3 Dispatch for April 1 , 2015 (Wednesday) ,1 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 12 Reg’l. Watch , 3 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 18 Online News , 27 Photonews ( Mar. 27 )

 Daily Weather Forecast

Issued at: 5:00 a.m. today, 01 April 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:

Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) extending over Northern Luzon. Meanwhile at 4:00 am today, the eye of Typhoon “MAYSAK”(international name) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was located based on all available data at 1,410 km east of Surigao City (10.4°N, 138.4°E), with maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 250 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 17 kph.

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m. 01 April 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m. 01 April 2015

Forecast:

Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos Region will experience partly cloudy skies. metro manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.


Light to moderate winds coming from the east to southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas.


PAGTAYA: Ang Cagayan Valley, Cordillera at rehiyon ng Ilocos ay makararanas ng bahagyang maulap na kalangitan. Ang Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa silangan hanggang timog-silangan ang iiral sa Hilagang Luzon at mula naman sa hilagang-silangan sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 02:00 PM yesterday ----- 34.3 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:15 AM yesterday ----- 21.8 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 85 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM yesterday --------- 40 %
High tide today: 09:57 AM ……… 0.44 meter
Low tide today: 01:50 PM ……… 0.36 meter
High tide today: 08:26 PM ……… 0.73 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 03:41 AM ……… 0.09 meter
Sunrise today: 05:52 AM
Sunset today: 06:08 PM
Moonrise today: 03:41 PM
Moonset tomorrow: 04:14 AM
Illumination today: 72 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

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7 mins ·

Dost_pagasa added 2 new photos.

WEATHER ADVISORY NO. 4
FOR: TYPHOON with INTERNATIONAL NAME “MAYSAK”
ISSUED AT: 11:00 AM, 01 April 2015

At 10:00 AM today, the eye of the typhoon with international name “MAYSAK” was located based on all available data at 1,280 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.7˚N, 137.4˚E). It has maximum sustained winds of 215 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 250 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 17 kph.
This typhoon is still too far to affect any part of the country. It is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between tonight until tomorrow morning and will be named “CHEDENG”.
The next update will be incorporated in the Public Weather Forecast to be issued at 5:00 PM today while the next advisory will be issued at 11:00 AM tomorrow.

Weather Watch

2 hrs ·

PAGASA weather forecaster Rene Paciente on DZMM:
-Kaninang 7:00 ng umaga, ang bagyong Maysak ay nasa layong 1,345 km sa silangan ng Guiuan, Eastern Samar.
-May hanging nasa 215 kph at may pagbugsong umaabot sa 250 kph.
-Kumikilos ito ng pakanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 17 kph.
-Inaasahan na mamayang gabi o bukas papasok ito ng PAR.
-Sa ngayon, maliit ang tsansa na magbago ito ng direksyon.
-Ang tinutumbok niya ay ang Quezon, Isabela, Aurora area.
-More or less nasa northern Quezon, Aurora or southern Isabela siya mag-landfall.
-700 km ang diameter habang 350 ang radius.
-Yung pag-ulan will br moderate to heavy.
-From 24 to 36 hours ay pwede ng magtaas tayo ng typhoon signal.
-Ang inaasahan natin na ang pag-landfall ay sa Linggo pa.
-Manawagan lang ako sa mga mangingisda, huwag na silang pumalaot sa eastern seaboard ng Luzon at Visayas.
-Yung mga mangingisda na lingguhan ang uwi huwag na kayong pumalaot sa eastern seaboard kayo masasalubong ninyo ang bagyo.

Pia Quezon

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April  1 , 2015 (Wednesday) as of 11:00

       PIA4A / PIA QUEZON   :   Partly CLoudy  in Lucena City

    

PIA Regional Watch

46 mins ·

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Patuloy ang pagdagsa ngayon ng libo-libong pasahero ng barko sa Dalahican port, Lucena City patungong Marinduque habang nakaalalay naman ang mga miyembro ng PNP sa pamamagitan ng 'Oplan Sumvac' na naglalayong mapanatili ang kaayusan at katahimikan sa mga terminal ng barko at pampasaherong bus sa lalawigan ngayong Semana Santa.

PIA Regional Watch

1 hr ·

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Ortigas Ave. Extension (Cainta Junction to Antipolo) will be closed to traffic starting 6PM Maundy Thursday to 6AM of Good Friday to give way to millions of devotees/pilgrims' Annual Penitential Walk going to Antipolo Cathedral (Our Lady of Peace & Good Voyage). Motorists are advised to take Marcos Highway, Sumulong Highway or East Bank, Manggahan Floodway as alternative route to/from Rizal Province, according to Rizal PDRRMC.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-4A/BATANGAS CITY: The areas that President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to inspect at Batangas Port are: the ticketing booths, passengers and baggage screening counters, and passengers' waiting lounge.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-4A/BATANGAS CITY: Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos Recto, Batangas Port General Manager Atty. Leopoldo Biscocho Jr. and Dr. Maximo Mejia Jr. MARINA Administrator will welcome Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III upon arrival at Batangas Port to conduct inspection of passenger terminals 2 & 3.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-NCR: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced that number coding is lifted from April 1 to 3.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hrs ·

PIA-4A/BATANGAS CITY: Batangas Port General Manager Atty Leopoldo Biscocho Jr will brief President Benigno S. Aquino III on port operations. The President will visit Batangas Port to conduct inspection of terminals 2 & 3.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hrs ·

PIA-4A/QUEZON: DENR-4A Director Reynulfo Juan is reminding Mount Banahaw pilgrims that religious activities this Lenten Season will be allowed only in designated portions of the protected area in Mount Banahaw as the mountain remains closed to the public. A pilgrimage moratorium along the mountain park has been in effect since 2004 according to DENR.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Ipinagdiwang ng Philippine Army 2nd Infantry Division ang kanilang Ika-39 na Anibersaryo sa Camp Capinpin, Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal noong Marso 28. Dumalo bilang panauhing pandangal si Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Hernando Irriberi sa ginanap na maiksing programa.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Friends of the Seven Lakes Foundation in cooperation with the City Government of San Pablo City, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA),and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launches today the Floating Green Filter System in San Pablo City, Laguna. The pilot project launch is a low-cost, low-tech, low-maintenance natural filtration system that remove water pollutants from Sampaloc Lake.

 

 

PIA OFW Watch

1 hr ·

ANC: The DFA is now working to bring home the remains of a Filipino killed in a recent attack in Libya. Three other Filipinos were wounded in that incident.

PIA OFW Watch

1 hr ·

INTERAKSYON: DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz appealed to all remaining OFWs in Yemen to leave for home. She also directed her appeal to families of OFWs in Yemen, saying they should help the government convince their loved ones to come home. POEA data shows 4,326 OFWs were deployed to Yemen in 2014, of whom 1,503 were new hires and the rest, 2,823 were re-hires. There are 77 Filipinos who are permanent residents, while there are 75 irregular workers in Yemen.

PIA OFW Watch

15 hrs ·

ABS-CBN: Isang Pinoy ang nasawi at 3 ang sugatan sa isang rocket attack sa Zawya, Libya. Papauwi na sana ang apat sa kanilang accomodation nang maganap ang pagsabog. Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DFA sa pamilya ng Pinoy na namatay. Sa kabila ng panawagan ng DFA sa mga OFW na umuwi na sa bansa ay patuloy pa rin ang pananatili ng may 40,000 OFWs doon.

 LAGUNA

1.  DENR-Real confiscates Sierra Madre hot wood in Gen. Nakar

• April 01, 2015

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar. 31 (PIA) — A composite team of anti-illegal logging operatives, in a sweeping operation recently, fished out 515 pieces of abandoned lumber and flitches totaling to an aggregate volume of 13,318.83 board feet from the waters of Magnac River in Sitio Magnac, Barangay Maligaya in Gen. Nakar.

The team composed of DENR Calabarzon Regional Mobile Checkpoint Team, Oplan Mauban-Real-Infanta-Gen. Nakar-Umiray-Aurora-Polillio Group of Islands (MAREINAUA-POGI) Team, 1st Platoon of the Quezon Police’s Provincial Public Safety Company, Charlie Coy of the 1st IB, 2ID of the Philippine Army retrieved the lumber and flitches in the river in a sweeping operation recently.

Team leader, DENR-Real chief Forester Miliarete Panaligan, supervised the hauling of the illegal forest products to the barangay hall compound and put it under the custody of Barangay Chairman Macario Borreo.

Panaligan, who acted on a text message from an informer, lamented the unabated rape of the Sierra Madre forests and expressed outrage when nobody within the vicinity of the retrieval site would claim the wood or come out and provide information as to the identity of the owners of forest products.

“We have the wood but we have nobody to punish for the rape of the forest,” she said.

She further said she would encourage them to reform and help rehabilitate the forest by simply eyeing on other income generating activities, or get involved in the government’s National Greening Program.

Panaligan also expressed apprehension that more trees from public forests will fall as the election nears. She renewed her appeal that the remaining natural resources from the mountain range be spared and election candidates should instead advocate and campaign for Sierra Madre’s conservation and development.

DENR Region 4A CALABARZON Regional Director Reynulfo A. Juan reminded CENRO Panaligan and other forest protection officers in the field to be more vigilant during the Holy Week as unscrupulous wood poachers will have a heyday during the holidays if left unchecked. (Audie L. De La Cruz, Chief, DENR-CALABARZON RPAO/PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631427847667/denr-real-confiscates-sierra-madre-hot-wood-in-gen-nakar#sthash.dx1gBUdR.dpuf

 

31 MARCH 2015.
	President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Lenten Message
	Concerned government agencies closely monitoring 'Typhoon Chedeng'
	Palace: National Peace Council is independent

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Lenten Message

Tuwing Semana Santa, hinihimok tayong pagnilayan ang walang-hanggang pagmamahal ng Panginoon, ang pagmamahal na dumaig sa pang-aalipusta, nagwaksi ng tukso, at di-inalintana ang pagdurusa, upang isalba sa kasalanan ang sanlibutan. Isipin po ninyo: Sa kabila ng lubos na kapangyarihang iligtas ang sarili sa kapahamakan,pinili ni Hesukristong magpakumbaba bilang tao, at ialay ang sariling buhay. Pinasan niya ang matinding kalbaryo upang maging bukal ng kaligtasan, at ilapit tayo sa Kaharian ng Diyos-Ama. Ayon nga po sa Aklat ni San Juan, Kapitulo 3, Bersikulo 16: “Gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang Kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa Kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.” Ito nga po ang nagsisilbi nating gabay sa pagtataguyod ng bansang nakatuon hindi lang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ngayon kundi maging ng mga susunod pang henerasyon. Tinatawag tayong gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang maipamana ang isang lipunan na inuuna ang interes ng nakakarami bago ang sarili. Gaya ng iniwang aral sa atin ni Santo Papa Francisco nang bumisita siya sa ating bansa, nakikita ang bakas ng presensya ng Panginoon sa pag-aalay ng habag at malasakit sa kapwa, lalo na sa mas nangangailangan. Makakaasa po kayo: Sa tuwid na daan, maigting nating sinusulong ang pagtatakwil sa anumang anyo ng katiwalian upang ihatid ang agarang benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ang hamon nga sa atin bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesukristo: Tumotoo tayo hindi lang sa salita, kung hindi sa gawa. Sa patuloy nating ambagan at pagkakaisa, sa gabay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, tiyak na pagpapalain tayo ng kinabukasang tunay na makabuluhan sa bawat isa. Isang mapayapa at makabuluhang Mahal na Araw po sa ating lahat.

TOP

Concerned government agencies closely monitoring 'Typhoon Chedeng'

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) are on top of the situation as they anticipate the entry of Typhoon Chedeng into the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday, a Palace official has said. The NDRRMC and PAGASA will provide timely warnings, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday. The NDRRMC has already informed all the departments and agencies involved about the incoming storm, Lacierda said, adding that each agency already knows what to do. He noted that preparations are underway on the part of concerned local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which is responsible for the prepositioning of relief goods. "Lahat po ‘yan ay hinahanda naman," Lacierda said. The Palace official assured the public that government response to the storm has begun with the scientific monitoring of the typhoon's path. “Napatunayan naman ng PAGASA na maganda ang kanilang batting average sa pag-forecast ng typhoon path. So we will be able to anticipate and prepare for the incoming storm,” he said. According to PAGASA, Typhoon Chedeng is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday. ‘Chedeng’ was spotted on Monday 2,240 kilometers (km) east of Mindanao and was packing maximum sustained winds of 140 km per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 170 kph. The typhoon was moving west at 23 kph. The effects of the typhoon will not be immediately felt once it enters the PAR, PAGASA said, adding that rains may be felt in parts of Luzon and Visayas starting next week. PND (as)

TOP

Palace: National Peace Council is independent

Malacañang on Tuesday guaranteed the independence of the National Peace Council formed by President Benigno S. Aquino III to discuss the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the daily press briefing that the council members are “chosen men and women of integrity and independence” who can look at the draft BBL with “fresh eyes” because they were never part of the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the crafting of the proposed law. “Having no active involvement in the negotiations, other than a genuine interest in the peace process — as all of us have a genuine interest in the peace process — they were chosen to guide deliberations on the peace summit,” Lacierda explained. President Aquino announced the creation of the National Peace Council during a speech on March 27, the first anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The President invited Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, businessman Jaime Zobel de Ayala, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, former Ambassador to the Holy See and Malta Howard Dee, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, founder of the non-profit organization Teach Peace, Build Peace Movement, to gather other responsible and respected leaders to spearhead a National Peace Summit. Lacierda further said that the administration did not impose anything on the leaders tapped to head the council. "We have not imposed anything on them but they are mindful of the importance of the peace process, as manifested by this particular bill that is before Congress now. How they will look at it, how they will decide on it, how they will deliberate or discourse upon the Bangsamoro Basic Law is entirely their own,” he added. “For those who fear that they are not independent, we can categorically assure you that this National Peace Summit is a conclave of men and women who genuinely seek peace and would like the peace process to push forward. How they look at the Bangsamoro Basic Law, we would leave it to their own independent observations,” Lacierda said. PND (jm)

TOP

31 MARCH 2015 Ombudsman sues Northern Samar ex-mayor Four sections of EDSA due for repair this Holy Week Philippines' International Investment Position as of end-December 2014 improves: Registers lower Net Liability Position Quarter-on-Quarter Domestic Liquidity growth rises in February DSWD sends more aid for armed conflict evacuees Top 200 qualifiers for the 2015-2016 EDSP and 44 qualifiers for the 2015 CMWSP Roxas ensures 'safe, secure, and solemn' Semana Santa NAPOLCOM approves specifications for hi-tech PNP gadgets PHL Embassy on Wheels provides 1,301 Consular Services in Al Khobar Filipinos urged to contact Embassy team in Sanaa for repatriation now LTO releases list of dealers' transactions in NCR UPLB study identifies corn varieties resistant to Fusarium ear rot Pag-IBIG opens branch at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila Let's all have an enjoyable and healthy summer - DOH Filipino nurses increase passing rate in nursing exam JPEPA to 8.8% In Region 12, DOLE’s “Its More Than Jobs” radio program hits the airwaves Forum on PPP financing options set next month Ombudsman sues Northern Samar ex-mayor Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph Former Mayor Rogelio Tan of Pambujan, Northern Samar is facing two counts of violation of Section 7(a) of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. No. 6713) for authorizing and facilitating transactions with a business enterprise which he owns. Records show that in October 2007, Tan allowed the procurement of various snacks amounting to P7,315.20 from Siertan Agrivet Supply during the celebration of his 100 days LGU’s Report and in April 2009, he also allowed his business establishment to supply several kilos of dressed chicken, spaghetti sauce and hotdog amounting to P12,404.00. The Resolution stated that “the minimal amounts involved and respondent’s claim that sometimes he would spend his own money for the municipality’s expenses is of no consequence.” Section 89 of the Local Government Code expressly provides that it shall be unlawful for any local government official or employee, directly or indirectly, to engage in any business transaction with the local government unit in which he is an official or employee or over which he has the power of supervision and whereby money is to be paid out of the resources of the local government unit concerned. On the other hand, the charges against Tan, Bids and Awards Committee members Algy Amadeo Sosing, Amancio Acedera, Jr., Fernando Socorro, Zosimo Siervo, Eva Bacarra, and suppliers Soledad Tan and Generoso Rojo for violation of the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act were dismissed for lack of probable cause. |TOP| Four sections of EDSA due for repair this Holy Week Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph Taking advantage of the Lenten break, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will resume road repairs of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) effective 12 midnight of April 2, Thursday until 12 noon of April 5, Sunday. DPWH was given the go signal by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), to work on four (4) sections of EDSA in Makati ang Mandaluyong City. Portions of EDSA that will undergo repair include two sections on the area of Makati City, from Loyola Memorial Chapel to before Kalayaan Ave. (4th and 5th lane, South bound); and from Buendia to Escuela St. (4th and 5th lane, North bound) and two other sections on the area of Mandaluyong City, from from Guadalupe Bridge to Temple Drive (North bound); and from Connecticut to Guadalupe Bridge (South bound). Simultaneously, DPWH was allowed by the MMDA to undertake road repair along Mindanao Avenue from Road 8 to North Ave. (1st lane, South bound); and along E. Rodriguez Avenue from Poseidon St. to Greenmeadows Ave. (2nd lane from sidewalk, South bound) in Quezon City, and along C-5 Road from Pasig Blvd. to Bagong-Ilog Service Road (South bound) and from Valle Verde Resins Inc. to SM Warehouse (2nd outermost lane, North bound) in Pasig City. |TOP| Philippines' International Investment Position as of end-December 2014 improves: Registers lower Net Liability Position Quarter-on-Quarter Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The country’s preliminary end-December 2014 International Investment Position (IIP), based on the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual, 6th edition (BPM6) improved from its end-September 2014 position. The net liability position decreased by US$4.7 billion to US$40.7 billion from the US$45.4 billion recorded as of the end of the previous quarter. This developed as the rise in total external financial assets (US$7.1 billion) exceeded the increase in total external financial liabilities (US$2.4 billion). Total outstanding external financial assets reached US$148.5 billion as of end-December 2014, while total outstanding external financial liabilities amounted to US$189.2 billion. The increase in total external assets was due mainly to the outflows in the other investments (particularly residents’ currency and deposits abroad), as well as increases in residents’ investments in external equity capital and debt securities. As global growth prospects remain solid, particularly in the US, China, and India, residents have explored investment opportunities abroad. Meanwhile, the increase in total external liabilities was mainly on account of residents’ borrowings from abroad (other investment account) coupled with the increase in non-residents’ equity capital investments (foreign direct investment). Across sectors, only the BSP maintained a net external asset position as of end-December 2014 while the rest of the sectors—Banks (or Deposit-taking Corporations except the Central Bank), General Government and Other Sectors—posted net external liability positions, albeit lower than their net liability positions as of end-September 2014. The BSP continued to hold the largest share of residents’ total claims on the rest of the world, amounting to US$80.1 billion (53.9 percent) as of end-December 2014, albeit lower than the US$80 billion holdings as of end-September 2014. The Other Sectors accounted for 30.3 percent or US$45 billion of total outstanding financial assets while banks held the remaining US$23.4 billion (15.8 percent). More than half (53.5 percent) of residents’ total holdings of external assets as of end-December 2014 were reserve assets held by the BSP, amounting to US$79.5 billion. Investments in debt instruments or intercompany lending accounted for 13.6 percent of total external financial assets, equity capital (10.5 percent), residents’ deposits abroad (10 percent), and debt securities (6.7 percent). The Other Sectors continued to hold the majority of residents’ total liabilities to non-residents, with 63.6 percent share as of end-December 2014. The sector’s outstanding liabilities increased by US$0.3 billion (by 0.3 percent) to US$120.4 billion as of end-December 2014 compared with end-September 2014. These were largely in the form of equity securities (34.5 percent), equity capital (34.3 percent), debt instruments (11.3 percent), and currency and deposits (11.1 percent). The General Government’s outstanding external liabilities accounted for 19.4 percent of total external liabilities to non-residents while banks held 16.2 percent of the total. Outstanding financial liabilities of the domestic economy to the rest of the world consisted largely of non-residents’ holdings of equity securities (US$51.2 billion), equity capital (US$43.5 billion), and foreign loans (US$42.5 billion) equivalent to 27.1 percent, 23 percent and 22.4 percent respectively. Debt securities, mostly NG issuances, comprised 16 percent (US$30.4 billion) of these foreign obligations. On a year-on-year basis, however, the country’s net liability position was higher by US$4.7 billion compared with the end-December 2013 net liability position of US$36 billion. This transpired as the full-year 2014 net acquisition of financial assets by residents of US$7.2 billion (balance of the financial account, including reserve assets) was more than offset by revaluation adjustments, particularly on equity securities investments by non-residents. The IIP is a companion framework to the Balance of Payments (BOP) statistics. While the BOP is a statistical statement that records the country’s transactions or flows with the rest of the world for a given period, the IIP summarizes the country’s stock of financial claims on and financial liabilities to the rest of the world as of a specific reporting period. Similar to the BOP’s financial account, the assets and liabilities in the IIP are classified as direct investments, portfolio investments, financial derivatives, and other investments. The BSP has started releasing quarterly IIP statistics in 2014 in compliance with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) recommendation of enhancing the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) to improve the availability and timeliness of compiling and disseminating IIP data. |TOP| Domestic Liquidity growth rises in February Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Preliminary data show that domestic liquidity (M3) grew by 8.5 percent year-on-year in February to reach P7.5 trillion. This was faster than the 7.7-percent expansion recorded in January. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 increased by 1.4 percent. Money supply continued to increase due largely to sustained demand for credit. Domestic claims grew by 10.0 percent in February from 10.8 percent in January as credits to the private sector expanded at a broadly similar pace relative to the previous month. The bulk of bank loans during the month was channeled to key production sectors such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, real estate, renting, and business services, utilities, and financial intermediation. Meanwhile, net public sector credit contracted by 4.5 percent in February after declining by 2.2 percent a month earlier, as the deposits of the National Government (NG) continued to increase due mainly to revenue collections of various agencies. Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose at a faster pace of 7.3 percent in February from 5.6 percent in the previous month. The NFA of banks increased as banks’ foreign assets expanded, while their foreign liabilities contracted. Banks’ foreign assets increased due mainly to the growth in their foreign loans and receivables, investments in marketable debt securities, and deposits with other banks, while banks’ foreign liabilities decreased on account of lower placements made by foreign banks with their local branches. Meanwhile, the BSP’s NFA position contracted at a slower pace in February, reflecting the weaker appreciation of the peso relative to the previous month. Domestic liquidity has continued to grow at a moderate pace during the month due in part to the increase in placements of trust entities in the BSP’s special deposit account (SDA) facility relative to a year ago. The M3 growth in February 2015 also reflects statistical base effects associated with the significant increase in domestic liquidity a year ago of 36.6 percent, following the operational adjustments involving access of trust entities to the BSP SDA facility, which were completed in November 2013. Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor monetary conditions and remain prepared to take appropriate measures if necessary to ensure that domestic liquidity stays adequate to support a non-inflationary growth trajectory. |TOP| DSWD sends more aid for armed conflict evacuees Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph To securely address the needs of displaced families brought about by the ongoing armed conflict in Mindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continues to send additional food and non-food relief supplies in the affected areas. As of today, the DSWD provided P24.76 million worth of assistance in the 13 towns of Maguindanao; in Pikit and Matalam, North Cotabato; and in Bitaugan, Surigao del Sur where a clash between the military and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) occurred on February 27. The DSWD has also now included Brgy. Estado, Matalam, North Cotabato and Monkayo, Compostela Valley as among the areas it continues to assist after armed conflicts ensued there on March 20 and March 24, respectively. The DSWD released the relief supplies either through the DSWD-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) or through concerned local government units (LGUs), as well as through the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)-Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). As of press time, a total of 27,178 families or 132,870 persons have been affected by the incident. Of this number, 20,078 families or 100,390 persons are inside 78 evacuation centers. The evacuation centers in Pikit have already closed, but 1,629 families or 8,145 persons who opted to stay with their relatives continue to receive relief assistance. The Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams in the affected towns remain in close coordination with the LGUs for further assessment of the needs of the evacuees. While at the evacuation centers, evacuees are given psycho-social counseling and children-evacuees undergo play therapy sessions to lessen their trauma. Continuing aid for families of SAF 44 Meanwhile, the Department is continuously providing aid to the families of the 44 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos who were slain in the Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash on January 25. To date, a total of P1,226,440 worth of food packs, burial assistance, educational assistance, and medical assistance have been provided to the families through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). Concerned DSWD-Field Offices are currently expediting the assessment and processing of the livelihood and employment assistance to the qualified family members of the Fallen 44. DSWD offers them livelihood support suited to their skills. The DSWD also received the initial batch of nine proposals for livelihood assistance submitted by the families of the SAF 44 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); the Department is set to submit these to the Presidential Management Staff of the Office of the President. DSWD also provided P205,000 worth of burial and medical assistance to the civilians affected during the Mamasapano clash. On the other hand, DSWD continues to receive donations as an aid to the families of the slain PNP-SAF commandos. As of March 27, the Department has already received a total of P912,289.06. The daily updates on donations transactions can be accessed through the DSWD website www.dswd.gov.ph. |TOP| Top 200 qualifiers for the 2015-2016 EDSP and 44 qualifiers for the 2015 CMWSP Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph/ on of OFW from Iloilo Tops this Year OWWA EDSP RAMON ASPERA GALVAN lll of the Hua Siong College (Ledesco Campus), Region 6, Iloilo City, ranks number 1 in the roster of qualifiers for OWWA’s Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) Exam for school year 2015-2016. Over-all, NCR ranked number 1 with 40 top qualifiers, followed by 35 from Region lV-A. The regional distribution for the rest were Middle East, 20; Region lll, 17; Region Vl, 16; Region Vll, 14; Region Xl, 11; CAR, 10; Region V, 9; Region l, 6; Region X, 5; Region Vlll, 4; Region ll, 4; Region Xll, 3; Region lX, 3; Caraga, 2; and Region lV-B, 1. In her report to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Chairman of the OWWA Board of Trustees, OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado said that the top 200 examinees for the qualifying examinations that was administered by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute DOST-SEI last 21 September 2014 will be accepted under OWWA’s Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). There were 4,734 dependents of active member-OFWs who took the examinations, including the 346 dependents of member-OFWs in the Middle East. The examinations were conducted simultaneously in DOST-designated centers in Manila and in the provinces. In the Middle East, children of OWWA members took examinations in Jeddah, Riyadh, Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia; and in Manama, Bahrain. The number of awardees under the EDSP was increased to 200 slots starting last year to give opportunities to deserving dependents of OWWA members to continue their studies through the scholarship programs offered by OWWA. According to Administrator Calzado, scholars under EDSP are provided with a maximum education assistance of Php60,000.00 per school year, for bachelor degree courses in any college or university of their choice. Notable past OWWA scholars include Ivy Caldazo, topnotcher in the 2014 Geodetic Engineering Exam and OWWA scholar- graduate-cum-West Point student Stanley Dalisay; among others. “We, at OWWA, are pleased every time that we hear about the achievements of our scholars considering the fact that one or both of their parents are not around to guide them in their studies. Be that as it may, they are able to draw inspiration and strength from the situation. This positive attitude and strong character made them more mature and responsible to do their best and make their parents proud of them, which made them truly laudable,” the OWWA Chief said. The Top Ten EDSP Scholars for 2015 are: RAMON ASPERA GALVAN lll, Hua Siong College of Iloilo, Region 6; NATHANIEL ADRIAND CARPIO DE OCAMPO, Quezon City Science High School, NCR; JAMES QUIN BATERNA MARANAN, Philippine Science High School, Quezon City, NCR; AZEL BALBON AMADA, Silliman University High School, Dumaguete City,Negros Oriental, Region 7; BHEE-JAY LADERAS ROBLES, Holy Spirit Academy of Malolos, Bulacan, Region 3; LANCE ARCILLA HERNANDEZ, International Philippine School in Al Khobar, Al Khobar, KSA; ENGELICA VALLE PEREZ, First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, Batangas, Region 4-A; RAY CHRISTOPHER MACARINE PASCUAL, Holy Cross of Sasa, Inc., Davao City, Region 11; ANGELA MARIE MAÑALAC, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Laguna, Region 4-A; and JAN REGGIE TOREMOTHA, Valenzuela City School of Mathematics and Sciences, Valenzuela City, NCR. Aside from EDSP, OWWA offers other scholarship and training grants to dependents of active OWWA members such as the Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP), OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), Skills-for-Employment Scholarship-Program (SESP), Skills Upgrading Program for Seafarers (SUP), and Information Technology Program. HS STUDENT FROM CAR TOPS the OWWA 2015 CMWSP ANEW AIAN CHESTER CONCORDIA TUNGPALAN, student of Saint Joseph High School, Flora Apayao, Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), is this year’s topnotcher in the 2015 Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) exam given in September 2014. The CMWSP is a 4-5 year scholarship program established under Republic Act 8042 which grants educational financial assistance to deserving migrant workers and/or their dependents, who intend to pursue courses in the field of science and technology identified by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI). Scholars under the program receive assistance of P60,000.00 per school year. 352 examinees took the 2015 CMWSP. 44 qualified for this year’s scholarship grant managed by OWWA with funds coming from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The Top 10 CMWSP Qualifiers are: AIAN CHESTER CONCORDIA TUNGPALAN, Saint Joseph High School, Apayao, CAR; AILYN BOGEN SALUNGASING, Baguio City National High School, Baguio City, CAR; SALAHUDIN ABOLAIS DATU-DACULA; Ranao Council Al-Khwarizmi International College-Science Laboratory School, Marawi City, ARMM; XAVIER LEMMVELLE CASTRO ROMANO, University of St. Louis, Tuguegarao City, Region 2; JAYHART V. RAMIREZ, Ifugao State University, Ifugao, CAR; FRANCIS DIWA CORDOVA, Saint Tonis College, Inc., Tabuk City, Kalinga, CAR; ROBINSON MOHAMAD ESTEPA, Cotabato City State Polytechnic College-Laboratory School, Cotabato City, ARMM; JERICK BANTAYAN AYADI, Sta. Cruz Pingkian High School, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, Region 2; FEBBY ANNE TAQUIQUI ABUZO, St. University Philippines, Tuguegarao City, Region 2; and MARK JAYSON MOLINA AGUDA, Flora National High School , Flora Apayao, CAR. Aside from CMWSP, OWWA also offers scholarship/educational assistance to dependents of active OWWA members that include OFW Dependents Scholarship Program (ODSP), Education Development Scholarship Program (EDSP), Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), among others. Interested OWWA members may get in touch with the OWWA Regional Office nearest their residence. |TOP| Roxas ensures 'safe, secure, and solemn' Semana Santa Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGUs) will employ the "whole of government approach" in ensuring a "safe, secure, and solemn" observance of the Holy Week. "We need a whole of government approach to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens," Roxas said. Under the PNP's OPLAN Ligtas-SUMVAC 2015, police personnel will be deployed to various areas where many people will converge during the Holy Week such as bus terminals, airports, seaports, places of worship, and even tourist attractions. This entails close coordination with various LGUs of cities, municipalities, and provinces with the said features. "Hinihingi namin ang kooperasyon ng mga LGU sa paglulunsad ng OPLAN na ito," Roxas said. OPLAN Ligtas-SUMVAC, like Lambat-Sibat, draws from a deliberate, programmatic, and sustained approach that aims to provide citizens with reliable services this Holy Week. More than 63,000 PNP personnel from all over the country have already been mobilized in accordance with the plan, deployed in more than 16,000 places of convergence. The DILG, for its part, has initiated efforts with its partner agencies to make sure that provisions such as medical services, traffic control, and logistical assistance will be made available to the public, especially those who will be traveling long distances. Roxas has previously enjoined local chief executives to convene the Local Peace and Order Councils (LPOCs) to prepare for the expected heavy movement of people, and provide sufficient transportation and emergency services. More than 88,000 force multipliers such as the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) have been tapped to assist the public and help the police keep local and national roads crime-free. |TOP| NAPOLCOM approves specifications for hi-tech PNP gadgets Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved the standard specifications for highly advanced forensic and communication devices for the modernization program of the Philippine National Police (PNP). NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the Commission issued six (6) separate resolutions prescribing the minimum standard specifications for forensic comparison microscope, compact digital camera, personal computer, laptop/notebook computer, tablet computer and pocket wifi long term evolution. “The approval of the standard specifications of these modern forensic and communication devices is attuned to the fast developing technology in crime investigation and information system,” Escueta said. Escueta stressed that the approved standard specifications for such gadgets are not tailored fit for any particular brand in the market as certified by the PNP Uniform and Equipment Standardization Board (UESB). Republic Act No 6975 (PNP Law), as amended by R.A. 8551 (PNP Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998), empowers the NAPOLCOM to approve and modify plan and programs on education and training, logistical requirements, communications, records, information system, crime laboratory, crime prevention and crime reporting as well as prescribe minimum standards for arms, equipment and uniforms and, after consultation with the Philippine Heraldry Commission, for insignia of ranks, awards and medal of honor. |TOP| PHL Embassy on Wheels provides 1,301 Consular Services in Al Khobar Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 31 March 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh recently visited Al Khobar for its 11th Embassy on Wheels (EOW) consular outreach mission this year. The mission provided a total of 1,299 consular services to the Filipinos in the Eastern Province from March 27 to 28 at the Al Jazeera International School Dammam. The five-member Embassy team led by Vice Consul Maria Angelica C. Genotiva processed 388 passport renewals, 34 passport extensions, 350 notarials/authentication, 21 reports of birth, and extended 2 travel documents. The team also released 506 new e-Passports. The team was augmented by volunteers from the Filipino community in the Eastern province. Three members of the Embassy also provided overseas voters registration services during the consular outreach. They provided a total of 332 services—registered 292 new voters, certified 39 and reactivated one voter registration. As part of the Embassy’s program to improve customer service, the outreach mission also distributed client feedback forms to 300 clients, of which 134 responded as follows: |TOP| Filipinos urged to contact Embassy team in Sanaa for repatriation now Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 30 March 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh strongly reiterates the Philippine Government’s repeated advisories for Filipinos in Yemen to leave the country. Filipinos are advised contact the Embassy team currently in Sana’a at 730187540, 737426292, 730194165 and 733844958 for assistance for repatriation. The Embassy notes that all commercial flights have been suspended, and the only means of travel is through government-assisted repatriation that must be arranged in advance. There will only be limited opportunities for repatriation. The Embassy strongly urges all Filipinos to decide and act immediately, and to bring their original passport to the Embassy team which can be contacted at the above numbers and at the Movenpick Hotel in Sana’a. The Embassy reported that some Filipinos had asserted that their employer guaranteed their repatriation in times of emergency or imminent danger. Those concerned should immediately ask their employer to implement their repatriation plans. Otherwise, they may get in touch with the Crisis Management Team currently deployed in Yemen for repatriation assistance. |TOP| LTO releases list of dealers' transactions in NCR Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/ Advises New Vehicle Owners to Seek Proof of Registration from Dealers The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) its list of dealerships, rebuilders, and importers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and their corresponding transactions with the LTO from January to March 27 this year, revealing that license plates for new motor vehicles became available upon issuance of registration documents as early as February 13th. “We are opening this list to the public in order to help new vehicle owners identify where their plates may be. According to the LTO, all license plates for new vehicles whose original registrations were applied for at the NCR Regional Office have been released to the dealers as of March 19,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. The list covers four-wheeled vehicles only. It indicates the license plates’ series – or the 3 letters forming their alphanumeric combination – to also help indicate to the new motor vehicle owners when their plates were claimed by their dealers from the LTO. LTO Reminders to New Motor Vehicle Owners “We advise new motor vehicle owners who have yet to receive their license plates to ask their dealers to furnish them with proof of registration application. We’ve received reports that some dealers have taken months to even start the application process, so this will help the public monitor whether they are getting the services they paid for,” said Assistant Secretary Alfonso Tan, Jr., chief of the LTO. For more assurance, they can even ask their dealers for copies of their: (1) Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR), (2) Sales Invoice, (3) Certificate of Insurance Cover, and (4) Philippine National Police Clearance, because these are the supporting documents needed to start the registration process. Without these supporting documents, the dealer could not have started the process yet. To calm concerns of the public that some traffic enforcers may abuse their authority by apprehending new motor vehicle owners who have begun the registration process but have not received their license plates through the fault of their dealers, the LTO also clarifies that only vehicles without valid license plates may be apprehended. “If you have valid license plates, whether the new black-and-white series or any of the older green-and-white designs, you will not be apprehended for possible violation of the No Registration-No Travel policy,” Tan explained. Contest Apprehension within 5 Days if Fault is Due to Dealer The applicable penalties for a violation of the No Registration-No Travel rule under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 include a P 10,000.00 fine for driving an unregistered vehicle, which is assessed against the vehicle owner, and a P 1,000.00 fine assessed against the driver. If the driver is able to present a Certificate of Registration (CR) and an Official Receipt (OR) of the vehicle to prove that it has been registered, the driver will be fined only P 5,000.00 for failure to attach plates. In these latter cases, however, for vehicle owners who believe that the fault is due to their dealers’ delay, the LTO advises them to contest the apprehension by filing a written protest within five (5) days from apprehension. This will allow the LTO to look into the potential fault of the dealer and take appropriate action, if warranted. The LTO may impose fines, or suspend or even revoke the accreditation of erring dealerships. Reminders for Those Within the 7-Day Registration Process For new motor vehicles that are within the allowed 7-day registration process, the driver must present the Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR), Sales Invoice dated within seven (7) days prior to the apprehension, and a Certificate of Insurance Cover dated on or after the date of Sales Invoice. If such documents are presented, no penalties will be meted out. However, should the date of the Sales Invoice exceed thirty-seven (37) days on the date of apprehension, the motor vehicle will be impounded by the LTO. Since the LTO implemented Administrative Order (AO) No. AVT-2014-24 in February 2014, the new one-stop registration process has eliminated unnecessary delays and cut down processing time down to seven (7) days, from the previous three to four (3-4) weeks. |TOP| UPLB study identifies corn varieties resistant to Fusarium ear rot Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Twelve corn varieties and inbred lines [BP1] showing resistance to ear rot caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium have been identified from the screening of 43 white corn lines/populations and Lagkitan in a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).Among these lines or genotypes, three exhibited potentially most resistant, which will be subject to further confirmatory tests. These potential lines can be used as donor in developing resistant varieties of white corn, according to the DA Biotechnology Program, which provided funds for the research. Fusarium ear rot is a common corn disease that is more widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. Data from the UPLB-Institute of Plant Breeding indicate that during the 2007 wet season, 35% of ears harvested was infected with the pathogen and the degree of infection ranged from 5-60%. Efficient breeding strategies for disease-resistant white corn varieties are viewed to be beneficial to local corn industry since corn is the second most important crop in the Philippines. It is estimated that 14 million Filipinos prefer white corn as their main staple. Using biotechnology, the study also resulted in the development and validation of a reliable detection method. Using this method, the researchers have confirmed what has long been suspected that there is a widespread occurrence of the ear rot pathogen in corn growing regions in the Philippines. The study utilized samples from all over the country collected in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture regional field office, local government units, and state universities and colleges. The result of a two-year study by a UPLB research team led by Dr. Cecilia Pascual and Dr. Eureka Teresa Ocampo were reported in the paper “Fusarium ear rot of maize: Fumonisin-producing Fusarium species and host resistance” that presented during the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Phytopathological Society of Japan. Their findings are hoped to contribute to existing efforts to develop resistant corn varieties, implement more active efforts for detection and develop effective control mechanisms for the disease. The widespread occurrence fusarium ear rot in different regions in the country cause concern, especially in cases when infection of corn from the pathogen is symptomless or not readily apparent. These infected corn may still enter the food chain and affect consumers and livestock. Some species of the pathogen produce fumonisin, a family of mycotoxins, which can cause serious animal and human diseases, including esophageal cancer and neural tube birth defects in humans and lethal horse disease and porcine pulmonary edema in animals. The most predominant fumonisin-producing Fusarium species causing Fusarium ear rot in the Philippines is F. verticillioides. Two other species, F. proliferatum and F. graminearum, were also present in specific areas but in less than 1% of the total isolate collection. Fusarium isolated from the collected samples underwent morphological (form and structure) characterization as well as DNA analysis using biotechnology tools such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). PCR is a laboratory tool commonly used to detect the presence of specific microorganisms through DNA analysis while ELISA specifically detects proteins such as the Fusarium mycotoxins. Preliminary results of the study based on the physical traits and genetic diversity of the ear rot pathogen suggest that it is highly diverse and able to adapt under local conditions, suggesting a high possibility of the rapid evolution of resistance against the current control measures such as application of fungicides. Increased humidity, hot weather and drought conditions favor the proliferation of Fusarium. The DA Biotech Program supports research initiatives that utilize biotechnological tools and generate beneficial technologies and novel information to help enhance genetic improvement of agricultural commodities and their production. (DA-BPO) |TOP| Let's all have an enjoyable and healthy summer - DOH Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph The Department of Health (DOH) today advised the public to be mindful of their health during the summer season’s flurry of activities, starting with the Holy Week observance, followed by outings, fiestas, and the like. “This year, the Holy Week signals the start of summer vacation activities, thus, we are urging the public to keep themselves healthy and fit in the midst of their busyness,” Health Secretary Janette Loreto-Garin said. Garin revealed that there are six common summer diseases or conditions (6S) that can adversely affect one’s health. These are Sore eyes, Sunburn, Sipon at ubo, Suka at tae, Sakitsabalat and Sakmalngaso. Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness. More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria or viruses that easily spread to other people. Hand washing can limit its spread. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor. Sunburn can be prevented if you hold your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10am-2pm. Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill-effects of too much sun exposure. Use sunscreen appropriately, like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet. Heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. This can be avoided by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. Holy Week penitents can also benefit from these tips. Sipon at uboeasily spreads even during the summer months, as erratic weather bring sudden downpours from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June. Suka at taefollows the consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Be cautious of street foods and also those prepared for out-of-town trips. Remember that food spoils easily during the hot summer months. Always have oral rehydration salt solution ready in case one suffers diarrhea. Seek early consultation to prevent severe dehydration. Sakitsabalatis another common summer disease in areas where water becomes scarce and that daily bathing is compromised. Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion. Also, skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. Remember to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and please do not urinate in the pool. However, the real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach. Sakma lng asocan lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies. If you sustain dog bites, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately. Summer is also a time for vacation and travel. The health chief also reminded the public to follow simple road safety tips like do not call or text while driving, do not drink alcoholic beverages if you will drive, do not drive if you are sleepy, always wear seatbelt, and always follow traffic rules especially speed limits. For those riding motorcycles or bicycles, always wear your helmet. “Remember to keep yourself healthy and safe. Let us all have an enjoyable, disease-free, and injury-free summer. May papel tayong pangalagaan ang ating kalusugan” Garin concluded. |TOP| Filipino nurses increase passing rate in nursing exam JPEPA to 8.8% Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said Japan’s National Examination for its Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) nursing candidates continues to be one of the most difficult in the world, but Filipino nurses are increasingly making headway. “The average rate of passers vis-à-vis the number of examinees over the first batch is higher for the Philippines at 8.8 percent compared to Indonesia at 6.3 percent,” Baldoz said after she received an update from Labor Attaché to Tokyo Luz Talento. Talento’s source of data was a press release of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. She reported to Baldoz that for the seventh batch of the examination, 5.6 of takers from the Philippines passed, but no Indonesian made it. In the category of examinees who came to Japan just for the purpose of taking the examination and returned to their country after, the Philippines has the highest passing rate at 33 percent or one passer out of three examinees, according to Labor Attache Talento. A total of 55 Filipino nurses have passed the examination from 2010 to 2014. Filipino nurses since 2009 have been taking Japanese licensure examinations in nursing and caregiving under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, or JPEPA. Under the JPEPA, candidates are given a maximum of three opportunities to take the national nursing examination, called Kangoshi, to be able to qualify as nurse in Japan. |TOP| In Region 12, DOLE’s “Its More Than Jobs” radio program hits the airwaves Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz had lauded the DOLE Regional Office No. 12 for going on air through its radio program, “DOLE: It’s More Than Jobs”, saying this will enable more people in the region to know more about the DOLE and its programs and services. “Radio is still the most extensive and the most inexpensive media tool,” said Baldoz. “And I commend Regional Director Domingo for using this tool as a means to reach out to our people,” she added. Domingo said the program has been airing for over a month now over DXKR-RMN 639-Koronadal. “This is a free radio program slot and we grabbed the opportunity offered by Radio Mindanao Network to reach and inform more clients about programs and services of the DOLE,” she said, expressing profuse thanks to RMN management. She said that other than the DOLE proper, member agencies of the DOLE XII Regional Coordinating Committee (RCC), which include TESDA, NCMB, NLRC, OWWA, POEA, NRCO, RTWPB, ECC, OSH, and the local governments’ network of Public Employment Service Offices will also go on-board the radio program to advocate their own programs and services. DXKR Radio Mo Nationwide (RMN) Koronadal 639 AM, with a 1000 KW transmitter, can reach South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. |TOP| Forum on PPP financing options set next month Source: http://ppp.gov.ph The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines is inviting international and local investors, banks and financing institutions to join the Invest PPPs @PH: Bridging The Financial Gap, Exploring Partnerships next month. The PPP forum is set on April 24, 2015, Friday at Rigodon Ballroom, The Peninsula Manila, Makati City. Registration for the forum will start at 8:30 in the morning. The Center partnered with private companies, namely: BPI Capital Corporation, Macquarie Capital, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Sun Life Financial for the “by invitation only” event. The forum is divided into 4 sessions. It will be kicked-off with the session on The Philippine Bond Market – Exploring Issuance of Project Bonds for PPPs. BPI Capital Corporation President, Mr. Daniel Montecillo will be the main presenter. The next session is the Project Financing of PPPs – Challenges in Emerging Markets. Infrastructure, Utilities and Renewables Asia Executive Chairman, John Walker AM, will lead the discussion on this session. Mr. Montecillo and Mr. Walker will be supported by a Panel of Experts who will comment on their presentation. These experts will also provide their own insights on the topic. For the third session, the Head of Power and Infrastructure Advisory Investment Banking Asia of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Valery Tubbax, will lead the panel on the discussion of the importance of sovereign guarantees for PPPs. The last session will focus on creating a suitable environment for infrastructure investment to attract institutional investors to Philippine PPPs. The panel for this session will be led by the Marketing Director for Asia of Sun Life Investment Management, Mr. Michael G. Manuel. The event will culminate with a Meet and Match Session that will bring together banks, financing institutions, local and foreign investors. The Meet and Match Session will be open to all local and foreign investors. Participating banks and other financing institutions, both local and foreign, will set up their booths and any investor is free to drop in and meet with the banks between 3:00pm to 5:00pm. This is the first PPP forum organized by the government for this year. Last year, the PPP Center led by Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao conducted PPP fora in Europe, North America, Australia and Singapore together with other government agencies and private organizations. More than 200 participants are expected to attend the event next month. For more information on the event, please visit PPP Forum:  Financing Options for PPPs event page |TOP|

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Lenten Message Rizal Ceremonial Hall, Malacañang 30 March 2015 Tuwing Semana Santa, hinihimok tayong pagnilayan ang walang-hanggang pagmamahal ng Panginoon, ang pagmamahal na dumaig sa pang-aalipusta, nagwaksi ng tukso, at di-inalintana ang pagdurusa, upang isalba sa kasalanan ang sanlibutan. Isipin po ninyo: Sa kabila ng lubos na kapangyarihang iligtas ang sarili sa kapahamakan,pinili ni Hesukristong magpakumbaba bilang tao, at ialay ang sariling buhay. Pinasan niya ang matinding kalbaryo upang maging bukal ng kaligtasan, at ilapit tayo sa Kaharian ng Diyos-Ama. Ayon nga po sa Aklat ni San Juan, Kapitulo 3, Bersikulo 16: “Gayon na lamang ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa sanlibutan, kaya ibinigay niya ang Kanyang bugtong na Anak, upang ang sinumang sumasampalataya sa Kanya ay hindi mapahamak, kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.” Ito nga po ang nagsisilbi nating gabay sa pagtataguyod ng bansang nakatuon hindi lang sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino ngayon kundi maging ng mga susunod pang henerasyon. Tinatawag tayong gawin ang lahat ng ating makakaya, upang maipamana ang isang lipunan na inuuna ang interes ng nakakarami bago ang sarili. Gaya ng iniwang aral sa atin ni Santo Papa Francisco nang bumisita siya sa ating bansa, nakikita ang bakas ng presensya ng Panginoon sa pag-aalay ng habag at malasakit sa kapwa, lalo na sa mas nangangailangan. Makakaasa po kayo: Sa tuwid na daan, maigting nating sinusulong ang pagtatakwil sa anumang anyo ng katiwalian upang ihatid ang agarang benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ang hamon nga sa atin bilang mga tagasunod ni Hesukristo: Tumotoo tayo hindi lang sa salita, kung hindi sa gawa. Sa patuloy nating ambagan at pagkakaisa, sa gabay at pagmamahal ng Panginoon, tiyak na pagpapalain tayo ng kinabukasang tunay na makabuluhan sa bawat isa. Isang mapayapa at makabuluhang Mahal na Araw po sa ating lahat. [HOME]

Last Updated: 27 MARCH 2015
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Book of Condolences for the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Friday (March 27). (Photo by Presidential Photographers Division, Malacanang)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III calls on “independent convenors” to   lead a National Peace Summit in reviewing and objectively discuss the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during a national address at the  Kalayaan Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (March 27). The citizen leaders include Manila Archbishop Luis Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Howard Dee and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman. President Aquino’s televised speech marks the one year anniversary of the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (March 27). This year’s theme is “Gearing Up for ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Growth.” (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) officers, led by FFCCCII chairman emeritus Dr. Lucio Tan and outgoing president Dr. Alfonso Siy, for a snap shot during the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the federation at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (March 27, 2015). This year’s theme is “Gearing Up for ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Growth.” Also in photo is People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (March 27). This year’s theme is “Gearing Up for ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Growth.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) chairman emeritus Dr. Lucio Tan presents the Plaque of Recognition to outgoing FFCCCII president Dr. Alfonso Siy at the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (March 27). This year’s theme is “Gearing Up for ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Growth.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III is greets People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua upon arrival for the opening ceremony of the 30th Biennial Convention of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) at the SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on Friday (March 27). This year’s theme is “Gearing Up for ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Growth.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 26). The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Hyuk during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 26). The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. With the Korean Ambassador are Consul General and Deputy Chief of Mission, Lee Jaw Wan; Political Minister Counselor Kwon Won-jikofone; and Economic Minister Counselor Yang Dong Han. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes as he acknowledges Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete, troops the line during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the colors during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; and PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his views during the dialogue with the lower class cadets at the Administration Building of the Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite after the 36th Philippine National Police Academy Commencement Exercises on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech  during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are Philippine Public Safety College president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.); Vice President Jejomar Binay; Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II; and PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Simeon Aquino III delivers his speech during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises of the Lakandula Class of 2015 at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo is PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Simeon Aquino III presents the Presidential Kampilan Award to Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes as he acknowledges Police Cadet Dennis Mondroid Yuson, Jr. for topping the Lakandula Class of 2015 during the 36th Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Commencement Exercises at the PNPA Grandstand, Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Thursday (March 26). Also in photo are PNPA director P/CSupt. Armando Ramolete and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) president P/DDG Ricardo de Leon (Ret.). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with Coca-Cola Phils. Sustainability and Community Relations manager Gilda Custodio-Maquilan; president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo, TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza for a snap shot during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. Also in photo are STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza, TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Coca-Cola Phils. president and general manager Diego Eduardo Granizo. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the  theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. Also in photo are STAR TESDA – Coke beneficiary Lolita Mendoza and TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the welcome remarks and overview by TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020, Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing STAR Program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with TESDA Director General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Coke Store Training and Access to Resources (STAR) program for Women’s Month 2015 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (March 25). With the theme: “Juana, Ang Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga para sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw na ang Star!” the event is part of the global initiative of The Coca-Cola Company to economically empower five million women within its value chain by year 2020. Coca-Cola Philippines together with TESDA has been implementing the STAR program on a nationwide scale since 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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