Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 29 May 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow
Synopsis:
Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Luzon.
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 29 May 2015
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 29 May 2015
Forecast:
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening will be experienced over the whole country.
Light to moderate winds coming from the south to southwest will prevail over northern luzon and from the southeast to south over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
PAGTAYA: Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi ang mararanasan sa buong bansa.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa timog hanggang sa timog-kanluran ang iiral sa hilagang luzon at mula naman sa timog-silangan hanggang sa timog sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa. Ang mga baybaying-dagat sa buong
kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa timog hanggang sa timog-kanluran ang iiral sa hilagang luzon at mula naman sa timog-silangan hanggang sa timog sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa. Ang mga baybaying-dagat sa buong
kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 33.8 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 25.0 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 25.0 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 89 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 53 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 53 %
High Tide Today: 7:48 AM ……… 0.74 Meter
Low Tide Today: 2:23 PM ……… 0.39 Meter
High Tide Today: 7:06 PM ……… 0.52 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 12:44 AM ……… 0.29 Meter
Low Tide Today: 2:23 PM ……… 0.39 Meter
High Tide Today: 7:06 PM ……… 0.52 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 12:44 AM ……… 0.29 Meter
Sunrise Today: 05:26 AM
Sunset Today: 06:21 PM
Sunset Today: 06:21 PM
Moonrise Today: 2:38 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 2:45 PM
Illumination Today: 77 %
Moonset Tomorrow: 2:45 PM
Illumination Today: 77 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph
ABS-CBN: Umabot na sa 46 degrees Celsius ang maximum heat index sa Cabanatuan habang 42.3 degrees Celsius naman sa Davao at 39 degrees Celsius naman sa Metro Manila. Ayon sa PAGASA, mananatili namang mainit ang panahon sa malaking bahagi ng bansa dahil sa ridge of high pressure area na nakakaapekto sa Luzon. Gayunman, may tsansa pa rin ng thunderstorsm sa hapon o gabi dahil sa southwesterly winds na papalapit sa bansa.
May 29,
2015 ( Friday ) as of 8:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA
QUEZON : Sunny in Lucena City
Gov.
Hernandez bares accomplishments in State of the Province Address
- May
28, 2015
SANTA CRUZ, Laguna, May 28 (PIA) -- Laguna Governor
Ramil L. Hernandez talked about his program and accomplishments a
year after he was sworn into office as Laguna’s chief executive in his
“State of the Province Address” (SOPA) held Wednesday at the Cultural Center of
Laguna here.
Gov. Hernandez talked about his 8-Point Program which
primarily give focus on health, social welfare services, quality
education, employment, agriculture and food security, infrastructure, good
governance, and peace and order.
It can be noted that despite the Governor’s year-old
stint in the office, Gov. Hernandez has already implemented his program
with flying colors which benefited his constituents in particular and the
province in general.
The Province, under his leadership, has already received
various awards for exemplary performance in different fields such as Gold Anvil
Award for “Tubig sa Barangay” program and Regional Gawad Kalasag 2014 Award as
“Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” among
others.(AC Ortillano, PIA-Laguna/PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/641432790905/gov-hernandez-bares-accomplishments-in-state-of-the-province-address#sthash.19KK8E4G.dpuf
BATANGAS
Tagalog news: 4th Junior Fire Marshal Camp, isinagawa sa
Batangas City
- May
29, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 29 (PIA) -- Matagumpay
na isinagawa sa lungsod na ito ang 4th Junior Fire Marshal Camp na nagsilbing
pagsasanay sa kakayahan ng mga kabataan upang makatulong na makapagligtas ng
buhay sakaling magkaroon ng anumang panganib o trahedya.
Ang taunang programa ay nilahukan ng 10 mababang paaralan
kabilang ang Tabangao, Libjo, San Isidro, Malitam, Jose C. Pastor (Pallocan
West), Gulod, Alangilan Centaral, Balagtas, Batangas City East at Kumintang.
Nakiisa rin sa naturang aktibidad ang mataas na paaralan ng Tabangao,
Banahis, Libjo, Paharang, Marian Learning at Casa Del Bambino.
Ayon kay Supt. Romel Tradio, fire marshal ng
lungsod, ang proyektong ito ay isang hakbang upang mahubog ang mga kabataan na
maging listo at responsible sa pagtulong o pagresponde sa anumang uri ng
kalamidad.
Isa rin aniya itong paraan upang madagdagan ang kanilang
kaalaman sa mga bagay na di natututunan sa kanilang tahanan at paaralan.
Pinuri naman ni Diosdado San Antonio, regional director ng
Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, ang Batangas City dahil kilala ito bilang aktibo sa
ganitong gawain. Hinangaan din niya ang Bureau of Fire Protection sa mga
programa na malaki ang naiiambag sa komunidad at paaralan.
Ayon naman sa tagapagsalita ng Pilipinas Shell Foundation,
isa sa mga sponsors ng naturang inisyatibo, bahagi ng kanilang corporate social
responsibility ang tumulong at sumuporta sa mga programa ng pamahalaang lungsod
lalo na sa mga paaralan at host barangay nito.
Itinuro sa mga lumahok ang Clothes
Catch Fire Relay, Emergency Procedure Relay, Safety Word Game, Bucket Relay,
Basic Electrical Connections, Disaster Preparedness, Basic Knot Tying, Basic
Fire Safety, Basic Search & Rescue at Basic First Aid & CPR. (Liza
Delos Reyes, PIO-Batangas City/ MPDC, PIA-Batangas/ PIA-4A)
Tagalog
news: DepEd, nagsagawa ng K+12 forum sa Batangas
- May
28, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 28 (PIA) -- Kaugnay ng
napipintong pagpapatupad ng K+12 program ay nagsagawa ng forum ang Kagawaran ng
Edukasyon kasama ang Batangas Parents-Teachers Association Federation Leaders
upang bigyang linaw ang mga usapin ukol sa naturang programa.
Ipinabatid ng kagawaran na ito ang huling yugto na maipaalam
sa mga magulang ang kahalagahan ng naturang programa bago ito lubusang ipatupad
ngayong taon.
Ayon sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, simula noong 2009 ay mahigit
P171 milyon lamang ang pondong laan para sa edukasyon ngunit dahil sa
paghahanda at implementasyon ng naturang programa ay naglaan ito ng P364.66
bilyon para sa dagdag na mga silid-aralan, aklat at pagkuha ng mga bagong guro.
Ayon kay Rizalino Rivera, Undersecretary for Regional
Operations ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon, hindi dagdag pahirap ang K+12 dahil ito
ay magiging libre sa mga nais pumasok sa pampublikong paaralan.
Ipinaliwanag din niya na ang incoming first year high school
lamang ang tanging maaapektuhan sapagkat sila ang first batch of grades 11 to
12 graduates sa 2016 - 2018.
Kapag ito aniya ay ipinatupad na, ipatutupad na din ang
bagong curriculum para sa grade 1, kindergarten, at grade 7 o first year high
school lamang at hindi pa magdaragdag ng dalawang taon.
Umaasa naman ang kagawaran sa lubos na pang-unawa ng mga
magulang sa mga programang nais ipatupad ng pamahalaan at ng kagawaran upang
matulungan ang mga kabataan.
Ito ay upang maipantay ang sistema ng edukasyon hindi lamang
sa buong asya kung hindi sa buong mundo. Hinihikayat din ang mga magulang na
maging mapanuri at magsaliksik sa tunay na kalidad ng sistema mayroon tayo
kumpara sa ibang bansa. (Liza Perez Delos Reyes, PIO-Batangas City/ MPDC,
PIA-Batangas/ PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681432798282/tagalog-news-deped-nagsagawa-ng-k-12-forum-sa-batangas#sthash.twy0Fwno.dpuf
Tagalog
news: 7, 983 nagsipagtapos sa ilalim ng Pantawid Pamilya, binigyang pagkilala
sa Batangas
- May
28, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 28 (PIA) -- Nagtipon ang may
7, 983 high school graduates ng lalawigan ng Batangas na benepisyaryo ng
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ng Department of Social Welfare and
Development para ipagdiwang ang kanilang pagtatapos sa ilalim ng nasabing
programa.
Tampok na panauhing pandangal sina DSWD Secretary
Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto,
Vice-Governor Mark Leviste kasama ang mga miyembro ng Sangguniang
Panlalawigan, mga opisyal ng pang rehiyong tanggapan ng DSWD at mga kinatawan
ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa lalawigan.
Sa mensahe ni Gov. Santos-Recto, ipinaabot nito sa mga
estudyante at mga magulang na dumalo sa okasyon ang pagbati sa kanilang
pagsisikap at patuloy na paggabay sa kanilang mga anak na makatapos ng
pag-aaral.
“Hindi po masama ang maging isang mahirap, ang mas masama po
ay ang tumanda tayo ng mas mahirap o hindi tayo naka-ahon sa buhay,” pahayag ng
gobernadora.
Dagdag pa nito na sana ay patuloy nilang bigyang halaga ang
determinasyon at pagsisisikap upang maabot ang kanilang mga pangarap sa
pamamagitan ng mabuting edukasyon.
Ipinaabot naman ni Sec. Soliman ang kanyang pasasalamat sa
mga ahensya at lokal na pamahalaan na naging kabalikat ng DSWD upang matagumpay
na maisagawa ang hangarin ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Sa tagumpay ng naturang programa nais aniya ngayon ng DSWD
na maipagpatuloy ang ganitong pagtulong sa mga mamamayang Pilipino.
Nagpaabot din ng pasasalamat ang kalihim kay Sen. Ralph
Recto sa inihaing nitong batas sa senado na naglalayong gawing batas o
permanenteng batayan nang pagtulong sa mga mahihirap ang naturang programa.
Matapos ang mensahe ng mga panauhin, nagbigay ng kanilang pasasalamat
kasama ang kanilang mga magulang sina Shaira Perez ng San Juan Batangas at Jose
Marcelo ng Taal.
Sina Perez at Marcelo ay dalawa lamang sa mga nagtapos na
may karangalan ngayong taon at nagpatotoo na walang imposible kung may
determinasyon at pagsisiskap.
Sa 7,983 graduates sa buong lalawigan, 323 sa mga ito ang
nagtapos ng may karangalan, 23 ang valedictorian, 16 na salutatorians mula sa
mga 167 na public secondary schools, 56 private secondary schools at 36
secondary schools na nasa labas ng Lalawigan ng Batangas. (Edwin V. Zabarte-PIO
Province/MPDC, PIA Batangas/PIA-4A)
Tagalog
news: Batangas City, wagi sa Rafael M. Salas Population and
Development Award
- May
27, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 27 (PIA) -- Isa ang lungsod na ito
sa tatlong lungsod sa rehiyon ng Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal,
at Quezon) na binigyan ng pagkilala sa Rafael M. Salas Population and
Development Award para sa taong 2014.
Kinikilala ng naturang award ang mga local government units
na may katangi-tangi at makabagong program sa POPDEV (population and
development).
Ang nasabing pagkilala ay isa sa mga pamamaraan ng
Population Commission o POPCOM upang mahikayat ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na
higit pang mapaganda ang pagpapatupad ng mga programa ukol sa population and
development
Ang patimpalak na ito ay pagpapatuloy ng legasiya ni Rafael
M. Salas na makamtan ang mas mahusay na mundo para sa kasalukuyan at darating
pang henerasyon.
Binubuo ang RMSPDA
ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan kabilang ang POPCOM,
Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, National
Economic Development Authority, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, at isang State
University.
Isa sa pinagbabasehan ng naturang award ang POPDEV
Elements (60 porsiyento) na kinabibilangan ng family
planning, education and counselling, reproductive health at adolescent and
youth reproductive health guidance and counselling.
Ang 40 porsiyento naman ay sa Health
Management kung saan kabilang dito ang
governance on health and health financing, access to programs, services and
facilities at performance monitoring. (Ronna Endaya Contreras, PIO
Batangas City/ MPDC, PIA Batangas/ FSC, PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681432526154/tagalog-news-batangas-city-wagi-sa-rafael-m-salas-population-and-development-award#sthash.JAufbuMK.dpuf
- May
27, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 27 (PIA) -- Inaprubahan na ng
Sangguniang Panlalawigan ang ordinansa hinggil sa P1 bilyon loan agreement sa
pagitan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas at ng Land Bank of the Philippines
na gagamitin sa konstruksiyon ng ikatlong tulay at iba pang mahahalagang
imprastraktura sa.
Sa ginanap na committee hearing kamakailan, sinabi ni Ariel
Reyes, assistant provincial legal officer, wala aniya silang nakitang legal
impediment sa kanilang isinagawang pag-aaral sa nabanggit na mga ordinansa.
Dagdag pa nito na ang gawain lamang ng Sangguniang
Panlalawigan ay tingnan kung dumaan ang nabanggit na loan agreement sa tamang
proseso, kagaya ng three-reading rule, majority voting at iba pang legislative
procedures.
Kung may makita silang mali, saka pa lamang sila pwedeng
makialam at baguhin ang nilalaman ng ordinansa. Bunga nito, pinagtibay ng
komite ang naturang loan.
Binigyang diin naman ni Board Member Caloy Bolilia, Chairman
ng Committee on Appropriations, na wala aniya silang karapatan na busisiin kung
saan gagastusin ng lokal na pamahalaan ang nabanggit na halaga. Naniniwala
aniya sila na hindi gagawa ng aksyon ang sangguniang panlungsod na makakasama
sa kanilang nasasakupan.
Ipinabatid din ni Bolilia na inimbitahan nila sina
Councilor Kristine Balmes at Vice Mayor Emilio “Jun” Berberabe, Jr. upang
magbigay ng kanilang opinyon hinggil sa usapin ng loan agreement.
Nagpadala naman ng sulat si Balmes na hindi siya makakadalo
sa pagpupulong bunga ng naunang kumpormiso samantalang si Berberabe naman ay
nasa ibang bansa.
Magugunita na tanging si Councilor Balmes lamang ang hindi
bumoto sa pagpasa ng naturang mga ordinansa habang si Berberabe naman ay
nagbigay ng manifestation ng hindi pagsang-ayon dito. (Ronna E. Contreras, PIO
Batangas City/ MPDC, PIA-BATANGAS/ FSC, PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681432108847/tagalog-news-p1b-loan-ng-batangas-city-aprubado-na-ng-sangguniang-panlalawigan#sthash.MAxxAAFk.dpuf
| Government optimistic on faster growth in remaining quarters of the year | |
| President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered government agencies to accelerate the implementation of vital infrastructure projects to boost economic growth in the remaining quarters of the year. "The President has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, and all other departments to accelerate the implementation of vital public infrastructure projects. Among these agencies, it is noteworthy that the DPWH has posted the highest utilization rate of obligated appropriations,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday. Secretary Coloma said the President gave the instruction after the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced that the first-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth slowed to 5.2 percent because of lower-than-expected pubic spending. “A significant contributory factor to the slower growth rate is the 24.6 percent decline in public construction spending. This was due to delays in the actual disbursement of funds that are usually experienced at the start of the year,” he said. He however noted that despite the lower-than-expected result, further analysis of the components of the GDP provides “sufficient room for optimism on faster growth in the next three quarters.” Coloma said that of the total GDP pie, the private sector accounts for approximately 88 percent, while the government accounts for 12 percent. “Private sector performance indicators point to faster growth during the next three quarters. Private construction increased by 14.2 percent and private investments in durable equipment rose by 14.3 percent. Moreover, growth in household consumption was sustained at 5.4 percent, equaling the growth rate attained in the past two years,” he said. "These results are aligned with the findings of the Social Weather Stations that during the first quarter of the year, personal quality of life was at its highest in the past 30 years, while optimism about the national economy also remained high. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the business confidence index on the outlook for the next quarter rose to 58.2 percent from 43.1 percent in its previous survey,” he further said. Coloma said that on March 30, President Aquino issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 46 to address key institutional areas of improvement that were noted in the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) year-end 2014 disbursement report, specifically on planning and program/project design, procurement, and program/project implementation bottlenecks. He said the directives in AO 46 include the implementation of prompt budget execution measures, the enhancement of procurement efficiency, and the establishment of a full-time delivery unit, to be headed by an Undersecretary and fully staffed to ensure effective program and project implementation. Coloma said that according to the DBM report, national government spending for the first quarter of 2015 was P504 billion, which is 4.5 percent higher than the comparable 2014 disbursement level of P482.5 billion. "The cumulative rate of expansion reflects an acceleration in spending. From a decline of 5.4 percent in January, there was a 9.6 percent growth in February and an improvement of 11.8 percent in March. Nevertheless, total actual spending of P504 billion was P78.2 billion or 13.5 percent less than the targeted spending of P582.2 billion,” he explained. Coloma also recalled that a 6.1 percent GDP growth was attained last year. “While GDP grew up only 5.3 percent in the third quarter, a 6.6 percent growth was achieved in the fourth quarter as government spending rebounded,” he pointed out. “The President acknowledges the business community’s continued confidence in the economy and support for the administration’s good governance program. He assures the citizenry that the government will exert intensive efforts to bring about the full fruition of reform and development programs that promote greater inclusion and sustainable long-term progress,” said Coloma. PND (jm) | |
| Baldoz lauds DOLE Call Center Action Officers for helping disseminate new NCR wage order |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the DOLE Call Center Action Officers for helping provide the right information about the new wage order for the National Capital Region as provided for in Wage Order No. NCR-19. The DOLE Call Center served in March 2015 a total of 931 clients who wanted to know more about the new minimum wage for private sector workers in the National Capital Region. “The DOLE Call Center’s task is vital to the Department of Labor and Employment’s information dissemination campaign to raise public awareness and understanding, and to educate workers and employers about voluntarily complying with the new wage order in the National Capital Region,” Baldoz said. Baldoz, citing a report of Director Nicon F. Fameronag of the Labor Communications Office which supervises the DOLE Call Center, said majority or 63.1 percent of the queries addressed by the DOLE Call Center focused on the effectively date of the wage order, while 30.6 percent inquired about its implementing guidelines, and 6.2 percent asked about the minimum wage law exemption and wage distortion formula that will be used by companies. Director Fameronag said the Call Center received a total of 5,292 calls and 5,876 queries in March 2015. He said a big number of queries also centered on the pay rule for the Lenten holidays on April 2, 3 and 4, and for Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, which totalled to 626. As its response to callers clamouring for across-the-wage board increase, the DOLE Call Center echoed the Department’s core messages on the setting of minimum wages. The Call Center’s Action Officers informed callers about Wage Order No. NCR-19, approved on 6 March 2015, and was published in the Philippine Star on 20 March 2015. It took effect 15 days after its publication, specifically, on 4 April 2015. The new wage order mandates a P15/day basic wage increase, bringing the basic wage in Metro Manila to P466. In addition, it also retains the P15 per day cost-of-living allowance, or a total of P481 new minimum wage rate. On the other hand, workers in the agriculture sector, private hospitals with bed capacity of 100 or less, retail/service establishments employing 15 workers or less, and manufacturing establishments employing less than 10 workers will receive P429 basic wage, and P15 cost-of-living allowance, or a total of new minimum wage rate of P444. The Call Center’s information drive through client assistance forms part of its wide range of frontline services for the Department of Labor and Employment. The Call Center clients were also advised to file complaints for non-compliance with the new Wage Order at the DOLE-NCR Office or its Field Offices with corresponding telephone numbers: Quezon City – 4973002, Manila – 3029269, Makati/Pasay – 336-5062, PAPAMAMARISAN –6615042, MUNTAPARLAS – 8086165, and, CAMANAVA – 362-3187. The DOLE Call Center with telephone number 02-5278000, operates from 6:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. on Mondays to Saturdays, on the motto, Serbisyong Magalang at Mahusay na Impormasyon sa Labor and Employment, or SMILE. |
| In Western Visayas, DOLE orients Parole and Probation office to assist convicts on livelihood and emergency employment program and services |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| In a bid to assist ex-convicts return to the mainstream of society, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 6 held last week an orientation on the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), as well as on other DOLE programs and services, for officers and personnel of the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA), an agency of the Department of Justice, in Western Visayas. “This activity is part of a series of activities under the DOLE convergence program, Rehabilitation and Empowerment for Holistic Advancement of Beneficiaries, or REHAB, in partnership with the PPA, other government agencies, and civic organizations,” said Regional Director Ponciano M. Ligutom in a report to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. Twenty six (26) PPA officers and personnel and officers from its regional and field offices attended the orientation, aimed at providing participants with basic information on the DOLE’s flagship livelihood and emergency employment program, the DILEEP, specially on how public offenders can access it. The REHAB project, according to Director Ligutom, is an integrated convergence program that the DOLE regional office has established in partnership with government agencies (GAs) and non-government organizations (NGOs). “This project focuses on the holistic development of convicts that will help bring them return to the mainstream of society once they are released from prison,” he said. “This is relevant to the PPA’s mandate of promoting the reformation of felons when they get out of jail on parole and probation or after obtaining pardon,” he Ligutom added. He compared the REHAB to Tubong-Tubong, another DOLE pioneering convergence program with local government units, the Philippine Army, and other national agencies and NGOs as partners. Tubong-Tubong, initiated by Ligutom, provides sustainable livelihood to conflict-stricken communities. “I am optimistic that the REHAB project will also bring significant change to the lives of the parolees, probationers, and pardoners in the region. This will also enhance the relationship of involved agencies and bring much development to the communities where ex-offenders reside,” Ligutom explained. Ex-offenders who are target beneficiaries under REHAB will be provided with skills or livelihood assistance that will help create sustainable employment and make them productive individuals once they are released from prison. As part of the orientation, the DOLE regional office took the participants to a “guided tour” of DILEEP project proposal preparation to give them an idea on how to formulate project proposals conforming to DILEEP guidelines. Each participant was also given a template of individual business plans for them to work on when they go back to their respective offices. |
| Statement of DILG Sec. Mar Roxas on the 57th birth anniversary of Sec. Jesse Robredo |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
| Today would have been the 57th birthday of Sec. Jesse Robredo. Bagama’t naging maiksi ang kanyang buhay, marami siyang nagawa para sa bayan. He was one of the Liberal pillars of the Daang Matuwid, and was among those that proved to us that honest, consensus-driven governance was not only possible, but necessary to achieve our dreams as a nation. A stalwart of good governance, he led by example. Siya ang unang maglilinis ng putik pagkatapos ng baha. Siya ang unang susugod kapag may nasunugan. Siniguro niyang ang pera ng taumbayan ay napupunta sa mga proyektong may tunay na pakinabang. He was always wary of the trappings of government, and lived with humility, simplicity, and the dignified confidence of the incorruptible. Jesse was willing to give his all for what is right. And he did. He is fondly remembered and sorely missed. He remains an example and inspiration to reformists in government. Our efforts to sustain and amplify his good works in the DILG and the rest of the bureaucracy continue; we know he is watching and guiding us. Happy birthday, Sec. Jesse. |
| Roxas: National Programs should have local effects too |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
| For Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas, local communities have always been and will always be the primary beneficiaries of the national government's anti-poverty programs. “Iyan po ang tunay, tapat, at dapat na ginagawa ng pamahalaan: makabuluhang pagtulong sa inyong lahat, kung saan ang inyong mga tunay na pangangailangan ang siyang natutugunan,” Roxas said during his visit on Tuesday (May 26) to a water project in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan, under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). As DILG Secretary, Roxas focused on government programs that directly cater to the needs of the common folk such as SALINTUBIG and the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) program, which allows citizens to identify, plan, allocate for, and monitor the implementation of various kinds of projects themselves, while the national government continuously provides funding and technical support. SALINTUBIG aims to provide waterless communities in impoverished areas with easy access to sufficient and potable water supply. Roxas also made it a point that such projects are being implemented both efficiently and effectively, in stark contrast to projects that merely implemented for “vanity" and do not really address the people's needs. From local roads and day care centers to potable water systems and rural health units, Roxas ensured that all services provided reach Filipinos living in far-flung areas. As such, Roxas feels honored to serve as the "ear" and "voice" of local government units (LGUs) in these areas. “Hindi kayo dapat magpasalamat sa akin, magpasalamat po kayo sa sarili ninyo. Kayo ang gumawa nito, kayo ang Boss. Dito ang pera ninyo ay binabantayan, inaalagaan, at ibinabalik sa paraan ng mga makabuluhang programang ito,” he explained. “Sama-sama, tulong-tulong tayo. Fast forward na po tayo. Kung ganito ang nakikita natin ngayon, mas mabilis pa at mas malayo pa ang mararating natin para sa bukas nating lahat,” Roxas added. |
| Zamboanga water execs slammed for bidding irregularity |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
| The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of charges for violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Section 65(2) of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act) against officers of the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) in connection with the irregularities that tainted the bidding for the Pasonanca-Sta. Maria rehabilitation line project. The Office indicted ZCWD General Manager Leonardo Rey Vasquez, Bids and Award Committee (BAC) Chairman Lovell Abad, BAC members Teotimo Reyes, Jr., Arnulfo Alfonso, Rodrigo Vega and Fernando Camba. Bidding documents reveal that in June 2010, Bendimil Construction was issued a notice that it submitted the lowest bid and was requested to submit additional documents. Bendimil claimed that it did not receive any further communication from the BAC regarding the results of the post-qualification. Subsequently, the BAC issued a notice of lowest bid in favor of the lowest second bidder. Bendimil questioned the BAC ruling and filed a motion for reconsideration. The Office of the Ombudsman determined that respondents delayed and ultimately failed to conduct post-qualification proceedings for Bendimil, thereby causing undue injury. Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 prohibits public officials from causing any undue injury to any party, including the Government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. |
| Ex-Zamboanga del Sur exec gets 10 years for irregular fund disbursement |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
| The former vice governor of Zamboanga del Sur, Tirsendo Poloyapoy, was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt by the Sandiganbayan of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) for the illegal disbursement of P3,700,000.00 granted as financial assistance to the Soya Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SFMPC) in 2001. Aside from Poloyapoy, the anti-graft court also convicted Mario Octavio Arsenal, President of SFMPC for conspiring with Poloyapoy in the illegal fund disbursement. Ombudsman prosecutors were able to prove that the requirements for the financial grant were not fully complied with since SFMPC was not duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) as required in COA Circular No. 96-003. Prosecutors also proved that the cooperative registered with the CDA is not SFMPC but the Tabina Soya Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The financial assistance was also granted despite the non-submission of the project statement including identification of farmer-beneficiaries, standards for project implementation, project cost estimates and systems and monitoring and inspection requirements. The Sandiganbayan ruled that Poloyapoy caused undue injury to the government when he unlawfully disbursed funds to SFMPC despite his knowledge that the cooperative had no legal personality. Aside from their respective jail terms of 6 years and 1 day as minimum to a maximum of 10 years, Poloyapoy and Arsenal were also meted out the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. They were also ordered to indemnify the government in the amount of P3.7 million. Since co-accused Provincial Accountant Ma. Eden Tagayuna, Agricultural Technicians Roderick Pascual and Osmundo Lumapas remain at-large, the cases against them were archived pending their arrest. |
| Statement of Sec. Balisacan on the 2015 Q1 Performance of the PH Economy |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
| STATEMENT Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan Press Conference on the 2015 Q1 Performance of the Philippine Economy 28 May 2015, 10:00 AM PSA-NSCB Operations Room, Makati City Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, our colleagues in government, good morning. The 5.2-percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2015 reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority is lower than what the government and the market expected for the period. While growth in the private sector remains robust, the slower-than-programmed pace of public spending, particularly the decline in public construction, has slowed down the overall growth of the economy. Apart from the normal first quarter delays in government spending, the recent uptick in disbursements from the Department of Budget and Management has not yet been reflected in the national income accounts. Still, the 4.8 percent growth in government consumption is much faster than in the first quarter of 2014, driven by the 19.2-percent increase in disbursements for maintenance and other operating expenses primarily on social protection programs, bottom-up budgeting projects, and the country’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings. Despite this lower-than-expected growth, it is reasonable to believe that the economy will grow at a faster rate in the remaining quarters. Private sector economic activity remains vibrant, with private construction registering a double-digit rise of 14.2 percent for the quarter and private investments in durable equipment rising by 14.3 percent. The latest business confidence index from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shows that next quarter confidence index climbed to 58.2 percent from 43.1 percent in the previous survey. Likewise, growth in household consumption remains steady at 5.4 percent. Based on the first quarter 2015 Consumer Expectation Survey, consumer sentiment improved in the quarter due to expectations of stable price of commodities, decline in oil prices, availability of more jobs, higher number of employed family members, and fewer calamities during the period, among others. These clearly indicate that business and consumer confidence on the economy is still very high and is supportive of our optimism in hitting our growth targets for 2015. But the missed opportunity to have a higher growth for the period is not totally foregone as we still expect public spending to pick up for the rest of the year. According to the latest report of the Department of Budget and Management, the disbursement performance for the first three months of 2015 shows a trend towards faster government spending. If this disbursement trajectory is sustained and reflected in all government agencies, the higher government spending will fuel even more activities in the private sector, and thus push economic growth in the next quarters of the year. The growth performance in this quarter tells us that there are still issues that the government needs to confront in order to maintain the high level of confidence that the business sector is showing and entrusting the country. Therefore, we are keeping a careful watch over the spending performance of the agencies to ensure that implementation bottlenecks are being addressed and the execution of programs and projects will not be further delayed. Amid the challenges that government continues to face, we must keep in mind that the economic performance in the first five years of this administration remains the highest five-year growth average recorded by the country since the mid-1970s – a testament to the private sector support for the governance and economic reforms that we have been implementing. This is what should drive us all to continue to work to make both the government and the private sector move at the same pace of growth for our economy to reach its highest potential. As we have always reiterated, the country needs to continuously take on the high growth path alongside of ensuring that it is sustainable and inclusive. We are also hopeful that through the effective facilitation of programs and projects on poverty reduction and employment generation, we will be able to reach the targets that we have set until the end of this administration. Salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat! |
| Psychological assessment, counselling on going for mother of child on leash |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman gave instructions for the continued counselling of the parents of the child who was treated like a pet dog, in order to remind them of their responsibilities and of responsible parenting. This came after the child’s mother admitted that the incident was done in jest. “That is the reason why we want to give them counselling on responsible parenting. They should know that it is their primary responsibility to protect and uphold the dignity of their child. It is ironic that she did that to her own child,” Sec. Soliman explained. On Tuesday, upon the instruction of Sec. Soliman, the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of Orani, Bataan rescued the child from the family. The child is presently under the temporary custody of the DSWD-Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Pampanga. Healthy Upon rescue, the child was taken to the district hospital for medical check-up. Sec. Soliman was pleased to know that despite what happened, the child remained healthy and did not sustain bruises from the incident. The child will remain at the RSCC until such time that psychologists from the Department establish the capability of the parents to take care of their child. Psychological assessment Aside from the continued counselling session, Sec. Soliman also ordered for the conduct of psychological assessment on the child’s parents including the members of the immediate family to determine their state of mental capacity. “I really want to know if the whole family had any sense of the wrongness of the act and why they participated in it,” Sec. Soliman said. The result of the psychological assessment will guide the Department’s decisions on the custody of the child and on whether a case should be filed against the mother. |
| Eco-friendly airport to rise in Panglao, Bohol |
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
| DOTC, Mitsubishi-Chiyoda seal deal for New Bohol Airport Project A world-class, eco-friendly airport will soon rise in Bohol. The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and winning bidder, Japanese joint venture Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation holds a ceremonial signing of the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport Project today. "Tourists in Bohol continue to grow each year that passes. Unfortunately, the current airport may not be able to accommodate the increase over time. This gives us the need to cater to the increasing number of tourists and this means modernizing and expanding the airport with a design that is of international standards.” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. The P 7-Billion project will commence in June and is expected to be completed within thirty (30) months or in 2017 to early 2018. The New Bohol Airport will replace the current Bohol gateway, Tagbilaran Airport, which is the eleventh (11th) busiest airport in the country. Tagbilaran airport catered to around 789,800 passengers in 2013 despite its size of only 850 square meters. The first greenfield airport under the Aquino Administration is ten times bigger than the Tagbilaran Airport, with a floor area of around 8,800 square meters, boosting the annual passenger capacity to 1.7 million passengers. In line with Bohol’s eco-tourism branding, the airport will have environmentally friendly and energy saving features such as the installation of LED lights. To add to that, only the pre-departure area will have air conditioning, operating with solar powered energy while the rest of the areas will be open. In order to provide better service for passengers, the DOTC is also in the process of bidding out the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the airport. The winning bidder will take over O&M upon the completion of civil works. |
| DA helps upgrade NV trading center |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
| The Department of Agriculture (DA) continues to pour in resources to hasten the establishment of agricultural trading centers in strategic areas nationwide to assist farm producers and consumers alike. In Region II, the agri department has prioritized the upgrading of the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal-Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (NVAT-APTC) with additional facilities worth ₱55.4 million in its 6.7-hectare complex. With a counterpart fund of ₱16.2 million from the provincial government and ₱4.2 million from the NVAT, the DA has allotted ₱35 million for the paving of the NVAT-APTC road network and construction of cutflower retail store, organic fruits and vegetables retail center, wet market, animal auction market, windmill, washing, sorting and packing area, storage facility, and fruits and vegetables auction center. Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ruth Padilla said that with the reforms the provincial government and the NVAT management have instituted, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala has endorsed the allotment of budget for the center’s upgrading. The provincial government is a major stockholder of the NVAT as a corporation. Governor Padilla added that the NVAT-APTC has strengthened the province’s collaboration with the DA and other agricultural stakeholders. As with other APTCs in the country, the NVAT-APTC aims to reduce the layer of middlemen to provide increased income to farmers. The center is also expected to create more jobs. “With the new facilities, farmers in Nueva Vizcaya and from neighboring provinces will now have a permanent market where they may sell their produce in their own stalls with them doing most of the transactions themselves,” Alcala said. The Secretary, however, stressed said that traders should not be considered as enemies in the agricultural trading system. “We can have points of unity with traders. They are part of the spectrum of agricultural trade. We should get their demands as how we get the farmers’. We can have win-win opportunities both for traders and farmers as long as we dialogue,” Alcala stressed. Secretary Alcala said that the improved NVAT-APTC will serve as monument and tribute to close cooperation of agricultural stakeholders in Nueva Vizcaya, the Cagayan Valley Region, and even the Cordilleras. The Secretary said that the DA’s investment in the NVAT-APTC is worth the center’s outputs, highlighting the important role of Nueva Vizcaya and the NVAT-APTC in stabilizing vegetable supply when frosting is experienced in the Cordilleras. He added that the diversity of vegetable products from the center—both the “chopsuey” (upland) and “pinakbet” (lowland) vegetables—makes it a more reliable supply source. Alcala requested the stakeholders to be patient with all the monitoring interventions because the government wants to ensure that all funds invested are well-spent and managed. DA envisions APTCs to be the farmers’ trading center of choice, patronized by vendors and traders as a reliable venue for procuring quality produce at the best value, serving as a hub for timely and quality supply of farm inputs at reasonable prices, as well as capability building to increase farmer productivity and entrepreneurial management skills, among other services. |
| OIC reiterates support for Bangsamoro in Kuwait conference |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary-General Iyad Ameen Madani reiterated the 57-nation Islamic group's support for the Bangsamoro during the 42nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers being held in Kuwait. "Concerning the Philippines, the OIC has followed the peace process in Southern Philippines for over forty years - It has been encouraged on this track by the efforts currently being put in by the Government to have the historic Bangsamoro Basic Law bill adopted by the Congress in favor of the establishment of a self-rule region in the south,” Madani said. Madani recently visited the Philippines and oversaw a meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF), a mechanism established to discuss issues and concerns concerning the Bangsamoro people. Madani also pronounced unequivocal support to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the BBL. A three-member delegation from the Government of the Philippines is attending the annual gathering of foreign ministers of Muslim countries on Wednesday. In the same gathering, the GPH renewed its request to the OIC to complete the tripartite review process of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). “[W]e are requesting the OIC to complete the review process prior to the ratification of the BBL and journey with us towards the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region while along the road we complete the implementation of the previous peace agreement,” said National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao in a statement read during one of the sessions. Busran-Lao is joined by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Jose Lorena and Undersecretary Rafael Seguis of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as part of the official Philippine delegation to the annual meeting. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim is also attending as representative of the Bangsamoro people. Busran-Lao reiterated that the engagement with the MNLF would not end once the review process was completed. “The BBL offers a convergence of the two Moro peace processes, with the MNLF and the MILF. It clearly builds upon the gains of the previous peace accords introducing provisions that will ensure a more genuine autonomy within the framework of the Philippine territorial integrity and sovereignty.” The NCMF secretary also explained that the BBL, now re-named in the House of Representatives' amended draft as the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, would address the three remaining issues raised by the MNLF, namely the establishment of a provisional government; the expansion of territory; and sharing on minerals. Once the proposed law is ratified in a plebiscite, members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will be appointed to ensure a smooth transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the new political entity. “Members of the Transition Authority shall be appointed by the President and we can be assured that the President shall appoint MILF and MNLF leaders as BTA members,” said Busran-Lao who also serves as a member of the GPH peace panel in talks with the MILF. With regard territorial expansion, the substitute bill approved by the Congress ad hoc committee provides for an opt-in provision for “any local government unit or geographic area outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro but which are contiguous to any of the component units of the Bangsamoro and within the area of autonomy identified in the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.” The proposed measure also revised the wealth-sharing arrangement between the national government and the would-be Bangsamoro government in favor of the latter. The GPH delegation also highlighted the country's application for Observer status in the OIC to "strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and the OIC in bringing about lasting peace and inclusive development in Mindanao." Both the House of Representatives and the Senate are continuing its deliberation on the draft Bangsamoro law. |
| Gov't to kickstart restoration of historic Manila Theater; Abad: P270-M release a first step to repairing long-neglected MET |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
| After suffering years of deterioration and neglect, the Manila Metropolitan Theater (MET) will finally get a new lease on life under the Aquino administration, beginning with a P270-million fund release made by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The released funds will allow the NCCA to buy the MET from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). According to DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, the NCCA’s move to purchase the MET represents the first crucial step in restoring the historical theater, which is considered a National Cultural Treasure. “The MET was once a testament to the richness of Philippine culture and artistry, but decades of neglect brought this beautiful landmark into serious disrepair. The Aquino administration, through the NCCA, has taken the first step to restoring the MET to its former glory. It will take some time, but we are confident that the NCCA has the capacity to take on such a formidable task,” Abad said. “We cannot claim to pursue national development if we fail at preserving our culture and heritage,” he added. The amount of P270 million will be charged against the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts (NEFCA). The latter represents the 10-percent share of the travel tax collected by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA, formerly the Philippine Tourism Authority). This initial release will allow the NCCA to create an appropriate conservation program for the theater complex and ensure its future use in the development of the country’s performing arts. “Aside from supporting the arts, the restoration of the MET also serves the dual purpose of boosting our country’s tourism. That’s why the appropriate budgetary support for agencies like the NCCA or to local governments is important as this empowers them to act on their high-priority or urgent projects,” Abad said. Opened in 1931, the MET was designed by architect Juan Arellano—known for his work with Manila City’s Central Post Office Building and the National Museum—in the Art Deco style. Partially damaged in World War II, it had been restored and rehabilitated several times. It has been closed since 2012 due to the theater’s state of decay and issues with regard to its ownership. |
| PHL Ambassador to Argentina Presents PHL Position on West Philippine Sea Issue |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 28 May 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to Argentina Amelita C. Aquino, along with the Ambassadors of Vietnam and Indonesia were among the speakers during an academic forum entitled “Management of Maritime Spaces in the ASEAN, Ideas for Argentina” held at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The forum opened with an introduction on the situation in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea issue by Professors Juan Manuel Pippia and Ezequiel Ramoneda, followed by presentations by the Ambassadors on the respective positions of their countries on the South China Sea issue. Ambassador Aquino gave a brief background on the Philippine claim, the issue of China’s 9-dash line and the steps taken by the Philippines to resolve the conflict. The Ambassador explained the Philippine recourse to arbitration under UNCLOS and the developments on the case. To end the presentation, Ambassador Aquino showed some maps taken from the Institute of Maritime and Ocean Affairs cartographic exhibit “Historical Truths and Lies, Scarborough Shoal in Ancient Maps” based on the lecture of Associate Justice Antonio Carpio. She emphasized that while maps alone do not constitute right to title to a territory, the maps show the historical realities in the area. |
| PHL Envoy Exhorts Delegation to Re-Assert PHL Leadership in ASEAN |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 28 May 2015 - Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Elizabeth P. Buensuceso exhorted the Filipino delegates to the 10th Coordinating Conference on the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (10th SOC-COM) to re-assert Philippine leadership in ASEAN by being pro-active in submitting projects and initiatives even as the country is now preparing for its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, which is also the 50th (golden) Anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. The delegation, led by Undersecretary Florita Villar of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), vowed to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Permanent Mission to ASEAN to achieve this goal. The officials attended the annual coordinating conference of the ASEAN Socio Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on May 20 to 21, which was convened this year primarily to consult and incorporate sectoral perspectives on the draft ASCC Attendant Document for the ASEAN 2025 Vision; exchange views on cross-sectoral and cross-cutting matters pertinent to the ASCC; and to consider ways and means to enhance the operationalization of the SOC-COM Terms of Reference. During this meeting, Ambassador Buensuceso lauded the ASCC pillar for their high rate of accomplishment in realizing the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community by the end of 2015. She also advised the body to sharpen and define their monitoring of accomplishment tools and requested them to tell success stories on how ASEAN has impacted the lives of the ordinary ASEAN citizens. She hoped that when the ASEAN Community is launched at the 27th ASEAN Summit in November 2015 in Malaysia, all three pillars of the ASEAN Community would be able to provide a definitive benchmark of accomplishments and at the same time chart the future direction of ASEAN. Philippine officials attending the 10th SOC-COM included: Undersecretary Jude Esguerra of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC); Undersecretary Jess Anthony Yu of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO); Undersecretary Jose Marlowe Pedregosa of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB); Assistant Secretary Orlan Calayag of the Department of Agriculture (DA); Executive Director Emmeline Verzosa of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); Director Dolores Bonifacio of the Civil Service Commission (CSC); Director Cecilia Javillonar of PCOO; Director Aian Caringal of the DFA; Hannah Giray of DSWD; Atty. Sem Cordial of NAPC; Tina Katherine Sison of CSC and Leah Samson of the Department of Agriculture. |
| Paje hails "Taklub" success in Cannes |
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph |
| Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje expressed elation over the Yolanda-inspired movie "Taklub" winning a special award in the recent Cannes Film Festival in France. In its website, the Ecumenical Jury at the 68th Cannes Film Festival awarded “Taklub” the Special Mention “for the sensitive portrayal of individuals and communities working for life in the midst of suffering and death in the shadows of natural catastrophies in the Philippines.” Paje was hoping the film, which was co-produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, would help spread awareness of climate change and the need to adapt to the global phenomenon. He decribed the movie -- directed by acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza and starred by multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor -- as a realistic depiction of the devastating effects of climate change on the natural and human environment. "We see 'Taklub' as one of those movies that have the power to change the way we see the world and inspire all of us to take action on the critical issue of climate change," Paje pointed out. "The film depicts the catastrophic aftermath of what has been dubbed as one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, which is a stark reminder of the need for swift and strong global climate action," he added. Yolanda killed at least 6,000 people and displaced four million when it struck in November 2013. The victory of "Taklub" in Cannes comes a few months before the much-anticipated United Nations meeting in Paris in December in which countries will try to reach and sign a new international climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. "Taklub," which follows the intersecting lives of three Yolanda survivors, won the Ecumenical Jury Prize-Special Mention at the world's most prestigious film festival. "Taklub" will have its Philippine premiere as the opening film of the French Film Festival on June 3. The movie is produced by the DENR in cooperation with the Presidential Communications Operations Office-Philippine Information Agency (PCOO-PIA). |
| New DOST facility to help put tropical fabrics in mainstream market |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
| Clothing made from tropical fabrics such as piña and banana are usually used only during weddings, baptisms, burials and other special occasions. The Philippine Textile Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PTRI) however is keen on making tropical fabrics more mainstream. The establishment of PTRI’s P54 M Innovation Center for Yarns and Textiles (ICYT) that will produce yarns customized to customers’ and industry needs is a step closer to this goal which is part of the bigger objective of revitalizing the textile industry in the country. “We aim to make indigenous yarns accessible to our handloom weaving communities as well as commercial millers or knitters,” disclosed PTRI Director Celia Elumba during the launch of the Innovation Center last May 25 at the PTRI Compound, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City. Dir. Elumba also revealed that PTRI has partnered with Power Fashion, the company behind the local clothing brands Unica Hija, Vise Versa, and Bayo, which has agreed to use locally produced tropical fabrics in one of their capsule collections. The ICYT is just the first of PTRI’s initiatives geared toward reviving the textile industry. Senator Loren Legarda, who graced the launching, expressed support for these initiatives. Meanwhile, DOST Sec. Mario G. Montejo noted that the DOST’s efforts in reviving the industry is part of its contribution to the government’s vision of inclusive growth as these are seen to bring economic activity in the countryside. Promoting the use of tropical fabrics, said Legarda, will not only preserve our culture and heritage but will also help support the agricultural sector. Legarda is the author of the Tropical Fabrics Law which aims to promote Philippine tropical fabrics through the use of such materials for the official uniforms of government officials and employees. PTRI will also establish regional handloom innovation centers and work on upscaling the natural dye production in the country to complement the Innovation Center. Despite the decline of the textile industry in recent years, Sec. Montejo maintains his optimism especially with PTRI’s research and development initiatives such as developing less costly ways to process agricultural waste into fabrics, producing bamboo fabrics and smart textiles. (S&T Media Service) |
| Oil monitor as of 26 May 2015 |
| Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph |
| WORLD OIL PRICES (May 18-22, 2015 trading days)Dubai, along with other crude benchmarks lost by about US$2 early this week following reports of persistent concerns over global oversupply and US dollar rally. But Brent and WTI bounced back on Wednesday after the US DOE-Energy Information Administration (EIA) disclosed in a report that U.S. crude inventories fell by 2.67 million barrels to 482.17 million barrels in the week ending May 15, greater than what analysts had expected. Analysts further noted that oil prices were also supported by geopolitical worries, including unrest in Yemen and the Islamic State jihadists' advances in Syria and Iraq. In oil exporter-Libya, conflict between competing administrations and parliaments allied to armed factions likewise continue fighting for control of the country. In recent news, warplanes from the officially-recognized government of Libya attacked an oil tanker docked outside the city of Sirte, wounding three people and setting the ship on fire. Meanwhile, Platts stressed that strong demand across Asia, the Middle East and East Africa continued to keep sentiment upbeat in the Asian gasoline market. Supply is not likely to increase in the short term as some north Asian refineries are still in the midst of maintenance. Sentiment is also partly supported by data from the US-EIA, which showed a second consecutive weekly drop in the country's total gasoline stocks for the week ended May 15. For Asian gasoil, ample supply in the market reportedly continued to exert pressure, on increased exports from China as some refineries are resuming production after turnarounds. Regional demand was steady, with recent requirements seen from Vietnam. Overall, Dubai crude price decreased week-on-week by over a dollar. Likewise, MOPS diesel decreased by roughly US$1.50/bbl contrary to that of gasoline that increased by about a dollar. FOREX: Peso per US dollar rate appreciated by P0.13 to P44.52, from P44.65 in previous week. Other recommended reference sites: (1) http://www.aip.com.au/pricing (2) http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/oil_pet/prices/prices.html |
| PNP holds International Policing Standards gab |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
| To keep abreast with the world’s best practices on policing standards and humanitarian law, some 20 star-rank senior police officers are in attendance to a two-day workshop-forum on International Policing Standards and International Humanitarian Law yesterday (May 27) in Coron, Busuanga, Palawan. The said activity is second of a series of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law workshop-forum, first conducted last September 2014 in Caticlan, Aklan, organized by the Philippine National Police Human Rights Affairs Office (PNP-HRAO) in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). PNP-HRAO Chief Police Chief Superintendent Antonio B. Viernes disclosed that the top level forum is an effective venue for freewheeling discussions on doable policy recommendations to mainstream human rights based policing and observance of International Humanitarian Law. PNP OIC Leonardo A. Espina, in a speech read for him by his representative PCSUPT Dennis P. Peña during the opening ceremony, urged participants to continue the human rights-related reforms and the strict observance of humanitarian laws. Espina encouraged the participants to maximize their efforts to ensure the cascading of information on international policing standards and international humanitarian law to fellow PNP personnel nationwide. Meanwhile, ICRC Regional Police Delegate to Southeast Asia, Daniel Agob stressed the significance of identifying which law is applicable in a given situation by the law enforcer. The precise and timely identification of the law is the crucial challenge faced by enforcement agencies, hence, the continuous dialogue and appreciation of international rules on policing. The ICRC and PNP has worked together on the promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) since 2008 up to date. The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization, mandated to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other forms of violence. It has established its presence in the Philippine for over 60 years now. (PNP-PIO) |
| Airport JO and contractual hires join AlkanSSSya program |
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph |
| The SSS Iloilo Central Branch recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) ? Area VI for the coverage of their 100 job order (JO) and contractual employees under the SSS AlkanSSSya Program. Under the agreement, the CAAP will ensure that their JOs and contractual workers are registered as SSS self-employed members. They will also facilitate the monthly deduction of contributions and loan payments from their salaries and its regular remittance to SSS. Present during the signing ceremony held on April 23 at the CAAP Office in Iloilo International Airport are the following: SSS Iloilo Central Branch Head Emelia Solinag, SSS Iloilo Central OIC for Accounts Management Section Maryvic Gonzales, SSS Iloilo Central Accounts Officer Ernesto Juayong, Iloilo International Airport Manager and Acting Area Manager Percy Malonesio, Kalibo Airport Manager Martin Terre, Roxas Airport Manager Cynthia Aspera and Administrative Officer 2 CAAP-Iloilo Helen Montalvo. |
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Last Updated: 27 MAY 2015
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 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a group photo souvenir during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, and Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Danilo Cortez. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | Rafael Lopez, son of newly sworn in Lieutenant General Oscar Lopez, salutes to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a group photo souvenir during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, and Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Danilo Cortez. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and MES OIC Principal Eugenia Martin. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the completed brigada eskwela classroom upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School (MES) in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Marikina City 2nd District Representative Romero Quimbo, Marikina City 1st District Representative Marcelino Teodoro, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and MES OIC Principal Eugenia Martin. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Marikina City 2nd District Representative Romero Quimbo, Marikina City 1st District Representative Marcelino Teodoro, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and MES OIC Principal Eugenia Martin. (Photo by Ben Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo is Education Secretary Armin Luistro. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the completed classroom upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Marikina City 2nd District Representative Romero Quimbo and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the completed classroom upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Marikina City 2nd District Representative Romero Quimbo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the completed classroom upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and Marikina City Mayor Del de Guzman. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III does a high five with a student during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo is Education Secretary Armin Luistro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | 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) | ||
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