Daily Weather Forecast
Issued at: 5:00 a.m. today, 13 April 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:
Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas.
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 13 April 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 13 April 2015 |
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Forecast:
The whole archipelago will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the east to northeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.
PAGTAYA: Ang buong kapuluan ay makararanas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa silangan hanggang hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa Hilagang Luzon at ang mga baybaying dagat nito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay magiging mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa silangan hanggang hilagang-silangan na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 01:50 PM Yesterday ----- 34.4 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM Yesterday ----- 20.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM Yesterday --------- 63 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:50 PM Yesterday --------- 43 %
High tide today : 04:00 PM ……… 0.91 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 01:00 AM ……… -0.04 meter
Sunrise today: 05:44 AM
Sunset today: 06:09 PM
Moonset today: 12:47 pM
Moonrise tomorow: 01:45 AM
Illumination tomorrow: 33 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
DZBB:
Pupulungin ni PNoy ngayong araw ang lahat ng opisyal na tumututok sa
pagbangon ng typhoon 'Yolanda' victims upang matukoy kung anong mga
programa ang naibigay at naitulong na sa mga ito.
DZBB:
Patuloy na pinaiigting ng gobyerno ang mga paghahanda para labanan ang
epekto ng El Niño sa bansa. Ayon kay PCOO Sec. Coloma, kabilang sa mga
ginagawang hakbang ng gobyerno ang pagka-cloud seeding sa mga lugar na
nangangailangan nito.
April 13, 2015 (Monday) as of 8:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Sunny in Lucena City
DZRH:
Itinanggi ng Malacañang na nagpabaya ang pamahalaan sa pagtulong kay
Mary Jane Veloso, ang kababayan nating Pinay na hinatulan ng bitay dahil
sa kasong drug trafficking.
GMA:
May nakuha nang abogado ang Migrante International para tulungan ang
OFW na nahaharap sa death sentence sa Indonesia na si Mary Jane Veloso.
GMA:
Idinaan sa Facebook ng OFW na si "Annie" ang paghingi ng tulong dahil
sa umano'y panggagahasa sa kanya ng anak ng kanyang amo sa Bahrain. Nasa
pangangalaga na ngayon ng Philippine Embassy sa Bahrain si Annie.
Sinabi rin ng DFA na nakapaghain na rin daw ang Pinay ng kaso laban sa
anak ng kanyang amo.
ABS-CBN:
150 OFW na lumikas mula sa Yemen ang inaasahang pauwi ng Pilipinas
lulan ng PAL at Cebu Pacific. Dumating naman kanina sa Saudi Arabia ang
81 OFW na lumikas kabilang ang isang Egyptian at Yemeni na nakapag-asawa
ng Pinay.
ANC:
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine
government is exhausting all possible avenues to appeal the sentence of
Mary Jane Veloso who's on death row in Indonesia for drug smuggling. She
said PNoy personally discussed Veloso's case during Indonesian
President Widodo's state visit here.
DZRH:
Natulungan ng Philippine Embassy sa Bahrain ang isang Pinay service
worker matapos i-upload sa facebook ang naging viral video nito tungkol
sa pang-aabuso sa kanya ng anak ng amo. Nakapaghain na rin ng criminal
charges ang Pinay laban sa mga amo nito.
ANC:
Another batch of 81 OFWs arrived safely in Saudi Arabia from
conflict-torn Yemen. This raised the number of OFWs repatriated from 750
to 849. According to the Philippine consulate general, the repatriation
will continue until all Filipinos have been evacuated to Saudi Arabia.
DZMM:
Nakaalis na papuntang Riyadh ang 15 na OFWs at susunod pa itong mga 100
mamaya lamang. Mula Riyadh lilipad ang mga ito papuntang Pilipinas
bukas.
OFW form Yemen Virginia Fernando on DZMM
RE: Mga OFW na lumikas sa Yemen
-Napakahirap po unang-una 'yung mga dinaanan naming check points.
-‘Yung mga dinaanan naming mga bundok ay matatarik at maraming bundok ang aming dinaanan para marating itong border ng Yemen at Saudi.
-Napakarami pa po (mga Pilipino sa Yemen) kasi 'yung iba naaano sila umuwi dahil pagdating ng Pilipinas mahirap makahanap ng trabaho.
RE: Mga OFW na lumikas sa Yemen
-Napakahirap po unang-una 'yung mga dinaanan naming check points.
-‘Yung mga dinaanan naming mga bundok ay matatarik at maraming bundok ang aming dinaanan para marating itong border ng Yemen at Saudi.
-Napakarami pa po (mga Pilipino sa Yemen) kasi 'yung iba naaano sila umuwi dahil pagdating ng Pilipinas mahirap makahanap ng trabaho.
DZBB:
Sinabi ni Usec. Abigail Valte, hindi nagpapabaya ang pamahalaan sa kaso
ni Mary Jane Veloso dahil nagkaloob na ang DFA ng mga legal assistance
at iba pang tulong lalo na sa mga kaanak ng pinay. Naniniwala si Valte
na idinulog na rin ni PNoy sa Indonesian President ang kaso ni Veloso
ang bumisita ito sa Pilipinas kamakailan lamang.
DFA
continues to monitor the case of a Filipino nurse facing sedition
charge in Singapore for his Facebook rant. The nurse is facing a
$5,000-fine, a jail term of 3 years, or both if convicted.
GMA
News: A United Arab Emirates court sentenced a Filipino to three months
in jail for allegedly threatening to kill a woman and stealing Dh15
(roughly P181) from her last January 4. The accused 48-year old Pinoy
had told police he used the Dh15 to buy food.
1. Unang batch ng Quezon Science High School, nagtapos ngayong 2015
- April 13, 2015
Nanguna si Carmel Rose Malones Rolloque na nagmula sa liblib at malayong lugar sa bayan ng San Francisco bilang valedictorian ng naturang batch.
Ang buhay ni Rolloque ay naging inspirasyon sa karamihan na hindi nagiging hadlang ang kahirapan o kawalan ng kagamitan sa pag-aaral upang makamit ang pangarap.
Nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si Rolloque sa lahat ng taong tumulong sa kanila upang magkaroon ng libreng dekalidad na edukasyon lalo na kay Governor David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez na siyang nagtatag ng Quezon Science High School bilang isa sa mga prayoridad nitong programa.
Ang naturang paaralan ay nagsimula noong 2011 sa ilalim ng Serbisyong Suarez sa Edukasyon na naglalayong makapagbigay ng pagkakataon na makapag-aral sa isang institusyon na may mataas na kalidad na edukasyon ang mahihirap ngunit may kakayanan at matatalinong mga kabataan.
Sa kanyang mensahe, nagpasalamat ang gobernador sa mga magulang ng mga nagsipagtapos sapagkat ipinagkatiwala ng mga ito ang kanilang mga anak na dito makapag-aral sa kabila ng pagiging bago pa ng paaralan.
“Noong bago pa ang Quezon Science High School, nagtiwala kayo sa amin; ipinagkatiwala n’yo ang mga anak ninyo na maaalagaan sila, matuturuan sila ng maayos at kung hindi dahil sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo at pinag-aral ninyo ang inyong mga anak dito ay hindi ito magiging isang realidad,” pahayag ng gobernador.
Nagpasalamat din ang gobernador sa mga guro ng Quezon Science High School sa pamumuno ni School Directress Carmela Ezel Orogo sa kabila ng mga hirap at pagsubok na dinanas ng paaralan simula ng maitatag ito.
Ang Quezon Science High School ay nagbibigay ng pagkakataong makapag-aral ang mga mahihirap ngunit may kakayanan at talinong mga bata sapagkat sagot ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang tuition fee, board and lodging, school uniform, pagkain at regular na medical at dental check-up ng mga ito. (Reygan Mantilla-Quezon PIO/ PIA-Quezon/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428902491/unang-batch-ng-quezon-science-high-school-nagtapos-ngayong-2015#sthash.aWqouerM.dpuf
CAVITE
1. Vice Gov. Revilla urges youth to instill the heroic acts of veterans
- April 12, 2015
He made the remarks during the recent “Tribute to the Filipino Heroes” held at the Filipino Heroes Memorial in Corregidor Island.
The Vice Governor who represented Gov. Remulla said the 73rd anniversary of the National Heroes Day and the Filipino War Veterans Week officially pay tribute to those who struggled for the our freedom and to highlight that “there is recovery in every fall and the troops suffered defeat but they did not lose hope.”
Citing this year's theme “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano sa Kinabukasan,” Revilla reiterated the warmest greetings and salute sent by Gov. Remulla to the valiant Filipino war veterans and deeply acknowledged the valuable contribution of Filipino soldiers from all colonization periods of our history in attaining and regaining national sovereignty.
The Vice Governor also mentioned that as presiding officer of the Provincial Council [Sangguniang Panlalawigan], he will make efforts to find ways that would benefit veterans in the province and preserve their legacy.
“Rest assured that we in the provincial government of Cavite are with you in this undertaking. As presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Cavite, I will make efforts to find ways that would benefit you and preserve your legacy,” Revilla said.
The historical event featured the “Tolling of Bell” by a veteran, with a youth representative reciting a pledge extolling those who sacrificed their lives for their love for the Philippines, and vowing to keep the flame of patriotism ever burning in the hearts of Filipinos of all generations. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671428808703/vice-gov-revilla-urges-youth-to-instill-the-heroic-acts-of-veterans#sthash.SrY2xrps.dpuf
2. Second leg of Timbangan ng Bayan draws support from consumers
- April 13, 2015
In a statement released by the DTI-Cavite, the municipalities of Naic, Maragondon, Ternate, Alfonso, General Aguinaldo and Amadeo were given two sets of weighing scales which will be used in their public markets to help protect the consumers against deceptive sales act and practices.
This will also give the buyers or consumers the necessary protection from any irregularity on the weight of the goods or products they are buying.
The “Timbangan ng Bayan” project involves the installation of calibrated weighing scales with corresponding housing (steel cages) in selected public and private markets of key cities and municipalities nationwide. These weighing scales are being turned over through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DTI and the local government units.
Late last month, the cities of Bacoor, Imus and Dasmariñas which are classified as the major trading center in Cavite, received 4 units each while the towns of Kawit, Indang, Mendez, Silang, Tagaytay City and Trece Martires City were given 2 units each.
The local government units shall be responsible in the proper care and maintenance of these weighing scales. They shall be in charge of the installation, regular calibration and shall ensure its proper use by the consumers. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/DTI-Cavite)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671428805820/second-leg-of-timbangan-ng-bayan-draws-support-from-consumers#sthash.tVRtzWu5.dpuf
3. Cavite prepares for annual Earth Day celebration
- April 13, 2015
Earth day is celebrated every 22nd day of the month of April in line with the Presidential Proclamation No. 1481 declaring the latter as the permanent “Earth Day” in the Philippines. It was conceived by US Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, which marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement worldwide.
Various clean-up activities including tree planting in different barangays and mangrove propagule planting in several coastal towns will be conducted throughout the province.
With the theme “Earth Day Every Day, Everywhere, for Everyone," local government officials reminded all Caviteños to be more proactive in protecting and preserving the environment as this is everybody’s responsibility.
The annual river clean-up activity in different barangays in Carmona and the rehabilitation of the municipal dumpsite in the town of General Trias including their own Material Recovery Facility (MRF) are the priority projects initiated by Mayor Ony Ferrer to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The local government of General Trias is one of the first in the province who passed an ordinance regulating the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671428805873/cavite-prepares-for-annual-earth-day-celebration#sthash.zexbCm6a.dpuf
LAGUNA
1. South Asian officials strengthen partnership with IRRI
- April 09, 2015
“South Asia, an important beneficiary of IRRI’s work, leads on global rice production, with India being the second largest rice producer and the first largest exporter in the world,” says Abdelbagi Ismail, who heads the Stress-Tolerant Rice for Africa and South Asia (STRASA) project. “Nonetheless, some areas in the region still host high populations with extreme poverty and food insecurity."
“In fact, about 30% of the 700 million people in absolute poverty or with income of less than USD1.25 per day in all of Asia live in rice-growing areas in South Asia,” added Ismail. “About half of the rice growing areas in the region are rainfed and prone to flooding, drought, and soil salinity. On the other hand, these areas offer great potential for enhancing agricultural productivity in SAARC member countries.”
According to IRRI deputy director general Bruce Tolentino, “Real challenges with agriculture and continuing hunger occur in the region. While progress has been promising in some SAARC countries, such as India, large population segments in other countries have not been reached in terms of both food and health services.”
“We’ve discovered through STRASA that, in northern India, the benefits of stress-tolerant rice varieties have actually been enjoyed by women and marginalized groups, who have been—up to now—socially excluded,” added Tolentino. “So, there is a real need to speed up the process of making more of these new varieties available across the SAARC region.”
Recently, IRRI facilitated an unprecedented regional seed cooperation agreement that speeds up the release and dissemination of rice varieties to benefit farmers in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. “Rice varieties released in one country can now be released in other countries. This means that the other countries do not need to undergo the entire research and regulatory processes to benefit from these varieties,” says Tolentino.
IRRI officials will share the rationale and progress of this agreement, among many other initiatives and programs, with the SAARC delegation.
Tolentino is optimistic that SAARC will see the opportunities of working with IRRI and extend the agreement to its other member countries Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives.
Julian Lapitan, head of IRRI’s partnerships office, hopes that “a more productive and efficient partnership mechanism will contribute to fulfilling regional goals during discussions with SAARC.
“We are glad that the SAARC officials are here,” says Tolentino. “We will give them a sense of the kind of research that we do, not only for stress-tolerant rice but also for other initiatives and rice science in general. We welcome them to take a look of what we do and see how it can benefit all SAARC members.”
SAARC aims to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia and to improve their quality of life. It also targets to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region and to provide all individuals the opportunity to live in dignity and to realize their full potential. (IRRI)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428631701/south-asian-officials-strengthen-partnership-with-irri#sthash.MSUStOON.dpuf
2. Disaster Council members undergo DRRM seminar-workshop
- April 10, 2015
The said training was spearheaded by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council - Office of Civil Defense IV-A (RDRMMO-OCD).
During the two-day seminar-workshop, the RDRMMO-OCD equipped the CDRRMO with knowledge on the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010, communications and disaster reporting systems as well as contingency planning.
The CDRRMO also underwent workshop on the Incident Command System — an effective and efficient systematic management tool used for the command, control and coordination of emergency responses.
The RDRMMO-OCD also taught them the importance of organizational structure and framework composition not just in the municipal level but also in the barangay units.
The said agencyalso noted that barangays should also create a DRRM committee with organized council members and well-trained responders and service providers. (PIA-4A with report from CIO-SPC)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428632374/disaster-council-members-undergo-drrm-seminar-workshop#sthash.RuXFngbd.dpuf
3. Gates Foundation at IRRI for food and nutrition security updates
- April 10, 2015
Leadership from the BMGF, including Pamela Anderson, Director of the Agricultural Development Program, and Gary Atlin, Senior Program Officer in the Ag Dev team, were at the Institute for a site visit this week to tour IRRI’s research facilities and hear updates on the science and the partnership between the two organizations. Scientists gave briefings on key advances, including the latest on climate change-ready rice and healthier varieties that aim to help solve micronutrient deficiencies, which afflict about 2 billion people globally.
“We are thankful that the BMGF has come for updates on the food and nutrition security initiatives that they support,” said Robert Zeigler, Director General of IRRI. “The foundation is a staunch partner in applying the best of science so that people in the rice-eating world will not go hungry.”
IRRI scientists showed the BMGF leadership experimental rice plots in which flood or drought tolerance is being studied. The group also visited a facility that simulates drought conditions year-round. The climate change-ready rice varieties that have reached millions of farmers in Asia were developed by IRRI and its partners under the BMGF-funded project, Stress-Tolerant Rice for Africa and South Asia or STRASA.
These stress-tolerant varieties hold the promise of improving the livelihoods of some of the world’s poorest farmers who till lands most vulnerable to climate change—and securing the granaries of many countries—by ensuring a good harvest, for instance, even after over 14 days of flooding. Non-tolerant rice varieties would normally die after four days of submergence. — International Rice Research Institute
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428636097/gates-foundation-at-irri-for-food-and-nutrition-security-updates#sthash.RC6qRuF0.dpuf
4. OCD urges barangay coordinators, secretaries to update registry of inhabitant
- April 10, 2015
OCD Officer Alex Czar Masiglat said that barangay secretaries should create barangay registry of inhabitant—a list containing accurate information of a resident including exact address, birthday, gender, civil status and other information as required by the local government unit.
Masiglat said that the list is not just an important tool in policy decisions making but also a significant instrument in extending help in times of disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes.
He cited that a barangay census served as the base of the disaster council in searching and accounting casualties when typhoon Reming struck Bicol region, particularly in the areas of Guinubatan, Daraga and Legazpi City in Albay.
Masiglat further said that if there is no accurate list of residents in a certain barangay unit, it will be crucial for the sangguniang barangay or disaster council to count casualties as well as to extend help to the victims. (PIA-4A with report from OCD4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428634244/ocd-urges-barangay-coordinators-secretaries-to-update-registry-of-inhabitant#sthash.6MVIttdb.dpuf
5. League president urges disaster preparedness, planning by village leaders
- April 10, 2015
Zuñiga is the Punong Barangay of San Ildefonso in Alaminos, who is the duly elected President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas – Laguna Chapter, and incumbent Secretary General of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LnB). He sounded the call to barangay leaders who as front liners in the preparation and implementation of their disaster preparedness programs.
“We should not wait for the disaster to happen and only then will we act and implement our plan,” the LnB leader reminded his peers during the recent Provincial Congress of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Laguna.
He reminded his fellow barangay executives to ensure their budget preparations and allocations in the wake of such operations that require financial support.
He said budget and fiscal management allocations cannot be done outright when a calamity strikes because these require the city or village council legislative works, adding that there is no system yet for an “instant loan program” from the local government when the calamity strikes.
Zuñiga referred to the Sangguniang Barangay (village legislative council) which local legislative function may set aside the calamity fund as a stand-by fund or petty cash to meet the exigency through emergency purchases as the need arises or during emergency cases. He pointed out that the importance of barangay disaster preparedness and focal management were tacked at the Barangay Newly Elected Officials (BNEO) series of orientation seminars initiated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government for barangay officials elected during the October 28, 2013 Barangay Elections. (Ruben E. Taningco/ PIA-Laguna/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428626319/league-president-urges-disaster-preparedness-planning-by-village-leaders#sthash.dpgv9ZQ6.dpuf
6. Philippine rice program on track – DA officials
- April 11, 2015
Agriculture officials expressed optimism regarding the various components of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) during a program review from 6-8 April 2015 at IRRI headquarters.
“The agriculture department, as an implementing agency, is assuming a scientific approach with interventions geared towards improving the productivity of our farmers. We need research breakthroughs for this," said Undersecretary for Field Operations Emerson Palad.
The Undersecretary further said "We want to enhance our decision-making by familiarizing ourselves with different factors affecting the rice sectors, both in the Philippines and globally."
“The cooperation between IRRI, PhilRice, and the DA is such that the approach towards improving the Philippine rice sector is comprehensive and scientific,” added Palad.
Sustained and accessible rice supplies, and globally competitive Filipino rice farmers— enjoying high productivity and higher income—are the overarching goals of the seven multi-disciplinary projects comprising the FSSP’s rice research and development component.
Central to the DA and IRRI's research agenda is helping the poorest farmers who till the most unfavorable soil. In addition to better varieties and technologies, the partnership includes strengthening the extension system and informing policy.
According to IRRI Deputy Director General Bruce Tolentino, “farmers in the Philippines are facing greater challenges with a continuously growing population and ever-scarcer land and natural resources. Climate change will only exacerbate these challenges”. Tolentino added that improved agricultural technology developed through advanced scientific research is necessary to overcome these challenges in the long term.
Specifically, technologies that help increase productivity in areas suffering from negative effects of climate change are now being made available to rice farmers. Philippine and IRRI scientists are working to institutionalize farmer-level protocols on varietal evaluations to accelerate the development and deployment of new and improved rice varieties.
Philippine extension professionals will benefit from training and the use of tools that allow faster information transfer using information and communication technology. In addition, policies formulated through accurate and ground-validated information, as well as knowledge of policies that have spurred growth of rice sectors in neighboring countries, will help the country achieve food security.
Critical improvements are being made to IRRI’s breeding infrastructure, which needs to be more responsive to the requirements of current and future rice demand. Responsiveness requires increasing rice genetic gain in yield and pursuing an agenda that’s driven by what consumers need and prefer. Taken together, these improvements are called Transforming Rice Breeding (TRB), funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
At Breeders' Week, several updates were presented, which include development of profiles of rice preferred in selected countries in Southeast Asia and Africa; market research on types of rice consumers prefer; updates on the irrigated variety development pipeline that now benefits from an expedited breeding process; breeding hubs in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia; grain quality and how it integrates into the development of high-yielding rice varieties with desirable traits; managing information through bioinformatics; genotyping services; partnerships within the hybrid rice development program; and exploration of rice's diversity for breeding.
IRRI is part of the Global Rice Science Partnership (GRiSP), a platform for impact-oriented rice research for development with more than 900 rice research and development partners worldwide. (IRRI)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931428631911/philippine-rice-program-on-track-da-officials#sthash.t8A7g8g4.dpuf
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Govenment intensifies preparation against effect of 'El Nino' | ||
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Palace looking into ways to reduce unliquidated cash advances made by the Office of the President | ||
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| Govenment intensifies preparation against effect of 'El Nino' | |
| The government is intensifying its preparation against the adverse effect of
the El Nino phenomenon, Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Sunday. "Patuloy na pinaiigting ng pamahalaan ang mga paghahanda upang labanan ang epekto ng El Niño sa bansa at masiguro ang katatagan ng produksyon ng pagkain, partikular ang palay, sa iba’t ibang bukirin at sakahan," said Coloma during a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. He noted that concerned government agencies are working together to minimize the effect of El Nino. "Kumikilos na ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura upang bigyan ng karampatang tulong ang mga magsasaka at manggagawa sa kabukiran, tulad ng pamamahagi ng mga drought resistant na punla ng palay, maging ang pagsasaayos ng kanilang mga cropping season upang maiwasan ang mga tinaguriang disaster-prone na mga buwan alinsunod sa inilatag na El Niño mitigation and adaptation plan," he added. The Department of Agriculture together with the National Irrigation Administration will manage the water supplies for the irrigation of crops as water level in dams dwindles this summer. "Handa namang magpatupad ang pamahalaan ng iba pang mga hakbang, tulad ng cloud seeding operations kung kinakailangan, lalo na sa mga lugar na nakararanas ng matinding panunuyo ng pananim," said Coloma. PND (ag) |
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| Palace looking into ways to reduce unliquidated cash advances made by the Office of the President | |
| The Palace is looking into ways to reduce the P437 million in cash advances
made by the Office of the President but have not been liquidated,
Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Sunday. “Tinanong po natin ito sa ating Office of the President, at ayon po sa Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration, buong taon pong tinutukoy at tinututukan ito ng ating pamahalaan para mapababa ang halaga na nabanggit—ang P437 million. Nagpadala po ng mga letters of demand sa mga kinauukulang public officials na mayroong mga unliquidated cash advances. Marami na rin po ang tumugon dito at nag-comply na doon sa requirements of liquidation,” Secretary Coloma said during an interview with radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. He was commenting on reports that Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has sought an inquiry into the Commission on Audit (COA) report that the Office of the President has accumulated some P437 million in unliquidated cash advances as of December 2013. The COA report noted that of the total P437 million, P425.6 million were supposedly amassed during the previous administration, while the present administration accounted for P11.3 million. “Mayroon din pong portion nitong pinag-uusapan natin na na-write off na dahil po sa matagal nang yumao ang mga tinutukoy, at mayroon ding mga inihahandang collection cases ang ating pamahalaan para panagutin ang mga hindi tumutugon sa mga letters of demand,” Coloma explained, emphasizing that only 2.5 percent of the total amount, or P11.3 million, pertains to the present administration. “Ganunpaman, sinisikap pa ring makolekta ang pinakamalaking bahagi nito, at maresolba ang lahat ng mga unliquidated cash advances para tumalima po tayo sa batas hinggil dito,” he added. PND (ag) |
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| Malacanang welcomes BOI-approved investment pledges in first quarter of 2015 | |
| The Palace welcomes a Board of Investments (BOI) report saying the country
had double-digit growth in the first quarter for investment pledges
supported by registrations on big-ticket projects in the energy sector. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the country's investment pledges in the first quarter of the year was up by 17 percent to P54.62-billion from P46.7 billion last year. There's a total of 59 projects approved in the first quarter, according to Valte and with these pledges, the administration could generate more jobs. "These 59 projects are expected to generate 18,174 jobs for our countrymen. So, again, very good news from the BOI and the Department of Trade and Industry," she told dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan on Saturday. The DTI attributed the higher figures in the first quarter to the approval of big-ticket projects listed under the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector. The sector generated P13.76 billion in approved investments, up 30 percent from last year’s comparable figure of P10.55 billion, the DTI said. But it was the manufacturing sector that posted the biggest growth as investments shoot up by a tremendous 517 percent from P2.1 billion to P12.9 billion. In the transportation and storage sector, approved investments grew by 134 percent from P4.47 billion to P10.48 billion, and in the information and communication sector, investments posted a remarkable increase of 841 percent from P496.7 million to P4.67 billion. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing also posted some growth from last year having P198 million this year. The education sector on the other hand now has P1.4 billion worth of projects. PND (as) |
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| Government programs must first take root to reflect on Social Progress Index | |
| The government could use key markers in the 2015
Social Progress Index result to improve its programs that in the end will
help uplift the lives of the people, a Palace official said on Saturday. The Philippines was ranked fifth in terms of social progress in East Asia and Pacific region in a report by Social Progress Imperative, a think tank based in the United States. According to the 2015 Social Progress Index results of the Washington D.C.-based Social Progress Imperative, the Philippines beats Indonesia, China, Cambodia, and Laos. Although the Philippines faired well regionally, the country is ranked 64th among 133 countries, which the think tank labeled as "medium low." The Philippines dropped from 56th spot in 2014 to 64th this year. In a radio interview on Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said government programs must be allowed to reach the people to have an impact. Valte was asked by reporters how the government could improve its ranking. “Siguro bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga programa natin to take root, and to actually keep helping,” she said. The good things about the index is that it identifies markers like “depth of food deficit,” “maternal mortality cycle,” and “child mortality rate,” she noted. With these markers, the government can focus on those areas to see how its programs can help push the rankings up in terms of these indicators, she added. Valte also brushed off the country’s low ranking saying the organization itself says that these results need not be compared to 2014 and 2013 because the Social Progress Imperative is refining its data and information. “A country’s progress on the 2015 report should not be compared to its progress in 2014 and in 2013 for the simple fact that the metrics are not the same,” Valte noted. The 2015 Social Progress Index defines social progress as "the capacity of a society to meet the basic human needs of its citizens, establish the building blocks that allow citizens and communities to enhance and sustain the quality of their lives, and create the conditions for all individuals to reach their full potential." PND (as) |
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| Assessment report on Mindanao may be helpful in ensuring peace in the region | |
| A report by a refutable organization could aid
Philippine policymakers in forging an enduring peace in Mindanao, a Palace
official said on Saturday. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said a report by International Alert UK Philippines, a partner in Mindanao peace advocacy, could provide important inputs as lawmakers tackle proposals related to Mindanao. International Alert is a member of the International Contact Group and its works on conflict monitoring are partly funded by the World Bank. Valte said that although the group's report was submitted in August 2014, prior to the submission of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress, it has important highlights worthy of consideration. "One notable part of the report is that it has very interesting data on the conflict in areas of Mindanao, in such that it identifies new causes of violence, at hindi lang ‘yung sinasabing mga dating ugat ng conflict sa Mindanao," Valte said. International Alert's data can be very useful to policymakers in discussing the peace process in Mindanao and help them craft laws and other policies important in peace initiatives, Valte said. The report also recognized the importance of the ongoing peace process in Mindanao. "Without a doubt, ending the GPH-MILF conflict as a major source of rebellion-related violence retires a significant source of political violence with huge costs in terms of death, injury and displacement, and will impact positively on the prospects of peace and stability across the Bangsamoro," Valte said quoting the report. Sen. Francis Escudero said the government has to contend with other armed groups following a peace pact with the MILF to ensure peace in Mindanao. Discussions on the BBL by the lawmakers were disrupted by the issue on the bloody Mamasapano encounter last January that killed 44 police commandos and 17 MILF combatants. There were doubts that the deadly incident may derail the deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which is already behind its original timetable. PND (as) |
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| Bangsamoro Basic Law must be discussed based on its merits, says Palace official | |
| Lawmakers must discuss the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) based on its merits,
and not on such issues as Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief
negotiator Mohagher Iqbal’s use of aliases, the Palace said on Friday.
"The BBL should be discussed on the basis of the merits of the law itself,
or of the draft bill itself, and not other attendant issues that may be
related but perhaps are not really at the core of the BBL draft itself,"
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a press briefing
in Malacañang. Opposition senators have recently warned that Iqbal’s admission that he has been using an alias, could have adverse implications on the peace negotiations between the MILF and the government. Valte however denied that there was any deception on the part of Iqbal. “The real names of the entire MILF negotiators are known to government, so there was no deception on their part. Yes, that’s quite clear. There’s no deception on their part because they made their real names known to government,” she said, adding that they possess Philippine passports issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Valte further said that when the peace process began in 1997, the MILF negotiators, like negotiators from such rebel groups as the National Democratic Front, Moro National Liberation Front and Cordillera People’s Liberation Army, were allowed the courtesy to continue using their aliases. They used aliases when they went underground to ensure their personal security, she added. Reacting to reports that the non-passage of the BBL would result in bloody wars in Mindanao, Valte said people cannot be stopped from voicing their fears but it is important for the government to raise public awareness of the proposed law to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. "What we are here to do is to open the discussion on the merits of the BBL and to continue to explain the position of government as to why we think that this is a real solution to the conflict that is happening in Mindanao," she said. The National Peace Council, which was announced by the President, has also been formed and has already had its first meeting last April 6, Valte said, noting that it is a private group that is not funded by the government. PND (as) |
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| PHL Govt Evacuates 464 Filipinos from Yemen in 4 Batches, 240 Repatriated Back to the Philippines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
De
 tails11 April 2015 – The Philippine government has successfully evacuated 464 Filipinos and 9 foreigners from Yemen in 4 batches by land through the Yemeni-Saudi border since April 05. The last batch was evacuated on April 09 and included 79 Filipinos and 6 foreigners (4 Singaporeans, 1 Yemeni spouse and 1Egyptian spouse). They started their trip from Sana’a in the morning and arrived at Saudi Arabia in the evening of the same day. The group was assisted at the borderby a team from the Philippine Consulate General, led by Acting Consul General Leo Tito Ausan Jr.
ACTUAL EVACUATION
The Philippine government has already repatriated
to the Philippines 240 Filipinos from the 464 evacuated from Yemen.
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh arrangedtheir flights from Jizan to Riyadh to Manila on four flights on April
08, 10, and
11 through various airline carriers, including Cathay Pacific, Philippine
Airlines (PAL)and Cebu Pacific. A group of 50 Filipinos will arrive
in Manila via PAL at 10:00 a.m. on April 11, with
another group of 100 arriving on the same day via Cebu Pacificat 3:30
p.m. The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is
working to repatriate all Filipinos who have been evacuated as soon
as possible.
Flights to MNL
“I wish to thank the government
of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for allowing the entry of
evacuees from Yemen through the Tuwal border, and granting them transit visaswhile the
Embassy arranges their repatriation to the Philippines.
The processing at the Saudi- Yemeni border has been
generally smooth, and there are
composite teams from
the Embassy and the Consulate at the border to assist in the processing
of entry of Filipino evacuees from Yemen,” Ambassador Ezzedin Tago
said.
There are currently 3 in Sana’a, Yemen who registered
for repatriation, and another 42 in Saada, northern Yemen who registered for repatriation.
The PhilippineEmbassy’s Crisis
Management Team based in Sana’a, currently led by Consul Winston Dean Almeda, is arranging for the next group of evacuees, mainly composed ofthose in Saada.
“I again strongly urge all Filipinos who remain in Yemen to immediately
contact the Embassy
team to arrange for their evacuation from Yemen immediately,” said
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Yemen Ezzedin Tago.
“I was in Yemen from
March 20 to April 5 to urge all Filipinos there to leave and avail of the Philippines’
mandatory repatriation.
Starting in October 2014, thePhilippine government raised the alert level
to 3 and advised everyone to leave Yemen.
Since then, the Embassy had assigned
personnel to encourage Filipinos
toleave Yemen. On February 18, the Philippine government raised the
alert level to 4 and
implemented mandatory repatriation for Filipinos in Yemen. We hopethat
everyone in Yemen will respond positively
to our advice and contact the CMT based in Sanaa to arrange for their repatriation”, added
Ambassador Tago.
The CMT can be contacted through
telephone numbers
+967 730 194 165, +967 737 426
292, +967 733
844 958, and +967 738
451 828
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| “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. |
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| TESDA infuses P65M training fund for IT-BPO industry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
firmed up its support to the Information Technology-Business Process
Management (IT-BPM) with the infusion of fresh funding for the
training of its potential workers. The agency will channel P65 million worth of scholarship vouchers for the pre-employment training and retooling of incoming workers in the industry, according to separate Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) recently signed by TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva with the Healthcare Information Management Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP) and Animation Council of the Philippines (ACPI). The training will be carried out through TESDA's Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP). "Prospects for continued growth are bright for the IT-BPO industry, and we should be able to capitalize on this opportunity," Villanueva said. "We will continue to provide quality education and training to have a pool of skilled and employable youth for these firms," he said. The separate MOAs stated that HIMOAP get P50 million worth of scholarship vouchers, while ACPI will get P15 million. The training will complement the excellent infrastructure and support that the government continues to provide, which make the Philippines the top destination for IT-BPM firms, Villanueva said. The agreement with HIMOAP will focus on training for Medical Transcription Finishing Course NC II, Medical Transcription NC II and Medical Coding and Billing NC II. Beneficiaries under the MOA with ACPI will be trained to get employed in the animation industry. According to the agreements, the partners committed an employment rate of at least 75 percent within six months from the scholar's graduation. HIMOAP also pledged to formulate a fund replenishment scheme to extend the mileage of the scholarship program. Signing the separate agreements were Villanueva for TESDA, Myla Rose Reyes for HIMOAP and Juan Miguel del Rosario for ACPI. HIMOAP is a non-stock and non-profit organization which aims to promote the Philippines as a destination of choice for outsourced healthcare information management services (HIMS). ACPI is an organization recognized and supported by the Philippine government whose aim is to promote the animation industry globally with the intention of creating an identity for the Philippines to be considered amongst the preferred countries that service the animation industry. The MOAs are for the continuous partnership among TESDA and the two organizations for the training of workers in the IT-BPM industry. |
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| Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary overcomes disability, lands in honor roll | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| For 17-year-old Edy Rose Tayab of Quezon, Bukidnon, being born with
a congenital deformity is not easy. Daily life is physically
difficult, especially as she has no feet and left hand. But Edy Rose did not let her disability define her life. She refused to let anything get in the way of achieving her dreams. She wanted to excel in her class, just like her able-bodied friends, and she worked hard for it. “Gusto kong patunayan na kaya ko ding gawing ang ginagawa ng mga taong walang kapansanan (I want to prove that I can also do what other people without disabilities can do),” claimed Edy Rose. She, however, shared that she sometimes cannot help but compare herself with her classmates especially when she is faced with the realities of her physical deficiencies. Edy Rose still manages to walk using her underdeveloped lower limbs without crutches. Everyday, she travels approximately three kilometers from her home in Barangay Butong to the Apayao National High School, a challenge she hurdled to finish her secondary education. “Usahay makamahay (I feel resentful at times),” she said, especially when some of her classmates or even adults would taunt her, saying,“Nganong ing-ana man imong nilaktan? Mohilom nalang ko. Pero sa akong galamhan gisakitan nako (Why are you walking like that? I just keep silent. But deep inside I am hurt).” Though hurt with such remarks, instead of wallowing in self-pity, Edy Rose persevered in pursuing a better life. Among the top ten Her efforts paid off, Edy Rose graduated as top nine of Apayao National High School. Graduating with honors is a dream come true for Edy Rose, who plans to take up business and accountancy related courses in college. A consistent honor student since elementary, Edy Rose said, “Gustong-gusto ko pong mag-aral (I enjoy studying).” While a waterloo for many, Edy Rose said she loves Mathematics. “Parang naglalaro lang po ako pagdating sa Math (It feels like I’m just playing games when it comes to Mathematics),” said Edy Rose. She shared that she wants to answer Mathematical challenges. Thankful to Pantawid Pamilya The Tayab family expressed their gratitude to the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Through the education cash grant under the program, Edy Rose was able to finish high school. Before becoming a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, Edy Rose recalled that her family could hardly send her to school. “May adlaw ko nga walay balon sauna. Karon kompleto nako og balon ug mga gamit sa eskwelahan (Before, there were days that I do not have food to take for my meal at school. Now, I have a small allowance for food and school supplies),” Edy Rose said. “Magpasalamat jud ko sa DSWD ug ni Presidente Aquino kay natabangan ko nila sa pag-eskwela pinaagi sa Pantawid Pamilya aron makab-ot nako ang akong mga pangandoy (I thank DSWD and President Aquino because they have helped me in my studies and in reaching my dreams through Pantawid Pamilya). “Ang mga kagaya ni Edy Rose ang dahilan kung bakit mayroon tayong programang Pantawid Pamilya. Pinapakita niya na hindi hadlang ang kapansanan at kahirapan sa tagumpay basta’t may determinasyon. Patunay lang na sa kaunting tulong mula sa gobyerno, kayang abutin ang pangarap (Children like Edy Rose are the reason why we implement programs like the Pantawid Pamilya. She showed us that disability or poverty is not an obstacle if one is determined to succeed. Edy Rose proves that with a little help from government, dreams can be achieved),” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the 15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from high school and have a higher rate of employability. Edy Rose is one of the 333,673 Pantawid Pamilya graduate students in high school. |
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| Cesar V. Purisima is Finance Minister of the Year, FinanceAsia awards Purisima his 5th citation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima has been awarded for the fifth
time as Finance Minister of the Year, with FinanceAsia recognizing
his leadership in driving the turnaround story of the Philippines as
head of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s team of economic managers.
FinanceAsia ranked Purisima first among the best of his
counterparts, ahead of finance ministers of Singapore, China, and
Japan, rounding Purisima’s 4-year tenure in the Cabinet’s highest
ranks to a perfect 4, with recognitions earned for each year of
service. Purisima was lauded for steering the economy away from stagnation and towards broad-based growth, resulting in the Philippines reaching investment grade status from major credit rating agencies. Last quarter’s 6.9% GDP growth exceeded expectations and marked twelve straight quarters of above 5% GDP growth, comfortably putting the average quarterly growth rate under the Aquino administration at 6.02%. At the awards ceremony, Purisima said, “The award truly belongs to President Aquino and my colleagues in the Philippine cabinet because the economic growth and fiscal reforms are truly a team effort, proving that ‘Good Governance is Good Economics.’ We have proven yet again that the Philippine miracle is not a one-hit wonder. We’re here to stay, and we are ready to play big in the world stage.” Purisima added, “In 4 years, the Philippines has achieved what we set out to do: we grew at a 6% average and cut the deficit to an all-time low. Stocks are up 125% since we took office and foreign direct investments rose 64% from January to October 2014 alone. “We’ve checked every box, a feat deemed impossible by many. Less than 2 years before the end of this term, we are pushing for even more game-changing reforms. There is no shortage of impossible dreams for a Philippines filled with hope. We are raring and ready for more.” This award comes at an opportune time, as the Philippines hosts the 2015 APEC meetings calling for greater financial integration and transparency, as well as financing for resiliency and infrastructure around the region. FinanceAsia also cited Purisima’s role in pushing for Sin Tax Reform, credited for boosting the health budget by a staggering 57% from 2013 levels, with share of excise taxes collected the highest in 13 years. “Reforms beget rewards. This award strengthens our resolve to double down on reforms: rationalize fiscal incentives, modernize our revenue generating agencies, and engineer a competitive and equitable tax structure for all Filipinos,” Purisima said. This fifth citation marks the fourth consecutive year where Purisima has been acknowledged Finance Minister of the Year by various institutions. In 2011, he was recognized as the Finance Minister of the Year for Asia by Emerging Markets, while Euromoney gave him the distinction of Finance Minister of the Year for 2012. In 2013, Purisima became a repeat awardee of the Finance Minister of the Year for Asia distinction from Emerging Markets. Most recently, he was cited by The Banker as Finance Minister of the Year for Asia Pacific in 2013. Purisima is also the first and so far only repeat awardee of the said distinction from Emerging Markets since the publication started recognizing Finance Ministers of the Year for Asia in 2007. |
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| Proposed PPP Act to benefit the public, investors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ppp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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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| 150 more Filipino repatriates from Yemen to arrive in PHL tomorrow | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 April 2015 – One hundred fifty (150) Filipino repatriates
from Yemen flew out of Riyadh today and will arrive at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila tomorrow, April
11, in two batches – one via Philippine Airlines, the other via
Cebu Pacific. The first batch composed of fifty (50) repatriates will arrive at 10:05 a.m. on board PR655, while the second batch composed of one hundred (100) repatriates will arrive at 3:40 p.m. on board 5J741. This is the second group of Filipinos evacuated from Yemen to arrive in Manila, while more are expected to return to the country in the coming weeks. Representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration will be present at the airport to provide assistance and briefings to the repatriates. At present, 413 Filipinos have been evacuated out of Yemen. Tomorrow's arrivals will bring the total number of Filipinos who returned to the Philippines to 246. Meanwhile, an estimated 458 Filipinos still remain in Yemen. One again, the DFA reiterates its call to all Filipinos remaining in Yemen to return to the Philippines as soon as they possible. The DFA advises our kababayans to immediately get in touch with the Crisis Management Team (CMT) currenly deployed in Yemen to register for repatriation. The CMT can be contacted through telephone numbers +967 73 019 4165, +967 73 742 6292, +967 73 384 4958, and +967 73 845 1828, and via e-mail to cmt-sanaa@riyadhpe.com . |
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| Statement on the Agreed Framework on Iran’s Nuclear Program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippines welcomes the recently-concluded framework on the
nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The framework is a positive development that provides an outline in reaching a comprehensive deal on the Iranian nuclear issue. The Philippines supports ongoing diplomatic talks to address concerns on Iran’s nuclear program with a view to achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution. |
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| Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary tops high school graduating class | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Poverty is truly not a hindrance to success, as proven by a
16-year old Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary who
bested her high school batch and graduated valedictorian. Shaira Perez of Brgy. Laiya in San Juan, Batangas is proof that a poor man’s dream will not remain a dream if you work hard for it. Shaira topped her high school batch of 287 graduates in Laiya National High School. With this feat, she is positive that she is finally a step closer towards her dream of lifting her family from poverty. Shaira is just one of the more than 9,000 high school graduates who are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya in the province. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor households, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the 15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from high school and have a higher rate of employability. To ensure enrolment in college, Shaira is already busy completing her documents for possible scholarships, even one day after her graduation. She hopes to enroll at the University of the Philippines after passing its entrance examination. Her motivations Shaira’s motivation to go to college is fueled by her family’s current living condition. “Kapos po ang pamilya namin, mahirap po ang buhay. Katulad po ngayon, magka-college na ako pero kahit mag-apply ako sa mga scholarships, alam kong hindi pa rin sasapat iyon para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang pag-aaral ko (Life for our family is difficult as we are often financially-challenged. Even with a scholarship, there is no guarantee that I will be able to finish college),” Shaira shared. Slightly small for her age, Shaira has experienced a lot of struggles at her young age. Her parents are both working as helpers in a beach resort in Laiya and both of them earn barely enough to support Shaira and her two other siblings. Her elder sister also has cerebral palsy which takes a lot of the family’s earnings to keep up with her medical needs. According to Shaira’s mother Rowena, 38, becoming a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilya in 2010 is a big blessing. For a family who only earns a good income during summer season, and who has a mentally-challenged child to attend to, the cash grants became a big help especially in ensuring that Shaira’s needs in school are provided for. “Dahil po sa Pantawid Pamilya, laging puwede na akong sumali sa mga contests at may pambayad na kami sa mga pangangailangan ko sa school (Because of Pantawid Pamilya, I can now join school contests and we can pay for my other school needs),” shared Shaira who had also seen how her parents would borrow money from neighbors whenever she needed to join activities in school. Being able to freely join most school activities opened opportunities for her to excel in class. She balances her academic and extra-curricular performance, which produced good results in the end. “Magka-college po ako at magtatapos para matulungan ko ang aking mga magulang. Sila ang nagpakahirap at nagpawis para sa amin (I will finish college to help my parents. They worked hard for us),” added Shaira, who wants to pursue a course on Accounting or Engineering. Going forward At the graduation ceremony, Shaira shared her success with her fellow graduates and urged them to continue to dream and work hard for it. “Sana bawat isa sa atin ay magpatuloy ng ating paglalakbay, sana lahat tayo ay makatuntong ng kolehiyo at magtagumpay (Let us hope that each one of us would continue with our journey, let us hope that all of us will be able to go to college and succeed),” Shaira shared a line in her valedictory speech that she ought to fulfill for herself as well. “Nakikita namin ang determinasyon niya pero sa ngayon, hindi talaga namin masasabi na kaya namin siyang suportahan hanggang sa huli (We see her determination, but as of the moment, we cannot guarantee that we can support her college education all throughout),” shared Rowena in tears. However, it is Shaira’s skills and potentials that drive Rowena and her husband to support her all the way. According to Rowena, they understand how important it is for Shaira to enroll in college because they have seen her potential at an early age. However, the little they earned from their savings for her college education was used up when their house was demolished last year. The lot where their house once stood was developed into a resort; hence, they needed to relocate and construct a new house. Rowena was also not able to continue her hog raising business, which became a major blow in their finances as well. “’Yung naipon namin noon, ginamit namin sa pagpapatayo ng bahay. Ayaw naman naming tumira sa tabing kalye na lang, para rin naman sa kanila iyon, lalo na sa anak kong may sakit. Wala kaming inaasahan ngayon kundi ‘yung trabaho lang namin sa resort (We had consumed all our savings for the construction of our house as we do not want to live on the street. We did that for our children, especially for our sick one. Now, we can only rely on our income as resort employees),” Rowena added. However, this financial struggle will not ruin Shaira’s dreams. “Sisikapin naming mag-asawa na itaguyod siya. Habang ang bunso namin ay sinusuportahan pa ng Pantawid Pamilya, magdodoble sikap kami para mapagtapos siya (We will work hard to provide for her needs while our youngest is still being supported by Pantawid Pamilya. We will double our effort so she can finish her schooling),” Rowena promised in front of a teary Shaira. Shaira, on the other hand, never loses hope. “Napatunayan ko na ang pagiging mahirap ay hindi hadlang para umangat ka. Kaya kong pagsumikapan ang aking pag-araal, kaya kong magtapos para maging maayos na ang aming buhay (I proved that being poor is not a hindrance in improving one’s condition. I will study hard and finish my course so that our lives would improve),” Shaira shared with conviction. For Shaira, a college education is indeed the answer towards getting her family out of poverty. Learning about Shaira topping her class, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman commended her as well as the other Pantawid Pamilya high school graduates, saying “I am pleased to know that Pantawid Pamilya children-beneficiaries have excelled in their academic endeavors. This proves that with a little help from the government, the poor can become instrumental in their own success.” |
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| DTI exposes SMEs to higher product standards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Through their participation in Department of Trade and
Industry’s (DTI) Sikat Pinoy fairs, small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) from the various regions of the country are exposed to
superior product standards to make them more competitive in the
local and, eventually, the world market. “Aside from exposing SMEs to national buyers or large companies to get big orders, we expose them to the products of the other enterprises,” said DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo in an interview during DTI’s recent Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair. Domingo said that this is to the extent that SMEs are able to see better packaging and product quality, and be exposed to higher standards. He called this process as cross-pollination of ideas and execution. With the theme “Piling-piling pagkaing Pilipino”, the National Food Fair showcases food products of 150 exhibitors. Products include meat; fish and marine products; processed fruits and vegetables; ingredients, sauces, and condiments; wines and beverages; coffee, tea, and cocoa; bakery products; snacks and confectionaries; organic, herbal, and natural products; and food supplements and vitamins. Domingo also said that DTI is conducting this fair to promote the SME and to showcase the best of what Philippines has to offer in terms of native food products and delicacies from all over the country. He added that some of the participants are already ready to export and can benefit from the European Union’s (EU) recent grant of new Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme or GSP+ status to the Philippines with zero duty on their products. He noted that if they export to the European Union (EU), they must pass the labelling requirements and product standards for food. Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP) Director Rhodora Leaño also said that for this year, BDTP was a little stricter on the exhibitors that participated in the fair since they are currently working on special projects with big institutional buyers and supermarkets. “One of the basic requirements that they are seeking from suppliers is the fact that they must have a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registration. They can be appeased if the supplier has at least filed an application with FDA,” said Leaño. Leaño also noted that the fair exhibitors are ready to supply big institutional buyers, and are there not only for retail sales but also for bulk transactions. She added that FDA came up with new guidelines, and is becoming more considerate in handling the application of SMEs. “In this age of globalization, there is no way to go but follow a given criteria. If you do not follow, your chances of actually growing become almost nil,” Leaño said. Leaño also mentioned that BDTP together with DTI’s regional offices are sponsoring product development assistance to SMEs and hopes to see its output in the succeeding trade fairs that DTI will mount. |
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| Roxas turns over GPS Fish Finders to Dagupan fisherfolk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas handed over
brand new fish nets and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
powered Fish Finders to the fisherfolk of Dagupan on Friday to
increase their catch, cut costs and drive up their incomes. The nets and GPS Fish Finders—electronic devices to detect the presence of fish in the bottom of the sea, were funded by the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) program of the government that empowers local communities to determine their own needs in terms of essential support services. The BUB also enables grassroots communities to create their own sustainable development plans through a participatory and demand-driven budget process. "Nagpunta po ako dito (Dagupan) dahil sa BUB program. Gusto kong makita ang mga beneficiaries at kamustahin ang status ng mga programa. Focus dito ang mga fisherfolk at mga regional and provincial partners namin sa BUB," Roxas said in an interview. Roxas joined 400 fisherfolk-benficiaries of the BUB funded GPS Fish Finders and nets. Roxas, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) also awarded a motorized boat to another BUB beneficiary, in addition to the previous 19 motorized boats given to the fisherfolk of Dagupan. Roxas also commended the multi-sectoral groups in Pangasinan who participated in the identification and implementation of BUB projects in their province. “Higit sa pictures at sa mga report, ang mga taong nakinabang sa BUB ang nasabi kanina na it does make a difference. Hindi ito drawing lang. That’s why I’m in public service. Salamat at binigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataong malaman ito,” Roxas said. Pangasinan is the most active province under the BUB Program nationwide, with a total of 659 projects worth P636.7 million. "Ang BUB ay kasama sa deliberate, programmatic, at sustainable approach ng pamahalaan sa paglutas ng mga problema na nakakaharap ng bayan. Walang naiiwan dito, ito ay dulot ng tuwid na daan," Roxas said. |
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| Roxas: A bright future awaits 4Ps graduates | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thousands of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) high
school scholars gathered together with Interior and Local
Government Secretary Mar Roxas and other cabinet members in the
Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on Thursday,
to celebrate their graduation. "Marami ang tumulong, marami ang nagsakripisyo para tayo ay makatuloy sa pag-aaral. Anuman ang marating natin, hindi tayo solo-flight dito," said Roxas. According to Roxas, the 4Ps project is an investment to elevate the situation of the students and families living in the poverty line. Roxas also asked the students and their parents to continue reaching for their dreams, even if it meant sacrifice and hardship. "Tandaan ninyong hindi kayo nag-iisa. Nariyan ang Maykapal. Anuman ang mangyayari sa inyo, anuman ang mangyayari sa ating bansa ay nasa sainyo," Roxas said. Help also continues for beneficiaries in the form of internships, college scholarships and skills training programs from the government. Secretaries Corazon Soliman (DSWD), Armin Luistro (DepEd), Rosalinda Baldoz (DOLE), Commissioner Jose Sixto 'Dingdong' Dantes (NYC), and the supporters of the 4Ps were also present in the program. More than 4.4 million poor Filipino families receive regular cash grants from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a poverty reduction strategy that gives Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to poorest households, provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program. This program also ranks as the 3rd largest conditional cash transfer program in the world, next to Brazil and Mexico. |
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| Baldoz approves DOLE GAD Plan for 2016; urges the DOLE to make it work | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To strengthen and to mainstream gender and development in the
workplace, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has
approved the Department’s GAD plan for 2016. “The plan will serve as the Department’s guide in addressing particular gender issues under its mandate as reflected in the Magna Carta of Women,” said Baldoz upon approving the plan. “Let us make it work,” she added. With the plan, the DOLE is poised to address such gender issues as (1) gender gap in the Labor Force Participation Rate; (2) vulnerabilities of both men and women in wage employment; (3) limited access to social protection among vulnerable workers; (4) high vulnerability of women migrant workers; and the (5) need to support inter-agency-wide assessment and planning for action and strategies towards gender-related interventions. The Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, headed by Director Ahma Charisma Satumba, which is the plan’s lead implementer, said that per gender issue, the DOLE has lodged and outlined GAD-related activities and programs aimed to create and ensure a gender-responsive and sensitive work environment for its clients, both men and women workers alike. On the first gender issue, for example, Director Satumba said the DOLE has aligned its advocacy programs and training, development of information, education, and communication materials, and conduct of job fairs. “These activities aim to equalize the employment opportunities amongst men and women,” she said. On the second gender issue, the DOLE under its GAD plan, shall pursue activities towards improvement of labor laws compliance, particularly on gender-related concerns amongst establishments. Activities include the implementation and monitoring of the Labor Laws Compliance System, and the Single Entry Approach—the 30-day mechanism for the speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible manner of settling all labor issues. “Moreover, gender issues shall also form part of the topics in seminars and training on Labor and Education and Employment Services, the animated video information and education materials accessible through the social media, YouTube,” she said. The DOLE GAD plan seeks to address limited access to social protection among vulnerable workers through the provision of skills training and livelihood assistance to beneficiaries, and make them aware of the benefits of social insurance. The plan includes the provision of pre-reintegration services to OFWs in POLOs and the implementation of Assist WELL program to address the fourth gender issue. Assist WELL is a package of reintegration assistance to address the welfare, employment, legal, and livelihood needs of repatriated workers. Finally, to address to the fifth gender issue, the DOLE plans to strengthen the mainstreaming of gender-related concerns in its various programs, activities, and projects. This will be done through the integration of a gender perspective in all DOLE training modules and materials, and through the conduct of inter-agency and tripartite consultations, which will result to gender-responsive policies. To better implement the GAD Plan, Secretary Baldoz has reconstituted its GAD Focal Point System through the issuance of Administrative Order 59. “We need to provide direction on the implementation of this plan to achieve our goals,” Baldo said. Secretary Baldoz chairs the Focal Point System. She will issue policies and directives leading to the mainstreaming of GAD in labor and employment. There is a GAD Executive Committee under the system headed by the Department Undersecretary for Leadership, Management and Innovation, and Research and Statistics with the Assistant Secretary for Workers Welfare, Social Protection and Internal Affairs as the Vice chairperson. The committee shall, among others, spearhead the identification of GAD strategies, activities, and projects, ensure the timely submission of the Department’s GAD Plan and Budget, as well as strengthen partnerships with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and other institutions doing GAD mainstreaming advocacy work. A Technical Working Group, composed of various DOLE bureaus and services, has been designated to facilitate the gender mainstreaming of DOLE through GAD planning and budgeting, and the implementation of the plan. To monitor the submissions and review of the GAD plan and budget, as well as accomplishments, a secretariat has been designated. “Let us make our GAD Plan work,” Baldoz said, as she directed the executive committee to submit the plan to the Philippine Commission on Women for approval and endorsement to the Department of Budget and Management. |
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| In Kuwait, 100 workers to get paid after POLO successfully settled case through SEnA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday expressed elation that the DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (SEnA), the reform she initiated to enable workers have free, fair, and inexpensive access to labor justice, is benefiting even overseas Filipino workers abroad. “I am pleased at how the SEnA benefits even our OFWs. In Kuwait, a hundred OFWs will be paid their unpaid salaries and wages on or before 15 April this year because the POLO conciliated-mediated their complaints against their employer,” said Baldoz, after she received a report from Labor Attache Cesar Chavez saying 100 OFWs of Al Tawbad General Trading and Contracting Company had sat down for a work stoppage for not being paid their salaries for three months. “The OFWs came to see us and filed their request for assistance (RFA) to be paid, to get their food allowance, to stop the company’s unlawful salary deductions, and to ask Al Tawbad General Trading and Contracting Company to improve their working condition,” said Chavez. Using the SEnA, a 30-day conciliation-mediation mechanism, the POLO made representation with the company which agreed to settle the RFA. “Engr. Emad Salama, the company’s general manager, had recognised its responsibility and agreed to pay all unpaid salaries and wages on or before 15 April and from henceforth, pay the workers’ salaries before the 15th of every month,” said Labor Attache Chavez in his report. He reported the company also committed to provide air-conditioning units and to construct bathroom and kitchen facilities for the OFWs in their accommodation. More importantly, the company pledged to provide them food. Meanwhile, the POLO in Kuwait also reported that it has repatriated OFW Trinidad D. Villaver last week. Villaver, according to Labor Attache Chavez has been hospitalized for over a year at the Al Jahra Hospital in eastern Kuwait after she was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis. “She was bed written and half-paralysed, with a tracheotomy tube. From Manila, she was brought to Davao Medical Centre in Davao City where she will be continued to be attended to medically. All expenses attendant to her repatriation, including her continued medication, were shouldered by Ibero Filipinos, the insurance company of her recruitment agency in the Philippines,” Chavez reported. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roxas lauds PNP for series of anti-crime efforts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Uplifting the morale and drive of PNP personnel in performing
their respective tasks, the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas commended different police
troops for relentless anti-crime efforts nationwide. According to reports reaching Roxas, three (3) significant accomplishments were noted yesterday (April 7) from different police operations. In Pasay City at about 2:30 PM, operatives of Station Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group (SAID-SOTG), Pasay City arrested Nor-ain G. Bato, Amel M. Dimaampao and Omar C. Ibrahim in a buy-bust operation along FB Harrison St., Pasay City. The operatives confiscated from them two (2) zip locked transparent plastics containing white crystalline substance suspected to be SHABU weighing approximately two (2) kilograms. Evidence recovered was brought to Southern Police District (SPD) Crime Laboratory for examination. In Davao City at 9:20 PM, joint elements of East Mindanao Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), 10ID (10MIB, 1002Bde and Task Force Davao), 11ISU, 14ISU, MIG11 and 21, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Intel and PNP Compostela Valley arrested Vincent Estrada @BORDS/BROD/OBAN aka Dennis Montecillo, Head Instructor's Bureau, ROC, SMRC, and a certain Zacarias Delos Santos Mancia Jr. was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest (WOA) with CC#7610 for the crime of Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention filed before RTC Br-3, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province. Recovered from the possession of the suspects are one (1) cal .45 pistol, two (2) fragmentation grenade, one (1) laptop, five (5) cellular phones, subversive documents and other personal belongings. Both Mancia and Estrada were booked and processed and are now detained at EastMin CIDG. Meanwhile in Sulu, At about six o’clock in the evening, three (3) suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were apprehended by the C,PIB, C,PIDMS with guidance of SAKTAF and the Provincial Director who made a coordination with the 35th IB 501st Bde JTGS. The suspects were identified as Nursilin Isirani, Said Alsibar Abdani, and Mohammad Nejar Hadayni. Taken from their possession are one (1) hand grenade, one (1) Cal 45 Armscor with serial number 1181364 (6th digit tampered from #6 to #8) and one (1) baby M16 elisco with serial number RP 11106. After medical examination, suspects were turned over to Patikul Municipal Police Station (MPS) and subsequently taken to Jolo MPS for temporary detention while firearms recovered are turned over to SOCO 9. Roxas ordered appropriate awards and commendations to participating PNP personnel who manifested perseverance, dedication and commitment in the service of the people. The operational gains of the PNP come in the wake of the continuing expansion of the DILG-PNP’s Oplan Lambat-Sibat, which is designed to cast a wide net of police vigilance in crime prone areas, as well as engage in focused operations against the country’s most wanted—through deliberate, programmatic and sustained law enforcement operations. “The PNP anti-criminality campaign and police operations are on a long and continuous track, and the DILG and PNP leadership will not think twice to commend each and every personnel who are doing their job well.” |
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| Luistro to future teachers: Success of long-term educ reform is in your hands | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – “Kung gusto natin ng isang tunay na rebolusyon, mga
guro lamang ang nakapagbibigay ng panibagong mukha sa Pilipinas.
Bukas, sa pagbubukas ng bagong umaga, isipin ninyo na kasama
kayo sa rebolusyon na inumpisahan limang taon na ang nakalilipas,”
Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro said before the 1,700 new
graduates of one of the country’s premier institutions for
teacher education, Philippine Normal University, at their 107th
commencement exercises. Emphasizing the crucial role of educators in the implementation of the K to 12 Program, Luistro said, “This is the fifth year of our educational reform. It is more than a change in curriculum—it requires a change of perspective; it requires a change of heart of those who will implement it and bring it to fruition. It requires your cooperation, your initiative, and your own contribution to make the reform work.” He urged the new graduates who will be future teachers at the Department of Education (DepEd) to take on the challenges with an open heart, saying, “You will be the face of the reform, and the success of the program is in your hands.” Luistro said, “Sa dami ng mga magtatapos na bagong guro, sa palagay ko, 90-100% sa inyo ang kukunin ng DepEd para magtrabaho sa ating 47,000 na eskwlehan sa buong Pilipinas.” He added that the Department will be hiring more than 30,000 teachers this year. PNU conferred Luistro with an Honoris Causa (Doctor of Education) for his “invaluable dedication and commitment to education” and in acknowledgement of his significant contribution to the biggest reform in Philippine education system: the K to 12 Program. In a statement, PNU said, “Aside from his K to 12 contributions, his reforms also include forging partnerships with different Local Government Units (LGUs) and corporations to solve the congestion, zoning, and lack of urban planning in education.” |
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| NAPOLCOM grants additional authority to PNP OIC Espina | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) granted additional
authority to Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina
as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the Chief,
Philippine National Police (PNP). NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that Resolution No. 2015-106 authorizes OIC Espina to approve and issue permits to import/transport ammunitions, explosives, firearms of any type/caliber, weapons systems and accessories attached or pertaining to air, naval and land assets. “The Commission granted this additional authority to OIC Espina to assure speedy action of the PNP on applications for importation of firearms, explosives, ammunitions and other weapons systems submitted to the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) by, or for and on behalf of, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Escueta said. The NAPOLCOM earlier issued Resolution No. 2015-002 dated January 6, 2015 authorizing OIC Espina to approve/confirm various transactions, as follows: contracts involving procurement of services/resources by the PNP; approval of disbursements/payments of the PNP’s legitimate/regular financial transactions; authorization for the release of funds from the Agency Reserved Fund for fiscal year 2014; obligate funds from Trust Receipt; sign and counter-sign checks; and approve payroll and disbursement vouchers. OIC Espina is also authorized to exercise disciplinary authority as Chief, PNP; designate appropriate OICs for the various PNP offices/units; appoint PNP non-uniformed personnel with salary grade 24 and below; sign documents concerning payments of retirement benefits of personnel with pending administrative cases but who have complied with the requirements under pertinent laws and circulars; enter into or renew agreements concerning regular transactions of the PNP; and issue firearms licenses and permits pursuant to the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. Escueta said that the NAPOLCOM Resolutions were issued to authorize OIC Espina to act on or approve urgent, necessary or time-bound disbursements/transactions/ activities which, unless addressed immediately, may unduly cause damage and prejudice to the public or hamper the effective performance of the functions of the PNP. |
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| Galas market vendors join AlkanSSSya program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One of the participating market vendors association is the Galas
Market Vendors' Association under the SSS Cubao Branch which
initially registered around 46 vendors. The first mass launching
covered 40 tricycle operators-drivers associations (TODA), seven
market vendor associations, one barangay unit and one pedicab-operators-drivers
association (PODA). Also present during the launching are (from left), Junior Member Services Representative Stephen De La Cruz, Senior Analysts Marie Ancel Habaluyas and Lita Jimenez, SSS Cubao Branch Officer-In-Charge Felipe Marcelo, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, Senior Vice President for NCR Group Jose Bautista, AlkanSSSya Program Director Amalia Tolentino and Social Security Officer III Carmelita Rico. Photo also shows the members of the Galas Market Vendors' Association who attended the event. |
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| DEPED takes up science of disaster preparedness | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In a rare set-up where educators sit down to listen to lectures,
disaster preparedness experts from the Department of Science and
Technology discussed the science of weather and geological
hazards to DepEd officials and staff. This happened in the recent “Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities” forum at the Department of Education Central Office in Pasig City. The Philippines has been prone to many natural calamities, experts told the educators, but casualties and damage of properties can be minimized or avoided if people know how to prepare for disasters. DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro said that this can be done even in classroom environment where students at a young age get educated on the possible effects of a super typhoon or an earthquake to people’s lives. Students also need to learn how to respond to said calamities to save lives and protect properties. “Dahil sa paiba-iba na ang panahon, mahalaga sa mga institusyon kagaya ng mga paaralan na maging matibay ang pundasyon nila pagdating sa mga bagong impormasyon hinggil sa mga posibleng sakuna na maidudulot ng mga bagyo at lindol sa ating mga buhay,” Asec. Liboro said. Asec. Liboro added that DepEd should be in the forefront and take the lead in seeking ways to enhance the knowledge of teachers and students on the impact of natural calamities, which may result to a better decision-making. Meanwhile, DOST-Philippine Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum recommended that teachers can ask their students to prepare an earthquake evacuation plan, as a form of assignment, to assess the students’ level of awareness and knowledge on earthquakes. “Total, ang mga guro naman natin ay mahilig magbigay ng mga assignment, bakit hindi sila magbigay ng assignment na gumawa ang pamilya niyo ng earthquake evacuation plans (Since our teachers are fond of giving assignments, why don’t they give an assignment to pupils to prepare their family earthquake evacuation plans),” Solidum said. “Sa pamamagitan rin nito, marerealize din ng mga magulang kung gaano kahalaga ang mga ganitong uri ng preparasyon at ipatuloy nila ang pagtuturo sa kanilang mga anak (Through this, parents will realize the importance of this kind of preparation and they will continue teaching their children).” Dr. Solidum stressed that teachers would also benefit from this because they too have their own families who need to be safe during natural calamities such as earthquake. “It is about repetition and exposure to certain practices as well as building a culture, (which means) being always mentally-prepared during these situations,” Solidum said, “(These) are the answers on how to minimize, if not prevent, the loss of many lives and properties.” He also reminded the importance of compliance to the National Building Code. Solidum explained that compliance would assure that your structures are resistant to strong earthquakes. “It is not enough that people are prepared for disasters,” he stressed. “Buildings should also be safe structurally.” Iba na ang Panahon: Science for Safer Communities is DOST’s information and education campaign of DOST on disaster preparedness. In the campaign legs, experts discuss and explain weather and earth science concepts and introduce tools to help communities prepare for disasters. Tools include websites that give accurate forecast in a few hours lead time and hazard maps that enable participants to identify hazards that their communities are prone to. It started in 2014, with DOST and the Department of Interior and Local Government as partners in a 17-leg nationwide campaign providing local chief executives and disaster risk reduction managers with better understanding on the hazards in their own localities. The DepEd leg is the third this year after the campaigns at the House of Representatives and the Senate. |
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| Foreign nationals should secure ECC before leaving - BI | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, Philippines---The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded
foreign nationals to secure an Emigration Clearance Certificate
(ECC) at BI offices before leaving the country to avoid being
denied departure. BI Spokesperson Elaine Tan said that based on airport statistics, foreign nationals who failed to present their ECCs comprised 33% of travelers who were denied departure. “It is unfortunate that we have to deny the travel of our foreign friends, but we have to implement the law”, Tan said. Section 22-A of the Philippine Immigration Act provides that a foreign national who is about to depart from the Philippines temporarily or for good should seek clearance from the Commissioner of Immigration to insure that the foreign national has no pending obligation with the government of the Philippines. The following foreign nationals are required to secure regular ECCs at any of the 17 BI offices[1] and present the same upon departure: a. Holders of Temporary Visitor Visa (tourist visa) who have stayed in the Philippines for six months or more; b. Holders of expired or downgraded immigrant or non-immigrant visas; c. Holders of valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas who are leaving for good; d. Philippine-born foreign nationals who will depart from the Philippines for the first time; e. Holders of tourist visa with Order to Leave; f. Seafarers who have stayed in the Philippines for 30 days or more. Holders of valid immigrant or non-immigrant visas who intend to return to the Philippines may secure the ECC at the airport. A fee of about Php 1,210 shall be collected for the ECC. “Additional fees may be charged if the foreign national is found to have arrears”, said Tan. Fees collected shall be fully accounted and remitted to the National Treasury. Applications for regular ECCs shall be filed three days prior to departure and shall be valid for one month upon issuance. Foreign nationals must submit the following requirements upon filing of the application: a. Application form; b. Photocopy of passport (bio page, visa pages, latest arrival); c. Original and photocopy of ACR I-Card; d. Photocopy of receipt of latest visa extension; e. Photocopy of order of downgrading (if applicable); f. Five pieces 2x2 photo “We likewise warn our foreign friends against fixers who issue fake and fraudulent ECCs to unsuspecting victims. We encourage them to file the ECCs by themselves or through accredited agents listed in our website www.immigration.gov.ph”, reminded Tan. |
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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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| BSP rediscount rates for April 2015 and availments as of March 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BSP announced today the applicable Peso Rediscount Facility
and Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF) rates
for the month of April 2015 and loan availments as of end March
2015.The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting
Windows (RWs) I and II for April 2015 are as follows:
The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are based on the
applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse
repurchase rate, respectively, plus term premia for longer
maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15 August 2013.
These rates have been in effect since 15 September 2014 and will
remain until the policy rates are revised.
The following are the rates for the month of April for loans
under the EDYRF:
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London
Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 31 March 2015 plus 200
basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to
Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of
thrift and rural banks amounted to P75 million for the period 01
January to 31 March 2015, which is 81.8 percent lower than the
P412 million total for the same period last year. Out of the
aggregate availments for the period, 70.6 percent went to
commercial credits, 5.2 percent to production credits and 24.2
percent to other credits consisting of housing (12.5 percent),
CAPEX (7.6 percent) and permanent working capital (4.1 percent).
Under the EDYRF, total dollar availments of a universal bank for
the period 01 January to 31 March 2015 amounted to US$0.4
million and benefitted one exporter. This represents a 78.9
percent decrease in availments compared to the US$1.9 million
grants for the same period last year. There was no
Yen-denominated availment under EDYRF for the subject period in
2015, nor for the same period last year.
|
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| Foreign Direct Investments post US$263 million net inflows in January 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign direct investments (FDI) posted net inflows of US$263
million in January 2015, albeit lower by 71 percent than the
US$905 million net inflows in the same period last year. 1,2 All
components recorded net inflows, particularly, non-residents’
investments in debt instruments that were issued by local
affiliates at US$167 million, which accounted for the bulk of
FDI during the period. Equity capital registered net inflows of US$25 million as equity capital placements amounting to US$53 million more than offset withdrawals of US$27 million. Equity capital placements originated mainly from the United States, Germany, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Japan. These were channeled largely to wholesale and retail trade; manufacturing; real estate; financial and insurance; and professional, scientific and technical (mainly landscape/architectural services) activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings were recorded at US$70 million. --------------- 1 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. On 21 March 2014, the BSP released the BPM6-based series from 2005-2013. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines). 2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms View Table |
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Last Updated:
09 APRIL 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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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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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech 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. Also in photo are Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz; Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; and Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III 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 Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by 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; and Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano, unveils the project marker during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge at the Calamagui 1 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 Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech 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 Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech 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. Also in photo are Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz; and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces 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. Also in photo are Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz; and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces 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 Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through at the completed Lullutan Bridge during the inauguration ceremony 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. 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 Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through at the completed Lullutan Bridge during the inauguration ceremony 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. Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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