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| Philippine government addresses issue on
trash-filled containers from Canada |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Philippine
government has been taking the necessary steps to address the concerns
regarding the shipping containers filled with wastes that arrived in the
country from Canada.
President Aquino said the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has already filed criminal
charges against the importer, Chronic Plastics, and the importing company’s
licensed brokers for the illegal shipments.
Some 50 shipping containers filled with various wastes have been smuggled
into Manila from Canada in June to August 2013.
During an interview with the Philippine media delegation covering his state
visit to Canada, President Aquino said concerned government agencies have
already taken steps to address the situation.
In February 2014, the BOC filed a complaint against Chronic Plastics and the
company’s licensed brokers for violations of the Tariff and Customs Code of
the Philippines, and the Toxic Substance and Hazardous Wastes and Nuclear
Wastes Control Act of 1990 (Republic Act 6969).
In December 2014, after the preliminary investigation, the Prosecution filed
a total of 15 criminal cases before the Manila Regional Trial Court against
the importer and the importing company’s licensed customs brokers.
The Interagency Technical Working Group (TWG) spearheaded by DENR conducted
Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) to determine the contents
of the shipping containers.
The results of the WACS conducted revealed that the shipping containers
contained "baled municipal solid wastes or garbage that contains residuals
which cannot be recycled, but can be treated and disposed of."
The TWG recommended that the "wastes be processed by recognized treatment
and disposal facilities complying with the applicable environmental
standards."
“The wastes are considered hazardous. They’ve been in the Port of Manila for
two years. They pose a risk to public health,” the President said.
President Aquino said the TWG recommended disposal of the wastes either
through cement kiln co-processing or direct disposal in a landfill.
“The processing and disposal of the wastes will be conducted once the
necessary court order is obtained,” the President added.
Last month, the RTC ordered the BOC to facilitate the disposal of the
illegal shipments, and to immediately release the container vans to Le
Soliel Shipping Agencies Inc. once the contents are properly disposed of.
“Currently, the Prosecution and the BOC are pursuing the necessary
inventory, documentation, and photographing of the wastes prior to its
disposal, to be used as evidence in the trial against the accused,” the
President said. PND (co) |
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| Filipinos in Canada impressed with
Aquino's leadership, governance --- Consul General |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) Members of the Filipino community
in Canada lauded President Benigno S. Aquino III’s effective leadership and
commitment to transparency and good governance.
During a meeting with the Filipino community here Saturday (Sunday in
Manila), Philippine Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said Filipinos here in
Canada are impressed with the “significant accomplishments” under the Aquino
administration.
“The community is impressed with your effective leadership and commitment to
transparency and good governance. They are proud of the country’s strong
economic growth and achievements,” Ferrer said.
“The community here shares your passion for inclusive growth and development
and would like to see the country’s economic gains to be sustained in the
years to come,” he added.
Ferrer also said the business and international community in this region
also recognized the Aquino administration’s accomplishments, citing that
some of the Canadian companies and enterprises based in British Columbia
already have investments in the country and “are looking towards expanding
these investments.”
President Aquino wrapped up his 3-day state visit to Canada with a meeting
with the members of the Filipino community living and working in Vancouver
before flying back to Manila.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia said President Aquino’s
meeting with the members of the Filipino community “is a recognition of the
outstanding contribution of the overseas Filipinos” in the country.
“It is also a testament of the Philippine government’s commitment to promote
the welfare and advance the interests of all our kababayans overseas,”
Ambassador Garcia told Filipino-Canadians here.
“Despite being away from home, they have not forgotten our country. In times
of great tragedy like Typhoon Haiyan, they quickly mobilized their resources
and gave immense contributions to the relief and rehabilitation efforts,”
she said.
“As Filipinos we keep looking back and keep giving back to our families and
communities back in the Philippines. This is why Filipinos here value good
and upright governance back home and are very comforted by your leadership
and steadfast pursuit for the straight and righteous path,” she added.
President Aquino and his official delegation returned to Manila Saturday
evening (Sunday in Manila) after completing a successful 3-day state visit
to Canada from May 7 to 9 and one-day working visit to Chicago, USA, on May
6. PND (co) |
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| President Aquino trumpets
transformation of PHL to Filipino community in Vancouver |
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(Vancouver, Canada) President Benigno Aquino III has
reported the continuing reforms his administration has instituted in the
Philippines when he met his “bosses” —- the Filipino community here in
Vancouver, Canada on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
In his speech facing hundreds of Filipino Canadians here, President Aquino
trumpeted the continuing transformation in the Philippines from being a
corrupt country into a progressive nation brought about by good governance.
“Aminin ko ho, maski ako, pagkaupo bilang Pangulo, naisip ko ring parang
imposibleng solusyunan ang mga problemang minana natin. Para po kasing kada
araw, panibagong anomalya at dagdag na problema ang ating nadidiskubre. Pero
hindi po tayo sumuko. Sa abot ng ating makakaya, tinutupad natin ang ating
panata: Ipamana ang Pilipinas na di hamak na mas maunlad, kaysa ating
dinatnan,” the President said.
“Maglilimang taon pa nga lang po tayo sa Daang Matuwid, pero nakikita na
natin ang transpormasyon ng ating lipunan. Nagagawa na nating posible ang
mga dating imposible. Itinututok natin ang paglilingkod, hindi sa sarili,
hindi sa gawaing tiwali, kundi sa kapakanan ng mas nakakarami,” he added.
President Aquino boasted of the reforms being felt by the country in the
economy, justice system, education, trade, employment, infrastructure
development, weather forecasting system, and Armed Forces modernization.
“Ang tutok natin: ituloy ang ating agenda ng reporma. Kung dati, pangarap
lang ang lahat ng ating napagtagumpayan, ngayon totoo na ang mga ito.
Tinutugunan na natin ang mga problema, para hindi na ito maipamana pa sa
susunod sa atin,” he said.
“Pinapalawak natin ang oportunidad sa bansa, at pinaghahandaan ang
kinabukasan, para hindi na maging sapilitan ang pangingibang-bayan. Batid
natin: Bigyan lang ng pagkakataon, tiyak, magpapakitang-gilas ang Pilipino,”
he added.
Canada is home to about 700,000 Filipinos. Around 136,000 Filipinos reside
in Vancouver.
With the presence of British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark and Minister
of National Defense and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney and Minister of
International Trade Edward Fast, President Aquino thanked Canada’s
government for taking care of the welfare of the Filipinos living and
working in Canada.
“Their respective works in the aspects of cultural relations and trade have
contributed in bringing our two nations closer to each other,” he said.
He described Premier Clark as a “partner” of the Filipino people.
He cited the Memorandum of Understanding concerning Cooperation in Human
Resources Deployment and Development, which the Philippines signed with the
Province of British Columbia.
“We indeed laud her efforts, and we hope to see more of her initiatives
translate to the mutual benefit of our countrymen here, and the rest of the
province and its communities,” said the President.
In her speech, Premier Clark commended the Filipinos for being “strivers.”
“People with a sense of adventure, people who are brave, people who are
loyal and patriotic, people with resilience and a capacity for hard work
and, most of all, the thing that we know the Filipino community best:
strivers,” she said.
She also announced the opening of “a million new jobs” in the province in
the next seven years.
“All of you, all of you can become part of that, should be a part of that in
running businesses. In becoming people who are going in inter-trainings —
lawyers, doctors, accountants, managers, pipe fitters, drivers, all of those
jobs, all of those bleachers are available for British Columbians and people
who want to participate,” she told Filipinos.
She also referred to temporary migrant workers as “potential new Canadians,”
which elicited a loud applause from the crowd.
For the part of Minister Kenney, he also welcomed the growing population of
Filipinos in Canada under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
He said that Canada will continue to work closely with Labor Secretary
Rosalinda Baldoz, whom he and Clark lauded for efforts to protect the rights
of migrant workers in Canada.
Kenney said the Philippines will be the top country for Canadian
humanitarian development assistance and a priority country for investment
and trade.
He also reiterated the potential exploratory discussions towards having a
free trade agreement between the Philippines and Canada.
“One of the decisions we have taken is to support the Filipino communities
who are working hard to send remittances back home for their families, and
so we decided to set up a framework for accountability, for remittance
companies to put forth greater transparency, to encourage them to lower
their remittance fees so people can send more of their support back to their
families,” he said.
Vancouver is the last stop of President Aquino’s 3-day state visit in
Canada. He also visited the cities of Ottawa and Toronto. PND (jb) |
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| Philippines, British Columbia ink labor
agreement |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) The Philippines and the Province of British Columbia
(BC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at improving the
plight of Filipinos here.
President Benigno S. Aquino III and British
Columbia Premier Christy Clark witnessed the signing of the MOU Concerning
Cooperation in Human Resource Deployment and Development.
The
cooperation was signed by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz
and British Columbia Minister for International Trade Teresa Wat in a simple
ceremony at Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver.
The labor agreement affirms
the strong friendship and growing ties between the Philippines and the
Province of British Columbia.
The MOU aims to facilitate the
employment and deployment of Filipino workers in British Columbia to meet
labor needs as identified by BC’s labor market information.
The
cooperation also aims to enforce existing regulations to protect the workers
and promote sound, ethical, and equitable recruitment and employment
practices.
The MOU is also expected to strengthen collaborative
effort to eliminate barriers on the certification, recognition, and matching
of skills and qualifications of Filipinos in accordance with the
requirements set by BC regulations.
Through the Philippine-Province
of British Columbia MOU, Filipino workers who wish to permanently work and
immigrate to BC will be assisted. PND (co) |
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| Vancouver-based firm to increase
investments in the Philippines |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) Vancouver-based Aquilini
Investment Group has committed to increase its investments in the
Philippines following a meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III on
Saturday.
Joined by some members of his Cabinet, President Aquino met
with the executives of Aquilini Investment Group led by its founder Luigi
Aquilini at Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver.
“Aquilini Investment Group
committed to increase its investments and businesses in the Philippines,”
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in
a statement.
“The Group has invested over P1.3 billion on a waste
recycling and conversion into energy facility in Cebu. The new plant will be
inaugurated sometime in the third quarter this year,” the secretary said.
Secretary Coloma said the Aquilini Investment Group is firming up in
agriculture, energy and tourism.
Also present at the meeting were
Aquilini Development and Construction Inc. president David Negrin, Aquilini
Renewable Energy Inc. president John Negrin, and Aquilini Mactan Renewable
Energy Inc. president Jesus Jayme Jr.
Joining the President were
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz,
Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Presidential Management
Staff head Julia Abad, Secretary Coloma, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary
Laura del Rosario,
After stopping in Ottawa and Toronto, President
Aquino and the Philippine delegation arrived Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in
Vancouver for the final stop of his three-day state visit to Canada.
Earlier, President Aquino met with British Columbia Premier Christy Clark
and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning
Cooperation in Human Resource Deployment and Development.
The MOU was
signed by Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and British
Columbia Minister for International Trade Teresa Wat during a simple
ceremony in Pan Pacific Hotel.
Before flying back to Manila,
President Aquino met with the members of the Filipino community at Vancouver
Convention Center. In his speech, the President thanked the people and the
government of Canada for being a gracious host.
“This is the last
engagement for our State Visit, and I must say that the people and
government of Canada have been truly gracious hosts throughout our stay,”
the President said.
President Aquino also conducted a one-day working
visit to Chicago, Illinois, on May 6 before embarking on a three-day state
visit to Canada from May 7 to 9. PND (co) |
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| President Aquino’s state visit to Canada begins |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III flew to Ottawa, the first
stop of his three-day state visit to Canada, on Thursday (Friday in Manila)
after completing a successful one-day working visit to Chicago.
Shortly after his arrival in Ottawa, President Aquino traveled to Rideau
Hall, the official residence of Canada’s governor general, where he was
welcomed by Governor General David Johnston and Mrs. Sharon Johnston with
military honors, including a 21-gun salute.
After the official welcome at 2 p.m. (local time), President Aquino held
talks with Governor General Johnston at the Large Drawing Room, Rideau Hall.
The meeting was followed by a tree planting ceremony.
President Aquino planted a red spruce (Picea rubens) on the grounds of
Rideau Hall to commemorate his state visit to Canada. It was located beside
the red maple that was planted by President Aquino’s mother, former
President Corazon Aquino, during her state visit to Canada in November 1989.
Later at 6:30 p.m. (local time), President Aquino will attend a state dinner
at Rideau Hall hosted in honor of the President’s visit by Governor General
Johnston and Mrs. Johnston.
On Friday (Saturday in Manila), the President will participate in a
tête-à-tête meeting with his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Stephen
Harper. They will also witness the signing of agreements that will
strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
President Aquino’s visit to Canada will focus on building on
people-to-people ties, strengthening trade and investment relationship, and
expanding cooperation on development and regional security between Canada
and the Philippines.
The three-day state visit, which will include stops in , Toronto and
Vancouver as well, is President Aquino’s first visit to Canada since taking
office in 2010.
Philippine Ambassador to Canada Petronila Garcia said the visit is a
“reciprocation” of the visit of Prime Minister Harper to the Philippines in
2012.
Garcia said the visit is also an opportunity for the President to
“reconnect” with the Filipinos in Canada, which is home to almost 700,000
Filipinos.
“This is a very important visit because it comes in a very good time. Canada
is at the juncture where it is expanding its horizon towards Asia, and the
Philippines is the fastest growing economy in the region,” Garcia said.
After Ottawa, President Aquino, accompanied by the Philippine delegation,
will travel to Toronto on Friday (Saturday in Manila) after which he will
proceed to Vancouver. PND (co) |
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| President Aquino plants a tree at Rideau Hall |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III
attended the ceremonial tree planting at the grounds of Rideau Hall, the
official residence of the governor general of Canada, when he arrived here
on Thursday (Friday in Manila).
Accompanied by Governor General of Canada David Johnston and his spouse,
Sharon Johnston, President Aquino planted a red spruce (Picea rubens) next
to the red maple planted by his late mother, former president Corazon Aquino,
during her state visit to Canada in 1989.
Governor General Johnston presented President Aquino the same spade used by
his mother to heap soil on the base of his tree.
In his short remarks prior to the tree planting, Governor General Johnston
said the tree symbolizes President Aquino's first visit to their country and
the lasting friendship between the Philippines and Canada.
"Today, you will, quite literally, follow in your mother’s footsteps, who
not only visited Canada in 1989 as president, but who also planted a tree at
Rideau Hall. Soon, you will plant your own tree by your mother’s to mark
this visit," Johnston said.
"What a wonderful legacy for your family. Reminds me of one of my favorite
proverbs: 'Blessed is the man or the woman who plants a tree knowing that he
or she will not be there to enjoy its shade'," he added.
There to witness the ceremonial tree planting were some members of President
Aquino's delegation -- Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary
Gregory Domingo, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Labor
Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
Director General Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras,
and head of the Presidential Management Staff Julia Abad.
Planting a tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall is a tradition carried out by
heads of state, members of the Royal Family, and other dignitaries who visit
the Canadian governor general’s official residence.
The tradition began in 1906 and prominent guests who have planted their own
trees include the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Elizabeth II, and
Japan’s Imperial Majesties Akihito and Michiko.
Former president Fidel Ramos planted an Ohio buckeye when he made his state
visit to Canada in 1997.
Aside from Ottawa, President Aquino will also visit the cities of Toronto
and Vancouver during his three-day tour of Canada. PND (jb) |
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| Philippines, Canada agree to deepen
bilateral ties |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) The Philippines and Canada have
pledged to further strengthen their bilateral relations during the state
visit of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the country.
President Aquino arrived in Ottawa on Thursday
afternoon and was welcomed by Governor General David Johnston and Mrs.
Sharon Johnston with military honors at Rideau Hall, the official residence
of the governor general of Canada.
The President is on a three-day visit to Canada,
which will also have stops in Toronto and Vancouver.
In his short remarks following the official welcome
ceremony, President Aquino said the Philippines is looking forward to
strengthening its “robust relations” with Canada.
“I believe that if we continue engaging one
another, as we have done in the past, then we can turn our collective
aspirations of meaningful shared progress that is inclusive, into tangible
realities sooner rather than later,” he added.
For his part, Governor General Johnston recognized
Canada’s strong and growing relations with the Philippines.
“The dialogue we engage in is vital to the strength
of our relationship. In our modern age, we must be able to communicate. We
know this today, just as those who forged our initial links knew, that we
would find more success when we work together,” he said.
The governor general said the Philippines and
Canada have so much in common.
“Yours is one of the most vibrant and rapidly
developing regions in the world, with great opportunities to achieve success
and some new challenges to overcome,” he said.
“Canada, in turn, is pleased to support the
Philippines’ long-term commitments in areas of security, disaster
management, development and humanitarian aid,” he added.
The welcome ceremony was followed by President
Aquino’s courtesy call on Governor General Johnston and the ceremonial tree
planting at the grounds of Rideau Hall. PND (co) |
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| President Aquino pays courtesy call
on Canada’s Governor General |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III on
Thursday afternoon (Friday in Manila) paid a courtesy call on Canada’s
Governor General David Johnston at the latter’s official residence, Rideau
Hall.President Aquino held a cordial meeting
with Governor General Johnston after the official welcome ceremony, held in
honor of the visiting President upon his arrival here.
The courtesy call is part of President Aquino’s
three-day state visit to Canada, which includes stops in Toronto and
Vancouver—both of which are home to large Filipino communities—apart from
Ottawa.
Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said
Governor General Johnston expressed admiration “for the great strides made
by the Aquino administration in terms of placing the Philippine economy on a
high growth trajectory”.
President Aquino, on the other hand, attributed the
country’s economic growth to good governance and treading the right path.
“President Aquino said that good governance and
pursuing the righteous path were largely instrumental in enabling the
Philippines to achieve a turnaround,” Secretary Coloma said in a statement.
He said the President also cited the significant
gains from “doing the right things right” in infrastructure development, as
well as in poverty reduction and social amelioration.
President Aquino also mentioned the government’s
conditional cash transfer program, as well as programs to clear backlogs in
classrooms and textbooks and in propagating universal health care coverage.
During the talks, the President thanked the
governor general for his country’s significant assistance during the
aftermath of super typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in November
2013. He also cited Canada’s contribution to the advancement of the peace
process in Mindanao.
President Aquino also lauded Canada’s National
Research Council “for its scientific and technological breakthroughs,
including those in acoustics and sound technology, that he himself has seen,
being a music-oriented person.”
For his part, Governor-General Johnston expressed interest in the possible
participation of Canadian companies in the government’s public-private
partnership program.
The governor general also expressed interest in the
further development of the Philippines as a center for the offshoring of
communication services and for business process outsourcing.
Coloma said the two leaders exchanged notes on the
promotion of small and medium enterprises, which Canada has also vigorously
supported.
Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, who joined the
President in the meeting, shared the Philippines’ experience in setting up
roving academies and training workshops, as well as setting up shared
facilities for start-up enterprises in the coffee, coconut, and loom weaving
industries.
Also joining the President were Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Cabinet Secretary Jose
Rene Almendras, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan,
Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad, Coloma, Foreign Affairs
Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, and Philippine Ambassador to Canada
Petronila Garcia.
Governor General Johnston was joined in the meeting
by his spouse, Mrs. Sharon Johnston, Deputy Secretary Patricia Jaton, and
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder. PND (co) |
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| Palace welcomes Philippines’ higher rank in
travel and tourism competitiveness report |
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Malacañang on Friday welcomed the 2015 World Economic
Forum (WEF) report, moving the Philippines up eight notches to the 74th
position in a list of 141 countries with sound travel and tourism
environment.Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
Abigail Valte considered this an “improvement,” as the country was ranked
82nd out of 140 nations in the WEF’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index
released in 2013.
Valte attributed the rise in the Philippines’
ranking this year to the many strides taken by the government toward the
implementation of its tourism development plan.
According to the report, the Philippines fared
prominently in the areas of price competitiveness (24th), prioritization of
travel and tourism (27th), and international openness (29th).
“We continue to see this in the figures of visitor
arrivals that we have because from 2010, it has consistently been going up.
At the end of 2014, we logged in 4,833,368 international visitor arrivals
for the year,” Valte said.
Valte meanwhile acknowledged that more work still
need9 to be done as the Philippines continues to lag behind other countries
in terms of ground and port infrastructure (93rd), and safety and security
(128th).
“Tourism is not just the responsibility of the
Department of Tourism, but also the responsibility of departments that have
something to do with tourism, mainly the airports under the DOTC (Department
of Transportation and Communications), and the DPWH (Department of Public
Works and Highways) for fixing roads that lead to tourist destinations,” she
said.
She also mentioned that the national Tourism
Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program remains
at work to make sure there is ample police presence in areas frequented by
foreign visitors.
Other aspects where the Philippines needs
improvement are environmental sustainability (122nd), health and hygiene
(91st), and information and communications technology readiness (86th). PND
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| New access road to Bukidnon tourist spot
completed |
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A P150-million road leading to one of Bukidnon’s top
tourist attractions has been completed, a Palace official announced on
Friday.Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
Abigail Valte said the new access road, built by the Department of Public
Works and Highways under the Tourism Infrastructure Program, is located in
Sitio Kalanganan, Barangay San Vicente in the town of Baungon.
Valte said the new road makes it easier for
tourists to visit the Rafflesia Yard, which has been declared by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a critical habitat of the
largest flower in the Philippines – the Rafflesia, known locally as ‘bo-o’
or ‘kolon busaw.’
“It is the second largest flower in the world, with
a diameter that can reach up to 80 centimeters. Because of the new access
road that has been built and completed, our visitors and our tourists will
now have an easier time to access the flower yard,” she explained during a
press briefing.
The Rafflesia in Bukidnon was reportedly identified
by botanist Ulysses Ferreras as the Rafflesia Schadenbergiana Goppert that
was thought to be extinct. The flower was last seen by German Alex
Schandenberg on Mount Apo in 1881 before it was again found in Bukidnon 126
years later.
Aside from the rare flower, Bukidnon is also home
to four of the country’s Top 10 highest peaks. These are Mt. Dulang-Dulang
(2nd), Mt. Kitanglad (4th), Mt. Kalatungan (5th), and Mt. Maagnaw (8th). PND
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| Eastern Visayas workers receive pay
hikes; 10 other Regional Wage Boards reviews wage situation as wage
orders reach anniversary dates |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday said that 10 wage orders in as many regions have
reached the anniversary dates of issuance and, therefore, their
respective Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards
(RTWPBs) are already assessing the socio-economic conditions in
these regions. "The concerned wage boards in these regions are
already in various stages of review, assessment, and
consultations the results of which are to form as one of the
basis for a decision on the wage issue," Baldoz said. In Eastern
Visayas, the labor and employment chief said the Regional
Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) had issued Wage
Order No. RBVIII-18 which grants a two-tranche P14.50-increase
in the daily wage of workers in the non-plantation sector of the
sugar industry; provides for the integration into the basic pay
of the existing P15 cost-of-living allowance (COLA) ordered in
the previous W.O. No. RBVIII-16; and a P6 increase in the daily
wage rates of retail and service workers employed in
establishments with 10 workers and below. “This latest wage
order also provides that all private sector workers in the
region shall continue to receive the P7 cost-of-living allowance
prescribed in the previous W.O. No. RBVIII-17 issued in October
2012,” Baldoz explained. She noted that the wage order, in
effect, eliminates wage rates that are below the poverty daily
threshold, a goal in the first tier of the two-tiered wage
reform system that the DOLE has been pursuing. The RTWPB in
Eastern Visayas has motu proprio adjusted the pay of
non-plantation sugar industry workers from P221 to P228 under
the new wage order, while plantation workers in the sugar
industry will have their wage rates adjusted from P228 to P235
per day. Sugar plantation the region is concentrated in the
western part of Leyte with about 14,000 workers. Baldoz also
explained that the regions whose wage orders have reached one
year or are nearing their anniversary dates were the Cordillera
Administrative Region, Regions 1, 2, 4-A, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, and
the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). "The concerned
wage boards in these regions are already in different stages of
consultations as basis for a decision on the wage issue," said
Baldoz, adding that in arriving at a decision to adjust minimum
wages, the RTWPBs—which are composed of representatives from the
labor and employer sectors, as well as representatives of the
regional offices of the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry,
and National Economic Development Authority—take into
consideration the impact of changes in the consumer price index
(CPI), or inflation rates, among other factors, on workers’
purchasing power. The prevailing wage order of the Cordillera
Administrative Region has reached a year old on 3 February and
the wage board there has already conducted public hearings, the
latest of which was on 17 April. In Region 1, its existing wage
order reached its anniversary date on 5 February and the wage
board has scheduled public hearings on 18 May in Vigan; 19 May
in San Fernando, La Union; and on 20 May in Dagupan City. In
Region 2, the second tranche of the increase provided in the
existing wage order took effect on 1 January 2015. In the
CALABARZON region, the anniversary date of the existing wage
order was last 1 1 May, while in Region 5, on 16 January 2015.
In Region 7, the wage board has already schedules provincial
consultations on 14 May in Tagbilarab City; on 21 May in
Dumaguete City; on 11 June in Bogo City; and on 18 June in Cebu
City. The existing anniversary date of the wage order in Region
11 is near approaching, on June 1; while in the ARMM, the
anniversary date of the existing wage order was on 1 February.
Meanwhile, the wage orders existing in Regions 9 and 10 have yet
to issue a wage order after granting wage increases on 10 June
2013 and 20 June 2013, respectively, but in the case of Region
10, the wage board has already concluded a public hearing last
17 April. Secretary Baldoz said that comparing real minimum
wages upon the effectivity of a wage order to its level one year
after is used as basis for computing the amount needed to
restore erosion, if any, in the real minimum wage. She also said
that the wage boards also consult with other government
agencies, as well as with employers and labor organizations, in
their conduct of studies to determine if prevailing wage and
socio-economic conditions would warrant wage adjustments, as the
wage rules provide. |
|
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| Baldoz urges workers in informal
economy to develop skills to enhance employability |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph/ |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday urged workers in the informal economy to widen and
develop their skills so they could enhance their employability
and, thus, improve their living conditions.
In her keynote address read by Undersecretary Ciriaco A.
Lagunzad III at the commemoration of Labor Day for Workers in
the Informal Economy, held at the Occupational Safety and Health
Center in Quezon City, Baldoz said:
“Isasaalang-alang natin ang pangkasalukuyang layunin ng ating
pamahalaan na palawigin pa ang kaalaman at kakayahan ng mga
manggagawa sa impormal na ekonomiya upang magkaroon ng disenteng
kabuhayan ang nakararami sa inyo. Kaakibat ng layunin na ito ay
ang adhikain na sabay-sabay na mai-angat ang estado ng pamumuhay
ng lahat ng mamamayan.”
Over 200 workers in the informal economy attended the whole-day
event, which ran on the theme, “Aming Kasanayan Tungo Sa
Disenteng Kabuhayan”.
In her address, Baldoz said skills enhancement is also a way for
workers in the informal sector to equip themselves and be ready
for the implementation of the ASEAN integration this year.
“Bagamat ito ay magbubukas ng maraming oportunidad sa bansa,
nananatiling hamon pa din sa pamahalaan na tiyaking handa ang
ating mga manggagawa upang makasabay sa kumpetisyon na dulot
nito. Kaya naman pina-iigting natin ang mga programa na
makapagbibigay ng sapat na kaalaman, kakayahan, at oportunidad
sa mga manggagawa,” said Baldoz.
In the Philippines, workers in the informal sector (WIS)
constitute a big portion of the country’s labor force or 39.1
percent of the total employed workers based on the January 2015
Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Workers in this sector are in various industries, such as
agriculture, forestry, fishing and services.
Baldoz assured the participants in the event that the enhanced
social protection operational framework and strategy of the
government guarantees an intensified implementation of programs
and services that will enhance the capabilities and provide
protection to workers in the informal sector. One of these
programs and services is the provision of opportunities for
short-term employment, especially to workers displaced by
economic crisis/calamities.
During the event, the DOLE National Capital Region conducted an
orientation for the informal workers on the DOLE Integrated
Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.
Also, the DOLE, through the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) distributed cash vouchers to 70
informal workers for competency assessment and certification.
The skills which will be assessed by the Association of
Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW) included those of
computer technician, electrical and installation maintenance,
carpentry, painting, scaffolding, plumbing, and masonry. To the
recipients of the cash vouchers, Baldoz told them:
“Kayo po ang dahilan kung bakit kami ay pursigidong mamuhunan sa
pamamagitan ng mga programa at serbisyo sapagkat kami ay
naniniwala na ang ating mga manggagawa ang may kakayahan na
lumikha ng yaman tungo sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan,” said Baldoz.
She urged the ACIW to work hand-in-hand with DOLE to promote
social protection and improve the employability of their members
through skills enhancement.
“Kailangan lang natin ang malakas at matibay na “partnership” o
pagtutulungan, upang makamit natin ang ating layunin--ang
patuloy na matulungan ang ating mga manggagawa at kababayan
upang makahanap ng disente at maayos na pagkakakitaan,” she
said.
The TESDA also conducted skills demonstration on food
processing, flower arrangement, fashion accessories-making, and
bag- and wallet-making during the one-day event.
The Labor Day Celebration for Workers in the Informal Economy is
aimed at giving due recognition to the economic and social
contributions of workers in the informal sector and to
strengthen their competitiveness and employability. |
|
|
|
| End-April 2015 GIR level rises to
US$80.8 billion |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Preliminary data showed that the country’s gross international
reserves (GIR) rose to US$80.8 billion as of end-April 2015,
compared to the end-March 2015 GIR of US$80.5 billion, Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr.
announced today.1 The US$0.3 billion increase in reserves was
due mainly to the National Government’s (NG) net foreign
currency deposits and the BSP’s income from investments abroad.
These were partially offset by the NG’s payments for its
maturing foreign exchange obligations and revaluation
adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings.
The end-April 2015 GIR level remains ample as it can cover 10.6
months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and
income. It is also equivalent to 4.8 times the country’s
short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.7
times based on residual maturity.2
Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference
between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also
increased to US$80.8 billion as of end-April 2015, compared to
the end-March 2015 NIR of US$80.4 billion.
---------------------
1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th
day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website
under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the
19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working
holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to
the 19th.
2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to
outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or
less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of
the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12
months. |
|
|
|
| Financial Literacy Summit 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco,
Jr. highlights the importance of financial literacy for
millennials during the Financial Literacy Summit on 15 April
2015 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Millennials, those
aged 15-34 years old, make up 35% of the Philippine population
and 47.8% of the workforce. Financial capability for this
generation is important as they are and will be moving to be key
decision makers in business and industry.
Forming the panel with the Governor are (from left) Canada’s
Financial Consumer Agency Commissioner Lucie Tedesco;
Australia’s Parliament Secretary, Honorable Steven Ciobo MP; and
Haiti’s Banque de la République d'Haiti (Central Bank of Haiti)
Executive Board Member Georgette Jean-Louis. |
|
|
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| DSWD readies relief supplies as ‘Dodong’
enters PAR |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
announced today that it has enough stockpile of relief goods and
standby funds to ensure that the residents in areas projected to
be affected by Tropical Storm ‘Dodong’ will have enough
supplies.
As of 5 a.m. today, ‘Dodong’ has entered the Philippine Area of
Responsibility (PAR) east of Visayas.
To date, 439,808 family packs amounting to P153.77 million are
available in all DSWD-Field Offices nationwide, including some
91,667 family packs stockpiled at the National Resource
Operations Center in Pasay City. These are ready for
distribution, when needed, to local government units that will
be affected by the tropical storm.
On the other hand, a total of P67.1 million standby funds is
also available in all DSWD-Field Offices for the purchase of
emergency relief supplies.
A part of its disaster preparedness, all DSWD disaster teams are
on standby, ready to be activated and deployed to disaster
areas.
Assistance to IDPs
Meanwhile, the DSWD also continues to provide assistance to the
internally displaced families as a result of the continuing
armed conflict in Mindanao which has already affected a total of
35,697 families or 177,456 persons.
As of May 6, some 33 evacuation centers remain open housing
8,101 families or 40,435 persons. Twenty nine of the evacuation
centers are located in five towns in Maguindanao and in four
towns in North Cotabato. |
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| Future of broadband wireless access to
be determined in Global Confab in PH |
| Source:
http://icto.dost.gov.ph |
|
Experts on latest ICT innovations will come together for the
Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) Global Summit, to be held at the
Manila Peninsula from May 6 to 8. Foreign delegates will take
part in various conferences as they talk about the latest
developments in dynamic spectrum access technology, as well as
exploring different regulation strategies, initiatives, and
business strategies that will aid in enabling governments,
businesses, and communities to harness this resource, reduce the
costs of wireless bandwidth, and provide reliable and affordable
broadband access in both urban and rural settings.
The Philippines is one of the countries among the other
Southeast Asian nations that has a significant number of its
population that are struggling when it comes to connectivity.
The DSA Global Summit will gather industry experts to discuss,
debate, and demonstrate the impact of Dynamic Spectrum in
various aspects within the context of a social and business
economy.
Dynamic spectrum access and management is essential for
cognitive radio devices, which can scan and utilize available
radio frequencies for data communication, allowing for efficient
use of radio electromagnetic spectrum that is reliable whenever
and wherever needed.
One of the dynamic spectrum technologies implemented in the
country is TV White Space, which communicates with a database to
locate available frequencies in an area. TVWS has been utilized
in areas affected by the Bohol Earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda,
and will be used to provide last mile connectivity in remote
areas for the Free Wi-Fi Internet in Public Spaces project of
the DOST-Information and Communication Technology Office.
Keen on hosting the event, Undersecretary Louis Napoleon C.
Casambre of the DOST – ICT Office is positive that the summit
will provide significant inputs on the development of the TVWS
program.
“Broadband access particularly in the rural areas of the country
can contribute significantly to socio-economic development and
is a key component for inclusive growth that we aspire for.”
Usec. Casambre said.
The importance of ICT technologies in development has been
brought to light with its capabilities in improving various
sectors of the society, such as production, transportation,
education, e-healthcare and even disaster management. According
to Prof H. Nwana, executive director of DSA, development of ICTs
in Asia has been encouraging.
“In the Philippines, Free Wi-Fi, use of TVWS spectrum and ICT
have been embraced in national plans for its socio-economic
growth, making it the perfect location to host our Global
Summit,” said Prof. Nwana.
This event is produced and sponsored by the Dynamic Spectrum
Alliance, and is co-sponsored by The Department of Science and
Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office
(DOST-ICTO) and the National Telecommunications Commission. For
questions, please contact admin@dynamicspectrumalliance.org.
DOST-ICT Office – The Information and Communications Technology
Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the
Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its
primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment,
ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.
About the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance – The Dynamic Spectrum
Alliance is a global organization advocating for laws and
regulations that will lead to more efficient and effective
spectrum utilization. The DSA’s membership spans multinationals,
small- and medium-sized enterprises, and academic, research, and
other organizations from around the world, all working to create
innovative solutions that will increase the amount of available
spectrum to the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.
Visithttp://www.dynamicspectrumalliance.org/. |
|
|
|
| Fit and proper rule issued for insurance
and public companies |
| Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
Purisima: Good governance extends to corporate governance
The Department of Finance has issued Department Order No.
054-2015, prescribing the “fit and proper rule” for directors of
insurance and public companies (covered entities) in the
interest of building a strong and stable financial system by
virtue of upholding the highest standards in corporate
governance. Signed on 15 April 2015, the rule will ensure that
covered entities have directors who are fit and proper to hold
such positions.
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “Good governance
extends to corporate governance. We want our insurance and
public companies to reflect the highest corporate standards of
integrity and excellence. For company directors in the country
to be “fit and proper” is a given; this rule merely enforces
good practice.”
The Insurance Commission (IC) and the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC), both attached agencies of the Department of
Finance (DOF), will institute a system for ranking covered
entities annually, in terms of company practices employed in
ensuring that directors are fit and proper. Among these
guidelines include criteria on integrity, experience, education,
training and competence. The annual ranking generated by the IC
and SEC shall be used as basis for recognizing covered entities
employing the highest standards.
The Department Order (DO) sets forth minimum qualifications of
directors and independent directors. For directors, the
qualifications are namely that s/he must ideally be at least 25
years old, and a college graduate or an individual with at least
5 years experience in the business. Ideally, s/he must also have
attended a special seminar on corporate governance for board of
directors conducted or accredited by SEC or IC as may be
applicable. Lastly, s/he must be fit and proper for the position
of a director of the covered entity, taking into account several
factors including integrity or probity, competence, relevant
education/training (e.g., financial literacy), physical and
mental fitness, diligence, and knowledge or experience.
Meanwhile, the DO prescribes that an independent director is
ideally an individual not more than 80 years old, unless
otherwise found fit to continue serving as such by SEC or IC.
Ideally, s/he must also not be (or has been) a member of the
executive committee of the board of directors, or an officer or
employee, of the covered entity, its subsidiaries, affiliates or
related companies during the 3 years immediately preceding the
date of his election
Further, an independent director must not be a “substantial
shareholder,” i.e., does not own/hold shares of stock sufficient
to elect 1 seat in the board of directors of either the covered
entity, its subsidiaries, affiliates, or any related companies
of its majority corporate shareholders.
The DO prescribes the ideal minimum number of independent
directors as at least 20% but not less than 2 members of the
board of directors. For publicly-listed corporations, the DO
holds that the number of independent directors shall be
proportionate to the percentage of shares held by the public.
Further, the DO describes an ideal tenure as 5 consecutive
years, after which re-election is possible after a “cooling
period” of 2 years. Finally, the DO maintained that a fixed
amount of remuneration is ideal, while stock options and
performance benefits are not.
SEC Chairperson Teresita Herbosa welcomed the issuance of the DO
saying, “”It is high time for corporations in the Philippines to
take a step up in terms of governance standards. I welcome this
Department Order from the Department of Finance outlining what
our ideal directors and independent directors should be like.
Setting our ideal definitions on what is fit and proper serves
us well in our bid to be globally competitive.”
Likewise, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc said, “I have
always advocated for better insurance coverage for our people,
especially for those who have less in life and are therefore
more vulnerable. Prescribing what is fit and proper for
directors of insurance companies ensures we are one step closer
to having world-class insurance companies in the country run
with the highest standards of competence.”
The DO defines “insurance companies” to be inclusive of all
partnerships, associations, cooperatives or corporations, duly
authorized by the IC to transact insurance business in the
Philippines, excepting mutual benefit associations. The
definition also includes professional re-insurers, or entities
that transact solely and exclusively reinsurance business in the
Philippines.
Meanwhile, public companies in the DO refer to corporations duly
registered with the SEC having a class of equity securities
listed on an Exchange, or having assets in excess of P50 million
and having 200 or more holders, at least 200 of which are
holding at least 100 shares of a class of the corporation’s
equity securities. |
|
|
|
| Roxas Releases P8.5M for
various anti-poverty projects in Bataan |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas today,
May 7, handed over P8.5 million in checks for various
anti-poverty projects benefitting 5 Municipalities in the
Province of Bataan.
The funds include two checks worth P500,000 each for the
Municipality of Abucay’s water and flood control projects; P1.4
million for a water project in the Municipality of Bagac; P2.5
million for an evacuation center in the Municipality of
Dinalupihan; P2.5 million for an evacuation center in the
Muncipality of Samal; and another P4 million water supply
project for the Municipality of Pilar.
Local officials of the beneficiary-municipalities received the
checks during simple rites held at the Barangay Hall of Payangan
in the town of Dinalupihan.
Roxas was in Bataan to visit some of the completed projects to
ensure that they were successfully implemented and are being
properly maintained by the beneficiaries.
SALINTUBIG, safe drinking water for all
The P3-million Level II (communal faucet) Water Project in
Barangay Payangan was implemented under the Sagana at Ligtas na
Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program, from which 270
families, including 30 Aeta families living in the community,
now get their drinking water.
The project involved the construction of a concrete water
reservoir, which required the laying of pipes from the water
source—a natural spring in Barangay San Pablo some 3 kilometers
away—to the houses in the community, allowing the beneficiaries
to access safe and potable water. It was completed in July 2013
and is now being maintained by the project beneficiaries.
A total of 270 households are now connected to the SALINTUBIG
pipes, and water rationing is being conducted for proper
distribution.
From 2012 to 2014, the DILG has implemented 8 SALINTUBIG
projects in Region 3, two of which are in Bataan. One of the
projects is ongoing in Mariveles.
SALINTUBIG is part of Aquino administration’s commitment to
achieve the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
signed by over 180 heads of state in 2000. One of the targets of
the MDGs is to reduce the number of people with no access to
water and sanitation by half by 2015.
In addition, the SALINTUBIG program aims to provide waterless
communities in remote areas with safe, drinking water supply and
reduce the risk of water-borne diseases in “poorest of the poor
areas.”
Residents of Barangay Payangan were elated for having been
chosen as the project’s beneficiaries.
“Dati, kailangan kumuha ng tubig sa malayo para sa inumin at
panggamit araw araw. Dahil sa proyekto, nakatipid kami at hindi
na nahihirapan dahil may tubig na sa lugar namin,” Olivia
Clemente, an Aeta and tribal representative in the barangay
said.
She said people in the community do not have the means or
resources to implement such an important project and had to
fetch water from a stream some 3 kilometers away or a natural
spring elsewhere.
“Sa eskwelahan kumukuha din ng tubig ang mga tao. Wala naman din
pera pambili ng mineral water, kaya minsan, may nagkakasakit,”
she added.
Barangay officials also used to share the same concern until the
SALINTUBIG project was completed in their area.
"Dati, kailangan mo pa maghanap ng makukunan ng tubig.
Maghahakot ka mula sa baba paakyat sa lugar namin. Kung hindi
naman, magpaigib ka at magbayad P10 isang balde," said Barangay
Payangan Chairman Ramir S. Fernando.
"Today, each household is charged P30 a month for the
maintenance of the water reservoir," he added.
From one water reservoir, there are now three, which are
strategically located in the community.
"Dati, P100 isang drum ang ginastos namin," said Bernadette
Prado, a retail store owner, citing how economical and practical
the DILG project was for her livelihood.
Battling the effects of El Nino
During his Bataan visit, Roxas also met with community leaders
in Barangay Payangan, including Aeta leaders, where he
underscored the need to conserve water in the face of El Nino
being experienced in the province.
As vice chairman for preparedness of the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Roxas stressed the
importance of water in both agricultural and domestic
activities, especially in areas where the commodity is scarce.
El Nino is the prolonged warming of the Pacific Ocean causing
erratic weather systems. This results to the drier-than-normal
weather in the Philippines.
Roxas was accompanied by local officials led by Bataan Governor
Albert Raymond Garcia, Vice Governor Efren Bonjong Pascual,
Dinalupihan Mayor Maria Angela S. Garcia, and Samal Mayor
Generosa dela Fuente during his visit, where he enjoined local
and community leaders to work hand-in-hand with the national
government to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of the
people.
"Sa pagbisita ko, gumaan ang loob ko at natuwa ako dahil sa dulo
ng lahat ng pagtatrabaho, sa lahat ng mga ito, mayroong pamilya,
mayroong komunidad na magkakaroon ng gripo na may tubig na
ligtas at sagana," Roxas told local leaders.
“’Pag sama-sama at nagtutulungan ang national government, ang
local government, at ang taumbayan, maisasakatuparan ang
magagandang programa at proyekto. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan,"
he added. |
|
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| DPWH-NCR May 8-11 road repair
schedule |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital
Region (DPWH-NCR) will undertake reblocking and road repair
effective 10 PM of May 8, Friday to 5 AM of May 11, Monday on
the following roads in the cities of Quezon and Pasig:
Quezon City
1.Along E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue/C-5 from Calle Industria St. to
Greenmeadows Ave. (1st lane from sidewalk, South bound);
2.Along Mindanao Avenue from Road 1 to Catleya St. (4th inner
lane, North bound);
3.Along Payatas Road from Majaas St. to Amlacville St. (2nd
lane, North bound); and
4.Along Batasan Road from Filinvest II to San Mateo Road (3rd
inner lane, West bound).
Pasig City
1.Along C-5 Road from Shell Gasoline Station going to Lanuza St.
(3rd outermost lane, North bound); and
2.Along C-5 Road (Gap 4) from Pasig Blvd. to Bagong-Ilog Service
Rd. (South bound). |
|
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|
| “Pulot” girl is Cagayan’s tennis bet
in Palaro 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
Fifteen thousand pesos is the rough estimated cost when one
enters the world of Tennis. Considered as an elitist’s sport, it
is clear that the game is not for everyone. That is why it is
amazing to discover that a young “pulot” girl’s keen observation
and sheer determination led her to be Cagayan Valley’s tennis
bet in the 2015 Palarong Pambansa.
Her name is Mikaela Joy L. Javier, a sixteen-year old scholar
from Dalton Academy in Isabela and the oldest among her four
siblings. Five years ago, while helping her family earn money
through retrieving tennis balls in the courts of Alicia Tennis
Club, she was approached by Coach Ed Diongson. “Nagumpisa lang
po ako sa papulot-pulot ng tennis balls. Dumating si Coach,
tapos tinanong ako kung gusto ko bang maglaro ng tennis. Sabi ko
‘opo’.” Ella recalled the time that Coach Ed told her that
playing tennis will help her throughout her student life.
Coach Ed is a local professional tennis player, whose great
intention is to scout for underprivileged but talented
youngsters to play the renowned sport. It is through him that
the capable Ella honed her skills– skills that can even match
well-off athletes from different urban regions. “Yung first
tournament ko sa Alicia Tennis Club, si Coach po ang nagsali sa
akin. Nag alangan akong sumali noon kasi po wala po akong
pambayad ng registration fee. Pero sa sobrang bait po nang Coach
ko siya na yung nagbayad ng fee ko, kaya nakasali po ako. Ayun
yung tournament na first time ko naging champion ng tennis.” She
said that he even provided her racket, shoes and uniform.
Since then, Ella has been making a name throughout her region
until finally reaching the Palarong Pambansa , joining it for
three consecutive years now. “Nagpapasalamat ako sa Mama ko kasi
ginapang po niya yung allowance ko at sa mga tennis players na
nagsupport sa amin. Kasi po hindi dapat ako makakasama sa Palaro
dahil wala po akong allowance papunta dito.”
From the feeble-looking to the confident girl that she is, Ella
is still the beloved pulot girl who nowadays, has been sharing
her talent to friends and neighbors. This inspired her to take
up Physical Education in college, to which she is thoroughly
choosing from the three universities in Isabela and Manila that
offered her a full-time scholarship. |
|
|
|
| Poll results validate our peace efforts -
GPH |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita
Quintos Deles said the recent findings of polling firm Social
Weather Stations (SWS) validate the government’s efforts of
pursuing peaceful resolution of armed conflict with the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for just and lasting peace in
Mindanao. The poll shows that a lot of Filipinos consistently
prefer from 1999 up to now the pursuit of peace negotiations
with the said moro armed rebels, with whom the current
administration has succeeded to ink a Comprehensive Agreement on
the Bangsamoro (CAB) in March last year.
“This affirmation provides us with a strong resolve on our part
to pursue to its successful conclusion the commitment of the
Aquino administration for the political settlement of armed
conflict in the country, particularly in Mindanao, for which we
are currently working on the passage of the BBL as provided by
CAB,” Deles said.
According to the SWS survey, 45% of respondents see peaceful
negotiations as more effective in dealing with the MILF, while
only 20% said military operations are more effective. The
remaining 35% said both military operations and peaceful
negotiations are equally effective.
The survey was conducted nationwide with 1,200 respondents from
March 20 to 23, in the aftermath of the tragedy in Mamasapano
which claimed nearly 70 lives last January.
"What the SWS findings confirm for us is that Filipinos prefer
peaceful negotiations as a more effective way of dealing with
the MILF since December, 1999," Deles said. "We have known that
the unfortunate Mamasapano incident had negatively affected the
peace process, thus the decrease in the numbers on the
Bangsamoro peace processes' net satisfaction ratings."
The peace adviser added that she "sees the decrease as a
challenge, a call to action to all peace builders to step up our
efforts further in this peace process, especially the passage of
the BBL, which is significant in affirming the true desire of
the public for peaceful means of resolving conflicts."
People’s faith in peace talks will not be wasted
Deles emphasized that the passage of the BBL will bring us to
another crucial phase in ending the conflict in Mindanao.
“The struggle for just and lasting peace is not ending with the
expected passage of the BBL by Congress,” she emphasized. “The
work to address causes of armed conflict continues with our good
governance reforms, provision of alternative options for all
armed combatants and other rebel groups to lay down their arms,
and other programs that aim to address the roots of armed
conflict towards a progressive and cohesive Philippines.”
Deles assured the public that their belief in the effectiveness
of peace negotiations will not be wasted.
“We will work harder to ensure our people’s belief that peaceful
negotiations are a more effective means of dealing with MILF
will be worth their trust,” Deles said.
The peace adviser said the SWS survey results gives
encouragement to peace advocates to continue working for the
passage of the proposed BBL.
“The SWS findings encourage all peace builders to continue
working for the passage of the BBL,” Deles said. The proposed
BBL is currently under deliberation in both chambers of
Congress, and is expected to be passed in June according to a
timetable outlined by Congressional leaders. |
|
|
|
| PHL Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
concludes successful 2nd Ambassador’s Tour |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
08 May 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
successfully concluded its 2nd Ambassador’s Tour to the
Philippines, leading 121 tour participants around the islands of
Bohol and Cebu on May 05.
After a successful tour of Manila, Tagaytay, and Villa Escudero
in 2013, the much-awaited tour came back even better with more
activities and more chances to enjoy the beautiful, blue waters
of the archipelago.
“This year, we have an even better itinerary for the
Ambassador’s Tour as we have a common theme – activities on
water,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya
said.
“This manifests the culture and tradition of Filipinos as an
archipelagic people. The seas and the water do not separate us.
They connect us,” he added.
After appreciating heritage sites in Cebu such as the Magellan
Shrine and seeing how the famous Cebu guitars and fashion
accessories are made in their respective factories, the tour
group went island hopping in Cebu.
Tour participants boarded open-air, motorized bancas (outrigger
boats) that took them to Nalusuan Island – a marine sanctuary in
Cebu with crystal blue waters. They were also able to feed fish
and go snorkelling near Hilutungan Island.
In Bohol, the tour group enjoyed lunch while on a cruise along
the Loboc River. They also met the world’s second smallest
primate, and got to appreciate the unique geological formation
that is the Chocolate Hills.
In true Filipino fashion, every meal can be described as a feast
with lots of the islands’ famous seafood such as lobsters,
crabs, and prawns, as well as local delicacies such as the sour
soup called sinigang, the Filipino salad called ensalada, and
the sweet banana cue for dessert.
Ambassador Malaya was quick to point out how Cebu and Bohol have
been boosting Halal tourism in the area by helping increase the
number of Halal-certified food establishments on the island.
The tour group’s significant number of Muslim participants got
their fill of Filipino dishes without worrying about their
dietary restrictions.
“With Halal tourism on the rise and the increase of air
connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and the various island
destinations of the Philippines, there are now more reasons for
Malaysians to choose the Philippines for their next vacation. We
are even working on getting more tourists to fly directly to
their island destinations without having to change planes,”
Ambassador Malaya said.
The 2nd Ambassador’s Tour’s aim was to re-introduce the
Philippines to Malaysians and other nationalities who joined the
tour as a complete tropical, heritage, cultural, and eco-tourism
experience.
With Cebu and Bohol’s heritage sites, beautiful waters, and
unique geological formations, the tour left the participants
looking yearning for more of what the Philippines has to offer.
For a taste of Filipino and ASEAN art, the participants also
attended the opening of an art exhibit in Cebu’s Qube Gallery
where 25 artists from the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
showed their latest works at an art show entitled Kita.
Zainol Abidin Mohamed, one of the tour’s participants and an
Ambassador’s Tour second timer, says he cannot wait to go back.
“After enjoying the first Ambassador’s Tour, I decided to bring
my family with me. I booked for 16 people for this tour and we
all enjoyed it – my wife, my children, and even my cousin’s
family,” he said.
Mr. Zainol notes how this year’s tour is even much more
extensive with more activities than the first. He added that he
has also been recommending the Ambassador’s Tour to his friends
due to its carefully planned itinerary, reasonable cost, and
convenience.
In 2014, the year the Ambassador’s Tour started, the Philippines
enjoyed a 27 percent growth on the arrival of Malaysian tourists
compared to the year before with 139,000 Malaysians visiting the
islands.
This is the highest and most significant growth rate from the
Philippines’ major tourist markets which catapulted Malaysia
into the 9th spot of the country’s top 10 tourist markets.
“Definitely, we would like to see more international tourist
arrivals to the Philippines – especially in Bohol and Cebu where
the people are greatly involved in sustainable tourism,”
Ambassador Malaya said.
“This is their way of life and that’s one of the reasons why
they take good care of their environment and it is something
that should be appreciated,” he added
With the clamor of tour participants for a third Ambassador’s
Tour, Ambassador Malaya and Department of Tourism Representative
Datin Melissa Ong promised to plan and make the next one even
better than the first two.
Will it be Batanes? Boracay? Palawan? Or one of the 7,107
islands that has not yet made it to the consciousness of
mainstream travellers?
Ambassador Malaya coyly replied that participants’ reaction to
the tour is indeed giving them pressure with regard to planning
the next one. But he promised that people will definitely be
even more excited once the official announcement for the tour’s
next destination is made. |
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| PNP Officials call on PHL
Ambassador to South Korea |
| Source:
(http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
08 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S.
Hernandez received on April 26, delegates from the Philippine
National Police (PNP), who were on a goodwill visit to South
Korea to promote the efforts being done by the Philippine
Government in securing the safety of Korean nationals in the
Philippines.
The officials were from the PNP’s Police Regional Office 7
(PRO7), headed by PC Supt Orlando D. Ualat, the Deputy Regional
Director for PRO7 Administration. Their visit to Korea was
sponsored by the South Chungcheong Provincial Police Agency,
which has an agreement with PRO7 “to develop cooperation between
the two agencies”.
Region VII is Central Visayas, located in the central part of
the Visayas island group, and consists of four provinces—Bohol,
Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor—which are some of the most
visited places in the Philippines for Korean tourists. |
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| PDIC promotes environment protection
through benefit run |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is
sponsoring "Takbo 2: Tungo sa Kalusugan, Para sa Kalikasan", a
benefit run for survivor-families of typhoon Yolanda and for
heightening awareness on the importance of protecting the
environment.
To be held on May 10, 2015 at the CCP Grounds in Pasay City,
Takbo 2 is in support of PDIC's Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) aimed at promoting the protection of the environment and
balanced development of communities.
For this year's benefit run, PDIC is again collaborating with
Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK) with
the support of new partner, Miss Earth Foundation. The
candidates for Miss Earth Philippines 2015 are joining Takbo 2.
Registration is ongoing at Chris Sports branches in Glorietta 3,
Metro Market! Market!, SM Manila and SM North Annex until May 6,
2015 and at the PDIC office at the 8/F, SSS Building, Ayala Ave.
cor V. A. Rufino St., Makati City until May 8, 2015. Takbo 2 has
four-race distances, 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km, to cater to all
types of running enthusiasts including children. Registration
fee ranges from P200 to P600 per runner which entitles the
runner to a race kit and finisher's lootbag. The public may
still register at the information desk at CCP before the
assembly time at 5:00 AM.
Proceeds from the benefit run will be turned over to GK for the
construction of disaster-resilient houses in the PDIC-GK Village
in Lawaan, Eastern Samar. Lawaan, a fifth class municipality in
Eastern Samar, is located between badly-hit Tacloban City and
Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Isolated for days since Yolanda struck,
Lawaan also experienced a storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy
rainfall. PDIC hopes to raise funds through Takbo 2 to build
more houses for survivor-families.
Takbo 2 is supported by Appebon Kids Syrup, Brooks, Del Monte
Philippines, Guitar Garments, Jack 'n Jill Pretzel Crisps,
Magnolia Purewater, Philippine Postal Corporation, Rural Bankers
Association of the Philippines, Saucony, St. Luke's Medical
Center, The Generics Pharmacy, Tobys Sports and United
Laboratories, Inc. Registration and event partners are Chris
Sports and Metro Ad-vantage Media Marketing Services. Media
partners include ABS-CBN Sports+Action, Lifestyle Network,
BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, Manila Bulletin, Mellow 94.7 and
DZRH.
For more information on Takbo 2, please visit the PDIC website,
www.pdic.gov.ph. or call PDIC at 841-4643. |
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| Multi-Sectoral Info Campaign on
West Philippine Sea Held in Cagayan De Oro |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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07 May 2015 – As part of the nationwide information, education
and communication (IEC) campaign on the West Philippine Sea
Issue, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership
with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), held its second
Multi-Sectoral Forum on March 06 in Cagayan de Oro City. The
event drew in an audience from a broad spectrum, including
national and local government representatives, barangay
officials, uniformed military personnel, members of the
Philippine National Police, the local press, academe, and
university students.
DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose
delivered an hour-long briefing on the West Philippine Sea issue
to an audience of 274. His presentation focused on the core
issues, the overarching principles that guide Philippine
response to the issues, and the steps being done by the
Philippine Government to address them. While it underscored that
the West Philippine Issue is a matter of national interest, the
presentation’s key message noted that the current dispute in the
West Philippine Sea is not the sum total of the Philippines’
relations with China.
Following the presentation, Assistant Secretary Jose engaged the
audience in a brief but lively Q&A session. After the forum, he
also met with representatives of the local media in Cagayan de
Oro for a press conference.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Thelma B. Oliver, PIA’s Regional
Director for Northern Mindanao, thanked Assistant Secretary Jose
for gracing Cagayan de Oro and speaking about the West
Philippine Issue, making it more present and real for the
audience.
The event was organized in cooperation with the DFA Regional
Consular Office in Cagayan de Oro, headed by Officer-in-Charge
Atty. Abdurraheym S.Y. Macud, and Smart Communications.
The Multi-Sectoral Forum is an expanded version of the Special
Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea. The first such
event was held in Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City, in March. Similar
events will be held across the country in 2015. |
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| Congressional Delegation
Promotes PHL’s Growing Role in Global Maritime Affairs |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
06 May 2015 - A delegation from the Philippines House of
Representatives led by Transportation Committee Chairman Cesar
Sarmiento representing Catanduanes, traveled to Washington, DC
to highlight the Philippines’ important role in the global
maritime industry from April 27 to 30.
Chairman Sarmiento was joined by Congressman Jesulito Manalo of
ANGKLA (Maritime Partylist), Congressman Jonathan Dela Cruz of
ABAKADA (Education Partylist), and Congresswoman Gwendolyn
Garcia (Cebu 3rd district). The third district of Cebu hosts a
growing shipping industry. The Philippines is currently the
fourth largest shipbuilding country in the world.
The Philippines is also the world’s leading provider of maritime
professionals representing thirty percent of global merchant
vessel manpower. Mr. Gerardo Borromeo, CEO of Manila-based
Philippine Transmarine Carriers and Board Director of the
US-Philippines Society, noted that commercial shipping is often
referred to as the “invisible industry” and underscored that the
Philippines’ substantial and evolving role in maritime affairs
can be boiled down to the statement, “We move the world.”
The US-Philippines Society organized the visit of the Members of
the Philippines House of Representatives in cooperation with the
Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr.
expressed his gratitude to the delegation for their efforts in
further strengthening Philippines-US relations.
“As maritime nations, the Philippines and the United States are
working together to preserve maritime security. Both countries
recognize the current challenges as well as the opportunities
and we thank our congressional delegation for promoting further
areas of cooperation especially in the area of maritime training
and ship repair,” said Ambassador Cuisia.
On April 29, the delegation met with the Chairman of the
Sub-Committee on Asia and the Pacific of the House Foreign
Affairs Committee Matt Salmon (R-AZ) for a review of broad
policy issues. Other meetings on Capitol Hill focused on
maritime affairs and included Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Rep. Lois
Frankel (D-FL), and Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), all Transportation
Committee members.
Members of the delegation participated in a public forum on
April 29 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
(CSIS), one of Washington’s premier think tanks.
In his opening remarks at the forum on the Philippines’ Role in
Global Maritime Affairs, Society Co-Chair John D. Negroponte
emphasized that the shipping industry is vital to sustained
economic development and rising standards of living on both
sides of the Pacific. Negroponte described a shared concern for
preserving the vast richness of aquatic resources and for
maintaining unimpeded access to the major nautical highways
facilitating trade in and out of Asia.
Chamber of Shipping of America CEO Joe Cox provided an
international private sector perspective, highlighting the
potential for Filipino seamen to take on positions of greater
technical responsibility in the shipping industry.
Borromeo and Congressman Manalo said the delegation’s visit
succeeded in fostering dialogue between Philippine and American
legislators on improving operating standards, enhancing
cooperation on training and student exchanges, and exploring
commercial opportunities in the Philippines for repair and
maintenance of US naval and civilian vessels.
In meetings outside Congress, the delegation exchanged views
with the U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul Jaenichen and Craig
Bone of the American Bureau of Shipping. An off-site tour of
training facilities run by the International Seaman’s Union in
Southern Maryland provided an opportunity for a first-hand view
of the latest in training and processing procedures for American
seamen.
Negroponte said the US-Philippines Society, in partnership with
the Philippine Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Cuisia,
was delighted to play a role in raising awareness of that role,
in stimulating more discussion about global shipping in the 21st
century, and exploring opportunities for both countries in one
of the world’s most vital industries. |
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| 11,154 HOTS is expected to increase:
Employers to continue to process Jobs and Livelihood Fair
applications, Baldoz says |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Jobseekers who went to any of the DOLE's 56 Labor Day Jobs and
Livelihood Fairs across the country should not worry about not
getting hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) by companies because the job
fairs, despite being only a one-day event, will continue to
process applications from job applicants.
This is the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda
Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday as she explained that some employers
may require qualified applicants to undergo their respective
processes before they finally decide to hire.
“Selecting job applicants can be a tough challenge for
employers. They may need more time to review job applications,
to go over details of their credentials, and to interview
candidates,” Baldoz said.
“Time invested in careful hiring procedures saves time and helps
lessen incompatible job placements, which in the long run, will
contribute to the goal of providing decent and productive work
for all,” she explained.
"So, my advice to applicants is to be optimistic and be a little
patient. The processing and hiring by the employers will
continue after the job fair, and the DOLE will monitor that,"
she added.
Baldoz noted that since jobseekers have been required to
register, they can be assured that their job applications will
not be put to waste as these will be closely monitored by the
Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), through its jobs matching
facility, the Phil-Job.Net.
Citing the preliminary report of the Bureau of Local Employment,
the labor and employment chief said this year’s nationwide Job
Fairs marked a total of 71,922 registered applicants. Of the
number, a total of 41,604 jobseekers vied for local vacancies;
while 10,910 jobseekers opted overseas employment.
“The 11,154 applicants who got hired-on-the-spot represented
over 20.8 percent of the total registered jobseekers who have
qualified. This year, we added a total of 10,002 individuals in
our local workforce, and 1,152 individuals for overseas,” said
Baldoz.
Region 3 had topped the list of regions with the highest number
of HOTS with 2,475; followed by RO 4A with 2,460; RO 12 with
1,434; Region 11 with 1,384; CAR with 570; Region 7 with 456;
NCR with 413; Region 10 with 387; Region 1 with 334; Region 8
with 265; CARAGA with 264; Region 9 with 247; Region 6 with 205;
Region 4B with 127; Region 5 with 116; and Region 2 with 17.
In terms of percentage of HOTS over qualified applicants, RO 12
gained the highest rank with an astounding 52 percent. This is
followed by seven more regions that achieved the 20% target HOTS
for the year, as follows: RO 11 with 36.7 percent; CARAGA with
34.3 percent; RO10 with 32.1 percent; CAR with 24.2 percent; RO9
with 24.1 percent; RO 3 with 23.5 percent; and RO1 with 21.0
percent.
Baldoz said the number of HOTS may still increase as there are
DOLE regional offices, which have not completed their submission
of reports because they extended their job fairs to another day
in May.
Meanwhile, there are 53,751 jobseekers out of the registered
applicants were assessed for further interview, 45,225
‘near-hire’ job applicants; and 1,405 were referred to the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to
avail of the free skills training and upgrading that they need
to qualify for the job.
The DOLE was also able to assist 226 individuals, of which 93
are male, and 133 are female, to avail livelihood assistance
through the department’s various programs and services.
“Jobseekers must not easily get discouraged if they were not be
hired on 1 May. The BLE, through its enhanced Phil-Job.Net, will
now be able to observe the status of each registered applicants.
Employers may refer to the system for filling-up their existing
job vacancies and, if necessary, we will make the referrals,”
Baldoz explained.
The 2015 Labor Day celebration is anchored on the theme, “Disenteng
Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan,” which highlights
employment facilitation through strengthened convergence with
tripartite partners.
The DOLE led the festivities, getting support from its partners,
namely; PESO Quezon City; Pag-Ibig; PhilHealth; PALSCON; Smart
International; Sun Prepaid; Insular Life; Philippine Daily
Inquirer; Manila Bulletin; Philippine Star; and Federation of
Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. |
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| Roxas: All police community
precincts in MM to use e-blotter system by June |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
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Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas
announced on Wednesday that starting June, all 159 police
community precincts (PCPs) in Metro Manila will be using the
electronic blotter (e-blotter) system to ensure factual
recording of crime incidents.
During the weekly command conference in Camp Crame, Philippine
National Police (PNP) officials said the last leg of training
for the PCP personnel on the e-blotter system will be conducted
next week.
All 38 police stations in the National Capital Region Police
Office (NCRPO) are now using the e-blotter system, which
replaces the traditional manual blotter system.
Roxas said, “With this as a tool, we’re now more surgical, more
specific.”
The DILG Chief has implemented Oplan Lambat-Sibat, a
scientific-based approach in combating criminality in Metro
Manila. Under this approach, Roxas has directed police officials
to monitor status of criminality in all police stations in the
NCRPO and use these data to devise crime interventions.
Since Oplan Lambat-Sibat began in June 2014 (919 average weekly
incidents), crimes in Metro Manila has been reduced by more than
60 percent as of mid-April 2015 (347 incidents), prompting Roxas
to order the PNP to cascade the program in other regions.
Roxas has also ordered an audit of the e-blotter system from the
complainants’ and operational sides to further improve the
system. |
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| Deles assures pro-peace
cartoonists: Dream of Bangsamoro peace will be completed |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
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Despite the tragedy that was Mamasapano, Presidential Adviser on
the Peace Process Teresita Deles on Tuesday said the government
and the Bangsamoro people are unwavering in their quest for
peace in southern Mindanao and determined more than ever to
complete that dream.
In a dinner hosted by the Swiss embassy for the visiting
Cartoonists for Peace, Deles said the Filipino people have
reached a crossroad where they have to make up their minds.
“Some people are saying we cannot make a leap of faith. But I
think taking a leap of faith is a better way to go than
returning to our dark and divided past,” she said referring to
the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front which was shook up by the Mamasapano
tragedy last January.
“I believe, the Filipino people, having passed through all
these, will make the right choice here. We will complete this
dream. We will make sure that our future generation will not
suffer the fate of those of have experienced the horrors of
war.”
Feted during the welcome dinner at the Bayleaf Restaurant in
Intramuros were five visiting European members of the Cartooning
for Peace Project in Manila who will attend a three-day
convention on peace through cartooning with their local
counterparts. They hope to bridge the communication gap between
cultures, ethnicities and religions, which is the main objective
of the Cartoonists for Peace worldwide.
The five European cartoonists in the project include Bob
Katzenelson (Denmark), Plantu (France), Thomas Plassmann and
Miriam Wurster (Germany) and Philippe Baumann (Switzerland)).
Six Filipino cartoonists have also been invited. They are Steven
Pabalinas (The Manila Times), Norman Isaac (Tempo), Rene Aranda
(Philippine Star), Manix Abrera (Philippine Daily Inquirer), Rob
Cham and Roni Santiago (Manila Bulletin).
The event aims to give opportunities for interactions between
the international cartoonists and journalists, academe and the
public in the Philippines, in line with the promotion of peace,
press freedom and responsible journalism.
The event presents a cartoons exhibition and a series of
conferences, master classes, interviews, and cartoons contest.
It is being spearheaded by EUNIC Philippines, a network of
national institutes for culture from EU including, Goethe
Institute and Alliance Française de Manille, Philippine-Italian
Association along with the Embassies of Denmark, France and
Switzerland in the Philippines, and involves many partners in
the Philippines.
Thought up by the French cartoonist Plantu, Cartooning for Peace
is an initiative born on 16 October 2006 at the UN headquarters
in New York. A two-day conference organized by Kofi Annan, the
then Secretary General of the United Nations, brought together
the 12 best-known political cartoonists in the world for
"unlearning intolerance".
Today "Cartooning for peace" is a network of 104 cartoonists
around the world who use the power and language of images to
fight for peace and freedom of expression. The network aims to
promote a better understanding and mutual respect between people
of different cultures and beliefs using cartoons as a universal
language.
One of the 10 murdered journalists in Paris last January 8,
cartoonist Bernard Verlhac who went by the pen name of Tignous,
was a member of Cartooning for Peace.
Tignous worked for Charlie Hebdo, the satirical French magazine
that the murderers targeted.
In welcoming the visiting cartoonists, Deles said: “I’m very
happy that you’ve come here and make us see the realities that
must be changed. I hope I can join you. You see, I used to draw
too in my past lifetimes before my work took over my life. But
thank you, I wish you good peace.” |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) members of the Filipino community wave miniature
Philippine flags during the President Aquino's meeting with them at
the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as
part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with
Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia during the meeting with
the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the
Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his
speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West
English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of
his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his
speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West
English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of
his statfob isit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets
Philippine and Canadian officials upon arrival at the Vancouver
International Airport during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III disembarks the
plane upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport during his
state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges
pleasantries with Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of
Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel
during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin
Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy
call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to
Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the
Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne (Liberal Party) during the
courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, as part of his state
visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the
Distinguished Visitors Book during the meeting at the Pacific Rim of
the Pan Pacific Hotel, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo
by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno Aquino III meets with top
business leaders of Toronto in a forum organized by the Asia Pacific
Foundation of Canada on Friday (May 8).(Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Premier
of Ontario Kathleen Wynne during the courtesy call at the Fairmont
Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin
Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy
call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with members of
the Philippine media delegation covering his State Visit to Canada
while on board flight PR 001 of Philippine Airlines from Ottawa
bound to Toronto Friday (May 8). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with
Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada during the reception at the
Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his
speech during the reception hosted by Canadian Prime Minister
Stephen Harper in honor of President Aquino and the Filipino
community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper, acknowledge the cheers of the crowd during
the reception in Honor of President Aquino and the Filipino
Community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by the
officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto
upon arrival at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit
to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with
the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper following the Joint
Press Conference at the Parliament Hill during the President's State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canadaafter
their speech at the Joint Press Conference at the Reading Room, Room
237-C, Centre Block of the Parliament Hill for the Signing Ceremony
and Joint Press Conference for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Prime
Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, witness the signing of documents
at the Centre Block of the Parliament Hill during the President's
State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the
Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, tours the Library of
Parliament at the Centre Block of the Parliament Hill during his
State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Right
Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada listen to
questions from the members of the press during the Joint Press
Conference at the Centre Block of the Parliament Hill during the
President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Prime
Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, witness the signing of documents
at the Centre Block of the Parliament Hill during the President's
State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with
the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper during the courtesy call
at the Parliament Hill as part of the President's State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the
Distinguished Visitors Book of the Senate and the Distinguished
Visitors Book of the House of Commons at the Confederation Hall of
the Parliament Hill during the welcoming ceremony for his State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by The
Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada upon
arrival at the Peace Tower Entrance, Centre Block of the Parliament
Hill during the welcoming ceremony for his State Visit to Canada.
(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his
remarks during the State Dinner given by Their Excellencies The
Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Mrs.
Sharon Johnston, at the Ballroom of the Rideau Hall for his State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the
Ballroom of the Rideau Hall for the State Dinner given by Their
Excellencies The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General
of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, during his State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light
moment with the guests at the Tent Room of the Rideau Hall during
the dinner reception for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and David Johnston,
Governor General of Canada share a light moment with the guests at
the Tent Room of the Rideau Hall during the dinner reception for his
State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III views the official
gifts at the Large Drawing Room of the Rideau Hall during the dinner
reception for his State Visit to Canada. Also in photo are David
Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston.
(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by
Their Excellencies The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor
General of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston, upon arrival for the
dinner reception at the Rideau Hall during his State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with
David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon
Johnston, arrive at the Main Drive of the Rideau Hall for the
ceremonial tree planting during his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III throws a spade full
of earth on the base of the red spruce tree located beside the red
maple tree at the Main Drive of the Rideau Hall for the ceremonial
tree planting during his State Visit to Canada. Also in photo are
Governor General of Canada David Johnston, and Mrs. Sharon
Johnston. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III looks at the red
maple tree planted by his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino
at the Main Drive of the Rideau Hall for the ceremonial tree
planting during his State Visit to Canada. Also in photo are
Governor General of Canada David Johnston, and Mrs. Sharon
Johnston. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His
Excellency the Governor General of Canada David Johnston during
the courtesy call at the Large Drawing Room of the Rideau Hall for
his State Visit to Canada. |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges
pleasantries with Governor General of Canada David Johnston during
the courtesy call at the Large Drawing Room of the Rideau Hall for
his State Visit to Canada. Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar
Purisima, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Trade and
Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Socio-Economic Planning
Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges
pleasantries with Governor General of Canada David Johnston during
the courtesy call at the Large Drawing Room of the Rideau Hall for
his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm
welcome from the Filipino-Canadians during the welcome ceremony at
Rideau Hall for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his
remarks during the welcome ceremony at Rideau Hall for his State
Visit to Canada. Also in photo are the Governor General of Canada
David Johnston, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews the honor
guards during the welcome ceremony at Rideau Hall for his State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing
of the Philippine National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at
Rideau Hall for his State Visit to Canada. Also in photo are the
Governor General of Canada David Johnston, and Mrs. Sharon
Johnston. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing
of the Philippine National Anthem during the Welcome Ceremony at the
Grounds of Rideau Hall for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III aboard a state
landau arrives at the 7 Rideau Gate for the welcome ceremony during
his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine
and Canadian officials upon arrival at the Canada Reception Centre
(Hangar 11) for his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with
the participants in the meeting with the Filipino community for a
group photo souvenir at the Grand Ballroom of the J.W. Marriott
Hotel Wednesday (May 6). The President is on a working visit here
before proceeding to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech
during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Grand Ballroom
of the J.W. Marriott Hotel for his working visit here Wednesday
before proceeding to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm
reception upon arrival for the meeting with the Filipino community
at the Grand Ballroom of the J.W. Marriott Hotel. The President is
on a working visit here Wednesday (May 6) before proceeding to
Canada . (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with officials
of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US ASEAN Business Council at
the TransUnion Headquarters in Chicago, as part of his working visit
to the USA. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the
officials of the US Chamber of Commerce and the US ASEAN Business
Council for a snap shot during the business meeting at the
TransUnion Headquarters in Chicago for his working visit in the USA.
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives signed jerseys of NBA teams
from M. Jim Peck, CEO and President of Transunion after his meeting
with business organizations. The President is on a working visit to
Chicago, USA on Wednesday (May 6). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with officials of the US
Chamber of Commerce, the US ASEAN Business Council and the National
Center for APEC at the Transunion Headquarters in Chicago, USA
Wednesday, May 6. The meeting is part of President Aquino and his
delegation's working visit to Chicago. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacanang Photo Bureau ) |
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Chicago, Illinois Mayor Rahm Emanuel presents a City Council
Resolution officially welcoming President Benigno S. Aquino III
during the former’s courtesy call at JW Marriot Hotel. The President
is on his working visit to Chicago, USA on Wednesday afternoon (May
6). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Chicago, Illinois
Mayor Rahm Emanuel during the latter’s courtesy call at the JW
Marriot Hotel. The President is on a working visit to Chicago, USA
Wednesday afternoon (May 6). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Chicago, Illinois Mayor
Rahm Emanuel during the latter’s courtesy call held at JW Marriot
Hotel. The President is on a working visit to Chicago, USA
Wednesday afternoon (May 6). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Consul
General Generoso D.G. Calonge, Philippine Consulate General upon
arrival at the O’Hare International Airport for his working visit to
Chicago, USA Wednesday afternoon (May 6). (Photo by: Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and
US officials upon arrival at the O’Hare International Airport for
his working visit to Chicago, United States of America on
Wednesday afternoon (May 6). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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(Chicago, USA) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the
O’Hare International Airport for his working visit to Chicago,
United States of America on Wednesday afternoon (May 6). (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. graces the symbolic BMW-APEC
Turnover Ceremony at the Kalayaan Hall Grounds of the Malacañan
Palace on Wednesday (May 06). The APEC 2015 National Organizing
Committee (APEC-NOC) accepts a sponsored fleet of BMW vehicles from
the Asian Carmakers Corporation. This year, the Philippines will
host the APEC 2015 Summit. Also in photo are Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert Del Rosario and ACC President Maricar Parco. (Photo
by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee (APEC-NOC), led by Executive
Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. receives a BMW key from ACC president
Maricar Parco during the symbolic BMW-APEC Turnover Ceremony at the
Kalayaan Hall Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 06).
The APEC-NOC accepts the sponsored fleet of BMW vehicles from the
Asian Carmakers Corporation. This year, the Philippines will host
the APEC 2015 Summit. Also in photo are DFA Sec. Albert Del Rosario
and BMW Senior Regional Manager for Asia Pacific Thierry Weidenbach.
(Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. delivers his message during
the symbolic BMW-APEC turnover ceremony at the Kalayaan Hall Grounds
of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 06,). The APEC 2015
National Organizing Committee (APEC-NOC) accepts a sponsored fleet
of BMW vehicles from the Asian Carmakers Corporation (ACC). This
year, the Philippines will host the APEC 2015 Summit. Also in photo
are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, ACC president
Marcar Parco,and BMW Senior Regional Manager for Asia Pacific
Thierry Weidenbach. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the
Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.,
review the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City Wednesday (May
06) for his working visit to the United States of America and State
Visit to Canada. (Photo by Lando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement
during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Wednesday (May 06) for his
working visit to the United States of America and State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Lando Mailo / Lauro Montellano Jr, / Malacañang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is interviewed by the media thru the
van window following the inauguration of CEMEX Philippines at the
APO Cement Plant in Barangay Tina-an, City of Naga, Cebu on Friday
(May 01). The expansion project had for its theme: “Building a
Better Future.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
inauguration of CEMEX Philippines at the Cement Mills-3 area of the
APO Cement Plant in Barangay Tina-an, City of Naga, Cebu on Friday
(May 01). The expansion project had for its theme: “Building a
Better Future.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III unveils the new Mill Facility Marker
during the inauguration of CEMEX Philippines at the Cement Mills-3
area of the APO Cement Plant in Barangay Tina-an, City of Naga, Cebu
on Friday (May 01). The expansion project had for its theme:
“Building a Better Future.” Also in photo are CEMEX Philippines
president Pedro Jose Palomino, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, Cebu
Gov. Hilario Davide III and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas III.
(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the new
facilities of the University of Cebu Medical Center in Ouano Avenue,
Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday (May 01). The new
hospital facility offers a lot of firsts not only in Cebu but also
in VisMin and the Southeast Asia. It has the first 3D Mammography
with Tomosynthesis, the first fully integrated 3D Endoalpha
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Operating Room and the most
Endoalphas than any other hospital in the country. (Photo by Gil
Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with TESDA Director General Joel
Villanueva tours the participating booths during the JobStart
Philippines Forum on the Filipino Youth in the Labor Market at the
J. Centre Mall in A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday
(May 01). The forum had for its theme: “Investing in Filipino Youth
Employability and Competitiveness: A Public-Private Partnership.”
(Photo by Benjie Basug/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the JobStart Philippines
Forum on the Filipino Youth in the Labor Market at the J. Centre
Mall in A.S. Fortuna Street, Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday (May 01).
The forum had for its theme: “Investing in Filipino Youth
Employability and Competitiveness: A Public-Private Partnership.”
The Labor department partnered with the Canadian International
Development Agency, the Asian Development Bank and the local
government for this new project dubbed as “JobStart Philippines”.
(Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with Tesda Secretary Joel Villanueva
tours the participating booths during the JobStart Philippines Forum
on the Filipino Youth in the Labor Market at the J. Centre Mall in
Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday (May 01). The forum carried the theme:
“Investing in Filipino Youth Employability and Competitiveness: A
Public-Private Partnership,” and involved the Department of Labor
and Employment with the Canadian International Development Agency,
the Asian Development Bank and the local government units as
partners in this new project dubbed as “JobStart Philippines.” Also
in photo is TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Benjie
Basug/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the JobStart Philippines
Forum on the Filipino Youth in the Labor Market at the J. Centre
Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu on Friday (May 01). The forum carried the
theme: “Investing in Filipino Youth Employability and
Competitiveness: A Public-Private Partnership,” and involved the
Department of Labor and Employment with the Canadian International
Development Agency, the Asian Development Bank and the local
government units as partners in this new project dubbed as “JobStart
Philippines.” Also in photo is TESDA Director General Joel
Villanueva. (Photo by Benjie Basug / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Agriculture secretary
Proceso Alcala, tours the rice milling center during the
inauguration of the province – the P63.4-million Negros First Rice
Processing Center in Bago City in Bacolod City Thursday (April 30).
With the president are Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, TESDA Director
General Joel Villanueva, Communication Secretary Sonny Coloma and
Trade Secretary Greg Domingo (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Agriculture Secretary
Proceso Alcala, tours the milling machine of Negros First Rice
Processing during the inauguration of one of the mega projects of
the province – the P63.4-million Negros First Rice Processing Center
in Bago City in Bacolod City Thursday (April 30). (Photo by Gil
Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tries the milling machine in the
Negros First Rice Processing Center in Bago City, Negros Occidental
Thursday (April 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the unveiling of the marker of
the Negros First Rice Processing Center during the inauguration held
in Bago City , Negros Occidental. Assisting the President are Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, TESDA Director General Joel
Villanueva and Gon. Alfredo Maranon Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang
Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III answer questions from the members of
the Media after the tour and inspection of the facilities of the
Negros First Cyber Center (NFCC) during the following the
inauguration cyber center in Lacson corner Hernaes Sts., Bacolod
City, Negros Occidental on Thursday (April 30). In line with its
Negros First Provincial Development Agenda the provincial government
of Negros Occidental has established the cyber center to generate
jobs for its people, taking advantage of the potentials offered by
the IT-BPO industry. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
Inauguration of the Negros First Cyber Center in Lacson corner
Hernaes Sts., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on Thursday (April
30). In line with its NEGROS FIRST Provincial Development Agenda the
provincial government of Negros Occidental has established the cyber
center to generate jobs for its people, taking advantage of the
potentials offered by the IT-BPO industry. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the inauguration of the
Negros First Cyber Center (NFCC) at the NFCC Building in Lacson
corner Hernaes Sts., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on Thursday
(April 30). In line with its Negros First Provincial Development
Agenda the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has
established the cyber center to generate jobs for its people, taking
advantage of the potentials offered by the IT-BPO industry. Also in
photo are TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, Interior Secretary
Manuel Roxas II, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon,
Jr.,Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo (Photo by Rey
Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau |
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