Wednesday, June 24, 2015

2 Dispatch for June 24 , 2015 ( Wednesday), 2 Weather Watch , 6 OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 20 Online News( June 23 ), 30 Photonews ( June 23 )




2 Dispatch for June 24 , 2015 ( Wednesday), 2 Weather Watch , 6  OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 20 Online News( June 23 ), 30 Photonews ( June 23 )



 
DAILY WEATHER FORECAST
    
Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 24 June 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow


Synopsis:


Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao.
   Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 24 June 2015
 wind.gifPredicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 24 June 2015



Forecast:

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced over Mindanao. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.


Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest to south over the rest of Luzon and from the southwest to west 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 pagkidlat-pagkulog ang mararanasan sa Mindanao. Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog ang iiral sa Metro Manila at sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa.

Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa Timog-Kanluran hanggang sa Timog ang iiral sa kanlurang bahagi ng 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-kanluran hanggang sa Timog sa nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon at mula naman sa Timog-Kanluran hanggang sa Kanluran sa natitirang bahagi ng bansa na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 01:00 PM Yesterday --- 33.5 °C
Minimum Temperature: 07:30 AM Yesterday --- 24.2 °C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 07:30 AM Yesterday --- 96 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:00 PM Yesterday --- 52 %
High Tide Today: 05:13 AM ……… 0.62 Meter
Low Tide Today: 07:23 AM ……… 0.61 Meter
High Tide Today: 02:43 PM ……… 0.84 Meter
Low Tide Today: 10:18 PM ……… 0.25 Meter
Sunrise Today: 05:28 AM
Sunset Today: 06:28 PM
Moonrise Today: 11:44 AM
Moonset Today: 12:00 AM
Illumination Today: 43 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335
and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph



16 hrs ·
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Ngayon taon, mas maraming bagyo ang inaasahang papasok sa PAR sa mga susunod na buwan. Sa forecast ng PAGASA, may mga buwan na sobra ang ulan at may mga buwan na mababa sa normal ang ulan dahil sa epekto ng El Niño.
-Sa Metro Manila, posibleng muling umulan bukas ng hapon.
-Sa Visayas, posible ang hanggang katamtamang ulan sa western at central sections.
-Sa Mindanao kung saan patuloy na umiiral ang ITCZ, may katamtamang ulan sa maghapon.


 June 24  , 2015 ( Wednesday) as of 9:00 AM
     PIA4A / PIA QUEZON    :  Partly Cloudy  in Lucena City
 
 Northern


 Southern
 
                                                                            Eastern

                                                                          Western

 
 






16 hrs ·
ABS-CBN: Humihingi ng tulong ang isang Pinay worker sa Kuwait na itinago sa pangalang "Almira" na pinapalo ng bakal at pinaplantsa ng among babae roon. Ilang beses din daw siyang sinasaktan ng kanyang among lalaki. Hindi pa raw pinapakain si "Almira" at tinatawag din daw siyang aso ng kanyang mga amo. Sa ngayon, nasa pangangalaga na ng embahada ng bansa si "Almira" matapos makatakas sa kanyang mga amo. Isasailalim din siya sa counseling.
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17 hrs ·
DZMM: Ligtas na sa MERS-CoV ang mga OFW at kanilang pamilya sa South Korea. Sinabi ni Labor Attaché Felicitas Q.Bay ng Philippine Overseas Labor Office sa South Korea wala pa silang natatanggap na may Pilipinong tinamaan mula sa 175 na magkasakit nito. Pero pinaalalahanan ng DOLE ang mga OFW sa nasabing bansa na mag-ingat.
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17 hrs ·
DZBB: Nakauwi na sa bansa ngayong hapon ang 172 OFWs mula sa Libya. Kaugnay nito, umabot na sa kabuuang 5,290 OFWs ang na-repatriate mula sa Libya.
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19 hrs ·
GTV: Nakauwi na sa Pilipinas si Marilou Ranario, ang Pinay mula sa Kuwait na nahatulan doon ng bitay. Sa tulong ng DFA, inapela ang kaso ni Ranario kaya naibaba ang hatol sa life imprisonment hangang sa maibaba pa ito sa 10 taong pagkakakulong. Samantala, tatlong Pilipino rin mula sa Saudi Arabia ang nakalaya na. Umaasa naman ang DFA na gaya ni Ranario ay mapapababa rin ang parusa kay Mary Jane Veloso na hinatulan ng bitay sa Indonesia.
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22 hrs ·
DZMM: Ligtas pa mula sa MERS-CoV ang mga OFW at kanilang pamilya sa South Korea. Ayon kay Labor Attaché Atty.Felicitas Bay ng POLO, wala pa silang natatanggap na may Pilipinong tinamaan ng MERS-CoV doon.
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23 hrs ·
DZRH: Hindi raw apektado ng pagbibitiw ni VP Binay ang pagtugon ng gobyerno sa mga pangangailangan ng mga OFW. Ayon kay DPS Valte, habang wala pang nakikitang kapalit ni Binay ang Pangulo, nariyan naman ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno na nakatutok sa pangangailangan ng mga OFW.













 

President Aquino inducts new officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday inducted into office the new set of officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.

Taking their oath before the President were Angel Ngu, president; Henry Lim Bon Liong, executive vice president; Domingo Yap, David Chua, Alex Yap Cho Ty, William Gosiaco, Michael Tan, Victor Lim, Delfin Letran, Mary Go Ng, Cecilio Pedro, Charles Chante, George Hock Huy Chiu, and William Yap Castro, vice presidents; Jeffrey Ng, treasurer; Tai Lian, auditor; and Fernando Gan, corporate secretary and secretary general.

The other members of the FFCCCII's set of officers for 2015-2017 who were sworn into office were Lucio Tan as chairman emeritus; and Alfonso Siy, Ambassador Domingo Lee, Jimmy Tang, Vicente Yu, Sr,, Robin Sy, Francis Chua, Dr. John Tan, Alfonso Uy, and Tan Ching as honorary vice presidents.

During the oath-taking ceremony, Ngu also presented to President Aquino a scale model of a two-classroom school building, to be constructed under the FFCCCII's “Operation: Barrio Schools”.

“Operation: Barrio Schools” is the FFCCCIII's longest running and biggest private sector-led development program focused on educational infrastructure. As of this month, some 4,933 school buildings or 9,866 classrooms have been turned over to public schools nationwide, benefitting nearly one million school children.

The FFCCCII was established on March 29, 1954 and was inspired by the late President Ramon Magsaysay's appeal to the leaders of the Filipino-Chinese community to organize into a cohesive organization that could render greater support to the government.

A non-stock and non-profit corporation, the FFCCCII is the largest organization of Filipino-Chinese businessmen from all over the country. PND (jm)

Aquino graces graduation of Special Training for Employment Program of TESDA
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday congratulated the 2,022 graduates of the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), expressing his admiration for their determination to better their lives.

During the mass graduation, held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, the President presented the STEP graduates their certificates, and their toolkits, such as electric ovens for baking; portable welding machines for shield metal arc welding; and sewing machines for dressmaking.

“Bahagi lamang po ang programang ito ng TESDA sa malawakan nating istratehiya para bigyang kakayahan ang mga kababayan natin na maging katuwang sa pag-unlad,” President Aquino said in his speech, noting that since 2010, millions of Filipinos have benefited from TESDA’s various technical and vocational training programs.

“Sa limang taon nating pagtahak sa daang matuwid, talaga naman pong malayo na ang ating narating. Patunay po ang TESDA kung paano natin pinapatibay ang ating mga institusyon upang hindi na maging kasangkapan ng mga tiwali para sa pansariling interes,” he said.

He recalled that under the past administration, TESDA distributed scholarship vouchers that were not backed up by funds.

“Kaya nung natapos po sila, ang iniwan po kay TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva ay 2.4 bilyong pisong utang ng ahensiya at siyempre, sa dulo po, taumbayan na rin ang magbabayad nitong inutang na wala naman palang kapahintulutang utangin. Kaya nga po pinapanagot na natin ang dating pinuno ng TESDA, sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan. Ngayon po ay humaharap sila sa kasong katiwalian na isinampa ng Ombudsman,” he said.

Noting that the government spends an average of P7,155 for every TESDA scholar, President Aquino encouraged the graduates to do their share to help future trainees by paying their taxes.

“Gagastos ang sambayanan, dinaan sa gobyerno, pagkagastos po maibabalik naman nang nakinabang. Ang pagbalik na iyon ay sa pamamagitan ng buwis, nakakatulong sa mas marami pang taong magkaroon ng parehong pagkakataon,” he said.

Established in August 1994, TESDA aims to encourage the full participation of, and to mobilize the industry, labor, local government units and technical-vocational institutions in the skills development of the country's human resources.

It offers courses on preventive maintenance on the mechanical and electrical system of motorcycles; maintenance and repair of cellular phones; maintenance and repair of electronically controlled domestic appliances; masonry; installation of wiring devices/lighting systems; maintenance and repair of audio/video products; carpentry; including food processing and meal preparation, among others.

Also present during the event were TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva, Pasay City Congresswoman Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto, and officer-in-charge of the Cuneta Astrodome, Aurelio Vendivel. PND (ag)

 
 

23 JUNE 2015
The trainee becomes the trainer
DSWD preps relief to towns around Mt. Bulusan
GPH panel lauds Mindanao governors for helping kids of decommissioned MILF combatants
Statement on the Drive to Boycott China-Made Products
Philippines Announces Dates for The Third Apec Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3), Structural Reform, and Finance Ministerials
Baldoz encourages households to support observance of National Census Month
MRT-3 prototype on schedule for mid-August arrival
BSP Wins Global Forum on Remittances and Development (GFRD) Public Sector Award for 2015
DTI to boost PHL startups at Slingshot MNL
DOST testing facility to speed up auto industry
Roxas leads integrated planning meet for One Negros
More than a thousand 'BOSSES' benefit from public services fair in Laguna
Philippines Touts Investment Opportunities in Infrastructure
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima Highlights Strength of Philippine Economy and Capital Mark
PDIC to continue processing claims of Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay (Davao del Sur) depositors
Ex-cop facing graft case arrested by authorities
June 2015 Architect Licensure Examination results released in five (5) working days
MB places Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid
Philippines gains ground on public financial management reforms
MMDA Chair Tolentino gets highest Performance Ratings in NCR in Pulse Asia poll

The trainee becomes the trainer
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
 
39-year-old Evelyn Caballero of Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, proudly marched onstage along with her husband and daughters during the graduation ceremony at the Philippine Institute of Skills and Development (PISAD).

Evelyn finished the Beauty Care Course of PISAD and passed the National Certificate II accreditation by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program has partnered with PISAD and TESDA in providing skills training to beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).

The six-month training includes skills assessment and certification as well as entrepreneurship development activities. It has two components: training for wage employment and training for self-employment.

Evelyn was among the beneficiaries who participated in the skills training in November 2014 until April 2015.

Paying it forward

This June, Evelyn, the former trainee is now the trainer.

Evelyn is currently training the residents of the DSWD-Field Office X Haven for Women, a facility for victim-survivors of abuse, on manicure, pedicure, foot massage, make-up and spa, every Tuesday and Wednesday. She committed to teach the women for two months starting this June.

Evelyn said she wanted to share the skills she learned to others.

“Gusto kong ibahagi ang biyaya na ipinagkaloob ng DSWD at makatulong sa kapwa sa pamamagitan ng pagbahagi ng aking kaalaman sa Beauty Care (I like to share the blessings DSWD has given me, as well as help other people by imparting my knowledge on Beauty Care).

Re-opening her parlor

Even if Evelyn has a TESDA accreditation and is eligible to work abroad, she has no plans of leaving. She is determined to stay in the country to guide her children during their formative years.

Instead of working abroad, she has her heart set on rebuilding her parlor which was destroyed by Typhoon Sendong in December 2011.

She aims to provide a better life for her family, especially for the education of her three children. Her eldest, Christine Mae is already in college taking up social work.

“Nakatulong talaga ang technical-vocational training na ito sa akin at sa iba pang mga kababayan natin na dati ay hindi nabibigyan na oportunidad para mapaginhawa ang buhay. Ngayon na-eenjoy naming mahihirap ang mga tulong na ito (The training has helped me and our countrymen who were previously not given opportunities like this to improve our lives. But, now, Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are reaping the benefits of government programs),” Evelyn stated.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman admired Evelyn for her willingness to share her skills saying that program beneficiaries are never remiss in expressing their gratitude for the assistance that they continue to receive from the government.

To date, Northern Mindanao has 259,797 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who are provided with health and educational assistance, and the opportunity to further improve their economic well-being through the various livelihood assistance provided by the government.

DSWD preps relief to towns around Mt. Bulusan
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Bicol Region has prepositioned, as of June 17, some 5,000 family food packs to the Provincial Government of Sorsogon to augment its relief resources for families affected by the eruption of Mt. Bulusan.

At the same time, DSWD also prepositioned 300 family food packs each to the towns of Irosin, Casiguran, and Juban, Sorsogon which are the most affected by the eruption.

Each food pack consisted of six kilos of rice, four cans of sardines, four cans of corned beef, six packs of noodles, and cereal drinks.

Of the 300 family food packs prepositioned in each town, some 150 packs and 600 pieces of bottled water have been distributed to the affected families in Irosin while 61 packs have been given to families in Juban.

The Department also distributed 300 dust masks to individuals from the six barangays in Juban where an ash fall was recorded.

To date, a total of 6,884 families or 34,280 individuals have been affected by the incident. As of press time, no report on evacuation has been received by the Department.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman assured the public that DSWD has adequate stockpile of commodities and standby funds for relief operations in case the eruption continues and escalates.

Sec. Soliman also instructed the members of the DSWD-Field Office V Quick Response Team to remain on alert status and to continue to monitor the incident to ensure that response will be provided immediately.
- See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2015/06/dswd-preps-relief-to-towns-around-mt-bulusan/#sthash.r8TrZGtR.dpuf

GPH panel lauds Mindanao governors for helping kids of decommissioned MILF combatants
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
 
Manila – Government panel member Senen Bacani today praised the efforts of Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza to extend educational assistance to the children of decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

“Marami ang gustong tumulong at maki-ambag para sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan at sa pagsiguro na ito ay mararamdaman ng mga kabataan. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga gaya ni Gov. Mangudadatu and Gov. Mendoza na nakikibahagi sa ating adhikain (Many want to help and to contribute in order to have genuine peace and that it is felt by the youth. We would like to thank the likes of Gov. Mangudadatu and Gov. Mendoza who are actively participating in our efforts),” expressed Bacani.

The Maguindanao provincial government has a scholarship initiative called Maguindanao Program on Education Assistance and Community Empowerment (MagPEACE). Mangudadatu went on record and said that the kids of the decommissioned combatants who just graduated high school would be offered full college subsidy. Similarly, Gov. Mendoza offered the same under North Cotabato’s “Study Now, Pay Never” program.

Both governors maintained that their scholarship programs were not dole outs. “Those availing themselves of it will have to pay it back when they find jobs after graduating so that funds will still be available for future scholars,” Mangudadatu told a newspaper. Mendoza, in the same report, explained that the scholars “do not have to pay us back with cash. They just have to render service for about two months.”

The scholarship programs are not part of the socio-economic packages that were given to the 145 MILF combatants after they turned in their weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in a ceremonial event last June 16.

Bacani underscored the role of the local government units in sustaining peace efforts and called on all chief executives in the region to follow the lead of the two governors.

"Ang edukasyon ay napakahalaga para sa isang mapayapa at magandang bukas ng ating mga kabataan. (Education is very important for a peaceful and better future for our children.) I hope our local executives will follow the lead of Governors Mangudadatu and Mendoza so that all children will be able to go to school and be empowered ‎for better opportunities," he said.

Bacani also noted that these initiatives show that the sincerity of the MILF to the peace process are now being recognized. “Unti-unti nakikita na natin ang bunga ng pagpapakita ng sinseridad ng MILF sa peace process. Marami ang tumutulong upang magkaroon ng isang magandang bukas ang mga kabataan ng Bangsamoro (We are slowly beginning to see the fruits of the MILF’s sincerity to the peace process. Many are helping to ensure a better tomorrow for the Bangsamoro youth).‎

President Benigno S. Aquino III, in a speech delivered during the ceremonial decommissioning, called on every Filipino to help in ensuring a smooth transition of MILF fighters to civilian lives and for their families and communities to experience normalcy.

“I believe that the process will only become easier from this point. Thus, I call on everyone: let us repay the trust they have shown us. Let us strive to reach the point in which we can say: We truly gave them every opportunity to change their lives and to reach their dreams,” said Aquino.

Statement on the Drive to Boycott China-Made Products
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
 
Both the Philippines and China have taken the position that the South China Sea dispute should not be the sum total of their relations. Our two countries have agreed to abstract the South China Sea dispute for separate treatment and to allow the other areas of our bilateral relations to move forward.

The independent drive to boycott China-made products is an initiative of certain sectors in the Philippines and other parts of the world who are exercising their right to free expression.

Philippines Announces Dates for The Third Apec Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3), Structural Reform, and Finance Ministerials
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
 
19 June 2015 – The Philippines, as APEC 2015 Chair, will host the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM3) from August 22 to September 06 in Cebu.

APEC Committees and Working Groups will meet again to discuss issues on trade and investment, services, counter-terrorism, automotive and chemical regulation, mining, illegal logging, intellectual property, customs procedures, standards and conformance, anti-corruption, electronic commerce, health and life sciences, disability issues, business mobility, and market access. A series of exhibits, workshops, and special events, including the Fifth High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy, and the Symposium on Urbanization, are also lined up in the SOM3 schedule.

As the last comprehensive Senior Officials’ Meeting before the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November, SOM3 will have an intensive 16-day meeting schedule. Committees and Working Groups are expected to continue discussions and initiatives from SOM2, such as APEC’s connectivity, services and MSME agenda, Internet economy, urbanization, and work towards the realization of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

Immediately after SOM3, the Philippines will also host the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting (SRMM) on September 07-08, and the Finance Ministerial Meeting (FMM) on September 10-11. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Finance (DOF) will lead the SRMM and FMM, respectively. Both minister-level meetings will be held in Cebu.

Baldoz encourages households to support observance of National Census Month
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
 
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday encouraged the public, especially the households, to actively support the conduct of 2015 Census of Population which is slated to start on August 1, and to cooperate in the nationwide celebration of August as National Census Month.

“The Population Census 2015, or POPCEN, is important to national development. We at the Department of Labor and Employment consider this undertaking as vital in the delivery of our services to the people. The census data help us in the sound formulation of policies and programs,” Baldoz said.

According to the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA), the 2015 Census of Population, which is a complete enumeration of households in the country, is designed primarily to take an inventory of the country’s population. It will also collect information about some characteristics of the population such as age, sex, marital status, and educational attainment.

POPCEN 2015 will be the 14th census of population to be undertaken in the country since the first census in 1903. Moreover, it will be the 3rd population census to be conducted in between two decennial censuses. Previous to POPCEN 2015, mid-decade censuses were carried out in 1995 and 2007, the PSA had said.

Baldoz also affirmed the POPCEN 2015’s aim to “provide government executives, policy and decision makers, and planners with population data, especially updated population counts of all barangays in the country, on which to base their social and economic development plans, policies, and programs.”

“We are one with the PSA in this 2015 phase of population survey. The DOLE, as part of the Human Development and Poverty Reduction cluster of the government’s executive department, sees this undertaking as crucial to the attainment of an improved quality of life of the Filipinos, she said.

The listing and enumeration for the POPCEN 2015 will last for about 25 working days (including Saturdays and holidays), from August 1 to 31, 2015, according the PSA.

The uses of POPCEN data, according further to PSA, encompass all sectors. For the government, the data from this census will be vital for redistricting and apportioning congressional seats; allocation of resources and revenues; creation/conversion of political and administrative units; formulation of policies concerning various segments of the population (children, youth, elderly, women of reproductive age, voting age, and working age); and formulation of policies and programs relative to the delivery of basic services, such as health, education, employment, housing, infrastructure, disaster relief, and other socio-economic concerns.

In business and industry, the data will be used for identification of sites for establishing businesses; determination of consumer demands for various goods and services; and improvement of supply of labor for the production of goods and services.

Lastly, PSA said the census data will be also vital to research and academic institutions in their conduct of researches on population and related disciplines; and study of population growth and geographic distribution as bases in preparing population projections at the national and sub-national levels.

MRT-3 prototype on schedule for mid-August arrival
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph
 
Dynamic Testing to Start in November; Monthly Deliveries Begin in Jan. 2016
 
Returning from last week’s inspection of the manufacture of forty-eight (48) new light rail vehicles (LRVs) for the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) system in Dalian, China, the Department of Transportation and Communications’ (DOTC) project implementation team reports on progress thus far.
 
“As reported by the joint DOTC and MRT-3 team, the prototype is on-schedule for delivery in mid-August. The dynamic testing phase will start in November, which is when the prototype’s bogies will arrive,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.
“In the meantime, we will assemble the prototype and check its components ahead of the dynamic testing. The monthly delivery of three (3) train cars should start in late January 2016,” he added.
The project implementation team indicates that the prototype appears to be of good and reliable quality. Better traction motors to incorporate alternating current (AC) technology was used instead of direct current (DC) system presently being used, which means less maintenance needs in the future.
“What is important to us is that the train cars, once delivered, will be safe and reliable. So we prefer to be thorough with the manufacture, assembly, checking, and testing of the prototype,” Abaya remarked.
The working timeline for the DOTC and the MRT-3 is as follows:
Mid-August 2015
Arrival of prototype
End-August 2015      
Completion of assembly of prototype
September-October 2015
Checking or static testing of prototype, including dimensions, materials, and components such as lights, doors, handrails, seats, etc.
Mid-November 2015
Arrival of bogies
End-November to End-December 2015
Dynamic testing and necessary adjustments
January 2016
Acceptance/approval, start of monthly delivery
No Truth to Reported MRT-3 “Excuse Letters”
Meanwhile, the DOTC and the MRT-3 Office deny reports that “excuse letters” may be issued to passengers affected by train glitches. At most, a copy of relevant incident reports may be released to any requesting member of the general public for whatever useful purposes this may serve, in line with the policy of transparency.
The problems of the MRT-3 are being addressed by long-term rehabilitation and improvement projects, such as the additional train cars mentioned above; replacement of around 7,000 meters’ worth of rails, which may begin soon after their delivery within the month; and others in the pipeline including the signaling system replacement and rehabilitation of the system’s elevators and escalators.

BSP Wins Global Forum on Remittances and Development (GFRD) Public Sector Award for 2015
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the winner of the Global Forum on Remittances and Development (GFRD) Public Sector Award for 2015 in recognition of its outstanding commitment, innovation and impact in promoting remittances for social and economic development through its Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSP-EFLP).

The GFRD 2015 Awarding Ceremony, held in Milan, Italy on 18 June 2015, recognizes best practices in the field of remittances and development. The forum is organized by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD, a specialized agency of the United Nations), the World Bank, and the European Commission.

The BSP was nominated by Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Imelda Nicolas. “The CFO believes in the significant efforts of the BSP toward harnessing remittances for the country’s economic and social development. Indeed, the CFO has witnessed BSP’s focused cooperation with other Philippine government agencies, financial institutions and NGOs in continuously conducting economic and financial education for overseas Filipinos and their families,” she said.

The EFLP is the BSP’s flagship iniative for financial inclusion that includes financial education, access to financial services and financial consumer protection. The program has been generating positive results.

In particular, BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. cited overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries for their continuing gains in developing good money habits such as saving and investing. He said: “The BSP’s Consumer Expectation Survey in the second quarter this year indicated that there were more households that used part of their remittances for investments while allocation for savings increased to 49.7 percent from only 7.2% in the first quarter in 2007.”

A major component activity under the EFLP is the Financial Learning Campaign (FLC) for Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their beneficiaries which is targeted specifically for remittance recipients. By highlighting the importance of using remittances to build savings and directing these to productive investments in financial instruments and business ventures, the FLC-OF aims to reinforce the positive and beneficial effects of remittances for the socio-economic well-being of the overseas Filipinos and their families. Specifically, topics discussed during FLC-OF roadshows include: (a) the importance of remittances; (b) financial planning; (c) rewards and risks associated with various financial instruments; and, (d) ways to protect remittances and savings.

The other components of the EFLP include the 1) "Be Up to Speed on BSP" - Public Information Campaign (PIC) on the Role of the BSP in the Philippine Economy, 2) Users' Forum (UF) on BSP-Produced Statistics, 3) Conference on Gearing Up for External Competitiveness, 4) Financial Education Expo for students and the workforce, 5) Financial literacy for the unbanked including recipients of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, and 6) learning events of the BSP regional offices and branches nationwide.

The implementation of various component learning programs under the EFLP has reached 80 out of 81 or 98.8 percent of the country’s provinces through more than 6,000 learning events, educating and positively affecting the lives of over 670,000 participants. A number of sessions, particularly the FLC-OF program, had also been conducted in countries with large concentration of overseas Filipinos such as Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

DTI to boost PHL startups at Slingshot MNL
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
 
In line with its advocacy to bring small businesses in the front and center of global and regional trade, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with the Philippine startup community have organized Slinshot MNL, a conference featuring top international figures in the field of startups.

“Equitable and inclusive growth can only be attained when an enabling environment promotes the full participation of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in global trade,” DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.

Domingo, as the chair of the recent APEC 2015 Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) have steadfastly advocated for MSEs as integral parts in the country’s pursuit to enhance regional economic integration and in the attainment of equitable and inclusive growth.

Domingo noted that when MSEs, which comprise the bulk of manufacturing and commercial establishments, are effectively sidelined, equitable and inclusive growth becomes a myth.

“In organizing Slingshot MNL, we aim to gather promising startups in the region and present them potential mentors, investors, and business partners,” DTI-Industry Promotions Group (IPG) Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said.

Manalo added that through this event and continuing efforts to back MSEs, DTI is confident to establish and develop the next generation of world-changing companies in the Pacific Rim.

SlingshotMNL will take place on from 06 to 07 July 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Manila. This two-day conference will feature discussions with leading figures in the international startup community like Startup Chile founder Nicolas Shea, Hugh Mason from leading Asian investment firm JFDI Asia, and Professor Richard Dasher from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

The conference will also display the products and services of local startups. Apart from plenary sessions, workshops, and fireside chats, it will also feature a pitching competition and a lineup of local startup exhibitors.

The conference will also be attended by heads of industry, startup incubators, business accelerators, investment and venture capital firms from the United States, Latin America, and Asia, as well as successful startup businesses such as UBER, GrabTaxi, Ashoka, Rags2Riches, and AirBnb.

The startup label is currently used to describe young companies with cultures centered on growth, dynamism, and innovation, and business models designed to quickly expand their market. Despite the sheen of technology and innovation, startups are still small businesses faced by the challenges of other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES).

SlingshotMNL is set to cover a variety of topics to help startups engage meaningfully in international trade. These topics include understanding hubs of innovation, opportunities in tech startup investing, redefining scale in the global market place, impact entrepreneurship; startup ecosystem support, and the role of universities in the startup community.

“At the heart of every successful startup is a great idea. Slingshot MNL will be a showcase of the greatest of those ideas –a showcase of the incredible things that have already been achieved by startups, and of all that we can still achieve together,” Earl Martin Valencia, co-founder and President of IdeaSpace Foundation, an accelerator for Philippine tech startups.

Registration for SlingshotMNL is free. Slots are limited and priority is given to startups and relevant stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. Interested parties may register at http://www.slingshotmnl.org/. Updates will be posted on https://twitter.com/slingshotmnl.

DOST testing facility to speed up auto industry
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is looking to accelerate the growth of the local automotive industry by helping it to produce high-quality auto parts.

DOST’s Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) recently launched its Auto-Parts Testing Facility in Bicutan, Taguig as part of the week-long celebration of Metals and Engineering or M&E Week.

The facility will serve as a testing center for local parts manufacturers so that expenses incurred from overseas testing will be minimized. Housed within the facility are more than 30 pieces of equipment performing different testing services for automotive and other metal-related industries, such as hardness measurement of metallic material and rubber, thickness measurement for base metal, simulated crash analysis, tire endurance testing, and accelerated corrosion tests.

“The reason why this project was conceptualized is to address the challenges faced by the automotive industry firms, both assemblers and parts manufacturers, in terms of product improvement” said Engr. Florante Catalan, chief of MIRDC’s physical laboratory section.

According to him, the Philippine automotive industry is relatively small when compared to its ASEAN neighbors in terms of number of players and their production size. Thus, there is a need for government not to hit the brakes on the industry’s growth, but instead accelerate its technological advancement.

Catalan also pointed out that the One ASEAN “policy that is implemented starting this year is one of the major reasons why this project was developed. Local parts manufacturers shall be able to produce products with high quality at a competitive cost against imported automotive parts and components manufacturers from other ASEAN member countries.”

During M&E Week, DOST also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc., Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, and Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines as the Department’s newest partners under its MakiBayan initiative.

Short for “Makinarya at Teknolohiya para sa Bayan,” MakiBayan aims to spur the growth of the metalwork and related industries by providing a roadmap outlining R&D thrusts for the industry to achieve more sustained growth and overall development.

For more information about the Auto-Parts Testing Facility, send an email at mirdc.dost.gov.ph or call 838-78-78.

Roxas leads integrated planning meet for One Negros
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
 
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas led the first integrated planning meeting to ensure inclusive growth in the Negros Island Region (NIR), held in Quezon City last Friday.

According to Roxas, integrated planning, which will happen through proper coordination between the Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, can promote inclusive growth in the region and help the local government avoid inefficient and unfinished projects.

“Sa ganoong paraan ay mapapabilis ‘yung mga planning, execution, implementation ng mga development projects sa Negros Island,” Roxas said.

To achieve this, Roxas and the Technical Working Group (TWG) sorted all government agencies under the NIR based on their function.

Representatives from two provinces have strategically decided the placement of these clustered government offices across the NIR in a way that will guarantee everyone better access to state services, further improving the quality of life in the region.

“Since integrated ang mga proyekto, ang mga kalye tuloy tuloy, ang irrigasyon tuloy tuloy. Magiging coordinated ang planning dito,” Roxas said, referring to the socioeconomic development plans in the NIR.

The NIR will also establish its own Regional Development Council (RDC), Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Council, which will focus on the development and stability of the island.

This is in stark contrast with the provinces’ previous situation, where their constituents and local officials had to go to another island before they could reach their respective regional government offices.

The lack of public investment was also the reason why the island of Negros is a poverty-stricken area, with a 50.9% poverty rate in Negros Oriental and 34.2% in Negros Occidental.

To remedy this, President Aquino recently signed Executive Order no. 183 to pursue faster and more efficient delivery of basic government services, as well as to strengthen social and cultural unity between the two provinces.

“Malaking bagay ito upang mapabilis ang pag-iimplement natin ng E.O. 183. Malayo na ang nararating natin, at kung patuloy tayo dito sa Daang Matuwid, mas malayo pa at mas mabilis pa nating mararating ang magandang bukas na inaasam-asam natin,” Roxas said.

More than a thousand 'BOSSES' benefit from public services fair in Laguna
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
 
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas personally helped provide more than a thousand residents of Cabuyao City, Laguna, with various forms of government assistance during the fair organized by the Koalisyon ng Mamamayan para sa Reporma (KOMPRe) last Friday (June 19).

With the theme "Ipadama ang Reporma," the fair was held at the Southville 1 Elementary School in partnership with Technical Educationa and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Social Security System (SSS), Phil. Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), PhilHealth Insurance, Departments of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Education (DepEd), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Justice (DOJ), and Health, (DOH), and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

A total of five wheelchairs were distributed to pre-selected beneficiaries.

Roxas also instructed the PCSO to ensure that two physically-challenged participants be given assistance: John Mark Pajarito for surgery, and Feliciana Fortadez for medical assistance.

In his message, Roxas assured the participants that that whole of government is working tirelessly to cater to the needs of the people.

"Andiyan ang whole of government approach, nakatutok sa bawat isa sa inyo," he said.

He also emphasized that Pres. Aquino’s Daang Matuwid is not just propaganda.

"Ito ay hindi lang slogan, hindi lang sa pananalita, kundi tumutotoo sa ’kayo ang Boss’," Roxas stressed.

The DILG chief also took the opportunity to explain the rationale behind the K-12 program to the parents present.

He said prior to the implementation of the program, students in public schools only attend a total of ten years of primary and secondary levels, in contrast to the 12 years required from their counterparts in the private schools.

"Sa K-12, pinapantay natin ang laban para mahirap man o mayaman, 12 taon, para hindi na madedehado sa kaalaman ang ating mga kabataan," Roxas explained.

Philippines Touts Investment Opportunities in Infrastructure
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
 
Philippine Investment and Infrastructure Roadshow Flies to the United States 24-29 June
Philippine Ambassador to the United States of America H.E. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., together with the Department of Finance/Bureau of the Treasury, are organizing the Philippine Investment and Infrastructure Roadshow to be held this 24-29 June 2015.

The theme, “Invest in the Philippines: Asia’s Bright Spot,” will serve to highlight the Philippines’ status as one of the best performing economies in Asia amid keen investor interest in opportunities in infrastructure and other growth areas.

“As a pillar of Philippine foreign policy, economic diplomacy is a powerful tool for strengthening our relations with international partners and advancing our national interest overseas. Indeed, this Roadshow reflects the great importance attached by the Philippine Government to building dynamic, mutually-beneficial, and long-term engagements with the United States and other important trading partners,” Ambassador Cuisia stated.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “Drawing high-quality investments in key areas of opportunity like infrastructure is a win-win for both the Philippines and foreign investors. This is a fundamental component of our strategy as we build better infrastructure to support the growing mobility and connectivity needs of a booming population.”

Covering Washington D.C., New York City, and San Francisco, the team will be joined by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco, Public-Private Partnership Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Arnel Casanova, among others.

The private sector will also be represented by National Competitiveness Council Co-Chairman Guillermo Luz and other senior executives from Philippine companies.

The roadshow will showcase the Philippines’ accelerating economy and bullish outlook on the back the government’s good governance agenda. The roadshow will highlight the country’s story of growth, resilience, and stability to entice investors looking for ripe opportunities in the up-and-coming tiger economy of Asia.

Infrastructure development has always been a key priority of the administration, with the Philippines on track to reach infrastructure spending equivalent to 5% of GDP by 2016. The Philippine Investment and Infrastructure Roadshow is crucial to the nation’s progress as it will help draw high-quality foreign investments. Potential investors are expected to enhance our country’s development with resources, technical expertise, and technology.

“We bring our story of robust macroeconomic fundamentals as our best selling point as we tour the United States and connect with potential investors. American investors will find that our story of growth is buttressed by stability and prudence.

We continue to bring our story of improving fiscal strength abroad in looking for reliable partners who wish to invest in the Philippines’ future,” Purisima added.

Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima Highlights Strength of Philippine Economy and Capital Mark
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
 
Purisima at the FinanceAsia Philippines Capital Markets Forum in Hong Kong Today

23 June 2015– Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima gives the opening address today at the Philippines Capital Markets Forum in Hong Kong. Speaking about “The Philippines Today,” Purisima opens a day-long discussion on the Philippine economy and the strength of its capital markets.

Treasurer of the Philippines Roberto B. Tan is set to deliver the opening remarks a few hours after, on “What the ASEAN Economic Community Really Means for the Philippine Capital Markets.” Panel discussions will focus on mapping the economic growth of the Philippines, including risks, regulatory landscape, and the marcoeconomic environment. The impact of US interest rates, as well as corporate and sovereign financing requirements will also be covered.

Purisima’s speech recalls how the Philippines executed its first global USD transaction for the year last January 2015 with an accelerated “Switch” tender offer exercise. Purisima also gives key highlights on Philippine bond markets in his remarks.

Compared to peers, Purisima gives data showing that the size of the Philippines’ local currency government bond market is at 31% of GDO or USD 87.09 billion at the end of 2014. While the same size of local currency government bonds was retained, investment grade ratings were achieved due to proactive debt management, fiscal reforms, and the President’s good governance is good economics governing philosophy.

Meanwhile, the size of the local currency corporate bond market in 2009 was only at USD 7.61 billion, or 4.38% of GDP. By end-2014, this has increased by 123% to USD 17 billion, or 6% of GDP. Corporates are also borrowing longer from the markets. From 2000 to 2010, the total corporate bonds with maturities greater than 10 years was at 0.62% of the total. As of December 2014, the figure has increased to 8.05% of total.

“The banking system shows a similar story, improving indicators on all fronts, thanks to the management of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or the Central Bank under Gov. Tetangco. The Philippines and the region can grow even further, and can deepen and strengthen our capital markets through our proposed Cebu Action Plan that will be the key output of this year’s APEC Finance Ministers’ Process,” Purisima said.

The Cebu Action Plan (CAP) is a 4-pillar roadmap for APEC member economies, promoting financial integration and inclusion, advancing fiscal transparency and reforms, enhancing fiscal resiliency, and accelerating infrastructure development and financing. The CAP stands to be one of the Philippines’ flagship initiatives in the region’s bid for more inclusive and sustainable economies as the country hosts the APEC meetings this year.

The FinanceAsia event will also touch on opening up the bond market, and will take a look at which sectors will see the most activity in the near-term horizon. The Philippines will also be featured as Asia’s M&A destination while experts discuss the policy and regulatory environments behind M&A, as well as the outlook for funding acquisitions.

Developments in the Philippine equity market and in improving corporate governance will also be recapped with fund managers and investors discussing the role of private equity in tomorrow’s market. The day is expected to close with an interactive Q&A with some of Asia’s major investors into the Philippines, covering the reasons behind the Philippines’ attractiveness, and how Filipino corporations are connecting with key business partners abroad.

PDIC to continue processing claims of Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay (Davao del Sur) depositors
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph
 

http://www.pdic.gov.ph/index.php?nid1=8&nid2=1&nid=100730&pdate=2015-06-23

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay (Davao del Sur), Inc. at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City until May 8, 2017. Claims may also be filed through mail.

Community Rural Bank of Magsaysay, which was ordered closed on May 7, 2015, has P5.7 million in total estimated insured deposits involving 767 accounts. A total of P3.1 million in insured deposits covering 41 accounts was paid during the onsite claim settlement operations (CSO). Another P1.1 million was settled thru postal money orders sent via registered mail to 358 accounts of depositors with balances of P50,000 and below where filing of claims was waived by PDIC.

As of May 21, 2015, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for P1.0 million covering 364 accounts. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the said bank is on May 8, 2017. After said date, PDIC shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim.

When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature. The same set of documents must be enclosed when claims are filed through mail.

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

The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website.

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).

Ex-cop facing graft case arrested by authorities
Source: http://pnp.gov.ph
 
"After two (2) years of hiding, a former member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was arrested by the detectives of 13th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, led by its Regional Chief PSupt Randy Glenn Silvio, following a drug-bust operation conducted at Port Poyohan, Butuan City on June 21, 2015 at 1:30AM" Police Director Benjamin D Magalong, Director, CIDG said.

Director Magalong told that ex-cop, Avensuel Go y Dy, 41, married and a resident of M. Calo Street, Butuan City, was arrested while detective of CIDG were clearing the place of operation in relation to the drug bust, arrived at the area and was immediately recognized by the operating team from CIDG and Butuan Police.

Go was easily identified as he was being monitored since October 2013 by PCI Ignacio Gamba III and his team who was tasked to track down and arrest him.

The accused was captured on the strength of warrants of arrest for the crime of Falsification of Public Document under Article 171 Para 4, RPC under CC number SB-12-CRM-0167 and violation of Section 3 of RA 3019 (Anti-Graft Charges) under Criminal Case number SB-12-CRM-0164, both issued on 2013 by Chair Person Roland B. Jurado of 5th Division, SANDIGANBAYAN, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

Director Magalong added that Go is one of the accused in a shady police helicopter deal wherein the Philippine National Police (PNP) purchased second-hand helicopters which were sold as brand new to the said agency for Php 34.6 million in 2009.

Presently, the suspect is detained in the detention cell of CIDG Butuan City prior to his turn over to the issuing court.

June 2015 Architect Licensure Examination results released in five (5) working days
Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph
 
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 1,201 out of 1,964 passed the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) given by the Board of Architecture headed by its Chairman, Arch. Rolando L. Cordero and board member, Arch. Fidel Jose R. Siapno. The examination was held in Manila, Cebu and Legazpi this June 12 and 14, 2015.

The results were released in five (5) working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on July 9, 10 and 13, 2015. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2015-2018. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the mass oathtaking of the successful examinees in the said licensure examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

MB places Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid
Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
 
The Monetary Board (MB) placed Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 919.B dated June 11, 2015. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on June 15, 2015.

Siargao Bank is a three-unit rural bank with Head Office located at 03406 Jose C. Sering Bldg., Borromeo St., Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. Based on the Bank Information Sheet filed with the PDIC as of December 31, 2014, the bank is owned by John and Nanette S. Wright (19.09%), Socorro L. Sering (18.58%), Eugene Razon and Jacqueline Sering (18.54%), Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering (13.46%), Joseph Calderon and Remedios Sering (10.64%) and Vert Bleu Acquisitions, Inc. (2.78%). The Bank's President is Nanette S. Wright and its Chairman is Remedios S. Calderon.

Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2015, Siargao Bank had 9,739 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P116.9 million. Total insured deposits amounted to P112.6 million or 96.4% of total deposits.

PDIC said that during the takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00.

Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P50,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims, except when they have outstanding obligations with Siargao Bank or acted as co-makers of these obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank. PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank by the first week of July.

Depositors may update their addresses until June 25, 2015 using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be distributed by PDIC representatives at the bank premises.

For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts by the second week of July.

The PDIC also announced that it will conduct a Depositors-Borrowers Forum on June 26 and 29, 2015 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. The time and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and announced in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. Likewise, the schedule of the claims settlement operations, as well as the requirements and procedures for filing claims will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises, other public places and the PDIC website.

For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph.

Philippines gains ground on public financial management reforms
Source: http://www.coa.gov.ph
 
Quezon City – The Philippines is gaining considerable ground in improving its public financial management system through programs that allow the government timely and accurate reporting of actual budget spending, accounting and auditing rules that adhere to international standards, and a broader and deeper citizen engagement in the budget process.

These reforms highlighted the Brown Bag Session on Public Financial Management (PFM) hosted by the Commission on Audit (COA) in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Philippines-Australia Public Financial Management Program (PFMP) held at the COA Professional and Institutional Development Sector Auditorium on June 16, 2015.

The event updated 100 COA top executives led by COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and Commissioners Heidi L. Mendoza and Jose A. Fabia, as well as auditors and support staff on the progress achieved by the PFM Reform Program which aims to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in public fund use in order to ensure the direct, immediate, substantial and economic delivery of public services.

COA, the DBM, the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) are the four principal government agencies leading the PFM reform program with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Among these reforms are the implementation in 2014 of the Unified Account Code Structure (UACS) that enables a budget tracking system to ensure that public spending is within means and on the right programs and that services are delivered to actual beneficiaries; and the adoption in 2013 of the Revised Chart of Accounts (RCA) for National Government Agencies to support the UACS and to enhance accountability and transparency of financial reports.

As one of the four principals, COA adopted 25 Philippine Public Sector Accounting Standards (PPSAS), enhanced the Electronic New Government Accounting System, and conducted capacity building and training on PPSAS and RCA, among other accomplishments.

COA also issued Circular No. 2015-001 on January 29, 2015 directing government agencies to revert cash balances of all dormant accounts, and unnecessary special and trust funds to the General Fund, a move which saved government billions of pesos.

Chairperson Aguinaldo acknowledged the contribution of all the principals involved in the program. “All of our accomplishments are possible only because of the hard work and commitment of our COA officials, auditors and support staff as well as our counterparts in the DBM, the DOF and the BTr and the support of the DFAT,” Chairperson Aguinaldo said.

“We look forward to continue working with all of you as we are moving into the implementation stage of the PFM road map. May our shared endeavors enhance transparency, accountability and citizen participation in governance and lead to poverty alleviation that is felt by the common Filipino,” he added.

The PFM Reform roadmap is now moving forward into the implementation stage and looking at ways to sustain the reforms initiated. “PFMP is supporting the Philippine government to implement and institutionalize new practices and realise reform benefits,” PFMP Team Leader and DFAT Counsellor Daniel Featherston said.

Other speakers at the session were DBM Undersecretary and PFM Committee Chair Richard E. Moya who gave updates on the PFM Reforms in the Philippines and COA Assistant Commissioner Lourdes M. Castillo who talked about Accounting and Auditing Reforms. Commissioner Fabia closed the program.

The PFM Brown Bag Session is part of a communications outreach to inform government staff about updates on the reform program. Originally, a “brown bag” refers to the packed lunch meals that participants or organizers bring along to an informal meeting held during lunch break. Over time, the term has been loosely used to refer to a short, informal meeting, training or presentation that happens in the workplace.

MMDA Chair Tolentino gets highest Performance Ratings in NCR in Pulse Asia poll
Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph
 
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, who has not declared his intention to run for higher office in 2016, has garnered 94 percent awareness and 70 percent performance ratings in the latest Pulse Asia Survey of incumbent government officials in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the MMDA is based with only four (4) percent disapproval rating.

Results from Show and Read Rating Board conducted by Pulse Asia Research, Inc. as to the opinion of NCR residents on the performance of government officials showed that they are more than satisfied with the performance of Tolentino as MMDA chairperson, observers said.

Reacting to the results, Tolentino said he is humbled by these developments and is equally flattered by the surge of text messages from people from all walks of life that he is one of the most credible officials in government today.

“Hand-in-hand with those praises, I have endured the brickbats being thrown my way for every well-meaning effort that I take. This is not mine alone but also of the good performance of the MMDA.” he said adding that it has dawned on him that these are part and parcel of public office.

Across demographic areas and socio-economic classes, the MMDA chief garnered the highest 73 percent awareness and approval in performance ratings from class D stratum.

Among those in Class ABC, 68 percent approved of Tolentino’s job performance.

As to gender, male respondents gave him 72 percent approval and 69 percent from females.

 




 
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) Mass Graduation and Awarding of Toolkits
Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City
23 June 2015
 
Inumpisahan ho ni Kuya Joel sa isang kuwento, umpisahan ko na rin ho sa isang kuwento.

Di ba, kamakailan lang ho, nagbukas ang mga klase. At isang araw, meron ho itong mag-ama, nag-uusap. Dumating ‘yung anak. Sabi nung tatay, “Anak, mukhang ginabi ka.” Sagot nung bata ngayon, “Tay, please lang. Huwag ngayon. Unang-unang araw pa lang ng klase, ang daming homework. ‘Yung organization namin, gusto nila mag-organize na kami itong araw na ito. At nung natapos na lahat ‘yan, pinatawag pa ako nung dean. Kaya itong araw na ‘to, palampasin lang po n’yo. Please lang po.” Sabi ng tatay, “Gano’n? Kindergarten ka pa lang, marami ka nang problema?” Hindi ho si Joel ‘yon. Never. Si Joel ho, mahilig mag-aral talaga ‘yan eh.

Ngayong araw po, minamarkahan natin ang “masayang pagbabago” sa buhay ng mahigit 2,000 graduates ng Special Training for Employment Program, or STEP, ng TESDA. Kahanga-hanga kayong lahat dahil pinatunayan ninyo: Ang Pilipino, anuman ang kanyang edad, bata tulad ko o may edad tulad ni Joel, saan man ang kanyang pinanggalingan, kapag binigyan mo ng pagkakataon, talagang susulitin niya, hindi lang upang iangat ang sarili, kundi para makatulong din sa pamilya, at sa kalakhang lipunan. Congratulations po sa inyong lahat.

Tingnan nga po natin ang isang halimbawa ng inyong mga kasamahan: Si Bb. Jennifer Noble ng Batangas City, na kabilang sa unang nagtapos sa inisyatibang ito ng TESDA. Bilang single parent po, araw-araw may hamon para sa kanya dahil sa pag-iisa niyang itaguyod ang kanyang mga anak. Bago siya sumailalim sa pagsasanay ng TESDA, wala siyang permanenteng pinagkakakitaan; tindera siya ng palamig sa Batangas Port, at masuwerte na kung kumita ng P300 piso kada araw. Siyempre ho, ‘pag masama ang panahon, wala hong lalakbay sa Batangas port. Tapos po ang kita. Sa harap ng pagsubok, puwede naman pong araw-araw, nagreklamo na lang siya sa kanyang naging kalagayan. Pero imbes na sumuko, nagsumikap po siya’t sinagad ang pagkakataong iangat ang kalidad ng pamumuhay. Nang mabalitaan po niya ang inaalok na libreng training ng TESDA, agad siyang nag-enrol sa kursong Beauty Care and Wellness Massage. Sa tulong po ng TESDA certification at ipinagkaloob sa kaniyang toolkit, ngayon mayroon na siyang permanenteng hanapbuhay at regular na mga kliyente. Trainer na rin siya sa isang technical-vocational school. At sa kabuuan nga po mula P300 kapag sinuwerte, ngayon po, kumikita na siya ng hindi bababa sa P2,000 kada araw. Huwaran nga po si Jennifer sa nais maabot ng graduates ng STEP ngayong taon—ang makahakbang palapit sa mithiing umasenso.

Bahagi lamang po ang programang ito ng TESDA sa malawakan nating estratehiya para bigyang-kakayahan ang mga kababayan nating maging katuwang sa pag-unlad. Nariyan po ang Training for Work Scholarship Program, TWSP. Mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Abril 2015, ang graduates nito, umabot na sa 808,781. Ang maganda pa: Kung dati, 28.5 porsiyento lang ng TESDA scholars na nakakahanap ng trabaho, ngayon, ang mga nagtapos ng TWSP na nakahanap agad ng trabaho sa loob ng anim na buwan, halos 70 porsiyento na. Isipin din po ninyo: Magmula nang tayo ay manungkulan, mahigit sa 7.8 milyong trainees na ang napa-graduate natin sa iba’t ibang kurso sa technical and vocational education and training ng TESDA.

Bukod dito, mayroon din pong STAR Program ang TESDA, sa pakikiisa ng mga lokal na pamahalaan at ng pribadong sektor. Sa programang ito, sinasanay ang mga may-ari ng sari-sari store para mapaunlad ang kanilang negosyo. Kabilang nga po sa itinuturo dito ang kasanayan sa bookkeeping at product mix, na talagang nakakatulong kung paano makakadagdag sa kanilang kinikita.

Kuwento nga po ni Secretary Joel Villanueva: Ang isa raw pong benepisyaryo nito ay may sari-sari store. Dati raw po, kada araw, kumikita siya ng humigit-kumulang P800. Ngayon, dahil sa mas siyentipikong pagpapalakad ng kanyang negosyo, sa pagtuturo ng mga makabagong pamamaraan ng pagpapatakbo ng kanyang negosyo, nadagdagan po ang kanyang kinikita. Umaabot na sa P4,000 kada araw ang kita ng tindahan niya. Dahil nga po sa STAR program, napalaki nang limang beses ang kanyang kita. At gayundin, para naman masagad pa ang paglago ng puhunan, ‘yung kurso po, ginagabayan din ang mga benepisyaryo sa kung ano ang puwede nilang gawin sa dagdag na kita upang hindi ito mawaldas lamang. Isipin ninyo, tinuruan kayong dumagdag ng kita. Noong dumagdag ‘yung kita, tinuruan na rin kayo [kung] ano’ng gagawin sa dagdag na kita. Talagang kumpleto ho ang rekados ng TESDA at ng kanyang mga katuwang na ahensiya.

Sa limang taon nating pagtahak sa Daang Matuwid, talaga naman pong malayo na ang ating narating. Patunay po ang TESDA rito—kung paano natin pinapatibay ang ating mga institusyon upang di na maging kasangkapan ng mga tiwali para sa pansariling interes. Alam naman po ninyo ang dinatnan nating kalagayan ng TESDA; talagang mapapangiwi ka na dahil sa kaliwa’t kanang kontrobersiyang bumalot sa nakaraang liderato. Nariyan ang katakot-takot na tongpats sa ahensiya sa mga binibiling kagamitan. Palagay ko ho, maski paano tingnan ng COA, ito pong mga pinagbibibili ng TESDA sa ilalim ni Joel ay papasa ho. Pansinin po ninyo, ano, hindi ho pátakbúhin ang inyong mga toolkits. Lahat ho niyan branded. Ano ba ‘yung pátakbúhin? ‘Pag inuwi n’yo sa bahay n’yo, tinignan n’yo ang tatak, huwag n’yo titigang masyadong matagal. Baka mabura. Ito ho, de-kalibre. Singer ho, kilala ko po iyan. Si Stanley na tools, kilala rin po natin ‘yan. Lahat ‘yan, kilala ho ninyo. Ngayon, kung nagtataka kayo, bakit ang ang konti ng nandito sa harapan n’yo, nakiusap po ‘yung PSG. Dahil dalawang libo ‘yung tool kits, dalawang libo ho ‘yung iinspeksiyunin nilang mga kahon. Ngayon, baka umabot ho tayo ng 20 araw dito, hindi ho kakasya sa schedule. Kaya ang bawi na lang po, ‘yung mga nag-iisip kung paano bibitbitin ‘yung kanilang sewing machine mamaya, ang pagkaintindi ko ho, iyung sa mga nag-graduate, ide-deliver sa mga distrito ninyo para mas madali na makuha. Ngayon, ‘pag hindi ho dineliver [deliver], sulatan ho n’yo ako, tumawag kayo sa tanggapan natin, maski nakakatanda sa akin si Joel, sesermunan ko po ito.

Dati ho, noong nakaraang liderato nga ho, may nagpapamudmod ng mga scholarship voucher na ang problema po, wala naman palang pondong nakalaan ang Kongreso para sa mga voucher na ‘yan. Kaya nung natapos po sila, iniwan po kay Joel ay P2.4 bilyong utang ng ahensiya. At siyempre, sa dulo po, taumbayan na rin ang magbabayad nitong inutang na wala naman palang kapahintulutang utangin. Kaya nga po, pinapanagot na natin ang dating pinuno ng TESDA sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan; ngayon po ay humaharap sila sa kasong katiwalian na isinampa ng Ombudsman.

Sa ganito nga pong estilo ng pamamahala noon, talagang ampaw ang naging serbisyo ng TESDA. Nabanggit ko na po ang mga nakamit nating tagumpay sa pagsusulong ng reporma sa TESDA, sa pamumuno ni Sec. Joel. Pinatunayan natin: Sa Daang Matuwid, kaya nating tuparin ang mga inisyatibang nagdudulot ng benepisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya nga po, hindi ko maiwasang isipin minsan: Siyam at kahalating taon po nanungkulan ang aking pinalitan. Kung noon pa lang, ginawa na nila ang maayos na pamamalakad, ilang milyon pa sana nating kababayan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataong guminhawa ang buhay? Klaro po: Nasayang lang ang nakalipas na halos isang dekada, na nagamit sana para sa makabuluhang serbisyo. Batid po natin, hindi na mababago ang nakalipas, lumipas na po iyon. Ang puwede nating gawin at ginagawa na natin: Panagutin ang mga nagkasala, ayusin ang kasalukuyan at lalong paghandaan ang kinabukasan.

Nakita po ninyo ang positibong resulta ng mga programa natin sa Daang Matuwid. Sa TESDA pa lang, napakahaba na po ng listahan ng mga makabuluhang programa. Ang tanong na lang po siguro ng ilan: Kaya ba nating ipagpatuloy at i-sustain ang mga ito? Maganda ‘yung programa pero baka naman ‘pag wala na kayo, wala na rin ‘yung programang ‘yan. Ang atin pong tugon: Kayang-kaya po nating ipagpatuloy ito. Binigyan n’yo po ako ng mandato, ginawa natin ang lahat ng positibong pagbabago, kaya nating ipagpatuloy ito.

Isipin po ninyo: Sa bawat iskolar ng TWSP, ang average na ginagastos ng estado para pag-aralin sila, nasa P7,155. Kung sa BPO sector po makahanap ng trabaho ang mga scholar natin, ang starting salary po diyan, maaari pong kumita ng P18,000 kada buwan. Siyempre po, dahil mayroon nang suweldo, magbabayad po siya ng buwis dahil lampas po ‘yung kaniyang suweldo sa minimum wage. Kung susumahin nga po, ang pinuhunan ng estadong P7,155, sa unang taon pa lang ng paghahanapbuhay ng ating scholar, mababawi na natin, lampas-lampas pa sa ating naipuhunan. Ang lahat nga po ng ibubuwis ng ating scholar hanggang magretiro siya, magbubukas naman ng pinto ng pagkakataon para sa marami pa nating mga kababayan. Siklo po ito na talagang maghahatid ng pangmatagalang benepisyo sa maraming Pilipino.

Ulitin ko lang po at ididiin ko: Gagastos ang sambayanan, dinaan sa gobyerno. Pagkagastos po, maibabalik naman nung nakinabang. Iyung pagbalik na iyon sa pamamagitan ng buwis, nakakatulong sa mas marami pang taong magkaroon ng parehong pagkakataon.

Nito nga pong Abril, nai-award sa TESDA ang Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification, sagisag ng inyong de-kalidad at maaasahang serbisyo. Iba po talaga kapag ang nagtitimon ay si Secretary Joel, lalo na ‘pag meron tayong mga local partners tulad ni Mayor Tony [Calixto] at saka ni Emy Calixto-Rubiano—wala kang ibang aasahan kay Joel kundi lideratong tapat na naglilingkod sa Diyos at sa bayan. Kay Secretary Joel, talagang makakaasa ang ating sambayanan ng “masayang pagbabago.” Nakita naman po ninyo si Sec Joel, dumarami na po ang puting buhok niya. Sabi ko sa kanya, okay lang ‘yang puting buhok, basta meron.  Iyon ang sinabi ko rin ho kay President Obama noong dumating siya. Sabi niya sa akin, “Look at my hair, it’s white.” Sagot ko sa kanya, “Better white than none.” [Tawanan] Nangiti ho siya. Mga isang minuto, nakalimutan niya ang problema niya. Kaibigan naman po natin, kaya okay na rin sa akin iyon. Masuwerte nga ho ang ating kalihim, nariyan na po ang maganda, matalino, mabait, at maunawain pa niyang asawa na lagi sa kanyang sumusuporta. Ako po’y naghahanap pa. [Tawanan at palakpakan] Parati kong inuulit-ulit sa sarili ko: Habang may buhay, may pag-asa.

Di po ba’t ang mga gaya ni Joel na tunay na naglilingkod ang mga kailangan nating panatilihin sa serbisyo? Pinatunayan na niya rin ito sa TESDA; sigurado po ako, ganito rin ang gagawin niya kapag nabigyan siya ng mas malawak na tungkulin sa ating bansa.

Malinaw po: Sa Daang Matuwid, nagbubuhos tayo ng suporta sa mga programang tunay na naglalatag ng oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan. Tayo po sa Daang Matuwid, bagaman marami nang nakamit, at masasabing mga tagumpay, hindi po tayo kuntentong sabihing “May nagawa na tayo, okay na ‘yon.” Sa halip, ang tutok natin: Ano pa ba ang dagdag nating magagawa? Ang hangad natin: Itaguyod pa ang mga inisyatibang hindi lang pakikinabangan ngayon, kung hindi maging ng susunod na henerasyon. Siguruhin po nating magiging permanente ang tinatamasa na nating transpormasyon ng lipunan. Makakamit natin ito, sa pagmamalasakit sa isa’t isa, sa pakikiambag sa ating mga reporma, at sa pakikihakbang ng sambayanan tungo sa inaasam nating mas maunlad at mas magandang bukas.

Bago po ako magtapos, may ibinalita sa atin at ikinuwento si Joel. Meron silang nag-training ng Beauty Care and Wellness, taga-Isabela. Ikinukuwento po niya sa akin kanina, nag-graduate last year. Mukha hong maraming problema ngayon dahil dalawa na ang kanyang salon after one year. [Palakpakan] ‘Yung isa naman po, nag-graduate ng massage therapy, mas malaki ho ang problema niya dahil apat na po ang branch niya sa Pangasinan at tatlumpu ang empleado niya.

Noong ako po’y kongresista, mayroon kaming barangay sa Tarlac, tapos may lumapit sa akin, iyong nag-e-export ng Christmas decoration, gumagawa ho ng Santa Claus. Naghahanap sila ng maglalagay ng bulak doon sa mga telang kit. Sorry, hindi ho ako technical sa dress-making eh. Basta bubuuin nila ‘yung Santa Claus na figure tapos naging maganda ang dulot no’n sa barangay for about four years. Sabi sa akin nung kapitan, “Dito ho nawalan na kami ng awayan kada gabi. Wala na hong lasing, iyong sugalan nabawasan.” Sabi ko, “Paano nangyari ‘yan?” “Eh lahat ho kasi may kota.” So ‘pag niyaya, “Pare, inuman tayo.” “Pasensiya ka na. Malayo pa ako sa kota ko.” ‘Yung kota ho kasi, pupunta ‘yung nagpapagawa, dadalhin ‘yung materyales, babalikan after ‘yung pinagkasunduang oras, pagbalik kasama na ‘yung bayad. Kaliwaan ho nang kaliwaan. Talagang weekly ho may kinikita. At malaki talaga ang inasenso. Gusto ko sanang sabihin sa inyo na ipagpatuloy ito pero sa totoo lang ho, tinalo tayo sa kompetensiya ng Tsina. Pero apat na taon ho, parang iniisip ko, paano kaya natin mapapalawak ‘yan? Dito nga ho sa mga paraan tulad ng ginagawang tulong ng TESDA. Parang naaalala ko ‘yung sinabi sa akin ng tatay ko noong araw: Kaya kitang pagbuksan ng pintuan; kung mananatiling bukas ito, nasa sa iyo. Dito po, hindi naman namin sasabihing lahat kayo garantisado, gaganda ang buhay n’yo. Siyempre, partner tayo. Kaya naming buksan ‘yung pintuan, kayo ang magpapanatiling bukas iyan. Kaya naming bigyan [kayo] ng oportunidad, kayo ang magsasamantala ng oportunidad para naman pare-pareho tayo lahat umasenso at umangat, mabawasan ang problema natin lahat. Di ho ba?

Paalala lang ho, una, congratulations sa inyong lahat. Talaga hong iyan ang susi: Magkukusa tayo na gawin at talagang pakinabangan ang mga oportunidad na dumarating sa atin; itayo rin natin ang gobyerno nating talagang kumakalinga sa atin; mag-partner tayo. Bakit tayo hindi aangat nang aangat lalo?

Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.
 





Last Updated: 23 JUNE 2015
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    The graduates of the Special Training for Employment Program of TESDA listen to President Benigno Aquino III during the mass graduation ceremonies and awarding of toolkits held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, Pasay City Lone District Representative Imelda Calixto-Rubiano and Pasay City Mayor Antonio Calixto upon arrival for the Special Training for Employment Program mass graduation and awarding of toolkits at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Special Training for Employment Program mass graduation and awarding of toolkits at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23, 2015). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Special Training for Employment Program mass graduation and awarding of toolkits at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Rodolfo Manabat/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanueva, awards the Certificate of Training and toolkits to 24 STEP scholars representing the 2,022 graduates during the Special Training for Employment Program mass graduation ceremonies and awarding of toolkits at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the TESDA Special Training for Employment Program  mass graduation and awarding of toolkits at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. officers, led by its president Angel Ngu, for a snap shot during the oath taking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 23). Also in photo is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a scale model of the 2-classroom school building presented by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., led by its president Angel Ngu, during the oath taking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 23). The Operation: Barrio Schools is the longest running and biggest private sector led development program focused on educational infrastructure. To date, some 4,933 school buildings – equivalent to 9,866 classrooms – have already been turned over to public schools nationwide, benefitting nearly one million schoolchildren. Also in photo is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts the newly elected officers of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., headed by its president Angel Ngu, in ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea / by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the oath taking ceremony of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 23). Also in photo are FFCCCII honorary president Amb. Domingo Lee, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, FFCCCII president Angel Ngu, honorary president Dr. Alfonso Siy and vice president Dr. Cecilio Pedro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Certificate of Recognition to Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Rafael Yabut during the Recognition and Awarding Ceremony for the agency's 117th anniversary celebration held at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. Also in photo is Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson during the agency's 117th anniversary celebration held at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, views the photo exhibit on the agency's infrastructure projects following the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of a framed ISO 9001:2008 Registration Certificate of DPWH’s Quality Management System from Secretary Rogelio Singson during the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. Also in photo is Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson upon arrival for the 117th anniversary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the DPWH Quadrangle of the Central Office in Bonifacio Drive Port Area, Manila City on Monday (June 22). This year’s anniversary theme is “DPWH: Sa Daang Matuwid, Para Sa Diyos at Bayan”. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo is PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general Joel Villanueva, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes,  Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Some of the decommissioned combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front present during the turnover of weapons at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. Also in Photo are MILF Central Committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Independent Decommissioning Body chairman Ambassador Haydar Berk (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
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