectively by civil society organization WE ACT 1325 and the Philippine National Police (PNP); and the ALL OUT Peace Network together with other peace-oriented groups, converged at the Peace Bell marker inside the memorial circle before heading out to the street.
The CAB was signed a year ago by the government and the MILF after 17 years of negotiations. The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which aims to establish a new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), would be the enabling law that would implement the CAB.
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary and peace panel member Bai Yasmin Busran-Lao urged the women’s groups to make the legislators aware of the so-called “peace vote.”
“Iparating natin sa ating mga mambabatas na nangangarap sa 2016, kung eleksyon na ang iniisip ninyo, hindi ninyo makukuha ang boto namin kung giyera lang ang gusto ninyo. Kami ay para sa kapayapaan (To our lawmakers who are aspiring for the 2016 elections, you will not get our vote if you only want war and bloodshed. We are for peace),” stressed Lao.
The peace parade was attended by various government agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Navy, and the National Youth Commission (NYC); as well as various groups including Akbayan Partylist, Makati Business Club, INCITEGov, and Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), Balay Rehabilitation Center, Generation Peace, GZO Peace Institute, Generation Peace Youth Network, Initiative for International Dialogue (IID), KOMPRE, People Power Volunteers for Reform, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Professors for Peace, Young Public Servants, among others.
The International Women’s Month is also being celebrated around the world this month of March.
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| PDIC urges depositors to file deposit insurance claims in closed banks before expiry date, insured depositors have 2 years from date of closure to file their claims |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) urged depositors of the closed Silangan Savings and Loan Bank, Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (Isabela), and Rural Bank of Montevista (Davao del Norte) to file their deposit insurance claims before the expiry period. The PDIC Charter (Republic Act 3591, As Amended) provides that depositors have until two years from bank closure to file their deposit insurance claims with the PDIC either through mail or personally during business hours at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. The PDIC reiterated that all valid claims will be paid.
In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Silangan Savings and Loan Bank is on January 11, 2016; February 10, 2016 for Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes; and March 7, 2016 for Rural Bank of Montevista. PDIC made the call after it concluded the onsite claims settlement operations for the three closed banks more than six months ago.
The PDIC shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claims filed after the said dates. Depositors may, however, still file their claims against the closed banks through PDIC as liquidator. Payment of claims will depend on the sufficiency of the assets of the closed banks and shall be subject to the approval of the Liquidation Court.
Silangan Savings and Loan Bank, Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes and Rural Bank of Montevista were ordered closed by the Monetary Board (MB) and placed under PDIC receivership during the first quarter of 2014.
The PDIC reported that as of January 31, 2015, it had paid P67.8 million for Silangan Savings and Loan Bank, P59.3 million for Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes, and P176.9 million for Rural Bank of Montevista, or an aggregate of P304.0 million in deposit insurance claims to depositors of the three closed banks involving a total of 14,641 accounts. Estimated deposit insurance claims collectively amounting to P20.3 million for 9,294 accounts have not been filed by depositors of Silangan Savings and Loan Bank (47 accounts), Rural Bank of Reina Mercedes (170 accounts), and Rural Bank of Montevista (9,077 accounts).
Depositors of said closed banks are advised to present the general requirements for filing deposit insurance claims, such as their accomplished Claim Forms, original evidence of deposit and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor, to the PDIC representatives. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of required documents. The PDIC will not accept claims which are incomplete or lacking in requirements.
The PDIC also reminded depositors who have been notified of deficiencies in the documents submitted to support their deposit insurance claims to comply with the requirements to facilitate release of their claims.
In addition to the general requirements, depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney of the depositor or parent of a minor depositor.
The procedures and requirements for the filing of deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph.. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website.
For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph.. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC toll free at 1-800-1-888-PDIC or 1-800-1-888-7342. |
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| PhilHealth to Balik-Manggagawa: Pay your premiums first before securing OECs |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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Starting April 1, vacationing and re-hired overseas Filipino workers will have to pay their premium contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) separately from their payments to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs).
This development is in line with the decision of the POEA to implement a single collection policy starting on the same date. The POEA will only be collecting fees for OEC and no longer for PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.
The collection counters of PhilHealth and other government agencies, however, will be retained at POEA in Mandaluyong City and in the one-stop shops of POEA nationwide.
“We call on our OFW-members to pay their PhilHealth premium contributions first before going to the POEA for their OECs. This will secure their social health insurance coverage, as well as that of their legal dependents, for their peace of mind,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla.
Padilla added that “OFW-members may still pay their premium contributions at the designated PhilHealth counters at the Balik-Manggagawa Center at the POEA in Mandaluyong City, as well as through any of the 27 accredited collecting partners that we have earlier authorized for local collection from OFW-members. They may also pay at our Local Health Insurance Offices nationwide.”
Overseas Filipinos pay P2,400.00 annually for their premium contribution to PhilHealth. The amount includes coverage for all qualified legal dependents of a migrant worker such as legal spouse who is not a PhilHealth member; legitimate and illegitimate children below 21 years old, unmarried and unemployed; and parents who are below 60 years old but are suffering from permanent disability which renders them totally dependent on the member for support.
Parents who are 60 years old and above and are not yet PhilHealth members may enrol under the Senior Citizen category.
PhilHealth pays for overseas hospitalization of migrant workers, as well as for the confinement of their legal dependents in the Philippines, through a reimbursement mechanism. Migrant workers have 180 calendar days from the date of discharge to file their claim documents through any of PhilHealth’s 17 Regional Offices in the Philippines. All refunds are paid for in Philippine peso equivalent. |
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| Roxas lauds NCRPO for 50% crime rate drop |
| Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph |
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The Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), Mar Roxas lauded the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) under the leadership of Police Director Carmelo Valmoria for its relentless efforts and intensified Anti-Criminality Campaign dubbed as OPLAN “LAMBAT SIBAT” that resulted to notable decrease of crime rate in Metro Manila since last year.
Oplan Lambat-Sibat is a fusion of different anti-crime operations such as checkpoints, mobile and foot patrols. The project calls for the deployment of additional police personnel in crime-prone areas in each police district in the National Capital Region for a specific period of time. It was first implemented from Aug. 18, 2014.
With its implementation, the average crime rate of 1,000 per week in May 2014 has decreased to 500 as of March 1 this year. PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management recorded the drop in the past weeks due to the implementation of a public awareness campaign and an increase in police presence.
The PNP’s Oplan Lambat-Sibat is the brainchild of Sec. Roxas, aimed at combating crimes through “deliberate, programmatic and systematic” approach. Because of the program’s success in Metro Manila, Roxas ordered that it be cascaded in the regions. Oplan Lambat- Sibat was launched on the first week of March in Region III and on the first week of April in Region IV-A.(PNP-PIO) |
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| DFA continues to work for the cause of Mary Jane Veloso |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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27 March 2015 – The initial appeal for judicial review of the case of Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso was denied by the Indonesian Supreme Court.
It may be recalled that the petition for judicial review was initiated by the Philippine Government early this year after being informed that Indonesian President Joko Widodo rejected the appeal for clemency made by President Benigno S. Aquino III through a letter dated 23 August 2011. Indonesian law allows a judicial review of all death penalty cases. The Sleman District Court endorsed the case files to the Supreme Court following two hearings on the petition held on March 3 and 4.
From the time of Ms. Veloso’s arrest in April 2010, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), has been actively monitoring the case and extending all necessary assistance to Ms. Veloso and her family. This includes hiring the services of a private lawyer to help Ms. Veloso to pursue a legal review of her case.
The DFA, in coordination with Indonesian authorities, arranged for Ms. Veloso’s family to visit her in prison from February 19 to 21. The DFA remains in close contact with Ms. Veloso’s family to keep them updated of developments.
On March 24, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario made a humanitarian visit to Ms. Veloso at the Yogyakarta Penitentiary to check on her condition and to personally offer comfort and reassure her of the Philippine Government’s continued support.
In response to the recent decision of the Indonesian Supreme Court, Secretary Del Rosario reiterates, “We will continue to exhaust all possible diplomatic and legal means to save Mary Jane’s life. We wish to assure her family that the Philippine Government is giving its full attention to this case and that it stands ready to provide them with all the assistance they may require.” |
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| DA rolls out High Yielding Technology for another record harvest year |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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In efforts to continue the historical record palay harvest every year and to move closer to rice self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture is rolling out the High Yielding Technology Adoption (HYTA) program this year.
Under the HYTA program, higher rice production targets can be achieved by planting high yielding varieties such as hybrid rice, certified inbred seeds, and Green Super Rice (GSR), said DA Undersecretary Antonio Fleta who represented Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in the 2014 Rice Achievers Awards.
The program expects “high-yielding seeds” to be planted in more than 560,000 hectares of rice fields all over the country.
“The HYTA program will help the country attain the 622,000 metric ton (MT) palay production target for 2015, and more than 1 million MT palay for 2016,” said Usec. Fleta.
“The HYTA program, to be spearheaded by the DA-National Rice Program and implemented by DA Regional Field Offices (RFOs), will be implemented in areas with good irrigation and where farmers’ organizations are ready to adopt “high-yield rice technology” like hybrid and certified seeds,” he added.
DA-RFOs are in-charge of distributing hybrid or certified seeds to farmers’ groups, along with fertilizers and soil ameliorants, under a roll-over or conditional assistance scheme.
Each region can craft their own reward system to guarantee high repayment of inputs given to farmers or increase yields resulting from the distributed seeds.
Farmer groups that achieve excellent results under the HYTA program will be rewarded with hand tractors with trailers, four-wheel drive tractors, threshers, water pumps, warehouses, combine harvesters, and dryers.
On behalf of Sec. Alcala who was abroad on an official mission, Usec. Fleta recognized the 2014 Rice Achievers Awardees for their contributions in the rice industry and ensuring sufficient supply of nutritious rice for Filipinos.
He sought the continued support and cooperation of the awardees: outstanding provinces, municipalities, cities, irrigators associations (IAs), and Small Water Impounding System Association (SWISAs) in implementing DA programs like as HYTA.
In the past three years, alongside the conduct of Rice Achievers Awards, the country’s rice industry experienced remarkable vigor and growth unprecedented in history. “This is the result of unified efforts of farmers, private sector, and government agencies working together to achieve food security in the Philippines ,” explained Usec. Fleta.
Before the year ends, the government aims to achieve rice self-sufficiency by increasing farmers’ income, preparing for global competitiveness, climate change resilience, and public sector investments for continued economic growth.
Fleta said, while the average growth rate in palay production from 2011 to 2013 is at 3.2%, target for 2015 is 5.35% and for 2016, DA is aiming to increase production by 2.10%. ### Marlo Asis/AFID |
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| Rural Bank President found guilty of charges filed by the BSP |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) successfully prosecuted the former president of a closed rural bank for falsification of documents and for reporting false statements to the BSP.
Pepito Miradora Cilos, former president of Rural Bank of Milaor (Camarines Sur), Inc. (RB Milaor), was found guilty and sentenced by the 5th Municipal Trial Court of Camaligan-Gainza-Milaor, Camarines Sur to imprisonment (four months and one day of arresto mayor to two years four months and one day of prision correccional for falsification of commercial documents; one year for false statements) and the payment of fines. The BSP filed the charges as a result of its investigation on the transactions of RB Milaor.
The cases arose from the grant of four (4) loans with aggregate amount of Php6.5 million by RB Milaor on 30 May 2008. The BSP’s Office of Special Investigation found that the four loans were questionable and fraudulent for the following reasons: a) the borrowers could not be found in the addresses given in the loan documents; b) the land title securing one of the loans is questionable as certified by the Register of Deeds; c) the land titles used as collaterals for three of the loans were issued a few months after their loans were granted; d) the loan documents were haphazardly processed and resulted in deficient documentation; and e) the reference numbers of the Community Tax Certificates of the borrowers appearing in the loan documents were not issued by the concerned municipalities.
The fraudulent loans formed part of the loan portfolio of RB Milaor and were reported in the bank’s Consolidated Statements of Condition (CSOCs). The BSP considered the four (4) CSOCs signed by Mr. Cilos as falsified because the CSOCs included the four loans. Moreover, considering that CSOCs are submitted by RB Milaor as part of its reportorial requirements to the BSP or its examiners, any false or misleading statement on the contents of CSOCs makes the responsible person (Mr. Cilos) criminally liable. |
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| MB enhances rule on delivery of securities |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The Monetary Board (MB) amended the rule on the delivery of securities by adding the use of a central securities depository (CSD) as another option available to investors. The MB specifically allowed the “Name-on-Central Depository” facility to be compliant with previously issued Circular No. 392.
This provides greater flexibility to investors on where to place the securities they purchase for safekeeping and to avail of auxiliary services from the CSD, should the investor desire. A CSD is an entity authorized under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is considered by global best practices as a key infrastructure in handling securities settlement.
Securities are lodged at the CSD in electronic form and referred to as book-entry system. Instead of physical pieces of paper securities, an electronic form expedites the transfer of securities between buyers and sellers. There are specific guidelines put in place to ensure the integrity of the securities holdings as well as the manner in which securities are delivered against the availability of payment.
The Name-on-Central Depository facility allows securities to be recorded at the CSD in the name of individual investors. This provides added transparency for investors. This is in contrast to being lodged in so-called “omnibus accounts” which aggregate the holdings of all investors but without segregating the holdings of one investor from another.
Aside from allowing a CSD as an acceptable mode of delivery of securities, the revised rule requires independence of third party custodians, securities registries and CSDs. Under the independence provision, these entities must not belong to the financial conglomerate or banking group that issued or sold the securities to investors which the CSD now holds in compliance with Circular No. 392 as amended.
This reform initiative is in line with the broader objective of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to further enhance the handling of securities for the protection of investors. This is essential to capital market development and mitigates the potential build-up of systemic risks in the Philippine financial system. |
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| Online jobs to fuel employment growth in Mindanao |
| Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph |
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QUEZON CITY — Amidst the negative perception surrounding Mindanao due to peace concerns, online jobs are seen by the government as a way to boost employment in its provinces.
To promote online jobs in Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology-Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICT Office), in partnership with online job platforms Freelancer.com and Online Jobs University, has initiated a workshop on Rural Impact Sourcing (RIS) in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte.
“Most of our well-known companies in the Information Technology Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry are hesitant to locate in Mindanao.” said ICT Office Deputy Executive Director Mon Ibrahim. “The government, however, realizes the potential of impact sourcing or online jobs to provide alternative means of employment in these areas.” he added.
Conducted last February, the workshop, which featured ways on how Filipinos can earn competitive income even in the comfort of their homes through online jobs, was attended by at least 200 students and young professionals.
With the support of the local government of Kapatagan, the workshop has been re-echoed
to more than six schools in Lanao del Norte.
“Mindanao is so blessed with resources. And most importantly, we also have a great pool of talent.” Kapatagan Councilor Paul Lagura said. “We will be helping the ICT office conduct re-echo workshops to other local governments about digital employment as an innovative opportunity of for socio-economic growth.”
The number of online job workers in various cities in Mindanao has been increasing over the years. In fact, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City are included in Freelancer.com’s Top 20 Philippine cities with the most number of freelancers.
Freelancer.com Regional Director for South East Asia Evan Tan says that as the world’s largest freelancing and outsourcing marketplace, “Freelancer believes that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to work, wherever and whoever they may be.” Serving as an economic platform for people in rural communities like Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte, he said Freelancer through their partnership with DOST-ICT Office is committed to uplifting the lives of Filipinos.
Scholarship and training programs were also awarded by Online Jobs University during the impact sourcing workshop. A Filipino founded web-based online training site, Online Jobs University serves as a capability development platform for those who want to build a career as an online professional.
“By encouraging our kababayans to consider doing online work for clients locally and abroad, we hope they will not leave their hometowns and families just to look for jobs that will fit their skills and competencies. Having an online career opens big doors of opportunities and possibilities for them and their hometowns.” said Online Jobs University founder Genesis Reonico.
According to the National Statistics Coordination Board, as of 2014 10 of the 16 poorest provinces of the country are in Mindanao. It has an estimate of 10 million labor force with an unemployment rate of 4.5 percent. In spite of this, Mindanao produces at least 700,000 college graduates a year, which specializes in various fields such as computer science, information technology and engineering.
The recently concluded Rural Impact Sourcing workshop is part of the digitalPH initiative of the ICT Office, which aims to generate at least 1.6 million direct IT-BPM jobs for Filipinos by 2016 with at least 40 percent of this coming from the countryside.
For more information about this government initiative, visit www.icto.dost.gov.ph or like
us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/digitalPH2015.
About DOST-ICT Office – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity. |
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| Philippine Statistics Authority conducts Key Surveys on Palay and Corn |
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
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To provide vital information on the country’s major crops, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducts surveys on palay and corn to allow and guide policy and decision makers and farmers make appropriate interventions and decisions relative to production, current stock, prices, supply, and demand of rice and corn. These surveys include the following:
Palay and Corn Production Survey
(PSA Approval Numbers: PSA-1514 (for Corn) and PSA-1515 (for Palay), expires on March 31, 2016)
Conducted quarterly, the Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS) generates estimates and forecasts on palay and corn areas, production, and yield, which serve as inputs in developing policies and programs for the said crops.
The 2015 PCPS will be done in the month succeeding each reference quarter and will be distributed to 12,594 palay and 8,401 corn-farming households nationwide. The survey on palay costs PhP7.2 million, and PhP 4.8 million for corn. The budget covers costs on personal services, travel, purchase of supplies, printing, and field operations, among others. The total budget for the conduct of the PCPS cost PhP 12.0 million or PhP 572 per respondent.
Results of the survey are released 40 days after the reference quarter.
2015 Monthly Palay and Corn Situation Reporting System
(PSA Approval Number: PSA-1510, expires on February 29, 2016)
The Monthly Palay and Corn Situation Reporting System (MPCSRS) serves as a monitoring system on the growing conditions and actual plantings of palay and corn. The survey provides monthly updates of the forecasts generated by the PCPS, as well as monthly reports on the area and production of the said crops nationwide.
Throughout the year, the 2015 MPCSRS will be administered to 78,300 households from 8,570 barangays across all provinces of the country. Major data items collected by the survey include crop production, harvest area, and planting intentions, among others.
A budget of PhP 2.0 million or PhP 26 per respondent is allocated to cover the conduct of the survey with results released 15 days after the reference months.
2015 Palay and Corn Stocks Survey 1
(PSA Approval Number: PSA-1511, expires on February 29, 2016)
The Palay and Corn Stocks Survey 1 (PCSS1) is a monthly survey conducted to achieve the following objectives:
Generate data on the current stock of rice and corn in farming and non-farming households;
Serve as input in the analysis of the seasonal trends and variations in the supply of rice and corn;
Serve as input for forecasting future supply, demand and prices of palay and corn;
Assist policy-makers in the formulation, implementation and administration of agricultural economic programs; and
Guide farmers in forming decisions relative to agricultural activities aimed at improving profitability.
The 2015 PCSS1 will be distributed to 15,286 households from all provinces in the country within the first five days of each month. A budget of PhP 2.0 million or PhP 131 is allocated for this activity to cover personal services, travel, purchase of supplies, printing, and field operations, among others.
Results of the survey are released 15 days after each reference month.
The conduct of the 2015 PCPS, MPCSRS, and PCSS1, were granted clearance under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism instituted by the PSA to ensure that statistics generated from government surveys are reliable, accurate, comparable, and conform prescribed statistical concepts and standards. The system likewise ensures economy in the conduct of these statistical data collection activities.
The PCPS and PCSS1 are designated statistical activities under Executive Order No. 352, “Designation of Statistical Activities that will Generate Critical Data for Decision-Making of the Government and the Private Sector.”
In light of this, farming and non-farming households selected as respondents to these surveys are enjoined to participate in these nationwide undertakings. |
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| SFD mission in the Philippines |
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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| The representatives of Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are in the Philippines to discuss their proposed financing of infrastructure projects in Zamboanga City and other development projects in Mindanao. In photo following a meeting with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut are the SFD Mission group led by Senior Specialist Abdullah A. Al-Shedokhi (at center) with Mr. Ayman A. Bedaiwi of Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia and Mr. Abdullah Al-Saif. Also in photo standing are (from left) DPWH Engr. Cristino Agtang, Mr. Abdulelah Al-Saadan, Project Manager Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim of DPWH Saudi Fund for Development Assisted Mindanao Roads Improvement Project, Engr. Saud Al-Shamari, and Project Director Carlos G. Mutuc of DPWH Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral)-Unified Project Management Office. |
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| PHL firms up position as sourcing hub for home and fashion products |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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Through the Manila FAME, the country’s premiere design and lifestyle event, the Philippines continues to strengthen its position as a sourcing hub for creative and design-forward home and fashion products.
“I see fantastic world-class design here and innovation. I come for the style. I come to the Philippines five times a year because I order containers from different companies and attend at least one show a year,” Phillips Collection Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Mark Phillips said in an interview during the 61st edition of the Manila FAME.
Philips came to this edition of the Manila FAME upon invitation from Commercial Counselor Maria Roseni M. Alvero of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Washington D.C., USA. This edition of the Manila FAME features Philippine-made furniture and home furnishings, holiday gifts, décor, and fashion accessories for the global market.
Headquartered in High Point in North Carolina, Phillips Collection is engaged in the wide range of home designing and furnishing business. It sources its products from Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, and Manila, sells in the US, and has showrooms in New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Dallas and High Point. It also exhibits in shows for hospitality, design, or visual display in different countries.
Philips said that the quality of design expertise and materials of the recent Manila FAME is unsurpassed. He noted that the US market is tired of things looking the same so they come to the Philippines for differentiation.
“As long as you keep your design DNA, you will be great. But if you try to do things that you don’t do well or can be replicated in a superior fashion, you are going to lose your uniqueness. Stick to what you do great, promote, and expand it,” Philips said.
For this edition of the Manila FAME, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) lined up several undertakings that enrich product design to sustain the competitiveness of Philippine industries in the world market.
“It is truly a premier sourcing event with a heart. Manila FAME is likewise about nurturing creativity and the next generation of design talents,” DTI-Industry Promotions Group (IPG) Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr. said in his message during the Katha Awards in the recent opening of the Manila FAME.
Manalo noted that Manila FAME is a platform for young designers to shine and be recognized. He added that in 2012, the red box was launched as a platform to discover and promote young designers with strong design potential.
Through the red box program, young designers are continuously supported and honed by providing a platform to explore design ideas; and work directly with exporters, interacting with a global buyer audience and present their collections in Manila FAME.
“In August last year, we launched a competition nationwide to draw out upcoming young designers, between 18 to 35 years of age, and give them the chance of a lifetime to train overseas to hone their skills and develop the eye for world-class design,” Manalo said.
From over 140 aspiring talents from various provinces, 14 finalists were handpicked by a high-caliber jury of respected design professionals.
Manalo said that in every edition of Manila FAME, DTI and CITEM give due recognition to exporters and designers whose products truly embody Filipino talent and creativity.
The Katha Awards, the hallmark of Philippine design excellence, aims to inspire and challenge Philippine exporters and designers to innovate and develop designs and products competitive and comparative to their counterparts in the global market. |
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| Palaro 2015 host sets benchmark for future Palarong Pambansa |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
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Thirty eight (38) days before the opening, Palarong Pambansa 2015 host Davao del Norte received outstanding marks from Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC during the official launch held in Tagum City, Thursday (March 26).
Luistro commended the preparations and said Davao del Norte could establish a benchmark for all future editions of the annual Palaro.
“It’s really the first time that I really feel and can sense that we are one month ahead of the preparations for the Palarong Pambansa. Maraming-maraming salamat po sa probinsiya ng Davao del Norte at sa ating sanggunian ng Tagum City at sa lahat po ng mga kasama natin dahil parang hindi po kami masyadong harassed sa Palarong Pambansa 2015. In fact, way, way ahead of schedule, lahat po ng ating mga opisyales ay nagpakita na hindi naman pala kailangan parati tayong naghahabol at sana ito na nga po yung ating standard for a benchmark for succeeding Palarong Pambansa,” Luistro said.
He added that he was impressed by how Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario, kept his promise of delivering a remarkable and “the best Palarong Pambansa thus far.”
“Kahit po mag-ikot na kayo doon sa mga venues, gaya ng ating mga Regional Directors ay naririto so that they can see for themselves how much preparation has already been done prior to the opening of Palarong Pambansa. I am so certain that our friends in Media, our general public, will be very pleased with what they see,” Luistro praised.
A pleasant addition to this year’s Palaro is the comprehensive guidebook featuring the billeting schools, playing venues, safety and security, and other essential details that athletes and spectators will need to know once the event commences. During the launch, the song “Palaro ng Pagkakaisa” sung by local favorite Maan Milan, was presented as the official theme song of the 58th Palarong Pambansa.
With the advanced groundwork accomplished by Davao del Norte LGU, DepEd can now focus on the real purpose of the Palaro—to ensure the well-being of the athletes and their coaches, and to assure the development of another world-class facility in one of our country’s provinces. |
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| DepEd, educ partner to equip OSYs with ICT skills through ALS |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
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“The bigger mandate of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to look out for those who cannot be in school, those who dropped out of school, and those who dare not dream of entering a school. The real mandate of the Department is to be in search of those who cannot, in one way or another, enter the system,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said during the signing of the memorandum of agreement with STI Education Services Group, Inc. for the 36 STI campuses that will serve as community learning centers (CLCs) for Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) nationwide.
STI shall provide physical space in its 36 head-office owned campuses nationwide to accommodate OSYs who intend to finish their secondary education. STI campuses will serve as CLCs in the delivery of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) under the Abot-Alam program.
Aside from the classrooms, STI will also provide necessary computer units and other equipment for the conduct of eSkwela and will offer assistance or manpower to conduct ALS sessions on Information Technology.
STI President Monico Jacob said, “We think that time has come for us to really elevate our students not only to be at par with the world but to be similarly equipped when they graduate.” Jacob added that DepEd’s effort to go beyond the four walls of a classroom and venture out to the OSYs is an innovation and an act of boldness he has not seen before in the Department.
The pilot area of CLC for OSYs will be at the STI Ortigas-Cainta campus. Earlier this month, DepEd and STI held an orientation meeting for OSYs mapped under the Abot-Alam program in the district of Cainta who expressed their interest in completing their basic education.
Going beyond the four corners of a classroom
DepEd and STI have also entered a partnership called “Computer Laboratory on Wheels” (STI Mobile School), which aims to provide students with a foundation on computer literacy and to teach them to use basic information and communications technology (ICT) tools.
STI Mobile School is a complete laboratory with internet access contained within a motor bus. Each mobile computer laboratory has 24 computer units. Teachers of STI Mobile School will teacher public school students about Computer Concepts, Application Software, and ICT training.
This partnership shall benefit a minimum number of 100 public schools and a minimum number of 15,000 students for the duration of five (5) school years.
Luistro emphasized the need for innovation in delivering quality education to Filipino learners and in promoting real learning. “We cannot just deal with the current. We cannot just stay in the path that is tried and tested. As educators, we have to take risks outside of the normal confines of where we are comfortable. Sometimes, we make mistakes. If we don't take that risk, we would not have made a difference.” |
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| Philippines returns to the 56th International Art Exhibition in Venice after 50-Year hiatus |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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27 March 2015 - Fifty-one years after its 1964 participation in the Venice Art Biennale, the Philippines finally returns to one of the world’s biggest and most prestigious exhibitions of contemporary art, with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
Patrick Flores’ curatorial proposal titled Tie A String Around the World was chosen by a panel of distinguished experts from among 16 submissions as the Philippine representative in the 56th International Art Exhibition organized by La Biennale di Venezia, which will run from May 09 to November 22, 2015 in Venice, Italy.
Flores’ work centers on Manuel Conde’s 1950 classic Genghis Khan, co-written and designed by Carlos Francisco and screened at the Museum of Modern Art at the Venice Film Festival in 1952, where it competed with the films of Chaplin, Clement, Fellini, Bergman, and Mizoguchi.
“Being the most lucid mirrors of sensibility, harnessing the arts in this Philippine entry can be a most effective and peaceful way of enabling other people to see the world as Filipinos perceive it,” said NCCA Chairman Felipe M. de Leon, Jr. who also serves as Commissioner for the Philippine Pavilion.
The newly-restored film will be exhibited at the Philippine pavilion, which will occupy three rooms at the European Cultural Centre-Palazzo Mora, and will be positioned in conversation with the contemporary art projects of intermedia artist Jose Tence Ruiz and filmmaker Mariano Montelibano III.
The Pavilion seeks to initiate discussion on the history of the sea and its relationship with the current world, claims to patrimony, and the struggle of nation-states over vast and intensely contested nature.
De Leon further stated that Filipino values “if vividly expressed and vigorously promoted through the arts, can help make the world a more peaceful, creative and inspiring place to live in. The present Philippine participation in this prestigious Biennale is a grand undertaking in this direction.”
Meanwhile, DFA Secretary Albert F. del Rosario stressed, “Culture, viewed as a tool of statecraft, is a compelling element in projecting a country’s status or power. As art lovers and culture watchers the world over converge in Venice this year, and with nearly 100 other countries expected to take part in the Biennale, the Philippines’ participation provides an invaluable opportunity to foster greater mutual understanding and more active people-to-people exchanges through culture.“
Senator Legarda, principal advocate of the project, also expressed jubilation over the country’s participation in the Biennale after five long decades of absence. “It has been 50 years since we last joined this prestigious contemporary art exhibition. We have many talented Filipino artists worthy to be given the chance to showcase their talent in this event. Furthermore, we should also take this opportunity as a platform to engage the international community at a cultural level. I am confident that our artistry and culture would leave other nations in awe.”
Legarda explained that Tie A String Around the World was chosen for its “poetic and political reflection on the history of world making, the links between geography and politics, and the notions of nation, territory and archipelago.”
Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is considered by many as the “Olympics of contemporary art” that exhibits global trends and engages in critical discourse. For the past century, it has become the breeding ground for world-renowned artists and has played a pivotal role in shaping the canon of art history. In 2013, it has attracted over 475,000 visitors which made it the most visited art exhibition in Italy. |
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| Commission on Appointments confirms six new Ambassadors |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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27 March 2015 – In its Plenary Session last March 18, the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed the nominations as Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEPs) of the following career officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs:
1.Hon. Mary Jo A. Bernardo-Aragon, Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific;
2.Hon. Maria Zeneida Angara-Collinson, Chief of Mission, Class I as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Austria with concurrent jurisdiction over the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic;
3.Hon. Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Chief of Mission, Class I as Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York, United States of America;
4.Hon. Alfonso A. Ver, Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bahrain;
5.Hon. Renato Pedro O. Villa, Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Kuwait; and
6.Hon. Ma. Teresita C. Daza, Chief of Mission, Class II as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of India with concurrent jurisdiction over the Kingdom of Nepal
Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments for promotion and nominations of the following career officials:
1.Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia, Chief of Mission, Class I
2.Jesus S. Domingo, Chief of Mission, Class I
3.Domingo P. Nolasco, Chief of Mission, Class I
4.Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Chief of Mission, Class II
5.Maria Theresa S. Lazaro, Career Minister
6.Ivan Frank M. Olea, Career Minister
7.Enrique Voltaire G. Pingol, Career Minister
8.Rhenita B. Rodriguez, Career Minister
9.Stephanie Beatriz O. Valera, Career Minister
10.Rosanna Marie B. Villamor-Voogel, Career Minister
11.Lilibeth P. Almonte-Arbez, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
12.Reginald S. Bernabe, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
13.Christian L. De Jesus, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
14.Pamela Durian-Bailon, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
15.Mary Luck S. Hicarte, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
16.Angelito A. Nayan, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
17.Arnel M. Sanchez, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
18.Charmaine Serna-Chua, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
19.Hans Mohaimin L. Siriban, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
20.Gabriel R. Bautista, Foreign Service Officer, Class I
21.Maria Sheila U. Monedero-Arnesto, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
22.Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
23.Alena Grace S. Borra, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
24.Shirley L. Flores, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
25.Charles Andrei P. Macaspac, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
26.Mary Joy B. Ramirez, Foreign Service Officer, Class II
27.Gilbert L. Segarra, Foreign Service Officer, Class II |
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| Looking for a financing opportunity? You may find it at DOST-TAPI |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
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Thanks to the assistance of the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI), Alan B. Lastimosa and his wife Wellcie, owners of A&S Handcrafted Arts, are confident that they will be able to fulfill their clients’ purchase orders on time.
Their company recently received P618,554 under DOST-TAPI’s Venture Financing Program-Purchase Order Financing Facility which provides funding assistance to qualified Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises for the purchase of raw materials needed to meet their customers’ orders.
This is actually the second time that A&S Handcrafted Arts received such type of financing from DOST-TAPI.
For the first assistance, TAPI provided P804,167.07 to A&S Handcrafted Arts cover the cost of raw materials needed to serve the required Purchase Orders of the company’s clients from United Kingdom.
“Malaking bagay (It’s a big thing for us),” Wellcie said of their first experience with the program. “Ang kalakaran kasi kailangang bayaran muna ang suppliers bago sila magdeliver sa amin. Dahil sa financial assistance na natanggap namin nung 2012, nabili agad namin ang mga materyales at nagawa agad namin ang mga order (We have to pay our suppliers upfront before they deliver. With the financial assistance we received back in 2012, we were able to acquire our materials right away so we were able to immediately produce our goods),” she explained.
The financial assistance provided by TAPI also helped boost the profitability margin of the company by 50 percent and generated an income increase of 15 percent.
In addition, the company was able to develop three more new products and hire additional staff. With a higher production capacity, the company easily met its delivery schedule.
Alan mentioned in the submitted completion report for the project that “the DOST-TAPI PO Financing Project is a laudable one.”
Meanwhile, Wellcie added that compared with getting financing from banks, which they have also tried before, DOST’s program is lighter for small entrepreneurs like them because of the reasonable payment scheme plus the fact that the loan is interest-free.
The couple’s business started out as a manufacturer and exporter of Christmas and Easter decors and other accessories. Later renamed as A&S Handcrafted Arts, the company evolved by creating new lines of design from old crafts using all natural materials portraying ethnicity and exoticness in abaca mache sculptures and figures, lamps, candleholders, votives, vases and other seasonal accessories.
The process of making the laminated abaca mache was developed by Alan himself and had won him awards locally and internationally.
Filipino-owned companies that are involved in manufacturing goods in line with DOST priority sectors namely food processing; furniture; gifts, housewares, and decors; marine and aquatic resources; horticulture and agriculture; metals and engineering; health products and pharmaceuticals; and information communications technology and electronics may avail of TAPI’s Purchase Orders Financing Program. In addition, the proponent must have valid purchase order/s for local and foreign markets.
On the other hand, qualified MSMEs must cover the production and labor costs as well as other expenses. Likewise, they must refund the financial assistance to DOST-TAPI after a specified period and satisfy other requirements.
Interested parties may inquire at the nearest DOST regional office or provincial science and technology centers or log on to http://tapi.dost.gov.ph, or email tapi.dost@yahoo.com for more information.
Alan and Wellcie Lastimosa of A&S Handcrafted Arts Inc. receive Php 618,554 financial assistance from DOST-TAPI represented by Jovito Rey Gonzalez (middle), chief of Investments and Business Operations Division during the MOA Signing/Orientation and Awarding of Check activity held last 11 February 2015. Bottom photos: Sample products in a showroom |
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| PRC extends period of Accreditation of Individual Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Partnerships/Firms |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
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Manila, March 26, 2015 – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces the extension of the period of Accreditation of Individual Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and Partnerships/Firms. Resolution no. 41(d) series of 2015, issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy on March 4, 2015, extends the period of accreditation of all individual CPAs and partnerships/firms engaged in public accountancy until April 30, 2015.
This provisional extension shall be indicated in all documents to be signed by members of the Board of Accountancy and issued by the PRC.
All individual CPAs and partnership/firms with pending applications for renewal of accreditation with the Commission and the Board must fully comply with all the requirements in order to be issued a Certification of Renewal of Accreditation. All individual CPAs and partnership/firms which were granted provisional accreditation pursuant to Resolution no. 41(d) shall be allowed to sign and certify financial statements until April 30, 2015. Subsequent approvals for renewed accreditation shall be made effective starting May 1, 2015. |
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| Special Professional Licensure Board Examinations (SPLBE) for OFWs in the Middle East on September 2015 |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
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Manila, March 25, 2015 – The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that a Special Professional Licensure Board Examination (SPLBE) will be conducted in the Middle East on September 24-26, 2015.
The testing centers for the following board licensure examinations are as follows:
| TESTING CENTER | LICENSURE EXAMINATION |
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Doha, Qatar
• Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait | Architects
Certified Public Accountants
Civil Engineers
Dentists (Written)
Electronics Engineers
Electronics Technicians
Mechanical Engineers
Certified Plant Mechanics
Master Plumbers
Nurses
Registered Electrical Engineers
Registered Master Electricians
Professional Teachers
Radiologic Technologists
Respiratory Therapists |
Applicants may apply through the On-line Application System (OAS) which can be accessed at the PRC website, HERE. Upon submission of the application for licensure examinations via the OAS, the applicants must submit the required documents to the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) at their respective Embassies/Consulates until Friday, June 19, 2015.
The following basic documents must be submitted by all applicants:
Basic Documents
- Photocopy of Transcript of Records (with or without scanned picture and remarks “For Board Examination Purposes Only”)
- Photocopy of Valid Passport
- Four (4) passport-size pictures with complete name-tag in white background
Original copies of the above-mentioned documents shall be presented to members of the PRC Examination Team for validation upon the latter’s arrival at the examination venues.
In addition to the basic documents, applicants must also submit the following to the Professional Regulatory Board (PRB) – Specific Original Documents:
For Architects:
- Accomplished logbook for Diversified Experience for local/overseas experience (certified by mentor-architect) and/or Certificate of Related Work Experience for overseas experience signed by the employer(s) for a minimum of 3,840 hours. Scanned copies shall be submitted through email to the Board of Architecture for conditional approval.
- Updated PRC ID of mentor, PTR, IAPOA
- Affidavit must be signed and sealed by Architect-mentor
For Registered Master Electricians:
- Certificate of experience on prescribed form (PRC Form No.104) certified and signed by REE/RME/PEE
- Certification from the Company
- Valid ID/License of Certifying REE/RME/PEE
For Certified Public Accountants:
- Certificate of Completion for refresher course if applicable. Repeaters shall submit proof of most recent exams taken (NOA, O.R.)
For Nurses:
- (First Timer)
- BSN graduates under CMO No.14 S 2009 – Certificate of Undertaking signed by the Dean and Registrar, duly notarized
- BSN graduates under CMO No.30 S 2001 – Original copy of the Summary of Related Learning Experience (RLE) and original copy of the O.R.-D.R. cases in the new format
- (Repeater)
For Dentists:
- If applicant had not taken the Dentist Licensure Examination for five years and up – 6-month Refresher Course Certificate
- If applicant had failed for three times – 6-month Refresher Course Certificate
For Master Plumbers:
- For licensed or graduates of BSCE, BS Architecture, BSME, BS Sanitary Engineering and BS Mining Engineering – Transcript of Records and Photocopy of Valid Passport
- For Registered Electrical Engineers (REE) or graduate of BS Electrical Engineering – 5 years of experience as Master Plumbers, Transcript of Records, Photocopy of REE if Registered Electrical Engineer
- For High School Graduates – 5 years of experience as Master Plumber, High School Diploma and Photocopy of Valid Passport
For Certified Plant Mechanics:
- Certification of Employment from the Company/Employer
- Certificate of Experience (PRC Form 104)
- Detailed Description of Equipment (PRC Form)
- Valid License of Certifying Mechanical Engineer/CPM
- Affidavit of Competency
For Respiratory Therapists:
- Three (3) Good Moral Character
- Certificate of Internship
- For Repeaters with three (3) failures: Certificate of Completion of Refresher Course
For Radiologic Technologists:
The list of conditionally-approved applicants shall be posted at the PRC website and shall be furnished to the five (5) testing centers.
Examination fees shall be paid and remitted by the applicant/examinee through the designated Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Overseas Remittance Offices (OROs).
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| DPWH to conduct Holy Week road reblocking on eight major areas |
| Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake road reblocking and repairs starting 12:01 a.m. of April 2 (Holy Thursday) until 12:00 noon of April 5 (Easter Sunday), at the following areas:
SOUTHBOUND:
1.Along Mindanao Avenue from Road 8 to North Avenue, 1st lane
2.Along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue / C-5 between Poseidon Street and Green Meadows Avenue, 2nd lane from sidewalk
3.Along EDSA between Connecticut to Guadalupe Bridge, Mandaluyong City
4.Along EDSA from Guadalupe Station to Estrella Street, 4th and 5th lanes
5.Along C-5 Road Pasig Boulevard to Bagong-Ilog Service Road
NORTHBOUND:
6.Along EDSA Guadalupe Bridge to Temple Drive, Mandaluyong City
7.Along C-5 Road from Valle Verde / Resins Inc. to SM Warehouse, 2nd outermost lane
8.Along EDSA from Buendia to Escuela Street, 4th and 5th lanes
Emerson Carlos, Assistant General Manager for Operations of MMDA, said DPWH-National Capital Region Director Reynaldo Tagudando has recommended the reblocking and repair of the said areas during the Holy Week for maintenance purposes.
Motorists are advised to avoid the said areas and use alternate routes instead. |
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| PDIC inks cross border cooperation with UK counterpart |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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| KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION-SHARING. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme Limited (FSCS) of the United Kingdom signed an agreement on cross border cooperation on March 11, 2015 in Bogota, Colombia. Recognizing that depositor protection is a key element for maintaining financial stability and consumer protection, the deposit insurers entered into a partnership to strengthen cooperation, promote mutual development and improvement, and support regional and global financial stability. Under the said partnership, the deposit insurers will work together to assist each other on relevant cross border issues to the extent permitted by each country’s laws, rules and regulations. From left to right are FSCS Representatives Karen Gibbons (Head of Policy and External Affairs) and Alex Kuczynski (Director of Corporate Affairs); and PDIC Officers President Cristina Que Orbeta and Ma. Ana Carmela Villegas (PDIC Senior Vice President, Receivership and Liquidation Sector). |
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| PhilHealth’s e-innovations: A quantum leap |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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Over the years, PhilHealth has forged electronic innovations by making its primary services accessible for members and stakeholders online, through its corporate website, www.philhealth.gov.ph.
In 2010, PhilHealth embarked on another quantum leap when it introduced the Electronic Premium Reporting System (EPRS), a web-based application designed to replace the manual reporting scheme for employers.
The EPRS’ main feature allows employers to report remittances via the internet. It was specifically devised to provide the formal sector an electronic gateway to PhilHealth’s services.
After EPRS, PhilHealth also took the lead of strengthening its engagement with employers by identifying PhilHealth Employer Engagement Representatives (PEERs) whose main function is to facilitate the utilization of EPRS in their respective workplaces.
With this, many employers revelled on the idea of going paperless while some initially had slight apprehensions.
Embracing EPRS As A Change
Angela Antigra, an engaged PEER of All Trade Manpower Inc., a manpower servicing company in Davao City, shared her penchant for the conventional approach and manual submission of PhilHealth reports, where she believes she is more efficient at.
Given this, Antigra was still amenable and compliant to the mandatory enrolment of her agency’s account to EPRS in May 2014, albeit her reluctance to embrace such change.
For someone who doesn’t consider herself Internet-savvy, she scuffled through learning the system’s then unfamiliar hallmarks where she coped with the help of PhilHealth XI’s Accounts Information Management Specialists (AIMS).
Tides somewhat changed when Antigra instantly got accustomed to the system’s navigation process which she eventually describes as simple.
“It wasn’t that bad after all,” she remarked.
The extent of convenience EPRS provides has been both overwhelming and impressive, according to Antigra, whose agency holds more than a thousand employees.
In fact, the use of EPRS significantly shoots up her efficiency rate as she finally got rid of the tedious manual encoding of employees.
EPRS, Its Remarkable Features
One of the main components of EPRS is its ability to employ real-time posting of premium contributions in members’ individual accounts, which hastens the availment of PhilHealth benefits by members.
Based on recent experiences, this feat gives their company an edge when servicing their employees because it takes away worries when the need to avail of hospitalization benefit comes.
Further, the use of EPRS doesn’t only expedite the processing of remittance reports but more importantly, it saves time and reduces operational cost.
“As we do away with submission of forms and USBs, we are able to cut down our expenses by not having to spend time and fare going to your (PhilHealth) office,” she disclosed.
One more key advantage of EPRS is how it links as reference of their account and payment history as it tracks down previously submitted online reports.
The generation of Statement of Premium Account (SPA) which is a requisite in paying their premium, also paved the way for transparency and efficiency in their office’s remittances.
Antigra also shared that they need not worry should they misplace their hardcopy files because the softcopy accessed online can now serve as back up support.
“(I realized) there are a lot of perks when using it (EPRS),” she eagerly asserted.
EPRS As Channel For Better, Innovative Service Delivery
When asked on her overall insights about the EPRS, Antigra testifies to the viability and effectiveness of the system and calls on other employers who are yet to enrol to EPRS, to do so.
“I am happy and thankful for developments such as this and I highly recommend (the use of EPRS) to other employers.”
These recent innovations not only support PhilHealth’s operational efficiency but further empower employers to be systematic and efficient by cultivating a culture of responsibility and accountability among them.
In a recent circular issued, PhilHealth intends to maximize its efforts as it enforces mandatory adoption of EPRS among employers, regardless of number or scope.
This initiative validates the corporation’s colossal stride towards upholding the welfare of its members and stakeholders through better, innovative, elaborate service delivery. |
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| President Aquino appoints Deputy Executive Secretary Aguinaldo new COA Chair |
| Source: http://www.coa.gov.ph |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Michael G. Aguinaldo as Chairperson of the Commission on Audit (COA) vice Maria Gracia M. Pulido Tan. Atty. Aguinaldo will serve as COA Chairperson until February 2, 2022.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued a statement announcing the appointment on Wednesday, March 25, 2015. Atty. Aguinaldo’s appointment was signed by President Aquino on March 24, 2015.
As Deputy Executive Secretary, Atty. Aguinaldo handles legal affairs of the Office of the President including the formulation of operational policies, standards and processes for efficient and effective provision of legal and legislative assistance and services to the organizational units of the Office of the President and the different departments and government agencies.
Prior to joining the Aquino Administration, Atty. Aguinaldo was a partner and executive committee member at the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles law firm for 17 years.
Atty. Aguinaldo obtained his law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law. He placed 7th in the 1993 Bar Examinations. He obtained his Master of Laws from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1997. |
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| TESDA sets P160M tech-voc fund for 3 provinces |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
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Three provinces in Central Luzon (Region 3) will get a total of P159.76 million from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to tap the skills of the youth and make them job-ready.
In all, the fund will benefit 21,434 youth who can get into technical vocational education (tech-voc) for free.
"Millions of young Filipinos lack access to education, blocked from their dreams by a few thousand pesos. The government is doing something for them," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.
Villanueva said the funds would be made available to Bulacan, P58.24 million for 7,952 scholars; Nueva Ecija, P69.65 million for 9,528 scholars; and Tarlac, P31.86 million for 3,954 scholars.
All scholarships will be implemented through the following TESDA programs: Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP), Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA); Special Training for Employment Program (STEP); and Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB).
"Why invest in education, why skills development? Because one can’t take education away. It can't be eaten up by inflation or washed away during floods. One brings the skills and knowledge wherever he or she goes in life," Villanueva said.
"Why for this particular event we are focusing on Region 3? Because it is one of the leading growth regions in the country, and this only means investments, jobs, and progress for our people,” he said.
”We want the youth of this region to take the lead in pushing the growth of their respective provinces. Through their skills, they can get employed, improve the living condition of their families and their communities," Villanueva added.
On March 26, Villanueva graced separate events in Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac to attend the mass graduation of TESDA scholars and inaugurate a school building.
In Bulacan, he attended the graduation of 2,000 youth who have completed their respective courses. Those who finished their programs also received starter toolkits to help them get employed in a shorter period of time.
Villanueva was also present at the Bulacan-Binyagang Bayan organized by the local government unit.
Motoring to Nueva Ecija, he witnessed the graduation of another batch of 2,000 youth.
The TESDA chief also inaugurated the new school building of the ASKI Skills and Learning Institute in Talavera town.
The training institute is a partner of TESDA in the delivery of various training programs and the implementation of the TESDA-Coca-Cola Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program. It is also an accredited assessment center.
In Tarlac, there were a total of 1,750 graduates who were feted in a ceremony jointly organized by TESDA and the local government unit. |
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