24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 18 March 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 March 2015 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 March 2015 | 
Satellite Image
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Synopsis:
At 4:00 AM today, the Tropical Depression "BETTY" was estimated based on all available data at 1,190 Km East of Casiguran, Aurora (15.8°N, 133.2°E), with maximum winds of 55 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 17 kph. Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The whole country will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over the eastern section of Luzon. The coastal waters along these area will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 32.3°C
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 19.2°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:45 AM Yesterday --- 79 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 31 %
High Tide Today: 10:00 AM ...... 0.41 Meter
Low Tide Today: 12:57 PM ...... 0.34 Meter
High Tide Today: 8:25 PM ...... 0.98 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:06 AM ...... -0.06 Meter
Sunrise Today : 6:02 AM
Sunset Today : 6:07 PM
MoonsetToday : 4:00 PM
MoonriseTomorrow : 4:47 AM
Illumination Today : 5%
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov
Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 32.3°C
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 19.2°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:45 AM Yesterday --- 79 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 31 %
High Tide Today: 10:00 AM ...... 0.41 Meter
Low Tide Today: 12:57 PM ...... 0.34 Meter
High Tide Today: 8:25 PM ...... 0.98 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:06 AM ...... -0.06 Meter
Sunrise Today : 6:02 AM
Sunset Today : 6:07 PM
MoonsetToday : 4:00 PM
MoonriseTomorrow : 4:47 AM
Illumination Today : 5%
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov
March 18 , 2014
( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Sunny in Lucena City
1. Tagalog news: DepEd,
TESDA magkatuwang sa pagsusulong ng K to 12 program
March 17, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 17 (PIA) — Patuloy ang
isinasagawang kolaborasyon ng Department of Education (DepEd) at Technical
Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) upang masiguro ang maayos na
pagpapatupad nito ng senior high school sa lalawigan bilang bahagi ng K to 12
program.
Sa isinagawang pagpupulong kamakailan ng Technical
Vocational Educators Association, sinabi ni TESDA Provincial Director Carlos
mFlores na layon nitong maitaas ang batayan ng mga pagsasanay ng kanilang
tanggapan upang makasabay sa globalisasyon at integrasyon ng ASEAN na
nakatakdang ipatupad ngayong taon.
Sa patuloy na assessment na isinasagawa ng DepEd,
mahigit 42 na technical vocational schools lamang ang pinayagan upang magbukas
ng senior high schools sa lalawigan. Kabilang sa mga ito ang mga paaralang
matatagpuan sa mga bayan ng Lemery, Taal, Nasugbu, Tingloy, Alitagtag, Balete,
Cuenca at Mataas na Kahoy. May mga bagong sites din na matatagpuan sa mga
sekondaryang eskwelahan sa iba't-ibang munisipyo.
Ang mga technical vocational schools ay inaasahang
magsusumite ng kanilang mga modules hanggang Agosto 30, 2015 upang
masiguro ang kalidad ng curriculum nito para sa mga estudyanteng papasok sa
senior high schools sa susunod na taon. (TESDA/Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas/PIA-4A)
See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681426047055/tagalog-news-deped-tesda-magkatuwang-sa-pagsusulong-ng-k-to-12-program#sthash.oxtZOiOa.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: 100 yellow corn farmers,
sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa produksiyon ng mais
- March 17, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 17 (PIA) — Mahigit 100
yellow corn farmers mula sa lungsod na ito ang nakiisa sa isinagawang
pagsasanay ng Office of the City Veterinary & Agricultural Services o OCVAS
kamakailan patungkol sa produksiyon ng mais.
Layunin nito na mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang
mga magsasaka sa ibat-ibang pamamaraan ng pagtatanim at pag-aani gayundin
kung paano ito mapapangalagaan.
Sinabi ni Flora Andal, supervising agriculturist ng
OCVAS, malaking tulong ito sa mga yellow corn farmer sapagkat malalaman nila
kung paano maiiwasan at mapupuksa ang mga pesteng sumisira sa mga mais.
Bukod kay Andal, naging lecturer din sa
naturang seminar sina Agricultural Technician Jennifer Endaya at Avelita
Rosales, Regional Corn and Cassava Program Coordinator kung saan tinalakay nila
ang mga tamang pamamaraan sa pagtatanim at pag-aani ng mais. (Ronna Endaya
Contreras/PIA-Batangas/PIA-4A)
| President Aquino visits, thanks soldiers wounded in clashes with rebels in Mindanao | |
| President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday visited and thanked a number of soldiers who were wounded in recent encounters with rebels in Maguindanao, Sulu and Basilan, for their service to the country.The President, who was accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., also handed over to the soldiers a monetary assistance from the President’s Social Fund in recognition of their gallantry and bravery. Those who sustained major injuries received P100,000 while those with minor injuries were given P50,000. President Aquino visited the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City on Monday afternoon to check on a number of wounded soldiers, then proceeded to the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, where 11 soldiers have been admitted. The troopers were injured in separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group in Jolo and Basilan in the all-out offensive launched by the military against lawless elements in Mindanao. Among those wounded in clashes with the BIFF were Private First Class Rolito Gumapac, 43, and Private First Class Noli Gumisad, 28. During his visit, the President briefly spoke to each soldier, thanking him for fulfilling his duties and wishing him a speedy recovery. From the Army hospital, President Aquino proceeded to the Fort Bonifacio Naval Station to visit the wake and recognize the heroism of two marines killed in encounters with BIFF rebels. The Chief Executive personally extended his condolences to the relatives of slain Marine Corporal Josen Mias, 29, and Sergeant Francis Jeffel Flores, 31, whose remains lie at the naval station’s mortuary. The President paused at each of the two flag-draped coffins and offered prayers. He also spoke to the relatives of the deceased and handed each family a P250,000 cheque. The financial assistance also came from the President's Social Fund. President Aquino left the Bonifacio Naval Station at 9:30 p.m. On February 25, General Catapang ordered the Western Mindanao Command to conduct all-out offensive operations against the BIFF, among those blamed for the death of 44 members of the police’s elite force who were on a mission to neutralize two terrorist suspects. PND (jm/co) | |
| Princess Anne of the United Kingdom pays courtesy call on President Aquino | |
| Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañan Palace on Tuesday morning. The Princess Royal of the United Kingdom and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II is in Manila for a visit from March 16 to 19, in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. It is her second visit to the country since her first trip in March 1999. Princess Anne met with President Aquino to discuss the projects of Save the Children in the Philippines, particularly those implemented in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in Central Visayas. She was accompanied in the meeting by British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad; Captain Nick Wright, Private Secretary to The Princess Royal; and Mrs. David Bowes-Lyon, Lady-in-Waiting. President Aquino meanwhile was joined by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Social Welfare Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zenaida Collinson. While in the country, The Princess Royal is also scheduled to meet with Vice President Jejomar Binay and attend a round-table discussion with future entrepreneurs and the British Council Education. Her Royal Highness will also attend a sporting reception. As president of Save the Children, The Princess Royal will visit projects and beneficiaries supported by the organization and an elementary school in Leyte. As patron of Opportunity International UK, Her Royal Highness will also visit the Tulay sa Pag-Unlad Incorporated micro-finance trust. The Princess Royal is the second child and only daughter of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Before receiving the title Princess Royal from her mother in June 1987, she was known as Princess Anne. Her Royal Highness is president or patron of some 320 organizations. PND (co) | |
| Government performance to win back peoples trust | |
| The government is determined to regain public trust by continuously pushing for reform programs that aim to better the people’s lives, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Tuesday. Commenting on the results of the latest Pulse Asia survey that showed a drop in President Benigno S. Aquino III’s approval and trust ratings, Secretary Coloma said the people’s trust is continually earned day after day, month after month, year after year. “Matatamo po ito sa pamamagitan ng kasipagan at ipinapakitang determinasyon ng administrasyon sa pagpapabuti sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan,” he told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang. “The President has repeatedly said that all successes and all failures of his administration land on his doorstep. He believes that in time, the truth will set us all free. We are determined to work even harder to continually earn our people’s trust and confidence,” Coloma said. He however noted that while public attention has been focused on the Mamasapano issue, there had been some “good news” regarding the economy. He pointed out that the government has achieved a record amount of foreign direct investments in 2014, and more recently, has succeeded in reducing unemployment rate from 7.5 percent to 6.6 percent. He further said that the country’s trade position continues to improve. “Samakatuwid, marami namang magagandang pangyayari sa ating bansa na dapat pagyamanin nating lahat at patuloy pang pagtulungan upang maiangat natin ang kalagayan ng buong bansang Pilipinas,” he said. Nonetheless, he said, the President will continue to pursue his administration’s reform agenda with the end in view of attaining inclusive growth. “In the remaining 15 months (of his term), the President and the Cabinet will intensify the implementation of development programs and the strengthening of institutional reforms toward achieving sustainable and inclusive growth and fulfilling our people’s aspirations,” Coloma said. PND (ag) | |
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| Ombudsman: TRO moot and academic | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales finds the “dispositive portion” of the Court of Appeals (CA) Resolution “silent” on what the temporary restraining order (TRO) seeks to restrain. To date, the Office of the Ombudsman has yet to receive a copy of Mayor Binay’s petition. It, however, received yesterday afternoon a copy of the CA Resolution granting his prayer for a temporary restraining order (TRO), but the Office has not yet received any TRO. Ombudsman Morales asserts that any TRO to be issued by the CA to restrain the implementation of the preventive suspension order has become moot and academic as “there is no more act to be restrained.” In a Manifestation filed today with the CA, Ombudsman Morales informs the CA that the preventive suspension order on Binay, Jr., et al., had been served and implemented by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) even before the promulgation of the CA Resolution. In the DILG’s Compliance Report submitted by DILG NCR Director Renato Brion to the Ombudsman, the DILG reported that on 16 March 2015 at around 8:30 in the morning, the preventive suspension order was served, and at 9:47 in the morning, Makati Vice-Mayor Romulo V. Peña, Jr. was sworn into office and assumed the position as Acting Makati City Mayor. The Office of the Ombudsman insists that strong bases exist justifying the preventive suspension order. Meanwhile, Ombudsman Morales denounces the alarming practice of suspended public officials encouraging the massing of people who obstruct or hinder the proper exercise of the functions of the Office. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 173 gov’t offices hailed as frontrunners vs. red tape – CSC | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| A total of 173 government offices have been given the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence for their efforts to combat red tape and render the highest quality of frontline services to the public since 2011, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced. This came after the CSC awarded the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Main Office as the latest government office to receive such recognition. The awarding was held May 16 at the CSC Central Office in Quezon City, with GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara accepting the award from CSC Commissioner Robert S. Martinez. GSIS Main Office was conferred a wall-mountable glass seal bearing the “Seal of Excellence” logo to symbolize the achievement of excellence, as well as a cash reward amounting to PHP100,000.00 to be used specifically for further improvement in their frontline services. Commissioner Martinez welcomed this development, as he said that having 173 Seal of Excellence awardees means more and more government offices are cleaning up their acts to ensure that clients are always satisfied with their services. “Sana nga, sa pamamagitan ng paggawad ng Seal of Excellence, unti-unti nating maibalik ang tiwala ng mamamayan sa uri ng ating pamamahalang naka-angkla sa integridad, kahusayan, dedikasyon, at pananagutan,” he added. Pursuant to Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act (ARTA), the CSC conducts the Report Card Survey (RCS), a client feedback survey used to rate agency performance and client satisfaction in terms of frontline service delivery and to monitor agencies’ compliance with the requirements of ARTA. The CSC checks if the service office has a Citizen’s Charter that contains detailed commitments on transaction steps, cost, and time. It also checks if anti-fixing measures are implemented, if frontline staff wear identification cards, if there are no hidden transaction costs, if there is a manned Public Assistance and Complaints Desk, and if the service office observes the No Noon Break policy. Also considered is overall client satisfaction based on the effectiveness of frontline service providers, service quality, physical setup of the office, availability of basic facilities, and client feedback. Service offices which obtain a score of 90-100 are rated Excellent. Those with scores of 90-100 but have a failing mark in one area are rated Outstanding. Scores of 80-89.99 are rated Good; 70-79.99 are Acceptable; and 69.99 and below are Failed. Offices that fail in any of the two core areas, regardless of the final numerical rating, also incur a Failed rating. Service offices that received an overall rating of Excellent in the RCS undergo a second-phase validation process, and those that pass this validation are conferred the Seal of Excellence award. The award aims to promote service delivery excellence in the bureaucracy; to acknowledge the hard work of civil servants in providing responsive, efficient and customer-centric services; and to drive competitiveness among government agencies. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| GSIS awarded seal of excellence for frontline service | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Head Office of State pension fund Government Service Insurance System today received the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for exemplary frontline service. The GSIS Head Office is the eighth to receive the recognition along with branch offices Bayombong, Bulacan, Dipolog, Laoag, Surigao,Tagum and Tuguegarao. These offices obtained an Excellent rating (90% and above) in the Anti-Red Tape Act-Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS) in 2014 and had no unresolved complaint in the Contact Center ng Bayan of CSC. ARTA-RCS is a mechanism used by the Commission to obtain clients’ feedback and assess agencies’ performance on frontline service delivery. During the awarding ceremony at CSC’s main office in Quezon City, GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara accepted the wall-mountable glass seal bearing the “Seal of Excellence” logo to symbolize the achievement of excellence, as well as a cash reward amounting to Php100,000.00. “This recognition will inspire us to further raise the bar of service excellence and to do more for our members as caring and responsible stewards of their savings,” Vergara said. In 2014, GSIS garnered an overall average rating of 92% — a dramatic turnaround from a failed rating of 73.82% in 2012 under the ARTA survey. The pension fund also topped the 2014 ARTA survey covering more than 1,000 agencies. GSIS earned the highest percentage of offices nationwide that have been rated Excellent in the survey. Thirty eight branch offices out of 57 surveyed, or 67% earned an Excellent score with not one office receiving a failing mark. “This award is truly a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of GSIS to deliver on the promise of responsive service to our more than 1.8 million members and pensioners”, Vergara said. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ‘Pablo’ survivors in ComVal get permanent homes | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Some 3,086 families in Compostela Valley left homeless by Typhoon Pablo recently received their permanent shelters from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government through the Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP). Under the MSAP, the construction of the shelter units was funded by DSWD, while the provincial government took charge of the site development, land preparation, and engineering requirements. DSWD Undersecretary Angelita Y. Gregorio-Medel, representing Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, led the turnover ceremony with Compostela Valley Governor Arturo T. Uy, Vice Governor Manuel Zamora, and First District Representative Ma. Carmen Zamora. The turnover ceremony was one of the highlights of the 17th Founding Anniversary of the provincial government and the 8th Bulawan Festival. Happy with their new homes A farmer and father of 11, Nicanor Y. Magnaong Jr of Purok 1, Barangay Pasian, Monkayo is overjoyed with his new home. “Nalipay mi nga nakadawat og balay. Hayahay na among pamati. Salamat sa Ginoo ug sa nagdumala. Dili na mi matuloan. Sa una naghigda lang mi sa trapal. Ang among gipuy-an tent (We are happy to receive the shelter. We feel better. Thank God and thanks to the implementers. We won’t be soaked anymore when it rains. We used to sleep on tarpaulins as our previous shelter was a tent),” Nicanor said. Walter G. Beniga, 49, also of Barangay Pasian shared, “Pasalamat mi kay dili na barong-barong among balay. Lipay pud ang mga bata ug mga silingan kay duna nay kapuy-an (We are thankful because our house is not a makeshift anymore. My children are also delighted as well as my neighbors).” Governor Uy assured the beneficiaries that the permanent shelters are of good quality. He assured that all ‘Pablo’ survivors who lost their homes will be provided with permanent homes. Usec. Medel cited the unity and cooperation of the people in bringing Compostela Valley back to the road of progress and development. “ComVal is shining now because you have collaborated and cooperated in its development,” Usec. Medel said. She added that the real treasure of the province is the people’s pakikipagkapwa (relating with people), paglilingkod (service), at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa (and love for one another). “Saludo ako sa nagawa at naabot ninyo (I salute every one of you for what you have achieved).” Rehab program The MSAP in ComVal is part of the P2.6 billion shelter assistance program for the hardest-hit towns of Boston, Baganga, Cateel, Caraga, Tarragona and Manay in Davao Oriental; Montevista, Compostela, Monkayo, New Bataan, Laak, Nabunturan, Pantukan, Mabini, Maco, Mawab, and Maragusan in Compostela Valley; and New Corella and Tagum City in Davao Del Norte. To date, 4,714 permanent shelters had been completed in ComVal, 14,619 in Davao Oriental, and 33 in Davao Del Norte. Apart from DSWD, the National Housing Authority (NHA) and private companies are also building permanent homes for ‘Pablo’ survivors in the worst-hit areas. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Sec. Soliman meets with WFP exec to boost partnership | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| QUEZON CITY, March 17 -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman met with World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Ertharin Cousin over the weekend to explore ways to further enhance the partnership of the Philippines and the WFP in disaster preparedness and support for communities in Central Mindanao. WFP Philippines Country Director Praveen Agrawal was also in the meeting. The meeting was held in connection with the ongoing 3rd United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (3WCDRR) at the Sendai Conference Center, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Sec. Soliman is the head of the Philippine Delegation to the conference and she also co-chairs the Working Session on Preparedness for Effective Response with Executive Director Cousin. During the meeting, Sec. Soliman acknowledged the support of WFP to DSWD programs in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao and its immediate and ready assistance during Typhoons ‘Yolanda’ and ‘Hagupit.’ In the aftermath of these major Philippine disasters, WFP provided food and logistics support to some 2.9 million individuals. In the early phase of emergency, WFP distributed High Energy Biscuits (HEB) that helped sustain the nutritional needs of 95,000 children in typhoon-hit areas. On top of the HEBs, WFP also distributed some 20,000 metric tons of other food items. WFP also provided emergency cash assistance of Php 1,300 or US$30 per family per month to some 101,038 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Regions VI and VIII. From November 2013 to October 2014, WFP has provided Php 262,438,800 or approximately US$6 million worth of cash assistance to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. For WFP’s support to conflict-affected areas in Central Mindanao, Sec. Soliman cited school feedings where WFP provided hot, nutritious meals to some 100,000 children in 350 public schools; nutrition support through the provision of micronutrient-fortified, ready-to-use food to bridge essential nutrient gaps among the most vulnerable children and women; livelihood support through Food and Cash-for-Assets Programme and Food/Cash-for Work where the most vulnerable populations are given food or cash in exchange for work on vital new infrastructure, or for time spent on learning new skills that will increase the food security of households or communities; and capacity building to enhance the capabilities of communities and government agencies on disaster preparedness and response. Sec. Soliman said that WFP’s continuing support will boost national and local efforts to effectively and efficiently respond to the impact of disasters especially since the Philippines is affected by 20 typhoons a year and is exposed to earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, and drought, among others. The Secretary thanked WFP for recognizing the strong leadership of the Philippine government in disaster risk reduction and preparedness. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal Remittances reach US$2.0 billion in January 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) in January 2015 amounted to US$2.0 billion, higher by 0.2 percent than the year-ago level, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 Personal remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more registered inflows of US$1.5 billion. Meanwhile those from sea-based and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year totaled US$0.5 billion. Cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks reached US$1.8 billion in January, representing a 0.5 percent year-on-year growth. Cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers posted inflows of US$1.4 billion and US$0.5 billion, respectively. The bulk of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada.2 Continued demand for skilled Filipino manpower contributed to the steady inflow of remittances. Preliminary reports by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that 26.3 percent of total approved job orders of 77,009 in January 2015 were processed during the period. Processed job orders were intended mainly for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. The POEA also reported that workers with processed contracts increased by 6.7 percent to 2.4 million in 2014. Moreover, the continued efforts of bank and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage through their network of remittance business partners worldwide provided support to steady remittance flows. ------------- 1 The BSP started to release data on personal remittances in June 2012. As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return). 2 There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Also remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, is in the U.S. Therefore, the U.S. would show up to be the main sources of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Customs modernization Tariff Act steps up reform agenda for 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Carag: Institutionalized reforms ensure the Bureau of Customs will continue delivering in its reform trajectory The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) are advocating for the speedy passage of the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) as a way to institutionalize and consolidate reforms in what would be the most improved national government agency in terms of collections growth. “The Bureau of Customs collected P369.3 billion in 2014, 21% higher than what was collected in 2013 on the back of painstaking reforms and plenty of hard work. But our work is far from over. CMTA will etch further reforms into law and enable us to institutionalize the ongoing transformation of the Bureau of Customs into an efficient and responsive revenue agency,” Commissioner John P. Sevilla said in support of the measure. Finance Undersecretary Carlo A. Carag of the Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs Group pushed for the bill’s approval saying, “The recently released figures on the BOC’s collections for 2014 demonstrate the effective power of reform under the leadership of Commissioner Sevilla. We intend to further transform the BOC from what was once perceived as one of the most corrupt and underperforming agencies into a pioneer of governance innovation and technology in the region. The modernization and policy changes to be institutionalized with CMTA make us confident that the Bureau of Customs will continue breaking records and delivering results in the years to come.” CMTA will make the Philippines compliant with the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and other international agreements, and consistent with the trend towards harmonization, modernization and simplification of customs procedures. The proposed bill will mandate the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance customs operations and enforcement, consistent with the government’s policy to eradicate corruption by eliminating face-to-face transactions and institutionalizing electronic systems instead. The proposed bill will also provide a de minimis value of five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), below which no duties and taxes shall be collected. It will also exempt relief consignments from duties and taxes and enable a simplified customs procedure for efficient release of goods when there is a declaration of a state of calamity. To develop the BOC’s capacity for trade facilitation, the principle of an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) as drafted by the World Customs Organization is adopted in the proposed bill. An AEO refers to importers, exporters, customs brokers, forwarders, and other entities duly accredited by the Bureau based on international standards and various national best practices, and which are entitled to minimal requirements for processing of goods. Further, the proposed bill recognizes the use of self-certification system in determining the applicable rules of origin. The bill will also strengthen the BOC’s risk management system. For example, incentives such as the deferred payment of duties and taxes may be granted to highly compliant and low risk importers and exporters. The concept of abandonment is also redefined, where only expressly abandoned goods are deemed property of the government. The proposed bill gives the BOC the option to donate the abandoned goods to another government agency, declare the same for official use of the Bureau or to dispose of the goods through a public sale. This gives the Bureau an option to donate the goods or declare the same for official use even before public auction, which is a limitation in the present law. Finally, the amount of fines and penalties for violation of the provisions of the bill will be increased since the current fines and penalties in the TCCP are outdated. In the proposed bill, unlawful importation and exportation will be considered as a heinous crime if the appraised value of the good unlawfully imported, including duties and taxes, exceeds fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DILG's statement on the arrest of Mohammad Ali Tambako | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Si Mohammad Ali Tambako at apat niyang kasama ay nasa custody na ng CIDG-NCR at kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa inquest. Si Tambako ang Commander ng Justice for Islamic Movement na break-away group ng BIFF, isang terrorist organization, at ang apat na kasama niya ay pawang mga miyembro ng grupo na ito. They will all face justice and the law. Sangkot si Tambako sa pagkamatay ng 44 na miyembro ng SAF sa Mamasapano at isa siya sa mga tumulong magtago kay Basit Usman. Ang pagkahuli sa kanila ay nagawa sa pagtutulungan ng AFP at PNP. Patunay ito na nanatiling matatag ang ugnayan ng dalawang organisasyon. Congratulations to the men and women of the AFP and PNP who made this happen. Pagpapatunay ito sa pagsisikap nating mabigyang katarungan hindi lang ang 44 SAF troopers na namatay sa Mamasapano, kung hindi ang lahat ng mga naging biktima nila. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DILG's Statement on Court of Appeals' TRO vs Ombudsman's Preventive Suspension Order for Makati Mayor JunJun Binay | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DILG will uphold at all times the rule of law. Today at 8:24AM, the DILG NCR Director Rene Brion went to Makati City Hall to implement the Ombudsman's order suspending Makati Mayor Binay. RD Brion, notwithstanding repeated efforts, was denied entry into the building, and was prevented from going up to the Mayor’s office. RD Brion posted in full public view a copy of said suspension order, thus carrying out the Ombudsman’s order of serving notice to the Mayor. Today at 3:09PM, the DILG received a notice of resolution from the CA on the matter pertaining to the Ombudsman’s suspension of Makati Mayor Binay. We note in the dispositive portion that the Court granted petitioners’ prayer for a temporary restraining order. As can be seen from the foregoing, the order of the Ombudsman has already been carried out; hence, there is nothing to restrain. In fact Vice Mayor Romulo Pena already took his oath at 9:47AM. In view of these conflicting orders, we will refer this matter to Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima for her opinion. We continue to assure the public that our primary concerns are upholding the law, the continued delivery of services to the people of Makati, and preserving peace and order. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DOST launches Mobile Disaster Communications Service in Cebu | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Science and Technology together with international and local partners launched and formally turned over the Moveable and Deployable ICT Resource Unit (MDRU) to the town of San Remigio, Cebu, One of the municipalities ravaged by typhoon Yolanda. The donation of the MDRU to the Philippines happened through the efforts of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan (MIC) and the Central Visayas Information Sharing Network Foundation (CVISNet). Research and development (R&D) on the Movable Deployable ICT Resource Unit started in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 with the support of MIC, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and other Japanese ICT organizations. It is a unit that can be quickly deployed to restore communications in communities in the aftermath of a disaster. The unit is self-reliant running on its own power source and/or is able to harness other power sources such as power generators or local active power lines. The MDRU donated by Japan comes in two configurations, the small version is the size of a .5m x .5m box that contains the necessary equipment and software necessary to provide basic voice and data communications within a small area for up to 500 concurrent users, while the attaché case version of the MDRU can do the same for a much smaller area. The MDRU can also act as a data center, it is built in with an Evacuee Management System, that allows relief workers, using no more that smartphones or tablets to track and tabulate those who have been displaced by a disaster. According to Ioane Koroivuki Regional Director, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, International Telecommunication Union; “The ITU acknowledges that it is absolutely crucial that in times of emergencies that communications are restored in the shortest possible time, it also recognizes that having the right tools in place to enable this. The MDRU is one such tool that enables the establishment of an ICT network and emergency communications services in the fastest time possible”. Secretary Mario G. Montejo of the DOST commented that the MDRU is a model on how the International public and private partnership and cooperation in ICT can work to mitigate the effects of disasters. Likewise, ICT can also spur development particularly in the countryside. Through e-government, e-health, environment data through programs such as project NOAH and readily available Internet connectivity being developed through the ICT Office, our citizens can have the information they need not only to help sustain themselves but also be ready in times of calamities. 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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| "Lambat-Sibat" operatives arrests 11 MWPs including 7 gang members, leader | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Elements of the Philippine National Police, through the implementation of its OPLAN “Lambat-Sibat” Campaign as part of the guidance of Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas II, arrested 13 Most Wanted Persons in Metro Manila including seven (7) gang members. According to a report from the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, gang members arrested from March 3, 2015 to March 9, 2015 includes three (3) members of AVATAR Group namely, Ruben Saluta (NPA Commander), Precentacion Saluta and Emmanuel Bacarra who was also identified as NPA Commander operating in Occidental Mindoro These AVATAR Group Members were identified CPP/NPA/NDF and were involved in series of criminal activities transpired in years 2011, 2013 and 2014 operating in Southern Luzon Region. Other gang members arrested in the past 2 weeks were: MA. ANDREA BRANZUELA Y LICAY, member of Branzuela Group with an offense of KFR and Robbery, arrested on March 4, 2015; WILL JOHN LAGO Y DAUG, member of Tayrus Group with an offense of Robbery, arrested on March 4, 2015; DANIEL RAGUB Y VALLECER, member of Darwin Ragub Group with an offense of Murder, arrested on March 4, 2015; and CARLOS ANTHONY Y REYES, member of Erol Legazpi Robbery and Carnapping Group with an offense of Robbery Hold-up, Arrested on March 9, 2015. Meanwhile, the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) has recorded a favorable assessment on murder and homicide, and motorcycle-napping crime status in Metro Manila for the past week. For the period of March 2 to March 8, 2015, Murder and Homicide went down by nine (9) incidents from 36 incidents on the previous week (Feb 23 – Mar 1) to 27 incidents (March 2-8, 2015). Likewise, Motorcycle-napping decreased from 47 incidents on the previous week to 35 incidents (March 2-8, 2015). However, DIDM recorded an increased of incidents on riding-in-tandem where 393 incidents recorded on March 2-8, 2015 compared to the 381 incidents on the previous week (Feb 23 – Mar 1). According to a report, Manila Police District recorded a total of 94 incidents, which is mostly caused by business issues, from March 2-8, 2015 from 80 incidents on the previous week (Feb 23 – Mar 1). | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Implementation of increased minimum wage for Filipino HSWs in Brunei gains ground as employers guarantee to give prescribed salary | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine government’s labor reform platform has scored another solid achievement for the Overseas Filipino Worker, this time, by securing employers’ assurance of implementing the increased minimum wage for household service workers (HSW) in Brunei Darussalam. This was the report of Labor Attaché to Brunei Violeta D. Illescas to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday as the full implementation of the new wage, which took effect on January 5, 2015, is now in place, and with job orders and individual employment contracts submitted to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Brunei for verification already showing the BN$520.00 monthly salary for household service workers and the unskilled/lowly skilled workers. Secretary Baldoz said that based on the labor quotas issued by the Labor Department of Brunei, the HSWs and unskilled/lowly skilled minimum salary is BN$520.00 per month. “It is reassuring that the household service workers’ sponsors and company owners submitted a Letter of Guarantee that once the Filipino Overseas HSW arrive in Brunei, they will be given the prescribed salary and will be covered by the Company Workmen’s Compensation Policy for lowly and semi-skilled workers, and even for professionals,” Baldoz informed. Labor Attaché Illescas reported that Brunei’s recruitment agencies for household service workers, and the owners of establishments hiring semi-skilled and unskilled workers have adopted the minimum salary of not less than US$400 per month, or BN$520, as prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, and as per the Philippine Embassy’s letter to the Commissioner of the Labor Department of Brunei. The pay increase development was featured in The Brunei Times, the English language newspaper of Brunei Darussalam, which counts as its readers “the nation’s opinion leaders in government and the corporate sector.” “Local recruitment agencies in Brunei were grateful for having the [issue of] minimum salaries [of Filipino household workers] published in the local newspaper. Brunei employers/agencies informed the POLO that despite the increase in minimum salaries of the Filipino workers, they will still hire them because they are admired and valued for their skills, dependability, and work attitude,” Labor Attaché Illescas said in her report. As reported also by The Brunei Times, Nur Judy Abdullah, vice president of the Brunei Council on Social Welfare, an NGO that advocates the rights of vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, said “it [minimum wage] is definitely a favourable news for Filipino domestic workers who are often seen as invisible, work long hours without overtime, and sometimes do not have any off-day in a week or month.” Illescas also assured that the POLO will closely coordinate with Brunei’s labor department as regards the implementation of the minimum salaries for Filipinos, as well as other Brunei and Philippine labor laws and regulations protecting OFW HSW against sponsors or companies who are not complying with the new wage order. Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Nestor Ochoa also hailed the efforts to give the Filipino HSWs the minimum wage they deserve. The ambassador, as quoted also by the Brunei Times, enjoined the employers to follow what “is written in our labor law now.” The increase is part of the House Service Worker Protection and Welfare Enhancement Reform Package of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). According to the POEA, the US$200 rate has been the minimum salary the overseas employment program started almost four decades ago, adding that it is about time that the Filipino HSWs pay be increased since they are not regular eight-to-five workers with entitlement to overtime pay in excess of 8 hours of work, and they are on call by their employers 24 hours a day and 6 to 7 days a week, without overtime pay. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Message of Secretary Balisacan for the Socioeconomic Report 2014 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Last year, when we launched the Updated Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, there was optimism about the country’s succeeding development direction. Following the realignment of strategies based on geographical considerations, we crafted and implemented new approaches which we deemed more responsive to the needs of sectors and areas where many of the poor reside and make a living. Given also the strong growth in 2012 and 2013, the expectations for 2014 were very high. However, the country’s GDP growth for the first three quarters of last year somehow dampened optimism among various sectors. Despite this, the country still managed to grow above 6.0 percent for full-year 2014 following a robust growth in the last quarter. The growth was one of the fastest among the major emerging economies in Asia. The average growth in the past five years of the current administration was the fastest in 40 years. While the growth last year was slower than our target, this still affirms that the country is indeed on a higher growth path. In terms of poverty, economic gains and increases in incomes during the past four years translated to a record 3-percentage point reduction of poverty incidence in the first half of 2013. However, the recently-released report of the Philippine Statistics Authority shows that poverty incidence among individuals rose to 25.8 in the first semester of 2014, which fell short of the target range of 23 to 25 percent for 2014 indicated in the Updated Plan. The reduction of poverty incidence in 2013 could have continued in 2014 were it not for the high food price inflation. In particular, for rice, the situation could have been avoided had we been able to take advantage of the favorable world market condition for rice. In this context, we must say that the Philippine economy’s achievements in the past year were not met without challenges. As we have discussed in various fora, reforms in public financial management entailed major adjustments on the part of implementing agencies. These led to significant declines in government final consumption and public construction. GDP growth could have been higher by one percentage point if not for these adjustments. Despite these impediments, the country continued to make strides in economic and social development. For one, employment numbers, especially the unemployment and underemployment rates, continuously improved during the course of 2014. Latest figures showed that 1.04 million new jobs were created in January 2015 from January 2014. The Socioeconomic Report 2014 specifies more of these accomplishments. It also shows where we fall short of our PDP targets and calls attention to the gaps that must be addressed. The report nonetheless reaffirms the strategies identified in the PDP Midterm Update that remain relevant and have become even more compelling. So in the last fifteen months of the current administration, mindful of various impediments, we will need to focus on a number of reforms that we deem critical. First, we must guard against future spikes in food prices. As we have noted earlier, the gains from increased incomes were unfortunately negated by faster and higher inflation in food prices, especially of rice. Thus, there is a need to revisit the grains sector policy, particularly the quantitative restrictions or QRs on rice imports. The government needs to weigh the benefits of this policy deemed favorable to rice farmers, as we are seeing its negative impact on poor consumers and the Philippine economy as a whole. This in no way means that we are withdrawing support for farmers. On the contrary, we are pushing for a sounder package of policy reforms and programs to enhance agricultural productivity that will increase farmers’ incomes. Second, we must reduce further the cost of doing business. While both domestic and foreign businesses remain optimistic, business prospects in 2015 are conservative. To address this and ensure a stable business environment, there is a pressing need to address infrastructure bottlenecks, port congestion, and power woes. Third, we should strengthen support for the passage of anti-trust or competition law to improve the country’s business climate and competitiveness. This will encourage firms to innovate and improve the quality of goods and services that they provide. Fourth, we need to ensure that there is a strengthened and reliable social protection in place so that people and businesses will have the confidence to adjust to changes brought about by various reforms being implemented. This also facilitates faster recovery among victims of disasters and calamities. Finally, we should also revisit the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management law to improve the coordination system and institutional arrangement in terms of disaster response management. More importantly, we must invest more in prevention and mitigation to build better and more resilient communities. With only one and a half years remaining, the government is working double time in delivering the commitments of the current administration. However, let us remind ourselves that the task is not the government’s alone and that work should not end with the end of an administration. We need to continue the momentum of reforms in economy and governance, even as we face even greater challenges as we approach 2016. Thus, once again, we are encouraging everyone to work with us in traversing the last few miles, to protect our gains, and to deepen reforms that will deliver a better future for the people. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DOTC, LTO to bare list of delinquent dealers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Unclaimed License Plates Show Customers Being Shortchanged “The public deserves to know if their car dealerships are shortchanging them. We will release lists of delinquent dealers in the coming weeks to show which ones aren’t fulfilling their promises to their customers,” Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya disclosed today. Abaya and Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan, Jr. have decided to bare the names of delinquent dealerships upon receiving reports that the latter deliberately misinform their customers as to the status of their license plate applications. “The problem is that the delinquent dealers tell their customers that the LTO does not have new plates, when in fact, they’re the ones who aren’t fulfilling their services. They let months pass despite knowing fully well that the plates are ready – and they even mislead their customers about it,” Abaya explained. “License plates for first-time motor vehicle registrants are available-on-demand. Yet many of these plates remain unclaimed from LTO offices,” Tan remarked. The DOTC and the LTO will release the lists of delinquent dealerships in the coming weeks, to better inform the public as to which dealerships actually deliver the services they offer to their customers, and which ones are shortchanging them. “For owners of new motor vehicles whose dealers tell them that the LTO is not ready with new plates: come to our offices so you can claim them yourselves. Your license plates are ready at your place of registration,” Tan said. Vehicle dealerships are regulated by the LTO, which can suspend and even revoke accreditation when warranted. The new plates are part of the LTO’s License Plate Standardization Program, which will phase out the nine (9) existing designs currently in use, over the next two (2) years. They sport a sleek black-on-white design which improves visibility and can be seen from different angles. The new plates contain various security features such as tamper-resistant locks, reflective sheeting material, and a “third-plate” sticker. These third-plate stickers replace the windshield stickers currently issued as proof of annual registration. Similarly, registration stickers attached to license plates will no longer be issued for new license plates. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Statement on the Philippines’ Supplemental Submission to the Arbitral Tribunal | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The supplemental submission was conveyed to the Arbitral Tribunal on Monday, March 16. We recall that on 16 December 2014, the Arbitral Tribunal submitted 26 questions to the Philippines requesting additional argument and information. The questions relate to issues concerning both the tribunal’s jurisdiction and the merits of the Philippines’ claims, including the Philippines’ principled claim challenging the lawfulness of China’s so-called “nine-dash line”. The Philippines has submitted detailed responses and extensive additional information. The submission consists of 12 volumes totaling over 3,000 pages. Volume I consists of 200 pages of written argument. Volume II consists of a 200-page Atlas containing detailed information about 49 islands, reefs and other features in the South China Sea. Preparing such an extensive submission in such short order required substantial effort and coordination from relevant concerned agencies. The Philippines appreciates the evident care and attention the Tribunal is giving to the case, as reflected by the scope and detail of the Tribunal’s questions. The Tribunal has managed, with utmost professionalism, the difficulties created by China’s decision not to appear, taking care to make sure neither side is prejudiced by that decision. The Philippines is confident that its answers to the Tribunal’s questions leave no doubt that the Tribunal has jurisdiction over the case and that the Philippines claims, including in particular its claims concerning the nine-dash line, are well-founded in fact and law. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ASEAN Committee in Doha, Qatari Businessmen Association agree to strengthen ASEAN-Qatar economic relations | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 March 2015 - The ASEAN Committee in Doha (ACD) made a courtesy call on the Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA), Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, on March 11 at Al Faisal Holding Office at Marriot Marquis Tower, West Bay, Doha. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen economic relations between ASEAN and Qatar. Indonesian Ambassador Deddy Saiful Hadi, as ACD Chairperson, briefed Sheikh Al Thani on the ASEAN Economic Community, which aims for regional economic integration by 2015, and highlighted the immense economic development in the Asia-Pacific and invited QBA to explore economic opportunities in the region. Sheikh Al Thani affirmed his interest to link up with private business organizations in ASEAN, while taking note of the unique opportunities presented by each member country. ACD also invited QBA to send a delegation to ASEAN to which the latter requested for a proposed date so that it could then determine the particular business sectors that it wants to meet with in each country. The Philippine Embassy in Doha reiterated previous invitations from Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and Senator Jinggoy Estrada for Sheikh Al Thani to visit the Philippines, which could be an opportunity for QBA to explore the Philippine market and tie up with various business organizations in the country, such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sheikh Al Thani acknowledged the invitations and said he would look into his schedule to determine a possible date. ACD was formally established on 12 December 2011 with the aim of promoting ASEAN awareness in Qatar and strengthening ASEAN-Qatar relations. It currently comprised the Embassies of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. QBA, meanwhile, aims among others to support and enhance the role of the private sector in Qatar’s economy by engaging with various foreign business delegations in forging regional and international alliances, especially in the field of business development. Al Faisal Holding, which was founded by QBA Chairperson Sheikh Al Thani in the 1960s, is among Qatar’s leading private companies that played a significant role in the development of Qatar’s economy and infrastructure. Currently, the company has a diverse business portfolio that includes real estate, hospitality, construction, trading, transport, entertainment, education, services and information technology. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| DENR: Water at core of sustainable development | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippines will celebrate this year’s World Water Day (WWD) with a focus on the vital role of water in achieving sustainable development. A series of activities leading up to the WWD 2015 on March 22 is planned by organizers led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This year’s theme, “Water and Sustainable Development,” seeks to emphasize the importance of water in relation to health, ecosystems, urbanization, industrial processes, energy, food and equality. The annual celebration kicks off with the 2015 Water and Sustainable Awards, which will recognize “water champions” consisting of organizations and individuals who are helping out their communities in addressing water issues and promoting sustainable development. It is co-presented by the DENR and water concessionaire Maynilad and will be held today at the UP Bahay ng Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City. For March 17, the Laguna Lake Development Authority will hold a tour of Lake Pandin in San Pablo; the DENR-Region 3 will conduct simultaneous river cleanup in the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan and Bataan, as well as portions of the Manila Bay; and the DENR-National Capital Region (NCR) and Manila Water will begin a two-day lecture series on the importance of water. Employees of the local governments of Kawit and Noveleta towns in Cavite will join the DENR and Maynilad in a two-day tree planting activity under the “Plant for Life: Save Bacoor-Cañaco-Manila Bay” program, starting March 17. The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will hold a symposium on “Water Security towards Sustainable Development” in Quezon City on March 18. Three activities are lined up for March 19. These are the water education seminar for elementary and high school teachers to be held at the Air Quality Management Training Center of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB); the “Scubasurero” underwater cleanup activity in Masinloc, Zambales, organized by the DENR-Region 3; and a roundtable discussion on possible amendments to the Water Code of the Philippines arranged by the National Water Resources Board and the Philippine Water Partnership. Other activities are as follows: March 19-20: DENR-NCR and Maynilad will hold interactive educational activities under the “WWD 2015 Daloy Dunong: Water Education Drive” for elementary pupils in the cities of Muntinlupa and Manila. The Local Water Utilities Administration will also conduct the two-day Buhay KYUT (health, hygiene and water conservation) program in Iloilo City. March 22: The EMB and the River Basin Control Office will be joined by various local government units in a river cleanup in Malabon City. The WWD 2015 Run for Water and Sustainable Development, sponsored by Maynilad, will be held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay City. March 23 and 26: The ERDB and the Department of Education will lead the National Conference on Climate Change and Water Safety for Health, and the “Gising Diwa: Likas Kayang Gamit ng Yamang Tubig” for participants from Laguna, and Tayabas and Pagbilao towns in Quezon. March 25-27: Water Philippines 2015 Expo and Conference and the Pipes and Tubing Philippines 2015 Expo, both sponsored by UBM Water Philippines, will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. WWD was first celebrated in 1993 when the United Nations declared March 22 of every year as World Day for Water. In the Philippines, the celebration lasts for at least one week by virtue of Executive Order No. 258 issued in 1996, adopting the Philippine Water Week. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| CARP implementers told to be more circumspect in distributing farmlands | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| “THE NUMBER game is over. Let’s buckle down to work.” Thus, said Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Jose Grageda as he pressed field implementers to see to it that farmer-beneficiaries would gain complete ownership and possession of the lands to be awarded to them. Grageda stressed that the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is not merely a number game, referring to the attainment of the annual target of farmlands to be distributed to landless farmers. The Undersecretary for Land Tenure Service stressed that accomplishing the goal – the number of hectares of farmland set for distribution each year – doesn’t mean anything if the beneficiaries would not be able to gain actual ownership and full control of the awarded farmlands. Some farmer-beneficiaries were often left seeing their supposedly newly acquired farm lots from a distance because of the reported continued harassment and intimidation of the former landowners. Grageda advised CARP field implementers to act with prudence, taking into account the existing rules and regulations. He urged them “to observe the norms of high standards that are fair to both major stakeholders – the landowners and the prospective agrarian reform beneficiaries.” “In this manner, the DAR will be able to avoid conflicts and prevent wasting time and resources,” he said in the “National Orientation on the Preparation of DAR’s Indicative Plan and Budget Proposal for 2016” in Davao City. To do this, Grageda said, there should be an equitable ratio of quantity and quality with a clear identification of specific landholdings targeted for acquisition and distribution. He also emphasized the need to conduct province-wide farmer-beneficiary identification in plantation farms or haciendas, simultaneously with segregation, land use surveys, and clustering of certain landholdings by geographical location. He added that field implementers should closely “monitor the use of fund for land acquisition and distribution, and devise more efficient and effective ways of making things happen by setting definite timelines for completion of the mandated activities.” (RS Maala) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TESDA to lead APEC talks on human resource development | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will take its expertise on developing quality workforce to the fore when it hosts the High Level Policy Dialogue on Human Capacity Building (HLPD-HCB) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) on May 6 and 7. Although it will be conducted in Papua New Guinea, the policy dialogue on HCB remains part of the country's hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015, which will focus on the theme "Building inclusive economies, building a better world.” After almost two decades, the Philippines will host and chair the APEC anew. It first hosted the APEC meetings in 1996. "TESDA is honored to co-host with Papua New Guinea the discussions on human capacity building. It's our vocation, which we do through skills development of trainers and trainees," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. "Investing in people is a theme that resonates with all the APEC member-nations, something they saw as necessary in sustaining their economies," he added. Recognizing that having a skilled workforce is key to competitiveness, Villanueva said there is a need to align the education, including technical-vocational training, to the needs of the industry. Equally important is developing strategic approaches to enhance the productivity of medium, small and micro-enterprises, and to link them to the global value chain. Last February 3 to 4, the preparatory meeting for the HLPD-HCB was held in Subic Freeport Zone, a lead-up to the main activity in Port Moresby. The pre-meeting, which was chaired by TESDA Deputy Director General Irene Isaac, was attended by 75 participants from 15 APEC-member economies including the Philippines. It saw the drafting of the joint statement which shall be the output of the HLPD on HCB. Notable were the participation of the new Lead Shepherd from Russia, which was a show of support from the leadership of the Human Resource Development Working Group, and the Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) which also demonstrated the private sector's support to human resource development. Investing in human capital development is one of the four priorities of the Philippines for the APEC 2015 hosting since human resources play a vital role in achieving the goal of each of the member economies towards enhanced job generation, improved productive employment opportunities, and greater economic growth. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Inc. starting March 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will service the deposit insurance claims of depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Inc. on March 18 to 19, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the bank's premises located in San Vicente, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. Depositors with valid deposit balances of P50,000 and below, with complete mailing address found in the bank records or updated through the Mailing Address Update Form, and without any outstanding obligation with the bank do not need to file claims. Depositors with account balances of more than P50,000, and those with outstanding obligations with the closed Rural Bank of Magsingal or with incomplete mailing address, or those who maintain the account under the name of business entities, regardless of type of account and account balance, are required to file their deposit insurance claims. The announcement on the claims settlement operations of Rural Bank of Magsingal is posted at its office and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. When filing claims for deposit insurance, depositors are advised to personally present the original copy of evidence of deposit such as Savings Passbook and Certificate of Time Deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors who were not able to come personally may file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of documentary requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old will be represented by a parent who will submit a photocopy of the child's Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. The parent will sign the Claim Form and the other requirements. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for 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. Depositors who are not able to file their claims during the claims settlement operations period may submit their claims either through mail to PDIC or personally at the PDIC Office, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City starting on March 30, 2015. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Rural Bank of Magsingal is on March 6, 2017. After this date, PDIC as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. The PDIC said that all valid claims will be paid. For deposits to be considered valid, it must be recorded in the bank's records and must have evidence of inflow of funds, based on the results of PDIC examination. PDIC, as Receiver, has the authority to adjust the interest rate on unpaid interests on deposits of a bank if such rate is deemed unreasonable. 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 Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). | ||||||||||||||||||||
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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CNN Philippines / Updates by Pia Hontiveros
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17 March 2015
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| SEC. COLOMA: I received a text message from our PIA Monitoring Service, and they gave some highlights on what Senator Poe mentioned in her press conference. HONTIVEROS: Yes sir. Well, the Senate also released a 12-page executive summary. And point number four is—and I’d like to read it for you sir. And I quote: “The President must bear responsibility for giving assent to and failing to prevent the unlawful exercise of official functions by Police Director General Purisima in connection with Oplan Exodus.” Do you have a comment on that, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Well, on the second part, the unlawful exercise, well, that is something that ought to be determined by the proper legal authorities. As far as the President is concerned, he has explained to the people that he tapped General Purisima earlier in connect with the planning of Oplan Exodus because he had valuable information on the background of previous operations to arrest Marwan and Usman, and he was a subject matter expert or a resource person in this aspect. HONTIVEROS: Sir, but the Senate Committee report is saying that it is—General Purisima had already been suspended but the President still consulted him. SEC. COLOMA: Well, that is a conclusion on their part. That is why, if you recall Pia, I prefaced my reply to your question that we are not agreeing with the second part of that assertion because that is something that ought to be determined by authorities, by legal authorities. HONTIVEROS: Ought to be determined ,sir, if— SEC. COLOMA: That is not the view of the President, and that is not our view. HONTIVEROS: But he’s not—he and you, you’re not denying that the President was speaking and was meeting with General Purisima about Mamasapano even after he was suspended? SEC. COLOMA: Well, the President said this in his January 28 address to the nation and the Q&A that followed with Malacañang reporters. He already acknowledged that there was participation on the part of General Purisima. HONTIVEROS: Sir, the other point, the fifth point of the 12-page executive summary reads, – well, it’s just one short line – “The President must show leadership.” And the last paragraph of that point, last paragraph on page 9 of point number 5, it says: “At this crucial time, it is imperative that the President display unquestionable leadership, be forthright and candid with our people, accept responsibility for all decisions he makes as President, and admit the mistakes he made along the way.” Your comment, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Well, the President considers himself accountable to his bosses, the Filipino people at all times. And that is the principle that is guiding all of his actions and decisions, Pia. HONTIVEROS: So, accountable, sir, but he’s not going to do what the Senate is saying? SEC. COLOMA: As I said Pia, it would not be appropriate for me to make more detailed comments in as far as we have not yet even seen the report itself. I’m just making general comments based on what we already know. HONTIVEROS: Alright. Final word sir, anything else you’d like to add. SEC. COLOMA: Well, the President is committed to ferreting out the truth and to ensuring that the ends of justice are served, Pia. HONTIVEROS: Alright, thank you very much, Secretary Sonny Coloma from Malacañang Palace. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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Last Updated: 17 MARCH 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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 | President Benigno S. Aquino III offers prayers to the remains of slain Marine Corporal Josen Mias and Sergeant Francis Jeffel Flores during the wake at the Fort Bonifacio Naval Station Mortuary in Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino recognized the heroism of the two marines killed in encounters with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III personally extends his condolences to the family of slain Marine Corporal Josen Mias and Sergeant Francis Jeffel Flores during the wake at the Fort Bonifacio Naval Station Mortuary in Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino recognized the heroism of the two marines killed in encounters with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
.jpg) | President Benigno S. Aquino III visits the wounded soldiers confined at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City and the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino personally thanked the injured troopers for their gallantry and bravery during their separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group in Jolo and Basilan in the all-out offensive launched my the military against lawless elements in Mindanao. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III visits the wounded soldiers confined at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City and the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino personally thanked the injured troopers for their gallantry and bravery during their separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group in Jolo and Basilan in the all-out offensive launched my the military against lawless elements in Mindanao. Also in photo is Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III visits the wounded soldiers confined at the V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City and the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday afternoon (March 16). President Aquino personally thanked the injured troopers for their gallantry and bravery during their separate encounters with members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, and the Abu Sayaff Group in Jolo and Basilan in the all-out offensive launched by the military against lawless elements in Mindanao. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. Also in photo are British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Mateo Montano. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland arrives at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. Also in photo are British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. Also in photo are British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Her Royal Highness Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17,). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. Also in photo are British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Anwar Ahmad and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Princess Anne of Great Britain during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 17). Her visit is in connection with her charity and various humanitarian works. The Princess Royal heads about 320 organizations. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with the 19th National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Delegation headed by South Korea National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the 19th National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Delegation headed by South Korea National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 16) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 110th commencement exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15, 2015). With the president onstage are DND Sec, Voltaire Gazmin, Vice President Jejomar Binay, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 110th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15).. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montillano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the full military honors at the Sundial Grounds of the Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City for the inauguration of the newly-completed PMA Sports Complex on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Lauro Montillano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his commencement address during the 110th commencement exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Arwi Martinez for topping the Sinaglahi Class of 2015 during the 110th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PAGCOR chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, undrapes the marker of the newly-completed PMA Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhuir Arcayan/ MalacaÒang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.; Education Secretary Armin Luistro; and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11, 2015). Also in photo are Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim, Malaysian Ministry of Defence deputy secretary Suriani Binti Ahmad, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Council Director-General and National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein pose for a souvenir photo beside the portrait of former President Corazon Aquino during the courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Civilian Employee of the Year Award to Susan Tolentino during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Plaque of Appreciation to PCSUPT Pablo Francisco Balagtas during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Enlisted of the Year Award to CPO Aurelio Hernandez during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Enlisted Personnel of the Year Award to SSg. Celso Arellano during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Officer of the Year Award to Maj. Lourdes Imperial during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Officer of the Year Award to LCDR Aniceto Medalla during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
Weather satellite feed as of Mar 18, 2015 06:00 AM. http://t.co/0JIrcjR4Pu| via @nababaha
Philippine Information Agency Region 1 and 7 others shared a link.
April Montes and 2 others shared a link.
President Aquino visits to the wake of the #Soldiers killed in action 3/16/2014: http://t.co/YjYFHSlYYq | via @RTVMalacanang
Registration for Filipino #Overseas is also ongoing in all PH embassies & consulates. #FOV #VoterReg2015 http://t.co/B2TMkzxqdm
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