24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 06 March 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 06 March 2015 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 06 March 2015 | 
Satellite Image
|
Synopsis:
Weak Northeast Monsoon affecting extreme Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Light to moderate winds coming from the East to Northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and from the Northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
PAGTAYA: Ang buong kapuluan ay makararanas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa silangan hanggang hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa Hilaga at Gitnang Luzon at mula naman sa hilagang-silangan sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa. Ang mga baybaying dagat sa buong kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 01:00 PM Yesterday ----- 31.0 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM Yesterday ----- 19.7 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM Yesterday ----- 19.7 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM Yesterday --------- 86 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM Yesterday --------- 49 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM Yesterday --------- 49 %
LOW TIDE TODAY: 05:27 AM .................... 0.06 METER/s
HIGH TIDE TODAY: 11:15 AM .................... 0.39 METER/s
LOW TIDE TODAY: 03:57 AM .................... 0.20 METER/s
HIGH TIDE TODAY: 11:00 PM .................... 0.83 METER/s
HIGH TIDE TODAY: 11:15 AM .................... 0.39 METER/s
LOW TIDE TODAY: 03:57 AM .................... 0.20 METER/s
HIGH TIDE TODAY: 11:00 PM .................... 0.83 METER/s
Sunrise today: 06:10 AM
Sunset today: 06:05 PM
Sunset today: 06:05 PM
Moonset today: 06:14 AM
Moonrise today: 06:31 PM
Illumination today: 100 %
Moonrise today: 06:31 PM
Illumination today: 100 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
CAVITE
- DTI conducts consumer law seminar
in Cavite mall
- March 03,
2015
DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite, Mar 3 (PIA) – The provincial office of
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) successfully handled the seminar on
consumer laws aimed to enlighten the merchants the proper knowledge on existing
laws to avoid any untoward incidents as well as how to handle customer complaints.
About 27 mall tenants representatives of The District Dasmariñas
were all focused to learn on several important topics such as: the importance
of Consumer Welfare Rights and responsibilities, Republic Act No. 7394,
otherwise known as Consumer Act of the Philippines, the rights regarding
quality of products and services, policies on repair, exchange and refund, the
importance of price tag, and sales promotion guidelines.
An open forum followed after the seminar to discuss clarifications
on some issues raised by the mall tenants.
The seminar focused on one of the mandates of the Consumer Act of
the Philippines which is the creation of the National Consumer Affairs Council
(NCAC) essentially to improve the management, coordination and effectiveness of
consumer programs.
The NCAC was created by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 7394,
otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines. It was mandated by the
law to improve the management, coordination, and effectiveness of the country’s
consumer programs.
Regular seminar and discussions of Consumer Laws are one of the
major functions of DTI to provide the consumer with facts about consumer
products and services including consumer rights and the mechanism for redress
available to them. (DTI-Cavite/PIA-Cavite)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671425086141/dti-conducts-consumer-law-seminar-in-cavite-mall#sthash.2ZmtN2qf.dpuf
2. Site Task Group
Tagaytay establishes full force for APEC 2015
- March 03,
2015
TAGAYTAY
CITY, March 3, (PIA) — The Site Task Group (STG) Tagaytay composed of
Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire
Protection, Office of Civil Defense and other law enforcement and government
agencies established full force deployment on all of its operational units for
the conduct of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum on
Financial Inclusion scheduled today, March 3 at Taal Vista Hotel.
A total of 3, 137 PNP personnel are now deployed in different
areas particularly in the Taal Vista Hotel and Summit Ridge Hotel to secure the
delegates and maintain peace and order during the whole duration of the
APEC 2015 High Policy Meetings, Dialogues and Workshops.
A total of 538 personnel of the Emergency Preparedness Response
Sub Site Task Group Tagaytay are also prepositioned in strategic areas geared
towards immediate response in case disaster and emergency-related circumstances
arise.
The Emergency Preparedness Response Sub-Site Task Group is
composed of medical teams managed by personnel from the Department of Health;
Camp Management Teams from the Department of Social Welfare and Development;
Fire Strike Teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection; Road Emergency Teams from
the Metro Manila Development Authority; Water Search and Rescue Teams from the
Philippine Coast Guard and; other emergency teams from various regional line
agencies.
The PNP Regional Office Calabarzon assures the public that its
anti criminality campaign and other normal public safety operations in the area
of APEC Meeting and the rest of the region will not be compromised.
The STG Tagaytay Commander PCSUPT Edwin Tapay Erni encourages the
public to provide relevant and timely information and report unscrupulous
activities that may disrupt the peaceful convening of the event through social
media (Twitter: @piopro4a/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/rpio.calabarzon)
As per monitoring of the STG Tagaytay, all security components are
in place and no untoward incident reported as of this writing.
The series of Asia-Pacific High Policy Meetings, Dialogues and
Workshops will take place until March 6, 2015. (PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931425537662/site-task-group-tagaytay-establishes-full-force-for-apec-2015#sthash.eKz6HUUR.dpuf
3. PPP Executive highlights achievements during APEC advisory
council meeting
- March 04,
2015
TAGAYTAY CITY, March 4 (PIA)—Public Private Partnership Executive
Director Cosette Canilao highlighted during her welcoming speech at the APEC
PPP Advisory Meeting at the Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay that several projects
have been awarded under the current administration amounting up to USD 2.9
billion.
Nine projects have been awarded including some which benefit the
Calabarzon region such as the Daang-Hari-SLEX Link Road and the LRT1 Cavite
Extension Operation and Maintenance. Exec. Dir. Canilao emphasized that the
number of PPP projects not only represent the public benefit but also
increasing confidence of investors.
Aside from PPP projects, the center capacitated and trained more
than 90 local government units, 63, government owned and controlled corporations,
81 national government agencies and 8 academic institutions in developing
projects which are both bankable and well-developed structurally this 2014.
“Despite these major achievements, the PP Center remains committed
in establishing a stronger PPP program that will continue to sustain the gains
made and improve on those that still need work.” Said Canilao
Executive Director Canilao also added later in a press conference
on the same day at the Summit Ridge Hotel, that infrastructure is one of the
factors for growth and leveraging in the efficiency of the private
sector. (PIA4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2261425454497/ppp-executive-highlights-achievements-during-apec-advisory-council-meeting#sthash.aVH1crUC.dpuf
LAGUNA
1. Calabarzon
exhibitors to participate at Manila FAME trade show
- March
05, 2015
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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar 5 (PIA) --Four exhibitors from
Calabarzon will join the Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers' Exchange
(FAME) set to open on 13-16 March 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia
Complex in Pasay City .
The bi-annual trade show is
organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions,
the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The event will highlight an impressive show of handcrafted
products for the home, including holiday decor and fashion wearables - all
designed in the Philippines for the global market.
Aishe Footwear and Jhazz Footwear of Laguna, Benelco
and Medoth of Rizal are among the exhibitors from the Calabarzon Region.
With an exhibition floor space of three quarters of a
hectare, the Manila FAME’s Design and Lifestyle Event is the country's premier
trade platform for exports and design, providing opportunities for small and
medium scale entrepreneurs to showcase their products in the world market.
(Charlie S. Dajao/DTI Calabarzon/PIA-4A)
BATANGAS
1. Batangas City
LGU, DENR award 22 land titles to 19 Batangueños
- March 05, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar 5 (PIA) --Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IV-A CALABARZON Lands, Patents
and Deeds Division Chief Atty. Marlou Pelayo-Alutaya and DENR-Batangas Chief
Jose Elmer C. Bascos assisted Batangas City Mayor Eduardo “Eddie” Dimacuha in
awarding 22 land titles to 19 beneficiaries in ceremonies dubbed “Handog
Titulo ni Mayor Eddie Para sa mga Batangueño” at the Teachers’
Conference Center in Batangas City on February 24.
“The Handog Titulo, a public land titling and surveys
program was launched on February 4, last year. It was in partnership with the
DENR here in Batangas City. The DENR helped set up the Land Management Council
and the City ENRO’s Land Management Unit. And we are proud that we had
processed land titles to be awarded to the first batch today,” announced Mayor
Dimacuha.
Alutaya, then regional technical director for lands
management, represented DENR Calabarzon Regional Director Reynulfo Juan, was
also elated with the accomplishment and congratulated the awardees, as she
said, “I am sure you will have peace of mind with the lands your homes are
built upon are now officially yours, titled to your name.”
DENR Calabarzon Regional Director Juan entered into a
Memorandum of Partnership Agreement exactly a year ago with the government of
Batangas City. In the MOPA, the DENR recognized the role of the (Batangas City)
local government unit’s vital role in the development, administration and
management of the country’s land resources; and the indispensable assistance
the city LGU can give.
Bascos, Batangas Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Officer, stressed, “A land title is important as this gives legal
ownership of the residential lot where their homes are established, or of the
agricultural land they till.”
“The DENR is grateful to the government of Batangas City
in its efforts at solving the problem,” he added, “The City LGU’s creation of
Land Management Council, and operational;ization of the Land Management Unit
under the leadership of the City ENRO, made all the processing of land
titles much easier, and that is very laudable.”
Atty. Edwin Lagac, of the Registry of Deeds-Batangas, and
member of the Council, revealed “Such project reflects the attitude
of the government as it gives attention to constituents who, initially, only
hold a tax declaration certificate, but now provides them the chance to have a
land title--without spending a cent. The city government shouldered the
processing expense.’
Lagac noted that a tax declaration certificate does not
equate to legally owning the parcel of land unless the resident obtains a
title. “Only about 60 percent of land area in Batangas had land titles. Hence,
as this is just the first batch of beneficiaries, the program hopes to continue
giving land titles to more constituents in the city,” he stressed.
Beneficiaries
Some two hundred—guests, city and barangay officials and
close kin of the beneficiaries, came to witness historic event.
Teodoro Garing, 63, and his wife Norma were early in
coming to the venue. An Agricultural Free Patent for an area of
10,118 square meters in Barangay San Miguel, Batangas City, some 10 kilometers
from the city proper, bears his name.
Gorgonia Javier, 58, was thankful to the program of the
city government and DENR in addressing the sentiments and worries on the
uncertainty of abode, of the residents of Batangas City.
“Yung lupa ko, 1982 pa sa amin pero di pa rin namin
pagmamay-ari sabi ng munisipyo nung nagpunta ako dun. Kaya nung nalaman namin
na may ganito, ay sobrang saya talaga.” Javier said.
Javier was awarded a Residential Free Patent
covering 250 square meters in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba.
Based on Section 1 of Republic Act 10023 or the
Residential Free Tatent Act, any Filipino citizen who is an actual occupant of
a residential land may apply for a Free Patent Title under this act provided,
further, that the land applied for is not needed for public service and/or
public use.
“Kampante na ang
loob ko na akin na ang lupang tinitirikan ng bahay namin. Sigurado ako na
magagamit pa ito ng mga anak at apo ako. Sana ay mas marami pang mabigyan ng
libreng titulo kasi madali lang naman ang proseso nila – maalwan,” she added.
A total of 22 titles were awarded. 11 were
agricultural free patents – 5 in Barangay Bilogo, 2 in Paharang Kanluran,,
1 each in Barangays Bolbok, San Miguel, Banaba West and Tinga Labac. 11 were
residential free patents – 5 in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba, 2 in Sta. Rita
Carsada, 2 in Bolbok, and 1 each in Barangays Tinga Labac and Concepcion.
Loreto Suarez of Barangay Bilogo had two agricultural
free patents, one has an area of 8,750 square meters and the other,
665 square meters.
Bibiana Hernandez of Barangay Paharang Kanluran also had
two agricultural free patents, one with 734 square meters and the other
620 square meters.
The residential titles ensure peaceful abode. The
agricultural titles prove that the program also demonstrates the goals of the
local government to likewise build sustainable livelihood for farmers in
Batangas City. (GAUDENCIO AUDIE L. DE LA CRUZ, Chief, DENR
Calabarzon RPAO/PIA-4A)
- See more
at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631425525879/batangas-city-lgu-denr-award-22-land-titles-to-19-batangue-os#sthash.SATdVLQ1.dpuf
2. RCC orients
Batangas LGUs on competitiveness survey
- March 06, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar 6 (PIA) --The Calabarzon
Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC) is conducting a series of orientation
seminars about the survey on Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index
(CMCI).
The orientation held in Lipa City on March 4 was attended
by business permit and licensing officers and planning officers of the 25 local
governments in the province of Batangas .
RCC Co-Chairman Director Donald Gawe said that the
objective is to orient local governments on how to accomplish the 2015 CMCI
data capture sheets.
Gawe told participants that the survey is a tool not
solely for competitiveness but also a framework for planning and benchmarking
for which a city or municipality could tell where it stands.
Marilou Quinco-Toledo, Regional Director of the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Chairman of the RCC said that the
CMCI survey is using 28 indicators grouped into three equally-weighted pillars: economic
dynamism, governance efficiency and infrastructure of which scores
on each pillar are combined to form the overall score used to rank cities and
municipalities.
Toledo added that survey results will be the diagnoses of
the current states of local governments and will be the basis in improving
competitiveness.
Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) Regional Director
Rosalinda Bautista said that the RCC seeks to improve the competitiveness of
local governments through measurement.
“What can not be measured, can not be assessed; thus can
not be improved”, Bautista explained.
The Calabarzon RCC is composed of DTI, the Department of
Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA)
and is under the umbrella of the Calabarzon Regional Development Council. (Charlie
S. Dajao/DTI Calabarzon/PIA-4A)
-
See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631425546855/rcc-orients-batangas-lgus-on-competitiveness-survey#sthash.gyzXKHDG.dpuf
RIZAL
- Construction
of Rizal wind farm power project in full swing
- March 04, 2015
PILILLA,
Rizal, Mar 4 (PIA) --Rizal Gov. Rebecca Ynares inspected recently the on-going
construction in this mountain barangay of what is set to be the second wind
power facility in the country.
With
endorsements from the provincial, municipal and barangay sanggunian (councils)
and secured clearances and registration from concerned national government
agencies, Alternergy Wind One Corporation is developing the Pililla (Rizal)
Wind Farm Power Project consisting of 27 wind turbine generators grouped into
three clusters with aggregate capacity of 67.5 megawatts (MW). The said
project, after completion will interconnect to Meralco’s Malaya-Teresa 115
kilovolts (KV) transmission line located just 10 kilometers from the project
site.
According
to Alternergy, at 75 percent possibility, the wind farm is expected to yield
approximately 154 gigawatthours (GWh) annually based on wind measurements
collected for three years.
Construction
started in 2013 and is expected to be completed by the year 2015.
The
renewable energy project in the province of Rizal is the second wind power
facility in the country and will make a significant contribution to the
environment and to the progress and economic development of the province of
Rizal and its environs.
Rizal
Gov. Rebecca Ynares, an environmental protection advocate herself, with her
flagship program, the Ynares Eco-System (YES) changing the landscape of the
province and the ways her constituents treat waste, is excited on the project’s
completion which she expects to be a tourist attraction and a source of energy
to augment power shortage. (Rizal PIO/PIA-Rizal)
-
See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2261425455273/construction-of-rizal-wind-farm-power-project-in-full-swing#sthash.3FYFQKvs.dpuf
2. Rizal gov’t. passes Good Financial Housekeeping core area
- March 04, 2015
ANTIPOLO CITY,
Rizal, Mar. 4 (PIA) --The Rizal provincial government, under the stewardship of
Gov. Rebecca Ynares, added another cap on its feather when it recently received
the recognition from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
the 2014 Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping.
Rizal province
is recognized for soundness of financial policies and transparency of
transactions, as well as compliance with the full disclosure policy of local
budget and finances, bids and public offerings, such as annual budget,
statement of receipts and expenditures, annual procurement plan or procurement
list, and bid results on civil works, goods and services and consulting
services.
In a statement,
Gov. Ynares expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the DILG for the accolade and
lauded the employees of the provincial government for the award. She said that
the honor given manifest the strict compliance of the province to the set of
rules governing good governance and sound financial management.
Since her
ascendance to the provincial government, Gov. Ynares has established her
administration’s guiding principles as “Clean Environment, Good Government”.
Owing to this, she has set stringent rules for all employees to follow in
accordance to financial management and transparency.
The province
has been a consistent awardee of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGHK), a
prestigious award that local government units (LGUs) aspire for. Rizal province
was awarded the SGHK Bronze Grade in 2011 and Silver Grade in 2012. (Rizal
PIO/PIA-Rizal)
| Philippines’ first subway, vehicle inspection system projects endorsed for approval of President | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center will endorse two infrastructure projects, including the Php370-billion Mass Transit System Loop (MTSL), for approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board. In a press briefing after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) PPP Experts Advisory Council meeting here, PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao said it will also support the approval of the Php19.3-billion Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS). “There’s going to be a NEDA Board meeting on March 24 and two PPP projects would be up for approval or discussions,” she said. President Benigno S. Aquino III chairs the NEDA Board. For the planned MTSL project, Canilao said the PPP Center prefers the route using 26th Street instead of the 32nd Street inside the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on cost consideration. The MTSL project, the first subway in the country, will connect the fast-developing central business districts of Metro Manila, namely Bonifacio Global City, Makati Central Business District and the Mall of Asia area in Pasay City. It aims to reduce peak-hour traffic by providing a higher-capacity mass transit system. On the other hand, the MVIS project will involve setting up Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC) to test various categories of heavy duty, light duty and two wheeler vehicles across the Philippines. The private partner will develop, operate and maintain a network of MVICs that will perform inspections for all vehicles in the country. PNA (ldv) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| APEC member economies seen to attract more Public-Private Partnership investments | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Philippines and other 20 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have a huge potential to attract more private sector investments in “viable and well-structured” public-private partnership (PPP) projects, particularly urban infrastructure. Guillermo Luz, APEC Business Advisory Council alternate member, expressed this as the amount of funding for development of the infrastructure across the APEC region is getting bigger mainly due to urbanization. “To the extent that there is some form of predictability behind the projects, predictability will give investors a sense of the viability of the projects,” he said in a press briefing on the sidelines of APEC meetings here. Luz stressed that PPP projects should also be “purposely planned” in a bid to attract more private sector investments. “(For instance,) if people begin to see that housing and commercial developments and others are built, the role of mass transit infrastructure will be justified. If there is nothing there, no one will invest,” he said. For his part, Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Partnership (APIP) chair Mark Johnson said it is also imperative that APEC economies will create regulatory structures to deal with the issues of pricing and taxes, among others. Johnson also underscored the role of infrastructure in facilitating the movement of people through ports, airports and roads; and in achieving inclusive economies. If you want a more inclusive economy, people have to make use of that (projects) to move around; businesses (also should be) able to have much greater mobility,” he noted. Meanwhile, the theme of the country’s hosting of APEC Summit this year is “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” The APEC is composed of 21 member economies: Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People's Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Philippines; The Russian Federation; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; United States of America; and Viet Nam. PNA (ldv) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Treasurer seeks support for Cebu Action Plan from Finance, Central Bank officials | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) National Treasurer Roberto Tan on Thursday rallied delegates attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting here, to support the Cebu Action Plan (CAP). "Dear colleagues, as we meet for the next two days to discuss the Cebu Action Plan, we greatly invite you to give us your valuable inputs to find ways in moving our CAP initiatives forward," Tan said in his speech during the opening of the two-day meeting held at the Taal Vista Hotel here. "We highly encourage you to work with us on our CAP initiatives so that we could bring about their intended benefits. We look forward to your support to the CAP, as we, together as one APEC community, concertedly work towards our ultimate goal of sustained and shared prosperity." Tan said they have developed the CAP, mindful of the imperatives for the Asia Pacific, as well as the progress that the APEC has achieved through the years. The aim, he said, is to achieve free and open trade and investment set by the Bogor Goals, the importance of sustainable and balanced growth and sound fiscal management highlighted in the Kyoto Report on Growth Strategy and Finance, and the priorities on financial inclusion and literacy put forward by the United States and Russia. The Cebu Action Plan will also look at the agenda on infrastructure development and financing brought up by Indonesia in 2013 and carried over by China in 2014. The consultations with APEC Senior Finance Officials last January in Clark, Pampanga and the inputs from APEC member economies and observers form part of the CAP as it becomes a roadmap towards a more financially integrated, transparent and resilient APEC community, Tan said. This is in line with four pillars, namely Promoting Financial Integration; Advancing Fiscal Transparency and Policy Reform; Enhancing Financial Resiliency; and Accelerating Infrastructure Development and Financing. PND (as) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippines needs credible regulatory structure to lure investment in public private partnership projects, says foreign expert | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Philippines must develop a credible and independent regulatory regime to attract the private sector to invest in major public private partnership (PPP) projects, a foreign PPP expert said on Wednesday. Chairman of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Partnership (APIP) Dialogue, Mark Johnson, was responding to a question on the nature of the regulatory framework in the Philippines, during a press conference held at the Summit Ridge Hotel here. Johnson said he does not have detailed knowledge of the regulatory set-up in the Philippines but having one is a universal requirement to entice private investments in PPP projects. "Any economy, anybody who wants to foster the development of PPP must have in place regulatory structures to deal with issues of pricing and taxes, and everybody got to believe it," he said. "Not only (does) this regulatory authority deal with things competently but it should continue to do that over the life of the project." Such regularity regime, he added, must also be independent to avoid conflict of interest because this discourages private sector participation. For instance, in the Philippines, a concern was raised during the APIP discussion regarding a local regulator that also functions as an operator, Johnson said, noting this situation is not acceptable to private companies. "That is seen to represent conflict of interest that would probably be not acceptable to private investors," he said. The government is about to roll out five more PPP projects in addition to 11 projects that are currently up for grabs, PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao said on Wednesday. She reported that the Philippines has 61 PPP projects in the pipeline, nine of which have already been awarded. These nine PPP projects were awarded during the Aquino administration, exceeding the past three administrations’ solicited PPP projects. PND (as) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippines calls on APEC member economies to strengthen linkages in trade and investment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) A Philippine finance official has urged member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to intensify efforts to boost trade and investment amid the uneven pace of growth across and within economies, as they seek to maintain a high growth trajectory. During the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting held here on Thursday, National Treasurer Roberto Tan said the Asia-Pacific region is seen to be an engine of growth with the recovery of the global economy. Citing the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Tan said the growth of the Asia-Pacific region is expected to accelerate to 4.3 percent in 2015 from 3.9 percent last year. “The conditions are supportive for the region to maintain its growth path. Economic activity remains dynamic buoyed by robust consumer demand, particularly among emerging markets. Exports have been rising, as some economies move up the value chain,” he said. Tan said some challenges, however, remain for the region, foremost of which is the uneven growth across and within economies. “This growth divergence among economies necessitates greater linkages in trade and investments, such that the growth momentum may carry over throughout the region,” he noted. As the Philippines hosts the APEC Finance Ministers’ Process (FMP) this year, Tan said the country has crafted the Cebu Action Plan (CAP), which takes into account the progress that the APEC has achieved throughout the years. He said that with the CAP being a key agenda in the APEC FMP starting this year, the 21 Pacific Rim countries could forge an APEC community that has harmonized policies, rules and practices. These enable and facilitate free trade and flow of cross-border investments; access to financial services by low-income households, micro, small and medium enterprises and the unbanked; and good governance that results in sustainable and inclusive economic growth, he added. ”We highly encourage you to work with us on our CAP initiatives so that we could bring about their intended benefits,” Tan said. Aimed at building inclusive economies, the CAP will be launched during the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting to be held on September 10 to 11 in Mactan, Cebu. PNA (ldv) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The military will deal with the new armed group in Mindanao, Palace official says | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Palace has assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is dealing with lawless elements in the country to ensure peace and order.“Ginagampanan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas ang tungkulin na tutukan lahat ng pagkilos ng iba’t ibang armadong grupo, lalong-lalo na ang mga naghahasik ng ligalig sa ating bansa at sa ating mga pamayanan. Hindi sila papahintulutang magsagawa ng mga aksyon na iyan at pipigilin sila ng ating Sandatahang Lakas,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday. He made the assurance following reports that a new group of lawless elements has emerged in Central Mindanao. The AFP said on Wednesday that a new group called Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM), headed by Mohamed Ali Tambako, is coddling Filipino bomb maker Basit Usman. Usman managed to escape while Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, was killed during an operation launched by the police’s Special Action Force (SAF) last January in Mamasapano, Maguindanao that also resulted in the death of 44 SAF members. The military said Tambako used to be a member of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and is affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiah, a militant Islamist group active in Southeast Asia. The AFP said the new armed group is also a target of the military’s all-out offensive launched last week in Maguindanao and North Cotabato. PND (jm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Members of 1986 Constitutional Commission support Bangsamoro Basic Law provisions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Palace said on Thursday that 14 members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission have agreed that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) follows the 1987 Constitution’s provisions on human development and social justice. "Ayon sa pahayag ng 14 na miyembro ng Constitutional Commission na bumuo ng 1987 Constitution, naninindigan sila na ang inihaing BBL na batay sa FAB (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) at CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) ay tumatalima sa probisyon ng 1987 Constitution sa dalawang mahalagang aspeto, namely, human development at social justice," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang. Addressing lawmakers’ doubts on the constitutionality of the BBL, Secretary Coloma explained that those who crafted the proposed law made sure that it abides by the Constitution. “Nais nating sabihin at ulitin na isa sa mahagalang batayang prinsipyo ng pamahalaan sa pagbuo at pagsulong ng Bangsamoro Basic Law ay ang pagtiyak na ito ay tumatalima sa mga probisyon ng Saligang Batas. Ang mga katanungan hinggil sa constitutionality ng draft BBL ay inumpisahan nang matalakay sa idinaos na iba’t ibang konsultasyon at public hearings tungkol dito,” he said. Coloma noted that according to 14 Constitutional Commission members, “The core principle of the 1987 Constitution in mandating a special status for the autonomous regions is the human development of the people of Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras. Hence, the public conversation should not be about semantics but about people -- their needs, their aspirations, their choices -- and about empowering them with the environment and institutional framework for social justice. Social justice that calls for genuine social change is the central theme of the 1987 Constitution; and here, it is broader in scope and intent than in the 1973 and the 1935 Constitutions." The 14 fully support the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, noting that the “Bangsamoro can be a model for us to do the same for the rest of the country and thereby build together a more just and peaceful nation,” the Palace official said. Last January, 14 of the 18 surviving former members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission forged a consensus on the issue of the Bangsamoro. They are Felicitas Aquino-Arroyo, Adolfo S. Azcuna, Teodoro C. Bacani, Joaquin G. Bernas, Florangel Rosario Braid, Hilario G. Davide Jr., Edmundo G. Garcia, Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon, Christian S. Monsod, Ricardo J. Romulo, Rene V. Sarmiento, Jaime S.L. Tadeo, Wilfrido V. Villacorta, and Bernardo M. Villegas. PND (ag) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| National Museum verifying reported discovery of Japanese warship, Palace says | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Malacañang said on Thursday that the National Museum is verifying reports on the discovery of the wreckage of the Japanese battleship Musashi on the seabed of Sibuyan Island.According to news reports, American billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen announced on Wednesday on Twitter that his research team has found one of Japan’s biggest warships which was sunk by American forces during World War II. “The reported discovery of the Japanese battleship Musashi by the group of Mr. Paul Allen is now being verified by the National Museum and other concerned government agencies. The discovery of an archeological artifact such as this is covered by Republic Act No. 10066 or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during a press briefing at the Palace. The National Museum “is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that the provisions of our existing laws are enforced and complied with,” Secretary Coloma said. These stakeholders, he said, include Romblon province, which is proximate to the Sibuyan Sea where the shipwreck has been found; the Japanese government, as this involves the shipwreck of a World War II Japanese battleship; and Allen’s organization. The Musashi was one of three warships measuring 263 meters built by Japan during the war. It was sank by American warplanes on October 24, 1944 at the height of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which was considered as the biggest naval encounter of the war in which American and Australian forces defeated the Japanese. Coloma said that part of the mandate of the National Museum is to coordinate or to inquire with the Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned government agencies. “We will await the verification being done now by the National Museum. They are the lead agency of the government in doing what is needed regarding this development,” he added. Allen, who founded Microsoft with Bill Gates in 1975, said in his website that the discovery of the Musashi was the end of an eight-year search supported by historical data from four countries and using “advanced technology” that surveyed the seabed. Forbes Magazine ranked the 62-year-old Allen as the world's 51st richest man, with a net worth of US$17.5 billion. PND (jm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Press Statement during the Official Visit of His Most Eminent Highness Fra' Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta
Reception Hall area, Malacañang
03 March 2015
Your Most Eminent Highness, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen:It is fitting that we have, as our guest, His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, Most Humble Guardian of the Poor of Jesus Christ. This year is a historic milestone in our partnership, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta.
The strength of our partnership comes as no surprise. After all, we share many of the same values, especially given our common Roman Catholic heritage. In particular, we admire your Order’s commitment to its mission: “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” (Twi-syo fide-hi et ob-sekium paw-perum): nurturing, witnessing, and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick representing the Lord.
Over the years, we have witnessed you carry out this mission in many instances through your charitable works. From the humanitarian relief assistance you extended in the aftermathof the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, to the 700 new homes you constructed for those who were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, youhave consistently helped us alleviate the suffering of our countrymen in the soonest possible time.
Today’s ceremonial handover of the symbolic key to these houses further illustrates the Order’s generosity towards their fellowmen. This complements our own government’s plan to build back better: to break the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction by emphasizing long-term resilience in our reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.
We also welcome the news that Malteser International, the relief and humanitarian arm of the Order, plans to establish a regional office in Southeast Asia. Its physical presence in our part of the world will certainly benefit Asian countries by allowing more effective coordination and execution of relief activities, and facilitating our increased cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
As a gesture of appreciation for all the support we have received from the Order, we confer upon His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Raja. This is the highest order of diplomatic merit our people can bestow upon the leader of a state and may it stand as a symbol of our gratitude for the Order’s friendship and assistance throughout the last half century.
These positive developments instill me with confidence that, moving forward, our bilateral relations will grow further, on the foundations of our shared values, beliefs, and decades of friendship.
I, thank you.
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| CSC to graduates, undergraduates: take the CS Examination |
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph |
| Applications from both graduates and undergraduates for the Career Service Examination scheduled on May 3 is now open, the Civil Service Commission announced yesterday. Deadline of filing applications is on March 12. The Career Service Examination, Paper-and-Pencil-Test (CSE-PPT) for SubProfessional and Professional levels is a general ability test designed to measure an individual's preparedness to enter government service. Passing the CSE entitles one to either a Professional or Sub-Professional career service eligibility which is one of the basic requirements for permanent appointment to career positions in government, except for positions that involve the practice of profession or are covered by special laws. The CSE-PPT for Professional and SubProfessional levels are open to Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old at the time of filing of application, regardless of educational attainment. The CSC clarifies that an individual may continuously take the exams regardless of the number of times failed, provided that the examinee takes the same level of examination once in every three months. Applications should be filed at the CSC Regional Office (CSCRO), or at any of the concerned CSCRO’s Field Offices, where applicants intend to take the examination. Applicants are strongly advised to access and read thoroughly the corresponding examination announcements for POE and for CSE-PPT now posted in the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph for details on testing centers, qualifications, application requirements and procedures and other relevant information. Acceptance of applications shall be on a FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED basis and shall be closed anytime before the deadline if the CSC Regional/Field Office has already reached the target number of applicants. |
| 2015 GAA secures budget for defense, security forces, Abad: Social stability an integral part of inclusive growth |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
| The security, protection, and safety of the country are among the paramount priorities of the National Government, which is why the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA) is set to improve the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Safeguarding the country will depend on the ability of the PNP and the AFP to promote the rule of law and defend national sovereignty, respectively. Likewise, public order and safety rely on agencies like the BFP to protect our people against fires and natural disasters. As such, we’ve allocated the appropriate budgetary support so that these agencies can fulfill their tasks effectively.” To ensure the security of the country’s citizens against lawless elements, the PNP set the following targets for 2015: limiting crime incidence to 37.11 percent and meeting a crime solution efficiency rating of 29.99 percent. To support their efforts, the PNP was given a budget of P70.8 billion in the 2015 GAA, with an additional budget of P2.83 billion in the 2014 Supplemental Budget for the PNP Operational Transformational Plan (OTP) that would upgrade their equipment. In terms of national safety, the BFP has committed to limiting fire incidents to one per 10,000 population and casualties to one per 200,000 population for the coming year. Because of this, the BFP received a total budget of P8 billion to support firefighting and emergency response activities, and this will be complemented by the construction of 110 fire stations and the purchase of 116 fire trucks. On the other hand, the AFP—the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the AFP General Headquarters specifically—received a total budget of P95.8 billion so that the military can effectively protect the sovereignty of the country. Likewise, the AFP Modernization Program will receive a budget of P20.0 billion from the allotment of the AFP General Headquarters (AFP-GHQ) as well as P10.0 billion from the 2015 Unprogrammed Funds. Abad said, “Creating an environment where there is just and lasting peace, security, and the prevalence of the rule of law is an integral part of our thrust to create inclusive growth. This is because we can only succeed if there is an environment of social stability where everyone can enjoy the fruits of economic prosperity in relative safety.” |
| Member Inquiry Facility now available |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
| MEMBERS of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) may now check on the accuracy of their member data records through a new facility in the government corporation’s website. Launched on PhilHealth’s 20th Anniversary, the Member Inquiry facility can be found on the homepage of www.philhealth.gov.ph. To access their records, members must first register by following the standard steps indicated in the facility. Once the registration is completed, they can log in using their PhilHealth Identification Numbers and the password that will be sent to their email addresses. The Member Inquiry facility allows members to verify the accuracy of the information reflected in their membership profiles such as name, date of birth, address, employer, names of dependents, and other pertinent personal details. It also allows members to check on their posted premium contributions. “If they see that there are months or years without posted contributions, they should immediately check with their employers, or check on their personal files of official receipts of premium payments made, or better yet, call our Action Center at (02) 441-7442 to report any discrepancy in the information that they see on their profiles,” PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said. Members who need to update their PhilHealth profiles must fill out the PhilHealth Member Registration Form which can be downloaded from the website, and bring it to any of the nearest Local Health Insurance Office in their localities. “This is our pro-active move to encourage our members to update their records with us. The facility is there to make it easy for them to fulfill their responsibility to make sure that their member records are up-to-date, and help ensure hassle-free availment of benefits,” Padilla said. |
| De Lima warns child porn syndicates |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
| Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) Chairperson, lauded the recent arrest of Peter Gerald Scully by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) and NBI-Region 10, even as she warned child pornography syndicates against using the Philippines as a base. She said that the arrest of Scully, an Australian national, with pending arrest warrants and identified to be responsible for the production of a horrifying child sexual abuse and torture video, highlights both the effectiveness and resolve of the government's intensified campaign against human trafficking. “Let notice be served to these criminal elements that the days of their child cybersex operation is numbered”, she added. “Wherever these syndicates are, we will hunt them down and we will bring them to justice,” De Lima said. She underscored that the government “has both the will and the capability to capture these perverted elements”. De Lima also exhorted victims and witnesses not to be afraid to seek help from anti-human trafficking authorities. She noted that prior to the arrest of Scully, the complaint of two minor girls to the police resulted in the issuance of a warrant of arrest and led to the raid on his house by the composite team of NBI AHTRAD and NBI-Region 10. “Law enforcement agencies like the Philippine National Police and the NBI are mandated to ensure the proper care and assistance of victims. The government will take the extra mile to protect victims and witnesses from human traffickers who employ coercive tactics,” de Lima emphasized. De Lima cited the partnership and alliance of the Philippines with the international community against online child sexual abuse. She also urged the public to come forward with information on human trafficking activities and to help protect their fellow countrymen from sociopaths who prey on the weak to gain wealth and perverted pleasure from their suffering. “The Government will never relent in fighting this evil, but it needs the help of a vigilant citizenry,” De Lima said. |
| Kalahi-CIDSS ways impress mayor of Ilocos town |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The residents of Sugpon, Ilocos Sur have decided to take the development of their municipality in their own hands. Sugpon, a fifth-class municipality in the province of Ilocos Sur, and its local chief executive recently embraced a new system in developing their municipality and sustaining good governance in their locale. Through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the poverty alleviation strategies of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the residents of Sugpon were taught the community-driven development (CDD) approach. CDD is a strategy that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement sub-projects that address needs identified by communities themselves. Through Kalahi-CIDSS, residents and not just select individuals such as elected officials are given the opportunity to actively decide on what would be the municipality’s priorities, particularly in terms of poverty-related issues. Mayor Fernando C. Quiton, Sr. said he welcomes the program’s unique way of introducing development, in which community mobilization is prioritized. The local chief executive reports he is pleased to witness this change in his municipality, seeing for himself the Sugpon residents actively participating in different Kalahi-CIDSS barangay and municipal activities. “I was surprised in a good way to see the people of Sugpon so empowered and manifest capabilities in decision making for the development of our town,” Mayor Quiton, Sr. said. Sugpon is a first-time implementer of Kalahi-CIDSS, like the other municipalities that the program is covering in the Ilocos region. Previously operating only in Regions CAR, IVA, IVB, and V in Luzon, Kalahi-CIDSS now also covers identified municipalities in Regions I and III upon its scale-up into a national CDD program. Despite being new to the CDD process, Mayor Quiton, Sr. said he has high hopes for their Kalahi-CIDSS implementation. “Community empowerment in the barangays of Sugpon is still new to the people, but with the facilitation of the Kalahi-CIDSS staff in the area and support from the Sugpon Local Government Unit (LGU) and stakeholders, I see a promising future of this program in our municipality”, Mayor Quiton said. Sugpon’s local chief executive added that the start of Kalahi-CIDSS in their municipality does not only manifest community transformation. It has also strengthened the partnership between the Sugpon LGU and the DSWD in delivering paralleled social development services to the poor to improve the quality of life of the people in Sugpon. Aside from Kalahi-CIDSS, Sugpon, Ilocos Sur is also a Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program and Sustainable Livelihood Program area. |
| DTI unifies Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines to strengthen sub-regional ties |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
| Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines joined the recently concluded 2015 Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Strategic Planning and Senior Officials Retreat last 15-18 February 2015 at Royal Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. “I can sense that we are all heading towards achieving significant milestones in the BIMP-EAGA implementation blueprint for 2016,” DTI Special Concerns Group Undersecretary and Philippine Senior Official to the BIMP-EAGA Prudencio Reyes Jr. said. The strategic planning meeting serves as the annual planning conference for BIMP-EAGA clusters, working groups, and private sector representatives with the guidance and direction of the senior officials. The convening of the new BIMP-EAGA Pillar on socio-cultural and education was a milestone to promote more people to people, education and cultural exchanges in the sub-region. In general, the meeting reconfirmed the strategies as put forward in the Implementation Blueprint (BIMP-EAGA IB) with the components that are still relevant. With the addition of socio-cultural cluster, BIMP-EAGA pillars have already eight working clusters namely: agri-business, transport connectivity, power, ICT, trade and investment facilitation, tourism and environment. The SPM Workshops also resulted in generating updates on cluster and working group programs, projects and activities, identifying bottlenecks in project implementation, and coming-up up with their respective 2015 action and operational plans. The BIMP-EAGA Facilitation center, which was proposed by Reyes to be legally institutionalized, is expected to seriously monitor the implementation of the SPM’s identified programs and projects on-the-ground. “Our BIMP-EAGA undertakings have created an impact in advancing trade activities, investment flow, tourist arrivals and above all, improving the living conditions of our communities in sub-regional areas,” Reyes further expounded as he emphasized the role of BIMP-EAGA’s significant contributions to growing market demands. The SPM was attended by officials and representatives from EAGA lead agencies, BEBC, ADB and BIMP-FC. Around 40 Philippine delegates represented the country in the cluster and working group sectoral workshops, including the socio-cultural and education pillar – the newest pillar of BIMP-EAGA. “In behalf of the entire Philippine delegation, let me thank Malaysia for the splendid hosting of this year’s strategic planning meeting and warm hospitality.I would like to underscore an important aspect of our cooperation, that is to be able to think and work as one, so that together, we can reap the benefits that we all aspire for in the sub-region,” Reyes concluded. |
| Roxas: BOI report will be truthful and timely |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas repeated his commitment to a truthful and timely report on the Mamasapano incident in an ambush interview at Camp Crame today. "Huwag mag-alinlangan na sabihin ang accountabilities sa lahat ng ito," Roxas said, recalling his advice to Board of Inquiry chairman Benjamin Magalong when he inquired yesterday when the BOI will meet its deadline. Also in the meeting were Philippine National Police (PNP) OIC Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and The Chief of the Directorial Staff Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo. The officials of PNP assured Roxas that the report will meet its deadline. The report will be released Friday, or if more time is needed to check the document for typographical errors and other similar errors, it will be released on Monday at the latest, according to Roxas. Additionally, Roxas mentioned to the officers that whatever the report contains, it ought to answer his questions, which he surmised are also in the people's minds. Among his questions are: 1. Matino ba ang plano? 2. Ginawa ba at nagawa ba ang lahat para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tropa? 3. Nasunod ba ang atas at utos ng Pangulo? 4. Meron ba, at kung meron nga, ano ang partisipasyon ng mga Amerikano sa operasyong ito? 5. Sa equipment, gumana ba ng maayos ang mga radyo, vest, baril, at bala ng ating mga tropa?" Roxas asked. |
| PNP, AFP arrests Avatar group members; 8 others arrested for violation of RA 10591 |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
| Joint elements of Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) arrested members of AVATAR Group on Wednesday (March 4) through the conduct of Oplan Paglalansag Omega, Oplan Big Berta and Priority Project AVATAR Pivot in separate operations at Caloocan and Quezon City. In Search Warrant No. 5044(15), Ruben Saluta aka Ompong and Precentation Saluta were arrested during service of warrant in North Olympus Subdivision, Barangay Urduja, Caloocan City together with Enrique Ruiz Belmonte and Eduardo T. Garcia for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Regulation Act). According to intel reports, Ruben Saluta is a NPA Commander, National Military Commission and has standing warrant of arrest for violation of RA 6968 as amended (Rebellion) with no bail recommended. In Search Warrant No. 5045(15), Emmanuel Bacarra was arrested for Murder with the use of unlicensed firearms and for Multiple Frustrated Murder with the use of unlicensed firearms together with Leilani Marasigan, Roy Baldostamo, Veraflor Guevarra, Emmanuel Villamor, and Miguel Cortez in Celia Subdivision, Deparo, Caloocan City. Bacarra was also identified as NPA Commander operating in Occidental Mindoro. Meanwhile, Policarpio Herrera was arrested during the service of Search Warrant No. 5046(15) for Violation of RA 10591 in North Olympus Subdivision, Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City. The joint operations were led by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in close coordination with the AFP Army Intelligence. Special Action Force teams were also employed to support the said operations. Intel reports confirmed that Ruben Saluta and Bacarra were AVATAR Group Members and identified CPP/NPA/NDF involved in series of criminal activities transpired in years 2011, 2013 and 2014 operating in Southern Luzon Region. Earlier last year, Renante Egioma, a member of AVATAR Group was arrested by elements of RPIOU-NCR con March 20, 2014 at Palaisdaan Garden, Malabon City and is presently detained at Camp Crame, Quezon City. (PNP-PIO) |
| Walang ‘pork’ sa Bangsamoro |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| MANILA – “Paanong magkakaroon ng pork sa Bangsamoro? Alam naman nilang bawal yan sa mga Muslim,” pabirong tugon ni National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao sa mga alegasyon na magkakaroon ng mala-pork barrel fund na aabot sa pitumpo’t limang bilyong piso (P 75 billion) ang ipinapanukalang Bangsamoro. “Seriously, walang probisyon sa BBL na nagsasabing bibigyan ng P75 billion ang Bangsamoro,” dagdag pa niya. Makikita po natin yan kapag binasa po natin ang laman ng BBL. Bukod sa pagiging kalihim ng NCMF, si Busran-Lao ay nananatiling kabilang sa government peace panel na nakikipag-usap sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front o MILF. Bago rito, siya rin ay nanungkulan bilang Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns. Ayon kay Busran-Lao, ang proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law ay naglalayong tugunan, higit sa lahat, ang kahirapan sa mga lugar na pinapanukalang maging parte ng Bangsamoro, bunga ng deka-dekadang armadong hidwaan doon. “Decades of war and neglect have made this part of the country the worst in almost all available indices. And for them to catch up, the BBL will be providing the Bangsamoro a means for infrastructure development and socio-economic programs coupled with sound political mechanisms and security arrangements." Sa isyu na labas na ang Commission on Audit sa pagbabantay kung paano gagastusin ng Bangsamoro ang budget nito, sinabi ni Busran-Lao na ang mga ganitong alegasyon ay patunay lamang na hindi talaga binasa ng ilang kongresista ang nilalaman ng BBL. “If they’ve read the BBL at all, they’ll know na dalawang level ang auditing system sa proposed Bangsamoro. May internal auditing ang Bangsamoro Government, which is subject to the auditing of the national COA. Dahil dito, mahihirapan talagang gumawa ng korapsyon sa Bangsamoro.” "Kung gusto nila, pag-usapan namin ang sinasabi nilang probisyon para malaman nilang walang pork barrel fund sa Bangsamoro. Pwede rin silang humingi ng kopya ng BBL sa opisina ko o sa OPAPP para hindi puro bintang ang ginagawa nila," hamon ni Busran-Lao. Ang naturang alegasyon ay nagmula sa tatlong kinatawan mula sa mga lungsod ng Davao, Zamboanga at Marikina. ---- No pork in Bangsamoro MANILA – "Paanong magkakaroon ng pork sa Bangsamoro? Alam naman nilang bawal yan sa mga Muslim (How can there be pork in the Bangsamoro when they know very well it is forbidden to Muslims)?” joked National Commission for Muslim Filipinos Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao when asked about the alleged pork barrel funding to the proposed Bangsamoro amounting to P75 billion. “Seriously, walang probisyon sa BBL na nagsasabing bibigyan ng P75 billion ang Bangsamoro (Seriously, there is no provision in the BBL stating that the Bangsamoro will receive P75 billion," she added. "Makikita po natin yan kapag binasa po natin ang laman ng BBL (That is clear if we read the proposed BBL),” she added. Aside from being the NCMF secretary, Busran-Lao remains part of the government peace panel in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Prior to this, she also served as Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns. According to Busran-Lao, the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law aims to alleviate poverty in areas being proposed to be part of the Bangsamoro due to decades-old armed conflict there. “Decades of war and neglect have made this part of the country the worst in almost all available indices. And for them to catch up, the BBL will be providing the Bangsamoro a means for infrastructure development and socio-economic programs coupled with sound political mechanisms and security arrangements." With regard to the issue that the Commission on Audit will be hands off on how the would-be Bangsamoro government would be able to spend its budget. Busran-Lao reiterated that allegations such as that only prove that some lawmakers have yet to read the contents of the BBL. ““If they’ve read the BBL at all, they’ll know na dalawang level ang auditing system sa proposed Bangsamoro. May internal auditing ang Bangsamoro Government, which is subject to the auditing of the national COA. Dahil dito, mahihirapan talagang gumawa ng korapsyon sa Bangsamoro (If they’ve read the BLL, at all, they’ll know that the auditing system in the proposed Bangsamoro will be conducted in two levels. The internal auditing to be conducted by the Bangsamoro will be subject to the auditing of the national COA. Because of this, it will be really hard to commit corruption in the Bangsamoro)." “"Kung gusto nila, pag-usapan namin ang sinasabi nilang probisyon para malaman nilang walang pork barrel fund sa Bangsamoro. Pwede rin silang humingi ng kopya ng BBL sa opisina ko o sa OPAPP para hindi puro bintang ang ginagawa nila (If they want, we can discuss the provision they are referring to so that they’ll understand that there is no pork barrel fund in the Bangsamoro. They can also ask for copies of the BBL from my office or in OPAPP so that they will not continue to make these accusations)," dared Busran-Lao. The said allegations came from three congress representatives from the cities of Davao, Zamboanga, and Marikina. |
| DFA brings home 77 OFWs from Libya |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 05 March 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli reported that 35 Filipinos, composed of 24 nurses and 5 dependents from Sirte and the rest from Tripoli, joined the repatriation operations on March 04. The repatriates, accompanied by the Embassy team led by Charge d'Affaires Adel Cruz, departed for Tunis Carthage International Airport. The Embassy team based in Tunisia stands ready to provide them with all the appropriate consular and airport assistance. Meanwhile, forty-one (41) Filipinos are scheduled to be repatriated on March 07 from Benghazi. The repatriates, escorted by Embassy personnel and assisted by the Libyan Red Crescent, will travel to Al Bayda where they will stay overnight. They will travel to Tunis the following day and are set to depart for Manila on March 09. Another repatriation operation is scheduled on March 21 from Tripoli for OFWs from central and western Libya. The DFA and the Embassy in Tripoli strongly urge all remaining Filipinos in Libya to note the succeeding repatriation schedules and register for repatriation immediately. OFWs may contact the Embassy Team in Tripoli at +218927471949, +2189161555264, and +218916656134. The Embassy will continue to closely monitor the condition of Filipinos in Libya and encourage those who remain there to avail themselves of the Philippine Government’s repatriation offer as soon as possible. |
| PHL Embassy in Tripoli releases repatriation schedule for March, urges remaining Filipinos to leave Libya immediately |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| 05 March 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli reported that 35 Filipinos, composed of 24 nurses and 5 dependents from Sirte and the rest from Tripoli, joined the repatriation operations on March 04. The repatriates, accompanied by the Embassy team led by Charge d'Affaires Adel Cruz, departed for Tunis Carthage International Airport. The Embassy team based in Tunisia stands ready to provide them with all the appropriate consular and airport assistance. Meanwhile, forty-one (41) Filipinos are scheduled to be repatriated on March 07 from Benghazi. The repatriates, escorted by Embassy personnel and assisted by the Libyan Red Crescent, will travel to Al Bayda where they will stay overnight. They will travel to Tunis the following day and are set to depart for Manila on March 09. Another repatriation operation is scheduled on March 21 from Tripoli for OFWs from central and western Libya. The DFA and the Embassy in Tripoli strongly urge all remaining Filipinos in Libya to note the succeeding repatriation schedules and register for repatriation immediately. OFWs may contact the Embassy Team in Tripoli at +218927471949, +2189161555264, and +218916656134. The Embassy will continue to closely monitor the condition of Filipinos in Libya and encourage those who remain there to avail themselves of the Philippine Government’s repatriation offer as soon as possible. |
| State-of-the-art Gene sequencing facility |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
| STATE-OF-THE-ART GENE SEQUENCING FACILITY | A researcher at the Philippine Genome Center shows a micro tube containing DNA material of a sample being analyzed. Inset: A Next Generation Sequencing machine revolutionized genetic research because of its rapid and more data sequence results. The machine is among the many equipment acquired through DOST’s P100M grant for the establishment of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC), a multidisciplinary institution that conducts genomic researches for the improvement of crops and animal varieties, health diagnostics, and forensics, among others. PGC is currently housed at UP Diliman’s National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology but will soon have its own building later this year. The visit to the PGC was held during the Department of Science’s Agham na Ramdam media tour recently. Agham na Ramdam is a series of media briefings to showcase DOST’s program milestones and updates as part of government’s effort to address some of the country’s pressing problems today. (S&T Media Service) |
| Owner of MV Bulk Jupiter settles benefits of killed Filipino seafarers; ends search and rescue |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said the owner of the ill-fated MV Jupiter, which sunk off the coast of Vietnam on 2 January with a load of iron ore, has officially declared that the search-and-rescue operations involving the missing vessel has stopped, with the withdrawal of the remaining vessels of Vietnam’s Maritime Rescue Coordinating Committee. “Alexander Querol, chief operating officer of Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, the local manning agency of Gearbulk Norway, which owned the MV Jupiter, had written to inform me of the stoppage of the search-and-rescue. He also informed me Gearbulk had settled all of the Filipino seafarer-victims’ contractual benefits and the families and beneficiaries have claimed these in Manila with the assistance of the DOLE,” Baldoz said. “In addition, Gearbulk Norway had committed to extend other benefits, particularly scholarships for the children/sibling of the crew,” she said, quoting Mr. Querol. This developed after Secretary Baldoz, in January, expressed concern and condolences to the families and relatives of the ship’s 18 missing Filipino seafarers, 11 of whom have died in the mishap and promised them they will receive all appropriate government assistance. “As we assured, they have received all the benefits due them in accordance with their employment contracts and the provisions of the collective bargaining agreements covering the shipowner and the Associated Marine Officers and Seafarers Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) of which the seafarers are members,” said Baldoz. The ill-fated vessel, according to a report of POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac, had a full complement of 19 Filipino seafarers when it capsized. One of the 19 Filipino seamen, Chief Cook Rojas, has been rescued and is undergoing physical therapy for injuries, the cost of which is being borne by Gearbulk Norway. In his letter, Mr. Querol said Gearbulk Norway had also declared the missing crew lost. “The remains of the ship master, Capt. Andrin, has been cremated in Manila, while the late CO Abogadie has been buried in his hometown in Leyte. Gear bulk and Magsaysay Maritime Corporation has held a memorial service for the next-of-kin and families of the missing crew, attended by Magsaysay and Gearbulk top officials led by Kristian Jebsen. With this development, Secretary Baldoz emphasized that the DOLE’s paramount concern is to ensure the welfare of Filipino seafarers and their families, especially when maritime accidents happen. She said that with 300,000 Filipino seafarers deployed annually there is always the likelihood that a Filipino seafarer may be onboard when a ship is reported to be involved in an accident anywhere in the world. |
| DA turns over farm assistance to Davao farmers and fishers |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
| Hundreds of farmers, fishers and their organizations received farm machineries and equipment amounting to P127.4 million from Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Senate Committee Chair on Agriculture and Food Senator Cynthia Villar during the mass turn over of various facilities held at Manambulan Research Outreach Station in Barangay Tubok, Davao City on March 4, 2015. Various sets of equipment were distributed as part of the government’s efforts to mechanize the farm sector in order to level up the country’s competitiveness and gear for the integration under the ASEAN Economic Community. “We are providing you these facilities to help you in your production so you can continue to be constant partners of the government in agricultural development,” Alcala said. The agri chief stressed that President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered him to personally bring assistance to the farmers and fishers and educate them on the administration’s projects intended to bring production and economic growth for the farming and fishing communities. “I encourage you to enroll your projects under the Philippine Rural Development Project,” he said stressing that the World Bank funded program seeks to deliver world-class interventions to the rural communities nationwide. “The government is serious in modernizing the farm sector so we can compete with our ASEAN neighbors as we face the AEC integration,” he added. The packages of assistance, which totals P127 million, were awarded to individuals and farm organizations from Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. These include mechanized threshers, floating tillers, tractors, combine harvesters, and corn shellers among others. The farm machineries and facilities that were distributed are part of various DA programs, which seek to equip farmers and fishers in their rice, corn and high value crops production and post-production activities. Certificates for the construction of various infrastructures for the improvement of the livestock sector and organic agriculture initiatives were likewise awarded to the local chief executives within the Region. Under the Payapa at Masaganag Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the government, Alcala and Villar awarded to Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario a check amounting to P7.27-M for the concreting of the Linayapan-Malapanit-DAngulog farm to market road located in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, which is now on its second phase. # |
| DA to showcase PH’s top agri products in Madrid Fusión |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
| The Department of Agriculture (DA) is now preparing to showcase top agricultural products of the Philippines in Spain’s most important gastronomy congress—the Madrid Fusión—to be held at the Mall of Asia’ SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on April 24−26, 2015. According to DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, the agency will put up a booth in the event where the country’s top agricultural exports will be exhibited. Among these products are coconut and its by-products such as coco sugar and coconut oil, heirloom rice, coffee, cacao, mango, pineapple, banana, dalandan, kalamansi, chocolates, cheeses, wines, nuts, preserves, and tuna. “We will also showcase products that are only found in the Philippines such as batuan, sua, kamias and adlai, among others,” Puyat added. Madrid Fusión Manila, through the DA, will also feature regional lunches that will focus on local dishes such as lechon, kinilaw and other local staples cooked with each island region's finest fish, meat, vegetable and spice products. "For the regional lunches, we will be showcasing all the top dishes from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao using our top export products and products that can only be found in our country," Puyat said. DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the department’s participation in the event will be an opportunity to further mainstream top-quality agricultural products of the country in the international gastronomic arena. “This could link producers of high-quality agricultural products—especially artisanal and organic—to potential markets within and outside the country,” Alcala said. Madrid Fusión Manila is a joint partnership among the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), along with Madrid Fusión organizers Foro de Debate and Arum Estrategias de Internacionalización. The first in Asia and the biggest culinary gathering yet in the Philippines, the event will be part of the “Visit the Philippines Year 2015” campaign of the DOT. Organized annually since 2003, Madrid Fusión brings together the most prestigious and innovative chefs from all over the world, bridging cultures through good food, and enabling the world “to see the future of food.” |
| DAR turnovers P71.8M infra projects in Bohol |
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph/ |
| The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned-over P71.8-million worth of various infrastructure projects in the municipality of Alicia in Bohol to boost the economic conditions of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the said province. Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Grace Fua said the P38.13-million worth of farm-to-market road was improved. JThe 5.97-kilometer road connects the following barangays Progreso, Cambaol, Cayacay, and Napo to the town proper. “This road was crumbling and hardly passable that’s why we construct a concrete pavement on critical sections, a 10.2 linear meters reinforced concrete box culvert and a 21 linear meters reinforced concrete deck girder bridge for the safety of the travelers, particularly the farmers, who transport their agricultural goods,” Fua said. The DAR also turned-over the P32.21-million Cayacay Communal Irrigation Project covering 80 hectares of agricultural lands to help the farmers increase their produce. Moreover, the Del Untaga Procayacap agrarian reform community (ARC) also received post-harvest facility and a 72-sq.m. Agrarian Information and Marketing Center (AIM-C), located at the Poblacion, costing P1.5-million. Fua said the infrastructure projects, implemented under the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project Phase III (ARISP3), aimed to boost the ARB’s production and marketing of farm products, made up mostly of rice, coconut, vegetables, oil palm, among others. Undersecretary Felix Perry Villanueva reminded the beneficiaries to take good care of the project and do their share by working hard to further increase their production and eventually their income. On the other hand, Alicia Mayor Marnilou Ayuban thanked DAR for its contribution in bringing forth some major development in the province of Bohol in terms of poverty alleviation through these projects. ARC Del Untaga Procayacap is composed of barangays Del Monte, Untaga, Progreso, Cambaol, Cayacay and Poblacion. It has a total land area of 5,510.17 hectares, approximately 48% of the total land area of the municipality. The ARC is home to about 12,000 residents with 2,150 households. (Merly Bantugan) |
| March 2015 results of the Technical Evaluation for the Upgrading as Professional Electrical Engineers |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
| The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 13 passed the Technical Evaluation for the Upgrading as Professional Electrical Engineers given by the Board of Electrical Engineering in Manila this March 2015. The members of the Board of Electrical Engineering who conducted the Technical Evaluation are Engr. Francis V. Mapile, Chairman - O.I.C. and Engr. Jaime V. Mendoza, Member. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on March 9, 2015. |
| PDIC urges banks to avail of its bank strengthening programs |
| Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph |
| Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President Cristina Que Orbeta rallied members of the rural banking community to take advantage of PDIC's bank strengthening programs to help address the challenges brought about by the changing financial landscape. She said that while rural banks can rely on their inherent strength which is the trust and confidence of their respective communities, in the face of greater competition both from domestic and international banks, this competitive advantage must be combined with capital, good governance, good service and innovative and responsive banking. Speaking before the Annual Management Conference of the Confederation of Central Luzon Rural Banks (CCLRB) held on February 6, 2015, the PDIC President emphasized that PDIC and BSP have put in place strengthening programs to encourage mergers, acquisitions, and consolidation among rural banks and thrift banks to address their capital requirements. "Once a bank is closed, the chances for its rehabilitation becomes very minimal, almost nil, thus we need to face the problems while the bank is still open and come up with solutions early enough to avoid a closure scenario," President Orbeta said. President Orbeta told the rural banking community that she sees opportunities for PDIC to be a partner in the banks' journey to change through the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks Plus (SPRB Plus), a joint program of the PDIC and BSP; the Strengthening Program for Cooperative Banks Plus (SPCB Plus) of the PDIC, BSP and Land Bank of the Philippines; and PDIC's Investor-Investee Helpdesk. Under the SPRB Plus, rural, thrift, universal and commercial banks, as well as non-bank corporations that qualify as strategic third party investors or so-called "white knights" may be granted financial assistance for the acquisition of thrift or rural banks. On the other hand, the counterpart program for cooperative banks, the SPCB Plus aims to encourage mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of cooperative banks to strengthen the cooperative banking sector. SPCB Plus has been extended until September 2015, while SPRB Plus will run up to the end of December 2015. Aside from financial assistance, banks availing of these programs are also granted regulatory relief/s, branching and other incentives by the BSP. "These are facilities and incentives which may be tapped by banks, who are in investment or expansion mode, to acquire, merge or consolidate with banks that have problems," President Orbeta said. To facilitate the matching process, PDIC has developed the Investor Investee Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is an electronic match-making facility that aims to identify possible partners for merger and consolidation for all types of banks. It has been designed to preserve confidentiality for all registrants whether as investors or investees. Banks interested to apply as Investor must not be under the BSP's prompt corrective action and should not have been previously cited for violation of PDIC Regulatory Issuances. Meanwhile, to register as an Investee, or a bank looking for an investor, one should also be compliant with all PDIC regulations. |
| “Collective efforts” crucial for PH PPP success |
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph |
| The Philippines highlighted the gains and recent developments in the implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program in the country during the APEC PPP Experts Advisory Panel Meeting. The meeting held at Tagaytay last March 4 gathered delegates from APEC member countries for Asia Pacific Infrastructure Partnership Dialogue. Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao of the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) acknowledged the importance of the government’s collective efforts in implementing successful PPPs in the meeting. “PPPs are complex. It requires the strong support of the leaders and movers in the government, especially the buy in of both the oversight and implementing agencies”, she said. Despite the challenges that were encountered since the launching of the PPP program in 2010, Canilao emphasized that the government has achieved significant accomplishments. “We now have a program with a sound policy framework, established institutional reforms, a robust pipeline of PPP projects, and well-capacitated implementing agencies”, she said. The government has already awarded nine (9) PPP projects totaling to around USD 2.9 billion. These awarded projects are Daang-Hari-SLEX Link Road, the Phase 1 and 2 of the PPP for School Infrastructure Project, NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project, Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, Automatic Fare Collection System, Mactan Cebu International Airport Passenger Terminal Building, the LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension O&M, and the Integrated Transport System-Southwest Terminal Project. In 2014, a total of 11 projects were successfully rolled out, including the biggest PPP project to date, the USD 2.73 billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike. Last week, there were four (4) interested bidders that submitted pre-qualification documents for this project. Start of this year, three projects were already rolled out: Regional Prison Facilities through PPP, Cavite- Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and the Tanauan City Public Market Redevelopment. This prison facility is the first major PPP project of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and also the first of its kind in the country. The government will conduct an Investors Conference on March 20. Participation of International and local investors in PPP projects have also increased since 2010. “The turn-out of investors participating in the bidding of projects, both local and foreign, have expanded throughout the years”, Canilao said. Meanwhile, the government is currently pushing for amendments of the Build-Operate-Transfer Law. “We are pushing for the enactment of the PPP Act (amendments to the BOT Law) which will institutionalize the reforms we have put in place and further strengthen the legal framework of our proven and tested processes”, Canilao said. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, Management Association of the Philippines and Makati Business Club have recently shown their support for the passing of the PPP Act. |
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Last Updated: 06 MARCH 2015
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 | Delegates attending the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting in Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite gather for a group photo at the hotel's open terrace overlooking Taal Volcano on Thursday (March 5). | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo are PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño, Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III is introduced to PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (second from left) by the newly newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo (left), as Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo as PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (left) and PNP Deputy Chief for Operation, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Group Photo Caption: Delegates from APEC member-economies, and multilateral and international institutions gather in Tagaytay City, Philippines for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion. The Forum, which runs from 3-4 March 2015, seeks to discuss initiatives that may push forward the agenda of making financial products and services accessible to a wider range of people across the Asia-Pacific Region. | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Raja (Grand Collar) on The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing the symbolic key of 700 newly constructed houses in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu donated by the Sovereign Order of Malta during the ceremonial turn-over at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing lead the ceremonial toasts during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing arrive for the official luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines of on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta) Fra’ Matthew Festing delivers his remarks during the joint press statement with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta share a light moment following the conferment ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines of The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing on Tuesday (March 03). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and SOM. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Gov’t waives lab fee to hasten #rabies-free Philippines - See more at:http://t.co/CACo5YChwu
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Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy) added 4 new photos to the album:SAF Command Turnover Ceremony.
April Montes and 3 others shared a link.
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