Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:
Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas.
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 15 April 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 15 April 2015 |
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Forecast:
The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly CLoudy in Lucena City
BULLETIN:
DOLE Sec. Baldoz warned OFWs in Libya that there is no approved job
order for nurses in Malta being processed by POLO in Rome. The warning
followed reports received by the Philippine Embassy in Rome about a
placement agency in Malta offering Filipino nurses in Libya with jobs in
Europe's medical sector, particularly in Malta and London.
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| Aquino optimistic stock exchange index will hit record high points before he steps down | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President Benigno S. Aquino III said he is hopeful that the Philippine Stock
Exchange (PSE) index would sustain its winning streak and reach the 9,000 to
10,000 levels before he steps down from office next year.
“I expect to ring the bell in celebration of the index breaching the
9,000 and 10,000 levels, hopefully before I step down from office,” the
President said during the bell ringing ceremony at the PSE in Makati City on
Tuesday morning. "In almost five years, we have seen the PSE index go from record high to record high, I’m told: 119 in total, with the index breaching the 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000 levels. The most recent all-time high was recorded just last Friday, when the index closed at 8,127.48 points, or more than double the index’s value the first time we were here together,” he added. The President said the winning streak of the PSE index “stands as a sound reminder of the optimism that continues to surround the Philippines.” "I am told that trading activity increased by 40 percent year on year, from P457.08 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P641.59 billion in the same period of 2015. Within that same period, net foreign buying also grew by 182 percent, from P17.33 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P48.87 billion in the first quarter of 2015,” he noted. President Aquino said he has been bullish on the country long before it regained prominence in the global economy because he trusts the Filipino people, whom he referred to as the country’s greatest resource. “This is why government has made critical investments in health care, social services, and education: we want to empower our citizenry to become greater participants in growing the economy,” he said. "Might I remind you today that the kind of success, the kind of governance we are experiencing can be a perpetual reality, and that our people will make that happen. I sincerely believe that, next year, Filipinos will choose wisely, and will choose someone who will likewise tread the straight path. Like any other sector, you have a significant role to play. As we celebrate this historic achievement, I invite you to join us in engaging all sectors, towards continuing this momentum—not only the momentum of our stock market, but also and more importantly, of our entire country,” the President concluded. Joining the President in the bell ringing ceremony were PSE Chairman Jose Pardo, PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Hans Sicat, PSE Director Eusebio Tanco, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and top officials of listed companies. PND (jm) |
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| APEC energy experts eye doubling renewable energy projects by 2030 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte) Energy experts have raised
the need to share successful renewable energy (RE) development experiences
among member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to
attain the goal of doubling RE projects by 2030. Director Mario Marasigan of the Department of Energy’s Renewable Energy Management Bureau, who co-chairs the APEC Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET), said it is important for member economies to share their RE roadmap so they could learn from one another’s experiences. The expert group began its 44th meeting on Monday at the Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel here with an overview of the Philippines’ renewable energy program. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific Energy Research Center (APERC) presented an outlook in doubling RE targets by 2030. Chrisnawan Anditya of the APERC estimated renewable energy share in total installed capacity to increase from 22 percent in 2012 to 33 percent in 2030 and 38 percent in 2040. He said renewable energy capacity is growing at 4.2 percent, with solar and wind power increasing annually at 11.11 percent and 6.2 percent, respectively. China is said to provide the largest share in total APEC renewable energy capacity with 45 percent in 2012. The figure is expected to increase to 63 percent in 2030, and 68 percent in 2040. The APERC data also showed that the Philippines is among the top five economies -- along with the United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Mexico -- with total installed capacity of geothermal power by 2030. For wind development, China (9.3 percent), United States (3.6 percent), Korea (25.3 percent), and Australia (9.7 percent) are set to add capacity for wind power by 2030. Attending the four-day meeting are representatives of APEC member economies Chinese Taipei, Hongkong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, United States, and the Philippines. Discussions on Tuesday included the status of current EGNRET projects; the development of project proposals for funding, and the trend of renewable energy under low oil price circumstances. A workshop on capacity building for Installers and System Designers for Solar PV Rooftop Installations will be held on the meeting’s third day on Wednesday, while a site visit to renewable energy facilities in the towns of Burgos and Bangui has been scheduled on the fourth day on Thursday. PIA |
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| President Aquino wants agencies to fast-track rehabilitation of ‘Yolanda’-affected areas | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed his
Cabinet to accelerate the implementation of rehabilitation projects covering
infrastructure, housing, livelihood, and social services in parts of Eastern
Visayas struck by Typhoon Yolanda two years ago. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during Tuesday’s press briefing that the President wants his Cabinet to prioritize the completion of permanent housing for 205,128 families in high-risk communities. Secretary Coloma said priority should also be given to the provision of on-site shelter assistance to 449,000 families whose houses were totally damaged, and 517,214 families whose houses were partially damaged by the typhoon. The National Housing Authority aims to complete all permanent housing units by next year, he said. The Palace official further reported that during the special Cabinet meeting on Monday, the President directed the Department of Budget and Management to ensure the timely release of funds to meet the target date of completion. Coloma also said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is expected to complete 56.7 kilometers (km) of national roads by June, out of 116.3 kilometers of national roads being constructed. Some 61 percent of the overall target of 1,852 lineal meters of national bridges will also be completed by June, he added. For other infrastructure, Coloma said 30 of 48 office buildings are expected to be completed by June while 56 of 99 flood control structures are expected to be completed within the year. “The government has also attained total or substantial completion of 106 municipal and city halls, 109 public markets, and 101 civic centers, restoring normalcy in the lives of affected residents and providing necessary government services to the communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda,” he said. During the meeting, the DPWH reported that 84 percent of 2,313 new classrooms have already been built or substantially completed while 56 percent of the 17,335 classrooms damaged by the said super typhoon have been totally or partially rehabilitated. "We expect the completion of classroom construction and rehabilitation by the second semester of the year or in time for the opening of classes in the next school year," Coloma said. The government has also achieved total or substantial completion of repair of 479 barangay health stations, 95 rural health clinics, 31 local hospitals, and eight other health facilities, he noted. The government, he added, has made substantial accomplishments in providing livelihood to 360,203 families through the Cash-for-Building Livelihood Assets Program, such as boat construction, farmland clearing, land preparation, and planting. The government this year will continue to provide these types of assistance to 211,879 families, Coloma said, noting that additional livelihood opportunities are being provided by private partners to 19,894 family beneficiaries. According to the social services cluster, the Commission on Higher Education has extended scholarships, incentives and other financial assistance worth P436.9 million to 56,272 student beneficiaries, while the Department of Education has reported the substantial or total completion of projects involving the provision of 6.47 million textbooks, replacement of damaged computer packages, and the nutrition or feeding program for 327,845 children. Coloma said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has completed the regreening program covering 43,070 hectares in Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas. There is also an ongoing mangrove and beach forest development program covering 12,323 hectares. On health care assistance, the Department of Health (DOH) has completed projects involving the provision of essential medicine kits, the procurement of medicine for the Western Visayas Medical Center and the Easter Visayas Medical Center, and the provision of complete treatment packs for 301 regional health units, Coloma said. The DOH has also completed a nutrition program for 226,625 children and has provided water disinfectants to 176,522 households, he added. Coloma also said the Department of Social Welfare and Development has been continuing its relief assistance to vulnerable sectors covering 77,739 families. PND (as) |
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| Palace condemns killing of former newspaper reporter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Malacañang has condemned the murder of a former
newspaper reporter in the province of Batangas. Melinda Magsino, a former correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, was shot dead by a man riding a motorcycle as she was on her way home in Barangay Balagtas on Monday. "We condemn the killing in broad daylight of Melinda Magsino, a crusading journalist while she served previously as a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police is coordinating intensive police operations to pursue her assailants and bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Tuesday. Coloma also said an inter-agency task force led by the Department of Justice, with the participation of the National Press Club, has been formed to focus on solving crimes against journalists. "Bahagi ito ng pangkalahatang programa ng pamahalaan na supilin ang kriminalidad na nagaganap dahil nga sa mga unlicensed firearms at ang iba pang mga related criminal activities sa ating mga komunidad. Kaya nandoon naman ang prayoridad na binibigay doon sa pangangailangan na pigilin ang mga ganyang krimen sa ating mga komunidad at magbigay ng kapanatagan ng kalooban sa ating mga mamamayan,” he explained. Magsino had reportedly exposed alleged corruption and illegal gambling activities in Batangas. PND (jm) |
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| Philippines focuses on diplomacy in addressing China's reclamation work in contested waters, Palace says | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine government's campaign against China's
reclamation work in the West Philippine Sea centers on diplomacy and raising
the issue with the international community, a Palace official has said. "Ang ating kampanya ay nakasentro sa larangang pangdiplomatiko at tayo ay patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan sa ibang mga bansang kasapi ng ASEAN and the entire international community," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told reporters during the daily press briefing on Tuesday. The Department of Foreign Affairs has said that Chinese reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea have already caused irreversible damage to coral reefs in the area. Secretary Coloma said that aside from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), many members of the United Nations are signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Philippines will continue to insist that the provisions of UNCLOS should be observed in addressing the dispute, he said. “Doon sa aspeto ng pagpa-patrol ng ating mga karagatan, dinadagdagan din naman natin ang ating pasilidad na patungkol sa Coast Guard at Philippine Navy; at nakapagtatag na tayo ng command center, na bahagi ng ating National Coast Watch System, so that we will have heightened situational awareness doon sa lahat ng nagaganap sa loob ng ating kapuluan,” he said. The country has lodged an arbitration case at the international tribunal, asking the judicial body to clarify conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea. The move has been strongly opposed by China, which said it would not participate in the arbitration case. The Philippines has also been pushing for the crafting of a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in the ASEAN. Aside from China and the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan are also laying claim to parts of the West Philippine Sea. PND (as) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) Bell Ringing Ceremony
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| PSE Ayala Trading Floor, PSE Plaza, Ayala Triangle, Ayala Avenue, Makati City | |||||||||||||||||||
14
April 2015
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| I distinctly remember the first time I rang the bell here at the Philippine
Stock Exchange (PSE) in September of 2010. Back then, the PSE index was on
the cusp of breaching the 4,000-level. We had good reason to believe that it
would, since both intra-day and closing record highs were observed in the
days prior. Now, looking back, I cannot help but think: how times have
changed, and might I add: for the better. In almost five years, we have seen the PSE index go from record high to record high, I’m told: 119 in total, with the index breaching the 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, and 8,000-levels. The most recent all-time high was recorded just last Friday, when the index closed at 8,127.48 points, or more than double the index’s value the first time we were here together. The only person—or two persons—that I have heard complain about the increasing stock index is Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and duly noted and nodded to, by Greg Domingo, who said that, if he were not in government, he could have doubled the money that he invested into the stock market in 2010. To which I replied, “Cesar, if you were not head of the economic cluster—ably assisted by Greg—then perhaps our economy would not be doing so well. We can only conclude therefore that, from 2010 to 2016, your fate has determined that you should be helping our economy grow and deriving satisfaction from helping our countrymen profit from their robust economy. Perhaps you can all remember this story, as a sign of all the sacrifices those in the Cabinet are making, each time some are ready to pounce on the government for a perceived wrong. In all seriousness, I am certain that no one can dispute the good news that is the doubling of the PSE index, which stands as a sound reminder of the optimism that continues to surround the Philippines. For instance, I am told that trading activity increased by 40 percent year on year, from P457.08 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P641.59 billion in the same period of 2015. Within that same period, net foreign buying also grew by 182 percent, from P17.33 billion in the first quarter of 2014, to P48.87 billion in the first quarter of 2015. The market of today is drastically different, and I am pleased to see that the PSE is adapting well. Next month, you will be migrating to a new trading system: the PSETrade XTS, which possesses an enhanced trading capacity and increased risk management parameters—for instance, I am told, the ability to recover from a system failure will happen in the same day. I have no doubt that this system will serve you well in the future, especially since I expect to ring the bell in celebration of the index breaching the 9,000 and 10,000 levels hopefully before I step down from office. I have been bullish on the Philippines long before we regained our prominence in the global economy, long before we achieved investment grade, and long before the all-time highs the PSE index has recorded. The source of my confidence is the Filipino people. Whether here or abroad, whether populating the stock exchange, studying in technical-vocational training centers, or working in offices around the country, the Filipino people have always been our greatest resource. This is why government has made critical investments in healthcare, social services, and education: we want to empower our citizenry to become greater participants in growing the economy. Just to give you one example: yesterday, at an event for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, it was pointed out that a TESDA-trained mechanic working in Australia now earns almost double the salary of the president of the republic. This is a story we want to continue replicating, which is why we continue to work towards inclusive and sustainable growth. Those of you who have bet on the capacity of the Filipino people are already profiting handsomely. Having seen what our countrymen can accomplish, you also know that there is no reason we cannot reach greater heights. Might I remind you today that the kind of success, the kind of governance we are experiencing can be a perpetual reality, and that our people will make that happen. I sincerely believe that, next year, Filipinos will choose wisely, and will choose someone who will likewise tread the straight path. Like any other sector, you have a significant role to play. As we celebrate this historic achievement, I invite you to join us in engaging all sectors, towards continuing this momentum—not only the momentum of our stock market, but also and more importantly, of our entire country. Thank you. Good day. |
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| Ombudsman indicts Cebu Mayor, 7 others for illegal mining | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict
former Mayor Avelino Gungob, Sr. and seven job order employees
of Consolacion, Cebu for illegal mining of limestone quarried in
November 2009. Gungob, Sr. along with Glecerio Galo, Leonardo Capao, Joeboy Dayon, Juanito Gerundio, Beda Comeso, Nicarter Yray and Dionito Mangilaya are facing a criminal charge for Theft of Minerals under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 (Republic Act No. 7942). The investigation found that members of the Cebu City Police apprehended three municipal dump trucks driven by Gerundio, Comeso and Mangilaya loaded with limestone or diorite while Yray, Capao and Dayon were caught in the act of quarrying the minerals without permit. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Gerundio, et al were following the instructions of Galo who, in turn, acted upon Gungob, Sr.’s order to quarry and transport the minerals. Section 43 of R.A. No. 7942 specifically requires a quarry permit before extraction of minerals can be done. The Joint Resolution stated that “good faith in ordering the extraction of limestone for the purpose of completing municipal projects cannot absolve [Gungob, Sr.] of any criminal liability under the special law.” In addition to the criminal indictment, Gungob, Sr. was found guilty of Simple Misconduct and meted out the penalty of suspension without pay for three months with accessory penalties. |
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| Philippines makes doing business easier | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Starting a business simplified to 6 steps and 8 days;
payroll-related payments reduced from 36 to 13 14 April 2015 Manila, Philippines—The Philippines today unveiled reforms simplifying the process of starting a business to 6 steps and 8 days, down from the existing set-up requiring 16 steps and 34 days. The government also announced e-government initiatives for accessible and convenient online transactions for payroll-related payments to Philhealth and Pag-IBIG, reducing the number of payments from 36 to 13 per year. In a press conference today, the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC), the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and 9 other institutions announced the launch of the reforms—a product of continuing work under the NCC’s Gameplan 3.0 synergizing government processes related to easing the conduct of business in the Philippines. Gameplan 3.0 streamlines and simplifies government processes across 10 transactions related to the “Ease of Doing Business” as measured annually by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC). Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima welcomed the reforms saying, “We are proud to show how it’s clearly more fun, and way easier, to do business in the Philippines. This is a whole-of-government approach with 11 other partners—I thank all of them for their hard work in this continuous process of making the country a better place to do business in. Together, we are making the business of realizing dreams in the Philippines ever easier.” The package of reforms involving starting a business included merging several steps together to create single-window applications powered by more interconnectivity across IT systems of different agencies, the removal of several outdated procedures, and the introduction of enhanced one-stop-shop procedures in local government units. These changes involved coordination and partnership across numerous government agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), BIR, SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, and local government unit Quezon City. The net effect is that the time it will take to incorporate new corporations, partnerships, and non-stock corporations at the Securities and Exchange Commission will be reduced from 16 steps and 34 days to 6 steps and 8 days. Initial roll-out of the reforms will begin at the SEC’s Manila office starting this month, where most companies are incorporated. Roll-outs will continue in succeeding months across all SEC offices and a full on-line system will be made available next year. Meanwhile, payroll-related payments to Pag-IBIG and PhilHealth are being moved online for companies employing more than 10 employees. Payments to SSS have already been moved online for companies with more than 10 employees since last year. Online banking facilities at Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines which require no minimum average daily balance for these transactions are being made available for enterprises. This will reduce the number of payments from 36 to 13 per year, representing major time and cost savings for businesses and entrepreneurs. Trade and Industry Secretary and NCC Co-Chair Gregory L. Domingo said, “We continue to be encouraged by reforms that will make our business registration faster, simpler, more efficient, and more transparent. DTI is committed to sustaining the momentum to achieve improved competitiveness and encourage inclusive growth. This ties in nicely as well with our role to boost the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These reforms will motivate SMEs to incorporate when they see the need to do so, as they start or run their businesses.” In discussing the simplified processes, NCC Co-Chairman Guillermo M. Luz said, “These game changers are effective beginning this month in the head offices of the partner agencies and Quezon City and will soon spread across the country. These two sets of reforms are part of a broader game plan that the Philippines, already recognized as the most improved economy in major competitiveness reports over the last four years, will be implementing as we continue to introduce changes and improvements.” The reforms were formalized in a series of memoranda of agreements and understanding involving the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG), Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, National Competitiveness Council, and the Quezon City government. Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras served as official witness to the signing. A full brief of the reforms, as well as the corresponding legal documents supporting the new policies, can be found on the websites of all partner agencies in the Ease of Doing Business initiative in the country. |
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| Pantawid Pamilya honor student urges fellow grantees to use grants wisely | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Topping his Grade 9 class at Bal-ason National High School,
Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, 15-year old Jachor McCollins
Calvo Opaon, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary,
cited the big role of the program in his academic success, and
urged his fellow grantees to study hard and not waste the
opportunity given by the government. “What we are enjoying now is a gift that must be used properly. Once we waste this gift, there is no way to bring the past back. It is sad to look back on the opportunities wasted and linger on the what-ifs,” Jachor emphasized in his message for his fellow beneficiaries during the school recognition ceremony. Jachor expressed his gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for promoting and implementing the program. He said that Pantawid Pamilya has helped him and his family pay for their basic needs. “The meager income of my mother, a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, and my father, a farmer, is not enough to respond to all the needs of my family,” Jachor disclosed. “Now, with the cash grants, we have a budget for our education.” Jachor said that he used the P500 monthly education grant he received for his school projects and daily allowance. He also thanked his parents for pushing him to be the best that he could be, and for always reminding him of the importance of education. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS). In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of Pantawid Pamilya to include the 15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from high school, and have a higher rate of employability. Academic Achiever Aside from leading his class, Jachor was also awarded Best in English, Best in Science, Best in Filipino, Best in MAPEH, and Best in Arts. The city government of Gingoog through Mayor Marie Guingona also recognized him as an outstanding Grade 9 student of the city. Jachor was also active in extra-curricular activities. He participated in the Regional Press Conference as editorial writer, and became a quiz bee finalist. He also placed third in a Mathematics challenge organized by the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines. Reiterating the message of Jachor to his fellow student-grantees, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said, “I agree with Jachor. The grants should be used wisely for their education. We know that the amount is quite small but if used the right way, it is a big help nonetheless.” She added that DSWD continues to partner with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the private sector to provide additional opportunities to student-beneficiaries, especially those who have graduated from high school. |
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| Community empowerment one of the thrusts of Aquino administration, says DBM head | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “The Administration’s larger vision [is] to empower communities
so they will no longer be passive beneficiaries, but will
instead be co-implementers of government programs and projects.” This was the statement given by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) head Florencio Abad during the second Asia Regional Conference on community-driven development (CDD), held last March 24-27, 2015 in Cebu City. CDD is a development approach that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the voice and the vote to participate in the local development process and identify solutions that will address needs identified by communities themselves. Through CDD, citizens work hand-in-hand with government and non-government organizations to ensure that their needs are met and they become actively involved in local processes. In the Philippines, the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) represents one of the biggest CDD programs in Asia and the Pacific, targeting 847 poor municipalities in the scaled-up program, which was approved last January 2013. The conference, which had representatives from 14 CDD-implementing countries, served as a platform for the participants to examine the gains and challenges of implementing and mainstreaming the community-driven development strategy in different contexts, including conflict- and disaster-prone areas. The event was sponsored by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the World Bank. Empowerment, good governance, and transparency linked together Secretary Abad, who opened the second day of the conference, discussed how CDD helps the government better address the needs of the people, especially the poor. “When we involve citizens in governance – from the formulation of policies to ensuring that the Budget has impact on their lives – we are making the government more responsive to the needs of those in the grassroots,” he said. He emphasized how empowering the citizens goes hand-in-hand with good governance, because it promotes transparency. “In strengthening transparency, citizens can finally scrutinize government decisions and transactions,” he said. “This way, we’re giving our people, especially those in the margins, their rightful chance to not only to have voice but also vote in policymaking, and to subsequently take effective and meaningful action.” “By strengthening public accountability mechanisms, we can deter abuses by those in positions of authority, besides ensuring that their actions and investments lead to more jobs and growth opportunities for the ordinary Filipino,” he continued. Participation of LGUs Secretary Abad also pointed out the important role of local government units (LGUs) in mobilizing citizens to become involved in the development process, emphasizing the importance of strategic devolution and local autonomy in developing the grassroots. “Our LGUs are in the best position to know the needs of their constituencies, and they have the access to community perspectives that the central government does not,” he said. “Even if we reform national government agencies and improve their ability to deliver services, we can only expand their absorptive capacity to a limited extent,” he continued. “If we are going to pursue sustainable solutions for our communities, we have to optimize the role of local governments and make viable arrangements so we can download more funds and responsibilities to them.” Bottom-up budgeting and Kalahi-CIDSS The devolution of responsibilities is one of the reasons for the bottom-up budgeting (BUB) initiative, a strategy of the Philippine government for the citizens, particularly the poor, to be able to participate in the local budgeting process to ensure that programs and services are responsive to their needs. Secretary Abad said, “Bottom-Up Budgeting opens up a space within which government and citizens can interact meaningfully.” He also discussed how BUB was developed partly because of the gains generated through the Kalahi-CIDSS, because the program showed the significance of community-level participation in local development planning, budgeting, and governance. Aside from using Kalahi-CIDSS as one of the bases for the development of the BUB, Secretary Abad also said that the government is in the process of merging its processes with the CDD program. Part of this is the inclusion of Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteers in the local poverty reduction action teams (LPRAT). The LPRAT is tasked with developing the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan (LPRAP), in which the programs and projects that address the needs of the poor in the municipality are outlined. It is composed of representatives from the LGU, national government agencies, and civil society organizations. Aside from the inclusion of Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers in the LPRAP in the 2016 BUB implementation, BUB funds can be used to support the implementation of CDD projects of Kalahi-CIDSS. In an earlier session during the conference, Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of DSWD said, “With Kalahi-CIDSS and BUB, the space is opened up and expanded for the political participation of underserved communities. It is a process of leveling the playing field and providing equitable access to resources and opportunities, especially to those [who] once belonged in the margins.” |
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| WB cites Regulatory Environment for Consumer Protection in the Philippine banking system | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The World Bank (WB) cited the financial consumer regulatory
environment in the domestic banking system in its “Republic of
the Philippines: Diagnostic Review of Consumer Protection in the
Banking Sector” that was published recently in the WB website. In the review, the multilateral lender said, “There is an impressive focus on consumer protection in the banking sector in the Philippines.” The WB said this finding is manifested through the wide range of laws and regulatory instruments issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) relating to such subjects such as Truth in Lending for loan products, credit cards, microfinance, electronic banking, investment products, responsible lending practices, confidentiality and data protection, cross selling of products, outsourcing of bank functions and compliance systems. The WB review also indicated that the “Philippines compares well with other economies on its approach to consumer protection in the banking sector (although there is no “international best practice” in the strict sense given the importance of the country context).” According to the WB, “This view is supported by comparing the position of the Philippines to that of 114 other economies surveyed in the 2013 Global Survey on Financial Consumer Protection.” The WB conducted the diagnostic review for the Philippines at the request of the BSP. To gather data, the WB mission met with representatives of the BSP and other government agencies; banks; non-banks; organizations representing financial industry entrepreneurs and consumers; and legal experts. The WB looked into institutional arrangements; the legal and regulatory framework; transparency and disclosure; business practices; complaints handling and dispute resolution mechanisms; and consumer awareness and financial literacy. Aside from the findings, the WB gave recommendations on enhancing the country’s financial consumer protection regulatory environment. The BSP, noted, however, that the Monetary Board’s initiative to formalize the Consumer Protection Framework for the banking system has been a step in the right direction because it substantially addressed said recommendations prior to the release of the findings. The BSP promotes consumer protection and financial literacy under its broader Financial Stability agenda. According to the BSP, financially-educated citizens capable of protecting themselves against financial frauds are essential to Financial Stability. The diagnostic review can be viewed at http://responsiblefinance.worldbank.org/diagnostic-reviews |
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| 'From build back better to move forward faster' - Roxas on Bohol rehab | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To ensure that rehabilitation efforts are on schedule, Interior
and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will visit Bohol
province today and will rally the support of Boholanos in fast
tracking the repair and reconstruction of facilities damaged by
the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013. According to the latest update on the DILG’s Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA), 57 repair projects totalling P9.7 million are already finished. Three of those projects are in Cebu province, which was also partly affected by the earthquake. In line with this, Roxas will make sure that P327.75 million from the BEA funds will be spent to finish eight projects in Cebu, and 198 repair and reconstruction projects in Bohol, including the P52-million public market of the municipality of Sagbayan. BEA covers the repair and reconstruction of various public facilities such as municipal and barangay halls, public markets, civic centers, day care enters, and health centres, among others. According to Roxas, all these efforts are meant to “fast forward” the rehabilitation process of these crucial public facilities, in order to bring quality services to the people at the soonest time possible. |
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| DOST roadshow highlights science in livelihood | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOST ROADSHOW HIGHLIGHTS SCIENCE IN LIVELIHOOD | Woven bags and other products such as those made by The Sarakat Women Weavers of Cagayan and Loom Weavers Association of Kayapa in Nueva Vizcaya, were among those on exhibit during the Cagayan Valley leg of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) nationwide roadshow dubbed “Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam” held in Tuguegarao City from March 24-26, 2015. The said weavers associations are beneficiaries of the DOST program called CEST or Community Empowerment through Science and Technology. CEST assists small enterprises by providing technology and innovation support, training, and consultancy to boost production and efficiency. Held at the Cagayan State University-Carig Campus’ Red Eagle Gymnasium, the exhibit was one of several activities during the roadshow which aims to highlight the fruits of the various DOST programs in every region of the country and showcase the key role of science and technology in livelihood and poverty alleviation. “Science Nation: Agham na Ramdam” makes its third and next stop in Butuan City, CARAGA region in May. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOTC, CAB aim to ban peak season overbooking of domestic flights | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proposed Improvements to Air Passenger Bill of Rights Now Under
Consultation The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) are aiming to improve certain provisions of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR), including banning the airline practice of overbooking during peak seasons, and capping overbooking during non-peak seasons to 10%. “While overbooking is an internationally-accepted practice, there should be a limit so as to protect the interests of passengers. We see no reason to allow overbooking of domestic flights during peak seasons because there is a foreseeable surge in the demand for seats, so most flights are full anyway,” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal. “The way airlines and the public view passenger rights has been vastly improved since 2012, when we issued the APBR along with the DTI. But we see the opportunity for further improvements. For example, we still see cases of passengers being denied boarding despite having valid tickets – something that should be dealt with more firmly,” he added. The proposed improvements, which are currently under review and consultation by the CAB, include: Shortening the period before a delay becomes compensable from 3 hours to 2 hours Banning overbooking of domestic flights during peak seasons Limiting overbooking during off-peak seasons to 10%, in accordance with global practice Fixing a minimum compensation for any passenger who is denied boarding due to overbooking Tightening up rules on flight delays and cancellations As explained by CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, these proposed improvements will help compel airlines to reduce flight delays and to adhere faithfully to their approved schedules. In the end, it is for the benefit of passengers. Arcilla also pointed out that the lack of a minimum compensation in cases where boarding is denied has oftentimes led to a stalemate in negotiations between airlines and their passengers when complaints are filed with his agency. The DOTC and the CAB are targeting to implement these improvements by the fourth quarter of this year, ideally before the peak periods of the All Saints’ Day weekend and the Christmas season. |
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| PHL Consul General welcomes Philippine Army officials in Hawaii | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 April 2015 - Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin
received Philippine and United States military officials on
April 04, led by the Commanding General of the Philippine AFP
Army Lt. General Hernando DCA Iriberri, Col. Cornelio Valencia
and Col. Adriano Perez, both from the Philippine Army, and Major
General James Pasquerette, Deputy Commander, US Army Pacific
(USARPAC), who paid a courtesy call at the Philippine Consulate.
Accompanying them were LTC Kristin Means of USARPAC; 1Lt. Glaiza
Roncal, Philippine Army and aide de camp; and Capt. Rey dela
Cruz, PN and AFP Philippine Liaison Officer to US PACOM. General Irriberi is currently in Hawaii to meet his United States counterpart to plan and discuss future Philippines-US joint activities as part of the annual Philippines-US “Balikatan” joint military excercises, in line with the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). The Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty was signed on 30 August 1951 in Washington, D.C., while the Philippines-US Visiting Forces Agreement was signed on 10February 1998 in Manila. These bilateral treaties underpin the strong Philippines-US defense and security ties. |
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| PHL Ambassador to Singapore briefs APEC Secretariat on state of PHL economy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 April 2015 - Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Antonio A.
Morales spoke before some 40 officials of the APEC Secretariat,
including Program Directors of the APEC Economies, on April 08
at the 4th Floor Conference Room of the APEC Secretariat in
Singapore. Ambassador Morales briefed the officials on basic
facts about the Philippines and provided an overview of the
Philippine economy. In his presentation, Ambassador Morales noted the unprecedented growth trajectory of the Philippine economy beginning in 2010 until 2014. He emphasized that last year, the Philippine economy grew by 6.1 percent, second to China. He attributed this sharp growth pattern to various factors, such as the Philippines’ very large but young population, the various anti-corruption measures that have been instituted by the current administration, as well as the structural changes taking place in the economy as a result of good economic fundamentals. He emphasized that “according to UN population projections, the Philippines will hit, in 2015, a ‘demographic sweet spot’ that will approximately last for the next 35 years. Countries in such conditions post an average yearly growth of 7.3 percent.” As a result of the favorable economic conditions, the Philippines “can no longer be labelled the sick man of Asia,” but is currently enjoying an unprecedented level of confidence from the international economy, said Ambassador Morales. “For the first time in the country’s history, the Philippines is ranked investment grade by the major credit rating outfits— Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s and Fitch. In the latest World Bank-IFC Ease of Doing Business Report, the Philippines jumped to 95 out of 189 countries worldwide, an improvement of 13 places from a rank of No. 108 last year,” he added. However, Ambassador Morales also noted that the Philippine government “is aware that while the economy is growing, there are still a lot of areas that need improvement.” “We still need to address poverty and try to make the economy more inclusive and sustainable in the long term,” he added. Towards the end of the presentation, a video clip on Boracay Island was shown. Incidentally, Boracay will be the host city for the second APEC Senior Officials Meeting(SOM2) and several other meetings in May. The audience were also treated to a traditional Filipino merienda of suman (rice cake) and cassava cake. |
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| Pag-IBIG reports best-ever housing portfolio in its history | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pag-IBIG Fund disbursed a total of P40.6 billion in 2014 - the
highest since 2011, for the housing loans of Pag-IBIG members,
equivalent to the acquisition and construction of 54,026 housing
units. 2011 is the year when the reforms were implemented after
the Globe Asiatique controversy in 2010. Not only did the Fund disburse the highest loan takeout in 2014, it also recorded its bestever housing portfolio, bringing to 87% its Performing Loans Ratio (PLR) from the 77% level in 2006, the lowest on Pag-IBIG’s record in the last ten years. With the figures, Vice President Jejomar Binay, concurrently Chairman of the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said that the agency has once again demonstrated its solid and robust financial standing, benefitting more Pag-IBIG members. The 2014 takeout level is 19% or a P6.6 billion increase from 2013’s disbursement of P34 billion. This increase is more than double the 9% or P3 billion average takeout growth since 2011. “Pag-IBIG’s performance could have recorded a higher figure, as we have 12,172 housing units worth P10.8 billion that the Fund has already approved but we have not taken out yet. The reason is that there are pending documents, but from our side, we have completed all the process steps. This means that process-wise, we have approved a total loan of 51.4B in 2014." Binay said. “In 2011, we started to implement reforms in the Fund. We strengthened our underwriting policies and removed program features that were prone to abuse. We also created a business development sector whose task is to provide proactive assistance to Pag-IBIG partners. We rationalized our interest rates, which resulted in lower costs to own a decent home. Now, we are reaping the fruits of those reforms,” Binay added. In the fourth quarter of 2014 alone, Pag-IBIG disbursed P11.9 billion, the second highest loan disbursement in a three-month period throughout the history of the Fund’s housing loans operations. President and CEO Atty. Darlene Berberabe beams with pride in sharing the outstanding results of its home lending operations for 2014. She shared, "Our Home Lending business has been competently managed and led by my Deputy CEO Acmad Rizaldy Moti. We went through tough challenges, but focus and decisiveness have helped us implement the things that needed to be done." Pag-IBIG Fund also recorded a collection of P32.0 billion from housing loan amortizations, P1.3 billion higher than the P30.7 billion collection target in 2014. Including collections from asset recovery, the total housing loan collections of the Fund amounted to P33.9 billion or P2 billion higher than the amount collected in 2013. According to Berberabe, Pag-IBIG uses email and texts to remind member-borrowers of their monthly amortizations and, in partnership with payment centers like Bayad Center and SM, now makes payment easier as such can be done even during weekends at the borrower's convenience. The Fund also outsourced to courier services the monthly billing statements to ensure their on-time delivery. On top of the improved service, the outsourcing has also provided the Fund a 50% savings on billing statement production cost. Berberabe added that one of best decisions made by Pag-IBIG was to tap the services of collection agencies to help the agency collect from delinquent accounts under a no cure, no pay arrangement. This initiative, she said, has generated for the Fund an additional P2.7 billion collection for the year 2014. Pag-IBIG records show that the total amount collected since the Fund tapped the services of collection agencies in 2013 already reached P6.0 billion.This means additional money for the Fund to lend out to more members. The collection effort converted back to performing loans 88,202 or 47% of the 189,498 total delinquent accounts endorsed to the collection agencies. “The innovative practices and hard work of Atty. Berberabe and its senior management, and the men and women of Pag-IBIG Fund made all these achievements possible. We are proud to say that the reforms instituted by the Fund, which adhere to the principles of excellence and good governance resulted in more Filipinos being able to provide decent and affordable homes for their families, as well as a sustainable Pag-IBIG Fund,” Binay said. |
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| Gov’t brings together investors, bank and financing institutions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The government is sponsoring a Meet and Match session between
its local and foreign investors on the one hand, and the banks
and financial institutions in the other. Some of the largest
banks and financing institutions in the Philippines and abroad
have been invited to set up their booths in the Rigodon Ballroom
2 of The Peninsula Manila from 3:00pm to 5:00pm of April 24,
2015. The government hopes that this Meet and Match session will provide a venue for the investors to interact with various banks and financing institutions for possible partnership and finance opportunities. It will also be an opportunity for the foreign investors to meet with local companies with whom they can partner with to participate in the country’s PPP projects. The Philippine PPP Projects have provided valuable opportunities for partnerships between international companies and local businesses. This Meet and Match session is open to all investors and is expected to bring around 200 investors, financial institutions and banks. This session is the culmination of the PPP Forum entitled Invest PPPs @PH: Bridging The Financial Gap, Exploring Partnerships. |
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| Ombudsman indicts Marine officers for clothing allowance scam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| mbudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of
Informations for Malversation and violation of Section 3(e) of
Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act)
against former officers of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC),
namely: Colonel Renato Miranda, Lt. Col. Jeson Cabatbat, Major
Adelo Jandayan, Capt. Felicisimo Millado and Capt. Edmundo
Yurong in connection with the anomalous utilization of the
Combat Clothing Allowance and Individual Equipment Allowance
(CCIE) totaling P36,768,028.95 intended for the benefit of
PMC-enlisted personnel. The Office of the Ombudsman found that in December 1999, the CCIE allowance amounting to P43.5million was released by the Philippine Navy and was liquidated through the payroll system and not as cash advances of the enlisted personnel. PMC officials alleged that out of P43.5million, P32.9 million was paid to suppliers while P4.2 million was utilized to defray other expenses, and that P6.2 million was transferred to the custody of the finance officer for payment of the remaining CCIE. Investigation showed that based on disbursement vouchers signed by Miranda, 19 checks all dated in April 2000 were issued in favor of Millado as PMC Commanding Officer. The checks were encashed and the proceeds were turned over to Jandayan. In turn, Cabatbat and Yurong certified and submitted falsified payrolls of the enlisted personnel. Upon verification and random sampling, 145 enlisted personnel stationed in various provinces denied receiving any allowance and signing in the payroll. In denying the Motions for Reconsideration, Ombudsman Morales stated that considering the amount involved, the military officials should have “exercised due diligence and prudence in entering into transactions involving funds” and that failure to do so “signifies [their] active participation in the anomalous transaction which resulted to the defraudation of the government.” On the other hand, the criminal charges against Brigadier General Percival Subala and Capt. Carolyn Bontolo were dismissed for lack of probable cause. |
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| Ombudsman axes DA officials for PDAF scam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the dismissal
from the service of several officials from the Department of
Agriculture Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU VI), namely: Regional
Executive Director Larry Nacionales, Accountant III Candelaria
Martinez, Officer-in-Charge Mira Talabong, Accounting Section
Chief Mae Nones, and Monitoring Staff Roger Salcedo after being
found guilty of Gross Misconduct in connection with the
anomalous implementation of agricultural projects in the 4th
district of Negros Occidental funded from the Priority
Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Senator Jose “Jinggoy”
Estrada, Jr. The Decision narrated that sometime in 2007, an undated project proposal was prepared and approved by Senator Estrada for the “Diversified Farm Assistance for Negros Occidental Agri-Producers” with a total budget of P20,500,000.00. In a letter issued in December 2007, Estrada requested Nacionales to implement the agricultural projects with JCB Foundation as NGO project implementor. The agricultural project involved the acquisition of 28 units of hand tractors, 28 units of rice threshers, 56 units of power sprayers and 5,000 bottle of Nobac Urban Organic Enzyme and Microbial Decomposition Activator including freight, shipment and delivery costs. Based on the Special Audit Report of the Commission on Audit (COA), several audit observations were uncovered such as non-delivery of the farm inputs and farm implements, falsified certifications for the equipment, simulated bidding, equipment and products were grossly overpriced by as much as 74.5% or equivalent to P14.2 million, freight, shipping, trucking and delivery expenses totaling P1,018,000.00 were without factual and legal basis, and the actual recipients of the liquid fertilizers could not be determined because the masterlist bearing the signatures of farmers did not indicate the quantity received by them. It was also discovered that the supplier for the agricultural equipment and JCB Foundation had the same address. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales stated that “there is gross inexcusable negligence when they merely signed the Certifications, Accomplishment Reports and DVs as well as record the transactions in the books of DA RFU VI when they very well know they should have conducted periodic monitoring and evaluation on the project as well as verified and checked the documents submitted by JCB.” Under the law, a public officer is guilty of Gross Misconduct if it is proved that he committed transgression of some established and definite rule of action, more particularly unlawful behavior or gross negligence. Ombudsman Morales also imposed upon Nacionales, et. al. the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and bar from taking civil service examinations. Meanwhile, the complaint against Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Roy Tio was dismissed in view of his death prior to the filing of the complaint. |
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| 92.5% of 2015 allotments to gov't departments already released; Abad: Early releases to pave way towards swifter budget execution | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consistent with the objectives of the General Appropriations
Act-as-Release-Document (GAARD) regime implemented at the start
of 2014, 92.5 percent of the 2015 allotments for government
departments and agencies have been comprehensively released by
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the first
quarter of the year. First quarter allotment releases from the GAA rose slightly in 2015 compared to 2014 levels with 80.4 percent of the programmed allotments for 2015 having been comprehensively released. This is an increase of 16.7 percent from allotment releases in 2014 over the same period. Meanwhile, the percentage of early releases for automatic appropriations almost doubled this year—from 47.1 percent in 2014 to 92.3 percent in 2015. Automatic appropriations refer to appropriations programmed over a period prescribed by law, through outstanding legislation requiring periodic action by Congress. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The latest report affirms our success with a major initiative towards more efficient budget execution. With this early release, we can speed up the implementation of projects and programs across agencies and departments, even as we minimize irregularities in fund releases.” Under the GAARD regime, departments and agencies can begin obligating funds, start procurement procedures, and enter into contracts without securing a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) from DBM. The GAA is used as the official release document, which facilitates speedier project execution and reduces bottlenecks. Below is a breakdown and comparison of the allotment releases for the first quarter of 2014 and 2015:
|
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| Items under automatic appropriations that had 100 percent of their
allotments released during the first quarter of the year include the
following: the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), Interest Payments,
Grants and Donations, and the Pensions of
Ex-Presidents/Ex-Presidents’ Widows. Meanwhile, the Retirement and
Life Insurance Premium releases were at 99.6 percent of program.
While the comprehensive releases to agencies have allowed them to
begin obligating funds since the start of the year, releases for
automatic appropriations still require clearance prior to release. Abad added, “The comprehensive release of allotments is one step on the road towards ensuring that every peso contributes to sustained, inclusive growth. On our end, we will continue to work with departments, agencies, and local government units to improve their spending capacity and procurement procedures. This is to certify that the funds we release will be spent swiftly and efficiently for the benefit of all Filipinos.” |
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| NHA, DSWD partner for sustainable livelihood communities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the
National Housing Authority (NHA) strengthened their partnership
and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to support the
implementation of the Cash for Building Livelihood Assets (CBLA)
Project. The MOA for the CBLA Project, signed on April 7 by DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and NHA General Manager Chito Cruz, aims to give opportunities for qualified housing beneficiaries in selected resettlement sites to avail of short-term employment to augment their daily income and to be able to update their housing amortization arrearages. The MOA signing ceremony was witnessed by 3rd District of Negros Occidental Congressman Alfredo “Albee” B. Benitez, Chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Development, who pushed for the implementation of this pilot project. Under the agreement, the DSWD allocated P79,176,528 from its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) fund to cover payment of services for some 2,763 selected resettled families in NHA sites located in Northville 1, Kasarival in Valenzuela City; San Jose del Monte Heights in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Southville 8 Resettlement Site in Rodriguez, Rizal. The CBLA project will run for one year starting this May 2015 up to April 2016. From the 2,763 beneficiaries, four batches will be organized. Members of each batch will work for 24 days per month for three months. They will be paid based on the regional minimum wage for the area. Part of their income will defray their housing arrearages and provide additional income to support their basic needs. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that addressing the housing needs of the poor should be complemented by livelihood, income, and employment opportunities. The CBLA Project is a capacity building strategy to increase the employability chances of the beneficiaries and increase natural resource building to be used for livelihood. Specifically, the CBLA Project supports the establishment of micro-enterprise development and employment generation such as jobs dealing with solid waste management, urban gardening, and slope planting protection. |
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| PHL bags investments project award for Asia at AIM 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippines won the Investments Project Award for Asia
during the recent Annual Investment Meeting (AIM), a leading
global forum for investment and strategic networking in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates (UAE). “This is a strong confirmation that the Philippines has been attracting the best investment projects in recent years that contribute to the country’s remarkable and sustainable economic growth,” Department of Trade and Industry-Industry Promotions Group (DTI-IPG) Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said. This award is a significant feature of the investment meeting, and has become a widely appreciated recognition of best investments promotion agencies (IPAs). Headed by Manalo, the Philippine delegation was composed of 44 representatives from 20 IPAs, local government units (LGUs), private businesses, and business organizations. This mission was organized by the DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) in collaboration with the Philippine Embassy in UAE. A total of 96 ready-to-go investments projects and business proposals were offered to potential investors. These projects are in-line with the focused sectors that the delegation intends to promote in the Middle East. These sectors are manufacturing, agribusiness, industrial estate development, tourism, infrastructure, logistics, and energy. Manalo noted that about hundred business-to-business meetings were conducted on site and outside of the investment meeting. The AIM is a three-day event focused on foreign direct investments (FDI). It provides various platforms for key stakeholders from the government and the private sector to interact and present their investment projects, programs and opportunities. During the country presentation attended by a hundred participants from UAE and other countries, Manalo underscored the impressive investment climate of the Philippines. He also discussed specific industry and project opportunities in various IPAs, and the vast growth potential of Mindanao, specifically on Halal products, infrastructure, and industrial estate development projects. “With our presence in this investment meeting, we expect to attract the right kind of investment projects in the Philippines given the country’s enabling business environment and supportive investment policies,” Manalo said. |
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| Roxas strengthens alliance between clergy and citizens against corruption | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “Huwag kang magnakaw.” This was the message of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, together with the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and civil society organisations (CSOs) of Pangasinan, to those who engage in corrupt and illegal practices, under the close watch of the Ugandan ng Barangay at Simbahan (UBAS) program. “Ang bawat bayan at syudad ay mayroong P15-20 milyong piso at ang taumbayan ang magsasabi kung ano ang pangangailangan ng tao, at kung saan nila gagamitin ang pera. Sila rin ang magbabantay kung natutupad ang mga proyektong ito,” Roxas said. Roxas and the UBAS technical working group headed by Sr. Ampy Hilot discussed the updates on the composition of their group, and how they handle Barangay Action Team (BAT) formation, Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) project monitoring, Full Disclosure Policy feedbacks, and Peace and Order issues. The secretary also met with Archbishop Socrates Villegas, to discuss the means to strengthen the campaign of the DILG and religious sector against corruption. “Kita natin na ongoing ang implementation ng UBAS. Ang laki ng tuwa natin na tuloy tuloy ang ating programa para pangalagaan ang pera ng bayan,” Roxas said. UBAS is a partnership between the barangays and the parishes to pool resources and synchronize efforts in the advocacy of good governance and the pursuit of projects and services for community development. According to Roxas, UBAS is also part of the deliberate, programmatic, and sustained approach of the government to ensure that national and local governance is anchored on transparency and grassroots participation. The event was attended by representatives of the Pangasinan clergy, officials from the DILG and LGUs, CSO representatives, police officers, city fire marshalls, and city wardens. |
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| Roxas: We can go far with BUB projects | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas led the
hundreds of leaders and members of Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs) in the very first People Conference of the Koalisyon ng
Mamamayan para sa Reporma (KOMPRe) for the whole Ilocos Region. "Hindi ako naniniwalang hanggang dito na lang tayo. Fast forward! Huwag na tayong magrewind pabalik sa baluktot na daan," Roxas said. Roxas interviewed representatives from different CSOs, addressing the challenges they encounter through linking them with other partner government agencies. According to Roxas, the province of Pangasinan has P636.7M budget for the Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) program, and one billion pesos has been allotted for the whole region one. Under the BUB program, the grassroots communities can create their own sustainable development plan through a demand-driven budget process. An example of the BUB project that Roxas brought up in the conference was the provision of 19 motorized bancas, boxes of Global Positioning System (GPS) powered Fish Finder, and brand new fishing nets to the fisherfolk of Dagupan. Funds were also used to sustain other government projects like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty reduction strategy that gives Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) to poorest households, provided that they comply with the conditions set by the program. Almost 4.4 million filipino families nationwide benefit from 4Ps project nationwide. "Ito ang pinakakonkretong ebidensya na kayo ang boss ng pamahalaang ito. Kasama sa Daang Matuwid ang pag-angkin ng mga mamamayan sa pamahalaan," said Roxas. Roxas assured that all programs of the government will continue with the help of the people, and the unity of the nation. "Walang iwanan sa tuwid na daan, We did all these and more because of people like you who are willing to work with the government and for the people. We have achieved much, pero marami pa ring gagawin," Roxas said. CSOs from the provinces of Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union were present in the KOMPRe People's Conference. |
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| GPH-MILF peace process seeks to address root causes of Mindanao conflict | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – The ongoing peace process between the Government of the
Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is
among the measures being pursued to substantially reduce threat
to security and peace and order in Mindanao from armed groups
that foment lawlessness and instability in the South,
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles
said on Saturday. “Peace between government and MILF means peace with the largest, most organized armed group which has been fighting government for decades. Ending this armed conflict means that this organized armed body ceases to fight the government and instead becomes a partner in addressing the problems facing the country, including problems of lawlessness in the South,” she said. “It enables the effective exercise of the rule of law over areas previously outside its reach and ungovernable. Certainly, that must have some value in achieving our national aspiration for shared security and shared prosperity,” she added. Her statement came after a published news report quoted a study funded by the World Bank which noted that political violence related to rebellion and insurgency inflicts the “largest human cost” that affect Philippine development. Deles said the government had early in the Administration concluded that negotiating with the MILF, which has concluded with a peace agreement and its legal iteration, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), would make efforts to address the root causes of the conflict in Mindanao more effective. Deles said despite efforts by critics to paint the Mamasapano incident as proof that the BBL won’t address the threat from armed groups in Mindanao, the peace agreement with the MILF and the establishment of the proposed Bangsamoro in the BBL would be an indispensable big step towards disarming not just the MILF but other threat groups in Mindanao. “The decommissioning process will cover not only the MILF but also other armed groups. Hence, the BBL will have a multiplier effect,” she said. Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and MILF signed on March last year, the MILF agreed to decommission its firearms and weaponry and its 11,000-strong Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) in exchange for the establishment of a political entity with genuine autonomy to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its fighters would undergo a normalization process so they could resume lives as ordinary citizens, and not as combatants anymore. The CAB -- a product of more than 17 years of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF -- has also made the MILF, the biggest armed group in Mindanao, to undergo a transformation from a secessionist movement to a political group with intentions to participate and field candidates in the coming elections. “The challenge is tough but unavoidable and doable through a combination of MILF cooperation and government law enforcement,” Deles said. “Rule of law begets trust and vice versa. Together both will encourage people to choose lawful ways to resolve conflict or to sustain life,” she added. |
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Last Updated:
14 APRIL 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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Dr. Chung-Hsien Chen (left), from the Ministry
of Economic Affairs-Bureau of Energy of Chinese Taipei, is chairman
of APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology. Director
Mario Marasigan (right) of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of
the Department of Energy, is co-chair.
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Director Mario Marasigan, of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, and co-chair of the APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology, said it is important for member economies to share their roadmap for renewable energy so that other members may learn from their experience. | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and PSE chairman Jose Pardo. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by PSE chairman Jose Pardo; San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang; and Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala upon arrival for the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14, 2015). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; PSE director Eusebio Tanco; and BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy; PSE president and chief executive officer Hans Sicat; Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; PSE director Eusebio Tanco; and BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi closed at an all-high since the start of the year. Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy; PSE president and chief executive officer Hans Sicat; Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. bell ringing ceremony at the PSE Ayala Trading Floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi closed at an all-high since the start of the year. Also in photo is Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. bell ringing ceremony at the PSE
Ayala Trading Floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April
14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has
since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time
record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi
closed at an all-high since the start of the year. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on the Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the meeting on the Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palaceon Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. Also in photo are TUV SUD Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, TESDA director-general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and deputy director-general for Policies and Planning Irene Isaac. (Photo by Ryan Lim / by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as TESDA director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva receives the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate from TUV SUD Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati in a ceremony at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. Also in photo is Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with TESDA director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla ang Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the Colors while singing the Philippine National Anthem during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa; US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg; and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and Isabela 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III, distributes financial assistance to family beneficiaries during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Tuesday (April 07, 2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through at the completed Lullutan Bridge during the inauguration ceremony in Barangay Lullutan on Tuesday (April 07, 2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; Isabela 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) The newly constructed Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. President Benigno Aquino graced the inauguration of this bridge on Tuesday (April 7). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm welcome from the locals during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Tuesday (April 07). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
Pia Laguna and Mark Pimentel Barroga shared a link.
Pia Laguna shared a link.
Huwag maniwala sa sabi-sabi. Alamin ang katotohanan ukol sa #Bangsamoro budget: http://t.co/9oH3Vmd6cx http://t.co/858A2gPX2R
QUEZON
CITY, April 15 -- The construction of country’s first Halal
slaughterhouse is now nearing completion and will soon become
operational, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
news.pia.gov.ph
NOTE OF SECRETARY COLOMA
14 April 2015
ON THE KILLING OF A JOURNALIST IN BATANGAS CITY
We condemn the killing in broad daylight of Melinda Magsino, a crusading journalist while she served previously as a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police is coordinating intensive police operations to pursue her assailants and bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice.
14 April 2015
ON THE KILLING OF A JOURNALIST IN BATANGAS CITY
We condemn the killing in broad daylight of Melinda Magsino, a crusading journalist while she served previously as a correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Task Force Usig of the Philippine National Police is coordinating intensive police operations to pursue her assailants and bring the perpetrators before the bar of justice.
--
SONNY COLOMA
Secretary
Presidential Communications Operations Office
2nd Floor New Executive Building
Malacañan Palace, Manila
(632) 735-3538
SONNY COLOMA
Secretary
Presidential Communications Operations Office
2nd Floor New Executive Building
Malacañan Palace, Manila
(632) 735-3538
From the Department of Finance:
From 34 steps and a total of 16 days—to just 6 steps and 8 days, doing business has never been easier. http://bit.ly/1app6Bm
From 34 steps and a total of 16 days—to just 6 steps and 8 days, doing business has never been easier. http://bit.ly/1app6Bm
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