Monday, May 4, 2015

18 Dispatch for May 4 , 2015 ( Monday ), 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 4 Weather Watch , 10 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech, 2 INTERVIEW OF SEC. COLOMA, 20 Online News (May 1 ) , 28 PhotoRelease (May.1)




Daily Weather Forecast


Issued at: 5:00 a.m. today, 04 May 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:

Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas. Meanwhile at 4:00 AM today, the Tropical Storm with international name "NOUL" was estimated based on all available data at 1,555 Km east of Mindanao (10.0°N, 140.4°E) with maximum winds of 65 Kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move west northwest at 9 Kph.


 pressure.gif Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 a.m. 04 May 2015  wind.gif Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 04 May 2015 satellite


Forecast:

The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.


Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon, coming from the east to northeast over Visayas and from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. 

PAGTAYA: Ang buong bansa ay makararanas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa silangan hanggang timog-silangan ang iiral sa Luzon, mula sa silangan hanggang hilagang-silangan sa Kabisayaan at mula naman sa hilagang-silangan hanggang hilaga sa Mindanao. Ang mga baybaying dagat sa buong kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 03:00 PM yesterday ----- 33.4 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:50 AM yesterday ----- 24.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 79 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 AM yesterday --------- 54 %
High tide today: 10:03 AM ……… 0.91 meter
Low tide today: 05:23 PM ……… -0.02 meter
High tide today: 11:36 PM ……… 0.47 meter
Low tide tomorrow : 03:15 AM ……… 0.33 meter
Sunrise today: 05:32 AM
Sunset today: 06:13 PM
Moonset today: 05:31 AM
Moonrise today: 06:25 AM
Illumination today: 100 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.




WEATHER ADVISORY NO. 2

FOR: TROPICAL STORM OUTSIDE THE PHILIPPINE AREA
RESPONSIBILITY(PAR)
ISSUED AT: 11:00 AM, 04 MAY 2015

At 10:00 am today, Tropical Storm “Noul” (international name) was estimated based on all available data at 1,520 km East of Mindanao (9.9˚N, 140.1˚E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 9 kph.
This tropical cyclone is expected to enter the PAR by Thursday and will be named “Dodong”. However, this outlook will be updated as soon as significant changes in the weather pattern occur.
The general public and disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to monitor for the updates to be incorporated in the public weather forecast at 5:00 pm today and for the next advisory to be issued at 11:00 am tomorrow


Pia Quezon


News5: Naglaan ng P15-M ang gobyerno para sa cloud seeding operations sa Western Visayas upang maibsan ang epekto ng El Niño. Ayon kay DA Dir. Roy Abaya, nag-request din sila ng pondo para sa cloud seeding sa Iloilo at Negros Occidental.




GMA: Sa gitna ng tag-init na nararanasan sa bansa ay isang tropical storm ang patuloy na binabantayan at huling namataan sa layong 1,550km east ng Mindanao na taglay ang lakas ng hangin na 65kph at pagbugso na umaabot sa 80kph. Inaasahang kikilos ito sa direskyon na west northwest sa bilis na 9kph. Ayon sa PAGASA, lalakas pa ito at posibleng maging typhoon pagpasok ng bansa sa Huwebes at tatawaging "Dodong." Samantala, ngayong araw ay asahan pa rin ang maulap na papawirin na may isolated rains lalo na sa hapon. Sa Metro Manila ay posible rin ang pag-ulan sa kabila ng maalinsangan at mainit na panahon.


PAGASA: A tropical depression was estimated at 1,615km east of Mindanao and outside PAR but still too far to affect any part of the country. It has maximum winds of 45kph near the center and is forecast to move west-northwest at 9kph. It is expected to enter PAR by Thursday and will be locally codenamed "Dodong."




May  4, 2015 (Monday) as of 8:00 AM

PIA4A / PIA QUEZON    :  Partly Cloudy  in Lucena City

 





GMA NEWS: Usec Valte maintained credit over the reprieve granted to Veloso had not been an issue for PNoy. She said the government will continue to assist Veloso and undertake efforts for her safety and do things that will help her cause. Valte indicated the government may provide consular assistance to Veloso's family should they return to Indonesia.


Migrante Int'l spokesman Gary Martinez press briefing live on DZBB:
-Si Mary Jane lumalabas, walang abogado from day 1 pa lang.
-Kay Consul General Roberto Manalo, nakakayamot ka na talaga. Kung ganyan ang isang opisyal ng embahada, dapat alisin iyan sa pwesto. Dapat may gumulong ang ulo sa pagpapabaya sa kaso ni May Jane.
-Kung sinseridad ang pag-uusapan, mukhang wala akong makitang sinseridad.
-Hinahamon ko ang gobyerno, ilabas niyo lahat ng mga pangalan ng iba pang Pinoy na may kaso sa ibang bansa, pati pangalan ng kanilang mga abogado para hindi tayo naghahabol.
-Para kay PNoy, minsan lang kayo magsalita, sablay pa; tanggapin n'yo ang hamon ng mga Veloso, humarap kayo sa kanila.
-Ang bola ng kaso ni Mary Jane ngayon ay nasa gobyerno na. Dapat tayong mas higit na vigilant para ma-ensure na gagalaw ang lahat.
-Maniningil kami sa mga susunod na araw sa ginawa nilang pangggigipit sa pamilya Veloso at sa mga abogado.


Migrante chairperson Connie Regalado press briefing live on DZMM:
-Nahirapan tayo na kumuha ng dokumento para pag-aralan ang kaso ni Mary Jane.
-Simula April 7 hanggang 17, ang aming paulit-ulit na request sa DFA na mabigyan kami ng at least 4 court decision na dapat translated in English. Ang sagot nila wala kaming hawak. Binigay nila sa amin timeline lang.
-Sabi nila lahat ang court document hawak ng Indonesian lawyer at nasa Bahasa pa.
-Kaya nga nagdesisyon ang NUPL at Migrante na mauna na kami sa Indonesia. Yung counterpart natin doon nagsimula na ring lumapit sa iba’t ibang grupo. Pagdating doon agad kaming inugnay sa simbahan.
-Pumunta kami sa Embahada (sa Jakarta), hinarap kami April 19, pero wala kaming susbstansiyang nakuha.
-Bina-box out na nila kami. Sa Migrante, sinisiraan na kami kay Mary Jane. Ang sabi “Mary Jane yung mga anak mo, binibilad na nila sa mga rally. Right after na makausap ni Consul General Manalo si Mary Jane sa pag-a-update niya ng mali-maling impormasyon, nag-dalawang isip na si Mary Jane.
-Kahit rough road ang aming dinaanan, nakatulong yung mass movement ng Indonesia.
-Gusto nila (gov’t) pagtakpan ang kanilang kapalpakan. For the last five years, tahimik ang kaso. Ang malaking salik kung bakit umabot tayo sa pagbago ng desisyon ni President Widodo, malaki ang itinulong ng mass movement ng mamamayang Indonesia, at ng iba pa.
-Nagtagumpay tayo temporary kaya ang panawagan namin ay dapat lalong paigtingin ang kaso upang malakas ang porma nito.

Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane live on DZBB:
-Nagpapasalamat po ako sa lahat-lahat na sumuporta kay Mary Jane. Nang dahil sa inyo, buhay ang aking anak.
-Matagal ng panahon na natulog yung kaso ng anak ko.
-Dumating kami sa Pilipinas para maningil ng utang sa gobyerno natin. Hanggang sa huli, niloko kami (ng gobyerno).
-Binabalita na niya (PNoy) sa mundo na sa kanya nanggaling ang pagkabuhay ng anak ko. Hindi po totoo yun.
-Sa DFA sana kumilos naman kayo, sana maliwanag ang lahat ng natatanggap naming impormasyon.



DZMM: Plano ni Rep. Emmy De Jesus na maghain ng resolusyon upang imbestigahan ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno, mula DFA hanggang Malacanang, para malaman ang kanilang pananagutan sa napabayaang kaso ni Mary Jane Veloso.


Gng. Editha Dacanay, ina ng isang OFW na nasa death row sa Saudi, live on DZBB:
-Nagpunta ako sa office ni VP Binay kaya lang ginawa lang nila akong bola doon, pinasa-pasa nila ako sa mga lamesa doon. Ang inaasikaso nila yung may pera kaya umalis na ako.
-Nagpunta ako sa Migrante. Mula nang lumapit ako dito, medyo magaan ang loob ko at hindi nila ako pinababayaan.


MANILA BULLETIN: PNoy has ordered DOJ Sec. Leila de Lima to fast-track the legal process that may prove overseas worker Mary Jane Veloso is innocent of drug trafficking and bring her recruiters to the bars of justice. PNoy expects the legal processes to be completed in about two months.



INTERAKSYON: The Philippine embassy will meet with Indonesian officials next week to discuss the terms of the temporary reprieve the Indonesian government gave to Mary Jane Veloso. DFA spokesman Asec. Charles Jose said the meeting seeks to clarify the duration and conditions of the stay in the Filipino's execution.


DZMM: Tinitignan ngayon ang West African drug syndicate na posibleng nasa likod ng kaso ni Mary Jane Veloso. Samantala, ayon sa report ng Inquirer, labas-masok pala sa bansa ang umano'y recruiter ni Veloso na si Kristina Sergio at gumagamit ng ibang pangalan. Kabilang sa napuntahan na nito ang Hong Kong, Singapoore, Malaysia at Indonesia.


Atty. Edre Olalia on DZMM:
Re: Mary Jane Veloso’s case
-Itinalaga na kami, ang NUPL, ni Mary Jane na kanyang opisyal na abogado. Tatayo kaming private prosecutor sa preliminary investigation.
-Makikipag-coordinate tayo sa DOJ, DFA, PDEA, IACAT at iba pang ahensya para malaman ang pinakamabilis na paraan upang makuha ang buong salaysay ni Mary Jane.
-Babasahin pa naming yung order to suspend execution.











LAGUNA

1. CHED, TESDA and UPOU conduct public consultation on Open Distance Learning Act

  • May 04, 2015
LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, May 4 (PIA) — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and University of the Philippines Open University (UPOP) recently conducted a public consultation on the proposed Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10650 or the Open Distance Learning Act.

The IRR was presented to heads and officials of public and private technical and vocational institutions (TVIs), higher education institutions (HEIs) and other stakeholders for further polishing and refinements.

R.A. 10650—Act Expanding Access to Educational Services by Institutionalizing Open Distance Learning (ODL) in Levels of Tertiary Education also known as the Open Distance Learning Act was approved on December 9, 2014 by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The said law applies to public and private HEIs and post-secondary schools in the Philippines which have existing ODL programs, and to other HEIs and post-secondary schools which shall later be authorized as qualified implementers of the ODL program. (A.C. Ortillano, PIA-LAGUNA/PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641430208195/ched-tesda-and-upou-conduct-public-consultation-on-open-distance-learning-act#sthash.VrQXN5P1.dpuf

2. DepEd IV-A conducts regional education summit

  • May 04, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, May 4 (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) IV-A recently conducted the 2015 Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas & Rizal) Regional Education Summit at Jose Rizal Memorial Elementary School here.

Highlight of the summit is the State of DepEd Calabarzon's Address delivered by Regional Director Diosdado M. San Antonio.

In his message, San Antonio provided the stakeholders with information on the department's accomplishments for the previous school year highlighting the preparations for the K to 12 Senior High School implementation this year. He affirmed that Calabarzon is ready for the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education program. 

San Antonio also expressed his gratitude to the local government units, non-government organizations, parents and teachers associations and other stakeholders for their support in the said program.

Beatriz G. Torno, assistant regional director, meanwhile said: “[At] DepEd Calabarzon, excellence is our culture and quality is our commitment” which pertains to good education provided to learners by the educators.
 

To back this up, San Antonio gladly announced that Calabarzon has topped the National Schools Press Conference, the highest competition for journalism in both private schools and public elementary and high schools, for the last three years. (AC Ortillano, PIA-LAGUNA/PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641430373311/deped-iv-a-conducts-regional-education-summit#sthash.OZI4EBRQ.dpuf

3. Thousands flock to DOLE, SM City Calamba job fair

  • May 04, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, May 4 (PIA) — Around 2,500 job seekers flocked at the SM City here for the 5th Labor Day Job Fair organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and SM Supermalls.

Out of the said number, a total of 541 candidates were hired on the spot by their chosen corporations. 

A total of 61 companies mainly from the manpower, manufacturing and retail industries participated in the said recruitment activity. Fifty-seven of which were local companies while the remaining three were for overseas recruitment.

SM Supermalls, being home to over 300,000 employees, said in a media release that they will continue to make efforts in providing jobs to the growing Filipino workforce. (KC H. Tiqui, PRO-SM City Calamba/PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931430699728/thousands-flock-to-dole-sm-city-calamba-job-fair#sthash.AuHhO0hB.dpuf

 

4.  DTI rolls off more equipment for Jala-Jala dairy cooperative

  • May 04, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, May 4, (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry on April 22 launched another set of dairy production facility to Llano Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a Jala-Jala based group that engages in dairy production and processing.

The additional facility consisting of a milking machine and a water purification system worth P578,000 will enhance the cooperative’s production to become part of the supply chain for dairy products, according to Mercedes Parreño, director of DTI Rizal.

The equipment grant is part of DTI’s Shared Service Facility (SSF) Project that provides machinery and equipment to enhance production capacities of micro, small and medium enterprises including cooperatives in the countryside, DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said. 

Toledo added that one consideration is to minimize importation of dairy products and that DTI will drive up the region’s dairy industry competitiveness by providing industry players with technology and the appropriate production facilities. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631430700501/dti-rolls-off-more-equipment-for-jala-jala-dairy-cooperative#sthash.7RVT48QH.dpuf

5.  Laguna SMEs urged to do business with 0% tariff countries

  • May 04, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, May 4 (PIA) --About a hundred representatives of Laguna’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), local governments and national line agencies attended the information sessions on the European Union’s enhanced General Scheme of Preferences, or the EU GSP+.

The information campaign held on April 17 at the Toyota Conference Center in Santa Rosa , Laguna, is aimed for businesses to understand, capitalize and benefit from the schemes offered by various free trade agreements.

Starting this year, under the European Union’s enhanced General Scheme of Preferences (EU GSP+) alone, about two-thirds of Philippine exportable product will be enjoying no tariffs imposed (zero percent tariff) to the European Union.   

“This would spell bright prospects for the Philippines and the Calabarzon Region as well, since under the scheme, our MSMEs will be able to export virtually everything, except prohibited products, with no tariffs to be imposed”, said Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo of DTI Calabarzon.

Toledo added that the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that qualified with the EU GSP+ scheme.

Resource speaker Cris John ‘CJ’ Garcia said that among the notable Philippine products that would benefit the schemes are coconut and marine products; processed fruit; prepared food; animal and vegetable fats and oils; textiles; garments; headwear; footwear; furniture; umbrellas; and chemicals.

The EU GSP+ information sessions are facilitated by the Export Marketing Bureau under DTI Laguna’s Small and Medium Enterprises Roving Academy (SMERA) Program. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631430698267/laguna-smes-urged-to-do-business-with-0-tariff-countries#sthash.0QylN68H.dpuf









Palace lauds Manny Pacquiao despite losing to Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
The Palace on Sunday lauded Manny Pacquiao despite losing the Welterweight belt to American boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., in a boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"Filipinos can hold their heads up high: our national pride, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, did us all proud when he stood his ground against one of the best boxers of our time, Floyd Mayweather," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.

Coloma also reiterated President Benigno Aquino III's thanks to Pacquiao "for serving as an inspiration to every Filipino in overcoming the daily challenges in the pursuit of a better life and future."

"We will continue to be proud that we have a People’s Champ in Manny Pacquiao who exemplifies skill, strength and courage. He is a worthy exemplar that the Filipino is able to compete in the global arena --- for as long as there is a level playing field,"

"Hopefully, Manny may now be able to devote more time with his family and that he is able to maintain good health that will serve him in good stead in all his future endeavors," Coloma addded.

Mayweather had beaten Pacquiao after 12 rounds of boxing at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. All three judges were unanimous in giving Mayweather higher points with the score of: 118-110, 116-112, 116-112.

The unbeaten Mayweather now have a record of 48 wins, while Pacquiao now had 57 wins and six losses.

The fight is an unification of the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, and World Boxing Organization Welterweight belt. PND (ag)
Palace remains hopeful Congress will enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law
As Senate resumes its discussion on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) this week, the Palace is hopeful that both the Senate and the House of Representatives will consider passing it into law.

"Umaasa po ang ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Pangulo na bibigyang daan o aaprubahan ng magkabilang sangay ng lehislatura—ang Camara de Representantes at ang Senado—ang inihain na draft Bangsamoro Basic Law," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in an interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

"Dahil ito po ay magsisilbing susi sa pagpapatuloy at buong kaganapan ng itinataguyod po nating prosesong pangkapayapaan na magdudulot ng maraming benepisyo at pangmatagalang pag-unlad at pagbuti ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Kamindanawan," he added.

Coloma said that the Palace has high expectations that Congress will listen to the emerging public sentiment that favors the enactment of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

When asked what if the lawmakers amend some provisions in the BBL, Coloma said they will respect it as it is part the legislative process.

"Ang panawagan lang po ng Pangulo ay panatilihin ang buod at sustansya ng draft BBL at huwag naman po magpasa ng isang watered down version. Pero kinikilala po natin ang karapatan ng ating mga mambabatas na magsulong ng mga kinakailangang amyenda, kung sa inaakala nila na ito ay makakapagpabuti pa sa batas na kanilang ipapasa, at tungkulin naman po nila iyon," said Coloma.

On September 10, 2014, the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, now House Bill No. 4994, was submitted to Congress during ceremonies held in Malacañang Palace.

The Senate and the House of Representatives are both conducting their respective consultations and inquiries regarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law. PND (ag)
 

President Aquino inspects state-of-the-art facilities of P2-billion hospital in Cebu
President Benigno S. Aquino III toured the newly constructed University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) as the country celebrated Labor Day on Friday.

The 12-storey, 300-bed Level 2 hospital cost P2 billion and sits on a one-hectare property along Ouano Avenue in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

President Aquino joined University of Cebu President Atty. Augusto Go, UCMed President Candice Gotianuy and Medical Director Joselito Almendras in inspecting the catheterization laboratory, cardiothoracic intensive care unit, coronary care unit, and operation room.

UCMed, which is affiliated with St. Vincent General Hospital, boasts of having many “firsts”, not only in the province but also in the Visayas-Mindanao region and Southeast Asia.

The hospital has the first 3D Mammography with Tomosynthesis and fully-integrated 3D Endoalpha Minimally Invasive Surgery Operating Room in Southeast Asia. It also has the most advanced 3D Laparoscopic Surgery Operating Room and Digestive Endoscopy Suite in the Philippines.

UCMed’s Brainlab, an imaging device that will make spine and brain surgery safer, is the most advanced in the Visayas-Mindanao region.

The hospital also offers medical procedures, such as flow cytometry tests to determine abnormalities and growth in tumors. Before, all hospitals have to send blood samples to Manila for this type of test, thus increasing the risk of spoilage of blood samples and breakage of vials while in transit.

Dedicated centers for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Executive Wellness, Cardiovascular Surgery, Hematology, Nutrition and Diabetes, Women’s Health, Pre-Employment Medical Screening, and Nephrology will be opened by the end of the year.

UCMed aims to be a leader in providing comprehensive and quality health care as well as maintaining value for its patients and stakeholders. PND (jm)
President Aquino inaugurates mill facility of multinational cement factory in Cebu City
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday led the inauguration of the new mill facility of cement company CEMEX Philippines in Naga City, Cebu province.

In his speech, President Aquino noted that the P3-billion facility would ramp up CEMEX Philippines’ operations by 1.5 million metric tons annually, for a plant output of 4 million metric tons of cement.

The cement industry, he said, is a large contributor to the current and successive rise of infrastructure across the Philippines.

Citing recent infrastructure projects that he recently visited – among them the new rice processing center in Negros Occidental, the cyber center in Bacolod City, the Lullutan Bridge in Isabela, the new school buildings and classrooms in Bulacan and Tarlac, and the SLEX Toll Road 4 project in Quezon – the President said the government is accelerating its infrastructure program as part of its comprehensive strategy to achieve widespread progress.

“Economic growth increases investor confidence in the country, which gives rise to new businesses—which, in turn, creates more jobs,” he said, adding that the people’s opportunities for progress will further broaden and the government would be able to collect more taxes, which will fund infrastructure and improve social services.

"With the confidence that comes with companies like CEMEX investing in us, we are assured of enough cement for all these infrastructure projects," he said.

CEMEX S.A.B. de C.V., a Mexican multinational company which was founded in 1906, is one of the world’s three largest cement companies, with approximately 80 million metric tons of annual production capacity. PND (ag)
Government closely watching restive Mount Bulusan, says Palace
Concerned government agencies are closely monitoring Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province after the volcano spewed steam and ash on Friday, a Palace official has said.

“Patuloy tayong nagbabantay dito at nakita nga natin ang report ng NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) na nagkaroon na nga po ito ng activity,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during an interview aired over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

Valte said that based on the latest report, Alert Level 0 prevails.

She however advised people living near the volcano to avoid entering the four-kilometer danger zone set by the authorities.

“Ipinapaala po natin doon sa mga pamahalaang lokal at doon po sa mga kababayan natin doon na ipinagbabawal pa rin po ang pagpasok sa four-kilometer radius permanent danger zone, dahil nga doon sa posibilidad na biglang magkaroon ng stream-driven or phreatic eruption,” she said, adding that the NDRRMC has already told civil aviation authorities to caution pilots flying over the area.

The council has been coordinating with Bicol’s Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and other concerned agencies to monitor the situation and ensure that the danger zone is off limits to the public. PND (as)
Palace wishes Pacquiao all the best in his bout against Mayweather
Win or lose, the country will remain proud and supportive of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who battles Floyd Mayweather, Jr. for the welterweight crown in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday Manila time), Malacañang has said.

“Ang gusto lang naman po nating sabihin kay Congressman Manny Pacquiao ay kahit ano ang maging resulta ng kanyang laban ay mananatili po ang paghanga at pagsuporta sa kanya nang buong sambayanang Pilipino,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

“At siyempre, ang gusto naman natin pong makita bukas ay talagang magtagumpay ang ating pambansang kamao,” Valte said.

In a recent interview, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wants Pacquiao to hang his gloves soon so that he could enjoy the fruits of his labor and the company of his family.

The congressman, he said, has done enough to bring honor to the country.

“For Congressman Pacquiao, alam namin talagang buong-buo ang iyong loob, at buong-buo ang suporta ng buong sambayanan para sa iyo,” Valte said.

Mayweather and Pacquiao weighed in at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Friday (Saturday in Manila), as 11,500 fans watched ahead of the most lucrative fight in boxing history. The bout is set to generate an estimated $400 million.

The pair will fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight titles. PND (as)
Malacañang elated that the Philippines is not included in U.S. intellectual property rights watch list
The Palace on Saturday welcomed a US report indicating that the Philippines remains off its list of countries with intellectual property issues.

“We got word that the US Trade Representative watch list, ‘yung Special 301 Report that they issue yearly, that the Philippines has stayed off the IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) watch list,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview.

Valte noted that the Philippines was removed from the watch list last year.

“It is good that we are not on the US Trade Representative’s watch list because its sends out a signal to other investors that we have a good business climate,” she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

This will create the impression that the government takes every measure to protect intellectual property rights in the country, especially when investors do business in the Philippines, she explained.

Asked about what the government would do to stay out of the watch list, Valte said it has to continue adopting the best practices when it comes to intellectual property rights, such as the administrative enforcement reforms carried out by the country that have resulted in streamlined procedures, enhanced interagency cooperation, and more enforcement action, including increased seizures of pirated and counterfeit goods.

“And of course, we benefit from the assistance that was extended by the United States in terms of training funds from US government agencies for IPR enforcement and part of their technical assistance to foreign governments,” she said.

From 2013 to 2014, the Philippines was one of the countries that benefitted from the training spearheaded by the US for the Bureau of Customs, police, and officials in the judiciary, she said.

“We continue to avail of the technical assistance and then we continue to apply the best practices that we continue to learn from these measures,” she added.

She further said that the report had cited the country’s commitment to the whole government approach, not only the intellectual property office but also other stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.

The judiciary, she said, is an active participant in the country’s fight against counterfeit goods and piracy as it prosecutes violators of the Intellectual Property Code.

It was reported on Friday that the Philippines has, for the second year in a row, stayed out of the US Trade Representative’s Special 301 Report on the “adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.”

The report, released in Washington D.C. on Thursday, covered 72 trading partners, 37 of whom were on the watch list.

According to the report, the Philippines was first tagged in 1989 and was on the watch list since 1994 but was removed from the list last year, with the US Trade Representative citing improved Philippine government commitment to protect IPR. PND (as)
President Aquino inspects job fair in Mandaue City
(MANDAUE CITY, Cebu) As part of the Labor Day celebration, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday visited the JobStart Philippines job fair, held at the J. Centre Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu province.

Accompanied by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, the President toured the booths at the fair.

In his speech during the inauguration of the new mill of CEMEX Philippines, President Aquino cited a JobStart participant who was full of hope.

“A proud member of our program, a young lady who only finished high school, and who is a single mother, said she was thankful for—with the assistance of DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) and TESDA—having been given a good job. In the past, it seemed as if she could wake up to nothing but problems. Now she faces me with optimism, because she is certain the future will be bright," he said.

JobStart Philippines is a project of the Department of Labor and Employment, the Canadian International Development Agency, the Asian Development Bank, and local government units.

It provides a full-cycle employment-bridging package to youth beneficiaries, including life skills training, accessible labor market information, career counseling, on-the-job training, and other employment facilitation services.

Under the project, international sponsors finance the company-based training services as well as the stipend of interns.

The job fair’s theme was “Investing in the Filipino Youth Employability and Competitiveness: A Public-Private Partnership.” PND (ag)
 

Government doing its best to help workers
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday said the government is exerting efforts to improve its relationship with the labor sector.

“Pinapanday natin ang higit na matatag na ugnayan sa puwersang manggagawa upang mapakinggan ang kanilang saloobin at mabigyan ito ng karampatang aksyon,” said the President in his Labor Day message.

He said the government remains focused on improving the lives of Filipinos.

“Pangunahin sa adhikaing ito ang siguruhing ligtas at may kakayahan ang ating kababayan na magtagumpay sa buhay,” Aquino said.

“Saan mang sulok ng mundo sila naroroon, sinisikap tugunan ng pamahalaan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan, lalo na sa larangan ng edukasyon, pagsasanay, at agarang ayuda,” the President added.

The President also called on stakeholders to help create a “fair market” that will benefit everyone.

“Inuudyok natin ang bawat kabahagi ng industriya na makiambag sa pagbuo ng patas na merkado, kung saan ang masigasig ay umuunlad at nakikinabang sa bunga ng progreso,” he said.

“Isulong pa natin ang kapayapaan sa industriya at pagdadamayang siyang bukal ng masigla at nagkakaisang Pilipinas na tinitingala ngayon sa mundo,” he concluded. PND (jm)
 

Bacolod business leader hail signing of Sugarcane Development Act
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) The city and surrounding areas are now assured of additional power supply following the signing into law of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act in March 2015.

This was disclosed by Frank Carbon, the President of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a briefing at the sidelines of the two-day Disaster Risk Finance – APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies that started in the SMX Convention Center here on Wednesday.

Carbon said the law not only allocates a Php2-billion annual budget for the sugar industry but also created two more revenue streams for industry players.

These additional revenue streams are fuel ethanol and power from biomass.

Currently, products derived from sugarcane are primarily sugar, molasses and alcohol.

It takes about seven to eight months to plant and harvest sugarcane, thus, the industry cannot provide bagasse, the leftovers of sugar cane after it has been extracted of its juice, and rice, to biomass power plants.

Carbon said biomass power plants can now have additional waste supply because all marginal lands in Negross Occidental not suited for sugarcane planting will now be planted with trees and grass.

He said only 20 percent of Negros Island’s power supply is internally generated and the bigger part is sourced from Samar, Leyte and Cebu.

Thus, the island is vulnerable to power disruptions since getting supply from another island has its challenges like congestion and breakdown of transmission lines among others.

But with the signing of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, Carbon said this would augment imbedded supply. PNA (js)
Big insurance companies that shy away from microinsurance are losing opportunities, says expert
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) Large insurance companies that have not entered microinsurance are losing an opportunity and a big chunk of the market, an expert said on Wednesday.

"I'm not going into a debate but if some companies are not entering that space, they are losing an opportunity because countries are moving from low income to middle income," Arup Chatterjee, Principal Financial Sector Specialist of the Asian Development Bank, said in a press conference here.

"When they build assets, when income rises, insurance will surely not be a portfolio," he added.

Chatterjee said all institutions win their clients’ trust, thus the one who enters the market first will develop the confidence of the consumers and eventually have a very good market share in the future.

He acknowledged that Asia is a big market because of its growing middle class.

The same is true with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is seen to be more than India and China combined in the next 20 years, he said, underscoring the region’s great promise.

"Microinsurance possibly is the entry point in terms of developing and deepening market," he noted.

President of MicroEnsure Philippines, William Martirez, however said that not all of the big players in the insurance industry are shunning the business.

Many of the big players in the industry have some form of microinsurance in other countries, he said.

The major reason why they are not in the market is that big insurance companies still do not understand the market, and just like any business proposition, they have to be comfortable with the market, Martirez said.

“There are actually insurance companies that you won't expect to go into microinsurance because of their business proposition or because of the market niche that they want to enter," he said.

"For instance, there are those players who just choose to be comfortable in a certain economic niche that they want to reach. So, just like banks, for instance, not all of them are into microfinance."

Martirez however said there is already a growing trend worldwide for these huge insurance companies to have a slice of the microinsurance market.

He said microinsurance is not a mere marketing strategy and he believes it is a different species in the insurance business.

Stakeholders in member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are meeting for two-and-a-half days here to discuss disaster risk finance. The meeting carries the theme "Disaster Risk Finance -- APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies." PND (as)
Regional insurance against disasters proposed for APEC economies
                                   PH's insurance pooling model for disaster-prone provinces cited

BACOLOD CITY, PHILIPPINES -- A suggestion for the 21 member-economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to have a regional insurance against disaster risk has been presented during an APEC seminar held in this city titled "Disaster Risk Finance - APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies."

Richard Poulter, a specialist on disaster risk financing and insurance from the World Bank, said accessing insurance against disasters may be expensive for a single economy, but the cost can be significantly reduced with economies of scale.

Poulter suggested that APEC economies may pool their disaster risks and then tap insurance collectively from an international insurance provider. He cited the model that the Philippines is pursuing for some of its provinces, adding this may be applied on a regional scale. In particular, the Philippines has secured the assistance of the World Bank in developing an insurance framework wherein disaster-prone provinces will pool risks and then have these risks insured collectively. In case a province is hit by disaster, it can file claims from the insurance facility.

"In so many ways the Philippines has been leading efforts toward [disaster] resiliency, and the model it is pursuing is an example," Poulter said April 30 in a presentation delivered toward the closing of the two-day APEC seminar.

Regional insurance is one of the proposals for disaster resiliency that APEC member-economies may consider discussing in detail in succeeding meetings.

Other proposals raised were establishment of a catalogue showing risk exposures of member-countries, creation of a platform showing data on insurance coverage of public assets, and engagement of the private sector in disaster risk financing. Meantime, the Philippines reiterated the need for a proactive approach toward enhancing disaster resiliency across APEC member-economies.

"The APEC region serves as a growth driver for the world economy. Given that the region is prone to natural disasters, collective efforts to boost disaster resiliency are vital in ensuring that our region continues to have significant contributions to global growth," said Philippines' Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, who serves as head of the overall organizing committee for the APEC gathering in city.

Besides exploring means for APEC member-economies to access disaster risk financing, participants to the two-day APEC gathering also discussed proposals to widen penetration of microinsurance. Given its affordability, microinsurance is seen as an effective tool to protect more people and enterprises against adverse effects of disasters.

The Philippines' Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima welcomed the developments from the meetings saying, "I am pleased to find that the technical working groups of the member economies have made significant strides in developing the APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies. Disasters do not impact all our citizens equally: the poor suffer the brunt of their effects, and lose much more of what they have than others."

"Thus I applaud the focus on financial inclusion, through microinsurance, as one of the best shields our most vulnerable can use against disasters. With this roadmap, disasters need not be disproportionately devastating for the poor," Purisima added.

The two-day meeting in Bacolod City was attended by 92 participants from the technical working groups of finance ministries as well as finance experts across the APEC region. Finance ministries across the region will discuss in further detail the proposals raised during the APEC event in Bacolod and decide what may potentially be included in the Cebu Action Plan (CAP).

CAP is the overall finance-related development roadmap for the APEC region that is being drafted by the Philippines while taking inputs from other APEC member-economies. It is targeted to be completed in time for the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting, which will be held in Cebu City, Philippines in September.
President Aquino inaugurates Negros Occidental’s first rice processing center
(BAGO CITY, Negros Occidental) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday inaugurated a P63.9 million rice processing center, the first for Negros Occidental province.

The President arrived at the Negros First Rice Processing Center (NFRPC), located in Barangay Tabunan, Bago City, at 11:40 a.m. and was welcomed by Negros Occidental Congressman Jeffrey Ferrer, Bago City Mayor Ramon Torres, and president of the Bago Irrigators Association Rosemary Caunca.

The President and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II unveiled the project marker.

The rice processing center is a joint project of the Department of Agriculture, which provided P19.9 million of the total amount, and the provincial government, which provided P44 million.

The center has a rice mill which could process 10 tons of rice per hour; a grain drying system that consists of three units of 12-tonner recirculation grain dryers; a biomass-fed 6-tonner recirculating dryer; and a biomass-fed cyclonic furnace.

The plant is expected to benefit 18,000 farmers and cater to 15,000 hectares of rice-producing areas in Negros Occidental.

The President noted that with the Negros First Rice Processing Center, farmers can now have a maximum milling recovery of 68 percent, up from the previous 50 percent.

The NFRPC, which was set up to reduce postharvest losses, was completed in November last year and will start operating in September after the first cropping season, the Department of Agriculture has said in a press statement.

Also present during the event were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Health Secretary Janette Garin, (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva, and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. PND (ag)
PHL eyes 30M poor Filipinos to be microinsurance policy holders
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) The Philippine government targets to have 30 million of its poor citizens as microinsurance policy holders to help alleviate their lives.

Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc, in a briefing at the sidelines of the two-day Disaster Risk Finance – APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies that started in SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City Wednesday, said the penetration rate of microinsurance in the country is now about 34 percent, covering about 18 million as of end-2014.

He said the number of Filipino insurance policy holders are now higher than the IC’s target of covering 20 percent of the population by 2020.

This development is what makes the Philippines the leader in microinsurance in the world.

Microinsurance products are cheap versions of traditional insurance products. Its premiums, contributions and other fees are computed on a daily basis and amount to only a maximum of five percent of the daily minimum wage (P481.00) in Metro Metro Manila.

Dooc said most people realize the need to have an insurance only after a disaster hits them.

Thus, the Insurance Commission plans to continue educating the public and working with industry players to further help in the industry’s growth.

“If there is good in everyone of us, and if we collectively apply it, we can overcome all the bad things around us,” Dooc said.

And with the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings for 2015, the IC Commissioner said they are doing their best to showcase the country’s achievements in this area.

”Our contribution to APEC will be our experience in implementing microinsurance, our principal tool to achieve financial inclusion,” he said.

Dooc said the concept of financial inclusion is “walang iwanan” (no one left behind).

”Regardless of the economic status one should be able to afford to buy an insurance and the facility for that is microinsurance,” he added. PNA (js)
Authorities push for disaster risk finance in Asia Pacific region
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) Authorities have raised the need to establish a disaster risk finance system in the Asia and the Pacific to preserve economic gains.

Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, in a briefing for the closing of the two-day Disaster Risk Finance – APEC Roadmap for Resilient Economies in SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City Thursday, said disaster risk finance “is very important in avoiding deterioration of poverty rating of a country.”

”While we are growing at a very fast phase our poverty rate is not improving as much because just one typhoon would wipe out all the gains from increasing GDP (gross domestic product), “ he said.

In the Philippines, disasters negatively impact the country’s domestic output by 1.1 percent annually, Beltran said.

The country was hit by one of the world’s strongest typhoon, Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), on November 8, 2013.

A month before that Bohol province in Central Visayas was struck by a 7.2- magnitude earthquake.

That year, the country expanded by 7.2 percent

In the first quarter of 2014, economic growth decelerated to 5.7 percent from a quarter-ago’s 6.3 percent due to the impact of the calamities that hit the country in the last quarter of 2013.

The DoF official said the poor are the most affected by these calamities since it puts them further in the deep.

Relatively, the World Bank disaster risk financing specialist Richard Poulter, in the same briefing, said disaster risk financing not only protects a country’s economic gains but also save government funds.

”It can also protect government from having to reallocate from other important areas such as health and education in the aftermath of disasters,” he said.

Poulter said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a good venue where economies in the region can discuss the issues in a coordinated way and come up with strategies to address the problems.

These strategies, he said should be “developed for each of the member countries in a way that is appropriate to the risks that they face.” PNA (js)
President Aquino inaugurates Negros First Cyber Center in Bacolod City
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday inaugurated the P674-million four-storey Negros First Cyber Center (NFCC) in this city.

In his speech during the event, President Aquino noted that the center was constructed from January 2012 to October 2014, and began operating in December last year.

“Patunay lang po ang imprastrukturang ito: Sa tamang tao at proyekto, sa tamang kalidad at presyo, ang plano, tunay na naisasakongkreto, at napapakinabangan ng Pilipino,” he said.

The NFCC, built on a two-hectare land, has three sections: the business process outsourcing for call center workstations, technology business incubation center, virtual offices, research and development; the commercial support facilities that will house various commercial establishments; and common information technology facilities, such as conference and exhibit halls, investor's lounge and cyber center management.

“At ang pinakamaganda po sa lahat: Buong pagmamay-ari ito at nasa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan. Ibig sabihin, ang inaasahang kikitain ng Cyber Centre na P90 million sa renta kada taon, diretso sa pamahalaan ng inyo pong probinsiya,” the President said.

“Ang hatid pa nito sa inyo: 6,000 direct jobs, at tinatayang 20,000 indirect jobs sa loob ng susunod na dalawang taon. Dagdag-pondo, dagdag-trabaho, para sa dagdag na serbisyo para sa inyong mga Boss, ang mga minamahal nating Negrense,” he added.

He said that the 2015 Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations Report shows Metro Manila as the second top outsourcing destination in the world, next only to Bangalore, India.

Of the 100 cities in this list, eight are in the Philippines.

“Kabilang na ang Bacolod City, na tumaas na sa pang-86 ngayong taon, mula sa pang-93 noong lumipas. Patunay ang mga datos na ito: Bigyan mo lang ng sapat na pagkakataon, talagang magpapakitang-gilas ang Pilipino. Kaya naman, sinisikap po nating payabungin ang industriya ng IT-BPM, hindi lang sa Maynila, kundi lalo’t higit, sa mga lungsod o lalawigang hitik din sa talino, talento, at sigasig, tulad dito sa inyo sa Bacolod,” he said.

Also present during the event were Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Lacson, Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Health Secretary Janette Garin, Tesda Director General Joel Villanueva, and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. PND (ag)
Risk pooling suggested to cushion impacts of disasters in APEC region
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) Finance stakeholders in the Asia Pacific region agreed in a two-day meeting here to develop a vibrant microinsurance in the region as well as create a regional risk pool mechanism to reduce risk of individual countries when there are calamities.

"The meeting today is an offshoot of the finance ministers' meeting in Tagaytay. In that meeting there was a decision to develop a disaster risk finance in APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation)," Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, the chief economist of the Department of Finance, said in a press conference on Thursday.

Richard Poulter, World Bank's disaster risk financing specialist, said the big question raised during the meeting here is how to build resilience among individuals against disastrous events.

The discussions covered two major topics: Micro insurance and disaster risk financing, Poulter said during the press conference.

Micro insurance is at the household level, focusing on how to build resilience for individuals while risk financing deals with ensuring governments have access to funding in a timely manner after a disaster strikes.

Poulter explained risk pooling, in which different countries will come together to share the risk and take it to the global reinsurance markets to achieve a level premium than if they were to go individually to the markets.

APEC has been looking closely at this idea considering that it follows the steps of other risk pools already established in different parts of the world. For instance, in the Caribbean with its Caribbean Risk and Catastrophe Facility and in the Pacific region the Pacific Risk Financing Initiative, he said.

What was discussed during the conference were the prerequisites for a pool and how APEC can put in place such mechanism, Poulter said.

"So if a pool is developed for APEC how can we make sure that it will be successful. The prerequisites here are ones of cooperation between the members of the countries concerned," he said.

"And the second one is a round data in ensuring that there is sufficient data, which is standardized across all the countries within the pool which they can depend on in a risk transfer mechanism," he continued.

Also considered during the discussion is whether risk pooling is not necessarily the only answer to developing a risk financing strategy, he said, noting however that risk pooling can form one part of a broader strategy.

"And understanding if really risk pool is appropriate for a country of APEC is the next step," he added.

In the final session, Poulter said stakeholders and delegates discussed the ways to move forward on the Cebu Action Plan to be launched in September.

It was suggested as part of of the Cebu Action Plan is to have a feasibility study of whether a risk pool mechanism would be appropriate and possible for the APEC member economies in terms of building resilience in times of disasters, he said. PND (as)
President Aquino hopes to finish interviewing candidates for top government posts before he leaves next week
President Benigno S. Aquino III said he hopes to finish interviewing candidates for several key government positions before he leaves for the United States and Canada next week.

"I just came back from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in Malaysia and we prepared for that; of course, maraming other concerns, so I’m hoping that before I leave for the next trip, which is next week, for Canada, matatapos ko na lahat itong interviews," he said during a media interview that followed the inauguration a cyber center in Bacolod City on Thursday.

The President said he hopes to get a final answer on Saturday from the top candidate for chief of the Bureau of Corrections.

“Actually, pa-oo na siya last week, at sinabi ko rin sa kanya, ‘Ulitin ko lang ha, kailangan pag-umoo ka, wala nang atrasan ito.’ So, by this Saturday, I hope I’ll get a final answer from him,” he said.

On the candidate for chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), he said he needs to interview him “just to confirm that he really is volunteering.”

“This person is relatively young, he’s acknowledged in the legal circles, he has already proven his mettle. Ang kailangan ko lang, confirmation that he wants the job, as opposed to napilitan na tanggapin ‘yung trabaho. I just needed to hear it from his lips,” he said.

On the candidate for secretary of the Department of Energy, the President said he is down to two candidates.

“At the same time, I’m also hoping na baka naman mapatagal ko pa si Secretary (Jericho) Petilla rito. So, perhaps there might not be a need but in case there is a need, there are two that I just need to do a final interview,” he said.

As for the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), he said, “We’re just finalizing the steps para magkaroon ng, as much as possible, least disruption sa PNP hierarchy, which means ‘yung hindi palit tayo nang palit ng chief PNP.”

The President is slated to travel to Chicago, in the US for a working visit on May 6, and to Canada for a state visit from May 7 to 9. PND (ag)








President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Inauguration of Expansion Project  of CEMEX Philippines
Apo Cement Plant, Brgy., Tina-an City of Naga, Cebu
01 May 2015

Last stop ho natin ang inyong planta sa biyaheng ito; kahapon po, pumunta tayo sa probinsya ng Negros Occidental para pasinayaan ang isang rice processing center para sa ating mga magsasaka, at isang cyber center na magbubunsod ng mga trabaho sa ating IT-BPM sector. Dito naman po sa napakagandang lungsod ng Cebu—probinsya actually ng Cebu at sa lungsod ng Cebu—dumalo tayo sa panayam ng Jobstart ukol sa paglikha ng mga trabaho para sa kabataan, at sinilip din natin ang bagong pasilidad ng University of Cebu Medical Center. Ngayon po, bago tayo tumulak muli patungong Maynila, nabigyan tayo ng pagkakataong ikutin itong bagong mill facility ng CEMEX. Sa lahat ng ito, talaga naman pong sulit ang pag-iikot, dahil nakikita natin ang mga bunga ng ating pagsisikap na iangat ang buhay ng atin pong mga Boss. Nagagalak po tayong makita ang resulta ng Daang Matuwid, lalo pa ngayong Araw ng Paggawa.

Ang balita po sa akin, tatlong bilyong piso ang ipinasok na puhunan ng CEMEX para sa pasilidad na ito. 800 indibiduwal ang nabigyan ng trabaho sa konstruksyon nito, at sa kasalukuyan, nasa 950 katao na ang nagtatrabaho rito. Ang maganda pa, magdadagdag ng 1.5 milyong metriko tonelada ng produksyon kada taon ang mill facility na ito, upang iangat sa apat na milyong metriko tonelada ang sementong inilalabas ng plantang ito.

Bakit po mahalaga ang dagdag na produksyong ito? Napakalaki po ng ambag ng industriya ng semento sa nangyayaring sunod-sunod na pagtatayo ng imprastruktura saanmang sulok ng Pilipinas. Nabanggit na nga po natin ang mga bagong pasilidad sa Negros Occidental; nito pong nakaraang mga linggo, inikot natin ang Isabela para pasinayaan ang Lullutan bridge na 20 taong inabangan ng mga kababayan natin doon. Ito pong tulay na ito ginawa na lang limang minuto ang dating biyaheng umaabot ng isa’t kalahati hanggang dalawang oras. Nanggaling din tayo ng Tarlac at Bulacan para pasinayaan ang mga bagong classroom at gusali ng mga paaralan. Sa probinsya ng Quezon naman po, dinalaw din natin ang SLEX Toll Road 4 project, na panahon pa ng diktador plinano, at tayo na rin nga po ang magtatapos.

Alam po niyo, hinihintay ko na rin ang pagkakataong makabalik sa Cebu, bagama’t nandito pa ako, para pasinayaan naman ‘yung pag-improve ng ating Cebu Mactan Airport. Lalaki ang mga terminal. Siyempre kakailanganin rin po ng maraming semento na naman.

Malinaw po: Hindi tsamba ang mga ipinapatayong kalsada, tulay, classroom, at iba pang mga imprastruktura sa maraming bahagi ng Pilipinas. Talaga pong minamadali at tinututukan natin ito, dahil bahagi ito ng ating komprehensibong stratehiya tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran.

Nabigyan po tayo ng kakayahang itaguyod ang mga ganitong inisyatiba dahil sa paglago ng ekonomiya. Sabi nga po sa atin ni Secretary Arsi Balisacan ng NEDA, nagtala tayo ng 6.3 percent average GDP growth kada taon mula noong nagumpisa tayo noong 2010—ang pinakamabilis na paglago ng ating ekonomiya sa loob ng nakaraang 40 taon. Ang target naman po natin: Palaguin pa ang ekonomiya ng pito hanggang walong porsiyento ngayong taon. Ayon sa ating economic managers, kapag naabot natin ito, ang resulting six-year average ang magiging pinakamabilis na paglago ng ating ekonomiya simula po noog taong 1955, o sa loob ng nakalipas na 60 taon.

Ibig sabihin po noon, noong nag-asawa po ang aking Nanay at Tatay noong 1954, isang taon pa ang tumakbo noong huli tayong nakaranas ng ganitong pagbulusok ng ekonomiya.

Ano po ba ang ibig-sabihin nito kay Juan at Juana dela Cruz? Dahil sa maunlad na ekonomiya, lalong lalakas ang kompiyansa ng mga investor na mamuhunan sa bansa. Sa pag-usbong ng mga bagong negosyo, dadami ang malilikhang trabaho; lalawak ang oportunidad sa pag-asenso ng mas maraming pinaghandaang Pilipino. Ang epekto nito: Lalaki ang buwis na makokolekta ng inyong pamahalaan, na magsisilbi na namang pondo para sa dagdag na imprastruktura, at sa pagpapaunlad ng mga serbisyong panlipunan. Ito po ang tinatawag nating “virtuous cycle.” Ulitin ko lang po: ang taongbayan ang gumawa nito; taongbayan ang magpapatuloy nito.

Alam po natin: Masusulit lamang ang mga bumubukas na pagkakataon kung may sapat na kasanayan ang Pilipinong punuan ang mga trabahong nalilikha. Kaya nga po, kabilang din sa ating stratehiya ang paglinang sa kakayahan ng ating mga Boss. Bukod sa patuloy nating pagpapaunlad sa sektor ng edukasyon, special mention po ang TESDA, sa pamumuno po ng nakakatanda nating kasamahan na si Joel Villanueva, [palakpakan] na talaga namang tutok na tutok sa pagsigurong ang mga Pilipinong handang magbanat ng buto ay may tamang skillset upang makahanap ng mga in-demand na trabaho.

Isipin po ninyo, mula nang pumasok tayo hanggang sa huling pagtatala noong Disyembre ng 2014, nakapagpatapos na ang Technical Vocational Education and Training ng TESDA ng mahigit 7.15 milyong kurso. Ayon po sa pag-aaral na isinagawa, 65.3 percent sa mga ito ang nakakahanap ng trabaho sa loob ng anim na buwan. Mayroon din pong STAR Program ang TESDA, kung saan nakipag-ambagan sila sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at sa pribadong sektor, upang bigyan ng training ang mga may-ari ng sari-sari store at karinderya, at mapaunlad ang kanilang negosyo. Nabanggit sa akin ni Secretary Joel: Ang isa raw pong benepisyaryo na humahalimbawa sa napakaraming mga kasamahan nito, may sari-sari store. Dati raw po kada araw, kumikita ng 800 piso. Ngayon dahil sa pagdaan sa STAR, umaabot na sa 4,000 piso kada araw ang kita nitong tindahang ito. Dahil nga po sa STAR program, napalaki ng limang beses ang kanyang kita. At upang masagad ang paglago ng puhunan, ginagabayan din ang mga benepisyaryo sa kung ano ang puwede nilang gawin sa dagdag na kita upang hindi ito masayang lamang. Isipin po ninyo, pati po mga konsepto tulad ng inventory control at product mix na madalas ay sa mga tanyag na business school lang natututunan, itinuturo din ng programa sa mga may-ari ng sari-sari store.

Sa ngayon po, 34,252 benepisyaryo na ang natulungan ng inisyatibang ito. Hinahamon nga po tayo na damihan pa lalo ang mga benepisyaryo; sisipatin po natin kung ano ang magagawa natin ukol dito, dahil siyempre naman po, may mga limitasyon din ang budget ng ating mga ahensya.

Nakita naman po ninyo: Buong-buo ang tutok natin sa lahat ng aspeto upang masagad ang benepisyo ng transpormasyong tinatamasa ng ating bayan. Sa ganitong sistema, kung saan lahat nag-aambagan, lahat din ay nakikinabang. Ganyan din ang batayang prinsipyo ng ating pagbibigay-lakas sa sektor ng manggagawa. Sa pangunguna ni Secretary Linda Baldoz, nakikita natin ang kanyang tutok: Hindi po siya sanay sa sisihan, kundi sa ambagan; hindi sa panghihimasok, kundi sa disente at matinong usapan; hindi sa kung ano ang mga dapat pagtalunan, kundi sa kung ano ang ating mapapagkasunduan tungo sa ikabubuti ng lahat. Sa ilalim ni Secretary Linda, nagkaroon ng mga mekanismo ng SEnA o Single Entry Approach, at ng SPeED o Speedy and Efficient Delivery of Labor Justice. Kung dati po, inaabot ng isang taon bago maresolba ang mga alitan, ngayon, agaran na itong natutugunan. Hindi nga po bababa sa 77 porsiyento o 80,830 na nagmula sa 104,698 mga request for assistance ang naresolba ng DOLE sa average na 17 araw mula Oktubre 2010 hanggang Disyembre 2014. At sigurado po ako na patuloy ang pagsisikap ni Secretary Linda at ng DOLE na pataasin pa ang numerong ito, at mas gawing maaliwalas ang ugnayan ng ating mga manggagawa at negosyante. Hindi na po nakakagulat, na noong 2013, iisa lang ang unyon ng manggagawang nag-strike sa buong Pilipinas; ito po ang pinakamababa sa kasaysayan ng DOLE. [Palakpakan] Hayaan n’yo na rin po akong kumatok sa kahoy, baka mausog pa ‘yong itong taong ito. [Tawanan]

Noong nakaraang administrasyon po, nasa talaan, 259 na strike ang isinagawa sa kanilang panunukulan. Sa kasalukuyang administrasyon, mula po noong 2010, ang suma-total ng nag-strike: 12 lamang po. Palagay ko naman, matibay itong pruweba sa kahusayan ni Secretary Linda Baldoz. [Palakpakan]

Umaasa po ako na magtutuloy pa ang ganitong klaseng positibong ugnayan sa pagitan ng manggagawa at ng nag-eempleyo sa kanila, na gawa na rin ng aktibong pagtutok ng Department of Labor and Employment sa kanilang sektor. Kung magpapatuloy po ang kalakaran kung saan mabilis at makatarungang natutugunan ang mga isyu ng bawat panig, tiyak ko po, mananatiling nasa low-single digit ang bilang ng mga nagsa-strike kada taon, kundi man talagang zero strikes na ang ating maabot.

Ganitong klaseng stabilidad nga po ang pinagsisikapan nating itaguyod upang magpatuloy ang siklo ng lumalagong ekonomiya at malawakang kaunlaran sa ating bansa. Ngayong isa-isa na nating tinatamasa ang positibong resulta ng ating pagsisikap, nasa mga kamay na muli nating sulitin ang bawat pagkakataong lumalapag sa atin; nasa kamay natin kung paano ito lalong palalawakin; nasa kamay natin kung patuloy nating didiligan ang positibong pagbabagong ating ipinunla, upang ang mga bunga nito’y mapitas at mapakinabangan din ng mga susunod na salinlahi. Kung itutuloy natin ang pagtahak sa Daang Matuwid, kung pipiliin natin ang nararapat na pinuno sa susunod na halalan, pihadong maipagpapatuloy at mahihigitan pa natin ang ating mga napagtagumpayan. Nawa’y panghawakan natin ang bawat oportunidad na ito, nang sa gayon ay maiangat natin, hindi lang ang sarili at pamilya, kundi maging ang ating kapwa at ang buong bansa. Ito na nga po ang hinihintay nating panahon; tangan na natin ang pagkakataon. Kaya dapat po: Dungan ta sa pagkab-ot sa atong mga pangandoy. [Palakpakan]

At sa pagtatapos po: Alam ho n’yo, talagang aminin ko na ho sa inyo na may mga araw na pagod na pagod na ho tayo. Galing tayong ASEAN, tapos tutungo ho tayo sa Canada sa susunod na linggo para magpasalamat sa lahat ng naitulong sa atin. Isa rin ho sila sa mga unang tumulong sa atin noong tumama ang Yolanda. Kanina po, doon sa JobStart na program, meron rin silang tinutulong para sa ating mga kababayang high school ang naitapos para magkaroon ng mga magagandang trabaho.

Ngayon po, noong ako po’y bata, kadalasan nakikita natin ang mga karatula nakalagay, “No Vacancy.” Tama ho ba? Parang wala hong umaamin na kasing tanda ko dito. [Tawanan] Ngayon ho, parang madalas ang nire-report sa atin ni Joel—kahapon po may nakausap na naman tayo—sabi nila sa akin, ‘yong mga engineer at electrician para sa refrigeration and airconditioning, wala na raw silang makuhang trabahador. Noong napunta naman po ako sa Bicol State University, yung Accounting graduates naman raw po ang nahihirapan na silang kunin. ‘Yung accounting student raw ho, kinukuha na ngayon ng mga kumpanyang tulad ng SGV. Third year pa lang sa kurso nilang four years, mayroon pang review na fifth year, ‘di ho ba? So talagang malayo-layo na ho mula noon pa noong [inaudible]. Siguro dapat trabahuin natin ‘yung skillset lalo, para meron tayong empleyadong makakasamantala sa oportunidad na dumarating.

Dito naman po sa larangan ng semento, alam naman po ninyo ngayon talagang ginagawang imprastruktura ng gobyerno at ng pribadong sektor. Isa ho sa talagang inaasam-asam kong maumpisahan man lang po namin, ‘yung tinatawag na nautical highway. Sa kasalukuyan galing Luzon papuntang Mindanao inaabot ng dalawa’t kalahati hanggang tatlong araw ang biyahe. Meron hong pinakitang bagong ruta, kakailanganin na bagong kalsada at bagong daungan nitong roll-on roll-off na vessels na tatahak sa gitna ng Pilipinas. Ang lalabas po nito, ‘yung dalawang araw at kalahati o hanggang tatlong araw na biyahe, magiging 15 oras na lang. At ‘pag ganoong kadali ang biyahe, siyempre lalaki ang negosyo ng bawat isa. [Palakpakan]

Ngayon po, sa kumpiyansa ng mga kumpanya tulad ng CEMEX na namuhunan sa atin, o so pihado may cemento tayo para sa lahat ng imprastrakturang ito. [Palakpakan] Pero aaminin ko ho sa inyo, hindi ba dapat masasabi natin, tiyak na lahat ‘to? Ang problema naman raw ho, kung minsan—actually, kung minsan, madalas—tawag nila yung aggregates. Tinawagan ko ho si Babes Singson: “Ano ba ang aggregates?” Sabi niya sa akin, basically, buhangin at saka graba. Sabi ko, “Paano tayo nawalan ng buhangin sa Pilipinas, at saka graba sa Pilipinas?” Pero ang punto nga ho noon, iyong mga dating nagi-invest dito, hindi sila naniwala na ganitong bubulusok ang ekonomiya, na atrasado pero humahabol na ngayon.

Bottomline po, ano? Eto nga ‘yung hinahabol natin na nag-aambagan tayo, binibigyan lahat ng oportunidad. Kanina po, galak na galak na isang miyembrong kababaihan, high school lang raw po ang natapos, single mother pa siya, nagpapasalamat na ang ganda raw ho ng trabahong napasukan niya, sa pagtutulong ng DOLE at saka ng TESDA. Dati, parang puro problema nalang tinitingnan niya kada gising niya. Ngayon, napaka maaliwalas po ‘yung kanyang hinarap sa akin, dahil talagang naniniwala siya maganda ang hinaharap.

Ulitin ko lang po: Kayo ang gumawa nito, kayo magpapatuloy ito.

Magandang hapon po, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

[HOME]

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
RMN / Straight to the Point by L. Escaros and R. Sending
04 May 2015

SENDING: Gaano katotoo na may statement from...ewan ko kung from Malacañang talaga, na ang apila sa Kamara ipasa ang BBL na hindi ito dapat na-water down, kung ano talaga iyong gusto ng MILF?

SEC. COLOMA: Kahapon po kasi ay nagkaroon ng regular na talakayan po tayo sa Malacañang Press Corps sa pamamagitan ng Radyo ng Bayan at naitanong po kung ano ang aming ekspektasyon hinggil sa Bangsamoro Basic Law at isinaad po natin na umaasa si Pangulong Aquino na maipapasa ito sa nalalabing araw ng kanilang sesyon, bago sila mag-adjourn para sa SONA.
Iyon po ang sinabi natin na mahalaga itong Bangsamoro Basic Law para sa pagpapatuloy at sa pagkukumpleto ng proseso ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao. At sana ay bigyan ito ng prayoridad at mahalagang atensyon ng ating mga mambabatas.

SENDING: Ang Palasyo naniniwala ho talaga na maipapasa po ito sa takdang panahon?

SEC. COLOMA: Iyon po ang aming ekspektasyon at iyan din po ang mahalagang ekspektasyon na dapat na matupad, dahil iyan po ang naayon sa pambansang interes natin. Matagal na po iyong prosesong pangkapayapaan, lampas na po ng dekada iyan. Napakarami na pong buhay ang naibuwis dahil sa karahasan at pagtutunggalian. Kinakailangan naman po ay give peace a chance.

ESCAROS: Ano ho ang pinakahuling balita kay Mary Jane Veloso ngayon, Secretary?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang Department of Justice po natin ay nakikipag-ugnayan sa Attorney General’s Office ng Indonesia hinggil sa pagkuha po ng testimonya ni Mary Jane Veloso hinggil doon illegal recruitment case na iniimbestiga ngayon ng DOJ at NBI, dahil mahalaga po iyong kanyang salaysay para po mabuo iyong kuwento. Dahil nakikita naman po natin na siya ay naging biktima ng human and drug trafficking. At iyon nga ang batayan sa apila ni Pangulong Aquino kay Pangulong Joko Widodo na bigyan ng pagkakataon na makuha iyong testimonya ni Mary Jane, para naman makatulong din tayo kahit papaano sa krusada ng bansang Indonesia laban sa mga sindikato ng droga at human trafficking.

ESCAROS: Wala pa ho ba kayong update, Secretary, kung papayagan na pansamantalang makalaya si Mary Jane?

SEC. COLOMA: Unawain po natin na siya ay nakapiit, siya ay sinentensiyahan, siya po ay na-schedule na nga po na...

ESCAROS: Bitayin.

SEC. COLOMA: ...sa ilalim po ng batas ng Indonesia. So, sila po ang nagpapairal ng kanilang mga batas dito. Hindi naman po kung ano iyong gusto natin iyon ang iiral. Ang kailangan po iyong ating kagustuhan, iyong kagustuhan po natin magawaran ng katarungan ay tatalima din po tayo, aayon din tayo sa mga proseso ng kanilang sistema ng katarungan.

ESCAROS: Huli na lamang po sa akin. Kung kayo po ang tatanungin sa personal na aspeto, Secretary. Dapat na bang mag-retiro o hindi si Pacman?

SEC. COLOMA: Mas mainam po siguro, ‘no, katulad ng naipayo sa kanya ni Pangulong Aquino na iyong kanya pong oras ay i-ukol naman niya sa mas malaking bahagi sa kanyang pamilya at siya rin naman po ay nagpahayag na rin na gusto niyang makilahok pa sa isang mas masustansiyang paraan sa larangan ng paglilingkod-bayan. Eh baka po ito ang mainam na panahon para maisagawa niya iyang desisyon na iyan. Dahil isa rin sa mahalagang konsiderasyon ay iyong kanyang kalusugan. Dahil masyado pong matindi ang tama sa katawan at sa kalusugan ng kanyang sport na boxing. At ang naayon din naman sa kabutihan ng kanyang kalusugan kung siya ay magre-retiro na sa panahong ito. Pero siyempre po ay ipapaubaya na lang po natin sa kanyang pagpapasya kung ano sa palagay niya ang nais niyang gawin. Igagalang naman po natin ng kanyang pagpapasya.

SENDING: Maisingit ko lang ho, Secretary Sonny, sir. Ano po ang reaksyon ng Malacañang, matapos nga hong mapaslang na daw po itong bomber na si Basit Usman?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang una pong prayoridad ay makumpleto iyong berepikasyon po doon sa buong kaganapan. Batid naman po natin na siya ay isang most wanted na terror suspect at siya rin iyong pangalawang target maliban doon kay Zulkifli Bin Hir o Marwan na tinugis po ng ating PNP-SAF noong Enero 25 sa Mamasapano. Kaya mataas na prayoridad po iyong nakalagay sa pag-neutralize diyan kay Basit Usman.

SENDING: Totoo po, kung may impormasyon po kayo, na ang nakapaslang sa kanya ay isang 118th Base ng MILF?

SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga po ang nais natin ay malaman muna ng ganap kung ano ang buong nangyari po. Dahil wala pa pong kumpletong ulat tungkol diyan at hindi naman tama na magkokomentaryo tayo na hindi kumpleto ang impormasyon.

SENDING: Salamat po, Sec. Sonny. Magandang umaga po muli sa inyo.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat. Magandang umaga, Ka Lourdes at Ka Roggie.

SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano
03 May 2015

OPENING STATEMENT

Pacquiao v. Mayweather

Lubos ang pakikiisa ni Pangulong Aquino sa buong sambayanan sa pananalangin para sa pagtatagumpay ng ating ‘pambansang kamao,’ si Congressman Manny Pacquiao, sa laban nila ni Floyd Mayweather ngayong araw.

Sa kanyang pag-akyat sa lona, tangan ni Pacquiao ang pinag-isang hangarin at pag-asa ng ating mga kababayan mula sa lahat ng sulok ng mundo upang mapagtagumpayan ang maituturing na pinakamalaking laban ng kanyang karera, at muling itanghal ang katapangan ng lahing Pilipino na hindi umuurong sa ano mang laban at ‘di tumatalikod sa ano mang hamon at pagsubok.

Kasabay ng bawat suntok na bibitiwan ni Manny, hihiyaw at bubuhos ang suporta ng lahat ng Pilipino para sa kanya, katulad ng sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang mensahe para kay Manny sa bisperas ng kanyang laban: “Salamat, Manny, sa pagiging inspirasyon mo sa laban bawat Pilpino. Mabuhay ka, Manny!”

Pagbisita ni Pangulong Aquino sa Canada

Sa Miyerkules, ika-6 ng Mayo, nakatakdang maglakbay si Pangulong Aquino kasama ng ilang miyembro ng Gabinete sa bansang Canada upang simulan ang tatlong araw na state visit na maglalayong ibayo pang patatagin ang ugnayang pang-ekonomiya at diplomatikong relasyon sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Canada.

Ito ay bilang pagtanggap sa paanyayang ipinaabot ni Canadian Governor General David Johnson at ito rin ang unang state visit ng isang Pangulo ng Pilipinas sa loob ng nakalipas na 18 taon mula nang bumisita si dating Pangulong Ramos sa Canada noong 1997.

Sina Pangulong Aquino at Prime Minister Stephen Harper ay sasaksi sa paglagda ng ilang kasunduan na magtatanghal sa sigla ng people-to-people relations at magpapatatag sa ugnayan ng dalawang bansa sa aspeto ng labor cooperation, development assistance, at infrastructure development.

Tinatayang may humigit-kumulang 700,000 Pilipino ang naninirahan sa Canada. Ito rin ang ika-21 pinakamalaking trading partner at ikaanim na pinakamalaking pinagmumulan ng turista ng Pilpinas.

Noong nakaraang taon, ipinahayag ng Canada ang pagtatalaga sa Pilipinas bilang country of focus for development assistance at priority emerging market for Canadian overseas trade and investment.

Tutungo rin ang Pangulo at ang kanyang delegasyon sa lungsod ng Chicago sa Estados Unidos para sa isang araw na working visit upang makipagpulong sa mga negosyanteng nais mamuhunan sa bansa at makipagtalakayan sa Filipino community.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, sa biyahe po ng Pangulong Aquino, sino-sino pong mga Cabinet secretary ang makakasama?

SEC. COLOMA: Antabayanan na lang po natin. Mababatid po ito bago ang kanyang pag-alis sa Miyerkules.

OFWs IN DEATH ROW

Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir. First question po galing kay Jerry Esplanada, ang tanong niya: As the lead agency in handling death penalty among other cases facing over 80 OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) and other Philippine nationals abroad, what are the DFA’s (Department of Foreign Affairs) directives from President Aquino?

SEC. COLOMA: Okay, natanggap ko na rin kanina ‘yan sa text mula kay Jerry Esplanada. Bago ‘yan, gusto ko lang ipamahagi ‘yung impormasyon na galing sa Department of Foreign Affairs courtesy of Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, ang DFA spokesperson.

Unang-una ay ‘yung tala o talaan ng kung ilang Pilipino ang humaharap sa death penalty cases. As of March 10, 2015, ito po ang breakdown ng mga kaso na mayroon na pong sentensya ng death penalty sa iba’t ibang bansa:

· Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - 28

· Kuwait - 1

· China - 21

· Indonesia - 1

· Malaysia - 34

· Thailand - 1

· United States of America - 2


Ang total po ay 88. Ito pong mga itinuring natin na nagawaran ng death penalty, mayroon pong umiiral na two-year reprieve. Ibig sabihin po, ‘yung death sentence ay suspendido sa loob ng dalawang taon, pagkatapos po ‘yung sentensya ay maaaring mabawasan o commuted to life imprisonment for good behavior.

So ‘yon po ay opsyon at kondisyon depende po sa mabuting behavior na ipapakita ‘nung mga nasentensyahan, at ayon din po sa DFA, lahat ng mga deathrow cases ay kasalukuyang on appeal.

Doon naman po sa mga hakbang na isinasagawa ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Department of Foreign Affairs, lahat po ng ating foreign posts na binubuo ng mga embahada at konsulada ay inatasang maghatid ng lahat ng posibleng suporta sa ilalim ng ATN (assistance to nationals) program. Kasama po rito ‘yung pagbibigay ng legal assistance at ‘yung paghahain ng mga apela na idinadaan sa mga diplomatic channels.

Doon naman sa preventive side, nagsasagawa po ang pamahalaan ng extensive education and information campaign sa pangunguna ng Department of Labor and Employment at ng mga ahensya nito, at nakikipag-ugnayan din po ang Philippine Information Agency at ang mga government media organizations.

BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW

Mr. Montano: Okay po. Doon sa ibang topic naman po, ano po ‘yung expectation ng Palasyo ng Malacañang dahil bukas nga po yata ‘yung resumption sa discussion sa BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) diyan nga po sa Senado—at although binabanggit na natin ito, ‘yung kumpiyansa ng Palasyo o ng Pangulo—para ito ay maipasa, ang BBL, itong susunod na buwan ng Hunyo?

SEC. COLOMA: Umaasa po. Umaasa po ang ating pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Pangulo na bibigyang daan o aaprubahan ng magkabilang sangay ng lehislatura—ang Camara de Representantes at Senado—ang inihain na draft Bangsamoro Basic Law dahil ito po ay magsisilbing susi sa pagpapatuloy at buong kaganapan ng itinataguyod po nating prosesong pangkapayapaan na magdudulot ng maraming benepisyo at pangmatagalang pag-unlad at pagbuti ng kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan sa Kamindanawan. Mataas po ang ating ekspektasyon na didinggin ang panawagan ng ating Pangulo at ng emerging public sentiment po na kung saan ay dumarami na po ‘yung sumasang-ayon at sumusuporta rito.

Kung maaalala natin, ‘yon pong binuong National Peace Council na nagkaroon po ng talakayan noong mga nakaraang linggo ay humarap na sa Camara de Representantes doon sa kanilang Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro at nagpahayag na ng kanilang pagsuporta para rito dahil ito ang magtataguyod ng economic development at social justice sa Kamindanawan.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, paano po ‘pag nagkaroon ng ilang mga amendments doon sa BBL?

SEC. COLOMA: Nirerespeto po natin ang mga proseso ng Kongreso. Bahagi naman po ‘yan ng proseso sa lehislatura. Ang panawagan lang po ng Pangulo ay panatilihin ‘yung buod at sustansya ng draft BBL at huwag naman po magpasa ng isang watered down version. Pero kinikilala po natin ang karapatan ng ating mga mambabatas na magsulong ng mga kinakailangang amyenda, kung sa inaakala nila na ito ay makakapagpabuti pa sa batas na kanilang ipapasa, at tungkulin naman po nila ‘yon.

SOUTH CHINA SEA

Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir, on another topic. Mayroon pong lumabas na ulat na agarang tinanggihan ng United States ang offer ng bansang China na gamitin daw po ‘yung kanilang ginawang pasilidad diyan sa South China Sea para daw po sa mga international rescue and relief operations. Ano po ang reaksyon ng Malacañang dito?

SEC. COLOMA: Kung maaari po ay isangguni muna natin ‘yan sa Department of Foreign Affairs dahil ngayon ko lang po narinig ‘yan, at hindi po mainam na nagkokomento tayo sa isang bagay na hindi natin ganap na nauunawaan kung sino ang nagsabi, paano sinabi at ano ang konteksto ng sinabi. Ang pinakamainam po ay hintayin natin ang kumpirmasyon ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs hinggil sa bagay na ‘yan.

PALARONG PAMBANSA

Mr. Montano: Okay. So balik po muna tayo sandali sa sports ulit. Bukas po magbubukas itong Palarong Pambansa. May mensahe po ba ang Palasyo at may assurance ba para sa safety ng mga atleta dahil sa nararanasan nating dry spell o itong heatwave?

SEC. COLOMA: Lahat po ay ginagawa ng pamahalaan bilang suporta sa matagumpay na pagdaraos ng Palarong Pambansa. Ito po ay regular na aktibidad na kung saan binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kabataang atleta na ipakita ang kanilang husay at galing sa larangan ng palaro, at ito po ay nagsisilbing training ground po sa mga future Filipino athletes na lalahok sa mga international competition, katulad ng Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, at maging sa Olympics po. Lahat ng kinakailangang pag-iingat at pagpayo para sa kanilang mabuting kalusugan at kaligtasan ay isinasagawa din po ng pamahalaan.

PHL WOMEN’S U-23 VOLLEYBALL TEAM

Mr. Montano: Okay po. ‘Yung tungkol naman po sa statement ng Palasyo ukol dito sa victory nitong ating national team sa volleyball women’s division laban sa Kazakhstan at parang pumasok sila sa quarterfinals po?

SEC. COLOMA: Siyempre po ipinagmamalaki po natin ang ating women’s volleyball team at umaasa po tayo na aani pa sila ng mas marami pang tagumpay sa kanilang pakikilahok sa tournament na ito.

PARTING MESSAGE

Mr. Montano: Okay po. Wala na po yatang questions at medyo lumalapit na yata ‘yung laban diyan sa Las Vegas. ‘Yung parting message na lang po natin para pare-pareho tayong makapakinig o makapanood dito sa sinasabing ‘battle for greatness’?

SEC. COLOMA: Inuulit na lang po natin ‘yung mensahe ni Pangulong Aquino na todo po ang suporta ng lahat ng Pilipino mula sa lahat ng sulok ng daigdig. Tayo po ay mag-chi-cheering para sa kanya. Sa kanyang bawat hakbang, bawat suntok, kasama po niya ang buong sambayanang Pilipino na nananalangin at umaasa sa kanyang tagumpay, at tiyak namang ipakikita niya doon ang husay at galing ng Pilpino at ikararangal natin siya sa kanyang pakikipaglaban.

Maraming salamat, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
*****
SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND)
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Last Updated: 01 MAY 2015
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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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
(BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental) President Benigno S. Aquino III undrapes the project marker 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 (where “I” stands for Information Communications and Technology Utilization) the provincial government 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)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (April 28) from his successful participation in the 26th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, Malaysia. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (April 28) from his successful participation in the 26th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, Malaysia. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with members of the Philippine Media delegation covering the 26th ASEAN Summit at the Sheraton Langkawi Resort on Tuesday (April 28). Also in photo is PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews his documents during the 11th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit at the Grand Ballroom 2 of the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Tuesday (April 28). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Valerie Jude Escalera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews his documents during the 11th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit at the Grand Ballroom 2 of the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Tuesday (April 28). Also in photo is Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Valerie Jude Escalera /  Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins his counterparts during the 11th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit at the Grand Ballroom 2 of the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Tuesday (April 28). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Valerie Jude Escalera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Republic of Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Malaysian Prime Minister The Honourable Dato Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak for a snap shot during the 11th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit at the Grand Ballroom 2 of the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Tuesday (April 28). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Valerie Jude Escalera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III joins fellow regional leaders during the 26th ASEAN Summit closing ceremony at the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Monday night (April 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Viet Nam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Myanmar President Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kala for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 26th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session at the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Monday night (April 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(LANGKAWI, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Viet Nam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Myanmar President Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Prime Minister Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesia Vice President Jusuf Kala for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 26th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session at the Langkawi International Convention Centre on Monday night (April 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino III takes a breather during the plenary of the 26th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday, April 27. (Photo by Gil Nartea)
(Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino gets a chance to confer with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the 26th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday, April 27. (Photo by Gil Nartea)
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One Luzon E-NewsMagazine 4 May 2015 Vol. 5 No. 085
A daily E-NewsMagazine about North and Central Luzon

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‪#‎NAPC‬ urges House to pass ‪#‎Coco‬ Farmer’s Trust Fund Bill - See more at: http://t.co/qjDRx3L34B
PIA | NAPC urges House to pass Coco Farmer’s Trust Fund Bill
QUEZON CITY, May 4 -- As sessions in Congress resumes today, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) urged the House of Representatives to speed...
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‪#‎DOE‬ eyes regulation for PV ‪#‎solar‬ panels
http://t.co/HsYUS3eG7Q
PIA | DOE eyes regulation for PV solar panels
SAN FERNANDO CITY, May 4 (PIA) – The Department of Energy sees the need to set up installation standards for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels due to its growing demand in the market.
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Media registration for ‪#‎APEC2015‬ Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting: http://t.co/tabPdtXuYt | via @apec2015ph http://t.co/IAsugs1JoH
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Some ‪#‎COMELEC‬ offices are open even on Sundays, so no excuses for ‪#‎VotersReg2015‬. Don't forget. ‪#‎magpaBIOMETRICSka‬. http://t.co/A2mUMVRKuE
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PAALALA: Paano makakaiwas sa sakit ngayong ‪#‎summer‬? http://t.co/lrEBkTb3dt
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