|
| Ombudsman indicts Marine
officers for clothing allowance scam |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
mbudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of
Informations for Malversation and violation of Section 3(e) of
Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act)
against former officers of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC),
namely: Colonel Renato Miranda, Lt. Col. Jeson Cabatbat, Major
Adelo Jandayan, Capt. Felicisimo Millado and Capt. Edmundo
Yurong in connection with the anomalous utilization of the
Combat Clothing Allowance and Individual Equipment Allowance
(CCIE) totaling P36,768,028.95 intended for the benefit of
PMC-enlisted personnel.
The Office of the Ombudsman found that in December 1999, the
CCIE allowance amounting to P43.5million was released by the
Philippine Navy and was liquidated through the payroll system
and not as cash advances of the enlisted personnel. PMC
officials alleged that out of P43.5million, P32.9 million was
paid to suppliers while P4.2 million was utilized to defray
other expenses, and that P6.2 million was transferred to the
custody of the finance officer for payment of the remaining
CCIE.
Investigation showed that based on disbursement vouchers signed
by Miranda, 19 checks all dated in April 2000 were issued in
favor of Millado as PMC Commanding Officer. The checks were
encashed and the proceeds were turned over to Jandayan. In turn,
Cabatbat and Yurong certified and submitted falsified payrolls
of the enlisted personnel. Upon verification and random
sampling, 145 enlisted personnel stationed in various provinces
denied receiving any allowance and signing in the payroll.
In denying the Motions for Reconsideration, Ombudsman Morales
stated that considering the amount involved, the military
officials should have “exercised due diligence and prudence in
entering into transactions involving funds” and that failure to
do so “signifies [their] active participation in the anomalous
transaction which resulted to the defraudation of the
government.”
On the other hand, the criminal charges against Brigadier
General Percival Subala and Capt. Carolyn Bontolo were dismissed
for lack of probable cause. |
|
|
|
| Ombudsman axes DA officials for
PDAF scam |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the dismissal
from the service of several officials from the Department of
Agriculture Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU VI), namely: Regional
Executive Director Larry Nacionales, Accountant III Candelaria
Martinez, Officer-in-Charge Mira Talabong, Accounting Section
Chief Mae Nones, and Monitoring Staff Roger Salcedo after being
found guilty of Gross Misconduct in connection with the
anomalous implementation of agricultural projects in the 4th
district of Negros Occidental funded from the Priority
Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Senator Jose “Jinggoy”
Estrada, Jr.
The Decision narrated that sometime in 2007, an undated project
proposal was prepared and approved by Senator Estrada for the
“Diversified Farm Assistance for Negros Occidental Agri-Producers”
with a total budget of P20,500,000.00. In a letter issued in
December 2007, Estrada requested Nacionales to implement the
agricultural projects with JCB Foundation as NGO project
implementor. The agricultural project involved the acquisition
of 28 units of hand tractors, 28 units of rice threshers, 56
units of power sprayers and 5,000 bottle of Nobac Urban Organic
Enzyme and Microbial Decomposition Activator including freight,
shipment and delivery costs.
Based on the Special Audit Report of the Commission on Audit
(COA), several audit observations were uncovered such as
non-delivery of the farm inputs and farm implements, falsified
certifications for the equipment, simulated bidding, equipment
and products were grossly overpriced by as much as 74.5% or
equivalent to P14.2 million, freight, shipping, trucking and
delivery expenses totaling P1,018,000.00 were without factual
and legal basis, and the actual recipients of the liquid
fertilizers could not be determined because the masterlist
bearing the signatures of farmers did not indicate the quantity
received by them. It was also discovered that the supplier for
the agricultural equipment and JCB Foundation had the same
address.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “there is gross
inexcusable negligence when they merely signed the
Certifications, Accomplishment Reports and DVs as well as record
the transactions in the books of DA RFU VI when they very well
know they should have conducted periodic monitoring and
evaluation on the project as well as verified and checked the
documents submitted by JCB.”
Under the law, a public officer is guilty of Gross Misconduct if
it is proved that he committed transgression of some established
and definite rule of action, more particularly unlawful behavior
or gross negligence.
Ombudsman Morales also imposed upon Nacionales, et. al. the
accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, perpetual
disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of
retirement benefits, and bar from taking civil service
examinations.
Meanwhile, the complaint against Agricultural Program
Coordinating Officer Roy Tio was dismissed in view of his death
prior to the filing of the complaint. |
|
|
|
| 92.5% of 2015 allotments to gov't
departments already released; Abad: Early releases to pave way
towards swifter budget execution |
| Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
Consistent with the objectives of the General Appropriations
Act-as-Release-Document (GAARD) regime implemented at the start
of 2014, 92.5 percent of the 2015 allotments for government
departments and agencies have been comprehensively released by
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the first
quarter of the year.
First quarter allotment releases from the GAA rose slightly in
2015 compared to 2014 levels with 80.4 percent of the programmed
allotments for 2015 having been comprehensively released. This
is an increase of 16.7 percent from allotment releases in 2014
over the same period. Meanwhile, the percentage of early
releases for automatic appropriations almost doubled this
year—from 47.1 percent in 2014 to 92.3 percent in 2015.
Automatic appropriations refer to appropriations programmed over
a period prescribed by law, through outstanding legislation
requiring periodic action by Congress.
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The latest report
affirms our success with a major initiative towards more
efficient budget execution. With this early release, we can
speed up the implementation of projects and programs across
agencies and departments, even as we minimize irregularities in
fund releases.”
Under the GAARD regime, departments and agencies can begin
obligating funds, start procurement procedures, and enter into
contracts without securing a Special Allotment Release Order
(SARO) from DBM. The GAA is used as the official release
document, which facilitates speedier project execution and
reduces bottlenecks.
Below is a breakdown and comparison of the allotment releases
for the first quarter of 2014 and 2015:
| PARTICULARS |
Program
|
Allotment Releases
|
% of Releases Over Program
|
| First Quarter |
2014
|
2015
|
2014
|
2015
|
2014
|
2015
|
| General Appropriations Act |
1,468,599,325
|
1,739,768,572
|
1,066,596,003
|
1,295,396,818
|
72.6%
|
74.5%
|
| Departments |
1,150,692,033
|
1,333,768,572
|
1,028,779,670
|
1,234,032,708
|
89.4%
|
92.5%
|
| Special Purpose Funds |
317,907,292
|
405,918,685
|
37,816,333
|
61,364,110
|
11.9%
|
15.1%
|
| Automatic Appropriations |
769,029,175
|
866,231,428
|
375,190,759
|
799,782,726
|
47.1%
|
92.3%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Original Program |
2,264,628,500
|
2,606,000,000
|
1,441,786,762
|
2,095,179,544
|
63.7%
|
80.4%
|
|
Items under automatic appropriations that had 100 percent of their
allotments released during the first quarter of the year include the
following: the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Interest Payments,
Grants and Donations, and the Pensions of
Ex-Presidents/Ex-Presidents’ Widows. Meanwhile, the Retirement and
Life Insurance Premium releases were at 99.6 percent of program.
While the comprehensive releases to agencies have allowed them to
begin obligating funds since the start of the year, releases for
automatic appropriations still require clearance prior to release.
Abad added, “The comprehensive release of allotments is one step on
the road towards ensuring that every peso contributes to sustained,
inclusive growth. On our end, we will continue to work with
departments, agencies, and local government units to improve their
spending capacity and procurement procedures. This is to certify
that the funds we release will be spent swiftly and efficiently for
the benefit of all Filipinos.” |
|
|
|
| NHA, DSWD partner for sustainable
livelihood communities |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the
National Housing Authority (NHA) strengthened their partnership
and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support the
implementation of the Cash for Building Livelihood Assets (CBLA)
Project.
The MOA for the CBLA Project, signed on April 7 by DSWD
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and NHA General Manager Chito
Cruz, aims to give opportunities for qualified housing
beneficiaries in selected resettlement sites to avail of
short-term employment to augment their daily income and to be
able to update their housing amortization arrearages.
The MOA signing ceremony was witnessed by 3rd District of Negros
Occidental Congressman Alfredo “Albee” B. Benitez, Chairman of
the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, who pushed for
the implementation of this pilot project.
Under the agreement, the DSWD allocated P79,176,528 from its
Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) fund to cover payment of
services for some 2,763 selected resettled families in NHA sites
located in Northville 1, Kasarival in Valenzuela City; San Jose
del Monte Heights in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Southville
8 Resettlement Site in Rodriguez, Rizal. The CBLA project will
run for one year starting this May 2015 up to April 2016.
From the 2,763 beneficiaries, four batches will be organized.
Members of each batch will work for 24 days per month for three
months. They will be paid based on the regional minimum wage for
the area. Part of their income will defray their housing
arrearages and provide additional income to support their basic
needs.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that addressing the
housing needs of the poor should be complemented by livelihood,
income, and employment opportunities.
The CBLA Project is a capacity building strategy to increase the
employability chances of the beneficiaries and increase natural
resource building to be used for livelihood. Specifically, the
CBLA Project supports the establishment of micro-enterprise
development and employment generation such as jobs dealing with
solid waste management, urban gardening, and slope planting
protection. |
|
|
|
| PHL bags investments project award
for Asia at AIM 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
The Philippines won the Investments Project Award for Asia
during the recent Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), a leading
global forum for investment and strategic networking in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“This is a strong confirmation that the Philippines has been
attracting the best investment projects in recent years that
contribute to the country’s remarkable and sustainable economic
growth,” Department of Trade and Industry-Industry Promotions
Group (DTI-IPG) Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said.
This award is a significant feature of the investment meeting,
and has become a widely appreciated recognition of best
investments promotion agencies (IPAs).
Headed by Manalo, the Philippine delegation was composed of 44
representatives from 20 IPAs, local government units (LGUs),
private businesses, and business organizations. This mission was
organized by the DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) in
collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in UAE.
A total of 96 ready-to-go investments projects and business
proposals were offered to potential investors. These projects
are in-line with the focused sectors that the delegation intends
to promote in the Middle East. These sectors are manufacturing,
agribusiness, industrial estate development, tourism,
infrastructure, logistics, and energy.
Manalo noted that about hundred business-to-business meetings
were conducted on site and outside of the investment meeting.
The AIM is a three-day event focused on foreign direct
investments (FDI). It provides various platforms for key
stakeholders from the government and the private sector to
interact and present their investment projects, programs and
opportunities.
During the country presentation attended by a hundred
participants from UAE and other countries, Manalo underscored
the impressive investment climate of the Philippines. He also
discussed specific industry and project opportunities in various
IPAs, and the vast growth potential of Mindanao, specifically on
Halal products, infrastructure, and industrial estate
development projects.
“With our presence in this investment meeting, we expect to
attract the right kind of investment projects in the Philippines
given the country’s enabling business environment and supportive
investment policies,” Manalo said. |
|
|
|
| Roxas strengthens alliance
between clergy and citizens against corruption |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
“Huwag kang magnakaw.”
This was the message of Interior and Local Government Secretary
Mar Roxas, together with the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and
civil society organisations (CSOs) of Pangasinan, to those who
engage in corrupt and illegal practices, under the close watch
of the Ugandan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) program.
“Ang bawat bayan at syudad ay mayroong P15-20 milyong piso at
ang taumbayan ang magsasabi kung ano ang pangangailangan ng tao,
at kung saan nila gagamitin ang pera. Sila rin ang magbabantay
kung natutupad ang mga proyektong ito,” Roxas said.
Roxas and the UBAS technical working group headed by Sr. Ampy
Hilot discussed the updates on the composition of their group,
and how they handle Barangay Action Team (BAT) formation,
Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) project monitoring, Full Disclosure
Policy feedbacks, and Peace and Order issues.
The secretary also met with Archbishop Socrates Villegas, to
discuss the means to strengthen the campaign of the DILG and
religious sector against corruption.
“Kita natin na ongoing ang implementation ng UBAS. Ang laki ng
tuwa natin na tuloy tuloy ang ating programa para pangalagaan
ang pera ng bayan,” Roxas said.
UBAS is a partnership between the barangays and the parishes to
pool resources and synchronize efforts in the advocacy of good
governance and the pursuit of projects and services for
community development.
According to Roxas, UBAS is also part of the deliberate,
programmatic, and sustained approach of the government to ensure
that national and local governance is anchored on transparency
and grassroots participation.
The event was attended by representatives of the Pangasinan
clergy, officials from the DILG and LGUs, CSO representatives,
police officers, city fire marshalls, and city wardens. |
|
|
|
| Roxas: We can go far with BUB
projects |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas led the
hundreds of leaders and members of Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs) in the very first People Conference of the Koalisyon ng
Mamamayan para sa Reporma (KOMPRe) for the whole Ilocos Region.
"Hindi ako naniniwalang hanggang dito na lang tayo. Fast
forward! Huwag na tayong magrewind pabalik sa baluktot na daan,"
Roxas said.
Roxas interviewed representatives from different CSOs,
addressing the challenges they encounter through linking them
with other partner government agencies.
According to Roxas, the province of Pangasinan has P636.7M
budget for the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) program, and one
billion pesos has been allotted for the whole region one.
Under the BUB program, the grassroots communities can create
their own sustainable development plan through a demand-driven
budget process.
An example of the BUB project that Roxas brought up in the
conference was the provision of 19 motorized bancas, boxes of
Global Positioning System (GPS) powered Fish Finder, and brand
new fishing nets to the fisherfolk of Dagupan.
Funds were also used to sustain other government projects like
the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty
reduction strategy that gives Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs)
to poorest households, provided that they comply with the
conditions set by the program. Almost 4.4 million filipino
families nationwide benefit from 4Ps project nationwide.
"Ito ang pinakakonkretong ebidensya na kayo ang boss ng
pamahalaang ito. Kasama sa Daang Matuwid ang pag-angkin ng mga
mamamayan sa pamahalaan," said Roxas.
Roxas assured that all programs of the government will continue
with the help of the people, and the unity of the nation.
"Walang iwanan sa tuwid na daan, We did all these and more
because of people like you who are willing to work with the
government and for the people. We have achieved much, pero
marami pa ring gagawin," Roxas said.
CSOs from the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur,
and La Union were present in the KOMPRe People's Conference. |
|
|
|
| GPH-MILF peace process seeks to
address root causes of Mindanao conflict |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – The ongoing peace process between the Government of the
Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is
among the measures being pursued to substantially reduce threat
to security and peace and order in Mindanao from armed groups
that foment lawlessness and instability in the South,
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles
said on Saturday.
“Peace between government and MILF means peace with the largest,
most organized armed group which has been fighting government
for decades. Ending this armed conflict means that this
organized armed body ceases to fight the government and instead
becomes a partner in addressing the problems facing the country,
including problems of lawlessness in the South,” she said.
“It enables the effective exercise of the rule of law over areas
previously outside its reach and ungovernable. Certainly, that
must have some value in achieving our national aspiration for
shared security and shared prosperity,” she added.
Her statement came after a published news report quoted a study
funded by the World Bank which noted that political violence
related to rebellion and insurgency inflicts the “largest human
cost” that affect Philippine development.
Deles said the government had early in the Administration
concluded that negotiating with the MILF, which has concluded
with a peace agreement and its legal iteration, the Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL), would make efforts to address the root causes
of the conflict in Mindanao more effective.
Deles said despite efforts by critics to paint the Mamasapano
incident as proof that the BBL won’t address the threat from
armed groups in Mindanao, the peace agreement with the MILF and
the establishment of the proposed Bangsamoro in the BBL would be
an indispensable big step towards disarming not just the MILF
but other threat groups in Mindanao.
“The decommissioning process will cover not only the MILF but
also other armed groups. Hence, the BBL will have a multiplier
effect,” she said.
Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the
government and MILF signed on March last year, the MILF agreed
to decommission its firearms and weaponry and its 11,000-strong
Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in exchange for the
establishment of a political entity with genuine autonomy to
replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its fighters
would undergo a normalization process so they could resume lives
as ordinary citizens, and not as combatants anymore.
The CAB -- a product of more than 17 years of peace negotiations
between the Philippine government and the MILF -- has also made
the MILF, the biggest armed group in Mindanao, to undergo a
transformation from a secessionist movement to a political group
with intentions to participate and field candidates in the
coming elections.
“The challenge is tough but unavoidable and doable through a
combination of MILF cooperation and government law enforcement,”
Deles said. “Rule of law begets trust and vice versa. Together
both will encourage people to choose lawful ways to resolve
conflict or to sustain life,” she added. |
|
|
|
| “Determination and hard work,
keys to success” – Luistro to Pantawid Pamilya graduates |
| Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
Manila--“Kapag tinitignan nila sa pag-aaral kung sino ang
talagang nagiging tunay na successful sa buhay, sabi nila iyong
mga nagpupursigi, iyong may pangmatagalan na lakas at patuloy na
nangangarap at hindi sumusuko,” Department of Education (DepEd)
Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said to more than 4,000 Pantawid
Pamilya high school graduates who attended the post-graduation
celebration at the Philippine International Convention Center
(PICC) on April 9, 2015.
The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a human
development program of the national government that invests in
the health and education of poor households, primarily of
children aged 0-18, has produced its first batch of high school
graduates this year.
The education chief told the graduates that their lives do not
stop at graduation saying, “Pwede pa kayong matulungan na
mabigyan ng scholarship ng TESDA para may choice kayo. Pwede pa
kayong mangarap at pumasok sa pamantasan. Merong mga
scholarships, kung kayo'y magpupursigi at magpapatupad ng inyong
mga pangarap.”
“Sa ating pagtatapos, mahaba pa ang ating lakbayin sa buhay,
marami pa tayong mga paghamon, at maraming mga pagkakamali,
marami tayong makalilimutan. Kung ang kasama natin ay tatawanan
tayo, baka mahirapan tayong tumawid; pero kung sama-sama tayo at
sabihin sa ating sarili, “Kaya natin yan, hindi tayo susuko!” At
kung may mga panahon na binabatikos tayo, makipagtulungan tayo
sa isa't-isa. Kayang-kaya iyan ng Pilipino,” he added.
Luistro said that 4Ps has helped DepEd to reach out to more
Filipino children and deliver to them quality basic education.
He said, “Ang enrollment sa high school sa buong Pilipinas sa
public schools ngayon ay 5.9 million. Malapit na tayo sa six
million. Pero noong nakalipas na panahon, ang enrollment lang
natin sa high school ay 5.4 million. Dumami ang ating enrollment
sa high school ng half a million. At dahil dyan, kailangan natin
mag-hire ng mga panibagong teachers, magtayo ng mga panibagong
classroom, at siguraduhing ang programa ay makausad.”
This year, DepEd will build more than 40,000 classrooms and
create over 39,000 teacher items as it continues to gear up for
the K to 12 full implementation in 2016.
|
|
|
|
| Statement on China’s
reclamation activities and their impact on the Region’s marine
environment |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
China’s massive reclamation activities are causing irreversible
and widespread damage to the biodiversity and ecological balance
of the South China Sea/ West Philippine Sea. We cannot accept
China’s claim that its activities has not caused damage to the
ecological environment of the South China Sea.
China has pursued these activities unilaterally, disregarding
peoples in the surrounding states who have depended on the sea
for their livelihood for generations. The destruction of 300
acres of coral reef systems resulting from the reclamations is
estimated to lead to economic losses to coastal states valued at
US$100 million annually.
Moreover, we note that China has tolerated environmentally
harmful fishing practices by its nationals at Bajo De Masinloc
which breaches its obligations under the 1982 United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Convention on
Biological Diversity, and the Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
We are especially concerned by the statement of the Chinese
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on 09 April 2015 that after
completion of their reclamation activities in the South China
Sea, the islands and reef would provide “comprehensive services
to meet civilian demands and satisfy the need of necessary
military defense”. Such statements by China only serve to raise
the spectre of increasing militarization and threaten peace and
stability in the region.
We should not allow China to distract us from the real issues in
the South China Sea, which are China's illegitimate “nine-dash
line” claim, and China's unilateral and aggressive behavior in
asserting that claim, as exemplified by its massive and
unrestrained reclamation.
We call on China to stop the reclamation activities and to be
mindful of its responsibilities as a claimant state and an
important member of the international community. We call on
China to respect the letter and spirit of the 2002 ASEAN-China
Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and
to cooperate in discussing constructive long-term solutions to
the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine
Sea/South China Sea, in accordance with international law. |
|
|
|
| ECOP credits two-tiered wage system to
‘less politics’ in wage fixing |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz,
Chairperson of the National Wages and Productivity Commission
(NWPC), yesterday noted the support of the Employers
Confederation of the Philippines to the DOLE’s two-tiered wage
system (TTWS) reform, which said the reform has led to the
expeditious and non-adversarial consensual decision-making
process in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards
(RTWPBs).
Commenting on a letter she received from ECOP President Edgardo
Lacson on the newest minimum pay raise in Metro Manila which
took effect this month, Baldoz said the ECOP has credited the
two-tiered wage system for “introducing the most critical
criterion in the reform, which was the use of the poverty income
threshold in the first tier as a major indicator in setting the
floor wage.”
“The best example of this is in the NCR,” said Lacson in his
letter. “As it is, the NCR wage rate of P466 per day (was)
double the NCR 2012 poverty threshold of P234 per day.
Lacson also said, without elaborating, that since its
implementation, the two-tiered wage system has seen a
“significant reduction in the politics of wage fixing”.
The TTWS, initiated by Secretary Baldoz in 2012, is a wage
reform where the first tier is the mandated minimum wage, or
floor wage, set by RTWPBs, while the second-tier is the
non-mandatory component that provides workers’ pay increases and
benefits based on productivity-based formulas contained in
advisories also issued by the RTWPBs. The advisories guide
industries in developing and implementing productivity
improvement programs, productivity-based incentives, and profit-
or gain-sharing schemes that workers and employers agree as
basis for additional pay or incentives.
Under the reform, the minimum wage is viewed as a social safety
net, as it is, to protect the most vulnerable sectors, while the
productivity-based pay is regarded as the more appropriate
mechanism of rewarding workers’ productivity as their
progressive contribution to enterprise growth and
competitiveness.
Relative to this, NWPC deputy executive director Patricia
Hornilla said the ECOP will meet with the NWPC this week in a
technical working group to map out support strategies by the
employers’ group on advocating the TTWS more extensively with
employers. Separate meetings are also planned for the unions.
“We need the support of the ECOP and the unions in raising
knowledge and awareness that would lead to practice of the TTWs.
This is a reform that everyone should embrace because it is
appropriate for our current economic and labor market
conditions,” Baldoz said. |
|
|
|
| Says program has inclusion and
exemption: Baldoz allays fears of Filipino TFWs in Canada |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday sought to allay the fears of Filipino temporary
foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada, particularly in Alberta, and
their families in the Philippines by saying there is no
immediate repatriation of them to the Philippines once their
four-year stay in that country comes to an end. “There is no
such thing as ‘mass deportation’ contrary to some news reports
about it,” said Baldoz. Baldoz said she received a report from
the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Toronto taking
note of the reports and saying that some workers will be exempt
from the rule that TFWs will have to leave Canada at the end of
their four-year stay. Introduced on 1 April 2011, the temporary
foreign workers program allowed low-wage foreign workers to stay
in Canada for as long as four years, and once this four-year
period ends, the TFW will no longer be eligible to work in
Canada under a temporary foreign worker permit for an additional
four years. Baldoz said Labor Attache Leonida Romulo reported
that not included in the cumulative four-year limit are any
periods of more than one month spent overseas, or an authorized
work break, such as parental leave and extended unpaid leave.
“Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will exempt some
workers from the cumulative duration regulation,” Baldoz said,
quoting further the report. Labatt Romulo said TFWs in
managerial or professional occupation are exempted. So are TFWs
who have applied for permanent residence and have received a CSQ
(Certificat de selection du Quebec) if applying as a Quebec
skilled worker; a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) certificate,
if applying as a provincial nominee; an approval in principle,
if applying under the Live-in Caregiver Class; a positive
selection decision, if apply under the Federal Skilled Worker
Class; or a positive selection decision, if applying under the
Canadian Experience Class. Also exempted are TFWs employed under
an international agreement, such as the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Seasonal Agricultural Program, or
another agreement. Further excluded are those who are exempt
from the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) process, including spouses
and common-law partners of international graduates participating
in the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program and highly-skilled
TFWs; charity or religious workers; entrepreneurs, intra-company
transferees, researchers, and academics; and others for purposes
of self-support, such as refugee claimants, or humanitarian
reasons (destitute students, and holders of Temporary Resident
Permits valid for at least six months. Baldoz further said this
reprieve, announced by the Canadian federal government, will
allow employers to apply for renewed Labour Market Impact
Assessments because their affected TFWs are waiting in a queue
for their permanent residence applications to be processed. In
addition, the CIC is providing a one-year bridging work permit
to TFWs who are subject to the four-year cumulative duration
limit. Labor Attache Romulo said that although Labor Minister
Jason Kenney was quick not to call the measures as exemptions,
he, however, said these are intended to “assist people who re in
most cases going to get their permanent residency anyway” by
allowing them “to stay in Canada until that decision is made.”
Baldoz had instructed Labor Attache Romulo and Labor Attache
Jaime P. Gimenez to monitor developments, gather more
information to assess the impact, and ascertain the number of
Filipino TFWs to be affected, just in case. |
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| UP-MSI study reveals promising economic
benefit of red algae |
| Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
|
Who would have thought that an alga or lumut, which is sometimes
being looked upon as an insignificant fishery resource, can be a
potential raw material for food, medical, and pharmaceutical
industries. Researchers claim that multicellular algae, such as
red, brown, and some green algae, are important not only for
food use but also as source of industrial products.
Results obtained from a research study conducted by the
University of the Philippines - Marine Science Institute
(UP-MSI) with funding support from the Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR), revealed that a particular species known as
Halymenia durvillei Bory de Saint-Vincent can contribute
significantly to the fishery sector through research and
development.
The project, “Development of Culture Technologies for Halymenia
durvillei Bory de Saint-Vincent using Spores,” initiated in
November 2011, is being led by Dr. Gavino C. Trono, Jr.,
professor emeritus and a national scientist from UP-MSI. The
research experiment was conceptualized to: 1) obtain temporal
and spatial distribution data of fertile thalli of H. durvillei,
2) induce fertile thalli to shed spores on selected substrates
in the laboratory, and 3) grow spores in special culture medium
in the laboratory.
The growing interest in H. durvillei was brought about by its
promising economic benefits. Derived from this high-value
natural products are lambda-like carrageenan and phycobilin
pigments, r-phycoerythin and r-phycocyanin, which are
extensively used in the cosmetic, biomedical, and pharmaceutical
industries. In addition, countries like Japan and Hawaii consume
the alga as component in their vegetable salads and soup.
To tap the potential of H. durvillei, a culture technology was
developed for the species using vegetative propagules
(cuttings). As pointed out by Dr. Trono, the production of H.
durvilleithrough culture utilizing spores is very important in
the conservation of natural stocks of the species. The continued
use of cuttings will definitely lead to the depletion of natural
stocks. It is necessary and important to develop an alternative
source of germlings/sporelings. The use of spores as seedstocks
is seen as a good strategy for resource management.
The studies on the reproductive periodicity in natural
population, spores settlement preferences, growth and
development of spores were conducted at the UP-MSI Bolinao
Marine Laboratory in Bolinao, Pangasinan.
The team of Dr. Trono conducted monthly assessments to evaluate
the growth and development, and reproductive periodicity of H.
durvillei in natural populations in the three sites in
Pangasinan, namely, Santiago Island, Cangaluyan Island, and
shoreline of Patar. Fertile materials were collected and
releases of spores were induced through desiccation for six
hours. Spores were allowed to settle on different substrates
(clam, shell, coral blocks, cotton strings, and net). Prior to
outplanting, sporelings that developed into branched upright
thallus were transferred to 50-L outdoor aquaria in the hatchery
until it reached 2-3 cm. Sporelings were then outplanted using a
rectangular cage/tray made from PVC pipes and plastic mesh wire
and were allowed to grow until harvestable size.
Halymenia grows on coralline rocks at the lower intertidal and
upper subtidal zone at a depth of two to five meters. It is
quite an adventure monitoring the growth and reproductive
periodicity of Halymenia especially during high tide
characterized by moderate wave action. One has to be a good
swimmer.
The red alga
Halymenia durvillei is a red marine macrobenthic alga with large
and bushy thalli that can grow up to 35 cm. It is soft,
cartilaginous and slimy when fresh. The species is commonly
found in the lower intertidal and upper subtidal zones attached
to rocky coralline substrate with its discoid holdfast (Trono,
1997).
H. durvillei is a very common species in the Indian and
West-Pacific Ocean, characterized by its branched thallus,
multiple surface proliferations, supple cartilaginous structure
and evenly colored thallus surface. Despite its distinctive
morphology, the taxonomic history of H. durvillei is long and
confusing, which can probably be attributed to the rather
variable external morphology (degree of branching, thallus
width, and degree of dentation). The species was originally
described and illustrated from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea.
Research result
The output of this research initiative is targeted towards
individuals and group of individuals interested in the
sustainable mass production of H. durvillei including, but not
limited to, mariculturists, the seaweed industry, coastal
populations, resource managers and policymakers.
Results obtained showed intra-annual peaks in fertility among
the natural populations of carposporic and tetrasporic plants.
Carposporophytes (those with cystocarps) were available during
colder months of October until March, and these disappear during
summer months when water temperatures are warmer. Dr. Trono
suggested that field harvesting of H. durvillei must coincide
with its seasonality. Ideally, harvest for spore propagation
should be done during fertility peaks of carposporophytes, and
harvest for use in the culture using vegetative propagules and
biomass for the use in the process of natural products
utilization be made after the said peaks. It was further
observed that spores prefer to grow and develop into upright
thalli in clam shells and coral blocks than in other substrates.
The research study demonstrated the feasibility of using spores
as source of sporelings for use in the open sea culture system
for the biomass production of H. durvillei. |
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| DA urges agri graduates to practice
what they learned in PHL |
| Source:
httphttp://www.da.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Agriculture today urged 2015’s agriculture and
agriculture-related course graduates to stay in the country and
practice what they have learned about our plants, animals and
soils on our soil.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said, the agriculture
sector still has a lot of potential and infusion of fresh blood
will give the sector the necessary push for it to flourish.
“There is a dire need for fresh blood in agriculture, especially
those with knowledge about new planting, fishing and
animal-raising technologies,” Alcala said.
According to the Secretary, many of our finest graduates opt to
go abroad in search of the so-called greener pastures. He added,
though graduates of our universities cannot be stopped from
going abroad, the Department still hopes that the exodus of our
agri graduates can be lessened.
“If our graduates stay in the Philippines to practice what they
have learned here, they might not be paid as much, but they will
be of great help to our countrymen,” Alcala said. According to
the Secretary, our country’s universities offer the best
agriculture and agriculture-related courses.
He added, that is why students from neighboring countries come
to our shores, to learn from the best.
“Foreigners come here to learn and practice what they learned
from our schools in their homeland. We at the Department are
hoping that our graduates will do the same for our country,” the
Secretary said.
Earlier, the Department urged high school graduates to enroll in
farming and fisheries related courses. |
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| TESDA gets nationwide ISO certification |
| Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
As a seal of international excellence in technical vocational
education and training (tech-voc), the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently received a
nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification.
The certification covers TESDA's major regulatory mandate of
program registration and assessment and certification for all
its 17 regional offices and all 81 provincial offices, including
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and its central
office's process of standards development.
"This is an important milestone in TESDA's continuous work to
invest in quality skills development of the Filipinos through
tech-voc," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.
TESDA obtained the coveted ISO Certification from the
German-affiliated company TUV-SUD PSB Philippines, Inc., an
external and independent quality management agency, and the
agency's third party certification body.
The Certification was received by Villanueva together with Labor
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and other TESDA officials in the
presence of President Benigno Aquino III in Malacanang on April
13.
Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise's
adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of
excellence.
"The Certification bestowed on TESDA proves that after a very
rigorous audit, our systems on Program Registration, Assessment
and Certification, Standards Development and Support Services
have demonstrated compliance with ISO 9001:2008 requirements,"
Villanueva said.
TESDA becomes the second agency under the executive branch which
has a nationwide ISO Certification. The Department of Health was
the first agency that received the prestigious status on
December 18, 2013.
It is the first and only education agency which was ISO
certified.
In February 2012, TESDA received the ISO Certification for
Program Registration, Assessment and Certification and Support
Services for its central headquarters and Regions III, VIII and
the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
In May 2013, it obtained the Certification for Program
Registration, Assessment and Certification, Standards
Development and Support Services for its offices in Regions I,
IV-A, VII, XI and National Capital Region.
In 2014, TESDA was certified for its Program Registration,
Assessment and Certification, Standards Development and Support
Services in all regions and its central office.
Program registration and assessment and certification are two of
the regulatory functions being performed by TESDA. All tech-voc
programs being offered by public and private training
institutions and schools are required to be registered with the
agency before they are offered to the public. Such process
ensures that these programs comply with the standards set by
TESDA in terms of facilities and equipment, curriculum content,
trainers qualification among others.
On the other hand, all tech-voc graduates in courses covered by
Training Regulations are required to undergo the mandatory
assessment of TESDA. Those who pass the assessment are certified
and issued the National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of
Competency (NC) by the agency.
For 2014, TESDA has assessed a total of 1,232,116 workers and
tech-voc graduates of which 1,125,273 or 91.3 percent were
certified.
As of December 2014, it has a total of 20,275 registered
programs offered all over the country. |
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| PDIC raises P12.2-M from public auctions |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) successfully
raised a total of P12.2 million from the sale of corporate and
closed banks' properties during its two public auctions
conducted on March 5 and 24, 2015 at the PDIC Office in Makati
City. Of the total properties sold, one was a corporate
property, while 13 were owned by closed banks.
The sale included eight real estate properties, three
transportation equipment and three generator sets which yielded
a premium of P3.9 million against the aggregate minimum disposal
price of P8.3 million. The real estate properties sold are
located in the provinces of Albay, Batangas, Camarines Sur,
Marinduque, Palawan, Quezon and Rizal.
Proceeds from the sale of the corporate asset amounted to P0.4
million which will be added to the Deposit Insurance Fund,
PDIC's main fund source for payment of insured deposits.
Meanwhile, proceeds from the sale of closed banks' assets, which
amounted to P11.8 million, will be credited to the funds held in
trust for the closed banks concerned to settle claims of
creditors and uninsured depositors.
The conduct of public auctions is an initiative in line with the
Corporation's strategic direction to expeditiously dispose of
non-financial assets. Aside from public auctions, the PDIC holds
public biddings and enters into negotiated sale, as modes of
asset disposal allowed under its asset disposal policy.
Interested buyers are encouraged to visit the PDIC website at
www.pdic.gov.ph. and use the PDIC's Property Finder for
information on available inventory of assets for sale.
Prospective buyers may also call the Asset Management and
Disposal Group at (02) 841-4651 for inquiries on available
assets. |
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| MMDA starts Summer Internship Program
today |
| Source:
http://www.mmda.gov.ph |
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The summer internship program of the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) formally starts today, with 450
students to work in the agency’s various divisions for one
month, in line with the Special Program for the Employment of
Students (SPES) initiated by the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE).
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the summer interns will be
working as public service assistants, computer operators,
communication equipment operator assistants, accounting clerks,
and records clerk, among others.
“SPES is an opportunity for the young to experience what it is
like working in a government institution and render public
service and at the same time provide them with financial means
to continue their education,” Tolentino said.
SPES, now on its fourth year at the MMDA, is mandated under
Republic Act 9547 whose objective is to develop the intellectual
capacities of children of poor families and harness their
potentials.
Interns are aged 17 – 25 years old. The combined net income of
their parents, including the candidates’ own income if any,
should not exceed P138,247.00 per annum, and should have
received an average passing grade during the last scholastic
term. They will receive a daily wage of P466.00.
According to the MMDA chief, he is optimistic that these interns
will learn significant lessons on urban planning, traffic
management, environmental protection, and green governance. |
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| Proposed PPP Act to benefit the
public, investors |
| Source:
http://ppp.gov.ph |
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The Aquino administration is currently pushing for the
amendments of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law to
institutionalize the reforms that have been initiated since its
implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program
in 2010.
Last March 18, the House Committee on Public Works and Highways
has approved the substitute bill on the proposed Amendments to
Republic Act (RA) 7718, or PPP Act. The committee is set to
produce a report that will be submitted to the Committee on
Appropriations, which will then be forwarded to the Committee on
Rules for second reading of the proposed bill.
The proposed amendments in the PPP Act will benefit the public
and the local and foreign investors. Some of the proposed
amendments in the bill are: clearer appeal mechanisms in case of
protests by the bidders, and various treatment options for
unsolicited proposal: (1) accept the proposal subject to the
conduct of Swiss Challenge; (2) use the proposal as basis for
public bidding subject to reimbursement of development cost; (3)
reject the proposal if deemed unacceptable.
Other salient features of the substitute bill include
prohibition against the issuance of restraining orders and
injunctive reliefs by the court except the Supreme Court
(validity period of 6 months); prohibition against regulatory
bodies from entering into any PPP contract that they regulate;
exempting projects of national significance from real property
tax and other local taxes; and automatic grants of business
permits, and institutionalization of the Project Development and
Monitoring Facility, contingent liability fund, PPP Center and
alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
When both chambers pass the PPP Act, it will be endorsed to
President Aquino to be signed into law. The government is hoping
for the bill to be enacted before the year ends.
Last month, the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines,
Makati Business Club and Management Association of the
Philippines were calling for the swift ratification of the PPP
Act through a letter sent to Benguet Representative Ronald M.
Cosalan, Chairman of the Committee on Public Works and Highways.
“We call on government to swiftly enact the amendments to the
BOT Law that will institutionalize the PPP Center and its
processes, which we believe will further strengthen our PPP
framework and prevent hindrances to the implementation of
critical public projects,” the groups stated.
Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Chairman of the Public
Works Committee, has stressed the importance of amending the BOT
Law during a Senate hearing on March 3, 2015.
Senator Marcos said that “there is a need to update and replace
the BOT Law by incorporating valuable lessons learned from past
projects as well as global best practices in public-private
partnerships”.
The honorable Senator filed Senate Bill No. 2665 entitled “An
Act Authorizing Public-Private Partnerships, Appropriating Funds
Therefore, And For Other Purposes”. The Bill was filed on
February 24, 2015 and was first read on February 25, 2015 and
referred to the Committee on Public Works, joint by Committees
on Ways and Means, Economic Affairs, Local Government, and
Finance.
The proposed PPP Act is seen to ensure the sustainability of the
Philippines’ PPP Program. The government has already awarded
nine (9) PPP contracts and now has a robust pipeline of projects
with an indicative total cost of Php 1053.77 billion or USD
23.417 billion. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on the
Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan
Palace on Monday (April 13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer
before presiding over the meeting on the Yolanda Updates at the
Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April
13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of
the Malacañan Palaceon Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a
government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial
and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro
Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of
the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the
ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a
government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial
and commercial standards of excellence. Also in photo are TUV SUD
Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati, Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, TESDA director-general Emmanuel Joel
Villanueva and deputy director-general for Policies and Planning
Irene Isaac. (Photo by Ryan Lim / by Lauro Montellano, Jr. /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as TESDA director general
Emmanuel Joel Villanueva receives the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate from
TUV SUD Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati in a ceremony at
the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13).
Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for
Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s
adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of
excellence. Also in photo is Labor and Employment Secretary
Rosalinda Baldoz. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang
Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with TESDA director
general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the awarding of the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the
Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO
(International Organization for Standardization) certifies a
government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial
and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd
Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the
Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday
(April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan,
Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are National
Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria
Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US
Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to
the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd
Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the
Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday
(April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla ang Kagitingan sa Kabataan,
Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan
Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau
/ PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the
stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan,
Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of
the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015).
This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang
Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the
Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines
Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo /
Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the
stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan,
Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of
the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015).
This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang
Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt.
Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s
theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng
Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines
Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide
Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt.
Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s
theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng
Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines
Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide
Ishikawa. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt.
Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s
theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng
Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines
Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide
Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Lauro
Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt.
Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This
year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang
Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines
Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide
Ishikawa. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the
Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt.
Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s
theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng
Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del
Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan
Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the Colors while singing the
Philippine National Anthem during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw
ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat
Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is
“Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng
Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines
Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; Japan Ambassador
to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa; US Ambassador to the
Philippines Philip Goldberg; and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line upon arrival at the
Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the
73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on
Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan
sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Ryan Lim
/ Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau /
PCOO) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon
arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar,
Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of
Valor) on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and
Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo
by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Isabela Governor
Faustino Dy III; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and Isabela
1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III, distributes
financial assistance to family beneficiaries during the inauguration
of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on
Tuesday (April 07, 2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is
considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River
connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan
Valley Region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the
inaugural drive-through at the completed Lullutan Bridge during the
inauguration ceremony in Barangay Lullutan on Tuesday (April 07,
2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of
the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay
Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region.
Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio
Singson; Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; Isabela 1st District
Representative Rodolfo Albano III; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor
Jose Marie Diaz; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba. (Photo by
Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) The newly constructed Lullutan Bridge in
Barangay Lullutan is considered one of the longest bridges that
crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay
Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. President Benigno Aquino
graced the inauguration of this bridge on Tuesday (April 7). (Photo
by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm welcome from the
locals during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay
Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Tuesday (April 07). The 500.6
lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest
bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1
and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 14 April 2015
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 14 April 2015 
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