Wednesday, July 15, 2015

2 Dispatch for July 16 , 2015 ( Thursday), 2 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 4 Weather Watch , 3 Regional Watch, 16 Online News( July 15) ,39 Photonews ( July 15 )



DAILY WEATHER FORECAST
Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 16 July 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow Synopsis:

Southwest Monsoon affecting Luzon.

 pressure.gif  Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 16 July 2015  wind.gifPredicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 16 July 2015 satellite



Forecast:

Monsoon rains which may trigger flashfloods and landslides will be experienced over Ilocos Region, Benguet and the Islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan. Occasional rains are expected over rest of Cordillera and the Provinces of Zambales and Bataan. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.


Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the southwest with slight to moderate seas. 

PAGTAYA: Mga pag-ulan na dala ng habagat na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa ang mararanasan sa Ilocos region, Benguet at mga isla ng Batanes, Calayan at Babuyan. Paminsan-minsang mga pag-ulan ang inaasahan sa nalalabing bahagi ng Cordillera at sa mga lalawigan ng Zambales at Bataan. Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong pagkidlat-pagkulog ang iiral sa Metro Manila at sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa.

Katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na hangin mula sa timog-kanluran ang iiral sa Luzon at Kabisayaan at ang mga baybaying-dagat sa mga lugar na ito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay magiging mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa timog-kanluran na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 32.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 27.6 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 82 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 65 %
High Tide Today: 9:45 AM ..……….... 1.33 Meters
Low Tide Today: 6:06 PM ..……….... 0.04 Meter
Sunrise Today: 5:35 AM
Sunset Today: 6:29 PM
Moonrise Today: 5:33 AM
Moonset Today: 6:34 PM
Illumination Tomorrow: 0 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph


Pia Quezon


PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Binabantayan ng Padre Garcia MDRRMC ang Salang Buhangin Dam upang masiguro na kung magkakaroon ng malakas na pag-ulan ay hindi ito aapaw at maiiwasang maapektuhan ang limang barangay kabilang ang Poblacion, Quilo-Quilo North at South, Banaba at Bawi.

ABS-CBN: Kahit palayo na ng palayo sa bansa ang bagyong Nangka may naiwan pa rin itong kaulapan sa loob ng PAR na naghahatak ng habagat. Ayon sa PAGASA, may posibilidad pa rin itong maging isang LPA. Pinakaapektado pa rin ang Ilocos at Benguet province kabilang ang Baguio. Inaasahan muli ang moderate to heavy rains. May paminsan-minsan ding pag-ulan sa Cagayan Valley at sa Bataan at natitirang bahagi ng Cordillera. Sa Southern Luzon at Metro Manila may mga panandaliang pag-ulan. Dahil sa habagat nakataas pa rin ang gale warning sa mga baybayin ng Luzon. Sa Visayas, maliit ang tiyansa ng pag-ulan.

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Base sa pinaka-latest na seasonal climate outlook ng PAGASA ay lalakas pa ang moderate El Niño sa mga susunod na buwan at matatagal ito hanggang 2016.
-Bukas ay asahan ang maghapong ulan sa Northern at Central Luzon, base sa datos ng The Weather Company.
-Sa Metro Manila, bahagyang maulap at may tsansa ng ulan pagdating ng hapon hanggang gabi.
-Maaliwalas ang panahon sa halos buong Visayas.



JULY 16, 2015  ( Thursday )     as of  9:00 AM
  PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Partly Cloudy in Lucena City   
NORTHERN


SOUTHERN


WESTERN



EASTERN





PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Namahagi ang Rotary Club of Lipa at Batangas Police Provincial Office ng drug education workbooks sa iba't ibang paaralan sa Lungsod ng Lipa na layong maiiwas ang mga kabataan sa pagkalulong sa ipinagbabawal na gamot.

PIA 4A/BATANGAS: Inihayag ng pamahalaaang lungsod ng Lipa na ginagawa nila ang lahat ng paraan upang masolusyunan ang kumakalat na pyramiding scam sa lungsod at mapanagot ang mga sangkot dito. Mahigit 5,000 Batangueno ang na-scam ng One Dream Global na may opresyon sa lungsod ng Lipa.

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ayon sa DTI-Batangas, maaaring makasuhan ang mga negosyanteng magtatago ng produkto o magdadagdag ng mahal na presyo sapagkat wala namang dahilan para magtaas ng presyo dahil stable naman ang merkado sa kasalukuyan.










LAGUNA

1.  DOST- CALABARZON earns Best Regional Office title for CY 2014
  • July 16, 2015
LOS BANOS, Laguna, July 16 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology, Region IV-A (DOST-CALABARZON) grabs the title as the top performing DOST regional office for 2014 in the recently concluded mid-year planning and review held at Clark, Pampanga. 

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo announced on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 the turn-out of the performance evaluation of all offices in the DOST system.

Epitome of Quality
The organization provides highly competent laboratory services. The collection of labs in their arsenal include the Regional Standards Testing Laboratory (RSTL), the Cavite Water and Waste  Water Testing Laboratory (CWWTL), the Regional Metrology Laboratory (RML) that gained ISO 17025, the accreditation standard for most laboratories in order to be deemed technically competent and be able to penetrate international market. The RVCL is the country’s first and only volumetric calibration laboratory to receive the international accreditation. Notably, RSTL is the only DOST lab with Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC), providing model and templates for other regions.

Moreover, with persistence, DOST IV-A was also able to maintain its accreditations from DENR-EMB, FDA and DOH. For more than 10 years, DOST IV-A strategized services that provide enough income leading to sustainable operations.

With the support from the organization, the CALABARZON is the first Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council to provide option for redundancy to information dissemination. DOST IV-A launched Project HaNDA (Hazard Notification Dissemination and Awareness) on September 14, 2011 complementing DOST’s Project NOAH (national level) which was launched last July 6, 2012. HaNDA has been continuously gathering and sending Weather Advisories and Severe Weather Bulletins from PAGASA, and Earthquake Bulletins and Taal Volcano Bulletins from PHIVOLCS. The Local Government Unit Information Dissemination System (LGUIDS) is the municipal/city version of HaNDA System but powered with more information dissemination capabilities. LGUIDS is installed and operational in 10 LGUs in CALABARZON, and 1 in Boac, Marinduque. According to LGU-Mulanay, Quezon, the system has made their officials and constituents more alert, prepared and coordinated, particularly, when typhoons are eminent. LGUIDS was presented in the National Convention on Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) on February 4, 2015. LGUIDS implementation and expansion for 6 LGUs is targeted this 2015.

The SENTRY, or the Sensing Environmental parameters using Telemetry, is the most recent addition to the systems that was developed by DOST IV-A, this will lend hand to the 24/7 online monitoring of water quality of the rivers of Taal Lake.

Harbinger of S&T Progress
Very recently, the organization has established an Ideation Design and Development Laboratory, the only government owned facility of its kind in the region that now acts as the “Creative Hub” in facilitating product developments, designing, and prototyping activities. The ideation laboratory provides 3D Printing Services and soon will offer Thermal Validation Services and Flow and Level Calibration Services.   
In addition, DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) is now sweeping the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of CALABARZON far to the brighter side of progress. Since the program was introduced in 2002, a total of 175 cooperating ventures from the food, metals and engineering, agriculture, furniture, and health and pharmaceutical sectors now revel in the advantages of high-impact technical assistance consist of trainings and fora, free consultancy on Manufacturing Productivity Extension (MPEX) program, Food Safety, Energy Audit and Cleaner Production.                      

Opportunity Provider
DOST IV-A passionately pushed for the conduct of the 1st Makapuno Summit thru Southern Tagalog Consortium for Industry and Energy Research and Development (STCIERD) and in partnership with the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy and Emerging technology Research Development (PCIEERD), Southern Luzon State University, Philippine Coconut Authority, and PhilHybrid. It was attended by 120 participants composed of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, State Universities and Colleges, National Government Agencies and Private sectors nationwide. The objective of the summit was to validate the data collected from various activities of the STCIERD and other government and private companies on Makapuno and identify solutions to arising challenges. The organization used the establishment of commercial Embryo Cultured Makapuno (ECM) laboratories for Embryo Cultured Makapuno capable of the yield from the traditional method with 25% to a range of 80-99% yield Makapuno nut. ECM laboratories were already established in the University of Rizal System and Southern Luzon State University. DOST IV-A also spearheaded the formation of a Makapuno Roadmap in 2012 that gave birth to livelihood opportunities, and has invigorated the Makapuno market. It also addressed R&D gaps and target expansion area to meet industry demands. In 2013, DOST IV-A has conceptualized and concretized the feasibility of making livelihood on fiberglass rescue boat production with standard design approved by MARINA Naval engineers while giving an alternative for a more resilient rescue boat that is sturdy, durable and affordable compared to rubber boats.

Top Producer of S&T Scholars in the Country
DOST IV-A contributed astounding figures to the national passers’ count with a total of 139 students for the Merit Scholarship Program and 665 for the RA 7687 Scholarship Program, an aggregate of 804 sharp-witted youngins who composed 15% of the “passers’ pie.”  Region IV-A retains the number 1 spot as the region with the highest head count of qualifiers. In 2014, there are
573 in CALABARZON who made it over NCR’s 456 qualifiers. Consistently, CALABARZON region tight grips to the crown winning over National Capital Region who managed to secure the 2nd spot with 696 passers.     

Czar of Green Technology
The organization continuously molds leadership in advocacy and promotion of clean environment through the provision of local Biogas technology to avoid the contamination of rivers and other bodies of water through a unique concept of communal biogas system wherein households are connected and benefitted with alternative source extracted from animal wastes.

An Advocate of Food Safety
DOST IV-A, the innovation leader in the south have spearheaded some of the country’s most notable developments.  DOST IV-A is the shepherd region to assist the establishment of Food Safety Teams in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region IV-B and National Capital Region. Provincial Food Safety Teams are also designated in the provinces of CALABARZON. These events acted as the springboard in the formation of the Food Safety Inter- Agency Program (FSIAP) with eleven (11) member agencies including DAP and FDA.
In 2011, the organization started the use of the Webinar system, it is a modern technology that utilizes the internet for the conduct of meetings, fora, seminars, trainings etc. Through the use of webinar, the first and the only existing Webinar for food safety in the Philippines (provided by the government sector), endeavours of Food Safety Teams of every region towards the reduction of food & waterborne illness outbreaks are disseminated via live streaming.
In addition, the organization has offered to help the street food vendors to ensure that their products are safe for consumption. The municipalities of Los Baños, Laguna, Mulanay, Quezon Malvar, Batangas and Silang, Cavite already adopted the food hygiene practice as well as the cities of Calamba, Santa Rosa, Tanauan and Bacoor all with consistent trainings being provided with.

Performing Beyond What’s Mandated
Inspired by unprecedented acts trajected towards the nation’s growth, a plan backed with the strong desire to improve the quality of lives of the less fortunate was concretized. On March 28, 2015, DOST CALABARZON extends its willing arms and takes a step further in empowering the quality of living in the infirmed Purok Siete (Purok 7) of Barangay Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna. The organization offered the Purok a shot at progress by providing smarter solutions wherein the children of the community will be sent to daycare school.
Purok Siete belongs to the countless barangays in the country that suffer from the stings of poverty. DOST CALABARZON, felt the strong need of the Purok since it is situated just a few distance away from where the DOST’s office is located.

To date, DOST IV-A stands firm as it prepares to hurdle modern-day challenges through adopting an excellence-focused quality management system that is expected to carry- out the best and the most delightful quality of service to its customers and “Boss”, the Filipino people.  (Juan Carlo M. Manas, DOST 4A/PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631437007564/dost--calabarzon-earns-best-regional-office-title-for-cy-2014#sthash.lxAjGLLd.dpuf

2.  DOST IV-A to hold 2015 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits

  • July 16, 2015
LOS BANOS, Laguna, July 16 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology Region (DOST) IV-A will conduct once again the 2015 Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (RICE) on October 27-29, 2015 with the theme, ‘CALABARZON: A Smart Region Innovating and Inventing for Global Competitiveness.’

RICE will be held as part of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration which concurs to the theme ‘Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness.’

The contest aims to enhance the creative and inventive efforts in the regions by providing a venue for showcasing products of creativity, inventiveness and ingenuity of Filipino inventors and researchers.

All inventors, student or professional creative researchers (from both public and private sectors) are invited to join this regional contest which will serve as the qualifying round for the 2016 National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE).

The contest has six categories which include (1) Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award), (2) Outstanding Utility Model, (3) Outstanding Industrial Design, (4) Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award), (5) Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school students, and (6) Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for college students. Contest rules, criteria, guidelines and forms may be downloaded at http://region4a.dost.gov.ph/71-downloads/819-brochures.

Forms duly accomplished and notarized may be submitted to DOST IV-A’s Provincial S&T Center (PSTC) not later than August 7, 2015 or to DOST IV-A office not later than August 14, 2015.

Preliminary screening is scheduled on the fourth week of August 2015 at DOST IV-A office. (Sarah Hazel d.R. Maranan, DOST 4A/PIA-4A)


- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631437007044/dost-iv-a-to-hold-2015-regional-invention-contests-and-exhibits#sthash.CyxXHdn0.dpuf




President Aquino leads Philippine Army change of command
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday installed Major General Eduardo Año as the new chief of the Philippine Army, during a ceremony held in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Maj. Gen. Año replaces Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, who was named as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last Friday.

In his speech, the President commended outgoing Army chief, Lt. Gen. Iriberri for his accomplishments and for implementing the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP).

“Malinaw naman: na anuman ang iatang sa kanyang tungkulin, ibinubuhos niya ang buong lakas at husay para makamit ang layunin,” he said, referring to Iriberri, under whose leadership the Philippine Army was able to apprehend key communist rebels.

“Sa ilalim ng Focused Military Operations, halos 400,000 na operasyon ang isinagawa ng Hukbong Katihan upang masugpo ang masasamang elemento sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Nagresulta po ito sa pagkakadakip at pagsupil sa mga high-value targets na gaya nina Benito at Wilma Tiamzon, Ruben Saluta, Adelberto Silva, at Kumander Parago ng CPP-NPA-NDF, pati kina Mohamad Ali Tambako ng Justice Islamic Movement at Sihata Latip ng Abu Sayyaf,” he added.

President Aquino further noted that although he has not directly worked with Maj. Gen. Año, he admires his military achievements.

“Talaga namang napabilib tayo sa mga nagawa at naiambag niya sa ating kasundaluhan. Pinamunuan niya ang operasyon sa matagumpay na pag-aresto kay Jovito Palparan, sa mag-asawang Tiamzon, at sa marami pang matataas na opisyal ng mga rebeldeng grupo. Batid natina na ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi dinaan sa tsamba, bagkus sa mahusay na estratehiya at dedikasyon na tugisin ni Maj. Gen. Año, ang masasamang elemento sa lipunan” he said.

The President said he believes that given his 30-year experience in military service, Año would be able to continue the positive changes in the Army.

“Tiwala tayong maipapamana niya sa mga kawal ang sariling tatak ng propesyonalismong ipinapamalas niya. Naibigay na nga po natin ang ating marching orders kay Major General Año, alam kong hindi siya lilihis sa pagtupad sa misyong ito—ang pagsilbihan ang ating mga Boss,” he said.

In his speech, Lt. General Iriberri expressed hope that the new Army chief would continue the changes he had instituted in the Philippine Army and work for more breakthroughs to hit “our base camp 2016 transformation targets”.

Maj. Gen. Año meanwhile pledged to uphold all the responsibilities as the new commanding general of the Philippine Army.

“Rest assured, Sir that I will safeguard and fully accept the task of the Army chief. I will fight any threat and overcome any challenge with integrity to uphold what is morally right and profound loyalty to the Constitution every soldier is mandated to uphold,” he said.Maj. Gen. Año graduated cum laude from the Philippine Military Academy, belonging to the Matikas Class of 1983.
Prior to his appointment as Army chief, he served as commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division.
He took an International Officer Intelligence Course at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, USA, landing on top of his class.
He is a recipient of various awards, among them two Distinguished Service Stars; a Gold Cross medal for gallantry in combat action; a Silver Cross Medal; 24 Bronze Cross Medals for intelligence operations; and 38 Military Merit Medals. PND (ag)
President Aquino salutes military officials who served under his administration
Acknowledging that it was his last time to attend the change of command of the Philippine Army as Commander-in-Chief of the country’s Armed Forces, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday paid tribute to all the military officials and personnel who served under his administration.

“Talaga namang mapalad ako na ang lahat ng itinalaga nating mga pinuno—mula sa Kalihim ng Tanggulang Pambansa, hanggang sa mga Chief of Staff ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), at maging ang ating service commanders—ay nagpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo. Sa pangunguna ni (Defense) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, ang mga pinuno ninyong ito ay katuwang ko sa pagpapaunlad at pagpapahusay sa ating kasundaluhan,” he said during the ceremony to install Major General Eduardo Año as new Army chief, held in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City

“Ilan sa mga itinalaga nating pinuno, gaya ni Sec. Volts, ay personal nating kakilala at madalas ding nakakasama sa mga pagpupulong. Meron namang nakilala ko habang sila ay junior officers pa lamang, kung saan nakitaan na sila ng husay at dedikasyon sa serbisyo. Habang ang iba naman, nakasalamuha lang natin dahil isa sila sa mga kandidato sa iba’t ibang mga posisyon,” he added.

The President lauded former AFP Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista’s efforts to bring the military closer to the people.

“Direkta siyang nakikipag-usap sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong, na agaran at walang alinlangan naman niyang tinutugunan. Bilang Chief of Staff noon, matagumpay niyang naitimon ang Sandatahang Lakas sa kabila ng patong-patong na krisis na hinarap ng bansa noong 2013, at sa iba pang mga hamon sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas,” he said.

President Aquino also expressed his admiration for former Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lauro dela Cruz.

“Hanga po tayo sa paghahatid niya sa Air Force tungo sa mas matatayog na tagumpay sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Isang matingkad na halimbawa nito ang pagpapakitang-gilas ng Air Force noong humarap tayo sa matinding hamon -- krisis sa Zamboanga, lindol sa Cebu at Bohol, at paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda,” he said.

He recalled that during that time, three C-130s had to transport personnel, equipment, relief goods, and other supplies to these areas in crisis, yet General Dela Cruz took up the challenge.

“Ni minsan wala akong narinig na reklamo mula sa Air Force, na kesyo under-repair o unavailable ang ating mga C-130 at iba pang mga sasakyan. Walang mintis kasing kinukumpuni at pinapakondisyon ng mga propesyonal na serviceman at piloto ang ating mga eroplano. Tunay ngang sa pamumuno ni Larry dela Cruz, nagabayan ang ating mga kawal na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya upang epektibo at agarang rumesponde sa oras ng pangangailangan,” he said.

The President also cited Captain Neil Edward Camarillo and Sergeant Gilbert Balonga of the Army’s Task Force Minion, for their role in neutralizing Leoncio “Ka Pitao” of the New People’s Army in Davao City.

“Iilan lang sila sa mga patunay na talagang de-kalibre ang mga pinunong naitalaga natin para pangunahan ang ating unipormadong hanay. Muli, talaga pong ako’y pinalad na makahanap ng mga tapat at mahuhusay na pinuno ng atin pong buong kasundaluhan,” he said.With one year left before he steps down from office, President Aquino said he wants to see the transformation that the country has been undergoing to continue.

“Sa tulong ng ating kasundaluhan, sasagarin pa natin ang natitirang panahon upang higit pang maghatid ng benepisyo sa ating mga Boss,” he said, calling on the military to help secure next year’s presidential elections.

“Malinaw po na ang kapayapaan ay pundasyon ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran sa ating bansa. Kompiyansa akong sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ng Hukbong Katihan at ng ating Sandatahang Lakas, patuloy na mabibigyang lakas ang ating mga sundalo bilang mga kawal ng kapayapaan, at bilang kawal ng positibong pagbabago,” he said.

“At gaya ng lagi kong idinidiin: Karangalan kong maging Commander-in-Chief ng Sandatahang Lakas na buong loob na isinasabuhay ang Kagitingan, Integridad, at Katapatan, para sa kapwa at bansa.” PND (ag)
 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Army Change of Command Ceremony
Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City
15 July 2015
Ito na nga ang huling change of command ng Hukbong Katihan na madadaluhan ko bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief. Talaga namang mapalad ako na ang lahat ng itinalaga nating mga pinuno—mula sa Kalihim ng Tanggulang Pambansa, hanggang sa mga Chief of Staff ng AFP, at maging ang ating service commanders—ay nagpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo. Sa pangunguna ni Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, ang mga pinuno ninyong ito ay katuwang ko sa pagpapaunlad at pagpapahusay sa ating kasundaluhan.

Ilan sa mga itinalaga nating pinuno, gaya ni Sec. Volts, ay personal nating kakilala at madalas ding nakakasama sa mga pagpupulong. Meron namang nakilala ko habang sila ay junior officers pa lamang, kung saan nakitaan na sila ng husay at dedikasyon sa serbisyo. Habang ang iba naman, nakasalamuha lang natin dahil isa sila sa mga kandidato sa iba’t ibang mga posisyon. Special mention dito ang dating Chief of Staff Manny Bautista, at dating Commanding General Larry dela Cruz ng Air Force na talagang tumatak ang paglilingkod bilang mga pinuno ng unipormadong hanay.

Ito nga pong si General Manny Bautista, nakilala natin sa maraming beses na nagbigay siya ng mga briefing sa atin. Higit naman siyang nakilala ng sambayanan bilang “Manny Sundalo,” na sumasalamin kung paano niya inilapit ang kasundaluhan sa ating mamamayan. Direkta siyang nakikipag-usap sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong, na agaran at walang alinlangan naman niyang tinutugunan. Bilang Chief of Staff noon, matagumpay niyang naitimon ang Sandatahang Lakas sa kabila ng patong-patong na krisis na hinarap ng bansa noong 2013, at sa iba pang mga hamon sa loob at labas ng Pilipinas.

Si General Larry Dela Cruz naman, sa interview ko na lang nakilala. Hanga po tayo sa paghahatid niya sa Air Force tungo sa mas matatayog na tagumpay sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Isang matingkad na halimbawa nito ang pagpapakitang-gilas ng Air Force noong humarap tayo sa matinding hamon: krisis sa Zamboanga, lindol sa Cebu at Bohol, at paghagupit ng bagyong Yolanda. Kinailangan pong ihatid ng ating tatlong C-130 ang mga personnel, mga kagamitan, relief goods, at iba pang supply sa kaukulang lugar. Sa sitwasyong tulad nito, lalong tumataas ang tinatawag na operational tempo. Pero sa kabila nito, ni minsan wala akong narinig na reklamo mula sa Air Force, na kesyo under-repair o unavailable ang ating mga C-130 at iba pang mga sasakyan. Walang mintis kasing kinukumpuni at pinapakondisyon ng mga propesyonal na serviceman at piloto ang ating mga eroplano. Tunay ngang sa pamumuno ni Larry dela Cruz, nagabayan ang ating mga kawal na gawin ang lahat ng makakaya upang epektibo at agarang rumesponde sa oras ng pangangailangan.

Siyempre, nariyan din si Lt. General Hernando Iriberri, ang bagong Chief of Staff ng AFP, na ngayon ay bumaba na bilang Commanding General ng Philippine Army. Naibahagi ko na sa inyo ang katangian at mga nakamit na tagumpay ni Lt. General Iriberri bilang kawal ng bayan. Malinaw naman: Anumang iatang sa kanyang tungkulin, ibinubuhos niya ang buong lakas at husay para makamit ang layunin.

Halimbawa nito ang tagumpay ng kanyang unit sa 503rd Infantry Brigade nang madestino sila sa Abra noong 2013 sa eleksiyon; dahil sa epektibo nilang pagbabantay, naisakatuparan ang pinakamapayapang eleksiyon sa Abra. Sa mahigit isang taon naman niyang pamumuno sa Philippine Army, maigting niyang itinaguyod ang implementasyon ng Internal Peace and Security Plan. Sa ilalim ng Focused Military Operations, halos 400,000 na operasyon ang isinagawa ng Hukbong Katihan upang masugpo ang masasamang elemento sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Nagresulta po ito sa pagkakadakip at pagsupil sa mga high value targets na gaya nina Benito at Wilma Tiamzon, Ruben Saluta, Adelberto Silva, at Kumander Parago ng CPP-NPA-NDF, pati kina Mohamad Ali Tambako ng Justice Islamic Movement at Sihata Latip ng Abu Sayyaf. Ito nga pong mga taong ito ay matagal nang pinaghahanap ng batas dahil sa paghahasik ng takot at karahasan. Kanina nga po ay ginawaran natin ng parangal sina Captain Neil Edward Camarillo, at Sergeant Gilbert Balonga sa kanilang ipinamalas na tapang at kahusayan upang ma-neutralize ang isa sa mga most wanted sa bansa.

Sina Capt. Camarillo at Sgt. Balonga ay bahagi po ng tinatawag na Task Force Minion na pinamunuan naman ng noo’y pinuno ng 10th Infantry Division, at ngayon ay bagong Commanding General ng Philippine Army, si Major General Eduardo Año.

Ang totoo nga: Isa rin si Major General Año sa mga hindi natin kakilala. Wala tayong naaalalang pagkakataon na nagbigay siya sa atin ng briefing man lang. Pero talaga namang napabilib tayo sa mga nagawa at naiambag niya sa ating kasundaluhan. Pinamunuan niya ang operasyon sa matagumpay na pag-aresto kay Jovito Palparan, sa mag-asawang Tiamzon, at sa marami pang matataas na opisyal ng mga rebeldeng grupo. Batid natin: Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi dinaan sa tsamba, bagkus sa mahusay na estratehiya at dedikasyong tugisin ang masasamang elemento sa lipunan ni Major General Año.

Mahigit 30 taon na sa serbisyo ni Major General Ed Año, kaya’t kompiyansa tayong sa malawak na karanasan ay maipagpapatuloy niya, kundi man mahihigitan pa, ang positibong pagbabago sa Hukbong Katihan. Tiwala tayong maipapamana niya sa mga kawal ang sariling tatak ng propesyonalismong ipinapamalas niya. Naibigay na nga po natin ang ating marching orders kay Major General Año, alam kong hindi siya lilihis sa pagtupad sa misyong ito—ang pagsilbihan ang ating mga Boss.

Iilan lang sina Manny Bautista, Larry dela Cruz, Hernando Iriberri, at Ed Año sa mga patunay na talagang de-kalibre ang mga pinunong naitatalaga natin para pangunahan ang ating unipormadong hanay. Muli, talaga pong ako’y pinalad na makahanap ng mga tapat at mahuhusay na pinuno ng atin pong buong kasundaluhan.

Malinaw naman po: Napakalayo na ng kalagayan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas ngayon kumpara sa ating dinatnan. Noon, nabahiran ng katiwalian ang inyong institusyon; habang nagpapamudmod ng pabaon sa inyong mga heneral, kapiranggot at kulang-kulang na benepisyo napupunta sa ating mga sundalo. Ang sabi ko nga, kung sino pa’ng nagmamalasakit sa bayan, ay sila pa’ng kinakawawa at pinapabayaan.

Kung babalikan ang kasaysayan, may panahong binibigyan ng mabigat na misyon ang ating mga sundalo, nang walang sapat na kagamitan. Kumbaga, pinalulusob sila sa giyera na kulang ang ayuda at suporta. Hindi natin hinayaang manatili ang ganitong kalakaran. Kaya naman nang una ko kayong makaharap noong 2010, tatlong araw mula nang maupo tayo sa puwesto, nagbitiw ako ng salita: Sabihin n’yo ang inyong lehitimong pangangailangan, at tutugunan natin ito.

Gaya ng panata ko: Sa Daang Matuwid, walang maiiwan. Patunay dito ang pagtatalaga natin ng maaasahang mga pinuno upang isakongkreto ang hangarin nating arugain ang unipormadong hanay. Hindi naman posibleng matutukan ko at pagsabay-sabayin ang lahat; kaya talagang nagpapasalamat ako sa mahuhusay ninyong pinuno na nag-uulat ng inyong mga pangangailangan, at naglalatag ng solusyon sa inyong mga problema.

Sa maayos namang ugnayan mula sa inyong mga pinuno, non-commissioned officers, hanggang sa inyong mga sarhento at private, patuloy ang modernisasyon at paglalatag natin ng programa para sa inyong mga kawal. Sa hanay ng Philippine Army, ilan lang sa mga isinusulong nating bilhin ang 47,560 units ng force protection equipment, 2,884 units ng 40 mm grenade launchers, 66,439 assault rifles, at 28 armored personnel carriers. Bukod pa rito, nariyan ang pagkakaloob ng pabahay at ng dagdag na combat pay at subsistence allowance, at ang paglalatag ng mga programang sisiguro sa kinabukasan ng mga aktibo at retiradong sundalo. Sa lahat ng ito, makakaasa kayong ang pondong para sa mga kawal ay hindi ninanakaw; sinusuklian natin ang pagkalinga ninyo sa ating mamamayan, at binibigyan kayo ng sapat na kakayahang tuparin ang inyong tungkulin.

Sulit naman po ang bawat kusing na ating ipinupuhunan sa Sandatahang Lakas lalo pa’t pinapatunayan ninyong hindi lamang kayo para sa mga operasyong militar. Bukod sa pagsugpo ng masasamang elemento at pagtatanggol sa ating teritoryo, katuwang din kayo sa pagpapaunlad ng ating mga komunidad. Nakiambag at patuloy nga pong nakikipagtulungan ang Philippine Army, at ang iba pa nating unipormadong hanay sa pagtatayo ng kinakailangang imprastraktura.

Halimbawa nito ang Basilan Circumferential Road. Taong 2000 pang under construction, at sa tulong ng ating mga kawal, ay malapit na nating makumpleto. Tumulong kayo sa rehabilitasyon ng farm-to-market roads sa mga munisipalidad ng Iloilo at sa pagpapaayos ng Gupitan Road sa Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Nakikilahok din kayo sa mga serbisyong medikal, at sa paglalatag ng livelihood programs sa mga komunidad na dating naiipit sa kaguluhan. Bukod dito, ibayong sipag at malasakit din ang ipinamalas ninyo sa pagresponde sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng kalamidad.

Halos isang taon na lang po ang natitira bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto. Ang hangad natin: Magtuloy-tuloy ang transpormasyong atin nang tinatamasa, upang ipamana sa susunod na salinlahi ang bansang di-hamak na mas payapa at maunlad kaysa ating dinatnan. Sa tulong ng ating kasundaluhan, sasagarin pa natin ang natitirang panahon upang higit pang maghatid ng benepisyo sa ating mga Boss. Sa susunod nga pong taon, muling haharap ang sambayanan sa sangandaan. Ang atas at hamon ko sa ating unipormadong hanay: Siguruhin ninyong magiging payapa at malinis ang pagpili ng ating mga kababayan ng mga pinuno; sa bawat pagkakataon, mangibabaw nawa ang interes ng sambayanan.

Malinaw po: Ang kapayapaan ay pundasyon ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran sa ating bansa. Kompiyansa akong sa ilalim ng bagong liderato ng Hukbong Katihan at ng ating Sandatahang Lakas, patuloy na mabibigyang lakas ang ating mga sundalo bilang mga kawal ng kapayapaan, at bilang kawal ng positibong pagbabago.

At gaya ng lagi kong idinidiin: Karangalan kong maging Commander-in-Chief ng Sandatahang Lakas na buong loob na isinasabuhay ang Kagitingan, Integridad, at Katapatan, para sa kapwa at bansa.

Magandang araw po, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.



INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRH – ISYU by Cesar Chavez and Atty. Reggie Jularbal
15 July 2015
CHAVEZ: Mr. Secretary, magandang umaga po sa inyo.

SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga po naman. At bumabati ako ng isang masigabong at mabonggang 76th anniversary celebration sa ating diamond plus one na Manila Broadcasting Company - saksi sa kasaysayan, gumagawa ng kasaysayan sa larangan ng broadcasting. Mabuhay po kayong lahat!

CHAVEZ: Sa mga hindi pa nakakaunawa, lalung-lalo na iyong mga kabataan, dekada ‘70 pa lang at ‘80, si Secretary Coloma ay awtoridad na sa larangan ng pamamahayag, sa akademiya at sa totoong panunulat. Secretary, ano ang relevance ng radyo ngayon sa panahon ng Aquino administration?

SEC. COLOMA: Tagapaghatid ito ng napapanahong impormasyon, at ang impormasyon ay mahalagang aspeto ng ating pag-unlad. Naniniwala ang ating Pangulong Aquino na kapag ang mga mamamayan ay mayroong sapat at tamang impormasyon, ito ay magbibigay sa kanila ng kaalaman, kamalayan at kapangyarihan upang lumikha ng isang maaliwalas na kinabukasan para sa kanila.

CHAVEZ: Ang DZRH ay kumakatawan sa 275 radio stations sa ilalim ng payong o umbrella ng Manila Broadcasting Company. Sa loob ng limang taon, Mr. Secretary, ang DZRH ba ay naging pantay, responsable sa pamamahayag - lalung-lalo na sa relasyon nito sa Palasyo ng Malacañang?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang masasabi ko lang ay ito: Hindi nagpabaya ang DZRH sa responsibilidad niya na maghatid ng napapanahong balita at impormasyon. Napakahalaga niyan, Cesar, ‘no. Hindi naman kinakailangang panig sa administrasyon o kung sa anuman ‘no. Ang importante iyong nakakapaghatid ng impormasyon. At ang mga kababayan na rin natin mismo ang gagamit ng kanilang sariling pagpapasya upang lumikha ng isang mas mabuting kinabukasan para sa kanilang sarili.
Basta lang mahalaga na kung saan iyong kaganapan, kung saan iyong balita nakatutok tayo doon, at kahit na natutulog ang ating mga mamamayan ay gising na gising ang pagdaloy ng balita at impormasyon.

CHAVEZ: Kahapon ay dumalo ako sa isang media training. At nung nagsasalita si Joyce Pañares, ng Manila Standard, nabanggit ang pangalan ni Secretary Sonny Coloma. “Alam po ninyo sa amin,” sabi niya, “dito sa Malacañang, sa mga Malacañang Press Corps, ang pagkakaiba ni Secretary Coloma, laging ilagay natin sa tamang konteksto ang mga datos ng mga …” Sabi niya sa amin, shinare (shared) sa amin, “Alam ninyo, konteksto, konteksto, konteksto. Sapagka’t iyong isang salita, grupo ng salita, mga pangungusap, grupo ng pangungusap kapag mali ang konteksto, talagang namamali na rin iyong impormasyon. Therefore, namamali ang reaksiyon at mga desisyon.”
Tanong, Mr. Secretary: Sa maraming pagkakataon ba ay naging tama ang presentasyon ng DZRH, at konteksto niya ng mga balita mula sa Malacañang?

SEC. COLOMA: Pitumpu’t anim na taon, napakahabang panahon niyan para patunayan ang katatagan at karapatan na maging taga-pamahayag at taga-pagtaguyod ng pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon. Kung mahina iyong DZRH, paano niya malalagpasan iyong digmaan? Paano niya malalagpasan iyong Batas Militar? Paano niya malalagpasan din iyong hamon ng EDSA People Power Revolution? Ibig sabihin lang, sa daloy ng panahon, maraming hamon na kinakaharap ang isang bansa; at saksi nga sa kasaysayan ang radyo at ang broadcasting organization. Kaya’t nasasabi natin na matibay at matatag ang DZRH sapagka’t ito ay nakapaglinang, nakapaghubog ng kaniyang sariling posisyon na sa daloy ng panahon ay hindi natinag, at sa daloy ng panahon din ay lalong tumatatag.

Iyan ang aking pananaw hinggil sa konteksto ng pagiging pinakamatibay at matatag na network ng MBC at DZRH.

CHAVEZ: All right. Pag-usapan na natin ang Pangulong Noynoy Aquino. Malapit na ang State of the Nation Address ng Pangulo. Nais kung imbitahan ang ating station manager, Vice President, Attorney Reggie Jularbal. Sir, dito na po kayo. Tabihan na natin ito. Bago sa tanong ni Attorney Reggie Jularbal – Vice President ng KBP, Vice President ng MBC – last SONA na ng Pangulo, ano ang dapat asahan ng sambayanang Pilipino?

SEC. COLOMA: Hintayin po natin kung ano ang magiging pahayag ng Pangulo sapagka’t tuwing humaharap siya sa atin ay mayroon naman tayong napupulot na bagong kaalaman dahil kakaiba ang pananaw ng isang Pangulo, yung Pangulo po ay nandoon sa pinakamataas na posisyon na kung saan ay nakikita niya ang daloy ng mga pangyayari sa ating bansa. At dahil nga sa malaking tiwala at kapangyarihan na nakaluklok sa kaniyang puwesto ay maaari niya itong gamitin upang magbigay ng gabay at liwanag sa ating mga kababayan kung paano tatahakin ang kinabukasan. Sa aking palagay, iyan ang pinakamahalagang isasagawa ng Pangulo sa kaniyang final SONA.
Naalala ko noong final SONA ni President Cory Aquino ay pinalad po tayong lumahok doon sa pagsusulat noong kaniyang talumpati. At naalala ko na para sa kaniya, ginawa niya itong isang maramdamin at personal na pagpapahayag; hindi iyong usual na pampamahalaan o official sounding na ano ‘no, na pagpapahayag. Para bang binuksan niya mismo sa ating mga kababayan iyong nilalaman ng kaniyang saloobin, at inumpisahan niya ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-alala sa kaniyang asawa, si Senador Ninoy Aquino, at gumamit pa siya ng isang tula na hinggil sa liwanag na binibigay ng isang kandila. Kaya sa aking palagay, iyong mga pagpili ng salita, ang tinitignan na rin mismo ng Pangulo ay iyong kasaysayan. Hindi na ito ordinaryong talumpati lamang, tinitingnan na rin niya kung paano mailalagay ‘no o mailalatag sa kasaysayan ng bansa iyong kaniyang panunungkulan bilang Pangulo mula 2010 hanggang 2016.

CHAVEZ: Alright, Atty. Reggie. Tinanong ko kung ang DZRH ba ay tama rin iyong konteksto ng pagbabalita. Iyong mga balita at impormasyong nagmumula sa Palasyo ng Malacañang. Mukhang fair ang sagot (laughs)... at hindi pikon. Iyon naman importante ano.

ATTY. REGGIE: Hindi ko na tatanungin si Secretary Coloma, pero gusto kong kunin ‘tong opportunity na ito to thank you personally sa suporta ninyo sa…hindi lang DZRH pero ganun din sa broadcast…mga issues pertaining sa industriya. At kayo ang isang gabay din ng aming mga (unclear). Kaya maraming salamat sa suporta ninyo, as a person and as Cabinet Member.

SEC. COLOMA: Ang naaalala kong karanasan natin nitong mga nakaraang limang taon, iyong pagkatapos noong Luneta hostage incident dahil maraming nagsasabi at nagpapayo, at nagbibigay ng suhestiyon. Dapat daw magpataw ng parusa, dapat daw ay punahin o disiplinahin pa nga—

CHAVEZ: Kontrolin.

SEC. COLOMA: Oo, ng KBP dahil nandito si Reggie (laughs) – ng KBP at ng industriya ang ilang mga kasapi nito ‘no. Pero ang masasabi ko doon sa pagkakataon na iyon, nanindigan si Pangulong Aquino at sinabi niya, “hindi natin gagawin iyan.” Dahil ang konsepto ng kalayaan sa pamamahayag na ating ipinagtagumpay muli sa EDSA pagkatapos ng labing-apat na taon ng kadiliman, na kung saan ay sinikil iyong karapatan na mamahayag. Sinabi niya, “hindi uubra o hindi dapat na magsagawa ng anumang anyo o ni katiting man na duda na hindi 100% iyong kalayaan sa pamamahayag.”
Kaya’t importanteng prinsipyo ito – dapat ay matuto tayong humarap sa lahat ng mga hamon ng pamamahayag na hindi ni minsan tayong nag-iisip na tayo ay gagawa ng mga hakbang na masasabi nating “prior restraint”. Iyan po ang matagal nating ipinaglaban, hindi na po dapat maulit iyong labing apat na taon na kung saan ay umiral iyong pagtigil sa kalayaan. At hindi na kinakailangan na magpunta pa po tayo sa kalsada muli para lang itanghal iyong kalayaang ito.
At sa aking palagay nga ‘no, ulit-ulitin ko. Iyan ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng isang DZRH at Manila Broadcasting Company na subok na ‘no sa daloy ng panahon bilang balwarte ng pamamahayag. Kasi iyon namang administrasyon, kung anuman ang pulitika nito o iyong nais nitong maging patakaran, iyan ay lilipas din. Pero ang mahalaga, nakapagtatag na tayo ng mas matibay na mga institusyong pampubliko? Iyong sa gobyerno ano, marami tayong mga organisasyon sa gobyerno. Napatatag ba natin iyan?
Ganoon din siguro sa industriya - lalo na ngayon at lumalaganap sa pamamagitan ng teknolohiya, iyong sa social media - maraming nagsasabi hindi na raw relevant. Sa aking palagay, lalo pang naging relevant itong mga institusyon katulad ng MBC at DZRH dahil subok na nga ito ‘no. Sa daloy ng panahon, marami nang karanasan kung paano haharapin ang pagbabago, kung paano makikibagay sa mga bagong teknolohiya. At iyan ang distinct contribution na nais nating itanghal ng sambayanan sa pagbibigay-pugay natin sa pagdiriwang ng MBC ng 76th anniversary nila sa araw na ito.

ATTY. REGGIE: Alright. Alam mo Cesar, Manong Sonny, nabanggit mo iyong tungkol sa Luneta Hostage Taking incident ‘no. At mabuti nga iyan at gusto kong linawin iyong isang isyu dahil I was personally involved in that situation. Ang isang misconception, Secretary Sonny, was that the KBP recommended that the government bodies take action against the erring journalist, pero mali iyon. Doon sa recommendation mismo sa... inonor (honored) ni Presidente iyon, na these erring broadcasters be referred to their respective organizations for appropriate action - disciplinary if necessary. So, ni-refer sa PCIJ, sa KBP, sa mga ibang press organizations rather than (unclear). So, iyon totoo iyon, nirespeto talaga ni Presidente iyong freedom of the press.

CHAVEZ: Dahil diyan ay mas napatatag ang tinatawag na pampublikong mga institusyon din, at ang relasyon ng media. Alright, maraming salamat Secretary Sonny Coloma. Nais naming hingan kayo uli ng mensahe ninyo para sa lahat ng mga manggagawa at mga tauhan ng bumubuo at pati na rin sa mga nakikinig sa DZRH.

SEC. COLOMA: Muli, bumabati po ako sa buong organisasyon ng Manila Broadcasting Company, simula po sa inyong Chairman Mr. Elizalde at inyong Pangulo at Pinuno, si Ginoong Jun Nicdao, kay Ka Joe Taruc, kay Reggie at sa lahat ng bumubuo nitong makasaysayang tagapamahayag ng katotohanan.
Kung puwede lang ay one last lang po na suggestion. Kasi nga po sa kasalukuyang panahon, napakadaming impormasyon. Napakabilis din ng pagkalat ng impormasyon. At nandiyan po iyong temptasyon na kung ano iyong unang marinig ay pinaniwalaan na natin kaagad. Siguro po, diyan po papasok ang iyong mga batikan, eksperiyensado at matatag na institusyon katulad ng MBC at DZRH na magsasabi “accuracy at truth” ang pinakamahalaga. Hindi baleng hindi maka-scoop, hindi baleng mahuli nang konti, basta iyong ni-report tama.
Kasi po, hindi po ba napakapangit naman iyon, nauna ka nga, mali naman pala iyong impormasyon. Hindi po uubra iyon dahil sa ating pamamahayag, napakalaki ng ating responsibilidad na ipahatid sa ating mga mamamayan iyong tama at makatotohanang impormasyon. Sapagka’t iyong katotohanan, iyan po ang magpapalaya sa ating lahat.

CHAVEZ: “Hindi lang tama ang impormasyon, kung hindi dapat tama rin ang konteksto ng pagbabalita,” galing kay Manong Sonny iyan (laughs). ‘Ayan ang hindi makalimutan ng Malacañang Press Corps eh, noong workshop namin kahapon. Sinite (cited) talaga si Secretary.
Secretary, maraming salamat ho.

SEC. COLOMA: Malaking karangalan. Mabuhay po ang MBC at DZRH.

CHAVEZ: Alright. Si Secretary Sonny Coloma ng Palasyo ng Malacañang.
SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center



INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano
12 July 2015
PAUNANG PAHAYAG

Malugod na tinatanggap ng pamahalaan ang pagkilala ng World Health Organization sa mabilis at tuwirang pagtugon (rapid strong response) ng Pilipinas sa 36 na taong gulang na dayuhan na naging positibo sa MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus. Ayon sa huling ulat ng DOH (Department of Health), ano mang araw ay lalabas na sa Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) ang nasabing pasyente matapos itong maging negatibo sa dalawang pagsusuring isinagawa sa loob ng nakalipas na 48 oras.

Samantala, negatibo rin sa sintomas ng MERS-CoV ang iba pang pasaherong nakatabi ng nasabing pasyente sa kanyang biyahe sa Pilipinas noong Hunyo 19. Mananatili sila sa RITM hanggang matapos nila ang itinakdang 14 araw na confinement period. Patuloy pa ring pinaiigting ng pamahalaan ang pagmamanman at pagsasagawa ng quarantine measures sa lahat ng mga paliparan, pantalan, at iba pang port of entry at paniniguro ng agarang pag-uulat ng mga pagamutan sa lahat ng mga pasyenteng nakitaan ng sintomas ng MERS-CoV upang sumailalim sa isolation, paggamot at contact tracing, alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Aquino.

Dagdag pa rito, ibayo pang pinalalakas at pinaghuhusay ng Department of Health ang kakayahan ng RITM at iba pang pampublikong pagamutan upang matukoy, masuri, at mabigyang lunas ang lahat ng maaaring magkaroon ng sakit. Sa katunayan, sa susunod na taon itinaas ng mahigit sa 25 porsyento ang panukalang budget ng DOH na aabot sa tinatayang 128.5-bilyong piso.

MGA TANONG AT SAGOT

Albert: Yes, sir, tungkol po doon sa nangyaring pagkalason ‘nung daan-daang mga estudyante diyan po sa Mindanao. Ano po ang latest sa monitoring natin doon or ano po ang directive ng Palasyo sa mga kinauukulang ahensya po?

SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy na tinututukan ng Office of Civil Defense at Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council ang pagsasagawa ng masusing pagsisiyasat sa sanhi ng umano’y food poisoning ng higit-kumulang 1,350 katao sa anim na bayan at isang lungsod sa Surigao del Sur upang panagutin ang lahat ng sangkot sa insidente. Ayon sa huling ulat, nasa kustodiya na ng lokal na pulisya ang ilang pinaghihinalaang nagtinda ng durian candy, samantalang ipinag-utos na rin ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Surigao del Sur ang pagbisita at pag-inspeksyon sa lahat ng food manufacturers sa lalawigan. Mahigpit na ipinapatupad ng pamahalaan ang Republic Act 10611 o ang Food Safety Act of 2013 at lahat ng mga patakaran at regulasyon hinggil sa kaligtasan ng pagkain (food safety) upang masiguro ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan at tumalima ang mga may-ari ng pagawaan ng pagkain sa mga pamantayang itinakda ng batas.

Efren: Okay po. Ibig sabihin, tungkol diyan sa food poisoning, paano pa po kaya ma-a-avoid ‘yung ganitong pangyayari dahil sa latest count per the DOH regional officials ay aabot na yata sa 1,900 ‘yung na-food poison although marami na rin ang napauwi mula doon sa mga (pagamutan).

SEC. COLOMA: Katulad po ng aking ipinahayag, ang mahalaga po rito ay ‘yung pagpapatupad ng Food Safety Act of 2013 dahil mayroon pong mga patakaran at regulasyon hinggil sa food safety o kaligtasan ng pagkain—simula sa paggagawa o manufacturing nitong food product, ‘yung pag-impake o packaging, ‘yung storage po nito, ‘yung distribution po nito, ‘yung aktuwal na pagbebenta—mayroon pong mga pamantayan at patakaran ang lahat ng ‘yan. Tinututukan po ‘yan ng ating Food and Drug Administration at Department of Health.


Albert: Sir, recently, doon sa The Netherlands nagpulong po si House Speaker Sonny Belmonte at ang pamunuan ng [CPP-NPA-NDF] (Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front) na si Joma Sison. So how soon po ma-u-underway o masimulan ulit ‘yung peace talks po sa communist rebels, sir?

SEC. COLOMA: Depende po ‘yan sa magiging ugnayan ng ating Office of the Presidential [Adviser] on the Peace Process, sina Secretary Teresita ‘Ging’ Deles. Sila po ay mayroong aktibong desk na para po diyan sa usaping pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng CPP-NPA-NDF. At katulad po ng alam natin, hindi po maipagpatuloy dahil sa hindi pagkakaunawaan tungkol sa susunding mga patakaran, kaya ito po ay kinakailangang pagkasunduan ng dalawang panig, at ‘yan nga po ang gawain ng ating Office of the Presidential [Adviser] on the Peace Process. Sana po mula doon sa inisyal na pakikipag-usap ni Speaker Belmonte sa mga lider ng CPP-NPA-NDF sa The Netherlands ay magkaroon po ng progreso hinggil sa muling pagbubukas ng diyalogo o usapan sa pagitan ng dalawang panig.


Albert: Alright, sir, on another topic. Ang Philippine Coast Guard they admitted to some lapses daw po doon sa nangyaring insidente sa MB Kim Nirvana. So with this development, sir, will heads roll sa Coast Guard? Ano po kaya ang hakbang doon?

SEC. COLOMA: Hintayin po natin ang kabuuan ng imbestigasyon at ‘yung pag-uulat nila ng kanilang findings. Ang Philippine Coast Guard po ay nasa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ng Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), at kung mayroon pong isasagawa sa larangan ng disiplina o pagsasaayos ng mga patakaran at kalakaran sa Philippine Coast Guard, ito po ay dapat na isagawa ng ating DOTC.


Efren: Okay, thank you po. On another topic po, Secretary, ‘yung tungkol po dito sa mga reported cases of maltreatment ng mga Filipino women diyan sa Kuwait. Ano po ‘yung isinasagawang mga measures ng ating pamahalaan para ma-address nga po ito? Are we considering moratorium sa deployment to Kuwait?

SEC. COLOMA: Tinututukan ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at ng Philippine Overseas Labor Office doon po sa Gitnang Silangan ang kapakanan ng ating mga overseas Filipino worker sa binanggit ninyong panig ng mundo, at handa po ang pamahalaan na bigyan ng kinauukulang tulong ang sinomang Pilipino na mangailangan ng ayuda ng pamahalaan. Sa kasalukuyan walang ano mang panukala ang DFA o ang DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) hinggil sa pagpapatigil ng pagpapadala ng mga manggagawa sa Kuwait. Patuloy na pinalalakas ng pamahalaan ang mga mekanismo laban sa human trafficking at illegal recruitment at iba pang mga usapin na may sangkot hinggil sa kapakanan ng ating mga mamamayan. Kaya ito po ay masinsing inaantabayanan at tinututukan ng ating pamahalaan.


Efren: Okay po. May plano po yata itong Commission on Elections (COMELEC) para dito sa pagdaraos ng botohan dito sa mga shopping mall. Suportado po ba ito ng Palasyo?

SEC. COLOMA: Naniniwala ang pamahalaan sa kahalagahan ng pagtataguyod ng karapatang bumoto ng mga mamamayan. Ipinauubaya po natin sa COMELEC bilang isang hiwalay at independiyenteng constitutional body na isagawa ang nararapat na mga hakbang na alinsunod sa batas upang masiguro ang aktibong partisipasyon ng mamamayan sa darating na eleksyon.


Efren: Okay po. ‘Yung Pangulo po ay mag-de-deliver ng State of the Nation Address. Mayroon po ba tayong pwedeng mabanggit tungkol doon sa preparasyon at ano po ‘yung mga topic na kanyang tatalakayin sa naturang State of the Nation Address?

SEC. COLOMA: Mas gusto po ng Pangulo natin na antabayanan na lamang at hintayin ng buong bansa ang kanyang pagbigkas ng huling State of the Nation Address sa harapan ng joint session of Congress sa Hulyo 27. Ang tanging batid lang po natin ay patuloy ‘yung kanyang paghahanda para sa paghahatid po ng kanyang mensahe sa ating mga boss, ang sambayanang Pilipino, sa July 27. Wala na po akong ibang maibibigay na detalye sa kasalukuyan.

Efren: Okay po. Wala na po yatang mga question, so para sa inyong parting message, kasabay na rin siguro niyan ‘yung pagkumbida sa sambayanan para pakinggan ‘yung State of the Nation Address ng ating Pangulo sa July 27.

SEC. COLOMA: Opo. Sa July 27 ay haharap muli ang ating Pangulo upang magbigay ng ulat sa kanyang mga boss, ang sambayanang Pilipino, antabayanan po natin ito. Samantala, tayo pong naninirahan dito sa National Capital Region at mga kalapit na rehiyon, mostly po sa Luzon, ay patuloy na dumaranas ng pabugso-bugsong pag-ulan—bunsod po ito ng habagat—at patuloy din po ‘yung ginagawang pagtututok ng ating National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.

Antabayanan po natin ang mga rainfall, thunderstorm, at iba pang weather advisory ng PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration). Doon naman po sa mga lugar na mayroong banta ng pag-overflow ng ating mga dam, antabayanan din po ang advice ng ating mga local DRRMC para kung kinakailangan po ay lumikas, pero huwag naman po tayong maaalarma dahil patuloy naman pong tinututukan. Magkakaroon ng sapat na panahon ang pag-abiso kung kinakailangan ito. ‘Yun pong mga naiulat kasing mga nasawi doon sa nakaraang pagdaan ng bagyong ‘Falcon,’ karamihan po diyan ay mga aksidente ng drowning. Ito po ay sana’y mapag-ingatan po natin para maiwasan ang panganib sa buhay at kaligtasan.

Albert: Alright. With that, sir, marami pong salamat sa inyong oras na ibinigay po sa bayan.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.
*****
SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND)


15 JULY 2015
NEDA, DBM ink evaluation policy framework for gov’t programs, projects
Deles welcomes CBCP's support for BBL passage
DSWD clarifies lump sum in its 2015 budget
DOJ Task Force on Anti-Terrorism secures three convictions against terrorists
DepEd: 2015 budget not discretionary
DOST science week to highlight local technologies, pinoy scientists
DOTC bids out 9th transport PPP: p 171-B South line of North-South Railway Project
SSS benefit payments in Central Visayas shoot up to P2.04B
SSS chief holds talk with Roxas City employers
Topnotchers in May 3 civil service exam bared
To keep pace with Asian counterparts, P36M farm implements distributed as Phl gears towards mechanized farming
DAR extols AFP-PNP efforts in the installation of farmers in Quezon Province
New skills help sustain livelihood of fisherfolks
DTI opens new business center in Malolos City
Two groups advances to bidding stage for regional prison PPP – DOJ
Personal remittances post stronger growth of 5.5 percent in May 2015; January-May 2015 level reaches US$11 billion
NEDA, DBM ink evaluation policy framework for gov’t programs, projects
Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph
MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management signed today the National Evaluation Policy Framework that calls for the purposive conduct of independent evaluation of government programs and projects.

“With numerous programs and projects being implemented, the government needs to determine whether and to what extent these benefit the people and the country,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said during the signing of the joint memorandum circular with Secretary Florencio B. Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on July 15, 2015 at the NEDA Central Office, Pasig City.

“This evaluation policy framework is part of a comprehensive good governance agenda that complements reforms in planning and budgeting,” said Balisacan. “While we exert our best efforts to ensure that resources are efficiently allocated, we also need to make sure that what we spend on are actually delivering positive results,” he added.

“This joint memorandum circular is a significant step towards improving the evaluation practice in the country. This and other monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are important in assessing the progress of our development goals, and in determining whether our initiatives are making significant impact on the lives of the Filipino people,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General.

The said framework, developed by NEDA and DBM, with support from UNICEF, structures the purposive conduct of evaluations in the public sector. By the use of standardized evaluation procedure, projects and programs nationwide will be assessed in terms of their efficiency, outcomes and impacts based on national priorities.

Implementing agencies will use the evaluation findings for recommendations and appropriate management response, including follow through actions by concerned units. Results will also be utilized as inputs to planning, budgeting, and designing of subsequent similar projects.

The policy framework applies to programs and projects being implemented by all government agencies including state universities and colleges, government-owned and/or controlled corporations and government financial institutions.

Civil society organizations and other third parties’ programs and projects contracted by a government implementing agency are also involved.

“All their implemented projects and programs, whether local or foreign funded, will be evaluated at least once at the end of the program or project lifecycle, or as frequent as necessary,” the Cabinet official said.

The secretaries of Socioeconomic Planning and Budget and Management will act as the chairperson and co-chair of the Evaluation Task Force respectively.
Deles welcomes CBCP's support for BBL passage
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
Manila - Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles today thanked the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for supporting the peace process and the aim to pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will enable meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro.

"We support the CBCP's appeal (for Congress) to pass a BBL that will ensure harmony among athe different peoples of the Bangsamoro and would grant aspirations for self-determination by our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters," Deles said.

"Achieving peace does not happen overnight but passing the BBL will be the start of the road to a just and lasting peace in the autonomous region," she noted.

In a recent pastoral statement by the CBCP, the Catholic bishops’ group announced it would support a BBL that would promote harmonious relationships among peoples of various ethnic groups and of different faiths and one that would respond to the concerns, hopes, and aspirations of all stakeholders in the proposed Bangsamoro region.

Deles reiterated that the proposed law is not only for the Moro people but for the Christians and the non-Moro indigenous peoples as well.

"Specific provisions in the proposed law protect and uphold the rights of the minorities in the proposed core territory," Deles claimed.

Moreover, she agreed with the CBCP's position that the Mamasapano debacle should not be equated with the passage of the BBL.

"We should learn from our mistakes in the past and prevent it from happening again," she remarked.

Furthermore, the OPAPP secretary implored the lawmakers to pass a BBL that would be faithful to the Constitution. "I am with the CBCP in declaring that we want a BBL that do not have constitutional infirmities and does not stray from the peace agreement of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," she concluded.
DSWD clarifies lump sum in its 2015 budget
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has no lump sum or discretionary funds amounting to P102.6 billion in the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“How can that be when the budget of the Department is already P107.8 billon? We do have a budget for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses amounting to P102B, and the breakdown can be found in pages 909 to 928 of the national budgetary document,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

The DSWD 2015 budget also has the following major categories: General Administration and Support (P980,680,000), Support to Operations (P265,747,000), and Operations (P86,034,766,000). Part of the Operations budget includes P62.2B for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, P5.9B for Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, P4.9B for the Sustainable Livelihood Program, and P3.3B for the Supplemental Feeding Program.

It also has breakdown on locally-funded (P3,545,271,000) and foreign-assisted projects (P17,0303,737,000).

The Department continues to adhere and uphold the tenets of transparency and accountability especially when it comes to budgetary issues involving public funds
DOJ Task Force on Anti-Terrorism secures three convictions against terrorists
Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph
The Department of Justice Task Force on Anti-Terrorism secured the conviction of a member of a terrorist group, its first under Republic Act (RA) 9372 (Human Security Act of 2007).

In a two-page Decision, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 69 found Jun Guevarra (alias Manuel Ibarra, Jun Ibarra) guilty beyond reasonable doubt for Violation of RA 9372 as an accessory to the crime.

Judge Lorifel Lacap Pahimna sentenced him to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of from 10 years and one day as minimum to 10 years to six months as maximum and to pay each of his seven victims nominal damages amounting to P30,000.

In an Information filed by Senior State Prosecutor Peter Ong and Assistant State Prosecutor Gino Paolo Santiago, Guevarra and two others who remain at large, were accused of causing the explosion of an MB100 Mercedez Benz van (LDN-795) owned by Pedro Ubata, Jr. at the public terminal of Midsayap, Cotabato on May 8, 2008.

The Information alleged that the three, operating under the notorious “Al Khobar” group, committed the act to sow terror “to coerce the local government unit of Midsayap, Cotabato to give in to an unlawful demand of a monthly tax of P100,000.”

RA 9372, which was only signed into law on March 6, 2007, makes “terrorism a crime against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against the law of nations.”

The Task Force also secured the conviction of five individuals responsible for the bombing of the Awang airport in Maguindanao on February 20, 2003.

In a 40-page Decision, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 154 found Zulkifli Julkifli (alias Donis/Doni Ofracio, Ahmad Faisal); Taufiq Rifqi; Ismael De Vera (alias Pio); Feliciano Delos Reyes (alias Box) and Dinno Amor Pareja (alias Khaleel) guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of Murder with Double Attempted Murder.

Presiding Judge A.A.C. Bulauitan sentenced each of them to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.

In another case, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 163 convicted three members of the Abu Muslim Group, the urban support group of the Abu Sayyaf Group, of the complex crime of multiple murder and attempted murder for bombing the Filmart Shopping Center in General Santos City on April 21, 2002.

Twelve persons died while 46 others were injured due to the incident.

In a 28-page Decision, Judge Leili Cruz Suarez sentenced Ahmad Jekeron (alias Jay-ar Jekeron, Abu Muslim); Ustadz Yacob Basug (alias Usman) and Danny Ofresio (alias Jul Kifli) to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.

They were also ordered to pay jointly and severally each of the heirs of the fatalities a total of P180,000 in civil indemnity and damages and a total of P95,000 in damages to Christopher Delas Alas, the only injured victim who presented evidence during the trial.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said “It is the duty of the State to protect life, liberty and property from acts of terrorism. The conviction of the leaders and members of the terrorist organizations strengthens the government’s position not to give in to terrorists’ unlawful demands while ensuring the safety of the public.”

“While the government scored victory in all these three (3) prominent cases, it is appropriate to recognize the prosecutors who worked hard to hurdle the legal battle. I congratulate Ong, Santiago, Prosecution Attorney Cesar Angelo Chavez III and Assistant State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes for a job well done,” the Secretary added.
DepEd: 2015 budget not discretionary
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph/
The Department of Education (DepEd) has been cited by former Senator Panfilo Lacson as one of the agencies with the highest lumpsum or discretionary budgets under the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

While the Honorable Senator did not enumerate the details of the PhP80.7 billion lumpsum budget attributed to DepEd, he may have been referring to aggregate amounts that are not discretionary in nature, but are intended for specific expenditures. Such funds include the construction of classrooms for the Senior High School (SHS) program, school repairs and other infrastructure needs (PhP36.9 billion), the budget for salaries of new teachers to be hired and other personnel requirements of the Department (PhP25.6 billion), the conduct of a school based feeding program for undernourished children (PhP2.4 billion), and the training of teachers on the enhanced K to 12 curriculum (PhP2.0 billion).

These budgets have been been derived based on actual need and plans prepared by schools and DepEd’s field offices, especially in relation to the implementation of the SHS program. In the case of the SHS construction budget, the schools have already been identified and construction programs for these schools have been defined. The list of SHS schools with programmed classroom construction is available on the DepEd website.

The DepEd maintains that these budgets are not discretionary and shall be used only for these intended purposes and actual need.
Low-cost handicraft dryer from DOST helps Japanese designer
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
The low-cost handicraft dryer is a cheaper, safer, and cleaner way for Masaeco to dry its products.

Wataru Sakuma, a Japanese designer based in the Philippines, is one of the newest adopters of the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (DOST-FPRDI) low-cost handicraft dryer (LCHD).

His company, the Cavite-based Masa Ecological Development, Inc. (Masaeco), is the maker of eco-friendly and world-class handmade paper products made mostly of local agricultural wastes such as pineapple and banana fibers and cogon grass. Sakuma’s masterpieces are exported to the US, Europe, Japan and Australia.

“We make around 100 sheets of paper daily, each measuring 250 cm X 100 cm, and we convert these into art panels, wall decors and lamps,” says Sakuma.

He reports that his 35-cubic meter LCHD has helped his company to dry its products more efficiently.

Developed by an FPRDI research team led by Wency H. Carmelo, the LCHD uses 22 percent less wood fuel and is 40 percent cheaper to build than the FPRDI furnace-type lumber dryer.

“We now have an easier and safer way of drying paper,” reveals Sakuma. “This gives us more control of the process, unlike before when we simply exposed our products to a direct heat source. This was a messy system that made a lot of ash which often soiled our products.”

Without the ash problem, the sheets of paper are now cleaner and they have fewer rejects. They also doubled their production, the new dryer being twice bigger than their old one.

“Compared to our old kerosene-fired dryer, the handicraft dryer allows us to save as much as P 60,000 – 70,000 a month on fuel cost,” Sakuma adds.

The LCHD is one of several local technologies developed by DOST for industry use. “They are useful, effective and cost-efficient, proof that our local experts have the capability to come up with excellent, world-class products,” said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo. “A technology such as the LCHD is so efficient and high performing that even foreigners appreciate what our own people have made.”

According to the Japanese designer, they found the handicraft dryer so useful that they decided to install another unit this year. “Within the next few years, we will probably need a third one,” he relates.

His fresh product designs have earned for the artist the coveted Katha Award in 2005, 2006 and 2009. A highlight of the Department of Trade and Industry’s Design Week Philippines, the Katha Award is “given to designers and exporters whose products embody exceptional quality and high-caliber design in furniture, housewares and furnishings, holiday décor and gifts, and fashion.”

“Masaeco not only allows me to earn while expressing my artistry,” Sakuma shares. “It also allows me to pursue another passion – giving jobs to young people in the provinces.”

To know more about the low-cost handicraft dryer and other FPRDI technologies, contact FPRDI at (+6349)536-2586/ 536-2360/536-2377 or email at info@fprdi.dost.gov.ph or visit the FPRDI booth at the National Science and Technology Week at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City on July 24-28, 2015. Like us at Facebook at nstw2015 and visit www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and www.science.ph (S&T Media Service)
DOST science week to highlight local technologies, pinoy scientists
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo believes that this year’s celebration of National Science and Technology Week will prove that Filipino scientists can compete not only in Asia but throughout the rest of the world.

“Many of our scientists have carved major inroads in the field of S&T over the last two years, meriting recognition from the international science community,” Montejo said in a press conference last July 10, 2015 at Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

NSTW is an annual showcase of locally developed technologies and the country’s biggest breakthroughs in S&T presented through interactive technology exhibits, robotics, scale model displays, product displays, science career talks, science and business fora, and many more.

With its theme “Philippines: A Science Nation Innovating for Global Competitiveness,” NSTW will highlight the country’s competitive capabilities against its neighboring ASEAN countries as the region prepares for the ASEAN Economic Integration this year.

Through its programs and the country’s skilled, highly-trained human resources, Sec. Montejo said, the Science Department will achieve its goals for agriculture, enterprises, industries, IT-business process management, government connectivity, health, education, and disaster preparedness and management.

These initiatives will make up the backbone of exhibits and activities in NSTW.

Foremost of these are Project NOAH and STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks, recipient of the 2015 Presidential Citation for Innovative International Library Projects from the prestigious American Library Association.

“Project NOAH, many of us know how huge the contribution of this technology is in lessening the casualties in different areas across the country during occurrences of strong typhoons,” Asec. Liboro said during the press conference.
He also cited how STARBOOKS, the first science digital library in the Philippines, addresses the limitations of underserved areas in the country. “Bringing them a digital science library that contains tons of information and does not require internet connectivity to access it, definitely would bring so much hope for the students there,” he said.


Also to be featured in NSTW are DOST-LiDAR, DOST scholarship programs, Food Innovation Centers, and the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program or SETUP, another leading program of DOST.

Meanwhile, there will be talks on dengue control and prevention, faster delivery of government services to citizens, indigenous textiles, coconut scale insect management strategies, food technology, packaging innovation, e-health, bamboo technology, intelligent transport systems, fault systems, Filipina scientists’ contributions to the S&T community, among others. A workshop on science journalism for students dubbed “The Art in Science Journalism” will also be conducted.

According to DOST Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro, several private institutions and other government agencies have reached out to the Science Department to form collaborations for some of these programs.

“This was what we dreamt when we conceptualized and formulated these programs,” said Liboro. “We ensured that at the end of the day, it will be appreciated by stakeholders because we created these to address their needs.”

NSTW is open to the public from July 24-28, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, MOA, Pasay City. For more details, please log on to www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and www.science.ph. Like us on Facebook at NSTW2015 and use #2015NSTW. (S&T Media Service)
DOTC bids out 9th transport PPP: p 171-B South line of North-South Railway Project
Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/
The 9th transportation Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project is up for grabs, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Philippine National Railway (PNR) commence bidding for the P 170.7-Billion South Line of the North-South Railway Project (NSRP) in an invitation published today.

“This is our biggest project yet: the revival of the oldest rail system in Southeast Asia, beginning with the Manila-Legazpi section plus additional branch lines totaling 653 kilometers,” remarked DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“Rail systems are a driver for inclusive socio-economic growth. They encourage trade and business activity, and provide access to employment and educational opportunities. The PNR, once a symbol of the country’s economic progress, should be modernized into a safe, convenient, and efficient system by 2020,” he added.

Under the project’s terms, the winning bidder will take charge of designing, constructing, financing, operating, and maintaining the following services:

The 56-kilometer Commuter Rail service, for daily riders on the Tutuban, Manila to Calamba, Laguna route
The 478-kilometer Long-Haul Rail service, for travelers on the Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay route
58 kilometers from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City, Batangas
117 kilometers from Legazpi, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon
The Long-Haul service may also have the following extensions:

“This project will impact directly on a grassroots level. Those who have less in life, especially farmers and fisherfolk, will be given efficient means to expand their livelihood. This is our biggest project yet, and this is for those who need it most,” Abaya said.

Once the entire railway is operational in 2020, there will be 10 daily trips with seven (7) train sets passing through 66 stations. It is expected to yield a demand of 316,000 passengers per day on its opening year, and is projected to entice around 44,000 public and private vehicle users to shift their commutes to the modernized railway.

Local and international companies are encouraged to participate in the auction. A two-stage bidding process will be adopted, with the pre-qualification date targeted within the fourth quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, bid opening is aimed to be held in January 2016, and awarding is set in March 2016. The winning bidder will operate, maintain, and upgrade the South Line for 34 years, including the construction period of four (4) years.
SSS benefit payments in Central Visayas shoot up to P2.04B
Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph
Calbayog City, Samar – The Social Security System (SSS) paid out to members in Central Visayas P2.04 billion in benefits for the first four months of 2015, posting a double-digit growth from the same period last year.

SSS Assistant Vice President for Central Visayas Division Helen Solito said disbursements for Social Security and Employees Compensation (EC) benefits increased by 14 percent or P252 million higher than 2014 record.

“Payments for our existing retiree, disability and survivor pensioners comprised the biggest share amounting to P1.83 billion or nearly 90 percent of the total disbursements. The other 10 percent consisted of initial and lump sum payments in pension and short term benefits.” the official noted.

Lump sum benefits pertain to one-time payouts for members who have not met the minimum requirements to qualify for a pension, while initial pension is for the accrued amount resulting from delayed applications for due benefits.

From January to April 2015, initial and lump sum benefits paid to members in the region were as follows: P4.69 million, retirement; P48.65 million, death; P7.25 million, disability; P50.02 million, maternity; P12.09 million, sickness; P85.54 million, funeral; and P340,000, EC medical services and rehabilitation.

“The increase in benefit releases also mirrors how much people rely on social security in times of financial need. Not only they see it as source of immediate cash, but also recognize their SSS savings as long-term investments,” Solito said.

SSS is the biggest pension fund in the country in terms of membership with over 32 million members worldwide. As of April 2015, SSS membership in Central Visayas widened to 2.4 million members, including some 24,000 new registrants.

“Aside from SSS and EC benefits, a large number of salary loan applications were received by our SSS offices from January to April 2015. For the period, we have granted about P548 million in salary loans and P15.41 million in educational loans,” Solito said.

Solito who was with SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. and other SSS senior officials in Samar province for a regional visit said the recent contribution rate hike and new monthly salary credit that was implemented last year also paved way for higher benefits.

“The higher figures posted, particularly for retirement were still an offshoot of the reforms we have taken last year,” she said, noting that SSS pensions were raised by five percent in June 2014, a few months after the 11-percent contribution rate was adopted.

SSS operations in Central Visayas cover the areas within the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Samar, and Leyte.
SSS chief holds talk with Roxas City employers
Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph
Roxas City, Capiz --- SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr met with 175 employers and company representatives during a Stakeholders' Forum on June 30.

De Quiros provided updates on SSS operations and programs such as SSS Web enhancement, SSS PESO Fund, Loan Condonation Program and the new SSS funeral benefit. The Stakeholder?s Forum also gives SSS members and employers an opportunity to raise their concerns and get immediate feedback directly from SSS' top officials.

Photo above shows the panel of SSS officials led by the SSS Chief (seated 3rd from right) at the Kapis Mansion, Banica, Roxas City as they answer inquiries from stakeholders during the open forum (bottom photo).

De Quiros was in the province for his regular regional visit with (L-R) SSS Roxas Branch Head Angelo Blancaver, SSS OIC-Assistant Vice President for Western Visayas Raul Casiano, SSS Senior Vice President for Visayas and Mindanao Operations Atty. Eddie Jara, SSS Senior Vice President for Administration May Catherice Ciriaco, and SSS Senior Vice President for Information and Technology Management Joel Layson.
Topnotchers in May 3 civil service exam bared
Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph
Xylene Angelique Azurin of the National Capital Region (NCR) and Gene Mari Dublin of Central Visayas obtained the highest scores in the written Career Service Examination held May 3 this year, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

Azurin topped the Professional Level examination with a rating of 91.39, joining 14,444 other passers in the same category nationwide. Dublin, meanwhile, got the highest rating of 88.84 among the 2,587 passers of the Sub-Professional Level.

For the Professional level, completing the list of top 10 examinees are:

Nikko James Nuque (NCR) with a rating of 90.81;
Jansar Fidel Apolonio (Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR), 90.77;
Jahan Elgar Castro (NCR), 90.27;
Randy Gilo Jr. (Western Visayas), 90.24;
Veincent Christian Pepito (NCR), 90.20;
Josiah Patrick Bagayas (Ilocos Region), 90.08;
Jomel Jhele Sadsad (NCR), 89.86;
Kliff Richmond Mejia (NCR), 89.84; and
Aleth Gayosa (NCR), 89.78.
For the Sub-Professional level:

Tracy Lynne Sadicon (Davao Region), 88.69;
Lethie Grace Segovia (Eastern Visayas) and Efren Medallo (Zamboanga Peninsula), 88.66;
Renalie Zenine Cabatu (NCR), 88.41;
Chris Francis Torrejos (Central Visayas), 88.05;
Jay Joson (Bicol Region), 87.98;
Marie Florence Jewel Aquino (NCR), 87.87;
Angela Christine De Mesa (Southern Tagalog), 87.79;
Melvin Yolip (NCR) and Jasper Jay Rodavia (NCR), 87.77; and
Dianne Mae Almazar (Southern Tagalog), 87.76.
A total of 17,032 or 9.96% of the 171,083 examinees nationwide passed the examinations, the CSC reported. Passing rate is 80.00.

The CSC said successful examinees will be conferred the corresponding civil service Professional or Sub-Professional eligibility. Professional eligibility is one of the basic requirements for permanent appointment to first level (clerical) and second level (technical) positions in the career service that do not involve practice of profession and are not covered by other special laws. The Sub-Professional eligibility is appropriate to first level positions.

In view of the transition period from the previous Certificate of Eligibility to the use of civil service eligibility I.D. card, passers shall instead be issued a Certification of Eligibility. Passers are advised to coordinate first with the CSC Regional Office (CSCRO) concerned on the availability, requirements and procedure in claiming their Certification of Eligibility.

Regional turnout

The CSC said that CAR got the highest overall passing rate at 17.18% or 1,087 passers out of 6,328 examinees.

Other regions with the highest passing rates covering both levels of examination include NCR at 14.66%, Central Luzon at 11.48%, Ilocos region at 11.19%, and Cagayan Valley at 10.85%.

The CSC has posted online the complete list of successful examinees of the May 3, 2015 career service examinations. Examinees may generate their individual test results using the Online Civil Service Examination Result Generation System (OCSERGS).

The remaining schedule of the written career service examination will be on October 18, 2015. Filing of application is ongoing until September 3. Applicants should personally file their applications at the CSCRO or Field Office covering the area where they intend to take the examination.

Details on testing centers, qualification and application requirements, where to get application forms, and other relevant information are available at www.csc.gov.ph.
To keep pace with Asian counterparts, P36M farm implements distributed as Phl gears towards mechanized farming
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
EXCITEMENT was written all over the faces of farmer-beneficiaries after the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over Thursday three heavy tractors and 170 different kinds of farm implements to 126 farmers’ organizations in Central Luzon.

The distribution of farm implements is a priority program of the DAR under the administration of Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes as the Aquino administration is gearing towards mechanized farming to keep pace with its Asian counterparts.

DAR-Central Luzon regional director Arnel Dizon presided the simple turnover rites at the Technological Resource Center in Mabalacat City, Pampanga where farmer leaders came in droves and were awe-struck upon seeing three heavy tractors among the farm implements that were lined up for distribution.

Dizon said the P36-million farm implements, which also included 117 hand tractors, 21 power tiller cultivators, 18 palay reapers, seven palay threshers and seven corn husker shellers, were given away under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS).

Dizon said the government is giving away free farm implements in grants to show its seriousness to help farmer-beneficiaries enhance their dignity and improve the quality of their lives through greater productivity of the farmlands awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The Esperanza-Manggitahan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Esmarbeco) in Aurora, and the Miyabe-yabe Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC) and the Panayotti Farmers-Irrigators Association (PFIA) in Pampanga appeared to be the biggest winners as they went home with a 90-horse powered Massey Fergusson heavy tractor each. Each heavy tractor cost P2.9 million.

DAR-Central Luzon ARCCESS coordinator Joselito Aguinaldo clarified, however, that there is actually no big winner in the distribution of farm implements.

Aguinaldo said that each qualified organization receives farm implements depending on their actual needs and based on the assessment and evaluation of state colleges and universities in their respective localities.

The Esperanza-Manggitahan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (Esmarbeco) in Aurora, and the Miyabe-yabe Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPC) and the Panayotti Farmers-Irrigators Association (PFIA) in Pampanga appeared to be the biggest winners as they went home with a 90-horse powered Massey Fergusson heavy tractor each. Each heavy tractor cost P2.9 million.

DAR-Central Luzon ARCCESS coordinator Joselito Aguinaldo clarified, however, that there is actually no big winner in the distribution of farm implements.

Aguinaldo said that each qualified organization receives farm implements depending on their actual needs and based on the assessment and evaluation of state colleges and universities in their respective localities.

Biado added that his group is lucky to be granted two heavy tractors, owing to its being a big organization made up of farmers from three barangays – Esperanza, Manggitahan and Dimasisit. However, only one was awarded to them during the awarding rites, with the second one to be delivered soon.

“Now, we are seeing a great future ahead of us as we do not have to rent the services of a heavy tractor from a private individual or group for farm preparation at P2,000 per hectare. Of course, we will be renting out our heavy tractor but the proceeds will redound for the benefit of our cooperative members through dividends based on their share capitals,” Biado said.

Experts said that lack of capital, excessive physical activity and less financial reward are some of the factors that are driving farmers’ children away from the farm and to look for other kinds of job. The country’s agriculture industry accounts for 70 percent of the poorest of the poor.

Through ARCCESS, the government hopes to reverse the situation by providing farmers as much as it could the kinds of support services that they badly needed to make the lands awarded to them more productive and the farming profession more rewarding financially.
DAR extols AFP-PNP efforts in the installation of farmers in Quezon Province
Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently lauded the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in their indispensable role in the peaceful and orderly installation of agrarian reform beneficiaries to their landholdings in San Francisco, Quezon Province.

Sec. Virgilio R. de los Reyes personally expressed his deep appreciation to the AFP –PNP, without which the gains of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) of the government might have long been compromised.

He saluted them for being the guardians in the peaceful and orderly implementation of CARP.

De los Reyes awarded plaques of recognition to four officers of the AFP namely: Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, Col. Rhoderick M. Parayno, Lt. Col. Ernest John C. Jadloc, 1Lt. Mark Angel R. Arguelles, and ten officers of PNP namely: Dir. Ricardo C. Marquez, Supt. Roman C. Arugay, Chief Supt. Richard A. Albano, Sr. Supt. Archie Francisco F. Gamboa, Sr. Supt. Ronaldo Genaro E. Ylagan, Supt. Vilmor Manzano, Supt. June P. Urriquia, Supt. Ranser A. Evasco, Sr. Insp. Rodelio M. Calawit and Sr. Insp. Reden L. Romasanta.

Lt. Gen. Visaya, commander of Southern Luzon Command, AFP expressed his appreciation to the DAR for recognizing their effort and assured full support to all programs of the DAR.

Earlier, a PNP-AFP Detachment and a DAR-led Inter- Agency Action Center were set up within the CARP covered landholdings to ensure that peace and order would prevail in the affected areas and the support services for the farmers would flow unhampered.
New skills help sustain livelihood of fisherfolks
Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph/
In the fishing communities in Zambales province, the fisherfolks' age-old skills of the sea — mend nets, read the tide, find abundant haul — are being melded with new skills to make their livelihood sustainable.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has announced a special training for fisherfolks that would make them adept in repairing small engines, including the engines of their boats.

The training, which started on July 1 will run until September and will be conducted in three batches. Close to a hundred persons will benefit from the training program from the municipalities of Palauig and Masinloc, according to Virginia Bondoc, provincial director of TESDA Zambales.

The graduates will undergo an assessment and passers will receive a National Certificate on Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II.

"At the end of the day, we will not have fishermen who know where the biggest catch are, but skilled individuals who can troubleshoot the engines of their boats, the main equipment of their livelihood," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.

"The new knowledge and skills will spare the fishermen from the high cost of repairs. They no longer have to shell out money that could otherwise be spent for the needs of their families," Villanueva added.

Teodoro Gatchalian, TESDA Region III Director, said the course will focus on training an individual in installing and servicing parts of motorcycle and small engine.

Among the skills that one will acquire are applying appropriate sealant or adhesive; moving and positioning the vehicle; performing mensuration and calculation; reading interpreting and applying specifications and manuals; using and applying lubricant or coolant; performing shop maintenance; servicing fuel, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system, suspension system, brake system, wheels and tires, clutch system, electrical system, cooling system; and, overhauling motorcycle or small engine.

Located in central Luzon, Zambales is an agricultural province known for its major industries such as fishing and farming. The government has put in place measures to help boost the province's fishing industry, including providing the fishermen supply of fingerlings, life vests and other fishing gears and marine engines.
DTI opens new business center in Malolos City
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opened its Business Center at the Lingkod Pinoy Center of the Robinson’s Place in Malolos City, Bulacan on 27 May 2015. Representatives from associations of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the province, government agencies, and media witnessed the opening ceremonies for the DTI and Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) Business Center.

DTI Assistant Secretary Blesila Lantayona led the ribbon cutting ceremonies together with DTI Regional Office III (DTI-3) Director Judith P. Angeles, Mr. Jim Valerio, Chief of Staff of Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Alavarado, DTI Provincial Director Zorina D. Aldana, Robinsons Land Marketing Manager Tess Miranda, SB Corporation Officer Rebecca Narciso and Bulacan Chamber of Commerce President Gigi Simbulan.

Lantayona lauded the establishment of the business center as a way of bringing the services of DTI closer to its clients. She also mentioned recent developments in the meetings of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) where MSMEs are at the centerstage. She cited that APEC ministers have adopted the Boracay Action Agenda where the integration of MSMEs in the global value chain is given importance. Asec. Lantayona further discussed that MSMEs should be capacitated in the use of information technology for electronic commerce to enhance their growth and integration in global trade.

DTI-3 Director Judith P. Angeles expressed her gratitude to the management of Robinson’s Land Corporation for accommodating DTI and SB Corp. in its commercial complex, allowing better access and comfort for MSMEs who are availing of the services of the agencies. She also cited the ready cooperation of the MSMEs of Bulacan, which are one of the most vibrant in the country. She expects that public-private partnership like this will continue to enhance business in the region and the country as a whole.

In behalf of Bulacan Governor Alvarado, Mr. Jim Valerio expressed his heartfelt thanks to the government agencies who have established extension offices at the Robinson’s Complex, thereby assisting their fellow Bulakenyos in availing of accessible government services.

BCCI President Gigi Simbulan, as the representative of the MSMEs, appreciated the effort of agencies in bringing efficient and accessible services to them. She also expressed her gratitude for the support of DTI in their enterprise which enabled them to expand their market and improve their livelihood.
Two groups advances to bidding stage for regional prison PPP – DOJ
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph
Two groups prequalified to bid for Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Corrections’ (BuCor) first regional prison facilities project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program.

After evaluation of prequalification documents submitted last June 26, DOJ and BuCor deemed San Miguel Holdings Corp. and Mega Structure Consortium compliant with the requirements to bid for the Php 50.2 billion Regional Prison Facilities through PPP, while DMCI Holdings Inc. did not pass the prequalification stage of the project.

The winning bidder will design, finance, construct, and maintain the modern prison facilities that will be constructed at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

This regional prison facilities PPP project will accommodate 26,880 inmates, including staff housing and administrative buildings, areas for rehabilitation (sports, work and religious activity), and will be installed with high security equipment.

It will address the dire situation faced by existing penal facilities and create more humane prison conditions.
Personal remittances post stronger growth of 5.5 percent in May 2015; January-May 2015 level reaches US$11 billion
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) rose by 5.5 percent year-on-year to US$2.3 billion in May 2015,  Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1  This is higher than the 4.9 percent growth recorded during the previous month.  On a cumulative basis,  personal remittances for January-May 2015 reached US$11 billion, up by 5.2 percent relative to the same period a year ago. The continued expansion in personal remittances during the first five months of 2015 was driven by stronger growth of remittance inflows from both land-based workers with contracts of at least one year (5.9 percent) and sea-based and land-based workers with short-term contracts (4.1 percent).
Similarly, cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks increased by 5.8 percent year-on-year to US$2.1 billion in May 2015.  For the first five months of the year, cash remittances rose steadily by 5.4 percent relative to the same period in 2014 to reach US$9.9 billion.   In particular, cash remittances from land-based (US$7.5 billion) and sea-based (US$2.4 billion) workers grew by 5.9 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively. The major sources of cash remittances were the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Canada.2 
Remittances remained resilient on the back of sustained demand for skilled Filipino manpower overseas. Preliminary report from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated that total job orders reached 386,163, of which 35.4 percent were intended mainly for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, the continued efforts of bank and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage, and the introduction of innovations in financial products and services in the remittance market continued to support stronger remittance flows.
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1The BSP started to release data on personal remittances in June 2012.  As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return).
2 There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Also remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, is in the U.S. Therefore, the U.S. would show up to be the main sources of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source.  
Last Updated: 15 JULY 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15).  Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and  Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15).  Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15). Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the PA change of command ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Agnes Carolina Samson-Iriberri, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander on outgoing Philippine Army  Commanding General AFP Chief Lt. General Hernando Iriberri, during the Philippine Army (PA) change of command at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes the entry of colors with AFP Chief of Staff outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri and the new 57th Commanding General of the Phil Army Major General Eduardo Año.  at the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and  AFP Chief of Staff outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri , inspects the troops during the Philippine Army change of command PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday (July 15, 2015). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III hands over the command symbol to 57th Philippine Army Commanding General, Army Major General Eduardo Año from outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri, AFP Chief of Staff, during the change of command ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday (July 15). Año is the commander of the Army’s 7th Commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Cum Laude Graduate and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the AFP Command Plaque, encased Philippine Flag, framed medals and Plaque of Honorable Service to former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III hands-over the Saber to the 46th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri during the Testimonial Honors and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Iriberri replaced former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., and newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri review the Honor Guards during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Change of Command Ceremony from outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. to newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Iriberri replaced Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the AFP Command Plaque, encased Philippine Flag, framed medals and Plaque of Honorable Service to former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
The 46th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri delivers his remarks upon assumption as head of AFP during the Testimonial Honors and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). Iriberri replaced former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Vilma Catapang, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander on outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr../ Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., review the Honor Guards during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan/ Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras meets with Hiroshi Watanabe, Governor and CEO of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation in a courtesy call held at the receiving area of the President's Hall of Malacanan Palace on Tuesday (July 7). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Budget Presentation meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace Monday (July 6). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III joins his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Budget Presentation Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace Monday (July 6). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the men and women in uniform participating in the pass-in review during the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Rey Baniquet - Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado upon arrival for the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
The Aerobatic Demonstration and Opener Pass of the PAF during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947, two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in is photo Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.;
and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in photo Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, reviews the troops during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III checks the scale model of FA 50 aircraft frpom South Korea as part of the exhibition during the celebration of the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III checks the newly acquired choppers as part of exhibition during celebration of the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a coffeetable book presented by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, presents the command plaque and streamer during the awarding ceremony for the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III talks with Ana Theresia Hontiveros Baraquel after administering the oath as Philhealth Director in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Ana Theresia Hontiveros Baraquel after administering the oath as Philhealth Director in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Amelia Guanzon after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Sheriff Abas after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Health Secretary Janette Garin after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY



Ninz Don't and Art Tibaldo shared a link.


One Luzon E-NewsMagazine 16 July 2015 Vol. 5 No. 138
A daily E-NewsMagazine about North and Central Luzon





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