Daily Weather Forecast
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:
Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon.
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis for 8 a.m. 27 March 2015
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Predicted Mean Sea Level
Wind Analysis for 8 a.m. 27 March 2015
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Forecast:
Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, CALABARZON, Bicol Region and the provinces of Mindoro, Romblon and Marinduque will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated light rains. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Eastern Visayas and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Nagbabanta ang bagyo sa Holy Week. Isang tropical depression ang nakita ng Japan Meteorological Agency sa Pacific Ocean.
-Ayon naman sa The Weather Company, maaari pang lumaki ang bagyo at posibleng pumasok sa PAR sa Wednesday.
-Magiging maulap na may hanggang katamtamang ulan, pulo-pulong thunderstorms sa Visayas, ayon sa PAGASA.
-Maulap na may hanggang katamtamang ulan naman sa Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Calabarzon regions....
-Nagbabanta ang bagyo sa Holy Week. Isang tropical depression ang nakita ng Japan Meteorological Agency sa Pacific Ocean.
-Ayon naman sa The Weather Company, maaari pang lumaki ang bagyo at posibleng pumasok sa PAR sa Wednesday.
-Magiging maulap na may hanggang katamtamang ulan, pulo-pulong thunderstorms sa Visayas, ayon sa PAGASA.
-Maulap na may hanggang katamtamang ulan naman sa Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Calabarzon regions....
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Mataas ang posibilidad na may mabuong bagyo sa Western Pacific Ocean sa huling linggo ng Marso o sa unang linggo ng Abril, ayon sa US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
-Asahan ang maulang panahon sa kalakhang Luzon bukas dahil sa pamamayani ng hanging Amihan.
-Sa Metro Manila, bahagyang maulap pero mababa ang tsansa ng ulan bukas.
-Sa Visayas, maulang maghapon ang mararanasan sa eastern section.
-Sa Mindanao, may maghapong ulan na inaasahan sa Caraga Region.
-Mataas ang posibilidad na may mabuong bagyo sa Western Pacific Ocean sa huling linggo ng Marso o sa unang linggo ng Abril, ayon sa US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
-Asahan ang maulang panahon sa kalakhang Luzon bukas dahil sa pamamayani ng hanging Amihan.
-Sa Metro Manila, bahagyang maulap pero mababa ang tsansa ng ulan bukas.
-Sa Visayas, maulang maghapon ang mararanasan sa eastern section.
-Sa Mindanao, may maghapong ulan na inaasahan sa Caraga Region.
March 27 , 2014 (Friday )as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A - PIAQUEZON : Fair Weather
in Lucena City
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
Coinciding with the provincial Women's Day celebration, Quezon Gov.
David Suarez has launched 'Food Cart ni Juana' aimed to provide
livelihood for women. A total of 60 members of Kalipunan ng Liping
Pilipina (KALIPI) were the initial beneficiaries of the project.
LAGUNA
1. Citizens of Cabuyao City, highly satisfied with government services says survey
- March 26, 2015
A "High Need- High Satisfaction" rating means that citizens are highly satisfied with the way the city government delivers highly-demanded services to them.
The said study was conducted by Asst. Professor Raychelle Artuz of CSCE-MCL, Leopoldo Aquino, Casiano Jaurigue, Rafael Gregorio and Reynolph Cadon.
At least six out of eight services areas in tthis city including Health, Education, Social Welfare, Environment, Agricultural Support Services, Tourism Promotion Services got a high satisfaction rating from its constituents.
This paved the way for the city government to achieve a "High Need-High Satisfaction" overall rating in the CSIS.
The study, meanwhile, recommends the local government to maintain its performance as excellent service delivery, according to the study is the strength of the city.
Artuz also added that citizens' awareness on the services being offered should be listed as primary concern of the city government. She affirmed that "the commitment [of the LGU] is already there" and that the "city is already on the right track." (Pio Cabuyao/ PIA-Laguna/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641427269485/citizens-of-cabuyao-city-highly-satisfied-with-government-services-says-survey#sthash.2kYJ6PMz.dpuf
BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: Kayang-Kaya Basta Sama-sama Foundation, Inc. nagsagawa ng seminar para sa mga kababaihan
- March 27, 2015
Sinabi ni dating Mayor Vilma Abaya Dimacuha, founding Chairperson ng samahan, layunin ng foundation na mapalakas ng mga kababaihan ang kanilang kakayahan at maging kaisa sa pagpapaunlad ng komunidad.
Aniya, mag-uumpisa ito sa pagpapaunlad ng personalidad at pagpapatibay ng pananampalataya sa Diyos.
Dumalo sa nasabing seminar ang mga babaeng kinakalinga ng naturang samahan.
Tinalakay sa naturang seminar ang mga bagay na dapat isaalang-alang ng kababaihan katulad ng etiquette o ang mga tamang behavior o galaw ng isang babae upang magkaroon ng magandang relasyon o pakikitungo sa kapwa tao.
Sa isang spiritual uplifment talk, tinalakay naman ni Fr. Eugene Echenova, Rector, St. Francis Seminary ang walang hanggang pagmamahal ng Diyos.
Tinalakay rin niya ang mga paghahanda na dapat gawin ngayong kwaresma katulad ng pagdadasal, fasting, abstinence at pagkakawanggawa. (Marie v. Lualhati/ PIA-BATANGAS/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681427425200/tagalog-news-kayang-kaya-basta-sama-sama-foundation-inc-nagsagawa-ng-seminar-para-sa-mga-kababaihan-#sthash.t37lf5Wu.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: Mahigit 1, 500 residente sa Balete, nabigyan ng libreng medical, dental attention
- March 27, 2015
Katuwang ang mga doktor mula sa Provincial Health Office, napagkalooban ng serbisyong medikal ang mahigit 1, 500 residente nito katulad ng acupuncture, optical, operation tuli at minor surgery.
Sa tulong din ng mga doktor at ilang mga negosyante ay nabigyan din ang naturang bayan ng mga gamot na nagkakahalaga ng mahigit P120,000.
Kabilang sa mga nagpaabot ng libreng gamot sina 4th District Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, 3rd District Rep. Sony Collantes at ang Center for Health Development ng Region IV-A.
Samantala, sa tulong naman ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ay napagkalooban ang bayang ito ng isang Rural Health Unit (RHU) na maituturing ng isa sa pinakamagandang health unit sa buong lalawigan.
Inaasahan na ang RHU ang sasagot sa pangangailangang medikal ng naturang bayan sapagkat wala pa itong sariling ospital.
Bagama't hindi pa 24 oras ang operasyon ng RHU dahil sa kakulangan ng doktor, may mga on call staff naman na maaaring tawagan upang makapagserbisyo sa mga emergency situations.
Ilan sa mga pasilidad ng nasabing health unit ang Birthing at TB-DOTS Centers (BHABY P. DE CASTRO-PIA BATANGAS)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681427425695/tagalog-news-mahigit-1-500-residente-sa-balete-nabigyan-ng-libreng-medical-dental-attention#sthash.JlKUKYR3.dpuf
3. DOST IV-A RSTL conducts Water Sampling and Testing in Lobo
- March 26, 2015
The RSTL team went to seven remote barrios of Barangay Balibago including Sitio Lumbangan, Sitio Malagundi, Purok Masagana, Purok Maligaya, Purok Pag-asa, Sitio Punas (Labac) and Sitio Punas (Main), to collect water samples from the main sources and households.
Water samples were also collected from the Health Center and Day Care Center of the barangay to ensure that these service centers will be providing safe drinking water for the barangay residents, adults and children alike.
Barangay Health and Sanitation Officer Juvy Romero said, the main water sources of Barangay Balibago are springs.
“Yung pinuntahan po natin na pitong sitio, iyon po ang mga main water sources sa buong barangay. Halos lahat po ng mamamayan sa buong barangay ay doon po kumukuha ng inumin, at mangilan-ngilan lamang po ang may kakayahang makabili ng mineral water,” said Romero.
Romero added that there are low cases of diarrhea in the barangay. And despite these low cases, DOST IV-A still aims to completely eradicate diarrhea through CEST intervention on Water and Sanitation.
The collected water samples fresh from Lobo were tested by Jenny Bronburac of DOST RSTL on the same day based on the microbiological and chemico-physical parameters.
The results will then be the bases in identifying further S&T intervention on Water and Sanitation that will be provided to the barangay by DOST.
The said team is composed of DOST experts and members of the local government here including Jake M. Villanueva of DOST IV-A RSTL, Engr. Mhark Ellgine A. Libao of DOST Batangas, Hon. Brgy. Councilor Romelo Dagos, Health and Sanitation Officer Juvy A. Romero, BHW Head Florentina Gonzales, and Municipal Midwife Maxima Manalo. (DOST-4A/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931427331090/dost-iv-a-rstl-conducts-water-sampling-and-testing-in-lobo#sthash.cNcBSkHw.dpuf
4. Tagalog news: Calumpang River, malaki ang potensyal na maging ecotourism site ayon sa pag-aaral
- March 26, 2015
Base sa pag-aaral, ang pagmamanukan at pag-aalaga ng baboy na iknabubuhay ng mga residente ang pangunahing dahilan ng polusyon sa ilog.
Ayon kay Dr. Ma. Victoria Espaldon, head ng grupo, isa sa mga nakikita nilang solusyon ay ang pagtatayo ng biogas station kung saan idederetso ang mga dumi ng hayop. Makakatulong anila ito sa pagsasaayos ng solid waste management at mapapakinabangan pa bilang alternatibong pinagkukunan ng kuryente.
Inererekomenda rin ng grupo ang pagbuo ng Calumpang River Authority upang mamahala sa naturang ilog. Hinihikayat din nila ang bawat local government unit na nakapalibot sa ilog na magtulungan upang maisaayos ang kalinisan ng naturang ilog.
Mayaman umano sa likas na yaman ang ilog tulad ng mga punong nakapalibot dito kung kaya't nararapat lamang na pagtuunan ito ng pansin ng lokal na pamahalaan.
Dagdag pa ni Espaldon na malaki ang potensiyal ng naturang ilog na maging ecotourism site katulad ng Loboc River sa Bohol.
Nagsagawa rin ang naturang grupo ng kaugnay na pag-aaral ukol sa bio-diversity index ng Mt. Banoy at mga migratory birds na nagdudumi umano sa lungsod.
Pinuri naman ng grupo ang pagiging pro-active ng pamahalaang lungsod at nagpasalamat sa suporta nito sa mga research initiatives at pagbuo ng government plan sa pamamagitan ng science- based information.
Naiiba o natatangi anila ang lungsod sapagkat strategic ang ang lokasyon nito at masasabing “complete package.”
Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng lokal na pamahalaan sa research team sapagkat malaking tulong anila ang isinagawa nilang pag-aaral sa mga proyektong gagawin ng lungsod partikular sa pangangalaga sa kapaligiran.
Nakatakdang maglabas ng isang coffee table book ang nasabing grupo tungkol sa ecological resources ng lungsod. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/ PIA-BATANGAS/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681426198578/tagalog-news-calumpang-river-malaki-ang-potensyal-na-maging-ecotourism-site-ayon-sa-pag-aaral#sthash.vkWcyeuu.dpuf
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| President Aquino signs law postponing Sangguniang Kabataan election | |
| President benigno s. Aquino iii has signed into law the postponement of the
sangguniang kabataan election to the last monday of october 2016, malacañang
announced on thursday. The president on wednesday signed republic act (ra) no. 10656, entitled "an act postponing the sangguniang kabataan elections to the last monday of october 2016,” which amends ra no. 9164, entitled “an act providing for synchronized barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections”, and ra no. 7160, otherwise known as the “local government code of 1991”. The sangguniang kabataan election was originally scheduled on october 28, 2013. Pnd (ag) |
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| President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk | |
| President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday afternoon
conferred the Order of Sikatuna to Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines Lee Hyuk during
the latter’s farewell call, held at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace. Ambassador Lee received the prestigious Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) for his important contributions in further strengthening and deepening the foundation of the friendly and comprehensive bilateral relations between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. The Korean envoy was honored for his outstanding and dedicated service in the field of international relations and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of his government to the Philippines. Ambassador Lee was also recognized for his valuable efforts in facilitating the various cooperation agreements in the fields of defense between the Department of National Defense and the Korean Ministry of National Defense; and sports between the Philippine Sports Commission and the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; as well as various exchanges of notes for the grant of aid and loan projects in the Philippines. The Korean diplomat's immediate assistance to the Philippines during times of natural disasters, particularly the deployment of more than 500 members of the Araw Unit in Leyte to assist in the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) was also acknowledged. The Order of Sikatuna, established in 1953, is conferred by the President of the Philippines to give recognition to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines and to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines. The awarding ceremony was attended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, Jr. Also present were Korean Embassy Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission Lee Jaw Wan, Political Minister Counselor Kwon Won-jik, and Economic Minister Counselor Yang Dong Han. Ambassador Lee earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Korea University. He was appointed envoy to the Philippines in September 2012. PND (jm) |
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| President Aquino leads Philippine National Police Academy’s 36th graduation rites | |
| (SILANG, Cavite) President Benigno S. Aquino III on
Thursday led the 36th commencement exercises of the Philippine National
Police Academy (PNPA), challenging the graduates to use the education they
got from the academy to perform their jobs excellently. "Bilang mga pulis, malalagay kayo sa sitwasyon kung saan nakasalalay sa inyong pagkilos at pagpapasya ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan, pati na ang sarili ninyong buhay at ng inyong kasamahan," he said in his message to the graduates. "Inaasahan ko na gagamitin ninyo ang inyong pagsasanay at lahat ng natutunan dito sa PNPA, hindi lang upang magtagumpay ang inyong mga misyon, kundi upang mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng bawat isa." The President spelled out the reforms that his administration has carried out for the police force, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology these past years. He noted that improving the well-being of the country's policemen would enable them to perform their duties properly in ensuring the welfare of the people. "Ang nangyayaring transpormasyon sa inyo pong mga hanay ay bahagi lamang ng malawakang pagbabagong nagaganap sa ating lipunan," he said. "Bibigyan ko ng diin: Pagbabago ang ipinangako ko sa inyo, at pagbabago ang inaani natin ngayon," he said, pledging that government reforms will continue under his administration. As Filipinos unite to continue these reforms, slipping back to the old system, where abuses and wrongdoings were rampant, will not happen, he said. This year's PNPA graduates are fortunate because the PNP is now far more modern and more complete in terms of equipment, the President said. "Ang hamon po sa inyo: Sundan, kung hindi man higitan, ang mabuting halimbawa ng mga nauna sa inyo," he told the graduates. "Sa bawat kriminal na inyong mahuhuli, sa bawat suhol na inyong tatanggihan, at sa bawat pagpapakita ninyo ng tapang sa panahon ng sakuna, makakapag-ambag kayo sa higit na kaligtasan ng kalakhang lipunan." A total of 246 PNPA cadets graduated on Thursday. Some 225 of them will join the Philippine National Police, 11 will go to the Bureau of Fire Protection, and 10 will join the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. PND (as) |
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| Strong economy, good governance improve country's public safety, says President Aquino | |
| (SILANG, Cavite) Economic resurgence, coupled with
efficient governance, has given the government greater opportunity to
improve the country's police force, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on
Thursday.Addressing the graduates of the
Philippine National Police Academy on Thursday, the President said that when
he assumed his post several years ago, the country had a less effective
police force. The members of the Philippine National Police then did not have enough and modern weapons to do their job effectively, he said. "Sa ating pagtahak sa tuwid na landas, patuloy nating tinutugunan ang mga dinatnan nating kakulangan sa inyong hanay," he said in his speech before the PNPA graduates. "Ang hangad natin: lalong mapaunlad ang inyong kasanayan para sa tinaguriang 'shoot, scoot, and communicate’." In 2014, he said, the government successfully addressed the backlog in pistols for policemen by purchasing 74,879 Glock 9mm pistols. This is in addition to 12,399 handheld radios, and 144 patrol jeeps given to the PNP from 2010 until 2014, he added. Last March, the government hired 4,859 non-uniformed personnel to do administrative jobs in the PNP, he said, noting that last year, the PNP also filled 9,860 Police Officer 1 (PO1) positions in the police force. The President further said that the government has allocated P1.64 billion in this year’s national budget to fill 10,000 PO1 positions in the PNP. With regards to the PNP's Special Action Force, he said the police is carefully studying the lessons learned from the Mamasapano incident to minimize risks among policemen as they carry out operations. "Daragdagan pa natin ang kanilang pagsasanay at kagamitan, at ibubuhos ang lahat ng pagkalingang nararapat [sa inyo] bilang isang elite unit ng PNP," he said. He also reported that the PNP's Oplan Lambat Sibat has been able to reduce crime rate in the National Capital Region. The PNP has recorded that the general criminality rate has decreased from 918 per week from January to June 2014 to a weekly average of 471 these past four weeks, he said. Last week, the PNP was also able to reduce the general criminality rate to 400, he noted. President Aquino challenged the PNP leadership to implement measures that will strengthen camaraderie among policemen by eliminating the culture of divisiveness within the police force. “Ang hamon nga sa susunod na pinuno ng ating Pambansang Kapulisan: Maglatag ng plano upang higit pang mapagtibay ang pagkakaisa ng ating mga pulis. Baguhin na natin ang kultura na parang may magkakahiwalay na tribo sa PNP; may bata si ganito, may bata si ganyan. Iisa dapat ang ating paghakbang upang maging epektibong tagapagbantay ng ating mamamayan,” he said. PND (as) |
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| President Aquino appeals for public understanding over Mamasapano incident | |
| (SILANG, Cavite) President Benigno S. Aquino III on
Thursday appealed for public understanding over the Mamasapano incident,
maintaining that he was kept in the dark by people he trusted to carry out
the January 25 operation.In his message to
the graduating class of the Philippine National Police Academy, the
President said police officials involved in the operation made him believe
that Oplan Exodus was well-planned and the police commandos on the ground
would be able to implement it with ease. Noting that it was the last time he would talk about the tragic incident, President Aquino explained that there was no urgency in the text messages he received on the morning of January 25, leading him to believe that the Special Action Force commandos had successfully carried out their mission. “Kung nalaman ko ito agad, sa tingin n’yo ba, hindi ako gagawa ng paraan para tulungan ang ating hanay?” he said. No word would ease the pain and misery felt by those who have lost loved ones in the Mamasapano clash, he said, adding that all he could do is to appeal for understanding from the Filipino public. "Sa bawat Pilipinong nabigo at nasaktan dahil sa mga pangyayaring kaugnay ng operasyong ito: buong pagpapakumbaba kong hinihiling ang inyong pang-unawa," the President said. He said that that regardless of the anger he felt for the disregard for the orders he had given, he could never erase the fact that the 44 SAF members had perished. “Dadalhin ko—at uulitin ko po—dadalhin ko ang katotohanang ito hanggang sa aking mismong libingan,” he said. As President, he said, he is fully responsible for any result—any triumph, any suffering, and any tragedy—that may be borne of his desire for lasting security and peace. He also addressed accusations of insensitivity. “Ikinalulungkot kong sa pagnanais kong bigyan ng espasyong magluksa ang mga makakakita, sa unang pagkakataon, ng nasawi nilang kaanak, ay may mga nag-isip na ako’y manhid at walang pakikiramay. Ang intensiyon ko noon ay makatulong sa paghilom,” he said. The President also regretted that the Mamasapano incident has affected the peace process in Mindanao. The President admitted that he is not without limitations. “Opo, ako ang Pangulo, pero tao rin ako. Hindi ko kayang basahin ang iniisip ng bawat kausap ko, at hindi ko kayang mabantayan ang lahat sa lahat ng panahon,” he said. He said it is his responsibility to ensure the welfare of 100 million Filipinos here and abroad and he cannot respond to their needs at all times. The President however vowed to do what he can to protect the interest of every Filipino. "Pero gaya po ng aking panata, patuloy kong gagawin ang tama at makatuwiran. Patuloy kong gagawin ang lahat ng aking makakaya upang paglingkuran ang lahat, at maging totoo sa aking sinumpaang tungkulin," he said. The President also pledged to respect due process and hold those responsible to account. “Responsibilidad ko na itama ang mali kapag nadiskubre ang mga ito. Kaya sinisiguro ko po sa inyo: Nirerespeto natin ang tamang proseso. Mananagot ang dapat managot,” he said. The Mamasapano clash killed 44 SAF commandos, 18 Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatants as well as several civilians. The SAF commandos were on a mission to capture or neutralize Malaysian bomb maker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and local terrorist Abdul Basit Usman. However, as they were retreating, the police commandos clashed with the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups, resulting in a huge number of casualties on the government’s side. PND (as) |
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| Secretary Del Rosario: South China Sea Dispute Concerns International Commitment to Uphold Rule of Law | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| 26 March 2015 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario
strongly conveyed the need for the international community to
uphold the rule of law in the South China Sea at a Special Forum
organized by the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the
Philippines (FOCAP) today, March 26, at Marco Polo Hotel, Pasig
City. “Allow me to state at the outset that the maritime dispute between the Philippines and China goes beyond the issue of maritime entitlements. This is about the principled stand of the Philippines to defend its legitimate rights which are currently being violated. It concerns the international community’s commitment to uphold the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the Constitution of the Oceans, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. It concerns the need to uphold the rule of law which is the bedrock of peace, order and fairness in modern societies,” Secretary Del Rosario said. The Secretary was the keynote speaker at the Special Forum, which featured presentations by party-list Representative Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo and Association of Chinese Studies President and former ABC Beijing Bureau Chief Chito Sta. Romana. Professor Jose Antonio Custodio served as the reactor. There were an estimated 80 people in the audience composed of FOCAP members and representatives from the local media, academe, government sector and business community. Secretary Del Rosario apprised the audience of developments on the arbitration case which was filed by the Philippines against China under Article 287 and Annex VII of the UNCLOS in January 2013. He recalled the country’s recent submission of a 3,000-page document containing supplemental arguments that “leave no doubt that the tribunal has jurisdiction over the case and that the Philippines’ claims, including in particular its claims concerning the ‘nine-dash line’, are well-founded in fact and law.” “Even as the Philippines filed arbitral proceedings under Article 287 of UNCLOS, however, China continues to undertake unilateral measures that form part of a pattern of forcing a change in the regional status quo in order to advance and realize its ‘nine-dash line’ claim of undisputed sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea,” the Secretary added, referring primarily to China’s continued incursions in the West Philippine Sea and massive reclamation activities in disputed areas. Secretary Del Rosario likewise highlighted the international community’s significant support for the Philippines’ advocacy for a peaceful and rules-based settlement of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. He closed his speech by emphasizing that “Even as we face a formidable challenge, we have the law on our side. International law is the great equalizer. We are, moreover, in the right and right is might.” As one of the premier media organizations in the country, the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the Philippines hosts regular fora with top officials and subject experts to discuss the day’s political, economic and social issues. |
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| Foreign Embassies Briefed on PHL’s Logistical and Security Preparations for APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| 25 March 2015 - In conjunction with the Philippines’ role as
APEC 2015 host, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) this
morning held an embassy briefing on logistical and security
preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), to
be held in Manila from November 18 to 19, 2015. In attendance
were representatives from the embassies of the 20 other APEC
member economies. Led by Director General Ambassador Marciano A.
Paynor, Jr., members of the APEC National Organizing Council
(APEC-NOC) briefed the embassy representatives on the proposed
schedule for the AELM, along with details regarding travel and
accommodations, security arrangements, and media operations. Traditionally held at the conclusion of each hosting year, the AELM provides an avenue for economy leaders to articulate specific agreements and concrete actions resulting from the various working group and ministerial-level meetings held over the previous year. The annual gathering is attended by heads of government and other senior officials, and represents the member economies’ commitment to trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation. In line with this, the APEC-NOC has been working with agencies, embassies, and official partners such as BMW—which has been providing transportation support—to lay down all the necessary logistical and security arrangements. The safety and well-being of our guests remain among our top priorities, and as we continue to host this year’s APEC meetings, we will ensure that all their needs are seen to and provided for in advance. Building toward the AELM, upcoming meetings include the 22nd Automotive Dialogue Meeting (April 20-24, Manila); the Disaster Risk Finance – APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies Meeting (April 29-30, Bacolod); the Second Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (May 10-21, Boracay); and the Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting (May 23-24, Boracay). |
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| DepEd: Palaro 2015 to highlight peace and camaraderie | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| What started in 1948 as a quaint inter-school sporting event in
Manila became an annual petri dish of discipline, teamwork,
excellence, solidarity, and sportsmanship among others. This
event is now popularly known as the Palarong Pambansa. Over the last 65 years, Palarong Pambansa has produced outstanding athletes in different fields of sports. The road to their success, however, was paved not only by victories but also by defeats and humbling experiences. As such, the Palaro has served as a training ground for opportunities and challenges. Conducted and spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), Palaro became the pinnacle event of student athletes who are hailed as regional champions in their respective hometowns after a series of sporting events starting from the school-level to the district, provincial and regional level. The thumping heart of this year’s Palaro “Breaking Borders, Building Peace”, signifies peace and unity in religion diversity through athletic rivalry and camaraderie. Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC emphasizes, “More than being a sports event, Palaro depicts the crucial role of sports in inculcating a sense of well-roundedness among the Filipino youth. This year, we are taking it further by not only aiming to produce holistic and strategic-minded young individual, we are also promoting respect for fellowmen regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender." In line with this, DepEd Tagum City division office recently held the "Run for Palaro 2015" -- a fun run event where more than 3,000 runners participated to help raise additional funds for the Palaro athletes and coaches. DepEd recognizes the significance of sports in developing the youth’s full potential to become globally competitive citizens while contributing greatly to building the nation. Hence, the Department puts a premium on the Palaro as an avenue to showcase the abilities of future Filipino world class athletes. The 58th Palarong Pambansa will be held on May 3-9 in the city of Tagum, Davao del Norte. More than 10,000 athletes from both public and private elementary and secondary schools are expected to compete in various sporting events. Playing fields, billeting, hygiene facilities and provision for nourishment are already in place for the athletes, coaches and trainers participating in the week-long sports development program. |
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| DPWH enforces disqualification measures to contractors with delayed projects | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| A contractor with pending overdue project and has reached
maximum liquidated damages for any government contract will be
prohibited to participate in any bidding process of the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This was the statement of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, as he issues Department Order (DO) 37, series of 2015 or the “Disqualification of Contractors with Liquidated Damages on Ongoing DPWH Infrastructure Projects”, which is pursuant to Section 8 of Annex E of Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act. The DO 37 states that contractors facing either: (a) delayed completion of work exceeding to ten percent (10%) of specified contract time; or (b) total sum of liquidated damages from delayed project exceeding to ten percent (10%) of the total sum of the contract price, shall be disqualified to join in DPWH projects. Apart from the disqualification for new contract, the contractor shall pay incurred liquidated damages over the delayed projects in accordance with the rules of RA 9184. DPWH Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) on the other hand shall strictly enforce the said DO, or face penalties prescribed for violation of reasonable office rules and regulations in Section 52, C(3) of Civil Service Resolution No. 991936 known as the “Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service”. “It is a priority of the Department to deliver quality, safe and timely infrastructure projects to the public, thus we shall ban contractors from bidding for new contract if they have existing delayed projects and penalize BAC members who tolerate this kind of activity,” said Secretary Singson. |
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| OPAFSAM, NFA seize P15-M worth of smuggled rice | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://opafsam.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and
Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM) and the National Food
Authority (NFA) on Wednesday seized P15 million worth of
illegally imported rice as part of a continuing effort to ensure
food security in the country. Food Security Secretary Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay, together with NFA officials confiscated approximately 5,000 bags or close to 250,000 kilograms of rice stored in a warehouse owned by a certain Alvin Tiu Chua. According to Pangilinan, the trader and warehouse owner will face sanctions, as the warehouse is not licensed with the NFA. Rice is a regulated commodity, and so also requires a license to be imported. “If smuggling is rampant, then prices of rice and palay will fall, harming local farmers,” he said. According to initial information from the National Bureau of Investigation, the rice was imported from Thailand, then brought in through Zamboanga before being taken to Manila. “Our information is that January pa labas-pasok ang mga sasakyan dito. Na-monitor, and finally nagpunta na tayo dito,” Pangilinan said. In addition, the bags lacked proper markings—the sacks were labeled regular or well milled rice, but contained glutinous fancy rice instead. “We will seize this, confiscate this, kasama na ang may-ari ng warehouse,” Pangilinan said. “Ito ay warning sa ating mga negosyante. Hindi dahil nanggaling sa Zamboanga ang shipment ng rice, hindi na ito mate-trace. Siguro iyon ang akala nila, kaya sa backdoor nila pinapadala.” “Maaaring makasama ito sa ating mga magsasaka. Kapag may murang smuggled rice, mababawasan ang perang papasok sa ating mga magsasaka,” Pangilinan noted. Dalisay meanwhile said that the NFA will continue its efforts to curb smuggling in the country. “Dahil bago din ang management ng NFA, binabantayan natin ang importation of rice. Ito ay para din masanay ang ating mga nagpa-participate na maging compliant every step of the way.” “Magpapatuloy ang ating pagmamasid at pagiinspect. Ito ang marching orders nina Secretary Francis Pangilinan at Pangulong Benigno Aquino III,” Dalisay said. |
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| Roxas orders local execs to ensure peaceful observance of Holy Week | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordered all
local chief executives (LCEs) to ensure a peaceful and safe
observance of Holy Week in their respective localities. In a memorandum circular, Roxas ordered the LCEs to convene their local peace and order councils to plan actions in anticipation of the “heavy movement of people from various places that shall focus on ensuring adequate transportation, [and] medical emergency services.” He also directed all LCEs to “establish close coordination with concerned local authorities, cause the mobilization of law enforcers, traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, public safety officers,” and “ensure cleanliness and orderliness by mobilizing all resources in garbage collection and disposal, and clean-up operations of public places.” Earlier, Roxas called on all DILG employees to consider applying a “programmatic, deliberate and sustainable” approach not only in their work but even in their personal lives, as they reflect this Holy Week. During the flag-raising ceremony, Roxas said this is the framework that he and the other DILG officials employ in implementing programs and projects. He explained that programmatic means “coherent across disciplines - hindi silos. hindi kanya-kanya,” while deliberate means “malawakan, integrated na pagtingin sa isang programa, sa isang gawain; hindi bara-bara, hindi patsamba. It’s the same every time, all the time.” On the other hand, he explained that a sustained method is “an approach to work, an approach to life, that is stable, hindi pansamanatala lamang, hindi ningas-cugon.” He also advised DILG employees to “plan your work, plan your approach then work your plan, para hindi ka naliligaw. That’s the reflection that I wanted to leave with you this morning." |
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| Rice prices decline by P2/kilo | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://opafsam.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Rice prices have declined steadily since the last quarter of
last year to the first quarter of this year, making rice more
affordable for consumers. Citing statistics from Philippine Statistics Authority, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Renan Dalisay said well-milled rice wholesale prices went down by P1.74 per kilo in early 2015, from P40.57 per kilo in October 2014 to P38.83 in February this year. “The lowest commercial rice price in the last quarter of last year registered at P40 per kilo. In my recent personal market inspection in Dinalupihan, Bataan the lowest commercial rice price I noticed was P31 per kilo,” Dalisay said during market visits in the municipalities of Dinalupihan in Bataan, Olongapo City, Castillejos, San Marcelino, San Narciso, and Iba in Zambales. Dalisay observed that regular milled commercial rice was sold as low as P31.00 per kilogram in Bataan while the well-milled variety was priced at an average of P40.00 per kilogram. The NFA currently sells government rice at P27 per kilo for regular milled and P32 per kilo for well-milled rice. Dalisay attributed the downward behavior of rice prices to the NFA’s increased and more efficient market participation. For the last two months of 2014, the NFA surpassed its distribution target by 101,902 metric tons (MT) or 81 percent, from 126,279 MT to 228,181 MT compared to the same period in 2013. Lower prices due to adequate supply The NFA distributes its rice through accredited retailers. It has also tapped parishes and selected local government units as distribution conduits, particularly during calamities. “Another reason for the decline in retail prices in rice is the settling down of farm prices. We have noted of speculative palay buying by private traders last year, which drove farm prices up and naturally impacted on retail prices,” Dalisay said. He also said that because there was adequate rice supply, traders tended to stop speculative palay pricing. “The NFA now is able to buy palay at its support price of P17 per kilo because farm prices have settled down. While we are happy our farmers are making some money because of increased palay prices. We also need to cushion the impact on our consumers,” he added. |
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| Gov't rolls out research initiative with US universities; Abad: PCARI to upgrade country's information infranstructure | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
The Philippine-California Advanced Research Institute (PCARI)
Project was finally launched today at the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) in Diliman, Quezon City as part of the National
Government’s drive to invest in its people through education
while simultaneously developing cutting-edge technological-based
innovations to help the country.
The PCARI Project is a capacity-building, technology-generating,
collaborative initiative designed to upgrade to a global
standard the research, development, and innovation capabilities
and competencies of the faculty and staff of the Philippine
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This project is being done
in collaboration with US-based HEIs—initially with the
University of California, specifically their Berkeley and San
Francisco campuses—and Filipino scholarships to these schools
will be a major component of the project.
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Our country needs
to develop its informational infrastructure to ensure that we
don’t lag behind the rest of the world in terms of research and
development. We’re happy that this initiative has finally
launched as it would help our country to technologically grow
even while sustaining high levels of economic growth.”
With CHED as the implementing agency, the PCARI Project will
help develop multi-disciplinary research projects for the
following: information infrastructure development; health
innovation and translational medicine; and other related
priority areas such as regenerative medicine for diseases of the
elderly. The projects will be undertaken with a consortia of
research universities but the proposals will be evaluated and
approved by CHED, the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), and the Department of Health (DOH).
Prior to today’s launch, PCARI received appropriations amounting
to P1.76 billion from the FY 2013 General Appropriations Act
(GAA) and another P1.76 billion from the FY 2014 GAA. However,
issues delayed the launch of the project’s implementation to
this year.
Abad said, “Because of implementation delays, the PCARI’s
funding support will have to come from budgetary appropriations
of the past two years as we did not make any appropriations in
this year’s national budget. But the National Government will
commit to invest in the project’s continuation by next year as
our country badly needs to expand in the areas of research and
development.”
To this end, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will
be releasing the Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for the initial
amount of P871 million to cover the months of March 2015 to June
2015, chargeable against the FY 2013 and 2014 Continuing
Appropriations.
This amount will help support eight research projects that have
already been approved:
1. Institute of Health Innovation and Translational
Medicine (IHITM) 63: High Throughput Screening of Philippine
Terrestrial and Marine Organisms for Antimalarial Properties and
Identification of Novel Drug Targets;
2. IHITM 109: Philippine-University of California-Collaboratory
for Device Innovation (Education/Training Award);
3. IHITM 131: Accessible Detection of Dengue using BioMems
and MIP Materials;
4. A Proposal for the Expansion of the Shared Genomics Core
Facility in the Philippines;
5. Institute of Information Infrastructure Development
(IIID) 13: Resilient Sensory Swarms for Smart Energy and
Environmental Monitoring;
6. IIID 31: The Village Base Station;
7. IIID 54: Resilient Cyber Physical Societal Scale
Systems;
8. IIID 58: Cost-Effective Manufacturing Using Printing
Fabrication Technologies for Energy Generation, Conditioning,
and Monitoring Devices.
Abad said, “With the support of US-based universities, PCARI
will help us develop cutting-edge technology in health,
information and communications, energy development, and climate
change response. As such, the role of the National Government is
to invest in projects like these and ensure all that’s possible
under its jurisdiction. This, in turn, will certify our economy
will have the capacity for research and development in a short
period of time and make our country globally competitive.”
|
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| Filipinos celebrate Bangsamoro peace deal’s first anniversary with peace march, book launching, children's healing workshop and Bangsamoro history forum | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| MANILA – Architects and champions of the peace process in
Mindanao will mark the first anniversary of the signing of the
landmark Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on
Friday, March 27. About two thousand peace advocates from different organizations will mark the celebration with a walk for peace at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Friday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to highlight the significance of the anniversary. The CAB was entered between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), capping the over 17 years of negotiations, at Malacanan on March 27 last year. Dubbed as “SUROY-SUROY SA KALINAW: Kapayapaan sa Mindanao, Kapayapaan Nating Lahat,” the event is a multi-sectoral initiative to demonstrate the support of different sectors to the peace process and to recognize the CAB as a significant milestone in the journey to peace in Mindanao. Participating civil society and non-government organizations are All-Out Peace, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), Center for Peace Education, Friends of the Bangsamoro (FoBM), Generation Peace, GZO Peace Institute, Generation Peace Youth Network (GZO), International Center for Transformation, Innovation and Excellence in Governance (INCITEGov), Initiative for International Dialogue (IID), KOMPRE, Makati Business Club (MBC), Mindanao Solidarity Network (MSN), National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), National Youth Commission (NYC), People Power Volunteers for Reform (PPVR), Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID), Professors for Peace, Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE Act 1325), Young Public Servants (YPS), among others. To goal of the event is “to show that CSOs are coming together to support and commemorate the CAB Signing.” Leaders of various civil society groups and government institutions are expected to grace the event and give messages in support of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the legal iteration of the CAB, and the peace agreement. Amid the criticisms assailing the BBL as a result of the Mamasapano incident, “the call for an all-out war should be balanced by a stronger call for an all-out peace; thus the consolidation of peace constituents from various sectors,” the organizers said. The event will feature performing artists such as Bayang Barrios, Kooky Chua, Noel Cabangon and Joey Ayala to show solidarity for peace. At the same time, about 2,500 children who are internally displaced victims of armed conflict and currently residing in evacuation centers will participate in a personal healing dialogue dubbed as "Children's Dialogue thru Art" at Mahad Al-Islamiya in Libutan, Maguindanao. This event is initiated by the Our Peace Movement (OPM), comprised of various partner networks of civil society organizations in Manila and Mindanao. To provide context and better understanding on the Bangsamoro identity, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will also hold “A Forum on the Bangsamoro in National History” in its main building at T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The Commission said the activity “hopes to bring about a better appreciation of the history of the Bangsamoro and the Muslim Filipinos, and their singular role in the making of the Filipino nation, a subject of timely significance, especially in light of the current deliberation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” The NHCP has invited historians and resource persons of note, to lecture on the different periods of Muslim Filipino history: • Dr. Ma. Bernadette G. Abrera (UP Diliman) -- “Early Muslim Filipinos and the Onset of Colonization;”) •Dr. Cecilia B. Tangian (Marawi State University-Iligan Institute of Technology), -- “Muslim Filipinos’ Reaction to Spanish Colonization;” •Dr. Ricardo Trota Jose (UP Diliman) -- “Muslim Filipinos and the Making of a Nation,” and •Dr. Renato Oliveros (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila) -- “Muslim Filipinos in Contemporary Times” At 5:30 p.m., the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process will be launching three publications at the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens, Intramuros, Manila, namely “Getting to Peace: Opening Statements from the GPH-MILF Peace Talks (2011-2014),” “In Defense of the Bangsamoro Basic Law: Selected Essays,” and “Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Magazine (Issue no. 3),” OPAPP bared. “Getting to Peace: Opening Statements from the GPH-MILF Peace Talks (2011-2014)” is a compilation of statements that were delivered by the chief negotiators – Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal -- during the formal peace negotiations under the Aquino administration. The book “In Defense of the Bangsamoro Basic Law: Selected Essays,” are composed mainly of speeches and essays articulated in several peace forums and discussions on the southern Philippines peace process. The authors are Government of the Philippines peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, GPH peace panel member Senen Bacani, GPH Technical Working Group head Jose Luis Martin Gascon, the head of peace panel’s legal team Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, University of the Philippines College of Muslim Affairs Dean Julkipli Wadi, retired Justice Adolf Azcuna, and the framers of the 1987 Constitution. Along with the books, the “Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Magazine” will also release its third edition with stories of women advocating peace in the country. The launching of the publications come with a renewed sense of commitment to ensure the passage of the BBL to cap the years of negotiations for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, Coronel-Ferrer said. She noted that proponents of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF want to reaffirm their commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s declaration at the signing of the CAB a year ago to “not let the peace that we have all worked for be snatched from our people again.” Coronel-Ferrer added that the event is likewise a call to the Filipino people to support the peace process. “We want to emphasize that while the congressional deliberations have been delayed by the Mamasapano incident, the peace process continues. We are confident that members of our Congress, with the commitment of its leaders, would ensure passage of the BBL in line with their own commitment to the success of the peace process,” Coronel-Ferrer said. These activities will raise public awareness and understanding of the BBL and the peace agreement which is necessary to the passage of the draft law by Congress and its later implementation. A recent survey showed that majority of Filipinos do not have sufficient knowledge of the contents of the draft law and the peace agreement, which have made public opinion towards these vulnerable to the manipulation of its critics and oppositors. |
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| Book launching to mark Bangsamoro peace deal's first anniversary | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| MANILA – A compilation of peace essays, speeches, and statements
bound into two books and a magazine will be launched on Friday
to coincide with the commemoration of the first anniversary of
the signing of the landmark Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro (CAB) between the government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF). The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will hold the book-launching at the Baluarte de San Diego Gardens, Intramuros, Manila on March 27. The event is open to the public. Entitled “Getting to Peace: Opening Statements from the GPH-MILF Peace Talks (2011-2014),” the book is a compilation of statements that were delivered by the chief negotiators – Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal -- during the formal peace negotiations under the Aquino administration. The book “In Defense of the Bangsamoro Basic Law: Selected Essays,” are composed mainly of speeches and essays articulated in several peace forums and discussions on the southern Philippines peace process. The authors are Ferrer, peace panel member Senen Bacani, GPH Technical Working Group head Jose Luis Martin Gascon, the head of peace panel’s legal team Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, University of the Philippines College of Muslim Affairs Dean Julkipli Wadi, retired Justice Adolf Azcuna, and the framers of the 1987 Constitution. Along with the books, the “Kababaihan at Kapayapaan Magazine” will also release its third edition with stories of women advocating peace in the country. The launching of the book comes with a renewed sense of commitment to ensure the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to cap the years of negotiations for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, Coronel-Ferrer said. She noted that proponents of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF want to reaffirm their commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s declaration at the signing of the CAB a year ago to “not let the peace that we have all worked for be snatched from our people again.” Coronel-Ferrer added that the event is likewise a call to the Filipino people to support the peace process. “We want to emphasize that while the congressional deliberations have been delayed by the Mamasapano incident, the peace process continues. We are confident that members of our Congress, with the commitment of its leaders, would ensure passage of the BBL in line with their own commitment to the success of the peace process,” Coronel-Ferrer said. |
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| Intervention Cardiologist of St. Luke’s Medical Center charged with tax evasion | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal
complaint with the Department of Justice against DR. BENEDICT M.
LAZATIN (DR. LAZATIN)for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax,
Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in
his Income Tax Return (ITR) for taxable years 2006 to 2013,
Willful Failure to file Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns for
taxable years 2006 to 2012 and for the 1st, 2nd and 4th quarters
of taxable year 2013, and Failure to Register as VAT taxpayer,
all in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code). Respondent DR. LAZATIN is a medical doctor by profession (Intervention Cardiologist). He is a registered taxpayer of Revenue District Office No. 39, South Quezon City with business address at Rm. 539, Medical Arts Bldg., St. Luke’s Medical Center, Barangay Kalusugan, Quezon City. In order to determine DR. LAZATIN’s true and correct income, access letters were sent to St. Luke’s College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Medical Center, and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, which all provided certifications on income payments they made to DR. LAZATIN for the subject taxable years. Records of the BIR, however, showed that DR. LAZATIN declared NO INCOME for taxable years 2006 to 2012 and that he declared income amounting to only P1.32 million for taxable year 2013. A comparison of the data gathered by investigators revealed that DR. LAZATIN substantially underdeclared his correct taxable income by P2.72 million in 2006, P1.43 million in 2007, P1.93 million in 2008, P3.38 million in 2009, P2.13 million in 2010, P2.37 million in 2011, P3.50 million in 2012, and P1.93 million in 2013. Having breached the P1.5 million threshold by earning P2.27 million in 2005, he likewise failed to register as a VAT taxpayer. As a result of his acts and omissions constituting violations of the Tax Code, DR. LAZATIN was sued for a total tax liability ofP25.79 million in deficiency income (P19.97 million) and value added taxes (P5.82 million) for taxable years 2006 to 2013, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into: 2006 – P4.41 million (IT – P3.38 million and VAT – P1.03 million); 2007 – P2.14 million (IT – P1.62 million and VAT – P0.52 million); 2008 – P2.76 million (IT – P2.11 million and VAT – P0.65 million); 2009 – P4.66 million (IT -P3.60 million and VAT – P1.06 million); 2010 – P2.68 million (IT – P2.07 million and VAT – P0.61 million); 2011 – P2.81 million (IT -P2.18 million and VAT – P0.63 million); 2012 – P3.88 million (IT – P3.09 million and VAT – P0.79 million); and 2013 – P2.45 million (IT -P1.92 million and VAT – P0.53 million). The case against DR. BENEDICT M. LAZATIN is the 343rd filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of the National Investigation Division. |
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| Philippines and Japan Sign JPY 19.5 Billion Loan to Support Road Interchange and Flood Risk Protection Projects | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Projects in line with PH goals on infrastructure development and
disaster risk resilience amid growing economy and population 26 March 2015– The Governments of the Republic of the Philippines and Japan signed today, 26 March 2015, the Loan Agreements to support the implementation of the Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project, Phase VI and Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan De Oro River of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima signed the Loan Agreements on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines while Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Noriaki Niwa signed on behalf of the Government of Japan. During the signing ceremony, Purisima said, “This invaluable support addresses all the right needs as we seek to build an economy well-guarded against disasters and strongly invested in the mobility and connectivity of its people. We expect these projects to bring about a multiplier effect to our macroeconomic successes and to improve the quality of life in the Philippines.” He emphasized that infrastructure improvement and flood risk mitigation are critical components of development. “These projects strengthen our ability to adapt to emerging challenges: traffic congestion and flooding are pressing concerns in urban areas. These projects reflect the serious commitment we share with our allies to unlock the limits of our growth frontiers,” he noted. Under the loan agreements, the Government of Japan, through JICA, will provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans amounting to i) JPY7.929 billion to finance the construction four (4) grade-separated interchanges: (1) EDSA/ North Avenue/ West Avenue, (2) Mindanao Avenue, (3) C5/ Greenmeadows/ Calle Industria/ Eastwood, and (4) EDSA/ Roosevelt Avenue/ Congressional Avenue; and ii) JPY11.576 billion to finance implementation of i) structural measures (i.e., construction of new dike/retaining wall and retarding basin, installation of gate and drainage outlets and improvement of Kagayan Bridge, among others) and ii) non-structural measures (i.e., preparation/update of flood hazard map, flood forecasting and warning system) in the areas around Cagayan de Oro River. The Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project, Phase VI aims to alleviate serious traffic congestion, as well as enhance transportation capacity and efficiency around Metro Manila. The said project is part of the JICA-supported and NEDA-approved transport roadmap for Metro Manila and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the Flood Risk Management Project for Cagayan De Oro River, aims to strengthen the resilience of the communities along the Cagayan de Oro River stretch, from the Macajalar Bay to the Pelaez Bridge, to climate change and other hydrometeorological hazards by mitigating flood risk in the area. As of date, Japan remains to be the Philippines’ top bilateral source of ODA loans. JICA presently supports the loan financing of 18 projects totaling US$2.54Billion (total loan commitments) in the sectors of agriculture and agrarian reform, infrastructure, flood control, environment, climate change, and disaster rehabilitation. A few minutes prior to the loan agreements signing, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario and Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa signed the exchange of notes. The event was also attended by National Treasurer Roberto Tan, and DOST-PAGASA Acting Administrator Dr. Vicente Malano. Meanwhile, besides Ambassador Ishikawa, the Government of Japan was represented by Economic Minister Hiroyuki Uchida, and Mr. Noriaki Niwa, the Chief Representative of the JICA Philippine Office. |
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| Baldoz lauds DOLE’s NMP for saving P6.5-M in repair of training boat | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday commended the National Maritime Polytechnic, a
DOLE-attached agency located in Cabalawan, Tacloban City, for
its prudence and wise use of government money which resulted in
a hefty savings of P6.5 million in expenses for the repair of a
training boat. Citing the report of NMP Executive Director Roldan, Baldoz said the enclosed life boat is now installed and in place at the NMP s boat davit. It can be recalled that the enclosed boat was destroyed at the height of Typhoon Yolanda. “The boat is now fully operational; its engine fully repaired and installed. The boat davit itself is, likewise, fully operational,” said Executive Director Roldan in his report. The NMP official, however, said the bottom portion of the boat’s hull is still to be repaired. “In a week’s time, this will be done because the bottom portion of the boat’s hull can only be reached if the boat is lifted by a crane,” he said. He said the repair work for the fiber glass-made training boat was done by the school itself, and cost only P150,000 because the repair was done by local skilled repairers who used mostly local available materials. The amount included the rental of a crane to lift the boat and install it to its davit. Roldan said estimates by a boat repair company for the boat, its engine, and the davit was P7 million. The boat, before it was destroyed, was being used by NMP students for the conduct of STCW-regulated training which the NMP had asked the MARINA for accreditation. According to Roldan, the NMP had earlier submitted to the MARINA five more courses for accreditation and said the accredited body had already conducted an inspection. “We are in the process of complying with the inspectors' observations which we need to do within a 30-day period,” he said. |
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| DOTC bids out P450M driver's license cards supply project | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| 150-Day Limit on Validity of Temporary Licenses Lifted by LTO Manila, Philippines – Bidding begins today for a new supplier of driver’s license cards, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) take action on the recent shortage of cards at various offices nationwide. The P 450-Million project aims to stabilize supply by the third quarter of 2015. Prospective bidders may begin purchasing bid documents, as bid submission and opening is set on April 20. The bid for each piece of license card should not exceed P 90.09. The winning supplier will be required to deliver the goods within thirty (30) calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), which is targeted in July 2015. Previous Bids Stopped by Court Orders Given the urgent need for license card supplies, the DOTC hopes that this time around, the project will not be stopped by judicial orders. The current supplier, Amalgamated Motors Philippines, Inc. (AMPI), was awarded a five-year contract way back in 1984. Upon its expiration in 1989, government extended the arrangement on a yearly basis until 2006. Since 2006, there has been no contractual relationship, but government has continued paying AMPI on a quantum meruit basis, or in sums equivalent to the goods delivered. Seeing the need for a proper contract as a matter of good governance, the DOTC and the LTO sought to bid the project out in December 2010. This, however, was prevented by an injunction order issued by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City in February 2011. Another injunction order was again issued by the same court in June 2012, in a case AMPI filed against the DOTC to question the bid. The Court of Appeals eventually caused the lifting of both injunctive writs. In 2014, the Commission on Audit (COA) also disallowed further payments to AMPI absent a valid contract procured under applicable rules. This bolstered the DOTC and LTO’s position that the project should be bid out, contrary to potential attempts to stop the project through court issuances. LTO Lifts 150-Day Limit on Temporary Licenses With the shortage in AMPI’s license card supply, the LTO was left with no choice but to issue temporary driver’s licenses with a 150-day validity period, with the expectation that AMPI would be able to provide license cards within that period. In view of the continued shortage, however, the LTO removed the 150-day limit until the shortage is addressed, by way of Memorandum Circular No. AVT-2015-1925 dated March 20, 2015. |
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| Motor vehicles registration papers good for only 7 days | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Reminds Public of No Registration-No Travel Policy Beginning
April 1st Come April 1st, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly enforce the “No Registration-No Travel Policy” for motor vehicles (MVs), which means that all MVs must be registered, or at least be in the 7-day registration period, by the start of next month. “It has always been prohibited by law to use motor vehicles which have not been registered with the LTO. The only exception is the first seven (7) days, during which registration should be processed by the vehicle owner,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. “We held back from implementing this rule before, because the lack of license plates was our responsibility. But now that we have been able to issue new license plates within 7 days from start of registration, we have no more reason not to implement the law,” he added. Under the No Registration-No Travel policy, any four (4)-wheeled motor vehicle running without a license plate may be flagged by a traffic enforcer because all MVs are required to have valid license plates. To be clear, these may be any of the nine (9) older green-and-white license plates or the new black-and-white license plates – for as long as they are valid. Penalties for Violators The applicable penalties for a violation of this rule under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 include a P 10,000.00 fine for driving an unregistered vehicle, which is assessed against the vehicle owner, and a P 1,000.00 fine assessed against the driver. If the driver is able to present a Certificate of Registration (CR) and an Official Receipt (OR) of the vehicle to prove that it has been registered, the driver will be fined only P 5,000.00 for failure to attach plates. For MVs that are within the 7-day registration process, the driver must present the Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR), Sales Invoice dated within seven (7) days prior to the apprehension, and a Certificate of Insurance Cover dated on or after the date of Sales Invoice. If such documents are presented, no penalties will be meted out. As an additional penalty, should the date of the Sales Invoice exceed thirty-seven (37) days on the date of apprehension, the motor vehicle will be impounded by the LTO. 7-Day Vehicle Registration Period Since the LTO implemented Administrative Order (AO) No. AVT-2014-24 in February 2014, the new one-stop registration process has eliminated unnecessary delays and cut down processing time down to seven (7) days, from the previous three to four (3-4) weeks. “If your dealer tells you that the LTO does not have your license plates beyond the 7-day period, report this to us and tell your dealer to pick them up. You may also personally claim your license plates from the LTO regional office if you wish,” Abaya remarked. |
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| DAR Distributes A Total Of 40,423 Hectares Of Land In Agusan Norte | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has already awarded a
total of 40,423 hectares of agricultural lands to 20,312
farmer-beneficiaries in the province of Agusan del Norte since
the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program
(CARP) in 1988. DAR Caraga Regional Director Faisar Mambuay said the province’s accomplishment has already reached 94-percent from its target scope of 43,216 hectares, which demonstrates the department’s continuous empowerment to agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) by way of social justice through equitable distribution of lands. “Thousands of farmers are now landowners of the land they till. Since year 2000, the DAR has posted 57% growth or a total of 22,860 hectares distributed lands. Thanks to Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO) Andre B. Atega for helping achieve such accomplishment since he took over in this province in 2004,” Mambuay said.2 PARPO Atega revealed that Director Mambuay directed him and other CARP-implementers to monitor the status of their targets early this year and to keep it in the right track. “The goal is to distribute the remaining 2,793 hectares [2015 target] of land to deliver before the first semester ends,” he said. “We introduced innovative approach to accelerate land distribution by weekly monitoring the targeted lands for distribution, with the aid of Office Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR), to ensure the progress of land distribution in this province,” Atega said. PARO II Andre Atega also lauded DAR employees and all CARP-stakeholders in the province who helped him push the CARP forward. “Because of DAR personnel’s dedication and commitment to the objectives of the program, the economic lives of our farmer-beneficiaries have improved and our cooperatives were transformed into a bank-like operation. Their stories are proofs that life is better after agrarian reform interventions,” Atega said. |
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| Cops paid Php 3.88-B taxes in 2014 | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| The Philippine National Police (PNP) remitted Php3.88-billion
worth of individual taxes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue
(BIR) in 2014. This amount represents taxes withheld paid by 150,000 active duty PNP personnel. Citing records from the PNP Finance Service, PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Generoso R Cerbo Jr. said total taxes withheld by the PNP in 2014 amounted to Php3,883,039,689.85 or an average of Php25,886.93 tax withheld per individual PNP taxpayer in 2014. Withholding tax on compensation is the tax withheld from income payments to individuals receiving purely compensation income. In the PNP, individual tax withheld is automatically deducted from the monthly salary. The taxes withheld become obligations of the PNP to BIR that is remitted to the account of the tax collection agency every year, Cerbo explained. According to BIR records, self-employed individuals and professionals in the private sector paid only an average of Php 18,813.00 in income tax last year. This was only slightly higher than the average Php 16,407.00 income tax they paid in 2010.(PNP-PIO) |
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| Police intelligence officer debunk "wine and dine" tale | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Police authorities maintained the PNP commitment to uphold the
strong bond of camaraderie and unity of purpose with their
military counterparts amid insinuations that tend to undermine
the professional brotherhood and interoperabililty of police and
military security forces in the aftermath of the Mamasapano
incident Senior Superintendent Manolo Ozaeta, head of a Special Project for Mindanao, submitted himself to his superiors for explanation after being alluded to as the police intelligence officer who allegedly “wined and dined” Philippine Army commanders. Ozaeta confirmed that he hosted a 2 1/2 –hour traditional “boodlefight” dinner at the Del Rio Splash Resort in Koronadal City on the evening of January 24 attended by some SOCCSKSARGEN-based police and military officials, among them, key officers of the Army’s 601st Brigade, including some Battalion Commanders. In his manifestation, Ozaeta clarified that the dinner was held with pure good intention upon his invitation as a gesture of gratitude and goodwill to officers of the 601st Brigade in recognition of the previous successful joint operations launched by PNP and AFP units in Central Mindanao. He said the party was originally scheduled as a lunch or dinner party in November and December 2014 but was later moved to6pm of Saturday, January 24 upon the suggestion of the AFP counterparts to ensure with the availability of all guests since it was on a weekend. Ozaeta maintained it was purely coincidental that the dinner was held hours before SAF commandos launched Oplan Exodus against High-Value Targets in Mamasapano. The party started promptly at 6:00PM and ended when he and the Brigade Commander left around 8:45 PM, he said. If at all alcoholic drinks were served during the dinner, these beverages normally come with parties, he said. “It has no link whatsoever with the Mamasapano operations nor was it intended to divert our counterpart's attention in reinforcements as both units did not expect such operations in Mamasapano in the first place, Ozaeta explained. Ozaeta said he has been working closely with AFP Units based in Central Mindanao on some occasions that has led to successful joint operations against threat groups. (PNP-PIO) |
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| Aggie dep’t gives recognition to top rice performers | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| Palay production grew by 2.87% last year contributing to the
overall gross value output of the crops subsector amounting to
P933.57 million. “The country’s positive agricultural output, specially for rice, proves that we have provided efficient and timely interventions to our farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said. “Also, thank God for the favorable weather condition during the 1st quarter of 2014, we were able to harvest this much,” he added. Last year, total rice production reached 18.97 million metric tons (MMT), less than a million higher than 2013’s yield pegged at 18.4 MMT. “But we are not stopping here,” the agri chief said, stressing that the government maintains its rice sufficiency target. “We may have missed our target, but we are increasing production every year, and we are getting there,” Alcala said. “And we have our partners to thank for that.” The Department of Agriculture will continue to develop irrigation systems and campaign for the use of varieties that are high yielding and tolerant to climate change. The agency will also continue with its farm mechanization program and the provision of various postharvest technologies. Early this year, Alcala has awarded production and post-production facilities to farmers’ organizations from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “This is our way of telling the Filipino people that the government will always be behind you in your agricultural endeavors as we share the same vision to provide sufficient and safe farm produce to the rest of the nation,” Alcala announced during one of his visits in the Southern Philippines. On March 26, 2015, Alcala will personally thank and award to various government partners more than P72 million (M) in cash award and project grant, during the 4th Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards to be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila, Pasay City. According to Assistant Secretary and National Rice and Corn Program Coordinator Edilberto de Luna, this year’s achievers and rice champions are composed of 14 provinces, 15 municipalities, five irrigators’ associations (IAs), three small water impounding system associations (SWISAs), and 495 agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and local farm technicians (LFTs). “Kami po ay sumasaludo sa ating mga partner at bossing sa malalayong palayan ng bansa, na di kailanman nagsawa na makipagtulungan sa pamahalaan para mapataas ang produksyon ng pangunahing butil ng Pilipinas,”Alcala said. This year’s awardees include ten outstanding provinces that topped the production of rice last year. The Provincial government of Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur will each be receiving P4M. Four more provinces, Aurora, Pampanga, Mindoro Oriental and Zamboanga del Sur, that gave significant contribution to the increased production of the country’s major staple will receive P200,000 each. Fifteen municipalities/cities will receive P1M each. DA will also award outstanding IAs and SWISAs for their invaluable contribution to the national rice production output. Five IAs will receive P1M each and three SWISAs will get P500,000 each. The 495 AEWs/LFTs will be awarded in their respective region a total of P9.9M (at P20,000 each) as part of an incentive/bonus mechanism of the government for agri technicians who continue to support and assist rice farmers from land preparation to production to harvest. The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards is an annual event organized by the DA National Rice Program in recognition to the outstanding and significant contributions of the local government units, IAs, SWISAs, AEWs and LFTs to the Philippine rice industry. It gives credit and appreciation to the men and women who made invaluable contributions for the increase of the national palay production. |
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| Retail stars take spotlight in Women's Month celebration | ||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||
| President Benigno Aquino III ends the month-long celebration of
International Women’s Month by honoring and recognizing over
5,000 sari-sari store and carinderia owners who are
beneficiaries of the Sari-Sari Store Training and Access to
Resources (STAR) program — a partnership between Coca-Cola
Philippines and the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA) — at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on March 25. As part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower 5 million women within its value chain by year 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. It aims to provide access to skills training, resources, and peer mentoring to 200,000 women sari-sari store and carinderia owners and operators all over the country by 2020. The President hailed the women entrepreneurs during the event for helping make the economy grow in their own little ways. Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA Director General, said that society has come to acknowledge that apart from their traditional roles at home, women could be the success behind great businesses. "The event aims to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit and inspire STAR scholars to scale the heights in their respective endeavors," Villanueva said. "Women entrepreneurs are now recognized as hardworking, ingenious persons who can create jobs and who can prosper the community through their innovative ways," Villanueva added. Sari-sari store and carinderia owners are identified as the pillars of the Coca-Cola business here in the Philippines. The company recognizes that by empowering women, they positively impact the communities as well. “In order for us to have thriving communities and better economies, we need to invest on women,” said Atty. Adel Tamano, vice president for public affairs and communications of Coca-Cola Philippines. The event was also highlighted by a forum on empowering women’s decision-making process with a powerful line-up of women speakers: Atty. Rowena Guanzon on Empowering Women's Decisions in the Political Sphere; Dr. Margie Holmes on Empowering Women's Decisions in the Social Sphere; and, Mrs. Alma Uy on Empowering Women's Decisions in the Economic Sphere. Television host Suzi Abrera served as moderator. The STAR program continues to hone not only the women beneficiaries, but also the trainers and program implementers, who are at the forefront, managing and delivering the program at the grassroots community level. To date, the STAR program has benefited around 30,000 women scholars. Joining the President in recognizing the women entrepreneurs were TESDA officials led by Villanueva, and Deputy Director General Atty. Teodoro Pascua, and representatives from Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications Atty. Adel Tamano, and Sustainability Manager & 5by20 STAR Program lead Gilda Custodio-Maquilan. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino
Speech at the 36th Philippine National Police
Academy Commencement Exercises for Lakandula Class of 2015
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PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda, Silang
Cavite
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26 March 2015
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| Magandang tanghali po sa inyong lahat. Ngayong araw po, minamarkahan natin ang pagtawid ng 246 miyembro ng PNPA “LAKANDULA” Class of 2015 patungo sa pagiging miyembro ng ating unipormadong hanay. Kasama ang inyong mga magulang at kaanak, pati na ang inyong mga guro at pinuno sa PNP, BJMP, at BFP binabati ko kayong lahat. [Palakpakan] Lalong nagiging makabuluhan ang pinili n’yong ipangalan sa inyong sarili, ngayong naging bahagi na ng ating pambansang kamalayan ang ginawang kabayanihan ng 44 na magigiting na miyembro ng Special Action Force. Hindi matatawaran ang ipinakita nilang halimbawa bilang “Lahing kayumanggi na handang ialay sa bayan ang dugo at lakas.” Sigurado akong kasama ang kanilang sakripisyo sa mga nasa isip n’yo ngayong pumapasok kayo sa bagong yugto ng inyong pagiging lingkod-bayan. Bilang mga pulis, malalagay kayo sa sitwasyon kung saan nakasalalay sa inyong pagkilos at pagpapasya ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan, pati na ang sarili n’yong buhay at ng inyong kasamahan. Inaasahan ko na gagamitin n’yo ang inyong pagsasanay at lahat ng natutunan dito sa PNPA, hindi lang upang magtagumpay ang inyong mga misyon, kundi upang mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng bawat isa. Tiyak ko po na sinusundan ninyo ang mga balita at komentaryo tungkol sa Oplan Exodus. Ang iba sa mga ito ay nagsilbing inspirasyon para sa mga batang pulis na katulad ninyo, at nagpataas ng pagtingin ng mga Pilipino po sa buong kapulisan. Pero sa kasamaang palad, marami rin sa mga ito ang nagdulot ng kalituhan, kung hindi man ng galit, sa ating mga kababayan. Ngayon po, may dalawang ulat na mapapagkunan ng impormasyon hinggil sa mga naganap sa Mamasapano: Ang Board of Inquiry Report, at ang Senate Report na nabuo matapos ang ginawa nilang imbestigasyon. Maraming tanong sa isip ng ating mamamayan ang masasagot ng mga ulat na ito. Sumasang-ayon po ang dalawang ulat sa mga nauna na nating pahayag tungkol sa mga detalye ng operasyon. Sa katunayan po, pinagtitibay ng dalawang report ang ating posisyon sa simula pa lang na malaking pagkakamali ang kawalan ng koordinasyon sa AFP. Ang ikinalulungkot ko, imbis na magtanong sa akin ay naglagay ng ispekulasyon ang mga gumawa ng ulat. Maitatanong nga po natin: Paano naman makakatulong sa paglilinaw ng isyu kung hula ang gagamitin imbis na facts? Maliban na lang kung may kailanganin pang paglilinaw mula sa akin ang kinauukulan, ito na ang huling pagkakataon na magsasalita ako tungkol sa isyung ito. Siguro naman po, hindi kalabisan kung ipapahayag ko rin ang aking punto de bista, upang linawin sa inyo ang pinanggalingan ng mga desisyong ginawa ko kaugnay ng mga nangyari sa Mamasapano. Karapatan ninyong malaman ang buong katotohanan. Madalas ngang nasasabi: The truth shall set us all free. Marahil po, ang pinakamahalagang kailangan kong sagutin ay ang tanong sa akin ng ama ng isa sa nasawing SAF Commandos. Tanong po niya, “Bakit n’yo pinapunta doon ang anak ko? Bakit n’yo siya pinabayaang mamatay?” Nauunawaan ko po ang pinanggagalingan ng ganitong mga pahayag. Paulit-ulit kong binabalikan ang mga alam ko tungkol sa nangyari, at iniisip kung nagkulang ba ako, at kung may iba pa akong dapat nagawa. Bibigyan ko po ng diin: Hindi ko hahayaang pumunta sa isang tinaguriang suicide mission ang sinuman sa ating unipormadong hanay. Kapag nakita kong lubhang peligroso ang isang operasyon, ako ang pinakaunang magsasabing huwag na itong ituloy. Pero sa ipinakita sa aking bersiyon ng plano, nakumbinsi ako na talagang pinaghandaan ito, at magiging maayos ang pagpapatupad nito. Ipinagpalagay din nating masusunod ang lahat ng inutos natin, lalo pa’t mga propesyonal ang ating nakakausap hinggil dito. Ang sa akin lang po, subukan rin sana ninyong ilagay ang sarili ninyo sa sitwasyon ko. Kung sa umaga pa lang na una akong pinadalhan ng mensahe, tinapat na ako at sinabing, “Sir, nagigipit na kami, hindi po namin nasunod ang sinabi ninyong koordinasyon kaya mabagal ang usad ng Armed Forces. Puwede po ba ninyo kaming tulungang mapabilis ang responde?” Kung nalaman ko ito agad, sa tingin n’yo ba, hindi ako gagawa ng paraan para tulungan ang ating hanay? Pero alam n’yo naman po ang nangyari. Noong umaga ng ika-25 ng Enero, wala pong masasabing urgency ang ipinadala nilang mga text sa akin. Ang dating nga po sa akin, tapos na o patapos na ang nangyayari sa Mamasapano dahil sumasaklolo na raw ang ating mga mechanized units at artillery. Kaya naman po itinuloy ko ang plano kong pumunta sa Zamboanga. Hayaan ninyo ring ipaliwanag ko ang mga nangyari noong nagpunta ako doon. Dahil sa mga naunang pag-atake ng rogue MNLF, inutos natin, at itinuturing nang “hardened site” ang Zamboanga City. Ibig sabihin po nito, pinagtibay ang mga polisiya sa seguridad para mapigilan ang mga terorista sa kanilang mga masasamang balak. Pagdating ko po doon, pinakitaan ako ng mga litrato ng kotse na ginamit sa pambobomba, pati na ang bahay na pinanggagalingan ng kotseng ito. May surveillance hanggang doon sa lugar kung saan pinasabog ang bomba. Ang tanong nga po natin, kung nasundan na itong sasakyan na ito, bakit hindi pa napigilan ang pag-atake? Alam po n’yo, wala pong makasagot sa akin noong araw na ‘yon. At sa mga sumunod na araw, doon po naipaliwanag sa atin na walang pong nakita ‘yung ating intelligence operatives na tinatawag na overt acts na magsisilbi sanang probable cause o dahilan para sitahin ang mga nakasakay. Bukod pa rito, magdadalawang taon na ang nakalipas mula nang mangyari ang Zamboanga siege. Ngunit hindi pa rin naisasaayos ang mga dapat isaayos dahil sa mga lokal na isyu. Kaya nga po gusto kong gamitin ang pagkakataon upang kausapin nang masinsinan si Mayor Beng Climaco nang mapabilis ang rehabilitasyon ng mga apektadong komunidad. Habang inaasikaso ko po ang mga ito, naisip ko na tapos na o patapos na ang nangyari sa Mamasapano. Ipapaalala ko lang po, pagabi na nang inabisuhan ako sa tunay na kalagayan, hindi po ng 55th, pero ng ating 84th na tinaguriang Seaborne Company. Ang sabi sa akin, mahirap na raw pong mag-link-up dahil padilim na, at may panganib ng friendly fire. Hindi po tayo pumayag na kinabukasan pa makukumpleto ang pagli-link up. Sabi ko po sa kanila, “Hindi ba natin brothers ang mga nagigipit? Hindi ba dapat gumawa tayo ng paraan?” Inutos ko nga po na gumawa ng plano para maka-link up sa lalong madaling panahon at maisalba ang 84th. Ang pinaka-minimum na papayagan ko ay dapat mabigyan sila ng ayuda tulad ng gamot at re-supply ng bala kung talagang imposibleng makapag-link up. Sa mata po ng Diyos, totoo po ang sinasabi ko sa inyo. Pero batid ko na may ilang sarado na ang isip at hindi na makikinig kahit ano pa ang aking sabihin. Ngayon po, puwede akong magbigay ng mahabang paliwanag tungkol sa peligrong dinadala nina Marwan at Usman sa ating mga kababayan. Puwede ko ring idetalye ang mga naging problema at pagkakamali sa isinagawang operasyon. Ngayon nga pong nailahad ko na ang lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, at ang mga hawak kong impormasyon noong araw na iyon, meron po kayang makakapagsabi nang totoo na kaya niyang higitan ang mga nagawa natin sa impormasyong tangan natin noong mga araw na iyon upang tugunan ang sitwasyong hindi man niya batid? Pero batid ko po: Walang salitang sasapat upang maipaliwanag ang pagkamatay ng ating magigiting na pulis. Hindi maipagkakasya sa anumang ulat o talumpati ang lungkot na nararamdaman ng isang magulang na nawalan ng isang mabuting anak. Ang magagawa ko na lamang matapos masabi ang lahat ng dapat sabihin at magawa ang lahat ng dapat gawin: Humingi po ng pang-unawa. Gaano man katindi ang galit ko sa ginawang pagsuway sa ibinigay kong utos, gaano man ang pagsisisi ko sa pagtitiwala sa mga taong itinago sa akin ang totoo, hindi ko mabubura ang katotohanan: Patay na ang 44 na miyembro ng ating kapulisan. At nangyari ito sa panahon ng aking panunungkulan. Dadalhin ko—at uulitin ko po—dadalhin ko ang katotohanang ito hanggang sa aking mismong libingan. Uulitin ko po sa inyo: Bilang Pangulo, pasan ko ang responsibilidad para sa anumang resulta, sa anumang tagumpay, pasakit, o trahedya, na maaari nating matamasa sa paghahangad ng pangmatagalang seguridad at kapayapaan. Ikinalulungkot kong may mga pamilyang nawalan ng asawa, ama, kapatid, anak, dahil sa nangyari sa Mamasapano. Ikinalulungkot kong sa pagnanais kong bigyan ng espasyong magluksa ang mga makakakita, sa unang pagkakataon, ng nasawi nilang kaanak, ay may mga nag-isip na ako’y manhid at walang pakikiramay. Ang intensiyon ko noon ay makatulong sa paghilom. Ang gusto ko po sana, kapag may nagtanong ng “Ano ang nangyari? Bakit sila namatay? Ano na po ang mangyayari sa amin?” ay may dala na akong malinaw na sagot. Kung ang naging tugon ko sa mga katanungan ay “Hindi ko po alam,” paano ako makakatulong sa kanilang paghilom? Ikinalulungkot ko ring nadadamay ang ating usaping pangkapayapaan dahil sa sentimyentong naikakabit sa naging resulta ng Oplan Exodus. Sa bawat Pilipinong nabigo at nasaktan dahil sa mga pangyayaring kaugnay ng operasyong ito: Buong pagpapakumbaba kong hinihiling ang inyong pang-unawa. Bilang Pangulo, napakaraming usapin ang kailangan kong tutukan nang sabay-sabay, na kailangan ng agarang tugon at pagdedesisyon. Responsibilidad ko ang 100 milyong Pilipino sa loob at labas ng ating bansa. Opo, ako ang Pangulo, pero tao rin ako. Hindi ko kayang basahin ang iniisip ng bawat kausap ko, at hindi ko kayang mabantayan ang lahat sa lahat ng panahon. Pero gaya po ng aking panata, patuloy kong gagawin ang tama at makatwiran. Patuloy kong gagawin ang lahat ng aking makakaya upang paglingkuran ang lahat, at maging totoo sa aking sinumpaang tungkulin. Hindi ko naman po sinabi na kagaya ako ng Diyos na alam ang lahat, pero responsibilidad ko na itama ang mali kapag nadiskubre ang mga ito. Kaya sinisiguro ko po sa inyo: Nirerespeto natin ang tamang proseso. Mananagot ang dapat managot. Nauunawaan ko kung bakit napakataas ng hinihingi ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang pinuno. Matagal silang napagnakawan ng buwis na kanilang pinaghirapan. Binalewala nang ilang taon ang kanilang kapakanan. Mahabang panahong ipinagkait sa kanila ang nararapat lang na dapat ay sa kanila. Noong tumakbo ako sa pagkapangulo, sinabi ko sa inyo: Hindi po ako magnanakaw. Inimbitahan ko kayong lahat na tahakin ang tuwid na landas, na baguhin ang lumang sistema. Ibinigay n’yo sa akin ang inyong suporta. Nang sumumpa ako sa aking tungkulin, sinabi ko naman: Wala nang wangwang. Tatapusin na natin ang sistemang iilan lang ang nakikinabang, habang nagdurusa ang ating mga kababayan. Matapos ang apat at siyam na [buwan] ng aking panunungkulan, nakikita na po ninyo ang pagbabago. Pinatag natin ang mga lubak sa ating sistema. Tinugis natin ang mga tiwali. Ibinalik natin ang tiwala ng sambayanan sa pamahalaan. Ang dating bansag sa ating “Sick Man of Asia,” napalitan na ng “Asia’s Rising Tiger.” Sa pag-unlad nga po ng ating ekonomiya, nabigyan tayo ng higit na kakayahan upang tutukan ang mga kakulangan sa kasanayan at kagamitan ng PNP, BJMP, at BFP. Noong araw nga, ang pananaw sa kapulisan, kapag binigyan mo ng armas, maaagaw lang ng NPA. Noong 2007, mababasa sa mga pahayagan, bilang halimbawa, na imbis na bigyan ng de-kalibreng armas at kagamitan, ang ipinapagamit po sa ating mga pulis ay pito at batuta na lang raw, para hindi agawin ng NPA. Ang tanong nga po natin: Paano kaya makakalaban kung ang makakaengkuwentro ninyo ay may dalang M-16? Sa ating pagtahak sa tuwid na landas, patuloy nating tinutugunan ang mga dinatnan nating kakulangan sa inyong hanay. Ang hangad natin: lalong mapaunlad ang inyong kasanayan para sa tinaguriang “shoot, scoot, and communicate.” Noong 2014 pa lang, naisara na natin ang kakulangan ninyo sa mga pistola nang makabili tayo ng 74,879 Glock 9mm pistols para sa inyong hanay. Nariyan din ang 12,399 handheld radios, at 144 patrol jeeps na naipagkaloob na natin sa PNP mula 2010 hanggang 2014. Nitong Marso naman, nakapag-hire na tayo ng 4,859 non-uniformed personnel para tumutok sa gawaing administratibo sa inyong ahensiya, upang madagdagan naman ang bilang ng mga pulis na nagpapatrolya sa komunidad. Noong nakaraang taon din po, 9,860 PO1 positions na ang napunuan natin. Ngayong taon, naglaan na tayo ng P1.64 billion para madagdagan pa ng 10,000 ang PO1 positions. Para naman po sa Special Action Force: Pinag-aaralan natin nang mabuti ang mga aral mula sa Mamasapano upang higit na masiguro ang minimal risks kapag may operation. Daragdagan pa natin ang kanilang pagsasanay at kagamitan, at ibubuhos ang lahat ng pagkalingang nararapat [sa inyo] bilang isang elite unit ng PNP. Ang hamon nga sa susunod na pinuno ng ating Pambansang Kapulisan: Maglatag ng plano upang higit pang mapagtibay ang pagkakaisa ng ating mga pulis. Baguhin na natin ang kultura na parang may magkakahiwalay na tribo sa PNP; may bata si ganito, may bata si ganyan. Iisa dapat ang ating paghakbang upang maging epektibong tagapagbantay ng ating mamamayan. Tunay nga po: Napakalaki na ng ipinagbago ng pagtrato ng pamahalaan sa ating mga pulis. Ngayon, mataas ang kanilang morale at mahaba ang listahan ng kanilang pagpapakitang-gilas. Halimbawa nito si Senior Inspector Charity Galvez, na pinamunuan ang kanyang pangkat sa harap ng pag-atake ng 250 NPA sa kanilang presinto noong 2011 sa Agusan del Sur. Matagumpay ring naipagtanggol ng mga pulis natin kamakailan sa Mati City, Davao Oriental ang kanilang presinto matapos umatake ang tinatayang 80 rebelde. Nariyan ang kuwento ni PO3 Edlyn Arbo, na walang-alinlangang tinugis ang isang holdaper sa nasakyan niyang jeep, kahit na off-duty siya at walang dalang baril. Noong manalasa ang bagyong Yolanda, naglakad nang anim na kilometro si Inspector Marjorie Manuta para makatulong sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta. Marahil, naaalala rin n’yo ang kuwento ng apat nating rookie policewomen na buong tapang na humarap sa Martilyo Gang sa Mall of Asia nitong 2014. Sa paglaban naman sa krimen, katangi-tangi din ang resulta ng operasyon ng PNP, sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Secretary Mar Roxas ng DILG at ng Napolcom at ng bumubuo ng ating PNP leadership. Mula nga po nang inatasan natin siya na tutukan ang pagsugpo ng krimen, lalo na sa National Capital Region, at ilunsad ang Oplan Lambat-Sibat noong nakaraang taon: ang dati-rati’y 918 insidente kada linggo ng general criminality rate noong Enero hanggang Hunyo 2014, napababa sa weekly average na 471 nitong nakaraang apat na linggo. Ibig sabihin po, bawat linggo, 447 insidente nating mga kababayan ang nailalayo na natin sa kapahamakan. Ang maganda pa nga, naibaba pa natin sa 400 ang general criminality rate noong nakaraang linggo. Dahil nga po nakikita natin na epektibo ang inisyatibang ito, ilulunsad na rin natin ang Oplan Lambat-Sibat sa iba’t iba pang mga rehiyon. Malinaw po: Habang kinakalinga ng estado ang ating mga pulis, ay lalo naman silang nagiging mahusay sa pagkalinga sa ating mamamayan. Ang nangyayaring transpormasyon sa inyo pong mga hanay ay bahagi lamang ng malawakang pagbabagong nagaganap sa ating lipunan. Bibigyan ko ng diin: Pagbabago ang ipinangako ko sa inyo, at pagbabago ang inaani natin ngayon. At wala akong balak na itigil ang pagsulong ng reporma sa nalalabing mahigit isang taon at tatlong buwan ko sa puwesto. Sa patuloy na pagtitiwala at sa pakikipagtulungan ng bawat disenteng Pilipino, masisiguro nating hindi na makakabalik ang lumang sistema kung saan nagdurusa ang napakarami habang nagpapakasasa ang iilan. Sa mga magsisipagtapos: Mapalad kayo dahil ang daratnan ninyong PNP ay mas moderno at mas kumpleto sa kasanayan at kagamitan. Ang hamon po sa inyo: Sundan, kung hindi man higitan, ang mabuting halimbawa ng mga nauna sa inyo. Sa bawat kriminal na inyong mahuhuli, sa bawat suhol na inyong tatanggihan, at sa bawat pagpapakita ninyo ng tapang sa panahon ng sakuna, makakapag-ambag kayo sa higit na kaligtasan ng kalakhang lipunan. Sa ganitong paraan, magdadala kayo ng karangalan hindi lamang para sa inyong mga sarili, kundi pati sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay, sa inyong uniporme, at sa ating Inang Bayan. Buong pagmamalaki ninyong masasabi: Kayo nga ang “Lahing kayumanggi na handang ialay sa bayan ang dugo at lakas.” Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat. At muli, binabati ko kayong lahat. |
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Last Updated:
26 MARCH 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 26). The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 26). The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. With the Korean Ambassador are Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission, Lee Jaw Wan; Political Minister Counselor Kwon Won-jikofone; and Economic Minister Counselor Yang Dong Han. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes as he acknowledges Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete, troops the line during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the colors during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; and PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his views during the dialogue with the lower class cadets at the Administration Building of the Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite after the 36th Philippine National Police Academy Commencement Exercises on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are Philippine Public Safety College president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.); Vice President Jejomar Binay; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; and PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes as he acknowledges Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with Coca-Cola Phils. Sustainability and Community Relations manager Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo, TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza for a snap shot during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. Also in photo are STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza, TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Coca-Cola Phils. president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. Also in photo are STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza and TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the welcome remarks and overview by TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with Coca-Cola Phils. Sustainability and Community Relations manager Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo, TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza for a snap shot during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program in observance of Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the welcome remarks and overview by TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program in observance of Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. Also in photo are Coca-Cola Phils. president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo; and Sustainability and Community Relations manager Gilda Custodio-Maquilan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball back-to-back champion Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, led by two-time UAAP women's volleyball Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, and UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball 1st Runner Up De La Salle University Lady Spikers for a group photo souvenir during the special luncheon with both teams at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the special luncheon with the volleyball teams of Ateneo de Manila University the De La Salle University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a De La Salle University jacket signed by the Lady Spikers during the special luncheon with the volleyball teams of both Ateneo de Manila University the De La Salled University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 77 women’s volleyball 1st Runner Up De La Salle University Lady Spikers for a group photo souvenir during the special luncheon with the volleyball teams of Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball back-to-back champion Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, led by two-time UAAP women's volleyball Most Valuable Player (MVP) Alyssa Valdez, UAAP Season 77 men’s volleyball champion Ateneo Blue Spikers, and UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball 1st Runner Up De La Salle Lady Spikers for a group photo souvenir during the special luncheon with members of both school teams at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). Also in photo are AdMU president Jose Ramon Villarin and Education Secretary Armin Luistro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball back-to-back champion Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, led by two-time UAAP women's volleyball Most Valuable Player Alyssa Valdez, and UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball 1st Runner Up De La Salle University Lady Spikers for a group photo souvenir during the special luncheon with both teams at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the De La Salle University Lady Spikers for a selfie shot during the special luncheon with both volleyball teams of the Ateneo de Manila University and the De La Salle University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24, 2015). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines women's volleyball most valuable player Alyssa Valdez; AdMU president Jose Ramon Villarin and Education Secretary Armin Luistro for a selfie during the special luncheon with the volleyball teams of Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a De La Salle University (DLSU) jacket signed by the Lady Spikers during the special luncheon with the volleyball teams of Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (March 24). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the 4th Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday (March 24). The Forum was host to a by-invitation-only audience of over 500 business leaders, investors and policy makers. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 4th Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday (March 24). The Forum was host to a by-invitation-only audience of over 500 business leaders, investors and policy makers. Also in photo is Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia chief executive officer Tony Shale. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 4th Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday (March 24). The Forum was host to a by-invitation-only audience of over 500 business leaders, investors and policy makers. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with South Luzon Tollway chairman and San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala during the briefing on the South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) Project and other major road projects in Southern Tagalog at Barangay Lalig, Tiaong, Quezon on Monday (March 23). The SLEX-TR4 project is a Php13.1Billion planned expressway extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon mandated under Presidential Decrees 1112 and 1894. It involves the construction of 58-kilometers, 4-lane toll road. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with South Luzon Tollway chairman and San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the Briefing on the South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) Project and other major road projects in Southern Tagalog held at Barangay Lalig, Tiaong, Quezon on Monday (March 23). The SLEX-TR4 project is a Php13.1Billion planned expressway extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon mandated under Presidential Decrees 1112 and 1894, that involves the construction of 58-kilometers, 4-lane toll road. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with South Luzon Tollway chairman and San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the briefing on the South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) Project and other major road projects in Southern Tagalog held at Barangay Lalig, Tiaong, Quezon on Monday (March 23). The SLEX-TR4 project is a Php13.1Billion planned expressway extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon mandated under Presidential Decrees 1112 and 1894, that involves the construction of 58-kilometers, 4-lane toll road. Also in photo is Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the briefing on the South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) Project and other major road Projects in Southern Tagalog at Barangay Lalig, Tiaong, Quezon on Monday (March 23). The SLEX-TR4 project is a Php13.1 Billion planned expressway extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon mandated under Presidential Decrees 1112 and 1894, that involves the construction of 58-kilometers, 4-lane toll road. Also in photo are South Luzon Tollway chairman and San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang; and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the briefing on the South Luzon Expressway-Toll Road 4 (SLEX-TR4) Project and other major road Projects in Southern Tagalog at Barangay Lalig, Tiaong, Quezon on Monday (March 23). The SLEX-TR4 project is a Php13.1 Billion planned expressway extension from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Lucena, Quezon mandated under Presidential Decrees 1112 and 1894, that involves the construction of 58-kilometers, 4-lane toll road. Also in photo are Toll Regulatory Board executive director Atty. Edmund Reyes; Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; Quezon 2nd District Representative Vicente Alcala; South Luzon Tollway chairman and San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang; Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; Tiaong, Quezon Mayor Ramon Preza; DOTC Secretary Joseph Abaya; and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a replica of the “vara de mando” (cane of command, which is the symbol of authority of General Emilio Aguinaldo as “capitan municipal” or “gobernadorcillo” of Cavite El Viejo (old name of Kawit) from National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of the new e-learning room showcasing 30 computer units with interactive history lessons during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo is National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the raising of the Philippine Flag during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Cavite 1st District Representative Francis Gerald Abaya and Kawit, Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the facilities of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo during the inauguration ceremony at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo is National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the raising of the Philippine Flag during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the raising of the Philippine Flag during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and the facilities of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo during the inauguration ceremony at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the facilities of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo during the inauguration ceremony at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III lays the replica of “vara de mando” (cane of command, which is the symbol of authority of General Emilio Aguinaldo as “capitan municipal” or “gobernadorcillo” of Cavite El Viejo (old name of Kawit) in a special casing to signal the formal inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Cavite 1st District Representative Francis Gerald Abaya, Kawit, Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo and NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the raising of the Philippine Flag during the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Cavite 1st District Representative Francis Gerald Abaya, Kawit, Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo and NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno upon arrival for the inauguration of the Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo at the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Friday (March 20). The museum chronicles the life and times of Aguinaldo, especially during the revolution against Spain and war against the United States. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Nestle officials, headed by Nandu Nandkishore, Nestle S.A., Switzerland executive vice president and zone director of Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Middle East, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 19). Also in photo are outgoing Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) chairman and chief executive officer John Martin Miller and incoming NPI chairman and chief executive officer Suresh Narayanan; Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ponciano Manalo, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Nestle officials, headed by Nandu Nandkishore, Nestle S.A., Switzerland executive vice president and zone director of Asia, Oceania, Africa, and Middle East, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 19). Also in photo are outgoing Nestle Philippines, Inc. (NPI) chairman and chief executive officer John Martin Miller and incoming NPI chairman and chief executive officer Suresh Narayanan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
MANILA,
March 22 -- The public can learn more what their respective barangays
are doing during the first barangay assembly day for the year on March
28.
news.pia.gov.ph
Armed conflict not only takes lives, it also creates and intensifies poverty." - Brende http://t.co/KDep6vwYix
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"... We cannot side with those who call for the discontinuance of peace talks." - Acbp. Villegas http://t.co/RFzTOIc3ES
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PIA | Continued fall in #oil prices causes #imports decline in Jan 2015 - http://t.co/g87lSN4Y6s
MANILA,
March 27 - Merchandise imports recorded a 14.2 percent decline in
January 2015 as payments for mineral fuels and lubricants, capital
and...
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Legarda: Proper #waste management, a way to #carbon fast - See more at: http://t.co/S8wBRDonKf
MANILA,
March 27 -- Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipino Catholics who
will observe the Holy Week to affirm their role as stewards of God’s
creation...
news.pia.gov.ph
Paghandaan ang kalamidad!
Makipag-uganayan sa inyong brgy. para sa #BrgyAssembly Day sa Mar. 28 | via @DILG_NCR http://t.co/RP0QZXz7DR
Makipag-uganayan sa inyong brgy. para sa #BrgyAssembly Day sa Mar. 28 | via @DILG_NCR http://t.co/RP0QZXz7DR
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