2 Dispatch for June 2 , 2015 ( Tuesday), 3 Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 1 OFW Watch, PNOY Press Briefing ,Interview with Sec. Coloma, 21 Online News( Jun 1 ) 20 Photonews ( Jun 1 )

http://pcoo.gov.ph/photo.htm

DAILY WEATHER FORECAST

Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 02 June 2015 
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrowSynopsis: 

Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon. 

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 02 June 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 02 June 2015

Forecast: 

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening will be experienced over the entire archipelago. 


Light to moderate winds coming from the east to southeast will preva

Weather Watch

13 hrs · 

ABS-CBN: Buwan na ng Hunyo pero ang tindi pa rin ng init. Pinakamainit sa Cabanatuan na may maximum heat index na 44.3 degrees Celsius. Sa Metro Manila bumalik pa rin ang init sa 40.2 degrees Celsius. Bukas at sa Miyerkules mananatili sa 40 degrees Celsius ang maximum heat index sa Metro Manila. Sa Taguegarao, 37 degrees Celsius, sa Metro Cebu 39.5 at Metro Davao 37.4 degrees Celsius. Sa Metro Manila ang tiyansa ng pag-ulan, Tuesday, Wednesday at Thursday napakalaki ng posisibilidad ng pag-ulan sa gabi, 6:00 hanggang 11:00 ng gabi. Ngayong Hunyo, inaasahan pa na sa kalagitnaan pa ng buwan magsisimula ang tag-ulan. Dahil sa pagpasok ng rainy season inaasahang maiibsan ang tag-tuyot sa halos 50 probinsiya.

Weather Watch

13 hrs · 

-Sa Visayas, posible ang ulan sa eastern at western section.
-Buong Mindanao ang may thunderstorm sa hapon.

JUNE 2, 2015  ( Tuesday )     as of 8:00 AM

  PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Fair Weather in Lucena City   

  

 

PIA OFW Watch

May 31 at 1:56pm · 

DZMM: Inihayag ng Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Japan na walang Pilipinong nasaktan o nasawi sa magkasunod na lindol na tumama doon. Sinabi ni Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manolo Lopez na patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan nila sa mga kababayan sa Japan upang matiyak na ligtas ang mga ito.

CAVITE

Imus celebrates National Flag Day

·         June 01, 2015

·         

Facebook Google + Tweet Email

IMUS CITY, Cavite, June 1 (PIA) – Hundreds of Imuseños attended last Thursday, May 28 the historical 117th anniversary celebration of the “Unang Wagayway ng Watawat” at the Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat Heritage Park in Miguel Santo in Alapan II-B.

Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere A. Panadero representing Secretary Mar Roxas together with Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi, National Historical Commission Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi led the raising of a giant flag on a 90-feet high pole in which the Philippine navy played the National Anthem.

In his message, Undersecretary Panadero reminded the audience of the heroic acts and dedication of our heroes for their courage and sacrifices in regaining the nation’s independence. Undersecretary Panadero also led the wreath-laying at the shrine of the Filipino revolutionaries.

A similar event was held at the SM City Bacoor Event Center as the Provincial Tourism Development Office in partnership with SM Event Management hosted a Flag exhibit.

It showcased the evolution of Philippine flags used during the revolution and its story was formally opened (ceremonial ribbon-cutting) led by Dir. Ludovico Badoy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Ms. Liberty Herrera, Cavite Tourism Officer, Ms. Kaye Sanchez, PIO-Bacoor, Councilor Darlon J. Sayarot of Imus City and Chairman on Committee on Tourism, Mr. Aquino Garcia, President of Cavite Tourism Board and Mr. Sherwin Bryan Cua, SM Bacoor Mall Manager.

May 28 was declared a special non-working holiday in the City of Imus (Proclamation No. 373 Series of 2012) being the anniversary of the Battle of Alapan where the Philippine Flag was first flown. The Battle of Alapan and Flag Day are the kick off activities to the Independence Day celebration in Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit Cavite on June 12.

Former president Fidel V. Ramos signed Republic Act 8491 declaring May 28 to June 12 of every year as Flag Day and enjoined all offices, agencies of the government including business establishments to display flag. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671432986714/imus-celebrates-national-flag-day#sthash.zc3vw1Ks.dpuf

GSIS conducts stakeholders’ dialogue in Cavite

•  June 01, 2015

 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, June 1 (PIA) – Hundreds of local government employees from all over the province of Cavite and even those from different government agencies attended the recent stakeholders’ dialogue spearheaded by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

The half-day event held at the General Trias Cultural and Convention Center aimed to update all members of the GSIS about the agency’s latest policies, services and accomplishments.  On site e-card registration for all new members and loan applications were also accommodated during the event.

GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara expressed his appreciation for the warmed welcome extended by the local government of General Trias.  He even mentioned that this event in Cavite had the biggest number of member attendees.

Local government officials headed by General Trias Mayor Antonio “Ony” A. Ferrer, along with Vice Mayor Maurito “Morit” C. Sison and the members of the Sangguniang Bayan gave their full support to the event. 

Mayor Ony Ferrer said it was an honor for the municipality of General Trias to host  the forum of the GSIS and even encouraged GSIS members that attended the event to take advantage of the opportunity to avail of the services of the GSIS.  At the same time, the Mayor reminded them to be responsible members to help in achieving GSIS's growth and success. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/General Trias PIO)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671432994052/gsis-conducts-stakeholders-dialogue-in-cavite#sthash.O0iEz4CP.dpuf

RIZAL 

Tagalog news: Antipolo City ipapatupad ang pagbabawal ng ‘common CR’

•  June 01, 2015

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Hunyo 1 (PIA) --Naisabatas sa bisa ng City Ordinance No. 2015-626, ang ordinansang may pamagat na “ An Ordinance Requiring Business Establishments in the City of Antipolo to Provide Separate Restrooms for Male and Female.” para sa paghihiwalay na palikuran ng babae at lalaki sa mga establisyemento sa lungsod ng Antipolo.

Nakasaad sa nasabing ordinansa na dapat magkahiwalay ang CR (comfort room) ng mga babae at lalake sa mga business establishments katulad na lamang ng restaurant upang mapanatili ang sanitasyon at kalinisan ng mga comfort room (CR). Dagdag pa dito, marami sa mga kababaihan ang naiilang kapag magkasama ang CR ng babae at lalaki.

Lumabas din sa pag-aaral ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na madalas mangyari ang krimen sa mga gusaling may ‘common CR’  kung saan kababaihan ang madalas na naaabuso ng pambabastos o paninilip.

Mahigpit na ipapatupad sa mga bagong business owner ng lungsod nag ordinansa bago sila mabigyan ng business permit habang ang mga kasalukuyang establisyemento ay bibigyan ng anim na buwan para makasunod dito.

Ayon sa Pamahalaang Panglungsod, ang mga lalabag sa ordinansa ay pagmumultahin ng Php2,000 para sa Unang Paglabag; pagkakakulong ng hindi lalagpas sa isang taon at multa na di tataas sa Php 5,000 para sa Ikalawang Paglabag; at pagbawi ng business permit sa Ikatlong paglabag.

Naaprubahan ang naturang ordinansa sa pangunguna ni Konsehal Josefina Gatlabayan. (ANTIPOLO PIO/PIA-Rizal)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2261433137225/tagalog-news-antipolo-city-ipapatupad-ang-pagbabawal-ng-common

31 MAY 2015.
	Philippines joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products, say Palace
	All ready for the opening of classes, say Palace

Philippines joins call to end illicit trade of tobacco products, say Palace

The Philippines joins other countries to work together to end the illicit trade of tobacco products, said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., on Sunday. "Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mundo at sa World Health Organization (WHO) sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ (WNTD) sa ilalim ng temang “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products,” said Coloma in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. According to WHO, tobacco is the cause of death of 6 million smokers around the world, and is responsible for the mortality of some 600,000 non-smokers due to secondhand smoking. This year's ‘World No Tobacco Day’ highlights the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. "From many angles, the illicit trade of tobacco products is a major global concern, including health, legal and economic, governance and corruption," said the WHO. PND (ag)

TOP

All ready for the opening of classes, say Palace

The Palace said on Sunday that everything is ready for the opening of classes on June 1. "Bilang pagtupad sa direktiba ng Pangulo, puspusan ang naging paghahanda ng lahat ng ahensya ng pamamahalan sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon upang masiguro ang maayos, ligtas, at mapayapang pagbubukas ng klase bukas, Hunyo 1, sa buong bansa," said Predidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. DepEd estimated that 23 million students will go to 46,624 public elementary and high schools around the country. Coloma noted that the Metro Manila Development Authority will mobilize 800 traffic enforcers to ensure the safety and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila. "Nakikipag-ugnayan din ang ahensya sa PNP (Philippine National Police) para sa seguridad ng mga mag-aaral at ang PNP naman ay tumututok sa seguridad ng lahat ng paaralan sa buong bansa," Coloma added. Monday also marks the formal implementation of the K-12 program. "Hudyat din ng pagsisimula ng klase ang pormal na pagpapatupad ng K-to-12 program na isa sa mga haligi ng reporma sa sektor ng edukasyon upang ibayong mahubog ang kakayahan at kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang paghahanda sa pagpasok sa kolehiyo," said Coloma. When asked if the government is prepared for the threat of "the next big quake," Coloma assured the safety of all those that may be affected by it. "Puspusang tinututukan ng lahat ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan ang mga lugar na bahagi doon sa tinaguriang 'West Valley Fault' upang mapaigting ang paghahanda ng mga mamamayan para sa posibilidad na maganap ang isang lindol sa lugar na ito." "Batid natin ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga local government units sa DepEd, at ang pagkilos ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at ang mga lokal na unit nito, upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga pasilidad at gusaling ginagamit na paaralan o tanggapan o sa negosyo, at ng mga bahay din na maaaring maapektuhan ng lindol," said Coloma. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warns a 7.2 earthquake is possible to happen if the West Valley Fault along the eastern side of Metro Manila cracks. According to experts, the last time an earthquake occurred along the West Valley Fault was in 1658, around 355 years ago, and on average, the fault reportedly moves every 400 years. PND (ag)

TOP

01 JUNE 2015 Q1 spending shows clear acceleration trend; Abad: Faster spending aided by A.O. 46, other reform measures Iloilo mayor, 5 others sentenced over P15M drug mess ICT Office launches National ICT Month in conjunction with ITU’s 150th Anniversary Business confidence rises for Q2 2015 Passion for volunteerism Nominations for the 25th National Statistics Month (NSM) awards now open OWWA extends assistance to OFW who died in Kuwait DOLE facilitates release of P2.5M benefits to 173 kasambahay through SEnA Baldoz hails Angeles Industrial Park for creating 12,000 ‘decent’ jobs CSC renews call for strict implementation of smoke-free policies Roxas lauds youth 'first responders' for disaster preparedness Roxas: Safe ka sa SAFE KAm PNP holds international policing standards GAB DOST hones global potential of PH Halal industry in upcoming int’l event Eco-friendly airport to rise in Panglao, Bohol DENR unveils 5-year project to boost marine key biodiversity areas Papua New Guinea explores possibilty of modelling BI anti-trafficking efforts New MMDA earthquake preparedness website highlights rescue volunteers DTI implementing a new industrial policy; CAR gets ready to draw up regional industry roadmaps DTI reminds OFW families to use Balikbayan box tracker PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon) to pay their obligations Q1 spending shows clear acceleration trend; Abad: Faster spending aided by A.O. 46, other reform measures Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced today that government spending showed clear improvements month by month within the first quarter, resulting in disbursements that totaled P504 billion. This is P21.5 billion higher than releases made from January to March in 2014. According to the budget agency, disbursements in March—which struck a high of P188.5 billion—showed a year-on-year increase of 11.2 percent. This was a considerable improvement from the growth in February disbursements of 9.6 percent and January’s 5.4-percent decrease. “Our spending levels from January to March show a very clear trend towards faster government spending. On first glance, spending in the first quarter may seem unremarkable, but the fact that it accelerated sharply by March gives us good reason to be optimistic. The second quarter of the year should continue this trend, especially since we’re still working with agencies on improving their spending,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. According to the DBM, the upsurge in disbursements by the end of the first quarter was driven by quicker spending in Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) and Capital Outlay (CO) in a number of major agencies, most notably under the departments of Education (DepEd), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Office of the President (OP). “When our agencies spend more efficiently on their operations and capital outlay, we can expect faster project implementation. Faster spending also means that the public will benefit, because government services are getting to them at a better pace,” Abad said. Abad added that the continuing implementation of key spending reforms—particularly those covered by Administrative Order (A.O.) 46—will help agencies make better use of their fund releases. “The numbers tell us that we’re on the right track. Our major concern is to clear as many spending bottlenecks as possible, especially when it comes to agency procurement. We saw that projects often got stuck in the procurement stage, so we’re resolving that with the cooperation of major agencies,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “There’s still room for departments and agencies to improve. More than ever, it’s critical for funds to move faster if we want to support service delivery and greater economic growth,” he added. Q1 2015 Spending by Expense Class Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) outstripped 2014 performance with an increase of 19.2 percent or P86.1 billion in disbursements. Projects such as the KALAHI-CIDSS: National Community Driven Development Program and the DSWD social protection programs—including the Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Social Pension for Indigent Filipino Senior Citizens—required a step-up in funding for 2015, which contributed to this performance. Additionally, MOOE spending benefited from releases to the Bottom-up Budgeting (BuB) Program and to the OP to cover preparations for hosting the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. Personnel Services (PS) recorded no change from 2014 levels, partly due to the decline in number of retirees whose claims for retirement gratuity and terminal leave necessitated funding. Similarly, the payment of deficiencies in various incentives, benefits, and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) premiums in the First Quarter of 2014 offset the increase in number of positions that were filled in late 2014 and whose compensation requirements had to be fulfilled. Infrastructure and Other Capital Outlay (CO) spending declined by 11 percent, or P8.5 billion. Substantial releases were made in the First Quarter of 2014 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program and for the projects of the DA-National Irrigation Authority (NIA), while 2015 saw smaller releases for these two programs. |TOP| Iloilo mayor, 5 others sentenced over P15M drug mess Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph  The Office of the Ombudsman obtained the conviction of Janiuay, Iloilo Mayor Frankie Locsin, municipal officials Carlos Moreno, Jr., Ramon Tirador, Luzviminda Figueroa and Ricardo Minurtio, and Rodrigo Villanueva, President and General Manager of AM Europharma Corporation and Mallix Drug Center, after the Sandiganbayan found them guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for the unlawful award of contracts to purchase medicines amounting to P14.9 million in 2001. The accused were each sentenced to suffer imprisonment of six years and one month as minimum to a maximum of ten years imprisonment with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The Decision found that in 2001, Locsin, then President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines– Iloilo Chapter and by virtue of the authority given to him by the Sangguniang Bayan of Janiuay, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health-Center for Health Development to implement the P15 million Rescue and Emergency Disaster Program of Senator Vicente Sotto III covering the purchase of medicines and equipment for emergency purposes of Western Visayas. In 15 January 2001, Minurtio, Moreno, Tirador and Figueroa acting as the municipal Committee on Awards awarded the contracts for the purchase of medicines to AM Europharma and Mallix Drug amounting to P13,191,223.00 and P1,744,926.00 respectively. Upon audit by the Commission on Audit (COA), a Notice of Suspension and Notice of Disallowance were issued on account of several irregularities such as the absence of a legitimate public bidding for the project. Ombudsman prosecutors presented witnesses who testified that Phil. Pharmawealth did not join the bidding contrary to the assertions of the accused. Prosecutors also presented witnesses from the COA who testified that one day after the award of the contract, the medicines were delivered by AM Europharma and Mallix Drug to Locsin on 16 January 2001. On 17 January 2001, payments for the procurement of medicines were made to the suppliers. Several procurement violations were also established such as the absence of observers during the opening of bids, non-eligibility of the winning suppliers due to its suspension of DOH accreditation, and that AM Europharma and Mallix Drug have the same business address and are both owned by Villanueva, and the non-submission by the winning bidders of the required performance bond. The Sandiganbayan ruled that “there is conspiracy between accused public officials...which awarded the subject procurement of medicines in favor of AM Europharma and Mallix Drug and which gave undue advantage to accused Rodrigo Villanueva” and that “the unanimity of purpose and intent to…consummate the said procurement in favor of accused [Villanueva] is shown by the undue haste that attended the delivery of the medicines and the speed with which the payments for said medicines were made to the latter even without the companies posting the required 10% performance bond, knowing fully well that there was a failed bidding because of AM Europharma’s suspended supplier’s accreditation.” The court also added that “the government was not able to secure the lowest possible price for the said medicines because it was controlled, nay dictated, by the owner of the said bidders.” |TOP| ICT Office launches National ICT Month in conjunction with ITU’s 150th Anniversary Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph Manila, PH – In today’s world, being connected is becoming a necessity, from a personal and economic standpoint. That said, the Philippines has been making progressive strides towards creating a nation that is capable of going online wherever they may be. Various projects have been implemented in order to ensure that every Filipino can have the capacity to access the Internet and the opportunity to foster personal and economic growth. In line with this, the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office) formally launches the celebration of the ICT Month for the whole month of June. Using the theme of “Internet for All: No Juan Left Behind”, the ICT Month’s goal is to highlight the contributions of the ICT as one of the major sectors for economic growth recognize the importance of implementing a national ICT program that shall optimize the utilization of ICT. The ICT Month’s theme is anchored on the role of connectivity as a tool that can decrease the degree of Digital Divide, increase economic growth, and empower citizens by enriching their knowledge acquired using the Internet. Kick Off – Internationa Telecommunications Union’s 150 Years in ICT Throughout the month, the ICT Office shall have numerous activities that will discuss ICT’s relevance in the daily lives of its users. The ICT Office will officially open the ICT Month with the commemoration of International Telecommunications Union’s 150th year. The event will highlight the ITU’s initiatives and innovations for the past 150 years, as well as its corresponding impact on the development of ICT in both the private sector and government agencies. Touching Each Sector: ICT Month’s Campaigns In the coming days following the kick-off event, the ICT Office shall hold a number of activities and campaigns that underscore the impact the Internet has in everyday life: The e-Innovation Group, which is focused on job creation through the Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM), shall conduct a one-day workshop on one of their Program, which is the SeedPH, or the ICT enabled Startups. The Program aims to promote entrepreneurship and leverage the use of ICT to provide solutions for different industries in the society through technology startups. On the side of the government developments, the Integrated Government Philippines (iGov) Project Management team shall hold a National ICT Summit where the iGov Phil Project will launch their shared services applications and initiatives called PhP Pay and PeGif. These services and initiatives are created to improve processes in government to provide better services to both citizens and businesses, as well as promote public participation. There will also be a Cyber Literacy Talk, headed by the Cybersecurity team. The talk will discuss about how to properly use the Internet and social media in order to teach responsible Internet etiquette, as well as how to handle possible threats on personal privacy, information safety and cyber safety of individuals. This event is produced and sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology – Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO). For more information kindly refer to the following: Information and Communications Technology Office C.P Garcia Ave., Diliman, Quezon City Philippines 1101 Trunkline No. : 920-0101 |TOP| Business confidence rises for Q2 2015 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Business outlook is more bullish for Q2 2015 Business outlook on the economy was more bullish for Q2 2015, with the overall confidence index (CI) rising to 49.2 percent from 45.2 percent for Q1 2015. This indicates that more businesses are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects for the second quarter of the year compared to that in the previous quarter. According to respondents, their more upbeat outlook was due to the following: (a) robust consumer demand during the secondary harvest  and fishing seasons, graduation and enrolment periods, and summer season given the expected influx of both local and foreign tourists, (b) expected increase in activities in the construction sector, particularly infrastructure-related government projects, (c) increase in orders and new contracts/projects leading to higher volume of production, (d) expansion of businesses and launch of new product lines, and (e) continuing confidence in the administration. Their more positive outlook was further driven by expectations of more favorable macroeconomic conditions in the country (particularly, stable inflation and low interest rates), sustained foreign investment inflows and the steady stream of overseas Filipinos’ (OFs) remittances. The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the buoyant business outlook in the US, Germany, Korea and Singapore but was in contrast to the less bullish views of those in UK, Hong Kong, and India. For the quarter ahead (Q3 2015), business outlook remained optimistic, with the CI at 47.3 percent, although lower than the 58.2 percent in the previous survey. Respondents cited the following factors as reasons behind their less optimistic outlook: (a) interruption of regular business activities during the rainy season, (b) lower output (which leads to lower trade activities) during the planting season, (c) increased market competition with the establishment of new businesses which could hurt existing small- and medium- scale businesses (e.g., shopping malls, hospitals), and (d) lower consumer demand as households prioritize enrolment expenses. The outlook of importers and exporters is more upbeat for Q2 2015 Consistent with the overall outlook, the outlook of businesses involved in international commodity trading broadly turned more favorable for Q2 2015. Among business types, importers were the most optimistic, followed by exporters. However, the outlook of dual-activity firms was less sanguine. For the quarter ahead (Q3 2015), all trading firms were less optimistic as they expected a moderation of demand with the start of the rainy season. Business confidence across sectors is buoyant for Q2 2015 Business sentiment across sectors was more bullish for Q2 2015. For the next quarter (Q3 2015), however, the outlook was less upbeat, with the exception of those in the construction sector. The construction sector was the most optimistic among all sectors for the current quarter, with the CI at an all-time-high. Firms belonging to this sector expected that the expansion of construction services would be sustained, particularly as more public infrastructure projects were started during the quarter. Construction activities related to power generation were also reported to be on the rise during the current quarter. The services sector was likewise more upbeat for the current quarter, generally on account of the expected better economic prospects in the country. The sanguine outlook of the wholesale and retail trade sector stemmed from respondents’ expectations of a surge in consumer demand during the summer and enrolment periods, good harvest season, continued business expansion with new product lines and infrastructure development (both public and private), low oil prices, and a favorable business climate. Respondents in the industry sector attributed their optimism to the favorable weather conditions, the onset of the fishing season, and expected increase in electricity consumption during summer. For the next quarter (Q3 2015), the outlook across sectors was broadly less buoyant due to the expected seasonal slack in demand during the rainy season. This is with the exception of those in the construction sector whose optimism was driven by expectations of brisker activities due to the continued roll-out of government projects and new infrastructure development projects in the pipeline. Firms are more upbeat about their own business operations In line with the more bullish overall business confidence on the macroeconomy, the outlook of firms about their own business operations was more upbeat for Q2 2015 compared to that a quarter ago. Notably, the outlook of firms across sectors and sub-sectors was more buoyant, except for those in the hotels and restaurants, and community and social services sub-sectors which was less positive. Similarly, the outlook on volume of total orders was more robust across sectors and sub-sectors, except for those in the mining and quarrying, hotels and restaurants, and community and social services sub-sectors. The number of firms with expansion plans decreases and capacity utilization remains broadly steady The percentage of businesses with expansion plans in the industry sector remained positive although lower at 29.1 percent from 32.5 percent last quarter. Meanwhile, average capacity utilization for the current quarter was broadly steady at 77.2 percent from 76.8 percent a quarter ago. Firms’ financing requirements could be met due to easy access to credit Firms that expected tighter financial conditions outnumbered those that said otherwise during the quarter. Nonetheless, firms were of the view that their financing requirements could be met through available credit as respondents who reported easy access to credit exceeded those that said otherwise, even as the number that said so declined compared to that a quarter ago. Inflation is expected to remain low and within the 2 to 4 percent target range The survey results showed that more respondents expected inflation to increase for the current and next quarters compared to those who said otherwise. However, businesses expected that the rate of increase in commodity prices is likely to remain low and within the 2 to 4 percent target range in 2015, at 3.2 percent for Q2 2015 and 3.4 percent for Q3 2015 compared to 3.9 percent in the previous quarter’s survey results. Meanwhile, more respondents expected the peso to appreciate and interest rates to increase for Q2 and Q3 2015. About the Survey The Q2 2015 BES was conducted during the period 1 April - 13 May 2015. There were 1,522 firms surveyed nationwide. Respondents were drawn from the combined list of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Top 7,000 Corporations in 2010 and Business World’s Top 1,000 Corporations in 2013, consisting of 606 companies in NCR and 916 firms in AONCR, covering all 17 regions nationwide.  The survey response rate for this quarter was slightly lower at 84.2 percent (from 84.4 percent in the previous quarter). The response rate was higher for NCR at 81.8 percent (from 80.2 percent in the previous quarter) and lower for AONCR at 85.8 percent (from 87.1 percent for Q1 2015). Read Full Report |TOP| Passion for volunteerism Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Helping her community through her volunteer work in the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) has become a passion for Charo Simara Ablao, 37. A resident of Misserior Village in Barangay Balaring, General Mamerto Natividad, Nueva Ecija, Charo is a mother of five children, all of whom are scholars in a local school. Her husband, Silvestre Madi Ablao, Jr., is a mechanic in Quezon City and comes home only once a month. Charo has a mobile loading station to help her spouse provide for their children. Even though Charo was unable to attend the first assembly mobilized by Kalahi-CIDSS within the village, her active participation during the next meeting got her fellow villagers to notice her and elect her as the Barangay Representation Team (BRT) Chairperson. The BRT is responsible for speaking in behalf of their village during the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum- Participatory Resource Allocation (MIBF-PRA) to try to get funding for their village’s proposed project. According to Charo, she first felt sad when she learned that their area is covered by Kalahi-CIDSS, because she believed it simply meant that their town was considered one of the poorest municipalities in the country. However, when she attended the first Municipal Orientation conducted by the program, she realized that this perspective is wrong, because she learned that the program will actually help her and her fellow residents in their barangay become empowered to escape from poverty. Participating in Kalahi-CIDSS is not the first time she has served as a community volunteer, being a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Parent Leader and a member of the Barangay Pastoral Council. “Lahat ng klase ng pagiging volunteer, pinapasok ko (I have experienced all kinds of volunteer work)”, she said. “Naniniwala ako na hindi kailangan humingi ng kapalit sa pagtulong sa kapwa. Alam ko na ang aking pansariling kakayanan ay makakatulong para sa ikauunlad ng aming barangay (I believe that you do not need to ask for anything in return when you help others. I know that my own skills can help in improving our barangay),” she continued. Charo and her team, as well as the other BRTs of General Mamerto Natividad, will be presenting their proposed projects during their MIBF-PRA this mid-June. During this activity, the BRTs will vote which of the proposals of the 20 barangays will receive funding through Kalahi-CIDSS. Barangay Balaring’s proposed sub-project is for the improvement of their water system. Central Luzon is a new region covered by Kalahi-CIDSS upon its expansion into the national community-driven development program. Aside from General Mamerto Natividad, Quezon and Talugtug will also be implementing the program. Kalahi-CIDSS is a program of the Department of the Social Welfare and Development that seeks to help alleviate poverty through the community-driven development approach, a strategy that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to identify their community’s primary problems and implement and maintain their identified solutions. - See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2015/06/passion-for-volunteerism/#sthash.jjSJpuOc.dpuf |TOP| Nominations for the 25th National Statistics Month (NSM) awards now open Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in behalf of the Steering Committee of the 26th National Statistics Month (NSM) and 2nd World Statistics Day (WSD), is now accepting entries and nominations for the various categories of the 25th NSM Awards with the theme, “NSM at 25 and Beyond: Solid and Responsive Philippine Statistical System in Support of Globalization and Regional Economic Integration”. All agencies of the government, local government units, academic institutions, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, youth organizations and the private sector at the national and subnational levels are encouraged to submit entries to the NSM Secretariat on or before 1 July 2015. The NSM Awards was instituted since 2002 to give recognition to the outstanding participation of organizations to the NSM celebration.  It is also a means of providing incentives to participating individuals and collective agencies in the observance of the NSM.  With the NSM Awards, it is expected that the public will be better engaged in the NSM celebration and statistical activities will pursue the objectives and spirit of the NSM celebration. The following are the categories of the awards for activities conducted during the 25th NSM in October 2014: Best Statistical Activity conducted by a GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION  All agencies of the government, local government units, academic institutions, state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations with statistical activities undertaken in October 2014 are welcome to send entries for this category.  Statistical forums, information dissemination activities and contests conducted in October 2014 by proponent agencies/units of the government are covered in this category, thus the following subcategories of this award: a. Best Statistical Forum b. Best Statistical Information Dissemination Activity c. Best Statistical Contest The criteria for judging for the entries in all the subcategories of the Best Statistical Activity are as follows: Relevance to the theme1 25% Clarity of objectives/message and     promotion of statistical awareness/     literacy     25% Outputs, outcomes and impacts     to the audience/target group  25% Extent of participation/Coverage  15% Economy in the use of resources  10% TOTAL  100% Further details of the award, nomination form and documentation requirements are available at Best Statistical Activity conducted by a government organization.docx Best Statistical Activity conducted by a PRIVATE (PROFIT/NON-PROFIT) ORGANIZATION All private firms and non-profit organizations are welcome to send entries for this category.  Statistical activities in the form of forums, information dissemination activities and contests, which were conducted in October 2014 by private sector organizations/groups, are covered in this category. The criteria for judging for the entries in this category are as follows: Relevance to the theme1   25% Clarity of objectives/message and     promotion of statistical awareness/     literacy     25% Outputs, outcomes and impacts     to the audience/target group  25% Extent of participation/Coverage 25% TOTAL       100% Further details of the award, nomination forms and documentation requirements are available at Best Statistical Activity conducted by a private organization.docx. Best RegionAll Regional Statistical Committees (RSCs) which have undertaken statistical activities in October 2014 are invited to send entries for this category. The Best Region entries shall be evaluated as per the following criteria: Diversity and number of statistical activities 25% Clarity of objectives/message and     promotion of statistical awareness/     literacy    25% Outputs, outcomes and impacts     of the statistical activities    25% Extent of participation/Coverage  10% Promotion of a favorable image     about the region      10% Economy in the use of resources  5% TOTAL 100% Further details of the award, nomination forms and documentation requirements are available Best Region.docx Best Youth Advocate for Statistics All YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS in the private and public universities and colleges, LGUs and other sectors of the society, which conducted statistical advocacy activities in January to December 2014, can send entries for this category.  Entries for the Youth Organization in Statistical Advocacy category shall be reviewed using the following criteria: Diversity and number of statistical activities  25% Clarity of objectives/message and     promotion of statistical awareness/     literacy 25% Outputs, outcomes and impacts     of the statistical activities to the youth 25% Extent of participation/Coverage    20% Economy in the use of resources 5% TOTAL    100% Further details of the award, nomination forms and documentation requirements are available at Best Youth Advocate for Statistics.docx   Best Statistical Activity awards for the government organizations and Best Region award are being conferred each year during the NSM Opening Ceremonies since 2003.  For the Best Statistical Activity category, the former National Statistics Office (NSO) bagged the most number of awards, with ten (10) awards received during the period 2003-2014.  Other awardees for the category include: (1) former Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS); (2) Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); (3) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); (4) Department of Energy (DOE); (5) Department of Tourism (DOT); (6) Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO); and (7) former Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC, now Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute).  In the 24th NSM Best Statistical Forum category, the award went to the former BAS for its “Farmers’ Forum on Production Marketing Analysis”. The former BAS also received the Best Statistical Contest award for the “On-the-spot Essay Writing Contest” conducted in October 2013.  Among the regions, Region I (Ilocos) claimed the most number of Best Region awards with five (5)  awards received during the period 2003-2014, followed by Region VI (Western Visayas) with four awards, and Regions X (Northern Mindanao) and VIII (Eastern Visayas) with one award each. To widen involvement of the private sector in the conduct of NSM activities, the 26th NSM/2nd WSD Steering Committee introduces the Best Statistical Activity award for the industry associations and non-profit organizations.  Meanwhile, the call for entries to the Best Youth Advocate for Statistics award is opened this year to increase youth participation in the observance of NSM. Cash prizes and plaques of recognition await winners, who will be conferred with their respective awards during the 26th NSM Opening Ceremony to be held on 1 October 2015 at the DOH Convention Hall, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila. Organizations and individuals who wish to submit nominations/entries for the 25th NSM Awards are requested to forward the requirements to the following address on or before 1 July 2015: 26th National Statistics Month Secretariat c/o Statistical Policies and Programs Division Philippine Statistics Authority 3rd Floor, CVEA Building, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 For questions and inquiries, the NSM Secretariat can be reached at (02) 895-2436, (02) 462-6600 local 822/824, or email addresses F.Talento@psa.gov.ph and P.Rivera@psa.gov.ph. Updates on the NSM Awards shall be posted on the NSM webpage, http://nap.psa.gov.ph/nsm/26thNSM/default.asp. Printed or CD formats of the submissions can be accepted. 1The theme for the 25th NSM is “NSM at 25 and Beyond: Solid and Responsive Philippine Statistical System in Support of Globalization and Regional Economic Integration”. LISA GRACE S. BERSALES, Ph. D. National Statistician and Civil Registrar General |TOP| OWWA extends assistance to OFW who died in Kuwait Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph Helen Riobuya Sarocam, a household service worker in Kuwait reportedly fell from the 5thfloor of her foreign recruitment agency’s (FRA’s) accommodation at about 5:00 AM on May 22, 2015. As per report from POLO-OWWA Kuwait, the worker stayed at her FRA’s accommodation after she was brought to the Embassy’s Consular Office where she executed an affidavit of refusal to continue working and her request to go home. Her FRA has already issued plane ticket for her return to the country and is due to leave Kuwait on May 24 when the incident happened. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz immediately instructed the OWWA to extend the necessary assistance to the family of the deceased worker and to expedite the repatriation of her human remains. OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado, on the other hand, assured the family of the worker that they will receive benefits from OWWA. She also instructed OWWA Region 11 to provide psycho-social counseling to the family of the late worker to cushion the impact of the OFW’s demise. OFW Sarocam, a native of Monkayo, Compostella Valley, was an active OWWA Member at the time of death. OWWA Region 11 and DFA-Mindanao are in the process of facilitating necessary documents for the immediate repatriation of the worker’s human remains. Families of OFWs who have active OWWA Membership at the time of death will receive Death and Burial Benefit amounting to Php 220,000.00 if the cause of death is accident and Php 120, 000.00 if death is due to natural cause. The families of active OWWA members are also eligible to avail of the Education and Livelihood Assistance Program (ELAP), a one-time scholarship-cum-livelihood grant for the surviving heirs of an active OWWA Member. The surviving spouse will receive Php 15,000.00-worth of Livelihood Assistance while the first-born child will receive an educational assistance until the beneficiary finishes college education. While the OWWA is awaiting advice from the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait as to the schedule of the repatriation of human remains of OFW Sarocam, it would provide the necessary assistance and intervention to the family of the deceased worker. OWWA Repatriation team will extend airport assistance upon the arrival of the human remains. The Team will likewise assist the family of the deceased worker in getting clearance and other papers from Customs and Quarantine officials to facilitate the release of the OFW’s remains to the bereaved family. |TOP| DOLE facilitates release of P2.5M benefits to 173 kasambahay through SEnA Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Using the efficiency-tested Single Entry Approach (SEnA) conciliation-mediation mechanism, the Department of Labor and Employment has already facilitated the release of 2,565,397.00 pesos worth of employment benefits to 173 Kasambahay since the inception of SEnA in 2013 and until the first quarter of 2015. The 2015 first quarter settlement totalled to 966,342.60 pesos. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, citing the report of NCMB Executive Director Reynaldo R. Ubaldo, said the requests for assistance (RFA) filed included non-payments of salaries, back pay, overtime pay, 13th month pay, service incentive leave, medical incentive; underpayment of wages; and non-remittance of SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig benefits. “For the January to March 2015, there were 404 new RFA file,” said Ubaldo in his report. “Of this number, 61 or 15 percent were filed by kasambahay in the Philippines, while 343 were filed by household service workers (HSWs) abroad,” Ubaldo said in his report. Adding the 61 new RFA filed to the 15 RFA carried over from 2014, Ubaldo said the NCMB and various DOLE regional offices handled a total of 91 RFA of local kasambahay during the period, 45 of which were promptly disposed of for a 59 per cent disposition rate. Thirty-six of these 45 were settled, and eight were eventually withdrawn. Four were dropped due to lack of interest, and five were referred for compulsory handling—one to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC); and four to the DOLE regional offices. Only thirty-one of the 91 requests for assistance (RFA) are currently under conciliation-mediation process as of March 31. Twelve of them are in the NCMB and 19 are in the DOLE regional offices. “We are also pleased to report to the Secretary that overseas, the POEA continuously ensures the well-being of our HSWs by attending to RFA filed through SEnA,” Ubaldo said. We have recorded a total of 645 RFA of household service workers during the period,” he added. The referrals for assistance covered such issues as alleged maltreatment, non-payment of salaries, non-refund of travel expense, non-payment of medical assistance, and withholding of return travel documents. Majority, or 470, of these 645 RFA remains pending at the end of the first quarter. One hundred seventy-five were disposed of, which registered a disposition rate of 27 per cent with the following breakdown: 135 were settled, including 12 RFA withdrawn; 26 were dropped due to lack of interest; and 14 were referred for compulsory handling. The settlement rate was recorded at 21 per cent. The Single Entry Approach (SeNA) is an administrative mechanism that provides speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement of all labor issues. Under the SEnA, conciliation-mediation is done by Single Entry Approach Desk Officers (SEADOs) who are trained to fast-track settlement of all referred labor and employment cases. “Our conciliators and mediators work round the clock to ensure that the welfare of the workers and the concerns of the employers are both readily addressed. We mutually provide the parties with an accessible venue where just and fair resolution of issues are achieved,” said Secretary Baldoz. Over the last two years, a total of 3,793 RFA were filed by Kasambahay for SEnA. Of these RFA, 324 were filed by local kasambahay, and 3,454 were filed by overseas-based household service workers. It can be recalled that the DOLE's SEnA team won the Lingkod Bayan Award for its outstanding performance in providing speedy, impartial, inexpensive and accessible settlement of labor issues through conciliation and mediation. According to the NCMB, the SEnA is a reform measure enacted by Secretary Baldoz in 2010 under Department Order No. 107 pursuant to the 22-point Labor and Employment Agenda of President Benigno S. Aquino III. Under this reform, the DOLE and its attached agencies are mandated to strictly follow a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation process for all cases so that these will not mature into full-blown, legal proceedings. The Single Entry Approach (SENA) was established in pursuit of the goal of President Benigno S. Aquino III in his 22-point labor and employment agenda. The 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation approach is a reform program that answers President Aquino’s directive to the DOLE to reform labor arbitration and adjudication systems by streamlining procedures, removing red tape, and at the same time, restore integrity and fairness in the system and to ensure that labor cases are disposed of with quality decisions. The Department Order No. 107-10 prescribes the guidelines on the reform measure by virtue of the mandate of Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution on the preferential use of voluntary modes of dispute settlement; Article 211 of the Labor Code, as amended; the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act of 2004; and Executive Order No. 523 instituting the use of ADR for the speedy resolution of all disputes before the administrative bodies of the Executive Department. |TOP| Baldoz hails Angeles Industrial Park for creating 12,000 ‘decent’ jobs Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday visited the 30-hectare Angeles Industrial Park, Inc. (AIPI) to meet with its management, locators, and sub-contractors and thanked them for providing ‘decent and productive jobs’ to close to 12,000 Pampaguenos. She timed the visit for the unveiling of a marker declaring the AIPI as a labor laws-compliant economic zone after its 14 locators and their 11 sub-contractors have been jointly assessed and found to be compliant with general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards under the new Labor Laws Compliance System. She also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DOLE, AIPI, the locators, and their sub-contractors on the continued monitoring of the industrial park of its labor laws compliance status. “You owe it to your workers—because you underwent the joint assessment together with them—yourselves, and the DOLE to see to it that you continue to comply with all labor laws and occupational safety and health standards as a matter of legal and moral responsibility,’ said in her message during the awarding of certificates of compliance to the industrial park’s 14 locators and their 11 sub-contractors. “Foreign investors who come from developed countries consider labor rights as human rights, and therefore, they look upon labor compliance as factor in their consideration of where to invest,’ she added. Accompanied by DOLE Regional Office Director Atty. Ana Dione and Assistant Regional Director Geraldine Panllilio, as well as the regional staff, particularly the labor laws compliance officers (LLCOs) who jointly assessed the zone, its locators and their contractors, Baldoz said AIPI is setting an example to other economic zones in the country in terms of harmonious labor—management relations which continues to attract foreign investors wanting to locate in the industrial park. “You can use this labor laws-complaint declaration as an added-value to your attractions to foreign investors to locate in the AIPI,” Baldoz said to her audience led by Noel Anthony N. Valdez, AIPI president, and Mario Alberto, Philippine Economic Zone Authority manager for AIPI. Valdez said in his remarks that the AIPI is experiencing an upsurge in investor interest because they see, despite man options, that the AIPI exercise great responsibility in treating workers with respect and fairness. “Twenty years ago, when the AIPI started operation, Angeles City was a sleepy town. Today, we are the main attraction in a capacity for its good quality jobs,” he said. Together, the 14 locators employ close to 9,000 workers, while their 11 sub-contractors provide employment to nearly 3,000 workers. In the first four months of 2015, according to Mr. Alberto, seven of the industrial park’s 14 locators employed 11,042 workers; posted exports of close to US$39 million, and paid salaries and wages of P464 million. Total employment of these seven export establishments reached only 8,147 in 2014, an indication that the industrial park’s employment continues to increase. The 14 locators of the AIPI which Baldoz awarded certificates of compliance on GLS and OSHS are Angeles Industrial Park, (real estate); Angeles Power Inc. (Calibo Ower Plant), power generation); Asiaphil Electric Pampanga (electric equipment); Bea Power Industries (wooden decors); Dae Young Manufacturing Inc. (transformers and other electrical appliances using transformers); Dolo Matrix Philippines (remediation activities & other waste management services); GB Global Exprez, Inc. (components, regulators, switch gears); Kodec Precision Inc. (hard disc plates); LTX Corporation-Philippine Branch, (repair, service and sale of microelectronic chips); SIGLO Philippines (leather of IT and telecommunications services). Baldoz also awarded certificates of compliance on GLS and OSHS to Glocke Security Services, (security); CCS Manpower and Allied Services, (utility); Royal Security Agency, (security); Reliable Labor Service, (utility); Megaforce Security Agency, (security); Aim Staff Manpower Services, (janitorial); Jeff Gard Security Services, (security); Safeguard Armour Security Corp, (security); Glocke Security Systems, Inc., (security); Stonehenge Manpower, (finishing packing); Romac Manpower Agency, (janitorial). The AIPI is the 11th economic zone in the country to be declared as a labor laws-compliant eco-zone ad where markers containing such declaration have been erected. The other 10 are (1) Hacienda Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac; (2) Phividec Industrial Park in Misamis Oriental; (3) Mactan Export Processing Zone II and (4) Cebu Light Industrial Park in Cebu; (5) Baguio Economic Zone in Baguio City, Benguet; (6) Cagayan Economic Zone in Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley; (7) Freeport Area of Bataan; (8) PAFC Petrochemical Industrial Park; (9) Hermosa Industrial Park, all in Bataan; and (10) TIPCO Estate Corporation Special Economic Zone (TECO) in Mabalacat, Pampanga. |TOP| CSC renews call for strict implementation of smoke-free policies Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph/ As it joins the observance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reminded state workers anew on the prohibition against smoking in government premises and against interacting with the tobacco industry. CSC Commissioner Robert S. Martinez said that under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 17 issued in May 2009, an “absolute smoking ban” is imposed in all premises of government agencies that provide health, education, and social welfare and development services such as hospitals, health centers, schools and universities. Thus, smoking areas are not allowed to be designated in these places. For government premises not belonging to said categories, smoking is also prohibited except in open spaces designated as ‘smoking areas’. Moreover, the CSC and Department of Health’s (DOH) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2010-01 bans government officials and employees from interacting with the tobacco industry, unless when strictly necessary for effective regulation, supervision or control. JMC 2010-01 aims to protect the bureaucracy against tobacco industry interference, or tactics and strategies used by the tobacco industry to interfere with the setting and implementing of tobacco control measures. Prohibited acts include providing preferential treatment such as incentives and exemptions to the tobacco industry, and soliciting or accepting any donation or favor from the tobacco industry in connection with any operation or transaction of the agency. Commissioner Martinez said that the health and wellness of state workers remains to be a major concern of the Commission. “As the central human resource institution of government, the CSC places premium on the health and wellness, primarily of civil servants, and also of the country’s human capital in general, as we believe that a person’s health directly correlates with his or her productivity,” he said. “While we respect the fact that smoking remains to be a personal choice, we urge public servants to make the better choice, to choose the path toward a healthier lifestyle,” he added. |TOP| Roxas lauds youth 'first responders' for disaster preparedness Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |TOP| Roxas: Safe ka sa SAFE KAm Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph To further boost the anti-crime initiative of the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s Oplan Lambat-Sibat, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas on Friday (May 29) led the launching of Project SAFE KAm, a crime prevention measure, which utilizes closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to aid the arrest of criminals and deter the occurrence of crimes. The first 32 CCTV cameras were installed along the busy intersection of Pasay Rotonda, located at the corner of EDSA and Taft Avenue in Pasay City. “About one million people from all walks of life pass by the EDSA-Taft area every day, and one way to make this area safe for them is to install CCTV cameras in strategic locations that will capture all the happenings from all the corners of the area,” Roxas said. The CCTV cameras were installed in such a way that authorities have eyes in key walkways and footbridges located at the Rotonda. During the presentation, Roxas also announced the designation of Safe Taxi Zones, where commuters can safely ride the taxi because they are monitored by CCTV cameras. “Kasama ito sa ating programa na hindi bara-bara o patsamba-tsamba, hindi kanya-kanya at hindi ningas cogon. Nais natin na ipairal ang batas sa paraang deliberate, programmatic, at sustained upang maramdaman ng ating mamamayan ang kaligtasan sa ating lansangan,” Roxas said. CCTV cameras can make it easier for investigators to identify the plate number of the taxi, the face of the driver, as well as the passenger. “Kung sakali man na merong masama na nangyari sa pasahero matapos niyang sumakay ng taxi, sa pamamagitan ng recordings ng CCTV cameras ay mabilis na makukuha ang plaka ng taxi, ang body number ng taxi, ang hitsura ng driver maging ang pasahero. Magiging kasangkapan ang mga ito para mas mabilis na mahuli at mapanagot sa batas kung sino man ang gumawa ng krimen,” Roxas added. Officials of the PNP said that Project SAFE KAm in Pasay Rotonda is the first of the seven crime-prone areas in Metro Manila identified by the PNP. The other areas include the University Belt area in Manila, Monumento, MRT North Edsa Station-West Avenue, EDSA Cubao-Aurora Boulevard, Redemptorist in Baclaran, and De La Salle University along Taft Avenue. About P650,000 was allocated for the project in Pasay Rotonda, which is a small price to pay for the security of about a million people passing by in this area each day. This translates to an equivalent of about 65 centavos per people spent for their safety. Roxas added that half of the budget was shouldered by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The project is a product of collaborative efforts from both the public and private sectors, who worked closely in order to give the citizens a safer environment. “Ang importante ay safe ka kung dadaan sa sa lugar na ito,” Roxas stressed. |TOP| PNP holds international policing standards GAB Source: http://pnp.gov.ph To keep abreast with the world’s best practices on policing standards and humanitarian law, some 20 star-rank senior police officers are in attendance to a two-day workshop-forum on International Policing Standards and International Humanitarian Law yesterday (May 27) in Coron, Busuanga, Palawan. The said activity is second of a series of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law workshop-forum, first conducted last September 2014 in Caticlan, Aklan, organized by the Philippine National Police Human Rights Affairs Office (PNP-HRAO) in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). PNP-HRAO Chief Police Chief Superintendent Antonio B. Viernes disclosed that the top level forum is an effective venue for freewheeling discussions on doable policy recommendations to mainstream human rights based policing and observance of International Humanitarian Law. PNP OIC Leonardo A. Espina, in a speech read for him by his representative PCSUPT Dennis P. Peña during the opening ceremony, urged participants to continue the human rights-related reforms and the strict observance of humanitarian laws. Espina encouraged the participants to maximize their efforts to ensure the cascading of information on international policing standards and international humanitarian law to fellow PNP personnel nationwide. Meanwhile, ICRC Regional Police Delegate to Southeast Asia, Daniel Agob stressed the significance of identifying which law is applicable in a given situation by the law enforcer. The precise and timely identification of the law is the crucial challenge faced by enforcement agencies, hence, the continuous dialogue and appreciation of international rules on policing. The ICRC and PNP has worked together on the promotion of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) since 2008 up to date. The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization, mandated to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other forms of violence. It has established its presence in the Philippine for over 60 years now. (PNP-PIO) |TOP| DOST hones global potential of PH Halal industry in upcoming int’l event Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph Over 1500 delegates from some 40 countries around the world will converge in Manila to participate in the Philippine Halal Assembly, International Conference and Expo on June 03-05, 2015 at the Manila Mariott Hotel in Pasay City. According to Dr. Zenaida P. HR Laidan, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology-XII which hosts the event, the Assembly focuses on the development of the country’s Halal industry. Foremost concern is to increase Halal products and exports especially to members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the main Halal food market. Themed “Synergizing Halal thru S&T”, the Halal Assembly is an excellent platform to create camaraderie, unity and solidarity among key players in the Halal sector thru science and technology. “In this age of sustainable development, DOST is taking a quantum leap towards a robust Halal Philippines by adopting the Science and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) unified Global Halal Standard,” according to Sec. Mario Montejo. Hosting the international event are the DOST, DOST-XII, and the Halal Development Council (HDC) MICE Middle East, Main highlight of the event is the launch of the DOST-XII Philippine Halal Certified Logo which is duly recognized by the OIC. The logo observes the “One Standard, One Logo, One Logo, and One Test” rule for the worldwide acceptance of Halal products bearing the logo. The introduction of the said logo is expected to signal the acceptance of Philippine Halal products to the international market. According to Dr. Laidan, DOST-XII with its Halal Science and Technology Program, including the Philippine National Halal Laboratory, will be at the country’s forefront in promoting the Philippines’ potential to become the largest Halal product supplier in the world. The Halal laboratory will be accredited by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TURKAK), holder of the standards and test parameters for Islamic Countries. Expected to participate in this international event are representatives from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Philippines, England, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, USA and others. This Assembly will benefit the more than 10 million Islamic Filipinos in the country, as well as the international community, to stay true to their religious obligations. (Babai Tagitican, S&T Media Service, DOSt-XII) |TOP| Eco-friendly airport to rise in Panglao, Bohol Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/ DOTC, Mitsubishi-Chiyoda seal deal for New Bohol Airport Project A world-class, eco-friendly airport will soon rise in Bohol. The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and winning bidder, Japanese joint venture Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation holds a ceremonial signing of the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport Project today. "Tourists in Bohol continue to grow each year that passes. Unfortunately, the current airport may not be able to accommodate the increase over time. This gives us the need to cater to the increasing number of tourists and this means modernizing and expanding the airport with a design that is of international standards.” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. The P 7-Billion project will commence in June and is expected to be completed within thirty (30) months or in 2017 to early 2018. The New Bohol Airport will replace the current Bohol gateway, Tagbilaran Airport, which is the eleventh (11th) busiest airport in the country. Tagbilaran airport catered to around 789,800 passengers in 2013 despite its size of only 850 square meters. The first greenfield airport under the Aquino Administration is ten times bigger than the Tagbilaran Airport, with a floor area of around 8,800 square meters, boosting the annual passenger capacity to 1.7 million passengers. In line with Bohol’s eco-tourism branding, the airport will have environmentally friendly and energy saving features such as the installation of LED lights. To add to that, only the pre-departure area will have air conditioning, operating with solar powered energy while the rest of the areas will be open. In order to provide better service for passengers, the DOTC is also in the process of bidding out the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the airport. The winning bidder will take over O&M upon the completion of civil works. |TOP| DENR unveils 5-year project to boost marine key biodiversity areas Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched on Thursday a five-year initiative that aims to boost ongoing efforts to protect five of the country's marine key biodiversity areas (MKBAs). The project, called "Strengthening the Marine Protected Areas to Conserve Marine Key Biodiversity Areas," involves the establishment of a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts in the Verde Island Passage, the Lanuza Bay in Surigao Del Sur, the Davao Gulf in Southern Mindanao, the Tanon Strait Protected Seascape in Central Visayas and Southern Palawan. These MKBAs are among the richest in the country in terms of coastal and marine biodiversities and their protection is critical to ensure the fish population in the Southeast Asian region. The project is jointly funded by the DENR, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Fund. Implementation will be carried out by the DENR's Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), in partnership with five conservation organizations with extensive experience in coastal and marine conservation projects in local communities. The organizations are the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute for the West Sulu Sea Area, Conservation International-Philippines, Haribon Foundation, World Wildlife Fund-Philippines, and RARE-Philippines. The BMB and its partners will facilitate the setting up of a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) and improve management effectiveness of local communities in these areas. The project also includes innovative financing mechanisms to generate revenues needed to finance conservation activities in these areas. Fishing and other development activities in MPAs are restricted and conservation activities there are comprehensive as they cover both the coastal and shoreline ecosystems. The establishment of MPAs has been proven effective in enabling depleted fish stocks and helping ecosystems to recover and replenish. At present, there are only 33 MPAs established under Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the National Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992. The law provides the legal framework for the establishment of MPAs. Although there are already a total of 1,620 MPAs created through local ordinances by virtue of the Fisheries Code of 1998, which mandates that 15 percent of coastal waters be set aside as marine reserves. The project is also fully consistent with the country’s priorities and policies on biodiversity conservation, and contributes to the 2011-2016 Philippines Development Plan by enhancing coastal and marine resource management under the national integrated coastal management program. The project also contributes to the National Plan of Action for the Coral Triangle Initiative under Executive Order No. 797, particularly on achieving the goals and targets on MPAs, climate change adaptation and ecosystem approach to fisheries management. |TOP| Papua New Guinea explores possibilty of modelling BI anti-trafficking efforts Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |TOP| New MMDA earthquake preparedness website highlights rescue volunteers Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today launched the bepreparedmetromanila.com, a new website that provides vital information on earthquake preparedness and disaster response. Chairman Francis Tolentino said the new website is part of MMDA’s thrust of using technology and communications to make accessible to the public necessary information should a strong earthquake hit Metro Manila and nearby towns. “With the unquestionable power of technology nowadays, the be prepared Metro Manila website is the agency’s latest offering to promote disaster preparedness and public safety,” Tolentino said. The website highlights the importance of volunteerism and ‘bayanihan’ through the sign-up option for the Metro Manila Rescue Volunteer Corps (MMRVC). According to Tolentino, MMDA hopes to sign up at least 8,000 volunteers for the MMRVC which will be activated in the event of earthquakes. Volunteers must be 18 years old or above, male or female, and willing to undergo a three-day earthquake response and rescue training to be conducted by the agency for free. Those interested may sign up online at the be prepared website. The website likewise contains the latest information on hazard mapping, through AusAid’s Greater Metro Manila Area Risk Analysis and Valley Fault System Atlas of Phivolcs. It also features a detailed description of the MMDA’s Oplan Metro Yakal, the agency’s disaster contingency measure as well as important contact numbers of government agencies and local government units’ disaster response departments. |TOP| DTI implementing a new industrial policy; CAR gets ready to draw up regional industry roadmaps Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Department of Trade and Industry-Industry Development Group (DTI-IDG) Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba lauded the support and initiative of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) to localize industry roadmaps. “In crafting your roadmaps and aligning this with our national strategies for growth and development, together we are building capacities to take advantage of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and tariff free entry of more than 6000 products in the European market,” Aldaba said. More than 250 participants from various businesses and business organizations, government agencies, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locators, mayors, and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from CAR attended last week the “Industry Roadmaps and the AEC Game Plan: Regional Localization for Competitiveness” forum. The DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) organized the forum. DTI CAR Regional Director Myrna P. Pablo urged local participants to strengthen private public partnerships. “The next step is clearly for us to formulate our own regional roadmaps to set the direction and vision of our industries. Today we are here to start formulating our regional roadmaps on coffee and ptocessed vegetables and fruits,” Pablo said. Some 35 sectoral roadmaps have been crafted and submitted to the BOI. The crafting of industry roadmaps at national and regional levels is private-sector led while government acts as facilitator and enabler. The DTI and the BOI have been conducting similar fora in the country to facilitate development of local roadmaps. “What has been highlighted as the forum moves from one region to another is the need for all of us government, industry associations, academe, civil society and other stakeholders to engage in industrial cooperation and partnership in order to equip us better to face the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities from AEC,” Pablo said. The AEC seeks to create a single market and a single production base within the Association on Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, and become fully integrated with the global market. Since January 2010, more than 99.65% of goods have been traded at zero tariff in ASEAN. Very few products remain protected by tariffs within ASEAN. In the Philippines, these are primarily agricultural products including rice, sugar, cassava and sweet potatoes, maize, chicken, and swine. The AEC, in the medium- to long-term, promises vast opportunities and strong growth potentials for the country. “In order for us to maximize the opportunities in AEC and the European Union, we should be constantly improving our efforts to enhance our competitiveness,” Aldaba added. “By identifying interventions and initiatives to upgrade our industries and MSMEs and strengthening the competitiveness of our regional economies, particularly here in CAR, we can make our country’s economic growth more sustainable and inclusive." |TOP| DTI reminds OFW families to use Balikbayan box tracker Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-R03) reminded families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Central Luzon to be vigilant in monitoring Balikbayan boxes sent by their relatives from abroad. Based on the data from the Philippine Statistical Authority for 2012, Central Luzon has the second highest number of OFW at 294,000 or 14.4% of all Filipino OFWs sent abroad. DTI-3 Director Judith P. Angeles reiterated that OFW families can monitor their Balikbayan boxes through the internet, by logging in the Bill of Lading number of their Balikbayan boxes at the following websites: http://customs.gov.ph/balikbayan-box-tracker-101/. The lists of accredited and blacklisted freight forwarders are also available at the DTI listings page. The list includes the contact persons and details of the forwarders for easier monitoring. There are 56 accredited sea freight forwarding companies accredited by the DTI as of 06 March 2015. Recent complaints have reached the Department regarding the delay in the delivery or loss of Balikbayan boxes sent through unscrupulous freight forwarders. The DTI may assist complaints from OFWs or their consignee relatives through the Business Licensing and Accreditation Division (BLAD), formerly the Philippine Shippers Bureau (PSB) of DTI. BLAD can be contacted through the DTI Hotline 02 751.3330. |TOP| PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon) to pay their obligations Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon), Inc. reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC representatives. Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena was placed under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of Monetary Board Resolution No. 756.A dated May 14, 2015. In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL RB Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon). PDIC emphasized that it has not engaged any person, agent or agency to collect the loan payments for and in behalf of the bank. To ensure proper recording of their payments, PDIC further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The PDIC emphasized that for payments to be valid, it must be supported by a machine-validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slip. Official receipts will be issued by PDIC upon validation of payments and will be sent through mail to the borrowers. For proper accounting of their payments, borrowers who do not receive their official receipts are advised to send a photocopy of their deposit slips by mail to the Deputy Receiver for loans Josefina R. Fajardo at the PDIC Office, 5th Floor, SSS Bldg., Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City or send via e-mail to Ms. Fajardo at jrfajardo@pdic.gov.ph or to Ms. Thelma A. Peña at tbarias@pdic.gov.ph. statement, PDIC advised borrowers of Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL RB Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon). PDIC emphasized that it has not engaged any person, agent or agency to collect the loan payments for and in behalf of the bank. Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC-Loans Management Department II at (02) 841-4761 or 841-4765. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Rural Bank of Sta. Magdalena (Sorsogon) is a single-unit rural bank with Head Office located in Brgy. 3 Poblacion, Santa Magdalena, Sorsogon. |TOP| President Aquino’s statement before departing for his state visit to Japan, June 2, 2015 Posted on June 2, 2015 File photo Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas Bago ang kanyang state visit sa Japan [Inihayag sa NAIA Terminal 2, Lungsod Pasay, noong ika-2 ng Hunyo 2015] Sa ating pag-arangkada sa tuwid na daan, napatunayan natin ang ating relasyon sa ibang bansa ay hindi na lamang para tumanggap ng kanilang kabaitan: Handa na rin tayong tumulong sa paglutas ng mga hamong hinaharap at haharapin ng ating rehiyon. Nakikiambag na rin tayo sa pagkamit ng ating mga kolektibong layunin. At habang nagpapakitang-gilas naman tayo sa komunidad ng mga bansa, lumalakas ang kakayahan nating magkaloob ng benepisyo sa ating mga Boss, ang mamamayang Pilipino. Ngayong umaga nga po, sa imbitasyon ng kanilang pamahalaan, ay lilipad tayo patungong Tokyo, Japan para sa isang state visit. Gaya po ng lagi nating ginagawa tuwing lumalabas tayo ng bansa, talaga pong siniksik natin ang ating schedule. Makikipagkita po tayo kina Emperor Akihito at Empress Michiko upang personal na ipaabot ang ating pasasalamat sa kanilang walang-maliw na pagtulong at pagbibigay ng suporta. Gayundin po, makikipagpulong rin tayo kay Punong Ministro Shinzo Abe upang higit na pagtibayin ang ugnayan at pakikipagtulungan sa kanilang bansa. Dadalo rin po tayo sa joint session ng kanilang National Diet para magpahayag ng suporta sa kanilang isinusulong na transpormasyon, na pihadong magdadala ng higit pang kaunlaran at pagkakataon para sa kanila at sa ating mamamayan. Makikipagpulong din po tayo sa mga kinatawan ng Nippon Keidanren, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Keizai Doyukai, at Boekikai, ilan sa malalaking samahan ng mga kompanya at asosasyong pangnegosyo sa Japan. Personal nating ipababatid ang panibagong sigla sa ating ekonomiya at kalakhang lipunan. Ang kuwento nga po sa atin ni Ambassador Manuel Lopez, talaga pong patuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga nagtatanong sa ating embahada tungkol sa pamumuhunan sa Pilipinas, lalo na pagkatapos ng mga road show at business forums doon. Bunga po ito ng nagaganap na pagbabago sa sistema’t kultura ng pagnenegosyo sa ilalim ng ating matuwid na pamamahala. Dadalo rin po tayo sa Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, na inorganisa ng pinakamalaking media group sa Japan. Ibabahagi po natin doon ang mga repormang ipinatupad natin sa ating pamahalaan, na nagbunga ng positibong pagbabago para sa ating mga kababayan. Sa pamamagitan nito, maipakikita natin ang ating kahandaang makiambag sa magaganap na integrasyon sa ating rehiyon. Siyempre po, sasamantalahin din natin ang pagkakataong ito upang muling makapiling ang Filipino community sa Japan. Personal po tayong makikipagdiyalogo sa kanila dahil itinuturing natin silang mga ambassador sa ibang bansa: Sila ang patunay ng husay, talino, at dedikasyon ng Pilipino; sila ang tagapagbalita ng mga nagaganap na positibong transpormasyon sa ating lipunan. Kakamustahin din natin ang 9 nating kadete na bahagi ng exchange program sa pagitan ng National Defense Academy of Japan at ng ating Philippine Military Academy, pati na ang ilan sa mga Pilipinong nurse at caregiver na naka-deploy doon sa ilalim ng Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Ikinalulugod ko rin pong ibalita sa inyo na bahagi ng ating pagbisita ang pagtanggap ng parangal na “Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum,” ang pinakaprestihiyosong parangal sa Japan. Malinaw po sa akin na ang karangalang ito ay hindi lamang pagkilala sa mga nagawa ko bilang indibidwal, kundi, at mas importante, pati na rin sa kolektibong pakikilahok ng bawat disenteng Pilipino upang isulong ang kaunlaran, kapayapaan, at demokrasya. Igagawad naman po natin ang Orden ng Lakandula (Ranggo ng Supremo) kay Emperor Akihito, at ang Orden ng Sikatuna (Ranggo ng Rajah) kay Punong Ministro Abe bilang pagkilala sa kanilang natatanging kontribusyon sa pagpapatatag at pagsusulong ng ugnayang Japan at Pilipinas. Ang palitan ng parangal na ito ay sagisag din ng lalo pang tumitibay na pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa at mamamayan. Hindi naman po lingid sa kaalaman ng marami: Sa nakalipas na 59 na taon, lampas-lampas pa sa kanilang obligasyon ang naibigay ng mga Hapon na tulong, suporta, at malasakit sa ating bansa. Sa ating administrasyon, nang hagupitin tayo ng bagyong Yolanda, bukod sa isa sila sa pinakaunang nagbukas ng palad sa atin, napakalaki rin ng ibinigay nilang tulong upang makabangon ang mga nasalanta nating kababayan. Kasama din natin sila sa paninindigang ang rule of law ang dapat mamayani upang makamit ang patas at makatwirang resolusyon sa usapin ng teritoryo. Sa tulong din po ng Japan, naitanim natin ang binhi ng pagtitiwalang nagbukas ng landas patungo sa mas mapayapa at mas maunlad na Mindanao. Sa mga kababayan naman nating madalas magpunta sa mall, siguradong nararamdaman ninyo ang pagdami ng negosyong Hapon dito sa atin, na tinugunan naman natin ng mainit na pagtangkilik. Dumarami na nga ang mapagpipiliang restawran na naghahain ng ramen, sushi, at tonkatsu; nadaragdagan ang tindahang mabibilhan ng damit at gamit sa bahay na may tatak ng mga Japanese brands. May nakapagbalita rin po sa akin na sa dami ng Pilipinong nagpupunta sa Japan para magbakasyon, may mga hotel nang naglagay ng pagbating “Maligayang pagdating!” sa kanilang lobby. Sa ika-5 ng Hunyo po ang balik natin. Sa pagbisitang ito sa Japan, gagawin natin ang ating makakaya upang marami tayong maiuwing pasalubong na magandang balita sa ating mga Boss. Sisiguraduhin po natin na ang mga ganado nang mamuhunan ay lalo pang gaganahan, at ang mga nagsisimulang magpakita ng interes ay tatawid na patungo sa tuluyang pamumuhunan sa Pilipinas. Ito po ang higit pang magpapalawak ng oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan. Makakaasa po kayo: Sa pagpapatibay ng ating ugnayan sa ibang mga bansa, mas mahusay nating matutugunan ang mga darating na hamon at mas mapapalapit tayo sa katuparan ng pinapangarap nating mas maunlad na Pilipinas. Muli, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat, at maraming salamat.

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Press Briefing on the Kentex fire incident

Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace

01 June 2015

OPENING STATEMENT PRESIDENT AQUINO: Magandang hapon po sa lahat. Meron hong tinatayang 300,000 establisyemento sa National Capital Region na pagkatapos nitong sunog sa Kentex noong natuklasan nga na --- siyempre 'di ba tatanungin natin ano ba ang nangyari? Bakit nangyari ang ganitong trahedya? So lumabas maraming mga violations 'nung Fire Code. For instance, iyong 'pag meron kang empleyado na 40 pataas, kailangan automatic may fire sprinkler system --- so 72 po iyong patay dito maliwanag na lagpas 40. Merong kailangan na fire detection and alarm system, not existing. Merong protektadong fire exit sa loob ng pasilidad. Iyong kaninang ipinapakita ng ating director ng Bureau of Fire Protection iyong exit dito sa likod [baka dapat pumunta ako dito]... [The President refers to the miniature model of the Kentex fire site] So kung babalikan natin ano, main entrance, parang pwede itong exit, lalabas ka dito sa kalsada, merong apat na taong naipit dito sa stairwell pero nakatalon pero pati sila sunugan dahil nga 'yung apoy umakyat dito at umakyat dito sa likuran. Iyong likuran kasi ang next na exit e, ano, e dito tumakbo 'yung apoy at saka doon sa taas na-trap na, na-channel na dito plus 'yung usok. Okay, ngayon, kung makaabot sila dito at walang apoy, ito 'yung warehouse, 'yung warehouse ngayon may koneksyon, may labasan ka dito sa likod. So kung nakikita natin itong likuran na exit. Kung protektado iyong sinasabi na exit dito maski nasusunog diyan, masu-suppress 'yung --- mababawasan 'yung init, mahihinto 'yung apoy nagpang-abot dito, may labasan ka na dapat puntahan. So balikan ko, walang protected fire exit. So nandyan naman sa ating screen ang ating mga violation. Ngayon, requirement bago bigyan ng business operating permit ay 'yung pagkakaroon ng fire safety inspection certificate. 1986 warehouse ang operations nitong Kentex naging manufacturing in 1996. Ngayon, parang from 1996 to 2014, ang lumalabas may isang beses silang nagkaroon in 2012 ng tinatawag sa records na available, 'yung FSIC (fire safety inspection certificate). Ngayon maliwanag sa 2015, wala 'yung automatic fire sprinkler, wala 'yung protected fire escape, medyo malabo rin kung bakit naissuehan 'nung 2012 ng fire safety inspection certificate. Dagdag ko rin 'yung fire safety inspection certificate taun-taon, kailangan meron niyan. Okay, 'yung kaninang video ng ating director ng Bureau of Fire Protection, 'yung kapag gumagawa ka ng hot works tulad nitong welding, kailangan iinspeksyunin din ng fire marshall at bibigyan ng authority para i-conduct 'yung tinatawag na hot works. Ang nangyari may chemicals, highly-combustible 'yung super cell blowing agent. Ngayon, nagwe-welding sa parang kumbaga doon sa tabi niya kung saan may takip lang yata ng tarpaulin kapag uminit ito pwedeng sumabog, pwedeng masunog at pwedeng sumabog at iyon nga ang nangyari. So siguro sa akin bilang layman, siguro 'pag may gasolinahan, aayusin 'yung bubong ng gasolinahan at kailangan ng welding diyan, siyempre hindi mo naman itatapat 'yung sparks 'nung welding doon sa gasolina. Tama? Simple lang naman 'yon. Dito ayon sa Fire Code, kailangan mag-secure sila ng permit para sigurado ngang walang threat. So, isuma po natin 'yan 1996 nag-umpisa sila manufacturing, walang lumalabas na itong mga --- iyong parang kailangan o requisitos 'nung Fire Code at ito parang sa Ingles 'yung tinatawag na "this was a tragedy waiting to happen." Okay ngayon, 300,000 establisyemento ang nasa National Capital Region kung saan sinusuyod na ng Bureau of Fire Protection, merong 'yung mga tine-train na mga tao ng PNP at siyempre nakikipag-ugnayan tayo sa lahat ng local government unit para masiyasat ang bawat isa at malaman kung may peligro silang ipinapabalot sa kanilang mga manggagawa. Hindi maganda 'yung unang resulta kaya ako po ay humaharap sa inyo. Pagkatapos na pagkatapos nitong Kentex, tinignan 'yung mga kapaligid na factory at 23 ang ininspeksyon kaagad ng Bureau of Fire Protection at ang pumasa wala. 23 out of 23 may mga violations. Iyong isa sobrang daming violations ipinasara na hanggang ma-correct iyan. Iyong 22 merong mga dapat i-correct sa kanilang mga proseso. Ngayon, kailangan din nating balansehin 'yung pangangailangan naman ng trabaho 'nung kanilang manggagawa. So inutos po natin last week, noong ako po ay biniriefing tungkol sa pangyayaring ito, na number one, ininspeksyunin natin lahat, titingnan natin 'yung pinakaimportanteng mga kumpuning dapat nandyan tulad 'nung automatic na fire detection system at saka 'yung automatic sprinkler system dapat nandyan. Siguro dagdag na rin natin siyempre 'yung protected na fire exits nandiyan. Kapag wala itong mga ito, malamang 'yung mga iyon sarado hanggang ma-correct. Kapag nasarado naman sila, inatasan natin ang DOLE at saka DSWD na tulungan itong mga manggagawa habang inaayos 'yung kanilang mga pabrika na merong pangkabuhayan. Ngayon, medyo mabigat ho talaga 300,000 establisyemento po sa National Capital Region lang 'yan pero marami pa sa ibang mga lugar. Kaya ang hinahabol natin dito huwag maulit 'yang trahedyang iyan. So, marami hong ginagawang kilos ngayon sa imbestigasyon patungo sa pagkakaroon ng --- patungo sa pagsasampa ng mga kaukulang mga kaso sa mga nagkulang na hindi sumunod sa mga batas na nandyan na. For instance, 'yung local government unit, alam niyo na requirement 'yung fire safety inspection certificate, binigyan niyo ng business permit, binigyan rin ng certificate of occupancy na wala itong fire safety inspection certificate at hindi wala ng isang taon. Medyo marami-raming taon mula 1996 hanggang 2015 at sa records po na naipakita sa atin, iisang taon lang doon ang meron at 'yung pagkakaloob ng fire safety inspection certificate na iyon mukhang malabo dahil nga wala 'yung mga requisitos tulad 'nung automatic fire sprinkler system at saka 'nung protected fire escape. So, makikipagpulong bukas si Secretary (Mar) Roxas kasama ng ating mga mayors sa NCR para paigtingin itong kampanyang ito. Humaharap ako sa taumbayan para ipaliwanag kung ano ang nangyari, ano ang ginagawa natin sa kasalukuyan at naghihikayat na makipagtulungan po sa awtoridad para 'yung mga manggagawa dito na nakita na itong pabrika nila na wala itong mga requisitos na ito, ipaalam na agad sa local government unit, ipaalam doon sa ating mga fire station, sa PNP, sa DILG para mapabilis 'yung proseso ng pagsasaayos nitong mga tanggapan na ito para sumunod sa mga batas na matagal nang nandyan sa ating mga libro. So ito ang hinahabol ho natin hindi maulit ang trahedyang ito at talaga namang mapagdiinan sa pamamagitan ng mga kasong isasampa lahat ng nagtulung-tulong para magkaroon ng ganitong trahedya. May requisitos, pwede na nating hindi --- pwedeng nabawasan ang mga nabiktima dito kung sinunod lang 'yung mga batas na matagal nang nandiyan. So may mga nagkulang sa kanilang mga tungkulin at iyon ay pananagutin natin. So palapit na yata tayo sa proseso ng preliminary investigation para sa lahat. Fact-finding leading to the preliminary investigation pinamamadali natin 'yung proseso para naman masigurado makasampa na ng kaukulang kaso at baka biglang mawala ang lahat ng mga dapat na managot dito. Ang DOLE naman po iniimbestigahan 'yung mga violations of the Labor Code. Siyempre isa sa mga pinapasagot ko sa kanila tila umano merong manpower agency dito ang may-ari 'nung manpower agency ay 19 na taong gulang, estudyante. So, medyo napapag-isip tayo either napakagaling nitong batang ito, na may capital na siya sa edad na 19, na nag-aaral siya at kaya niyang patakbuhin 'yung kanyang manpower services. So lahat ho nito makikita natin ang resulta tapos 'yung fact-finding patungo nga sa preliminary investigation, patungo nga sa pagsasampa ng mga kaso. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Evelyn Quiroz (Balita): Good afternoon, Mr. President. Earlier, sabi niyo po ang stage natin is fact-finding pa lang po. So at this stage hindi pa po natin alam kung sino ‘yung mga persons who will be civilly and criminally liable dito po sa insidenteng ito? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Nagiging technical lang ako na fact-finding, ano, pero marami nang facts na na-unearth e, and the facts itself. For instance, kailangan sa fire code meron kang automatic fire sprinkler system for an establishment with 40 employees and above; this does not have. The Bureau of Fire (Protection) correctly stated that there was a violation of the fire code could not issue a fire safety inspection certificate. There were people in the Valenzuela city government who gave them a permit and a certificate of occupancy. That is an established fact. Therefore, the next step will be a preliminary investigation, which is a necessary process under our system of laws leading to charges. Marami-rami nang tinutukoy pero we’ll leave it up to the lawyers at the DOJ (Department of Justice) and our prosecutorial services to be able to say specifically who will be charged. Ms. Quiroz: So parang lumalabas po ‘yung government po nag-issue without the fire safety clearance. On the part of the Bureau of Fire (Protection), wala ho ba silang liability na pinaba[yaan]—kasi ho meron din silang trabaho na yearly mag-iinspeksyon din po sila gaya po nang inutos niyo na earlier ‘yung 300,000 establishments ay inspeksyunin po nila. Di po ba meron ding kakulangan sa part nila? PRESIDENT AQUINO: ‘Yung sa records na ipinakita sa atin, kaya nga wala silang FSIC (fire safety inspection certificate), may violation, ginawa ng BFP trabaho nila, in 2014. In-inspect, may kakulangan, in-inform ang kaukulang kumpanya at saka ang pagkainitindi ko local government unit din. Well, hindi naman nila kailangan i-inform, kailangan mag-presenta ‘nung aplikante ‘yung FSIC. Wala silang ipresenta, hindi puwedeng bigyan ng permit. So parang ‘yon ang panigurado ng gobyerno na sundin ‘yung mga batas para mapangalagaan ‘yung kapakanan ng manggagawa. So in 2014—and other years kasi ipinakita lang na meron silang FSIC was in 2012 at ngayon humaharap na rin sa imbestigasyon ‘yung nag-issue ‘nung 2012 na FSIC dahil sa 2015 wala nga ‘yung requirements e. Clear ba ‘yon? Puwede kong ulitin ha. 2015, tiningnan, meron bang protected fire exit? Wala. Kung wala ‘nung 2015, chances are ‘nung 2012 wala rin pero inisyuhan ng certificate ‘non. So pinapapaliwanag ‘yon. ‘Nung iniimbestigahan ng Bureau of Fire itong kanilang mga tauhan, ang sagot sa kanila, kukunsultahin nila ‘yung mga abogado nila, which is their right. Ms. Quiroz: Sir, last question po. Sabi niyo earlier you ordered the inspection of 300,000 establishments, meron po ba kayong mekanismo para maiwa[san]… Kasi po ito mag-iinspeksyon na naman, ‘di ho ba, nagkakaroon palagi ng tsansa sa parte—hindi naman ho tayo nag-aakusa kung hindi para maiwasan po na magkaroon na naman uli ng mga padrino, ng lakaran, pakiusap, para ho maiwasan na ‘yung talagang makapag-isyu sila—sana po maisyu ito base sa mga regular, legal requirements at saka ‘yung mga plano, at saka iba pa pong dokumento na… PRESIDENT AQUINO: Simplehan ko lang ‘yung sagot doon sa tanong mo. Dito kakasuhan natin at the end of the day ‘yung mga lumabag ng batas e. ‘Yung mga magpapalusot, madadaan sa pakiusap, kasama sila doon sa may kasalanan, lalo na kapag nagkaroon ng trahedya. So it’s against self-interest na ilalagay mo sarili mo na pagkainit-init ang tutok dito, gagawa ka ng sitwasyon na araw-araw nagdadasal ka na sana hindi magkaroon ng trahedya kung saan nalalabas ‘yung ipinalusot mo. So, on top of that, siyempre, meron ng flowchart puwedeng ipakita si Secretary (Mar) Roxas exactly ano ba ‘yung prioritization. We only have about 600 trained inspectors under the BFP currently. We’re coming up with the training scheme whereby there will be more inspectors who will not be probably as trained, but at least will be able to detect the gross needs. For instance, meron bang automatic fire sprinkler? Hindi ko naman kailangan sigurong mag-aral ng katakut-takot na kurso para makita kung nandiyan o wala. Meron bang protected fire exit? Hindi mo rin, again, kailangan dumaan ng kung anu-anong degree para malaman kung wala. At kapag wala ‘yon, doon lalalim nang lalalim ang pag-iinspeksyon. So, at the end of the day, meron ditong… Siguro isa sa potensyal na kaso dito, hindi mo ginawa ‘yung trabaho mo. Dapat… Maliwanag nandiyan wala e. ‘Nung wala diyan, sinabi mo meron. May falsification na rin ‘yon ng public document. Magpapapatong-patong ang kaso. At the end of the day, para makontrol natin itong mga taong tiwali, sampahan ng kaukulang kaso at mapakulong. Iyon ang pakay natin dito, na… Ulit ha, 1996 ito, paano nakalusot from 1996 to 2015. Medyo masyadong mahabang time ‘yon. Iko-correct din natin ‘yung mga proseso. Baka dapat may check on the checkers. Pero at the end of the day, umpisahan muna natin na ma-certify o recertify itong 300,000 na establisyemento. Ngayon, hindi ganoon kadali ‘yung proseso ha. Ang meron lang computerized data base dito sa mga factories na ito ay Quezon City at saka Valuenzuela. Kaya nga kailangan pulungin ni Secretary Roxas para ma-compile lahat itong mga data para talagang masuyod natin lahat ‘nung establisyemento. Kaya nakikiusap din ako sa taumbayan, ‘yung mga pumapasok sa mga tanggapan na ito, na sana ito may natutunan tayong lahat pare-pareho, tingnan niyo kung meron bang ganyan sa inyong establisyemento. Meron bang fire brigade, meron bang fire drills na kinonduct (conduct) para paghandaan natin—sana huwag mangyari ulit ito—pero maiibsan natin ‘yung trahedya kung pagdadamayan natin lahat sabay-sabay. Mapapabilis natin ‘yung proseso sa pagsasaayos ng sitwasyon. Ms. Quiroz: Thank you very much, sir. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Thank you. Celerina Monte-Del Mundo (Manila Shimbun): Good afternoon, sir. Sir, clarification lang regarding this 300,000 establishments. So far, how many were inspected and you have ordered the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) to come up with measures on how to help these workers who would be affected? If ever, how many workers are we talking about, kung ilan ‘yung maaapektuhan kung sakali? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, ‘yon na nga ang point e. From the get-go, alam natin na napakaraming establisyemento. Sabihin mo nang tigsa-sampu katao lang ‘yung 300,000, e ‘di nasa three million na tayo. Madugo ‘yon. So paano ba natin babalansehin ‘yung karapatan ng manggagawa na magtrabaho sa isang maaliwalas at saka safe na working environment at ‘yung karapatan nila man lang hindi mawalan ng trabaho? So pipilitin natin na mag-minimize ng disruption pero kapag talaga namang glaring na fire trap na talagang konting sunog lang, puwedeng maging matinding trahedya, obligado naman tayong protektahan ‘yung mga manggagawa kaya kailangan ihinto. May numbers na ba tayo? How many have been inspected? ‘Yung initial investigation kasi after Kentex, sabi ko rin sa kanila: ‘Puwede bang balikan niyo lahat ng mga naisyuhan ‘nung mga inspection at siguraduhin na tama, ‘yung parang sumusunod doon sa mga patakaran at saka mga batas?’ At lumabas nga ‘yung unang dalawampu’t tatlo na karatig nitong Kentex, 23 ang bumagsak. So dahil doon, biglang naisip natin, i-review na natin ‘yung 300,000. So, again, puwedeng ipaliwanag ni Secretary Roxas kung paano ‘yung flowchart, kung paano natin susuyurin ‘yung 300,000 na ito. Pero [ang] first priority siguro, number one, ‘yung mga clusters at ‘yung pinakamaraming empleyado at saka ‘yung may—titingnan nga ‘yung records, kailan ba nagkaroon ng inspection ito o nakapasa [sa] fire safety inspection? Ngayon, ‘yung number of workers, I don’t know if DOLE is ready already with the number of workers. Ulitin ko lang, ‘yung database is not complete ha. There are only two in the NCR (National Capital Region) who have a complete database, which is again Quezon City and Valenzuela. The rest, malamang papel, folder, bubusisiin natin isa-isa ‘yan. Ms. Monte-Del Mundo: Sir, what kind of assistance will the government be giving to these employees who will be affected because of this inspection? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, a whole range. Siguro immediate muna dito ‘yung daily subsistence. But at the end of the day, kung kailangan ng retraining to get into other jobs, puwede rin nating pasukan ‘yon to the help of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), amongst others. Ngayon, kung puwede naman na sandaling-sandali ang disruption ‘nung factory, baka puwedeng walang fire brigade so madaling i-train ‘yung fire brigade, walang fire drill, o ‘di puwede nating ipagpatuloy habang nag-o-ongoing ‘yung organization of fire brigade at saka ‘nung fire drills. Pero kung structurally, wala talagang fire exit na maaasahan, paano natin ipapatuloy ‘yon? Kung wala talagang automatic na fire sprinkler system, paano natin sasabihin puwede kayong magpatuloy sa inyong hanap-buhay? So ulitin ko lang, ano. Tingnan niyo ito, in a sense, worst-case scenario e. May flammable material ka, magwi-welding ka tapat ‘nung flammable material na ‘pag napainit na highly combustible at saka may tendency mag-explode. At, ‘di ba, parang nandiyan ‘yung batas e. Sinunod lang sana ‘yung batas puwedeng na-mitigate itong tragedy na ito. Pero ang daming nagpalusot, ang daming nag-shortcut e. Meron tayong 72 [na] patay ngayon. Sana hindi sila patay. Ngayon, nakita na natin, ginising na tayong lahat na medyo ‘yung bawat kumpuni ng gobyerno tila hindi ginagawa ‘yung dapat o may mga kumpuni na hindi ginagawa ‘yung dapat. Kailangan nating ilabas ‘yung latigo at sabihin, “Uy, meron kayong obligasyon at kung nagpabaya kayo sa obligasyon niyo may kaukulang parusa.” Ms. Monte-Del Mundo: Sir, last on my end. Do we have any timeline as to when we could finish all of these inspections and how about those in other urban areas outside Metro Manila? Do you have any directives to ensure na similar incident won’t happen? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, ulit, kapag binusisi mo ‘yung buong—lahat [ng] requisitos ng fire code baka naman… Gaano katagal Director (Ariel) Barayuga to inspect, ‘yung very thorough inspection, two days?[Mr. Barayuga: Ang target po natin ngayon sir ay dalawang establishment lamang sa isang araw sa bawat team, sir, na two-man team, yes, sir.] Pero baka mabawasan ‘yung kailangan inspeksyunin nila para doon sa pinakaimportante para mapabilis nga ‘yung pagsiyasat sa lahat nitong mga firms na ito. Ngayon, siguro bigyan mo ako ng dalawa o tatlong buwan puwede na kitang bigyan ng progress report. Okay? Ms. Monte-Del Mundo: Thank you. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Thank you. Alden Monzon (Business World): Yes, good afternoon, Mr. President. Secretary (Herminio) Coloma previously mentioned sir that you met and directed several government agencies sir to revisit current laws on occupational safety and health hazard, sir. What changes sir can the public expect on these laws and do you think that these are still doable under your term? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Well, ulitin ko lang, ano. Currently. Lahat nitong mga batas nandiyan na at mukhang adequate. Ang problema lang ‘yung enforcement. So ang tutok natin ngayon ‘yung enforcement muna. Nandiyan na ang… BFP has to conduct the fire safety inspection. The fire safety inspection, if you pass, will result in the issuance of a certificate, which is a pre-requisite to operate your business. So they did the inspection, the establishment fail, the LGU issued the business permit, that is execution. That we still can correct. And we will correct by one—the usual carrot and stick approach. The stick is you violated the law, you will be penalized. The carrot is those that lack the capacity to be able to do so, we will help them to enhance their capabilities to enforce all of these laws. So that is the take-away and the doable in the remaining year of our term. Mr. Monzon: Okay, sir. Follow up question lang sir. Sir, how do you juggle sir ‘yung pagbibigay sir ‘yung tighter regulation sir pati ‘yung controlling the actual businesses, sir? Do you expect resistance from the private sector, from the employers group sir na kapag nag-tighten tayo sir ng rules is magkakaroon ng ganoong resistance? PRESIDENT QUINO: Merong ano, gagawa ng some resistance. They don’t want to be disrupted, but at the end of the day, this is the law; and there is no law that grants them an exemption from adhering to this law and all of these safeguards, especially as far as the workers are concerned. So ulitin lang natin ito. Think of any business who will say “Hindi namin kailangan ng fire exit. Hindi na namin kailangan ng fire drill. Hindi namin kailangan lahat ito.” I don’t think any firm will say something to that effect. But at the same time, ano, this encapsulates a lot of the problems currently and it helps us to focus on what to do with everybody else. Ngayon, kung meron man tayong fault dito, merong concept sa gobyernong tinatawag na presumption of regularity. We assumed and we presumed that all of the entities that were tasked by various laws to carry out their functions were carrying out their functions in the absence of information that said the otherwise. This tragedy shows us that in the case of the issuance of these business permits, there was laxity in issuing. They actually have no authority to do so, they did so and there are people who died because of their lax enforcement of the existing rules, then they have to answer for that. Mr. Monzon: Okay, sir. Sir, final question on my part, sir. I just need you to say this, sir. Sir, what is the position of the administration sir on criminalizing violators of these rules, sir? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Kaya nga meron na tayong preliminary—fact-finding, preliminary investigation leading to the filing of charges and the charges have the nature of a criminal action, hindi administrative action ito. One of the charges that is being studied is reckless imprudence resulting in homicide—multiple homicide. Florante Rosales (DZRH): Mr. President, magandang hapon po. Most of the workers na namatay po ay mga contractual and do you have any instruction sa DOLE or sa institutions natin like Congress na pag-aralan po itong labor contractualization law natin para hindi naman ho maging biktima ulit ‘yung mga susunod nating kababayan? PRESIDENT AQUINO: Can I ask the Secretary of Labor to respond who is the expert? SEC. ROSALINDA BALDOZ: Mr. President, meron na pong pending bill criminalizing po ‘yung violation po ng occupational safety and health and because of this incident it is being prioritized by the Labor Committee in both Houses of Congress. Sa Labor Code din po, kapag mga underpayment or failure to pay the necessary wages and benefits, other than double indemnity, may basis din ho to file criminal action, hindi lang po administrative liability. Iyon pong doon sa sub-contractor, na it turned out na hindi naman po siya registered, inaaral din po ‘yung posibilidad na filan (file) ng criminal case dahil wala naman po siyang basis to recruit and the CJC was able to recruit and the workers that they recruited were deployed to Kentex. So ‘yon po ‘yung aspeto both administrative and criminal. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Linda, para clear lang. Since he was not authorized to recruit when he recruited, is he an illegal recruiter? SEC. BALDOZ: Hindi po, sir. Prohibited… Labor-only contractor po siya, LOC. Iba po sir ‘yung sa overseas employment na kilalang-kilala na kapag walang ahensiya, labor recruiter. Sa domestic naman po kung sub-contractor siya, ang tawag po ay labor-only contractor na prohibited po sa batas. Bawal po ‘yon. Mr. Rosales: Do you have any instruction sir sa Congress to fast track or maging priority bill niyo ‘yung sinabi… PRESIDENT AQUINO: Sinabi na ni Linda, ano, there is an impetus, they are prioritizing it. At saka, I think Congress will resist the phrase: “I instructed them to do this or that.” Mga sensitive 'yung ating mga kaibigan diyan. Gusto ko lang ipagdiinan, ano, at para hindi ma-miss. Nagkaroon ng Kentex, tingnan natin baka may mangyaring Kentex pa. So sa paligid lang nila another 23 establishments were checked and I’d like to emphasize, 23 ininspeksyon, 23 bumagsak, 100 percent ang bumagsak. Kaya talagang ‘yung impetus na paspasan natin ang pagsisiyasat lahat ito para siguraduhin nating mabawasan o mabawasan ‘yung panganib sa ating manggagawa, napakaimportante. Iyon ang priority ko. Mr. Rosales: Thank you very much, Mr. President. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Thank you. Alex Calda (DZMM): Good afternoon, Mr. President. Kung meron pa pong preliminary investigation na isasagawa, meron po ba tayong timetable o target date kung kailan maifa-file ‘yung kaso doon sa mga dapat managot sa nangyari? Salamat po. PRESIDENT AQUINO: Siyempre kung ako ang masusunod kahapon sana pero may mga proseso e, may mga mandato na pasasagutin, may reglementary period kung ilang araw para sumagot doon sa paratang, pag-i-issue ng counter affidavit, meron ding reply doon sa counter affidavit. Lahat po niyan nasa rules of court, na kailangan nating sundan dahil tayo ay tagapagpatupad ng batas. So bibigyan natin dapat [ng] karapatan ‘yung mga akusado na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong ipagtanggol ang sarili nila at ‘yon ay obligasyon din natin. Mr. Calda: Thank you, sir.

SOURCE: Presidential News Desk

[HOME]

INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.

DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano

31 May 2015

 OPENING STATEMENTS

Mga Paghahanda sa Pagbubukas ng Klase

Bilang pagtupad sa direktiba ng Pangulo, puspusan ang naging paghahanda ng lahat ng ahensya ng pamamahalan sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon upang masiguro ang maayos, ligtas, at mapayapang pagbubukas ng klase bukas, Hunyo 1, sa buong bansa.

Sa tala ng DepEd (Department of Education) inaasahang humigit-kumulang sa 23 milyong mag-aaral mula sa elementarya at high school ang papasok sa tinatayang mahigit sa 46,000 pampublikong paaralan—ang eksaktong numero na ibinigay ng DepEd ay 46,624—sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.

Bukod sa DepEd, nagpakalat na rin ng 800 traffic personnel ang MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) upang tiyakin ang kaayusan at kaligtasan ng mga lansangan sa kalakhang Maynila.

Nakikipag-ugnayan din ang ahensya sa PNP (Philippine National Police) para sa seguridad ng mga mag-aaral at ang PNP naman ay tumututok sa seguridad ng lahat ng paaralan sa buong bansa.

Patuloy din ang isinasagawang pagbabantay ng Department of Trade and Industry at Food and Drugs Administration sa presyo at suplay, maging ang kaligtasan ng mga gamit pang-eskwela.

Hudyat din ng pagsisimula ng klase ang pormal na pagpapatupad ng K-to-12 program na isa sa mga haligi ng reporma sa sektor ng edukasyon upang ibayong mahubog ang kakayahan at kasanayan ng mga mag-aaral sa kanilang paghahanda sa pagpasok sa kolehiyo.

Sa pamamagitan nito sila ay magiging higit na handa sa pagpasok sa trabaho at paglahok sa pagsisimula ng negosyo. Sa kanyang talumpati sa PICC noong nakaraang Biyernes, binigyang-diin ni Pangulong Aquino ang kahalagahan ng programang K-to-12 sa bansa upang bigyan ang mga mag-aaral na Pilipino ng—ito po ang kanyang sinabi—“sapat na kakayahang sagarin ang bumubukas na pagkakataon sa bansa at makaambag sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.”

Dagdag din po, ayon din sa Pangulo, ito rin po ang kanyang salita: “Sa K-to-12, pinaiigting ang pagtuturo ng mga batayang kaalaman sa elementarya at junior high school; at sa senior high school, makakapili ng specialized tracks para sa akademiya sa technical and vocational education, pati na sa sports and arts. Sa pamamagitan nito sinisiguro nating may sapat na dunong at kakayahan ang ating mga kabataan kapag nagtapos sila ng high school upang mas maging produktibong bahagi ng lipunan.”

Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na ang pagtutok sa edukasyon ang isa sa pinakamabilis at napaka-kailangan na paraan upang maisakatuparan ang pagkamit ng inclusive growth o ng kaunlarang naaabot ng nakararami, kung hindi, ng lahat. Ibinihagi ng Pangulo na sa kanyang termino nagawang tugunan ng administrasyon ang mga kakulangan sa sektor ng edukasyon.

Noong 2012, nagawang mapunan ang 61.7 million na textbooks at 2.5 milyong upuan sa ating mga paaralan. Noong nakaraang taon, umabot sa 33,607 na silid-aralan ang naidagdag at may karagdagan pang 31,278 na classrooms ang pinopondohang maipatayo.

Paggunita ng ‘World No Tobacco Day 2015’

Nakikiisa ang buong pamahalaan sa buong mundo at sa World Health Organization (WHO) sa paggunita ngayong araw ng ‘World No Tobacco Day’ sa ilalim ng temang “Stop Illicit Trade of Tobacco Products.”

Sa pagdiriwang ngayong taon, nananawagan ang WHO sa lahat ng mga bansa buong mundo na magkaisa upang wakasan ang iligal na kalakalan ng tobacco products na siyang itinuturong sanhi ng pagkamatay ng mahigit sa anim na milyong (6,000,000) katao bawat taon sa buong mundo, kabilang na ang 600,000 non-smokers na apektado ng paglanghap ng secondhand smoke.

Sa taya ng WHO, inaasahang aabot sa mahigit walong milyong (8,000,000) katao ang namamatay nang dahil dito pagdating ng taong 2030.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, question po galing kay Jerry Esplanada—parang follow up na rin, sir—ang sabi niya: So, over 23 million students return tomorrow to public elementary and high schools nationwide, particularly those on top of the west valley fault in Metro Manila and Rizal. Has the government ensured the schools’ compliance to earthquake-related safety concerns?

SEC. COLOMA: Kagaya ng atin nang nasubaybayan nitong mga nakaraang linggo, puspusang tinututukan ng lahat ng mga kinauukulang ahensya ng pamahalaan ang mga lugar na bahagi doon sa tinaguriang west valley fault upang mapaigting ang paghahanda ng mga mamamayan para sa posibilidad na maganap ang isang lindol sa lugar na ‘yan. Batid natin ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga local government units sa DepEd, at ang pagkilos ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at ng mga lokal na unit nito, upang tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga pasilidad at gusaling ginagamit na paaralan o tanggapan o sa negosyo, at ng mga bahay din na maaaring maapektuhan ng lindol.

Tulong-tulong po dapat ang maging pagkilos ng mga mamamayan at mga komunidad upang maging lubos ang kahandaan sa maaaring kaganapan na ito. Patungkol naman sa mga paaralan, natukoy na kung ano ang mga partikular na paaralan na nasa linya ng west valley fault, at ayon sa natunghayan nating ulat, patuloy ang pag-i-inspeksyon ng mga awtoridad dito. Doon sa atin pong natunghayang balita, ang pokus bukas ay doon sa lugar naman ng Muntinlupa na mayroong paaralan, ‘yung Pedro Diaz High School. Ito po ay i-inspeksyunin at gagawin at ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang nararapat para tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamayan.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, ‘yon naman pong sa mga ‘Yolanda’ victims, ‘yung readiness ng mga school buildings naman din po doon sa lugar na naapektuhan.

SEC. COLOMA: Kasama po ‘yan doon sa isinagawang Brigada Eskwela na naglalayong tiyakin ang pagiging handa ng lahat ng mga paaralan.

Mr. Montano: Okay po. On another topic po, ‘yung stance po ng ating Palasyo doon sa pangamba ukol sa ‘no election’ daw, at itong efforts naman sa House tungkol dito sa charter change. Ano po ‘yung mababanggit ng Palasyo ukol sa naturang mga isyu?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang batid po natin ay hinggil sa mga probisyong pangkabuhayan ang isinusulong na pagbabago sa Saligang Batas at ito po ang inaksyunan na sa Camara de Representantes, at hindi naman po diyan kasali ‘yung mga political issues, kaya’t sa tingin po natin ay walang batayan ang mga dudang naipahayag hinggil sa umano’y ‘no election’ scenario.

Mr. Montano: Okay po. So, on another topic naman po, ‘yung… Does the Palace support itong stance naman ng PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) para ‘yung mga mandatory contribution nila, katulad ng sa CHED (Commission on Higher Education) at sa PSC (Philippine Sports Commission), ay maalis para ‘yung mga naturang pondo at ma-i-channel doon sa mandato na charity funds dahil sa increasing demand daw po? Ano po ba ‘yung mababanggit ng Palasyo rito? Sinusuportahan po ba ito ng Palasyo?

SEC. COLOMA: Sa pagkaunawa po natin, ang pangunahing layunin ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office ay ‘yung makapaghatid ng kalinga at tulong sa mga mamamayan, partikular doon sa aspeto ng pagtulong sa mga may sakit o naospital. Kaya nga po ang malaking bahagi ng pondo nito ay ginagamit sa pagbibigay ng financial assistance sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong at sa pagbibigay ng mga ambulansya at iba pang mga medical and hospital equipment.

‘Yon pong pagkakaroon ng mandatory sharing ng revenues ng PCSO ay naaayon po sa mga batas ng republika. Kaya dapat po ang tukuyin dito ay ang pagpapasya ng lehislatura sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri dito sa patakarang ito. Kung dapat nga ba na patuloy pang ibawas sa mga kinikita ng PCSO ang mga kasalukuyang mandatory sharing ng PCSO revenue, o baka po mayroong ibang maaaring pagkuhanan ng mga ponding ito para naman madagdagan ‘yung halagang inilalaan para sa charity assistance, lalo na po ‘yung patungkol sa financial assistance for hospitalization at medical expenses.

Dapat po siguro ay suriin muli ang mga batayang ito para mabatid kung paano maipapatupad ‘yung pangunahing layunin ng PCSO.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, tungkol po doon sa nabanggit ninyo kanina ukol sa ‘World No Tobacco Day,’ ang International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases has called for global solidarity on tobacco packaging laws. So kumusta na po ‘yung ating compliance dito po ukol sa isyu na ito?

SEC. COLOMA: Sorry po, hindi masyadong maliwanag ‘yung huling portion. Ano po ba muli ‘yung tungkol sa panawagan ng solidarity? Hindi ko po lubos na narinig.

Mr. Sebastian: Opo. ‘Yun pong grupong International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases nanawagan daw po ng global solidarity on tobacco packaging laws. So kumusta na po ‘yung ating compliance dito? Have we implemented laws regarding this issue?

SEC. COLOMA: Mayroon naman po tayong mga patakaran hinggil diyan. Kung naaalala ko po, noong nakaraang linggo o mas maaaga pa ay nagkaroon ng pagpapasya ang Korte Suprema hinggil sa idinulog na kaso ng mga tobacco manufacturers na hindi daw dapat ‘yung DOH (Department of Health) ang tuwirang magbabawal ng mga anunsyo hinggil sa tobacco products. Sa amin pong pananaw ay sa kabila nito kinakailangan patuloy pa ring pag-aralan kung paano maitataguyod ‘yung kampanyang pangkalusugan laban doon sa mga hindi mabuting epekto ng paggamit ng tobacco products.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, on another topic, ang question po galing kay Jerry Esplanada muli. Ang sabi niya: The group Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, which monitors developments in the South China Sea, has reported on the presence of artillery into Chinese land reclamation sites in the Spratlys including the Philippine-claimed Kagitingan or Burgos Reef. Does the Philippines share Vietnam’s view that it is a very worrying development?

SEC. COLOMA: Kailangang beripikahin muna kung totoo ang balitang ito. Sa kabuuan, ang mga isinasagawang reclamation activities ay nakatawag-pansin na ng maraming bansa dahil sa pananaw na ang mga aktibidad na ito ay lumilikha ng ligalig at tensyon sa rehiyon. Kaya nga’t simula pa noong Agosto 2014, ipinahayag ng Pilipinas sa pulong ng ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) sa Myanmar ang panukala nito hinggil sa triple action plan.

Dito sa nabanggit na plano, ang unang punto ay hinggil sa pagtigil o moratorium sa mga isinasagawang aktibidad doon sa mga maritime entitlement sa South China Sea, at maging doon sa matagal nang inokupahan ng Pilipinas—‘yung Pag-asa Island—pati ‘yung mga nakatakdang maintenance activities doon ay itinigil bilang pagtalima doon sa ating sariling panawagan na magkaroon ng moratorium. At ayon sa ating Department of Foreign Affairs, ito ay pagpapakita ng integridad ng ating posisyon o ‘yung tinatawag na ‘high moral ground.’ So ‘yun po ang unang punto.

‘Yung dalawang punto pa sa triple action plan ay ‘yung pakikiisa sa mga bansa ng ASEAN sa pagsunod doon sa Declaration on the [Conduct of Parties] in the South China Sea na inaasahang hahantong sa pagbubuo ng isang legally binding Code of Conduct batay doon sa prinsipyo ng ASEAN centrality, na dapat pagpasyahan ito ng mga bansa ng ASEAN, kasama na ang China. At ang pangatlo pong punto ay ‘yon namang pagdulog ng Pilipinas sa arbitral tribunal ng United Nations (UN) para magkaroon ng linaw ‘yung posisyon hinggil sa interpretasyon ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Kaya’t sa kabuuan, malinaw na ang tinutukoy at tinataguyod ng ating bansa ay ‘yung rules-based at diplomatikong pagturing sa mga usapin patungkol sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, follow up po ni Jerry, sabi niya: Has the Philippines opted for a freeze in similar dredging works as it awaits the result of the UN arbitration case versus China?

SEC. COLOMA: Kung tutunghayan niyo po ‘yung nauna ko nang pahayag, sakop na po ‘yon ‘nung aking sinagot.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, in relation na rin, ‘yun pong reaksyon ng Palasyo or comment man lang doon sa statement ni US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter na itigil na ang reclamation sa South China Sea na ginagawa ng China.

SEC. COLOMA: Malinaw naman po na ang aking nabanggit ay nasa hanay ‘nung nabanggit ni Secretary Carter.

Mr. Sebastian: Sir, mayroon tayong text question galing kay Sandy Araneta ng Manila Standard, reaksyon lang daw po. Filipinos rated the Aquino administration well because of the government’s conditional cash transfer (CCT) or 4Ps, but majority said quality of life did not improve since President Aquino took over in 2010, based on SWS (Social Weather Stations) survey.

SEC. COLOMA: Unang-una po, sasabihin ko muna na hindi ko pa nababasa ‘yung ulat na ‘yan. Minsan po kasi mas mainam talaga na nabasa ‘yung buong ulat para ganap na maunawaan ang isinasaad nito. Kasi po kung magbabatay tayo doon sa mga pahapyaw na tanong na hindi pa nababasa kung saan ang pinagkunan nito ay maaaring hindi ganap ‘yung pag-unawa natin.

Ganunpaman, ang binanggit po, una—kung tama po, ano, pakisabi lang kung tama ang aking pagkaunawa—ang sinasabi ay ikinasasaya nila ‘yung pagiging bahagi nila ng conditional cash transfer. Tama po ba ‘yon?

Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

SEC. COLOMA: So kung ‘yon po ay…Siyempre po, kung ganoon ang naging feedback, ay ikinagagalak din po natin ito dahil ito ay tampok na programa ng ating pamahalaan na naiiba doon sa nakaraang istratehiya na kung saan ay ang tawag dito ay ‘yung ‘trickledown effect.’ Hinihintay na ‘yung epekto ng pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ay umabot doon sa pinakamababang bahagdan ng ating populasyon. Doon po sa isinasagawang conditional cash transfer na bahagi ‘nung Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) ay tuwirang ipinagkakaloob sa mga maralitang pamilya ‘yung cash transfer o ‘yung tulong pinansyal para tiyakin na maitawid ang pangangailangan ng mga pamilya, at lalong-lalo na ‘yung pagtiyak na patuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga anak ng padre at madre de familia na nasa elementarya, dahil natukoy na nga po sa isa sa mga malaking problema na bunsod ng kahirapan ay ‘yung mataas na dropout rate o ‘yung hindi nakakatapos sa paaralan ang mga mag-aaral.

‘Yung tungkol naman sa ikalawa, ito ba ay tungkol sa quality of life? Kung pwede lang pong pakiulit muli.

Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Ang sabi po ni Sandy, ‘but majority said quality of life did not improve since President Aquino took over in 2010, according to SWS survey.’

SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon nga po, ano. Ang reserbasyon ko lang sa pagsagot niyan ay hindi ko pa po nababasa ‘yung ulat na kung saan kinuha po ito. Ang naaalala ko lang ay ‘yung tinalakay noong nakaraang linggo sa mga press briefing ng Malacañang media at ito ay patungkol naman doon sa pagiging optimistiko ng ating mga kababayan hinggil sa quality of life in the next 12 months at ‘yung kanilang pananaw din hinggil sa pambansang ekonomiya. At doon po sa naaalala natin, ‘yung overall optimism on the quality of life ay umabot doon sa pinakamataas na antas in the last 30 years diyan sa resulta ng pinakahuling tinukoy na survey ng SWS. Bagamat mayroon pong pagbaba doon sa kanilang pagturing hinggil sa kanilang pananaw para sa ekonomiya ng bansa. Kaya hindi ko lang po alam kung ang pinag-uusapan natin ay pareho. Baka naman po ‘yung naunang survey noong nakaraang linggo ay ‘yung pangkalahatang survey. Ito namang tinutukoy ngayon ni Ginoong Araneta ay isang survey patungkol doon sa mga tuwirang benepisyaryo ng CCT. Kaya mabuti po siguro ay alamin muna natin kung ano talagang survey ang pinag-uusapan.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright, okay. On another topic, sir, mayroon pong pahayag si House Speaker Sonny Belmonte. Sinabi niya despite na mayroon din silang priority doon sa Freedom of Information Bill, maaaring this will take a backseat doon sa BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) daw po. Ano ang pahayag po ng Palasyo rito?

SEC. COLOMA: Iginagalang po natin ang pahayag ni Speaker Belmonte dahil sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay kinikilala natin ang pagiging hiwalay at pantay na sangay ng pamahalaan ang lehislatura, kabilang na ‘yung Camara de Representantes. Mayroon po silang karapatan na magtakda ng kanilang kalendaryo kung ano po ang nais nilang talakayin. Ang nagaganap lang naman po ay ‘yung konsultasyon sa pagpapahayag ng mga pananaw. Pero diyan po sa mga mismong pagtakda ng schedule kung ano ang kanilang nais na talakayin sa plenaryo o sa kanilang mga komite, ‘yan po ay ipinauubaya na namin sa pagpapasya ng ating mga mambabatas.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, comment lang po. Mayroon pong, I think, lumabas na pahayag si Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas—ang ina po ni Secretary Mar Roxas—na practically confirming po ang candidacy ni DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary Mar Roxas. Ano po ang pahayag natin dito?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang masasabi lang po natin ito ay karagdagang impormasyon hinggil sa emerging political landscape, at ‘yon naman po ay naaayon naman sa nauna nating narinig na pahayag mula sa mga directly concerned, ‘yun pong mga lider at kagawad ng Liberal Party na nagpahayag na ng kanilang mga pananaw hinggil dito. Kaya ‘yon lang po ang ating masasabi.

Mr. Montano: Okay po. Wala na pong nagpapadala ng kanilang question diyan sa Malacañang Press Corps, Sunday group. ‘Yung parting message po natin sa sambayanan at maging sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps?

SEC. COLOMA: Siguro po ‘yon na lamang hinggil sa pagtutulong-tulong nating lahat para tiyakin ‘yung pagiging maayos, ligtas, at mapayapa ‘yung pagbubukas ng klase. Tulungan po natin ang ating mga mag-aaral at mga magulang sa ating mga komunidad na maging maayos ‘yung kanilang karanasan sa pagbubukas ng klase.

*****SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND)

[HOME]

Last Updated: 01 JUNE 2015
Alternative photo archive with high resolutions
Please click on thumbnails to magnify

			President Benigno Aquino III listens to Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Ariel Barayuga explain how the fire started at the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory that killed 72 factory workers in Valenzuela City last May 13. Also present during the press briefing on Monday (June 1) at Malacanang are Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III listens to Bureau of Fire Protection Chief Ariel Barayuga explain the findings of their investigation of the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory fire that killed 72 workers in Valenzuela City last May 13. Also present during the press briefing on Monday (June 1) at Malacanang are Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman. (Photo byLauro Montellano Jr. / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III presents a scale model of the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory during a press briefing held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday (June 1). Also present during the press briefing on Monday (June 1) at Malacanang are Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Labor Secretary Rosalina Baldoz, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III explains to the media the findings of the Bureau of Fire Protection on the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation fire that killed 72 factory workers in Valenzuela City last May 13. The press briefing was held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday (June 1). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III answers questions from the press during a briefing at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday (June 1) regarding the findings of the Bureau of Fire Protection on the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation fire that killed 72 factory workers in Valenzuela City. Also in photo is Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photos by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Exequiel Supera / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III presents a scale model of the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory during a press briefing held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday (June 1). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III presents a scale model of the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory during a press briefing held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday (June 1). The President indicates how the factory workers were trapped during the fire due to inadequate facilities. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III holds a press briefing on Monday (June 1) at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace regarding the findings of the Bureau of Fire Protection on the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory fire that killed 72 workers in Valenzuela City last May 13. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno Aquino III explains the findings of the Bureau of Fire Protection on the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation factory fire that killed 72 workers in Valenzuela City last May 13. The press briefing was held at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacanang on Monday (June 1). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S.Aquino guesture during the opening  of the Commitment wall wich mark the formal start of the program Sa k. to 12 theme Kayang- kaya Sama-sama, Friday (May 29) the Comitment wall is a symbolic acy to celebrate the comitment of the administration to continuously improved the state of the Philippine Basic Education Sector. assisted by Director Gen, Tesda Emmanuel "Joe" Villanueva,(L). Dswd Secretary Dinky Soliman,and Secretary DepEd Armin Luistro,held at the Plenary Hall Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. (Photo By MARCELINO PASCUA-MALACANANG PHOTO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lead the signing of the Commitment wall wich mark the formal start of the program Sa k. to 12 theme Kayang- kaya Sama-sama, Friday (May 29) the Comitment wall is a symbolic acy to celebrate the comitment of the administration to continuously improved the state of the Philippine Basic Education Sector. assisted by Director Gen, Tesda Emmanuel "Joe" Villanueva,(R). Dswd Secretary Dinky Soliman,and Secretary DepEd Armin Luistro,held at the Plenary Hall Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. (Photo By MARCELINO PASCUA-MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III in a Photo Opportunity with the people that gives their testimony under the K TO 12 program (left to right) Mr.Rowen Dizon Parent of Senior High School Graduate, Ms. Gina Obierna Grade 2 Adviswer Don Alejandro Roces Sr. Science Technology High School, Arien Lein Ibardo Doña Rosario High School Novaliches Q.C. and Ms. Love Basillote Industry Patner (PBED) during the celebration ceremony of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Dubbed, “Sa K to 12, Kayang-kaya, Sama-sama! A celebration of K to 12 Milestones,” with the second year anniversary of Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 also known as the “K to 12 Law” which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III in May 2013. Attended by teachers, school heads, students, parents, local government units (LGUs), and representatives from the private sector, Held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) (May 29,2015) also in photo are Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro, FSC, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman.  (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			Teachers Parents Students and other invited Guest listen to the speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III as he delivers his message during the Department of Education’s event “Sa K to 12, Kayang-kaya, Sama-sama! A celebration of K to 12 Milestones,” marking the second year anniversary of Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 also known as the “K to 12 Law” which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III in May 2013. The event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday (May 29). The K to 12 education program as envisioned by DepEd aims to produce high school graduates who have the competency to hold a job and be better prepared for college education and global opportunities.  (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Department of Education’s event “Sa K to 12, Kayang-kaya, Sama-sama! A celebration of K to 12 Milestones,” marking the second year anniversary of Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 also known as the “K to 12 Law” which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III in May 2013. The event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Friday (May 29). The K to 12 education program as envisioned by DepEd aims to produce high school graduates who have the competency to hold a job and be better prepared for college education and global opportunities.  (Photo by Robert Viñas / Marcelino Pascua - Malacañang Photo Bureau).
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for a group photo souvenir during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, and Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Danilo Cortez. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			Rafael Lopez, son of newly sworn in Lieutenant General Oscar Lopez, salutes to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a group photo souvenir during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta, and Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Danilo Cortez. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the oath-taking of military officers at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (May 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and MES OIC Principal Eugenia Martin. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the completed brigada eskwela classroom upon arrival for the Brigada Eskwela and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) 2015 at the Marikina Elementary School (MES) in Shoe Avenue, Santa Elena, Marikina City on Monday (May 25). Also in photo are Marikina City 2nd District Representative Romero Quimbo, Marikina City 1st District Representative Marcelino Teodoro, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and MES OIC Principal Eugenia Martin. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY

Pia Laguna and 2 others shared a link.

One_Luzon E-NewsMagazine 01 June 2015 Vol 5 no 105

ISSUU.COM

One_Luzon E-NewsMagazine 01 June 2015 Vol 5 no 105

Helen Tibaldo

ISSUU.COM

• 
  

  Pia Laguna shared a link.

  9 mins · 
  

  
  

Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy)

18 hrs · 

[Adm-02] LIVE NOW: Press Conference of President Aquino in Kalayaan Hall. View live stream via RTVM

Press Conference 6/1/2015

Malacañan Palace 1 June 2015 Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook:www.facebook.com/PBSRTVM Twitter: @RTVMalacanang Google+: http://google....

YOUTUBE.COM

PIA News Desk

37 mins ·

Bookmark this page for updates and resources on President Aquino's state visit to Japan: http://t.co/Lso3CjYeQQ http://t.co/N5c0RqyrMA

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

PIA News Desk

2 hrs ·

Review President Aquino's activities in the week of May 25 to 29, 2015: http://t.co/RnZNOJoFPg http://t.co/axfbObmnY7

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

PIA News Desk

9 mins ·

GPH, MILF agree on decommissioning task force. Read more http://t.co/DJluqOgBKT http://t.co/cwDPMm0KLB

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

PIA News Desk

2 hrs ·

P2.5M benefits released to 173 ‪#‎kasambahay‬ through Single Entry Approach (SEnA) more at http://t.co/xiGa6o4ptU http://t.co/Jljz2lPh0x

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

PIA News Desk

2 hrs ·

President Aquino will fly to Japan today for a 4-day visit. On PH-Japan diplomatic relations: http://t.co/BoD9ZuXRSa http://t.co/syKI5jDQvK

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

PIA News Desk

1 hr ·

DOLE: ‪#‎Overseas‬ recruitment agencies covered by new LLCS - See more at: http://t.co/GVWEC4pWkU http://t.co/XaK5XmJBj3

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

 

 

PIA News Desk

2 hrs ·

May 28 to June 12 are the Flag Days. Here's the history of the Philippine Flag. http://t.co/x1B6zVck8k http://t.co/blJFeFJg8c

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

 

 

PIA News Desk

2 hrs ·

The National Museum of the Philippines extends free admission until end of June. via @natmuseumph http://t.co/P06EBuDVQz

PIA News (@PIANewsDesk) posted a photo on Twitter

Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News

pic.twitter.com

 

PIA News Desk

22 hrs ·

LIVE @PTVph Officials brief President @noynoyaquino on ‪#‎Kentex‬ factory fire probe at the Malacanang Palace.

PIA News Desk

22 hrs ·

LIVE @PTVph Officials brief President @noynoyaquino on ‪#‎Kentex‬ factory fire probe at the Malacanang Palace.