|
| President Aquino endorses Mar Roxas as Liberal Party’s standard-bearer for 2016 election |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday endorsed Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II as the “one fully ready to continue the Straight Path” and the one who deserves to be the country’s next leader.
During the Liberal Party’s “A Gathering of Friends”, held at the Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan, President Aquino raised Secretary Roxas’ hand, declaring him as the party’s standard-bearer for next year’s presidential election.
In his speech, the President said he has two major obligations to his Bosses before he steps down from office -- to ensure a clean, peaceful and credible election; and to find someone who will continue his Daang Matuwid advocacy.
He noted that his search for this candidate led him to interview three people, whom he described as allies in pursuing the Straight Path.
“Kinapanayam ko ang tatlong tao, na sa aking pananaw ay kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid. Maganda nga po sana, na ang mga kailangan pang magsanay ay talaga pong magkakaroon ng pagkakataong mahinog at maunawaan ang tunay na lalim ng pagkapinuno. Sa akin pong paniniwala, itong tatlo, kung magkakasama-sama ay talagang matinding tambalan. Doon po, sa ngayon, ay hindi pa tayo nagtatagumpay. Nagkaunawaan po kami; mukha namang iisa ang aming hangarin, pero hindi eksaktong paraan ang nasasaisip para maabot ito,” he said, referring to his meetings with Roxas, and Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero.
He emphasized that what is at stake is too important to leave to “baka sakali” (maybe).
“Ang sa akin lang po: Bakit tayo magpapaakit sa ‘baka’, kung meron namang sigurado? Siguradong may kakayahan; siguradong walang ibang Boss kundi ang taumbayan, siguradong walang ibang pinagkakautangan ng loob, siguradong walang ibang interes kundi ang bayan. Sa madaling salita po, doon na po tayo sa siguradong itutuloy ang Daang Matuwid. At ang paniniwala ko po, ang taong ito, walang iba kundi si Mar Roxas,” said President Aquino.
Citing Roxas’ accomplishments, the President said that when he was the trade and industry secretary, Roxas brought the multi-dollar business process outsourcing (BPO) industry to the country, which, since 2000, has ballooned into a P18.9 billion industry, employing more than one million people as of 2014.“Ang hindi alam ng marami: Huli nang nakasali ang Cubao sa paglago ng mga BPO dahil pinagbawalan ni Mar ang pamilya niyang mag-apply sa mga ecozone. Idiin po natin: Ang sariling pamilyang matagal nang negosyante, kinumbinsi niyang huwag makisali sa inisyatibang sinimulan niya bilang opisyal ng gobyerno. Dito po, at sa marami pang ibang halimbawa, klarong-klaro ang integridad ng isang Mar Roxas,” he said.
The President also praised Roxas for his work during the Zamboanga siege, the Bohol and Cebu earthquake, and the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, commenting that there seems to be an entire industry dedicated to bringing him down despite his sacrifices.
“Ang hindi alam ng marami, kapag gabi at natutulog na ang media, si Mar mismo ang nagmamaneho at umiikot sa mga komunidad para tingnan kung ano pa ang dapat magawa,” he added.
The President urged the country’s voters to choose wisely who to support in next year’s election.
“Suriin po natin ang mga nagawa ng kandidato; mas maganda pa nga po kung mahaba-haba ang karanasang basehan ng pagsusuri, dahil doon natin makikita ang maraming ebidensiya ng pagiging tapat at mahusay niyang kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid,” he said.
“Malinaw po kung sino sa mga pagpipilian ang tunay at karapat-dapat nating maging susunod na pinuno. At kung mababa man ang kanyang mga numero sa ngayon, ibig sabihin kailangan pa nating paghusayan ang pagpapakilala sa kanya,” said the President.
For his part, Roxas said he was honored and that he willingly accepts the endorsement and the challenges that come with it.
“Hindi-hindi ako lilihis sa Daang Matuwid. Ibubuhos ko ang lahat; wala akong ititira para sa sarili ko. I will leave everything on the floor para sa labang ito,” he said.
Roxas also paid homage to his deceased brother, Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas, Jr., who died in 1993 due to cancer of the colon.
“Siya sana ang ambag ng aming henerasyon sa prinsipyong pamana ng aking lolo: ‘Bayan bago sarili.’ Kakambal na ng dugo namin ang kaisipang ito. Ito ang idiniin sa akin ng ama kong si Gerry at ito ang idinidiin ko sa anak at mga pamangkin ko: May obligasyon kang magsilbi; unahin mo ang kolektibo kaysa personal. Nang nawala si Dinggoy, sa akin lumapag ang responsibilidad na isabuhay ang prinsipyong ito. Hindi ko ito kayang talikuran; hindi ko kayang talikuran ang alaala ng Dad at ni Dinggoy, pati na ng aking Lolo,” he said.
The Interior Secretary is the grandson of former President Manuel Roxas.
“Ngayon, buong katapatan, buong-loob, at buong-paninindigan kong tinatanggap ang tawag ng Daang Matuwid. Tulad ng sinabi ninyo, simula pa lang ito. Laban pa rin tayo,” he said.
“Ako si Mar Roxas, tinatanggap ko ang hamon ng ating mga Boss: itutuloy, palalawakin, at ipaglalaban ang Daang Matuwid.” PND (ag) |
|
|
|
|
|
| National Disaster Risk Reduction Council updates President Aquino on Metro-Wide quake drill |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III obtained reports and updates on the metro-wide "shake drill" conducted on Thursday to prepare the public for a possible strong earthquake that could hit Metro Manila.
One of the reports the President received came from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
"Habang isinasagawa ng MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) ang shake drill, nagpupulong naman ang NDRRMC sa Camp Aguinaldo upang tutukan ang mga kaganapan," Secretary Coloma said.
He said the NDDRMC discussed its readiness to respond immediately to emergencies in the aftermath of an earthquake in the metropolis.
Part of the council's plan is to set up a command post to manage and monitor rescue operations, he added.
Coloma also said that the Metro Manila Council, composed of MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and the 16 mayors of Metro Manila, would function as the DRRMC in the National Capital Region.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin chaired the NDRRMC meeting, which was attended by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Health Secretary Janette Garin, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Peace adviser Teresita Deles, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, as well as representatives of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard.
The quake drill began at 10:30 a.m. in different parts of Metro Manila. PND (as) |
|
|
|
| Presidential Security Group has protocols in ensuring President’s safety during an earthquake |
|
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has protocols in ensuring the safety of the President in the event of an earthquake, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Thursday.
“Sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay buong-buo ang kahandaan ng Presidential Security Group na gawin ang tama at nararapat para tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng Pangulo,” he said when asked to reveal the protocols in securing the President during an earthquake.
He however declined to give more details.
“Basta ang mahalaga dito ay ang deklarasyon na mayroong mga nakahandang protocol ang ating Presidential Security Group hinggil sa mga dapat na hakbang na kanilang isasagawa sa takdang panahon,” he added.When asked if the PSG participated in the Metro Manila-wide “shake drill”, Secretary Coloma said all government offices were enjoined to participate in the exercise, as directed by Memorandum Circular No. 79, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. PND (ag) |
|
|
|
| Palace clarifies issues on alleged inclusion of pork barrel fund in 2016 budget |
|
The Executive branch of government follows all the laws regarding the national budget, especially on the pork barrel fund, which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, a Palace official said Thursday.
Asked whether President Benigno S. Aquino III would veto any attempt to revive the pork barrel in the 2016 budget, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the President issued a veto message in the 16th Congress with regards to the General Appropriations Act of 2015.
Quoting the President's veto message on local government unit (LGU) shares, Secretary Coloma said, “The succeeding provisions on LGU shares are properly placed under conditional implementation to avoid conflict with existing laws and jurisprudential rules, and ensure their orderly execution.”
He noted that “Memorandum Circular No. 91-A dated November 28, 1993, which requires legislative consultation respecting the portion given to cities or municipalities in the congressional districts of a beneficiary province, will be supplanted by new guidelines by the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) to cover release of the subject LGU shares.”"Maliwanag dito sa probisyon --- sa aking inilahad na sinusunod ng pamahalaan ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema," he said.
The public must understand that the Palace follows the decision of the Supreme Court, particularly the Belgica et al. vs. Ochoa et. al. case, he said, referring to the case where the Supreme Court (SC) made a ruling on the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
After the SC declared the PDAF unconstitutional, the Executive branch removed it from the 2014 and 2015 budgets, Coloma said.
"Kaya malinaw po na sinusunod ng pamahalaan ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema dahil tungkulin po ng ehekutibo na ipatupad ang mga batas ng bansa."
On the SC petition of former Senator Panfilo Lacson on some provisions of the 2015 budget, Coloma said they would wait for the petition before responding to it.
"Aantabayanan namin ang ihahaing petisyon ni Senador Lacson para mabatid ang mga kongkretong batayan ng kanyang kritisismo. Kapag ipinag-utos ng korte, tungkulin ng pamahalaan na magbigay ng kaukulang katugunan,” he said. PND (as) |
|
|
|
| Government ready to meet with truckers to discuss extension of one-truck lane policy |
|
The government is ready to sit down with the association of truckers to settle their disagreement with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) decision to extend for another six months the implementation of its one-truck lane policy along C-5 and Katipunan Avenue, a Palace official said on Thursday.
Truckers have threatened to stage a protest against the MMDA decision, leading to fears of delays of the delivery of basic goods to consumers.
During a press briefing in Malacañang, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. expressed the government’s readiness to talk to truckers to address their concerns.
“Ayaw naman natin magkaroon ng anumang pagkabalam ang maayos na daloy ng mga kargo at mga produkto dahil maaaring magkaroon ito ng epekto sa supply ng mga essential goods at sa presyo na rin,” he said.
"Kaya’t handa naman po ang pamahalaan na makipagdayalogo sa kanila at tukuyin kung ano ang magiging mainam at katanggap-tanggap na solusyon," he added.
According to reports, the MMDA’s policymaking body, the Special Traffic Committee of the Metro Manila Council, decided to extend the implementation of the one-truck lane policy from August 1, 2015 to January 31, 2016 due to the success of the traffic scheme along C-5 and Katipunan Avenue. PND (as) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Baldoz, DFA’s del Rosario, Justice’s De Lima, and Health’s Garin sign joint memorandum circular abolishing GAMCA “decking referral system” |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
The 15-year-old GAMCA monopoly in medical testing for overseas Filipino workers leaving for work in the Middle East has been abolished and overseas Filipino workers can now choose freely which clinics they would undergo their medical examination, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz assured yesterday.
Baldoz, together with Secretaries Janette Loreto-Garin of the Department of Health, Albert F. Del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice, have signed Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-0016, or the Abolition of the Monopoly of GCC-Approved Medical Centers Association (GAMCA), and the GAMCA Decking Referral System.
“Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-0016 gives every Filipino Migrant worker the freedom to choose any of the DOH-accredited or DOH-operated clinics to conduct their medical examinations The so-called GAMCA decking practice is now prohibited and violators will be subject to criminal sanctions,” said Baldoz after the joint circular was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper.
Before the signing of the joint circular, only members of GAMCA, which is composed of 19 medical clinics, could conduct the medical examinations of OFWs bound for the Middle East countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
“Upon the effectivity of the joint memorandum circular, the medical testing centers for Middle East-bound OFWs will be now more accessible and the cost of medical examination will be much lower,” said Baldoz.
The Joint Memorandum Circular was prepared by the Inter-Agency Task Force composed of representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Justice, and Department of Foreign Affairs.
Under the joint memorandum circular, the DOLE, through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), pursuant to its Rules and Regulations, is empowered to suspend or revoke the license of recruitment agencies who engage in “decking and referral” OFW medical examination applicants.
“The POEA can and will also disqualify foreign employers participating in the overseas employment program if found to be involved in the said system,” she said.
The joint memorandum circular states that the Health Facilities and Services Regulatory Bureau of the DOH shall suspend or revoke the license of medical clinics and testing centers involved in the decking and referral system. It will also allow the processing of pre-employment medical examination of OFWs at any DOH accredited medical clinics.
The DOH’s Health Facilities and Services Bureau shall also ensure that all its accredited medical testing centers and facilities are compliant with international standards and establish a schedule of fees to be charged by all medical clinics and testing centers for the pre-employment medical examination for OFWs to prevent overpricing.
The Illegal Recruitment Task Force of the DOJ shall conduct inquest proceedings or preliminary investigations of persons and entities involved in the decking and referral system and, if evidence warrants, file appropriate information and prosecute cases in court.
On the other hand, the DFA shall direct all foreign service posts to inform and seek the cooperation of host governments on the full implementation of Republic Act 8042, as amended by R.A. 10022, or An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8042, Otherwise Known As The Migrant Workers And Overseas Filipinos Act Of 1995, particularly in the conduct of pre-employment medical examination of Filipino migrant workers.
It may be recalled that for the past 15 years, GCC countries have been requiring prospective OFWs applying for employment in GCC-member countries to undergo pre-employment medical examinations only with GCC-Approved Medical Center Association, Inc. (GAMCA) clinics. The system, which has become known as “decking and referral”, requires OFWs to have an appointment from a centralized office upon which he/she will be referred to a designated member-clinic.
Prospective OFWs and Philippine recruitment agencies have commonly complained against the system, saying it undermines the laws of the Philippines, aside from making it unduly difficult for them to comply because delay posed by the long queues by OFWs in so few accredited medical clinics.
Aside from this, the medical examinations under the GAMCA “decking and referral” system cost more, with OFWs paying P2,700 per medical examination. |
|
|
|
| Chaching Financial Literacy in partnership with Prulife held last July 22-23, 2015 in Olongapo City |
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
City of San Fernando Pampanga - In OWWAs effort to influence the money management of OFW families and to ease the culture of dependency on remittance, the agency have partnered with Pru Life UK to bring financial literacy to kids in a fun way.
455 OFW children aged 7-12 from Columban College, Olongapo Wesley Ecumenical School and St. Joseph’s College participated in the this year’s run of the financial literacy for kids held last July 22-23, 2015 at the Convery of the Columban College and Olongapo City Convention Center respectively. The activity was in coordination with the Public Employment Service Office of the City of Olongapo.
Since 2013, seven (7) Chaching World Tour sessions have already been conducted in Central Luzon reaching out to 1,346 OFW children. The first run was held in the municipality of Abucay, Bataan in April 12, 2013, Norzagaray, Bulacan last May 23, 2013, St. Scholastica’s Academy (Pampanga) in Nov. 14, 2013 and Guiguinto, Bulacan in Nov. 20, 2014 and the three sessions in Olongapo City.
The program dubbed Cha-Ching, is a fresh take in teaching children to become money-smart kids. Fusing education and entertainment, the animated musical show is a multi-platform program that complements parents and educators in training their children in proper money management through the fundamental concepts of earning, saving, smart spending and donating. The seminar will be a great complement towards empowering OFWs and their families. This activity aims to provide OFW children with access to the additional tools they need to build their financial literacy skills at a young age.
The financial literacy program is an important part of the OWWA’s commitment to help all OFWs and their families learn about the financial issues that affect their day-to-day lives. OWWA also provides members of the OFW Family Circles with Capacity trainings including values reorientation, leadership training and Entrepreneurship Development Training among others. |
|
|
|
| DepEd calls for improvement of learning environment through LightEd PH campaign |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Education (DepEd) expands its commitment to learners in ensuring that school and home environments are conducive to learning with the launch of the LightEd PH campaign. This aims to provide solutions to schools and homes that have no power through conventional and alternative sources of energy.
“Light makes vision possible. In the realm of education, let us be the light that will help our children realize their vision for themselves, their families, and our country. We call on everyone to be part of this LightEd PH campaign and to bring light to those who need it and to help in extending the hours of quality learning,” Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said.
“Don’t let darkness hinder any Filipino child from education he or she deserves,” Luistro added.
“As of School Year 2013-2014, there are 5,954 schools in the Philippines that are either un-energized or are in remote and off-grid areas, where at least 1,101,051 students, whose access to technology, enhanced instructional methods, and more engaging learning activities, are limited. The health of these students is also at risk from using kerosene lamps that emit harmful fumes, which is the only means for them to study at night,” says DepEd Undersecretary for Partnership and External Linkages Mario A. Deriquito.
Under LightEd PH, the DepEd is launching “One Child, One Lamp”, a campaign that will be implemented in partnership with Children’s Hour and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) to raise funds for solar lamps that will be distributed to students in off-grid public schools.
Undersecretary Deriquito notes, “Students in off-grid barangays have limited time to study at night. Providing them electricity or solar lamps will help them extend their study time, thus increasing the chance to improve their academic performance.”
DepEd has partnered with Global Peace Foundation, Thrive Solar Energy Philippines, Stiftung Solarenergie, and other organizations to provide mini-solar LED lamps that can be used for up to ten hours after three to four hours of charging during the day. At Php 400 each, these solar lamps are also water- and shock-resistant, produce white light that is brighter than that of a kerosene lamp, and do not emit harmful fumes, allowing the learners to continue their studies at night.
Once they reach the beneficiary schools, the solar lamps will be lent to students in a manner similar to that of lending library books, in order to ensure their proper usage and maintenance.
The public is encouraged to partner with DepEd to make this possible through: funding or donations to acquire the solar lamps; logistical assistance to distribute the lamps to the different sites; volunteering to train beneficiary schools in the usage and maintenance of the solar lamps; and spreading awareness on the campaign to increase public support.
Interested donors may donate or give a solar lamp to one child or donate at least one hour’s worth of their salaries through Children’s Hour Philippines. A company can donate an equivalent amount to match employees’ donations, or the equivalent profits or earnings of one hour of business or trade, or donations in kind. Company donors may also take part through the Adopt-A-School Program.
Moreover, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and private power or energy companies, DepEd will furnish off grid-schools with solar energy sets and solar panels that will serve as a stand-alone and self-sustaining technology system to power the school. For on-grid schools that continue to be unenergized, DepEd is collaborating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to encourage local electric cooperatives to extend power lines to the service drop near the schools’ premises.
Once energized, the schools will be provided by DepEd with information and communication technology (ICT) packages, including computers, laptops, speakers, and projectors.
Interested individuals or groups may contact the Office of Partnerships and External Linkages (OUPEL) at (02) 633-7207 and/or (02) 633-5313 for more details |
|
|
|
| Statement on the passing of India's former President A P J Abdul Kalam |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
The Philippines joins India in mourning the untimely demise of the former President of the Republic of India A P J Abdul Kalam.
The Philippines will remember President Kalam as a statesman, scientist and educator who was instrumental in bringing the Philippines and India closer in greater collaboration and mutual respect.
In his State Visit to the Philippines in 2006, the first to be made at that time by an Indian Head of State in 15 years, President Kalam emphasized that our ties – founded on shared values and shared aspirations – deserve to be taken to a higher level as we move forward to a century with the Asia Pacific as the center of gravity for global growth.
Less than a decade after President Kalam’s State Visit, the Philippines and India look to each other as vital partners in advancing interests to bring greater peace, progress and prosperity in the region, based on the rule of law.
That the Philippines and India now are acting together, hewing closely to democratic ideals and pursuing a future of security and stability for our nations and region, is a testament to the work of President Kalam and a recognition of his enduring legacy.
In the community of nations, our leaders are the living bridges that draw countries together in amity, greater cooperation and mutual respect. President Kalam served as a massive bridge of friendship and collaboration that spanned two nations across two great oceans. END |
|
|
|
| PNP file charges against Famy Chief of Police |
| Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph |
|
The Chief of Police of Famy Municipal Police Station in Laguna was relieved from his duty and will be facing criminal charges following the complaints of harassment from a female police officer and civilian employee also assigned in Famy MPS on orders of PNP Chief, Police Director General Ricardo C Marquez.
The anti-sexual harassment case was filed at Sta. Rosa, Laguna Regional Trial Court on Thursday (July 30) while administrative case for grave misconduct was filed on July 28 at the Pre-Charge, Evaluation and Investigation Section of Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) in Camp Crame against PSI Rex C. Langkay after the complaint of alleged sexual harassment.
“Hindi ko hahayaan na madungisan muli ang pangalan ng PNP dahil sa mga ganitong uri ng gawain. As what I have said, do your job well and you will be rewarded. But betray your oath and violate the law, sisiguraduhin kong may kalalagyan kayo and now, here’s our action,” PDG Marquez said.
The administrative case for Langkay is under pre-charge evaluation and investigation of the DIDM.
Report from Laguna PPO stated that alleged sexual harassment occurred in Langkay’s office on July 22. The complainants said they were surprised to see him without underwear when they were summoned to his office. (PNP-PIO) |
|
|
|
| DOJ prosecutor suspended for mulcting PALEA employees |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
The Sandiganbayan ordered the suspension of Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant State Prosecutor Diosdado Solidum, Jr. pending his trial for Direct Bribery and violation of Section 7(d) in relation to Section 11 of Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
In a four-page Resolution issued on 23 July 2015, the Sandiganbayan directed Solidum to “cease and desist from performing his present government function or any other public office which he may now or hereafter be holding, for a period of ninety days.”
Solidum was indicted by the Office of the Ombudsman after he was caught red-handed with “boodle money” in an entrapment operation conducted by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on 08 August 2013 in a restaurant along Timog Avenue in Quezon City. The entrapment stemmed from the complaint filed by Gerardo Rivera, president of Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA) alleging that Solidum requested a meeting in Quezon City where Solidum intimated that reversing a prosecutor’s resolution would entail costs, and assured Rivera that he can reverse the decision. Records show that Solidum initially demanded the amount of P10,000.00 from each PALEA member/respondent or an equivalent of P2.5 million which was later reduced to a sum of P1.2 million payable in installment, in exchange for the dismissal of the charges filed against the PALEA members. |
|
|
|
| From dumpsite to decent subdivision: A Pantawid Pamilya family’s journey to a better life |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
For their neighbors, the Roble family seems like an average family, working hard at improving their lives. They see a couple deftly managing their business and responsibly sending their children to school.
Little did the neighbors know that before the Roble family moved to their decent subdivision in Brgy. Dumlog, Talisay City, they used to live in a dumpsite in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City.
“Puro mga dato among mga silingan. Wala sila kabalo na gikan mi sa basura (My neighbors are all rich. They don’t know we came from a dumpsite),” disclosed Rutshe Roble, 40.
Way out of the dumpsite
Rutshe recounted those days when they stayed at the dumpsite. She shared that they could barely eat three meals a day. But their deplorable condition ended when they became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in 2010 with their two children qualified for the program.
Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).
When the program expanded the age coverage to 18, three of Rutshe’s children were covered. Today, her two children in high school receive monthly educational cash grants of P500 each and her child in elementary receives P300, in addition to the P500 for the family’s health grant.
Also, Rutshe’s attendance to the FDS made her realize that she can further improve her family’s situation by using her skills for livelihood opportunities.
“Ang Pantawid Pamilya naghatag namo sa kadasig sa pagpaningkamot tungod kay gawas sa kwarta nga giabag kanamo, aduna usab mga seminar aron mahimo kaming mga maayong ginikanan sa among mga anak lakip na niini kung unsaon pa nga makakuha kami og maayong panginabuhian (The Pantawid Pamilya has encouraged us to strive hard because aside from the cash grant, there are Family Development Sessions (FDS) and seminars that teach us to become responsible parents to our children including how to access livelihood opportunities),” Rutshe said.
Way in to economic opportunities
As a Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, the Roble family became a priority recipient of livelihood assistance through the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of DSWD.
Under the SLP, they were given capital assistance and were provided with further skills training to help them manage a small business of their choice.
Having learned the art of bag and accessory making from her mother, Rutshe and her family invested the capital assistance given to them in this endeavor.
Knowing the importance of team work, she also involved her children in the business, making it a family enterprise.
“Mao gyud ni akong nakita na pamaagi kay akong manghod nakabalay ug nakapalit ug yuta tungod ani (I think that this is the best way I can earn money because my younger sister was able to buy a house and lot because of this business),” she added.
True enough, their income from selling bags has paved the way for them to find a residence in a subdivision and to send all their seven children to school.
She is thankful to DSWD-Field Office VII for helping her family earn extra income and promote the family products by inviting them to display their bags and accessories.
Often times, the Field Office also asks Rutshe to be a livelihood trainer.
“Dako kaayo ko’g pasalamat sa cash grant sa Pantawid ug sa Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) para sa puhunan kay nakasugod mi ug negosyo (I am really thankful to the cash grant of Pantawid Pamilya and capital from SLP that helped us start a business),” Rutshe said.
She also happily shared that with their flourishing business, she has already paid up the capital seed fund given by DSWD last February.
Rutshe and her children continue to make bags and accessories in their new home. She said that the family needs to strive harder especially now that they acquired a better home for them to live in. Even her eldest child, who is now employed, shares for the monthly amortization.
She added that there is almost nothing inside their house because they cannot afford yet to buy appliances at this time. Despite this, Rutshe is happy that her family no longer calls the dumpsite as their home.
Rutshe’s husband Lucero, 35, has stopped working as a construction worker to take charge of the household chores during daytime while she attends to their business. In the evening, Lucero still works as security guard.
The Roble family has now gained recognition in the neighborhood for their business. In fact, they are often being requested to teach craft-making in their new home.
Hard work really pays off
The Roble family showed that with the right assistance from government, coupled with hard work, positive change can be achieved.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said, “The Roble family is just one of the many families who prove that government resources are used to complement the hard work of poor families to improve their lives.”
Sec. Soliman added that Pantawid Pamilya and SLP just served as catalysts for their empowerment, giving them the hope and the fresh start that they needed.
“Poor families like the Robles only need that one important opportunity to turn their lives around. And that is the main objective of DSWD programs like Pantawid Pamilya and SLP – to help beneficiaries help themselves to have a better tomorrow, especially the children,” Sec. Soliman said.
For Rutshe, there is no need to be ashamed of the hard work. It does not matter that they came from a dumpsite; what is important is that they have risen from their dire circumstance.
“Dili nako ikaulaw na Pantawid benipisyari mi ug gikan mi ug dumping kay naa na man mi ikapakita ug kung magkugi lang ka makab-ot nimu imung mga pangandoy alang sa imung pamilya. kay gitudloan kami unsaon nga mahimong maayong ginikanan sa among mga anak (I am not ashamed that we are from the dumpsite since we have proven that if you strive hard, you will surely achieve your dreams),” Rutshe enthused.
She further expressed her support for the program, saying she does not understand why there are people who are criticizing the program as mentioned by President Benigno S. Aquino III in his SONA on July 27.
Nagtan-aw ko sa SONA sa Presidente. Tinuod gyud nga daghan ang natabangan sa Pantawid ug usa na niini ang akong pamilya. Busa alang kanako ang pagsaway nga wa makatabang ang programa dili gyud tinuod. Ang mga nagsaway sa programa wala nila nakita ang kontribusyon sa programa sa pagradwet sa high school sa daghang bata nga benepisyari sa Pantawid. Basin gusto nila nga makgraduate sa tanan (I watched the SONA of the president. It is true that many have benefited from Pantawid Pamilya. My family is one of them. Personally, there is no truth to what the critics say that the program has not helped the poor. They have not seen the important contribution of the program, especially to those who finished their high school this year. Maybe they are still waiting for all the beneficiaries to graduate for them to appreciate the program’s contribution),” Rutshe opined. |
|
|
|
| DOJ secures conviction of a CAFGU member for frustrated homicide |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
|
Justice Secretary Leila De Lima emphasized that all members of the armed forces, including the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGUs) are subject to the laws of the land as she hailed the conviction of a CAFGU member for frustrated homicide.
Renato de Lumen was accused of trying to kill SPO1 Eric Lomibao of the Daraga, Albay PNP Station on September 20, 2010.
During trial, the prosecution recounted that Lomibao was among ten police officers dispatched by the Daraga PNP Station to a “troubled area in Bagumbayan, Daraga, Albay” to respond to a “mauling, shooting and carnapping incident.”
As the policemen chased the fleeing suspects, Lomibao “got shot in the buttocks as he exchanged gunfire with de Lumen,” who continued to flee. De Lumen was eventually arrested in a nearby house.
On the other hand, Lomibao was admitted in a hospital and was discharged two days later. A doctor testified that “Lomibao’s wound, if left untreated, could prove fatal as he stands to suffer acute blood loss.”
In a 15-page Joint Decision, the Regional Trial Court of Legazpi City Branch 10 ruled de Lumen “guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of frustrated homicide.”
Presiding Judge Maria Theresa San Juan – Loquillano sentenced him to an indeterminate penalty of imprisonment of from four years and two months of prision correccional as minimum to ten years of prision mayor as maximum and to pay Lomibao a total of P17,000 in damages.
CAFGUs were created by virtue of Executive Order No. 264 signed by then President Corazon Aquino on July 25, 1987.
Under that law, “The Citizen Armed Force Geographical Units shall consist of cadre of officers and men in the active force and qualified reservists residing in the locality.”
They “may be called or mobilized to complement the operations of the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or to support the regular force formations or units” whenever dictated by military necessity.
De Lima clarified that the CAFGUs were created to augment the regular units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines primarily tasked to defend the State. “Thus, they are expected to be law abiding and peace loving citizens.” |
|
|
|
| DPWH-NCR July 31-August 3 road repair schedule |
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) will undertake reblocking and road repair effective 10 PM of July 31, Friday to 5 AM of August 3, Monday on the following roads in the cities of Quezon and Pasig:
Quezon City
-Along Commonwealth Avenue from Commonwealth Market Extn. Overpass to Bicol-Leyte Overpass (2nd lane from median island, South bound)
Pasig City
-Along C-5 Road from Petron Gasul Depot (Beside Petron Gas Station) to Lanuza St. (Innermost lane, North bound) |
|
|
| Roxas: Quake Drill bolsters Gov't preps for 'THE BIG ONE' |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas joined other cabinet secretaries on Thursday (July 30) during an earthquake drill that simulated preparation and response activities of government agencies in an event of a strong quake hitting Metro Manila.
“Earthquakes can happen anytime without warning. It is best that we are doing this [earthquake drill] to prepare ourselves when the real one occurs,” Roxas said during the briefing of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) at Camp Aguinaldo.
After the sirens went off for 45 seconds, NDRRMC officials and other personnel gathered in an open field in front of the Aguinaldo Grandstand where the NDRRMC set up a command post and a monitoring center.
As vice chairperson of the NDRRMC, Roxas said that preparedness and alertness are among the key factors needed to lessen the impact of disasters, which greatly affect the lives of many Filipinos.
During the simulation, Roxas became part of the response cluster as head of DILG. He immediately manned the post where DILG personnel will help in the assessment of establishments including government buildings and vital installations like airports and communications facilities.
As part of the drill, Roxas also called up President Aquino to ensure his safety and the safety of other Palace officials.
“Among the most important is the safety of the President, because it is within his power and authority to deploy resources on the grounds when people need it most,” Roxas added.
The DILG chief also said that the drill simulates scenarios where both the government and the people work together for the welfare of all Filipinos.
“Pero ang mainam ay nakahanda tayo, hindi lamang ang gobyerno ngunit pati na rin ang mga Pilipino. Ang mainam pa rin na kahandaan ay ang pagsunod sa building code nang sa gayon ay kung yumanig man ay mananatiling nakatayo ang mga istrukturang ito,” Roxas said.
NDRRMC chairman and Secretary of Defense Voltaire Gazmin said that there will be an assessment of the performance of government agencies to address gaps during the drill. |
|
|
|
| DOH: No expired medicines distributed during National School Deworming Day |
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Health clarifies the allegation on distribution of expired medicines during the launch of National School Deworming Day today. It was reported that students in Zamboanga were rushed in hospitals after they took Albendazole, the medicine used during the campaign of Goodbye Bulate held simultaneously in schools today nationwide.
“Lahat ng gamot na ito ay nasuri ng Department of Health kasama ng Food and Drug Administration at World Health Organization”. Ang mga sintomas na pagsusuka, pagkahilo, at pagsakit ng tiyan ay normal lang na epekto pagkatapos inumin ang nasabing gamot. Hindi po ito expired at nasuring mabuti ng DOH bago ito naipamahagi sa iba’t ibang parte ng Pilipinas.” ani ni Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin.
A total of 6,448,900 children have been dewormed today. Of this figure, 1,225 (0.018%) consulted health authorities after experiencing symptoms, while 86 (0.0013%) of them are now admitted in five (5) hospitals in the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay for further medications.
The NSDD is not a new campaign for the DOH. Deworming has been done for the past nine years. The average number of students dewormed per round is 8 to 9 million. Yearly, the DOH conducts two rounds of deworming. It is already administered to selected areas of the country prior to the event. It is only today that DOH launched a nationwide school-based deworming to reach more children. The campaign seeks to increase mass administration coverage for school-aged children or for 5 – 12 years old or for those in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Deworming children in schools has been found to be a good strategy to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) infections with a positive impact on children’s education and health.
“Maging responsible po tayo sa impormasyon na ating ipinapakalat. Ang maliit na detalye ay maaaring magdulot ng malaking takot sa nakararami. ” Garin concluded. |
|
|
|
| 114th Police Service Anniversary: A year of stronger police-community relations |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine National Police will host a week-long event to be initiated with a kick-off ceremony on Monday (Aug 3), in line with the commemoration of 114th Police Service Anniversary on August 7, 2015 with His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Through its Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR) and Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), the PNP will conduct various activities like:
•The Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Regional Products Exhibit at the PNP Heritage Park, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 3 / 9:00 AM);
•Display of action photos on tourist destination, and Regional Products Exhibit at the PNP Heritage Park, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 3-6 / 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM);
•23rd PCRG Founding Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 3 / 9:30 AM);
•Disaster Preparedness Symposium at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 3 / 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM);
•“Pulisteniks”, Arnis Exhibition and Rifle Exercises at the PNP Grandstand, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 4 / 4:00 AM);
•PNP Mall Tours on August 4 at 10:00 AM in Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and on August 6 at 10:00 AM in Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth, Quezon City;
•School-Based Activities in Philippine Christian University, Manila and Ramon Magsaysay High School, Quezon City during the 1st week of August;
•Film Showing at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 5 / 9:00 AM); and
•Entertainment Shows at the PNP Grandstand, Camp Crame, Quezon City (August 5 / 4:00 AM).
According to Police Director Wilfredo D. Franco, DPCR, the activities desire to exemplify the PNP’s organizational mandate focusing on public safety through crime prevention and disaster preparedness. It also aims to showcase the skills, talents, capability, and expertise of PNP personnel.
Among the highlights of the week-long celebration is the Display of action photos on tourist destination and Regional Products Exhibit. A 6x6 ft booth will be provided for the participating Police Regional Offices by their respective Directorates for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) and selected National Support Units. The best booths will receive cash prizes amounting to PHP20,000.00 for the 1st prize, Php15,000.00 for the 2nd prize and Php10,000.00 for the 3rd prize.
The culminating activity on August 6 at 5:00 PM in Ever Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth will be highlighted by a musical festival, exhibition of the PNP Grand Marching Band, dance numbers by PNP Mascots, cultural shows and silent drills to be performed by the PNPA cadets. (PNP-PIO) |
|
|
|
| Digital interactive board by PISAY studes |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
|
| A student inscribes messages on a digital interactive board using only her finger at the exhibit area of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Philippine Science High School System during DOST’s National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) recently held at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The interactive board is equipped with sensors, allowing anyone to “write,” and “delete” what was written, by simply whipping his hand through the board. It is among the innovative technologies developed by students from Philippine Science High School (PISAY) and exhibited in NSTW. (S&T Media Service) |
|
|
|
| OWWA proud for the two OFWs making waves abroad |
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
|
OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado is elated over the news that two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are gaining international recognition through their innate talents and skills in the field of photography.
OFW Rizalde Lumapas Cayanan, 39 years old, is included in the shortlist for this year’s finalists in the Atkins Ciwem Environmental Photographer of the Year competition. Atkins is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies which employs 18,462 employees worldwide. Established in 1938, Atkins is the world’s 15th largest global design firm and one of the top 10 firms in the Middle East and the United States. .
Mr. Cayanan’s photo, along with other finalists’ artworks, will be exhibited at the Royal Geographical Society in London this year, from June 25 to September 2015. The talented OFW, married, and a resident of Quezon City, works as a broadcast sound technician in Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah in Kuwait. This camera buff started his flair for photography seven years ago as an event photographer in his church in Kuwait. He specializes in landscape, cityscape, travel, and concert photography.
Despite his accomplishments and various awards in his field of expertise, OFW Cayanan exudes a sense of humility as he described himself as an amateur photographer. He has been working abroad since 2007 and has been an active OWWA member all these years. His entry entitled ‘Sandstorm in the City’ captured the sandstorm that shut down Kuwait’s International Airport in 2011, reducing the area’s visibility to less than 500 meters, or in some areas, zero visibility.
Meanhwile, another OFW, Xyra dela Cruz Bacani, is also getting attention from the international arena, also in the field of photography, when she bagged a scholarship slot at the prestigious Magnum Foundation (MF), based in New York, USA.
OFW Bacani, 27 years old, a college graduate, works as a household service worker (HSW) in Hong Kong along with her mother. Both are employed by an affluent family there. The Bacanis are from Nueva Vizcaya. Ms. Xyra Bacani’s love for photography started during her college days. Unable to buy her own camera, she was able to purchase one from the money she borrowed from her employer. During her day offs, she would bring her camera to capture the ‘moving black and white street shots’ depicting the life of migrant workers like her.
OFW Bacani is one of the seven Human Rights Fellows selected by Magnum Foundation (MF) to spend six weeks of study in Tisch School of Arts in New York City. The fellowship’s objective is to give aspiring documentary photographers the skills and support to pursue socially conscious photography in their home countries. OFW Xyra’s name is listed in the 2015 MF website, along with other grantees from Palestine, Syria, South Africa, Haiti, Ukraine, and China.
“We at OWWA, are very happy indeed to hear and read news on the achievements of OFWs as they display their respective prowess, not only as globally-competitive workers, but also as talented individuals who excel in artistic aspects,” OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado said.
According to Administrator Calzado, all along, these pieces of good news confirmed Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz’ pronouncements about OFWs being the country’s ambassadors spreading positive Filipinos values.
“We commend OFWs Cayanan and Bacani for keeping us, Filipinos, in the limelight again. Their works speak about Filipinos’ vast talent and hard work, which earn the accolades, not only of their ‘kababayans’ but of other nationalities too. In fact, another point that makes them stand out is the way they manage to attend religiously to their jobs, and how they are able to express their artistry during their free time. OFWs Cayanan’s and Bacani’s stories serve as an inspiration to other Filipino migrant workers to continue fulfilling their aspirations, because nobody knows when their `star’ will shine,” the OWWA chief stressed. |
|
|
|
| DFA conducts Disability Sensitivity Training Seminar |
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph |
|
30 July 2015 - In line with the celebration of the 37th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week from July 17 to 23, with its theme “Health and Wellness Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities Toward Inclusive Development for All”, the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (OPAS) of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in cooperation with the Leonard Cheshire Foundation Inc., conducted a seminar on Disability Sensitivity Training for DFA personnel on July 22 at the CMOAS Conference Room, DFA main building.
The welcome remarks were delivered by Undersecretary Linglingay F. Lacanlale and the closing remarks by OPAS Assistant Secretary Noel Servigon.
The Resource Speakers were from Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation Inc. (LCDPFI), a non-profit and non-government disability organization that promotes and protects the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The team was led by Ms. Hazel Joy D. Borja, LCDPFI Program Manager.
Mr. Rafael Torralba of the Office of Consular Affairs also gave a talk on communicating with people who are hard of hearing.
The DFA remains committed to increasing awareness and sensitizing its personnel to the needs of persons with disabilities. |
|
|
|
| PHL Consulate General welcomes First International Fruit and Vegetable Industry Fair in Xiamen |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
31 July 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen welcomed the announcement of the staging of the International Fruit and Vegetable Industry (Xiamen) Fair at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center scheduled to be held from December 11 to 14.
This is the first international fruit and vegetable industry fair organized in Xiamen which has chosen the theme “Green Technology and Healthy Lifestyle.”
Philippine Consul General Julius Caesar Flores met with the organizers of the Fair and assured the latter that the Consulate General will encourage Philippine participation in the event underscoring that the Philippines prides itself globally with its major fruit exports such as bananas, pineapples, mangoes and coconut, which could all be highlighted by Philippine exporters at the forthcoming fair.
The event would be a great opportunity for Philippine fruit and vegetable producers to promote their products, strengthen their presence in Fujian province, and explore business partnerships with their Chinese and other foreign counterparts. |
|
|
|
| Mison orders probe on missing chinese |
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph |
|
Manila, Philippines---Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Siegfred Mison ordered a probe on the unauthorized release from custody of at least 22 Chinese nationals who were apprehended in an operation in Pasay City on July 21, 2015
According to reports, 191 foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, were caught in the act of working as call center agents/online gambling operators in the 6th and 7th floors of the office building. However, only 169 of these alleged illegal workers were brought to the BI main office for inquest proceedings.
21 of those released without authority were claimed to possess Cagayan Economic Zone Authority special visas (CEZA visas); one appeared to be unaccounted, or missing.
“CEZA visas are company- and station-specific,” explained BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. “Mere possession of this particular visa does not automatically absolve the holder of any liability under immigration laws. The company and the place of work must still be established in order to validate that the visa is legitimately used.”
Upon investigation, 14 more foreign nationals were released from custody for presenting valid work visas. A total of 155 foreign nationals were charged for working without permit, and subsequently transferred to BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, and at the Philippine Immigration Academy in Clark, Pampanga, for temporary custody pending deportation proceedings.
“This matter is taken very seriously by the Commissioner. He has ordered the concerned officers to submit a written explanation on the discrepancies in the number of apprehended subjects,” Tan added. |
|
|
|
| TESDA to hold free assessment and certification for skilled workers, teachers |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will be conducting free assessment and certification nationwide on Friday, July 31.
The National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification (NATCAC) will target workers and also the Grade 9 Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers to ensure they possess the competency to teach under the K to 12 curriculum.
The synchronized competency assessment will be held in all participating TESDA accredited assessment centers nationwide, and will kick off at the TESDA Women's Center in Taguig City.
For 2015, the agency targets to assess 60,000 beneficiaries, which include 21,000 TLE teachers. There will be a series of schedules for the NATCAC.
"We urge industry practitioners, K to 12 teachers and returning OFWs to take the assessment to see how they measure up to the needs and expectations of employers," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.
"The National Certificate is the best proof that a person is qualified for the job he is applying for," Villanueva added.
Thousands have already benefitted from TESDA's free competency assessment and certification in the past years.
The July 2015 NATCAC will cover all qualifications in NC II, III and IV, including those covered by specific government regulations such as: Driving NC II and Driving NC III (passenger bus, straight truck); Automotive Servicing NC II, III and IV; and, RAC Servicing NC II and NC III.
Villanueva said the target candidates for this year's NATCAC may be composed of trainers of private and public Technical Vocational Institutions, including Local Government Units, and other government agencies providing TVET programs and private enterprises with registered TVET programs; Department of Education trainers; public utility vehicle drivers; workers/industry practitioners/professional/career shifters who want to undergo competency assessment; returning OFWs/Filipino expatriates with relevant experience who want to undergo competency assessment; and, industry practitioners who are prospective competency assessors.
Applicants may get application forms and list of requirements for assessment from the accredited assessment centers or the nearest TESDA offices. The forms may also be downloaded in the TESDA website (www.tesda.gov.ph).
The identified accredited assessment centers or TESDA provincial and district office will process the application for assessment and inform the applicants of their schedule. |
|
|
|
| IGLF wins outstanding CSF partner award |
| Source: https://www.devbnkphl.com |
|
The Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund (IGLF), which is managed by the Development Bank of the Philippines, is this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Credit Surety Fund (CSF) Partner Award by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The 2015 Annual Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for BSP stakeholders were held last 14 July 2015 at the BSP Assembly Hall, Manila.
The Outstanding CSF Partner Award recognizes stakeholders that provide BSP great support in its implementation of the Credit Surety Fund, a fund pooled by cash contributions from participating cooperatives, local government units and other partner institutions. CSF is a credit enhancement facility developed by the BSP that aims to increase the creditworthiness of micro, small and medium enterprises, including cooperatives, which are constrained in securing loans from banks due to lack of collaterals. The winner of this award was selected based on the amount of contribution, payment of support to other CSF activities and payment of counterpart contributions.
IGLF has always been supportive of the CSF program. Of the aggregate approved amount of P99-million, it has released P73.23-million to 30 CSFs as of 30 June 2015, with the following new entrants: Bataan Credit Surety Fund, Quezon City Credit Surety Fund, Marikina Credit Surety Fund, Agusan del Norte Credit Surety Fund, Butuan Credit Surety Fund, San Jose City Credit Surety Fund, Science City Credit Surety Fund, and Nueva Vizcaya Credit Surety Fund.
Themed “12 Years and Beyond: Celebrating Strong Partnerships and Successful Collaborations,” the awards ceremony is BSP’s annual tradition to show gratitude to people, companies and institutions that provided outstanding support to BSP in its information requirements and advocacy programs. The occasion also marked BSP’s 22nd year of Central Banking as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the 12th year of the BSP Stakeholders Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch.
For 2015, BSP’s token of appreciation is a metal figure of the Philippine eagle perched on a half circle over the three stars representing price stability, financial stability, efficient payment and settlement systems, in all the three islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao designed by well known visual Filipino artist Ferdinand Cacnio. |
|
|
|
| PhilHealth XI joins Serbisyong Tatak RMN |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/ |
|
As part of its external convergence affairs with local media partners, PhilHealth Regional Office XI recently joined DXDC Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) Davao in its barangayan activity dubbed Serbisyong Tatak RMN at Barangay Duterte, Agdao, Davao City.
The one-day serbisyo caravan was the station’s jumpstart activity in celebration of its 55th founding anniversary bearing the theme “55 katuignapanag-uban, padayon na mangalapkamininyongtanan.” It was perceived as an effort to make public service genuinely felt at the grassroots level.
In support to this initiative, PRO XI mounted an information desk which administered various services including membership concerns, benefits availment inquiries, and collection of premium contributions. A brief orientation on the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) was also carried out.
The partnership between RMN Davao and PRO XI materialized in May 2012 with an on-air engagement every Sunday. Since then, the one-hour block time AM program anchored by the latter’s own Public Affairs Unit (PAU), attracted many listeners from all over the region and emerged as one of the most listened to programs in its format.
Owing to such solid partnership, RMN Davao through Ptr. Leobardo Daugdaug, Station Manager and Misel Miseral, Special Projects Head also presented a certificate of appreciation to PRO XI in their culminating event held at The Apo View Hotel in Davao City. They have regarded the efforts of PhilHealth in supporting their company’s various public service and on-ground activities.
PRO XI PAU headed by Johanna Blason values the partnership built on mutualism and hopes to reach out to more members and non-members alike, through effective tri-media activities like this. |
|
|
|
| Domestic Liquidity sustains growth in June |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Preliminary data show that domestic liquidity (M3) grew by 9.0 percent year-on-year in June 2015 to reach P7.7 trillion. This was slightly slower than the 9.3-percent expansion recorded in May. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, M3 decreased by 0.3 percent.
Money supply continued to expand due largely to sustained demand for credit. Domestic claims grew by 10.8 percent in June from 9.7 percent in May (revised) as credits to the private sector increased at a faster pace relative to the previous month. The bulk of bank loans during the month was channeled to key production sectors such as real estate activities, electricity, gas, steam, and airconditioning supply; wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; manufacturing; and financial and insurance activities. Meanwhile, net public sector credit rose by 1.6 percent in June after contracting by 3.4 percent (revised) a month earlier.
Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms grew at a slightly slower pace of 8.0 percent in June from 8.3 percent in the previous month. The BSP’s NFA position continued to expand during the month on the back of robust foreign exchange inflows coming mainly from overseas Filipinos’ remittances and business process outsourcing receipts. The NFA of banks likewise increased as banks’ foreign assets expanded, while their foreign liabilities contracted. Banks’ foreign assets increased due largely to the growth in their investments in marketable debt securities and deposits with other banks, while banks’ foreign liabilities decreased on account of lower deposits and placements made by foreign banks with their local branches.
The sustained expansion in domestic liquidity during the month indicates that liquidity remains sufficient to support the economy’s growth requirements. Going forward, the BSP will continue to keep a close eye on monetary dynamics to ensure that liquidity in the financial system remains consistent with maintaining price and financial stability. |
|
|
|
| Bank lending sustains growth in June |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Outstanding loans of commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP, expanded by 14.5 percent in June which is the same growth rate in May. Similarly, bank lending inclusive of RRPs grew by 14.2 percent from the 14.3 percent growth in the previous month. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending for loans net of RRPs and loans inclusive of RRPs both increased by 0.7 percent.
Loans for production activities1 —which comprised more than 80.0 percent of banks’ aggregate loan portfolio—grew by 14.5 percent in June from 14.1 percent in May. The expansion in production loans was driven primarily by increased lending to the following sectors: real estate activities (16.3 percent); electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply (28.9 percent); wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (15.1 percent); manufacturing (8.6 percent); and, financial and insurance activities (14.4 percent). Bank lending to other sectors likewise expanded during the month.
Loans for household consumption grew by 14.9 percent in June from 20.5 percent in May due to sustained growth in credit card loans, auto loans and salary loans.
Going forward, the BSP will continue to ensure that domestic credit and liquidity conditions will keep pace with overall economic growth while remaining consistent with its price and financial stability objectives. |
|
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 111th
Anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) |
|
BIR National Office Compound, BIR Road, Diliman Quezon City |
|
03 Aug 2015 |
|
|
Bago po ako mag-umpisa, number one, last time ako nagsalita dito, hindi
kasingganda itong inyong covered courts. Akala n’yo walang feminine touch si
Kim ha, kita naman ninyo.
Siyempre kanina ho, binanggit na lampas
tayong trilyon na, baka P1 ½ trillion by this year. So sabi ho ni Casar
Purisima, na ‘yung boss na maawain, next year raw P2 trillion na ang target.
Pero sa totoo lang ho, noong nag-umpisa tayo, naalala ko ‘yung isang biyahe
natin sa isang bansa sa ASEAN kung saan para makatipid ng gagastusin ng
gobyerno, kami po ay sumakay doon sa isang airline na budget, na ‘yung silya
po, pre-tilted na para sa inyo. Ibig sabihin ng pre-tilted po, hindi
nati-tilt. ‘Yung kutson ho, parang mas malaki ‘yung kutson doon sa jeep na
nasakyan namin papunta doon. Pero talagang ang layo na ho ngayon. Hindi ko
naman ho sinasabi ngayong enggrandeng-enggrande na tayo, pero di na ho
obligado na parating gano’n ang sasakyan.
Mga Boss, noong nakaraang
Lunes, iniulat ko kung paano natin binago ang dinatnang kalakaran ng
kasinungalingan, pandaraya, at pagnanakaw sa pamahalaan. Ito po ang
nagbunsod ng pagbangon at muling pagsigla ng ating bansa. Binigyan natin ng
diin: Dahil sa mabuting pamamahala, lampas-lampas pa sa inaasahan ang
narating natin sa loob lang ng limang taon. Ngayon nga pong anibersaryo ng
ating Bureau of Internal Revenue, kinikilala natin ang natatanging ambag ng
isang ahensiyang kumakatawan sa episyenteng pagseserbisyo sa taumbayan.
Para nga po sa ating palaban at determinadong BIR Commissioner na si Kim
Henares, hindi puwede ang patsa-patsang sistema ng pagbubuwis; hindi
puwedeng may short cut at umiwas sa pakikiambag sa ating mga kolektibong
mithiin; hindi puwedeng may mga naiisahan habang sagana ang iilan. Malinaw
sa inyo na ang dulo ng anumang nalilikom ninyo: pondong nagagamit para sa
mga programa at proyektong direkta at agarang iniibsan ang paghihirap ng
ating mga kababayan. Para nga po sa atin, ang kayang ibigay sa ating mga
Boss, sabi nga ng mas nakakabata sa atin, dapat now na. Totoo naman: Sa
tuwid na pamamalakad, may higit na kakayahan ang Estado na suportahan ang
Pilipino.
Gaya ng binanggit ko noong SONA, at palagay ko ay dapat
talagang bigyang-diin ang napakagandang resulta: Dahil sa pagpili ninyong
pumanig sa tama at makatarungan sa nakaraang limang taon, at dahil sa
propesyonalismo at sigasig na ipinamamalas ninyo sa pagtupad ng inyong
mandato, di-biro ang mga naabot na natin. Noong 2012, halimbawa, sa unang
pagkakataon sa ating kasaysayan, tumawid sa isang trilyong piso ang inyong
koleksiyon. Nitong 2014 naman, hinigitan n’yo pa ito; ang nakolekta: P1.3
trillion.
Ngayong taon, ang sabi sa atin, puwedeng malikom o malapit
nang malikom ang P1.5 trillion, na isa na namang record high kapag
nagkataon. Ihambing ninyo ang mga numerong ito sa pinakamataas na naabot ng
sinundan natin: P778.6 billion. Sa Daang Matuwid, dahil sa mas masigasig at
tapat na pagkolekta ng buwis, sa di-hamak na mas maikling panahon,
napantayan natin, nalampasan, at ngayon ay madodoble pa ang kanilang
nakolekta. Sabi nga ng iba, partida pa raw na nagawa natin iyan nang di tayo
nagdaragdag sa pasanin ng taumbayan, maliban sa pagrereporma sa Sin Tax na
layong bawasan ang bisyo sa lipunan. Ang buwis naman po na napapasakamay
natin, estratehiko, naaayon, at buong prinsipyo nating inilalaan para
isulong pa ang kapakanan ng ating mga Boss.
Matinding paninindigan
ang nagdala sa atin sa katuparan ng layuning ito. Sa pamumuno nga ni Comm.
Kim, nitong 2014 lang, pinasara ang 107 na establisyementong tumatakas o
nagtitipid sa pagbabayad ng angkop na buwis. 380 kaso naman ang naisampa
natin laban sa mga tax evader. Kaagapay din ng inyong mother agency na
Department of Finance at kapatid na ahensiya na Bureau of Customs, tinukoy
at inimbestigahan ang higit 380 na empleado sa mga naturang kawanihan na
kuwestiyonable ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang tungkulin. Bukod sa kanila, 136
pa ang sinampahan ng kaso, 16 ang sinuspinde, 15 ang na-dismiss sa serbisyo,
4 ang pinagmulta, 2 ang na-forfeit ang mga benepisyo, at 2 ang
binigyang-babala. Ang ulat pa po sa atin: Meron na ngang isang nakulong at
may 4 pang napatawan ng parusa ayon sa batas. Bukod sa pagbabantay sa mga
nasa sektor ng pagkolekta ng rentas, nariyan din ang Tax Watch Campaign na
inilunsad noong 2012, na nag-uulat kung tama ang kontribusyon
ninuman—malaking kompanya man o pribadong indibidwal. Ang lahat ng
nakolekta, mababantayan ng ating mga Boss sa website na Pera ng Bayan.
Dahil nakikita ng tao na totoo at bukas ang proseso, panatag silang
patas ang pagpapatupad ng batas sa loob ng Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas.
Kasabay nga nito, pinaunlad pa ninyo at ginawang episyente ang sistema ng
paglikom ng buwis para mas epektibong matutukan ang pakikiambag ng ating mga
Boss. Hinimok ninyo rin sila na lalo pang makiisa sa pagpapaarangkada ng
ating bansa sa pamamagitan ng mga inisyatibang “Angat Pa Pinas” at
“Register, File, and Pay.”
Sa inyong nakitahak sa Daang Matuwid,
talagang bilib na bilib ako sa inyo. Ngayon nga po, saan ka man bumaling,
makikita ang mga kongkretong patunay ng inyong mga pagsisikap: mga kalsada
at tulay na naipagawa at ipinapagawa; mga nakumpletong estrukturang
deka-dekadang inabangan; ang mga sitiong napapailawan at
nabibigyang-patubig. Ang nakikinabang sa inyong mga gawain: mga batang may
tangan nang libro at may maayos na silid-aralan; mga benepisyaryo ng
Pantawid Pamilya na kaya nang makapasok sa kolehiyo; ang pinakamahirap na 40
porsiyento ng ating populasyon na nakakapagpagamot nang libre sa mga ospital
ng Estado. Ang bunga ng lahat ng inyong pinagpaguran: Tuloy-tuloy na
pag-angat ng ating bansa at ng kalidad ng buhay ng Pilipino. Sa inyong
anibersaryo, buong pagmamalaki nating masasabi sa ating mga Boss: Naging
posible ang pagbabago dahil talagang nakiambag kayo. Kay Comm. Kim, at sa
lahat ng kawani ng BIR, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.
Sa puntong ito ng ating panunungkulan, kung saan kaliwa’t kanan ang
pagkilala sa ating lumalakas na ekonomiya; kung kailan mas abot-kamay na ang
kaunlaran para sa karaniwang mamamayan; kung saan ang pinagpaguran ng
Pilipino ay talagang bumabalik sa Pilipino: tangan na natin ang matinding
kumpiyansa, tiwala, at dangal na siyang inspirasyon upang lalo pa nating
pagbutihin ang ating trabaho. Bilang mga lingkod-bayan, hamon sa ating
patuloy na suklian ang ating mga Boss ng katapatan, malasakit, at mas maalab
na kahandaang maglingkod sa kapwa.
Mga kasama, sa patuloy ninyong
pakikiisa sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala, sa patuloy nating
pagpapamalas ng dedikasyon at determinasyon sa tungkulin, pihadong mas
matatayog na adhikain ang ating maaabot di lang para sa inyong ahensiya
kundi para sa sambayanan. Sa gabay ng Poong Maykapal, at sa pagkakapit-bisig
sa Daang Matuwid, tiyak na mararating natin ang isang Pilipinas na di lang
angat na angat, kundi talagang namamayagpag at tinitingala ng lahat.
Kanina po nabanggit natin ‘yung mga hindi nakitahak sa atin sa tuwid na
landas, paano naman ‘yung pagpapakita ng salamat ng estado? Pagkaintindi ko
po’y na-distribute na ‘yung Performance Enhancement Incentive. Ngayon ho,
‘yung PBB o Performance-Based Bonus, tinatapos na po ‘yung sistema para
permanente na, kung saan ang trabaho n’yo ang magsasabi kung ano dapat ang
bonus n’yo. Kailangan lang namang gantimpalaan ‘yung talagang tumototoo. Sa
ngalan po, di lang siguro ng taga-BIR o DOF pero ng buong gobyerno, sa
inyong paghihirap, talagang mayroon na tayong kakayahan na talaga namang
gantimpalaan ‘yung tama ang ginagawa.
Muli, maraming-maraming salamat
sa inyo. Maligayang anibersaryo po sa lahat. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at “A Gathering of Friends,” at Club Filipino |
| Kalayaan Hall, Club Filipino, San Juan City |
31 July 2015
|
|
Napaka-energized n’yo, ‘no? Kanina ho binabanggit ko kay Mar ‘yung ating choir. ‘Yung mga bata kung nakita ninyo, ang dating, very professional. At saka ‘yung kantang pinili, lalo na sa prayer, medyo malapit ho sa puso ko ‘yan, tulad ng pagiging bukas-palad. Kinakanta ko ho iyan kapag pikon na pikon na ako kung sinoman ang kausap ko. Talaga hong nakakakalma. Siyempre, nadagdagan pa nitong atmosphere natin. Ang ganda, nakikita nating marami sa inyo ang tagal ko nang di nakikita, o bihira nating nakikita. Siyempre, ‘yung mga bata katulad ni Karina David; [tawanan] mga mas bata katulad ni Pidi Barzaga, nandiyan sa gilid; [tawanan] at ‘yung mga tulad na bata tulad ni Anton; at talagang marami sa inyong lahat na talagang nakasama natin lalo na sa pinakamadilim na panahon ng paglalakbay.
Bumalik tayo sa hall na ito na talagang naging testigo sa napakaraming dinaanan natin. Noong panahon na tinatawag tayo ni Joker Arroyo na kakasya sa Volkswagen Beetle, hanggang sa ngayon na kakasya pa rin tayo sa mga Volkswagen Beetle. Dahil tayo ho’y maunawain sa kapwa, kung gusto ninyo sumabay sa atin, ihahanap natin siya ng puwesto sa Volkswagen Beetle.
Nandito tayo sa Kalayaan Hall ng Club Filipino, isang pribadong lugar na naging bahagi ng napakaraming mahahalagang pangyayari sa ating kasaysayan. Dito po, nanumpa ang aking ina, upang simulan ang ating pagkakamit ng pangako ng EDSA. Sa mga matagal na nating kasama sa Daang Matuwid, maaalala rin ninyong dito ko unang binigkas: Puwede na muling mangarap ang Pilipino. Ngayon naman po, nandito tayo kasama ang Partido Liberal, pati ang mga iba pang mga grupo tulad ng KOMPRE, People Power Volunteers for Reform, Change Politics Movement, Urban Poor Alliance; mga partylist tulad ng Akbayan,YACAP, Angkla–dahan-dahanin natin itong parteng ito, baka may magalit na naman na hindi nabanggit–CoopNatco, Ateacher, ABS –’yung partylist po ah–at Append, pati na nga mga kaibigang kasapi ng NUP at NPC na mga nandito rin po sa araw na ito. Pati ‘yung isa sa iniidolo nating si Mayor Hagedorn na nandito rin, na matagal nang kasama sa Tuwid na Daan.
Marami akong binabanggit na pangalan. Alam ho n’yo nung sa SONA may mga nagsabi bakit hindi sila nabanggit. Hindi ko ho kayo mababanggit lahat dahil medyo mahaba ho itong speech na ito at kailangan nating pakinggan si Mar. [Tawanan] Kaya, ako’y humihingi ng tawad ulit sa hindi nabanggit; basta kung hindi ko man kayo nabanggit ngayon, nasa alaala ko kayo. ‘Yung nabanggit ko naman ay ihuhuli ko nang konti sa alaala.
Nagtitipon-tipon tayo para pag-usapan ang susunod na kabanata sa ating pagtahak sa Daang Matuwid. Noong Lunes, iniulat ko sa inyo: Talagang napakalayo na po ng ating narating. Siyempre po, may ilang tumutuligsa dito, na tila ba ang idinidiin ay bakit daw hindi tayo maka-move-on. Ang sa akin lang po: Sinusukat natin ang nalakbay ng bansa mula point A hanggang point B. Di po ba natural lang na ilatag natin ang buong katotohanan ng point A na siya nating pinagmulan?
Nakita po ninyo ang ating nakamtan: Pinatag natin ang sistema; pinapanagot natin ang mga tiwali; ibinalik ang kumpiyansa ng mundo, at ang tiwala natin sa sarili at sa isa’t isa. Pinilit ko nga pong pagkasyahin sa iilang oras ang mga tagumpay natin, pero sadyang napakarami. Pagbigyan sana ninyo akong magbahagi ngayon ng ilan pang testimonya. Alam po n’yo, ‘yung mga video na naihanda nang paspasan, 46 ang inabot. Ang ginamit po natin noong araw ng SONA, 15. Pero meron hong mga nakaligtaan na palagay ko napakagandang dapat ibahagi din sa inyo. Panoorin po natin itong mga videong ito:
[VIDEO SEQUENCE]
Ididiin ko lang po: Ilang halimbawa lang iyan; simula pa lang ito, at napakalayo pa ng puwede nating marating. Sabi ko nga po, sa pagsasaliksik ng NEDA: Sa loob ng isang henerasyon, maaari nang maabot ang first world status. Mayroon bang kahit sino sa atin dito sa bulwagang ito ang nagsabi o nag-isip ba na magagawa natin, o mapupuntahan natin ang first world status?
Nagagalak nga ako sa lakas na ipinakita ng ating mga Boss upang ipaglaban ang mga tagumpay na ito. Sabay nito, di ko maiwasang maisip: Di po ba ito mismo—ang tamang serbisyo na nagpapalawak sa pagkakataong umasenso—ang karapat-dapat lang para sa ating mga Boss? Bakit umabot sa puntong kailangan pa itong ipaglaban? Ang kongklusyon po natin: Lahat ng mahahalagang bagay, kapag hindi mo pinaglaban, kapag hindi mo inalagaan, maaaring mawala.
Mga Boss, sa natitirang panahon ng aking termino, may dalawang napakahalagang obligasyon ako sa inyo: Una, kailangan kong siguruhing maging malinis, mapayapa, at mananatiling makatotoo at may kredibilidad ang gaganaping halalan sa 2016. Ang pangalawang obligasyon naman po ay mas lilinaw kung ipapaliwanag ko gamit ang ilang kuwento.
Nasabi ko na po sa inyo, may ilan na rin pong nagmungkahi, na para raw masigurong hindi masayang ang ating pinaghirapan, dapat daw magtagal pa ako sa puwesto. Naipaliwanag ko na po sa inyong lahat noong SONA kung bakit ako tutol dito: Ayaw nating magbukas ng pagkakataong may maghari-harian habambuhay para sa pansariling interes. [Palakpakan] Hindi po teorya ito, di ho ba’t nangyari na sa kasaysayan natin? May ilan naman din pong nagsabi: Huwag na raw ako mag-endorso ng kandidato, at maging “friend to all” na lamang. Kanina ho kasi nung sinabi ni Ginoong Marañan na hihingan niya ako ng dagdag, napag-usapan ‘yung mangga ng Guimaras, saka lang ako papasubukan ng mangga ng Guimaras.Ipagpatuloy ho pala. Kaya naman tayo nandito ngayon. Palagay ko po, ‘yung pagiging “friend to all,” malamang hindi rin tama ‘yan. Personal hong interes ‘yan, imbis na interes ng bansa.
Ang naging tanong: Kung ayaw mo, at kung hindi ikaw mismo ang magtutuloy, sino ang dapat pumalit sa inyo? Diin po nila sa atin: Obligasyon ko daw pong humanap ng karapat-dapat na hahalinhin at magtutuloy sa ating inumpisahan. Obligasyon kong siguruhing hindi masasayang ang lahat ng nasimulan. Pero siyempre po, noong sinasabi ng maraming tao sa akin ito, sa loob-loob ko noon po, iisa lang naman ang boto ko, gaya ng bawat Pilipino. Baka po mas tamang sabihin: Lahat tayo, may obligasyon dito.
Mayroon nga pong minsang nagpadala ng text, na noong umpisa akala ko ay tinutuligsa tayo, pero ‘yun pala sa dulo ay pinuri naman. Sabi ho kasi sa mensahe, “It’s a thankless awful job that good people in their right minds would not take on.” Siyempre, isang pahina ho kaagad ng text iyon. Bakit kaya ito ipinadala sa akin? Dagdag pa niya, at dito gumanda naman ang kalooban ko, “I feel so bad for him; I know he’s trying so hard. Just want to make him know at least one person appreciates him now.” (Pinadala po ito sa kaibigan natin.)
‘Yung nagpadala po sa akin noon, hindi nakikihalubilo sa pulitika. Interes po nito ‘yung environmental issues. Never ko po nakilala itong taong ito pero minabuti niyang magpadala ng mensaheng iyon para makarating.
Sa paghahanap nga po, kinausap natin ang mga taong maaaring magpatuloy sa Daang Matuwid at ang maraming mga sektor. Kinapanayam ko ang tatlong tao, na sa aking pananaw ay kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid. Maganda nga po sana, na ang mga kailangan pang magsanay ay talaga pong magkakaroon ng pagkakataong mahinog at maunawaan ang tunay na lalim ng pagkapinuno. Sa akin pong paniniwala, itong tatlo, kung magkakasama-sama ay talagang matinding tambalan. Doon po, sa ngayon, ay hindi pa tayo nagtatagumpay. Nagkaunawaan po kami; mukha namang iisa ang aming hangarin, pero hindi eksaktong paraan ang nasasaisip para maabot ito.
Tiwala akong mulat din kayo: Napakalaki ng nakataya para ipaubaya sa “baka sakali.” Marahil may nag-isip: Baka ‘yung iba, kayang ituloy ang nasimulan natin. Baka ‘yung iba, kayang panagutin ang mga tiwali. Baka ‘yung iba, maituloy ang pag-angat ng ekonomiya at mapalawak ang serbisyong panlipunan. Baka ‘yung iba, manatili sa tuwid na daan.
Ang sa akin lang po: Bakit tayo magpapaakit sa “baka,” kung meron namang sigurado? Liwanagin ko lang po, ‘yung siguradong tinutukoy natin, hindi ‘yung siguradong tiwali sa ating Daang Matuwid. So, ano ho ‘yung siguradong kinausap natin at sigurado tayo? Number 1: Siguradong may kakayahan; siguradong walang ibang Boss kundi ang taumbayan, siguradong walang ibang pinagkakautangan ng loob, siguradong walang ibang interes kundi ang bayan. Sa madaling salita po, doon na po tayo sa siguradong itutuloy ang Daang Matuwid.
At ang paniniwala ko po, ang taong ito, walang iba kundi si Mar Roxas.
Hayaan po ninyo akong magkuwento tungkol kay Mar Roxas. Alam po ng marami sa atin, siya ang unang nagsikap para madala at mapalago ang BPO industry sa Pilipinas. Mula 2,400 na empleado noong taong 2000, lumago na ito noong 2014 sa isang industriyang nagkakahalagang P18.9 billion na diretsuhan pong nag-eempleo ng mahigit isang milyong katao. Sabi po ni Greg Domingo, bago ako bumaba sa puwesto, 1.3 million raw po iyan. Pero palagay ko po na may nakatago pa siya doon para masabing lumampas sa pinangako. Ang hindi alam ng marami: Huli nang nakasali ang Cubao sa paglago ng mga BPO dahil pinagbawalan ni Mar ang pamilya niyang mag-apply sa mga ecozone. Idiin po natin: Ang sariling pamilyang matagal nang negosyante, kinumbinsi niyang huwag makisali sa inisyatibang sinimulan niya bilang opisyal ng gobyerno. Dito po, at sa marami pang ibang halimbawa, klarong-klaro ang integridad ng isang Mar Roxas.
Sa karanasan ko po, alam kong kahit ano ang iatas kay Mar, hindi niya iniiwan hangga’t stable ang sitwasyon. Sa Zamboanga man, sa Bohol, o Leyte, kahit pa ba maputol ang komunikasyon namin dahil kay Yolanda, alam kong in good hands ang mga gawain, at hindi niya kailangang mag-abang pa ng utos upang masigurong natutugunan ang dapat tugunan. Ipaalala ko rin po: Hindi bakasyon ang pinuntahan sa mga lugar na ito. Panahon ng krisis; kailangang siguruhing nakakakain ang mga tao sa evacuation center, natutugunan ang marami pang ibang agarang pangangailangan. Nang nagpunta po kami sa Zamboanga, halimbawa, lumikha rin po—dagdag na benepisyo sa Zamboanga—lumikha sila ng bagong cottage industry ng mga labandera dahil may ilan sa aming umasa na overnight lang kami doon, at hindi nakapagdala ng sapat na damit. At wala rin hong tindahang bukas.
Ang palaisipan nga po sa atin: Sa kabila ng mga nagawa ni Mar, sa kabila ng kanyang sakripisyo, para bang may industriya talagang nakatutok sa paghatak sa kanya pababa. Sa Leyte, gusto lang niyang sumunod sa patakaran, pero itong mga kausap niyang mas mahilig mamulitika, nag-edit ng video para siraan siya. Isa pa pong halimbawa: Wala pang madaanan ng mga kotse, kaya minabuti ni Mar sumakay ng motorsiklo para makarating sa mga lugar na dapat puntahan; nang nadulas, tinuligsa pa siya. Napag-isip naman po ako: Kasama kaya sa job description ng pagiging matinong pinuno ang ganito–na pipilitin mong gumawa ng maganda, pero panay pangit ang nakikita ng kumokontra? Ang hindi alam ng marami, kapag gabi at natutulog na ang media, si Mar mismo ang nagmamaneho at umiikot sa mga komunidad para tingnan kung ano pa ang dapat magawa.
Kami po sa Liberal Party, lalo na sa henerasyon namin, ay pinagdiinan ng mga nauna sa amin at hindi kami komportableng nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko; kung mapapansin ninyo, laging “Tayo” ang tuon namin, di gaya ng ibang panay “Ako ang gumawa nito, at ako ang gumawa niyan.” Marahil, hindi rin mulat ang maraming tao sa mga nagawa at tunay na pagkatao ni Mar. Sadyang ganyan ang kapalaran ng mga nakatuon sa tunay na pagbabago, imbes na sa mga photo-op at paglalagay ng mukha at pangalan sa novelty items. Ang sa akin po: Ang mga magagandang nagawa ay totoong nangyari, maski hindi ibandera ito. At sa pagpili natin, ako nga po, tulad ninyo, hindi ko na kinokonsidera ang mga klarong epal, at taliwas sa tuwid na landas.
Mga Boss, noong una akong nangampanya, kapag nag-iikot ako sa Tarlac, noong ako po’y tumakbo bilang congressman, napakaraming mga lugar na parang walang iniusad mula noong dekada sisenta, noong panahon pang gobernador ang tatay ko. ‘Ka ko, nasaan ang asenso? Bakit ganito? Ito po yata ang epekto ng tinatawag na tradisyonal na pulitika: May mga ginawang pakay ang panatilihing naghihikahos ang mga kababayan natin, para sila ang maging takbuhan—mula pagkain, pagpapagamot, hanggang sa kasal, binyag, o lamay. Ito naman po ang utang na loob na sisingilin nila pagdating ng halalan, upang ipagpatuloy ang paghihirap ng nakararami, at pagyaman ng kakaunti.
Kaya nga po, sa susunod na eleksiyon, sino ba ang dapat suportahan? ‘Yun po bang magpapatuloy ng Daang Matuwid at babali sa sistemang padrino, o ‘yung naghahanap ng paraang bumalik tayo sa siklo ng korupsiyon at kahirapan? Suriin po natin ang mga nagawa ng kandidato; mas maganda pa nga po kung mahaba-haba ang karanasang basehan ng pagsusuri, dahil doon natin makikita ang maraming ebidensiya ng pagiging tapat at mahusay niyang kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid. Malinaw po kung sino sa mga pagpipilian ang tunay at karapat-dapat nating maging susunod na pinuno. At kung mababa man ang kanyang mga numero sa ngayon, ibig sabihin kailangan pa nating paghusayan ang pagpapakilala sa kanya. Tinatawag na naman po tayong patunayan na “The Filipino is worth fighting for.”Alam po nating lahat: Ang tunay na mahalaga, kailangang paghirapan, kailangang ipaglaban.
Mga Boss, idinudulog ko po sa inyo ngayon: Sa akin pong opinyon, ang nagpakita na ng gilas at ng integridad, ang hinog at handang-handang magpatuloy ng Daang Matuwid: walang iba kundi si Mar Roxas.
Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat. |
|
|
|
|
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 03 August 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 03 August 2015 
No comments:
Post a Comment