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Rehab efforts for
past typhoons get P592-M support in 2015 GAA; Abad: Gov't
still working to help victims of typhoons 'Mario' and 'Luis' |
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Labor Laws
Compliance System’s “Tick, Save, Send” feature makes
reporting of assessment and assessment results possible in
real-time |
|
|
Labor laws compliance reform gains more advocates: DOLE,
FOBAP signs agreement on promoting voluntary compliance in
export manufacturing industry |
|
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Baldoz urges
illegal OFWs to avail of Sultanate of Oman’s offer of
amnesty |
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'PATAK NG
BUHAY' - Roxas brings clean water to 4 Albay barangays |
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President Aquino to Undertake Visit to Japan on 2-5 June as
A State Guest of the Government of Japan |
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PHL
Consulate General in Manado, PHL Trade and Investment Center
Organize Business Matching Mission to Manado and Business
Forum on ASEAN Economic Community |
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Immigration consultants, travel agencies offering overseas
jobs are illegal recruiters -- POEA |
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Regional, national gov’t officials discuss priorities for
2016 national budget |
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PNP leads 1st
Southeast Asia Human Rights Forum |
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Land
governance, infra investments in agri, rural areas critical
for poverty reduction – NEDA |
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Automotive
parts supplier SMEs link to the global value chains |
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City
treasurer faces criminal raps for late GSIS remittance
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Ombudsman charges DOTC officials with graft |
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MB
places Surigaonon Rural Banking Corporation under PDIC
receivership; All valid insured deposit claims will be paid
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Villanueva: There’s a
career in tech-voc |
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Order of
Sikatuna conferred to IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu |
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Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issues the
following statement on the commentary of Hong Kong
legislator Regina Ip Lau Suk-Yee against Filipino household
service workers |
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Ferrer calls for end
to discrimination against Muslims, women in PH during
Clinton awards |
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New market, day care
center, water system up in Roxas Albay visit |
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Finance
Secretary Cesar V. Purisima welcomes former Customs
Commissioner Bert Lina back on board |
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| Rehab efforts for past typhoons get
P592-M support in 2015 GAA; Abad: Gov't still working to help
victims of typhoons 'Mario' and 'Luis' |
| Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the
release of P592 million to the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) to fund the various rehabilitation projects
supporting the victims of Typhoons ‘Mario’ and ‘Luis’ living in
Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and the Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR).
Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “As our country
moves along the path of inclusive development, we’ve not
forgotten communities that were affected by previous calamities
like Typhoons ‘Mario’ and ‘Luis’. As such, the Administration is
continuing rehabilitation efforts to improve their livelihood
prospects and to minimize future damages as part of our ‘Build
Back Better’ policy.”
Chargeable against the FY 2015 General Appropriations Act, this
release includes funding for Cash/Food for Work activities,
which will receive P326 million for the benefit of 171,381
families. Meanwhile, the Emergency Shelter Assistance program
for families with damaged houses—which will receive P131
million—will benefit 3,874 families with totally damaged houses
and 18,433 families with partially-damaged houses. Lastly, 1,522
families will benefit under the Permanent Shelter Assistance
program, which will receive P107 million.
The breakdown is as follows:
Activities
|
No. Of Beneficiaries
|
Amount
|
| Cash/Food for Work |
171,391 families
|
P326,345,700.00
|
| Emergency shelter assistance for families with
damaged houses |
3,874 families with totally damaged houses;
18,433 families with partially damaged houses
|
P130,905,000.00
|
| Permanent shelter assistance |
1,522 families
|
P106,540,000.00
|
Operation/
administrative support fund (5 percent of total
project cost)
|
|
P28,189,535.00
|
|
Total |
|
P591,980,235.00
|
Programs for those affected by Typhoon ‘Mario’ will receive P529
million while programs for those affected by Typhoon ‘Luis’ will
get P63 million. Of the amount allotted to the Typhoon ‘Mario’
programs, a big chunk of the P529-million release was given to
Region I, which got P544 million or 92 percent of the total
amount.
The breakdown is as follows:
Region
|
Province
|
Typhoon Mario
|
Typhoon Luis
|
Total
|
| I |
Ilocos Norte |
P34,368,600.00
|
P34,599,600.00
|
P68,968,200.00
|
| Ilocos Sur |
P259,699,440.00
|
-
|
P259,699,440.00
|
| La Union |
P50,580,600.00
|
P5,173,350.00
|
P55,753,950.00
|
| Pangasinan |
P160,067,775.00
|
-
|
P160,067,775.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P504,716,415.00
|
P39,772,950.00
|
P544,489,365.00
|
| II |
Nueva Viscaya |
P1,464,750.00
|
-
|
P1,464,750.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P1,464,750.00
|
-
|
P1,464,750.00
|
| III |
Bulacan |
P199,500.00
|
-
|
P199,500.00
|
| Zambales |
P99,750.00
|
-
|
P99,750.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P299,250.00
|
-
|
P299,250.00
|
| IV-A |
Batangas |
P10,500.00
|
-
|
P10,500.00
|
| Rizal |
P63,000.00
|
-
|
P63,000.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P73,500.00
|
-
|
P73,500.00
|
| IV-B |
Occidental Mindoro |
P31,500.00
|
-
|
P31,500.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P31,500.00
|
-
|
P31,500.00
|
| V |
Camarines Sur |
P10,500.00
|
-
|
P10,500.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P10,500.00
|
-
|
P10,500.00
|
| CAR |
Apayao |
P8,125,320.00
|
P8,566,320.00
|
P16,691,640.00
|
| Benguet |
P1,114,365.00
|
P1,114,365.00
|
P2,228,730.00
|
| Kalanga |
P13,149,255.00
|
P13,149,255.00
|
P26,298,510.00
|
| Mountain Province |
P196,245.00
|
P196,245.00
|
P392,490.00
|
|
Sub-Total |
P22,585,185.00
|
P23,026,185.00
|
P45,611,370.00
|
|
Total |
P529,181,100.00
|
P62,799,135.00
|
P591,980,235.00
|
Abad stated, “Given that our country is prone to disasters like
typhoons, we need to provide projects that not only help our
people recover from the aftermath but also prepare them for
future calamities. This is to ensure that their lives will
experience minimal disruptions as much as possible during future
disasters.”
The P592-million release is part of the P14.0-billion Natural
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund under the FY
2015 GAA. The NDRRM Fund is supposed to be used by the National
Government and its departments, agencies and bureaus, and Local
Government Units (LGUs) for relief, rehabilitation,
reconstruction, and other works or services in connection with
the occurrence of natural calamities and other disasters.
Typhoon ‘Luis’ (international codename: Kalmaegi) struck the
country last September 14, 2014. This was followed by Typhoon
‘Mario’ (international codename: Fung-wong), which hit the
Philippines last September 19 of the same year. |
|
|
|
| Labor Laws Compliance System’s
“Tick, Save, Send” feature makes reporting of assessment and
assessment results possible in real-time |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday said the new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS), one
of the DOLE’s major reforms on labor inspection, is fast gaining
global recognition with its technology-based component called
the LLCS-Management Information System (LLCS-MIS).
“In just three easy steps—‘Tick, Save, and Send,’—our Labor Laws
Compliance Officers (LLCOs) can now capture data from the field
in real-time as the electronic checklist is filled-out through
the use of mobile devices and gadgets,” Baldoz said.
“Data are instantly available for viewing and processing to
generate reports, statistics, and summons including real-time
monitoring of our decent work indicators, based on our decent
work country profile,” she added.
Baldoz bared that during the 4th ASEAN Labor Inspection
Conference which Manila hosted last year, ASEAN-member country
representatives to the conference recognized the new LLCS as one
of its kind and the Philippines as the first to adopt the said
innovative approach for improving compliance with labor laws.
She also recalled that when President Aquino III on 1 May 2012
gave the DOLE the 372 new plantilla positions for the LLCS, it
came with an instruction to the Department of Budget and
Management to also give them electronic gadgets, which are
Android-powered tablets.
The LLCS-MIS allows the DOLE to profile and record the
compliance of companies; number of regular workers and the
contractors and subcontractors’ workers, or its supply chain;
occupational injuries and fatalities; union and collective
bargaining agreements; compliance with “No Child Labor” policy;
and tracking of performance of the LLCOs. To use the LLCS-MIS
application, the following are the steps used by LLCOs in the
field:
• Check correct time and date settings on the tablet and that
said tablet is connected to the internet;
• Open the Android tablet, and click on the click on the LLCS
Mobile Application icon at the home screen;
• Click on the “Create New Establishment” button;
• Fill in all the details required such as establishment name,
owner and address;
• After supplying the Philippine Standard Industrial
Classification (PSIC) Code, the “Industrial Classification”
drop-down menu will appear. LLCOs may now select the subtypes;
• Choose the Region where said establishment is located, and
complete other location details of the establishment. Click “Add
Establishment”.
• Click on “Create New Assessment” button. In creating such, an
internet connection is not necessary;
• Choose among the 3 types of visit (Joint Assessment,
Compliance Visit or Occupational Safety and Health Standards
Investigation) and its appropriate subtype. Fill in assessment
details;
• Wait for the app to load the next page (LLCS Checklist).
Accomplish all the data capture fields, and click “Save” button
located at the rightmost part of the screen before moving to the
other parts of the form;
• After supplying all the data fields in the checklist, click on
the ‘Sync’ button on the bottom of the screen. The count of
records created so far will appear.
• To synchronize this data with the online LLCS System or the
Web App, an internet connection is needed. Press the
“Synchronize” button and the “Synchronization Successful”
message will appear on the screen.
The data derived from the checklist basically flows from the
tablet, to a sync server hosted by ‘info-share.org’—a Sri Lankan
technology company, commissioned by DOLE and ILO for the
development of the LLCS-MIS application.
According to Baldoz, the basic flow of data in the LLCS-MIS runs
from the tablet to the sync server. Said sync server then
transmits it to the web server, which is readily accessible by
the DOLE authorized personnel, such as Regional Directors,
Assistant Regional Directors, and Technical Support and Services
Division staff.
“Boasting of its real-time functionality, and its transparency
(we even gave out copies of our manual) the LLCS-MIS enables the
DOLE to capture up-to-date information; since figures reflected
in the summary report—a report consolidating all the assessments
made nationwide—changes soon as the LLCO syncs data to the sync
server,” Baldoz said, emphasizing that said summary report can
easily be downloaded and printed at any time.
The LLCS-MIS sprung from five phases of execution, which
commenced on September 2013 up until reports were consolidated
in March 2015.
For Phase I, or on 4-27 September 2013, monitoring forms and the
content of electronic checklist were developed. Three batches of
orientation were also held, of which 127 LLCOs in the National
Capital Region participated.
Company profiles, or the master registry of establishments, were
generated in the Phase II execution of the LLCS-MIS, or on 11-31
October 2013. Statistical reports were also developed, alongside
the conduct of six batches of orientation where 164 LLCOs in
NCR, Regions 3 and 4A attended and were trained on the use of
LLCS-MIS mobile and web application.
On 1-30 November 2013, Phase III commenced with the development
of additional statistical LLCS reports, and monitoring of LLCO’s
performance. Another 6 batches of orientation were also held,
with 162 participants from across 16 regions of country
participated.
For Phases IV and V, or on 8 September 2014 to 5 March 2015, the
LLCS server system software was upgraded; and patches have been
installed to fix security vulnerabilities, bugs, and improving
the overall usability or performance of the application.
Also late last year, additional functions of the application
have been released. These include maritime assessment, case
management, assessment targets by region and LLCOs, and LLCS
schedule management.
“It took us almost a year to realize the LLCS-MIS, and the hard
slog all became worthwhile seeing it being implemented. We have
transcended from a two-page checklist to a more comprehensive
four-page checklist; from turtle-paced reporting to that like of
insta-messaging. Truly, we have become progressive,” Baldoz
said.
The LCCS-MIS is a joint project of DOLE and the International
Labor Organization (ILO) which brought together funds amounting
to US$206,455. Of this amount, US$83,005 were spent for Phase
1-3 development; and US$123,450 for its Phase 4 and 5.
The new LLCS, established under Department Order No. 131, Series
of 2013, is a tripartite-crafted and -endorsed reform program
that combines both regulatory and developmental approaches in
ensuring labor laws compliance.
“Our goal in the implementation of the LLCS is to inculcate and
foster a culture of voluntary compliance, where there is less
government intervention, and there is more workers’ and
employers’ active participation at the plant-level,” Baldoz
said.
“Being tripartite-endorsed, the new LLCS shares the
responsibility and accountability with our social partners in
ensuring its effective and efficient implementation. We believe
that when enterprises adhere to existing standards voluntarily,
we create an environment where businesses can expand and grow,
and workers become active agents in the growth of the economy,”
she added.
Questions about this release? You may visit the Bureau of
Working Conditions at the 3F DOLE Building Muralla cor. Gen.
Luna Streets Intramuros, Manila; or call at tel. nos. 5273000
local 307 to 303. |
|
|
|
| Labor laws compliance
reform gains more advocates: DOLE, FOBAP signs agreement on
promoting voluntary compliance in export manufacturing industry |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday expressed elation that one of DOLE’s major reforms,
the new Labor Laws Compliance System, or LLCS, is gaining more
adherents and advocates, the latest of which is the powerful
Foreign Buyers’ Association of the Philippines, or FOBAP.
“I am very pleased that the FOBAP, the association that serves
as watchdog of local export producers in terms of labor and
social compliance, is one with the DOLE in ensuring that
exported products from the Philippines are produced not only
according to global quality standards, but also in responsible
and socially-compliant factories that meets the basic standards
for human rights as required by major importing countries,” said
Baldoz after she signed a memorandum with the association during
a DOLE press conference on the implementation review of the
Labor Laws Compliance System in Intramuros, Manila.
The memorandum of agreement spells out the mechanics of
cooperation between the DOLE and the FOBAP in attaining the two
organization’s shared goals of increased awareness of the export
sector on general labor standards, with emphasis on minimum wage
and other wage-related benefits; and occupational safety and
health.
“Our view in signing this memorandum of agreement is to improve
compliance rate; develop industry-specific GLS and OSHS; build
within the export sector a culture of voluntary compliance with
GLS and OSHS; and ensure that Philippine export products are
manufactured in socially-compliant factories,” said Baldoz.
“DOLE and FOBAP share a common conviction that practices that
protect the safety, health, and well-being of the workers are
essential in building long-term solutions to national concerns
and global challenges. Through this agreement, we resolve to
cooperate with strong synergy to increase awareness and
understanding of the export sector of labor laws compliance,”
said FOBAP President Robert Young, who signed the MOA on behalf
of his organization.
Under the MOA, the DOLE and FOBAP agreed to create a technical
working committee that will adopt measures and conduct
activities necessary to ensure the effective implementation of
the partnership agreement. The DOLE shall be represented in the
TWC by the Bureau of Working Conditions, Occupational Safety and
Health Center (OSHC), and Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR).
DOLE and the FOBAP shall also exert effort to undertake programs
and projects as may be agreed by both parties to attain the
objectives of the agreement. They shall also determine the
resources required to successfully develop and execute the
programs.
Recently, the FOBAP has raised the issues on the urgency for
local factories and subcontractor of garments, apparel, shoes,
bags, furniture, houseware, and gift items to comply with all
labor laws and social practices required by major importing
countries, warning that the international market will not
patronize products from the Philippines if factories were found
not socially compliant with importing countries’ regulations.
Mr. Young said the FOBAP has already recognized the vital role
of the DOLE in addressing these social concerns through check
and balance of the exporters’ compliance through Department
Order No. 131, Series of 2013, or the Rules on Labor Laws
Compliance System (LLCS).
“The DOLE is implementing reforms to translate into concrete
terms the Labor Day directives of President Aquino III to assist
the employed workers to keep their jobs; assist the unemployed
to find jobs; protect workers’ rights and benefits; and assist
vulnerable workers to have access to social protection towards
achieving the overarching goal of decent and productive work, or
“tamang tao sa tamang trabaho, sa tamang panahon, sa tamang
lugar, sa tamang pamamaraan, at tamang benepisyo. This is being
pursued by the LLCS,” Baldoz emphatically said.
D.O. No. 131 contains the new rules and regulations in the
implementation of local labor legislation, pursuant to Articles
5 and 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines. The LLCS seeks
to "foster a culture of voluntary compliance with labor laws by
all establishments nationwide.
The new LLCS has three approaches: joint assessment, compliance
visit, and occupational safety and health investigation. Under
the new system, companies can apply to go through joint
assessment and get a Certificate of Compliance valid for two
years unless there is a complaint.
All establishments, regardless of employment size, are covered
by joint assessment under which the employer, the labor law
compliance officer (LLCO), and the workers’ representative will
jointly verify the company’s compliance with general labor
standards, safety and health, and child labor, among others. |
|
|
|
| Baldoz urges illegal OFWs to
avail of Sultanate of Oman’s offer of amnesty |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday urged all illegal OFWs in Oman to avail of the
Sultanate’s three-month amnesty offer to overstaying foreigners,
to avoid legal sanctions, including deportation. “I strongly
urge our OFWs in Oman who, for various reasons, have been
staying illegally in the Sultanate, to avail of this amnesty and
go home to the Philippines or correct their stay to avoid the
repercussion of their being illegal foreigners in Oman,” said
Baldoz. She cited a report from Labor Attaché Nasser Mustafa,
which said that the Sultanate of Oman is offering the
three-month amnesty as part of its continuous efforts to
regulate the presence of foreign workers in the country. The
three-month amnesty is from 1 April to 30 June. Labor Attaché
Mustafa said the Ministry and the Royal Oman Police have been
conducting raids of late against undocumented migrant workers,
putting tighter controls on work permits and tenancy contracts,
and stringently scrutinizing landlords and their tenants. He
said Oman’s Ministry of Manpower recently briefed labor attaches
of foreign embassies in Muscat about the amnesty. “This amnesty
will also help foreign workers who are willing to stay and work
in Oman, but subject to the guidelines under the labor law
promulgated by the Sultanate's Royal Decree 35/2003,” Mustafa
further said in his report. Briefly, the amnesty guidelines are
as follows: • Registration of Filipino nationals shall be at the
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). • All required
documents of overseas Filipino workers who want to avail of the
amnesty program shall be prepared by the POLO which will endorse
it to the Oman Ministry of Manpower. • Employers/sponsors of
illegal workers will also be asked to comment in writing amnesty
applications. If employers/sponsors fail to comply, the worker
will be repatriated. • Penalty for overstaying and money claims
of employers' expenses during the deployment of workers will be
waived. • All applicants will need to have themselves finger
printed, except children aged 18 years and below. • Applicants
whose documents were received by the Oman Ministry of Manpower
must leave the Sultanate within one month. Mustafa also said the
Oman Ministry of Manpower has advised POLO and Philippine
Embassy representatives to be at the Ministry every day. “A
small drawback of the amnesty program is that repatriated
workers under the amnesty program cannot return to Oman within
three years from the time they were repatriated,” he said In
2009, the Sultanate of Oman offered an amnesty which lasted
until the start of 2011. It helped over 60,000 overstaying
workers to return home without facing any legal action. There
had also been similar amnesties in 2005 and 2007. Omani
authorities had put in place a new set of measures in April 2014
to help uncover undocumented migrant workers. Officials carried
out raids on expat homes, put tighter controls on work permits
and tenancy contracts, and placed landlords and their tenants to
more scrutiny as part of the crackdown. Meanwhile, Mustafa said
the POLO in Oman only has 15 wards. Of this number, six have
ready plane tickets. They were already included in the priority
list of repatriates. The Labor Attaché has already asked the
Department’s assistance to produce tickets for the nine workers
so that they could join the first batch of repatriates. “We can
expect zero wards this month,” said Mustafa. |
|
|
|
| 'PATAK NG BUHAY' - Roxas brings
clean water to 4 Albay barangays |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas opened an P8M
level III water supply system to Camalig, Albay, which is
expected to benefit more than 1,000 households in four barangays.
Calling the project Patak ng Buhay, Roxas said “importante ang
proyektong ito dahil dati, kailangan pang maglakad ng 10
hanggang 15 minutes para mag-igib, iuuwi, at pakukuluan para
ligtas inumin. Ngayon, nandiyan na ang gripo sa loob ng inyong
tahanan.”
The project covers four barangays: Barangays Baligang, Taladong,
Comun and Cotmon, all in Camalig.
One of the beneficiaries of the project thanked Roxas and said,
“dahil sa water system na ito, nabawasan na ang pagkakasakit ng
mga tao, nabawasan ang medical expenses.”
Another said, “nabawasan ang pagkakasakit ng mga tao dahil sa
malinis na tubig.”
For his part, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo, Jr. said “malaking
tulong ang ibingay sa atin ng DILG mula sa pondo ng BUB.” He
said that they expect more investors to come to their
municipality because of the availability of basic services like
potable water.
The project was funded by the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa
Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program under the government’s Bottom-Up
Budgeting (BuB) initiative where members of grassroots
communities themselves identify the projects that they want to
be implemented in their locality.
A level III water supply system has provisions for a
house-to-house connection; level II, a communal faucet or taps
stand which benefits six to ten households; and level I, a dug
well or hand pump intended to service 15 households. All levels
have appropriate water treatment systems.
Roxas said “kayo ang gumawa ng magandang proyekto na ito. Bunga
ito ng magandang programa kung saan kayo ang nagpa-prioritize
kung ano ang kailangan ninyo.”
Saying this is an example of the “whole of government” approach,
he added, “kung ano ang kailangan ninyo, ang national at local
government ay nagtutulungan para maisakatuparan ito.”
Roxas also handed two checks to Mayor Baldo to finance two other
BUB projects in the municipality: P1.120M for the construction
of an access road and P4M representing the first tranche of
another P8M worth of water project which will benefit more than
3,000 households in two barangays in Camalig. |
|
|
|
| President Aquino to
Undertake Visit to Japan on 2-5 June as A State Guest of the
Government of Japan |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
24 April 2015 - President Benigno S. Aquino III will undertake a
State Visit to Japan from 02 to 05 June 2015, on the invitation
of the Government of Japan.
As a State Guest, the President will be received by His Majesty
Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko at the Imperial
Palace in Tokyo for a Welcome Ceremony and a State Call. Their
Majesties will also host a State Banquet in honor of the
President.
The President will also hold a meeting with Prime Minister
Shinzo Abe, during which the two leaders will discuss the
enhancement of the Philippine-Japan Strategic Partnership and
exchange views on recent regional developments. Prime Minister
Abe is scheduled to host a dinner for the President after their
meeting.
The State Visit of the President is taking place at an
auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are
presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading
into the 60th anniversary of relations next year. |
|
|
|
| PHL Consulate General in Manado,
PHL Trade and Investment Center Organize Business Matching Mission
to Manado and Business Forum on ASEAN Economic Community |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
24 April 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Manado led
by Acting Head of Post Jan Sherwin P. Wenceslao, in coordination
with Philippine Trade and Investment Center’s (PTIC) Philippine
Commercial Counselor to Indonesia Alma F. Argayoso, organized a
Philippine Outbound Business Mission (OBM) to Manado from April
16 to 18.
The highlight of the OBM was the Business Forum on ASEAN
Economic Community and business matching session, held on April
17 at Bank Indonesia Manado. The OBM was envisioned to
strengthen trade and economic activity between the Philippines
and North Sulawesi, raise awareness of opportunities in
cross-border/inter-regional trade through the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) and underscore upcoming regional
interconnectivity projects, in particular the Likupang/Bitung-General
Santos Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Passenger and Cargo Shipping
Service which is set to launch by Q2 2015.
More than 150 participants from North Sulawesi and surrounding
regions in Eastern Indonesia, including VIPs from the provincial
government, high-level businessmen, traders, importers and
distributors, the academe, media, and the Filipino community
participated in the event to meet with the Philippine trade
delegation, comprised of senior representatives from Philippine
companies:
Dealo Koffee Klatch Lucban with CEO Miliza Dealo Valde
Magic Melt Foods, Inc. with Operations Manager Jonathan P.
Illana
Aficionado Fragrances with Senior Sales and Operations Manager
Teresita L. Carandang
Nattural Quality Corporation with President Benson Uy Sian
Landbank of the Philippines Overseas Representative for Brunei,
Malaysia and Indonesia Grace Sausa
Philippine Franchise Association and Waffle Time, Inc. with
Franchise Manager Catherine Joy Palencia
PTIC Export Group Head Joel Rodriguez
DTI Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB) represented by Division
Chief Rafaelita Castro and Assistant Division Chief Suraida Guro
The Guests of Honor to the event were the Vice Governor of North
Sulawesi, Dr. Djouhari Kansil and Deputy Permanent
Representative to the Philippine Permanent Mission to ASEAN Noel
M. Novicio, who delivered Welcome and Opening Remarks,
respectively.
During the course of the Business Forum and Business Matching
activity, the Philippine business delegation presented their
respective companies and disseminated potential products for
trade between the Philippines and North Sulawesi, in particular:
food items, fragrances, food supplements, money transfer
services and franchising opportunities. The event was also an
opportunity to discuss trade regulations and trade-facilitation
issues. In particular, Ms. Rafaelita Castro, DTI-EMB held a
presentation on the “ASEAN Economic Community: Opportunities and
Challenges”. Likewise, North Sulawesi stakeholders also
presented: “Doing Business in Indonesia and the Philippines” (by
Drs. T. H. Siregar, MSi vice Ir. Jenny Karouw, MSi, Head of the
Office of Industry and Trade, DISPRINDAG); “Indonesian Customs
Procedures for the Import/Export of Goods” (by Mr. Fitra
Krisdianto, Head of Customs Bitung); registration
requirements/procedures for food and drugs (by the Office of
Food and Drugs, BBPom); and, “Updates on the upcoming Likupang/Bitung-General
Santos Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Passenger and Cargo Shipping
Service” by Mr. Daniel Pesik, Director of PT. Micishden Surya
Timur, operator of the RORO vessel
An open forum enabled the OBM participants, the speakers and
audience members to engage in further dialogue and discussion.
Furthermore, a section of the venue was dedicated for the
display of Philippine as well as Indonesian products.
On April 17, a Fellowship Dinner in honor of the Philippine
Delegation was hosted by the Vice Governor and the Provincial
Government of North Sulawesi at City Extra restaurant.
High-level government officials, businessmen and local
stakeholders, as well as the Philippine delegation, Filipino
community and the officer and personnel of Manado PCG were
present in the dinner.
During the course of the dinner, Vice Governor Dr. Djouhari
Kansil conveyed his government’s full support of future business
delegations and potential bilateral projects/initiatives between
the North Sulawesi and the Philippines, as well as the
government’s hope for greater trade, business and commercial
activities between the Philippines and North Sulawesi. On behalf
of the Philippine side, Deputy Permanent Representative of the
Philippine Mission to ASEAN Noel M. Novicio thanked the Vice
Governor for the hospitality afforded to the Philippine
delegation and the support provided for the Business Forum and
Business Matching activity.
On April 18, the Philippine trade delegation conducted trade
checks on major wholesale and retail establishments in Manado
City’s central business district. Vice Consul Jan Sherwin P.
Wenceslao fetted the visiting trade delegation in a farewell
luncheon together with Deputy Permanent Representative Noel M.
Novicio at Wahaha Restaurant, Megamas Manado, prior to the
delegation’s return to the Philippines via Jakarta. |
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| Regional, national gov’t
officials discuss priorities for 2016 national budget |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph/ |
|
MANILA –The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
facilitated a dialogue between the Regional Development Councils
(RDCs) and the central offices of national government agencies
(NGAs) to discuss regional and local priority programs and
projects in relation to the agencies’ priority thrusts for 2016.
NEDA pushed for the revival of the dialogue, which was last
conducted in 2006, also to strengthen the role of the RDCs in
the budget process. The Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) included this activity in the Budget Call for CY 2016.
“These dialogues are part of our strategy of paying greater
attention to geographic considerations to achieve inclusive
growth. We would like to see growth happening in more regions so
we are looking into the potentials and area-specific needs of
regions with the help of the RDCs,” said Economic Planning
Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.
The dialogue was held at the NEDA Central Office, Pasig City
last March 31, 2015.
“At the same time, this is also a good opportunity for the RDCs
to directly express their budget and development concerns to
their national government counterparts,” the Cabinet official
added.
The DBM presented an overview of the budget process while the
Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of
Transportation and Communications, Department of Health,
Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Education
presented their budget thrusts and priorities to the RDCs.
In turn, the RDCs discussed their priority programs and projects
that they deem crucial for their respective regions’
development. These include construction or repair of roads
leading to airports and seaports, tourism convergence, and flood
control management. Agriculture-related training courses for
students were also highlighted. In addition, the RDCs raised the
need to properly design, prioritize farm-to-market roads, as
well as to maintain them once constructed.
The RDCs also pointed out that poverty incidence of provinces
and vulnerability to disaster should be considered in allocating
funds to localities.
The dialogue was attended by Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo
(Chair, RDC 4B), Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla
(Chair, RDC 8), Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto (Chair, RDC 7),
Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. (RDC 3). RDC Private
Sector Representatives and Agency Regional Offices also
attended.
“The dialogue has been helpful. We will definitely take note of
what we have heard from the RDCs and we agreed to sustain this
kind of discussion in the coming months as we craft the budget
for 2016,” Balisacan said. |
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| PNP leads 1st Southeast Asia Human
Rights Forum |
| Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
Aim to promote and strengthen the police officers’ respect for
human rights, the rule-of-law and to strictly adhere to the
principles of human rights-based policing, the Philippine
National Police in cooperation with the Hanns Seidel
Foundation-Germany, will lead the first Southeast Asia Human
Rights Forum for Police Officials tomorrow at the First Pacific
Leadership Academy, Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City.
Coming in the said event are PNP Officer-In-Charge Deputy
Director General Leonardo A Espina; the Ambassador of the
Federal Republic of Germany to the Philippines, His Excellency
Thomas Ossowski; and other senior police delegates from Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Recently, the PNP and Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany renews
its partnership which started in 2008. Both parties have been
working closely to mainstream human rights in the PNP through
human rights education and training, community-based dialogues,
and the development of various knowledge products, tools, and
guides on human rights-based policing.
According to the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) Chief
PCSupt Antonio B. Viernes, the Southeast Asia Human Rights Forum
for Police Officials intends to develop common consensus and to
foster regional cooperation among police officials of Southeast
Asian countries.
Up for discussion at the forum are individual country
presentations on their individual experience and lessons learned
in Human Rights Based Policing.
The forum is set against the backdrop of the forthcoming ASEAN
Integration on December 31, 2015. This ASEAN Integration,
although primarily economic in nature, presents an opportunity
for Security Sector officials in the region to discuss and share
insights for the incorporation of International Human Rights
Standard for Law Enforcement and International Humanitarian Law
in their respective jurisdiction. (PNP-PIO) |
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| Land governance, infra
investments in agri, rural areas critical for poverty reduction –
NEDA |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) emphasized the need for better land governance and
increased infrastructure investments in agriculture and rural
areas as these remain critical for productivity, job generation,
and poverty reduction in many parts of the Philippines.
“Agricultural development remains a critical area for poverty
reduction in many parts of the country, particularly in areas
with high potentials for irrigation development but are remote
or isolated from rapidly developing growth centers,” said
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan during the
session on “Land Governance and Climate-Smart Agriculture” as
part of the World Bank (WB)-International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s
2015 Spring Meetings held from April 17-19, 2015 in Washington,
D.C.
He noted that among the binding constraints to growth in rural
areas are the inefficient land markets and poor infrastructure.
“There are serious land management and administration problems,”
said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.
“Throughout the years, we have created so many institutions that
administer and manage lands. Their functions are overlapping and
they have made the operation of rural markets more costly. As a
result, the cost of doing business in rural areas is quite
high,” he added.
Balisacan also said that the country’s protracted land reform
program has created uncertainty in rural markets, especially in
credit markets.
“The country probably has the world’s longest land reform
program – 40 years and still an unfinished business. Until now,
many of the beneficiaries of the program are restricted from
transferring their lands and even if these lands are with the
banks for credit, the banks could not dispose of them. As a
result, many of the farmers are holding land titles that have
low collateral values. And as a consequence, credit was not
flowing to rural areas and investments therefore suffered,” he
explained.
Balisacan also emphasized that the demand for credit in rural
areas is very much dependent on the profitability of
agriculture, which in turn is directly affected by the quality
of infrastructure.
“If there are no profitable agricultural projects or activities,
credit will not flow to agriculture. Likewise, increased
agricultural production without access to growth/urban centers
where the produce can be transported to markets, can actually
work against the farmers. Investments have to flow to
agriculture and rural areas and that’s what we have been working
on lately,” said Balisacan.
In the approved PhP2.606 trillion 2015 Philippine national
budget, PhP89.1 billion was allocated to support agricultural
programs while four percent of the Gross Domestic Product has
been provided for infrastructure development throughout the
country for the year.
“Connectivity is the key to getting the rural communities to
participate in the growth process,” he said.
The WB-IMF session discussed ways to better integrate land and
climate-smart agriculture into countries’ development
strategies. It also tackled the close links between land
governance, food security and climate change in affecting
overall growth.
Panelists who joined Balisacan during the session were: Gerd
Müller, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and
Development, Germany; Claver Gatete, Minister of Finance and
Economic Planning, Rwanda; John Streur, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Calvert Investments; Winnie Byanyima,
Executive Director of Oxfam International; Dao Trung Chính,
Deputy Director General of the General Department of Land
Administration, Vietnam; and Kaushik Basu, Senior Vice-President
and Chief Economist and Klaus Deininger, Lead Economist in
Agriculture and Rural Development, both from the World Bank
Group.
Balisacan was also a panelist for a session titled “Why Focus on
Results when no-one uses them? Towards Useful Evaluations” that
was held on April 17, 2015. The session tackled country
experiences in producing evaluations and programs towards
evidence-based decision making. |
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| Automotive parts supplier SMEs link
to the global value chains |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Automotive Dialogue
(AD) delegates participated in the workshop on “Linking
Automotive Parts Supplier Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to
the Global Value Chains (GVC)”. The workshop is a component of
the 22nd APEC AD held at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City,
Philippines from 22-24 April 2015. The AD adopted the theme
“Integrating SMEs into the Automotive Global Value Chains”.
APEC AD Chair Ma. Corazon H. Halili-Dichosa stated that the
workshop will help APEC SMEs to penetrate the automotive GVCs by
making available useful information on updated trends and
knowledge of the automotive markets. The workshop also aims to
gather insights from participants on how the AD can start an
actionable agenda on fostering and increasing participation of
SMEs in the automotive GVCs. The presentations on the
experiences in integrating SMEs into the global value chains
were made by speakers from both developing and developed
economies, which all recognized the strategic value of SMEs in
the automotive GVCs.
The discussions also showed that Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEMs) are committed and getting directly involved
in the development of Tier 2/Tier 3 SME suppliers not only Tier
1 suppliers. Success stories of SMEs show that innovation and
technology and finding their appropriate role in the global
production and supply network. The experiences of developing
economies revealed that SMEs face challenges in terms of
research, design, testing, raw material availability and limited
domestic markets. Ideas/observations raised for consideration
include the establishment of technical assistance centers for
SMEs, consolidation of raw materials procurement through OEMs to
have competitive volume and working with governments to review
the tariffs for critical raw materials to allow competitive
pricing of parts.
The presentations also highlighted the importance of human
resource development as an important aspect of supply chain
development. The auto industry evolves at a very fast pace and
it is important to close the gap between the needs of the auto
industry and human resources available. The presentations
recognized the importance of cooperation amo0ng government,
suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in helping SMEs integrate
into the global value chain.
Ramon Vicente T. Kabigting discussed “The Role and Contribution
of Parts and Components of SMEs in the Development of the
Automotive Industry”. Three speakers presented the “Integration
Experiences of Auto Parts SMEs from Developing APEC Economies”.
They were Dennis Chan of Famous Secret Precision Machining,
Inc.; Rommel Juan of MD Juan Enterprises, Inc. and Director of
Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines
(MVPMAP); and Mohamad Madani Bin Sahari of Malaysian Automotive
Institute (MAI)”. Dr. Hang Koo Lee, Senior Research Fellow in
Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade shared
information on the “Integration Experiences of Auto Parts SMEs
from Developed APEC Economies”.
Kabigting informed the forum participants that in the
Philippines automotive industry continuously generates
employment from the auto parts manufacturing sector. In 2010,
SMEs in the sector generated 49,784 jobs or 5% of total
manufacturing employment. Of the total jobs generated by SMEs,
majority of which came from the ignition systems manufacturing
activities (25,605) and parts and accessories (19,835). In the
same year, value added was recorded to amount to Php 36,275
million or 3.52% of total manufacturing value added of Php
1,031,341 million. In terms of gross addition to fixed assets,
auto parts industry recorded a total of Php 2,866 million or
3.35% of Php 86,337 total manufacturing tangible fixed assets.
The sector posted US$3,676 million in exports in 2013.
Chan highlighted the gaps in the auto manufacturing sector.
These include the availability of raw material, accreditation of
heat treatment facility, metallurgic testing and a small market
size. The resource persons discussed the common problems
encountered by SMEs such electricity shortage, port congestion,
economy of scale and infrastructure. Nevertheless, the
Philippines is still poise that the industry will thrive in
because of its government support, best workers, new
infrastructures, good governance, low land cost and marginal
labor cost.
Lee, in his presentation, suggested that free and fair
competition be encouraged due to the dynamic and changing
environment in the automobile industry. He advocated that
collaboration between developing and developed countries can
create growth opportunity in the industry. This is in the light
that five big countries have half the control of the global
demand. He stated that holistic government support is required
to overcome the difficulties in the implementation of industrial
policies brought about by globalization. He emphasized that a
technology paradigm shift or the introduction of new products,
processes and services provide new opportunities for developing
countries to nurture their automotive industries.
Aggregate national incomes of APEC economies exhibit constant
growth after the 2008-2009 financial crisis. Combined APEC
economies’ GDP posted an annual compound rate of 2.7% until
2013. On that year, the region’s combined gross domestic product
(GDP) in 2013 is at USD 31.5T. An increase in GDP brings an
increase in disposable incomes of consumers. The regional
increase in incomes has positive spillover effects to the
automotive sector. The increase in demand for automobiles fuels
the dynamism of automotive manufacturing in the region.
From 2007 to 2013, the APEC economies’ intra-regional trade in
Motor Vehicle Parts is growing at an annual compounded rate of
5.28%. Similar trend is observed in the trade in Motor Vehicle
Parts to the rest of the world with annual compounded rate of
6.3%.
Autoparts manufacturing is considered an SME territory and thus
they should be brought inside the supply chains to achieve
inclusive growth in region and to the drive innovation in the
industry. The key role of SMEs is to support and add efficiency
to the production process. |
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| City treasurer faces criminal
raps for late GSIS remittance |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of Information
for violation of Section 52 (d) of Republic Act No. 8291
(Government Service Insurance System Act of 1997) against Butuan
City Treasurer Adulfo Llagas for failing to timely remit the
GSIS premium payments of employees of the Butuan Medical Center
(BMC) for the period covering November 2007 to December 2008.
During investigation, it was established that Llagas failed to
deduct the GSIS monthly contributions of BMC employees which
resulted into the belated remittance to the GSIS.
Section 6 of R.A. No. 8291 requires employers to deduct each
month from the monthly salary or compensation of each employee
the contributions payable by the latter and directs the employer
to remit it directly to the GSIS within the first ten days of
the calendar month following the month to which the
contributions apply. |
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| Ombudsman charges DOTC
officials with graft |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
The Office of the Ombudsman affirmed its finding of probable
cause for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019
(Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against erstwhile
officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications
(DOTC) Telecommunications Office (TELOF), namely: Assistant
Secretary Lorenzo G. Formoso III and Project Manager II Arthur
P. Ancheta.
As embodied in its 10-page Order, the Office of the Ombudsman
sustained its findings in the anomalous procurement and
installation of EXS Parts and Expansion for the Iloilo Toll
Center in 2006. Investigation disclosed that Formoso and Ancheta,
acting in concert, exhibited manifest partiality, when they
resorted to direct contracting in the acquisition of an EXCEL
switch worth P24,805,000.00 awarded to Advance Solutions, Inc.
(Advance). The award was made without complying with the
requirements of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement
Reform Act) and was made without Advance’s submission of an
exclusive distributorship or licensing agreement exhibiting the
supplier’s proprietary rights over the products.
Further, the Office noted the irregularity and evident bad faith
when Formoso and Ancheta pushed for the direct procurement of
supplies from Advance without the participation of the Bids and
Awards Committee.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “the obvious
intention was to circumvent the public bidding requirement so
that respondent Formoso and Ancheta’s preferred supplier, whom
they contacted directly, can get the contract in question.”
The Ombudsman explained that manifest partiality exists, within
the contemplation of Section 3(e) of RA 3019, when “there is a
clear, notorious, and plain inclination or predilection to favor
one side rather than the other.”
Ombudsman Morales also ordered the conduct of further
fact-finding investigation on the involvement of Secretary
Virgilio Peña, Commissioner Elberto Emphasis and Arnold Ong of
Advance Solutions in the questionable transaction.
Meanwhile, owing to insufficiency of evidence, the charge
against Staff Engineer George Tardio was dismissed. |
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| MB places Surigaonon
Rural Banking Corporation under PDIC receivership; All valid insured
deposit claims will be paid |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Surigaonon Rural Banking
Corporation under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit
Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 634
dated April 23, 2015. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on
April 24, 2015.
Surigaonon Rural Banking Corporation is a 10-unit rural bank
with Head Office located at Cor. Rizal and Gimena Streets,
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. It has branches in Tacloban
City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Butuan City; and five
branches in Surigao del Norte namely: Dapa, General Luna,
Placer, Surigao City and Tubod. Based on the Bank Information
Sheet filed with the PDIC as of December 31, 2014, the bank is
owned by Alfredo T. Bonpin (53.3%), Michael Anderson D. Bonpin
(14.79%), Lamberto T. Go (8.49%), Rudy G. Medina (5.17%), Willie
A. Gan (4.22%), Paz S. Go (4.22%) and Edward L.R. Tiu (3.64%).
Its Acting President is Margarito C. Bulaga and its Chairman is
Rudy G. Medina.
Latest available records show that as of December 31, 2014,
Surigaonon Rural Banking Corporation had 13,184 accounts with
total deposit liabilities of P265.3 million. Total insured
deposits amounted to P249.4 million or 94.0% of total deposits.
PDIC said that during the takeover, all bank records shall be
gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer
assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to
the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00.
Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of
P50,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims,
except when they have outstanding obligations with the
Surigaonon Rural Banking Corporation or acted as co-makers of
the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated
their addresses with the bank. PDIC targets to start mailing
payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the
bank by the second week of May, 2015.
Depositors may update their addresses until May 4, 2015 using
the Mailing Address Update Forms to be distributed by PDIC
representatives at the bank premises. For depositors that are
required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to
start claims settlement operations for these accounts by the
third week of May, 2015.
The PDIC also announced that it will conduct
Depositors-Borrowers Fora on May 7-8, 2015 to inform depositors
of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance
claims. The time and venue of the Forum will be posted in the
bank premises and announced in the PDIC website,
www.pdic.gov.ph. Likewise, the schedule of the claims settlement
operations, as well as the requirements and procedures for
filing claims will be announced through notices to be posted in
the bank premises, other public places and the PDIC website.
For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC
Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They
may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC
(7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to
(02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. |
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| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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| Villanueva:
There’s a career in tech-voc |
| Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Director General Joel Villanueva enjoined students entering
senior high school starting the academic year 2016-2017 under
the K to 12 curriculum to get into the
technical-vocational-livelihood track as their specialization.
"Tech-voc graduates land in jobs at once, especially those in
occupations that are in-demand," Villanueva said.
Citing the 2013 Impact Evaluation Survey of TVET (Technical
Vocational Education and Training) Programs, the TESDA chief
noted the improvement on the employability of tech-voc graduates
during the Aquino administration.
Employment rate of graduates in the construction sector
registered at 78 percent; agriculture and fishery (77 percent);
metals and engineering (72 percent); garments (79 percent);
processed food and beverages (70 percent); and, health, social
and other community development services (71 percent).
"These are tangible results that show bright prospects for
graduates of tech-voc. Students can never go wrong in taking
this path," Villanueva said.
The K to 12 is a flagship education program of the Aquino
administration, which adds two years of senior high school to
the current 10-year education curriculum.
In its Basic Education Program midterm report, the DepEd said
that 50.6 percent of the incoming senior high school students or
about 1.14 million students will take academics and 46.5 percent
or about 1.04 million students will get into the
tech-voc-livelihood track.
The rest of the incoming senior high school students indicated
they will take arts and design (1.4 percent or 32,000 students)
and sports (1.4 percent or 32,000 students).
Education Secretary Armin Luistro estimated that for the
academic year 2016-2017, there will be 1.2 million to 1.6
million students who will enter Grade 11 and the same number are
expected for the academic year 2017-2018.
The four tracks or specializations will be offered to the
students when they enter senior high school or Grade 11 under
the new curriculum.
According to DepEd, the students will undergo several
assessments to determine their interests and strengths. These
will include an aptitude test, a career assessment exam, and an
occupational interest inventory for high schools, and should
help students decide on their specialization.
Villanueva said TESDA programs and courses are continuously
being improved and new set of training regulations are being
developed for the quality implementation of K to 12.
Technology and livelihood education teachers and supervisors
were also required to undergo training to be ready to teach the
new batch of students who will take the tech-voc track. |
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| Order of
Sikatuna conferred to IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
25 April 2015 – The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)
incumbent Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu paid a courtesy call
on Malacañang and was received by Secretary of Foreign Affairs
Albert F. del Rosario and Secretary of Trade and Communication
Joseph Emilio A. Abaya on April 24. Thereafter, the
Secretary-General received the Order of Sikatuna with the rank
of “Datu” with a citation signed by President Benigno S. Aquino
III. The award was conferred by Secretary Del Rosario.
The award was given to the Secretary-General in view of the
critical role he played in adopting amendments to the 1978
International Convention on the Standards of Training,
Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers and his
support of various Philippine initiatives in enhancing the
safety and security of ships and the welfare of approximately
400,000 Filipino seafarers.
Also present at the conferment were Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) Administrator Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr. and DFA
Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Benito B.
Valeriano.
The IMO Secretary-General visited the Philippines to open the
IMO Conference on the Enhancement of Safety of Ships Carrying
Passengers on Non-international Voyages, scheduled on 24 April
2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center in
Manila. |
|
|
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| Labor
and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issues the
following statement on the commentary of Hong Kong legislator Regina
Ip Lau Suk-Yee against Filipino household service workers. |
| Source:
http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
“I am seriously concerned over the reported commentary of Hong
Kong lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee against Filipino household
service workers (HSWs) in Hong Kong which has stirred
international controversy and aroused national indignation. Her
reported negative remarks, I believe, is a personal opinion and
do not echo the feelings and perceptions of the general Hong
Kong populace, neither of the Hong Kong government of which she
is identified as an apologist.
“Filipinos are culturally family-centered. We are known to
highly value family ties. This trait has defined Filipinos for
generations, wherever they are and whatever circumstances they
may be in. Filipino women are homemakers, not home wreckers.
They also fiercely defend their honor and dignity, as evidenced
by the many cases of HSWs risking their lives by running away
from employers and seeking shelter in our Filipino Workers
Resource Centers because of the immoral behaviour of their
employers.
“I acknowledge that some of our OFWs display unacceptable
behavior and commit offenses abroad. We certainly do not
tolerate this. As Secretary of Labor and Employment, I often
remind every OFW to observe high moral standard in their work
and lifestyle. But the mistakes of the few should not be
misconstrued as reflective of the character of all OFWs.
“To address the issues raised by Ms. Ip, I wish it known that we
continue to implement our strict policy on the ethical and legal
deployment of HSWs only to labor laws-compliant employers and
placing all erring employers and placement agencies in all
countries of OFW destinations under preventive suspension or
cancellation of accreditation.
“In Hong Kong, particularly, we continue our “cleansing” the
ranks of foreign recruitment agencies (FRAs) by looking at those
engaged in the exploitative and abusive practice of excessive
collection of fees from OFWs in the guise of service fees from
their local counterparts in the Philippines.
“We also continue to implement our return home policy under the
National Reintegration Program with a very specific project, “Sa
‘Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” targeted at HSW-teachers who we are
encouraging to come home and pursue their teaching careers. In
cooperation with the DepEd, we have already placed 10
OFW-teachers in permanent teaching positions this first quarter
of 2015, while 45 are expected to teach this coming school year.
We still have some 300 teacher-position items allocated by the
DepEd to fill-up.
“To ensure that our low- and semi-skilled OFWs are prepared for
higher skill-level employment opportunities in the Philippines
or abroad, we have brought the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority’s training, skills assessment, and
certification on-site. We have begun this last year in Dubai,
and we are preparing to start very soon in Hong Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia, Taiwan, and in other Middle East countries.
“I thank the civil society groups and individuals in Hong Kong
and elsewhere who have risen in support and defense of our
Filipino HSWs, whose industry and hard work enable the families
they serve in Hong Kong to work, comfortable in the thought that
their children are left in the better and secure care of
Filipino HSWs.
I also wish to convey to our counterpart in the Hong Kong
government our interest and readiness to engage them in
bilateral talks to discuss the issues and concerns affecting the
employment of Filipino HSWs in Hong Kong. Already, the POEA is
in the midst of multi-stakeholders consultations on the
no-placement fee convention of the ILO for our country’s
ratification.” |
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| Ferrer calls
for end to discrimination against Muslims, women in PH during
Clinton awards |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Philippine government peace panel chair Prof.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer called yesterday for an end to
discrimination against Muslims and women in the Philippines in a
speech accepting this year’s Hillary Clinton Award for Advancing
Women in Peace and Security at Georgetown University in
Washington, D.C.
In her gratitude speech for receiving the award, Coronel-Ferrer
said that the Philippine peace process is “informed by the very
goals of this award: to protect women against all forms of
violence and advance the role of women in attaining peace and
security in and outside of their homes.”
She shared that she “speaks especially of the women in the
Bangsamoro, who have endured the burden of strife, and who must
now secure their places in the public sphere as equal partners
in peace and development. “
The award, personally handed by Clinton and Georgetown
University president John De Gioia in a luncheon ceremony on
Wednesday, honored Coronel-Ferrer, the Philippine government’s
chief negotiator in talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front.
The award highlighted her “indefatigable work to bring about
peace in the Philippines and for [her] historic role as the
first female chief negotiator to sign a comprehensive peace
agreement,” said Ambassador Melanne Verveer, Executive Director
of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security, and
former US Ambassador for Global Women's Issues.
Coronel-Ferrer negotiated and signed on behalf of the Philippine
government the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)
signed with the MILF on March 27, 2014.
Coronel-Ferrer shared the challenges faced by the Bangsamoro
peace process after the Mamasapano incident lastJanuary 25,
which she said included an increase in discrimination against
Muslims and women in the Philippines.
“The public discourse slid into bigotry against the Moros, the
MILF as well as Muslims in general. Centuries of distrust and
hatred resurfaced,” Coronel-Ferrer said.
“As I speak right now, the ceasefire remains in place. But the
vision of lasting peace is being shut out by the narrow horizons
of certain political elites, and by a public fed with
misinformation and driven by prejudices bordering on
Islamophobia,” Coronel-Ferrer said.
“And misogyny too,” she added, noting that the tragedy in
Mamasapano saw increased discrimination not only against Muslims
but also against women.
“If former secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton had been called a
‘funny lady’ in the course of her drive to find peaceful
solutions and creative compromises in one area of conflict, I in
turn had been called a “dumb bitch,” a traitor and a weak
negotiator who bartered away the country to the Muslims/Moros,”
Coronel-Ferrer recounted.
Coronel-Ferrer said she does not want her grandchildren "to
inherit a country divided by prejudice, dishonored by sexism,
and stunted by the narrow vision of members of its political
class.”
No turning back on peace
“Ms Clinton wrote in her book, Hard Choices: “It is the
unfortunate reality that women in public life still face an
unfair double standard…an outrageous sexism, which shouldn’t be
tolerated in any country,”” Coronel-Ferrer said.
“I know only too well how true this is,” she added. “Yet we have
gone this far in our peace process. There should be no turning
back.”
Implementing the signed CAB
Coronel-Ferrer underscored the importance of continuing the
implementation of the signed CAB, part of which is the passage
of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which aims to establish the
Bangsamoro region to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM).
“This Agreement will enable MILF combatants and other
disenfranchised segments of the Moro population to participate
in meaningful autonomous governance,” Ferrer explained.
“It provides a road map for a new set of more democratic,
representative and accountable political institutions. It taps
diverse modes for delivering socioeconomic programs to
decommissioned combatants, the internally displaced and
communities long affected by the conflict,” she added.
Ferrer also explained that the CAB, the product of 17 years of
negotiations, seeks to “carry out transitional justice,” and
“thread together the tattered fabric of social life and heal the
wounds of centuries of conflict.”
“The CAB acknowledges a different narrative of our national
being, one that would bridge our majority-minority divide toward
a shared future where fellow-Filipinos live in peace under one
flag in an undivided territory,” she added.
“We hope it will reconcile families, political groups, tribes
and communities alienated from each other by prejudice, vendetta
and injustice,” Ferrer said.
Coronel-Ferrer is sharing this year’s award with Ambassador
Staffan de Mistura, who was appointed in July 2014 by UN
secretary-general Ban Ki Moon as Special Envoy to the Syria
Crisis. De Mistura, a long-time Italian-Swedish diplomat who
once served the Italian government, had also served as special
envoy to Lebanon, Afghanistan and Iraq. |
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| New market,
day care center, water system up in Roxas Albay visit |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is set to fly
to the province of Albay today?to open a renovated market, a
refurbished day care center and a new water system.
Roxas will first visit the newly renovated Albay public market
in Legazpi City built with a P3M budget from the Performance
Challenge Fund (PCF).
He will visit the rehabilitated day care center in Albay funded
at P3M under the DILG’s Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) program.
Children-beneficiaries of the project, together with their
families and other Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are expected
to meet Roxas.
The DILG Chief will also inspect an P8M ?water supply system in
Camalig to bring clean water direct to households in the town.
The DILG said about 88 households stand to benefit from the
project, also funded from the BUB-- a core thrust of President
Aquino's "kayo ang boss" initiative involving?communities
themselves in choosing projects they want prioritized and
funded.
“Mayroon na silang maiinom na malinis na tubig at maiiwasan ang
ibat-ibang sakit dulot ng pag-inom ng maruming tubig tulad ng
pagtatae, lalung-lalo na sa mga bata,” Roxas said. |
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| Finance
Secretary Cesar V. Purisima welcomes former Customs Commissioner
Bert Lina back on board |
| Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
Air21 chief to double down on reforms with innovation and
ingenuity
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima swore in Alberto David Lina,
CPA, as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs today in a simple
turnover ceremony at the Port of Manila. Appointed by President
Benigno S. Aquino III, Lina headed the Lina Group of Companies
with Air21, a leading logistics company, as its flagship. Lina
was also a former Customs Commissioner back in 2005.
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “I see government as a
relay race: when the baton is passed to you, you take it and
run. Now that Commissioner Sunny has passed on the baton to
Commissioner Bert, I am sure he can run the race faster and
harder. Our reform agenda comes from President Beningno Aquino
III’s mandate. We have walked our talk. This mandate is as clear
as ever, and we intend to run the best we can towards the end of
this administration.”
“Yesterday, I said Commissioner Sunny left very big shoes to
fill. Not only has Commissioner Bert filled the very same shoes
previously, he is well poised to bring his vast experience of
innovation and ingenuity from the private sector, to the Bureau
of Customs.
This job is right down his alley. I fully expect him to use his
command of systems thinking and process interventions to
consolidate the uptrend in Customs collections. I admire his
sacrifice; already having made something of himself as a self
made man at this stage of his life, a successful Filipino
entrepreneur is coming back home to serve in government. If we
want to make irreversible reforms, we are counting on an expert
to make these systemic changes last.”
Lina first launched the Run After the Smugglers (RATS) program
in 2005, currently racking up a record 197 cases with a total
dutiable value of P56.41 billion as of 31 January 2015 in the
Aquino administration alone.
Citing the upcoming ASEAN integration by end-2015 as the
backdrop of the work at the Bureau of Customs, Lina promised to
continue Sevilla’s culture of integrity to institutionalize
change in the agency seen as most improved in terms of revenue
collection since last year.
“There is no one better than him to continue the fight against
corruption in Customs with more energy and experience. I am
excited to continue our reforms with Commissioner Bert at the
helm,” Purisima added. |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 28 April 2015
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 28 April 2015 
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