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President Aquino inspects site of new Puerto
Princesa Airport |
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(PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday
inspected the area where the new P3.75-billion Puerto Princesa Airport is
being built.
Upon arriving here, the President proceeded to the open ramp at the earth
mount barrier between the Western Command’s Air Defense Alert Center and the
construction site of the new Puerto Princesa Airport for the inspection.
He was briefed by Transportation Undersecretary Julianito Bucayan regarding
the Puerto Princesa Airport Development Project, located in Barangay San
Miguel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The project, which is expected to be completed by January 2017, was 29.12
percent complete as of last March.
It is being financed by the Export-Import Bank of Korea under the operation
and management of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of Korea.
"The project is designed to enhance the quality of airport services in
Palawan to comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
safety standards; and expand the Puerto Princesa International Airport’s
capacity to address the growing air traffic in Palawan," said Bucayan.
He noted that the new airport is expected to accommodate two million
passengers per annum, with a peak passenger flow of 690 passengers per hour;
and generate as much as 52,000 jobs when it is completed.
It will feature a cargo terminal, a fire and rescue/firefighting facility, a
maintenance building, a power house, and a state-of-the-art air traffic
control tower with air navigation aid, in compliance with ICAO Category 1
standards.
The new airport also aims to revitalize the transport and trade linkages
under the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East ASEAN
Growth Area. PND (ag) |
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President Aquino attends groundbreaking ceremony of
Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 |
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(LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu) President Benigno S. Aquino III
on Monday led the groundbreaking ceremony of a new passenger terminal at the
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) here.
Joining President Aquino in the groundbreaking ceremony of the airport’s
Terminal 2 and the lowering of the time capsule were Interior and Local
Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez,
Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, Cebu
Governor Hilario Davide III, Megawide Construction Corporation Chairman
Michael Cosiquien, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) President
Manuel Louie Ferrer, GMR Group of Companies Chairman Grandhi Mallikajurna
Rao, and GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison.
The construction of the MCIA’s second terminal, which will start
immediately, will further boost Cebu’s already dynamic economic landscape
with an expected increase in the airport’s passenger handling capacity from
4.5 million to 12.5 million annually.
The GMCAC is a Filipino company formed from the consortium of GMR Group of
India and Megawide Construction Corporation of the Philippines under the
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Department of Transportation and
Communications. The company won the P32 billion, 25-year concession deal to
expand and manage the MCIA after offering a premium of P14.4 billion.
“Tunay pong sagisag ang araw na ito sa tagumpay na dulot ng pagkakapit-kamay;
patunay din ito sa napipitas na nating bunga sa ilalim ng ating
Public-Private Partnerships. Isipin po ninyo: Sa nakaraang tatlong
administrasyon, anim na solicited PPP projects lamang ang nai-award sa
pribadong sektor; ngayon po, mula Disyembre ng 2011 hanggang Hunyo ng 2015,
umabot na sa 10 solicited PPP projects ang nai-award na natin, na
nagkakahalagang P189 bilyon. Bukod pa rito, may 12 proyekto pa tayong nasa
bidding na; at 30 naman ang nakapila pa. Mahigit 50 PPP projects po ito na
nagkakahalagang tinatayang P1.11 trillion, sa ilalim ng ating administrasyon,”
President Aquino said in his speech.
The P17.5-billion Terminal 2, located beside the existing terminal, will
span approximately 50,000 square meters with modular expansion capacity. It
will be designed in the shape of a bangka, the native canoe, to pay tribute
to Cebu’s heritage.
The architectural features of Terminal 2 blends modern building materials
and Cebuano culture and heritage.
According to GMCAC, the new terminal, which is scheduled to be completed in
2018, will have a two-level forecourt segregating Arrival and Departure
passengers.
Terminal 2 will likewise have 48 check-in counters, which are expandable to
72. It will also have provisions for seven passenger boarding bridges, which
can be expanded to 12 bridges serving wide and narrow body aircraft.
The new terminal also features 12 escalators and 15 elevators to facilitate
the easy movements of passengers, especially the elderly and those with
disabilities. It will have a car park that can accommodate 550 cars and is
expandable to 750 as necessary, as well as an array of food, beverage and
retail stores for local and foreign passengers.
The GMCAC said the construction of Terminal 2 will create 2,000 to 3,000
jobs for Cebuanos over three years. An additional 500 new jobs are expected
during the terminal’s first year of operation.
“Sa pagpapaunlad nga po ng inyong airport, talagang namumuhunan tayo para sa
kinabukasan. Paparamihin natin ang flights at pasaherong kayang i-accommodate
ng paliparan. Gagawin nating mas maginhawa ang karanasan ng mga biyahero
dito. Bunsod nito, mapaparami natin ang turistang bibisita sa inyo. At
pag-uwi naman ng mga turista sa kani-kanilang mga lugar, ikukuwento nila—hindi
ang karanasan nilang naging pahirapan—kundi ang maayos at masigla nilang
biyahe sa inyong lalawigan. Resulta: Dadami ang mahihikayat na tumungo rito,
na muli namang magdudulot ng mga oportunidad, at siyang magpapatuloy sa
siklo ng pag-asenso,” President Aquino said.
The President also toured the newly renovated Terminal 1 after the
groundbreaking ceremony.
The MCIA, the second largest airport in the country in terms of domestic
traffic, is envisioned to be the world’s first resort airport in the world.
The GMCAC said a hotel and mall are also being considered after the
modernization of the airport has been completed.
The GMR Group also operates airports in New Delhi and Hyderabad in India,
Istanbul in Turkey, and the Maldives. PND (jm) |
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DTI, PRDP develop banana industry in
Quirino Province |
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Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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In support to the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP),
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with
the Local Government Unit of Cabarroguis and Calaocan Rural
Improvement Club collaboratively worked together to optimize the
abundance of banana in Qurino. Thus, product development
training was conducted on Banana Chips Making.
Participants were able to produce three varieties of banana
chips which were launched in the Ginnamuluan 2015 Product
Showcase on 19 June 2015 in LGU Cabarroguis, Quirino.
The participants will be linked to Maddela Integrated Farmers
Savings Development Cooperative (MIFSADECO) as soon as PRDP
Project will start its banana chips enterprise business
operation.
Alongside with the training, lecture on good manufacturing
practices and Consumer Education Information session were also
conducted.
Lecture on good manufacturing practices were also integrated in
the training. Some of the standards adopted were wearing of
hairnets, apron, proper washing of hands, no wearing of
jewelries during the processing, following the recommended step
by step procedure of raw materials preparation, food handling
and packaging.
DTI-Quirino Trade and Industry Development Analyst (TIDA) Annie
M. Mauyao also conducted a Consumer Education and Information
Campaign and discussed the basic rights and responsibilities of
a consumer. Labeling law and Product Standard (PS) mark on LPG
and Helmet were also tackled.
Mauyao urged the participant to use and buy helmets with PS mark
to ensure its quality and safety especially so that motorcycle
vehicle is one of the major means of transportation in going to
Calaocan, Cabarroguis, wherein its terrain is so steep. |
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PHL hosts APEC workshops for
Global Supply Chain Event in Atlanta |
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Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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The Philippines, through the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) sponsored workshops last 8 and 9 June in Atlanta, United
States of America (USA) to develop small and medium enterprises
(SMEs) through the Global Supply Chain Event.
The workshop, which brought together 350 SMEs from 21 Asia
Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)-member economies, was the
proponent in facilitating SMEs trade through better
understanding of non-tariff measures (NTMs) in the Asia Pacific
Region and APEC SME Business matching and Internship Consortium
for Global Value Chain (GVC) Integration.
After the NTM workshop in the United States (US), another
workshop will be held in Iloilo in September to further
strengthen and deepen regional economic integration and
eliminate barriers to trade and investment in the region by
improving the capacity of SMEs and key organizations in
understanding NTMs and its impact on trade.
In her speech, DTI-Regional Operations Group (ROG)
Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya underscored the role being played
by SMEs in the Asia Pacific Region.
“We are all aware of the importance of SMEs in the APEC region
and we also know the great potential to further increase the
sector’s economic contribution if these SMEs are able to
participate more actively in regional and global trade,” Maglaya
said.
In a 2013 World Bank study titled “Enabling Trade Valuing Growth
Opportunities,” it emphasized that reducing supply chain
barriers to trade could increase gross domestic product (GDP) up
to six times more than removing tariffs.
Maglaya also noted the challenges being faced by SMEs that make
them vulnerable to trade inhibiting policies, thus making them
unable to navigate rules while trading across borders.
“It has been recognized that both tariff and non-tariff
measures, compliance to standards and attaining productivity and
efficiency limit SMEs’ ability to participate in global trade,”
she said.
The GVC workshops, on the other hand, was held to identify the
gaps faced by SMEs that hinder it from assimilating into global
value chains and provide insights on SME capabilities and
adequacies to strengthen SMEs for global production network
linkage.
Participants of the workshop were cross-matched, forming an SME
Global Value Chain Business Matching and Internship Consortium.
An online platform was also created for facilitating exchanges
among members to create expansion of scale and scope of the
project.
SMEs account for more than 90 percent of all businesses and
provide for as much as 60 percent of the workforce in the Asia
Pacific. |
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New York Conference promotes PH as
premier investment destination |
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Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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Washington, DC—Investments in people, infrastructure and reforms
have transformed the Philippines into a prime destination for
foreign capital in recent years, according to Philippine Finance
Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, who was one of the keynote speakers
at the Economic Briefing and Investment Conference held on 26
June 2015 at Goldman Sachs in New York City.
Entitled “Invest in the Philippines: Asia’s Bright Spot,” the
New York Conference underscored the significant improvements the
country has made in terms of macroeconomic governance, promoting
transparency, enhancing the ease of doing business, and focusing
on infrastructure development. These factors, combined with a
competent, hardworking and growing workforce, and a central
location in an economically dynamic region, have increased the
attractiveness of the Philippines in the eyes of foreign
investors.
“The Philippines is not perfect, nor is it completely efficient,
but to investors like you, it is an opportunity. In fact, many
companies are already silently making money,” Secretary Purisima
stated.
BPI Capital Corporation President Dennis Montecillo agreed with
the bullish assessment, saying that there has been a noticeable
shift in the demand for foreign private equity. Montecillo, who
previously worked for Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong, recounted how
private equity clients have now developed a keen interest in the
Philippines, with some calling the Philippines their core
markets, from demonstrating a very low level of interest in
2000-2007.
In addition to the Philippines acquiring investment grade in the
credit ratings of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, the country’s debt to
GDP ratio is at its lowest at 45.4% in 2014, from as high as
97.7% in 1986.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo
further substantiated the Philippines trajectory and he
forecasts the debt to GDP ratio to continue its downward
trajectory, anticipating a debt to GDP ratio of 0% within the
next 10 years. He adds, however, that “there is no magic number
with regards to any country’s debt to GDP ratio. The emphasis
must be placed on the fiscal space and the government’s ability
to spend in terms of investment and infrastructure.”
Philippine officials and private businesses have pointed to good
governance as the main driver of economic growth. Trade and
Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo and National
Competitiveness Council Co-Chair Guillermo Luz highlighted the
Philippines’ steady rise in competitiveness rankings and assured
the audience that liberalization and economic reforms will
continue.
Secretary Domingo enumerated some encouraging developments,
including the release of the new Foreign Investment Negative
List which features fewer restrictions on foreign investments;
the impending amendment of the Cabotage Law that will allow
foreign vessels to make calls at multiple ports; and the
European Union’s granting of GSP+ status to the Philippines,
which gives about 6,000 product lines duty-free access to the
European market.
He also cited the substantial growth of the IT/BPO sector, which
is expected to generate US$ 25 billion in revenues in 2016 from
the current amount of US$ 18 billion.
Manolito Tayag, Accenture’s Country Managing Director for the
Philippines, projected that the IT/BPO sector will go up from 1
million to 1.3 million employees in 2016. He explained that the
future growth of the country’s IT/BPO sector is underpinned by
its moving up the value chain, including analytics; the opening
of new markets in Latin America, Europe, and even within the
Philippines; identifying niche industries; locating regional and
global centers in Manila; and creating a new wave of BPO cities.
Upgrading the country’s infrastructure is also seen as a key to
boosting productivity and tourism.
Transportation and Communication Undersecretary Rene K. Limcaoco
outlined the transport development plan, and explained the key
performance indicators relating to reducing transport costs by
about 8.5%, and logistics costs to 15%. He noted that the
Philippines’ 653-kilometer North-South Rail is currently the
largest infrastructure project in the country’s history at over
US$ 8 billion.
The Philippine Government has actively sought private sector
participation in infrastructure development. Undersecretary
Cosette V. Canilao, Executive Director of the Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) Center, informed the group that three projects
worth US$ 4.24 billion are being rolled out, while six projects
amounting to US$ 4.6 billion are pending formal approval for
roll out.
Mr. Jay Collins, Vice Chairman of Corporate and Investment
Banking at Citigroup, acknowledged that the Philippines has made
strides to free up fiscal space and ensure that it is
infrastructure investment friendly.
He also emphasized that infrastructure risk needs to be assessed
with the overall macro-environment and that focus should be
given on how the domestic financial institutions can help bridge
gaps and provide expertise in areas such as deal structuring and
contract standardization.
Notwithstanding the significant reforms and positive outlook,
the constitutional limitations on foreign equity as well as the
prohibition on foreign ownership of land continue to put off
investors, according to Atty. Alex B. Cabrera, Chairman and
Senior Partner of Isla Lipana & Co. However, he stressed that
there are legal means to surmount these challenges.
Special economic zones represent a productive use of land to
attract and grow foreign investments. Bases Conversion and
Development Authority Executive Vice-President Aileen Zosa
referred to the success of Clark Base as a special economic zone
and its high ability to host backroom and BPO operations of
various companies. She introduced the development of the Clark
Green City initiative which incorporates over 9,400 hectares of
forest land for mixed-use commercial development.
“Invest in the Philippines: Asia’s Bright Spot,” garnered
positive responses, due in large part to its effort to present a
comprehensive and balanced appraisal of the state of the
Philippine economy.
“The Republic of the Philippines delegation conveys the image of
a dynamic nation, proud of its past achievements in the economic
and social fields, but also aware of what lies ahead and keen to
take on the challenges that will turn it into one of the world’s
top 20 economies by 2050,” said Mr. Dominique Jooris, moderator
of panel on the Philippine macroeconomy, and Managing Director
for Asia Credit Capital Markets at Goldman Sachs.
In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose
L. Cuisia, Jr. addressed the issue of making the reform process
irreversible.
“But looking towards the future, to the post-Aquino era, I
should like to note that in order to ensure the sustainability
of our good governance dividends, the Philippine Government is
now focusing on a menu of crucial policy areas in the remaining
months and days of the Aquino administration in order to
preserve the gains of the good governance reforms that have been
put in place.”
The Economic Briefing and Investment Conference in New York City
is the second stop of a high level trade and investment mission
to the United States taking place from 24 to 29 June 2015. The
delegation made a pitch in Washington, D.C. on 24 June and will
make its final stop in San Francisco on 29 June.
The Mission is an important follow-up to the Philippines-United
States Memorandum of Cooperation on an Infrastructure
Collaboration Platform, which was signed during the 8th Global
Infrastructure Leadership Forum (GILF) held in New York in
February.
The Conferences are being organized by the Philippine Embassy in
Washington, D.C. and the Philippine Consulates General in New
York and San Francisco, in partnership with the Center for
Strategic and International Studies, the US-Philippines Society,
as well as Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Development Bank of the
Philippines, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, JP Morgan, Land Bank of the
Philippines, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered, and UBS. |
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DOJ-OFC completes advanced competition
judges training |
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Source:
http://www.doj.gov.ph |
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After a series of workshops for Regional Trial Court judges, the
DOJ - Office for Competition (OFC) conducted the 1st Advanced
Course on Competition Policy and Law (CPL) in partnership with
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on 25-26 June 2015
in Cebu City.
"With the ratification of the Philippine Competition Act, it is
imperative for the members of the judiciary to continue
enhancing their knowledge in economic analysis in the
application of competition laws," said Justice Secretary Leila
M. De Lima.
The two-day event modeled on international best practices was
conducted under the second phase of the JICA Capability Building
Project for A Comprehensive National Competition Policy. The
modular approach ensures that the courts as key stakeholders are
duly equipped with the necessary tools.
In his welcome remarks, Supreme Court Administrator Jose Midas
P. Marquez underscored the linkages of judicial education,
judicial independence, and public trust. "One way for the
judiciary to maintain the respect and confidence of the public
is for it to continually improve the quality of justice it
administers, through continuous judicial education," he said. He
also urged the judges to sharpen their technical competence in
competition law.
DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Head of the OFC said
that "We need to transform the law as an instrument for economic
justice. It is no longer enough to cite the letter and the
spirit of laws - we are moving towards a more dynamic system
anchored on the vision of a robust rule of law and empowered
institutions."
The whole judicial training will be reported at the 7th United
Nations Conference to Review the UN Set on Competition Policy.
An estimated number of 120 judges and court personnel have
actively participated in the project to pursue the DOJ-OFC's
advocacy on competition and regulatory reforms as it fulfills
its mission of achieving an effective, efficient, and equitable
administration of justice in the country. |
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DOST pushes ICT Workshop for gov’t
employees |
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Source:
http://icto.dost.gov.ph |
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The digital age is laden with opportunities and risks. It is now
a directive of the government that public officers be on top of
the most recent advancements in information and communications
technology (ICT) as well as familiar with the threats that exist
online.
In line with this, the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) ICT Office calls for the ICT training of government
professionals through the TechTalks for Civil Servants symposium
on 29 June 2015, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Audio Visual
Room, Mezzanine, PHILVOLCS Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue,
Diliman, Quezon City.
Organized by the National ICT Competency Management Service
(NCM), the TechTalk for Civil Servants is a whole day event for
government professionals from national government agencies
(NGAs), state universities and colleges (SUCs), as well as local
government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila.
Some of the topics to be discussed are on modern business
styles, social media personal branding, mobile learning and
digital scammers. Meanwhile, TechTalks speakers hail from both
public and private sectors.
TechTalks for Civil Servants is part of the series of events
launched in line with the 2015 ICT Month. |
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Families of deceased OFWs to receive
social benefits from OWWA |
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Source:
http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration extends its
heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of Anselmo Ramos
Cayabyab, Jr. and Oscar Briotonel Ilagan, OFWs who were killed
in appalling circumstances while on vacation in the Philippines.
OFW Anselmo R. Cayabyab, worker in Papua New Guinea, died due to
a vehicular accident while on their way to a family picnic in
San Fabian, Pangasinan. OFW Oscar B. Ilagan, on the other hand,
works as a factory worker in Athens, Greece, and was stabbed to
death while sleeping at their house in Batangas. Both OFWs were
active members of OWWA at the time of death.
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz
instructed OWWA at once to assist the worker’s families in
coping up with the OFWs’ death and to facilitate the release of
their benefits as OWWA-members.
As active OWWA-members, the families of the deceased OFWs are
entitled to Death and Burial Benefit amounting to Php 220,000.00
as the cause of their death is accidental in nature. The
surviving heirs are, likewise, eligible to the Education and
Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP) where the surviving spouse
will receive Php15,000.00-worth of livelihood package and the
first-born child is extended educational assistance until he/she
finishes college education. Concerned OWWA Regional Offices will
also provide psycho-social counseling to the families of the
deceased workers.
OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado reiterated her reminder to
OFWs to renew their OWWA Membership to have social protection
while they are still active overseas workers. “By being an OWWA
Member, you don’t just have access to what the agency has to
offer to OFWs, but you and your families are also protected
especially during distressful situations,” Administrator Calzado
said.
The aforementioned social benefits are just some of the many
programs and services offered by the government, through OWWA,
to carry out its mandate of protecting and promoting the
interest and welfare of OFWs. The government continues to
strengthen its mechanism of empowering the Filipino migrant
workers as the government is one with them in their aspiration
of uplifting the lives of their families and the country as a
whole. |
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In Region 10, workers to receive
P12 daily wage increase effective 3 July—Baldoz |
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Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday announced that the Regional Wage and Productivity
Board (RTWPB) of Region 10 has approved a wage order mandating a
P12 daily wage increase for all private sector minimum wage
earners in the region.
Citing a report of DOLE Regional Office No. 10 Regional Director
and RTWPB chairperson Raymundo G. Agravante, Baldoz said the new
minimum wage increase will take effect on 3 July after the RTWPB
published the new minimum wage order on 18 June. “This is the
18th wage increase in Region 10 since R.A. 6727, or The Wage
Rationalization Act, became a law on 9 June 1989,” Baldoz said.
Agravante said in his report the new wage order, Wage Order
RX-18, raises the minimum wage in the region to P318 for workers
in the non-agriculture sector and to P306 for workers in the
agricultural sector under the Category I, which covers the
cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and the municipalities of
Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
It also ups the minimum wage rate to P313 for workers in the
non-agriculture sector and P301 for workers in the agricultural
sector under Category II, which covers the cities of Malaybalay,
Valencia, Gingoog, El Salvador, and Ozamiz and the
municipalities of Maramag, Quezon, and Manolo Fortich.
In Category III, the new minimum wage rate of P308 applies for
workers in the non-agricultural sector and P296 for the
agricultural sector in the cities of Oroquieta and Tangub and
the municipalities of Lugait, Opol, and Mambajao. Included in
this category are all the establishments employing ten workers
or less. For other areas not covered by the three categories,
hence falling under Category IV, establishments shall now pay a
new minimum wage rate of P303 to workers in the non-agricultural
sector and P291 to workers in the agricultural sector.
Agravante informed the Secretary that in Region 10, all the
minimum wage rates are already above the poverty threshold, a
key goal of the DOLE this 2015.
“Under the second-tier of the two-tier minimum wage system
reform, the RTWPB has already issued an Advisory on the
Implementation of Productivity-Based Incentive Scheme for the
Bus Transport Industry which shall serve as guidelines for
private establishments to set the range of productivity bonuses
and incentives that an enterprise or industry may provide based
on the agreement between workers and management,” Agravante
reported.
The two-tiered wage system, initiated by Secretary Baldoz in
2012, is a wage reform where the first tier is the mandated
minimum wage, or floor wage, set by RTWPBs, while the
second-tier is the non-mandatory component that provides
workers’ pay increases and benefits based on productivity-based
formulas contained in advisories also issued by the RTWPBs. The
advisories guide industries in developing and implementing
productivity improvement programs, productivity-based
incentives, and profit- or gain-sharing schemes that workers and
employers agree as basis for additional pay or incentives.
Under the reform, the minimum wage is viewed as a social safety
net, as it is, to protect the most vulnerable sectors, while the
productivity-based pay is regarded as the more appropriate
mechanism of rewarding workers’ productivity as their
progressive contribution to enterprise growth and
competitiveness.
In issuing a new minimum wage order, Director Agravante said the
RTWPB—composed of representatives of labor, management, and the
government, specifically the Department of Trade and Industry,
National Economic Development Authority, and the DOLE—took into
thorough consideration several factors, including the erosion in
the minimum wage, inflation rate, possible impact of the minimum
wage adjustment on prices of goods and services, as well as on
employment; movements in the consumer price index, the current
economic condition in the region, employers’ ability to pay, and
the results of its continuing studies, sectoral consultations,
and public hearings.
“The decision of the RTWPB-10 to adjust the minimum wage was
consistent with the government’s policy of granting regular,
moderate, and predictable minimum wage adjustments, taking into
consideration the needs of workers and their families, as well
as the need to maintain stability in the business environment
within the framework of the two-tiered wage system reform,”
Director Agravante said.
He added that the P12 increase in the minimum wage will directly
benefit some 30,800 minimum wage earners in Region 10, or based
on the 2014 Labor Force Survey, 70 percent of 44,000 new labor
force entrants every year who are considered wage earners and
who also continue to be exempted from paying income tax on their
wage and on their hazard pay, holiday pay, night shift
differential, and overtime pay.
“The minimum wage earners will also enjoy a higher 13th month
pay and increased social security coverage,” Agravante said.
Baldoz instructed Agravante to disseminate information on the
new wage order, raise public awareness and understanding, and
educate workers and employers to encourage voluntary compliance.
With regards this directive, Agravante said he had already
mobilized the region’s labor laws compliance officers and had
instructed the RTWPB to schedule wage clinics in the provinces. |
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DepEd issues guidelines on internship
program |
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Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
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In accordance with the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum
(CMO) No. 23, s. 2009, on the Guidelines for Student Internship
Program in the Philippines (SIPP) For All Programs with
Practicum Subject, the Department of Education (DepEd) has
issued guidelines for all interested students who wish to apply
for its internship program.
The guidelines aim to standardize and professionalize the DepEd
internship process, enhancing the trainees’ work competencies
and encouraging more young people to work for the government.
All intern applicants must be (1) at least 18 years old; (2)
enrolled in a practicum subject or equivalent subject; (3) have
good academic standing and completed all prerequisite subjects
of the practicum subject; (4) be physically, mentally, and
emotionally fit and; (5) has consent from parent or guardian.
Upon application, all intern applicants must also be able to
submit the following requirements: (1) Curriculum Vitae; (2)
Letter of Intent; (3) Recommendation Letter from the Higher
Education Institution (HEI); (4) Certificate of Registration or
any equivalent document from the HEI certifying that the
applicant is enrolled in a practicum subject; (5) Evaluation
Sheet or any equivalent document from the HEI and; (6)
Accomplished Internship Application Form which may be downloaded
here.
The documents submitted by the intern applicants shall undergo
preliminary screening based on the applicant’s qualifications.
They will be forwarded to the offices where they qualified.
After the initial screening, qualified applicants will be
contacted for an interview with the concerned office.
The duration of the internship program shall be in accordance
with the approved curriculum and the number of hours required by
the intern applicant’s HEI.
DepEd is accepting internship applications from Monday to
Friday, at 8AM to 5PM. All internship applicants must enclose
their documents in a brown envelope with their name and date of
submission.
Submission of application may likewise be done via email.
Internship applicants may send scanned copies of their
documentary requirements to youthformation@deped.gov.ph with
their complete name in the email subject field. |
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Roxas joins Bohol barangay
officials for disaster preparedness conference |
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Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
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In line with rehabilitation efforts, Secretary of the Interior
and Local Government Mar Roxas will meet with the barangay
captains of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, today (June 29) at the Bohol
Tropics Resort to discuss the role of local government officials
as first responders during emergencies and disasters.
The Secretary had previously stressed the importance of the
speedy rehabilitation of public facilities so they can again
provide much-needed services to citizens at the soonest possible
time.
Roxas now puts the focus on ample disaster preparation to
prevent casualties in future calamities.
Bohol was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 2013. Since then,
the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been
providing support for the repair and reconstruction of
facilities that were damaged by the quake.
According to the April 2015 update from the DILG’s Bohol
Earthquake Assistance (BEA) program, 57 repair projects have
been completed across the province. |
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Threats to Indigenous People addressed
by new Patrol Jeeps |
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Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
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Local threats to the social and cultural development of our
indigenous kababayans from Mindanao can now be properly
addressed after Secretary of the Interior and Local Government
Mar Roxas turned over 14 multi-purpose patrol jeeps to Davao del
Sur and Davao Occidental last Friday (June 26).
"Matindi ang pangangailangan ng mga kababayan natin dito," Roxas
stressed as he pointed out that rampant crime and vulnerability
to calamities hinder the progress of the ethnic groups in Davao
del Sur.
The procurement of multi-purpose patrol jeeps is part of the
national government's collaborative efforts to address the
concerns of indigenous people in combating crime and disaster
preparedness.
"Makakatulong sa kanila itong mga patrol vehicles in
anti-criminality; multi-purpose para sa evacuations at delivery
ng relief goods," Roxas said.
Indigenous people are usually the hardest hit during disasters.
They also have to bear the brunt of peace and order setbacks in
Mindanao.
In addition, they have the least access to government services.
As DILG Secretary, Roxas constantly protects the interests of
our native kababayans by making them a part of the development
process without compromising their beautiful culture.
The population of Davao del Sur is mostly comprised of
indigenous people, who are now actively participating in the
government programs that focus on their development.
"Nagpapatunay na ang Daang Matuwid na pinamumunuan ng ating
pangulo ay walang pinipili: Walang naiiwan, lahat
pinagseserbisyuhan. Sa lahat makakarating ang serbisyo ng
pamahalaan," Roxas said. |
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DOJ commends PNP for ASEAN Forum success |
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Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
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The Department Of Justice Parole And Probation Administration
(DOJ-PPA) extends its appreciation to the personnel of
Philippine National Police by giving an award to selected police
officers on June 29 during the traditional Monday flag raising
ceremony.
The award was given by Hon. Manuel G. Co, Administrator of
DOJ-PPA, for the support of PNP during the ASEAN Plus Three
Forum on
Probation and Community-Based Rehabilitation of Offenders held
last May 19-22, 2015 in Tagaytay City, San Juan City and
Mandaluyong City.
“This is to express the gratitude of DOJ-PPA to recognized PNP
personnel, who served exemplary assistance in maintaining peace
and order, and ensuring the safety and protection of all foreign
and local delegates during the ASEAN Plus Three Forum” Hon. Co
said.
Plaques of Recognition are awarded to selected police officers
for their distinguished service and exemplary leadership in the
maintenance of peace and order and ensuring the safety and
protection of all international and local delegates during the
said event. Awarded PNP personnel are:
PDir Ricardo C. Marquez, PNP Director for Operations (DO)
PSSupt Narciso D. Domingo, City Director of Naga City Police
Office, Police Regional Office 5
PSupt Felipe B. Maraggun, DO
PSupt Conrado L. Villanueva, Highway Patrol Group
PCInsp Vicente Castor Jr., Aviation Security Group
PInsp Maria Alicia B. Valera, HPG
SPO2 Antonio C. Quimio, HPG
PO3 Sammuel R. Sia, HPG
According to PPA Administrator Go, the said forum served as a
venue for all correction practitioners/experts who share
insights and strategies in the community-based rehabilitation of
offenders that was attended by local and foreign participants
handling probation, local government officials, and members of
the judiciary and law enforcement. (PNP-PIO) |
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DOST issues policies on web
hosting, email, info standards |
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Source:
http://www.dost.gov.ph |
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Government offices will be more efficient as policies on
operational standards, web hosting and email have been laid out
for adoption by agencies.
This was announced recently by the Information and
Communications Technology Office (ICT Office) of the Department
of Science and Technology (DOST).
Louis Napoleon C. Casambre, ICT Office executive director,
signed the Memorandum Circulars governing Government Web Hosting
Service (GWHS),Government-wide Email (GovMail), and Philippine
eGovernment Interoperability Framework or PeGIF Part 2,
otherwise known as the Information Interoperability Framework
(IIF).
“The GWHS is the government’s answer to the need for greater
security and robustness in the Internet technologies it uses,”
said Casambre.
Meanwhile, ICT Office Deputy Executive Director for e-Government
Denis F. Villorente said, “The adoption of GovMail Services will
rationalize government communications as well as improve the
delivery of goods and services to the general public.”
The Memorandum Circular on GovMail is in line with the provision
of Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which
requires the government to redesign its transaction systems and
procedures to reduce bureaucratic red tape and processing time.
It also provides the basis for appropriate disciplinary actions
on violations of the use of the GovMail service.
On the other hand, the Circular on interoperability lays out the
policies on information standards to be adopted by government
agencies.
“The IIF will certainly enable the Philippine government to
share and reuse information in a uniform and effective manner
among its various agencies and instrumentalities as well as
between the government and its stakeholders,” said Villorente.
GWHS, GovMail, and IIF are all part of ICT Office’s iGov
Philippines program which seeks to enhance government efficiency
and effectiveness by using and putting relevant mechanisms to
implement interactive, interconnected and interoperable
government applications.
For more about iGov Philippines and ICT Office, visit DOST’s
upcoming National Science and Technology Week on July 24-28,
2015 at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. (S&T Media Service) |
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PHL Consul General speaks before
the Rotary Club of Ala Moana, Honolulu |
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Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ |
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29 June 2015 – Philippine Consul General to Honolulu Gina
Jamoralin delivered a Powerpoint presentation on the
“Philippines- US Bilateral Relations: An Enduring Alliance”
during a luncheon meeting organized by the Rotary Club of Ala
Moana on June 18 at the Ala Moana Hotel. This was made possible
through the invitation of Mr. Roger Lerud, Program Chairman of
the Ala Moana Rotary Club.
The presentation discussed the history of the Philippines-United
States alliance, their economic, political, cultural and
security dimensions; exchanges of high level visits between the
two countries. Consul General Jamoralin spoke about the
highlights of the State Visit of President Barack Obama to the
Philippines in April 2014 including the signing of the Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) on the eve of the Obama
visit.
She also expounded on why the relations are enduring and
strengthening amidst challenges in the international security
environment, noting that the Philippines is the United States’
oldest security treaty ally in Southeast Asia and one of the
five US treaty allies in Pacific region apart from Japan, South
Korea, Australia and Thailand. The US is also the only country
with which the Philippines has a mutual defense treaty.
Consul General Jamoralin spoke about the United States’
significant contribution to humanitarian assistance and
post-disaster rehabilitation when Super Typhoon Haiyan struck
Leyte and other parts of the Visayas on November 2013.
She also took the opportunity to promote the 10th Ambassadors,
Consuls General, Tourism Directors’ Tour (ACGTDT) to be held
from July 5 to 10 in Manila and Cebu. Copies of the brochures on
“Doing Business in the Philippines” from by the Board of
Investments (BOI) of the Philippines were also distributed to
the Rotary Club members. |
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PHL Consul General delivers Lecture in Guam on “Jose
Rizal and the Basque People” |
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Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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29 June 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Agana
commemorated the 154th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal by
organizing a lecture entitled “Jose Rizal and the Basque People”
in cooperation with the Laguna Association of Guam (LAG) on June
17 at the Seafood Chef Restaurant. Philippine Consul General to
Agana Marciano R. de Borja, who is a trained historian,
delivered the lecture based on his research while he was a
graduate student in Spain.
The program began with welcome remarks given by Laguna
Association of Guam President Peter Gacutan and this was
immediately followed by the lecture by Consul General de Borja.
During his lecture, which lasted for an hour and a half, Consul
General de Borja discussed the Basque presence in the
Philippines and how this may have influenced Rizal’s depiction
of the principal characters in his two novels, Noli me Tangere
and El Filibusterismo.
A lively question and answer forum immediately followed the
lecture, with some questions being raised about why there
continues to be a debate about the status of Rizal as a national
hero.
The lecture was attended by over 100 people, including Guam
Lieutenant Governor Raymond Tenorio, Senator Frank B. Aguon Jr.
of the 33rd Guam Legislature, professors and students from the
University of Guam, officers and members of the different
Filipino organizations on Guam led by the Laguna Association of
Guam, as well as media representatives. |
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Filipino bet may be next chief of UN
Maritime Body |
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Source:
http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
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Abaya in London to Cast PH Vote for Top IMO Post Tomorrow
A nation that supplies 30% of the world's ocean-going manning
requirements may soon have one of its own heading the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the United Nations
(UN) body which governs the global shipping industry, days after
it celebrated the international Day of the Seafarer last June
25.
Dr. Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., who currently serves as Administrator
of the Philippines' Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and as
such has been primarily responsible for securing the country’s
Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW)
compliance, is one of 6 candidates to be the next Secretary
General of the IMO.
"It would bring great pride and honor to the country for a
Filipino to head the IMO. We are here to rally behind the
Philippines' bet Dr. Mejia, who is a most-qualified candidate as
a internationally-acknowledged expert in maritime industry,"
said Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya.
"Filipinos are the preferred seafarers worldwide because they
are competent, hardworking, and trustworthy. It would only be
fitting, therefore, to have a competent, hardworking, and
trustworthy Filipino trailblazing the future of the global
industry at the helm of the IMO," he added.
Elections will be held at the IMO Headquarters in London
tomorrow, June 30. As transportation chief, Abaya will cast the
country's vote at tomorrow's polls. The term of an IMO Secretary
General lasts for four (4) years, and one (1) reelection is
allowed thereafter.
Dr. Mejia began his career as a 19-year old midshipman at the US
Naval Academy. He later served as a commissioned officer for the
Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard. He has held
notable posts, such as Deputy Executive Director of the Task
Force on Maritime Development, and has been a member of the
IMO-STCW Panel of Competent Persons.
Prior to heading MARINA, Dr. Mejia taught as a Professor at the
World Maritime University (WMU) in Sweden, where he was also
Head of its Maritime Law and Policy program. He has a Bachelor’s
degree from the US Naval Academy, two (2) Masters degrees from
Tuft University and WMU, respectively, and a Doctorate from Lund
University. |
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No planned hike in monthly
contributions |
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Source:
https://www.sss.gov.ph |
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The Social Security System (SSS) clarified that it has no plan
to increase the current contribution rate in the immediate
future, contrary to recent reports.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. De Quiros,
Jr. said that currently circulating stories of a planned
increase could have stemmed from the results of an SSS study,
which looked into the impact of a P2,000 across-the-board
pension increase as provided in House Bill 5842.
The SSS study revealed that adding P2,000 to existing pension
payments would require corresponding adjustments in the
contribution rate or a government subsidy, otherwise it will
shorten the SSS’ fund life by 13 years or until 2029. The SSS'
fund life today is projected to last for 27 years or until 2042.
“Although a contribution hike is much needed to improve the
actuarial soundness of SSS funds, we would like to assure the
public, especially our members that we are not seeking for
another increase in their contributions at this time,” De Quiros
said.
Clarification on performance-based bonus.
Likewise, SSS said that inquiries about the grant of
performance-based bonus to its officials and employees must be
directed to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), the
oversight body which religiously monitors performance of GOCCs
and grants authority to give performance-based bonus.
“Our financial statements and accomplishment reports are open to
public scrutiny in our website as confirmed by the Governance
Commission for GOCCs. These reports validate our continuous
efforts to improve the benefits of our members and pensioners
while ensuring financial viability of the pension fund,” De
Quiros said. |
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BI denies allegations aired over
Facebook |
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Source:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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Manila, Philippines--- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) explained
the Guidelines on departure formalities and its implementation
in the wake of the online complaine lodged by a certain Julie
Ann Dela Cruz, with the facebook handle “Julianne Dee.”
Ms. Dela Cruz aired her disappointment over her recent
experience with immigration officers when she attempted to
depart on June 17, 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Terminal 3.
In her post dated June 18, she said that she was made to wait an
hour and 30 minutes by the immigration officer who was
designated to conduct the interview. She also stated that she
was only interviewed until the last minute, when the aircraft
was about to take off, adding that she failed to make the flight
because the officer demanded that she present the birth
certificate of her late grandfather.
“We’re sorry that Ms. Dela Cruz missed her flight, but we were
only doing our job. We would like to take this opportunity to
remind the traveling public to be at the airport at least three
hours prior to their expected time of departure (ETD) to make
sure that they complete all pre-departure requirements before
boarding time. We would also wish to explain the Guidelines on
departure formalities to our kababayans to clear any
misunderstanding avoid future similar incidents,” said BI
spokesperson Elaine Tan.
It appears that Dela Cruz was not arbitrarily withheld by the
immigration officer. Instead, she was delayed by the long
processing queue, and the immigration officers tried their best
to accommodate her, taking the circumstances of other passengers
in queue into consideration. “Her flight happened to be within
the peak hours of flights so there were quite a number of
passengers being processed,” explained Tan.
Dela Cruz was processed during the “peak hours” of secondary
inspection, as most flights were considered “high risk”
destinations for being jump-off points to other countries or
with high incidents of trafficking. Based on the flight summary
for June 17, 10 out of 12 flights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. were
bound to high risk destinations, with a total of 1,873
passengers processed.
BI records show that Dela Cruz was requested to defer her
departure after a determination that she is a likely victim of
human trafficking. One basis for this finding was her failure to
establish her purpose and capacity to travel. Her employment in
the Philippines was likewise not substantially established.The
findings of the immigration officer states:
No substantial proof of local employment;
Invitation letter (scanned) not duly certified by Phil.
Consulate in Singapore;
Failed to establish relationship with sponsor – allegedly aunt,
with same common name “Dela Cruz”;
Can’t establish personal financial capacity to support travel as
tourist in Singapore;
Requirement:
1. Proof of relationship to sponsor – Orig. NSO issued marriage
cert. of Ma. Concepcion A. Dela Cruz and marriage cert. of pax
father.
“Our immigration officers assessed the totality of Ms. Dela
Cruz’s circumstances and under the Guidelines on departure
formalities, she was required to present proof of her
relationship with her sponsor, whom she claimed to be the first
cousin of her father. The requirement slip was provided to Ms.
Dela Cruz, which she formally received,” stated Tan.
Dela Cruz was never required to present the birth certificate of
her grandfather. It may further be pointed out that only
relatives up to the fourth civil degree may be allowed to
sponsor, with a corresponding affidavit of support authenticated
by the Philippine consulate. However, based on the assessment,
she was allowed to travel despite her sponsor being her fifth
degree relative.
“Our immigration officers actually want to allow everyone to
travel. However, with the growing number of trafficking victims
that they encounter, and with the previous information on the
schemes that traffickers do to get through our borders, our
officers are mindful of their duties to protect our countrymen,”
Tan appealed.
The Guidelines on departure formalities was formulated by the
Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in 2011. The BI merely
implements the guidelines.
BI records further reveal that Dela Cruz attempted to travel
again on June 19, but was again requested to defer her departure
for failure to present the documents required from the previous
assessment. |
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Approved applicants for Registration
without examination as Agriculturists |
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Source:
http://www.prc.gov.ph |
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Manila, June 29, 2015 --- The Professional Regulation Commission
announces the approved list of applicants who have qualified to
be registered without examination as Agriculturists pursuant to
Section 25, Article V of PRC Resolution No. 2000-663, Series of
2000 and Board of Agriculturists Resolutions approved by the
Commission as follows:
The schedule of registration for registrants will be announced.
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112 farm machineries for farmers of
Region 1 |
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Source:
http://www.dar.gov.ph |
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The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will turn over P19.3
million worth of farm machines to 42 farmers organizations of
Region 1 to help increase farm productivity and household
income.
Regional Director Homer P. Tobias said the farm machines,
composed of 12 corn shellers, 53 hand tractors, five reapers and
42 threshers is scheduled for distribution to the 42 farmers
organizations on next month.
“The 42 farmers’ organizations were picked as recipients of the
farm machineries after meeting all the required specifications.
We have also conducted trainings on the proper use of these farm
machines in the provinces of La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte
and Ilocos Sur,” Tobias said.
According to Tobias, more than 27,000 farmer-beneficiaries of
the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) are set to
benefit from the project.
“The use of these farm machines will also be extended to
non-agrarian reform beneficiaries of the community,” Tobias
added.
REG01 ARCESS 03In one of DAR’s trainings, Provincial Agrarian
Reform Officer Maria Ana Francisco told agrarian reform
beneficiaries to take care of the equipment to ease the burden
on their part and boost their farm productivity.
The farm equipments are being provided to farmer-beneficiaries
under the DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and
Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). Florida Lafuente |
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Texting OK in ag ex – PhilRice
researcher |
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Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
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Access to farming information is now taking a new trend as
modern technology plays pivotal roles in reaching Filipino
farmers.
According to Dr. Ronan G. Zagado, development communicator at
PhilRice, use of short message service (SMS) allows an alternate
and easier route for farmers in obtaining agricultural
information.
Zagado explained that aside from being a social communication
medium, SMS is also used massively in agriculture.
“The PhilRice Text Center (PTC) is a good example of this. From
merely 11 text messages in 2006 to more than 100,000 SMS queries
in 2010,” he said.
PTC provides information in the form of farm advisories,
technology updates, market information, how-to’s, and other farm
insights. Texters, predominantly farmers, consult to PTC in
every cropping season and even during fallow period.
Furthermore, the information provided by PTC translates into
additional income for farmers. In a study conducted by PhilRice
development communicator Hazel V. Antonio in 2011, the use of
SMS in getting agricultural information could give up to P39,730
additional income
A different view of agri-extension
In a study titled Texting as a discursive approach for the
production of agricultural solutions by Zagado and Michael
Wilmore of the University of Adelaide, the meaning of
agricultural knowledge varies and depends on its use to the user
or client.
An example of this is the meaning of rice variety. As reported,
‘which rice variety to grow’ was the most frequently asked topic
received by the PTC.
“Varietal recommendations will vary depending on farmers’
requirements relating to yield potential, pest resistance,
varietal maturity, location, and eating quality,” Zagado said.
He added that SMS provides an entirely different view and
process of agricultural extension particularly in the production
and distribution of agricultural knowledge.
Several factors play vital role in this process such as content,
clarity, length, timing and cultural factors.
Queries received within working days from 8am to 5pm get speedy
response. As for the content of the message, it is preferred if
it is shorter and easier messages receive faster reply.
It is advised to make queries concise and direct to the point,
and send it during office hours to receive faster response.
Longer messages or difficult queries may take longer time for
the operator of the PTC to respond.
While texting has indeed provided an alternate route in getting
agricultural knowledge, Zagado stressed, improvements can still
be made to make it more effective. (DA-PhilRice Development
Communication Division) |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 AM
30 June 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM
30 June 2015 
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