11 Dispatch for June 3 , 2015 ( Wednesday), 3 Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 2 OFW Watch, PNOY Speech ,Interview with Sec. Coloma, 20 Online News( Jun 2 ) 29 Photonews ( Jun 2 )

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

Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 03 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 03 June 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 03 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 prevail over the whole country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. 

PAGTAYA: Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi ang mararanasan sa buong kapuluan.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa silangan hanggang sa timog-silangan ang iiral sa buong bansa. Ang mga baybaying-dagat sa buong kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 04:00 PM Yesterday --- 35.9 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.2 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 08:00 AM Yesterday --- 66 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 03:00 PM Yesterday --- 46 %
High Tide Today: 09:57 AM ……… 1.17 Meter
Low Tide Today: 06:06 PM ……… -0.10 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 12:43 PM ……… 0.41 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 02:15 AM ……… 0.40 Meter
Sunrise Today: 05:25 AM
Sunset Today: 06:22 PM
Moonrise Today: 6:57 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 6:42 AM
Illumination Today: 100 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Weather Watch

12 hrs · 

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-41 degrees Celsius ang init factor bukas sa ilang bahagi ng Metro Manila pero mataas pa rin ang tsansa ng ulan, lalo na pagdating ng hapon.
-Sa Visayas, posible ang ulan sa maghapon.
-Buong Mindanao ang uulanin din mula umaga hanggang gabi.

Weather Watch shared a link.

20 hrs · 

Be Prepared Metro Manila

This video explains and outlines the Greater Metropolitan Manila Area (GMMA) Risk Analysis Project which was conducted by the technical agencies of the Philippine government and supported by the Government of Australia Aid...

BEPREPAREDMETROMANILA.COM

Pia Quezon

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JUNE 3, 2015  ( Wednesday )     as of 8:00 AM

  PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Sunny in Lucena City   

PIA OFW Watch

16 hrs · 

GMA News: Filipino nurses in the United Kingdom rallied in front of the Daily Mail's office in London to protest the labeling in a series of articles of convicted Victorino Chua as a "Filipino serial killer". They said this label incites "racial hatred", is "malicious and degrading" against Filipinos, and would put to question the credibility of Filipino nurses and their years of service.

Pia Quezon

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PIA OFW Watch

16 hrs · 

DZBB: Wala pang natatanggap na ulat ang DFA kung mayroong Pinoy na nakasama sa paglubog ng barkong Eastern Star sa Yangtze River sa China.

QUEZON

Tagalog news: HCI portal, inilunsad ng PhilHealth 4-A

 June 02, 2015

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Hunyo 1 (PIA) --Inilunsad kamakailan  ng PhilHealth 4-A ang Health Care Institution (HCI) Portal upang mas mapabilis ang proseso sa paggamit ng benepisyo sa PhilHealth.

Ayon sa PhilHealth 4-A, bawat akredited na pasilidad ay bibigyan ng digital certificate ng Information Technology Management Section (ITMS) katuwang ang Health Care Delivery Management Division (HCDMD) upang masiguro na kontrolado ang impormasyong makikita sa system na tanging ang computer lamang na may certificate ang maaring maka-access sa HCI portal.

Ang mga akredited na pasilidad ay kinakailangang magpa-install ng naturang portal upang magkaroon ng direktang koneksyon ang pasilidad sa PhilHealth kung saan makikita ang impormasyon ng miyembro sakaling ito ay ma-confine.

Sa tulong ng portal, agad na makikita ang detalyadong impormasyon ng miyembro gaya ng PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN), pangalan ng miyembro, kasarian, listahan ng kwalipikadong makikinabang, kaarawan at kategorya kung saan nabibilang ang miyembro. Gayundin, makikita dito kung may sapat na kontribusyon ang miyembro at maipapakita sa PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) kung maaari nang gumamit ng benepisyo ang miyembro o dependent.

Sa ginawang survey kamakailan ng Philhealth Regional Office IV-A, naging positibo ang tugon ng mga akredited na pasilidad. Base sa survey, nagdesisyon ang ilang ospital na maglagay ng HCI Portal upang mapadali ang pagpoproseso ng kanilang claim sa PhilHealth. Dahil din sa portal, hindi na kakailanganin ng isang miyembro na magtungo sa opisina ng PhilHealth kapag na-ospital upang kumuha ng Member Data Record (MDR).

Base pa rin sa survey, madaling intindihin at gamitin ang portal sapagkat dumaan sa training ang ilang empleyado ng pasilidad na silang mangangasiwa nito.

Samantala, ilang suhestiyon ang ibinigay ng mga sumagot sa survey upang mas lalong mapabuti ito gaya ng dapat na limitado lamang sa dalawang empleyado ang may access at regular na ma-update ang HCI Portal para sa mas accurate na resulta.

Kung sakali namang magkaroon ng anumang problema ukol sa paggamit ng HCI Portal ang mga akredited na pasilidad, maaari itong itawag sa ITMS ng PhilHealth Regional Office IV-A upang agad na matugunan ang kanilang mga katanungan.

Dahil layunin ng PhilHealth na magkaroon ng de-kalidad na serbisyo, patuloy ang mga hakbang na ginagawa nito upang mas mapadali ang paggamit ng mga miyembro ng mga benepisyo nito. (EC/JC-PhilHealth 4-A/ RMO- PIA-Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701433135464/tagalog-news-hci-portal-inilunsad-ng-philhealth-4-a#sthash.URIiMgPf.dpuf

 LAGUNA

PAB holds first surveillance audit of DOST IV-A RSTL chemical laboratory

 June 02, 2015

LOS BANOS, Laguna, June 2 (PIA) --A team from the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), formerly known as Philippine Accreditation Office, recently conducted an audit to assess the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) IV-A’s chemical testing laboratory.

The audit team composed of:  Ms. Perla F. Baje, team leader; Ms. Mercia V. Magsakay, team member both from PAB; and Ms. Maria Soledad L. Distor, technical assessor of System Technology Institute visited the Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) of the DOST 4A to conduct the first surveillance after the second renewal of its ISO 17025:2005 accreditation on 11 June 2014.

The Auditors verified whether the scope of previous audit was satisfied and all elements of Laboratory Management System were addressed. The audit resulted in only two nonconformities and seven observations which RSTL has already addressed by submitting to PAB the corresponding corrective actions on 21 May 2015. RSTL is confident the auditors’ evaluation on these corrective actions would be favorable for its continuous accreditation.

The laboratory accreditation was first awarded to the Chemical Laboratory of DOST IV-A RSTL on 28 August 2009. The current accreditation would be valid until 28 August 2019. The elements of laboratory management assessment included the testing and validation activities based on the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025:2005, the DOST IV-A RSTL management, RSTL customers, and other statutory legal and regulatory requirements. (Ma. Lotuslei P. Dimagiba, DOST4A/PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631433228307/pab-holds-first-surveillance-audit-of-dost-iv-a-rstl-chemical-laboratory#sthash.IHmZfQTq.dpuf

 RIZAL

PA's 2nd Infantry Division holds seminar on bamboo pruning and caring

 June 02, 2015

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, June 2 (PIA)– The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division recently conducted a two-day seminar on bamboo pruning, tree caring and establishment of bamboo park among its officers and enlisted personnel from line brigades and subordinate battalions in support to the government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

In his keynote speech at the opening program held at the Audio-Visual Room, Division Training School, Sampaloc, Tanay, 2ID Chief of Staff Col. Lenard T. Agustin GSC (INF) PA encouraged the full cooperation and participation of the attendees to the activity.

“I hope you will grab this golden opportunity to maximize learning by participating and listening well in all activities and lectures that will be presented to you. Only by doing so, we can insure success in all our endeavours towards protecting and preserving our mother nature,” Col Agustin said.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) Mr. Gregorio Santos Jr. facilitated the training/seminar. (DPAO-2ID-PA/PIA-Rizal)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2261432193380/pa-s-2nd-infantry-division-holds-seminar-on-bamboo-pruning-and-caring#sthash.up7nyysi.dpuf

02 JUNE 2015.
	Tragedy in Kentex factory fire must never happen again, says President Aquino
	Meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe of Japan to center on South China Sea issues
	Philippine embassy has several programs for Filipinos in Japan, says envoy
	Business meetings predominate President Aquino’s four-day trip to Japan
	Japan to employ more English-speaking Filipino teachers, says envoy
	President Aquino to witness signing of Philippine-Japan maritime safety agreement
	Government allocates P34.6 million for President Aquino’s visit to Tokyo
	President Aquino leaves for state visit to Japan
	President Aquino issues Executive Order on comprehensive automotive resurgence strategy program
	President Aquino arrives in Japan for state visit
	Japanese investors eye business expansion in the Philippines

Tragedy in Kentex factory fire must never happen again, says President Aquino

Emphasizing that the tragedy that killed 72 workers in the Kentex factory fire must never happen again, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday vowed to press criminal charges against those responsible for the fire and ordered the inspection of 300,000 establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that they meet fire safety standards. “Ang hinahabol natin, hindi maulit ang trahedyang ito at talaga namang mapagdiinan sa pamamagitan ng mga kasong isasampa sa lahat ng nagtulung-tulong para magkaroon ng ganitong trahedya,” he said during a press conference held at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace. The President noted that one of the charges that could be leveled against those responsible for the fire is “reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide.” Describing the incident as a “tragedy waiting to happen,” President Aquino said multiple violations of the Fire Code have been found in the case of the Kentex factory fire, among them the lack of a protected fire exit, and the lack of a fire sprinkler system, fire detection and alarm system. He also criticized the city government of Valenzuela for issuing the Kentex factory owners a business permit and a certificate of occupancy despite the lack of a fire safety inspection certificate. The President further said that immediately after the incident, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) inspected 23 factories near the Kentex factory for fire safety and all of them failed. “Twenty-three out of 23 ang may mga violations. Merong isa na sobrang dami ang violations, ipinasara na hanggang ma-correct ang mga ito,” he said. To prevent the recurrence of the incident, the President said he has ordered the inspection of 300,000 establishments across the NCR. He however acknowledged that this is not easy. “Hindi ganoon kadali ang proseso. Ang meron lang computerized data base dito sa mga factories na ito ay Quezon City at saka Valenzuela. Kaya nga kailangan pulungin ni Interior Secretary Roxas para ma-compile lahat itong mga data para talagang masuyod natin lahat ang mga establisyemento,” he said. He also saw the need to attend to the welfare of factory workers. “Paano ba natin babalansehin ang karapatan ng manggagawa na magtrabaho sa isang maaliwalas at safe na working environment at ang karapatan nilang hindi mawalan ng trabaho? So, pipilitin natin na ma-minimize ang disruption, pero kapag talaga namang glaring na fire trap na talagang konting sunog lang, puwedeng maging matinding trahedya, obligado naman tayong protektahan ang mga manggagawa,” he explained.Earlier during the press conference, BFP Chief Ariel Barayuga presented a scale model of the Kentex factory to show how the fire started and spread inside the building. Also present during the press conference were Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. PND (ag)

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Meeting between President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe of Japan to center on South China Sea issues

(TOKYO, Japan) The meeting between President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will center on concerns about the South China Sea and other bilateral issues, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said here Sunday. President Aquino is due to arrive here on Tuesday for a four-day state visit. "Surely, first and foremost will be the South China Sea issue because that is something that is quite sensitive to both Japan and the Philippines," Ambassador Lopez said during an interview with Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM), when asked about the main topics to be discussed by the two leaders. The President, he said, will definitely thank Japan’s government, corporations and individuals for their assistance to the Philippines, not only through the Official Development Assistance (ODA), but also for their donations in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. "Japan is probably our biggest donor country. It was really generous in helping the victims of Yolanda," Lopez said. The President will also thank Prime Minister Abe for easing the visa requirements for Filipino tourists to Japan. A lot of Filipinos are now visiting Japan as a result of the relaxation of the visa requirements, Lopez said. The relationship between the two countries is at its strongest at this time, with President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe having good vibes with each other, the envoy said. "In the four-and-a-half years that I have been here, I have seen the steady progress of this relationship. And I believe that it will continue to grow under the presidency of President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe," he said. Lopez said the Philippines should be grateful because President Aquino was given the opportunity to make a state visit to Japan, considering the long list of world leaders who want to make an official visit to the country. He explained that Japan only welcomes two state visitors a year and many world leaders have been waiting for years. "This is just very timely because this is the last year of President Aquino in his term and it would only be a fitting invitation, since his late mother, President Cory Aquino, was invited also as a state visitor back in 1986," he added. PND (as)

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Philippine embassy has several programs for Filipinos in Japan, says envoy

(TOKYO, Japan) The Philippine embassy here has been carrying out several programs to serve Filipinos in Japan, Philippine Ambassador Manuel Lopez has said."We try to reach out to our kababayans here as much as we can, through our consuls in the different prefectures," Ambassador Lopez said during an interview with Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM) on Sunday. The embassy, for instance, has a year-round outreach program where a consular team is sent to far-flung prefectures to access Filipinos experiencing difficulties in renewing their passports, he said. "We send a team to go to these different areas where our presence is needed," Lopez said. Every year, the embassy also organizes Philippine fiestas, which have become a well-attended event, he noted, adding that tens of thousands of Filipinos come to enjoy the entertainment, Filipino food, and the products for sale. "And of course, pagdating ng Pasko, may Simbang Gabi tayo. We continue to observe that tradition and it is very well-attended," he said. President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to arrive here Tuesday for a four-day state visit. Lopez said Filipinos from different areas in Japan are excited and will be coming to meet the President during a Filipino community event here. Some 220,000 Filipinos are living in Japan. PND (as)

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Business meetings predominate President Aquino’s four-day trip to Japan

(TOKYO, Japan) A series of meetings with top executives of various Japanese conglomerates and trade organizations makes up the majority of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s official itinerary for his four-day state visit here. Upon his arrival on Tuesday, President Aquino will have separate meetings with Chairmen Senji Miyake, Teruo Asada, and Tadashi Yanai of Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., Marubeni, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. (Uniqlo), respectively at the Imperial Hotel. He will then witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Business Promotion Cooperation by officials of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The President will cap off his first day of activities with the traditional meeting with the Filipino community, where he will have the opportunity to update his countrymen on the latest political and economic developments in the Philippines. On Wednesday, President Aquino will be at the Imperial Palace for the official welcome ceremony, to be led by the Japanese Imperial Family. He will also pay a state call on Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. He will then head to the Okura Hotel to meet with Nikkei Inc. Chairman Tsuneo Kita, and President and Chief Executive Officer Naotoshi Okada, to be followed by a one-on-one interview with Nikkei’s Manila bureau chief, Minoru Satake. Afterwards, President Aquino will keynote a special session of Nikkei’s 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, and address the joint session of the National Diet of Japan. He will likewise meet with Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, officials of the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League, and head of the Democratic Party of Japan Katsuya Okada. In the evening, President Aquino will head back to the Imperial Palace to attend the state banquet to be hosted in his honor by Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. On Thursday, President Aquino will deliver a speech at the Philippine Investment Forum after a meet-and-greet with its organizers, who include members from JETRO, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the ASEAN Japan Center, and the Philippine Society of Japan at the Hotel New Otani. He will also meet with members of two business clusters, namely the Office Equipment, Electronics and Medical Devices, and Infrastructure, and have lunch with the heads of various Japanese associations. President Aquino will then receive Akihiro Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and witness the signing of the contract on the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard, by representatives of the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Japan Marine United Corporation. Afterwards, the summit meeting between President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be held at the Akasaka State Guest House, where they are expected to exchange views on recent developments in the region. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said in a recent interview that the two leaders’ discussion would center on concerns regarding maritime disputes in the South China Sea, among other bilateral issues. President Aquino will wrap up his engagements here on Friday with a farewell call on Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace and a press event with the Japan National Press Club. He is scheduled to depart Tokyo for Manila at about 2:30 p.m. (Japanese time) and will arrive in Manila at about 5:20 p.m. (Philippine time). PND (hdc)

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Japan to employ more English-speaking Filipino teachers, says envoy

(TOKYO, Japan) Japan will soon hire more English-speaking teachers and other professionals from the Philippines, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez has said. "We are starting to send more nurses and caregivers and soon, maybe even teachers, because Japan needs English-speaking teachers," Ambassador Lopez said during an interview with Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM) at the Philippine embassy here Sunday. "They like Filipino teachers. So, there might be a bigger demand for them here in Japan." He noted that a lot of Filipino professionals, particularly in the Information Technology industry, are working for multinationals in Japan. Some of them, he said, do not need to speak fluent Japanese because their bosses are also expatriates. Lopez further said that many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Japan are seafarers working for the Japanese maritime industry. Filipino crewmen are manning some 75 percent of Japanese vessels, he added. "They are very, very pleased with the quality of our seafarers," he said. There are also Filipino workers in Japan’s construction industry, he noted. Lopez said Filipino nationals in Japan, among them 30 to 40 registered nurses, are excited to meet President Benigno S. Aquino III, who will arrive here Tuesday for a four-day state visit. He said one of the highlights of the President's meeting with the Filipino community here is the introduction of the nine Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets who are studying at Japan's National Defense Academy under an exchange program. An estimated 220,000 Filipinos are living in Japan, many of whom are permanent residents married to Japanese nationals, Lopez said. PND (as)

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President Aquino to witness signing of Philippine-Japan maritime safety agreement

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III will witness the signing of the contract on the turnover of 10 patrol boats to the Philippine Coast Guard during his state visit here, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez has said. The tie-up is between the Japan Marine United Corp. and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), under the latter’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project (MSCIP) for the Philippine Coast Guard. In an interview with Radio TV Malacañang (RTVM) here Sunday, Ambassador Lopez said the 10 patrol boats, to be used for monitoring the country's coastlines and for disaster response and relief, will be turned over by Japan to the Philippines through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) facility. He further said that the President will meet with several Japanese business executives, including the chief of the Fast Retailing Co. Ltd (Uniqlo). He noted that the President will encourage Uniqlo, a popular apparel brand in the Philippines and in Asia, to produce its merchandise in the Philippines. "Hopefully, it would lead to that discussion on expanding, not only in terms of opening more stores but also in terms of doing the actual manufacturing in the Philippines, where it will create thousands of new jobs," he said. During his state visit, President Aquino will also receive Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda in a courtesy call. Kuroda, the former president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is expected to brief the President on the state of the Japanese economy. The President is likewise scheduled to attend and address the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, a prestigious business forum organized by Nikkei, the most influential media company in Japan. Lopez said President Aquino will update some 700 to 800 Japanese business executives who are expected to attend the forum, on the Philippine economy and invite Japanese companies, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to relocate their factories to the Philippines. The President will also meet with officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). PND (as)

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Government allocates P34.6 million for President Aquino’s visit to Tokyo

The government has earmarked P34.6 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s state visit to Tokyo from June 2 to 5 at the invitation of the Japanese government, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Tuesday. President Aquino left Tuesday morning via a chartered flight to Tokyo, accompanied by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria. The amount covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment, and other requirements of the Chief Executive and his 60-member delegation. “President Aquino’s visit is anticipated to further enhance our ties with Japan, who has been a decades-long strategic partner of the Philippines,” Ochoa said. “Our Chief Executive and leaders of the government of Japan, as well as Japanese business organizations, are expected to discuss recent developments in the region in order to boost bilateral and economic relations, among others,” he added. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, since President Aquino is a state guest of Japan, he will be received by Their Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony and a state call. A state banquet also awaits the Philippine leader. President Aquino will likewise hold separate meetings with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, numerous business managers, and Filipinos living and working in Japan. PND

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President Aquino leaves for state visit to Japan

President Benigno S. Aquino III left for Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday morning for a four-day state visit that aims to attract more Japanese investments to the Philippines and tackle concerns on the South China Sea issue. The Chief Executive departed at 10 a.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on board a chartered Philippine Airlines Flight PR001. In his departure speech, the President said he will meet with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, as well as with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and address the joint session of the National Diet, Japan’s bicameral legislature. He will also meet with business executives grouped in the Nippon Keidanren, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Keizai Doyukai, and Boekikai to invite them to invest in the country. “Personal nating ipababatid ang panibagong sigla sa ating ekonomiya at kalakhang lipunan,” he said, noting that according to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez, they get many inquiries regarding investment opportunities in the Philippines.President Aquino said he will also deliver a keynote address during the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, which is organized by Japan’s biggest media group. “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,” he said. He also announced that he will receive the “Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum,” Japan’s highest order. “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,” he said. In return, he said, the Order of Lakandula (rank of Supremo) will be conferred on Emperor Akihito, and the Order of Sikatuna (rank of Rajah) on Prime Minister Abe in recognition of their contributions to the strengthening of Philippine-Japanese ties. “Ang palitan ng parangal na ito ay sagisag din ng lalo pang tumitibay na pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa at mamamayan,” he said. The President further said that he will meet with members of the Filipino community in Japan and check on the nine Filipino cadets at the National Defense Academy of Japan, under an exchange program with the Philippine Military Academy. “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,” he said. The President was accompanied by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., and chief of the Presidential Management Staff Julia Abad. At the airport to send off the President were Vice President Jejomar Binay and the Japanese Embassy’s Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission Tetsuro Amano. President Aquino is scheduled to return on Friday (June 5). PND (ag)

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President Aquino issues Executive Order on comprehensive automotive resurgence strategy program

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 182, which provides for a comprehensive automotive resurgence strategy program in the country. Signed by the President last May 29, the Order is aimed at improving the automotive industry to boost the manufacturing capability of the overall industrial sector, spur the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and create more jobs. In the EO, President Aquino noted "the need to enable the country’s automotive industry to seize market opportunities opened by the ASEAN Economic Community and deepen its participation in the regional supply chain." The President likewise recognized "the need to augment and enhance the policy and directions of existing motor vehicle development programs towards ensuring a resurgent automotive industry that supports innovation, technology transfer, environmental protection, and SMEs development." The Order states that the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program will "attract new investments, stimulate demand and effectively implement industry regulations that will revitalize the Philippine automotive industry, and develop the country as a regional automotive manufacturing hub.” The program’s thrust is “to provide time-bound, and output or performance-based fiscal support to attract strategic investments in the manufacturing of motor vehicles and parts.” The CARS Program is limited to the manufacture of three models of four-wheeled motor vehicles, and shall cover the models’ production, manufacture of body shell assembly and large plastic assemblies of the model, manufacture of common parts and strategic parts not currently produced in the country at original equipment manufacturer standards, and shared testing facility for vehicles and/or parts. According to EO No. 182, the Board of Investment (BOI), as the lead implementing and coordinating agency of the CARS Program, will act upon the recommendations of the Inter-agency Committee on Automotive Industry Development, oversee the implementation of the program, submit the annual report of the performance of the program to the Office of the President, and coordinate automotive industry development efforts of all concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the government. An Inter-agency Committee on Automotive Industry Development will be created to administer and implement the CARS Program. The committee will be chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry-BOI representative, with members from the Department of Finance, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Science and Technology, National Economic and Development Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the co-chairman of the Industry Development Council, and the co-chairman of the National Competitiveness Council. The Order likewise states that the Department of Budget and Management, in coordination with the BOI, shall propose through the National Expenditure Program, the inclusion of an Automotive Development Fund in the annual General Appropriations Act, to fund the fiscal support to be granted to registered and eligible participants. The total fiscal support for the program will be given beginning 2016, and shall not exceed P27 billion, with each enrolled model qualified to a fiscal support in an amount not exceeding P9 billion. PND (jm)

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President Aquino arrives in Japan for state visit

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Haneda International Airport here at about 3:19 p.m. Tuesday for a four-day state visit. The President was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez, Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Takashi Uto, Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief protocol Jun Yamazaki, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. Immediately after his arrival, the President met with several Japanese business leaders at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Among those who met with the President were Senji Miyake, chairman of the board of Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd; Teruo Asada, chairman of Marubeni; Tadashi Yanai, chairman of the Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. (Uniqlo); and officials of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The President also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Business Promotion Cooperation between the Department of Trade and Industry and JETRO. After his meeting with the Japanese businessmen, the President joined the Filipino community at the Okura Hotel. Among those who accompanied the President were Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Lilia de Lima, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., and chief of the Presidential Management Staff Julia Abad. PND (as)

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Japanese investors eye business expansion in the Philippines

(TOKYO, Japan) Japanese investors are pleased with the current business environment in the Philippines and have expressed strong interest in putting up new businesses or expanding their operations in the country, a Palace official has said. Immediately after arriving here Tuesday for a four-day state visit, President Aquino had several business meetings with leading Japanese companies. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., who accompanied the President during the meetings, said Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd has expressed interest in expanding its investments in the Philippines. "Kirin is highly satisfied with the investment and business climate in the Philippines," Secretary Coloma said. The President also met with Teruo Asada, chairman of Marubeni, which has had a 105-year presence in the Philippines. Coloma said Marubeni is upbeat about its current Philippine investments in power, energy development, water utility, and mass transportation (MRT 7 and LRT 2 extension). The Japanese company has also shown great interest in exploring new fields of business development in the Philippines, such as in commercial vehicles. PND (as)

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03 JUNE 2015 MMDA readies mini Oplan Metro Yakal Earthquake Contingency Plan GSIS offers loan to members, pensioners in drought-stricken Mindanao areas P15.9-B in GOCC funds to boost Yolanda housing; Abad: Emergency shelters and permanent housing to be constructed 20th EMEAP (Executives' Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks) Governors' meeting Road improvement project leading to Gumasa white sand beaches of Sarangani completed Lipa City Revenue Officer suspended Roxas lauds 28 CALABARZON Cops for lowering crime, vows all-out support for peace and order NAPOLCOM hikes scholarship benefits of SAF 44 kin SSS makes processing of benefit claims for Kentex victims easy DFA Spokesperson speaks about the West Philippine Sea issue in Subic, Olongapo PHL Embassy in Berlin holds Consular Outreach for Filipinos in Bochum Schedule of registration for Manila passers of the May 2015 Licensure Exam for Real Estate Brokers Teachers laud first Tboli SHS: TSHS seen to promote global competence and cultural preservation 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 MMDA readies mini Oplan Metro Yakal Earthquake Contingency Plan Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will set into motion early morning tomorrow (4 AM) its earthquake contingency plan dubbed as “Oplan Metro Yakal” wherein hundreds of its trained rescue teams will simulate emergency disaster response and evacuation of people to temporary evacuation areas in case a strong earthquake hits Metro Manila. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, together with zone area commanders and their warm bodies, will conduct simultaneous mock evacuation drills at the Veterans Golf Course for the North Sector, Villamor Airbase for the South Sector, and Intramuros for the West Sector. Tolentino said the drill is part of the agency’s commitment to ensure disaster preparedness especially during earthquake, using the sectoral grouping as specified in Oplan Metro Yakal. MMDA employees are required to group themselves according to sectors of their places of residence. Areas covered by the North Sector are Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Quezon City. The cities of Navotas, Manila and Pasay form the West Sector, while the South Sector includes the cities of Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas and the Municipality of Pateros. Oplan Metro Yakal is MMDA’s earthquake contingency plan which focuses on preparedness of government resources and that of private organizations during emergencies. It is complementary and supportive to the disaster preparedness and response plans of the 17 component LGUs of Metro Manila. |TOP| GSIS offers loan to members, pensioners in drought-stricken Mindanao areas Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is granting emergency loan to active members who are residing or working in the drought-stricken municipalities of Malungon and Malapatan in Saranggani Province and Siocon in Zamboanga del Norte. Old age pensioners residing in said areas may also avail of the loan. The deadline for filing of application is on June 23. Members who are not on leave of absence without pay, have no arrears in paying their premium contributions, and have no loans in default may apply. A total of 1,073 members who wish to renew their existing loans may borrow P40,000 while 1,277 members with no current emergency loans may avail of P20,000. A total of 195 old-age pensioners are entitled to a P20,000 loan. In case an old-age pensioner is also an active member, the applicant may borrow only once. GSIS has earmarked P72.4 million in funds for the loan’s implementation. The GSIS emergency loan bears a 6% interest per annum and is payable in 36 monthly installments. The first loan amortization is deducted from the borrower’s salary or pension three months after the loan is granted. The pension emergency loan is covered by a loan redemption insurance that waives the payment of the outstanding loan balance in case of the pensioner’s demise. Members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks located in GSIS offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education, and selected Robinsons Malls. Pensioners must apply over the counter. Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID) card. For inquiries, interested applicants may call the GSIS Contact Center at 847-4747. |TOP| P15.9-B in GOCC funds to boost Yolanda housing; Abad: Emergency shelters and permanent housing to be constructed Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph In a bid to strengthen the Administration’s social protection efforts, President Benigno S. Aquino III green-lighted the use of P15.9 billion from the record-breaking P36.9 billion remitted by Government-Owned-or-Controlled Corporations (GOCCS) this year, with the aim of funding various housing initiatives under the government’s Yolanda rehabilitation program. “The revenue windfall from our GOCCs will allow us to devote more funds to our most urgent social welfare programs. This includes our continuing rehabilitation activities in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Thanks to the growing efficiency of our GOCCs, we now have more funding room for shelter and housing projects that will help Yolanda-stricken communities,” Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. Of the P15.9 billion, P11.6 billion was allotted to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) Program. On the other hand, P4.31 billion was made available to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the construction of permanent housing in areas stricken by the typhoon. Of the amount of P11.6 billion, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P6.2 billion to the DSWD to cover the ESA requirements under the Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (CRRP) for families whose houses were partially or totally damaged during Typhoon Yolanda. DBM earlier released P5 billion last May 7, bringing releases for the ESA under the CRRP to a total of P11.2 billion this year. The ESA will benefit families with no permanent source of income or whose income falls below the poverty thresholds of their respective regions. Under the ESA program, families or individual beneficiaries will receive financial assistance amounting to P30,000 if their houses were totally destroyed during Yolanda, and P10,000 if their homes were partially damaged, or if individuals or families sharing or renting the home are deemed to require assistance. “We have always stressed that good governance is good economics. In this case, prudent financial management on the part of our GOCCs has allowed us to make a real and positive impact on the lives of Filipinos who are most in need of assistance,” Abad added. The P36.9 billion in GOCC remittances exceeded the P5.5 billion target for 2015, and is P4.6 billion higher than remittances recorded last year. Of the GOCCs that remitted funds to the National Government, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) led the way with P10.1 billion returned to the Treasury. Land Bank of the Philippines and the Bases Conversion Development Authority also contributed significantly to the surplus, with remittances of P6.3 billion and P3.2 billion, respectively. The Development Bank of the Philippines remitted P3.1 billion. The remittances will be made available for release using the provisions of the Unprogrammed Fund, which can only be activated in three cases: first, when there are revenue collections in any one of the identified non-tax revenue sources in excess of an agency’s total revenue collection target; second, when there are new revenue collections arising from new non-tax sources; and lastly, when there are newly approved loans for foreign-assisted projects. |TOP| 20th EMEAP (Executives' Meeting of East Asia-Pacific Central Banks) Governors' meeting Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The 20th EMEAP1 Governors’ Meeting was held in Singapore on 30 May 2015. The eleven EMEAP member central banks and monetary authorities participated in the meeting, which was chaired by Mr Ravi Menon, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Governors exchanged views on the growth prospects for the EMEAP region and the global economy. They expected that the EMEAP region would remain resilient in the face of an uncertain global economic outlook and eventual normalisation of financial conditions. As economic restructuring proceeds in the region, productivity performance should pick up. During the transition, central banks will continue to pay close attention to shifts in both supply- and demand-side factors to ensure price stability and support sustainable growth in the medium term. Governors noted the report of the 48th EMEAP Deputies’ Meeting held in Phuket, Thailand in April 2015. They discussed the progress made across a spectrum of ongoing EMEAP collaborative projects in the areas of banking supervision, financial markets, payment and settlement systems and information technology. Governors also discussed updates from the Monetary and Financial Stability Committee (MFSC) on its surveillance and research activities. Governors agreed that as economic and financial linkages in the region became increasingly extensive, EMEAP’s role in facilitating closer collaboration would become even more important. Governors accepted the offer of Bank Indonesia to host the 21st EMEAP Governors' Meeting in 2016. |TOP| Road improvement project leading to Gumasa white sand beaches of Sarangani completed Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph The road leading to the white sand beaches of Gumasa in the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province is now safer and wider. In less than a year, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the road concreting and widening of two (2) routes along Sarangani – Davao del Sur Coastal Road leading to Gumasa Beach. The project was implemented under the Department of Tourism-DPWH Convergence Program on Enhancing Tourism Access in Soccsksargen Region. Work activities on the first route is composed of road concreting and expansion of a 0.75 kilometer road from 4 meters to 6 meters while route 2 involves the road concreting of a 1.28 kilometer access road. Passing through agricultural land and beautiful scenery overlooking Celebes Sea and white sand beaches, the tourism road is expected to attract more local and international tourists especially during its hosting of annual Sarangani Bay Festival or Sarbay Fest where series of outdoor activities are featured. The Saranggani province, aside from being famous as the hometown of People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao, is also known for its pristine beaches, comparable to those found in Boracay and Palawan. |TOP| Lipa City Revenue Officer suspended Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph The Office of the Ombudsman placed Evelyn Rodriguez Ramirez under preventive suspension until the case the Department of Finance-Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF-RIPS) filed against her are terminated or for a period not exceeding six (6) months. Ramirez is a Revenue Officer III at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Revenue District Office 59, Lipa City. In an 11-page Order, the Anti-Graft Body found it warranted to preventively suspend Ramirez because of the evidence presented by the DOF-RIPS. Under Section 24 of RA 6770, “the Ombudsman or his Deputy may preventively suspend any officer or employee under his authority pending an investigation, if in his judgment the evidence of guilt is strong, and (a) the charge against such officer or employee involves dishonesty, oppression or grave misconduct or neglect in the performance of duty; (b) the charges would warrant removal from the service; or (c) the respondent’s continued stay in office may prejudice the case filed against him.” According to the Ombudsman, the data obtained from government agencies show that respondent acquired wealth disproportionate to her lawful income. She also failed to declare some of her real properties, motor vehicles and business investments, liabilities, and business connections. She also made false and inconsistent declarations in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). And she also failed to obtain the necessary travel authorities for her travels abroad while she was employed with the BIR. To demonstrate the disproportionate acquisition of respondent vis-à-vis her lawful income, the Ombudsman cited the years when she acquired more property than his lawful income. For instance, from 1993 to 1997, respondent’s aggregate salary during said period was P360,491.50 only while she spent P960,000.00 for the acquisition of seven parcels of land from years 1991 to 1997 –three lots in Sta. Rita, two San Jose Sico, Batangas City, and one each in Alangilan, Batangas City and in Sambat-Ibaba, Batangas City. In 2001, with only P169,272.00 salary, she bought two lots in Balagtas, Batangas City, worth four hundred thousand pesos. In 2004, with an income of P177,732.00, she acquired a lot in Barangay Pallokan and Sampanga, Batangas City amounting to P388,930.00. In 2005, with the same income as in 2004, she obtained a Honda Civic 1005 model for P253,000. In 2010, despite an annual income of P268,160.25, she made a down payment of P284,000.00 for a 2010 Mitsubishi Montero and amortized monthly, amounting to P217,216.00 from May to December 2010. In 2011, she earned an annual gross income of P297,644.00, but she acquired a Mitsubishi Montero where she spent P325,824.00 for its monthly amortization from January to December 2011; and jewelries worth P200,000.00. In 2012, she claimed earning a total of P3,224,079.54 from her salary, from Angeline’s Piggery Farm, and from proceeds of real estate mortgage. However, she made a total expense amounting to more than eight million. Aside from the alleged unexplained wealth, the Ombudsman noted undeclared real estate properties, which respondent allegedly failed to declare in her SALNs from years 2000 to 2013, located in Sambat-Ibaba, San Jose, Sico, Balagtas, Barangay Pallokan and Sampanga, all in Batangas City. She also did not declare a number of motor vehicles and her business investment in Angeline’s Piggery Farm, among others. She also failed to declare her liabilities, which is required under the law. Finally, the Ombudsman took into consideration respondent’s alleged failure to secure travel authorities for her trips abroad. According to available records, Ramirez travelled to Hong Kong in October 2000, to the United States in 2001, 2008 and 2010, and to Dubai in 2011, but no records were found that she obtained the corresponding travel authorities. This case arouse from an anonymous complaint allegedly for respondent’s extortion activities. Subsequently, a case for violation of R.A. Nos. 3019 and 6713; Articles 171 (4) and 183 of the Revised Penal Code and violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations; for Grave Misconduct, Serious Dishonesty and for forfeiture were filed against Ramirez. The Ombudsman stressed that issuance of the respondent’s preventive suspension is merely a preliminary step in an investigation and is not in any way a final determination of her guilt. The suspension is only to prevent an official from using his/her office to intimidate or influence witnesses or to tamper with records that might be vital to the prosecution of the case against him/her. |TOP| Roxas lauds 28 CALABARZON Cops for lowering crime, vows all-out support for peace and order Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas awarded on Monday (June 1) 28 police officers from Police Regional Office (PRO) IV-A with the "Medalya ng Kagalingan at Kasanayan" for their unparalleled efforts in implementing Oplan Lambat-Sibat in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon). Last March, Roxas ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cascade Oplan Lambat-Sibat, a deliberate, programmatic, and sustained approach in addressing criminality, to other regions following its success in the National Capital Region (NCR). During Roxas’ visit in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna, PRO IV-A Chief Supt. Richard Albano reported that within barely a month of implementing Oplan Lambat-Sibat in the region, the regional police has arrested a total of 1,147 pushers and users?for sale or possession of illegal drugs. A total of 52 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) were also arrested by the local police force, on top if the confiscation of 382 assorted firearms and the impounding of a total of 1,661 vehicles for various violations of the owners. CALABARZON’s rate of criminality also decreased from an average of 169 incidents per week prior to the implementation of Oplan Lambat-Sibat to only 103 incidents last week. "Sixty-six na mga kababayan natin ang nailayo natin sa kapahamakan," Roxas said. "Maayos ang pag-cascade ng Oplan Lambat-Sibat mula sa NCR," he added. From a weekly average of 919 crime incidents prior to the implementation of Oplan Lambat-Sibat in June 2014, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) now records a weekly average of around 300 crime incidents. During the ceremony, Roxas also took the opportunity to thank 1,800 new recruits from the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) for choosing a life of service. "Kakaiba ang pinili ninyong trabaho. Kapag may sunog o krimen, ang mga tao, tumatakbo palayo sa insidente. Pero kayo, tumatakbo kayo papunta sa insidente," Roxas said. He also assured the police force that the national government will provide for their needs in order to get the job done for the benefit of the people. "Nandito tayo para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan at tiyakin ang kanilang seguridad. Hinding-hindi namin kayo iiwan," Roxas told the police officers. During the event, Roxas inspected the two new airconditioned buses of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) this morning. For the past weeks, Roxas has begun distributing 1,470 patrol jeeps procured by the PNP for all municipalities across the country. |TOP| NAPOLCOM hikes scholarship benefits of SAF 44 kin Source: http://pnp.gov.ph Children of the slain SAF 44 whose scholarship benefits have been approved will benefit from the increased educational assistance provided under the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) SAF 44 beneficiaries were already notified to coordinate with the Regional NAPOLCOM Offices for the release of their scholarship benefits. As a pre-requisite for the release however, they must submit a copy of the proof of enrollment with corresponding receipts or submit a copy of fees assessment from the school. The NAPOLCOM earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2015-001 which prescribes a new schedule of tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses granted to SAF 44 beneficiaries and children of deceased or permanently incapacitated police personnel. Under the revised rate, NAPOLCOM scholars shall now receive the following amounts for tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses: ₱10,000 per school year for Kindergarten scholar; from ₱12,000 to ₱18,000 per school year for Elementary scholar; from ₱16,000 to ₱24,000 per school year for Secondary Education scholar; from ₱12,000 to ₱18,000 per semester for Vocational scholar; and from ₱22,000 to ₱30,000 per semester for College scholar. “The financial benefits of elementary, secondary and vocational scholars are increased to 50% while college scholars are granted a 36% raise per semester,” according to NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta. Under Memorandum Circular 2015-001, all grantees and beneficiaries of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Scholarship Program shall receive an increase in financial benefits which will now cover the K to 12 Program or the enhanced basic education program, Escueta said. “The Commission finds it necessary to increase the scholarship benefits to NAPOLCOM grantees/scholars as well as adjust the standing policy on entitlement for the grant of scholarship in order to cope with the continued inflationary cost of tuition and miscellaneous school expenses prescribed by the different institutions of learning and in consideration of the K to 12 Program,” Escueta said. Vice-Chairman Escueta also said that the award of financial scholarship benefits for tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses to the NAPOLCOM scholar shall be paid directly to the school in which he/she is enrolled or reimbursed to the said scholar by the Commission upon presentation of his/her approved enrollment or registration form and official receipt of payment. Escueta stressed that a NAPOLCOM scholar should always strive for excellence as he/she is required, during a specified semester or school year, to maintain an average academic grade of 2.75 or 80% per semester for college and vocational levels, and 80% (or its equivalent) per school year for secondary and elementary levels. (PNP-PIO) |TOP| SSS makes processing of benefit claims for Kentex victims easy Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph The Social Security System (SSS) said today that it will use the masterlist of Kentex fire victims issued by the City Government of Valenzuela as basis for processing of funeral and death benefits. “The masterlist from the City Government of Valenzuela will serve as the death certificate of the 74 victims so we will start processing funeral and death claims,” Senior Vice President Jose Bautista of SSS NCR Operations Group said. The SSS already has the official list of names of the victims and their respective beneficiaries including their relationship to the victims. This will be the basis of SSS in processing and approving claims. As the administrator of the Employees' Compensation Program (EC), the SSS will also process the EC claims for the victims since they died at the workplace. The special procedures for processing of funeral and death benefits of the Kentex fire incident is contained in Office Order 2015-024 o “Guidelines on the Payment of Benefits to the Victims of the Fire Incident at Kentex Manufacturing Corporation” released last May 27, 2015. In the said guidelines, the masterlist of victims will be the basis for processing EC funeral claims. The SSS is doing away with the usual documents needed in processing EC funeral claims to make the payment of the benefit easier. Under normal circumstances, filing of EC funeral claims require submission of death certificate, report of death, certificate of employment, job description/ statement of duties and responsibilities, police investigation report and photocopy of the company logbook page that shows the record of death. The SSS Benefits Administration Division has provided all branches concerned with the masterlist of victims to make filing of applications by beneficiaries easier. The beneficiaries of the victims will receive up to P20,000 in funeral benefits from the SSS and P20,000 from the Employees' Compensation. The funeral benefit under both programs are granted as long as member has paid at least one contribution. The amount of death benefits that the survivors may receive will depend on the amount and number of contributions paid by the member. The dependent living spouse of the deceased member who has paid at least 36 monthly contributions will receive a lifetime death pension. Legitimate and illegitimate minor children will also receive a dependent's pension equivalent to 10 per cent of the basic pension or P250 whichever is higher. Meanwhile, beneficiaries of members who have less than 36 monthly contributions will receive a lump sum death benefit. |TOP| DFA Spokesperson speaks about the West Philippine Sea issue in Subic, Olongapo Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 01June 2015 – The nationwide information, education and communication (IEC) campaign on the West Philippine Sea continues as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), held a Multi-Sectoral Forum in Subic, Olongapo in Region 3 on May 29. DFA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Charles C. Jose spoke about the West Philippine Sea Issue to an audience of 180, who came from different sectors of society across the region. In attendance were representatives of the regional offices of various national government agencies including the DFA, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), among others. Officials from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), representatives of the local government units of Olongapo City and Subic, Zambales, uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), as well as various other local organizations were also present. The event also enjoyed a broad and varied participation from private sector groups, including representatives of several business locators in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ), members of the local press, academe, and university students. Most importantly, leaders of the fisherfolk community in the Zambales area, whose traditional fishing grounds include Bajo de Masinloc and surrounding waters within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), attended the event. They had the opportunity to engage Assistant Secretary Jose and BFAR Region 3 Director Wilfredo Cruz in a dialogue to share their personal experiences in fishing in the area of Bajo de Masinloc and also to express their concerns about their livelihood and general welfare. The DFA Spokesperson also did a live interview at DWHL APO Radio on Egay Hinisa’s morning show, where he was joined by Professor Armin Santos, a guest from the local academe. It was after the interview that Assistant Secretary Jose was able to briefly meet with Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino. Later in the afternoon, he was interviewed by radio anchors Rhonalyn Balingit and Andy Magcale at 89.5 Subic Bay-FM Radio Station. The Multi-Sectoral Forum is an expanded version of the Special Kapihan ng Mamamayan on the West Philippine Sea. The first two rounds were held in Cebu City and Cagayan de Oro City earlier this year. The next round will be held in Laoag City in Region 1 this June. |TOP| PHL Embassy in Berlin holds Consular Outreach for Filipinos in Bochum Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 02 June 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Berlin conducted its 5th consular mobile outreach service at the Zisterzienserkloster Stiepel, Am Varenholt 9, Bochum, on May 23. The outreach coincided with the annual gathering of about 600 Filipino pilgrims from all over Europe. A team from the Philippine Embassy in Berlin conducted the one-day outreach, composed of Mr. Ruben Atienza, Ms. Amor de Asis-Del Mundo, Ms. Maria Cecilia Estrella, Ms. Nelma Casas and Mr. Melchor Francisco, Jr., with the assistance of P. Gabriel Chumacera, Ocist of Zisterzienserkloster Stiepel. The consular team facilitated 34 passport appications, five notarials, one civil registration, one renunciation and 51 overseas voters registrations. The mobile outreach is part of the Philippine Embassy’s efforts in bringing its consular services closer to Filipinos residing in different parts of Germany. The next consular outreach services will take place in Hamburg on July 25. |TOP| Schedule of registration for Manila passers of the May 2015 Licensure Exam for Real Estate Brokers Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph Manila, June 1, 2015 --- The Professional Regulation Commission hereby informs all those who passed the May 2015 Licensure Examination for Real Estate Brokers in Manila of the schedule of their initial registration at the PRC Ground Floor, Main Building:  JUNE 15  (Monday)   ABADESCO, EDGARDO JOSEF JARDINERO       -   BUÑE, MARY JOAN ARMADA JUNE 16  (Tuesday)   CAALAM, MICHAEL JOCSON       -   DYKIMCHING, JAMIE LIM JUNE 17 (Wednesday)   EBIO, ROY ADAZA       -   LUZURIAGA, LOREN FUENTES JUNE 18 (Thursday)   MABALOT, MICHAEL TORREGOZA       -   QUIZA, JUSTINIANO JR. GARCIA JUNE 19 (Friday)   RABANG, APRIL JOY MATUDIO       -   ZYDA, EVANGELINE ACHA Registrants are advised to observe the following steps HERE. Registrants are also advised to strictly observe the schedule for initial registration to avoid any inconvenience. |TOP| Teachers laud first Tboli SHS: TSHS seen to promote global competence and cultural preservation Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph “Ang diwa ng kultura namin ay naisasalin at ang kaalaman ay made-develop pa kung kaya’t ilang henerasyon man ang magdaan, ang kultura namin ay buhay pa rin. Ang kaalaman at ang kasanayan ay nagmula mismo sa kanila [mag-aaral na Tboli] upang matuto na silang makihalubilo sa mundo,” said Benji Manuel, a Tboli teacher at Tboli Senior High School (TSHS). Teachers of the recently-launched TSHS at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato said that this program will surely promote global competitiveness without compromising the cultural preservation of the indigenous peoples in the long run. The teachers perceived the program as a beneficial tool to boost the livelihood status of the Tboli community since the TSHS offers technical-vocational tracks that are in line with the culture of the Tboli people. This project of the Department of Education (DepEd), in collaboration with Ateneo de Davao, aims to produce graduates who are equipped with entrepreneurial and management skills and are capable of managing and improving their own resources and coming up with sustainable livelihood and opportunities for the Tboli community. Manuel said that through the program, he now sees the teachers of TSHS as carriers of the plan of the Tboli elders. “Sa tulong nito, nakikita namin ang aming sarili bilang tagapagdala ng plano ng elders ng pamayanan ng Tboli na dalhin ang indigenous knowledge, cultural and intellectual heritage sa loob ng classroom,” Manuel added. Ateneo de Davao President Father Joel S. Tabora, SJ said that the Tboli SHS is “the most sophisticated, anthropological, pedagogical project in the country relative to Senior High School”. "Davao entered into this program--to be able to help the K to 12 create a program that will not make the students foreigners to their own culture, but will make them imbibe the values and the cultural traditions of the tribe even in a global age, even in an age when the Tboli also want to be able to be world-class, to be able to enjoy the advantages of globalization and modernization. The Tboli, it has to be clear, also want first and foremost to preserve their own cultural traditions and their cultural identities. This is the reason why Ateneo de Davao has been really privileged to be part of this program," Tabora said. Through the help of Ateneo de Davao, the program commenced through a research wherein they consulted the Tboli community if they would want a program that is appropriate not only to their culture but also to the standards of DepEd. After the research, the Tboli community gave positive feedback, which means that they are willing to have the program being proposed to them. TSHS will be initially lodged at Lake Sebu National High School and will be catering to approximately 45 students upon the first implementation of Grade 11 this coming school year 2015-2016. "We are developing ourselves and we are achieving our goals and aspirations but we should not forget our culture. That is our intention," Manuel said. |TOP| 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 |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| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement before departing for his state visit to Japan NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City 02 June 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. [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: 02 JUNE 2015
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			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine Embassy officials upon arrival at the Imperial Hotel during his State Visit to Japan on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of relations next year. Also in photo are Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez (left) and Imperial Hotel Gen Manager and President HideyaSadayasu (right). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine Embassy officials upon arrival at the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Japanese officials upon arrival at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit which is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Japanese officials upon arrival at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr.-Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III chats with Hon. Tetsuro Amano, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Consul-General of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines  during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			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 News Desk

45 mins ·

Gov’t to intensify fire ‪#‎safety‬ measure in NCR.. http://t.co/Td0cckgWGV http://t.co/t3eGpGnWxU

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7 hrs ·

President Aquino's Arrival in Tokyo, Japan 6/2/2015: http://t.co/WCIIgXka4W via @RTVMalacanang

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5 hrs ·

President Aquino's Meeting with the Filipino Community in Japan. 6/2/2015: http://t.co/iQssB2kTOS | via @RTVMalacanang

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President Aquino's Speech in Meeting with the Filipino Community in Japan6/2/2015: http://t.co/jsL2eidmEc | via @RTVMalacanang

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PIA News Desk

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P15.9-B in ‪#‎GOCC‬ funds to be used for ‪#‎Yolanda‬ housing program - See more at: http://t.co/ETNB5bOcqR http://t.co/YdqlSdq6dQ

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4 hrs ·

Performance ‪#‎bonus‬ for government employees to be distributed starting June 1: http://t.co/9SE632iyss http://t.co/ZbTtNBLPGG

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3 hrs ·

Mga tuntunin para sa mga nominado sa timpalak ng ‪#‎KWF‬ para sa Ulirang Guro sa ‪#‎Filipino‬. http://t.co/GX3yyHlvY1

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4 hrs ·

Mga tuntunin para sa mga lalahok sa Gawad KWF sa Sanaysay http://t.co/jZSj0QJq4J

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20 hrs ·

Deadline for filing of applications for the CSC's Fire Officer Exam is June 17: http://t.co/dXQKNWdEfo http://t.co/FMZ76k15ke | via @govph

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4 hrs ·

‪#‎Japan‬ to employ more ‪#‎English‬-speaking Filipino teachers, says envoy - See more at: http://t.co/ojPlXPfY6f http://t.co/rArFw1TCiW

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9 hrs ·

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
ISSUED AT: 5:00 AM, 03 June 2015
SYNOPSIS: Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA)... http://t.co/eP1q2pvh05

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21 hrs ·

‪#‎RocktheVote‬! ‪#‎VoterReg2015‬ http://t.co/d2nUoQHhU2

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21 hrs ·

DTI-NTC reminds ‪#‎cellphone‬ and ‪#‎gadget‬ dealers on consumer rights more at http://t.co/tDrKv2NPnX http://t.co/vIBTaZMLpz

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