| Key employment figures improve in April 2015, on track with gov’t target for the year |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
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MANILA—The reduction in the country’s unemployment and underemployment rates in April 2015 indicates a sustained favorable situation in the job market owing to the continued strength of the economy, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“The favorable market condition in April 2015 follows a similar trend in the January 2015 round of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) where unemployment and underemployment also declined,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the country’s unemployment rate significantly decreased to 6.4 percent in April 2015 from 7.0 percent of the same month in 2014. This translates to 495,000 more employed Filipinos and reduced the total number of unemployed to 2.7 million.
“It is noteworthy that the improvement in the employment situation appears to be broad-based. Thirteen out of seventeen regions, including the National Capital Region or NCR, exhibited a decline in unemployment during the survey period,” the Cabinet official said.
“NCR continued to post the highest unemployment rate at 9.3 percent, while ARMM recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 3.2 percent,” added Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.
Underemployment also improved to 17.8 percent from the 18.2 percent registered in the same period in 2014. This accounts for the 44,000 Filipinos who are no longer underemployed, reducing the total number to 7.0 million employed persons who want more work for the period.
“Looking at the characteristics of the underemployed, improvements were observed across all classes of workers, except for the self-employed without any paid employee, those who worked with pay in their own family-operated farms, and workers in government or government corporations,” he said.
Moreover, majority of the labor force who are employed in more remunerative and stable work increased by 1.9 percent, reaching 22.6 million in April 2015. They now comprise 57.8 percent of total workers, slightly higher than their 57.5 percent share from a year ago.
“If these developments are sustained for the rest of the year, the full-year average will likely surpass the Philippine Development Plan target of 6.6 to 6.8 percent for the unemployment rate and 18.0 percent for the underemployment rate in 2015,” said Balisacan.
Meanwhile, total employment also grew by 1.3 percent year-on-year in April 2015, which means that an additional 495,000 Filipinos were able to get jobs during the period.
“While this period’s employment rate is slower than the posted growth in April 2014, the situation has generally improved as services and industry sectors continue to lead in jobs generation,” the NEDA official said.
The slight setback was mainly due to the El Niño phenomenon that impacted the agriculture sector, which accounts for about one-third of total employment.
“To ensure that the gains in employment are sustained, the government must continue its interventions in the agriculture sector and pursue adequate infrastructure spending to boost economic growth and employment,” said Balisacan.
In agriculture, he stressed the need to implement disaster risk management strategies and other precautionary measures against drought, floods, and rain-induced landslides in hazard prone areas. This is to mitigate as well as prevent any further adverse effects of natural disasters on the country’s economy, especially on employment.
“To continue the gains, we need to speed-up the implementation of key reforms such as public infrastructure development, reducing investment restrictions, increasing competition, reducing the cost of doing business. If implemented, these can help lift the key constraints to sustained, job-generating growth,” he concluded.
The PSA notes that the labor and employment data for the April 2015 LFS round still excludes Leyte. Due to large number of households displaced in the province by the typhoon Yolanda, a new sampling frame for the province of Leyte has to be created for it to be included in the survey. The old listing of households for Leyte used as sampling frame for the 2003 Master Sample is no longer usable, according to the PSA. |
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| Ombudsman charges DepEd exec with graft |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Regional Director of the Department of Education – Region IX faces indictment before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) in connection with the anomalous procurement of computers in 2008.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of Information against Regional Director Walter Albos who was found to have approved the procurement of information technology equipment and software worth P2,998,100.00. Records show that the Commission on Audit (COA) issued a Notice of Suspension after finding that there was lack of public bidding for the procurement and that the delivered equipment was not in accordance with the quantity and specifications indicated in the purchase order. Documents such as the Special Allotment Release Order, Advice of Notice of Cash Allocation, Statement of Allotment, Obligation and Balances, and COA Audit Observation Memorandum were submitted during the investigation. On 08 August 2012, the COA lifted the suspension as the account had already been settled.
In proceeding to find probable cause for graft, the Office took “cognizance of the instant complaint despite COA’s decision that the questioned disbursement has been settled” as “the interest of the COA is solely administrative, and its investigation does not foreclose the Ombudsman’s authority to investigate and determine whether there is a crime to be prosecuted for which a public official is answerable."
The Resolution expounded that the graft charge must be pursued as “there is nothing in the records that would prove that the Bids and Awards Committee participated in the procurement” as “the procurement was only upon the direction of respondent Albos.” It found insufficient justification for the use of the alternative method of negotiated procurement.” The investigation uncovered that there was delivery of equipment even before an abstract of bids was issued.
The charge against Chief Administrative Officer Elizabeth Tatel was dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. |
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| BSP warns the public against "Phishing Scams" |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued an Advisory to the Public pertaining to Phishing Scams.
Phishing is a form of identity theft whereby someone steals or uses personal or sensitive information of another person without his/her knowledge or permission, through hacking into one’s personal account, hijacking one’s data and taking over one’s online identity, to commit fraudulent acts/crimes, or conduct unauthorized business.
Once the scammers have your information, it becomes possible for them to withdraw money or purchase items under your name, open a new bank or credit card account, use your present account to illegally deal with other people, or encash checks on your behalf.
Scammers may also install computer viruses and worms or embed them in your e-mail and disseminate more phishing e-mails to other people.
These fraudsters usually send an e-mail with a generic greeting, such as “Dear Customer” or “To Our Valued Client” with an urgent message or content containing a threat such as “Verify your account”, “Update your account”, or “Failure to do so will result in account suspension.”
The message is usually accompanied by a link that, when clicked, leads to a spoofed or fake website which asks you to input your personal and financial information such as User IDs, passwords and account and personal identification numbers.
Scammers may use official-looking logos and other identifying information from a financial institution or other legitimate organization.
Phishing may be done in various methods other than e-mail, such as text messages, chat rooms, electronic fake banner advertisements or message boards, fake mailing lists, fake job search sites and job offers, and fake browser toolbars.
To avoid being victimized by Phishing scams, do not reply to suspicious e-mails. Ignore and delete the message. Do not click any link in a suspicious message. Do not give personal and financial information requested through e-mail.
Instead, call your bank and send a letter to verify if such e-mail request is real. If you think you have given out information to a phisher, report the incident immediately to the company that was spoofed.
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| Philippines drives openness across Asia Pacific |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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APEC 2015 meetings in Bagac advance fiscal transparency
9 June 2015 Bagac, Bataan—The Philippines, host of the 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings, opens the Workshop on Fiscal Management Through Transparency and Reforms today in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. The workshop extends until 10 June and immediately precedes the Senior Finance Officials Meeting on 11-12 June, turning the 400-hectare heritage resort into a recreated town of historical structures housing the work of a region re-imagining its future.
Philippine Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima, chair of the APEC 2015 Finance Ministers’ Process, looked forward to the outcome of the meetings saying, ““The Philippines has emerged a regional leader in openness. We wish to join fellow pioneers of transparency in sharing how opening up governments radically opens up opportunities for sustained, inclusive growth.
This principle is what underpins our firm belief in good governance reaping great economic gains. It is a principle we think should be a core pillar of our vision for APEC’s future.”
Delegates are set to discuss fiscal policies for inclusive growth and addressing inequality, where member economies will share public spending experiences in health and education. The workshop will examine trends in expanding fiscal space to accommodate inclusive forms of government investment.
Further, economies in the region are increasingly responsive to demands to make public investment management more efficient, as well as to deliver good and open governance through open data. Sessions will introduce Open Data and its regional and global practices, exploring how to deepen sustainable gains and reforms in transparency and openness.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Richard E. Moya, a key champion of open data in the Philippines, is expected to lead a session on regional perspectives with innovation delivering improved public services and good governance, while generating commercial and economic activity.
Further, the workshop will draw on New Zealand’s and the Philippines’ experiences with open budgets as a means to enhance fiscal management and accountability. Meanwhile, Korean and Philippine practices in open procurement and contracting, as well as active citizen participation will be likewise explored.
APEC member economies recognize how public finance and fiscal policy reform are needed to generate more government revenues without dampening the levels of taxpayer consumption. Discussions are expected to cover rationalizing the provision of fiscal incentives and subsidies, which are key strategies that policymakers utilize to encourage private investment. Member economies will take measures to learn the proper design of such instruments in order to avoid base erosion and reducing in critical public investments. Indonesia’s experience with subsidy reform will be shared as a key discussion point.
Finally, member economies will undertake successful modernizations of treasury systems, showing how it facilitates budget allocation, execution, audit, and control, as well as improve technical efficiency and cash management.
The workshop is critical to firming up the Cebu Action Plan being proposed by the Philippines, with inputs from this particular meeting feeding into the fiscal transparency pillar of CAP.
In delivering opening remarks for the workshop, Finance Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran said, “We anticipate that the discussions in this workshop can produce strategies to further enhance the work in fiscal transparency and policy reform.
We also envision that this Workshop will serve as a venue for APEC economies to find areas of collaboration in fiscal transparency and policy reform, true to the role of APEC as a forum for economic and technical cooperation among its member-economies.” |
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| Negosyo Center in Batangas City to be launched 25 June |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch the Batangas City Government’s Negosyo Center located at the Gusali ng Kapayapaan at Kalikasanin P. Burgos Street on 25 June, DTI-4A Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo announced.
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo, and Ramon Lopez of the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) will give keynote messages at the launch, while Batangas City Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha will declare the Center ‘business ongoing’.
Negosyo Centers are established in all provinces, cities and municipalities to promote ease of doing business and facilitate access to services for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in accordance to Republic Act No. 10644, also known as the “Go Negosyo Act”.
The Go Negosyo Act aims to promote job generation and inclusive growth through the development of MSMEs, and stipulates for the establishment of Negosyo Centers.
Moreover, the Act aims reduce poverty by encouraging the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) that facilitate local job creation, production, and trade in the country.
Every Negosyo Center established will facilitate and expedite the business application process of MSMEs in coordination with the local governments and other concerned agencies and will provide assistance to MSMEs in the availment of technology transfer, production, and management training programs and marketing assistance of the DTI and other government agencies.
A unified and simplified business registration form that contain all necessary information for the business application process of MSMEs will be made available in all Negosyo Centers.
Under the law, DTI through the Negosyo Centers will have sole power to issue the certificate of authority for the barangay micro business enterprises to avail of the benefits provided by Republic Act 9178, the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) Act of 2002.
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Council, through the DTI regional offices, will assign personnel and supervise the operations of the Negosyo Centers.
Along with the Quezon City Negosyo Center, the Batangas City Negosyo Center is a pilot center. Existing Negosyo Centers are in Cagayan De Oro and Iloilo City.
Published: 09 June 2015
09 June is World Accreditation Day
The World Accreditation Day (WAD), which is celebrated annually on 09 June, is a global initiative jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation-related activities. The WAD 2015 theme focuses on the role that accreditation plays in delivering health and social care.
The greatest challenge of today is the successful provision of health and social care. With the expanding global population growth and increased life expectancy, the need to provide reassuring, consistent, and cost-effective health and social care will grow in its magnitude and complexity. |
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| Philippines brings APEC 2015 to Bagac, Bataan |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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Heritage resort Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar set to deliver a unique experience
8 June 2015 Bagac, Bataan—Delegates from Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies are set to converge at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a landmark resort in Bagac, Bataan as the Philippines hosts the APEC Workship on Fiscal Management Through Transparency and Reforms on 9-10 June and the APEC Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting on 11-12 June 2015.
Bataan is a province steeped in history, remembered for the Death March prisoners of war were made to undertake during World War II. Las Casas, located in the smallest and oldest towns of Bataan, melds history and heritage together as a celebration of Filipino culture and craftsmanship. Renowned art collector and architect Jose Rizalino “Jerry” Acuzar put his New San Jose Builders behind the herculean project to rebuild the past through the restoration of houses that make up the 400-hectare heritage resort.
According to Las Casas, the houses date from the 18th to 19th centuries and constellate the recreated village of cobblestone streets, small plazas and outdoor sculpture. Houses within Las Casas are mostly relocated and reconstructed with materials sourced from old houses from different parts of the country, while some mirror already existing structures. A grand replica of the Hotel de Oriente in Binondo, Manila now sits on the bank of a river, making for a picturesque scene for the APEC delegates.
At present, there are 27 structures in the recreated town, lined along streets that Las Casas aims to transform guests into “voyeurs of history.” Among those restored are historical principalia, or mansions of the noble class, bahay na bato, or houses of stone, as well as wooden and stilt houses. Las Casas is on track to recreate 50 houses as part of its rebuilding target. This December, a fully functional train will be able to take guests around the resort town.
APEC meetings will be held at the Hotel de Oriente, while delegate guest rooms will consist of a mix of old casa and apartment types of lodging. Among them are beachfront La Puesta del Sol, and the La Ribera, featuring a river canal à la Venice, as well as the Casas San Luis, Jaen I and II, Meycauayan, and the Paseo de Escolta.
The heritage resort contains 6 restaurant and bars, namely: La Bella Teodora, which was formerly located at Binan Laguna and owned by Teodora Alonzo, offering Italian Cuisine; Café Marivent, which offers Filipino-Spanish cuisine; La Panaderia, which offers bread, cakes and pastries inspired from recipes centuries-old. Comida de la Calle offers street foods and native Filipino favorites, while La Parilla and Taberna Senor Pepe serve sumptuous meals.
Las Casas Filipinas’ commitment to Filipino culture and the arts is best seen in the Escuela de Bellas Artes, formerly Casa Quiapo, designed by Felix Roxas y Arroyo, the first Filipino to practice Architecture during the Spanish era. Casa Quiapo was considered as one of the most finest examples of Philippine Architecture during the Spanish Colonization era. Today, Escuela de Bellas Artes features the works of Alfredo Esquillo Jr., Renato Habulan and Geraldine Javier.
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima looked forward to the start of the meetings saying, “We walk the talk when we say, ‘it’s more fun in the Philippines.’ We did not opt for a conventional hotel, we wanted to deliver a unique experience. I think APEC delegates are in for taste of refined hospitality in Bagac as they bask in the past while charting the region’s future.
When delegates remember APEC 2015 in Bagac, we want them to recall not only which regional priorities they successfully advanced, but that they did it where beauty defied time and space.” |
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| Statement of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz - On the 2015 April Labor Force Survey |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Statement
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
On the 2015 April Labor Force Survey
“I am pleased to note that the result of the 2015 April Labor Force Survey validates our optimism on the country’s overall employment situation. I further note that these results sustain the gains in decent work and Millennium Development Goals (MDG) indicators on employment which we begun to achieve under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III.
“On employment growth, which is one of the decent work indicators, the 2015 April LFS shows that the number of employed persons increased by 495,000 to reach 39.15 million, or 93.6 percent. This is higher by 1.3 percent over the 2014 April LFS of 38.66 million, or 93 percent.
“Consequently, the increase in employment resulted to a decrease in unemployment. In the 2015 April, unemployment dropped to 6.4 percent from 7 percent in 2014 April, with the number of unemployed persons recorded at 2.681 million compared to 2.924 million a year ago, a difference of 243,000.
“The increase in employment was also accompanied by a decrease in underemployment—another decent work indicator. In the 2014 April LFS, underemployment was 18.2 percent. This went down to 17.8 percent in 2015 April, or from 7.02 million to 6.98 million. The only dent in this positive note was that the ratio of self-employed (numbering 11.034 million) and unpaid family workers (numbering 4.334 million)—which is also a decent work indicator—reversed its decline and slightly rose by 145,000 to reach 11.034 million and 4.334 million, respectively.
“Another decent work indicator is the ratio of unemployed youth to total employment. The result of the 2014 April LFS was very encouraging, as the number of unemployed persons aged 15-24 years old decreased to 1.350 million (14.9 percent) from 1.457 million (15.7 percent) in 2014 April. The unemployed youth rate in the 2013 April LFS was 16.8 percent.
“On this indicator, we are definitely already reaping the fruits of our programs addressing the problem of youth unemployment, such as the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES); Youth Entrepreneurship Program; Government Internship Program; and the one-year old JobStart, a DOLE-ADB-Canada joint program that aims to shorten school-to-work transition by providing the youth, local government units, and Public Employment Service Offices, with full-cycle employment facilitation services.
“Women’s participation in the labor force, both a decent work and MDG indicators, slightly eased down, from 51.3 percent in 2014 April to 51 percent in this survey round. While this is a decline, it is still an improvement over the 2013 April LFS rate of 49.4 percent and maintains the above 50 percent threshold that women’s participation in the labor force has breached—under the Aquino III administration—for the first time in many years.
“Another decent work indicator is quality of employment. I observe that the number of wage and salary workers continues to increase. In the 2015 April LFS, the number has reached 22.637 million, up by 418,000 from the 22. 219 million recorded in the 2014 April LFS, or a modest growth of 2 percent compared to the 4.3 percent growth exhibited in the 2013 April LFS.
“This growth was led by the 189,000 increase in the number or employed persons in government or government corporations, and the 178,000 increment in workers in private establishments, the total of which offset the decline in the number of workers with pay in own family-operated farm or businesses (-5,000) and employers in own family-operated farm or businesses (-69,000).
“The growth in employment was fuelled by increases in services, which grew by 776,000, and in industry, which rose by 121,000. The growth in these two sectors was large enough to absorb the decline in agriculture, which recorded a decrease of 402,000.
“In industry, manufacturing decreased slightly by a percentage point, while mining rose by half percentage point. Construction posted the biggest gain of 167,000 in new employed persons.
“In services, almost all subsectors recorded high growth, except arts, entertainment and recreation (-30,000) and activities of households as employers (-20,000). Wholesale and retail trade were among the winners in services, adding 210,000 to total employment; transportation and storage (+109,00); public administration and defence (+162,000); and information and communication (+67,000).
“Regionally, except Regions 10, 11, Caraga, and ARMM, all regions posted employment growth. Only the NCR remained unchanged, with 4.709 million in employed persons. |
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| DOST's Int'l Fair picks top student science projects |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
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| Photo shows the winners of the poster making contest and the Best Project awards during the recent 2nd Philippine International Science Fair by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Science High School System (DOST-PSHS). The fair was participated by high school students from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Sweden and the Philippines who had the chance to be mentored by top Filipino scientists. Selected as Best Projects were “Taal Lakers,” a solution for effective management of Taal Lake; “Sphyder” for faster, efficient and cheaper removal of garbage in bodies of water; and “Maximizing Efficiency of Water Usage,” an innovation to enhance crop production at a permaculture farming site in Nueva Ecija. The fair serves as a ramp-up to DOST’s National Science and Technology Week on July 24-28 at SMX Convention Center where students will display their robot inventions to the general public. |
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| PNP joins 7th Philippine Commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
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26 May 2015 – The PNP joins the weeklong celebration of the 7th Philippine Commemoration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers hosted by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in coordination with the National Council for United Nations Peace Operations (NCUNPO) and the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) held at DFA Building in Roxas Boulevard.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated around the world every 29th day of May in memory of the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the quest for peace, as well as to give tribute to all the men and women who have served and to those who are in active service in UN Peacekeeping operations for their professionalism, dedication, and courage. The Philippine observance of the event was made official by Presidential Proclamation No. 1755, series of 2009.
Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Evan Garcia, United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim Terence Jones, and high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology led the inauguration of an exhibit featuring the history of Philippine involvement in UN peacekeeping from 1964 up to the present day either as a Formed Units, UN Police, or Observers.
They were later joined by members of the diplomatic corps, government, military and law enforcement officials at the opening ceremonies in Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, where Acting Secretary Garcia delivered the keynote speech and Mr. Jones conveyed the message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. Both officials hailed the sacrifices made by the valiant blue helmets, and called for action in helping face the new realities and challenges of modern UN peacekeeping.
The event was highlighted by distribution of awards (NCUNPO, Service and Bravery) to deserving Filipino involvement in peace operations. The NCUNPO Award is awarded in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Philippine government in UN peacekeeping operations efforts that brought honor, respect and credit to the country. The NCUNPO Service Award is given in recognition to the selfless service and devotion to duty of individuals who significantly contributed in the administrative and logistical preparations of Philippine deployment to United Nations Peace Operations (UNPOs). While the Bravery Award is handed to individuals to recognize their heroism during situation in mission areas involving risk of life.
The NCUNPO award were conferred to Col. Roberto Ancan (Chief of the AFP Peacekeeping Operations Center), PSSUPT. CESAR HAWTHORNE RIVERA BINAG (Former Deputy Police Commissioner, United Nations Mission in Liberia), Col. Reno Tolentino (Secretariat Head, AFP Screening Board Bravo), Lt. Col. Arnel Bautista (Chief of AFP-PKOC Mission Support Office), PSUPT. DAVID MARTINEZ VINLUAN (Former Police Officer 4, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, New York), PSUPT. EDWARD DAYA QUIJANO (Assistant Chief, PNP UN Peace Operations Center), JSInsp. Ma. Teresa Colopano (Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation Division, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology), PCINSP. ALGEN ARIB TABA (Fleet Adviser and Team Leader, United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti), Mr. Raphael Hermoso (Former Executive Director, NCUNPO Secretariat), Mr. Robert Eric Borje (Former Fourth Committee Officer, Philippine Mission to the UN in New York) and Mr. Christian Louie Belleza (Desk Officer for Peacekeeping and Crisis Operations, NCUNPO).
Service Award was also given to the following outstanding peacekeeping personnel of the PNP namely: PCSUPT ALEXANDER CURAMENG IGNACIO (The Acting Director for Plans who also represented ATTY. PETER IRVING C. CORVERA, Undersecretary for Public Safety, DILG and PDDG. LEONARDO ARIAS ESPINA, the OIC, PNP in the activity), PCINSP CHRISTIAN MATUTINA LUCI, PSINSP JAMES ACOP ESPORAS, SPO3 Aldrin Bassi Galay, SPO3 Edgar Pagulayan Arugay, SPO2 Ma. Cecilia Victor Acosta, and SPO1 George Siniguian Pascua.
Bravery Award was handed to the AFP Contingent who was involved in the standoff with Syrian rebels last year in Golan Heights.
Later in the afternoon, the Foreign Service Institute and United Nations and International Organization Office co-hosted a Mangrove Forum on Philippine Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations. Distinguished speakers at the Forum included Assistant Secretary Jesus R. S. Domingo of DFA-Office of the United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), and pioneering leaders Defense Undersecretary Natalio Ecarma III (MGen. Ret.), the first Filipino Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, and PCSUPT. WILFREDO DALIS FRANCO, The Acting Director of Police Community Relations Group and Former Senior Team Leader of the Standing Police Capacity of the UN Logistics Base (UNLB) in Brindisi, Italy.
On May 28, 2015 at 8:30 AM, a group of students in International Studies coming from various Universities in Metro Manila, upon coordination of Mr. Ric M. Alarilla, Officer for Political and Security Affairs, UNIO, DFA visited Camp Crame and they were welcomed by PSSUPT LEO A. MARZAN, Chief, UNPOC prior to their study tour at the PNP Museum. The visit was part of the celebration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers. PSUPT EDWARD D. QUIJANO, Assistant Chief, UNPOC presented a briefing on the PNP’s Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations followed by a lecture conducted by PSUPT JOB RUSSELL BALAQUIT from PCRG on Crime Prevention. At 12:00 NN of the same date, DFA Staff and students from various Universities, together with UNPOC Personnel, headed to Camp O’Donnell, Capas Tarlac, at Peace Keeping Operations Center for the continuation of the study tour. The AFP showcased their capabilities as a formed unit while deployed in peacekeeping mission areas.
To showcase the commitment of the PNP in the aforesaid celebration, the Directorate for Plans initiated the display of photo exhibit presented during the opening ceremony of International Day of UN Peacekeepers highlighting the history of Philippine involvement in UN peacekeeping. The exhibit was displayed at NHQ PNP Lobby from June 1-9, 2015. |
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| PHL Embassy in Yangon conducts talk on Gender and Development |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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09 June 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Yangon conducted a forum on Gender and Development on June 05 at the Philippine Chancery.
The first part of the forum centered on Republic Act 9710, the Magna Carta on Women. Career Minister Maria Lourdes M. Salcedo discussed the rights of women such as the rights for equal treatment before the law and protection from violence, and the right to decent work, among others. She added that the Magna Carta on Women is a compendium of the country’s more than 15 years of implementing the Beijing Platform of Action as well as the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women or CEDAW.
In an effort to empower migrant workers, particularly in judiciously managing their finances, the second part of the talk highlighted real property as an alternative investment. Ayala Land Inc. Director Antonio T. Aquino discussed the current trends in the Philippine economy, including real property investment in the Philippines. He said that all indications in the economy are showing rosy pictures. In particular, remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are among the more robust drivers, followed by business processing outsourcing (BPO), tourism and manufacturing. He added that the good governance platform of President Aquino and some positive policies from past administrations are now bearing progressive outcomes.
In his opening speech, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex G. Chua said women and migrant workers, though in the past considered belonging to the vulnerable sector in society, should now consider themselves as empowered to contribute to nation-building. “It is important for members of this sector to know their rights and prepare for the future,” he said. |
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| PHL Madrigal singers takes Xiamen University by Storm |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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09 June 2015 – The Philippine Madrigal Singers, also known as the MADZ, performed before a highly appreciative audience of 50 faculty members and students of the Department of International Relations in Xiamen University, Xiamen City on June 04. The MADZ are in Fujian Province from June 04 to 08 as part of their 2015 Concert Tour in China, which also includes performances in Chongqing, Shanghai, and Hongkong.
In his introduction of the MADZ, Philippine Consul General Julius Caesar Flores praised the MADZ as ambassadors of goodwill in promoting and furthering Philippine arts and culture to global audiences. He cited that the MADZ’s tour of Fujian province is a valuable undertaking which contributes to the strengthening of people-to-people exchanges between the Philippines and China.
The first part of the MADZ’s series of performances in Xiamen was held at the Xiamen University in cooperation with the Department of International Relations through Prof. Shi Xueqin, Vice Dean of the Department of International Studies, South East Asian Research Institute, Xiamen University.
Professor Shi conveyed Xiamen University’s appreciation to the Consulate General’s efforts to include Xiamen University in the MADZ’s Tour itinerary while in Fujian Province, especially in strengthening people-to-people contacts between the Philippines and Xiamen University.
As a special treat, the Xiamen University Choir performed for the MADZ and the Philippine Consulate General officers and staff. This was followed by the MADZ workshop conducted by Choirmaster Mark Anthony Carpio.
Aside from the Xiamen University event, the MADZ did concert performances at the Concert Hall, Fujian Grand Theater in Fuzhou City on June 05, at the Kempinski Hotel in Xiamen City on June 06 and at the Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Xiamen City on June 08.
The MADZ’s China Tour forms part of the Consulate General’s commemorative activities for milestone events in 2015, namely the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and China, and the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen. |
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| BI operatives apprehend notirious British pedophile |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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Manila, Philippines---Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents on Wednesday apprehended British national Douglas Michael Slade, a suspected child sex offender in the United Kingdom (UK) and who poses a significant risk to children.
74-year old Slade, a permanent resident in the Philippines, was charged following a letter from the British Embassy saying that he is a wanted sex offender in their country. He was arrested in his home in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Records say that as early as the 1970s, he was linked to a UK activist group called the Pedophile Information Exchange. He has also reportedly molested a 14 year old boy while he was in the UK.
He was likewise arrested numerous times for Child Abuse and Child Pornography in Angeles City. In the mid-1990s, he faced charges involving four children found naked in a swimming pool at his home.
He lived for ten years in Angeles City near a school, making it easy for him to lure children to his home. Allegedly, boys as young as eight years old lined up outside his house and were paid P150 to pose for nude photos and to perform sex acts on him.
He was also re-arrested after indecent images of boys were found in his laptop. Parents of his alleged victims, all under the age of 12, positively identified their children in the photographs, and attested that Slade molested them.
A total of five criminal cases were filed against him, all of which were dismissed.
In January 26, he was charged as an undesirable alien by the Bureau of Immigration. He denied the charges and claimed that the accusations against him are “make believe” and is a “magical fantasy”.
“Slade’s reported acts pose a significant risk and threat to children’s wellbeing,” said BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison. “The wellbeing of our children is considered the utmost interest of the State. We will not allow any such corruption of our youth to happen,” he added.
Slade was arrested after being found liable for undesirability. He is currently quarantined at the BI Bicutan Detention Facility pending resolution of his deportation case. |
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| PRDP signals the construction of P182M Farm to Market roads in Negros Occidental |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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After decades of trudging muddy roads amidst sugarcane farmlands in Negros Occidental to deliver their goods in the market, farmers in Negros Occidental can now expect a sweeter life once two farm-market-roads in the province are completed.
Mr. Danilo Ducay, a 59-year old farmer from Sitio Vergara, Toboso narrated that it is difficult to bring in fertilizers in the farms because of the uneven and narrow dirt road that turns muddy during the rainy season.
“With the construction of the FMR, we are anticipating better incomes because we can now deliver our goods at a cheaper price,” Mr. Ducay said in Bisaya.
He is just among the thousand farmer-residents in the municipal to benefit from the construction of two new roads that were signalled by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for construction, extending 4.2 kilometers (km) and 12.46 km in Toboso and Cadiz City respectively.
DA Undersecretary and PRDP Project Director Emerson Palad and Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the ground-breaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of Sitio Magtu-od and Sitio Vergara FMR, in Toboso and Barangay Caduhaan to Sitio Aluyan FMR in Cadiz City last May 26, 2015.
The two FMRs worth over P181.99 million are the first sub-projects approved under the DA-implemented rural development project in Visayas. The construction of these FMRs is expected to directly benefit 2,992 households in the area.
Palad stressed that the FMRs will have a multiplier effects among the farmer-beneficiaries around the service area.
“Various business opportunities will come along the way with the construction of these FMRs, which are 11 inches thick to accommodate big trucks that bring out harvested sugarcane,” explained Palad.
He added that farmer-beneficiaries should feel a sense of ownership and cooperate to maintain the quality of the project.
“I am appealing to the local officials especially to the barangay to pass an ordinance requiring load limits in the utilization of these FMRs to preserve and maximize its utilization,” he continued.
Governor Marañon expressed his gratitude for the Aquino administration for extending such project that is beneficial to the local farmers.
He encouraged the farmers to plant various commodities, diversify their respective areas and not only rely on sugarcane production.
“You can plant cacao and other high value crops which are really suited for our soils.” Marañon added.
Aside from farmers, even school children can benefit from these roads as testified by Sitio Vergara Elementary School Head Ms. Liezel Dalin.
She is optimistic that with the construction of Sitio Magtu-od and Sitio Vergara FMR travel time will be shortened from one and a half hour to 40 minutes from the town proper.
“During rainy days, students cannot go to school because the road gets flooded and muddy and makes it dangerous for them to attend classes. But we are expecting that students can now attend classes even during rainy days as vehicles will be able to pass the road.”
The FMRs are part of the I-BUILD component under the PRDP that aims to improve agriculture production and marketing through establishment of strategic infrastructure support.
Through PRDP, the DA will provide 90% equity to the project, while the Local Government will only need to provide 10% of the project cost.
DA-PRDP is a six-year national project that aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value-chain oriented, and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is implemented through the partnership of the DA, World Bank and Local Government Units. (James Earl Ogatis, Cath Nanta-Department of Agriculture) |
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| Business, schools eye dual training to ease unemployment |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
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Technical vocational institutions, industry leaders and concerned stakeholders made a common pitch during a recent forum in Mindanao to step up the implementation of the dual training system (DTS) to help reduce youth unemployment.
They said that the DTS, which combines study with work experience, reduces the job and skills mismatch and help graduates of technical vocational education and training (TVET) courses find employment easier.
Having a skilled and job-ready workforce is essential as the country heads towards the ASEAN integration and as the Aquino administration works its way to attain inclusive growth.
"Recognizing the vast opportunities and the great challenges posed by ASEAN 2015 and the government’s thrust of attaining inclusive growth, we, the representatives of schools and companies, commit to collaborate and establish close linkages and partnerships to produce Filipino workers whose competencies are at par with the rest of the world, reduce unemployment and contribute to poverty reduction in the country," the participants of the 1st Mindanao Zonal Dual Training Partnership Forum said in the social contract they signed.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region X took the lead in organizing the recently concluded forum held in Cagayan de Oro City aimed to gather the commitment of industries and the TVET institutions in implementing the DTS.
TESDA was supported by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. GPCCI), Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Mindanao TVET institutions association.
"The dual training system provides a promising path forward to young people by giving them a holistic learning experience that meld knowledge gained in the schools and hands-on work in companies," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.
"The results are graduates who can easily move from training to employment," he added.
Institutionalized through the enactment of Republic Act (RA) 7686 in 1994, the DTS is an instructional delivery system of technical and vocational education and training that combines in-plant and in-school training, based on a training plan designed and implemented by accredited schools and their partner business establishments.
During the forum, industry representatives and TVET institutions committed to intensify implementation of the DTS, and at the same time, called on other institutions and businesses to put in place the DTS in their systems. More than 50 commitments to DTS partnerships were signed between TVET institutions and companies.
They said that DTS programs should also be institutionalized in public and private institutions as part of the full implementation of the law, and to make its impact felt in terms of helping ease youth unemployment.
Discussions at the forum focused on the DTS implementation. Speakers were from the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., TESDA, K to 12 PLUS Project Philippines, University of Makati, Nestle Phils. Cagayan de Oro, and Xavier University.
Misamis Oriental Governor Vicente Emano, TESDA officials, local officials, officials from PCCI, GPCCI and the local chambers and association of TVET institutions graced the event. |
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| Int’l body appoints PDIC President to Committee Chairmanship |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Executive Council of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) has appointed Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President Cristina Que Orbeta as Chairperson of the IADI Audit Committee during the recently concluded Executive Council meeting held at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland on June 2, 2015. President Orbeta was elected as member of the IADI Executive Council in 2014.
The Audit Committee monitors the financial reporting process, and internal control and risk management systems in support of IADI's objectives and financial operations. It also supports the IADI in ensuring that its financial resources are exclusively used to pursue its mandates and solely applied to the operating cost of the IADI and constitution of adequate reserves.
The Audit Committee is among the seven standing committees of the IADI, which include committees on Governance, Data and Survey, Finance and Planning, Membership and Communications, Research and Guidance, and Training and Conference.
IADI is a non-profit organization established in 2002 to promote international cooperation and guidance in the field of deposit insurance. It provides a venue for sharing best practices in deposit insurance and proactively issues guiding principles to assist all deposit insurers all over the world. The 79-member IADI is based in Basel, Switzerland, with PDIC as one of its founding members.
The PDIC received the Deposit Insurance Organization of the Year Award in 2013 from the IADI in recognition of its significant achievements in bank resolutions and payouts; compliance with the IADI Core Principles and international participation; and deposit insurance system improvements. |
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| Gov’t awards 10th PPP project |
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued the notice of award (NOA) to MPCALA for the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAx) Project last Monday, June 8. This is the tenth Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project of the Aquino Administration awarded to the private sector.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson released the NOA to the chief executive officer of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp (MPTC) and Tollways Management Corporation, Mr. Ramoncito Fernandez, at the agency’s central office. MPCALA submitted the highest financial bid of PhP 27.3 billion outbidding San Miguel Corporation’s PhP 22.2 billion.
The CALAx is envisioned to provide faster, safer, more comfortable and reliable route between Bacoor and Kawit, Cavite areas, and the Laguna and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) areas. The project will also help decongest the traffic at these areas especially that Cavite and Laguna are now growing industrial and commercial centers.
The Metro Pacific Group will finance, design and construct, operate and maintain an entire 4-lane, 44.63 km closed-system tolled expressway connecting CAVITEX and SLEX. The Project will start from the CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite and end at the SLEX-Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna.
This PPP Project will have interchanges in 9 locations, namely: Kawit, Daang Hari, Governor’s Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Laguna Blvd., Technopark, and a Toll Barrier before SLEX.
The other PPP projects awarded by the government: Southwest Integrated Transport System Project, LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Passenger Terminal Building Project, Automatic Fare Collection System, Modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (MPOC) Project, PPP for Scholl Infrastructure Project (PSIP) Phase I and II, NAIA Expressway (Phase II) Project and Daang Hari-SLEX Link Road Project. |
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| Orientation on Z benefit packages held at BRTTH |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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LEGAZPI CITY, Albay --- Medical specialists of the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) recently attended the orientation on the different medical care packages being provided for by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) under its Z Benefits. The orientation was held at the Bicol University’s College of Medicine auditorium.
Members of PhilHealth’s Product Team for Special Benefits led by Dr. Melanie Santillan gave the participants an overview of the Z Packages for Breast Cancer, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Prostate Cancer. The BRTTH has been contracted to make the Z Package for Breast Cancer available to Bicolano PhilHealth members. It is currently completing documentary requirements as contracted hospital for the Z Package for prostate cancer, and is being eyed as the regional center for heart surgeries through which the Z Package for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) may also be offered.
Santillan said the activity was aimed at re-orienting health care providers on the Z packages that she defined as “rational health interventions to improve health outcomes while providing financial risk protection to Filipinos who are afflicted with a catastrophic condition.” A detailed discussion of the mandatory services that must be provided to the member-patients was made, including the new forms to be used and the standard process of benefit availment. A review of general contract provisions was also done, and implementation concerns were addressed.
Dr. Veronica Mateum, PhilHealth Regional Office V’s Head of Health Care Delivery and Management Division, thoroughly explained the process flow of benefit availment, emphasizing that the first step is to check on the eligibility of the patient to avail himself of the benefits. She also cited the need to ensure that patient satisfaction marking is indicated in the appropriate forms, and that some claims may be denied if a mandatory service is not given to the patient-member, the claim is filed late, or if the PS mark or the member’s initials are not present in the form.
Questions tackled during the orientation touched on the perceived stringent selections criteria for the Z Packages vis-a-vis the clinical practice guidelines, coverage for ovarian cancer under the Z benefit, the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant drugs for breast cancer, and the absence of patient-member enrollees under the prostate cancer Z package.
Dr. Myla Agudera Balang, Chief Oncologist of BRTTH appreciated the conduct of the orientation and called on fellow medical practitioners in the region to “help increase awareness about these programs.” She also called on PhilHealth to tap medical societies in information dissemination about the Z Packages, and for the BRTTH to promote these, as well.
Orlando D. Inigo, PhilHealth Regional Office V’s Regional Vice President shared his current advocacy campaign. Dubbed PURE QUALITY, the campaign focuses on primary care and payment mechanisms, universal membership, reduction of poverty, enhancement of maternity and other packages, efficient use of quad media and information technology resources and the importance that should be given to PhilHealth members and stakeholders.
The BRTTH, formerly known as the Albay Provincial Hospital, is designated as the heart, lung and kidney center of the Region. |
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Speech at the FFCCCII and the Filipino-Chinese community’s celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day |
| PICC, Pasay City |
08 June 2015
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Tonight, we gather as friends in order to anticipate the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence this Friday; and to celebrate the longstanding friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples, as well as the contributions of Chinese-Filipinos to our national development.
These occasions hold significant meaning for all of us, perhaps best illustrated in the image you see before you.
This picture was taken in 1899, in Yokohama, Japan. The man seated is Sun Yat Sen, honored as the Father of Modern China. Standing beside him is Mariano Ponce: a close personal friend of both Dr. Sun Yat Sen and our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, and thus a member of the generation who fought for the establishment of an independent Philippines.
In 1898, a year before this photograph was taken, we Filipinos proclaimed our independence in Kawit, Cavite. In 1911, Sun Yat Sen overthrew the oppressive Qing Dynasty. Both these men were spurred to action by the principles of freedom and equality, and the desire for progress, peace, and stability for their countrymen. These very aspirations brought them together, as friends and as partners who sought to help each other in their respective struggles.
Many of you would have heard the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” This photograph encapsulates the solidarity and the drive for independence of our forefathers. These, and friendship, are the legacies our founding generations have left to us, borne of shared experiences. We Filipinos had to reclaim our sovereignty from foreign colonizers; we had to do so again in 1986, from a dictatorship imposed by one of our own countrymen. China has likewise had to reclaim its dignity and sovereignty from the impositions of foreigners in the past. Thus, today, we are given an opportunity to revisit the fundamental bases of our relationship: a relationship consecrated by the heroes we revere and focused on our goals for our peoples: prosperity, stability, and the rule of law.
The full integration of Chinese-Filipinos into our society is itself proof of the solidarity that can be realized from such a relationship. History has shown us that Chinese-Filipinos were not treated as full citizens of the Philippines back in the day, yet your forefathers chose to set this aside, in favor of contributing to national development. Indeed: in every sphere of public life, whether in the days of our forefathers or in the present, excellence has been displayed by Chinese-Filipinos. General Ignacio Paua fought alongside the heroes of our revolution in the struggle to claim Philippine independence. Decades later, it would be General Vicente Lim engaging in battle during the Second World War. In politics, we have Sergio Osmeña, our first Speaker of the House, our first elected Vice President, and our President from 1944 to 1946. In law, there is the example of Claudio Teehankee, who did not hesitate to stand up for the rights of the people during the Marcos dictatorship. Filipino art and culture bear the mark of Ang Kiukok, a National Artist for Visual Arts. As Filipinos, they, in their everyday lives, did their part to build our nation.
This is being continued by the FFCCCII. Your economic and civic contributions are vast; you have provided jobs to so many of your countrymen through the companies you manage and own. At the same time, you have taken it upon yourself to empower them in other ways: building classrooms for public schools and housing for Filipinos affected by Typhoon Yolanda; providing assistance to victims of other tragedies, including that of the recent Valenzuela fire; conducting medical missions, and supporting our national police, among others. For everything you have done and you will continue to do, let me express our gratitude: thank you for all your efforts.
This is the kind of solidarity that must go beyond our national borders; it is the kind of solidarity all nations of goodwill must strive to accomplish. Countries can no longer rely solely on their own strengths. In many ways, our successes and failures are dependent on the successes and failures of partners and friends in the global community. Challenges such as pandemics, global terrorism, and climate change, or even those related to economic growth, become infinitely less daunting when we work to overcome them in unison with others.
That is why we have always been determined to work with other nations to improve our collective fortunes, economic or otherwise. For example, as proof of our intentions to have friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China, we need only look at the sector of tourism.
At the time of my state visit to China in 2011, the Philippines was sending almost 830,000 tourists to China; while Chinese tourists visiting the Philippines only numbered around 190,000. The situation has seen some improvement over the years. In 2013, over 426,000 Chinese tourists visited the Philippines. This still does not compare, however, to the almost 1 million Filipinos who traveled to China, visited its historical and cultural sights, and contributed to its economic growth in 2013. The discrepancy is heightened especially when you take into consideration that our country represents only around 1/13th of China’s total population.
This trend continues in trade and investment. In 2011 again, during that same visit to China, I spoke to a gathering of businessmen. It was pointed out that, back then, Filipino foreign direct investments into China totaled roughly $2.8 billion, while Chinese investments into the Philippines were at roughly $600 million.
Indeed: The kind of world we live in today demands greater solidarity from all nations, based on the truism that stronger relationships between nations redound to the benefit of their peoples, and also to the entire world. In trade and investment, as with all other aspects of the relations between the Philippines and China, there is much that we can improve on—as long as our relationship is strengthened by mutual respect, the determination to maintain fairness and harmony, and a firm commitment to the rule of law. Let me emphasize that this does not only take place on the level of governments: everyone, including businessmen and captains of industry like yourselves, has a role to play.
It is my hope that we all bear this in mind, as we commemorate the independence of the Philippines—an occasion that likewise underscores our interdependence with the world and, consequently, our desire, then as today, to be and to act as a responsible member of the community of nations. Moving forward, may we all strive to do our part in enhancing cooperation and unity, as our forefathers did: whether to uplift the lives of Filipinos on our shores, or to work towards fostering stability that will redound to the benefit of all.
Thank you, and good day. |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 AM
10 June 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM
10 June 2015 
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