24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 17 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., 17 March 2015 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 17 March 2015 | 
Satellite Image
|
Synopsis:
Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon. Meanwhile at 4:00 am today, the Tropical Storm "BAVI"(International Name) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was estimated based on all available data at 1,430 km East of Bicol Region (14.3˚N, 137.5˚E), with maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move West at 20 kph.
Forecast:
The entire archipelago will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over Eastern Luzon and coming from the east to northeast over the eastern section of Visayas and Mindanao. The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 01:00 PM yesterday ----- 30.6 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 05:00 AM yesterday ----- 21.4 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 05:00 AM yesterday ----- 21.4 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 05:00 AM yesterday --------- 80 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM yesterday --------- 49 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM yesterday --------- 49 %
High tide today: 07:13 PM ………... 0.97 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 03:31 AM ..………. -0.09 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 03:31 AM ..………. -0.09 meter
Sunrise today: 06:03 AM
Sunset today: 06:06 PM
Moonset today: 02:59 AM
Moonrise tomorrow: 03:55 PM
Illumination tomorrow: 11 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
As of 4:00 AM, TS #Bavi outside PAR was estimated at 1,430 km east of Bicol Region. http://t.co/BerzwWuBmU | via @PanahonTV
Weather satellite feed as of Mar 17, 2015 06:00 AM.http://t.co/dvNAzZNFEX | via @nababaha
March 17 , 2014 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Fair Weather in Lucena City
18 hrs
12 hrs
1. Call for Action: Campus Press Editors commit to act for climate
change
- March 16, 2015
TAGAYTAY
CITY, Cavite, March 16 (PIA) — Student editors from the different state
universities and colleges in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal
and Quezon) region have committed to serve as agents of the environment as
response to the call for action of climate change.
During the
the third day of the Campus Press Editors Summit held Friday, student
editors pledged to protect the environment and get involved in various
environmental efforts towards mitigating the effects of climate change.
They also
affirmed to associate with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as partners in promoting
climate change awareness and spearheading environmental activities in their
university and community.
Abbygail
Encarnacion, editor from the Cavite State University (CvSU) said that now is
the time for campus journalists to act upon the call for action of climate
change.
“May this
“Nagbago na Ako” advocacy statement should not just remain as a mere statement
but a calling statement to do something for the environment, for climate
change,” said Encarnacion.
Climate change - resilient campus editors
Selected
campus editors convened in this city from March 12-14 for the Regional Campus
Press Editors Summit organized by the PIA and DENR aimed to strengthen
partnerships among campus publications for climate change adaptation and
mitigation.
During the
three-day summit, campus editors were engaged in various discussions and forums
focused on climate change-related issues.
Said campus
editors summit is one of the series of activities set by PIA and DENR this year
in line with the National Advocacy Campaign on Climate Change, “Nagbabago na
ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago.” (PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931426471425/call-for-action-campus-press-editors-commit-to-act-for-climate-change#sthash.gfC5StUT.dpuf
2. DENR, PIA spearhead
Campus Editors Summit on Climate Change
- March
16, 2015
TAGAYTAY
CITY, Cavite, March 16 (PIA) — Selected editors from the different state
universities and colleges in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal
and Quezon) convened here for from March 12 to 14, for the 1st Regional Campus
Press Editors Summit.
Organized by
the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Calabarzon and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources - Regional Office 4A, the said Campus Press
Editors Summit aimed to strengthen partnerships among campus publications for
climate change adaptation and mitigation.
The summit
has also served as an avenue to discuss and develop strategies on climate
change issues that can be implemented at higher education institutions.
DENR-IVA
Regional Director Reynulfo A. Juan, in his message, cited the technical
responses of the government in mitigating the effects of climate change. He
also urged campus editors to use their knowledge and power as communicators to
spread climate change awareness in their university and community.
Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" B. Coloma
through PIA Deputy Director General Virgilio DC Galvez, meanwhile, expressed
his full support to the Campus Press Editors Summit.
In his
message, Sec. Coloma also urged campus press editors to write and share
environmental stories that could serve as a way in weakening public’s apathy on
climate change.
"With
your help, mas mapapahagi po ng pamahalaan ang kampanya sa pagpapalaganap ng
kaalaman tungkol sa kung paano natin matutugunan ang nagbabagong panahon,"
said Sec. Coloma.
Climate Change and Journalism
During the
three-day summit, campus editors were able to explore deeper understanding of
climate change, significant role of journalism and disaster risk reduction
through discussions and forums conveyed by prominent experts.
Among the
resource speakers invited were Pebbles Sanchez of the Climate Change
Commission; Angie Villapando from the Philippine Information Agency; Dr.
Flaviana Hilario from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical
Services Administration; Oscar Victor Lizardo of DOST-Project NOAH; Perlito
Angeles of the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR.
Among the
campus press editors invited, meanwhile, were from the Polytechnic University
of the Philippines-Maragondon, Cavite State University, Laguna State
Polytechnic University, Batangas State University, Lipa City Colleges, University
of Rizal System, Southern Luzon State University and Manuel S. Enverga
University Foundation in Candelaria, Quezon.
The Campus
Press Editors Summit is one of the series of activities set by PIA and DENR
this year in line with the National Advocacy Campaign on Climate Change,
“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago.” (PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931426467664/denr-pia-spearhead-campus-editors-summit-on-climate-change#sthash.jOu3N2Am.dpuf
BATANGAS
1.
SSS covers 167 informal sector groups in
South Luzon
- March 16, 2015
BATANGAS CITY, Mar. 16 (PIA) --The Social Security System
(SSS) has covered a total of 167 informal sector groups (ISGs) and
associations, representing about 17,895 members in South Luzon under the
agency's AlkanSSSya program as of year-end 2014.
“More agreements with local government units and ISGs are in development with the necessary infrastructures now being put in place. We expect to generate improved collections from the AlkanSSSya program while we extend it across every economically vulnerable sector of the society,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia Cruz said.
According to Cruz, the AlkanSSSya program, which enables informal sector workers to save part of their daily income for monthly contributions, has consistently complemented payments from self-employed and voluntary members (SE/VM) in the region, which climbed 14.9 percent from only P1.3 billion in 2013 to P1.4 billion in 2014.
Informal workers, who are covered as self-employed members, paid more than P20 million in contributions last year.
“SSS operations in South Luzon posted double-digit growth in contributions, of which a significant increase in SE/VM payments was observed. Total collections of SSS offices in the region reached P12.4 billion, 13.7 percent higher over 2013’s figure of P10.9 billion,” Cruz said.
SSS likewise registered a rise of 13.6 percent in collections from the employed sector amounting to P10.9 billion or 88 percent of the total.
In 2014, about 132,888 new members are accounted in South Luzon, consisting of 110,772 employees and househelpers, and 22,166 self-employed and voluntary members.
During the same period, three full-service branches were opened to provide more service points to members particularly those residing in Dasmarinas, Cavite; Lemery, Batangas; and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
To date, there are 20 SSS branches, 12 service offices, and 7 representative offices in the region, which are accessible to its now more than 2.3 million members.
As of December last year, SSS has 60 offices in the National Capital Region, 118 in Luzon, 41 in Visayas, and 43 in Mindanao.
Meanwhile, SSS has also announced a modest growth of 5.5 percent in total benefit payments from South Luzon last year, amounting to more than P8.9 billion from P8.5 billion in 2013.
Cruz said more than 80 percent of payments released by SSS in the region went to regular pensions at P7.8 billion.
SSS also paid P27.9 million in lumpsum and initial payments for retirement, P383.5 million for funeral grants, P362 million for maternity, P223.3 million for death, P60.7 million for sickness and medical claims, and P52.3 million for disability. (Haidee G. Consignado
Social Security System, Luzon South Division/PIA-4A)
- See more
at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631426473791/sss-covers-167-informal-sector-groups-in-south-luzon#sthash.L1uC3pyR.dpuf
2. SSS Opens 3rd Branch in Batangas
- March 16, 2015
BATANGAS CITY,
March 16 (PIA) --The Social Security System opened its third branch in Lemery,
Batangas on March 12, 2015 to serve its 25,000 members from 13 municipalities
in the area.
To date, SSS has three branch offices in the province, namely: Batangas City, Lipa City and Lemery. It also has a service office in Balayan.
“We are continuously opening new offices to reach out to our members. By making our services accessible, we hope to encourage membership among workers especially those in the informal sector,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia S. Cruz said.
Located at the ground floor of Xentro Mall along Ilustre Avenue, SSS-Lemery will serve 2,295 employers, 9,313 employees, and 15,640 self-employed/voluntary members. It has 11 personnel led by Branch Head Jessica M. Agbay.
The newest SSS branch in Lemery will cover the following municipalities: Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, San Luis, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy.
The new office is a full-service branch which offers the issuance of SSS number; accepts and processes applications on benefit claims such as sickness, maternity, disability, funeral and death applications as well as UMID Data capture section. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Lemery is a first class municipality considered as the center of medical health in Batangas province with seven hospitals serving patients from nearby municipalities.
The SSS will continue to open additional branches this year with five new branches and five service offices in the pipeline this year. As of December 2014, SSS has 262 offices across the Philippines located in NCR (60); Luzon (118); Visayas (41), and Mindanao (43). (Haidee G. Consignado, SSS - Luzon South Division/PIA-4A)
-
See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681426145637/sss-opens-3rd-branch-in-batangas#sthash.nstKvofH.dpuf
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| |||
 | Palace calls on public to conserve energy to counter looming power shortage | ||
| Government, Moro Islamic Liberation Front remain committed to peace, says Palace official | ||
| Palace calls on public to conserve energy to counter looming power shortage | |
| The government will continue to push for the adoption of an aggressive energy conservation measure as well as cooperate with the private sector to address the possible shortage of energy supply in Luzon this summer. The government will implement these measures as it closely works with Congress in threshing out issues regarding the enactment of a Joint Resolution to address the possible power supply shortage, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Monday. Secretary Coloma noted that while the government calls for public cooperation to conserve energy, it will also continue to support private companies that plan to use their own generators as an alternative power source, under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Interruptible Load Program (ILP). "According to (Energy) Secretary (Carlos Jericho) Petilla, the DOE continues to monitor closely the supply situation, in view of the start of the annual maintenance of the Malampaya power plant," Coloma told reporters. "It is hoped that with the adoption of these contingency measures, and with full public support, the possibility of rotating two-hour brownouts in Luzon, projected as the worst-case scenario, may be minimized," he added. The Palace has been asking Congress to give the President special authority that would allow him to carry out measures aimed at averting the looming power outages that could affect the economy. PND (as) | |
| Government, Moro Islamic Liberation Front remain committed to peace, says Palace official | |
| The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remain committed to the peace process and will continue to work to strengthen mutual trust, a Palace official has said. "What we know is that both sides continue to work on confidence-building measures and on seeing to it that an acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may be enacted by Congress within the time frame set by the leadership of both houses," Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Monday. "The government remains firmly committed to establishing enduring peace, which is built on a foundation of mutual trust," he added. According to news reports, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad recently said that trust between the government and the MILF has been affected by the deadly Mamasapano incident last January. Murad also said that the President's political capital is dwindling and there is the possibility that the BBL will not be passed on time, as a result of the incident. Commenting on the issue on the citizenship of Murad and MILF peace panel head Mohagher Iqbal, who allegedly carry Malaysian passports, Coloma quoted a media report saying that both Murad and Iqbal have denied that they are Malaysian citizens. The issue on Murad’s and Iqbal’s citizenship should not be a major deal because the two MILF personalities have been widely recognized even during the term of past administrations that discussed peace with the rebel group, the Palace official explained. "For the past 17 years, or dating back to the (former president Fidel) Ramos administration, Messrs. Murad and Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations," he said, when asked whether the government would look into their citizenships. "Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned. In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings," Coloma said. PND (as) | |
 |
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 110th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Sinag Lahi" Class of 2015
|
Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City, Benguet,
|
15 March 2015
|
| Magandang tanghali na po sa inyong lahat. Sa harap po natin, may bago kayong sports center. Sinasabi siguro ng Sinaglahi Class, “Kami nakita namin ang construction, iba makikinabang.” [Tawanan] Sa tabi po niyan, may fire truck. Sasabihin siguro sa inyo ng ating kagalang-galang na Secretary of National Defense sa mga susunod na klaseng magagamit nang mahusay ang sport center, “Noong panahon namin pati tubig galing sa fire truck.” [Tawanan] Kinukwento po niya kagabi na may kakulangan ng tubig dito sa PMA kaya ang binibigay sa kanilang rasyon tuwing araw—dadating ang fire truck, bibiggyan sila ng five counts para sumahod gamit-gamit ang kanilang helmet. Napakahalaga po no’n dahil iyon ang pansepiliyo, pampaligo, panlaba, pandilig ng halaman, at magkita kayo ulit kinabukasan. [Tawanan] Ganoon ho siguro ang tadhana: umaasenso ang bayan, bumabawas dapat ang sakripisyo ng mamamayan. Makalipas po ang mahigit apat at kalahating taon, masasabi natin: Tunay ngang malayo na ang ating narating sa pagtahak sa tuwid na landas. Marami na tayong nilampasang pagsubok upang higit na maisulong ang interes ng Pilipino, sa loob at labas ng ating bansa. Nariyan po ang tensyon noong 2010 sa pagitan ng North at South Korea kung saan maaaring madamay sa kaguluhan ang 50,000 nating kababayan. Bukod dito, kailangan nating ilayo sa panganib ang mga Pilipinong maaaring maipit sa sigalot sa Gitnang Silangan sa panahon noong Arab Spring. Tuloy-tuloy din ang pagsisikap nating mapigilan ang pagkalat ng mga sakit gaya ng Ebola at MERS-Coronavirus. Noong 2013, dumating ang patong-patong na hamon sa ating bayan: lindol sa Bohol, kaguluhan sa Zamboanga, at paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda. Sa kasalukuyan naman, nakatutok tayo sa insidente ng pito nating kababayang dinakip ng mga armadong grupo sa Libya, kasama na ang mahigit 4,000 pang ibang Pilipinong naiipit sa kaguluhan doon. Bukod pa rito, mayroon ding nasa 900 kababayan tayong kailangang ilikas sa bansang Yemen. Nasa alert level 4 na ang mga bansang nabanggit. Ibig sabihin, lubhang mapanganib na ang sitwasyon doon, kaya ipinapatupad natin ang mandatory repatriation upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan. Sa kabila ng mga ito, pinanatili natin ang hinahon at ang makatwirang pagpapasya. Hindi tayo lumihis sa ating panata: Ang itaguyod ang interes ng mas nakakarami, lalo na ang mas nangangailangan. At hindi naman sa pagbubuhat ng bangko, pero ngayon pa lang, masasabi nating higit na maganda ang kalagayan ng bansa kumpara sa ating dinatnan. Nilinis natin ang burukrasya, tinugis ang mga tiwali, pinasigla ang ekonomiya, at nagbukas tayo ng mga bagong pinto ng oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan. Ang dating tinatawag na Sick Man of Asia, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay investment grade status na. Kamakailan lang, natanggap natin ang balitang nasa 1.04 milyon ang nadagdag sa bilang ng mga Pilipinong may hanapbuhay. Katumbas ito ng pagbaba ng unemployment rate sa 6.6 percent ngayong Enero mula sa 7.5 percent sa kaparehong panahon noong 2014. Bukod dito, walang patid ang pagsulong ng mga programa nating naghahatid ng agarang benepisyo para sa napakaraming pamilyang Pilipino. Ngayon ngang palapit nang palapit ang pagtatapos ng mandatong ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin noong 2010, parami nang parami at paulit-ulit ang mga nagtatanong. Tanong po nila: Sino ang magpapatuloy ng maganda nating nasimulan kapag bumaba na ako sa puwesto? May mga nagmungkahi at nagmumungkahi pa rin: Bakit di na lang ulitin ang termino raw at itloy ang pagbabago sa ating pamumuno? Ang tugon natin: Unang-una, hindi lang ako ang gumawa ng lahat ng ito. Kasama ko ang bawat disenteng Pilipino sa paggawa ng pagbabago. Pangalawa, bagaman nakita nating posibleng may benepisyo kung iapgpapatuloy natin, may kaakibat itong panganib. Dahil baka dumating ang panahon na kapag bumaba na ako sa puwesto, isipin ng papalit sa akin na puwedeng panghabambuhay na siya sa katungkulan. Ayaw naman nating maulit ang nangyari sa ating kasaysayan na may namuno mula 1965 hanggang pinatalsik siya noong 1986. Sa araw pong ito, 172 miyembro ng SINAGLAHI Class of 2015 ang tatawid mula sa pagiging kadete patungo sa pagiging opisyal ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Bawat klase nga ng PMA ay namimili ng pangalan na kakatawan sa kanilang mga hangarin sa paglilingkod. Napakaganda ng inyong napili: “Sundalong May Angking Galing at Lakas, Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan.” Sa paglabas ninyo sa akademyang ito, at sa pagsisimula ng bagong yugto ng inyong buhay bilang mga kawal: Aasahan kong paninindigan niyo ang pakilala ninyo sa inyong sarili. Sana ay matumbasan o mahigitan ninyo ang ipinamalas ng inyong upperclassman na si 2nd Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez. Miyembro siya ng SIKLAB DIWA class of 2014. Hindi naman natin inaasahan na maging dalubhasa agad ang isang baguhan. Kaya nga nakakabilib itong si Lt. Sanchez dahil wala pang isang taon mula nang magtapos siya ay pambihira na ang ipinamalas niyang angking lakas at galing sa pagtupad ng kanyang tungkulin. Noong ika-16 ng Pebrero, matapos ang ilang araw ng maigting na pagmamanman at estratehikong pagkilos, inatake ng kanyang platoon ang mahigit-kumulang 30 miyembro ng NPA sa Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province. Ang talagang kahanga-hanga dito, noong simula ay mas maliit ang kanilang bilang kumpara sa mga kalaban. Pero dahil sa mas mahusay na estratehiya, mas malakas na armas, at mas epektibong paggamit dito ng pangkat ni Lt. Sanchez, nag-atrasan at nagkahiwa-hiwalay ang mga rebelde. Walong oras silang tinugis ng ating puwersa sa pamumuno ni Lt. Sanchez. At nang matapos ang bakbakan, napatay ang pito sa mga rebelde, naiwan ang siyam na high-powered firearms, limang improvised explosive device, at iba pang kagamitan panggiyera. Kitang-kita na talagang nagipit ang kalaban: Alam naman nating hangga’t maaari ay hindi sila nag-iiwan ng bangkay ng kasamahan at ng mahahalagang supplies. Pero bukod po rito, may mga naiulat na sugatan, habang 11 doon sa 30 nakasagupa naman nila ay sumuko sa mga sumunod na araw matapos ang operasyon. Bibigyan ko ng diin: Bagitong sundalo si 2nd Lt. Sanchez. Hindi po siya miyembro ng isang elite unit. Pero sa maikling panahon pa lamang ng inilagi niya sa serbisyo, nagpakita na siya ng ibayong tapang at epektibong pamumuno. Malinaw sa kanya: Habang nagpupursige siyang tugisin ang mga kalaban, lalo silang magdadalawang-isip na magsagawa ng operasyon dahil alam nilang de-kalibre ang mga sundalong nakabantay. Nasisiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga Boss, at nadaragdagan ang kanilang kumpiyansa sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Higit sa lahat, lalo tayong nalalapit sa minimithi nating pangmatagalang kapayapaan. 2nd Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez, tunay ngang karapat-dapat ka sa tinanggap mong Distinguished Conduct Star. [Palakpakan] Aminin ko po sa inyo, ang hiniling ko ay dapat sana ma-promote na rin, pero ang sabi ho sa akin ayon ho sa mga kasalukuyang patakaran, ang promotion po niya ay “temporary.” Sabi ko po, “Paano ‘yong ‘temporary?’” After one year raw ho, babalik siya sa pagiging 2nd Lieutenant. Kako, “Teka muna, di yata maliwanag iyon.” Meritocracy dapat. Dapat maganda ang ginawa. Dapat permanente. Kaya, dito ho muna tayo sa awar ng Distinguished Conduct of Service. Ang kuwento po ni Lt. Sanchez ay bahagi lamang ng mas malaking naratibo ng malawakang transpormasyon sa ating lipunan. Noong panahon nga ng Martial Law, ang diktador ang pinaglilingkuran ng Sandatahang Lakas, imbes na ang taumbayan. Ngayon, dumarami na ang katulad ni Lt. Sanchez na hindi lang nagsasabing “The Filipino is worth dying for,” kundi talagang isinasabuhay ito. Nakikita ng taumbayan ang pagpapakitang-gilas ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, mula sa pagbabantay ng ating teritoryo, sa pagsusulong ng kapayapaan, hanggang sa pagtugon kapag may kalamidad. Kaya naman buo ang suporta ng sambayanan sa ipinapatupad nating modernization program upang higit na paunlarin ang kakayahan ng mga sundalo na makapaglingkod sa ating mga Boss. Ayaw naman nating maging mission impossible sa kanila ang bawat operasyon. Bukod pa rito, pinapangalagaan rin natin ang kanilang kapakanan at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kabilang na dito ang mga housing unit na nailaan at naipamahagi na sa ating unipormadong hanay, ang pagsasaayos ng pension system, at pagpapaunlad sa mga benepisyong kanilang natatanggap. Ang lahat ng ito, naipagkaloob at patuloy nating ipinagkakaloob nang hindi nagdaragdag ng buwis, maliban sa tinatawag na Sin Tax. Tunay nga: Mas malayo pa ang puwedeng marating ng mga susunod na henerasyon ng ating kawal dahil mayroon na tayong mas malakas at mas maunlad na Sandatahang Lakas na kinakalinga ng estadong kanila namang kinakalinga din. Ang hamon sa inyong mga magsisipagtapos: Ipagpatuloy ang magandang nasimulan ng mga nauna sa inyo upang hindi masayang ang kanilang ginawang sakripisyo at malasakit sa bayan. Sa pakikiambag ninyo, at ng iba pang magigiting na miyembro ng ating unipormadong hanay, malinaw ang mensahe natin sa mga nasa kabilang panig ng ating agenda ng reporma: Kung handa kayong makipag-usap nang sinsero, bukas ang estado sa isang risonable at tapat na diyalogo. Pero kung patuloy ninyong ilalagay sa peligro ang sambayanan, hindi kami mag-aatubiling sagasaan kayo. Sa SINAGLAHI Class of 2015: Hindi naman kayo nagpakahirap at nagpakasakit sa PMA para sa huli ay mabalewala at masayang lamang ito. Pinatunayan ni Lt. Sanchez at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ang positibong bunga ng kanilang mahusay at tapat na pagtupad sa tungkulin. At kung ang bawat isa sa inyo sa SINAGLAHI ay maninindigan at gagamitin ang inyong angking galing at lakas upang tumbasan o higitan ang nagawa ng mga nauna sa inyo, maipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon ang isang bayang di hamak na mas maganda kaysa ating dinatnan. Kaya nga sa mga nagtatanong kung sino ang magpapatuloy sa maganda nating nasimulan: Walang iba kundi ang nagkakaisang sambayanan na nagpapamalas ng malasakit sa isa’t isa. Malinaw naman: Mga nagbubulag-bulagan at nagbibingi-bingihan lang ang hindi nakakaramdam sa malaking pagbabagong tinatamasa ng ating bayan. Ang transpormasyong ito ay nagmula sa taumbayan na nagbigay ng pagkakataon sa aking makapaglingkod nang totoo; kaya’t taumbayan rin ang magpapatuloy nito. Sa pag-aaruga ng sambayanan sa mga tunay na nagmamalasakit sa kanila, at sa pagpili ng mga pinunong talagang kumakatawan sa kanilang mga adhikain, kompiyansa ako na ang lahat ng pinagtulungan nating tagumpay ay simula lamang ng tuluyang pagpapaganda at pagsasaayos ng ating lipunan. Kanina po, sinabi ng Superintendent natin, “You chose the road less traveled.” Ako ho, kung minsan, noong 2010, parang napapag-isip: ‘yung gagawin ba natin misyon impossible? ‘Yung dadaanan ba natin talagang nalimutan na kaya talagang halos “not traveled?” Sa tulong po n’yo, gagawin nating “very well-traveled” ang tuwid na landas. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanique
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17 March 2015
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| ALLANIGUE: Secretary Coloma, magandang umaga po. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Alan. ALLANIGUE: Yes sir. Dito po sa inilabas na na report ng Board of Inquiry tungkol dito sa SAF 44. Lumilitaw po na si noon ay suspended Director General Alan Purisima ng Philippine National Police ay isa sa mga lumulutang na naging key players doon po sa operasyon. At marami ho ang nagtatanong, of course, na sa kabila nang pagiging suspended niya ay bakit lumilitaw iyong kaniyang pangalan as one of those na sinasabing may kinalaman doon po sa operasyon na iyon ng SAF 44, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Naipaliwanag ni Pangulong Aquino sa kaniyang mga pahayag pagkatapos ng Mamasapano incident, Alan, na kaya niya tinawag at pinapunta si Police Director General Alan Purisima, siya ay PNP Chief pa ‘no, in active duty noong nakaraang panahon bago siya nasuspinde noong December, at siya ay mayroong malawak at malalim na kaalaman hinggil doon sa mga nakaraang operasyon para dakpin ang mga international terror suspects na sina Marwan at Usman, at iba pa. At noong nakipagpulong siya kay Director Napeñas noong January 9 para tanggapin iyong briefing hinggil sa Oplan Exodus nandoon din si General Purisima bilang isang resource person, marami siyang kaalaman hinggil dito at nararapat lang ‘no na gamitin iyong kaniyang kaalaman hinggil dito. ALLANIGUE: So kumbaga, iyon pong operation ay … iyong pag-planning stage ay nagsimula way, way back, Sec. Sonny? SEC. COLOMA: Oo, marami na kasing naganap na pagtangka na dakpin si Marwan at si Usman – mayroong Oplan Wolverine, mayroon pang mga iba pa ‘no na isinagawa nang hindi lang ng PNP, kung hindi ng AFP. At sa lahat ng mga pagkakataong iyan ay mayroong kaalaman si dating PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima. ALLANIGUE: Okay, Sec. Sonny, sa ibang usapin naman po, ano ho. Meron hong report na mas mababa ngayon ang ating unemployment dito sa bansa, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Yes, sasagutin natin iyan pero may idadagdag lang akong impormasyon, Alan, hinggil doon sa pinag-uusapan natin kanina. ALLANIGUE: Yes, please, opo. SEC. COLOMA: Bagama’t nandoon si General Purisima, bilang resource person, malinaw din sa pahayag ng ating Pangulo na inutusan niya ito na sabihin o ipaalam ang hinggil sa Oplan Exodus kay PNP OIC Chief Police Director General Leonardo Espina, as early as January 9 o mahigit dalawang linggo pa bago naisagawa iyong Oplan Exodus, para maipagbigay-alam sa kaniya dahil siya na nga ang OIC PNP Chief. Kaya mahalaga pong impormasyon ito na hindi dapat na kaligtaan. ALLANIGUE: Okay, Sec. Punta ho tayo doon sa report na lumabas dito sa mas mababang unemployment sa kasalukuyan. Ano hong mga factors na contributory dito ho sa sitwasyong ito, Sec? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan, maganda ang ulat sa atin ng Department of Labor. Nagkaroon tayo ng improvement mula sa datihang unemployment rate na 7.5% noong Enero 2014, bumaba na ito sa 6.6% noong Enero 2015. At nakapaglikha po tayo nang mas maraming bagong trabaho sa ating bansa. At naibaba naman po natin iyong—ito po ‘no, katumbas ng 1.04 million na bagong trabaho mula Enero 2014 hanggang Enero 2015 o apat na beses na mas mataas kumpara sa 281,000 jobs na na-generate noong 2014. Ito ay senyales, Alan, na nagbubunga na iyong pagsisikap nating paunlarin ang ating ekonomiya. Dahil nga sa sound macro-economic fundamentals ng ating pamahalaan nakapag-attract tayo nang mas mataas na antas na foreign investments ‘no. Tinukoy natin ito doon sa nakaraan nating talakayan na nakatamo rin tayo nang pinakamataas na antas na foreign direct investment nung nakaraang taon. ALLANIGUE: Opo, opo. At ito hong mahigit sa isang milyong bagong trabahong nalikha, mostly sa anong sektor po ito, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Well, marami pa rin sa services ‘no, katulad ng business process outsourcing. Pero dumarami na rin iyong sa mga tinatawag nating highly remunerative jobs sa manufacturing sector, na kung saan kilala din ang husay at talino ng mga Filipino engineers at technically-skilled workers. Marami ding nadagdag na trabaho sa tourism sector dahil nga lalo pang umuunlad ang ating domestic and international tourism, habang hinahabol natin iyong target na magkaroon tayo ng sampung milyong turista dito sa ating bansa. At doon din sa sektor ng imprastruktura dahil nga napakarami ring pinapatupad na mahahalagang infrastructure projects sa buong bansa. ALLANIGUE: At kasabay ho nitong pag ganda ng employment situation sa ating bansa ay meron din hong naitala, we understand, na trade surplus sa kasalukuyan, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Itong trade surplus ‘no, ang taya ng mga eksperto ay maaaring makatamo tayo ng trade surplus sa unang pagkakataon pagkaraan nang mahigit dalawang dekada. Ang ibig sabihin ng trade surplus ay dadami iyong halaga ng mga produktong nailuwas natin o iyong ating mga exports kaysa doon sa mga produktong inangkat natin o imports. Palagi tayong nasa trade deficit. In fact, hanggang December 2014 ay nasa deficit pa tayo ngunit napakababang antas na, Alan, 58 million na lamang iyong ating trade deficit – US$58 million – kumpara sa US$485 million noong December 2013. At sa kabuuan ng 2014, ang trade deficit ng Pilipinas ay bumaba sa 2.1 billion o wala pa sa kalahati ng deficit na US$5.7 billion noong 2013 at US$10 billion noong 2012. So, maaaring magtanong tayo: Bakit bumababa iyong imports at tumataas iyong exports? Dahil nariyan na nga iyong pag-unlad ng ating exports. Pero isa ring mahalagang factor dito ay iyong paghina ng currency ng ating mga trading partners tulad ng Japan at ng mga bansa Europa, at habang matatag naman ang ating ekonomiya. At isa pa ay iyong patuloy na pagbaba ng presyo ng langis, gasolina, at mga produktong petrolyo sa pandaigdigang pamilihan. Ayon nga sa ating DTI ‘no, kina Secretary Greg Domingo, merong posibilidad na tataas pa sa higit sa eight percent ang ating GDP growth rate sa taong ito kung mananatili ang presyo ng krudo nang mas mababa pa sa $60 per barrel. Kung mapapanatili iyong pagbaba o pagiging mababa ng presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo, malaki iyong posibilidad na mahihigitan pa natin iyong ating GDP growth ng 2014 na 6.1, at saka nga according to Secretary Domingo, lumagpas pa ito sa eight percent GDP growth. ALLANIGUE: Iyon. So, talagang positibo ang dating ng ekonomiya natin, ika nga, at nagkaroon tayo ng trade surplus, bumaba ang unemployment nitong nagdaan. At base po ito dito sa mga actual figures na galing sa Department of Trade, ganun din sa Department of Labor and Employment. Secretary Coloma, sir, naku, salamat po nang marami for the updates from the Palace, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. | ||||||||||
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center | ||||||||||
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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ABS-CBN 2 / Umagang Kay Ganda - Punto por Punto by Anthony Taberna
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16 March 2015
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| TABERNA: Ang nababasa po namin ngayon sa pahayagan, actually, mula pa kahapon ay ang statement po ni Secretary Lacierda na nagsasabi na kinukuwestiyon at tinutuligsa pa ng Malacañang ang report ng BOI. Bakit po? SEC. COLOMA: Well, unang-una, Tunying, nakalagay naman doon sa statement ni Secretary Lacierda “exhaustive” iyong narration of facts doon sa BOI report at, if I may quote, “it provides a sober basis for understanding what transpired.” Iyon po ang overall na assessment. Pinupunto lang na hindi tama iyong inilagay doon sa ulat hinggil sa umano’y paglabag ni Pangulong Aquino sa chain of command. Kaya po mahalaga ito si Pangulong Aquino po kasi sa lahat ng kaniyang pagdedesisyon at pagkilos palagi po siyang tumatalima sa batas. Doon po sa kaniyang lamesa sa Malacañang meron pong isang gamit na gamit na kopya ng Konstitusyon. Tuwing magkakaroon po ng pagpupulong sa Gabinete at magkakaroon ng desisyon na tatahakin ang Pangulo ay palagi niyang tinatanong kung ano ba ang matibay na legal basis ng ating gagawin. Bigyan pa kita ng isang halimbawa, doon lang sa paghanap ng mga pasahero ng eroplano na maaaring apektado ng MERS Coronavirus, pinatanong pa niya sa DOJ, meron bang sapat na legal na batayan para i-compel sila na magpa-examine sa RITM kung sila ay apektado o hindi. Kaya sa lahat po ng pagkilos ng Pangulo, mahalaga sa kaniya iyong pagtalima sa batas. Kaya iyan po ang dahilan kung bakit nililinaw doon sa pahayag na wala pong na-violate na konsepto sa batas o sa regulasyon ng ating Pangulo sapagka’t ginagampanan niya iyong kaniyang pagiging Chief Executive. At doon sa pag ganap ng kaniyang tungkulin ay maaari naman siyang dumiretso sa isang subordinate official, katulad nga ni Director Napeñas. Ganunpaman, nilinaw din ng Pangulo na isa sa mahalaga niyang kautusan ay iyong pagbibigay-alam kay PNP OIC Chief Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina na dapat ito ay pagsabihan hinggil sa operasyon. Nguni’t ayon na nga rin sa kaniyang pahayag, hindi nasunod ang mahalagang instruction na ito. So, iyon po ang buod ng posisyon ng Pangulo. TABERNA: So, naninindigan po kayo na walang nilabag na chain of command. Pero mukhang doon pa lang po sa termino o doktrina ng chain of command ay hindi na kayo sang-ayon. Bakit po? SEC. COLOMA: Nililinaw lang kasi, Tunying, iyong batayan sa batas dahil nais nga nating iparating sa mga mamamayan na ang ating Pangulo ay isang pangulong sumusunod sa batas at kailanman ay hindi po kumikilos nang taliwas sa batas. TABERNA: Opo, okay. Ang sinasabi po ninyo, sinabihan ng Pangulo si General Purisima na i-relay o i-inform sa General Espina tungkol po sa Marwan operation na ito? SEC. COLOMA: Sinabihan po niya ‘no si—nagbigay po siya ng instruction na kinakailangang pagsabihan si General Espina hinggil dito. TABERNA: Eh, papaano po iyon, ang General Purisima po na nakausap niya ay suspendido during the time? SEC. COLOMA: Kahit naman po siya suspendido, puwede pa rin niya ipagbigay-alam iyong instruction. Wala naman pong impediment para gawin niya iyon. TABERNA: Hindi po ba puwede diretsuhin na ng Pangulo si General Espina tungkol dito para wala nang sisisihin pa sapagaka’t puwede naman niyang utusan ang PNP Chief? SEC. COLOMA: Eh kasi lahat nito, Tunying, pinag-uusapan natin from hindsight. Pero kahit naman kilalanin natin na naibigay iyong utos kay General Purisima at pati na rin, palagay ko ‘no, kay Director Napeñas ay nandoon pa rin iyong conscious effort sa parte ng ating Pangulo na ipagbigay-alam ito ‘no at iyong conscious effort din po niya na sa lahat ng pagkilos ay dapat tumatalima sa batas. TABERNA: So hindi ninyo po kikilalanin ang report ng Board of Inquiry, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Kinikilala po ito. Ito po ay public record na. Wala na pong pagbabagong gagawin diyan. Kinikilala po ito. Nagpapahayag lang nang hindi pagsang-ayon doon sa kanilang interpretasyon ng konspeto nung ng chain of command. At pinupunto po doon na merong apparent contradiction dahil doon sa kanilang conclusion, sinabi po nila na malinaw na malinaw, “it is the prerogative of the President to directly communicate with any subordinate,” at pagkatapos sinundan doon sa susunod na salita ‘no, in the same sentence, “but he violated the chain of command.” Iyon lang po ang nililinaw. Hindi po ibinababa iyong pagturing doon sa pangkahalatang findings ng BOI; nagka-clarify lang po para malinaw sa ating mga kababayan na hindi po lumalabag sa batas ang ating Pangulo. TABERNA: Opo. Okay, sir, maraming salamat po, Secretary Coloma. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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| LGUs, PNP top list of agencies with most Ombudsman cases filed in 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Officials of local government units (LGUs) and members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) topped the list of government agencies with the most number of Ombudsman cases filed in 2014. Based on data submitted by the Ombudsman’s Finance and Management Information Office (FMIO), a total of 2,053 cases were filed against LGU officials while 1,258 cases were filed against PNP personnel. A downward trend, however, was observed in terms of the number of cases filed against LGU officials. From a high of 3,854 cases filed against LGU officials in 2011, only 2,053 cases were recorded in 2014. Similarly, a steady decline was also noted in terms of the number of cases filed against the police from a high of 1,709 cases in 2011 to only 1,258 cases in 2014. Appearing for the first time in the top 10 list are the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) ranking 3rd with 484 cases, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) at 5th with 103 cases and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at 9th with 63 cases. Completing the list are the Armed Forces of the Philippines (4th), Department of Education (6th), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (7th), Bureau of Customs (8th) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (10th).
TOP TEN AGENCIES WITH MOST CASES FILED
2011-2014
Source: Finance and Management Information Office, Office of the Ombudsman
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| BBL funds prioritize lasting peace and inclusive growth; Abad: Proposed budget to cater to poorest provinces | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The funding support that the National Government will extend to the proposed Bangsamoro region will help lift some of the poorest provinces in the Philippines out of poverty, as well as contribute to lasting peace and rule of law in the area, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. Speaking on the funding issues surrounding the proposed Bangsamoro region, Abad said, “We must consider the prevailing conditions in the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). These include the 54 percent poverty incidence in the first semester of 2014, and the 81.5 percent simple literacy rate in 2008. These marks are one of the lowest in the country, so the region requires strong and consistent funding support to lift it out of poverty.” Three ARMM provinces—Sulu, Lanao del Sur, and Maguindanao—are among the poorest in the Philippines. Under the 2015 Budget Priorities Framework, Sulu was categorized as a Focus Geographical Area (FGA) with high poverty magnitude[1], while Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao were determined to be FGAs with high poverty incidence[2]. Furthermore, the continuing conflict in the area has exacerbated the conditions of poverty there, with estimated damages amounting to P20 billion per year from 1970-2001, including damage to property and livelihood. Additionally, there were an estimated 120,000 human casualties between 1970 and 1996. In a recent release by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process (OPAPP), GPH Peace Panel member Senen Bacani said, “For development to catch up with poverty in the Bangsamoro region, the Government sees fresh funds in rebuilding these war-torn areas as a tool for strengthening the peace.” Meanwhile, Abad said, “The Administration is working together with the people of the Bangsamoro to create a region that can take full advantage of our country’s many opportunities for growth. As such, we’re doing what we can to support the Bangsamoro and help them become a major economic hub by providing them with the appropriate budgetary support.” The proposed funding, based on the provisions laid out in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), amounts to approximately P35 billion in the first year of the new Bangsamoro region. This amount includes a one-time-only fund of P1 billion for the proposed Bangsamoro Transition Authority towards organizing their systems and structure; a Special Development Fund aimed at rehabilitating the region, amounting to P7 billion in the first year; and an Annual Block Grant (ABG), amounting to 4 percent of the net national internal revenue (NIR) collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) less the internal revenue allotment (IRA) of local government units (LGUs). This ABG is actually 2.4 percent of the BIR’s net NIR collection, estimated at P27 billion. It must be reiterated that the existing ARMM regional government is already receiving an annual subsidy (P24.3 billion in 2015), but the subsidy will be called a block grant under the BBL. Likewise, this proposed block grant, while automatically appropriated to the Bangsamoro Government, will still be subject to the safeguards and transparency measures that govern other budgetary releases. Likewise, the BBL, if passed, would create an internal auditing body that shall keep track of government expenditure. This body will not diminish the Commission on Audit’s power to examine, audit, and settle all accounts. DBM Assistant Secretary for Budget Preparation and Execution Tina Rose Marie Canda said, “Any funds that the National Government would release to a new Bangsamoro government shall thereafter be appropriated by their parliament. We expect it to be done in the same way that we judiciously craft our General Appropriations Act each year, following much preparation and deliberation.” Additionally, the Bangsamoro government would be entitled to 75 percent of taxes, fees, and charges collected by the National Government within the region, a 5 percent increase from the amount ARMM already receives. For a period of ten years, the Bangsamoro Government would retain the 25% share of the National Government. Abad said, “The public can rest assured knowing that, once the figures have been finalized based on the provisions of the draft Basic Law, we will make the accurate information available.” The Bangsamoro is the proposed autonomous political entity that will replace the ARMM, as provided in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed in March 2014 between the National Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rural and Coop Banks' NPLs remain steady | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The combined gross non-performing loans (NPLs) of rural (RBs) and cooperative banks (CBs) represented 12.24 percent of the banks’ total loan portfolio (TLP) of Php 134.61 billion at end-September last year. The third quarter figure improved from the 13.45 percent gross NPL ratio registered a quarter earlier as the amount of NPLs carried by RBs and CBs decreased amid a rise in their TLP. The banks’ TLP increased by 1.30 percent from the Php 132.89 billion posted in June 2014. The TLP of RBs and CBs represented 2.49 percent of the banking system’s TLP of Php 5.42 trillion in September last year. Meanwhile, the NPLs of the banks comprised 0.30 percent of the banking industry’s TLP during the period. The top borrowers of the banks across economic sectors were agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing; wholesale and retail trade; loans to individuals for consumption purposes; and real estate, renting and business activities. Aside from keeping the NPL ratio low, RBs and CBs also set aside loan loss reserves equivalent to 57.58 percent of their gross NPLs in September. The figure is slightly higher than the 57.31 percent recorded a quarter earlier. The latest NPL figures indicate the banks’ continued efforts to adhere to sound credit risk management systems and to maintain high loan quality. These are essential to sustaining the viability of individual banks and to maintaining the overall stability of the domestic financial system. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DepEd affirms commitment to safe schools, highlights community participation at WCDRR | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “The Philippines, through the Department of Education recognizes that schools are at the heart of our communities, therefore we commit to keep our schools safe,” said Assistant Secretary Reynaldo D. Laguda as he addressed participants of the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the city of Sendai, Japan earlier today. During an intergovernmental plenary session on Comprehensive School Safety, Laguda expressed DepEd’s solidarity with the global community in discussing and adopting a new framework for action on disaster risk reduction. He notes however that DRR must be rooted in community and fostered in schools because, “no school can be safe without the involvement of its host community and no community is safe if its schools are not safe.” In his statement, Laguda shared how DepEd now uses the Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Basic Education to guide school-based DRRM planning and preparation. He stressed that, “education helps achieve DRR outcomes and conversely, DRR helps achieve our education outcomes of access, quality and governance.” Recognizing the need for inclusivity and noting the importance of community-led efforts at building resilience, DepEd stressed the need to engage with host communities in ensuring the success of projects. Infrastructure alone does not guarantee strength or safety. In the presence of international partners, Laguda also mentioned that partnerships with different stakeholders are crucial in achieving the common goal of safer schools and resilient communities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Peacekeeping contingent move-in to effect suspension order | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A police peacekeeping contingent from the National Capital Region Police Office assisted DILG authorities in serving a suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman against Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. today. PNP Officer-in-Charge, Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina, citing reports from NCRPO Chief, Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, noted the peaceful, orderly and lawful execution of police peacekeeping operations to serve the suspension in accord with the Revised Police Operational Procedures. The general guidance to our ground units is to assist DILG-NCR in effecting the lawful order of the Ombudsman in peaceful and orderly fashion, observing maximum tolerance, mindful of the presence of some children and elderly among the supporters. The NCRPO reported no untoward incident when the DILG-PNP team served the Ombudsman suspension order. The NCRPO peacekeeping contingent assisted DILG-NCR Director Rene Brion in serving the Ombudsman order at exactly 8:20 AM at the Makati City Hall where some supporters of the suspended mayor were gathered. The lawful mission of the DILG-PNP team is to serve the court process and restore normalcy in the delivery of public services in Makati City. (PNP-PIO) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippines calls anew on International Community to press for cessation of reclamation in the South China Sea | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 March 2015 – Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia called anew on the international community to press for a cessation of massive reclamation activities in the South China Sea. “Such unbridled reclamation activity worsens an already sensitive geopolitical situation and raises the specter of increasing militarization,” Undersecretary Garcia said at the 17th ASEAN-India Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) held in New Delhi on March 14. Concerns regarding recent developments in the South China Sea were discussed at the meeting. Indian Minister of External Affairs Anil Wadha thanked the Philippines for providing India with updates on developments in the South China Sea. Noting that an important dimension of the ASEAN-India strategic partnership is its increasing relevance to the political security of the region, Minister Wadha assured the Philippines that India will encourage the peaceful resolution of the dispute. The 17th ASEAN-India SOM undertook a comprehensive review of the entire gamut of ASEAN-India relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The importance of improving connectivity, of expanding economic and commercial ties, of deepening cultural bonds and of Indian engagement in ASEAN efforts to build regional political and security architecture was emphasized. In this regard, the Philippines welcomed New Delhi’s new “Act East” policy as an expression of India’s enduring commitment to closer cooperation with ASEAN. The overall theme of the meeting, which was co-chaired by Minister Wadha and Brunei Permanent Secretary Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof and attended by all ASEAN Member States, was "ASEAN-India: Progress and Prosperity”. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Department Of Education affirms commitment to safe Schools, highlights community participation at 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 March 2015 - The Philippine delegation to the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (3WCDRR) shared with international delegates yesterday, March 15, the country’s experience in keeping schools safe and preparing students for disaster risk reduction (DRR), mitigation and management through education. Department of Education (DepEd) Assistant Secretary Reynaldo D. Laguda, who is a member of the Philippine delegation to the 3WCDRR, informed fellow delegates in the UN conference that, “The Philippines, through the Department of Education, recognizes that schools are at the heart of our communities, therefore we commit to keep our schools safe.” During an intergovernmental plenary session on Comprehensive School Safety, Assistant Secretary Laguda expressed DepEd’s solidarity with the global community in discussing and adopting a new framework for action on disaster risk reduction. He notes, however, that DRR must be rooted in community and fostered in schools because, “no school can be safe without the involvement of its host community and no community is safe if its schools are not safe.” In his statement, Assistant Secretary Laguda shared how DepEd now uses the Comprehensive Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Basic Education to guide school-based DRRM planning and preparation. He stressed that, “education helps achieve DRR outcomes and conversely, DRR helps achieve our education outcomes of access, quality and governance.” Recognizing the need for inclusivity and noting the importance of community-led efforts at building resilience, DepEd stressed the need to engage with host communities in ensuring the success of projects. Infrastructure alone does not guarantee strength or safety. In the presence of international partners, Assistant Secretary Laguda also noted that partnerships with different stakeholders are crucial in achieving the common goal of safer schools and resilient communities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Innovations and high morale result to peak in BI collections for 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, Philippines---The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reached its highest revenue collection in 2014, surpassing all collections since its inception in 1940. BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison credited the income of Php 3.022 billion to the increased and more professional workforce. “We will always be thankful to our Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of Budget and Management, and the President, for hearing out our need for additional personnel”, said Mison with gratefulness. In 2014, the BI implemented the one-way processing of visa transactions with specified timelines to avoid papers from going back and forth between offices; field offices were moved to malls for easier access to the clients; cashless payments were also allowed for the convenience of the transacting public. In terms of personnel, trainings (including values, leadership and customer service) were provided to personnel to equip them with the proper skills in dealing with clients’ needs; immigration officers and other employees were hired principally if not solely based on merit and fitness; and morale has been boosted due to Bureau-wide participation and engaging activities such as the flash mob, fun run, human flag formation, and the BI music video “Tara Na”. After more than three years of procurement activities, more than 200 passport readers and computer sets were likewise procured and installed at airport counters. The revenue in 2014 increased by Php 36.628 million from the Php 2.985 million in 2013. While being principally a law enforcement agency and not a revenue generating agency, the increase in revenue reflects the extent of the compliance of foreign nationals with our immigration and registration laws. Mison said the good revenue turnout gives momentum for the BI to further improve its services in 2015, and the increased budget allocation adequately supports this goal. BI was allocated a budget of Php 711.526 million for 2015 under the General Appropriations Act, Php 148 million of which is intended for procurement of IT equipment and vehicles, and construction and improvement of facilities. “As we enter our 75th anniversary in September with theme ‘Be Inspired, Be Innovative, Be Involved’, we commit to provide the best immigration experience to our clientele”, said Mison. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Employment Rate estimated at 93.4 percent in January 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://web0.psa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Results from the January 2015 Labor Force Survey (LFS)1
a/Estimates for January 2015 are preliminary and may change.
Estimates based on January 2015 data which excludes Region VIII have been generated to make the January 2015 estimates comparable with January 2014 estimates.
b/ Region VIII was not covered in the January 2014 LFS round.
c/Estimates based on January 2015 data which excludes the province of Leyte only.
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| The employment rate in January 2015 was estimated at 93.4 percent. The employment rate for January 2014 was estimated at 92.5 percent. Four regions, namely, National Capital Region (NCR) (90.7%), CALABARZON (91.4%), Ilocos Region (91.5%), and Central Luzon (91.5%) had employment rates lower than the national figure (Table 4). The labor force participation rate (LFPR) in January 2015 was estimated at 63.8 percent. The same LFPR (63.8%) was estimated in January 2014. The labor force population consists of the employed and the unemployed 15 years old and over. Workers were grouped into three broad sectors, namely, agriculture, industry and services sector. Workers in the services sector comprised the largest proportion of the population who are employed. These workers made up 54.6 percent of the total employed in January 2015 (Table 1). Among them, those engaged in wholesale and retail trade or in the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles accounted for the largest percentage (34.6%) of workers in services sector (Table 2). In January 2014, workers in the services sector accounted for 54.1 percent of the total employed, with those engaged in wholesale and retail trade or in the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles making up the largest proportion (34.5%) of workers in services sector (Tables 1 and 2). Workers in the agriculture sector comprised the second largest group making up 29.5 percent of the total employed in January 2015, while workers in the industry sector made up the smallest group registering 15.9 percent of the total employed. Similar percentages were recorded for January 2014, with workers in agriculture making up at 30.1 percent of the total employed, and workers in industry sector, 15.9 percent. The January 2015 LFS results also showed that in the industry sector, workers in the manufacturing subsector made up the largest group, accounting for 52.8 percent of workers in this sector, and those in construction, the second largest group, making up 41.2 percent (Tables 1 and 2). Among the occupation groups, the laborers and unskilled workers remained the largest group making up 31.0 percent of the total employed in January 2015 (Table 1). In January 2014, such workers made up 31.3 percent of the total employed in that period. Officials of the Government and special interest organizations, corporate executives, managers, and managing proprietors (16.5% of the total employed) comprised the second largest occupation group, followed by farmers, forestry workers and fishermen (13.1%), and service workers and shop/market sales workers (12.9%). Employed persons fall into any of these classes of workers: wage and salary workers, self-employed workers without any paid employee, employers in own family-operated farm or business, and unpaid family workers. Wage and salary workers are those who work for private households, private establishments, government or government-controlled corporations, and those who work with pay in own family-operated farm or business. In January 2015, the wage and salary workers made up 57.8 percent of the total employed, with those working in private establishments continuing to account for the largest percentage (Table 1). They made up 44.7 percent of the total employed in January 2015 and 44.1 percent in January 2014. The second largest class of workers were the self-employed making up 28.2 percent of the total employed in January 2015 and 28.5 percent in January 2014. The third largest class of workers consisted of the unpaid family workers, accounting for 10.9 percent of the total employed in January 2015, and 10.6 percent of the total employed in January 2014. Employed persons are classified as either full-time workers or part-time workers. Full-time workers are those who work for 40 hours or more in a week, while part-time workers work for less than 40 hours. Of the total employed persons in January 2015, 62.0 percent were full-time workers, while 36.9 percent were part-time workers (Table 2). By comparison, in January 2014, full-time workers comprised 62.2 percent while part-time workers, 36.3 percent. In January 2015, workers worked 40.5 hours per week, on the average, compared to 41.0 hours in January 2014. Employed persons who express the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job, or to have additional job, or to have a new job with longer working hours are considered underemployed. In January 2015, the underemployment rate, which is the percentage of the underemployed to the total employed, was estimated at 17.5 percent, while it was estimated at 19.5 percent in January 2014. Underemployed persons who work for less than 40 hours in a week are called visibly underemployed persons. They accounted for 60.7 percent of the total underemployed in January 2015 (Table 3). The proportion in the same month of 2014 was 58.9 percent. By comparison, the underemployed persons who worked for 40 hours or more in a week made up 37.4 percent in January 2015. By sector, 42.3 percent of the underemployed worked in the agriculture sector, while 40.7 percent were in the services sector. Those in the industry sector accounted for 17.1 percent (Table 3). The unemployment rate in January 2015 was estimated at 6.6 percent. Last January 2014, the unemployment rate was 7.5 percent. Among the regions, the NCR (9.3%), CALABARZON (8.6%), Ilocos Region (8.5%), and Central Luzon (8.5%), had unemployment rates higher than the national figure (Table 4). Among the unemployed persons in January 2015, 66.0 percent were males. Of the total unemployed, the age group 15 to 24 years comprised 47.3 percent, while the age group 25 to 34, 31.6 percent. By educational attainment, 20.4 percent of the unemployed were college graduates, 13.0 percent were college undergraduates, and 34.4 percent were high school graduates (Table 3). LISA GRACE S. BERSALES, Ph.D. National Statistician | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PRC postpones the schedule of the 2015 Licensure Exam for Landscape Architects | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, March 13, 2015 --- The Professional Regulation Commission announces the postponement of the Board Licensure Examination for Landscape Architects (BLELA) originally set on March 17, 18 and 19, 2015 in Manila. The lone member of the Board of Landscape Architecture recommended the postponement of the licensure exam due to vacancies in the membership of the Board rendering the Board of Landscape Architecture short of the requirement for a quorum to validly perform its duties and functions, specifically in the formulation and extraction of test items, conduct of the examination proper and releasing of the results. Board of Landscape Architecture Resolution No. 2015-01 dated March 5, 2015 sought to indefinitely postpone the BLELA until the new members of the Board have been duly appointed and qualified. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PDIC to continue processing claims of Rural Bank of Burauen depositors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Burauen at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City until December 12, 2016. Claims may also be filed through mail. Rural Bank of Burauen, which was ordered closed on December 4, 2014, has P32.9 million in total estimated insured deposits involving 2,005 accounts. A total of P21.9 million in insured deposits covering 142 accounts was paid during the onsite claim settlement operations (CSO). Another P5.9 million was settled thru postal money orders sent via registered mail to 1,460 accounts of depositors with balances of P50,000 and below where filing of claims was waived by PDIC. As of January 8, 2015, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for P4.0 million covering 340 accounts. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the said bank is on December 12, 2016. After said date, PDIC shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature. The same set of documents must be enclosed when claims are filed through mail. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney. In the case of a minor depositor, the Special Power of Attorney must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "Ooh My Gulay:" Veggie hub Pangasinan gets tech-voc scholarships | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Known for its bountiful harvest of varieties of vegetables, Pangasinan is being envisioned to produce a crop of quality graduates, too, by making free technical-vocational education or tech-voc available. In his recent visit to the province, Director General Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) made sure that deserving youth get a chance at tech-voc by distributing scholarship vouchers. Villanueva did this during the half-time break of a basketball match between TESDA Uno Specialistas, composed of tech-voc students and local officials, and team Trabaho, where he belongs together with several legends of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). "The exhibition game is called Shoot for your Dreams, and it could not be a more apt description of what we desire for the youth of this province," he said. "To land in their dream job, the youth has to invest in the right skills," he added. For Pangasinan, TESDA has allotted P109.382 million for a total of 12,832 scholarship slots for this year. There are various courses to choose from, but TESDA has mapped out those that will result in higher employability for the graduates based on the industries present in a particular area. The third biggest province in the country, Pangasinan is known as among the top producers of vegetables. During his visit on March 12, Villanueva's first stop was at the popular vegetables trading post (Bagsakan) in Villasis town, where the "Ooh My Gulay" cook fest took place. Moving to Urdaneta City, he played in the exhibition match and then faced the media in a news conference to promote the tech-voc programs. To help bridge the graduates with potential employers, a job fair was also organized by TESDA in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Professional Regulation Commission and the Public Employment Service Office of the city. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COA partners with ADB to further strengthen financial audit practices in accordance with the ISSAIs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.coa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Commission on Audit (COA) has formed a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve financial audit by updating guidelines in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI). To document this agreement, COA Commissioners Heidi L. Mendoza and Jose A. Fabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the ADB, represented by Ms. Agustina Musa, Senior Financial Management Specialist of the ADB South East Asia Regional Department, on February 27, 2015. The MOU is for the management of the project “Enhancing Roles of Supreme Audit Institutions in Selected Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Countries,” financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction. The COA is the Project Leader for ISSAI Implementation under the Knowledge Sharing Committee, and the Chairperson of the Training Committee, both of the ASEAN Supreme Audit Institutions (ASEANSAI). As ISSAI Implementation Project Leader, COA prepared an Action Plan for ASEANSAI in October 31, 2014 thru which development partners (DP) can determine which activity each DP can fund to avoid duplication of efforts and wastage of resources. The Action Plan was distributed to the DPs by the ASEANSAI Secretariat and was one of the materials presented by COA in the Donor Cooperation Meeting on February 7, 2015 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For its part, the ADB adopted a two-pronged strategy to support ISSAI Implementation. One is at the ASEANSAI level to benefit all member-SAIs and another, a bilateral approach that would involve four SAIs: the Commission on Audit of the Philippines, the Audit Board of Indonesia, the Office of the Auditor General of Myanmar, and the State Audit Organization of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. At the ASEANSAI level, ADB chose to fund the knowledge sharing regional workshops, one tentatively scheduled in December 2015 to follow up the results of the Bandung, Indonesia workshop that was held in August 2014. At the bilateral level, it sought to further strengthen the capacities of four SAIs in ISSAI compliance for financial audit thru trainings and workshops, and revision of audit manuals and guidelines. These results will ultimately be disseminated to all ASEANSAI members and is the subject of the ASEANSAI-ADB MOU. Another regional workshop through ASEANSAI is scheduled in 2016. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PPP Center boosts partnership with WB-WSP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In line with its strategy to promote public-private partnerships (PPP) projects at the local level, the PPP Center found a formidable partner in the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank. The aim of the partnership is to provide local governments with the necessary technical assistance and capacity building opportunities that will contribute to the development of local water projects. The World Bank – Water and Sanitation Program (WB-WSP) is a multi-donor partnership that supports poor people in obtaining affordable, safe, and sustainable access to water and sanitation services. The Philippines is one of the countries that the World Bank identified requiring assistance in enhancing the delivery of equitable water supply and sanitation services. There still exists a conspicuous gap in the water sector in the country. Within the sphere of publicly financed networks, water systems piped into premises are limited in coverage, and service delivery is irregular at best. Local government units (LGUs) and water districts (WDs) struggle to expand their utilities, leaving their constituencies severely underserved. The WB-WSP has supported the capacity building program of the Center by providing technical assistance, learning opportunities and the strengthening of formal collaborative ties not only for Center staff, but also implementing/ regulatory agencies in the water sector and client-LGUs seeking to upgrade water service delivery in their localities. All current initiatives were borne out of capacity building activities, technical assistance and dialogues conducted among the PPP Center, the WB-WSP and its development partners. This collaborative ties is further strengthened and sustained in undertaking the following on-going initiatives: PPP Productization work The PPP toolkit includes a PPP marketing plan for Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) PPP Projects and several templates for project study such as terms of reference for the procurement of transaction advisory and water source assessment, and bid/ tender documents preparation such as Minimum Performance Specifications and Standards (MPSS) for physical works and Term sheet for concession agreement. The toolkit is integral to the PPP Center’s capacity building efforts for PPPs in the local water and sanitation sector. Through this, LGUs and WDs have the concrete means to readily adopt the PPP option to pursue their water infrastructure projects. Institutionalization of a PPP Technical Working Group (TWG ) for local water and sanitation projects The PPP Center, together with the Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board, Philippine Association of Water Districts, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, is in the process of formalizing a cooperation to mutually support the advocacy, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy development assistance for local water projects undertaken by local government units and water districts. Formalizing this cooperation will essentially harmonize the existing capacity building and technical assistance efforts these government agencies extend to LGUs for local water projects. With this partnership, the TWG envisions to provide an integrated menu of services that can be accessed by LGUs and WDs. Mainstreaming capacity building assistance to actual local conditions Coming off from a successful staging of a Business Case Development Workshop conducted last year, the Municipality of Baggao (in Cagayan Province) and the Province of Davao del Sur approached the PPP Center, expressing their interest to pursue their water projects through PPP. In response, the PPP Center provided further capacity building support to these LGUs in the form of technical assistance and knowledge products (such as toolkits). The PPP Center, together with the World Bank – Water and Sanitation Program, is optimistic that through these interventions, these projects will blossom into full-fledged infrastructure projects capable of adequately delivering the needed water services to their respective localities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SSS Opens 3rd Branch in Batangas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Social Security System opened its third branch in Lemery, Batangas on March 12, 2015 to serve its 25,000 members from 13 municipalities in the area. To date, SSS has three branch offices in the province, namely: Batangas City, Lipa City and Lemery. It also has a service office in Balayan. “We are continuously opening new offices to reach out to our members. By making our services accessible, we hope to encourage membership among workers especially those in the informal sector,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia S. Cruz said. Located at the ground floor of Xentro Mall along Ilustre Avenue, SSS-Lemery will serve 2,295 employers, 9,313 employees, and 15,640 self-employed/voluntary members. It has 11 personnel led by Branch Head Jessica M. Agbay. The newest SSS branch in Lemery will cover the following municipalities: Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, San Luis, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy. The new office is a full-service branch which offers the issuance of SSS number; accepts and processes applications on benefit claims such as sickness, maternity, disability, funeral and death applications as well as UMID Data capture section. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Lemery is a first class municipality considered as the center of medical health in Batangas province with seven hospitals serving patients from nearby municipalities. The SSS will continue to open additional branches this year with five new branches and five service offices in the pipeline this year. As of December 2014, SSS has 262 offices across the Philippines located in NCR (60); Luzon (118); Visayas (41), and Mindanao (43). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3-over-6 months premium payments needed before first day of confinement ---PhilHealth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| EMPLOYEES in the government and private sectors including kasambahays and family drivers, as well as self-earning individuals must have paid at least three months’ premium contributions within the immediate six-month period prior to the first day of confinement so they can avail themselves of their benefits from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This new development is contained in PhilHealth Circular 32, s.2014 and now makes it possible for members to catch up on their premium contributions before the first day of hospitalization. The policy also applies to qualified dependents of members. However, payments made on admission date, during the confinement period or after the member or dependent is discharged from the health care institution, will not be counted as qualifying contributions except in some conditions or circumstances identified by the corporation. “We introduced this policy to allow our members more lead time to pay their premium contributions, to ensure entitlement to PhilHealth benefits, so that in times of sickness or hospitalization of the member or dependents there would be no problem availing of benefits" said Alexander A. Padilla, PhilHealth President and CEO. The new policy took effect for all admissions starting January 1, 2015. (Faudia H. Subillaga) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Last Updated: 16 MARCH 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with the 19th National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Delegation headed by South Korea National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the 19th National Assembly of the Republic of Korea Delegation headed by South Korea National Assembly Speaker Chung Ui-hwa, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 16) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 110th commencement exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15, 2015). With the president onstage are DND Sec, Voltaire Gazmin, Vice President Jejomar Binay, PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 110th Commencement Exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15).. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montillano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, troops the line during the full military honors at the Sundial Grounds of the Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City for the inauguration of the newly-completed PMA Sports Complex on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Lauro Montillano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his commencement address during the 110th commencement exercises of Philippine Military Academy Sinaglahi Class of 2015 at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Cadet First Class Arwi Martinez for topping the Sinaglahi Class of 2015 during the 110th Commencement Exercises of the Philippine Military Academy at the Fajardo Grandstand, Borromeo Field, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PAGCOR chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, undrapes the marker of the newly-completed PMA Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (March 15). (Photo by Benhuir Arcayan/ MalacaÒang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.; Education Secretary Armin Luistro; and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11, 2015). Also in photo are Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim, Malaysian Ministry of Defence deputy secretary Suriani Binti Ahmad, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Council Director-General and National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein pose for a souvenir photo beside the portrait of former President Corazon Aquino during the courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Civilian Employee of the Year Award to Susan Tolentino during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Plaque of Appreciation to PCSUPT Pablo Francisco Balagtas during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Enlisted of the Year Award to CPO Aurelio Hernandez during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Enlisted Personnel of the Year Award to SSg. Celso Arellano during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Officer of the Year Award to Maj. Lourdes Imperial during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Officer of the Year Award to LCDR Aniceto Medalla during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
PIA | #PH calls anew on international community to press for #cessation of reclamation in the South China Sea - http://t.co/xjgNroRosr
Join the #EarthHour on March 28, 8:30-9:30PM Local Time. Turn off your lights & non-essential appliances for an hour http://t.co/fbphm1STiy
Here's your March 17 edition of One Luzon E-NewsMagazine
http://issuu.com/one_luzon/docs/vol.5_no.052
Thank you and enjoy reading
http://issuu.com/one_luzon/docs/vol.5_no.052
Thank you and enjoy reading
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