24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 02 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., 02 March 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 02 March 2015 |
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Synopsis:
Weak Northeast Monsoon affecting Extreme Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The
islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan will experience partly cloudy
to at times cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the
rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated
rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds coming from the northeast will prevail over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Eastern Mindanao and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the northeast with slight to modrate seas.
March 2 , 2015 (Monday)
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Fair Weather in Lucena City
GMA
News: Some 77 Filipinos repatriated from strife-torn Libya are to
arrive home in two batches on Friday and Sunday. The DFA said the first
batch of 46 Filipinos will arrive at 4PM aboard Emirates EK332, while a
second batch of 31 will arrive 3:10PM of March 1 via flight QR926.
Representatives from the DFA and OWWA will meet the OFWs at NAIA to
brief and assist them. With the arrivals, the DFA said an estimated
4,233 Filipinos would have been repatriated from Libya. Presently, the
DFA estimates about 4,000 Filipinos remain in Libya, with repatriation
efforts becoming more dangerous and difficult. The next repatriation
operation is scheduled on March 8. Filipinos in Libya are urged to
contact the Embassy Team in Tripoli at +218927471949, +2189161555264,
and +218916656134.
QUEZON
1. Quezon provincial enterprise development council meets, elects new officers
- February 27, 2015
Director Marcelina Alcantara of the Quezon Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave an overview of the importance of the role of the Council in the economic development of the province.
Elected as Co-Chairman is Ferdinand Garcia, president of the Quezon-Lucena Chamber of Commerce and Industry while PAFC president Edgardo Azcarraga and Alberto S. Bay, Jr., provincial tourism officer, were elected vice-chairmen for the private and government sectors, respectively.
Ruben T. Pasia, Sr. of the Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives (QFUC) moved that the Council would conduct monthly meetings to discuss activities for the speedy development of the province.
This year, Governor David C. Suarez, honorary chairman, will lead the Council along with the newly elected vice-chairmen and will steering the activities of its committees, namely, Business Environment, Finance, Marketing, and Productivity & Efficiency.
The Business Environment Committee will monitor and facilitate for the needs of entrepreneurs such as fast processes in business permit and licensing with streamlined or minimal document and process requirements, while the Finance Committee which consists of government banks, bankers association, and other government and private financing organizations including DTI’s Small Business Corporation that allocates funds to micro, small and medium enterprises.
Training, capability building and enhancement, including provision of machinery and facilities to increase productivity of enterprises, will be under the charge of the Productivity & Efficiency while Marketing will facilitate for projects and activities that will support local products and crafts and make Quezon be known through tourism.
It is expected that the private sector and the provincial government of Quezon will bond a strong collaboration to develop entrepreneurship and livelihood in the province.
In attendance were representatives from the offices of the Quezon Provincial Government: Economic Enterprise Unit, Provincial Agriculture Office, PESO, PPDO, Tourism Office, PIO; DOST, DOLE, Philippine Coconut Authority, DA-RFO, Department of Trade and Industry (line agencies); SLSU-Lucban, TESDA-Quezon National Agricultural School (Academe); Land Bank of the Philippines (financial institution); PAFC Quezon, Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives, Tourism Sector, QUEPEA and the Quezon-Lucena Chamber of Commerce and Industry (private sector). (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon / Pablito C. Budoy, DTI Quezon/PIA4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631425025352/quezon-provincial-enterprise-development-council-meets-elects-new-officers#sthash.vByoCied.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: DTI Quezon nagpasimuno ng seminar ukol sa customer relations
- February 27, 2015
Ang seminar na ginanap noong nakaraang buwan sa Parking Area ng SaveMore sa Lucena ay naglalayon na mabawasan ang hidwaan o hindi pagkakaunawaan ng mga nagtitinda at mga mamimili.
Marami sa mga reklamo ng mga konsyumer na nakakarating sa DTI ay dulot lamang sa hindi pagkakaintindihan ng nagtitinda at mamimili.
Sinabi ni Gng. Leila Cabreros, mediation officer ng DTI-Quezon, sa mga retailers na dapat pakinggan ang mga reklamo at isangguni sa supervisor o may-ari ng tindahan kung ang reklamo ay hindi magawan ng solusyon.
Dagdag pa ni Gng. Cabreros na pag-aralan ang mga produkto upang makapagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon at masagot ang mga tanong o reklamo ng mga customer.
Nagbigay ng panimulang pagtalakay si G. Alfonso Luce ng DTI tungkol sa iba’t ibang Fair Trade Laws katulad ng Business Name Law, Price Tag Law, ang pagbabawal sa ‘No Return, No Exchange Policy’, mga kalakaran ng Credit Card, at iba pang batas o regulasyon na kailangan malaman ng mga retailers.
Binigyang diin din ang tungkol sa pagtangkilik lamang ng mga produktong nasuri at nasertipika ng Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) katulad ng mga construction materials (kabilya, semento, plywood, at iba pa) at electrical products (wire, plug, receptacle).
Ang mga sertipikadong mga produkto ay makikilala o mapatunayang sertipikado dahil sa taglay na marka nito: PS Mark (Philippine Standards Certification Mark) kung ang mga produkto ay yari o gawa sa Pilipinas, at ICC Mark (Import Commodity Clearance Mark) naman kung ang produkto ay gawa at hinango sa ibang bansa.
Ang seminar na pinagtulungan binuo ng DTI-Quezon at SaveMore - sa pamamagitan ng kani-kanilang mga kawani na sina Cristy Avio at Leila Cabreros; Roy Roces, Reymars Araiza, at Madonna Barranta - ay naging malaking tulong sa mga magtitinda ng Lucena Public Market.
Inaasahang mababawasan ang mga reklamong dinadala sa DTI na ang dahilan kadalasan ay nagkataasan lamang ng boses sa pagitan ng mamimili at nagtitinda. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon / Pablito C. Budoy, DTI Quezon/PIA4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631425025205/tagalog-news-dti-quezon-nagpasimuno-ng-seminar-ukol-sa-customer-relations#sthash.JOV5q3om.dpuf
BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: 31 kawani ng OCVAS sumailalim sa personality development seminar
- February 26, 2015
Sa pamamagitan ng seminar na ito, inaasahan na positibong mahuhubog ang pagkatao ng mga empleyado at mabibigyan sila ng sapat na kaalaman hinggil sa tamang pakikitungo sa kapwa partikular sa mga kliyente ng kanilang tanggapan.
Nagsilbing resource speaker at trainor si Rona Maranan ng BEST o Bringing You Excellent Superior Training and Consultancy.
Ilan sa mga paksang kanyang tinalakay ay ang Basic Principles of Customer Service, 4C’s (commitment, completeness, consistency and communication); Steps in Developing Good Service Habits, at How to Handle Angry and Abusive Clients.
Binigyang diin din niya ang acronym na TODAY na tumutugon sa Transparency in all business transactions, Openness to hear suggestions and feedbacks, Dedication to be on duty from Monday to Friday, 8-5PM and to extend if needed, Assurance of courteous, prompt and quality service at You, our clients deserve only the best.
Nagkaroon din sila ng conflict at complaints simulation at role playing exercise upang maipakita at magamit ang kanilang mga natutunan.
Ang ikalawang batch ng mga kawani ng OCVAS ay sumailalim sa kaparehong pagsasanay noong Pebrero 24. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681424763801/tagalog-news-31-kawani-ng-ocvas-sumailalim-sa-personality-development-seminar#sthash.ym2125pX.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: Lungsod ng Tanauan, magdiriwang ng ika-443 taong anibersaryo
- February 26, 2015
Kaalinsabay nito, inihayag kamakailan ni Mayor Antonio C. Halili ang ilang aktibidad na inilaan ng pamahalaang lungsod para sa makabuluhang selebrasyon ng nasabing araw. Tatampukan ito ng Job Fairs, pagpapasinaya ng “Tanauan City’s Wall of Arts” sa Marso 6, at higit sa lahat, ang pinaka-aabangang “Parade of Lights” na aarangkada naman sa Marso 7, araw ng Sabado.
Kamakailan lamang, kinilala ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Batangas, sa pamamagitan ng Sanggunian Resolution No. 030-2015, ang Parade of Lights bilang isa sa mga “landmark tourism activities of the Province of Batangas.”
Ang Tanauan, bayang sinilangan ng pambansang bayaning si Gat Apolinario Mabini at ng dating pangulo, Jose P. Laurel, ay itinatag ng mga misyonerong Agustino noong taong 1752. Ito ay ganap na naging isang lungsod sa bisa ng Republic Act No. 9005, o mas kilala bilang “An Act of Converting the Municipality of Tanauan Into a Component City to be known as the City of Tanauan,” na naratipikahan sa pamamagitan ng isang plebisito noong Marso 10, 2001. (Gerard laresma-Tanauan CIO/PIA Batangas)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681424735330/tagalog-news-lungsod-ng-tanauan-magdiriwang-ng-ika-443-taong-anibersaryo#sthash.cAt09BhU.dpuf
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Malta's Prince arrives Sunday for a weeklong Philippine visit | ||
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DSWD earmarks 4.85 million pesos for residents affected by armed conflict in Maguindanao, says Palace | ||
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| Malta's Prince arrives Sunday for a weeklong Philippine visit | |
| The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew
Festing, arrives today, Sunday, for a weeklong official visit in the
Philippines, the Palace announced on Saturday. Fra' Festing, whose official visit marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malta, will stay in the country until March 7, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement. He is scheduled to meet with President Aquino to discuss bilateral relations before proceeding to Eastern Samar to see the ongoing shelter projects there funded by Malta. The region was ravaged by Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013, killing thousands and destroying people's livelihood. Malta's visiting prince will also hand over the symbolic key for his country's donation of core shelters--540 finished houses, 64 ongoing, and 96 to be constructed. The shelter project is expected to be finished by the end of May 2015. Aside from meeting President Aquino in Malacanang, Fra' Festing's official delegation will also meet with Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin. On March 5, Thursday, Fra’ Festing and his official delegation will visit Basey, Samar and see the 350 core shelters donated by Malta. Malteser International, Malta's humanitarian, has been actively working in the Philippines providing assistance in areas like healthcare, hygiene and sanitation. The organization is also involved in feeding programs, the provision of food supplements and medical supplies and disaster relief and rehabilitation. PND (as) |
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| DSWD earmarks 4.85 million pesos for residents affected by armed conflict in Maguindanao, says Palace | |
| The Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) has allotted 4.85 million pesos for the residence affected by the
ongoing armed conflict in Maguindanao, Palace said on Sunday. "Naglaan na ang DSWD ng tulong na nagkakahalaga ng P4,850,000 para sa pagkain at iba pang serbisyo," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., on Sunday. "May 2,090 pamilya o 10,450 katao mula sa pitong barangay sa bayan ng Datu Salibo, lalawigan ng Maguindanao ang kasalukuyang nasa anim na evacuation centers at binibigyan ng kalinga sa kanilang mga pangangailangan. Ito ay bunsod ng armed conflict sa pagitan ng Sandatahang Lakas at BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters)," Coloma added. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has an operation against the BIFF who believed to had aided two high value targets. On January 25, police operatives conducted a manhunt on suspected terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan and Abdul Basit Usman in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The operation resulted to the killing of Marwan, while Usman eluded arrest. Forty-four police commandos were killed by suspected members of the BIFF and Moro Islamic Liberation Front during the operation. Coloma also noted that there are additional provisions from the disaster response operations monitoring and information center of the DSWD and its field office in Region 12, should there be a need so. PND (ag) |
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| Decision of Energy Department to end participation of China in National Grid Corporation has legal basis, says Palace | |
| The Palace said it is up to the Department of Energy to
decide on the tie up between the Chinese State Grid Corporation (SGC) and the
National Grid Corp. noting the energy department has enough basis to end the
cooperation with the Chinese entity. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson asked the Philippines to treat the SGC fairly after the energy department announced the termination of cooperation between the SGC and the National Grid Corp. Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla they plan to end the involvement Chinese State Grid Corporation in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines due to national security concerns. "We’re quite certain that the Department of Energy has arrived at this particular conclusion after a thorough study of the advantages and disadvantages of it," Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday. "We’ll leave it to Secretary Petilla to give more details on that, but we’re quite certain that decision is a product of a thorough study by the Department of Energy," she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Asked to comment on on China's statement that the Philippines made the decision because of the disagreements in the West Philippine Sea, Valte said the Philippines and China have multifaceted relations despite the territorial dispute. Valte said that no matter what challenges the two countries are facing in one facet of the relationship, they always endeavor to develop the other facets of that relationship and try not to let it spillover into the other levels of cooperation. The DOE said Wednesday it would end Chinese technical involvement in running the country's power grid, partly due to national-security concerns. Secretary Jericho Petilla 16 said all the Chinese technicians currently working for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines will be sent home by July. The SGC has a 40 percent stake in the Philippine firm, which operates and maintains the nation's power grid. The Philippine government filed an arbitration case in the international tribunal, asking it to clarify conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea. PND (as) |
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| Malacanang asks public, local government units to help in preventing fires | |
| The Palace appealed to the public and local government
units to be vigilant in preventing fires that could happen frequently as the
summer sets in. The country is observing Fire Prevention Month this March. During a radio interview Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said she heard reports of fire early Saturday as the country starts the observance of Fire Prevention Month. "We appeal to our families to make sure to do your yearly check up of your houses—the ones that you rent or your own homes," Valte said in the interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. The people could ask the help of Bureau of Fire Protection which conducts inspections in cooperation with the local government units. "And we also call on the local government units to start conducting their inspections to make sure that the homes in their jurisdiction and the offices and the buildings are also up to speed on our relevant codes." A fire was reported in Pasig City Saturday morning. Last week, a fire razed a residential area in Pasay City, leaving 400 families homeless. PND (as) |
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| Families who joined DSWD's camp out now comfortable in new homes, says Palace | |
| The government reported that it was able to relocate 74
poor families who participated in the recent camp out conducted by the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). In a radio interview Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the 74 families are now living in safe houses through DSWD's financial assistance and alternative family home assistance. "Ang mga bata sa mga pamilya pong ito ay naka-enroll na ngayon sa ilalim ng alternative learning system ng Department of Education," she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. Three families were also chosen to return to their respective provinces under DSWD's Balik-Probinsya program, she said. "Sampu naman sa mga pamilyang ito ay sumailalim doon sa cash-for-work program for a period of 10 days, at ngayon naman kasama na nila ang kanilang mga kamag-anak," Valte said. Also four families that are under the DSWD's regular Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program have returned to their own homes. Five families who joined the camp out in Batangas were endorse for the national household targeting system for poverty reduction and they are temporarily staying in Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City while their cases are being assessed. "So ito ang naging bunga noong naging camping activity ng DSWD. Dahil doon sa mga datos at report naipakita nila, na hindi lang ito dahil sa sinasabing ‘instant beautification’ at talagang nagkakaroon ng magandang impact ito sa mga pamilyang sumama," Valte noted. The DSWD has been able to conduct a total of six camp out activities from 2011 to 2014, she added. The DSWD was criticized for allegedly hiding the poor families living along Roxas Boulevard during the visit of Pope Francis in Manila. PND (as) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement at the
joint press conference during the state visit of President Francois Hollande
of Republic of France
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| Palace Grounds, Malacañan Palace | ||||||||||
26 February 2015
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| Your Excellency: A great physical distance has always separated the French and Filipino peoples. Yet, whether in the time of our forebears or today, that distance never posed a barrier to a sense of kinship. This is rooted in the inspiration that Filipinos have drawn from France, as your people confronted problems as they arose from the time of your revolution. A century after the stirring events of 1789, our founding fathers read about them, and dreamed of establishing a nation on the basis of liberté, égalité, et fraternité. As history would have it, this bond between our peoples has had the advantage of not being complicated by negative feelings arising from a colonial relationship. We have thus been able to build excellent relations on a higher plane: that of ideals and seeing the best of what your nation and its people represent. For this reason, we welcome this historic occasion: the first visit of a French Head of State to the Philippines, since relations were formally established in 1947. France and its people have expressed their fraternal solidarity with our nation on many different occasions: from the assistance you extended during Typhoon Haiyan, for which we reiterate our appreciation, to the agreements we signed in September last year in Paris. These agreements signify our decision to elevate our bilateral relationship to one of enhanced partnership, thus promising to open more doors of opportunity for our respective peoples. This is likewise what we have achieved on this occasion. Towards deepening the engagement between our countries, President Hollande and I engaged in fruitful and meaningful discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation. A significant point of discussion revolved around heightened people-to-people exchanges, which consequently foster and create unique opportunities for our countrymen. Towards this end, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation. This will allow for the formal sharing of knowledge and best practices in ecotourism and sustainable tourism development, management of tourism destinations, product development, and skills improvement of employees, among others. It is also my hope that this will encourage more of our friends from France to follow the footsteps of President Hollande, visit the Philippines, and see for themselves how it is more fun in our country. We also welcomed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Higher Education and Research, which will foster closer collaboration between students, faculty, experts, researchers, and administrators from both our countries, as well as promote joint research in various fields. In line with our mutual resolve to strengthen our economic engagement, I also conveyed to President Hollande an invitation for French companies to explore investing in the Philippines, particularly in the aerospace, IT-BPM, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors. Filipino workers have proven themselves to possess the skills, loyalty, and drive necessary to spur any industry to success, and given the economic resurgence that our country has experienced these last few years, there is no more opportune time than today to invest in the Philippines. French companies such as Teleperformance and Schneider Electric, both of which already have established operations, can attest to this; they chose to bet on the Filipino people, and that bet has paid off. I also took the opportunity to express to President Hollande my pleasure with the participation of some French companies in our government’s thrust to boost the state of local infrastructure and public transport. Our collective efforts have resulted in the signing of three agreements, which we witnessed earlier: the Letter of Confirmation for the Financing Agreement for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project, the Ceremonial Signing of the Business Agreement for the management, operation, and maintenance of the Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway between the Manila North Tollways Corporation and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Letter of Award for the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 Extension Project between the Light Rail Manila Corporation, Bouygues Travaux Publics, and Alstom Transport. Indeed: the enhanced partnership between France and the Philippines has already redounded to great benefits for our people. At the same time, our discussions also covered regional and global issues of mutual concern. We reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and promoting maritime security, freedom of navigation and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. We likewise agreed to intensify the call on the international community to work together in order to fight terrorism in all its forms, as a common scourge to mankind. President Hollande and I also discussed other issues, which though they may not appear to be grave threats, also have serious implications for humanity. For instance, the Philippines considers the protection and sustainable management of our natural resources as one of our foremost priorities. I informed the President of the reforms our country has undertaken to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Towards this end, we signed the Declaration of Intention Related to the Protection of the Environment and the Sustainable Development of Marine Resources of the Philippines. The importance of protecting our environment points to a larger, graver concern: climate change and its adverse effects on the world. In the United Nations Climate Summit last year, the Philippines spoke strongly about the need for each country to do everything they can to address climate change. This is what we have done: from developing alternative sustainable energy sources, to undertaking a massive re-greening program, while intensifying an anti-illegal logging campaign. Both our countries committed to work closely together during the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP21, to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for the adoption of a new agreement that is universal, equitable and ambitious. In a short while, we will launch the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change and President Hollande and I will have the chance to speak further on this excellent example of the partnership between our countries. These expressions of solidarity leave me optimistic about a future of closer ties, heightened cooperation, and enhanced partnership between our two countries: not only in helping each other in times of need, but also in pursuing opportunities that will further our relations; not only in fulfilling our responsibilities to the French and Filipino people, but also in combating the great challenges that our world faces today. Indeed: the Philippines and France will stand together, for mutual benefit, peace, and prosperity for all. Thank you, and good evening. |
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| Baldoz orders free training for local building officials on construction health and safety |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Informed that local building officials and engineers have raised
the issue of their need to be trained on occupational safety and
health, and that they lack knowledge and awareness on the
Memorandum of Agreement-Joint Administrative Order (MOA-JAO) on
Construction Safety, Labor and Employment Secretary ROSALINDA
DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ had directed the Occupational Safety and Health
Center (OSHC), an attached agency of the DOLE, to immediately
provide them with free training, which is to include topical
discussion on the DOLE requirement, the Construction Safety and
Health Program. “One of the most prominent issues raised by some 80 building officials and engineers from local governments of Region 3, 4-A, and the National Capital Region during last week’s seminar workshop of the DOLE and the LGUs on the implementation of the MOA-JAO on Construction Safety was the lack of training of these officials on construction safety and health. Immediately schedule this kind of training,” Baldoz said in an instruction to OSHC Executive Director Ma. Teresa Cucueco. She instructed Dir. Cucueco to partner with the Bureau of Labor Relations and the Philippine Association of Building Officials in mobilizing the support of the Construction Industry Tripartite Council, as well as of the Regional Construction ITCs, to the training workshop, in the implementation of MOA-JAO, and the reactivation of the Task Force Safety Patrol Team. To DOLE regional directors all over the country, Baldoz also directed them to intensify their advocacy and awareness-raising activities on the MOA-JAO to address the lack of knowledge of local chief executives, building officials, city and municipal engineers, as well as the general public on the issuance. “Use all forms of media to drum up publicity and understanding of the MOA-JAO,” she instructed. The DOLE organised the seminar workshop on the implementation of the MOA-JAO on construction health safety in the aftermath of fatal construction accidents in January and this month in Bulacan, Taguig, and Bataan. The seminar was aimed at clarifying issues regarding construction health and safety, particularly the requirement of occupational safety and health regulations for a DOLE-approved Construction Safety and Health Program, or CHSP. Held at the OSHC, the activity was attended by 80 building officials and engineers and representatives of the DOLE, Philippine Export Zone Authority, Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board, Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), as well as workers’ organizations. In her report to the Secretary on the outcome of the seminar workshop, Director Cucueco said many of the issues raised by the participants pertained to the CHSP requirement, the Task Force Safety Patrol, the frequency of the conduct of its joint on-site verification, and the gray areas in the implementation of the MOA-JAO. “The seminar workshop also dealt with administrative concerns on the CHSP, such as application, processing time, and monitoring of its implementation,” said Cucueco in her report. “Even the lack of knowledge of LGUs about the Task Force Safety Patrol and the uncooperative behaviour of contractors and owners of construction sites were discussed,” she added. Director Catherine Legados-Parado of the Bureau of Working Conditions and Engr. Gerardo Macalinaw of the DPWH delivered updates on the MOA-JAO, and on the new Labor Laws Compliance System. PCAB and the CMDF, represented by Engrs. Rene Fajardo and Joji Valenciano, also gave their respective presentation on construction trends and updates. Atty. Liza Hernandez of the Professional Regulations Commission shared the monitoring being done by the various Engineering Boards of construction projects . A highlight of the seminar workshop was a Skype tele-conference with the Cebu Contractors Association which shared best practices in working with LGUs and the DOLE. One of the concrete agreements arrived during the workshop was the non-approval of CSHP for projects already completed. “This was not up for further discussion. The DOLE-approved CHSP should be submitted before a single post in any construction is erected. But the DOLE needs to formalise and put in writing the status of the CSHP, if approved or not, and, in case of denial, stating the reason for it,” Director Parado said. On the frequency and composition of the Task Force Safety Patrol inspectorate teams and its composition, the agreement was that it will conduct joint on-site verification on a quarterly basis, with coordination among the LGUs and the DOLE regional offices. |
| Quezon province gets over P40M for tech-voc training |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
| More young people will have the chance to get into technical
vocational education in Quezon province with P41.5 million worth
of scholarships from the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA). TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said having a skilled workforce will contribute to the development of the province, which was seen as the new axis of growth in southern Tagalog. The province is well-endowed with productive agricultural land that allows it to lead in coconut production as well as other crops as rice, corn, bananas, mangoes and vegetables. "We need to develop the young men and women who would not only work in the fields, but for the various companies and industries that are sprawling in the province," Villanueva said. On February 26, the TESDA chief attended separate activities at the Olongtao National High School in Macalelon, Quezon and at the Gumaca Diocesan Gymnasium in Barangay Rosario, Gumaca, Quezon to distribute the scholarship vouchers to an initial batch of beneficiaries. Villanueva also witnessed the mass graduation of tech-voc finishers who have completed the training for the Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Projects (GPBP) and the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP). The scholarships will be made available through the various programs being implemented by TESDA such as STEP, GPBP, Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) and the Private Education Student Financial Assistance (PESFA). Among the training courses being offered are on mechatronics servicing, bread and pastry production, shielded metal arc welding, electrical installation and maintenance and automotive servicing. "There is a shortage of skilled workers for various jobs in the country and abroad. Companies are in the lookout for solution in the ranks of the skilled workforce," Villanueva said. "We hope the young people of Quezon will avail of this opportunity to train for free and be ready to get hired," he added. During the twin events, the audiences were treated to free services such as massage, facial, nail art, haircut and manicure, which were done by TESDA graduates. In the Macalelon event, Villanueva was joined by TESDA provincial executives and staff, and by local officials led by Representative Aleta Suarez, Macalelon Mayor Nelson Traje, and Vice Mayor Artemio Mamburao. The Gumaca graduation ceremony was graced by Representative Helen Tan, Gumaca Mayor Erwin Caralian, Atimonan Mayor Jose Mendoza, Lopez Mayor Isaias Ubana II, Quezon town Mayor Crispin Clacio and municipal administrator Redem Mesa. Councilor and barangay officials also attended the event. |
| Fast-tracking dev’t through infra and social services is gov’t formula to rebuild war-torn Mindanao |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| MANILA – By fast-tracking development in the war-torn Bangsamoro
through infrastructure build-up and intensified delivery of
social services, the government sees faster and more effective
way to rebuild the region from the damages of repeated conflicts
that have made it and its people the poorest in the country, a
basic objective of the peace process which the government
pursued in Mindanao. Faced by a poverty incidence rate of 48.7 percent in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as of 2012, the government sought to fast-track development in the region by proposing a P17-billion Special Development Fund (SDF) in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), according to government peace panel member Senen Bacani. The BBL, the charter for a new Bangsamoro regional government to replace the ARMM, is pending review and approval in both chambers of Congress. Official data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) showed that among the provinces in the ARMM, Lanao del Sur posted the highest poverty incidence rate with 68.9% with Maguindanao scoring the second highest poverty incidence rate at 57.8%. The island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-tawi have slightly lower poverty incidence rates, but are among the highest also in the entire Philippines. Bacani said the government proposes to remove poverty as one of the causes of recruitment into extremist armed groups in the South by creating more economic opportunities and boosting incomes of the people in the region through the infrastructure build-up and intensified delivery of social services. He noted that Congress has been in the forefront of pushing development in the entire country to lessen the incidence of poverty among many Filipinos, and the provision of these funds to the Bangsamoro is along the same principle. “Areas in the proposed Bangsamoro, which are mostly composed of provinces under the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, have lagged behind in terms of economic growth for years due to armed hostilities,” he said. The SDF is proposed to be broken down into an initial tranche of P7-billion for the first year of existence of the BBL, with P2 billion a year to be released for five years. To ensure there would be no repeat of past sad experience in the utilization of public funds, the government will implement strict audit and transparency rules in its use, first through the Bangsamoro audit agency proposed to be created also under the BBL, and also through the Commission on Audit, Bacani said. Civil society and other institutions are also expected and would be encouraged to participate actively in monitoring the utilization of funds and the implementation of the projects under the SDF, he added. To ensure that the Bangsamoro regional government would have adequate funds, the government also proposed under the BBL to give the Bangsamoro government a 4% share out of the 60% revenue allotment budget of the national government estimated to reach P27 billion at current budget figures. If approved by Congress, this block grant from the IRA would replace the annual subsidy given by the national government to the ARMM, which amounts to P24.3 billion under the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The 40% revenue allotment is for local government units. This block grant is not a special allocation only for the Bangsamoro, as it would be availing of a share in the internal revenue allotment (IRA) funds under a system for all other local government units in the country, Bacani stressed. “For development to catch up with poverty in the Bangsamoro region, the government sees fresh funds in rebuilding these war-torn areas as a tool for strengthening the peace,” Bacani added. The bill also allocates at least a billion pesos to fund the operations of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, as it prepares to transition to the new Bangsamoro region. Bacani said the government’s vision is to make the Bangsamoro people feel the changes as a result of the peace agreement signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), thus ensuring a stronger mass base for peace and development. Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, has said that the ultimate objective of providing these funds is to “help strengthen the Bangsamoro region become the anchor and sanctuary of our aspirations of shared prosperity and shared security – not only in the Philippines, but in Asia and across the globe. Its inclusive character affirms this government’s commitment that no one – Muslim, Christian or Lumad – will be left behind.” |
| Roxas: All benefits for SAF44 for speedy disposition |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
| Interior Secretary Mar Roxas II has assured the widows,
dependents and other relatives of the 44 members of the Special
Action Force (SAF) who died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that they
will get the full benefits of the fallen commandos quickly and
in full. Roxas made the announcement during the recent Senate hearing on Mamasapano that the relatives had already received benefits from the government's Special Assistance Fund (PNP). President Aquino personally distributed P250,000 to each family of the 44 commandos during a recent meeting. A total of P 66.37 million coming from PSF, PNP, NAPOLCOM, and PSMBFI will be given to the families of the fallen 44 SAF commandos. Today, more than half of the total fund or P 34.57 million has already been given to the families. The remaining amount of P 31.8 million is in process and will be given to the claimant upon completion of necessary documents. Apart from this, each family will also receive a monthly pension from the PNP and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM.) Roxas also guaranteed the dependents of the SAF members that the PNP has funds for the scholarships of the orphaned children. "The scholarship of the children is iron-clad," the DILG chief stressed. "We understand that they may have concern that next year or two years from now, or five years from now, when my two-year old is ready to enter school, baka magkalimutan so we will issue such documents from the one-stop shop," he added. To hasten the release of the funds, Roxas said the PNP has assigned attending personnel to process the papers of the slain SAF members and see to it that the SAF 44 families will receive their money the soonest time possible. These personnel, Roxas added, have been assigned to work exclusively in processing these documents to ensure that the families will get their benefits not only from the PNP but from other government agencies as well. The Interior Secretary said special attention is being given to the needs of the families living outside of the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly those from distant provinces. "They no longer need to come to Manila for follow ups. It is the job of the PNP to ensure that there will be no delay in processing their papers," Roxas stressed. Moreover, he reiterated, government has already created a "one-stop-shop" to make sure that all responsible agencies will work together in giving the SAF 44 families what is due them quickly. As this developed, Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public order and security, praised Roxas for working double-time on the distribution of the benefits for the bereaved SAF 44 families. Sen. Poe said Roxas should continue to protect the welfare of the families of the SAF 44. "Thank you. We are assured and we commend you also for following up on this," Sen. Poe told Roxas during the last hearing of the Senate on the Mamasapano incident. "We've seen how you are very hands-on with the families and the President also made an effort on this," the senator stressed. |
| DSWD program lights up Lope de Vegan spirit |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The nightfall in Barangay General Luna, the farthest barangay of
Lope de Vega, has been the cause of terror in almost every home
in the village. Since the place is located in the most interior part of the Northern Samar town, distance from the poblacion area made it difficult to the locals to access basic social services. In order to reach the center of Lope de Vega, one must brave a risky boat ride for a maximum of two hours and 45 minutes or endure a perilous hike in the mountains for about four hours and fifteen minutes. Most of the families in the community earn their living by abaca fiber making (kigi), copra, and through root crops and vegetable production but the poverty incidence of 87.7 percent is still high. With only a population of 281 individuals, composing 69 families and 56 households, Gen. Luna could be considered one of the smallest communities in the municipality, where every resident knows everyone. But being the remotest barangay of the town, Gen. Luna has become vulnerable not only to poverty but as well as to conflict. For almost 72 years, Nanay Warlita Agte would fear her family’s safety whenever dusk would cover the skies of Gen. Luna. For the small Lope de Vegan community, the night elicits the fear of the unknown, especially when there are no lamp posts to light their streets. In Brgy. Gen. Luna, it is not the children, but the grown-ups who are most frightened whenever the sun disappears. Their fear is anchored on something more real than things that go bump in the night. According to Brgy. Captain Liberato Victoriano, crimes occurred more often in dark street corners of Gen. Luna. There was even a recorded incident where a man was beaten by an unrecognized group in the middle of the night. There were also rampant thefts of domesticated fowls. Worst of all, there was even murder. This was confirmed by Warlita Agte, one of the residents in the community. “Kun gab-i, nababaraka kami, kay diri namon naiimdan an mga nagkakasulod sa barangay, labi na gud kon nakabati kami hin storya nga may ginpatay na sa sapit nga barangay”. [We get scared whenever night fell, especially when we heard rumors of murder from the next barangay]”, she said, recalling the anxiety she and her family felt when they heard the news. The disturbing increase in crime rate prompted the residents of Gen. Luna to choose the establishment of streetlights in their community as their sub-project through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, otherwise known as the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services, a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that seeks to help alleviate poverty using the community-driven development (CDD) strategy. Kalahi-CIDSS targets the coverage of 136 municipalities in Eastern Visayas including the town of Lope de Vega. PAMANA is the government’s framework for peace and development spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). The framework follows a converged strategy of resource allocation and utilization, and aims to sustain all ongoing governance and development initiatives in communities affected by past or ongoing conflicts. Kalahi-CIDSS PAMANA works for the attainment of three major objectives: to reduce poverty, improve local governance, and empower communities by strengthening their capacities. The installation of streetlights, which cost Php 317, 111.00, was the community’s choice to prevent and deter crime. Through the CDD approach, residents of Gen. Luna were empowered when they were given the opportunity to identify the most pressing needs in the community and come up with the solutions corresponding to the issue by choosing the type of sub-project that will answer the problem, as well as implement and maintain the said project. Barangay Captain Victoriano reiterated that after the street lights were established, reports of crimes, such as theft and physical assault, were lessened. He remarked on the significant improvement on his constituent’s’ sense of security. “Yana mahangaturog na kami hin waray na kahadlok [Now we can sleep sound at night without fear]”, he said. “Nagpapasalamat kami han DSWD ngan Kalahi-CIDSS ug PAMANA san paghatag sa amon sin higayon nga matagamtaman an masuna nga komunidad ngadto san mahimyang nga pamoroko. Diri la niyo ginpalaga an amon dalan, ginpalamrag gihap niyo an amon paglaum [We are very thankful to DSWD, Kalahi-CIDSS and PAMANA for giving us the chance to be included in the project, providing us a secured community that leads to our peaceful living. The program did not just light our streets. Kalahi-CIDSS and PAMANA also illuminated our hopes.]” he added. Jenalyn Espelimbergo, a PAMANA volunteer and a mother expressed her gratitude toward the completion of the sub-project. She said she is no longer afraid to allow her daughter to visit a classmate in the next street during evening for school-related queries. “Yana diri na ako mahahadlok kun nagawas it akon mga anak kun gab-i [I no longer fear for the safety of my children whenever they go out of our house at night.]” Aside from the restoration of peace and order in the community, Kalahi-CIDSS and PAMANA have also restored the power of women to participate in the community. Today, housewives in Gen. Luna are no longer confined within their houses. Ninety percent of these women have become part of the decision-making process in the community where they are given the opportunity to speak their minds. The emergence of women’s involvement is a positive response, owing to the program’s initiative to mainstream gender equality. The women of Gen. Luna have become enthusiastic about the expansion of Kalahi-CIDSS into a national community-driven development program, given the many opportunities they anticipate will be given to them. “Tungod sa Kalahi-CIDSS ngan PAMANA, nagkamay-ada kami aram sa pagpadalagan san proyekto sa barangay. Masisisring namon nga bulig kami siton nga streetlight. Diri la ngay-an kami pan-balay la. Akos ngay-an namon an pagbag-o! [Through Kalahi-CIDSS and PAMANA, we learned how to implement projects in the barangay. We can say that we part of those streetlights. We thought we are just bound to be housewives. We can make a change!]”, Jenalyn proudly declared. |
| DepEd reminds schools to keep grad rites simple |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
| The Department of Education (DepEd) reiterated that graduation
ceremonies in schools should be simple but meaningful and should
promote civil rights, foster a sense of community, and encourage
personal responsibilities. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “While graduation rites mark a milestone in the life of the graduates, these should be conducted without excessive spending, extravagant attires, or extravagant venues.” Luistro directed the public school heads to charge any expenses related to the graduation rites to the school Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) under the 2015 budget. “Contribution for the annual yearbook, if any, should be on a voluntary basis,” he added. Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) may donate funds as long as these are from voluntary contributions. Luistro added that non-academic projects such as but not limited to attendance to field trips, film showing, Junior/Senior (JS) Promenade and other school events should not be imposed as requirements for graduation. The graduation ceremonies should be scheduled either on March 26 or 27, 2015. This year’s graduation theme is “Saktong Buhay: Sa De-kalidad na Edukasyon Pinanday”. This year’s commencement exercises shall highlight the importance of quality education in forging a decent future for the Filipino youth. “Through this theme, we hope to emphasize the Department’s commitment in honing the 21st century skills among Filipino graduates in order for them to actualize their life goals and dreams not only for themselves but also for the less fortunate,” Luistro said. |
| Ten-year prescriptive period set for re-adjudicating retirement, disability and death claims |
| Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph |
| Members seeking to have their settled retirement, death or
disability claims with the Social Secuirty System (SSS)
re-adjudicated or re-evaluated have up to ten (10) years to file
their requests. This prescriptive period also applies for
petitions contesting settled claims before the Social Security
Commission (SSC). This 10-year prescriptive period, detailed in the new SSS Office Order Number 2015-005, aims to eliminate problems in the validation of submitted documents, since the retention period of claim records is limited to 10 years only, per Article 1144 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines. Pursuant to SSC Resolution Number 10-19279-10, the reckoning point for the 10-year prescriptive period depends on when the claim was originally settled. For claims settled before March 1, 2006, the 10-year prescriptive period will start on the said date. For claims settled on or after March 1, 2006, the prescriptive period will start on the initial settlement date of the retirement, disability or death claim. March 1, 2006 was the effectivity date of SSS Office Order Number 208-P, which first set a 10-year prescriptive period for the re-adjudication of settled retirement, death or disability claims. Office Order 208-P has since been superseded by newer guidelines to clarify the reckoning point of the ten-year prescriptive period. There are exceptions to the 10-year prescriptive period, however, primarily for cases wherein the reason for benefit adjustment is not due to the fault or oversight of the member or claimant. Thus, the 10-year prescriptive period will not be applied in cases such as unposted contributions and additional credited years of service, payment for additional dependents (if SSS failed to include the dependents in the initial payment of benefit), change in the date of the contingency, and other cases not attributable to member/claimant. The prescriptive period will also not apply for claims needing re-adjudication due to a change of guardian of the member or dependent, emancipation or death of dependents, re-marriage of spouse but with dependents under his/her custody, resumption of monthly pension that was supended due to non-compliance with the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners, and payment of withheld shares for co-claimants in the death benefit. |
| PhilHealth introduces enhanced primary care package |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
| The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)
recently launched an expanded promotive, preventive and
diagnostic package designed to improve financial risk protection
for its members, particularly the less privileged. Dubbed “Tamang Serbisyo sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya” (Tsekap),” the benefit package is an expansion of the Primary Care Benefit Packages 1 and 2 that were implemented in 2012 and 2014, respectively. “Tsekap shall be initially rolled out to the indigent and sponsored members, but eventually it will be offered to all other sectors” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla. Included in the Tsekap are drugs and medicines for ten (10) common conditions that can be managed at a primary care set up such as asthma, acute gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, deworming and ischemic heart disease. Also available are comprehensive health profiling upon enlistment, consultations, regular blood pressure and body measurement, periodic clinical breast examination, cervical cancer screening, digital rectal examination, risk profiling for hypertension and diabetes, counselling for smoking cessation and lifestyle modification and oral check-up and prophylaxis for children 12 years old and below. “When clinically necessary, sponsored and indigent members can also avail themselves of diagnostic examinations such as complete blood count, blood typing, urinalysis, stool exam, chest x-ray, sputum microscopy, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, creatinine, electrocardiogram, peak expiratory flow meter testing and blood glucose monitoring through blood glucose meters,” Padilla added. Indigent and Sponsored members may choose either a private or public Tsekap provider that is most accessible to them. The chosen provider shall enlist the family and make the individual health profiling, which is an essential component, to ensure that the health status of the eligible PhilHealth beneficiary is established and monitored. The No Balance Billing shall also apply both in private and public facilities where the Tsekap services are provided. “To help deliver the Tsekap services, we are tapping government and private health care facilities that can assure us that the range of indicated benefits in the package can be made available to enlisted families. At the same time, we have set the standards for the accreditation of drug outlets that can participate in the provision of drugs and medicines under the Tsekap package,” Padilla said. Among Tsekap’s unique properties is the use of the EMR or Electronic Medical Records that will be generated by the provider-facilities whose IT systems should be in sync with PhilHealth. “We are quite excited about the prospect of seeing our members being profiled for health, their medical records maintained electronically, and the physician’s prescription dispatched electronically to our partner-pharmacy where our members will just pick up their medicine packs,” he added. To date, there are 15,068,028 Indigent and Sponsored Program families enrolled in PhilHealth. |
| BSP strengthens control standards for financial institutions |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| The Monetary Board approved the revised guidelines on internal
control and internal audit raising the bar of control standards
for BSP supervised financial institutions (FIs). The guidelines
complement other BSP initiatives to further strengthen the
quality of governance in the industry and align existing
regulations with international standards and best practices. The guidelines feature the fundamental elements of internal control namely, management oversight and control culture; risk recognition and assessment; control activities; information and communications; and monitoring activities and correcting deficiencies. These effectively broaden the regulatory expectations on internal control from previously being limited only to the implementation of basic internal control activities to promoting shared accountability of the board and personnel at all levels in the control process. The Monetary Board recognizes though, that there is no “one size fits all” internal control framework. As such, consistent with the principle of proportionality, FIs are expected to adopt internal control frameworks that are suited to their size, risk profile and complexity of operations. The guidelines also cover the BSP’s expectations on the internal audit function highlighting that its role is to both assess and complement operational management, risk management, compliance and other control functions. FIs are generally allowed to outsource the internal audit function to have access to certain areas of expertise or address resource constraints provided that the scope of audit will not include areas that are covered by existing statutes on deposit secrecy. The guidelines however, clarified that arrangements where FIs that are part of group structures will opt to establish an internal audit function centrally in the parent bank will not fall under the outsourcing framework provided under existing regulations. Finally, the qualifications of the head of the internal audit function were expanded so as to consider professionals from disciplines outside of the accountancy profession. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) or Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs) are required for the head of the internal audit function of a universal/commercial bank. On the other hand, the head of the internal audit function of thrift, rural, and cooperative banks may be a graduate of any accounting, business, finance, or economics course but should have the technical proficiency on the conduct of internal audit. Regardless of academic background, heads of the internal audit function of all supervised FIs should meet the prescribed number of years of experience. |
| DSWD provides follow-through services for street families who joined Batangas camping |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The 100 families who joined the camping activity in Nasugbu,
Batangas last month are continuously being provided with
different support services to ensure that they will not return
to the streets. To date, 74 families are now living in safe houses through the provision of financial assistance and alternative family home. Their children are also enrolled under the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education. Likewise, three families availed of the Balik-Probinsya program and have gone back to their home provinces; 10 families were provided with Cash-for-Work program for a period of 10 days and are now staying with their relatives; four families who are under the regular Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program have gone back to their homes; five families were endorsed to the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) for further assessment; and two families are now temporarily staying at the Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City for further case management. The whereabouts of two families cannot be determined despite efforts of DSWD and the local government of Manila to locate them DSWD, in coordination with local government units in the National Capital Region, has conducted a total of six camp-out activities from 2011 to 2015. Activities during the camp are meant to inculcate family values, strengthen family unity, and enhance roles of parents to ensure that they can protect and take care of the well-being of their children. |
| DSWD opens SMS and voice hotlines for Listahanan |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has set
up voice and text hotlines to respond to queries and complaints
regarding the upcoming implementation of the Listahanan 2nd
round of assessment. The Listahanan is an information management system that contains a comprehensive list of families in need of social protection programs and services. It is made available to national government agencies, local government units and other social protection stakeholders. The 2nd round of assessment, which will cover 15.3 million households nationwide, will identify poor families who will be prioritized for anti-poverty programs and services. This activity will also enable the Department to track changes and developments in the lives of poor households who were identified in the previous assessment. Currently, the DSWD Field Offices are screening and hiring field staff who will conduct the assessment. Interested applicants may submit their application personally or via official e-mail of the nearest DSWD Regional Office or the Social Welfare and Development Team office in the province. Details of the vacancies are posted on the DSWD website. “To ensure that the information that we will generate from this nationwide activity will be of highest integrity, we need the public to participate and provide feedback on its implementation and output,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. The public is encouraged to send complaints and queries related, but not limited to, status of application for field staff positions, misconduct of Listahanan field staff, inclusion of non-poor and exclusion of poor in the list, and families/households not assessed during the assessment, among others. The public may reach the Listahanan through voice hotline number (02) 717-3770 local 88878 for inquiries and 88876 for grievances. Meanwhile, others may send their concerns to text hotline numbers  0918-9122813 for Smart and Talk N’ Text subscribers and
0917-8902327 for Globe and Touch Mobile subscribers by texting
Listahanan<space>name<space>location<space>grievance/inquiry.
They may also reach Listahanan through its email address
ask.listahanan@dswd.gov.ph or its official Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/listahanan.official.Complaints and inquiries will be received by the National Project Management Office (NPMO) and forwarded to concerned regional offices for resolution. Regional hotline focal persons can check and monitor transactions through a text hotline system accessible through the internet. Complainants will receive notification once their message has been received. They will be given updates on the status of complaints until these are resolved. |
| No small case for anti-corruption efforts |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| Suspensions Ordered for Customs Operations Officer Estigoy and
BIR Revenue Officer Avisado The Department of Finance Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF RIPS) has scored two victories in its efforts to advance anti-corruption efforts with the recent decisions rendered by the Office of the Ombudsman (Ombudsman) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The Ombudsman in its decision found respondent Jocelyn M. Estigoy (Estigoy), Bureau of Customs Operations Officer III of the Port of San Fernando, La Union, guilty of Simple Neglect of Duty. She was meted a penalty of suspension from office without pay for three months; or if suspension can no longer be enforced because of respondent’s separation from the service, she is to pay a fine equivalent to her three months’ salary. Respondent Estigoy’s case emanates from her alleged failure to verify the authenticity of the Certificate of Eligibility, which Norsk Hydro (Phils.) Inc. (Norsk) submitted, allowing the latter to evade paying correct duties and taxes for nine import entries. The Ombudsman in arriving at its ruling held that Estigoy failed “to give proper attention to a required task or to discharge a duty due to carelessness or indifference.” Meanwhile, the CSC found respondent Eleodoro C. Avisado (Avisado) guilty of “Simple Neglect of Duty and Failure to File Sworn Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and Disclosures of Business Interest and Financial Connections Including Those of Their Spouses and Unmarried Children Under Eighteen (18) Years of Age Living in their Households.” He was meted the penalty of three (3) months and one (1) day suspension from service. In its decision, the CSC held that Respondent Avisado, a Revenue Officer III of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Revenue Region No. 10, Legaspi City, violated Section 8 of Republic Act 6713, obliging public officials and employees to accomplish and submit their SALN and Disclosures of Business Interest and Financial Connections. In arriving at this decision, the CSC said that there are overwhelming pieces of evidence showing that respondent Avisado did not file his SALN and Disclosures on or before April 30, 2011. In fact, the CSC noted that while the respondent’s SALN and Disclosures are dated April 15, 2011, it was only subscribed and sworn to by Avisado on August 4, 2011. Further, the same documents were stamped received by BIR HRM Unit on August 5, 2011. The CSC also found respondent Avisado’s failure to file his 2010 SALN on the prescribed period as constituting Simple Neglect of Duty. The Commission said Avisado has a sworn duty as a government employee to submit his SALN every 30th of April, and her failure to submit the same shows that she failed to give proper attention to a task expected of a public official or employee. The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) is the anti-corruption arm of the DOF. Under the present Aquino Administration, RIPS has consistently investigated allegations of corruption in the DOF and its attached agencies: RIPS has increased its tally from a mere 113 personalities charged in the years 2003-2010 to 231 charged, more than double in just a span of 4 years. RIPS calls on the public to actively participate in the eradication of corruption in the Government by reporting public officials and employees who engage in graft and corrupt practices. |
| Two more delinquent Makati City eFPS taxpayers charged with willful failure to pay tax |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed separate
criminal complaints with the Department of Justice against two
(2) delinquent corporate taxpayers for Willful Failure to Remit
Tax and Deliberate Failure to Pay as defined and penalized under
the National Internal RevenueCode of 1997, as amended (Tax
Code), for their failure to pay expanded/withholding tax on
compensation and value added tax (VAT) after filing the
corresponding tax returns online. Charged for violating Sections 251 and 255 in relation to Sections 253 and 256 of the Tax Code was WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. (WIRELESS), together with its President/Chairman EDGARDO L. LIMON. It is engaged in the design, construction, installation, maintenance, and service of telecommunication equipment with last known address at 3rd floor, ITC Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. WIRELESS was sued for deficiency tax liabilities for the period December 31, 2008 to November 30, 2012 amounting to P59.84 million,inclusive of surcharge, interest, and compromise penalty. Likewise charged for the same violation of the Tax Code was INTEX TELECOM SYSTEMS, INC. (INTEX), together with its President/CEOEDGARDO L. LIMON. It is primarily engaged in telecommunications services with last known address at 221 N. Garcia St., Bel-Air Village, Makati City. INTEX was sued for deficiency tax liabilities for the period November 30, 2006 to April 30, 2013 amounting to P107.91 million,inclusive of surcharge, interest, and compromise penalty. BIR Makati City records of investigation showed that both WIRELESS and INTEX are withholding agents mandated to withhold taxes on various income payments to its suppliers and to withhold taxes on the compensation of their employees. They are likewise Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) taxpayers. Investigators discovered that both respondent corporations electronically filed their withholding tax and VAT returns but deliberately, willfully, and continuously failed to remit taxes withheld and/or pay the corresponding withholding taxes and VAT due thereon, whether electronically or manually resulting to considerable revenue losses for the government. Demand letters (Notice to Taxpayer Availing the eFPS and Final Collection Notice to Taxpayer Availing the eFPS) with attached List of Returns Filed Without Payments were issued to WIRELESS and INTEX demanding payment of the unremitted/unpaid taxes. Warrants of Distraint and/or Levy were likewise issued and served to collect the unremitted/unpaid taxes. However, despite repeated demands by the BIR for both WIRELESS and INTEX to pay their tax liabilities through the issuance and service of the said letters and warrants, the respondents failed and continued to refuse to pay the taxes due to the government. The cases against WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, INC. and INTEX TELECOM SYSTEMS, INC., together with their responsible corporate officer, are the 334th and 335th filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. These are likewise RATE cases of Revenue Region No. 8, Makati City. |
| Secretary Del Rosario delivers opening remarks at Climate Change Forum |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 27 February 2015 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario delivered opening remarks at the Forum on Climate Change
entitled, “Towards COP21: The Civil Society Mobilized for the
Climate,” which was held yesterday, February 26, at the National
Museum. The Forum on Climate Change is included among the activities of visiting French President Francois Hollande who also spoke during the opening of the Forum. The Forum was held in preparation for the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which is expected to take place in December 2015, in Paris, France. In his speech, Secretary Del Rosario noted the inter-relationship among climate change, disaster risk reduction, and poverty reduction, and underscored the Philippines’ active role in three global conferences this year: The Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai; the UN Special Summit on Sustainable Development Goals in September; and finally, COP21 in December in Paris. Secretary Del Rosario also thanked the French people and their Government for their solidarity and assistance in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda and reiterated the Philippines’ readiness to work with France in ensuring the success of COP21 in Paris in coming up with a long-awaited agreement that is universal, equitable and ambitious. The Forum was jointly chaired by Mr. Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for the Protection of the Planet and a French media personality, and Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering of the Philippine Climate Change Commission (CCC). The Forum was moderated by Mr. Marco Lambertini, Director General of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International. |
| PHL Ambassador presents credentials to President of Equatorial Guinea |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 27 February 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex V.
Lamadrid presented his letters of credence to the President of
Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo at the
Presidential Palace in Malabo on February 19 as non-resident
Philippine Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. The Philippine
Embassy in Abuja exercises jurisdiction over bilateral relations
with Equatorial Guinea. During the cordial meeting after the presentation ceremony, President Mbasogo warmly welcomed Ambassador Lamadrid and congratulated him on his presentation of credentials. Characterizing the relations between the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea as one between fraternal countries, with both having a shared history of colonial rule under Spain, the President expressed optimism that the common heritage that binds the two countries will contribute towards the further expansion of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic field. The President expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations, and lauded the Philippines for contributing positively to the economic development of Equatorial Guinea, citing that the Philippines was instrumental in the creation of a world class bank, the Banco Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial (BANGE), which was established in partnership with a Philippine bank. The President likewise recalled his fruitful visit to Manila in 2006, and the return visit to Malabo and Bata, Equatorial Guinea, of President Gloria Arroyo in 2007. The President also extended his best wishes to President Benigno S. Aquino III. Ambassador Lamadrid expressed sincere appreciation to the President for the opportunity to present his credentials, as well as for the warm hospitality accorded by the government of Equatorial Guinea to the Philippine delegation. The Ambassador conveyed the sincere greetings and best wishes of President Aquino to President Mbasogo. The Philippine Ambassador likewise recalled the exchange of high level visits between the presidents of Equatorial Guinea and the Philippines in 2006 and 2007, and expressed hope that the agreements signed during those visits will be actively implemented to serve as the basis for the further strengthening of bilateral relations. The Philippine Ambassador conveyed the Philippine desire to collaborate with Equatorial Guinea in such diverse fields as agriculture, trade and investments, education, culture and sports, among other areas. The Ambassador informed the President that the Philippines currently hosts many students from Equatorial Guinea, especially those who are undertaking studies in medicine and allied courses in Philippine universities. He also expressed appreciation to the Equatorial Guinea government for its hospitality to several thousand OFWs working in Equatorial Guinea particularly those in sectors such as banking, oil and gas, construction, forestry, and other services. The Ambassador expressed optimism that the Philippines and Equatorial Guinea can significantly increase the level of bilateral trade, investment, and other economic exchanges in the near future. The presentation of credentials to the President of Equatorial Guinea was preceded by a review of the honor guard at the Presidential Palace grounds, where the Philippine flag was raised. After the presentation of credentials to the President, the Philippine Ambassador was invited to sign the guest book of the Presidential Palace. Departure honors were likewise accorded to the Philippine Ambassador. Ambassador Lamadrid was accompanied by Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Raymund Ondiano. Ambassador Lamadrid presented his credentials to the President of Equatorial Guinea, along with nine other resident and non-resident Ambassadors of Ghana, Germany, Mali, Angola, Swaziland, the Comorros, Belgium, Senegal and Guatemala. The presentation of credentials ceremony was covered widely by the media, with news of the ceremony carried by Equatorial Guinean television in the evening of the same day. The official website of the Equatorial Guinea government also reported on the presentation ceremony. |
| Baldoz commends NWPC for pledge to adjust minimum wages to above poverty threshold level; as Caraga wage board ups minimum wage rates |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday praised the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) for its strong determination to adjust minimum wages in the country to a level above the poverty threshold. “I fully support the NWPC in its earnest and diligent effort to do this in the pursuit of wage reform,” said Baldoz who, at the end of 2014, had exacted a pledge from NWPC Executive Director Criselda Sy that all minimum wages in the country will be at par, if not over, the poverty threshold, by the end of 2015 and, therefore, compliant with Tier 1 of the Two-Tier Wage System, a major reform of the DOLE. Baldoz issued these remarks after she received a report of the NWPC that the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board-Caraga had adjusted the minimum wage in the Caraga Region by P15—a basic pay increase of P5 and a cost of living allowance of P10. “The RTWPB-Caraga, in Wage Order RBXIII-13, has approved the increase in minimum wage for workers in agriculture and retail and service industry in the region. The P15 increase in the minimum wage will be given in three tranches within the year,” Baldoz said. With the region’s minimum wage now above the poverty threshold, the number of minimum wages in the country remaining below the poverty threshold is down to 11,” said the RTWPB in its report. “We are on track in realising our target that all minimum wages in the country will be at par, if not over, the poverty threshold, by the end of 2015. The minimum wage rates that remain below the poverty threshold are those of the ARMM (1 minimum wage rate); Caraga (1 minimum wage rate in plantation agriculture); Region 8 (2 minimum wage rates); Region 5 (1 minimum wage rate); Region 4-B (3 minimum wage rates); Region 4-A (1 minimum wage rate); Region 1 (1 minimum wage rate); and Region 1 (1 minimum wage rate). Secretary Baldoz conceived and implemented the Two-Tiered Wage System at the start of the Aquino III administration, a tripartite-indorsed wage reform where the first tier is a fixed, mandatory minimum wage that serves as social safety net, and the second tier is a flexible, productivity-based wage increase and incentive. The reform seeks to adjust all minimum wages in the country to above the poverty threshold which is not the case for about 132 minimum wages in the country’s 16 regions all over the country at the start of her term as labor and employment secretary. According to Baldoz, the Regional Wage Board in Caraga Region has determined that there is a need to provide workers with immediate economic relief by providing increase in the basic wage without impairing business viability. “Through Wage Order RBXIII-13, RTWPB Caraga has simplified the wage structure of the region and adjusted the minimum wage rates above the poverty threshold. Executive Director Sy reported to Secretary Baldoz that RTWPB-Caraga agreed motu proprio to conduct public hearing and consultations to determine whether or not there is a need to issue a wage order. Upon effectivity of Wage Order RBXIII-13, the daily minimum basic wage in plantation and non-plantation agriculture and in retail and service industry for enterprises employing 10 workers or less shall be increased by P5 per day. A P5 cost of living allowance shall also be added to the previous COLA of P15.00 under Wage Order RBXIII-12. The daily minimum wage rate in the said region for minimum wage workers in the said industry shall be P268.00 for workers in agriculture-plantation and P228.00 for workers in the agriculture-non-plantation and retail/service employing 10 workers or less. On 1 May 2015, the second tranche, or an additional P5.00 shall be provided to the daily basic wage of minimum wage workers in the agriculture-non-plantation and in retail and service employing 10 workers or less. A P5.00 cost of living allowance shall also be added to the COLA of the said workers. For the second tranche, the daily minimum wage rate in the said region for minimum wage workers in these industries shall be P258, composed of a basic pay of P233 and a COLA of P25 for said workers. Effective 1 September 2015, an increase of P5 shall be provided to the daily basic wage of minimum wage workers in these industries, with the COLA to be increased also by P5. In the third tranche, the daily minimum wage rate in the said region in these industries shall be P268, consisting of a basic pay of P238 and a COLA of P30. In issuing Wage Order RBXIII-13, the Caraga Regional Wage Board took into consideration the rationalization of the minimum wage of the said region. The wage increase covers minimum wage earners in the agriculture and retail and service workers in Caraga, regardless of their position, designation or status of employment, and irrespective of the method by which they are paid. On the other hand, domestic helpers, persons employed in the personal service of another, including family drivers, and workers of duly-registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) are exempted from the wage order. “RTWPB Caraga is mandated to implement the Two Tiered Wage System where the first Tier is the mandate minimum wage component set by the Board and the second Tier is the issuance of productivity-based advisories to guide industries in enhancing productivity incentives program, as basis for employer initiatives or enterprise-level negotiations,” said DOLE Caraga Regional Director Johnson Canete who is also the chairman of the Wage Board. Canete encouraged companies in Caraga to develop and implement productivity improvement programs in addition to their voluntary compliance with the minimum wage laws, saying this is the second tier component of the two-tier wage system, a voluntary productivity-based pay for adjustments above the floor wage. |
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Last Updated:
27 FEBRUARY 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27). A non-government organization, ALA brings together under one roof all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr, / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27, 2015). A non-government organization, ALA brings together under one roof all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, for a snap shot during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27). A non-government organization, ALA brings together all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. /Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as French President François Hollande, delivers his message during the State Dinner at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the State Dinner at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, President of the French Republic, witness the signing of agreements at the Malacañan Palace Grounds by the Balete Tree during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, listen to the speech of Senator Loren Legarda and actress Marion Cotillard as they led the launch of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change at the Malacañan Palace Grounds by the Balete Tree during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, share a light moment following their joint press statement at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, lead the launch of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartaea/ Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III French President François Hollande, witness the signing of agreements at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr, / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with French President François Hollande during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr,/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, to the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday(February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, lead the singing of the Philippine and France National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the welcome ceremony during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Holy Mass during the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Edsa Main Chapel in EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Holy Mass for the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Edsa Main Chapel in EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III watches unity walk of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument during the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. Also in photo are EPPC commissioner Herminio “Ogie” Alcasid, Jr., Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and EPPC commissioner Cesar Sarino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) awardees for a snap shot during the awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo are TAYO Awards Foundation president Aika Robredo, National Youth Commission chairman Gio Tingson, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, TAYO Awards founding president Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, National Youth Commission commissioner and TAYO Awards Foundation chairman Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III to present the TAYO award during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo are TAYO Awards founding president and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix and president Cecile Alcantara present the Coke Barkada award to Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo is Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
QUEZON
CITY, Feb 28 -- Government employees should indicate the exact location
of real properties in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and
Networth (SALN).
news.pia.gov.ph
Public-Private Partnership is NOT PRIVATIZATION http://t.co/ZEcj5mNX9t | via @PPP_Ph #PPP
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
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ICYMI: 14,900 victims of Typhoons #Yolanda and #Ruby to be given #PhilHealth coverage - See more at: http://t.co/uE661Jb3fj
QUEZON
CITY, Feb 28 -- At least 14,900 victims of typhoons Yolanda and Ruby in
five (5) regions will be given social health insurance coverage soon.
news.pia.gov.ph
MANILA,
March 2 -- The World Bank (WB) has commended the Department of
Agriculture (DA) for the successful kick-off of the Philippine Rural
Development Project (PRDP), which has already allotted at least P11.4
billion (B) for sub-projects by early...
news.pia.gov.ph
#Malta's Prince arrives Sunday for a weeklong #Philippine visit - See more at: http://t.co/loYF3YILpc
MANILA,
March 2 -- The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta
Fra’ Matthew Festing, arrived, Sunday, for a weeklong official visit in
the Philippines, the...
news.pia.gov.ph
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