Sunday, May 24, 2015

11 Dispatch for May 25 , 2015 ( Monday ), 1 Weather Watch , 3 OFW Watch , 2 INTERVIEW OF SEC. COLOMA, 20 Online News ( May 23 ) , 67 Photo Release ( May 21 )



Daily Weather Forecast

Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 25 May 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow Synopsis:

Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting extreme Northern Luzon.


 pressure.gif Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 25 May 2015  wind.gif Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 25 May 2015 satellite


Forecast:

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan group of islands. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening will be experienced over metro Manila and the rest of the country.


Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the south to southwest will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Winds will be light to moderate coming from the southeast to south over the rest of Luzon and of Visayas and from the east to southeast over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas. 

PAGTAYA:Maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang mga pag-ulan at pulu-pulong pagkidlat-pagkulog ang mararanasan sa mga isla ng Batanes, Calayan at Babuyan. Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi ang mararanasan sa Metro Manila at sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa.
Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa Timog hanggang sa Timog-kanluran ang iiral sa Hilagang Luzon at ang mga baybaying-dagat nito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay maalon. Ang hangin ay magiging mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa Timog-silangan hanggang sa Timog sa nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon at ng Kabisayaan mula naman sa Silangan hanggang sa Timog-silangan sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa na may banayad hanggang sa
katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 2:00 PM Yesterday --- 35.0 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 26.5 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 85 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 2:00 PM Yesterday --- 48 %
High Tide Today: 2:30 PM ......... 0.92 Meter
Low Tide Today: 10:57 PM ……… 0.07 Meter
Sunrise Today: 05:26 AM
Sunset Today: 06:19 PM
Moonrise Today: 11:31 AM
Moonset Tomorrow: 12:10 AM
Illumination Today: 40 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.




                                     May 25 , 2015 ( Monday ) as of 9:00 AM
     PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Partly Cloudy in Lucena City








DFA spokesman Asec Charles Jose:
-Our Embassy in UAE has confirmed that OFW Jennifer Dalquez was meted the death penalty by a trial court on May 20.
-The Embassy will assist OFW Dalquez appeal her sentence.
-The family has been informed of these developments.




ABS-CBN: Itinanggi ng pamilya ni Victorino Chua, ang Pinoy nurse na nahatulan ng kamatayan sa UK, na maituturing itong "devil nurse" dahil sa serye ng pagpatay sa mga naging pasyente nito. Hindi rin anila totoo na peke ang mga dokumento nito para lang makapagtrabaho sa UK. May 25 araw pa si Chua para iapela ang hatol ng korte.


PIA-CENTRAL: Overseas Filipinos in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and America may register as an overseas voter through iREHISTRO System. They may access it at www.irehistro.com or www.comelec.gov.ph. Voter registration period ends on October 31, 2015.
24 MAY 2015.
bulet-arow.gif (856 bytes) Malacanang issues an apology over the LRT collision incident

Malacanang issues an apology over the LRT collision incident
Malacañang issued an apology on Sunday over the LRT Line 1collision incident in Monumento, Caloocan last Saturday morning.

"Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga mamamayan habang patuloy na isinasakatuparan ng pamahalaan ang pagpapahusay sa serbisyo ng LRT at MRT," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

According to reports, the collision of two trains of the LRT Line 1 hurt a train operator and caused temporary suspension of train operations in the area.

LRT Authority (LRTA) spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said power supply fluctuated at around 7 am on Saturday on EDSA Monumento, this caused one of the trains to stop. However, an approaching train kept moving and hit the stalled train.
Coloma assured the public that the government continues to ensure the public's safety.

"Hindi po tumitigil ang pamahalaan sa pagtataguyod ng kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ng ating mga kababayang gumagamit ng serbisyo ng LRT at MRT," Said Coloma. PND (ag)



APEC Business Advisory Council lays down agenda for this year's APEC discussions
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has spelled out initiatives that it is pushing for this year's APEC discussions.

In a press briefing on Friday, Doris Magsaysay-Ho, the ABAC 2015 chair, said that one of the areas that they are pushing this year is trade in services agenda.

"We've been working with senior officials, and the chair of Senior Officials Meeting, ambassador Laura Del Rosario," Magsaysay-Ho told reporters, adding ABAC has also been working with the PECC on a series of public-private dialogues on trade in services.

She said they have just concluded talks last week, the first one was about Internet economy, and digital trade. The last talks focused on supply chains in manufacturing, environmental services, and agriculture.

"So the trade in services to me offers an amazing opportunity for inclusive growth," she said noting today's consumers demand different kinds of services because of urbanization.

Urbanization creates new risks that businesses seize to make profit, while at the same time build resilient cities, according to Magsaysay-Ho.

Another focus is on global data standard, she said. She added ABAC is looking at certain sectors on how they can ensure well-developed connectivity across APEC.

Another one is an infrastructure checklist, she said. This is to make sure that those who participate in infrastructure development, which is a huge requirement, follow acceptable standards across the region.

"We are working on a sustainability agenda to make sure we have food security, energy security, that we have livable cities, a healthy workforce, and healthy women in the workforce," she noted.

ABAC also has a very robust finance agenda aligned with the finance department's Cebu Action Agenda for Finance, which include all levels of financial inclusion, including SMEs.

Magsaysay-Ho added that ABAC is also excited about the Free Trade Area in the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).

She said there are lot of new emerging business models arising so ABAC wants to be sure that the FTAAP considers those new models.

"And also I want to ensure that the FTAAP is relevant to the SMEs as well," she said. PND (as)
APEC Trade ministers to start work on Asia-Pacific free trade pact
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) Trade ministers from the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will start laying the groundwork for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) as they aim to speed up the economic integration process in the region.

Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory Domingo said the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting slated here on May 23 to 24 will focus on the regional economic integration, among other main areas.

Domingo, who is also APEC 2015 MRT Chair, said APEC trade ministers will come out with the terms of reference (TOR) for the study on FTAAP this year.

“So that’s what is being finalized… the study will be started in 2016,” he said during the pre-MRT press briefing on Friday.

Domingo said they will also discuss efforts in line with the achievement of the Bogor Goals aimed at enhancing the regional economic integration agenda, support for the multilateral trading system and fostering participation of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in regional and global markets.

For her part, Doris Magsaysay Ho, APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2015 Chair, said that APEC also wants to ensure that the FTAAP is relevant to the MSMEs.

“There are a lot of emerging new generation business models arising so we want to be sure that the FTAAP actually considers them,” she said in another press briefing. PNA (ldv)
Philippines urges APEC to expand trade, investment to reduce poverty
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan -- The Philippines has called on other member economies from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to further expand trade and investment which is crucial in supporting inclusive growth and poverty reduction across the region.

At the opening Saturday of the two-day APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting here, Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo noted that APEC needs to take significant strides towards achieving this goal being an important regional bloc and a major player in international trade.

Domingo identified inequality and poverty as still the biggest challenges to APEC economies.

“But over the past 50 years, trade has proven to be a powerful engine of growth. Thus, we need to expand trade and investment and encourage economic dynamism to achieve strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth,” he said.

Domingo, also APEC 2015 MRT Chair, said small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in poverty alleviation and for long-term growth of APEC economies and the entire region.

SMEs are considered engines of growth and employment in the APEC region. Over 97 percent of businesses in APEC are SMEs, providing jobs to more than half of the workers in the Asia-Pacific region.

The trade official thus underscored the need to bolster the abilities of the SMEs to take advantage of cross border business opportunities that will boost APEC economies.

“Let us note that recognizing the diverse characters and different capacities of SMEs is an important parameter in pursuing interventions that are reflective of and responsive to their needs,” he added.

At their meeting, APEC trade ministers will work towards the possible adoption of the Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) outlining Philippine priorities on continuing initiatives that will contribute to fostering the MSMEs participation in regional and global markets.

The MRT meeting will also focus on two other main areas –support for the multilateral trading system and the regional economic integration which is a continuing agenda in APEC.

The Philippines is hosting 31 APEC meetings all over the country this year, and has adopted the theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” PNA ldv
Expert says trade liberalization must consider needs of business community
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies negotiating for the Free Trade Area in the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) must get the design right for regional businesses to use the new liberalization regime, an expert said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Eduardo Pedrosa, the Secretary General of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), shared a survey they conducted among businesses, policy makers and members of the academe about the current trade and business growth in the Asia Pacific.

Pedrosa said those discussing the design of the FTAAP must take into account how global value chains operate.

"In short, the way I interpret it, you need to get the FTAAP right. There's no point in having yet another trade agreement that doesn't address the concerns of the business communities in our region," Pedrosa said.

The other thing that's very important in the Asia Pacific is capacity building considering that there is a mixture of advanced economies as well as developing economies in the region.

Pedrosa highlighted the views of respondents from Southeast Asia who thought that building capacity for developing economy is the most important thing that APEC has to consider with regards to the FTAAP completion.

Having a closer look at the existing trade agreements, Pedrosa said the economic literature shows low utilization of the existing FTAs. The estimate ranges from as low as 10, 15 percent to as high as around 40 percent, he said.

"So by no means all businesses are using these trade agreements and what they tell us is that the compliant cost of using the agreements is extremely high because of the rules of origin," he explained.

And the costs impact on small and medium and micro enterprises. So even though e-commerce may allow the SMEs to enter into another market, with the preferential rate, if they can't comply with the rules of origin there's no point talking about it, he said.

"So were emphasizing the importance of getting the design of the FTAAP right," he stressed.

Asia-Pacific leaders who met in China last year agreed to move towards a new free trade zone strongly backed by Beijing. They agreed to launch a study into the FTAAP. PND (as)



Philippines should improve human capital to be competitive, says official
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) The Philippines must develop its human capital by orienting it toward science and technology to enable the country to compete in the global market, a foreign affairs official has said.

"Everything boils to human capital development. As I have said before, we cannot compete unless we capacitate ourselves," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario said during a press conference here Thursday.

Del Rosario, who chairs the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2015 Senior Officials’ Meeting (APEC 2015 SOM), was asked by reporters how the Philippines could compete with other APEC member economies as the trade bloc moves towards liberalization.

The country’s education program, she said, must give emphasis to science and technology courses, for instance engineering and mathematics.

"If you just look at the statistics of CHED (Commission on Higher Education), the number of graduates in these fields is so little, and for me, that is something that we should address," she said.

She pointed out that for the country to be competitive, it should focus more on science and technology rather than the arts.

While other economies are producing smartphones, androids, smart bracelets, and smart cars, the country talks about singers, dancers and animators, she noted.

"It is different because sometimes, when we talk about creativity, we talk of our dancers, our singers, our animators. That is a different field," she said.

"But I'm talking about the innovative fields that are really hard science and hard technology. And this is where wealth comes from," del Rosario said, citing the success of Korea's Samsung in overtaking Taiwan’s HDC; and how because of innovation, Nokia, once a leading cellphone and gadget manufacturer, has been pushed out of competition.

She further said that to improve the country’s agricultural sector, it must become science-based and Filipino farmers must take research studies on farming seriously to increase their yield.

"We can have more resilient products, so that our rice stalks are not easily felled by floods, so that our fruits do not easily rot, so that everything we produce from land could compete with other products," she stressed.

She also emphasized that farmers need to abandon traditional farming methods.

With climate change, the country needs to do research on the viability of its agricultural products to enable them to survive rains and droughts, which are real challenges in agriculture, she said. PND (as)
Trade officials’ meeting to focus on multilateral trading system, regional integration, says Trade Secretary
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) Officials attending the Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting on Saturday and Sunday will tackle a variety of issues centering on growth, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo has said.

The one-and-a-half day MRT meeting will consist of a number of meetings as well as social functions, Secretary Domingo said during a press briefing here Friday.

He said they have invited representatives of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), chaired by Doris Magsaysay-Ho, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Pacific Island Forum to join the meeting.

The MRT meeting will focus on three main areas: support for multilateral trading system (World Trade Organization), regional economic integration, and micro, small and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) participation in regional and global markets.

Giving special attention to MSMEs and their inclusion to the global value chain is the Philippines' priority for this particular meeting, said Domingo.

On supporting the multilateral trading system, he said World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Roberto Azevedo will report on the progress of the implementation of the Bali package, including the agreement on trade facilitation from the post-Bali work plan, as well as preparations for the 10th WTO ministerial conference to be held in Nairobi, Kenya in December this year.

Domingo noted that 2015 is an important year for the WTO, being the 20th anniversary of its establishment.

"The Philippines expects a strong manifestation from ministers of their support for the WTO," he said.

Topics to be discussed under regional economic integration include the Free Trade Area in the Asia Pacific (FTAAP), information-sharing on WTO plus elements on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), concrete outcome for the achievement of the APEC Bogor Goals, connectivity, and the implementation of the APEC goods list.

On MSMEs, the Philippines will strongly push for their integration, Domingo said, noting that the country is pushing for an action agenda that will be discussed during the MRT meeting this weekend.

"We are trying to push in particular the distinction between micro and small and medium enterprises," he said.

"That distinction is important because the type of interventions required to assist micro and small enterprises and to bring them into the global trade fold, the interventions, may be different."

Organizers have also incorporated an MRT Chief Executive Officers (CEO) special session, scheduled on Sunday morning. The meeting will serve as a venue for APEC trade ministers and the private sector to talk about various issues.

He said the discussion could include talks on SME participation in the global value chain. PND (as)
APEC Trade ministers to work toward adoption of Boracay action agenda to globalize micro, small firms
Trade ministers of the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will focus discussions on the Philippines’ priorities on continuing initiatives to globalize micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that support the adoption of the proposed Boracay Action Agenda, when they meet on May 23 to 24.

“Basically, we want MSMEs to have a larger share, not only of the regional and global value chains, but to participate directly in cross border trade,” Luis Catibayan, director of the Philippine Bureau of Import Services (BIS), said during a press briefing.

Catibayan said the action agenda outlines initiatives to make the regulatory environment conducive to the growth of MSMEs, noting that many APEC economies have identified access to finance as a major issue facing these companies.

“We want support for financing for MSMEs, we want to strengthen financial institutions to support them. For example, institutions will provide innovation support for MSMEs and a number of other things,” he added.

Catibayan said the APEC Committee on Trade and Investment recognizes the need to foster these companies’ participation in the regional and global markets, which is consistent with the Department of Trade and Industry’s push to support the sector.

The trade official further said that APEC economies welcome the program of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) supporting inclusive and resilient growth for all, particularly for MSMEs.

The APEC underscores the need to strengthen the capacity of these companies to cope with natural disasters, he said.

“Disasters affect MSMEs and it has been found that many of them cannot go back to business once disasters hit them,” he added. PNA (ldv)
Palace to continue to push for peaceful resolution despite tension in West Philippine Sea
Malacañang has reiterated its determination to push for a peaceful resolution to the West Philippine Sea issue, despite tension brewing between the United States and China, after the Chinese Navy repeatedly warned a US surveillance plane as it flew over the contested waters last Wednesday.

"Dahil sa pinakahuling insidente, nagiging matingkad ang reyalidad ng pagkakaroon ng tensyon at hindi naman natin nais na lumala pa itong tensyon. Habang kinikilala natin na mayroong tensyon, pursigido pa rin tayo at determinado pa rin tayong isulong ang ating posisyon sa pamamagitan ng pagtalima sa international law," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during Friday’s press briefing at the Palace. "Patuloy na tatalima ang Pilipinas sa UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) at sa diwa ng Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, at patuloy din po tayong makikipag-ugnayan sa mga miyembro ng ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) sa prinsipyo ng ASEAN centrality at sa paghubog ng isang legally binding Code of Conduct," he added.
He also did not discount the possibility that the issue would be brought up during President Benigno S. Aquino III’s upcoming visit to Japan.

“Sa mga pagkakataon na kung saan ang ating Pangulo ay nakikipagpulong sa iba’t ibang pinuno ng mga gobyerno at estado ay napag-uusapan ito dahil talaga namang ito ay isang mahalagang reyalidad ng kasalukuyang sitwasyong pandaigdig, lalong-lalo na dito sa bahagi natin ng daigdig. At sa lahat din ng mga forum ng ASEAN at APEC—‘yung sa APEC kasama rin ang Japan diyan—ay natutukoy din naman ito, kaya hindi natin maisasantabi ang posibilidad na tatalakayin din nila ito sa kanilang pag-uusap,” Secretary Coloma said.

In an exclusive report on Thursday, CNN said the Chinese Navy told the US aircraft to leave the area eight times as it flew over the artificial islands that China has been building in the disputed territory.

China claims sovereignty over most of the contested area but the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.

The Philippines has filed a memorial before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China but the latter has refused to take part in the proceedings. PND (ag)
China enters new norm of economic growth, says Chinese official
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) China's economy has entered a new norm by shifting gear to a more manageable level to effectively steer its long-term economic growth, a Chinese official said on Friday.

"When we say new normal, we mean that's China's economy is shifting gear from high speed to medium to high speed," Ambassador Tang Guoqiang, the chair of the China Committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), said.

"That means that we purposely reduced our growth rate, not only in the next two years but I think in the coming decades as well."

Tang, who is participating in the ongoing APEC discussions here, said it is understandable for people to have some concerns because China has become the number two economy in the world.

Any change in China's economy will affect the region, as well as the world, he said, noting however that the world should look at China's economy in a comprehensive and deeper way.

Part of China's shift in its economy is moving from an extensive model that emphasizes skills and speed to a more intensive one that emphasizes quality and efficiency, he said.

On external economic trade relations, Tang said the Chinese economy has also transitioned from being driven merely by export to being export and investment-oriented.

China's economy grew by 7.4 percent last year with a 7 percent increase in labor productivity and a 4.8 percent decrease in energy intensity, he said, adding that the share of domestic consumption in its gross domestic product (GDP) has also risen, while its services sector has expanded at a faster pace and the economy's efficiency continues to improve.

"So, when we look at the Chinese economy, we should not focus on growth rate only. As the economy continues to grow in size, around 8 percent of growth would be quite impressive," Tang said.

"It is fair to say that the Chinese economy is highly resilient and has much potential and gives us enough room to leverage a lot of policy tools," he said.

"Having said that, China will continue to be responsive to the new trend and take initiatives to shape the new normal in our favor."

The PECC is a tripartite partnership of senior individuals from business and industry, government, academic and other intellectual circles freely discussing current practical policy issues of the Asia-Pacific region.

It regularly develops and advocates regional policy initiatives to aid in the stable economic development of the region.

Established in 1980, the PECC now has 26 Member Committees, including one associate member, and two institutional members. PND (as)
Philippines to push for e-commerce platform for APEC  micro, small, medium enterprises at trade meeting
(BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan) The Philippines will propose an e-commerce platform to be used by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to help them participate in global trade, during the APEC trade meeting here on May 23 to 24.

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo pointed out that the current rules of trade make it difficult for these companies to join global trade, especially in availing of the benefits of free trade agreements (FTAs).

During the pre-Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) press briefing here Friday, Domingo said that most FTAs require a certificate of origin (COO) for them to export and avail of a zero tariff rate, a cumbersome procedure, especially for smaller companies.

He said an e-commerce platform, which could be an existing one, can incorporate these rules “so that these become simplified."

“Not all of them can actually participate in global trade, they might not have the right quality, the right product. For those who qualify to export, we should really develop a channel for them to be able to do it in a really easy manner,” he noted.

Domingo said that beneficiaries of the global value chain (GVC) are primarily medium enterprises that have the sophistication to deal with the demands of being part of these value chains.

“In the Philippines’ case, MSMEs account for over 95 percent of all enterprises. And many of them are left out in terms of being able to participate in global trade,” he added.

The trade official said that apart from the e-commerce platform initiative, APEC trade ministers will also discuss efforts to increase the level of automation and support for the trade facilitation agreement at the World Trade Organization (WTO) aimed at simplifying the process in cross-border trade.

“We need to come up with programs and new policies and new rules, new regulations to be able to make it easier for the MSMEs to participate in global trade,” he said.

Domingo expressed optimism that APEC trade ministers will adopt the Boracay Action Agenda to foster MSMEs’ participation in regional and global markets, a Philippine priority for this meeting.

“We have spent considerable efforts on this, it is not yet completed, discussions are still ongoing. And we are hoping that a strong statement or decision can come from the MRT… so that a statement can also be made in time or a decision be made in time during the Leaders’ Meeting in November,” he added.

Domingo further said that the MRT meeting will focus on support for the multilateral trading system and the regional economic integration.

“We hope that the (trade) ministers will adopt and express support, which have been done before, for the conclusion of the trade facilitation agreement and also the conclusion of the Doha round,” he added. PNA (ldv)

23 MAY 2015
DOLE Region 3 declares Kentex sub-contractor “labor-only” contractor; orders it to “cease and desist” from operating
“PH most improved country in Asia-Pacific for PPP readiness” – The Economist
DOST gives Fault System Atlas to local gov’t units
DSWD extends educational aid to over 40,000 students
BSP revises its balance of payments projections for 2015
PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Inc. on May 27
450,000 Listahanan households to benefit from DOE’s electrification program
Public and Private Sectors Consulted on the Draft National Strategy for Financial Inclusion
Bataan is first PH province to have labor laws-compliant markers in all its eco-zones
Baldoz hails Supreme Court resolution against GAMCA “decking system”
DPWH now ISO 9001:2008 Certified
PNP draws-up nationwide security plan for school opening; NCRPO sweeps U-Belt of criminal elements
PHL Ambassador to ASEAN Calls for Transparency and Inclusivity in ASEAN-China Center
Project For South Cotabato Farmers
Welcome Remarks of Sec. Arsenio Balisacan at the Philippine-Australia PPP Policy Dialogue with Partnerships Victoria
Pectin extraction technology undergoes pilot testing
DepEd launches the first Tboli Senior High School
Former Deputy Ombudsman guilty of misconduct
Villanueva: Use social media to push tech-voc
Double tracking of PNR's Sucat-Alabang stretch up for bidding
DOLE Region 3 declares Kentex sub-contractor “labor-only” contractor; orders it to “cease and desist” from operating
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 has found CJC Manpower Services to be engaged in “labor-only” subcontracting and has ordered it to “cease and desist from recruiting, supplying, and/or deploying workers to companies and employers effective immediately”.

CJC Manpower Services is the sub-contractor of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, whose manufacturing facility burned down on 13 May, killing 72 workers.

“Regional Director Ana P. Dione has issued today a cease and desist order against CJC Manpower Services. A copy of the cease-and-desist order was furnished the business licensing office of the City of Meycauayan, Bulacan, with a recommendation to cancel the business permit of CJC Manpower Services without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the owner and other responsible officer and personnel,” said Baldoz after Director Dione reported to her the issuance of the order.

Earlier, or on 15 May 2015, the DOLE regional office in San Fernando had completed a joint assessment of CJC Manpower Services and discovered the agency to be deploying workers to Kentex Manufacturing Corporation. Senior labor laws compliance officer Dante M. Regala, conducted the joint assessment, during the course of which he found out the following deficiencies:

(1) Underpayment of minimum wage under Wage Order No. NCR-18 and Wage Order No. NCR-19 from date of employment up to the present;

(2) Non-payment of cost of living allowance (COLA) under Wage Order No. NCR-18 and Wage Order No. NCR-19.

(3) Non-payment of 13th month pay for 2014;

(4) Non-payment of holiday pay and special holiday premium; 


(5) Illegal deduction for cash bond of P100 per week;

(6) Non-membership of workers and non-remittance of premiums to SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-Ibig Fund, despite deductions on pay;

(7) CJC Manpower Services is not registered under Department Order No. 18-A in Region 3, nor in any other region;

(8) There is no written service agreement between Kentex Manufacturing Corporation and CJC Manpower Services; and

(9) There is no employment contract between CJC Manpower Services and workers deployed at Kentex Manufacturing Corporation; 


On occupational safety and health, the joint assessment also revealed the following:

(1) Non-registration under Rule 1020;

(2) Non-submission of annual work accident/illness exposure data report;

(3) Non-submission of annual medical report; and

(4) Lack of company policies and programs on (a) anti-sexual harassment; (b) drug-free
workplace; (c) tuberculosis; (d) hepatitis B; and (e) HIV-AIDS.

Dir. Dione said she issued and signed the order pursuant to the provisions of Article 106 of the Labor Code, As Amended, and Department Order No. 18-A, noting that the deficiencies/activities discovered during the joint assessment points to CJC Manpower Services to be engaged in prohibited activities of “labor-only” contracting.
“PH most improved country in Asia-Pacific for PPP readiness” – The Economist
Source: http://www.ppp.gov.ph
May 22, 2015 – The Philippines has been recognized as most improved country in Asia-Pacific for PPP readiness in the recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit last April entitled “Evaluating the environment for public-private partnerships in Asia-Pacific, The 2014 Infrascope”.

Ranked number seven among the 21 countries included in the study, The Economist pointed out that the Philippines “recorded the most-improved regulatory and institutional frameworks” which is “the result of significant regulatory reform in recent years, new biddings and selection procedures, and better dispute resolution mechanisms”.

The PPP Center’s “wider role” in the implementation of the PPP program was also identified as a significant factor in the country’s improvement. It added that “institutional roles have been further streamlined under the new PPP regime”.

The Philippines was also recognized for its “improved investment climate and financial facilities”. As one of the countries in Asia-Pacific region with one of the oldest Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) policies, “it has introduced a new sub-national regulatory framework”, the report mentioned.

It also highlighted the country’s efforts in sharing to other countries its experiences and good practices in implementing the PPP program.
“The Philippines has used its increased capacity and transactional experience in recent years to promote capacity-building in emerging PPP markets within the region”, the report stated.

For the past years, foreign governments such as Vietnam, Bhutan, China, Tonga and other countries have visited the PPP Center to study about the Philippines’ PPP program. Officials of the Center have also accepted several invitations in the Asia-Pacific Region to share and promote the program and the PPP projects.

The overall results of the 2014 Asia Infrascope show country rankings are based on the weighted sum of the six category scores which are regulatory framework, institutional framework, operational maturity, investment climate, financial facilities and subnational adjustment.

In the 2011 study, the Philippines was categorized in the emerging PPP market groups and ranked number 8 with 47.1 overall scores. But this year it was moved up and now part of the “developed PPP markets group” and ranked number 7 with a total points of 64.6. “This group includes the Republic of Korea, Japan, and India. It is one of the biggest improvers in the emerging market group of countries.”
DOST gives Fault System Atlas to local gov’t units
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
The Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) launched and distributed the Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas to local government officials recently at the PHIVOLCS office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Valley Fault System (VFS) Atlas is a handbook of large scale maps showing in detail areas traversed by the Valley Fault System, an active fault system in the Greater Metro Manila Area (GMMA). The fault system has two fault traces: the 10 km long East Valley Fault in Rizal and the 100 km long West Valley Fault that runs through different cities and towns in Bulacan, Rizal, Metro Manila, Cavite and Laguna. The West Valley Fault can generate a large earthquake which poses threat to people’s lives, buildings, infrastructure, and livelihood.

According to Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, the Valley Fault System Atlas was conceptualized as a handy reference for everyone to serve as a guide in making sure that areas traversed by active faults are avoided. Such sites include houses and structures that are considered in various mitigation and response actions.

Response actions, according to Dr. Solidum, enhance the safety and resilience of communities to strong earthquake events.

The atlas shows the actual fault line that runs through a few cities in the metro. Thus, by knowing where the active fault lies “is the key to people’s awareness and preparedness for earthquakes, appropriate land use, contingency planning for disaster response, and design of houses, buildings and infrastructures.”

The importance of the VFS Atlas to local governments is stressed by National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Undersecretary Alexander P. Pama who said, “Through the publication of this Atlas, which specifies the position and location of the Valley Fault System in GMMA, we have taken a leap forward in reducing risk from earthquake.”

“This tool will help us closer to achieving the goal of our national DRRM effort to build safer, disaster-resilient and climate-change adaptive communities throughout the country,” Pama added.

In 2012, PHIVOLCS revisited the VFS as one of the component activities of the AusAID-funded GMMA Ready Project under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by member agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The mapping efforts discovered new fault traces and validated previously mapped traces of the VFS. (S&T Media Service)
DSWD extends educational aid to over 40,000 students
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
As the lead agency in social protection, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) places emphasis in ensuring that indigent and underprivileged children and youth avail of opportunities to go to school.

One form of intervention being provided by the Department is through the provision of educational assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). This is part of DSWD’s effort to provide immediate services to people who are in crisis or emergency situations.

The educational assistance helps defray the school expenses and the cost of sending children to school, such as school tuition fees, school supplies, transportation allowance, and other school-related expenses.
The program has assisted 42,363 children for the first quarter of 2015.

“With school opening scheduled for next month, we are fast-tracking our assistance to needy children and youth to enable them to enroll, since we have always believed that education is the key in lifting themselves and their families out of poverty.

“However, this is limited financial assistance designed to augment the poor students’ immediate needs especially if the family is presently in crisis and is unable to raise the needed amount to continue sending their children to school,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Julian-Soliman emphasized.

The amount of assistance that can be extended to clients ranges from P3,000 to P 25,000, based on the assessment of the social worker.

To avail of educational assistance, the client has to go through the screening process wherein he or she has to submit the appropriate documents to the social worker, who will in turn conduct the interview and assessment and recommend the release of assistance.

Clients can avail of assistance once every three months. However, for clients who have been previously assisted, a social case study report might be required by the social worker. The case study report will establish whether the client is still in crisis or not.

Those seeking educational assistance should present the following requirements: enrollment assessment form or certificate of registration, school ID of the student/beneficiary, barangay certificate of residency/indigency and any valid ID of the client, and referral letter, if applicable.

Applicants may go to any Social Welfare and Development Satellite Office, an extension unit of the DSWD which serves as an action center at the provincial level that immediately responds to cases of individuals and families in crisis situations.

A social case study report prepared by the LGU social worker/medical social worker, or a social case summary prepared by a registered social worker is required by the CIU to support assessment and recommendation of assistance.
BSP revises its balance of payments projections for 2015
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
The BSP releases its reassessment for the 2015 balance of payments (BOP). This incorporates the BOP outturn in 2014 and latest available data to-date. The reassessment exercise also reflects recent and prospective economic developments, both domestic and global, that could have a bearing on the outlook for the country’s external payments position.

The 2015 BOP position is expected to be in a surplus of US$2.0 billion, a reversal from the shortfall recorded in 2014 of US$2.9 billion. This is due primarily to a sustained strong current account surplus following the downward revision in international oil prices. As a result, year-end gross international reserves (GIR) are expected to be around $81.6 billion, an improvement from the $79.5 billion posted in 2014. At this level, the GIR remains ample, covering 10 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income.

The current account, which has been in surplus since 2003, is projected to post a surplus of $14.2 billion, equivalent to 4.4 percent of GDP. The current account is expected to be supported by strong overseas Filipino remittances and robust receipts from business process outsourcing (BPO) and tourism. A narrowing merchandise trade deficit is also expected to prop up the current account. Goods exports are projected to rise by 5.0 percent, supported by the improvement in the outlook for electronics. Meanwhile, goods imports are expected to expand by 1.0 percent, bolstered by a robust outlook in domestic activity, even as the downward adjustment in the oil price assumption resulted in lower import bill.

The balance of the financial account is expected to post a lower outflow of $8.4 billion from $10.1 billion recorded in 2014. While the global financial environment is expected to remain volatile, the continued bullish business confidence is expected to support higher foreign direct investments and modest inflows in portfolio investment, a reversal from an outflow of $1.3 billion in 2014 to a modest inflow of $0.2 billion in 2015

Overall, the external position of the Philippines is seen to improve in 2015. This should support the continued strong investor confidence in the economy. Moreover, the country’s external position remains a key source of resilience and policy flexibility that would enable the economy to ride out the volatilities of global economic and financial developments.
PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Inc. on May 27
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will service the deposit insurance claims of depositors of the closed Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Inc. (RBSMI) on May 27, 2015, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the bank's premises located at Barangay 3, Poblacion, Sta. Magdalena, Sorsogon.

Depositors with valid deposit balances of P50,000 and below, with complete mailing address found in the bank records or updated through the Mailing Address Update Form, and without any outstanding obligation with the bank do not need to file claims.

Depositors with account balances of more than P50,000, and those with outstanding obligations with the closed RBSMI or with incomplete mailing address, or those who maintain the account under the name of business entities, regardless of type of account and account balance, are required to file their deposit insurance claims. The announcement on the claims settlement operations of RBSMI is posted at its office and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph.

When filing claims for deposit insurance, depositors are advised to personally present the original copy of evidence of deposit such as Savings Passbook and Certificate of Time Deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors who were not able to come personally may file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of documentary requirements.

Depositors who are below 18 years old should be represented by a parent who should submit a photocopy of the child's Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. The parent should sign the Claim Form and the other requirements. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent.

The procedures and requirements for filing of deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the SPA may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. PDIC will not accept claims which are incomplete or lacking in requirements.

Depositors who are not able to file their claims during the claims settlement operations period may submit their claims either through mail to PDIC or personally at the PDIC Office, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City starting on June 8, 2015.

In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed RBSMI is on May 15, 2017. After this date, PDIC as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claims

The PDIC said that all valid claims will be paid. For deposits to be considered valid, it must be recorded in the bank's records and must have evidence of inflow of funds, based on the results of PDIC examination. PDIC, as Receiver, has the authority to adjust the interest rate on unpaid interests on deposits of a bank if such rate is deemed unreasonable.

For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342).
450,000 Listahanan households to benefit from DOE’s electrification program
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) signs a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE) for their partnership in the implementation of the National Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE) project.

NIHE is project that intends to provide basic electricity services to poor households with no access to electricity. This initiative by the DOE is in line with the implementation of their 2014-2017 Household Electrification Development Plan (HEDP), which aims to achieve 90% household electrification by 2017.

As a partner agency, the DSWD shall provide a list of potential household beneficiaries for the NIHE project using the Listahanan, or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR).

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. It makes available to implementers of social protection programs a comprehensive socio-economic database of poor families identified through objective and verifiable means.

Based on the 2011 data of Listahanan, at least 2.6 million poor households nationwide have no access to electricity.

“We deemed that the said database is a powerful tool in the efficient targeting of beneficiaries for the electricity connections under the NIHE Project,” DOE Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla said.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman added, “This is an opportunity for the DSWD and the DOE to converge their efforts and resources to improve the lives of the poor.”

The NIHE program, which will run from 2015 to 2017, will prioritize 450,000 poor households who are residing in forty-six (46) selected provinces and are also beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Public and Private Sectors Consulted on the Draft National Strategy for Financial Inclusion
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with key government agencies and members of the private sector convened a consultation meeting to discuss the national strategy for financial inclusion (NSFI) last May 20, 2015 at the BSP Main Office in Manila.

BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. opened the first NSFI consultation meeting. He cited the importance of financial inclusion in effectively contributing to inclusive growth—one that provides jobs, reduces mass poverty and draws majority of the population into the economic and social mainstream—and underscored how a National Strategy can ensure coordinated efforts toward a shared objective.

The draft national strategy was prepared by an inter-agency committee convened by the BSP in 2014. The inter-agency committee is comprised of thirteen (13) agencies, namely Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Education, Department of Finance, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Insurance Commission, National Economic Development Authority, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, Philippine Statistics Authority, and Securities and Exchange Commission. These agencies are involved, either directly or indirectly, in promoting an inclusive financial system and serving unserved and underserved markets. Considering the importance of expanding access to financial services for all Filipinos, especially the unserved and underserved, the inter-agency committee recognized that it is ideal to create a platform where the public and private sector can cooperate and coordinate to make financial inclusion, and eventually, inclusive growth, a reality. The World Bank has noted that countries with financial inclusion strategies have more significant growth in financial inclusion than countries without one.

The consultation meeting subjected the draft to comments and inputs from a broad range of stakeholders from the public and private sector such as banks, cooperatives, civil society organizations, international development organizations, payment providers, and the academe, among others. The ultimate objective is to ensure that the NSFI is a product of collective and collaborative efforts.

The NSFI Regional consultations in Visayas and Mindanao will be held in Cebu on 26 May 2015 and in Davao on 29 May 2015.
Bataan is first PH province to have labor laws-compliant markers in all its eco-zones
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday unveiled labor laws-compliant markers in three Bataan economic zones—the Freeport Area of Bataan; PAFC Petrochemical Industrial Park; and Hermosa Industrial Park—earning the province the distinction of being the first in the country to have all its economic zones certified labor laws compliant under the new Labor Laws Compliance System, or LLCS.

“I am pleased to unveil these markers, indicating our country’s inexorable march towards the path of reform in labor laws compliance,” said Baldoz.

“However, our gladness is tempered by the looming, grim shadow of the fire accident in the Kentex rubber slipper factory in Valenzuela City that killed 72 workers, and which brought to the surface the twin issue of occupational safety and health and general labor standards, including subcontracting, which our LLCS reform precisely seeks to address,” Baldoz said in message before unveiling markers.

“I remember the FAB, formerly the Bataan Export Processing Zone, as a hotbed of labor unrest that earned the country the derisive title of being the ‘strike capital’ of Asia. I am happy to note that that history is behind us now because the Philippines is now known as the ‘industrial peace hub’ of Asia. Much of the credit goes to our workers and management who have matured and now engages in social dialogue, as well as President Benigno S. Aquino III’s labor governance reforms to sustain industrial peace. In fact, I am happy to note that even the unions at the FAB have organized themselves into a Coalition of Labor Unions of Bataan (CLUB),” Baldoz added.

Accompanied by DOLE Regional Office No. 3 Regional Director Ana Dione, Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio, and other DOLE technical staff, Secretary Baldoz unveiled a marker first at the Freeport Area of Bataan in Mariveles, where Atty. Patrick Lester Ty, Authority of the Freeport of Bataan (AFAB) officer-in-charge; Bataan Vice Governor Efren Pascual, and Mariveles Mayor Jesse Concepcion, hosted her.

“This marker is the seventh such marker we have unveiled in the country since the full implementation of the new LLCS, and it shows our determination and commitment to make the new system work for the benefit of our workers, our employers and investors, and our economy,” said Baldoz.

Before the unveiling, she distributed Certificates of Compliance (COCs) on General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health Standards to worker and management representatives of 47 AFAB companies operating in the zone and employing 11,585 workers. She likewise awarded COCs on GLS and OSHS to the 47 locators’ 20 contractors/subcontractors employing another 6,219 workers.

Baldoz noted that 17 of the locators in the Freeport are unionized. These establishments are Almatech Manufacturing Corporation; Bahrain Fiberglass International, Inc.; Chun Chiang Enterprise Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Dong In Entech K-1 Inc.; Dunlop Slazenger Phils., Inc.; East Cam tech Corporation; Edge Soft Woods Solution, Inc.; Essilor Manufacturing Philippines, Inc.; Medtecs International Corporation; Medtecs Material Tech Corporation; Mitsumi Philippines; Monasteria Knitting, Inc.; Mountaineering Instruments Corp.; Qualitek Delta Philippines; and Universal Weavers Corporation.

“Remembering the lives that have been lost in last week’s fire accident, I urge all of you to reflect on the real meaning and significance of these COCs, that it was you who joined us in the assessment, a process which you have a stake and which you must own now for the welfare of your workers and the competitiveness and growth of your enterprises. Therefore, make sure that the system works,” she explained.

Baldoz next unveiled a labor laws compliant economic zone marker at the Philippine Alternative Fuels Corporation (PAFC) Industrial Park in nearby Brgy. Batangas II, which is home to power/fuel giants Philippine Resin Industries, Inc.; NPC Alliance Corporation; Petron Corporation Mariveles PP Plant; and Team Energy Philippines, with only Petron having a workers’ union.

These four companies have a total workforce of 389. Likewise, Baldoz awarded COCs on GLS and OSHS to the locators’ nine sub-contractors that employ 216 workers. The industrial zone is the 8th economic zone to be certified labor laws compliant.

In Hermosa, Baldoz distributed COCs on GLS and OSHS to Sumi Philippines Wiring Systems Corporation, one of two locators at the 162-hectare Hermosa Economic Industrial Park in Barangay Palihan. A sister company of International Wiring Systems, also a labor laws compliant company located at the Luisita Industrial Park, SPWS manufactures electric wiring harnesses and employs 1,952 workers.

She likewise awarded COCs on GLS and OSHS to the company’s two subcontractors---Salvation Security Agency and Faith in God and to two other subcontractors of Biotech, a zone locator that is not yet operational, MMA Competent Manpower and General Services and W. Security Agency Corporation. A fifth company, SP Deloraya Job Contracting and General Services, a subcontractor of SPWS, has earned its COC in September 2104. Together, these five subcontractors deploy a combined workforce of 1,430 in the industrial zone.

At these events, Baldoz signed memorandum of agreements with the zone management on the continuous monitoring of compliance by the locators with all labor laws and occupational safety and health regulations.

Since the LLCS’ full implementation last year, Baldoz has been going around the country to unveil labor laws compliant markers in economic zones, companies, and even in tourist destinations, to promote and advocate for labor laws compliance among the country’s business establishments under the Labor Laws Compliance System, a landmark reform in labor inspection that veers away from the purely regulatory to a more developmental approach involving the participation of workers and management, where companies undergo joint assessment to assess and evaluate compliance.

As of date, markers have been installed and unveiled in nine economic zones including the three in Bataan. These are Hacienda Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac; Phividec Industrial Park in Misamis Oriental; Mactan Export Processing Zone II and Cebu Light Industrial Park in Cebu; Baguio Economic Zone in Baguio City, Benguet; and Cagayan Economic Zone in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley.
Baldoz hails Supreme Court resolution against GAMCA “decking system”
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded a Supreme Court en banc resolution that denied the motion of the GCC Accredited Medical Clinics Association (GAMCA) to stop the Department of Health (DOH) from implementing the prohibition of the so-called medical referral “decking system”.

The GAMCA is a group of 19 medical clinics accredited by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is the association of countries of the Persian Gulf, for the medical examination of overseas Filipino workers bound for member states Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

“The Supreme Court Resolution is a welcome development for thousands of overseas Filipino workers,” said Baldoz.

“The medical referral 'decking system' brought inconvenience and unwanted delays to aspiring OFWs, as it required them to line up at the GAMCA Manila office or file online requests, just to get forced referrals to medical clinics that were far from their places of origin," said Baldoz.

It was then POEA Administrator Secretary Baldoz who initiated the removal of the GAMCA medical referral “decking system", and who questioned an unnecessary second examination at the host country to be paid by the worker, even if the worker had already passed a medical examination administered by a Philippine clinic.

Both the decking system and the matter of disregarding the certified results of Philippine medical clinics have been outlawed by Congress, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10022, which amended the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.

Citing R.A. 10022, the Supreme Court denied the motion by GAMCA that sought to stop a 20 February 2015 DOH order to implement the prohibition of the "decking system”. In the same Resolution, the Supreme Court also suspended the permanent injunction issued by Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 110, which stopped previous DOH issuances against the decking system.

With the Resolution, the stage is set for the High Court to pass upon the main issue of constitutionality of the prohibition of the "decking system" under RA 10022, which is the subject of separate petitions filed before the Court by the GAMCA and DOH. Pending such a decision on the constitutionality issue, the High Court in the aforesaid Resolution proclaimed that the DOH “has the solemn duty to faithfully implement the law prohibiting the decking practice."
DPWH now ISO 9001:2008 Certified
Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph
The Quality Management System (QMS) of the Department of Public Works and Highways is now certified against the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2008 standards.

The DPWH ISO 9001:2008 Certification, received from Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars, Inc., is aligned with President Aquino’s call on government agencies to improve public service delivery and in ensuring good governance and sustaining the “tuwid na daan” reform efforts.

Having an ISO 9001:2008 certification is an affirmation that the Quality Management System being implemented in the DPWH comprising inter-related processes are of international standards.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the ISO 901:2008 certification should be maintained and “will really push every employee to continually improve the Department’s processes to sustain public satisfaction.”

Included in the DPWH QMS ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration are nine (9) Services, six (6) Bureaus, two (2) pilot Regional Offices (National Capital Region and Region XI), and two (2) pilot District Engineering Offices (South Manila District Engineering Office and Davao 1st District Engineering Office) for a total of 19 Offices.

For the second phase, Secretary Singson has directed 33 DPWH offices or sites comprising five (5) Unified Project Management Offices, the remaining 14 Regional Offices with one (1) corresponding pilot District Engineering Office each to undergo the same ISO 9001:2008 assessment and certification process.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) has provided technical assistance to DPWH to comply with all the requirements for ISO Certification.

Present during the simple hand-over ceremony at DPWH Head Office were DAP President Antonio D. Kalaw Jr. and Vice President Arnel Abanto, and AJA Registrars Philippines, Inc. Vice President, Paul B. Bagatsing.
PNP draws-up nationwide security plan for school opening; NCRPO sweeps U-Belt of criminal elements
Source: http://pnp.gov.ph
The Philippine National Police will implement a nationwide security and public safety plan for the opening of the school year on June first.

On instructions of PNP Officer in Charge, PDDG Leonardo A Espina, the Directorate for Operations issued the Operational Guidelines for Lig tas Balik-Eskwela 2015 mobilizing all PNP Regional Offices and National Support Units to perform specific tasks and coordinating instructions to implement the nationwide security and public safety plan.

The Directorate for Operations is also conducting periodic assessment of the situation ahead of the school opening on June 1 for possible upgrading of alert conditions in different areas of the country.

An estimated 25-million students in different levels are expected to troop to school for the simultaneous opening of classes in both public and private learning institutions.

Espina said Oplan Balik-Eskwela 2015 ensures the operational readiness of police units in responding to peace and order concerns including threats from criminal elements that may take advantage of the situation.

The OIC, Chief PNP gave the Regional Directors the discretionary authority to raise alert conditions as they deem necessary to effectively implement their respective security and public safety plans.

Of priority concern to the PNP are incidents of street crimes such as pickpocket, snatching, swindling, robbery/hold-up, and street-level drug trafficking. Police patrols in the vicinity of schools will also be on the look-out for drug traffickers and violent street gangs that may infiltrate the ranks of students.

The PNP will also designate dedicated personnel to address bullying inside and outside the school premises in coordination with school officials and local ordinances that prohibit the operation of drinking places, gambling activities and computer gaming shops.

Local PNP units were instructed to coordinate closely with school administrators and officials of the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission of Higher Education (CHED), Local Government Units, Parent-Teachers Associations (PTAs) and other concerned agencies to ensure safety and security of students.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) including its five Police Districts will field its entire 24,000-strong personnel in strategic areas within the vicinity of schools for foot, mobile and police visibility patrols and establish Police Assistance Desks (PADs) manned by police and BPAT personnel with the strategic goal of “zero crime incident in all school and university areas”.

NCRPO Chief, PDir Carmelo Valmoria fielded more personnel to compliment foot and mobile patrol operations of BPAT and local police units in vicinity of schools.

In coordination with LGUs, DOTC and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the NCRPO will spearhead traffic management operations in the vicinity of schools particularly in the University Belt area of Manila.

Similar security measures will be implemented in seaports, airports, and land transport terminals in anticipation of the heavy volume of incoming passengers from the provinces.

If unnecessary actions or suspicious person or group are observed, the PNP advised the public to immediately report it or go to the nearest PADs or police stations or through PNP hotlines I-Txt Mo Kay Tsip at 0917-847-5757. (PNP-PIO)
PHL Ambassador to ASEAN Calls for Transparency and Inclusivity in ASEAN-China Center
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
21 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to ASEAN Elizabeth P. Buensuceso encouraged participants at the ASEAN-China Center (ACC) brainstorming session held on May 05 at the ACC Secretariat in Beijing, to use the Center as a venue to promote ASEAN-China relations under the principles of inclusivity, transparency and strict adherence to ASEAN Centrality.

The brainstorming session, which was attended by the ACC’s Joint Council and Joint Executive Board members, conducted a mid-term review of ACC’s work since its establishment in 2011. The ACC promotes ASEAN-China cooperation through its work on trade, investment, education, culture and tourism promotion.

In one of her interventions, Ambassador Buensuceso, Philippine representative to the ACC Joint Council, encouraged the ACC to be inclusive by conducting joint promotion programs and activities in its various priority areas, rather than focusing on individual ASEAN Member States.

Ambassador Buensuceso also recommended that regular meetings be convened among the commercial counsellors of the ASEAN Embassies in Beijing and the trade and investment representatives from the China Council to explore and discuss opportunities and initiatives to further promote and facilitate ASEAN-China trade and investments.

As part of its initiative to raise the profile of ASEAN and its member countries in China, the ACC has initiated a program called “Touring ASEAN with Diplomats” microblog interview series. Last April 13, Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda F. Basilio was featured and her interview via the ACC microblog on Philippines-China relations and ASEAN-related matters garnered more than 300,000 hits, the most so far in the program.

The brainstorming session agreed to amend the memorandum of understanding between ASEAN Member States and China on the establishment of the ACC to align it with realities on the ground and to further strengthen the capacity of the ACC to effectively and efficiently fulfill its mandate in promoting ASEAN-China dialogue relations. The MOU, which came into force in November 2011 for five years, will expire in November 2016.

The brainstorming session also endorsed the appointment of China’s Ambassador to ASEAN Yang Xiuping as the next ACC Secretary-General for a three-year term.
Project For South Cotabato Farmers
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XII and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Ned Settlement for the implementation of the Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) project in Ned Settlement, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Felix C. Frias said the agreement is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Pre-Condition from NCIP, ensure the protection of the rights and culture of indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) and maintain their ancestral domains and cultural well-being in the area.

Frias said the MOA covers all functions of the agencies and parties, including areas of cooperation, responsibilities and obligations of all parties, the effectivity, termination and other provisions, as well as the monitoring to be conducted by NCIP once the project starts.may 22 2015 2

“We support the implementation of this project because we know that all will benefit from it.” Datu Maquil said.

MinSAAD is a joint project of the Philippine Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which the DAR is implementing in cooperation with other national line agencies.

The project aims to alleviate poverty, develop agribusinesses, generate employment, promote peace and order as well as improve the quality of life of the indigenous people through the provision of rural infrastructure and capacity building measures in the target settlement areas.

The project covers 12 settlements in Mindanao covering 7 provinces: Lanao Norte, Bukidnon, North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur.
Welcome Remarks of Sec. Arsenio Balisacan at the Philippine-Australia PPP Policy Dialogue with Partnerships Victoria
Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph
Colleagues from the Philippine Government (Sec. Rogelio Singson, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Ambassador Belen Anota, Director Cosette Canilao), partners from the Australian Government, guests, friends, ladies and gentlemen– good morning and welcome to the Philippine-Australia PPP Policy Dialogue with Partnerships Victoria.

Let me also welcome Hon. Adem Somyurek, Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade of the State Government of Victoria; and of course, officials and representatives from Partnerships Victoria, Australian Trade Commission, and the Asian Development Bank.

On behalf of the Philippine Government, I am pleased to open this important event today, which seeks to engage various stakeholders in discussions that enrich our knowledge, insights, and experiences on PPPs. My sincere appreciation goes to the PPP Center of the Philippines for making this Policy Dialogue possible, and our gratitude to the Australian Government, particularly to the State Government of Victoria and Australian Trade Commission, for your continued support in strengthening the Philippine PPP Program and partnering with us in realizing this activity. I hope thatp you will also learn from our PPP experience in today’s sharing.

Indeed, over the years, public private partnerships have become an increasingly important tool for accelerating infrastructure development, not only in the Philippines but also in many emerging countries. As we may very well know, PPPs are good instruments to mobilize capital resources and tap the private sector’s expertise and state-of-the-art technology in constructing public infrastructure facilities or services. Importantly, PPPs can assist governments in addressing infrastructure backlogs as well as in accelerating the delivery of critical development projects and facilities.

I am proud to say that the Philippines’ PPP program has come a long way in terms of developing bankable PPP projects and ensuring that they are successfully tendered. At present we have a pipeline of about 50 PPP projects worth over USD 23 billion. Nine (9) PPP contracts have also been successfully awarded to the private sector since 2011 totaling to around USD 3 billion (PHP 136.36 billion).

Thus, as we ramp up our public infrastructure spending target to at least five percent of the Gross Domestic Product by 2016, the government through its PPP program will continue to tap the private sector as partners in development to help overcome our resource constraints, deliver much-needed social services and public infrastructure facilities, and importantly, to help sustain the robust economic growth that we have been enjoying in recent times.

To this end, we are continuously working to streamline processes and institutionalize reforms and best practices. In particular, we have advocated measures to further enhance the legal and policy environment for private sector participation.

A major policy advocacy we are now pushing for is the enactment of the PPP Act or Amendments to the Revised Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Law envisioned to sustain the gains of our current PPP Program. In addition the government is also seeking to amend the law on Right of Way Acquisition (ROWA) that would address bottlenecks in infrastructure provision, including implementation delays in our PPP projects.

This advocacy is part of the reason why we are all here today: By listening to and learning from Australia’s experience on PPPs—particularly that of Victoria—this Policy Dialogue will provide useful insights on how they were able to sustain their PPP Program over the years, including an understanding of their PPP legal and institutional framework, appraisal methodologies, procurement policies, and implementation and monitoring of projects.

We have invited the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works, the committee in charge of legislating the BOT Law Amendments as well as the amendments to the Right-of-Way Acquisition Act, and some government officials directly involved in our PPP processes for them to also gain valuable insights that would guide them in pushing forward this major policy reform.

On that note, I am inviting everyone to actively participate in today’s discussions and sharing of best PPP practices. Let us take advantage of what we will learn today to further strengthen the enabling framework for PPPs in the Philippines and work together for a progressive and sustainable PPP program in the coming years.

Thank you and a pleasant day to all!
Pectin extraction technology undergoes pilot testing
Source: http://www.da.gov.ph
The technology to extract pectin from mango peels is being tested at a pilot scale by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) in collaboration with agribusiness companies.

DA-PhilMech Executive Director Rex L. Bingabing said the agency wants to determine the viability of the process and acceptability of the pectin products under a pilot-scale level of operation.

“After this phase, DA-PhilMech can push for the commercialization of the pectin extraction technology where mango peels are the raw materials. Over the medium to long term, this will be very helpful for the pharmaceutical and food industries in the Philippines which still import their pectin requirements,” he said.

The local technology to extract pectin from mango peels is one of the technologies that will be exhibited during Postharvest week that will mark the founding anniversary of PhilMech. It was on May 24, 1978 that the National Postharvest Institute for Research and Extension (NAPHIRE) was founded, which evolved to Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) in 2010 and then to PhilMech.

The pilot sites to test the locally-developed pectin extraction technology are in Cebu and Bulacan.The pilot testing in Cebu is being undertaken by DA-PhilMech in partnership with ProFoods International Corp., the biggest mango processor in the country, and Suki Trading Corporation, a manufacturer of various agricultural and food processing machinery and equipment.

Meanwhile, the pilot testing in Bulacan is being undertaken by the agency with Green Ops Corp., a subsidiary of MONHEIM Group of Companies. Green Ops produces tropical fruit concentrate and juices.

The expected output of the pilot plant in Profoods is about 2 kilograms of mango pectin per batch, while Green Ops is aiming to produce a bigger output of about 8-10 kgs of mango pectin per batch.

Besides the pectin extracting technology, PhilMech is also pilot testing in Camarines Sur the coconut water extraction machine it developed, with commercial production to commence in June. The capacity of the coconut water extraction machine is 2,000 coconuts per day, which will help coconut farmers in Camarines Sur improve their incomes.

In 2012, researchers from DA-PhilMech and the Department of Science and Technology-Industry Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) led by Dr. Ma. Cristina B. Gragasin successfully developed a processing system for the production of pharmaceutical grade pectin from mango peels. The project garnered numerous awards from various scientific fora. The utility model for the pectin production has Intellectual Property Registration No. 22013000466.

Pectin is a high-value product used as a gelling and thickening agent, stabilizer in cosmetics, food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the Philippines still imports all of its pectin requirements.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, the country imported around 94,848.93 kilograms of pectin from various countries with a total custom value of $52.38 million or P2.2 billion in 2011 at an average landed cost of P27,000 per kilogram.

Mango presents a better opportunity for the Philippines to produce pectin since the country’s mango farms has an output of around 884,000 metric tons per year. Mango peelings from processors and restaurants are usually thrown away or composted with other food wastes.
DepEd launches the first Tboli Senior High School
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
Lake Sebu, South Cotabato—After extensive consultations and planning with the indigenous peoples’ community, local government, and education partners, the Department of Education (DepEd) established the first Tboli Senior High School.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said, “This is the first of its kind. We endeavored to make sure that the curriculum as well as its [senior high school] offerings are in line with Indigenous Peoples culture and language. Ang eskwelahan dapat ang link between culture and development.”

He said, “Ito po ang kauna-unahang Senior High School na sinikap ng DepEd—kasama ang Ateneo de Davao—na kunsultahin at pakinggan ang mga hinaing at mga pangarap ng ating mga katutubo.”

He emphasized the need of the education system to be inclusive and centered on the needs and context of the learners, saying, “We are a nation in search of who we are. Until we are able to return to the roots of our indigenous peoples, we will never be able to find our soul.”

“If we are serious about being learner-centered, we should also be serious about being culturally sensitive,” Luistro added.

Luistro also dedicated the launching of the Tboli Senior High School to the late Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee Lang Dulay, saying that “we need to understand and to nurture of our culture so that the works of Lang Dulay will not be lost with her and that we can pass on her dreams and arts to the next generation.”

Tboli Senior High School (TSHS), which will be initially lodged at Lake Sebu National High School with approximately 45 students for its early implementation of Grade 11 in SY 2015-2016, will be offering technical-vocational track, focusing on Sustainable Community Resources Management with two options: Agriculture and Ecotourism.

Active engagement of the indigenous community

Datu Benito Blonto, chair of the Municipal Tribal Council of Lake Sebu, said that proper consultations and coordination with the parents and students in the Tboli community, Lake Sebu NHS, and other education stakeholders have been crucial in creating the program.

Through consultations with Tboli elders, teachers, parents, students, and other education stakeholders, TSHS came up with its aspirations for its students that seek to uphold, preserve, and promote the Tboli cultural identity through an inclusive, participative, environmentally-friendly, and quality culture-based education.

Blonto said the program will be beneficial to the students, adding, “Pagkatapos nila sa K to 12, makakapasok sila sa employment dahil may skills and qualifications na sila. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, ide-develop natin ang skills ng mga estudyante base sa kultura. Sasanayin sila sa ecotourism at paggamit ng resources na mayroon sa lugar.”

The program intends to create graduates who are capable of developing and managing their own resources, creating sustainable livelihood and opportunities for the Tboli community, where the school is situated. Through the program, graduates will be equipped with entrepreneurial and management skills to prepare them for small-scale business ventures or communal cooperative management.

The development of the TSHS is an initiative being undertaken by DepEd in partnership with Ateneo de Davao University, particularly in the areas of curriculum development, teacher training and mentoring, and research.
Former Deputy Ombudsman guilty of misconduct
Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph
The Internal Affairs Board (IAB) of the Office of the Ombudsman found former Deputy Ombudsman (DO) for Mindanao Humphrey Monteroso guilty of Grave Misconduct, Simple Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, in two separate Decisions approved by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

Investigation disclosed that in September 2011, Monteroso hired Emmanuel Arquellano as a member of his co-terminus staff occupying the position of Administrative Aide II with Salary Grade 2. In an affidavit executed before the IAB, Arquellano attested that while employed at the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Mindanao (OMB-Mindanao), he was asked to perform domestic chores for the Monteroso family, such as feeding the animals (e.g., sea eagle, crows, ducks, lambs, sea hawks, box turtles, iguanas and lizard) and accompanying Monteroso to the market on weekends.

The Decision held that Monteroso unfairly took advantage of Arquellano when he made him perform household chores for his family during his tenure as a civil servant without proper compensation. “Not only were DO Monteroso’s actions willful and intentional, these were clearly illegal, wrongful and improper, especially considering that OMB Mindanao was paying for Arquellano’s salary.

In holding Monteroso liable for Grave Misconduct, the Decision also found that on two separate occasions, Monteroso instructed Arquellano to open bank accounts in his (Arquellano) name and turn over the passbook and ATM to Monteroso. Arquellano testified that several transactions were undertaken using these bank accounts and he withdrew significant sums totaling P1,250,000.00 and remitted the money to Monteroso. Increasingly bothered by the arrangement, Arquellano resigned in March 2012. During the investigation, documents such as statement of account, bank certifications and consent to examine bank account with waiver were submitted to the IAB.

The IAB considered Monteroso’s denial that he used Arquellano as a dummy to facilitate bank transactions “as inherently weak because it is self-serving and unsubstantiated by clear and convincing evidence.”

The Decision explained that the bank transactions coursed through Arquellano’s name are suspicious transactions covered by the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). The Office thus directed that the Anti-Money Laundering Council be furnished with copies of the case records in order to conduct an inquiry into the suspicious financial transactions to determine Monteroso’s criminal or civil liability under the AMLA.

Grave Misconduct is punishable by dismissal from the service. Considering, however, that Monteroso’s term expired in December 2013, the penalty of dismissal from the service was converted into a fine equivalent to six months’ salary. He was also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

In a separate Decision, Monteroso was also found administratively liable for Simple Neglect of Duty and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, in connection with his deliberate failure to act on a criminal case pending before his office for four years. He was also faulted for deliberately failing to reply to complainant’s letters requesting for follow-up and to act on several indorsements and directives to act on the case.

The Decision stated that Monteroso’s “continued non-compliance with the directive appears to spring from his lackadaisical attitude towards said case and of this Office’s role in the speedy and efficient administration of justice” resulting to “tarnishing the image of his office and for which he should be held accountable.”

Simple Neglect of Duty is punishable by suspension of one month and one day to six months while Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service carries a penalty of suspension of six months and one day to one year. With Monteroso’s separation from the service, the penalty was converted into a fine equivalent to six months’ salary.
Villanueva: Use social media to push tech-voc
Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
As among the most sociable in the world, Filipinos, especially the youth, can harness the use of social media in promoting technical vocational education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva said.

Villanueva said tech-voc graduates who are fanatics of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and other social media sites can also make use of these platforms to market their skills and connect to potential employers.

He cited the graduates who joined the TESDA Video Making Contest Year 2 as among those who have taken to the social media in sharing their success stories to inspire others.

The entries came in the form of dramatization, storytelling, music video and other creative format and were uploaded in Youtube and Facebook. The winners for the individual category and the school category for the Best in Story, Best in Video, People's Choice Award and the Tatak TESDA Grand Winner were awarded last May 12.

"Social media sites offer a creative and meaningful way to connect with a huge audience, including potential employers," Villanueva said.

"By now, the stories of hundreds of our tech-voc graduates who took part in the TESDA video contest have already been viewed by thousands. Opportunities may just come knocking one of these days," he added.

The school category winners were dominated by the Westmin Institute of Technology Inc., Region IX and graduate Celso Pobadora Jr. (Automotive Servicing NC II) who bagged the grand prize and the best in story awards.

The best in video award went to the East and West Center for Excellence in Training Corp., Region IV-A and graduate Rodalyn Pumupula (Finishing Course for Call Center Agent). The people's choice award was received by the United Christian Academy College of Asia, NCR and graduate Imee Gorobat (Bookkeeping NC III).

Born to a family of farmers, Pobadora started working at a young age to help augment the family income. An accident left him crippled and unable to continue schooling. After his recovery, he started helping in the machine works of a shop in their community, and found his calling. He enrolled in a tech-voc course and finished as a certified mechanic. He is now assistant trainor at the Westmin Institute of Technology, Inc.

Pumupula worked abroad, but returned to the country after being maltreated by her employer. Unable to find a job, she enrolled in a Finishing Course for Call Center Agent at the East and West Center for Excellence in Training Corp. and was immediately hired as trainer and supervisor. She now oversees several branches of the training center.

Despite having an associate degree, Gorobat found it hard to get a permanent job. When she heard about a tech-voc course in Bookkeeping at the United Christian Academy College of Asia, she enrolled and completed it. She now works in an accounting firm.

Renji Arcilla of Region IV-A (Ubeda Manpower Training Center, Inc) was adjudged the best in story, and Geraldine Dorado of Region III was awarded for having the best video entry in the individual category.

Santos was discouraged by family and friends from pursuing a tech-voc course, but she enrolled in Visual Graphic Design NC III and became a certified graduate. Now, she is engaging in projects that allow her to practice her graphic design skills. She is also a trainor to budding artists in a tech-voc institution.

A college education was elusive to Arcilla, who comes from a family of 11 siblings. But when he chances upon an announcement that free tech-voc education is being offered in their community, he enrolled and got a certificate in Pipefitting NC III. Now, Arcilla not only makes a living as a pipefitter, but also as a trainer to the youth.

A mother to three children, Dorado needed a job to sustain her family, but could not find one. When she learned about the TESDA courses in their community she enrolled in Bread and Pastry production and got a certificate. From being a helper in a bakery, she now tends her own bakeshop, with the help of her kids.

"These graduates are proof of positive change because of tech-voc," Villanueva said.

"Because of quality and relevant training, better opportunities now await them. The future is no longer uncertain for them," he added.

The awarding ceremony was held last May 12 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). It was hosted by television actress Pauleen Luna and Maximo Closa, a tech-voc graduate and TESDA-certified event organizer who was among last year's winners in the TESDA video contest.

The top video entries were evaluated by prestigious personalities who served as judges: Eugenio Villareal, chairman of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB); Herman Basbano, president of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas; Ramon "Bong" Osorio, vice president and head of corporate communications of ASB-CBN network; Francis Cardona, chief operating officer of Radio Corporation of the Philippines; Dante Velasco, former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications; Rachelle Villanueva-Munji from the Las Pinas City government; and, Rosauro "Uro" Dela Cruz, film writer and director.

The entries to the TESDA video making contest may be accessed at the agency's website: www.tesda.gov.ph and Facebook account TESDA official.
Double tracking of PNR's Sucat-Alabang stretch up for bidding
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph
P144-Million Project Targeted for Completion in Q3 2016

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has published today an Invitation to Bid for a rail track improvement project for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) worth P 144,377,624.62, as part of its effort to revive and improve Southeast Asia’s oldest railway system.

The project will add a second track to run parallel to the single track currently connecting the Sucat and Alabang stations, by adding 3.97 kilometers of rails which will allow simultaneous two-way traffic to run in that section. Presently, PNR’s rails are double-tracked from Tutuban to Sucat only.

Prospective bidders may purchase the bid documents beginning today. A pre-bid conference which will be open to all interested parties is scheduled on May 26, while the submission and opening of bids is set on June 9.

The award and start of construction of the project are targeted by the 3rd quarter of 2015, and the winning bidder will have two hundred (200) calendar days to complete the construction of the double rail tracks.

The state-owned PNR is temporarily not operating for safety reasons, as the status of its rail tracks are being investigated by management following the April 29 derailment incident near its Magallanes station.

The investigation is expected to yield a precise inventory of missing or needed parts such as rail joints, angle bars, and rail clips – which will then be procured and installed in order to allow the PNR to resume its operations as soon as possible. Prior to the incident, the railway system had been servicing the Tutuban-Calamba route daily.

The PNR is also expecting the arrival of two second-hand donated trains from Japan in the coming weeks. Aside from replacing missing parts and constructing double-track rails, the PNR has other rehabilitation projects for near-term implementation such as roofing extension to shield passengers from heat and rain, installation of turnstiles in major stations, and rail and comfort room rehabilitation. These immediate improvements are targeted for completion by the end of 2015 or early next year.

Meanwhile, the DOTC is scheduled to begin the procurement process for its long-term solution to revitalize the PNR later this month. This project, called the North-South Railway Project, aims to revive PNR’s services from Malolos to Tutuban as its North Line and Tutuban to Legazpi City as its South Line by the end of 2020.

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano
24 May 2015
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Mr. Montano: ‘Yung kanina po na itinanong namin, ‘yung update po dito sa improvements dito sa train, in the wake ‘nung nangyaring insidente diyan sa may Monumento po yata. Kung mayroon na po tayong mailalahad dito sa ating palatuntunan, sa ating mga kababayan, at sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps?

SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po tumitigil ang pamahalaan sa pagtataguyod ng kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ng ating mga kababayang gumagamit ng serbisyo ng LRT at MRT. Ayon sa pamunuan ng LRT, inaalam pa po ang sanhi ng pagkabangga ng dalawang coach sa Caloocan. Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga mamamayan habang patuloy na isinasakatuparan ng pamahalaan ang pagpapahusay sa serbisyo ng LRT at MRT.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, ‘yon pong nangyaring pambobomba sa Saudi Arabia—‘yun pong mosque doon—wala pong mga Pilipinong nadamay? Can we confirm it?

SEC. COLOMA: Hinihintay po natin ang ulat ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs. Sa ngayon po ay wala pa tayong natatanggap na update, lalong-lalo na doon sa aspeto na kung mayroong Pilipino na nandoon sa kaganapang ‘yon, so nag-aantabay lang po tayo muna.

Mr. Montano: ‘Yung tungkol naman po dito sa earthquake drill na pinaplano para sa disaster preparedness, ito po yata ‘yung tinatawag na nilang ‘Metro Manila shutdown,’ ano po ang Palace take dito at paano po natin mababalanse ito para ma-minimize ‘yung alarming the public and making them so panicky dahil dito sa naturang mga babala tungkol dito sa earthquake?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang pangunahing layunin ng pamahalaan ay ipagbigay-alam sa ating mga mamamayan lahat ng kailangan nilang malaman hinggil sa panganib ng malakas na lindol. Naranasan na natin ang lindol sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng ating bansa, at batid natin na malaking pinsala ang maaaring idulot nito, at kung hindi ganap ang paghahanda ay maaaring marami ang maapektuhan ng pangyayaring ito. Kaya ‘yung ginagawa po ng ating pamahalaan ay nakasentro sa mga preparasyon na pinangungunahan ng ating National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Kasama po ‘yung lindol sa mga pinaghahandaan nilang disaster at batid din natin na mayroon pong mga lokal na unit ang NDRRMC. Dito po sa kalakhang Maynila, ang chairman po ng disaster risk reduction ay ang chairman ng MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority), kaya napapanahon po ‘yung mga isinasagawang hakbang ng MMDA. Kaya ang mahalaga po dito ay ‘yung kaalaman at ‘yung kahandaan. Hindi po natin gustong lumikha ng ligalig. Nais po nating maging handa at ligtas ang ating mga mamamayan.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, on another topic. Mayroon na po bang kongkretong plano or measure ang pamahalaan ukol po doon sa mga asylum seeker na mga Rohingya Muslim na galing po ng Bangladesh at Myanmar na papunta po dito sa bansa or if ever mapunta sila rito sa bansa?

SEC. COLOMA: Ulitin ko na lang po ang ating posisyon dito. Bilang signatory sa United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, at doon sa isa pa ring convention, Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, ang pahayag po natin ay malinaw: Magbibigay po tayo ng makataong pagtrato. We are prepared to provide humanitarian succor and relief. ‘Yon po ang ating posisyon.

Mr. Montano: On another topic po, Secretary, ‘yung tungkol naman po sa Palace take tungkol dito sa national ID system na isinusulong diyan sa Kongreso. Tahimik daw pong naipasa, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, sa committee level at ang pangamba po diyan ay ‘yung encroachment dito sa privacy ng mga tao po—itong national ID system.

SEC. COLOMA: Antabayanan natin ang proseso ng pagsasabatas dito. Sa ngayon ay batid lang natin ‘yung update hinggil sa pagpapasa nito sa Kamara, kailangan ang katuwang na Senate bill. Hindi ito kasama sa mga priority bill ng administration, kaya hihintayin na lamang natin kung ano ang pasya ng buong Kongreso.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, may pahayag po ‘yung ilang mga militanteng grupo na aabot daw po sa isang milyong (1,000,000) mga estudyante ang posibleng mag-dropout dahil daw po sa K-to-12 program. Ano po ang take ng Palasyo rito?

SEC. COLOMA: Sa panig po ng pamahalaan ay ginagawa ang dapat na gawin para maihanda ang ating mga mag-aaral. Ang nais po natin ay lumahok nang aktibo ang lahat ng mag-aaral para sa kanilang sariling kapakanan. Kaya nga po natin ipinasa itong K-to-12 na batas ay para madagdagan ang kaalaman ng ating mga kabataan at maging competitive po sila sa pandaigdigang larangan. Kaya ‘yan po ang ating layunin. Kung mayroon pong mga kakaibang mga pananaw, sana po ay pag-aralan nilang mabuti ‘yung kanilang posisyon. Hindi po natin nakikita ‘yung senaryo na kanilang ipinipinta hinggil dito, kaya ang atin pong posisyon diyan ay doon pa rin sa aspeto na masiglang pagpapatupad nito. Wala po tayong hangarin dito na mapariwara, bagkus gusto natin pong mapabuti ang kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan.

Mr. Montano: At ukol po diyan, kaugnay po niyan, ano po ang masasabi naman ng Palasyo ukol dito sa suporta ng CEAP (Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines) sa naturang programa ng K-to-12? Talagang pinapaboran nila ang pagpapatupad at ‘yung hindi na i-postpone pa o i-suspinde ang naturang implementasyon ng K-to-12 itong darating na school year.

SEC. COLOMA: Nananawagan po tayo sa iba’t iba pang sektor ng ating pamayanan na suportahan din po ang mahalagang programang ito dahil, katulad po ng ating nabanggit, mahalaga po ito para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kabataan.

Mr. Montano: Wala na po yatang mga question na natatanggap tayo. Kung may iba pa po kayong pahayag ay nasa inyo po ang pagkakataon dito sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps.

SEC. COLOMA: Sa ngayon, Efren, ay wala na akong karagdagang pahayag. Kung mayroon pong karagdagang tanong ang ating mga kaibigan sa Malacañang Press Corps ay maaari naman po nilang iparating ito sa pangkaraniwang paraan at sasagutin po natin.

Mr. Montano: Okay po, so maraming salamat…

Mr. Sebastian: Thank you very much po sa inyong oras na ibinigay sa bayan.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

*****
*****
SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND)
INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanique
21 May 2015
ALAN ALLANIGUE: Your reaction, sir: Naaprubahan na po nitong Ad Hoc Committee na pinangungunahan ni Congressman Rufus Rodriguez iyon pong panukalang batas tungkol dito sa Bangsamoro, pagbuo ng Bangsamoro, kahapon, Secretary Coloma?

SEC. COLOMA: Kinagagalak po natin ang pagpasa ng Ad Hoc Committee sa panukalang batas hinggil sa Bangsamoro. Ito’y mahalagang hakbang tungo sa pagbubuo ng isang Bangsamoro Basic Law na maaaring ihain sa mga mamamayan na apektado nito sa isang plebesito, at ito ay tutungo doon sa pagbubuo ng isang bagong pamahalaan para sa kanilang autonomous region.

ALAN ALLANIGUE: Opo. So, bale ang susunod pong mangyayari dito, Secretary Coloma, after sa committee level, ito ho’y dadalhin na sa talakayan sa plenaryo mismo ng Kamara?

SEC. COLOMA: Ayon po sa natunghayan nating balita, tatalakayin pa muli ito sa dalawang komite ng Kamara, iyong Committee on Ways and Means at iyong Appropriations Committee. Iyan po kasi ang sinusunod na patakaran sa lahat ng mga batas na mayroong gugugulin na pondo ng bayan. Kinakailangan ay malinaw kung saan ang panggagalingan ng mga pondo, kaya mahalaga din po iyong pagtatalakay doon sa dalawang nabanggit na komite.

ALAN ALLANIGUE: Okay, so Committee on Ways and Means at saka iyong isa po ay Appropriations Committee. And pagkatapos hong dumaan doon, saka pa lamang matatalakay mismo sa plenaryo.
SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga ang pagkaunawa natin sa kanilang proseso, Alan.

ALAN ALLANIGUE: Opo. Binanggit po ninyo rin earlier na kung ito ho ay matapos, tuluyang maibatas, ang next step ay sasailalim…mag-i-schedule ng isang plebesito doon sa mga areas po na kumbaga ay posibleng maging bahagi nitong Bangsamoro, Secretary Coloma, sir?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang plebesito ay doon sa mga – sa aking pagkaunawa ‘no – doon sa mga naninirahan doon sa tinatawag “core region”, iyon talagang sakop na ngayon ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao na siya ring core region ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Mayroong isang probisyon din doon, iyong tinatawag na “opt-in” provision. Kung mayroong mga contiguous area na LGU, halimbawa ay lunsod o lalawigan na katabi nung nandoon sa core region, maaari silang magdaos din ng kanilang referendum o plebesito sa ikalima at ikasampung taon mula sa pagpasa ng batas kung mayroong 10% ng kanilang mga qualified voters na maghahain ng petisyon. Iyon po ang naunawaan ko doon sa nalathala hinggil sa mga amyenda na ipinasa ng Ad Hoc Committee.

ALAN ALLANIGUE: And isang puntos po tungkol dito sa panukalang ito is, we understand na, maha-highlight din dito ang mahalagang papel na gagampanan ng ating mga IPs o indigenous people diyan ho. Mga ilang tribo ho iyan na nitong nagdaan, and we understand, ang pakiramdam nila ay sila ay nani-neglect ng … pagdating sa basic services. Subali’t ngayon, kumbaga, maha-highlight din ang kanilang role na gagampanan at ganoon din ang tulong ng pamahalaan para sa kanila diyan po sa mga areas na masasakop ng Bangsamoro, Secretary, sir?

SEC. COLOMA: Tama iyong nabanggit mo, Alan.

ALAN ALLANIGUE: Okay, opo. So maliban po dito, sir, nabanggit din po ninyo noon na ang transition period ay pangangasiwaan ng isang grupo na kumbaga ay magmumula rin sa iba’t ibang sektor para matiyak na magiging smooth ang transition from the present ARMM patungo na dito sa Bangsamoro, Secretary Coloma, sir?

SEC. COLOMA: Iyon ang pagkaunawa natin mula doon sa pagkakaroon ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, bagama’t hindi ito tuwirang tinalakay doon sa mga deliberasyon hinggil sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, doon sa basic law na kapapasa lamang sa komite, Alan.

ALAN: Okay. Well, Secretary Coloma, maraming salamat pong muli sa mga updates mula sa Palasyo, sir.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan.
SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center



Last Updated: 21 MAY 2015
Alternative photo archive with high resolutions
Please click on thumbnails to magnify
Kingdom of Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising reviews the honor guards during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Excellency Thanatip Upatising, Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines, honor the colors during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21, 2015). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Kingdom of Thailand Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21,). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Kingdom of Thailand Ambassador to the PhilipPresident Thanatip Upatising during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Philippines, honor the colors during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Montellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Philippines, troops the line during the foyer honors accorded him at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby upon arrival for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Bussairy during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lao People’s Democratic Republic  to the Philippines, honor the colors during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Ambassador Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune of Lao People’s Democratic Republic to the Philippines, reviews the honor guards during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David John Strachan, New Zealand to the Philippines, reviews the honor guards during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Lauro Motellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David John Strachan during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines David John Strachan during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevedo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). Also in photo are Chef de Cabinet Ambassador Tim Yeend and Philippine Permanent Mission to WTO Ambassador Esteban Conejos, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Roberto Azevedo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 21). Also in photo are Chef de Cabinet Ambassador Tim Yeend and Philippine Permanent Mission to WTO Ambassador Esteban Conejos, Jr.. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Members of the APEC Technical Working Group held a conference on enhancing tourism competitiveness in the APEC region through alignment of tourism and taxation policies. The meeting led by Javier Guillermo Molina was held at Paradise Garden Resort on May 19.
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (May 19). Also in photo are Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad.  Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.; Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima; Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad; Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson.(Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (May 19). Also in photo are Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (May 19). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.; Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima; Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad; Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III extends his condolences to Atty. Nida Lucenario with children Atty. Marien,Domingo III, and Dominique, family of the late Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario, Jr. at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Thursday (May 14). Amb. Lucenario was one of the few career Filipino diplomats who had the rare distinction of having been awarded by the President of the Philippines with three major Presidential Awards, namely: the Order of Sikatuna Award with the rank of Datu (Gold level), the Order of Lakandula Award with the rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno), and the Gawad Mabini Award with the rank of Grand Officer (Dakilang Kamanong). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III offers prayers before the remains of the late Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo Lucenario, Jr. at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Thursday (May 14). Amb. Lucenario was one of the few career Filipino diplomats who had the rare distinction of having been awarded by the President of the Philippines with three major Presidential Awards, namely: the Order of Sikatuna Award with the rank of Datu (Gold level), the Order of Lakandula Award with the rank of Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno), and the Gawad Mabini Award with the rank of Grand Officer (Dakilang Kamanong). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III is conferred with a Doctor of Humanities degree (honoris causa) by Tarlac State University  president Dr. Myrna Mallari and Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan during the conferment ceremony held at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ by Rolando Mailo /  Malacañan Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the conferment ceremony at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14, 2015). President Aquino received his Doctor of Humanities degree (honoris causa) from Tarlac State University president Dr. Myrna Mallari. (Photo by  Gil Nartea /   Lauro Montellano Jr./  Rolando Mailo/ Malacañan Photo Bureau) 
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Tarlac State University president Dr. Myrna Mallari and Commission on Higher Education chairperson Patricia Licuanan, dons an academic gown, hood, cap and medal during the conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) from the Tarlac State University at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr./  Malacañan Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the conferment of the Degree of Doctor of Humanities (honoris causa) from the Tarlac State University at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). (Photo by Gil Nartera/ Malacañan Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with CEMEX chief executive officer Fernando Gonzalez during the Courtesy Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). Also in photo are United Mexican States Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Julio Camarena Villaseñor, CEMEX Asia president Joaquin Estrada, CEMEX Strategic Philippines, Inc. president and chief executive officer Pedro Palomino and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with CEMEX chief executive officer Fernando Gonzalez during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). Also in photo are United Mexican States Ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor and CEMEX Asia president Joaquin Estrada. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with CEMEX chief executive officer Fernando Gonzalez during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). Also in photo are United Mexican States Ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor, CEMEX Asia president Joaquin Estrada, CEMEX Strategic Philippines, Inc. president and chief executive officer Pedro Palomino, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla and TESDA Deputy Director General for Policies and Planning Irene Isaac. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III greets CEMEX chief executive officer Fernando Gonzalez during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (May 14). Also in photo are United Mexican States Ambassador to the Philippines Julio Camarena Villaseñor, CEMEX Asia president Joaquin Estrada and CEMEX Strategic Philippines, Inc. president and chief executive officer Pedro Palomino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Sarangani Lone District Representative Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a souvenir black jacket from Sarangani Lone District Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Sarangani Lone District Representative Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Executive Secretary Pacquito Ochoa exchanges pleasantries with Sarangani Lone District Representative Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Development Bank of the Philippines chairman Jose Nuñez, Jr. the dividend check amounting to P3.135-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the   GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2015 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2015 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation chairman & chief executive officer Cristino Naguiat, Jr. the dividend check amounting to P10.137-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the  GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Land Bank of the Philippines executive vice president Andres Sarmiento the dividend check amounting to P6.254-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the   GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Bases Conversion Development Authority president & chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova the dividend check amounting to P3.201-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during  GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Food Terminal, Inc. president Rene Fuentes the dividend check amounting to P2.305-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the  GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation president Cristina Orbeta the dividend check amounting to P2.1-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Philippine Ports Authority general manager Atty. Juan Sta. Ana the dividend check amounting to P1.817-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the GOCC Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Philippine National Oil Company president and chief executive officer Antonio Cailao the dividend check amounting to P1.525-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the 2015 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino receives from Manila International Airport Authority senior assistant general manager Vicente Guerzon the dividend check amounting to P1.339-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the 2015 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Philippine Reclamation Authority chairman Roberto Muldong the dividend check amounting to P1.2-billion to be remitted to the National Treasury during the Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). be (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 2015 Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 13). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement at the NAIA (Terminal 2) in Pasay City on Monday (May 11) from his successful working visit to the US and state visit to Canada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by his official family led by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin upon arrival at the NAIA (Terminal 2) in Pasay City on Monday (May 11) from his successful working visit to the US and state visit to Canada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) members of the Filipino community wave miniature Philippine flags during the President Aquino's meeting with them at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his statfob isit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Canadian officials upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III disembarks the plane upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne (Liberal Party) during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Distinguished Visitors Book during the meeting at the Pacific Rim of the Pan Pacific Hotel, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno Aquino III meets with top business leaders of Toronto in a forum organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada on Friday (May 8).(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with members of the Philippine media delegation covering his State Visit to Canada while on board flight PR 001 of Philippine Airlines from Ottawa bound to Toronto Friday (May 8). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada during the reception at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the reception hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in honor of President Aquino and the Filipino community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, acknowledge the cheers of the crowd during the reception in Honor of President Aquino and the Filipino Community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto upon arrival at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper following the Joint Press Conference at the Parliament Hill during the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY


How to apply for a solo parent ID? Read at: http://t.co/uMUgLFnJ5z


Solo Parent ID | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines - National Government Portal – Edited at the Office of the President of the Philippines Under Commonwealth Act...
gov.ph



Download the Valley Fault System Atlas here: http://t.co/7pUjXrs6DW
‪#‎earthquake‬ ‪#‎GreatManilaEarthquake‬ http://t.co/LgX6h6l8K3


PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com



‪#‎PH‬’s first organic trading center opens in Nueva Vizcaya - See more at: http://t.co/s2VcTNbnAU


PIA | PH’s first organic trading center opens in Nueva Vizcaya
QUEZON CITY, May 25 -- The Cagayan Valley Regional Organic Trading Center (ROTC) lin Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya opened its doors to farmers, traders and...
news.pia.gov.ph


‪#‎OSHC‬ ready to receive inquiries, complaints on work safety, health - See more at: http://t.co/sfMOtN3Grn


PIA | OSHC ready to receive inquiries, complaints on work safety, health
MANILA, May 25 --  The Occupational Safety and Health Center  and its extension offices in the regions are ready to receive inquiries and complaints on safety...
news.pia.gov.ph


‪#‎DSWD‬ completes 7,531 community projects. Read more: http://t.co/oyshMjl8g3 http://t.co/1NKTGfVzQD


PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com



Applications now open for Fire Officer Examination. Read: http://t.co/db0ZIql5In http://t.co/dJAQQjQnf1


PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com



2015 is ‪#‎ASEAN‬ ‪#‎Environment‬ Year. The theme for this year is: "Empowering the Youth for a Green ASEAN Community." http://t.co/EOb8hdtx87

t.co
fb.me


PIA | ‪#‎DA‬ steps up effort to unify trading center operations - http://t.co/4m7EyGcDx5


PIA | DA steps up effort to unify trading center operations
QUEZON CITY, May 24 -- The Department of Agriculture has intensified its consultation activities with Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (APTC) stakeholders to...
news.pia.gov.ph


"Peace roots from an understanding of the multicultural nature of Mindanaoans–of Christians, Muslims & Lumads alike." http://t.co/DoK2eIV4t0


PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com

Impact of ‪#‎ElNiño‬? The ‪#‎rice‬ market is not bothered
READ: http://t.co/EjhH2K2JGG http://t.co/3Z5S3O4k9l | via @RiceResearch
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
‪#‎PhPPP‬ ANNOUNCEMENT: Invitation to Pre-Qualify and Bid | For more info, visit http://t.co/8wtlaVbz93 http://t.co/kEpbX8D2V8 | via @PPP_Ph
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
‪#‎PhPPP‬ NEWS: Two groups vie for P55.51-B Cavite-Laguna Expressway READ MORE http://t.co/hM5Stntuq9 http://t.co/Rp3ScbBV8N | via @PPP_Ph
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
Awarded ‪#‎PhPPPprojects‬ in the Philippines Visit http://t.co/8wtlaVbz93 for more info. http://t.co/rFpMmLqsTm | via @govph
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
 
 
‪#‎PhPPP‬ NEWS:Gov’t initiates PH-AUS PPP Policy Dialogue READ MORE http://t.co/Wu5m3USLbk http://t.co/yZlFrsFdcN | via @PPP_Ph
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
 
HOW TO SPOT BOTCHA/DOUBLE DEAD MEAT ‪#‎foodsafety‬ ‪#‎summeradvisory‬ http://t.co/1kdmXmTH8E
PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News
pic.twitter.com
 

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)