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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
inauguration of the new school buildings in Tarlac National High School
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| Tarlac National High School, Tarlac City |
17
April 2015
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Alam ho n’yo noong naimbitahan ho tayo dito, sabi ko, “Siyempre,
pagkakataong makauwi ng Tarlac eh yes na yes tayong umuwi dito.” Tutal,
edukasyon ang pinag-uusapan natin, may pinadala sa aking text. Ise-share ko
po sa inyo. May isang bata raw, umuwi, at medyo late umuwi. Sabi ng tatay
ngayon, “Bakit ngayon ka lang dumating?” Sabi ng bata, “‘Tay, palampasin mo
na ‘tong araw na ‘to.” First day of classes raw eh. Sabi niya, “Bakit?”
“Itong unang-unang araw ho, tinambakan na kami ng katakot-takot na
assignment. In-organize pa ho ang aming org. Pinatawag pa ako ng dean.
Talaga hong ang bigat nitong araw na ito kaya ganyan po nahuli ako sa
pag-uwi.” Sabi ng tatay, “Gano’n? Kindergarten ka pa lang, ganyang karami na
ang trabaho mo ah.” [Tawanan]
Parang wala kayong almusal kanina kaya
ginigising ko lang kayo nang konti. Anyway po, hindi ho si Bro. Armin ang
nagpadala sa akin niyan. [Tawanan]
Nang imbitahan po ako ni Chairman
Bong Naguiat na pumunta rito para maging bahagi ng turnover ceremonies,
hindi po ako nagdalawang-isip na pumunta. Ang sabi ko nga po, bakit ko naman
palalampasin, siyempre, pagkakataon na makapiling ang mga kababayan ko po
dito sa Tarlac? Kasama na po si Kapitan Canapi, nandiyan ho ang San Miguel,
[palakpakan] na wala hong dalang folder ngayon at nakangiti kaya palagay ko
walang problema sa San Miguel. Hindi man ako palaging nakakapunta’t
nakakauwi dito, tinitiyak ko po sa inyo: Parati kayung atchu king puso at
kaisipan ku kaluguran kung kabalen. [Palakpakan]
Sa totoo lang ho,
nung congressman ako at saka senador, ‘pag nagdesisyong umuwi ng Tarlac,
puwedeng ora-orada uwi. Ngayon ‘pag sinabi kong uuwi akong Tarlac, mga apat
na buwan bago natutuloy. [Tawanan] Kaganda-ganda na ng kalsada ngayon, doon
pa lumayo ang Tarlac.
Siyempre po, excited rin akong makita ang isa
sa mga bunga ng pagsisikap po nating lahat sa tuwid na daan: Ang pag-unlad
ng sektor ng edukasyon sa ating bansa. Naaalala ko nga po ang sinasabi ng
aking ama noong araw. Sabi niya, “Baka ngayon mayaman ka, baka bukas mahirap
ka na. Baka ngayon sikat ka, baka bukas laos ka na. Pero kapag natuto ka, sa
iyo na ‘yan habambuhay. Mangyari na ang mangyayari, pero hindi mawawala sa
iyo ang mga pinag-aralan mo.” Ang pagkakataong ibinigay sa akin ng aking
magulang na matuto, siyempre, bilang Ama ng bayan, ay prayoridad ko ring
ipagkaloob sa ating kabataan. Sinasagad natin ang bawat oportunidad na
mabigyan ng sapat na kakayahan at kaalaman ang ating mag-aaral. Ito ang
magbibigay sa kanila ng mas malawak na pagkakataong tuparin ang kanilang mga
pangarap. Sa ganitong paraan, mas malaki rin ang kanilang magiging ambag sa
pag-abot ng ating mga kolektibong adhikain.
Kung maaalala po ninyo,
talaga naman pong napakalubha ng problemang dinatnan natin sa sektor ng
edukasyon. May backlog tayong 61.7 million textbooks at 2.5 million school
seats. Hindi rin sapat ang bilang ng ating mga guro, na kulang na lang ay
hatiin ang kanilang katawan upang matutukan ang dami ng estudyante sa isang
klase. Ang totoo po: Umaasa na lamang tayo sa kanilang di-matatawarang
dedikasyon na gabayan at pangalagaan ang ating mga mag-aaral. Bukod dito,
may kakulangan din tayong 66,800 classrooms. Ang sabi sa atin ng DepEd at ng
DBM noon, mga higit-kumulang 8,000 silid-aralan lang ang kayang ipagawa kada
taon gamit ang ating Pambansang Budget. Ibig sabihin po, sa anim na taon na
ibinigay ninyo sa akin sa mandatong ipinagkaloob n’yo, ang maipapatayo lang
natin: 48,000 silid-aralan. Pagbaba ko po sa puwesto, may utang pa tayong
18,800 na tiyak poproblemahin din ng susunod na administrasyon.
Ang
tanong nga po: Saan tayo kukuha ng napakalaking halaga para punan ang
backlog na ito sa silid-aralan? Sa ilalim po ng mabuting pamamahala,
talagang itinaguyod natin ang lahat ng makatwirang paraan para makalikom ng
pondo. Bukod sa ating budget, nag-ambag po ang PAGCOR–puwede ho ba natin
palakpakan si Chairman, sampu ng kanyang Board, at ang buong
PAGCOR–[palakpakan] at tumulong din po ang pribadong sektor sa
Private-Public Partnership program. Ang resulta: Nasa ikatlong taon pa lang
tayo ng panunungkulan, o 2013, 66,813 classrooms na ang naipagawa natin;
[palakpakan] lampas pa sa target natin upang burahin ang backlog noong 2010.
Sa galing pong ni Brother Armin, na galing La Salle, at saka si Babes
Singson, na galing rin La Salle, baka ho ‘pag nagkaanak ako, ipadala na rin
sa La Salle. [Tawanan] Kaakibat nito, napunan na rin natin ang mga kulang na
textbooks at school seats 2012 pa lang. Naitala nitong Pebrero naman,
nakapag-hire na tayo ng karagdagang 128,105 guro, bukod pa sa 43,204
LGU-hired teachers at Kinder-volunteer teachers.
Malinaw po: Nagawa
nating lampasan ang mga napakalaking hamon sa sektor ng edukasyon nang hindi
umaasa sa anumang gimik, at lalong hindi sa magic. Baka nakalimutan po
natin, noong araw, may nagsabi, “Wala na tayong backlog sa classrooms.” Ibig
sabihin po no’n, ‘yung isang silid-aralan, hindi bababa sa tatlo hanggang
apat na klase ang gumagamit, at ‘yung walong oras na pag-aaral, ginawang
apat na oras. ‘Yung masakit, ‘yung huling shift, grade school pa lang, gabi
na po umuuwi. ‘Yon po ang magic. Dito po, tunay na may classroom sa bawat
estudyante.
Todo-kayod ang ginawa natin para makapaglatag ng reporma.
Sa pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya, nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magdagdag ng
pondo, at ng kakayahang tugunan ang kakulangan sa sektor na ito.
Binago na rin natin ang sistema kung saan kapritso o pagpapapogi ang batayan
ng pagtatayo ng imprastruktura. Sa ating Matuwid na Daan sa silid-aralan,
halimbawa, sistematiko at episyente ang pagtukoy at pagtugon sa mga
pangangailangan. Ang DepEd ang nagbibigay ng mungkahi kung saan dapat itayo
ang mga silid-aralan, matapos ang masusing pag-aaral at konsultasyon sa
iba’t ibang mga komunidad. Pinopondohan ito ng PAGCOR, at DPWH naman ang
namamahala sa konstruksiyon, kasama na rin po ang budget. Nakita ninyo ang
turnover ng dagdag na P3 bilyon sa naunang P7 bilyon na pondong naipagkaloob
ng PAGCOR para sa pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan sa buong Pilipinas. At
dahil ang DPWH at si Secretary Babes Singson ang mamamahala sa
konstruksiyon, makakatiyak tayong bawat sentimo ng halagang nabanggit ay
mapapakinabangan ng mga mag-aaral sa iba’t ibang panig ng ating bansa.
Bago naman po ako dumiretso dito, dumalo rin ako sa isang turnover
ceremony ng mga bagong classroom sa Malolos, Bulacan. Bahagi ito ng PPP o
Public-Private Partnerships for School Infrastructure Project or PSIP.
Karagdagang estratehiya po ito ng DepEd at ni Bro. Armin Luistro sa
pagsisigurong napapanahon at de-kalidad ang mga kagamitan at pamamaraang
ginagamit sa pagtatayo ng ating mga silid-aralan. Malaki po ang natipid
natin sa ganitong inisyatiba: Kung dadaanin sa lumang teknolohiya, P1.057
million ang gagastusin sa pagpapatayo ng isang classroom. Sa PSIP, naibaba
ito sa P970,000. Siyempre po, ganadong-ganado namang makipagtulungan sa atin
ang mga kompanya tulad ng Citicore-Megawide Consortium Inc. para makumpleto
ang proyekto. Sulit na sulit kasi ang kanilang investment sa pagbili ng
equipment at pagtatayo ng planta. Kaya naman, nagpapasalamat po tayo sa
kanilang kahandaang makiambag sa isinusulong nating pagpapaunlad sa sektor
ng edukasyon.
Ang mga nakikita po ninyong transpormasyon ay
sumasalamin sa pangunahing paninindigan ng ating pamahalaan: Na iwanang mas
mabuti ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas kaysa sa ating dinatnan. At hindi lang po
tayo tumutugon sa mga problema ng kasalukuyan. Pinaghahandaan rin natin ang
mga nakikita nating hamon sa hinaharap.
Nakatutok na po tayo sa
matagumpay na implementasyon ng ating K to 12 basic education program.
Bibigyan ko po ng diin: Hindi lang para sa mga estudyante ang ginagawa
nating paghahanda. Kamakailan lang, nagkaroon kami ng pagpupulong ukol sa
posibleng ibunga ng K to 12. Halimbawa po: Dahil may dagdag na dalawang taon
sa basic education, mawawalan rin ng papasok na estudyante para sa kolehiyo
nang dalawang taon. Pinag-aaralan na po natin ang mga hakbang upang
suportahan ang mga guro at empleadong maaaring maapektuhan nito. Ang hangad
natin: Makapagbukas ng mga bagong oportunidad para sa kanilang pagtuturo at
pag-aaral. Ngayong may K to 12 na, alam naman po nating kakailanganin ng
maraming bagong guro para sa bagong antas ng Senior High School. Maaari pong
gawing opsiyon ng ating mga guro sa kolehiyo ang pagtuturo dito. Bukod dito,
inilalatag na rin natin ang pagpapatupad ng inisyatiba upang suportahan ang
mga guro sa State Universities and Colleges na gustong kumuha ng masters at
doctoral degree habang nagaganap ang transisyon dito sa K to 12.
Sa
mga estudyanteng naririto ngayon: Nakikita ninyo ang bunga ng pagsisikap ng
inyong pamahalaan na mabigyan kayo ng de-kalidad na edukasyon. Pinunan ang
mga kakulangan, pinaunlad ang mga pasilidad, at dinagdagan ang mga
episyenteng guro. Maging sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, isa
sa mga kondisyon nito ang regular na pagdalo ng mga anak sa paaralan.
Pinagtutuunan din natin ng pansin ang maayos ninyong nutrisyon upang higit
kayong makatutok sa pag-aaral. Sa lahat ng ito, malinaw ang layunin ng
inyong gobyerno: Siguruhing ang mga bakanteng trabaho sa merkado ay pupunan
ng mga graduates na may angking talino, husay, at sapat na pagsasanay.
Salubungin ninyo nawa ang mga inilalatag sa inyong oportunidad ng sarili
ninyong pagsisikap. Marahil, ilang beses n’yo na itong narinig mula sa
inyong mga magulang, pero ito naman ang galing sa Pangulo ng Pilipinas:
Mag-aral po kayo sana nang mabuti. Nariyan na ang lahat ng suporta, pero
hindi naman puwedeng ako ang matuto para sa inyo. Unahin ninyo ang
pagbubuklat ng aklat bago ang pagbubukas ng Facebook. [Tawanan] Tapusin muna
ang mga takdang-aralin bago ang raid sa Clash of Clans. Dahil gaya nga ng
lagi kong sinasabi, kayo ang magpapatuloy sa lahat ng ito. Ginagawa namin
ang lahat ng aming makakaya upang mabigyan kayo ng mas magandang simula
kaysa sa pinanggalingan namin. Sa ganitong paraan, hindi naman siguro
kalabisang sabihin na mas malayo pa ang kaya ninyong marating. Magagawa n’yo
ito hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagpili ng karapat-dapat na pinuno. Sa
inyong pagpapakadalubhasa sa mga pipiliin ninyong larangan balang-araw,
magiging mas mahusay kayong tagapagtanggol ng tama, tagapagbantay ng
katotohanan, at tagapagsulong ng interes ng mas nakararami. Kapag nagawa
ninyo iyon, magdadala kayo ng karangalan hindi lamang para sa inyong mga
sarili, kundi para din sa inyong mga kapamilya, sa inyong propesyon, at sa
ating minamahal na bansa.
Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa
inyong lahat. |
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III Media
Interview at the inauguration of the new school buildings in Tarlac National
High School |
| Tarlac National High School, Tarlac City, Tarlac |
| 17 April 2015 |
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Magandang umaga po, Ginoong
Pangulo.
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Magandang umaga rin.
Q: Ang tanong
ko lang po, ano, kamusta na po ‘yung mga flood control projects natin dito
sa Tarlac, at meron pa bang mga aasahan ang mga Tarlakeno sa inyong
administrasyon?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Ipasasagot ko na sa Secretary of
Public Works para lahat ng detalye, pati gastos minsanan.
SEC.
ROGELIO SINGSON: Gaya po ‘nung nabanggit namin kanina, tuloy-tuloy po ‘yung
flood control projects. Sa katunayan nitong 2015, meron po kaming budget na
P633 million for Tarlac, at kasakop diyan 'yung Parua River—’yung mga major
rivers. Inuna namin ‘yung Parua River, Camiling, at saka ‘yung Tarlac River,
plus ‘yung mga major waterways. Halimbawa ‘yung Masalasak Creek dito sa Rio
Chico. Inaayos ho namin ‘yan dahil alam namin ang isang problema talaga dito
sa Tarlac (ay) ‘yung flooding. So tuloy-tuloy kami sa programa ng flood
control at drainage improvement dito sa Tarlac.
Q: Kapag natapos po
lahat ito makakaasa po na male-lessen ang mga pagbaha sa Tarlac?
SEC.
SINGSON: Definitely, male-lessen. Ngayon depende sa volume ng ulan na
dadating, at kasama din kasi diyan ‘yung kailangang pagme-maintain ‘nung mga
waterways. Hindi lang puwedeng maglalagay ka ng river control o kaya
revetment tapos hindi mo naman aayusin o magde-dredge doon sa mga heavily
silted. Tuloy-tuloy po dapat ‘yan.
Q: Maraming salamat po, secretary.
Maraming salamat po, pangulo.
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Ipaalala ko lang
‘yung Masalasak Creek noong panahon na congressman ako dito, 'di ba tayo
nag-clear niyan? Nawala tuloy dito sa junction ‘yung baha na perpetual.
Q: Yes, hello, magandang umaga po, Mr. President. Nabanggit na po natin
kanina ‘yung tungkol po sa mga major na infrastructure projects po natin
dito. Hingi lang po sana kami ng detailed updates regarding po sa
construction ng CLEX (Central Luzon Expressway)?
PRESIDENT AQUINO:
CLEX. Ipasa ko ulit kay Babes dahil maraming sections e, at saka schedules.
SEC. SINGSON: Tungkol doon sa CLEX, ang scheme po ng CLEX is ODA funded,
under JICA, kapareho ‘nung scheme na ginamit natin doon sa SCTEX. Ibig
sabihin, popondohan po ng Japanese government, tapos ‘yung operations and
maintenance, pribado—ibi-bid pa namin ‘yon. Pero ‘yung construction, ‘yung
first section, ‘yung nabanggit ko magmula sa La Paz, ‘yung dulo 'nung SCTEX
hanggang sa dulo ng Chico River, may bridge kasing malaki doon. Mauumpisahan
namin, magga-groundbreaking kami diyan hopefully September or October dahil
tinatapos namin ‘yung detailed engineering. So makakaasa po kayo na (ang)
magga-groundbreak ng CLEX ay si Pangulong Aquino.
PRESIDENT AQUINO:
Mag-i-inaugurate. Hindi na po ako, 2018, matatapos lahat ng project e. ‘Yung
idea lang nito, dadagdagan natin ‘yung access papuntang Region 2, na alam
naman natin, for instance, 'yung—panaginip kong matagal ‘yon—‘yung mga
magsasaka natin doon dahil sa hirap na tumatawid, lalo na doon sa Dalton
Pass, parang parating nasa mercy ‘nung traders. So ‘pag nadagdagan natin
‘yung access—isa pang mas matagal na plano, tren—para makapunta sila sa
ibang merkado para maisagad ‘yung puwede nilang kitain sa kanilang
pagsasaka. Thank you.
Q: Hi, sir, magandang umaga po. Sir, can you
confirm reports that Deputy Director General (Leonardo) Espina submitted his
resignation as PNP (Philippine National Police) OIC?
PRESIDENT
AQUINO: Let me state, ano, si Director Espina is a very honorable person and
he loves the institution, and he loves the service, and he loves the
country. So ang term… He will turn 56, if I’m not mistaken, by July. So ‘pag
‘yung nag-assume siya as the acting director general, ‘yung parang
guaranteed within this year he will have two acting generals, at ‘yung
transition between two does not do the service any good.
So on that
basis, he did submit his resignation and ‘yung acceptance is pending on
selecting his replacement. As of this time, ‘yung we are conducting various
interviews and checks on the various candidates. I will beg everybody’s
patience on this matter. It was not projected that we will be changing the
Chief PNP at this point, in 2015. We were thinking that it would be at the
end of 2015 where we would have to change the Chief PNP.
Q: But is he
still in the running for next PNP chief, and ‘yung nabanggit niyo po last
time ‘yung legal issues po regarding having one four-star general?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Is he still in the running? Iyon na nga ang point e. He
assumes today, he has to about three months to serve. ‘Pag nag-three months
to serve siya, may turnover na naman to the next guy who replaces him, and
that’s disruptive to the service. And on that basis nga, General Espina has
decided to resign. Now, ‘yung legal, we reviewed the laws. Amongst the
things na na-discover, mayroong provision—if I’m not sure—if I’m not
mistaken, rather—doon sa amendment of the PNP Act, which states na to be
promoted, ‘yung director general excluded. Everybody below the director
general to be promoted has to have one year of service remaining.
‘Yung medyo curious lang kami, ‘yung subordinate position may requirement na
one year. ‘Yung superior position, which is director general, may medyo
silent ‘yung batas doon sa requirement ng one year. Pero having said that,
balik pa rin tayo doon sa premise, ‘yung he will serve for such a short
time, ‘yung what can he actually do in that short period of time; and the
down side is, ‘yung the organization will have to reacclimatize itself to
two director generals in the same year.
Q: Sir, last na lang po
‘yung vacancies din po sa COMELEC (Commission on Elections) and sa Civil
Service Commission (CSC), meron na po ba tayong update, sir?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: ‘Yung chair is the most important and I actually
interviewed one na I did offer the position to. And the person—I cannot name
the person—the person basically said, “It seems I’m not cut out for that,”
‘yung “if you need me, I will accept it” but parang hesitant. E kailangan
natin, siyempre, presidential elections next year, ‘yung talagang ganado at
masigasig.
So there is another candidate—hopefully I will be able to
interview by next week—who has indicated very strong interest and who has
the credentials and the track record to do a good job. ‘Yung chair. Now,
after the chair is done, the other commissioner, I think we already have a
candidate for that. So ‘yung chair ang pokus ko at this time.
CSC,
more or less, done na rin ‘yon. We will just… Magkakaroon ng, ano e, ‘yung
vacancies na kailangan punuin rin para hindi mabakante ‘yung panggagalingan
nitong taong ito.
Q: Sir, si Secretary (Herminio) Coloma po ba ito?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Can I announce at the proper time? Thank you.
Q: The US and the G7 expressed once again their support for a peaceful
resolution of the South China Sea dispute. What is your reaction on this?
And also, we know that there is nothing formal on the table yet, but we want
to get an idea of what you want from the US as regards support to maintain
peace and stability in the region?
PRESIDENT AQUINO: Can I answer
the second part of the question, ano? ‘Yung hindi ko naman puwedeng sabihin
sa inyo ‘yung lahat 'nung specifics of what we would need. That’s
practically telling the other side exactly all of our preparations. Medyo...
I don’t think that’s prudent.
Now, ‘yung reaction to the American
statement, the G7 statement, matagal na nating ini-espouse ‘yon, ‘no.
Everybody, even the claimants for that territorial—the features in the South
China Sea, lahat naman nagsasabi “let’s have a peaceful resolution based on
international law.” Ngayon, we keep asserting na ‘yung problema sa South
China Sea hindi regional problem. Problema ng buong mundo lalo na dahil
parang apatnapung—hindi bababa sa apatnapung porsyento ng kalakal sa buong
mundo ay kailangang tumawid dito sa dagat na ito.
Ipaalala lang
natin, siyempre, dapat mabahala tayo doon sa nangyayaring reclamation
ngayon—number one. Pero bago pa man din ‘non, dati sinabihan tayo na
mayroong silang mga patakaran, lalo na sa fishing na hindi lang nila
ini-enforce. Kapag in-enforce nila, parang kailangang humingi na tayo (ng)
permiso para mangisda sa ating exclusive economic zone. So ‘yung pagsasalita
ng mga ibang bansa, lalo na ‘yung hindi talaga nandito sa ating lugar,
kumikilala doon sa bigat ng problema na problema ng lahat. At sana naman
doon, ‘yung lahat… Para mangibabaw ‘yung tinatawag na goodwill, na lahat
tayo nangako na dadaanin natin sa peaceful means; lahat tayo nangako in
conformity with the international law, sana tuparin natin ‘yan.
Siyempre, sa nalalapit na pagpunta natin sa Malaysia para sa ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations), uulitin natin ‘yung panawagan
natin para mabuo na ‘yung tinatawag na Code of Conduct. 2002 pa kasi
sinubukang gawin ‘yon, hindi nagawa; lumabas ‘yung DOC (Declaration on
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea), pati ‘yung DOC, sa ating
pananaw, mukhang naba-violate na ngayon kaya lalong imperative na itulak
natin ‘yung pagsulong nga nitong Code of Conduct. At sana umusbong na
magkaroon na ‘nung start ‘nung formal talks sa pagpo-formulate nitong Code
of Conduct. |
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| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRH / Isyu by Deo Macalma
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17 April 2015
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MACALMA: Secretary Sonny Coloma. Manong Sonny, magandang umaga po sa inyo.
SEC. COLOMA: Deo, magandang umaga rin sa iyo at sa ating mga taga
pakinig.
MACALMA: Aba’y, Senator—Secretary Sonny Coloma, sir, busy po
ba kayo? Kasi iniimbitahan daw po kayo makipiyesta doon sa atin sa Pinili,
Ilocos Norte?
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga, Deo ‘no, sa hindi inaasahang
pagkakataon, ‘e talagang napuno kaagad iyong schedule natin, kaya hiningi ko
ang kanilang paumanhin, at ako ay nagpadala ng aking kinatawan na isa sa
aking mga Ilokano-speaking Assistant Secretary sa ating piyesta sa Pinili,
Ilocos Noret.
MACALMA: Aba. Sino sir, ang ipinadala ninyo sa Pinili?
SEC. COLOMA: Si Assistant Secretary Catherine Licudine-Dalen.
MACALMA: Dalen. Ilokano pala siya. Ilokano pala ‘e, Ilokano speaking pala
siya?
SEC. COLOMA: Taga Ilocos Sur sila, Deo.
MACALMA: Taga
Ilocos Sur. Anyway, Secretary Sonny Coloma, sir, bago natin pag-usapan iyong
mainit na isyu, ikaw ba talaga ay itatalaga po sa Civil Service Commission,
Secretary, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinakamabuti diyan, Deo, ay ipaubaya
na natin sa ating Pangulo ang pagpapasya at kung ano ang sa kanyang palagay
ang pinakamainam na paraan makakapaglingkod ako sa kanya at sa ating mga
mamamayan.
MACALMA: At kung kayo po ay ilagay dun ‘e, hindi ba kayo
tatanggi, Secretary Coloma, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: ‘E paubaya na po natin
kay Pangulong Aquino.
MACALNA: Secretary, ito pang isyu. Aba’y mainit
na sa balita natin ngayon. Kahapon, una, aba’y sinasabi po na nag-resign na
raw itong si Customs Commissioner Johnny Sevilla. Totoo ba ito, Secretary
Coloma, si? Nakarating na ba sa iyong tanggapan iyan?
SEC. COLOMA:
Maraming nagtatanong, pero ang sagot ko ay pare-pareho lamang, Deo, wala po
tayong impormasyon hinggil diyan. At kahapon din ay naitanong iyong …
naiulat na si Police Deputy Director General at PNP OIC Leonardo Espina ay
naghain din daw ng pagbibitiw. Ang sabi din natin ay wala tayong impormasyon
bukod doon sa kanilang itinatanong, at mas mainam ay huwag na kayong—huwag
na nating pag-usapan kung ito ay purong ispekulasyon lamang dahil mismo daw
sa Philippine National Police ay wala silang ganyang impormasyon.
MACALMA: Aba, napakasikreto yata iyang mga information diyan sa Malacañang,
Secretary, sir. Hindi ba kayo—
SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman, Deo, ‘no
dahilang pangkaraniwan iyan ‘no, Alam mo naman po na especially sa nagyon ay
meron tayo …marami tayong media of communication, hindi lang naman limited
doon sa traditional na print at broadcast. Meron din tayong social media;
meron tayong iba’t ibang channel. Kaya’t marami ang pinanggalingan ng balita
at impormasyon, pero kailangan din siguro ay mag-verify muna tayo kasi hindi
naman makatwiran doon sa mga involved na personalidad pag pinag-uusapan kung
wala naman itong konkretong batayan. Iyon lamang naman ang sa atin, Deo.
MACALMA: Ayan, Secretary. Ito, pareho dahil ang sabi po ng reporter
namin sa Malacañang, si Florante, nandoon daw po kayo, kaharap kayo nung
in-interview ng Agence France Presse ang Presidente Noynoy. At napag-usapan
po ang Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at pamilya Marcos. Totoo nga
bang may sama ng loob pa rin po ang Presidente sa pamilya Marcos dahil sa
nangyari sa kanila noong Martial Law, Secretary Coloma, sir?
SEC.
COLOMA: Iyong tungkol diyan, Deo ‘no, ang sabi ko nga sa ating mga kaibigan
sa Malacañang Press Corps – at nauunawain din naman nila ito – tuwing kasi
meroong exclusive interview, ang sinusunod nating protocol o patakaran ay
binibigyan natin ng sapat na pagkakataon muna iyong media organization na
iyon na mailabas ng buo iyong kanilang ulat para hindi naman maba-violate
iyong unawaan. Kaya kung gusto nating talakayin iyan, baka puwede nating
gawing batayan ay iyong mga nasabi noong nakaraan na may hawig doon sa
tinutukoy natin.
MACALMA: Ayan, oho. Of course, alam ko na marami na,
ang dating Senador Ninoy Aquino ay nakulong noong Martial Law, ayan,
na-torture, napahirapan, ayan, namatay noong—napatay noong bumalik sa
Pilipinas. Yung mga ganung sitwasyon, Secretary Coloma, sir, talagang bilang
nag-iisang anak ng pamilya Aquino, ng dating Senador Ninoy, talagang andoon
pa rin daw po ang ano, ang sama ng loob ng Presidente Noynoy, Secretary,
sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang naalala ko diyan, Deo, ay noong nagtalumpati
siya sa Harvard University noong nakaraang September, nabanggit niya iyan.
Ang sabi niya ay pagkatapos nung mabalitaan niya habang sila ay nasa Boston
pa ng kanilang pamilya, iyong pagpaslang sa kanyang ama na si Senador Ninoy
Aquino, ‘e siyempre iyong initial reaction talaga doon ay mabigat na
emotion. Ngunit ipinaliwanag din naman niya na ito naman ay nasundan ng mas
malalim na pagturing doon sa sitwasyon, at nabuo naman niya iyong mas
mahinahon na pagtugon sa isyu na iyan.
At kung maalala din natin,
noong nakaraang pagdiriwang ng EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary nito
lang nakaraan na February 25, 2015, binanggit din ni Pangulong Aquino iyong
emosyon ‘no, na nabuo sa kanyang kalooban sa pagkapaslang sa kanyang ama.
Nagpakita pa siya ng hindi pa nakita dating larawan kung paano inilipat ang
bangkay ni Senador Ninoy Aquino mula sa tarmac at inilipat doon sa Army van
na nagdala dito sa Philippine Army Hospital sa Fort Bonifacio.
At
doon sa talumpating iyon ay nagpahayag din siya ng kaniyang mga saloobin
noong kagaganap lamang noon. Pero nilalagay naman niya iyan sa tamang
konteksto, at sinasabi naman niya na bilang ama ng bayan, bilang Pangulo,
hinahon at malinaw na kaisipan ang kanyang ipinapairal, at hindi naman
maaaring magdesiyon sa—na nanggagaling sa poot o sa galit.
MACALMA:
Ayan. Sa inyong pakikipag-usap sa …(unclear)… ni Presidente Noynoy,
Secretary Coloma, sir, ayan, nababanggit ba niya kung sino ang inaakala
nilang may kinalaman talaga dito sa pagpaslang kay dating Senador Ninoy
Aquino?
SEC. COLOMA: Minsan po naitatanong din sa kanya iyan ‘no, sa
iba’t ibang mga interview sa kanya. At palagay ko iyong kanya namang pananaw
diyan, isa iyang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng kanilang pamilya. Pero mahabang
panahon na rin ang nagdaan at nagkataon nga na parehong sila ng kaniyang
ina, si Pangulong Cory Aquino at siya mismo ay binigyan ng pagkakataon na
maging Pangulo ng Pilipinas mula sa mandato ng ating mga mamamayan. At sa
daloy ng panahon, hindi naman nila inilagay ‘no, doon sa itaas ng kanilang
agenda iyong pagtukoy po sa bagay na iyan.
MACALMA: Anong paniniwala
ng pamilya Aquino, Senator … Secretary Coloma, sir. May kinalaman nga ba
ang—kasi ang mga alegasyon alam daw ni dating Pangulong Marcos. Sabi ng iba
hindi daw alam, ang nakakaalam daw ay si Imelda at General Fabian Ver. Ano
ba ang pananaw ng pamilya Aquino, Secretary, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Wala
naman ako narinig sa kanya o sa kanilang pagtuturing sa mga partikular na
indibidwal. Sa kanilang mga pag-uusap ay, sa aking pagka-alala, Deo ‘no, in
general terms lang naman nila sinasabi iyan dahil nga hindi naman nila
inilalagay iyan doon sa pangunahing bahagi ng kanilang prayoridad o agenda.
Ang itinutukoy ng Pangulo ay iyong trabaho niya bilang Pangulo, hindi naman
niya ginagawang proyekto iyong isipin iyong nakaraan pa. At ito ay
napag-uusapan lamang kapag naitatanong.
MACALMA: Ayan. Ngayon po,
Secretary Coloma, sir ‘e, 440 days na lamang po ay matatapos na ang termino
ng Pangulong Aquino. Totoo bang nababahala siya na pagkatapos na po ng
kaniyang termino ay kasuhan po siya at maaari niyang sapitin iyong mga
nangyari sa mga nakalipas na ano, dating Presidente, Secretary Coloma, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman tamang sabihing siya ay nababahala. Dahil
unang-una, Deo, ang kanyang prayoridad sa kasalukuyan ay mismong iyong mga
programa ng pamahalaan ay ipinapatupad ng kanyang administrayon. At iyong
pagnanasa na kumpletuhin itong mga proyektong it0, maglunsad pa ng—o
ipagpatuloy iyong mga ongoing projects para makumpleto. At ika nga natin
‘no, masulit iyong paglilingkod sa taumbayan. Iyon po ang nasa pangunahing
hanay ng pinagkakaablahan ni Pangulong Aquino.
MACALMA: Ayan.
SEC. COLOMA: Iyong tungkol naman sa, kung siya ay paparatangan o ihahabla,
‘e siya naman po ay panatag sa kalooban na sa lahat ng pagkakataon hindi
siya lumalabag sa batas. Palagi po siyang tumatalima sa constitusyon at sa
mga umiiral na batas. At nananalig din naman po siya na ang ating mga
mamamayan ay magbibigay ng makatwirang pagturing sa suma total ng kaniyang
panunungkulan.
MACALMA: Naku, may tanong dito, Manong Sonny, sir,
galing sa Pinili Ilocos Norte. Ayan. Malapit na raw po ang eleksiyon,
Secretary Coloma, sir. Wala daw po ba kayong balak tumakbong senador para
magkaroon naman daw ng senador mula sa Pnili, Ilocos Norte, Secretary
Coloma, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: ‘E, wala po. Kasi ang problema ay hindi na
po nating kayang tumakbo. Ang kaya na lang po natin ay lumakad. At
masayang-masaya iyong paglalakad kapag nakakasalubong sa daan si manong Deo
Macalma at iba pang mga kaibigan, kaya doon na lang tayo sa paglalakad.
Wala po tayong balak. Hahanap po tayo ng iba pang paraan, Marami rin
namang napakahusay na mga mamamayan ang ating mahal na bayang Pinili, the
chosen town. Susuporta na lang po kami ni Manong Deo from the sidelines.
Pero kung siya mismo po ay magbabalak at ihaharap iyong kaniyang sarili,
kahit na matagal na po akong hindi nagpunta roon, ako po mismo ay pupunta
para magkampanya para sa kanya.
MACALMA: Marami—tama na po iyong
mayor ako ng Star City, Secretary Coloma, sir. Manong Sonny, maraming
salamat po. Secretary, magandang umaga po at thank you very much.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Deo. |
|
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data
Processing Center |
|
|
|
| New records to break in Palaro
2015 |
| Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
2014 marks the year of triumphs and remarkable feats in the
field of Sports. For the 57th Palarong Pambansa, it was also the
year for the Athletics and Swimming category as
decade-old-records were broken by this generation’s roster of
student athletes.
Last year, Luzon excelled through its champions from the
National Capital Region (NCR) and Region 3. NCR’s sprint
athlete, Jomar Udtohan turned heads as he broke three meet
records in the 100M (43.1 s), 200M (21.8 s), and 400M (48.7 s)
dash. His performance was even compared to the “Asia’s Sprint
Queen” Lydia de Vega-Mercado’s skill in the early 80s. Also,
Bryan Pacheco from Central Luzon wowed crowds through his
throwing skills as he achieved a new record of 15.32m in the
Shot Put category. Pacheco even outdid his old 2013 record in
the Javelin Throw, making 62.47m the new number to break.
Likewise, NCR’s elementary students dominated the Olympic-sized
pool with their swimming abilities. Imee Joyce Saavedra’s time
of 2:16.72 broke the 2010 record in the 200m Freestyle division,
while Seth Isaak Martin broke the long-time 1998 record of
1:07.56 by 35 seconds in the Backstroke division. The team of
Andrew Gibson, Aryan Anastacio, Orlando Reyes and Michael Pin
for the 200m relay, set the new time record of 2:06.02.
Western Visayas soared high through Alexis Soqueno’s score of
1.92m in the High Jump category and, exceeded the former record
of 1.90m set in the year 2002.
The 1500m run event stands to be Mindanao’s specialty, as
athletes Camila Tubiano, Jie Anne Calis and Kevin Capangpangan
shattered records, with their time of 4:48.7, 4:44.4 and 4:05.8
respectively. Silver medalist Gilbert Rutaquio from CALABARZON,
almost reached Capangpangan’s time by a second.
With the challenge-stage set and preparations near its
completion, the Department of Education (DepEd) hopes that the
athletes of the 2015 Palarong Pambansa will see last year’s
achievements as a goal to surpass and their names be
immortalized in history. |
|
|
|
| OIC renews
support to Mindanao peace process |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Iyad Bin Amin Madani, the secretary general of the
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) led an eight-man
delegation for a four-day visit to the Philippines to reaffirm
its long support to the Mindanao peace process.
On Friday, April 17, Madani met with Secretary Teresita Quintos
Deles, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process on the
ongoing peace processes with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
and Moro National Liberation Front, respectively.
Deles said the visit of Madani shows OIC’s firm commitment to
help in the current peace efforts in Mindanao.
“OIC has contributed so much to the peace process since the
Tripoli accord and now more than ever, Filipinos both Muslims
and Christians look to you for guidance and support to open a
new era of social peace and progress in Mindanao,” she told
Madani during the meeting.
Madani expressed the OIC’s full support and commitment to the
Bangsamoro peace process.
He said their mission is to boost their role in the peace
process, saying that the OIC has long been involved in the
effort to address the conflict in Mindanao and secure the
welfare of Muslims in the country.
Prior to his arrival here on Thursday, Madani had a three-day
visit in Malaysia where he met Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd
Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.
The OIC said the two sides “discussed the status of the peace
agreement on the Southern Philippines. The Secretary General
stressed the need for all parties to remain committed to the
peace agreement."
Malaysia, being a member of the OIC, has been facilitating the
peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF which
concluded in the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro on March 27, 2014.
Madani also made courtesy calls to Foreign Affairs Secretary
Albert Del Rosario, as well as to House Speaker Feliciano
Belmonte Jr, who was joined by Representatives Rufus Rodriguez,
Bai Sandra Sinsuat A. Sema, and Sitti Djalia Hataman. He also
met with the Senate Peace, Unity and Reconciliation Committee
Chair Senator Teofisto Guingona III. Madani noted during these
meetings the current legislative work on the proposed Bangsamoro
Basic Law.
The OIC secretary general will also meet top leaders of the MNLF
and MILF to strengthen the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum, which
was created by the OIC to harmonize the two Moro fronts.
Together with Madani are Sayed El-Masry, OIC Special Envoy for
Peace in the Southern Philippines; Maha Mostafa Akeel, director
of the OIC Department of Information; Dr. Hassan Ahmad Abdein,
Head of the OIC Department of Muslim Communities and Minorities;
Saidu Dodo, Liaison Officer for OIC Special Envoy for PCSP;
Mohammed Adoum, Personal Assistant to the OIC Sec-Gen; Mohammed
Naghi, Protocol Officer; and Ahmad Madani.
Madani is expected to meet President Benigno S. Aquino III, and
Senate President Franklin M. Drilon before flying back to Saudi
Arabia on Monday.
The OIC is the second largest inter-governmental organization,
next to the United Nations, composed of 57 member-states spread
over four continents. |
|
|
|
| PSA to conduct ASPBI
and STEP anew |
| Source:
http://www.census.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will once again
conduct the Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry
(ASPBI) with 2014 as the reference year covering around 36,000
establishments nationwide.
Now on its 43rd round since the conduct of the 1956 Annual
Survey of Manufactures, the nationwide survey will collect
information on the levels, structures and trends of economic
activities of the formal sector of the economy for 2014. It will
also gather data on employment, compensation, income, expense,
total assets, capital expenditures and inventories and generate
indicators from these variables.
Seven types of questionnaires will be used. These questionnaires
are: (1) ASPBI Form 1 - Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing; (2)
ASPBI Form 2 - Mining and Quarrying; Manufacturing; (3) ASPBI
Form 3 - Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air-conditioning Supply;
and Water Supply; Sewerage, Waste Management and Remediation
Activities; (4) ASPBI Form 4 - Construction; (5) ASPBI Form 5 -
Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles and
Motorcycles; (6) ASPBI Form 6 - Financial and Insurance
Activities; and (7) ASPBI Form 7 - Business and Services. This
method is utilized to meet the data requirements of each
specific section of the economy as defined under the 2009
Philippine Standard Industrial Classification (PSIC).
For this survey round of the ASPBI, the 2014 Survey of Tourism
Establishments in the Philippines (STEP) will be the rider. This
is the second round for the rider survey which was in conducted
for the first time in 2010 with 2009 as the reference year. The
survey aims to collect and generate information on the tourism
characteristic establishments in the country specifically on the
availability of supply from tourism industries that will meet
the consumption of goods and services of visitors.
The STEP will be using five types of questionnaires, namely: (1)
STEP Form 1 - Accommodation; (2) STEP Form 2 - Restaurants; (3)
STEP Form 3 - Transport Operators, Tours and Travel Agencies;
(4) STEP Form 4 - Health and Wellness; and (5) STEP Form 5 -
Other Tourism Activities.
Unlike the main survey, only those specific industries under
seven sections of the 2009 PSIC are covered by the survey,
namely: Transportation and Storage (H); Accommodation and Food
Service Activities (I); Financial and Insurance Activities (K);
Administrative and Support Service Activities (N); Human Health
and Social Work Activities (Q); Arts, Entertainment, and
Recreation (R); and, Other Service Activities (S). This is to
cater the data needs of the Philippine Tourism Satellite
Account. Health and wellness industries were included due to the
increasing demand for statistics on these activities.
Distribution of survey forms will start on April 22, 2015 and
collection on May 4, 2015. Accomplished questionnaires submitted
by the respondents shall be treated with utmost confidentiality
as mandated under Section 26 of the Republic Act 10625 published
on September 12, 2013. Those who will refuse to accomplish the
survey, however, shall be imposed with the penalty of one year
imprisonment and a minimum fine of PHP100,000 to a maximum of
PHP500,000 as stipulated under Section 27 of the same law.
Results of the surveys will be made available to the public
through special releases to be posted on the PSA website
starting May 2016.
(Sgd) ESTELA T. DE GUZMAN
Deputy National Statistician |
|
|
|
| First PPP
social infra project eases classroom backlog |
| Source:
http://www.ppp.gov.ph |
|
Students from Regions III and IV A have reason to celebrate and
look forward to the coming school year as brand new classrooms
courtesy of the country’s first PPP social infrastructure
project were turned over to the Department of Education by its
private partner Citicore-Megawide Consortium, Inc. This project
will help ease the country’s 66,800 classroom backlog.
The PPPs for School Building Infrastructure Project is the first
PPP social infrastructure project undertaken by the DepEd under
the Public-Private Partnership program of the government.
Started in October 2012, the PSIP 1 involves the design,
financing and construction of 7,144 classrooms through a
Build-Lease-Transfer scheme as a PPP project.
President Aquino inspected the PSIP 1 classrooms at the Malolos
Integrated School, which was the site of the turnover ceremony.
PPP Center Executive Director Cosette V. Canilao thanked the
Department of Education and Citicore-Megawide for “allowing us
to put together this project.”
Canilao added that, “This project is very close to my heart.
Even before I started in government, my advocacy was to have
more classrooms for the growing population of students.”
Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro thanked their private
sector partner Citicore-Megawide stating that, “We always say
that in our Department that the improvement of any program is a
joint effort among all the sectors.”
Luistro added that the classrooms that have been built through
the PSIP 1 “are instruments to mold and form good citizens of
this nation. By working together, we can achieve this dream and
the dreams of the Filipino youth.
Currently, the PPP program has a robust pipeline of projects
collectively costing USD 23.417 Billion. |
|
|
|
| Statement of PDDGEN LEONARDO A
ESPINA Officer-in-Charge, PNP |
| Source:
http://www.pnp.gov.ph |
|
The PNP leadership is grateful to President Benigno S Aquino III
for his responsiveness to the pressing desire of the police
Officer Corps to have a full-time leader who will assume command
of the PNP.
I didn’t want to get in the way of the President Aquino’s free
hand in appointing a new Chief PNP, thus, I earlier signified
intention to be relieved as Officer-in-Charge of the PNP.
I am, therefore, humbled at the continued expression of trust
and confidence by President Benigno S Aquino III in reaffirming
my designation as PNP Officer-in-Charge. I am grateful as well
to the National Police Commission Chaired by DILG Secretary Mar
Roxas for granting me expanded authority to exercise the
position of OIC,PNP.
For my part, I offer President Aquino and the national
leadership my sincerest personal pledge of professional
commitment to the mission of the PNP to serve and protect the
people.
I urge all my colleagues in the police service to rally behind
the new leader whom President Aquino will name soon. Until then,
as your Officer-in-Charge, I am duty-bound to lead the
organization as we continue to move on.
God bless the PNP. |
|
|
|
| DPWH paves
way for better access in Bukidnon’s largest flower sanctuary
|
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
More tourists are seen to flock Bukidnon’s largest flower
sanctuary, with the recent completion of its P150 million access
road built by the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH), under the Tourism Infrastructure Program.
Located at Sitio Kalanganan, Barangay San Vicente, Baungon, the
Rafflesia Yard was declared by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) as a critical habitat of the largest
flower in the Philippines – the “rafflesia schadenbergiana’ also
known as “bo-o” or “kolon busaw” to the Bogobo and Higaonon
tribes of Bukidnon. It is also the second flower in the world,
with diameter that can reach up to 80 centimeters.
“Local and international tourists who want to see one of the
largest flowers in the world are invited to visit Bukidnon as we
have improved the tourism road to Rafflesia Yard in the
municipality of Baungon,” said DPWH-10 Regional Director Evelyn
T. Barroso.
Following DPWH tourism road design standard, the 8-kilometer
access road leading to Rafflesia Yard is guaranteed to provide
quality and safe travel of tourists with its carriageway’s 6.1
meters width and 0.23 meters concrete thickness.
Barroso said the newly concreted road would allow Baungon locals
to showcase their place’s biodiversity, simultaneously promoting
awareness on the protection of rafflesia, which is also
categorized as critically endangered by the DENR.
Aside from its support to the tourism industry of Baungon, the
improved access road is expected to provide easy transportation
of people and goods to commercial and public places in
Malaybalay City, consequently improving the lives of the people
around the area. |
|
|
|
| OWWA
reactivates its crisis monitoring and response team for Yemen
crisis |
| Source:
http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has
reactivated its Crisis Monitoring and Response Team (CMRT) to
respond to the current critical situation in Yemen after the
Alert Level in the area was raised to 4 due to the worsening
armed-conflict there. The CMRT is a special committee of OWWA
that is reactivated in times of political unrest in countries
where there are affected Filipino migrant workers. The committee
ensures the timely response and assistance of OWWA to the
distressed and displaced workers from war-torn nations.
OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado ordered the reactivation
of the CMRT to closely-monitor the status of evacuees,
border-crossers and Filipinos staying at holding areas, and to
coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the
Philippine Missions in the repatriation of affected OFWs in the
area. It is likewise directed to identify the needs and carry
out the usual services of Repatriation Assistance Division (RAD)
for repatriated workers upon arrival at the airport, and provide
regular and timely advisories to the public as well as maintain
records of repatriated OFWs.
OWWA has already accorded 342 repatriated Filipino migrant
workers from Yemen with necessary airport assistance which
includes a special lane for the processing of immigration papers
of Yemen repatriates, provided temporary shelter and transport
services and fares for their on-ward travel to their respective
provinces. OWWA is also part of the DOLE-Assist WELL which
caters to the Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal needs of
the displaced workers. |
|
|
|
| BSP allows
unit investment trust funds with unit-paying feature |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
In line with the thrust of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to
institute reforms that will take advantage of investment
opportunities while ensuring market order, both of which are
expected to accrue to the investing public, the Monetary Board
in its meeting held on 8 April 2015, approved the amendment of
the Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF) regulations to allow for a
unit-paying feature that will provide non-guaranteed stream of
income to participants.
The unit paying UITFs will invest in various income-generating
securities and upon determination of the trust entity shall give
out the income in its equivalent units, for automatic
redemption. The income distribution shall come from cash
dividends or coupon/interest earned and received from these
investment outlets. However, income distributions are not
guaranteed and will be determined by the trust entity in
accordance with the plan rules. Further, such income
distribution will decrease the net asset value of the fund, and
consequently, a decline in the net asset value per unit (NAVPu)
similar to the effect of dividend declaration on stock prices.
Previous to this, UITF regulations do not allow for the
distribution of income to the participants, as income earned is
automatically reverted back to the fund and the same may only be
realized by the investors upon redemption of their
participations to the UITF.
This initiative offers several advantages that will ultimately
benefit the investing public and the UITF market. In particular,
the unit paying UITF will enable the investor to enjoy the
fruits of his investment without actually the need to redeem his
actual principal investment. Also, the same is expected to
expand the investment choices of the investor, thereby allowing
him more opportunities for diversification. |
|
|
|
| DPWH-NCR April 17-20 road repair |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region
(DPWH-NCR) will undertake road reblocking and repair effective
10 PM of April 17, Friday to 5 AM of April 20, Monday on the
following roads in the cities of Quezon and Pasig:
Quezon City
1.Along Mindanao Avenue from Catleya St. to Road 8 (3rd lane,
South bound);
2.Along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue/C-5 from Calle Industria St. to
Ortigas Avenue (3rd lane from sidewalk, South bound);
3.Along C.P. Garcia Avenue from Velasquez St. to Katipunan Ave.
(3rd lane, East bound); and
4.Along Batasan Road from Sinagtala St. to Filinvest I (2nd
lane, West bound).
Pasig City
1.Along C-5 Road from Pasig Blvd. to Bagong-Ilog Service Rd.
(South bound). |
|
|
|
| Roxas attributes DILG's
success to LCEs |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas celebrated the
achievements of the DILG with the mayors of the League of the
Municipalities in the Philippines in their general assembly held
in Manila Hotel this Wednesday.
"Ang tagumpay ng pamahalaan ay nasa kamay ninyo [mayors]. Ang
inyong tagumpay ang siyang accomplishment ko," Roxas said.
The secretary thanked more than 1000 municipal mayors for their
support, and Roxas took this as a driving force in his career in
public service.
Roxas told mayors about leading the DILG like a 'big brother',
and working as an official that mayors can rely on.
''Kayo [Mayors] ang frontliners, kayo ang tinatakbuhan ng mga
kababayan. Pinorma ko ang DILG na siyang masasandalan nila,
matatakbuhan nila," Roxas stated.
Mayors also personally addressed their needs, concerns, and
expectations to Roxas in the said convention.
Roxas announced the purchase of 1470 patrol jeeps for the
Philippine National Police (PNP), and the procurement of 469
firetrucks to all LGUs.
According to him, all DILG projects like Bottom-Up Budgeting and
SALINTUBIG would continue with objectivity.
"Kinikilala ng Daang Matuwid ang ating mga kababayan bilang mga
Boss. Makikita ninyo sa ating mga programa, pantay pantay. Lahat
may pagkakataon," Roxas said.
Roxas has been the secretary of the DILG since 2012, continuing
the leadership of the late Jesse Robredo. |
|
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| Zambales conducts 1st PPOC
Meeting for 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Iba, Zambales – As part of its continuing efforts to intensify
interventions for the province-wide campaign against criminality
and insurgency, the Provincial Peace and Order Council of
Zambales, chaired by Gov. Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr., has
recently conducted its first meeting for the year last March 24,
2015, at the Balin Sambali (Zambales Hotel) here.
The DILG Zambales Team was in full force, while majority of
Municipal Chiefs of Police and Fire Marshals were also present.
Municipal Mayors, headed by LMP President Jun Rundstedt C.
Ebdane of Iba; Ronaldo Apostol of Cabangan; Napoleon Edquid of
Candelaria; Jose Angelo Dominguez of Castillejos; Generoso Amog
of Palauig; Carolyn Farinas of San Felipe; Peter Lim of San
Narciso; Jose Rodriguez of San Marcelino; and Consolacion Marty
of Sta. Cruz, were in attendance.
Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad, PPOC Head Secretariat,
presented Executive Order No. 008, S. 2014, creating the
Zambales Provincial Comprehensive Local Integration Program
(ZPCLIP) Committee, which was then adopted by the body upon
motion and consensus of the majority.
Various agency members presented their respective plans and
programs, acquiring approval and adoption of the Peace and Order
Public Safety Plan (POPSP) for FY 2015. SFO4 Ruben C. Collado
presented the concerns of the Bureau of Fire Protection, while
Col. David Diclano of the 702nd Brigade and Lt. Col. Monib Mamao
of the 24th IB of the Armed Forces of the Philippines discussed
the Situation Report on Insurgency and AFP’s plans and programs,
respectively.
Other key presenters were Prosecutor Gladys Bautista of the
Department of Justice, Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Officer Laudemir Salac, and Col. Jacquiline Puapo,
Chief for Operations, in behalf of PD Manuel Manalo Abu of the
ZPPO.
PD Bactad then discussed the status of the functionality of
Municipal Peace and Order Councils (MPOCs). She also announced
upcoming activities such as the Operation Listo: Provincial
Convergence Action Planning on Disaster Preparedness, 2015 Earth
Hour, 1st Semester 2015 Barangay Assembly Day, and Governor’s
Award.
The Governor focused on the major plans and programs to be
implemented for the whole year and encouraged everyone to
support the campaign for peace, order, and safety in the
province. He also conveyed his gratitude to the PPOC members,
specifically the AFP, PNP, the rest of the DILG Family, as well
as the LCEs for attending the meeting.
The event was made possible through the efforts of the DILG in
close coordination with the Provincial Government of Zambales.
(DILG-Zambales/Mark Jason Veran) |
|
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| Roxas to PNP: “Great Job” |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas lauded the
Philippine National Police (PNP) anew for the successful
implementation of Oplan Lambat-Sibat in Metro Manila (MM).
Roxas had introduced Oplan Lambat-Sibat at the PNP-National
Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), using a “deliberate,
programmatic and sustained” approach in crime prevention.
During the weekly command conference in Camp Crame, police
officials reported that there were 345 Robbery/Theft/Carnapping/Motornapping
incidents in MM from April 6 to 12. This constitutes more than
50 percent reduction in the 919 average weekly crime incidents
recorded prior to the implementation of Oplan Lambat-Sibat last
year.
Roxas commended the PNP for doing a “great job.”
PNP officials also reported that a total of 523 wanted criminals
(almost 50 percent) have been arrested for the same period out
of the 1069 total number of targeted Most Wanted Persons (MWPs)
and members of criminal groups.
Roxas had ordered the creation of tracker teams to ensure that
these criminal elements are captured using the “whole of PNP”
approach. He also directed the conduct of a “team by team
assessment” to ensure the effectiveness of each teams in
pursuing their targets.
The PNP has started cascading Oplan Lambat-Sibat in nearby
regions. |
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| Street crimes slides down during
Holy Week; Sibat operatives records 50/50 |
| Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
Applying the "whole of government approach" in ensuring a safe
and secure observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine National
Police recorded decreasing trend on street crimes from March 23
to April 5 2015.
According to statistics of PNP Directorate for Investigative and
Detective Management (DIDM), the 417 incidents of robbery and
theft (R/T) last March 16 to 22 slides down to 287 R/T incidents
on March 30 to April 5, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
Notable decrease in carnapping incidents was also recorded from
22 incidents last March 16 to 22, down to 9 incidents on March
30 to April 5.
According to PNP Spokesperson, Police Chief Superintendent
Generoso R. Cerbo Jr., the notable decrease on street crimes is
due to intensified police presence, and cooperation of different
Local Government Units and volunteer groups before and during
holy week.
During the said period, the PNP continuously intensified its
campaign against loose firearms, illegal discharge of firearms,
and campaign against criminal gangs and personalities supported
by the aggressive implementation of OPLAN LAMBAT SIBAT initiated
by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar
Roxas that also led to 56% accomplished “Sibat” operations as of
April 14, 2015.
Overall, from August 2014 to April 14 2015, there are 340 Most
Wanted Persons apprehended out of 603 MWPs recorded. However,
Secretary Roxas recommends extra efforts of “Sibat” operatives
in looking after their respective MWP and Criminal Gang Targets.
Sec Mar also reminds PNP leadership to apply “One PNP Approach”
in every task to maintain an institutionalized system in all
police operations.
One PNP Approach defines the joint efforts of different PNP
units and offices to easily complete or accomplish a certain
task.(PNP-PIO) |
|
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| Statement on The G7
Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
On 15 April 2015 in Lübeck, Germany, the G7 Foreign Ministers
issued a Declaration on Maritime Security where they expressed
their concerns on ‘’unilateral actions, such as large scale land
reclamation, which change the status quo and increased
tensions.’’ The Declaration also called for international
efforts ‘’to strengthen maritime governance in pursuit of
rules-based, sustainable use of seas and oceans.”
The Philippines welcomes the Declaration as it underlines the
international community’s commitment to uphold the principles of
international law, in particular the 1982 United Convention on
the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which underpin the stable maritime
code that serves our common interests.
The Philippines reiterates its call for a stop to unilateral
actions that violate the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the
Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and international law.
Such actions undermine efforts to pursue the peaceful,
rules-based resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea
and to promote regional stability. |
|
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| PHL Adds Voice to Intl Call for
Global Action to Address Water Challenges at 7th World Water Forum
in South Korea |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
17 April 2015 – The Philippines joined the international
community in calling for urgent action to address global water
challenges during the 7th World Water Forum (WWF) that was held
in Daegu and Gyeongju from April 12 to 17.
The Philippine delegation to the WWF was led by Philippine
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje,
together with Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S.
Hernandez as Co-Head of Delegation.
Other delegation members were First Secretary and Consul General
Iric C. Arribas, National Water Resources Board Executive
Director Sevillo D. David, Jr., Manila Bay Coordinating Office
Executive Director Noel Antonio V. Gaerlan, and Attaché Jhoanna
Jarasa.
At the WWF’s opening ceremony held in Daegu on April 12, South
Korean President Park Geun-hye cited the severe reality of water
shortages and urged an international response in addressing this
issue, noting that “water supply and management problems are not
just national issues, but issues for all mankind as climate
change accelerates”.
Mr. Benedito Braga, the Brazil-born President of the
Marseille-based World Water Council, called water security “a
fundamental issue that directly impacts food security and the
survival of humankind.” He emphasized that adequate financing
and the utilization of science and technology would be critical
in achieving the goals of water security and sustainable growth.
In a statement delivered during the Ministerial Conference held
in Gyeongju on April 13, Secretary Paje stated that “the
Philippine government is committed to supporting the WWF
Ministerial Declaration through the enhanced
institutionalization and implementation of the Philippine
Integrated Water Resources Management Framework.”
Secretary Paje highlighted the need for appropriate financing,
infrastructure and the dissemination of relevant technologies
for water regulation and management. He expressed the Philippine
Government’s willingness to share its national experience in
water-related disaster awareness with the international
community.
The Ministerial Conference closed with the adoption of a
Ministerial Declaration that stressed the importance of
concerted international action in advancing water-related
cooperation on a global scale.
The WWF, held every three years since 1997, is one of the
largest international water events in which more than 170
countries work together on joint approaches in addressing global
water challenges. More than 3,000 people attended this year’s
forum which featured the theme “Water for Our Future.”
In a departure from previous fora, this event focused on the
importance of harnessing science and technology and innovation
to conserve valuable water resources and to ensure their
sustainability. |
|
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| PHL Consulate General Interfaces
with New England Youth in Successful Leadership and Mentoring
Seminar |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ |
|
17 April 2015 - The second leg of the Leadership and Mentoring
Seminar (LMS): Empowerment for the Emerging Generation,
spearheaded by the Philippine Consulate General in New York, was
held for the New England youth on April 11 at Stokes Hall in
Boston College, Massachusetts.
About 70 students, young professionals, youth advocates and
first-generation community members filled the lecture hall to
discuss the second-generation Filipino-Americans’ role in the
community’s affairs.
Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon opened the program, and
thanked the event co-host, Philippine Society of Boston College,
and planning partner Jennifer Coliflores, for helping the
Consulate General to organize the successful seminar. In his
remarks, the Consul General noted the importance of involving
the youth in community planning, as he expressed belief that the
future of the Filipino-American community lies with the second-
and third-generation members. He recognized that the Consulate
General, along with the senior organizations in the community,
should be responsible in honing the youth to have the proper
frame of mind to accept this role. He added that the Leadership
and Mentoring Seminar aims to give confidence to young
Filipino-Americans so that they may assume leadership starting
from their own youth organizations, professions, the community,
and the greater US society.
The speakers for each of the modules shared their expertise on
assigned topics and welcomed a healthy discourse on issues from
the young attendees.
Ms. Alpha Sanford, a UP Diliman-graduate and currently Assistant
Headmaster at Randolph High School, lectured on “Understanding
the Filipino.” She related her immigrant story and noted that
Filipinos are sought-after in the world for their high
educational attainment and work ethic. She encouraged the
participants to proudly display their Filipino identity and
values, and stay true to their narrative or story of being a
remarkable Filipino-American.
Dean Mary Grace Almandrez of the Brown University Center for
Students of Color gave an emphatic presentation on “Leadership
and Motivation.” She described her struggles growing up in a
predominantly foreign community as a young immigrant Filipino
child from Olongapo. She recounted how she discovered to embrace
her identity and make the most of her Filipino upbringing to
enrich her character, education, career, and personal life. She
urged the participants to break the stereotype and seek for
leaders among the community and promote leadership of Filipinos
in their organizations, corporations, and the greater US
society.
Imparting her knowledge as a Certified Public Accountant, Ms.
Jocelyn Santiago, community leader from the Filipino-American
Friendship Society of New Hampshire, held an interactive lecture
on “Financial Functions of An Organization,” to provide
frameworks for young community leaders and prospective founders
to set-up their own non-profit organizations under the
guidelines set for 501(c)3.
More practicable and transferrable skills were shared by Tinsel
and Twine Partner, Ms. Adette Contreras in her presentation,
“Events and Real Life.” Drawing from her experience as an events
designer, she disclosed some tips on how the participants can
maximize their attendance in any event they attend – from formal
galas, to business mixers and social club gatherings. She
related the importance of approaching the right persons,
highlighting one’s own strengths (or having someone do it for
you), and being purposeful in one’s participation in their
organization and presence in a party or gathering.
Two groups of panelists then rounded up some topics raised in
the earlier lectures and discussed questions and comments from
the audience.
The first Panel Discussion focused on “The Second-Generation
Americans’ Introduction to the Community,” moderated by Ms
.Jennifer Coliflores. Philippine Society of Boston College
(PSBC) officers Isabella Rosales and Julian Mondonedo related
their student organization’s involvement in the community,
citing that their annual event “Bayanihan, Spirit of the
Philippines” fulfills their effort to promote the culture,
talent and social programs of the country to the whole Boston
College community. Youth member from New Hampshire Calvin
Santiago shared how he was eased into his mother’s community
organization and said that to hold the young community members’
interest, the programs of the organizations must also cater to
their needs such as socials and school placement. AmeriCorps
City Year Boston volunteer Philjay Solar noted that he was
fortunate to grow up with a strong Filipino community in his
hometown but he also acknowledged that the youth participation
in the community’s activities are dwindling. All of the
panelists agreed that the second- and third-generation Filipino
Americans are willing to take on more roles in the community if
only they would be given guidance and the confidence by the
elders to lead their own projects and working groups. |
|
|
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| PDIC continues run for Yolanda victims |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is
spearheading a benefit run on May 10, 2015 at the CCP Grounds,
Pasay City. "Takbo 2: Tungo sa Kalusugan Para sa Kalikasan" is
in line with PDIC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
program that advocates the protection of the environment and
balanced development of communities. Takbo 2 aims to raise funds
to build shelters for the PDIC-Gawad Kalinga (GK) Village in
Lawaan, Eastern Samar.
Proceeds from the benefit run will be turned over to GK for the
construction of disaster-resilient shelter homes for
survivor-families from supertyphoon Yolanda. GK is PDIC's
partner in the building of the PDIC-GK Village.
Takbo 2 is PDIC's second benefit run to support the survivors of
typhoon Yolanda. It has four-race distances, 1km, 3km, 5km and
10km, to cater to all types of running enthusiasts including
children. Registration fee ranges from P200 to P600 per runner.
Interested participants may register starting on April 16, 2015
at the 8/F, SSS Building, Ayala Ave. cor V. A. Rufino St.,
Makati City. In-store registration may also be done at Chris
Sports: Glorietta 3, Metro Market! Market!, SM Manila and SM
North Annex. Assembly time on May 10 is at 5:00 AM. The public
may call PDIC at 841-4643 for more information.
Brooks, Del Monte Philippines, Guitar Garments, Philippine
Postal Corporation, Rural Bankers Association of the
Philippines, Saucony, St. Luke's Medical Center, The Generics
Pharmacy and Tobys Sports are partnering with PDIC for Takbo 2,
with the support of Chris Sports, Metro Ad-vantage and the Miss
Earth Foundation. |
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| DSWD, Leyte local execs identify
sustainable industries for ‘Yolanda’ survivors |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will
continue to extend livelihood assistance to some 90,078 Typhoon
‘Yolanda’-affected families in Leyte under its Sustainable
Livelihood Program (SLP).
DSWD has allocated more than P547 million for SLP implementation
this year.
“The Department will continue to support the economic activities
and enterprises of ‘Yolanda’ affected families in Leyte to lift
them from poverty,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin
said during the ‘Salubungan’, a workshop conducted under the
Accelerated and Sustainable Anti–Poverty Program (ASAPP) of the
Human Development and Poverty Reduction (HDPR) Cluster. The
workshop was held in Palo, Leyte recently and organized by the
DSWD as head of HDPRC.
Asec. Gudmalin together with Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla, 40
municipal mayors of the province, and 26 heads/representatives
of national agencies attended the ASAPP workshop.
During the workshop, the local government units identified lead
enterprises that have the capacity to employ, while
representatives of national government agencies presented their
respective poverty–related programs that could be harmonized and
synchronized for ASAPP implementation.
The lead enterprises identified to be undertaken along with
ASAPP are eco-tourism and agriculture for the municipality of
Kananga; chicharon production for Tunga; port development for
San Isidro, Calubian, and Tabango; water-refilling, hot spring
development, and electricity expansion for Burauen; soft broom
and hollowblock-making for Julita; and eco-tourism and peanut
production for Dulag.
Asec. Gudmalin also shared that aside from the SLP, DSWD’s
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services – National Community-Driven
Development Program (Kalahi-CIDSS), the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program and Social Pension Program will also contribute
to the ASAPP framework to reduce poverty.
Governor Petilla, for his part, shared the provincial
government’s interventions, specifically after ‘Yolanda’ hit the
region.
“We talked about recovery, rehabilitation, trauma, healing, but
one thing we have to fight is poverty caused by the typhoon,”
Gov. Petilla said.
He further said that prior to the disaster, Leyte ranked as the
4th biggest producer of rice and the second for coconut, adding
that coconut farmers belong to the poorest sector even before
‘Yolanda.’
Gov. Petilla shared that the province received some 63,000 sacks
of certified rice seeds from Europe in December 2013, and that
rice production has fully recovered.
He further shared that six million coconut trees were damaged by
‘Yolanda’ but the Philippine Coconut Authority is already
helping them rebuild the industry.
The local chief executive expressed his optimism that with the
local and national government agencies converging their
services, the province is on the way to total recovery. |
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| DepEd, Samsung Philippines
computerize 3 IP Community schools |
| Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
Pasig City – In its continued efforts to promote tech-savviness
and innovation in classrooms nationwide, the Department of
Education (DepEd) forged a partnership with Samsung Electronics
Philippines Corporation that will benefit three schools for
Indigenous Peoples (IP) – one school from Region 2 and two
schools within Region 3, all of which were also beneficiaries of
electrification projects by the department.
Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC extended his
gratitude to Samsung Philippines and said, “We are very thankful
for the opportunities which you have opened for DepEd.” He also
explained that as the computerization program reaches the
farther areas of the country, “education is taken into a whole
different dimension and technology becomes a solution to
inaccessibility.”
Pureg Elementary School in Sanchez Mira Cagayan, Flora
Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac, and Tamale Elementary School
in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija will be the recipients of Samsung
Philippines’ donations for the computerization program. A total
of 250 IP students from the mentioned schools will be the
beneficiaries of the program.
Samsung Philippines President and Managing Director Harry Lee
said, “This signing is only the beginning and we are more than
happy to support all the initiatives of the department.”
An approximated cost of Php 4,900,000.00 will be donated by
Samsung Philippines for the aforementioned schools in the form
of 93 tablets (31 per school), 93 Bluetooth keyboards (31 per
school), 93 units of Bluetooth mouse (31 per school), six (6)
laptops for teachers (2 per school), three (3) charging stations
(1 per school), and three (3) sets of printer and ink supplies
(1 per school).
Other education programs by Samsung Philippines include the
launching of the Samsung Smart Classroom in Philippine Science
High School last February 2014 and scholarship opportunities for
students in the tertiary level.
Luistro reiterated the importance of this program for the IP
communities and said, “We Filipinos are very culturally centered
and we hope to make sure that technology becomes a partner for
the local community in preserving their culture.” |
|
|
|
| Sec. Domingo visits SSF
project; meets chamber, staff in DTI-Region 1 |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
Department Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo
visited the Shared Service Facility (SSF) projects established
by the Department with the local government units (LGUs) and
held a dialogue with the officers and members of the Chamber of
Commerce and Industry as part of his two-day stopover in the
region.
DTI Region 1 headed by Director Florante O. Leal presented the
SSF for Veggie Noodle Processing Project in San Nicolas, Ilocos
Norte assisting 25 SME beneficiaries. The said project is one of
the 18 SSF projects in the province funded by the department.
Through the SSF, DTI has been assisting micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) to improve their production processes,
increase productivity, and help them become more competitive in
both local and export markets.
According to Dir. Leal, the department has extended P328,000 to
the said project for the acquisition of dough mixer, kneader,
cutter, and frying vat.
Domingo commended the achievement of the said project in terms
of technology transfer and employment generation. Likewise,
being strategically accessible within the source of raw
materials and its market, the Secretary encouraged the
replication of this kind of project in other areas.
To further support the Veggie Noodle project, DTI will see the
possibility of providing additional fund for other equipment
needed by the project if resources will allow.
On the other hand, Domingo also met with the local chapters of
the Federated Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(FFCCCI), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
and the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development
Council (SMEDC). The meeting is to see the province’s business
atmosphere, ideas and opportunities. Also, he commended the
presence of the biggest BPO company in the country as it will
open many opportunities as this will allow the province to enter
into many other industries.
Domingo also visited the biennial FHRAPIK (Finance, Human
Resource, Administrative, Planning, Information Technology and
Knowledge Management) officers’ national convention in the area.
Here, he recognized the roles and contribution of each staff and
encouraged everyone to do good, be felt and make a difference in
the lives of the Filipino people.
The SSF is a major component under the government’s MSMEs
Development Program that seeks to improve their competitiveness
by extending support in terms of machinery, equipment, tools,
systems, skills, and knowledge. |
|
|
|
| Cebu mayor indicted for fertilizer
fund scam |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
Mayor Celestino Martinez III and Municipal Treasurer Rhett
Minguez of Bogo, Cebu are facing charges before the
Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No.
3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in connection with
the anomalous implementation of the Farm Inputs and Farm
Implements Program worth P6,000,000.00.
The Office of the Ombudsman established that in May 2004, the
municipality of Bogo received six checks totaling P6,000,000.00
from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit VII for
the procurement of fertilizer for rice and corn. During the
implementation stage, an undated Memorandum of Agreement was
entered into with NGO-implementor Sikap Yaman with no
stipulations as to project cost and time schedules. In order to
process the payment to the Quezon City-based NGO, Martinez and
Minguez issued undated and unnumbered disbursement vouchers and
Allotment and Obligation Slips. The transaction was consummated
despite the non-accreditation of Sikap Yaman as required under
Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 96-003. The COA also
issued an Audit Observation Memorandum noting that the NGO
failed to submit a list of previous projects implemented and
that no accomplishment reports were submitted.
The Resolution stated that as a result of the anomalous project
“the P6,000,000.00 fund was released to Sikap Yaman in one
instance, without any indication as to how or when it was
supposed to implement the project, and without requiring the
Municipality to report, monitor and inspect the project actually
accomplished.”
Meantime, the charges against Sikap Yaman incorporators, namely:
Marcelo Balmaceda, Juliet Chan, Nenita Ocenar, Helen Bayugan and
Marissa Rugay were dismissed for lack of probable cause. The
charges for violation of Section 3(g) of R.A. No. 3019 were also
dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. |
|
|
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| Pichay, Gatchalians, 20 others indicted
for LWUA’s bank take-over |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict
former officials of the Local Water Utilities Administration
(LWUA), corporate executives of WELLEX Group Inc. (WGI), Forum
Pacific Inc. (FPI) and Express Savings Bank Inc. (ESBI) in
connection with the anomalous acquisition of ESBI in 2009.
Facing indictment are former LWUA officials Prospero Pichay Jr.,
Eduardo Bangayan, Aurelio Puentevella, Enrique Senen Montilla
III, Wilfredo Feleo, Daniel Landingin, Arnaldo Espinas; WGI
executives Dee Hua Gatchalian, William Gatchalian, Elvira Ting,
Sherwin Gatchalian, Kenneth Gatchalian and Yolanda Dela Cruz;
FPI executives Peter Salud, Geronimo Velasco, Jr., Weslie
Gatchalian, Rogelio Garcia, Lamberto Mercado, Jr., Evelyn dela
Rosa, Arthur Ponsaran, and Joaquin Obieta; and ESBI executives
George Chua, Gregorio Ipong, Generoso Tulagan, Wilfred Billena
and Edita Bueno for three counts of violation of Section 3(e) of
Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act),
three counts of Malversation, and violation of Republic Act No.
8791 (General Banking Law of 2000) and the Manual of Regulation
for Banks.
The criminal charges involve the acquisition by the LWUA of
ESBI, a local thrift bank based in Laguna owned by the
Gatchalians, FPI and WGI.
On 24 March 2009, the LWUA Board composed of Pichay, Bangayan,
Montilla, Puentevella and Landingin passed Resolution No. 56
(Series of 2009) approving the acquisition of ESBI without the
requisite regulatory approvals from the Monetary Board (MB) of
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Finance (DOF) and
the Office of the President (OP). The acquisition was also made
in contravention of the legal opinion rendered by the Office of
the Government Corporate Counsel that opined it is subject to
review by the DOF and approval by the OP, including compliance
with applicable banking laws, rules and regulations.
The DOF also formally objected to the proposed acquisition as it
is inconsistent with the ongoing rationalization and
streamlining of the government corporate sector and that the
financial health of the thrift bank must be closely examined and
validated.
To compound the problem, Pichay, et al. approved the acquisition
despite substantial negative audit findings uncovered during the
due diligence stage. Audit findings made by a private firm
revealed that the bank was insolvent after suffering substantial
net losses and capital deficits for five straight years from
2005 to 2009.
Subsequent to the acquisition, Pichay, et al. approved the
transfer of almost P780 million of LWUA funds to ESBI in order
to increase the bank’s authorized capital stock. The transaction
between LWUA and ESBI was once again made without the regulatory
approval from the MB. A total of P80 million was paid to
Gatchalian, et al. as bank owners.
In July 2011, the MB placed ESBI under receivership, with the
Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation presently in the
process of liquidating the bank’s assets.
In the Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Morales stated that “in view
of the bank’s precarious financial standing at the time of the
sale, the windfall received by herein private respondents must
be deemed unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference.”
Ombudsman Morales noted that “the injury suffered by the
government due to the respondents’ actions is undeniable, as it
deprived the government of the opportunity to use the illegally
expended funds to instead fund the agency’s lawful projects, not
to mention the shares purchased by LWUA from FPI and WGI are now
worthless, ESBI having been shuttered due to severe financial
distress” and that the “government effectively lost at least
P80,003,070.51 in this questionable acquisition alone.”
On the related administrative case, Ombudsman Morales found
Espinas, Chua, Ipong, Billena, Bueno and Tulagan
administratively liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct
Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, and were
consequently dismissed from the service. They were also meted
out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility,
forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification
for reemployment in the government service, and perpetual bar
from taking the civil service examination.
The charges against FPI Director Federico Puno were dismissed on
account of his death, while the charges against LWUA Board of
Trustees (BOT) members Renato Velasco, Susana Dumlao-Vargas and
Bonifacio Mario Peña, Sr. were dismissed for lack of probable
cause. The charges for Plunder and for violation of Sections
3(a), (d), (g), (h) and (i) of R.A. No. 3019 were also dismissed
for insufficiency of evidence. |
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| Assist WELL is component of
national reintegration program: Baldoz says DOLE and its offices
“assist WELL” repatriates from Libya, Yemen |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| As overseas Filipino workers caught in the middle of the
horrible conflict in Yemen and Libya continue to arrive through
the government’s mandatory repatriation program, Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday
reiterated her assurance to them and their families that the
government, under the DOLE’s Assist WELL program, continues to
receive and assist them to ensure their smooth return to the
country. “The government stands ready at all times to assist all
our OFWs in crisis situations,” said Baldoz. “The Assist WELL
Program ensures their successful reintegration after their
repatriation due to emergency or crisis situations,” she added,
reminding repatriates to enlist for the assistance and services
under the program upon their arrival at the country’s airports.
The Assist WELL is a package of reintegration assistance and
services provided by the DOLE in convergence with its offices,
such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration,
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, National Reintegration
Center for OFWs, Bureau of Local Employment, and all DOLE
Regional Offices. Being implemented since 2014 pursuant to D.O.
139-14, Assist WELL is an acronym for welfare, employment,
livelihood, and legal—the four categories of assistance that
OFW-repatriates may need upon their return. As this developed,
Baldoz said the National Reintegration Center for OFWs, which
serves as the program lead and secretariat, reported that as of
7 April, a total of 5,552 repatriates from Libya have been
assisted through the Assist WELL program, most of whom
originally from Region 4-A (1,312); National Capital Region
(1,143); and Region 3 (1,047). NRCO Executive Director Chona
Mantilla reported that other regions recorded the following
number of assisted repatriates: CAR (228); Region 1 (339);
Region 2 (151); Region 4-B (57); Region 5 (247); Region 6 (295);
Region 7 (185); Region 8 (101); Region 9 (84); Region 10 (157);
Region 11 (57); Region 12 (75); Caraga (70); and ARMM (4). In
her report, Director Mantilla said the DOLE implements a
protocol of profiling repatriates at the airports, undertaken by
the Repatriation Assistance Divisin of the OWWA, which has
profiled 4,986 of the total, while the various DOLE and OWWA
regional officers profiled the remaining 566 walked-in through
the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE) / Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Most of
the repatriates, or 58 percent, requested to be assisted for
overseas re-employment; 55 percent requested for transportation
allowance from Manila to their home province; and 45 percent
requested for livelihood assistance. Under the welfare component
of the program, the types of assistance provided were airport
assistance and post-repatriation services, received by 4,939
repatriates; emergency cash relief under the Financial Relief
Assistance Program (FRAP), delivered to 5,552; provision of
temporary shelter at the OWWA home office, which 558 repatriates
availed; and provision of transportation, also at the OWWA home
office, which was given to 1,990. Only 87 availed of
transportation assistance from the OWWA’s regional welfare
offices; 57 availed of free calls; and 32 availed of
psychological counselling. A total of 341 repatriates, on the
other hand, received employment assistance, with 221 referred
for local employment, 105 referred for overseas employment, and
15 provided with competency assessment and certification for
repatriated workers. Furthermore, legal assistance was extended
to 569 returning OFWs. Livelihood assistance, on the other hand,
was provided to 853 repatriates; 781 were given entrepreneurial
development training; 57 were given TESDA skills training; and
15 were given skills certification. |
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| Update on alleged milk tea poisoning |
| Source:
http://www.doh.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) and toxicologists from the
UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH), obtained and studied the
footage from the food establishment to aid in assessing the
clinical manifestations and course of illness of the victims.
Samples of the milk tea ingested were also submitted for
examination. Preliminary results were negative for suspected
toxic substances. However, we have expanded the tests to include
biological samples such as blood, tissues, and gastric contents
from the victims as collected during the autopsy.
The situation appears to be an isolated event, pointing to a
possible case of poisoning. Let me emphasize that this is
isolated. In fact, this is the third time the couple bought milk
tea in the same food establishment. No untoward incident
happened during the previous intake. We appeal to the public not
to generalize the situation as many small and medium scale
enterprises are dependent on the sale of milk tea and similar
beverages.
A joint DOH-DENR Advisory concerning cyanide-containing
substances has been issued in 2010. Taking into consideration
the serious health impact of cyanide-containing silver jewelry
cleaning solutions, the DOH calls for the immediate passage of a
law making the sale and dispensing of these substances a
criminal act. Meanwhile, we urge the local government units to
pass ordinances banning these substances in their respective
jurisdictions.
We call on the public to be aware of the initial signs and
symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle
weakness, and impaired or loss of consciousness. Whether mild or
severe, the patient should be immediately brought to the nearest
hospital. Poisoning is deadly and immediate medical attention is
warranted.For inquiries, the National Poison Center-PGH, which
is open 24 hours and seven days a week,may be reached at the
following numbers: (02) 554-8400 local 2311, (02) 524-1078, or
0922-8961541. |
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| APEC TEL 2015 |
| Source:
http://dfa.gov.ph |
|
Over the past decade, global telecommunications have shown
substantial growth in providing widespread connectivity to
different regions and countries, thanks in large part to the
cooperation of participating countries in the various
initiatives proposed by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC).
In light of these recent developments, the Information and
Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science
and Technology will host the APEC
TEL 51 event
in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, from May 11-16, 2015.
The week-long event shall include the discussion of the APEC TEL
Strategic Action Plan 2016-2020 after its endorsement in the 10th APEC
Telecommunications and Information Ministerial Meeting (TELMIN
10). Various consortiums and workshops will also be conducted as
slated in the schedule that will tackle a multitude of topics,
all of which are aimed to achieve the common vision of having a
well-established, well-secured, and innovative ICT
infrastructure, services, and applications, as well as proper
honing of ICT skills and digital literacy.
Please click on the links below for the following:
For inquiries, please visit the ICT
Office website or
contact our Secretariat at (+63 2)920-0101 local 3106 or eMail
at apectel51@icto.dost.gov.ph. |
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