RCC orients Batangas LGUs on
competitiveness survey
- March
06, 2015
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CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar 6 (PIA) --The
Calabarzon Regional Competitiveness Committee (RCC) is conducting a series of
orientation seminars about the survey on Cities and Municipalities
Competitiveness Index (CMCI).
The orientation held in Lipa City on March 4
was attended by business permit and licensing officers and planning officers of
the 25 local governments in the province of Batangas .
RCC Co-Chairman Director Donald Gawe said
that the objective is to orient local governments on how to accomplish the 2015
CMCI data capture sheets.
Gawe told participants that the survey is a
tool not solely for competitiveness but also a framework for planning and
benchmarking for which a city or municipality could tell where it stands.
Marilou Quinco-Toledo, Regional Director of
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Chairman of the RCC said that
the CMCI survey is using 28 indicators grouped into three equally-weighted
pillars: economic dynamism, governance efficiency and infrastructure
of which scores on each pillar are combined to form the overall score
used to rank cities and municipalities.
Toledo added that survey results will be the
diagnoses of the current states of local governments and will be the basis in
improving competitiveness.
Philippine Statistics Agency (PSA) Regional
Director Rosalinda Bautista said that the RCC seeks to improve the
competitiveness of local governments through measurement.
“What can not be measured, can not be
assessed; thus can not be improved”, Bautista explained.
The Calabarzon RCC is composed of DTI, the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine
Statistics Agency (PSA) and is under the umbrella of the Calabarzon Regional
Development Council. (Charlie S. Dajao/DTI Calabarzon/PIA-4A
| APEC member economies could learn from Philippines' financial system, says Central Bank official | |
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Philippines has a lot to share in terms of best financial practices, with fellow member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) if they want to emulate those initiatives, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said Friday. "I think we have distinguished ourselves in terms of undertaking initiatives in micro finance consumer protection and inclusive financial system," Guinigundo said during a press conference held at the Summit Ridge Hotel here following the two-day APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting. The initiatives under this umbrella include the tweaking of regulations to allow financial institutions to open up windows for micro finance, he said. He explained that micro finance allows micro enterprises to borrow funds without collateral and without credit history, although the amount of the loan may be limited. Other countries could also examine the Philippines' credit surety fund, which the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas has initiated. This is leveraging on the country's cooperatives that allows them to borrow 10 times of their minimum P100,000 contribution, he said. Under this set up, there is an oversight committee composed of cooperatives themselves, the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Industrial Guarantee Loan Fund, and the local government units, he said, adding that more than P1 billion has been granted under this framework. The good combination of monetary policy and macro prudential policy is also something that the Philippines can share, he said. Guinigundo said that in some jurisdictions, particularly in advanced economies, macro prudential measures are still in their early stages of being considered, much less implemented. In the Philippines, these macro prudential measures serve as a means of ensuring financial stability in case of sector-specific shocks, particularly in asset markets, such as real estate properties, and at the same time on the conduct of monetary policy, he said. The kind of financial reforms that the Philippines has undertaken would also be a good example, Guinigundo said, noting that the Philippines had implemented Basel III earlier than 2019 and it is moving quite prudently across the various components of Basel III, first with capitalization, and second with stable funding ratio, liquidity ratio, and others. Basel III is a set of international banking regulations developed by the Bank for International Settlements to promote stability in the international financial system. The purpose of Basel III is to reduce the ability of banks to damage the economy by taking on excess risk. "This is being done in a sequential, very prudent manner and this is also something that we like to share with them," he said. Participants of the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting wrapped up their two-day discussion held at the Taal Vista Hotel here Friday, with meeting results to be included in the Cebu Action Plan that will be launched in September. PND (as) | |
| APEC member economies to create public private partnership knowledge portal to speed up infrastructure investments | |
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are gearing up to implement two initiatives that aim to leverage private funds towards public private partnership (PPP) projects, including the establishment of a regional PPP knowledge management portal. In a press briefing at the close of the two-day APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting here, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo stressed that while many APEC economies and emerging markets have excess savings, financing for infrastructure development remains a problem. “While we have the savings, we do not have a sufficient number of bankable and credible infrastructure projects. If we are able to provide the member countries with a sufficient number of projects that are bankable, that which can be taken immediately, I think we would have a good use for our excess savings,” he said. Guinigundo said APEC finance and central bank deputies explored alternatives for financing infrastructure, including leveraging private funds to the PPP projects as well as the continuous disposition of public funds to advance the cost of infrastructure development in the region. He said the creation of the PPP knowledge portal hopes to address this problem, as this will provide basic information on the opportunities in the region in terms of infrastructure development. “It will provide the potential investors an idea of where the opportunities arise and are available and the kind of financing that is needed in the projects,” he added. Guinigundo pointed out that some of the key components of the portal have already been completed by the Philippines’ PPP Center. “What we want to do is also to link that knowledge portal with other PPP portals. So you will have an APEC PPP portal,” he said. Apart from this initiative, Guinigundo said the Philippines is also pushing for “standardized” PPP contracts, considering the differences in terms of legal framework across the APEC economies. “But the idea was to provide some kind of template, the key features of what a PPP contract should have. (This is) so that we can uphold good governance in conducting those PPP projects and in the process, encourage more interest in the PPP (program),” he said. The BSP official said standardizing PPP contracts would be very important in facilitating infrastructure investments. “Both (initiatives) are short term, so these will be done within one to two years. We will try to do these very quickly,” said Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran. PNA (ldv) | |
| Malacanang joins the world celebration of Women's Day | |
| Malacañang on Sunday joined in the celebration of the Women’s Day held every 8th of March around the world. “Nakikiisa ang pamahalaan sa buong mundo sa pagdiriwang ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan. Kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang mahalagang papel at kontribusyon ng kababaihan sa ating lipunan, ‘di lamang bilang ilaw ng ating mga tahanan, kung hindi bilang isang matibay na haligi sa patuloy na pag-angat ng ating ekonomiya,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. In 1990, Congress declared the month of March as the Women’s Month through Republic Act 6949. The same law designated March 8 every year as National Women’s Day, which is a Working Special Holiday. According to the Philippine Commission on Women, this year’s theme is “Juana, Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa. Ikaw Na!” “Sa loob ng mahigit na apat na taon ng Aquino administration, higit pang pinaigting ng pamahalaan ang pagpapatupad ng mga programa na magsusulong ng malaya at bukas na pakikilahok at maayos na pagkakatawan ng mga kababaihan sa lahat ng aspeto ng pagbabalangkas ng mga desisyon at pambansang polisiya,” Coloma added. In the 2014 Global Gender Gap Report conducted by the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked 9th and the only country from Asia out of 142 countries surveyed regarding gender equality and promotion of women’s rights. PND (ag) | |
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 | Palace vows continuing assistance to Central Mindanao evacuees | ||
| Aquino administration continues anti-poverty efforts, says official | ||
| Official: Government committed to permanently solving port congestion problem | ||
APEC News Releases
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| APEC member economies could learn from Philippines' financial system, says Central Bank official | ||
| APEC member economies to create public private partnership knowledge portal to speed up infrastructure investments | ||
| APEC member economies could learn from Philippines' financial system, says Central Bank official | |
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Philippines has a lot to share in terms of best financial practices, with fellow member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) if they want to emulate those initiatives, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said Friday. "I think we have distinguished ourselves in terms of undertaking initiatives in micro finance consumer protection and inclusive financial system," Guinigundo said during a press conference held at the Summit Ridge Hotel here following the two-day APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting. The initiatives under this umbrella include the tweaking of regulations to allow financial institutions to open up windows for micro finance, he said. He explained that micro finance allows micro enterprises to borrow funds without collateral and without credit history, although the amount of the loan may be limited. Other countries could also examine the Philippines' credit surety fund, which the Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas has initiated. This is leveraging on the country's cooperatives that allows them to borrow 10 times of their minimum P100,000 contribution, he said. Under this set up, there is an oversight committee composed of cooperatives themselves, the Land Bank of the Philippines, the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), the Industrial Guarantee Loan Fund, and the local government units, he said, adding that more than P1 billion has been granted under this framework. The good combination of monetary policy and macro prudential policy is also something that the Philippines can share, he said. Guinigundo said that in some jurisdictions, particularly in advanced economies, macro prudential measures are still in their early stages of being considered, much less implemented. In the Philippines, these macro prudential measures serve as a means of ensuring financial stability in case of sector-specific shocks, particularly in asset markets, such as real estate properties, and at the same time on the conduct of monetary policy, he said. The kind of financial reforms that the Philippines has undertaken would also be a good example, Guinigundo said, noting that the Philippines had implemented Basel III earlier than 2019 and it is moving quite prudently across the various components of Basel III, first with capitalization, and second with stable funding ratio, liquidity ratio, and others. Basel III is a set of international banking regulations developed by the Bank for International Settlements to promote stability in the international financial system. The purpose of Basel III is to reduce the ability of banks to damage the economy by taking on excess risk. "This is being done in a sequential, very prudent manner and this is also something that we like to share with them," he said. Participants of the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies' Meeting wrapped up their two-day discussion held at the Taal Vista Hotel here Friday, with meeting results to be included in the Cebu Action Plan that will be launched in September. PND (as) | |
| APEC member economies to create public private partnership knowledge portal to speed up infrastructure investments | |
| (TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) Member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are gearing up to implement two initiatives that aim to leverage private funds towards public private partnership (PPP) projects, including the establishment of a regional PPP knowledge management portal. In a press briefing at the close of the two-day APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting here, Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo stressed that while many APEC economies and emerging markets have excess savings, financing for infrastructure development remains a problem. “While we have the savings, we do not have a sufficient number of bankable and credible infrastructure projects. If we are able to provide the member countries with a sufficient number of projects that are bankable, that which can be taken immediately, I think we would have a good use for our excess savings,” he said. Guinigundo said APEC finance and central bank deputies explored alternatives for financing infrastructure, including leveraging private funds to the PPP projects as well as the continuous disposition of public funds to advance the cost of infrastructure development in the region. He said the creation of the PPP knowledge portal hopes to address this problem, as this will provide basic information on the opportunities in the region in terms of infrastructure development. “It will provide the potential investors an idea of where the opportunities arise and are available and the kind of financing that is needed in the projects,” he added. Guinigundo pointed out that some of the key components of the portal have already been completed by the Philippines’ PPP Center. “What we want to do is also to link that knowledge portal with other PPP portals. So you will have an APEC PPP portal,” he said. Apart from this initiative, Guinigundo said the Philippines is also pushing for “standardized” PPP contracts, considering the differences in terms of legal framework across the APEC economies. “But the idea was to provide some kind of template, the key features of what a PPP contract should have. (This is) so that we can uphold good governance in conducting those PPP projects and in the process, encourage more interest in the PPP (program),” he said. The BSP official said standardizing PPP contracts would be very important in facilitating infrastructure investments. “Both (initiatives) are short term, so these will be done within one to two years. We will try to do these very quickly,” said Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran. PNA (ldv) | |
| Palace vows continuing assistance to Central Mindanao evacuees | |
| Malacanang made an assurance that it will continue to help more than 16,000 families affected by the ongoing conflict in central Mindanao until stability is restored in the area. In a radio interview Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said 16,111 families in 59 barangays are affected by the conflict. There are 49 evacuation centers catering to 13,261 families, she added citing data from the National Disaster Risk and Management Council (NDRRMC). The national government has so far released P16.6-million worth of relief assistance, Valte told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan. Asked to comment on reports about the possible tactical alliance between groups that are not part of the peace talks like the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Abu Sayyaf Group, Valte said the military will just do its mandate to neutralize other rebel and terrorist groups. “Ipagpapatuloy lang ng ating armed forces ang kanilang mga operasyon laban sa mga ganitong grupo,” she said. "At alam naman natin na hindi lang sila isang armed group, alam din natin ang mga activities nila. In the case of the Abu Sayyaf, obviously bandits ang mga ito; it’s a bandit group so tuloy ang operasyon ng ating AFP." PND (as) | |
| Aquino administration continues anti-poverty efforts, says official | |
| The Aquino government will continue pursuing anti-poverty initiatives to lift more poor people out of poverty especially after a report on rising poverty rate was released. A recent report said that the poverty rate in the country rose to nearly 26 percent in the first half of 2014 because of high food prices and the effects of typhoons that hit the country. But Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday that the scope of the study was in the last six months of 2013 and January to June of 2014. "Medyo iba ang mga kondisyon ng panahon na iyon at kahit sinabi naman ng NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) na may epekto rin ang pagdating ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’ dahil doon sa mga datos na nakuha nila," Valte told dzRB by Radyo ng Bayan. "I think between the time that the study was made and ngayon, medyo malaki na rin ang difference ng naging pagbaba naman ng mga presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin dahil na rin sa naging pagbaba sa presyo ng gasolina at ng krudo." Valte also said that although the government expanded the coverage of the conditional cash transfer program (CCT), the Department of Social Welfare and Development also carried out efforts to clean up its list of beneficiaries. The DSWD delisted beneficiaries that were not complying with conditions of the CCT program. "So nagkaroon ito ng epekto doon sa numero ng mga benepisyaryo na tumanggap ng mga grant para sa CCT—at least for the period that the NEDA studied," she said. "Ngayon na tapos na ang cleaning up and delisting ng mga hindi na eligible na mga beneficiaries, mas marami na rin ang nako-cover ngayon ng CCT." The Palace official also made an assurance that the government will continue to pursue efforts that would help alleviate poverty in the country. Among these initiatives include encouraging investors to put their money in the Philippines and made existing local industries to be competitive, she said. PND (as) | |
| Official: Government committed to permanently solving port congestion problem | |
| The Palace said the government is ready to work with private business groups to eventually solve the port congestion problem especially as imports pick up during peak months. The Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc., PhilExport, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, and other business groups issued a statement saying the port congestion problem is not fully resolved. This contradicts the previous government statement that it was able to remedy port congestion problem in the ports of Manila. These business groups said this remains to be seen because the months of January, and February are lean seasons, the time government declared lesser volume. When the peak months set in, they doubt the current container volume could be sustained. In a radio interview Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is aware that seasons change and that there are different needs depending on a particular season. "But we would like to assure them that we intend to have the situation to remain the same; una, ina-anticipate na natin ‘na in particular months of the year ay dadami ang volume ng mga dumadaan doon sa mga ports natin; at pangalawa, we do intend to sustain the current situation," she said. "We are always ready to communicate and to work with these groups to hear their suggestions as well as their concerns." PND (as) | |
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| Gov’t-CSO tie-up project helps restore civil docs of ‘Yolanda’ survivors |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/ |
| Tacloban City, Leyte – Some 2,110 partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from the provinces of Samar, Leyte, and Eastern Samar received a free copy of their live birth registration certificate last February 23, 2015. In a Civil Society Organization (CSO)-led conference on Civil Registration held recently at the Ritz Tower de Leyte, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman commended the group behind the Mobile Civil Registration Project for helping Typhoon Yolanda survivors recover and reconstruct their civil records which were lost or damaged by the typhoon. The project, which was launched in April 2014 and is still ongoing, is spearheaded by the Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Legal Services (IDEALS) in partnership with the DSWD; Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); 20 local Civil Registrar’s Office of Leyte, Samar, and Eastern Samar; and various CSOs such as Plan International and Save the Children International. “This project is essential because you are providing the beneficiaries with vital documents that would establish their identity and entitlement to their rights and privileges. Without the birth certificate, you can’t have the death certificate and your right to anything from the government or from anyone,” Sec. Soliman explained. The project has two phases. Phase I, which is undertaken by the UNDP as lead CSO partner, has targeted to restore 83,790 civil registry documents of ‘Yolanda’ survivors in Eastern Visayas. To date, a total of 126,078 documents have been reconstructed. Of this, around 8,000 documents belong to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. On the other hand, a total of 10,061 legal documents were produced for some 3,723 households. This resulted in an estimated aggregate sum of P30.71 million worth of benefits accessed by the beneficiaries. For Phase II, which is implemented by UNICEF as CSO partner, a total of 43,266 civil registry documents were submitted to the local civil registrar’s offices, while 6,000 legal documents of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries were facilitated. Sec. Soliman added that civil registration does not just go beyond identifying people, but it also facilitates access to social and child protection programs and services. She also cited the importance of civil documents especially for the beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya. “To help identify our Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, among the documents that we need are birth and marriage certificates,” the Secretary continued. The Secretary expressed optimism that this initiative will continue until all Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries, whose documents were destroyed during the typhoon, will be provided with a copy of their civil registry documents. For his part, IDEALS Executive Director Egad Ligon said, “Since 2013 we have been trying to help disaster survivors to reconstruct or register their civil records and obtain copies of their birth or marriage certificates or the death certificates of their relatives.” He added that they have already assisted around 120,000 ‘Yolanda’ survivors since 2013 and that they are targeting to assist another 120,000 survivors for this phase. |
| Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries express support for campaign vs climate change |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/ |
| Guiuan, Eastern Samar ─ Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program vowed to support the call to action on climate change – launched by President Benigno S. Aquino and French President François Hollande – by taking a more active role in the cleanliness and development of their own communities. They expressed their commitment during the visit of President Hollande, who is a staunch advocate of environmental protection. “Pinaagi han amon tinalagudti na buhat, mabulig kami paghatag hin aksyon ha mga isyu parti han climate change, para han kinabubuwason han amun pamilya ngan bug- os na komunidad (In our own little way, we will help take action on the issues on climate change, for the future of our family and the entire community),” said Grace Rapada, 40, one of the parent-leaders of Pantawid Pamilya who attended the welcome activity for President Hollande. Rapada, a Typhoon Yolanda survivor, shared that Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are informed about climate change issues and taught about environmental protection and disaster preparedness during the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS). FDS is a venue where parents gather to discuss topics on home management and community participation. Rapada encouraged her fellow beneficiaries to take care of the environment through proper garbage disposal. She also urged them not to engage in illegal logging, fishing, and mining. “Magburubligay kita paglimpyo ngan pananum, ngan biskan hino ka man o hain ka man naukoy, kinahanglanon masunod kita han mando han gobyerno kay para man iton hit aton ikauupay (Let us help each other in cleaning and planting. Whoever you are, wherever you are, we should follow the government for our own safety and well-being),” she added. On the other hand, another Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, Letecia Salameda, 45, also pledged her support to the call to action saying, “Masosolusyunan an problema ha climate change pinaagi han pagbabag-o han aton mga gawi (We can help solve the problem of climate change if we reform our ways and attitude).” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman joined the state visit of President Hollande to Guiuan. They went to the municipal hall and to the Guiuan East Central School, where they expressed their solidarity with the townsfolk who welcomed them. President Hollande admired the bravery, strength, and resiliency of the people. The French President also stressed the need for stronger, more responsible, and more sustainable environmental programs. He added that what he has seen in the ‘Yolanda’-affected areas would be an important input to the Climate Conference in Paris this December. On the other hand, Mayor Christopher Gonzales expressed his gratitude for the momentous day and also conveyed his support to the Manila Call for Action on Climate Change. “All stakeholders, local government units, business or private sector, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, academe, and all citizens should play their roles in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters,” Mayor Gonzales stated. |
| TESDA goes all out with scholarships, tool kits for Negros Oriental youth |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph/ |
| From their native land in Negros Oriental, Reynaldo Caseres and Dolrich Alpeche have traveled far and are now making a relatively lucrative living because of hard work and technical vocational education or tech-voc. Caseres finished an auto servicing course and was hired by the Automotive Holding Group in Perth, Australia. He now earns around P228,000 a month. Alpeche, a graduate of slaughtering operation course, currently works in Alberta, Canada, and is earning around P122,000 a month. Last March 3, Director General Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), welcomed a fresh batch of 1,000 tech-voc scholars in Dumaguete City who have graduated from their respective courses. "The success stories of the graduates show us that the tech-voc path can make us go a long way," Villanueva said. "The opportunities for a National Certificate are vast," he added. The Dumaguete scholars were part of the audience of 4,000 who graced the mass graduation and distribution of tool kits at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Center. For 2015, the province of Negros Oriental has been allocated an initial amount of P10.97 million worth of scholarship for its three programs— Training for Work Scholarship Program, Private Education Student Financial Assistance and the Bottom-up Budgeting. The programs aim to help ease poverty in communities by making education, through technical vocational training, accessible to the people, especially the poor. Overall, Region VII or Central Visayas, which includes Negros Oriental, has a total scholarship allocation of P129.72 million that would benefit at least 13,120 students. Among the popular courses in the province are computer hardware servicing, finishing course for call center agents, housekeeping, shielded metal arc welding, bread and pastry production, automotive servicing and slaughtering operation. |
| Pagbuo ng Fire Inspection Plan krusyal sa pagiwas sa sunog – Roxas |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph/ |
| Inatasan ni Interior at Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas si Fire Chief Senior Supt. Ariel Barayuga na magsumite ng komprehensibong plano para sa Bureau of Fire Protection na magiging gabay sa pagpapatupad ng fire inspection. Ibinigay ni Roxas ang kautusan sa katatapos na kick-off ceremony ng Fire Prevention Month noong Martes, kung saan sinabi ng kalihim na inaasahan nito na isusumite ni Barayuga bago matapos ang buwan ang komprehensibong ulat. “Magandang pagkakataon ito na atasan si Chief Senior Supt. Barayuga at ang kanyang leadership team na gumawa before the end of this month ng isang malawakang programa,” pahayag ni Roxas. Ayon sa kalihim umaasa ito na ang ulat ay masusing pinag-aralan at hindi bara-bara, applicable sa lahat ng sangay ng BFP at magiging pang matagalan. Ito ayon kay Roxas dahil tuwing papasok ang Fire Prevention Month ay serye ng sakuna dulot ng sunog ang nagaganap hindi lang sa Metro Manila kung hindi maging sa mga lalawigan. Umaasa ang kalihim na kung magkakaroon ng komprehensibong gabay ang BFP sa pagpapatupad ng fire inspection maaring makabawas ito sa paglaganap ng sunog tuwing pumapasok ang buwan ng Marso. “Meron na tayong programa dito sa equipment, meron tayong programa sa training, magkakaroon tayo ng fire olympics at ngayon magkakaroon tayo ng programa sa fire inspection,” paliwanag ng kalihim. Tiwala din si Roxas na makakatulong ang fire inspection plan para maiwasan na malagay sa alanganin ang buhay ng mga kawani ng BFP at mga fire volunteers na buong tapang na sinunusuong ang apoy tuwing may insidente ng sunog. “Sinasaluduhan ko po kayo dahil bagaman may training at capacity, pero sa dulo nitong lahat ang bumbero, tinitignan niya at pinahahalagahan niya ang kayang obligasyon, ang serbisyo sa komunidad kesa sa kung ano pang konsiderasyon,” pagtatapos nito. |
| PNP, NAPOLCOM given 30 days to study SAF complaints |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph/ |
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) will immediately study the complaints aired by PNP-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) troopers during their meeting with President Aquino yesterday (March 4). Roxas said the President ordered the PNP to submit the results of their study within 30 days, “ibig sabihin, nakadaan na ito sa PNP, nakadaan na sa Napolcom bago dumating sa tanggapan ng Pangulo within 30 days itong mga bagay na ito.” President Aquino met with SAF officers at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City before the turn-over ceremony for the installation of the new PNP-SAF Chief, PCSupt Moro Virgilio Lazo, who replaced sacked PNP-SAF Dir. Getulio Napenas. Roxas said during the meeting, PNP-SAF officials expressed to the President what their needs are, including training, equipment, hazard pay and vacation leaves, “kasi tumatagal ang mga SAF sa lugar na kinalalagyan nila. Nawawalan nang rotation. Ang SAF is 100% alert all the time. Ibig sabihin, walang leave, walang vacation, talagang walang stand down.” Roxas further assured that the President is committed to improve the plight of the SAF, being the PNP’s premiere task force. The DILG Chief also justified the appointment of Lazo as PNP-SAF Chief. He said, “ang Special Action Force ay isang unique and specialized unit—yung talagang pinakamaseselan, pinakamapanganib na mga misyon ang siyang ibinibigay sa kanila. So, hindi puwedeng basta-bastang opisyal ang ilagay dyan.” Roxas said Lazo was a former SAF trooper, who went up the ladder and was designated SAF Chief of the Directorate Staff until he became Chief of the PNP-Firearms and Explosives Division before being appointed to his new post. |
| 226 PNPA graduates to join PNP |
| Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph/ |
| A total of 247 men and women will be graduating from Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Lakandula Class of 2015 this March 26 at the grounds of Camp Mariano Castaneda in Silang, Cavite. Majority of the graduates or 226 cadets will join the Philippine National Police (PNP), while 10 have decided to go to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and 11 will join the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Lakandula Class of 2015 is composed of 227 male and 20 female graduates. This year’s batch will be headed by 24-year old Police Cadet Dennis M. Yuson Jr., who will be the recipient of the prestigious Presidential Kampilan Award for topping the Lakandula class and a plaque of merit (1st Place). P/Cdt Yuson Jr. is a son of PInsp Dennis Yuson, Deputy of Criminal Investigation and Detection Team in Sultan Kudarat. Graduating second in his class is Police Cadet Rod Kevin T. Talplacido from Nueva Ecija who will receive the Vice President Kampital Award and a plaque of merit. Placing third and to get the SILG Kamilan Award and plaque of merit (3rdPlace) is Police Cadet Marlon H. Landong of Negros Occidental. Other students who included to the top 10 slots are Police Cadet Raymund B. Caguioa (4th); Police Cadet Michael Sula Sula Giner (5th); Police Cadet Nathaniel D. Faulve (6th); Police Cadet Kenneth F. Lumbre (7th); Police Cadet Roel R. Bata (8th); Police Cadet Mark Jonathan Z. Avillano (9th); and Police Cadet Julie Anne L. Aguilar (10th). The graduates will receive a degree of Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) upon graduating, and will enter as Inspectors in their respective public safety bureaus. (PNP-PIO) |
| Congress can strengthen Bangsamoro Law -- Deles |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/ |
| MANILA – The Executive Branch fully respects Congress’ powers on deciding the final version of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said today. “As I have always been saying, the fate of the passage of the proposed BBL is in the hands of our lawmakers. The proposed Bangsamoro law was submitted to them in recognition of their legislative power. They have the power to improve and strengthen the BBL in accordance with the Constitution that provides for the grant of meaningful autonomy to Muslim Mindanao,” Deles said. During the first public hearing on the draft law last September 24, 2014 by the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL headed by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Deles has already emphasized that “certainly, we are open to the fact that the law can be improved." This has been reiterated by the peace adviser and members of the government peace panel in various forums and media engagements. No railroading On the timeframe of passing the BBL, Deles said that the Executive Branch trusts Congress to pass it on the proper time. She rejected insinuations that the Executive is railroading Congress into passing the law. The BBL is the enabling law of the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro or CAB between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. According to Deles, “There is seventeen years worth of diligent negotiations, from the time of President Ramos to the present, that birthed the BBL." "The draft law was founded on the work of previous negotiating teams that came before us over the years," government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said. "Their experiences, learnings and insights on their own negotiations during their time, enabled the current negotiating team to reach this far in the process." She also related that the draft BBL was also the product of rigorous consultations with various stakeholders, legal luminaries and solons. |
| International HR expert to speak in CSC Leadership seminar |
| Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph/ |
| International leadership trainer, Dr. Peter Chee, will speak at the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) one-day seminar on “Mentoring and Coaching for Organizational Excellence” on March 18, 2015. Dr. Chee, President and CEO of the Institute of Training and Development World, is a leading certified trainer for Dr. John C. Maxwell programs and Zig Ziglar programs. The seminar is part of the 2015 Leadership Series offered by the CSC through its Civil Service Institute (CSI). It aims to address the rising need for mentoring and coaching skills among organizational leaders. The seminar is open to all government managers holding division chief positions and above. It will be held at the SEAMEO INNOTECH along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. Seminar fee is P5,000. Local experts also join the roster of speakers including Mr. Manuel Tan of Human Capital Development Asia/Pacific, Ms. Elvira E. Ditching-Lorico of Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Mr. Conrado B. Roxas of Landbank of the Philippines, and Ms. Marilou Mateo of Bostik Philippines Inc. Registration is via online through csc.gov.ph (events calendar). For more details, contact the CSI through training@webmail.gov.ph or call 931-4182 and 931-8019. |
| VP Binay, Makati mayor, 22 others to undergo preliminary investigation |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/ |
| The Office of the Ombudsman - Special Panel of Investigators filed yesterday a Complaint charging former Makati City Mayor (now Vice President) Jejomar Binay, Sr., Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., and twenty-two others with Malversation, Falsification, violations of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act, in connection with several alleged irregularities in the procurement and award of the contracts for the design/architectural services and the construction of the Makati City Hall Parking Building. Also impleaded in the complaint are former City Administrator Marjorie De Veyra, City Legal Officer Pio Kenneth Dasal, City Budget Officer Lorenza Amores, former Central Planning Management Office (CPMO) Chief Virginia Hernandez, former City Engineer Mario Badillo, former City Accountant Leonila Querijero, former Acting City Accountant Raydes Pestaño, City Accountant Cecilio Lim III, Acting City Accountant Eleno Mendoza, City Treasurer Nelia Barlis, CPMO Engineers Arnel Cadangan, Emerito Magat and Connie Consulta, CPMO Chief Line Dela Peña, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariat Heads Giovanni Condes and Manolito Uyaco, Technical Working Group (TWG) Chairman Rodel Nayve, BAC member Ulysses Orienza, General Services Department (GSD) OIC Gerardo San Gabriel, GSD staff member Norman Flores, as well as private respondents Orlando Mateo of MANA Architecture & Interior Design Company (MANA) and Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s Construction Corporation (Hilmarc). In addition to the criminal charges, public respondents, except Vice President Binay, face administrative charges for Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. The Special Panel of Investigators also prays for the issuance of an order of preventive suspension pending administrative adjudication. The Complaint was filed following months of case build-up and evidence gathering by the Special Panel composed of field investigators. The Complaint alleges, among other things, that public respondents awarded the P11,974,900.00 contract for the design/architectural services to MANA without public bidding, and that periodic payments were released to MANA without its corresponding deliverables under the contract. It adds that the bidding and the construction for Phases I and II (out of five phases) of the carpark building proceeded without a detailed engineering plan from MANA, contrary to procurement laws and regulations. The Complaint further alleges that the procurement and award of the construction contract to Hilmarc were marred by irregularities including the use of falsified documents showing the purported publications of Notices to Bid and the supposed participation of two losing bidders/companies, one of which categorically denied participation while the existence of the other cannot be established. |
| More employers are joining, says Baldoz: 52 companies now JobStart partners for more employment for the youth and shorter job search |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| After pilot-testing it in 2014 in San Fernando, Pampanga; Gen. Trias, Cavite; Taguig City; and Quezon City, where 430 participants have been placed in technical and on-the-job training and with additional 926 vacancies still to be filled up, the DOLE-ADB-Canada collaborative project to address youth unemployment, JobStart Philippines Program, is now being rolled out in several provinces and cities, with 52 employers as partners. “More employers are joining JobStart Philippines and we are very happy for it. That means they believe the program is really beneficial even to them and not only to the job seekers,” Baldoz said yesterday after the successful launching of JobStart in Bilar, Bohol, the first province where JobStart will be fully implemented. Apart from Bohol, JobStart Program will be implemented this year in Cebu, Davao, Tagum, and Palawan, plus in five Public Employment Services Office in the National Capital Region, with a target of 3,200 beneficiaries. The DOLE will continue to implement it in the four pilot areas. “JobStart partners with employers in providing a comprehensive and systematic approach in assisting young jobseekers, from planning their career paths all the way through acquiring the best-fit jobs,” said Baldoz. JobStart calls for employers to be selected through the signing of a memorandum of agreement. They, in turn, prepare a training plan and select from the JobStart youth participants and provide them with technical training and work experience. They receive the full cost of the technical training from the Bureau of Local Employment, the project management office. Youth participants are also paid an allowance to cover the employers’ administrative cost. In turn, employers pay the trainees an amount of at least 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in their region. Baldoz lauded the following companies for signing MOAs with JobStart: MKP Inc.; Carats Manufacturing; iGo2 Group Inc.; Tele Sight; Site Skills; Telford Svc. Phils, Inc.; CS Garments, Inc.; LA Bakeshop; LA Bakeshop and Grocery; Romac Group of Companies; Sankou Seiki Co. Ltd., Inc.; CGS Solid Aircon & Refrigeration, Inc.; IMES Global Inc.; P.IMES Corp.; Proserve Manpower, Inc.; GB Exprez; Aquino Basket; JobCrest Management, Inc.; Image Doctor's Clinic; Happy Haus Food Corp.; Interlink Manpower Development & General Services, Inc.; Purple Avatar Inc.; MB Garbez; PC Storage; Premium Burger and Foods; Savemore; Shimadzu Philippines Corporation; Fresh and Famous; Virtus Manpower Services; Serbiz Multipurpose Cooperative; Comark International Corporation; Lyric Piano and Organ Corp.; Innovatia Systems; SSECC; Datacom; Pampanga's Best; MLJL 368 Trading Inc.; TC-TESDA Women's Center; TKC Steel Corporation; Elixir Industrial Equipment, Inc.; Singangag Express; Enriquez Security Services, Inc.; Toyota Commonwealth; Interlink Manpower Development & General Services, Inc.; Grandis Jubilance Ventures, Inc.; Quali-Serve Manpower And General Services; Pacific Global Hospitality Institute; Jenra Incorporated; Sky Cable; Interlink Manpower Development & General Services, Inc.; and SFI Group of Companies. JobStart is a career coaching and training program intended to help young people jumpstart their careers by creating opportunities to improve their technical skills and develop the life skills necessary for success in today’s competitive workplace. JobStart starts with the provision of career guidance through skills assessment, career and self-awareness, and career coaching. Following the assessment of a participant’s job readiness, he or she is provided with an eight-day life skills training designed to holistically hone the attitude and behavioural skills of the youth into a person well-prepared to face the challenges of the world of work. “The completion of career guidance and life skills training enables the youth to be matched in jobs available in partner-employers for the technical training of up to three months, and an application of what has been acquired and learned through internship program for also up to three months,” Baldoz said. For more details about JobStart, contact the Project Management Office at the Bureau of Local Employment, 6th Floor, BF Condominium, Solana for. Andres Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila; tel. 527-2543 or 527-2539; email at jobstartph@yahoo.com. |
| Bohol is first province to roll out JobStart—Baldoz |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the successful roll out of the JobStart Philippines Program in Bohol, and said this is a good preview of the pioneering program’s first, full-year of implementation. She cited the report of Undersecretary for Employment Reydeluz Conferido who attended the launching on her behalf. Conferido, in his report to the Secretary, said Bohol Governor Edgar M. Chatto had expressed his deep appreciation to the DOLE for having allowed his province to become the first to become a partner of JobStart. “Gov. Chato fully understands the value of our project in addressing the gaps in skills and attitude of the youth towards employability and the concerns of employers. We may recall that he was instrumental in getting the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) Law enhanced when he was a congressman and he has always been supportive of our youth-oriented employment programs,” Conferido said in his report. “He also promised to prominently feature JobStart in his own HEAT IT Caravan,” he added. Conferido was in Bilar, Bohol the other day together with Ruth Rodriguez, chief, Labor Market Information of the Bureau of Local Employment to attend the launching of the first full-cycle employment facilitation service in the Southeast Asian region that seeks to address youth unemployment. With them was Kelly Hattel, Financial Sector Specialist of the Asian Development Bank which is supporting the project, together with the Government of Canada. JobStart is a career coaching and training program intended to help young people jumpstart their careers by creating opportunities to improve their technical skills and develop the life skills necessary for success in today’s competitive workplace. “JobStart partners with employers in providing a comprehensive and systematic approach in assisting young jobseekers, from planning their career paths all the way through acquiring the best-fit jobs,” said Baldoz. JobStart starts with the provision of career guidance through skills assessment, career and self-awareness, and career coaching. Following the assessment of a participant’s job readiness, he or she is provided with an eight-day life skills training designed to holistically hone the attitude and behavioural skills of the youth into a person well-prepared to face the challenges of the world of work. “The completion of career guidance and life skills training enables the youth to be matched in jobs available in partner-employers for the technical training of up to three months, and an application of what has been acquired and learned through internship program for also up to three months,” Baldoz said. Piloted in San Fernando, Pampanga; Gen. Trias, Cavite; Taguig City; and Quezon City, the JobStart Program will be rolled out this year in Bohol, Cebu, Davao, Tagum, and Palawan, with a 3,200 target number of beneficiaries. During the pilot stage, 430 participants have been placed in technical and on-the-job training, with additional 926 vacancies still to be filled up. The JobStart launching in Bilar, Bohol, was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between JobStart Philippines and the Bohol Provincial Government and the awarding of seed capital to beneficiaries of DOLE livelihood programs. “Especially grateful was Mrs. Prosperina who received P72,000 worth of livelihood assistance. She is the mother of one of the slain SAF 44 officers, PO2 Romeo Prosperina,” Conferido said. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Joel Villanueva also graced the occasion and promoted TESDA’s Abot-Alam campaign. He distributed livelihood starter kits to some of the 1,500 TESDA graduates of technical course who took part in the HEAT IT Bohol Caravan yesterday. Also in attendance in the JobStart launching were Vice-Governor Concepcion "Inday Conching" Lim; Rep. Arthur Yap (3rd District); Members of the Sangguniang Panlalalawigan and Pambayan of Bilar; Mayor Norman Palacio and Vice Mayor Calamba; and members of the Provincial League of Barangays. DOLE officials led by Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga, Assistant Regional Director Jong Gonzales, and DOLE Bohol provincial head Gerry Guidaben also were at the launching. For more details about JobStart, contact the Project Management Office at the Bureau of Local Employment, 6th Floor, BF Condominium, Solana for. Andres Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila; tel. 527-2543 or 527-2539; email at jobstartph@yahoo.com. |
| Why the ‘unreachable’ matters to the Modified CCT |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
In the remote Singnapan Valley where caves become abodes during the rain, one can find the indigenous community of Tau’t Bato. A sub-group of the Pala’wan ethnic group, the Tau’t Bato is among the communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) where even the delivery of basic services is a big challenge. However, the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) accepts this challenge.
Reaching Sitio Singnapan – the gateway to the Tau’t Bato community – requires a day of hike up and down the rough and steep landscape of Mount Mantalingahan. Because of the isolation of the valley, the Tau’t Bato community runs on simple, if not scanty, living conditions. Their houses are made of bamboo and rattan straw only while the caves up the basin serve as their houses during rains. Their diet consists mostly of root crops, wild leaves, and bats. Diarrhea and measles are among the most common diseases that plague the community. In addition, malaria risk is very high year-round. Under the governance of the municipality of Rizal in Palawan, the community receives occasional services from the local government such as medical missions and civil registration. However, because of the challenge of reaching the community, even the local government agrees that the Tau’t Bato deserves more. Paving the way The Tau’t Bato is one of the indigenous cultural communities being catered to by the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples in GIDA (MCCT-IPs in GIDA) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is part of the efforts of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to include the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors such as homeless street families, families in need of special protection, and IPs in GIDA. Dormin Tamu, a Panglima or a member of their tribal council, shared how the inclusion of their community in the program allowed them better access to local government services. “Noon, wala pang serbisyo ng gobyerno ang nakarating dito sa amin. Simula nang dumating ang programa, dumating na rin ang iba’t-ibang tulong (Before, government services did not reach us. When the program came, other types of assistance started to arrive as well),” Panglima Dormin narrated. MCCT for IPs in GIDA aims to facilitate the establishment of accessible and suitable delivery of healthcare and alternative educational services to extremely remote communities. Using the conditional cash transfer scheme, the program encourages indigenous cultural communities to avail of health services and alternative modes of learning. This, in return, urges the local government to provide such services. Embracing the changes Literacy is low among the Tau’t Bato. Jonathan Daklay, one of the two persons from the community who finished high school with the help of missionaries, serves as the teacher to the community. He teaches literacy and non-formal education not only to children but to willing adults as well. “Dati, akala ng mga kapwa ko katutubo ay nakakasira ng kultura ang pag-aaral. Pero simula nang pumasok ang Pantawid, hindi na ako nahihirapang ipaintindi sa kanila na mahalaga ang pag-aaral dahil nirerespeto ng programa ang mga kaugalian namin (Before, my fellow IPs believed that education destroys our culture. But when Pantawid came, it’s no longer hard for me to make them understand that education is important because the program respects our heritage),” Jonathan shared. Jonathan also shared that since the community does not have a school, he conducts his classes inside their house. This changed one day when the parents in the community helped hand-in-hand to build a classroom with bamboo roofing and nipa walls, tied only with rattan straw, for the community to have their own school. This, for him, is the turning point in the community’s acceptance of education. Now Jonathan knows that he is not alone. Manglino Laan, one of the beneficiaries of MCCT in the community, also shares how happy they are that the program reached the Tau’t Bato. He shared that being one of the few who know how to read and write, he teaches abakada to the children. With MCCT around, encouraging them to study became easier. “Nakikita na namin na importante sa aming mga katutubo ang makapag-aral ang aming mga anak para matuto silang makabasa at makasulat (We now see the importance for us IPs that our children become educated so that they would know how to read and write),” Manglino shared. The community’s perception of healthcare has also changed through time. Pregnant mothers are now willing to be checked-up by the municipal midwife who frequents the community. More children also undergo regular health monitoring and avail of immunization. This, according to the barangay health workers and their Panglima, could be attributed to the joint efforts of MCCT and the local government to encourage the Tau’t Bato. ‘No one left behind’ According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, it is important that the indigenous cultural communities in GIDA are included in the program because it enables the beneficiaries to have access to health and educational services despite geographical challenges. “Conditional cash transfer is proven to be among the most effective poverty alleviation strategies in the world, and including the most vulnerable sectors such as IPs in far-flung communities would mean that the program will leave no one behind no matter how challenging [the situation]. It makes the CCT work for them,” she added. MCCT now has 218,377 household beneficiaries nationwide, 163,950 of which are indigenous peoples in GIDA. The Tau’t Bato community, once regarded as unreachable, now believes that the day will come when every child and every Tau’t Bato would no longer need to walk for hours to get the services they deserve. As MCCT for IPs in GIDA extends a hand of service to them, the community extends theirs wide open – with their culture and heritage still intact. - See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2015/03/why-the-unreachable-matters-to-the-modified-cct/#sthash.tQJIcWVT.dpuf
In the remote Singnapan Valley where caves become abodes during the rain, one can find the indigenous community of Tau’t Bato. A sub-group of the Pala’wan ethnic group, the Tau’t Bato is among the communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) where even the delivery of basic services is a big challenge. However, the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) accepts this challenge.
In the remote Singnapan Valley where caves become abodes during the rain, one can find the indigenous community of Tau’t Bato. A sub-group of the Pala’wan ethnic group, the Tau’t Bato is among the communities in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) where even the delivery of basic services is a big challenge. However, the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) accepts this challenge.Reaching Sitio Singnapan – the gateway to the Tau’t Bato community – requires a day of hike up and down the rough and steep landscape of Mount Mantalingahan. Because of the isolation of the valley, the Tau’t Bato community runs on simple, if not scanty, living conditions. Their houses are made of bamboo and rattan straw only while the caves up the basin serve as their houses during rains. Their diet consists mostly of root crops, wild leaves, and bats. Diarrhea and measles are among the most common diseases that plague the community. In addition, malaria risk is very high year-round. Under the governance of the municipality of Rizal in Palawan, the community receives occasional services from the local government such as medical missions and civil registration. However, because of the challenge of reaching the community, even the local government agrees that the Tau’t Bato deserves more. Paving the way The Tau’t Bato is one of the indigenous cultural communities being catered to by the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples in GIDA (MCCT-IPs in GIDA) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is part of the efforts of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to include the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors such as homeless street families, families in need of special protection, and IPs in GIDA. Dormin Tamu, a Panglima or a member of their tribal council, shared how the inclusion of their community in the program allowed them better access to local government services. “Noon, wala pang serbisyo ng gobyerno ang nakarating dito sa amin. Simula nang dumating ang programa, dumating na rin ang iba’t-ibang tulong (Before, government services did not reach us. When the program came, other types of assistance started to arrive as well),” Panglima Dormin narrated. MCCT for IPs in GIDA aims to facilitate the establishment of accessible and suitable delivery of healthcare and alternative educational services to extremely remote communities. Using the conditional cash transfer scheme, the program encourages indigenous cultural communities to avail of health services and alternative modes of learning. This, in return, urges the local government to provide such services. Embracing the changes Literacy is low among the Tau’t Bato. Jonathan Daklay, one of the two persons from the community who finished high school with the help of missionaries, serves as the teacher to the community. He teaches literacy and non-formal education not only to children but to willing adults as well. “Dati, akala ng mga kapwa ko katutubo ay nakakasira ng kultura ang pag-aaral. Pero simula nang pumasok ang Pantawid, hindi na ako nahihirapang ipaintindi sa kanila na mahalaga ang pag-aaral dahil nirerespeto ng programa ang mga kaugalian namin (Before, my fellow IPs believed that education destroys our culture. But when Pantawid came, it’s no longer hard for me to make them understand that education is important because the program respects our heritage),” Jonathan shared. Jonathan also shared that since the community does not have a school, he conducts his classes inside their house. This changed one day when the parents in the community helped hand-in-hand to build a classroom with bamboo roofing and nipa walls, tied only with rattan straw, for the community to have their own school. This, for him, is the turning point in the community’s acceptance of education. Now Jonathan knows that he is not alone. Manglino Laan, one of the beneficiaries of MCCT in the community, also shares how happy they are that the program reached the Tau’t Bato. He shared that being one of the few who know how to read and write, he teaches abakada to the children. With MCCT around, encouraging them to study became easier. “Nakikita na namin na importante sa aming mga katutubo ang makapag-aral ang aming mga anak para matuto silang makabasa at makasulat (We now see the importance for us IPs that our children become educated so that they would know how to read and write),” Manglino shared. The community’s perception of healthcare has also changed through time. Pregnant mothers are now willing to be checked-up by the municipal midwife who frequents the community. More children also undergo regular health monitoring and avail of immunization. This, according to the barangay health workers and their Panglima, could be attributed to the joint efforts of MCCT and the local government to encourage the Tau’t Bato. ‘No one left behind’ According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, it is important that the indigenous cultural communities in GIDA are included in the program because it enables the beneficiaries to have access to health and educational services despite geographical challenges. “Conditional cash transfer is proven to be among the most effective poverty alleviation strategies in the world, and including the most vulnerable sectors such as IPs in far-flung communities would mean that the program will leave no one behind no matter how challenging [the situation]. It makes the CCT work for them,” she added. MCCT now has 218,377 household beneficiaries nationwide, 163,950 of which are indigenous peoples in GIDA. The Tau’t Bato community, once regarded as unreachable, now believes that the day will come when every child and every Tau’t Bato would no longer need to walk for hours to get the services they deserve. As MCCT for IPs in GIDA extends a hand of service to them, the community extends theirs wide open – with their culture and heritage still intact. - See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2015/03/why-the-unreachable-matters-to-the-modified-cct/#sthash.tQJIcWVT.dpuf Reaching Sitio Singnapan – the gateway to the Tau’t Bato community – requires a day of hike up and down the rough and steep landscape of Mount Mantalingahan. Because of the isolation of the valley, the Tau’t Bato community runs on simple, if not scanty, living conditions. Their houses are made of bamboo and rattan straw only while the caves up the basin serve as their houses during rains. Their diet consists mostly of root crops, wild leaves, and bats. Diarrhea and measles are among the most common diseases that plague the community. In addition, malaria risk is very high year-round. Under the governance of the municipality of Rizal in Palawan, the community receives occasional services from the local government such as medical missions and civil registration. However, because of the challenge of reaching the community, even the local government agrees that the Tau’t Bato deserves more. Paving the way The Tau’t Bato is one of the indigenous cultural communities being catered to by the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Indigenous Peoples in GIDA (MCCT-IPs in GIDA) implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It is part of the efforts of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to include the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors such as homeless street families, families in need of special protection, and IPs in GIDA. Dormin Tamu, a Panglima or a member of their tribal council, shared how the inclusion of their community in the program allowed them better access to local government services. “Noon, wala pang serbisyo ng gobyerno ang nakarating dito sa amin. Simula nang dumating ang programa, dumating na rin ang iba’t-ibang tulong (Before, government services did not reach us. When the program came, other types of assistance started to arrive as well),” Panglima Dormin narrated. MCCT for IPs in GIDA aims to facilitate the establishment of accessible and suitable delivery of healthcare and alternative educational services to extremely remote communities. Using the conditional cash transfer scheme, the program encourages indigenous cultural communities to avail of health services and alternative modes of learning. This, in return, urges the local government to provide such services. Embracing the changes Literacy is low among the Tau’t Bato. Jonathan Daklay, one of the two persons from the community who finished high school with the help of missionaries, serves as the teacher to the community. He teaches literacy and non-formal education not only to children but to willing adults as well. “Dati, akala ng mga kapwa ko katutubo ay nakakasira ng kultura ang pag-aaral. Pero simula nang pumasok ang Pantawid, hindi na ako nahihirapang ipaintindi sa kanila na mahalaga ang pag-aaral dahil nirerespeto ng programa ang mga kaugalian namin (Before, my fellow IPs believed that education destroys our culture. But when Pantawid came, it’s no longer hard for me to make them understand that education is important because the program respects our heritage),” Jonathan shared. Jonathan also shared that since the community does not have a school, he conducts his classes inside their house. This changed one day when the parents in the community helped hand-in-hand to build a classroom with bamboo roofing and nipa walls, tied only with rattan straw, for the community to have their own school. This, for him, is the turning point in the community’s acceptance of education. Now Jonathan knows that he is not alone. Manglino Laan, one of the beneficiaries of MCCT in the community, also shares how happy they are that the program reached the Tau’t Bato. He shared that being one of the few who know how to read and write, he teaches abakada to the children. With MCCT around, encouraging them to study became easier. “Nakikita na namin na importante sa aming mga katutubo ang makapag-aral ang aming mga anak para matuto silang makabasa at makasulat (We now see the importance for us IPs that our children become educated so that they would know how to read and write),” Manglino shared. The community’s perception of healthcare has also changed through time. Pregnant mothers are now willing to be checked-up by the municipal midwife who frequents the community. More children also undergo regular health monitoring and avail of immunization. This, according to the barangay health workers and their Panglima, could be attributed to the joint efforts of MCCT and the local government to encourage the Tau’t Bato. ‘No one left behind’ According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, it is important that the indigenous cultural communities in GIDA are included in the program because it enables the beneficiaries to have access to health and educational services despite geographical challenges. “Conditional cash transfer is proven to be among the most effective poverty alleviation strategies in the world, and including the most vulnerable sectors such as IPs in far-flung communities would mean that the program will leave no one behind no matter how challenging [the situation]. It makes the CCT work for them,” she added. MCCT now has 218,377 household beneficiaries nationwide, 163,950 of which are indigenous peoples in GIDA. The Tau’t Bato community, once regarded as unreachable, now believes that the day will come when every child and every Tau’t Bato would no longer need to walk for hours to get the services they deserve. As MCCT for IPs in GIDA extends a hand of service to them, the community extends theirs wide open – with their culture and heritage still intact. |
| Pantawid Pamilya boosts self-esteem of partner-beneficiaries |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| Street vendor Gilbert Ramos never imagined that he would one day be a decision maker in his barangay. An active member of his community, Gilbert now allocates the budget for priority projects in their area. Gilbert was one of the parent leaders who were invited to share their stories of change during the Parent Leader’s Dialogue with Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held last February 19, 2015 in Urdaneta, Pangasinan. “Bilang isang Parent Leader, natuto akong mag ayos ng aking sarili. Dati, kung ano na lang ang maisuot ko kung ako ay magtitinda. Pero dahil sa Family Development Session (FDS), natutunan ko ang kahalagahan na maging presentable kahit na ako ay isang hamak na tindero lang. (As a Parent Leader I learned how to fix myself. I was not really concerned before about what to wear whenever I went out to sell. But because of the Family Development Session, I learned the importance of being presentable even if I was just a humble vendor),” Gilbert shared. The FDS is a monthly session where the partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program are required to attend as part of their co-responsibilities. Through the FDS, parent/s or guardians are educated about personality development which includes proper grooming and hygiene; strengthening family relationships; and fostering respect by inculcating one’s rights, roles, and responsibilities within the family and their community. Parents also discuss disaster preparedness, financial literacy, and other topics that may be helpful to the family. Apart from being a parent leader, Gilbert is also part of the community health teams. On the other hand, fellow parent leader Magnolia Robina shared how the program has empowered her as a wife. “Dahil sa programa, tumaas ang aking self-esteem. Hindi na ako mahiyain ngayon. Kung dati, ang asawa ko lang ang nagdedesisyon, ngayon kasama na ako sa nagdedesisyon sa bahay namin (Because of the program, my self- esteem increased. I am no longer shy now. Before, my husband is just the one deciding, but now, I am now involved in the decision-making inside the house),” Magnolia said. Amelia Lopez, a parent leader from Labrador, Pangasinan, recalled how the program transformed her into a more responsible citizen and productive member of their community. “Dati hindi ako tumutulong sa barangay lalo na ‘pag nagpapatawag ang kapitan. Hindi naman ako ang sumasahod, bakit ako tutulong? Mas madalas nasa kapitbahay ako at nakikipag-chismisan. Pero ngayon sumasama na ako sa mga gingawang barangay clean-up drive. Ngayon, chismosa pa din ako pero nag level-up na. Ang chismis ko na ay tungkol sa programa at kung paano kami natutulungan lalo na ang aking mga anak (Before I do not help in our barangay, especially if it’s the barangay captain who is asking for our help. I don’t get paid so why should I help? Most of the time, you will see me with my neighbours gossiping. But now I am part of the barangay clean-up drive. I still do gossip but it has levelled- up. I talk about the program and how it is helping us especially my children),” Amelia testified. The families of Gilbert, Magnolia, and Amelia, are just some of the 4,442,781 households nationwide whose lives have been transformed by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households’ primary of children aged 0-18. It utilizes the conditional cash transfer scheme where the partner-beneficiaries receive their grants provided that they fulfill their co-responsibilities, including sending their children to school, availing of health services, and attending the monthly FDS. |
| End-February 2015 GIR level rises to US$81.3 billion |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/ |
| Preliminary data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to US$81.3 billion as of end-February 2015, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Officer-in-Charge Vicente S. Aquino announced today.1 This level was higher by US$0.6 billion compared to the end-January 2015 GIR of US$80.7 billion. The GIR level can cover 10.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 8.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6 times based on residual maturity.2 The increase in reserves was due mainly to the National Government’s (NG) net foreign currency deposits and the BSP’s foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad. These were partially offset by revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings arising from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market as well as on its foreign currency-denominated reserves, and payments made by the NG for its maturing foreign exchange obligations. Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also increased to US$81.3 billion as of end-February 2015, compared to the end-January 2015 NIR of US$80.7 billion. -------------- 1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th. 2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. |
| February inflation rises slightly to 2.5 percent |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/ |
| Headline inflation increased slightly to 2.5 percent year-on-year in February from 2.4 percent in January, but was within the BSP’s range forecast of 2.2-3.0 percent for the month. This brought the year-to-date average inflation rate to 2.4 percent, within the Government’s inflation range target of 3.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2015. Similarly, core inflation—which excludes certain volatile food and energy items to better capture underlying price pressures—rose to 2.5 percent in February from 2.2 percent in the previous month. Meanwhile, on a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, inflation eased to 0.1 percent in February from 0.2 percent in January. The higher February inflation reading was driven largely by the higher prices of selected non-food items. In particular, non-food inflation increased as a result of upward adjustments in electricity rates as well as higher prices for transport services. In contrast, food inflation decelerated on ample domestic supply of key food items such as rice, corn, meat, fruits, vegetables, and sugar. Officer-In-Charge Vicente S. Aquino said that the actual inflation in February continues to affirm the BSP’s assessment of a manageable inflation environment over the policy horizon. Going forward, the BSP will continue to closely monitor developments on both the domestic and global fronts to ensure price stability conducive to balanced and sustainable economic growth. |
| DTI crafts high quality construction projects to deliver better roads to Filipinos |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
| “It is expected that more quality construction roads will be delivered to Filipinos, thus empowering and making them competitive,” Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) Supervising Undersecretary Prudencio Reyes Jr. emphasized as more and more government infrastructure agencies including local government units (LGUs) express their desire and need to undergo a seminar workshop on Construction Performance Evaluation System (CPES). The CPES is a rating system developed by the Philippine Domestic Construction Board (PDCB) of CIAP in cooperation with various government infrastructure agencies to monitor and evaluate the constructors’ project performance. CPES aims for the early detection of problem areas encountered in the project and to determine appropriate actions. The Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, a recipient province of the Australian Aid’s Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF), requested PDCB to conduct a seminar-workshop on CPES to its Provincial Engineers’ Office personnel at Tubod, Lanao del Norte on 10-12 March. It will bring to a total number of 34 agencies implementing CPES, according to Engr. Leilani d.L. del Prado, PDCB Officer-in-Charge (OIC). “The Philippines' PRMF is a combined initiative of the government of Australia and the government of the Philippines in coordination with PDCB to strengthen the capability and capacity of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the provincial LGUs to deliver better roads to the Filipino people," Reyes added. Del Prado reported that based on PDCB records, there are 998 accredited evaluators as of 26 February 2015. The accredited CPES evaluators conduct an assessment of constructors’ projects performances with the aim to improve the quality and timely delivery of infrastructure projects in different places of the country. CPES Evaluators can also be tapped as trainers and resource speakers of future CPES seminar workshops receiving honoraria allowed by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). They can also serve as third party CPES evaluators of construction projects of other infrastructure agencies aside from their own agency projects sharing expertise and experiences with them with the utmost aim to improve the quality of work. |
| PHL Consulate General in Sydney hosts DFA Finance Officers' Training Workshop |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 06 March 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney hosted the Finance Officers’ Training Workshop on Financial Management Reporting for Asia-Pacific, Libya and Brazil from March 02 to 05. The training workshop aimed to equip the Finance Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with knowledge on the new standards and reportorial requirements set by the Philippine Government's Public Financial Management reforms roadmap. The topics discussed included updates on public financial management reforms, an overview of the Unified Accounts Code Structure (UACS), procurement planning, budget process, internal control policies, guidelines on government expenditures, revenues and collections, and the Commission on Audit revised rules and procedures. The resource persons for the training workshop were DFA Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Administration Arvic Arevalo, Commission on Audit (COA) Director Marietta Lorenzo, DFA Office of Financial Management Services (OFMS) Acting Director Laarni Gandarosa, and DFA Resident Auditor Pearl Ramos. During the opening of the workshop, Philippine Consul General Anne Jalando-on Louis welcomed the participants to Sydney and wished the Finance Officers a successful and fruitful four-day training that would further enhance their knowledge and skills on financial management. In her message, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Belen F. Anota encouraged the participants to be open to learning and to practicing the new systems and processes that form part of the Philippine Government's thrust towards transparency. She cited the pronouncement of President Benigno S. Aquino III that “Good governance is good economics.” Ambassador Anota said that despite the learning curve that such changes entail for the finance officers, their efforts would be a significant contribution towards the government’s continued path to good governance. Twenty-nine (29) Finance Officers from the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in Asia-Pacific, Libya and Brazil participated in the Workshop. Consul General and Minister Nina Cainglet of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, Trade Assistant Luningning Smith of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Sydney (PTIC-Sydney), and Administrative Officer Ernesto Teston of the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Sydney (DOT-Sydney) also attended several sessions of the workshop. The training workshop, thus far, was the biggest in terms of the number of participating Finance Officers. |
| PHL Ambassador explores shared PHL-Mexico history at National Museum of Vice Royalty of the New Spain |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 06 March 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., together with Communications Officer Don S. Elacion, visited the Museo Nacional del Virreinato del Nuevo España or the National Museum of the Vice Royalty of the New Spain in Tepotzotlán, State of Morelos, Mexico on February 28. The visit was in line with the Philippine Embassy’s cultural awareness program in order to add to its knowledge of the shared historical identities between the Philippines and Mexico. The museum is housed in a former school and convent complex where Jesuits took residence in the 16th century. In 1964, part of the complex was transformed into a museum and is now home to the National Museum of the Vice Royalty of the New Spain. Numerous religious artworks and artifacts from the Spanish colonial era are found in its collection. Non-religious articles like cutlery, metals, textiles, silver, silk, porcelain and ceramics coming from Asia also form part of the museum’s exhibit. Majority of these items were transported during the Manila-Acapulco galleon covering the period 1565 to 1815. The tour was given by well-respected Mexican archeologist, architect, and expert on Philippine-Mexican history, Dr. Juan Antonio Siller Camacho. He is also a professor and member of the Instituto Nacional de Antropologia y Historia (INAH). |
| MB places Rural Bank of Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
| The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of Magsingal (Ilocos Sur), Inc. under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 331.B dated March 5, 2015. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on March 6, 2015. Rural Bank of Magsingal is a single-unit rural bank with Head Office located in San Vicente, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. Based on the Bank Information Sheet (BIS) filed by the Rural Bank of Magsingal with the PDIC as of December 31, 2014, the bank is owned by Felicisimo P. Gorospe (19.15%), Mario Rosalino U. Gorospe (15.77%), Rolando Ramos (12.77%), Valentin G. Preza (10.64%), Luzanta U. Gorospe (10.21%), Leonilo F. Ines, Jr. (9.57%), Ma. Teresa U. Gorospe (7.45%) and Leonilo Sean Ines III (2.26%). Its President and Chairman is Mario Rosalino U. Gorospe. Latest available records show that as of December 31, 2014, Rural Bank of Magsingal had 458 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P17.4 million, all of which are insured. PDIC said that during the takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00. Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P50,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims, except when they have outstanding obligations with the Rural Bank of Magsingal or acted as co-makers of the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank. PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank by the second week of March. Depositors may update their addresses until March 10, 2015 using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be distributed by PDIC representatives at the bank premises. For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts by the third week of March. The PDIC also announced that it will conduct a Depositors-Borrowers Forum on March 12, 2015 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. The time and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and announced in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. Likewise, the schedule of the claims settlement operations, as well as the requirements and procedures for filing claims will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises, other public places and the PDIC website. For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC(7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. |
| PDIC urges banks to avail of its bank strengthening programs |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
| Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President Cristina Que Orbeta rallied members of the rural banking community to take advantage of PDIC's bank strengthening programs to help address the challenges brought about by the changing financial landscape. She said that while rural banks can rely on their inherent strength which is the trust and confidence of their respective communities, in the face of greater competition both from domestic and international banks, this competitive advantage must be combined with capital, good governance, good service and innovative and responsive banking. Speaking before the Annual Management Conference of the Confederation of Central Luzon Rural Banks (CCLRB) held on February 6, 2015, the PDIC President emphasized that PDIC and BSP have put in place strengthening programs to encourage mergers, acquisitions, and consolidation among rural banks and thrift banks to address their capital requirements. "Once a bank is closed, the chances for its rehabilitation becomes very minimal, almost nil, thus we need to face the problems while the bank is still open and come up with solutions early enough to avoid a closure scenario," President Orbeta said. President Orbeta told the rural banking community that she sees opportunities for PDIC to be a partner in the banks' journey to change through the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks Plus (SPRB Plus), a joint program of the PDIC and BSP; the Strengthening Program for Cooperative Banks Plus (SPCB Plus) of the PDIC, BSP and Land Bank of the Philippines; and PDIC's Investor-Investee Helpdesk. Under the SPRB Plus, rural, thrift, universal and commercial banks, as well as non-bank corporations that qualify as strategic third party investors or so-called "white knights" may be granted financial assistance for the acquisition of thrift or rural banks. On the other hand, the counterpart program for cooperative banks, the SPCB Plus aims to encourage mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of cooperative banks to strengthen the cooperative banking sector. SPCB Plus has been extended until September 2015, while SPRB Plus will run up to the end of December 2015. Aside from financial assistance, banks availing of these programs are also granted regulatory relief/s, branching and other incentives by the BSP. "These are facilities and incentives which may be tapped by banks, who are in investment or expansion mode, to acquire, merge or consolidate with banks that have problems," President Orbeta said. To facilitate the matching process, PDIC has developed the Investor Investee Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is an electronic match-making facility that aims to identify possible partners for merger and consolidation for all types of banks. It has been designed to preserve confidentiality for all registrants whether as investors or investees. Banks interested to apply as Investor must not be under the BSP's prompt corrective action and should not have been previously cited for violation of PDIC Regulatory Issuances. Meanwhile, to register as an Investee, or a bank looking for an investor, one should also be compliant with all PDIC regulations. |
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Last Updated: 06 MARCH 2015
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 | Delegates attending the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting in Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite gather for a group photo at the hotel's open terrace overlooking Taal Volcano on Thursday (March 5). | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo are PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño, Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III is introduced to PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (second from left) by the newly newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo (left), as Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo as PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (left) and PNP Deputy Chief for Operation, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Group Photo Caption: Delegates from APEC member-economies, and multilateral and international institutions gather in Tagaytay City, Philippines for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion. The Forum, which runs from 3-4 March 2015, seeks to discuss initiatives that may push forward the agenda of making financial products and services accessible to a wider range of people across the Asia-Pacific Region. | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Raja (Grand Collar) on The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing the symbolic key of 700 newly constructed houses in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu donated by the Sovereign Order of Malta during the ceremonial turn-over at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing lead the ceremonial toasts during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing arrive for the official luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines of on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta) Fra’ Matthew Festing delivers his remarks during the joint press statement with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta share a light moment following the conferment ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines of The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing on Tuesday (March 03). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and SOM. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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