PIAQuezon

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Department of Science and Technology Region IV-A recently launched "Tambuli Award 2015." The award gives due recognition to deserving local media practitioners in Calabarzon Region for their invaluable contributions in the development and coverage of Science and Technology (S&T) news

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Laguna One-Stop Migration Resource Center (OSMRC) located in Sta. Cruz which was inaugurated and opened recently offers pre-departure traiing, general migration information, socials services for migrants and family members staying behind, assistance to the reintegration of migrants and increasing the development impact of migration and migrants' contributions, among others.

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: May kabuuang 10,056 Grade 1-7 na mag-aaral mula sa mga pampublikong eskuwelahan sa lungsod ng San Pablo ang nakatakdang mabakunahan ng Measles Containing Vaccine (MCV) at Tetanus-Diphteria (Td) sa ilalim ng school-based immunization program na isasagawa simula Setyembre 1 hanggang Oktubre 1, 2015, ayon kay City Health Officer Dr. Job Brion.

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Walong ahensiya sa ialim ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka ang nagpulong kamakailan upang talakayin at itaguyod ang pagkakaroon ng Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Plan (RFMP) mula 2017 hangang 2022 na siyang isusumite sa Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE). Ang BAFE ay bagong tanggapan sa ilalim ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na siyang tutulong upang pangasiwaan at magpatupad ng batas para paunlarin ang paggamit ng makinaryang pambukid, pangisdaan at makinaryang kahalintulad nito ng tama at akma para sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda at processors.

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Nanawagan si Regional Executive Director Vilma M. Dimaculangan ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka, Rehiyon IV-A sa lahat ng mga division chiefs, banner program coordinators, station superintendents at agricultural program coordinating officers na makiisa at makipag-ugnayan sa mga pamahalaang lokal upang pagtulungang malabanan ang napipintong problemang kakaharapin sa pagdating ng El Nino Phenomenon partikular sa Calabarzon.

PIA Regional Watch

6 hrs

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Provincial health officer Dr. Agripino Tullas is enjoining the parents of school children to cooperate and support the school-based immunization program to be undertaken in the province this September. Dr. Tullas said parental consent or authorization from the parents is needed for the student-beneficiaries of the immunization program.

PIA Regional Watch

6 hrs

PIA-4A/QUEZON: In support to the school-based immunization program to be done in the province of Quezon this September, the provincial government of Quezon has announced it would give the Measles-Rubella and Tetanus-Diptheria vaccine to school children for free.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that about 167 public schools in Quezon Province are now ready to implement K to 12 program or Senior High School this coming school year 2016-2017 while some secondary schools will not offer program for lack of school amenities.

PIA Regional Watch

23 hrs

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Department of Trade and Industry Calabarzon in cooperation with its provincial offices will launch tomorrow at 2:00 pm "KALAKAL CALABARZON 2015: A Regional Trade Fair." The regional trade fair that will run from Sept. 4-13, 2015 at the Level 2, Carousel Court, Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City showcases various products from the different provinces in the region like gifts, decors and housewares, processed food, handicrafts, fashion accessories and other items.

PIA OFW Watch

21 hrs

PIA-1/PANGASINAN: Pinag-iingat ng pulisya ang mga kaanak ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers laban sa mga modus operandi na bumiktima sa tatlong pamilya ng OFW sa lungsod ng Dagupan na tinawagan ng isang nagpakilalang ambassador, abugado o taga-immigration. Payo sa mga may kamag-anak na OFW ni Supt. Christopher Abrahano, hepe ng Dagupan City Police Station, maging alerto at huwag magpaloko sa mga hindi kakilala na nag-ti-text o tumatawag at nangungumbinsing mag-deposit ng pera sa isang account number.

QUEZON

Tagalog news: School-based immunization program, isasagawa sa lalawigan ng Quezon

· September 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Setyembre 4 (PIA) -Nakatakdang isagawa ngayong Setyembre sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon ang school-based immunization program na may temang “Bakuna para sa kabataan, proteksyon sa kinabukasan,” isang nationwide free vaccination program para sa mga batang mag-aaral sa grade 1 at 7.

Ang programa ay isasakatuparan sa pangunguna ng Department of Health sa pakikipagtulungan ng Quezon Provincial Health Office kasama ang Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at pamahalaang lokal sa lalawigan ng Quezon.

Sinabi ni Dr. Agripino Tullas, Provincial Health Officer na layunin ng naturang programa na mabakunahan ang mga pumapasok na estudyanteng nasa Grade 1 at Grade 7 ng mga bakunang rekomendado ng Department of Health na Measles-Rubella (MR) at Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td).

Ang pagbabakuna na suportado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez ay libreng ipagkakaloob at may pangunahing layunin na mapalakas ang resistensya at proteksyon ng mga kabataan laban sa mga sakit na maaari namang maiwasan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapabakuna.

Ipinagbibigay-alam din ni Tullas na kinakailangan ang aprubadong parental consent o pahintulot mula sa mga magulang ng mga estudyante para sila ay mabakunahan.

Hinihiling din ni Tullas ang pakikiisa at suporta ng mga magulang upang maging matagumpay ang school-based immunization program ngayong buong buwan ng Setyembre. (Quezon PIO/RMO-PIA-Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701441269704/tagalog-news-school-based-immunization-program-isasagawa-sa-lalawigan-ng-quezon#sthash.GNeO63MV.dpuf

LAGUNA

DTI-Calabarzon launches “Kalakal CALABARZON 2015”

· September 03, 2015

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Sept. 3 (PIA) –The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Calabarzon Region in cooperation with its provincial offices is all set to launch a trade fair dubbed “KALAKAL CALABARZON 2015: A Regional Trade Fair.”

The regional trade fair opens tomorrow, September 4, 2015 at 2:00 pm and runs until September 13, 2015 at the Level 2, Carousel Court, Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

According to DTI-Calabarzon, it has joined and participated in various international and national trade events for the past years and this time, it’s now apt to organize a regional trade fair.

The trade event will showcase various products from the different provinces in the region like gifts, decors, and housewares, processed food, handicrafts, fashion accessories and other items.

It added that the exhibit supports the greening advocacy of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in contributing to an environment friendly and climate smart economic development.

Meanwhile, the opening program features Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime R. Fresnedi to welcome the guests and exhibitors, DTI Calabarzon Regional Director Marilou Q. Toledo to deliver the opening statement, Dr. Volker Steigerwald, program manager of GIZ-Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGed) will share an inspirational message while DTI-Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya will convey her message of support. (CPG, PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631441262098/dti-calabarzon-launches-kalakal-calabarzon-2015-#sthash.T7WWywyA.dpuf

BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: Tanauan City government, target ang ISO certificate sa 15 proseso

· September 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG TANAUAN, Batangas, Setyembre 4 (PIA) --Muli na namang sasailalim sa isang masusing pagsusuri ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Tanauan matapos nitong isulong ang pagpapasertipika ng karagdagang 15 pangunahing serbisyo at proseso nito sa ilalim ng ISO 9001:2008.

Ang dalawang araw na puspusang audit na nakatakda sa Setyembre 7-8, 2015 ay pangangasiwaan ng Anglo-Japanese-American (AJA) registrars. Layunin ng sertipikasyon na ito ang mai-angat ang kalidad ng serbisyo ng pamahalaang lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatupad at pagsunod sa mga pamantayan na isinusulong ng International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Kabilang sa 15 proseso ang: “Issuance of Sanitary Permit”, “Dispensing of Medicines” at “Patient Consultation on Common Illnesses” ng City Health Office; “Conduct of PESO Recruitment Activity” at “Issuance of PESO Endorsement Letter” ng Community Affairs Office; “Light Truck and Heavy Equipment Services”, “Supply Management” at “Small Value Procurement” ng General Services Office; “Enrollment Process” at “Admission Procedure” ng Tanauan City College; “Burial Assistance”, Assistance for Hospital Confinement” at “Financial Assistance for Medication” ng City Social Welfare and Development Office; “Handling of Administrative Cases” ng City Legal Office; at, “Employee Selection and Appointment Preparation” ng City Human Resources Management Office.

Sa kasalukuyan, ang pamahalaang lungsod ay mayroong nang 17 mga proseso na sertipikado ng ISO 9001:2008. (Gerard Laresma-CIO Tanauan/PIA Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681441327489/tagalog-news-tanauan-city-government-target-ang-iso-certificate-sa-15-proseso#sthash.8FOVmRey.dpuf

2. Tagalog news: Seal of Good Local Governance, iginawad sa Lalawigan ng Batangas

· September 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG TAGAYTAY, Cavite, Setyembre 4 (PIA) --Binigyang parangal ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ang mga pamahalaang lokal na may natatanging sistema ng pamamahala noong ika-2 ng Setyembre 2015.

Alinsunod sa naunang Seal of Good House Keeping, itinaas na sa tawag na Seal of Good Local Governance na tumutugon sa tapat at mahusay na pamamahala na isinusulong ng DILG.

Hinirang ng DILG ang lalawigan ng Batangas bilang may katapatan at kahusayan ng pamamahalang lokal para sa kategoryang inilatag para sa mga lalawigan. Nag-iisa ang Batangas sa binigyan ng Seal of Good Local Governance sa buong CALABARZON o Region 4-A.

Binigyang din ng tatak ng mahusay na pamamhala ang apat na munisipyo nito. Ito ay ang mga bayan ng Agoncillo, San Luis, San Nicolas at Taysan. Kasama ng mga ito ang iba pang mga mahuhusay na lungsod at mga munispyo sa mga lalawigan ng CALABARZON na bumubuo sa Rehiyon 4-A.

Personal na tinangap ng mga chief local executives ang Seal of Good Local Governance sa pangunguna ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos Recto kasama ang mga department heads ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at mga punong bayan na sina Mayor Samuel Noel Ocampo ng San Luis, Mayor Daniel Reyes; Agoncillio, mayor Epifanio Sandoval ng San Nicolas at Mayor Victor Portugal Jr. ng Taysan.

Ang mga napiling local government units ay dumaan sa masusing pagkilatis ng DILG kasama ang mga partner agencies nito upang masiguro na ang katatagan, kalinisan at tapat na pamamahala ng tatangap ng nasabing selyo ng kaayusan at katapatan sa pamamahala.

Katulad ng naunang Seal of Good Housekeeping, ang mga kinilala para sa Seal of Good Local Governance ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makukuha ng pondo sa Performance Challenge Fund at iba pang National Based Performance Program ng DILG na nakatuon sa pagpondo para malakihang proyekto na nais nila para sa kanilang lalawigan, siyudad at munisipyo.

Anim na kategorya ang pinagbasihan ng DILG para ang isang Local Government na hirangin bilang may mahusay at tapat na paglilingkod. Ito ay ang Financial Housekeeping o matatatag at maayos na pananalapi; Disaster Preparedness o kahandaan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng organisadong pagtugon sa oras ng kalamidad at sakuna; Social Protection o pagkakaroon ng programa at proteksyon para ibat-ibang sector ng lipunan; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness o yaong magandang ugnayan ng LGU’s at ng mga mamumuhunang investor at pagiging masigasig ng business environment ng nasabing bayan, Environment Protection o pangangalaga sa kalikasan at promosyon ng malinis at umuunlad na kapaligiran at higit sa lahat ang Peace and Order o ang kalagayan ng katahimikan, Kaayusan at kapayapaan ng mga Lokal na Pamahalaan.(Edwin V. Zabarte-PIO Province/PIA Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681441326741/tagalog-news-seal-of-good-local-governance-iginawad-sa-lalawigan-ng-batangas#sthash.TmDICczh.dpuf

3. Tagalog news: PCA nagkaloob ng 10,000 coconut seedlings sa mga magsasaka

· September 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG TANAUAN, Batangas, Set. 4 (PIA) --Nagkaloob ng may 10,000 coconut seedlings ang Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) sa mga magsasaka sa lungsod na ito kamakailan.

Sinabi ni PCA IV-A officer-in-charge Erlene Manohar, na ang pamimigay ng coconut seedlings ay isinabay sa pagdiriwang ng National Coconut Week sa layuning muling mapanumbalik ang masiglang industriya ng pagniniyugan sa lungsod ng Tanauan.

“Alam po natin na malaki ang pinsalang dinanas ng lungsod noong mga nagdaang panahon sanhi ng pagkalat ng coconut scale insects o mas kilala sa tawag na cocolisap, na halos ilugpo ang kabuhayan ng mga magniniyog kaya nagdesisyon po ang aming tanggapan na muling paunlarin at ibalik ang sigla ng pagniniyugan sa inyong lugar,” wika ni Manohar.

Ang mga coconut seedlings ay nagmula pa sa Mindanao, inalagaan at pinalaki sa nursery ng PCA sa Alaminos, Laguna upang matiyak na bago ipamahagi sa mga magsasaka ay nasa tamang panahon na para maitanim at mapalago, ayon kay Manohar.

Sinabi ni Renato Cunanan, pinuno ng City Agricuture Office na malaking tulong ito sa mga magniniyog sapagkat malaking perwisyo ang naranasan ng mga ito sa pagdaan ng mga cocolisap noong mga nakaraang taon na halos maubos ang lahat ng puno ng niyog sa lungsod.

Nagpahayag ng taos-pusong pasasalamat si Punonglunsod Antonio C. Halili sa mga kinatawan ng PCA sa patuloy na ayudang ibinibigay ng tanggapan sa mga magniniyog sa kanyang nasasakupan.

Malaki din ang pasasalamat ng mga magsasakang dumalo sa okasyon sapagkat may mapapasimulan sila sa muling pagbuhay at pagpapadami ng industriya ng pagniniyugan sa lungsod. (Bhaby P. De Castro-PIA Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681441257281/tagalog-news-pca-nagkaloob-ng-10-000-coconut-seedlings-sa-mga-magsasaka#sthash.lfjzMwBo.dpuf

4. Tagalog news: Lalawigan ng Batangas, nakibahagi sa paghahanda sa "The Big One"

· September 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Set. 4 (PIA) --Kahit na hindi kabilang ang lalawigan ng Batangas sa mga lugar na maaaring tamaan ng tinaguriang “The Big One” o ang paggalaw ng West Valley Fault na posibleng maging sanhi ng 7.2 na lindol ay nakiisa pa rin ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Batangas sa Capitol-wide earthquake drill.

Sabay-sabay na tumunog ang mga sirena sa buong Kapitolyo na naging hudyat ng pagsasanay para sa posibleng maranasang lindol. Ang nasabing drill ay ipinatupad sa lahat ng tanggapan ng pamahalaan, mga establisyimento na pampubliko at pribado sa loob ng Capitol Compound.

Ang mga partner agencies, gaya ng Philippine Red Cross-Batangas Chapter, Batangas Police Provincial Office, Bureau of Fire Protection at Department of Public Works and Highways ay nakiisa din sa drill at tumulong para lalong maipakita ang magiging sitwasyon sakaling magkaroon ng lindol at iba pang sakunang dulot nito.

Buong puwersa ding nakibahagi ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, sa pangunguna nina Mr. Pedrito Martin Dijan Jr. at Mr. Lito Castro, kasama ang kanilang mga itinalagang medical team, safety officers at responders mula sa iba’t ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

Ipinakita ng bawat isa ang kanilang maaaring magiging agarang aksiyon sa oras ng di inaasahang malakas na lindol sa Kapitolyo. Nagkaroon ng evacuation, search and rescue operations, first aid treatment, fire suppression technique, head count at retrieval operations para ipakita sa mga empleyado at partner agencies ang mismong magaganap sa oras ng sakuna.

Sa pagtatapos ng ginawang earthquake drill, pinasalamatan ni Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto ang PDRRMC, medical team, safety officers, responders at partner agencies na puspusan ang naging paghahanda para sa ginawang pagsasanay at ipinakita ang mga moderno at mabilis na pamamaraan sa pagsagip sa mga maaaring masaktan at masawi sa pagdating ng di inaasahang “The Big One” sa lalawigan. (Kristina Marie Joy Andal, Batangas Capitol PIO/PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681441257635/tagalog-news-lalawigan-ng-batangas-nakibahagi-sa-paghahanda-sa-the-big-one-#sthash.Nt0jzhEC.dpuf

RIZAL

Tagalog news: Unang 10-year solid waste management plan ng Antipolo City, aprubado ng DENR-NSWMC

· September 03, 2015

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Set. 3 (PIA) --Pasado sa Department of Environment and National Resources-National Solid Waste Management Commission (DENR-NSWMC) ang kauna-unahang 10-year plan ng Antipolo City sa solid waste management sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Mayor Jun Ynares.

Ikinasiya ni Mayor Ynares ang naging aksiyon ng DENR-NSWMC dahil sa matagal na panahon ay wala pang naihahaing 10 year solid waste management plan ang lungsod.

“Napapanahon na para magkaroon ang Antipolo City ng matagalang plano sa wastong pangangasiwa ng basura dahil ang lungsod ay malaki rin ang nasasakupan at patuloy ang pagdami ng mga gustong manirahan dito. Gusto naming masiguro na sa pag-unlad ng lungsod ay hindi namin napapabayaan ang kalinisan at kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng proper waste disposal,” sabi ni Mayor Ynares

Napapaloob sa 10-year plan ang mga programang waste reduction/diversion tulad ng source segregation, pangangasiwa ng residuals, nabubulok, nareresiklo at special waste kasama ang enforcement activities.

Kada araw ay hinahakot ng mga trucks ng City Environment and Waste Management Office, sa pangunguna ni Violeta Sabulao-Faiayaz ang daang-daang toneladang basura. Kalahati nito ay dumadaan sa waste segregation at ang natitirang basura naman ay napupunta sa safe disposal area.

Abala rin ang nasabing opisina sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkalinisan kaagapay ang ibang pribadong sektor katulad ng mga clean-up drive (ng mga ilog, estero, kanal), reforestation, tree planting, desludging project at IEC campaign sa mga residente.

Lahat ng residente ay hinikayat na makiisa at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaang lokal sa pagsunod sa ipinapatupad na waste segregation at tamang pagtatapon ng basura sa layuning maging “disaster-free community” ang Antipolo. Ito ay malaking kabawasan sa mga sakuna at kalamidad partikular na ang matinding pagbaha.

Naging leksiyon na sa mga residente ang sinapit ng Hinulugang Taktak, ang dating sikat na tourist attraction ng lungsod, kung saan ito ay lubusang napabayaan dahil sa polusyon mula sa mga basurang itinatapon sa ilog at mga kanal.

Sa tiyaga at pagsusumikap ni Mayor Ynares na manumbalik ito sa dating ganda ang, inilunsad ang malawakang rehabilitasyon na kasama sa programa ang solid waste management at ngayo’y muli na namang binuksan ang Hinulugang Taktak at dinarayo na muli ng maraming turista.(PIO-Antipolo City/PIA-Rizal)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631441256152/tagalog-news-unang-10-year-solid-waste-management-plan-ng-antipolo-city-aprubado-ng-denr-nswmc#sthash.Ryl7Q5Ya.dpuf

03 SEPTEMBER 2015

Government consulting provincial, city bus operators to ease traffic jams along EDSA

Government studying options in anticipation of El Niño

APEC News Release

Cebu expects APEC hosting to open up opportunities for far-flung municipalities

Cebu sees more foreign investment from APEC hosting, says Gov. Davide

Cebu stands to gain from APEC hosting in the long term, says foreign affairs official

APEC spokesman asks media to help promote APEC Philippines 2015

APEC’s trade liberalization agenda to benefit Filipino consumers, says spokesman

Cebu expects APEC hosting to open up opportunities for far-flung municipalities

(CEBU CITY, Cebu) The provincial government wants to promote other locations in Cebu to delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to spur new investments in the province, Cebu Governor Hilaro Davide III said on Thursday.

"We always talk about inclusive growth, it is not just Metro Cebu and we are looking at including other parts of the province. Cebu has 44 municipalities, seven component cities, and two highly urbanized cities," Governor Davide said during a press conference at Bayfront Hotel here.

"It is not enough that we concentrate on mega Cebu. As you are well aware, there is a Metro Cebu Coordinating Board that focuses on cities and municipalities in Cebu," he said, noting that other towns and cities in the province should be exposed to economic opportunities for the benefit of the people.

To discourage migration to metro Cebu, especially to the highly urbanized areas, Davide said they encourage the private sector to focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the countryside.

"We want to develop the countryside as much as we can, to provide Cebuanos economic opportunities," he said, adding that the provincial government wants to concentrate on enhancing the manufacturing, services and tourism industries in the province.

Cebu is hosting the 3rd Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM III) and related meetings. The province expects to accommodate more than 2,000 APEC delegates for the meetings here. PND (as)

Government consulting provincial, city bus operators to ease traffic jams along EDSA

The government is consulting provincial and city bus operators, as well as port users, to ease the traffic congestion along the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Thursday.

“Sa araw na ito (Thursday), sina Chairman (Winston) Ginez ng LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) ay nakikipagpulong sa provincial at city bus operators, dahil mahalaga ang kanilang papel sa pagpapadali ng daloy ng trapiko,” Secretary Coloma said during a press briefing in Malacañang.

“Mayroong mga panukala hinggil doon sa mga dadaanan ng (provincial buses) dahil kasama din sila doon sa vehicle load sa EDSA. Mayroon ding mga ongoing consultations sa mga port users, dahil nga doon sa mga dinadaanan din ng trak,” he said.

He noted that more consultations are being held with other concerned parties.

“Maraming mga konsultasyon na isinasagawa para kapag naanunsyo o bago i-anunsyo ang mga isasagawang hakbang, tiyak na napag-aralan ito nang husto dahil para kay Pangulong Aquino, mahalagang-mahalaga ang suporta ng mga mamamayan,” he said.

“Nais niyang tiyakin na ang mga ipapatupad na mga aksyon ay aani ng suporta sa ating mga mamamayan sapagkat, kapag mayroong suporta ang mamamayan, mas mataas ang probabilidad na magtatagumpay ito,” Coloma added. PND (ag)

Cebu sees more foreign investment from APEC hosting, says Gov. Davide

(CEBU CITY, Cebu) Cebu’s provincial government is planning to create more economic zones and is drawing up strategies to enhance port facilities, as it gears up for increased foreign investment from the province’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.

“I am confident that after the (APEC) meetings here, there would be foreign economies and even foreign businessmen, who would express interest in investing here in Cebu,” said Governor Hilario Davide III, chair of the APEC Cebu Organizing Committee.

Governor Davide said he expects investments to pour into the manufacturing sector, particularly fashion accessories, gift items and food; tourism; micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and the services sector.

“Services, that’s one of the key (economic) drivers here in Cebu,” he noted. “We encourage the private sector to also focus on MSMEs in the countryside. We want to develop the countryside as much as we can, to provide economic opportunities to Cebuanos there.”

To seize these investment opportunities, the governor underscored the need to enhance port facilities.

He said the Cebu Provincial Planning and Development Office, along with the local government units, are also looking at the possibility of establishing more economic zones for future investment.

Setting up more economic zones is one of the programs the government is considering for the future, he said, adding that this has been requested by potential investors.

Davide also assured prospective investors that the Cebu Investment Promotions Office is creating a business-friendly climate, especially for foreign investors.

Some 3,000 delegates are attending the APEC meetings here that run from August 22 to September 11. PNA (ldv)

Cebu stands to gain from APEC hosting in the long term, says foreign affairs official

(CEBU CITY, Cebu) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 Spokesperson Charles Jose on Thursday asked Cebuanos for more patience as Cebu hosts the 3rd Senior Officials' Meeting and Related Meetings.

Jose, who is also the spokesman of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said during a media briefing here that as delegates discuss ways to strengthen trade and promote inclusivity in the Asia-Pacific region, some issues have come to their attention.

"Regarding road closures and extended truck ban hours, we ask for the patience and understanding of all those affected," he said in a statement.

"As local officials have already explained, these changes are necessary to decongest the delegates’ routes as they travel between meeting venues."

These changes, he said, have consequences for local businesses, as well as the residents’ everyday lives.

Jose however emphasized that Cebu stands to benefit from the province's hosting of the APEC.

At the same time, in the interest of security, Jose reminded APEC delegates who are attending meetings here that APEC 2015 organizers have set up information desks in all accredited hotels, where they can register for tours within or outside Cebu.

Should the delegates wish to organize their own trips, Jose asked them to leave their itineraries with accredited personnel.

"We encourage our visitors to explore the natural beauty of Cebu and its neighboring islands, but at the same time, we ask that they undergo proper registration because we want to minimize the risk of possible difficulties," he said.

Jose also outlined the benefits of APEC hosting for Cebu, such as additional jobs that have been created as a result of the increased influx of visitors.

Outside the meeting venues, the delegates have been going around the province and even neighboring islands, and this empowers businesses and boosts tourism.

"Local farmers have also been able to bring home extra income, as a result of the increased demand from hotels and restaurants," he said.

Over the long term, Cebu's openness bodes well for its development prospects, especially now that it is becoming known as a destination for international meetings like the APEC, he said, adding that the ongoing APEC meetings have helped the province improve the quality of its products and services, aligning them with international standards in preparation for future events.

"As a result of the interest generated by APEC, more investments are also expected to come in, besides similar anticipated increases in tourist arrivals," Jose said. PND (as)

APEC spokesman asks media to help promote APEC Philippines 2015

(CEBU CITY, Cebu) To raise public awareness about the country's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015, the event’s spokesperson Charles Jose invited members of the media to visit <apec2015.ph>, the official website of APEC Philippines 2015.

Jose, who is also the spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said that among the materials available on the site is the APEC Primer, which provides background information on the history, organization, achievements, and goals of the APEC.

He said the primer, which is available in a variety of local languages, including Cebuano, is crucial for understanding the context of the APEC meetings.

"The APEC 2015 website is also regularly updated with the latest press releases from host agencies, as well as from the Department of Foreign Affairs,” he said.

"These releases detail the discussions and outcomes of APEC meetings, and provide useful information on how the APEC community is concretizing steps and solutions toward the four 2015 priorities."

Visitors may also access official photo releases and transcripts of remarks, he said.

Jose also invited the media to access helpful publications on the APEC’s website, apec.org.

"These include ‘APEC at a Glance’ and ‘APEC Outcomes and Outlook 2014/2015’. Both were prepared by the APEC Secretariat based in Singapore," he said.

"We hope that these resources prove useful to our partners in the media, and aid in the dissemination of accurate and timely information about the Philippine hosting," Jose added. PND (as)

Government studying options in anticipation of El Niño

A Palace official on Thursday assured the public that the government is studying options on how to deal with the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon.

In a media briefing in Malacañang, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said preparations are being undertaken to ensure that the drought, which the El Niño would bring in the coming months, could be handled.

"Sa ngayon ay pinag-aaralan ang mga opsyon at hindi pa naman talaga pumapasok doon sa kritikal na panahon,” Secretary Coloma said, noting that the effects of the El Niño, such as drought in the country’s food-producing areas, are expected to be felt during the last quarter of the year until the first quarter of 2016.

He also urged the public to save water in anticipation of the dry months.

"Pinaghahandaan ito pero hindi naman kailangang maligalig ang ating mga mamamayan. Kailangang maging handa at magtipid sa paggamit ng tubig dahil nga pumapasok tayo dito sa sitwasyon na maaaring maging matindi ang El Niño,” he said.

Coloma said measures to ensure that the country has enough food supplies are also being discussed.

"Marami pang ibang mga action measures na pinag-aaralan patungkol naman doon sa pagtitiyak na meron tayong sapat na supply ng pagkain at ito ay maaaring makuha ng ating mga mamamayan sa resonableng halaga,” he explained.

The Palace official also assured that there will be no hoarding of food supplies.

"Walang hoarding na magaganap, walang magsasamantala sa sitwasyon na inaasahang maaaring lumubha kapag dumating ang matinding tagtuyot,” he said. PND (jm)

APEC’s trade liberalization agenda to benefit Filipino consumers, says spokesman

(CEBU CITY, Cebu) Filipino consumers can benefit from cheaper goods and services resulting from the implementation of trade-liberalizing and business-facilitating measures by member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Spokesperson of the APEC, Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, said trade liberalization in the region, one of the main agenda of the APEC, is a policy decision usually involving the lowering of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.

“Of course, consumers will definitely benefit once we lower tariff (because) that means we will have cheaper goods and services available to us,” he explained during a press briefing here Thursday.

In terms of business facilitation, Jose, who is also the spokesperson of the Department of Foreign Affairs, said APEC member economies have embarked on many initiatives, particularly those in the area of customs procedures.

He said the APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP) is working on the harmonization of the customs tariffs.

He cited various Cebu ports that can benefit from the faster release of goods resulting from the harmonization of all the customs code in APEC member economies.

“That is one way of facilitating and making business easier here in Cebu,” he added.

Cebu City is hosting the APEC’s 3rd Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings from August 22 to September 11.

Jose said 70 out of 87 APEC meetings scheduled have so far been completed. PNA (ldv)

Treats for gov’t workers on 115th civil service anniversary

03 SEPTEMBER 2015

Application for CSC clearance goes online

DSWD, NCFF enjoin public to celebrate Family Week this September

Aklan mayor advocates for community-driven development as a disaster recovery strategy

DOJ secures conviction of husband-rapist

Delinquent Real Estate company and Textile manufacturing company charged with willful failure to pay tax

Trading company fails to report true income

BSP strengthens its Feedback Management System

RTWPB-CAR is first region to increase wage of household service workers—Baldoz

Mindanao Barangay Captains pledge support for Daang Matuwid

Roxas targets inclusive growth in Region IX through MINBIZCON and SGLG

QCPD hits hard vs criminals in latest ‘Lambat Sibat’ operations

PH gov’t pushes completion of Tripartite Review Process for MNLF peace deal

SSS chief at ECOP meeting

P20.4-M PAMANA-ARA Projects in Sultan Kudarat

Incoming USAID Mission Director reaffirms strong partnership with the Philippines

August 2015 Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination resuts released in four (4) working days

The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike: Building infrastructure to rebuild lives

Treats for gov’t workers on 115th civil service anniversary

Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph

Special discount packages await government employees as the entire bureaucracy celebrates the 115th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA), the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

From September 25 to 27, 2015, state workers can avail themselves of 10% discount at all SM Department Stores nationwide, valid on regular-priced items for a minimum purchase of PHP500. SM Appliance Centers will offer 5% discount nationwide, as well as financing promos for select branches in Metro Manila and nearby Luzon. Shoppers at SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket will get a free item with a minimum purchase of PHP500. A list of exempted items has been provided.

To be eligible for the said promos, civil servants should present their official government office ID or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) ID card, including an SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Card, MOM Card, or BDO Rewards Card. CSC Announcement No. 53, s.2015

From September 1 to December 31, 2015, Executive Optical branches are offering up to 20% discount on exclusive frames and sunglasses, up to 10% discount on signature frames and sunglasses except for select brands, and free services. State workers only need to present their official government office ID and/or GSIS ID to qualify for the benefit, which is transferable to the employee's dependents. CSC Announcement No. 51, s.2015

Red Ribbon is also offering a 10% discount for a minimum purchase of PHP350 from September 15 to November 15, 2015. Government employees will also get a free 12 oz. iced tea for every PHP200 purchase at any Chowking store for the whole month of September. CSC Announcement No. 55, s.2015

The National Museum will provide government employees free admission this September to the National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Fine Arts, National Planetarium, and its branch museums nationwide. CSC Announcement No. 54, s.2015

The Manila Ocean Park is offering discounted packages for entrance to its attractions. Government employees may purchase a maximum of 10 tickets for their family and friends. Schedule of ticket reservations at the Manila Ocean Park Reservation Office is from Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ticket validity is from September 1 to December 31, 2015. CSC Announcement No. 49, s.2015

Star City is also offering a PHP280/Ride-All-You-Can (RAYC) ticket (discounted from PHP420) to government employees and three (3) of their family members. This treat is available from September 4-6, 2015 and September 11-30, 2015; Monday to Thursday (4 p.m. onwards) and Friday, Saturday, Sunday (2 p.m. onwards). CSC Announcement No. 50, s.2015

To avail of the museum and theme park promos, government employees must present their office ID or GSIS ID card at the reservation or ticketing booths and the service gates.

Civil servants are urged to read the announcements at www.csc.gov.ph for more details on the PCSA promotions.

Themed “Kayang-Kaya Mo, Lingkod Bayani”, the month-long PCSA celebration aims not only to commemorate the establishment of the Philippine Civil Service in 1900, but also to recognize the contributions and achievements of civil servants in national development.

Aside from special treats, the CSC is spearheading the R.A.C.E. to Serve V Fun Run on September 12, 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand, and the 5th Government Choral Competition Grand Finals on September 15, 2015 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

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Application for CSC clearance goes online

Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph

As part of efforts to improve its services, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has made the application for clearance more convenient through online application.

The CSC clearance is a document certifying that an individual has no pending administrative case with the CSC and is used mostly for employment, promotion, transfer of office, or retirement.

Starting August, applicants for CSC clearance may download a digital form from the CSC website. The form should be filled out and submitted via e-mail to cscclearance@csc.gov.ph.

If the applicant prefers to receive the clearance through mail, he or she must send a Postal Money Order payable to Civil Service Commission in the amount of P100.00 together with a self-addressed and stamped envelope.

If the applicant opts to personally pick-up the clearance, he or she must proceed to the CSC Central Office in Batasan Hills, Quezon City, pay P100.00 to the cashier, and pick up the clearance from the Public Assistance and Complaints Desk.

The shift to online application would especially benefit clients with special needs such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.

It must be emphasized that the allotted time for verification and preparation of clearance certification is 20 minutes per individual. In case of bulk applications, the processing time would be 20 minutes multiplied by the number of individuals included in the request. (Example: If five employees from the same agency filed a single request for clearance, it will take 100 minutes or 1 hour and 40 minutes to process all five applications.)

The CSC processes an average of 50 requests daily, which are received through mail or from walk-in clients.

Civil Service Commission, Constitution Hills, Batasang Pambansa Complex Diliman 1126 Quezon City, Philippines [ Get direction ]

CSC Trunklines : 931-8092 / 931-7939 / 931-7935 | Text CSC : 0917-839-8272 | Para sa taumBAYAN hotline : 951-2575 / 951-2576 / 932-0111

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DSWD, NCFF enjoin public to celebrate Family Week this September

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) enjoins the whole nation to celebrate the National Family Week this September by holding activities that promote family unity and harmony.

The National Family Week is a yearly celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 60 signed on Sept. 28, 1992 and Executive Order No. 241 dated June 9, 1995. It carries the theme “Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families. ”

The NCFF, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Muntinlupa City, which is this year’s host-LGU, will conduct a series of activities to highlight the importance of keeping families strong especially in this modern age where many social issues have emerged that threaten family relationships.

A motorcade and opening program on September 5 to be led by DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, Muntinlipa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, and Congressman Rodolfo Biazon will serve as kick-off activity .

Then on September 11, an interfaith festival will be held at the Expo Trade Hall Festival Mall in Alabang.

On the other hand, DSWD will organize the 4th National Family Conference on September 17 to be conducted also at the Festival Mall.

A photo contest and paper art contest focusing on this year’s theme will also be staged. The entries will be showcased in Alabang Town Center and SM Muntinlupa City, respectively.

The culminating program will be held on September 25 which is also the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day, an annual declaration where every family is encouraged to spend dinner together.

Finally, during the closing ceremony, the DSWD, NCFF, and Muntilunpa City will recognize model families in the city.

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Aklan mayor advocates for community-driven development as a disaster recovery strategy

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

MANILA – Following their experience in Typhoon Yolanda, Mayor Gene Fuentes, local chief executive of Tangalan, Aklan, is advocating for the use of the community-driven development (CDD) strategy in disaster preparation and recovery.

CDD is a development strategy that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to decide on issues related to their local development and to manage resources to implement sub-projects that address needs they identified. This is the approach employed by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

According to Mayor Fuentes, CDD served as the key that helped their town prepare for and recover from the after-effects of the typhoon.

“Isa sa pinakamagandang nagawa ng Kalahi¬-CIDSS is iyong disaster preparedness (One of the good things that Kalahi-CIDSS did is promote disaster preparedness)”, he said.

He explained that because the program trained the citizens to work with each other and with their local government unit (LGU), they had no problems in pre-emptive evacuation as coordination was easy for them. They were also able to mobilize the Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers to help them in information dissemination.

He said, “Nung dumaan sa amin ang Yolanda, malaki talaga ang tulong ng mga volunteers ng Kalahi-CIDSS dahil na-spread out namin ang preparation. That is why we had zero casualties at dalawa lang ang injured (When we were hit by Yolanda, the Kalahi-CIDSS volunteers were a big help because we were able to spread out our preparation. That is why we had zero casualties and only two were injured)”.

This is in light of the fact that Tangalan was within the 50-kilometer radius path of Typhoon Yolanda, with Aklan as one of the provinces hit hardest by the super typhoon.

Furthermore, none of the infrastructure projects constructed through the Kalahi-CIDSS experienced major damage because of the disaster. Mayor Fuentes credited this to the fact that the communities themselves chose, implemented, and maintained their chosen projects. In a statement he made in 2014, the soil protection sub-project in Barangay Baybay in Tangalan directly protected the village from Yolanda.

In his previous statement, he said, “This is proof that Kalahi-CIDSS is world standard… Kalahi-CIDSS buildings are the only ones that are still intact. Even the world’s strongest typhoon failed to destroy Kalahi-CIDSS buildings”.

Mayor Fuentes said they were even able to use CDD in post-disaster rehabilitation. When the DSWD employed its Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA) program to provide assistance to the families whose houses were partially or totally damaged following Yolanda, Tangalan was one of the fastest to comply with the requirements because the people themselves developed the list.

In advocating for CDD as a disaster preparedness and recovery strategy, Mayor Fuentes had this to say: “Masarap rin na ikaw ang mayor, iyong consitutents mo walang nalagasan nang dumaan ang napakalakas ang bagyo na siguro sa ating pamumuhay sa mundo ay iyon na ang pinakamalakas na tumama sa atin [It feels good to be the mayor in a town that had no casualties from probably the strongest typhoon that has hit us within our lifetime]”.

Mayor Fuentes said that he plays an active role in the implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, even helping out in solving any problems that surfaced.

He said, “Kung hindi ka mag-troubleshoot, lagot ka sa mga tao [If you do not troubleshoot, you will be in trouble with the people]”.
Since 2012, 4,818 households stand to benefit from Kalahi-CIDSS projects in Tangalan. Since 2012, it has received P25.67 million community grants, funded in part through the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the US government, which they utilized for the implementation of 18 sub-projects, 12 of which have already been completed. They are also set to implement 7 sub-projects, three of which are for disaster risk reduction and management, through the national community-driven development program, the scaled-up version of Kalahi-CIDSS.

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DOJ secures conviction of husband-rapist

Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima reminded men that rape can also be committed by the husband against his wife.

The statement was issued as she commended the Department’s Regional Prosecution Office (RPO) XII for securing the conviction of a man charged with marital rape.

In a 13-page Judgement, the Regional Trial Court of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Branch 19 found Benito Selvino Gumayao guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the crime of rape.

He was sentenced to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua and to pay his complainant-wife a total of P150,000.

The Information filed by the prosecution against Gumayao alleged that the accused committed the crime on May 3, 2002 inside their family home at Brgy. Sto. Nino, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

His wife claimed that she was not feeling well at that time so when “her husband arrived and eventually went to her and intimated to her that he wanted to have a sexual intercourse with her,” she refused.

This angered Gumayao who mauled complainant, causing her to faint. The complainant stated that when she opened her eyes, “her husband was already on top of her and succeeded in having sexual intercourse with her.”

In his ruling, Judge Renato Gleyo said that the Family Code “obligates the spouses to love one another but this rule sanctions affection and sexual intimacy, as expressions of love that are both spontaneous and mutual” and that it “excludes cruelty and coercion.”

De Lima said “sexual intimacy, aside from being a mechanism for procreation, is a gift that serves to bring color and life to a marital relationship. When the same is consummated without the wife’s consent through the use of force or coercion, the law provides protection to the victim.”

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Delinquent Real Estate company and Textile manufacturing company charged with willful failure to pay tax

Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed separate criminal complaints with the Department of Justice against two (2) delinquent corporate taxpayers from Quezon City and Rizal for Willful Failure to Pay Taxes under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).

Charged for violating Section 255 in relation to Sections 253 and 256 of the Tax Code were EM RAMOS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (EM RAMOS) and its President EMERITO B. RAMOS. EM RAMOS is a domestic corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with registered address at No. 273 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City. It is engaged in business as real estate developer and dealer.

EM RAMOS and its responsible corporate officer were assessed deficiency tax liabilities for taxable year 2006 in the sum of P17.45 million, inclusive of increments, broken down as follows: Income Tax (IT) – P15.82 million; Value Added Tax (VAT) – P1.62 million; and Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT) – P13,097.38.

Likewise charged for the same violation were YUPANGCO COTTON MILLS, INC. (YUPANGCO) and its Chairman/President GUMERSINDO L. LEUTERIO. YUPANGCO is a domestic corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with registered address at Mahabang Parang, Angono, Rizal/No. 11-A Pili Avenue, Forbes Park, Makati City. It is engaged in the business of textile manufacturing.

YUPANGCO and its responsible corporate officer were assessed deficiency tax liabilities for taxable year 2006 in the sum of P52.99 million, inclusive of increments, broken down as follows: VAT- P52.97 million; and Compromise Penalty (CP) – P15,000.00.

BIR Quezon City records of investigation showed that the abovementioned respondents were served the corresponding Letters of Authority (LOA), Requests for Presentation of Records, Subpoena Duces Tecum (SDT), Preliminary Assessment Notices (PAN), and Formal Letters of Demand (FLD) but failed to protest said assessments, hence making the same final, executory, and demandable.

The subsequent issuance of Preliminary Collection Notices, Final Notices Before Seizure, Warrants of Distraint and/or Levy, Warrants of Garnishment, and Demands Before Suit were ignored by the respondents, as the said tax assessments remained unpaid. The respondents’ obstinate failure and continued refusal to pay their long overdue deficiency tax assessments, despite repeated demands, constitute willful failure to pay the taxes due to the government.

The cases against EM RAMOS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, and YUPANGCO COTTON MILLS, INC., together with their responsible corporate officers, are the 389th and 390th, respectively, filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. These are likewise RATE cases of Revenue Region No. 7, Quezon City.

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Trading company fails to report true income

Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against MANCHLOR TRADING CORPORATION (MANCHLOR) for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax, and Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in its Income Tax Returns (ITR) for taxable year 2012, as defined under Sections 254 and 255 in relation to Sections 253(d) and 256 of the NationalInternal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).

Likewise charged for the same violations were its responsible corporate officers – President ROLANDO G. MANGULABNAN, and Vice-President/Treasurer FLORDELIZA A. MANGULABNAN.

Respondent MANCHLOR is a domestic corporation engaged in the trading of goods such as chlorinator, chemicals, gasoline, tools equipment, food, supplements, etc. on wholesale/retail basis. Its registered address is at 86F Road 1 Cor. Road 32, Project 6, Quezon City.

Documents gathered in the course of investigation showed that MANCHLOR acquired 254,800 shares of stock of Philippine Hydro Incorporated (PHI) for a total consideration of P44.50 million. However, MANCHLOR failed to report the said acquisition in its Audited Financial Statements (AFS) and ITR for taxable year 2012.

Evidently, in the absence of any declared source of the purchase price of P44.50 million, the said amount is an undeclared income of MANCHLOR and must be subjected to income tax.

MANCHLOR and its responsible corporate officers were assessed an estimated aggregate deficiency tax liability for taxable year 2012 amounting toP27.27 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests.

The case against MANCHLOR TRADING CORPORATION, together with its responsible corporate officers, is the 391st filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of the National Investigation Division. (reytdlc)

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BSP strengthens its Feedback Management System

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has strengthened its feedback mechanism to better serve the general public and other external stakeholders. Its enhanced Feedback Management System (FMS), which will be fully deployed this September, offers user-friendly tools that range from the conventional paper-based forms to electronic tablets and kiosks, and online forms. The use of these innovative feedback channels is expected to improve and enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in BSP’s service delivery and underscores the importance of external stakeholders’ perception in enhancing the quality of BSP services.

As envisioned in the BSP Strategic Plan for 2012 to 2017, the BSP FMS is expected to provide a well-functioning quality improvement system that promotes a circular feedback loop and permits bi-directional informational exchanges between the BSP and its external stakeholders. This feedback system is also seen as an effective management tool for departments/offices in the bank, in identifying strengths and weaknesses on both the overall quality of their services and on specific issues confronting them.

To facilitate the consolidation of all the responses from the various feedback tools into one database, which will allow the generation of reports and analytics, a Feedback Management Unit (FMU) at the bank’s Economic and Financial Learning Center (EFLC) has been created as the system administrator.

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RTWPB-CAR is first region to increase wage of household service workers—Baldoz

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Household service worker (HSW) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will now enjoy a mandated pay hike after the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-Cordillera Administrative Region (RTWPB-CAR) recently approved and issued a wage order, Wage Order No. CAR-DW-01, raising the minimum wages of HSWs in the region, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday.

“This is the first mandated pay hike for kasambahay since the passage of Batas Kasambahay in 2013, and I commend the RTWPB-CAR for being the first wage board in the country to do so,” said Baldoz.

She said the wage board’s decision came after a thorough evaluation of the existing socio-economic conditions of the region, leading it to determine the need to provide kasambahay in the Cordillera with immediate relief measures to enable them to cope with the rising cost of living.

Wage Order CAR-DW-01 took effect on 10 August after being published in a local CAR newspaper.

According to the wage order, the new minimum wage rates for domestic workers in the CAR shall not be less than P 2,500 in chartered cities and first-class municipalities and P2,000 in other municipalities.

The said wage rates, which were computed based on the prevailing regional socio-economic condition and agreed upon after consultations with stakeholders, are higher than what R.A. 10361, or the Batas Kasambahay, prescribed which should not be less than P2,000 in cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 in other classes of municipalities.

The Batas Kasambahay authorizes RTWPBs to adjust wage rates appropriate in their jurisdictions.

Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III signed Batas Kasambahay into law on 18 January 2013.

Baldoz said the new wage order should not reduce the existing wage rates, allowances, and other benefits already being enjoyed by household service workers.

Wage Order CAR-DW-01 covers general househelp, yaya, cook, gardener, laundry person, or any person who regularly performs domestic work in one household on an occupational basis. It, however, exempts service providers, family drivers, children under foster family arrangement, and any other person who performs work occasionally, or sporadically, and not on occupational basis.

The new wage order encourages household service workers and their employers to adopt a competency-based pay scheme in setting and adjusting the pay of the HSW over and above the applicable wage.

“The order shall not be construed to prevent domestic workers from bargaining for higher wages with their respective employers,” Baldoz said.

The wage order also states that the employer shall provide for the basic necessities of the domestic worker, including at least three adequate meals a day, and humane sleeping arrangements that ensure safety. The employer shall also provide appropriate rest and assistance in case of illness and injuries sustained during service without loss of benefits.

Wage Order CAR-DW-01 further provides that the wage of a domestic workers shall be paid in cash at least once a month, and that no deduction from the wages shall be made other than that which is mandated by law, unless allowed by the domestic worker in writing.

In the case of hiring or contracting of domestic workers through a licensed private employment agency (PEA), the wage rates prescribed in the order shall be borne by clients of the PEAs and the contract shall be deemed amended accordingly. If clients fail to pay the prescribed wage rates, the PEAs shall be jointly and severally liable with his principal or client.

The order declared that withholding and interference in the disposal of wages of domestic workers are unlawful and shall be punishable with a fine of not less than P10,000 but not more than P40,000 without prejudice to the filing of the appropriate civil and/or criminal action by the aggrieved party.

Employers, who fail to comply with the provision of Wage Order No. CAR-DW-01 could face a fine of not less than P10,000, but not more than P40,000, without prejudice to the filing of appropriate civil and/or criminal action by the aggrieved party.

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Mindanao Barangay Captains pledge support for Daang Matuwid

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Barangay officials of Mindanao took the opportunity to make a collective pledge to Daang Matuwid as they gathered at the Bayview Park Hotel, Manila for a three-day congress,under the theme "Learn, Improve, Govern, Act to ensure Disaster Resilient Barangays.”

Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas joined the more than 200 Barangay officials of the Liga Ng Barangay (LNB): Mindanao Chapter in yesterday's event (September 2).He was accompanied by LNB National President Edmund Abesamis, LNB Vice President for Mindanao Gerard Ramiro, and Misamis Occidental Governor Germinia Ramiro.

Part of the Barangay officials' pledge reads:“Kaming mga kasapi ng Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas-Mindanao Chapter ay nagpapahayag ng aming pagsuporta sa adhikain at paninindigan ng Pangulong PNoy at ni Sec. Mar upang labanan ang katiwalian at tiyakin na ang pondo ng bayan ay makakarating sa aming mga kabarangay,” the officials read from their pledge entitled “Panata ng Barangay Laban sa Katiwalian Para sa Daang Matuwid.”

Addressing the officials, Roxas, mentioned the importance of continuing the programs of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) such as Bottom up Budgeting (BUB), where citizens can identify and choose projects for their welfare; the Pangtawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the distribution of patrol jeeps, and projects for disaster preparedness.

“Kailangan po nating depensahan itong programang ito,” he stressed as he thanked the barangay officials for supporting the programs of, and for believing in Daang Matuwid.

“Alam po ninyo na mas maganda na lahat ng inyong mga kababayan ay makakatanggap ng serbisyo kaysa lumang sistema na iilan lang, pinipilian lang, at sa ganoong paraan, hindi pantay ang progreso ng isang komunidad.”

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Roxas targets inclusive growth in Region IX through MINBIZCON and SGLG

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

To advance PNoy's commitment to propelling inclusive growth in the Philippines’ southernmost regions, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas will be addressing Mindanao's business sector at the 24th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizCon) to be held at the ZN Convention Center in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte, today, September 3.

The MinBizCon is the platform for local executives, policymakers,?investors, and foreign trade partners to interact and discuss Mindanao's economic agenda.

The event will also showcase the vast business opportunities in the Zamboanga Peninsula, which can help boost the economic growth in Western Mindanao.

After the MinBizCon, Roxas will proceed to the Provincial Capitol Center to award of the Seal of Good Local Governance(SGLG) and turn over P14-million Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) checks to the awardees from DILG IX.

Roxas will recognize the province of Zamboanga del Norte and the municipalities of Imelda (Zamboanga Sibugay), Lapuyan (Zamboanga del Sur), and Kalawit (Zamboanga del Norte). The regional office of the DILG will be the one to turn over the PCF checks to the awardees.

According to Roxas, these LGUs raised the bar in good governance by maintaining their transparency while providing better services to the people, encouraging investment from the business sector and contributing to the inclusive growth in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The SGLG award is given to cities and municipalities in the Philippines that demonstrate excellence in keeping peace and order, safeguarding the integrity of the environment, and ensuring investment and employment by means of a competitive yet business-friendly LGU.

The award originated from the Seal of Good Housekeeping program, which was established by the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo in 2010.

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QCPD hits hard vs criminals in latest ‘Lambat Sibat’ operations

Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph

With more policemen now patrolling the streets, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Chief Superintendent Edgardo Gonzales Tinio said several significant accomplishments were noted over the past week with the intensified ‘Lambat Sibat’ operations in Quezon City.

PCSupt Tinio said the downloading of personnel from administrative duties and assigned to frontline patrol functions is gaining good results in ensuring public safety and order.

Recently, two motorcycle-riding criminals (MRC) were killed in a shootout at dawn of August 28, 2015 after they opted to shoot it out with Quezon City policemen manning a checkpoint in Quezon City.

Report showed that at around 12:45 a.m., elements of the QCPD Special Traffic Group (STAG) headed by Police Chief Inspector Rolando Lorenzo were conducting ‘Operation Sita’ in front of San Lorenzo Hospital in Brgy. Lagro in line with the implementation of the PNP’s ‘Oplan Lambat Sibat’ when they spotted the suspects.

Police flagged down the suspects for verification, but instead of stopping, they sped-off which prompted the policemen to chase them. However, the back rider opened fire towards the chasing policemen. An exchange of gunfire ensued that resulted in the death of the suspects.

Prior to the shootout, a robbery hold-up incident transpired at around 12:00 a.m., of the same date along Timog Ave. cor. Quezon Ave. perpetrated by two motorcycle men. The victim identified as Kimberly Azano reported the incident to the nearby Police Community Precinct (PCP) 3 of Kamuning Police Station (PS-10) and a flash alarm was sent to all units.

Victim Azano who was accompanied by PCP 3 policemen positively identified the suspects as the same persons who robbed her of her belongings.

Investigation also disclosed that the motorcycle used by the suspects was also reported to have been forcibly taken from a certain Rechie Alar. Alar said his motorcycle was taken from him at gunpoint by two suspects at around 9:40 p.m., August 16, 2015 near the Sugar Regulatory Board, North Avenue, Quezon City. Alar also identified the motorcycle used by the suspects as his.

Meanwhile, eleven suspected drug personalities, including three women and top drug targets, were arrested in a drug sting conducted by the District Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group (DAID-SOTG) in Quezon City which was a prelude to an earlier arrest of three three suspected drug peddlers and the confiscation of 1.5 million pesos worth of shabu during a drug buy bust operation in Quezon City last August 10, 2015. Two of the eleven suspects arrested were included in the DAID-SOTG's Top 10 drug personalities operating in Quezon City. They were No. 2 and no. 6 in the list.

The suspects were nabbed in four separate anti-illegal drugs operation from 9 p.m. Wednesday up to 3 a.m.Thursday last week in buy bust operations in Quezon City. Undetermined quantity of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia and the ‘marked money’ were seized from the suspects. Appropriate charges were filed.

With intensified ‘Lambat Sibat’ operations, the QCPD also arrested eight Top Most Wanted Persons (TMWPs) over the past week. PCSupt Tinio said that the relentless Sibat operations of QCPD tracker teams of the Warrant and Subpoena Section (WSS); Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), the different police stations and the District Intelligence Division (DID) headed by Police Superintendent Rodrigo Bauto resulted in the arrest of the Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) who have arrest warrants in various cases such as murder, homicide, robbery and theft.

Meanwhile, PCSupt Tinio also said the QCPD has launched recently its latest skills training program for its personnel dubbed “Tiwala Project” which culminated last week.

He said the project was in cooperation with Team Alpha Gun Club through its team member Mr. Art Cntolino who offered a pro bono higher level of firearms familiarization and precision training for Quezon City policemen to develop and sustain the level of firearms proficiency of policemen.

Members of the QCPD Special Reaction Unit (SRU) formerly Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) were the first batch to undergo the training which consists of learning theories and practical application exercises.

PCSupt Tinio said all personnel from the District Headquarters in Camp Karingal and from twelve police stations shall also undergo the same training every Mondays of the month at 9:00 in the morning.

Two personnel from each office or police station shall be recommended to undergo the familiarization and precision training so that the normal police duties shall not be affected.

PCSupt Tinio also added, “Anchored with the learning and growth stage of the PNP’s Performance Governance System (PGS), this program which is in collaboration with our stakeholders is aimed at enhancing the level of competency and confidence of our personnel. Aside from this, it certainly supports the policy statement of the Chief Philippine National Police, PDG Ricardo C Marquez to go back to the basic aspects of policing in order to gradually increase level of competency of any given tasks.

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PH gov’t pushes completion of Tripartite Review Process for MNLF peace deal

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, in a meeting Tuesday with foreign dignitaries whose countries are members of the Peace Committee of the Southern Philippines (PCSP) under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has called for the completion of the Tripartite Review Process on the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The OIC-PCSP is a body created by the OIC to oversee the implementation of the 1996 peace pact and is currently composed of Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Brunei Darussalam, Turkey, Pakistan, Libya, Senegal, Somalia, and Bangladesh.

“[As a] lasting solution, we are pushing for the completion of the Tripartite Review Process. The Philippine government is fully committed to an inclusive and comprehensive approach on the quest for a just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao,” Deles said.

Deles challenged the OIC to “complete the review, otherwise, they will stay with the review process and will not implement anything”.

She also hoped that the review process started in 2007 will be put to a close before the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“If we can accomplish the review process, we can proceed to the implementation of agreements achieved in the review through the mechanisms under the single framework which is the Bangsamoro and the backbone of the single framework is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL),” she stressed.

The peace process chief laid down the timeline for the enactment of BBL and assured the OIC that the “government, especially the leadership of both chambers of Congress, is fully committed (to) its passage”.

Under the BBL framework, Deles explained that the engagement of the government and the MNLF will continue through the 42 consensus points now included in the BBL, the participation of MNLF in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and Bangsamoro Government to be established and the inclusion of MNLF economic agenda in the Bangsamoro Development Plan.

19 years ago, the Administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos signed in 1996 the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the MNLF which resulted in the expansion of areas covered by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the integration of MNLF members into the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police and the establishment of transitory mechanisms and special agencies for the development of Mindanao.

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SSS chief at ECOP meeting

Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph

Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros, Jr. (center) shared the highlights of SSS accomplishments for the last five years during the 11th Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Members' General Meeting, which was held last August 13 at the Henry Sy, Sr. Auditorium of the St. Luke's Medical Center Global City in Taguig. Officials from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund and Employees' Compensation Commission also attended the ECOP event, which carried the theme ?Enhancing, Expanding, and Maximizing Benefits to Employees.?

In his presentation, de Quiros cited SSS improvements such as the P40,000 maximum funeral benefit effective August 2015 and the five percent across-the-board SSS pension increase in June 2014. To give local workers a safe investment facility for their retirement, the agency launched the SSS Personal Equity Savings Option (PESO) Fund in 2015. The SSS also established 104 new offices over the past five years, with a total of 285 SSS offices serving members in the Philippines and overseas as of June 2015. Nearly 300 Self-Service Information Terminals (SSITs) were distributed to E-Centers at SSS branches nationwide. In terms of enforcing compliance with the Social Security Law, the pension fund filed 7,072 cases against delinquent employers since 2010, with 5,452 or 77 percent of them settling their overdue SSS obligations.

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P20.4-M PAMANA-ARA Projects in Sultan Kudarat

Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently completed the implementation of 68 peace projects amounting to P20.4-million in 68 barangays in six municipalities of Sultan Kudarat.news national september 3 2015 pix 2

The completed projects include 25 solar dryers, nine multi-purpose buildings, nine animal dispersals, eight solar dryer with shed, seven construction of fences around barangay halls and schools, six subdivision surveys of barangay sites, two potable water systems, one post harvest facility and one mini rice mill.

The projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan in Agrarian Reform Areas (PAMANA-ARA) are implemented in partnership with 68 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in 68 barangays and local government units (LGUs) of Columbio, President Quirino, Lambayong, Isulan, Senator Ninoy Aquino and Lutayan, to spur rural developments and promote peace and order in the area.

news national september 3 2015 pix 3Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Rodolfo Alburo said that there are 4,739 direct beneficiaries of the projects, 3,155 of them are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), 1,328 non-ARBs and 256 indigenous peoples.

He said that the figures represent the total number of members listed in the ARBOs in 68 barangays.news national september 3 2015 pix 4

“Each direct beneficiary belongs to one household, so imagine how many could actually benefit from these projects by simply multiplying it with each member of the household,” Alburo added.

He cited the farmers from neighboring barangays that could also benefit from the projects.

“For instance, a solar dryer or a potable water system in a far-flung barangay can serve not only the locals but also residents from neighboring barangays,” Alburo cited. “It could even be an income-generating service of the ARBO.” he added. (Jose Jemuel B. Dael)

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Incoming USAID Mission Director reaffirms strong partnership with the Philippines

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

03 August 2015 — In a meeting at the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. on September 01, Dr. Susan K. Brems—the incoming Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Philippines, Pacific Islands and Mongolia—reaffirmed the strong development partnership between the Philippine Government and USAID.

Dr. Brems is a career member of the Senior US Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, who brings to Manila 23 years of experience as a development diplomat for USAID. She previously served as Mission Director in Zambia (2011-2015), Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau for Global Health (2009-2011), and Mission Director for Angola (2007-2009).

During the meeting, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. expressed appreciation for the technical and financial support that the United States, through the USAID, provides to the Philippines. He also briefed Dr. Brems on the recent economic developments, including the good governance efforts under the Aquino administration, particularly with respect to transparency and public accountability.

“It was a great opportunity to discuss with Dr. Brems our government’s commitment to improving the lives of average Filipinos, as well as the social development objectives under the President’s leadership. We also exchanged views on the conditional cash transfer program of the government,” Ambassador Cuisia said.

Ambassador Cuisia also encouraged USAID’s continued support in the following areas: judicial reforms, rule of law, innovation and technology, economic development, educational cooperation, and public health.

Dr. Brems expressed her commitment to continuing the strong program and cooperation activities of USAID in the Philippines.

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August 2015 Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination resuts released in four (4) working days

Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 340 out of 841 passed the Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Board of Agricultural Engineering in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Davao and Legazpi last August 2015.

The Board of Agricultural Engineering is composed of Engr. Ariodear C. Rico, Chairman (inhibited); Engr. Juana T. Tapel, Officer-In-Charge; and Engr. Felimar M. Torrizo, Member.

The results were released in four (4) working days from the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on September 8 and 9, 2015. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2015-2018. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

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The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike: Building infrastructure to rebuild lives

Source: http://www.ppp.gov.ph

Deadly Numbers

In September 26, 2009 Typhoon Ketsana (local name Ondoy) dumped 341 millimeters of rain, equivalent to a month’s worth of rainfall in Metro Manila and at the nearby provinces like Laguna and Cavite. According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority, at the height of Ondoy, the water level of Laguna Lake breached its 90-year record of 14.5 meters measured in 1919, the highest known level of the lake. After six hours of driving rain, more than 3 million people or 466 families in 1,368 barangays have been devastated by the murky flood waters inundating homes, farmlands and business establishments. 293 people died in the worst flooding since 1967. In Metro Manila, the death toll reached 136.

A Dike, an Expressway and a Reclamation project

In August 2013, severe tropical storm Trami (Maring) whipped through the country devastating Central and Northern Luzon, including the CALABARZON area. Typhoon Maring left 27 dead, injuring 30 people and damaging infrastructure worth Php 689.4 Million.
As President Aquino inspected these flooded areas, he committed to construct the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike (LLED), a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

As the name suggests, the LLED is both an expressway and a dike system. Under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, the 47 kilometer high speed, six-lane expressway project which will sit on top of a flood control dike will be constructed and operated by a private concessionaire — very much like that of the Afsluitdijk (enclosure dam), a 32-kilometer dam that separates the Wadden Sea (salt water) and the Ilsselmeer (fresh water). On top of the Afsluitdijk runs the A7 motorway connecting Noord- Holland and Friesland, found in The Netherlands.

Based on the study made by the Advancing Philippine Competitiveness (COMPETE) Project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the DPWH, the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike will have an off-shore alignment of at least 500 meters from the lake’s shoreline and will be equipped with pumping stations and flood gates. The structure will start in Taguig and will traverse through the cities of Muntinlupa, Calamba, ending in Los Banos, Laguna at its boundary with Bay, Laguna.

This mega structure, the second largest PPP project to date of the Aquino Administration, will cost approximately Php 122.8 billion or USD 2.73 Billion. The project will be undertaken through a Build-Transfer and Operate – Build-Transfer (BTO-BT) scheme with a concession period of 37 years. Once built, the expressway dike will safeguard some 200,000 households or approximately a million Filipinos from low-lying areas around the lake who are constantly affected by its flooding.

The 47-kilometer, 6 lanes stretch of expressway is estimated to be completed within 7 years and will be operated and maintained by the concessionaire. As a toll road, the Concessionaire will be given a Toll Operations Permit that will be issued out by the TRB as soon as the road is completely finished and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) requirements are met. At the end of the 37-year concession period, the expressway dike will be turned over to the DPWH.

An equally significant component of the project is the raw land reclamation of 700 hectares of foreshore and offshore area within the Laguna Lake. The seven (7) islands of reclaimed areas will be 450 meters wide and about 15.6 kilometers long each stretching from Taguig to Muntinlupa. Each of these islands will be separated from the existing shoreline of the lake through a waterway or channel approximately 100-150 meter wide and will adjoin the western edge of the expressway dike.

The concessionaire is expected to reclaim these raw lands within the lake and sell them off or use them as prime real estate property intended for mixed-use development activities. Building the project will come at no cost to the government, except for the right-of-way outlays provided by law under Republic Act No. 8974 (Right-of-Way Acquisition Act) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

Big Benefits

The LLED project is attracting prospective investors especially with the available business opportunities on its real estate segment. The project now has three pre-qualified bidders: Team Trident composed of Trident Infrastructure & Development Corporation, Ayala Land Inc., SM Prime Holdings Inc., Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., and Megaworld Corporation; Alloy-PAVI Hanshin LLED Consortium composed of Malaysia’s Alloy MTD Capital BHD Group, Prime Asset Venture Inc. of the Villar Group, Korean Hanshin Engineering Constructions Corporation and Korea Rural Corp. ; and San Miguel Holdings Corporation.

The coastal communities of the Laguna Lake stand to gain the most of this multi-billion massive infrastructure project. Flooding will be greatly minimized if not totally eradicated. The lake itself, a source of livelihood for many living off its bounty, will be preserved from excessive and unrestrained farm fishing using destructive fish pens. According to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), affected fish cage owners and operators can still rebuild their fences in a new relocation site within the lake. However, for those small fish pen owners who cannot afford to construct new ones, they will be compensated for their structures under Republic Act 8974 or the Acquisition of Right-Of-Way. The interest of marginal fisher folks who are highly dependent on the lake for their livelihood will be taken cared of with appropriate alternative livelihood programs being designed to address these needs.

Environmental concerns such as the deterioration of the Lake’s water quality due to siltation and turbidity and the protection of its fresh water ecology have all been taken into consideration and will be tackled by both long term and short term mitigating measures identified by experts working with the LLDA and the DPWH.

The promise of progress

Building the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike project is a huge undertaking with equally huge stakes for all parties concerned. But from a development point of view, the expressway dike is more than just a massive infrastructure project of the government and its private proponent.

The expressway will make the transport of goods and services easier and faster as the LLED will provide an alternative route going to and from South of Metro Manila. The construction activities will provide alternative jobs to displaced and affected people who make the Laguna Lake as their source of livelihood. The value of real estate is projected to skyrocket, bringing with it the benefits of a stronger and healthier local economy. It will bring in more jobs, increase incomes, and better business.

From an environmental point of view, the structure will help protect and improve lives ruined from the destruction wrought by raging flood waters. It will also mean that the Laguna Lake will be protected from environmental degradation due to overfishing and pollution.
Building the Laguna Lake Expressway Dike brings the promise of progress closer to reality.

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Last Updated: 01 SEPTEMBER 2015
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III with RMAF chairman Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. presents the medal and certificate to Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from the Philippines as one of the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay Cityon Monday (August 31, 2015). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees (from left) Kommaly Chanthavong from Laos, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from Philippines, Anshu Gupta and Sanjiv Charturved from India, and Kyaw Thu from Myanmar for a group photo during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation 2015 Presentation Ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from the Philippines as one of the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31, 2015). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) 2015 Presentation Ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III visits the wake of DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela in La Salle Greenhills Chapel Monday (August 31). Varela died Saturday morning from a motorcycle accident along the highway in Baras town, Rizal. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacanag Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the copy of a book “Ang Mamatay ng Dahil sa Iyo” presented by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Amb. Angie Sta. Catalina, APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee Deputy Director General provides media details on APEC's 25-year history during a briefing on Saturday ( August 29) held at the APEC International Media Center at Bayfront Hotel in Central Cebu City. (Rey S. Baniquet)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchange views with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo State Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. Also in photo are Madame Naraporn Chan-o-cha and Presidential Sister Maria Elena Balsy Aquino Cruz. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, arrive for the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivers his message during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the official visit of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, lead the ceremonial toasts during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand shake hands after delevering their statements at the joint press conference held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand during the joint press conference at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, greet Thai officials during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Burea

			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivers his remarks during the joint press conference with President Benigno S. Aquino III held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his statement during the joint press conference held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, share a light moment during the joint press conference at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. Also in photo are Madame Naraporn Chan-o-cha and Presidential Sister Maria Elena Balsy Aquino Cruz (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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