Dispatch for December 16 , 2013 ( Monday ) , 10 PIA Calabarzon PR , 2 Weather Watch, 6 Reg’l. Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 17 Online News , 41 Photonews

Dispatch  for  December  16  , 2013 ( Monday )  ,  2  Weather Watch,

6  Reg’l. Watch  ,   1 PNOY Speech ,  17  Online News , 41  Photonews

 

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 16 December 2013 Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 December 2013 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 December 2013 Satellite Image for 5:30 a.m., 16 December 2013

Synopsis:

Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Mindanao. Northeast monsoon affecting Extreme Northern Luzon.

Forecast:

Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and the Provinces of Aurora and Quezon will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will be cloudy with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.

GALE WARNING GALE WARNING NO. 58 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon. Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 16 December 2013 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon. SEABOARD WEATHER WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS) SEA CONDITION WAVE HEIGHTS (meters) The northern and eastern seaboards of Northern Luzon (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Isabela, Cagayan, and the northern coast of Ilocos Norte) Cloudy skies with light rains (52 - 63) / (28 - 34) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 4.5 The eastern seaboard of Central and Southern Luzon (Aurora, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon, eastern coast of Quezon including Polilio Island) Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms (52 - 63) / (28 - 34) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 4.5 Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves. The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.

Weather Watch

December  16 , 2013  ( Monday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE             :  

LAGUNA          :                  

BATANGAS      :     

RIZAL               :  

  QUEZON           :  Fair Weather

 

1.  PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist-Field Agricultural Extension Office conducted a technical briefing on sustainable corn and cassava technologies to increase awareness and adoption of such.

 

 

2. PIA Regional Watch 

about an hour ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Youth Development Affairs Office of the Provincial Government of Laguna recently launched a 20-day free computer training program for out-of-school youth and adults (OSYAS) through the Education Revolution Mobile Computer School Program.

 

3. PIA Regional Watch

December 13

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nirebisa ng lokal na pamahalaan ng San Pascual ang kanilang traffic ordinance na naglalayong magbigay ng solusyon sa napakalalang problema ng trapiko sa naturang bayan.

 

 

 

4.  PIA Regional Watch

December 13

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Hinimok ng Community Environment and Natural Resources Office sa lungsod ng Batangas na makibahagi ang publiko sa kanilang zero waste campaign ngayong panahon ng Kapaskuhan. Layon nitong mapaigting ang pagpapatupad ng ordinansa kaugnay ng environment code.

 

 

5.   PIA Regional Watch

December 13

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Lucena City mayor Roderick Alcala and Msgr. Antonio Obena led the inauguration/blessing of the newly renovated regional trial court in Lucena City recently. Renovation was made possible through the assistance of DPWH. The project aims to bring the services of RTC office closer to the local residents of Lucena City and its nearby towns.

  

6.  PIA Regional Watch

December 13

PIA-4A/RIZAL: DTI-Rizal encourages consumers to buy only certified firecrackers and fireworks in line with the approaching new year. Only those which have passed safety standards and marked with the PS Mark have been DTI approved.

 

15 DECEMBER 2013.
	Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on former Japanese International Cooperation Agency president
	President Aquino meets with officials of major Japanese firms
	President Aquino attends gala dinner with ASEAN leaders and their spouses
	Aquino: Many Japanese companies interested in investing in the Philippines
	Japan loan for new Coast Guard vessels approved
	P130-billion reconstruction fund nearly completed with Japan's loan pledge, says President Aquino
	Philippines, Japan sign bilateral swap arrangements
	Philippines to join Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting in Japan with enthusiasm

Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on former Japanese International Cooperation Agency president TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday feted former Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Sadako Ogata for her contributions to human development and security in the Philippines. President Aquino conferred on Ogata the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Datu with gold distinction at the Imperial Hotel here. In his citation, he lauded her for facilitating Official Development Assistance from Japan to the Philippines through JICA. He also cited her for advancing peace in Mindanao and contributing to the advancement of the bilateral strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. Ogata is an advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a special advisor to JICA president Akihiko Tanaka. "I feel very overwhelmed by the generous words you have spoken," Ogata told the President after the conferment. For his part, the President told her the citation "doesn't encompass everything you have done for our people." PND (jl) TOP President Aquino meets with officials of major Japanese firms TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday afternoon met with officials of major Japanese companies during his visit here. The President met separately with officials of Sumotomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd., Nidec Sankyo Corp., and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. Representing Sumotomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. were Nobumasa Kemori (chairman), Yoshiaki Nakazato (president), and Naoyuki Tsuchida (director and senior managing executive officer). Separately meeting with the President were officials of Nidec Sankyo Corp. including Shigenobu Nagamori (chairman, president and CEO), and Masahiro Nagayasu (general manager for investor relations). In the third meeting, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. was represented by Takeshi Kunibe (president and CEO), Hiroshi Minoura (deputy president), Yasuyuki Kawasaki (managing director), and Shosuke Mori (general manager). PND (jl) TOP President Aquino attends gala dinner with ASEAN leaders and their spouses (TOKYO, Japan – via PLDT/Smart) President Benigno Aquino III attended a gala dinner hosted by Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and wife Akie at the Imperial Hotel here before returning to the Philippines Saturday. The gala dinner was hosted by Abe to give opportunities for the visiting Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) heads of state and their respective spouses to interact with each other before heading back to their respective countries. The nation leaders flew to Japan for the culmination of the year-long celebration of the 40th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. In his speech, Prime Minister Abe extolled the year-long friendship of Japan with the ASEAN member countries, sharing with them their "vision, identity and future." He said Japan is looking forward to strengthen and deepen ties with ASEAN countries noting how eager they are in hosting the Olympics and Paralympics game in Tokyo in 2020. “Here in Japan, we all have our eyes on seven years from now. We aim to be outstanding as a people and as a nation,” he said. “From Japan to ASEAN, from ASEAN to Japan, exchanging cultures, exchanging people, the government of Japan will forge a new cultural exchange policy for the next seven years in order to bring to life a heart-to-heart connection on both sides,” he added. Using the Japanese word “wa” meaning links and peace, Abe said the cultural exchange policy would strengthen the “wa” that exists between ASEAN nations. The Prime Minister then offered a toast for the 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations and “envisioned the glittering future between us that 'wa' will create”. The ASEAN leaders were presented with cultural performances for their delight during the gala dinner. PND (jb) TOP Aquino: Many Japanese companies interested in investing in the Philippines A lot of Japanese companies are interested in investing in the country’s infrastructure, energy, mining, and manufacturing sectors, President Benigno S. Aquino III said after arriving from Japan Sunday morning. The President said he met with executives of Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Mitsubishi, Mitsui Banking Corp. and Nidec Sankyo Corp. in his three-day stay in Japan. “Kabilang po sa mga inaasahan nating lalago ay ang mga sektor ng imprastraktura, enerhiya, mining, manufacturing, at siyempre, iba pa po; na alam po nating mamumunga ng maraming trabaho at dagdag na pagkakataon sa bawat Pilipino,” he said in his arrival speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. One of those companies, which didn’t identify by the President, is planning to invest $300 million for the expansion of its operation in the Philippines. There are also ongoing studies for possible investment on a new manufacturing plant, research development facility, and many others, he said. “Napakasulit po talaga ang mga pagpupulong na ating dinaluhan. Umaapaw po ang mga ito sa magagandang balita,” the President said declining to specifically mention the projects. “Sa pagtatayo at pagpapalawak ng negosyo ng mga kumpanyang nakapanayam natin, tiyak na magiging hitik sa oportunidad ang mga sektor na napakalaki ng ambag sa ating ekonomiya,” he added. PND (as) TOP Japan loan for new Coast Guard vessels approved President Benigno S. Aquino III said the $184-million loan to acquire 10 multi-role vessels from Japan as additional sea assets of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is a done deal. “Bago tayo lumipad pauwi, tuloy pa rin ang pagdating ng good news. Nalagdaan na po ang $184 million na pautang mula sa Japan International Cooperation Agency para makabili ng sampung Coast Guard vessels na magbabantay sa ating mga baybayin,” the President said in his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 Sunday. The President arrived from Japan after attending the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. The President said that he expects that after the bidding process, the first shipment of the newly-acquired 40-meter multi-purpose vessels will arrive in the country in 2015. With the purchase of new vessels, the PCG could upgrade its current fleet that will strengthen its task of defending the country’s exclusive economic zone. The new sea crafts, once turned over to the PCG, will do patrols in several contested territories in the West Philippine Sea. PND (as) TOP P130-billion reconstruction fund nearly completed with Japan's loan pledge, says President Aquino The P130 billion needed by the Philippines to rehabilitate devastated communities in the Visayas region is almost complete with the help of Japan, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other institutions, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday. In his message after arriving from Japan, the President said that the Japanese government raised the country's standby loan from $100 million to $500 million, nearly completing the fund needed for the typhoon-ravaged areas in the Visayas region. The President went to Japan this week to attend the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit and other events. “Ididiin ko lang po: sa biyaheng ito, damang-dama talaga natin ang pagiging mabuting kaalyado at kaibigan ng bansang Hapon,” the President said. “Noong nakaraan sa pamamagitan ng kalakal at Official Development Assistance, naramdaman natin ang kanilang suporta. Sa kasalukuyan, kung saan hinaharap pa rin natin ang mga hamon dulot ng sakuna, nariyan sila para iparamdam sa ating hindi tayo nag-iisa, at maging sa paghubog ng magandang kinabukasan, kaagapay pa rin natin sila,” The Japanese government is one of the major donors for the country’s relief and recovery efforts. The President said that prior to his trip to Japan this week, the Japanese government extended a $50 million assistance to the Philippines. President Aquino also reported that in his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan will extend an additional $66 million aid to the country for the immediate recovery of typhoon-devastated areas. Aside from the Japanese government, different Japanese companies have pledged or extended assistance for the Philippines’s reconstruction efforts. PND (as) TOP Philippines, Japan sign bilateral swap arrangements The Philippines and Japan agreed on a bilateral swap arrangement through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Japan’s Ministry of Finance to create a financial buffer for disaster response, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said. “Ang kasunduang ito ay para magkaroon ng liquidity buffer ang pamahalaang Pilipinas na maaaring kailanganin sa pagharap sa malaking gastusin bunsod ng malawakang rekonstruksyon para sa mga lugar na nasalanta ng sunud-sunod na kalamidad,” Coloma said during an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday. Coloma was part of President Aquino’s entourage for his attendance to the 40th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit last week. Aside from the bilateral swap arrangement, Coloma said Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima signed the $184 million JICA Official Development Assistance loan, which will be used for the purchase of 10 coast guard vessels. The Philippine government will shell out P1.3 billion counterpart fund for the acquisition of the new sea crafts for the coast guard, Coloma said. In his arrival speech, the President said the Japanese government has raised the $100 million standby loan to $500 million for the recovery of the Visayas region. Prior to the President’s Japan visit, Japan extended more than $50 million aid to the Philippines. In his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the President said the Japanese leader pledged additional $66 million for the rehabilitation of typhoon-ravaged areas in the Visayas. The Philippine government eyes to raise P130 billion to rehabilitate devastated communities in the Visayas region, the President said. PND (as) TOP Philippines to join Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting in Japan with enthusiasm The Philippines will join the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction with enthusiasm in 2015, according to a Palace official. During a radio interview Sunday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said President Benigno S. Aquino III asked fellow ASEAN countries to craft ways to lessen the impact of natural calamities in ASEAN communities. In his arrival statement Sunday, the President said “respective nations cannot be caught in a vicious cycle of preparation, devastation, and reconstruction.” Typhoon Yolanda is a reminder to everyone for a need to strengthen the capability of ASEAN nations to respond to calamities and lessen the risks, Coloma said quoting the President. The UN General Assembly said last year that Japan will host the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015. Year 2015 will also be the culmination of the Millennium Development Goals and it is when the world will decide on a post-2015 development agenda. Governments will then be asked to give appropriate consideration to disaster risk reduction in the post-2015 development agenda. PND (as) TOP

14 DECEMBER 2013.
	President Aquino: Government won’t stop hunting down perpetrators of media killings, other crimes
	President Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants
	President Aquino thanks Communications Exec Carandang for service, communications group to move on
	President Aquino: Conscience clear on matter of post-Yolanda work in Tacloban
	Government to let airlines decide to submit flight plan to China
	Phl reaffirms support for prominent role of women in society, government
	Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of 'Yolanda'
	Aquino airs concern over Air Defense Identification Zone of China, renews pitch for rules-based approach to territorial disputes
	President's Social Fund explored to alleviate effects of power rate adjustment

President Aquino: Government won’t stop hunting down perpetrators of media killings, other crimes TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) While it cannot promise a total end to the killing of journalists, the government can promise it will never stop in going after the perpetrators and making sure they pay for their crimes, President Benigno Aquino III said Friday night. In an interview with journalists, the President said that as far as the Executive Branch is concerned, it will go after the perpetrators of heinous crimes and build airtight cases against them to ensure their conviction. “Now we cannot promise that there will never be any shooting (or) killing of anybody. What we can promise is we will never stop in trying to come up with the suspects,” he said. But he also said there is a need to come up with a more holistic approach, such that people will learn to settle differences civilly and not take the law into their own hands. Still, he said people who commit crimes “have to be brought before the bars of justice,” and the government has not stopped its efforts toward this end. The President also said he has told all the people involved that filing charges should not be the measure of success as much as the conviction of the defendant. “I tell all the people involved, filing a charge is not the measure of success. It is the conviction. Up to now we really want conviction that will send the message you do a crime, you pay the price,” he said. In past weeks, three media practitioners were shot dead while a radio reporter in Iloilo was wounded in an ambush. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino: Capture of NPA land mine factory to prevent injuries to noncombatants TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Friday night said the capture of a land mine factory of the communist New People’s Army by government forces in Agusan del Sur province in Mindanao will prevent injuries to innocent civilians. The President lauded the state forces (the Eastern Mindanao Command) that discovered and captured the facility last Wednesday (December 11), saying the Philippine government is a signatory to an international agreement against the use of land mines. “It has prevented injuries especially to noncombatants,” he said, noting such land mines had wounded many innocent civilians who should have been spared from the fighting. He added the discovery of the factory is “a very significant find,” with more than 100 assembled mines and components. President Aquino said land mines had been very destructive even to those not involved in fighting between government forces and the NPAs. But he also noted the National Democratic Front insisted that there are “exemptions” where certain types of mines are legal. “Bakit pa (kailangan ng distinctions) kung mines are indiscriminate? Theoretically dapat ang combatants lang ang napapasok sa sagupaan, pero itong mga landmines, in particular, marami nang napinsala na hindi mga combatants (Why make a distinction when mines are indiscriminate? In theory, only combatants should be involved in fighting. But these land mines kill or injure people regardless of whether they are combatants or not),” he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino thanks Communications Exec Carandang for service, communications group to move on TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Friday evening thanked outgoing Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang for his services for the last three-and-a-half years, even as he said the Palace’s Communications Group will “move on” after Carandang’s departure. Speaking with reporters covering his visit here, the President said he appreciates Carandang’s taking a pay cut to serve in government. “I would like to thank Sec. Carandang for all the help he has done,” he said. He added Carandang as a Cabinet secretary does not make much compared to his previous job as a news presenter. The President earlier accepted Carandang’s resignation. Carandang is leaving the Cabinet effective December 31. But the President also said that once Carandang leaves, he expects the Communications Group to move on. “Then we move on. There is a mission that has to be done,” he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino: Conscience clear on matter of post-Yolanda work in Tacloban TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Friday night said his conscience is clear on the matter of seeking "clarifications" from Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez on what needed to be done immediately after super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) devastated the city. At an interview with media here, the President said the government needed to clear the air on what the local government can do and how the national government can help. "My conscience is clear," he said, adding the national government did the best it could under the circumstances. He maintained the national government had to be cautious on its actions because the local government is the primary responder, and the national government provides support. Also, the President said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council law allowed him to remove the mayor if he is "no longer able to function" but he did not do so. "The bottom line is they are in charge, they are the primary responders and if they are no longer able to discharge their functions then it is national government’s responsibility to fill the void," he said. But he said that had he implemented that, the government would have been criticized for persecuting one who is identified with the Marcos family. "So let’s bend over backwards... Nakiusap lang tayo na ‘pwede ba natin ilagay ito… na ito specific na request mo para hindi naman dumating ang panahon na sabihing hindi namin ginawa (So let's bend over backwards. We asked the local government to make specific requests so we would not be accused of not doing our jobs)," he said. In the meantime, he said the government still has many more affected areas other than Tacloban to attend to. "The task really is daunting ... That’s why we are saying it will take about P130 billion to put everybody at least in a better situation than where they were," he said. PND (jl) TOP Government to let airlines decide to submit flight plan to China TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) The Philippine government will let airlines decide whether to submit flight plans to China for its Air Defense Indemnification Zone (ADIZ), Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said Friday evening. Speaking at coffee with reporters covering President Benigno Aquino III’s visit to Japan, Abaya said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines met with the airlines, but did not direct them to comply or not to comply. “Upon receipt of that pronouncement by China, CAAP had a session with the stakeholders, our airlines. They were not directed to comply or not to comply,” Abaya said. But he said logically, it could be surmised that commercial airlines “on their own” would gladly comply. He said once a country issues a notice to airmen, “the natural course is to comply.” Abaya also pointed out any aircraft would file its flight plan with the needed details, and need only to add an additional recipient of such a document. “But on the government side, they were not compelled to comply or were discouraged to, but merely left on their own to go by existing policies,” he said. PND (jl) TOP Phl reaffirms support for prominent role of women in society, government TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) The Philippines, through President Benigno Aquino III, on Saturday reaffirmed its support for giving women a prominent role in various aspects of society, including spurring economic development. In his statement at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President said the Philippines has been committed to fostering inclusiveness and openness in society. “Just as we are determined to build disaster-resilient communities, we too are committed to fostering inclusiveness and openness in society. Part of this agenda includes enabling women to take a more prominent role not only in rehabilitation efforts but also in spurring economic development and further strengthening the ties of communities,” he said. He added the Philippines welcomes the declaration of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to create a society where women “shine.” “This is a vision our administration shares as we have constantly worked to empower women in our country, whether by implementing initiatives in health and education, or by making certain that all Filipinos have equal access to opportunities,” he said. He added the Philippines looks forward to chairing the 58th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in March 2014. Also, President Aquino looks forward to deliberations on a draft resolution that Japan is to submit to the United Nations “that presents the role of women in times of natural disasters.” In the meantime, he said the Philippines encourages everyone to “continue finding ways to foster gender equality and women’s empowerment in the long term, which is fundamental to creating a truly inclusive global community.” PND (jl) TOP Aquino calls for mechanism to combat Climate Change in wake of 'Yolanda' TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) – To avoid a repeat of the devastation brought by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan), President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday called for an international mechanism to combat climate change. Speaking at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President said the consequences of global climate change do not discriminate between economic powerhouses and developing states. “It is incumbent upon all of us, especially for the countries that have the capacity to contribute significantly in combating climate change, to come up with an equitable mechanism that every nation, every corporation and every individual will adhere to. I have personally witnessed the degree of devastation brought by Haiyan. And it is my belief that we all have a crucial role to play in ensuring my nation or any nation for this matter does not once more suffer through a tragedy of this scale,” he said. Yolanda tore through the Visayas and Southern Luzon last Nov. 8, leaving more than 6,000 dead in its wake. While President Aquino thanked the ASEAN and Japan leaders for the help they extended to those affected, he also lamented less industrial nations such as the Philippines “bear a disproportionate amount of suffering from the effects of climate change.” “As we all know, our respective nations cannot be caught in a vicious cycle of preparation, devastation and reconstruction. Haiyan is a reminder to all of us that just as we are determined to safeguard the interest and welfare of our peoples by improving our capacities to prepare for and respond to natural calamities, we must also commit ourselves to dismantling the conditions that enhance the effects of these disasters,” he said. Still, he said the solidarity that ASEAN and Japan showed for Filipinos in the wake of Yolanda “reflects your people’s sincere and genuine regard for the welfare of my country.” “The support of the international community, particularly of Japan and our brothers in ASEAN, tells us the Philippines is not alone in confronting the many different concerns of our time, one of which is the need to effectively manage and prepare for natural calamities,” he said. On the other hand, the President stressed the need for connectivity, not just for trade but also for saving lives and ensuring a reliable and consistent flow of information, goods and persons. He thanked Japan and the Philippines’ fellow ASEAN members for allowing the use of their aircraft, ships and other vessels to deliver goods and humanitarian teams to affected areas. Also, he said the Philippines is hopeful for the continued support of Japan in implementing maritime infrastructure connectivity projects under the master plan for ASEAN connectivity. Meanwhile, the President said the Philippines looks forward to the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2015 here in Japan. He said this gathering will provide an opportunity to develop concrete steps towards not only building more resilient communities but also in addressing climate change and natural disasters. PND (jl) TOP Aquino airs concern over Air Defense Identification Zone of China, renews pitch for rules-based approach to territorial disputes TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Saturday aired concern over China’s recent establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), along with recent claims by Chinese officials that such zones may be replicated. In his statement at the session of the ASEAN Japan Commemorative Summit here, the President also made a new call for a peaceful and rules-based approach to resolving territorial disputes, including those with China. “The Philippines’ call for peace and stability in our region is amplified by recent developments in the East China Sea, on the establishment of an Air Defense Identification Zone, which raises concerns over international civil aviation, safety and security,” he said. “We all should view with greater concern the recent pronouncements of Chinese officials that China will establish other ADIZs in due course,” he added. In the Philippines’ case, President Aquino said the country is pursuing a two-track approach to disputes in the sea “known-by-many-names.” Such an approach is both peaceful and rules-based, and the Philippines is advocating the conclusion of the legally binding code of conduct as soon as possible, he added. “To resolve disputes, we are pursuing arbitration. The Philippines views arbitration as an internationally recognized forum for the peaceful settlement of disputes. In addition to clarifying entitlements and the corresponding obligations, arbitration promotes the rule of law and redounds to the benefit of all parties,” he said. He also said that as Japan and ASEAN move to deepen their partnership, they must keep in mind they can maximize opportunities for growth but only in a “wider regional international community in which all nations adhere to the rule of law and work to promote peace and stability.” “It is therefore incumbent upon all of us to remain committed to the principles of international law and to continue to engage each other in a positive and productive manner as we tread the straight path to mutual prosperity and advancement in the Asia Pacific,” he said. PND (jl) TOP President's Social Fund explored to alleviate effects of power rate adjustment TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Friday evening said the government is considering tapping the President's Social Fund (PSF) for hastening the repair of power facilities damaged by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan). Interviewed by media here, the President said this is a potential alternative to the option involving Malampaya funds, which the Supreme Court ruled may not be used for repairing or restoring power facilities. "Mukhang pwede sa PSF pero hindi ako sigurado kung kakayanin ang buong amount (The PSF looks like an option but I am not sure if it can cover the whole amount)," he said. He said more than 200 transmission towers were damaged after Yolanda tore through Visayas and Southern Luzon last month. The President said the Supreme Court had issued a ruling indicating Malampaya funds are for energy development, and energy distribution may not be covered by it. "Now, I’m still having the lawyers look if it is at all possible to use Malampaya for the purpose of re-establishing all of these distribution lines. Pero so far their initial advice, and medyo extensive din ang study nila, mukhang latest Supreme Court definition does not allow it (But based on initial advice, the high court's latest ruling may not allow it)," he said. He said the high court's ruling indicated Malampaya funds can be used mainly for exploration and development, not distribution. Also, he said the Palace's legal minds are studying if the PSF can be tapped to restore damaged infrastructure brought about by a calamity. PND (jl) TOP

13 DECEMBER 2013.
	Aquino receives donation for 'Yolanda' victims from Filipino community in Japan
	Aquino wishes Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago good luck on pageant
	President Aquino receives honorary doctoral law degree from Sophia University
	Filipinos in Japan held in high regard by employers
	Busy President Aquino to let God deal with critics
	Presidential Sister Kris Aquino visits Tacloban City, defends brother against criticisms
	President Aquino appoints new officials in government offices
	President Aquino conveys Filipinos' deepest gratitude to Japan for solidarity, help in 'Yolanda' wake
	Japanese Prime Minister willing to address regional, international issues under closer coordination with President Aquino
	President Aquino: New air services agreement schedule to boost tourism goals
	Japanese Prime Minister lauds Filipinos for 'admirable spirit' in responding to disaster
	Phl reiterates commitment to uphold rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes in region
	President Aquino thanks Japan for help in Mindanao peace process
	President Aquino invites Keidanren to invest in Philippines
	Japan-Philippine friendship league turns over Y1 million donation for Yolanda victims
	Lacson visits calamity-hit areas in Leyte, Samar

Aquino receives donation for 'Yolanda' victims from Filipino community in Japan (TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno Aquino III received Y1 million or amounting to P426,007 donation for the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) during the meeting with the Filipino community (FilCom) here Thursday. The symbolic check was handed over by Ms. Jenavila Shigemizu, Chairperson of the Philippine Barrio Fiesta Executive Committee and Ms. Olive Akatsu to the President at the FilCom event held at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center. According to Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez, the Y1 million was the profit from the Philippine Barrio Fiesta Festival in Yokohama held last September which attracted more than 100,000 visitors. “Hindi lamang po mahusay ang mga Filipino sa Japan, sila rin po ay may gintong puso at tunay na nagmamalasakit sa kapwa,” Lopez said. In addition to their donation, Lopez said the collections during the mass for the traditional Simbang Gabi at Meguro Catholic Church, which will be organized by the Philippine embassy here with the support of the Filipino Community organizations, will also be donated to the Yolanda victims through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Super typhoon Yolanda caused massive destruction to some parts of the Visayas and Southern Luzon last November 8, leaving behind nearly 6,000 dead and more than P35-billion in damage. President Aquino was joined by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya, Presidential Management Staff Chief Secretary Julia Abad and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma during the FilCom event. It was the first event of President Aquino upon his arrival here Thursday afternoon to participate in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit. PND (jb) TOP Aquino wishes Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago good luck on pageant (TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno Aquino III wished Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago good luck as she is slated to compete in the Miss International Beauty Pageant to be held in this city on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Filipina beauty was one of the special guests during President Aquino’s meeting with the Filipino community at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center Thursday afternoon. “Iyong atin pong contestant sa Miss International, we really wish you good luck and hopefully I will have the same experience that I had in Bali, Indonesia --- dahil marami doon nagsasabi ‘Oh! Philippines! Miss World!’,” the President said referring to the historic win of TV personality Megan Young as the first-ever Filipino crowned as Miss World. The Chief Executive led the entire Filipino nation in supporting Santiago who reportedly has become one of the early favourites in the pre-pageant activities. He is optimistic that the morena stunner from Masbate, Bicol would be able to bring home the crown making her the fifth Filipina Miss International if ever. Miss International 2013 will take place at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall here on December 17. The reigning Miss International is Ikumi Yoshimatsu of Japan. The last time Philippines won Miss International title was in 2005 when the country was represented by Precious Lara Quigaman. PND (jb) TOP President Aquino receives honorary doctoral law degree from Sophia University (TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III received an honorary doctoral law degree from Sophia University on the second day of his visit here to attend the Asean-Japan Commemorative Summit. In his commemorative lecture, the President recalled the life of Jesuit priest Horacio dela Costa, the last Filipino who received an honorary doctorate from Sophia University in 1973 and who had served as an inspiration to the President and his late father Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino. "As a member of a younger generation, both as a product of a Jesuit education and as a Filipino, I am heir to the wisdom of Father Dela Costa, and to the wisdom of all the great men and women who have come before me. I am duty-bound to continue where they left off, helping my country tread the path towards social justice and economic progress --- pursuing not merely growth, but inclusive growth," the President said. He thanked the Japanese people for their steadfast support for Filipinos especially in times of disaster like in the recent super typhoon "Yolanda" destruction. He cited two videos of Japanese nationals that went viral on the internet during the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. One was Shigehiro Matsuda, a young Japanese man engaged in relief operations in Leyte and Samar who speaks Filipino fluently and a Japanese preschooler donating his 5,000 yen savings to typhoon victims. President Aquino also highlighted the reforms he had instituted in government and his effort to reestablish accountability and forwarding cause of justice. "Everything we have achieved, we have achieved by doing what the Filipino people have asked us --- by fighting for the rule of law, even if that meant stepping on toes of influential people with very deep pockets," he said. "My people have shaken themselves out of apathy; they have voted for leaders who had the true spirit of public service; and they fervently supported those leaders as they pursued their reform agenda," he added. Sophia University president Tadashi Takizawa formally awarded the Honorary Doctorate Degree to President Aquino. Takizawa lauded President Aquino's significant triumph in his three years of governance particularly in improving the country's economy and promoting peace in Mindanao through the signing of a Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He also thanked the President for extending help to Japan when it was hit by tsunami in 2011. Chancellor Toshiaki Koso congratulated President Aquino saying that it is an "exceptional honor" for the university to confer an honorary doctorate on him for his essential consistency in implementing political reforms that benefit his nation. He also conveyed his sympathy to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that struck the Philippines last November 8 leaving behind at least 6,000 people dead. President Aquino also received a commemorative token from Sophia University students. Sophia University is a Jesuit educational institution and has exchange agreements with Jesuit universities including Ateneo de Manila University, President Aquino's alma mater. The event was attended by some 150 guests from government, business leaders, think tanks, the diplomatic corps and Filipino community members and Filipino students. Cabinet secretaries present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Transportation Secretary Emilio Abaya, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. Following this event, President Aquino proceeded to the Prime Minister's official residence for a bilateral meeting and working lunch with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. PND (jb) TOP Filipinos in Japan held in high regard by employers (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) - Thanks to their professionalism and caring spirit, some 220,000 Filipinos in Japan are held in very high regard by their Japanese and foreign employers here, Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo Manuel Lopez said Thursday. Lopez, who delivered the opening remarks at a gathering of the Filipino community at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center here, said the Filipinos here have earned the respect of their employers. "They are solid and united as a community. They have no serious rift or division," he added. In his remarks, the ambassador noted 70 percent of crewmembers aboard Japanese ships are Filipinos, while Filipinos are highly valued as caregivers. He cited as an example the case of some Filipino caregivers who refused to leave their wards during the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. On the other hand, he said many Filipinos have married Japanese nationals, and their Japanese-Filipino children serve as a bridge between the two peoples. Meanwhile, Lopez reiterated his call for Filipinos in Japan to attend the Simbang Gabi at the Meguro Catholic Church in Tokyo starting this Sunday. He said the collections from the Masses will go to the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) through the Department of Social Welfare and Development. PND (jl) TOP Busy President Aquino to let God deal with critics TOKYO, Japan via Smart/PLDT) Saying he is too busy because of the problems he has to face, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said he will let God deal with some of his critics who he said continue to nitpick his every move. The President, speaking before the Filipino community at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center here, said he will continue to do his job and address the problems brought about by natural and manmade disasters this year. "Bahala na si Lord sa inyo, busy ako eh (To my critics, the Lord will deal with you. I'm very busy)," he said. He also said that as the nation's leader, he cannot give in to despair and hopelessness even if there is temptation to do so. "Tinanggap kong boluntaryo itong hamon na ito at pagsubok noong ako’y tumakbo bilang inyong Pangulo. Bilang pinuno hindi tayo pwedeng bumigay, hindi tayo pwedeng mawalan ng pag-asa. Maski na napipikon ka na doon sa ibang taong namumulitika pa (I voluntarily accepted this challenge when I ran for President. As your leader, I cannot allow us to despair or lose hope, even if some quarters are trying to annoy me)," he said. President Aquino said 2013 had given him a very heavy burden, due to the natural and man-made calamities it brought. The President said this was a year when the problems from such calamities piled up one after the other, with one problem cropping up even before he could resolve another. Some of those calamities included the floods brought by monsoon rain earlier this year, the attempted siege by followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari last September, the magnitude 7.2 quake that devastated Bohol and parts of Central Visayas last October, and super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) last November. "Meron na ho tayong Zamboanga, meron pa yung monsoon rains noong ‘Santi’, sinundan ng Bohol at siguro iyon na nga..., bumabangon palang ang Bohol, biglang meron namang ‘Yolanda’ na dinali na naman ng kapiraso ang Bohol," he said. After Yolanda, he said 240 to 260 transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines had collapsed, and some P120 to 130 billion may be needed to rebuild. However, the President commended the Filipino people for their unwavering spirit. He said many Filipinos at home and abroad, including in Japan, lent a helping hand to those affected by the calamities. Now, he said many of the affected areas are working to recover. As of December 1, he said the government had extended P1 billion in relief assistance to those affected by Yolanda. Last December 11, the government had distributed three million food packs in Yolanda-affected Eastern Visayas. "Pero tinanong nga ako at siguro ang isasagot ko sa lahat ng mga nagtatanong ng 'kamusta ka ba?' at sa totoo lang ho, feel na feel ko po. Talagang isang malaking karangalan na mamuno ng isang sambayanan na maraming pagsubok na dinaanan, nadadapa, bumabangon at palaban pa rin (I had been asked how I am doing. And I can reply, I can feel the honor of leading a people who face challenges head on, and get up even after they fall)," he said. "Hindi tayo titigil sa pagdala ng lingap... ‘build back better’ (We will not stop bringing the help they need. We want to build back better)," he added. PND (jl) TOP Presidential Sister Kris Aquino visits Tacloban City, defends brother against criticisms TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Actress and television host Kris Aquino visited here today where she spoke to defend her brother, President Benigno S. Aquino III, against persistent criticisms over his administration’s response to the crisis spawned by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan). “I don’t think my brother has any pagkukulang (shortcomings), and you can’t blame me for wanting to speak up for my brother, because no leader would want this to happen to his country,” Aquino was quoted saying in an interview. Aquino, the youngest among President Aquino’s four sisters, also said it was “unfair” for anybody to put any political color into the situation as the most important thing to do right now is to help each other “because we are all Filipinos.” Aquino arrived here at about 6:51 a.m. via a Cebu Pacific flight to shoot an episode for her television show, "Kris TV," aired weekdays at ABS-CBN Channel 2. She was reportedly accompanied by ABS-CBN news reporter Atom Araullo during her visit at the Anibong town. After filming, Aquino joined other ABS-CBN talents, workers, and executives, who entertained, gave gifts, led medical missions, and distributed relief goods to displaced families that are currently sheltered at the Tacloban City Astrodome. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino appoints new officials in government offices President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new officials in the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of National Defense (DND), a Palace official said. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive signed on December 11 the appointment letters of the new presidential appointees. In a transmittal letter signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. addressed to Education Secretary Armin Luistro, President Aquino appointed Luz C. Arriola, Germelina H. Pascual and Ramir B. Uytico as Acting School Division Superintendents. The President also appointed Delfin N. Lorenzana as Presidential Representative/Head, Office of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., United States of America. According to the transmittal letter signed by Ochoa to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the term of office of Lorenzana would be co-terminus with the appointing authority. PND (js) TOP President Aquino conveys Filipinos' deepest gratitude to Japan for solidarity, help in 'Yolanda' wake (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday conveyed to the Japanese government and people the Filipino people's deepest gratitude for the solidarity Japan showed the Philippines in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). President Aquino said he conveyed this message to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their working lunch and bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister's official residence. "Today I conveyed the deepest gratitude of the Filipino people to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito, the Japanese people and Japanese government for the messages of condolences, sympathy and solidarity, and for the assistance they extended and continue to extend for us in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan," he said. He said the donations by private citizens and groups as well as the official aid from the Japanese government prove the friendship that Japan has shown the Philippines "is truly extraordinary." President Aquino also thanked Prime Minister Abe for leading in all of these efforts, and for his hospitality in Friday's meeting. "Your generosity towards our people only shows the strength of the relationship between our two countries, and our shared commitment to work together in order to uplift our peoples. These are also evident in this visit of mine," he said. Also, he said the exchange of notes on the post-disaster standby loan from Japan will be a big boost to the Philippines' efforts to recover from Yolanda. He said the government's initial estimates show it will need some $3 billion to "support critical immediate actions and short-term and medium-term interventions post-Haiyan." "This will definitely help get our people get back on their feet at the soonest possible time," he said. The President described his discussions with Prime Minister Abe as "extensive and productive," and touched on matters of mutual interest. He noted Japan has consistently been one of the Philippines' top trading partners, and this visit allowed the Philippines to "reaffirm our commitment to stronger economic cooperation." President Aquino added the Philippines is thankful for the yen loan from Japan to provide 10 patrol vessels for the Philippine Coast Guard, enhancing the Philippines' maritime capabilities. He also said the enhanced partnership between the Philippines and Japan extends far beyond trading ties. Meanwhile, President Aquino informed Prime Minister Abe that the Philippines has officially adopted Japan's ISDB-T system for digital terrestrial television broadcasting. "Since the superior features of the Japanese system, particularly of its Emergency Warning Broadcast System, will be essential in our desire to save lives, especially during calamities," he said. PND (jl) TOP Japanese Prime Minister willing to address regional, international issues under closer coordination with President Aquino (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) Citing the personal trust they have developed, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday said he is willing to address regional and international issues in closer coordination with President Benigno S. Aquino III. Speaking after a working lunch and bilateral talks with President Aquino, Prime Minister Abe said he and President Aquino developed "stronger personal trust" after attending the last three summit meetings. "I feel that President Aquino and I have developed stronger personal trust in each other over the last three summit meetings we have had this year," he said after the two leaders witnessed the exchange of notes for post-disaster management and reconstruction, maritime safety, and amendments to the air services agreement between the two countries. "Given the increasingly difficult regional security environment, I am willing to address regional and other international issues under much closer coordination with the President," he added. The Philippines and Japan are strategic partners in terms of trade, even as the Prime Minister cited their special relations. Japan had actively contributed to helping the Philippines in the wake of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Prime Minister Abe cited the Japanese people's wish to reciprocate the warm assistance the Philippines had given Japan in the wake of the Great East Japan quake in 2011. He also reiterated Japan's commitment to continue assistance in the recovery and reconstruction processes in coordination with the Philippines. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino: New air services agreement schedule to boost tourism goals (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) A new schedule for the air services agreement between the Philippines and Japan should give Philippine tourism a big boost, President Benigno Aquino III said Friday. President Aquino said the exchange of notes for this arrangement should benefit the air carriers of both countries and help the Philippines realize its tourism goals. "(It) will benefit our respective air carriers and help realize our country's tourism goals. This will also heighten people-to-people exchanges between our countries, which are important in fostering understanding and in maintaining the strength of our relations," he said after he and Prime Minister Abe witnessed the exchange of notes on three agreements. Earlier, the President and the Prime Minister witnessed an exchange of notes for post-disaster management and reconstruction, maritime safety, and amendments to the air services agreement between the two countries. President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe also had a working lunch and bilateral talks at the Prime Minister's official residence. Meanwhile, President Aquino thanked Japan for the development assistance it has given the Philippines in the infrastructure sector. He cited Japan's feasibility study on a transportation road map for Greater Manila. "Their help will allow us to make great strides in our desire to vastly improve the state of infrastructure in the Philippines, while at the same time protecting our environment through pursuing the development of an efficient transport system that can minimize pollution," he said. PND (jl) TOP Japanese Prime Minister lauds Filipinos for 'admirable spirit' in responding to disaster (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) As he reiterated his sympathies over the destruction brought by super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) last month, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday lauded the Filipino people for what he called their "admirable spirit" in responding to disaster. Prime Minister Abe stressed this after a working lunch and bilateral meeting with President Aquino at the Prime Minister's official residence. "I extended once again my sympathy to His Excellency President Aquino for the immense damage to the Philippines caused by a typhoon that hit the country in November. I also expressed my tribute to the people's admirable spirit in responding to disaster," he said through an interpreter. Earlier, the two leaders witnessed an exchange of notes for post-disaster management and reconstruction, maritime safety, and amendments to the air services agreement between the two countries. The Prime Minister also cited the special relations between the Philippines and Japan, and the Japanese people's wish to reciprocate the warm assistance the Philippines had given Japan in the wake of the Great East Japan quake in 2011. Prime Minister Abe also reiterated Japan's commitment to continue assistance in the recovery and reconstruction processes in coordination with the Philippines. He expressed hopes the standby loan and the new grant aid "will be fully utilized" while the Japanese experts' knowledge will become useful in making reconstruction plans. Meanwhile, he said the Philippine-Japan strategic partnership has been augmented further through the Philippines' formal decision to adopt the Japanese system of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting. The partnership has also been enhanced through the exchange of notes on the provision of patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard, and the signing of notes for further liberalization of the air services. PND (jl) TOP Phl reiterates commitment to uphold rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes in region (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) The Philippines on Friday reiterated its commitment to uphold the rule of law and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes while ensuring freedom of flight in international airspace. President Benigno Aquino III said he stressed this during his lunch meeting and bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister's official residence. "We reiterated our commitment to uphold the rule of law, to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes, and to ensure freedom of flight in international airspace," he said on issues affecting the region. Both the Philippines and Japan have been pursuing peaceful means to resolve territorial disputes with China. Meanwhile, President Aquino said 2013 has been a "banner year" for high-level exchanges between the Philippines and Japan. He said both countries have had dialogues and discussions where they "always expressed a consistent desire to deepen our relations and to enhance our strategic partnership." "We do this knowing that stronger engagement will benefit both the Japanese and the Filipino people, foster development, security and peace in our countries, and build a more peaceful and more secure Asia Pacific region," he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino thanks Japan for help in Mindanao peace process (TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III on Friday expressed appreciation for Japan's "tireless efforts" to support the peace process in Mindanao. President Aquino stressed this following a working lunch and bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Prime Minister's official residence here. "We also expressed our appreciation for Japan's tireless efforts in supporting the Mindanao peace process. They were responsible for fostering the millieu through which we made our initial breakthrough, even at a very short notice when they hosted our talks with the MILF here in August 2011. Now we are in the penultimate stage of the framework agreement we are working on with the MILF," he said. In August 2011, President Aquino met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front Chairman Al Haj Murad to bolster the peace efforts between the government the MILF. Now, he said the two sides are nearing a peace agreement that will benefit the Mindanao area. On the other hand, the President said Japan continues to help the peace process through its participation in the International Contact Group, International Monitoring Team and the Independent Commission on Policing. "They also supported our people at the grassroots level through reconstruction and development efforts in conflict-affected areas through the Japanese-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development," he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino invites Keidanren to invest in Philippines TOKYO, Japan - via Smart/PLDT) President Benigno Aquino III invited the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) to further explore opportunities of investing in the Philippines during a meeting here Friday. President Aquino, who arrived here Thursday, met with 11 members of the comprehensive economic organization Keidanren on the sidelines of his participation to the 40th ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. In his remarks during the meeting, the President made an investment pitch to foreign businessmen highlighting his administration’s accomplishment during his three years as President. He underscored the country’s continuing “accelerated path towards growth” citing the successive quarter of having at least seven percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and the investment grade by three major credit rating agencies. He also stressed some priority sectors the Japanese business group might be interested in investing including infrastructure and tourism. “It might be of interest to you that infrastructure remains ripe for investment as we have successfully bid out some of our major Public Private Partnership projects such as those for the public school buildings, two major connector roads, an automatic fare collection system and most recently the international airport in Cebu,” he said. He noted some of the key Japanese companies that expanded operations in the Philippines over the last 12 months namely Canon, Epson, Brother, Morata Furukawa, Bandai, Fuji Film, Terra Motors, Family Mart, Lion, among others. “As you can see, our partnership continues to reap dividends for your companies and for my people who will benefit from the opportunities that will become available to your continued confidence in our country. I invite you all to explore further opportunities for investment,” the Chief Executive said. The President also thanked the business group for extending help to the country during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) last month. “The financial, humanitarian, medical and logistical aid that Japan has provided us in the wake of super typhoon Haiyan will come a long way in relief and rehabilitation efforts as we’ve started to build the affected communities even better than they were before,” he said. ”You have shown us in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan that we are not alone in times of calamity. Perhaps we can strengthen our solidarity further by sustaining our positive engagement in times of prosperity and growth,” he added. He said he is looking forward to continuing support from Japan for the rehabilitation of areas hit by Yolanda. Keidanren head Hiromasa Yonekura thanked the President for accommodating them for the third time since he assumed office. He expressed deepest sympathies to typhoon victims and hoped for speedy recovery and reconstruction of the affected areas. The business group is looking forward to deeper and stronger bilateral economic ties with the Philippines. PND (jb) TOP Japan-Philippine friendship league turns over Y1 million donation for Yolanda victims TOKYO, Japan (via Smart/PLDT) With President Benigno Aquino III as witness, a Japan-Philippine friendship league on Friday handed over a Y1-million donation for victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Representatives of the Japan-Philippines Parliament Arians Friendship League gave the donation at a courtesy call on the President at the Imperial Hotel here. League chairman Kenji Kosaka turned over the donation to Philippine ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez. For his part, the President thanked the group for the help extended by the people of Japan to the Philippines. "We want to thank you for all the help, for Haiyan," he said, adding the typhoon affected 44 provinces. He also said Japan was among the first to respond to the victims of the typhoon, which has left more than 6,000 dead. With the President were Cabinet members including Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad, and Secretaries Albert del Rosario (foreign affairs), Gregory Domingo (trade), Carlos Jericho Petilla (energy), Joseph Abaya (transportation) and Cesar Purisima (finance). PND (jl) TOP Lacson visits calamity-hit areas in Leyte, Samar TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Secretary Panfilo Lacson visited disaster-hit areas in Eastern Visayas Friday to get a firsthand look at the huge responsibility ahead of him, three days after being sworn into office by President Benigno S. Aquino III as Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery with Cabinet rank. Lacson reportedly went to Guiuan in Eastern Samar, as well as the towns of Palo, Baybay, and Ormoc City in Leyte before arriving here Friday afternoon to meet with Mayor Alfred Romualdez at the Tacloban City Airport. In a brief recorded conversation, shared to us by dzBB’s Rodil Vega during the said meeting, Lacson was heard discussing initial plans with Romualdez as to how they could possibly go about the development plans toward rebuilding Tacloban City. Romualdez promised Lacson that he will present him a detailed proposal, hopefully by next week, for his information. The two basically just exchanged pleasantries during the meeting as Lacson was still adjusting to his new role. “Preliminaries lang. We discussed some data that is needed and sabi ko I’ll present it. But we will just communicate when he’s ready next week. I will send a team to present all the data na kailangan niya,” Romualdez told reporters. In an interview he gave during his visit in Guiuan, Lacson was quoted saying that he was there basically to assess the extent of the damage wrought by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). He also said that the response of the private sectors he managed to speak with was “very encouraging.” Lacson gave an assurance that there are enough funds to support all the local governments’ plans to rehabilitate their devastated towns and cities. He said P170-billion has been allocated so far by the national government for this particular endeavor. Lacson, an erstwhile Philippine National Police director-general and senator, formally took his oath of office last Wednesday by virtue of Memorandum Order No. 62 which President Aquino signed last December 6. Among his vast authority includes acting as “overall manager and coordinator of rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction efforts” of government agencies in the areas ravaged by the storm last month, including the provinces of Samar, Leyte, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, and Palawan. PND (hdc) TOP

13 DECEMBER 2013 Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino ang donasyon para sa mga biktima ng 'Yolanda' buhat sa mga Pilipino na nasa Hapon Tagumpay ni Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago sa Timpalak-Kagandahan, hangad ng Pangulong Aquino Honorary Doctoral Law Degree, iginawad sa pangulong aquino ng Sophia University ng Hapon Malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa mga Pilipino ng mga pinaglilingkuran nilang Hapones

Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino ang donasyon para sa mga biktima ng 'Yolanda' buhat sa mga Pilipino na nasa Hapon TOKYO, Japan) Tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang isang milyong yen o P426,007 na donasyon para sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda buhat sa mga Pilpino na naninirahan dito. Iniabot nina Bb. Jenavila Shigemizu, tagapangulo ng Philippine Barrio Fiesta Executive Committee at Bb. Olive Akatsu sa Pangulo ang symbolical check sa pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino na ginanap sa National Olympics Memorial Youth Center. Ayon kay Embahador Manuel Lopez sa Hapon, ang isang milyong yen ay buhat sa ginawang Philippine Barrio Fiesta Festival na idinaos sa Yokohama noong Setyembre na dinaluhan ng may 100,000 panauhin. “Hindi lamang po mahusay ang mga Pilipino sa Hapon. Sila po ay may ginintuang puso at tunay na nagmamalasakit sa kapwa,” wika pa ni Lopez. Bukod sa kanilang donasyon, sinabi ni Lopez na ang koleksiyon sa misa para sa kinagawiang Simbang Gabi na idaraos sa Simbahang Katoliko ng Meguro at pinangangasiwaan ng Embahadang Pilipino rito sa tulong ng mga samahan ng mga Pilipino ay ibibigay sa Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran para rin sa mga biktima ng Yolanda. Malawak at walang katulad na pinsalang umaabot sa P35 bilyon at maraming buhay ang pinuti ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda sa ilang bahagi ng Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon noong Nobyembre 8. Ang pagtitipong ito ng mga Pilipino ang unang pinuntahan ng Pangulong Aquino nang dumating siya rito Huwebes ng hapon para dumalo sa Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit. Kasama ng Pangulong Aquino sa pagdalo sa pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino rito sina Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi, Kalihim Gregory Domingo ng Kalakal at Industriya, Kalihim Jun Abaya ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon, Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office at Kalihim Julia Abad ng Presidential Management Staff. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Tagumpay ni Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago sa Timpalak-Kagandahan, hangad ng Pangulong Aquino TOKYO, Japan) Hangad ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang tagumpay ni Bb. Pilipinas International Bea Rose Santiago na kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa Miss International Beauty Pageant na nakatakdang ganapin sa lungsod na ito sa darating na Martes, Disyembre 17. Ang 22 taong gulang na marilag na Pilipina ay isa sa mga piling panauhin nang makipagpulong ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga Pilipino rito na ginanap sa National Olympics Memorial Youth Center Huwebes ng hapon. “Iyon pong ating kinatawan sa Miss International ay dalangin kong magtagumpay. Sana, muli pong mangyari uli ang aking karanasan sa Bali, Indonesia. Dahil marami roon ang nagsasabi: ‘Oh! Philippines! Miss World!,” wika ng Pangulo na ang tinutukoy ay ang makasaysayang tagumpay ng bituin ng telebisyon na si Meagan Young na kauna-unahang Pilipina na nakakuha ng korona bilang Miss World. Nangunguna ang Pangulo sa sambayanang Pilipino sa pagdalangin at pagsuporta kay Bb. Santiago na makapag-uwi ng korona para siya ang tanghaling panlimang Pilipina bilang Miss International kung sakali. Idaraos ang timpalak-kagandahan para sa Miss International 2013 sa Shinagaa Prince Hotel Hall dito sa Disyembre 17. Ang kasalukuyang Miss International ay si Ikumi Yoshimatsu ng Hapon. Taong 2005 nang huling makamit ng Pilipinas ang titulong Miss International nang magwagi ang Bb. Pilipinas International noon na si Precious Lara Quigaman. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Honorary Doctoral Law Degree, iginawad sa pangulong aquino ng Sophia University ng Hapon TOKYO, Hapon) Tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pandangal na doctoral law degree buhat sa Sophia University sa ikalawang araw ng pagdalaw niya rito upang daluhan ang ASEAN-Japan Commermorarive Summit. Ss kanyang maikling pangungusap, ginunita ng Pangulo ang buhay ng Heswita na si Paring Horacio de la Costa, ang huling Pilipino na tumanggap ng honorary degree mula sa Sophia University noong 1973 at nagsilbing ispirasyon niya at ng kanyang yumaong ama, Senador Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino. “Bilang isa sa bata-batang henerasyon, bilang produkto ng edukasyong Heswita at bilang isang Pilipino, ako ay tagapagmana ni Pari De la Costa, at sa talino ng lahat ng mga dakilang lalaki at babaing nauna kaysa sa akin. Katungkulan kong ipagpatuloy ang kanilang naiwan, tulungan ang aking bayan na taluntunin ang landas ng katarungang panlipunan at kasaganaan ng kabuhayan—pagtataguyod hindi lamang ng pag-unlad, kundi ng malawakang kasaganaan,” wika ng Pangulo. Pinasalamatan ng Pangulo ang mga mamamayang Hapones sa kanilang patuloy na suporta sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad na gaya ng walang katulad na pinsalang iniwan ng katatapos lamang na Bagyong Yolanda. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang video ng dalawang Hapones na nasaksihan sa internet matapos manalanta ang Bagyong Yolanda. Ang isa ay si Shigehiro Matsuda, isang kabataang Hapones na puspusang namigay ng tulolng sa Leyte at Samar at matatas na matatas magsalita ng wikang Pilipino. Ikalawa naman ang isang Hapones na preschooler na ibinigay sa mga biktima ng bagyo ang kanyang inipon na 5,000 yen. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo sa pagtitipong ito ang mga repormang nagawa na niya sa pamahalaan at ang pagsisikap niyang ibalik ang diwa ng pananagutan at pagtataguyod ng katarungan. “Lahat ng aming nagawa, nagawa namin ang mga bagay na hiniling ng sambayanang Pilipino na aming gawin—ang pakikibaka para mamayani ang batas, sukdulang matapakan namin ang mga daliri ng paa ng makapangyarihang mga taong malalim ang mga bulsa,” sabi ng Pangulo. “Nakahulagpos na ang mga mamamayan namin sa ugaling pagwawalang bahala. Naghalal sila ng mga lider na may tunay na diwa ng paglilingkod sa bayan at puspusang nagtataguyod ng mga lider na handang itaguyod ang kanilang repormang adyenda,” dagdag ng Pangulo. Ang pangulong Tadashi Takizawa ng Sophia University ang naggawad ng Honorary Degree sa Pangulong Aquino. Pinuri ni Takizawa ang matagumpay na pamamahala ng Pangulong Aquino sa tatlong taon ng panunungkulan nito, lalo na sa pagpapabuti ng ekonomya ng bansa at pagsusulong ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao sa pamamagitan ng paglagda sa Framework Agreement sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Pinasalamatan ni Takizawa ang Pangulo sa pagtulong sa Hapon nang salantain ito ng tsunami noong 2011. Binati ni Chancellor Toshiaki Koso ang Pangulong Aquino at sinabing “pambihirang karangalan” ng pamantasan na mabigyan ng honorary degree ang tulad niya na matatag ang paninindigang maipatupad ang repormang pampulitika na pakikinabangan ng bansa. Pinaabot din ni Koso ang pakikiramay niya sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na sumalanta sa Pilipinas noong Nobyembre 8 at halos 6,000 na ang namatay. Samantala, tumanggap din ang Pangulong Aquino ng ‘alaala’ buhat sa mga mag-aaral ng Sophia University. Ang pamantasang ito ay istitusyong pagmamay-ari ng mga Heswita na may exchange agreements sa mga pamantasan ng Heswita, kabilang ang Ateneo de Manila University, ang paaralang pinagtapusan ng Pangulong Aquino, Dinaluhan ito ng may 150 panauhing buhat sa pamahalaan, mga lider ng negosyo, think tanks, diplomatic corps at ng komunidad at mag-aaral na Pilipino. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagdalo sa pagtitipong ito sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi, Kalihim Emilio Abaya ng Trasportasyon, Kalihim ng Komunikasyon Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. at Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad. Pagkatapos ng pagtitipong ito, tumuloy ang Pangulong Aquino sa opisyal na tahanan ng Punong Ministro para sa bilateral meeting at working lunch nila ni Punong Ministro Shinzo Abe. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa mga Pilipino ng mga pinaglilingkuran nilang Hapones TOKYO, Hapon (via Smart/PLDT) Salamat sa kanilang propesyonalismo at mapagkalingang puso kaya matayog ang pagpapahalaga sa may 220,000 Pilipino na nasa Hapon ng kanilang mga pinaglilingkurang mga Hapones at iba pang lahi rito, wika ni Embahador Manuel Lopez ng Pilipinas sa Tokyo. Sa pambungad na pananalita ni Lopez sa pagtitipon ng mga Pilipino sa National Olympics Memorial Youth Center dito, binigyang diin niya na nakuha ng mga Pilipino rito ang tiwala at pitagan ng kanilang mga pinaglilingkuran. “Sila ay matatag at nagkakaisa bilang komunidad. Hindi sila nag-aaway o nagkakahati-hati,” sabi ni Lopez. Binanggit din ng Embahador na 70 porsiyento ng mga tauhan ng mga bapor na Hapones ay mga Pilipino at ang mga Pilipino ay kinikilala bilang masisipag na caregivers. Tinukoy niyang halimbawa ang ilang caregivers na Pilipino na tumangging umalis sa pinaglilingkuran nilang mga “wqards” nang maganap ang napakalakas na lindol sa Tohoku at ang tsunaming nanalanta sa Hapon. Sa kabilang dako, sinabi ni Embahador Lopez na ang mga Pilipino na nakapag-asawa ng mga Hapones at ang mga batang Hapones-Pilipino ay nagsisilbing tulay para lalong maging mabuting magkaibigan ang dalawang lahi. Samantala, nanawagan uli si Lopez sa mga Pilipino sa Hapon na dumalo sa Simbang-Gabi sa Simbahang Katoliko ng Meguro sa Tokyo simula sa Lunes (Disyembre 16). Ayon kay Lopez, ang mga koleksiyon sa mga misa ng Simbang Gabi ay ibibigay sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda sa pamamagitan ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran. PND (jl/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Statement upon his arrival from the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit

NAIA, Terminal 2, Pasay City

15 Dec 2013

Talagang magandang araw po sa inyong lahat. Maupo ho tayong lahat. Secretary Albert del Rosario; Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Secretary Babes Singson; Secretary Sonny Coloma; Secretary Purisima; Secretary de Lima; Secretary Ona; Secretary Licuanan; Secretary Domingo; Secretary Abaya; Congresswoman Emy Calixto Rubiano; the chief of staff, Director General of the PNP; our Service Commanders; General Manager of NAIA; fellow workers in government; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat. Kahit na po ganitong madaling-araw na kami lumalapag mula sa bansang Hapon, talagang buhay na buhay at masigla pa rin ang ating buong delegasyon—dahil sa kasabikang ihatid sa inyo ang magagandang balitang uwi namin mula sa aming paglalakbay. Isipin naman po ninyo, unang araw pa lamang namin doon ay nakatagpo na namin ang Filipino Community sa Japan. Ikinuwento po natin sa kanila ang ating mga nagawa, at patuloy na ginagawa, upang maibangon ang ating bansa matapos ang paghagupit ng sunud-sunod na sakuna. Sino naman po ang hindi matutuwa sa kanilang pagbubuklod, upang bilang isang komunidad, ay makapaghatid ng mensahe ng pakikiisa at pakikiramay para sa mga kababayan nating sinalanta ni Yolanda? At hindi lang po salita ang suportang ipinaabot nila: Nakadeposito na po sa NDRRMC ngayon ang ayuda nilang nagkakahalagang one million yen, na pinag-ambag-ambagan nila mula sa sarili nilang mga bulsa. Matapos naman po tayong magbigay ng panayam sa Sophia University tungkol sa mabubuting bunga ng tapat at mapagmalasakit na pamamahala, nakipagpulong naman po tayo sa Kagalang-galang na Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ng Japan. Talaga pong sa ilang araw lang natin doon ay naipadama nila sa atin ang lalim ng pagkakaibigan sa pagitan ng ating mga bansa at ng ating mga kababayan. Napakabuti po ng kanilang trato sa atin; damang-dama rin natin ang pagkasinsero ng kanilang pakikiramay, at ang matinding kagustuhan nilang makatulong sa mga tinamaan ng sakuna. Si Prime Minister Abe nga po ang naging pinakamalinaw na patunay ng kabutihang ito. Napakalaki na po talaga ng naitulong ng bansang Hapon sa ating relief and recovery efforts; bago tayo bumiyahe, mahigit sa halagang 50 milyong dolyar na ang naipaabot nila sa iba’t ibang anyo ng ayuda. Ang good news pa po: Sa aming pagpupulong, nagpanata pa si Prime Minister Abe ng karagdagang 66 million dollars na tulong, upang lalong mapabilis ang pagbangon ng mga pamayanang pansamantalang itinumba ni Yolanda. Linawin po natin: Grant aid ito, at hindi po utang. Dagdag pa po diyan: Ang standby loan natin na 100 million dollars mula sa kanyang bansa, pinalaki pa lalo ni Prime Minister Abe para maging 500 milyong dolyar. Sa tulong ng Japan, World Bank, ADB, at ng marami pang ibang bansa at institusyon, ang tinatayang 130 bilyong piso na kakailanganin para tumugon sa mga komunidad na naapektuhan ni Yolanda, ay halos mapupunan na. Ididiin ko lang po: Sa biyaheng ito, damang-dama talaga natin ang pagiging mabuting kaalyado at kaibigan ng bansang Hapon. Noong nakaraan, sa pamamagitan ng kalakal at Official Development Assistance, naramdaman natin ang kanilang suporta. Sa kasalukuyan, kung saan hinaharap pa rin natin ang mga hamong dulot ng sakuna, nariyan sila para iparamdam sa ating hindi tayo nag-iisa. At maging sa paghubog ng magandang kinabukasan, kaagapay pa rin natin sila, nagpapayabong ng ating ekonomiya, at talaga namang nakikitulak sa atin tungo sa kasaganahan. Iyan po ang ating nadama nang nakipagpulong tayo sa Nippon Keidanren—ang pinakamalaking asosasyon ng mga kumpanyang Hapon. Isipin po ninyo, napagtipon at nakausap natin sa loob ng isang silid ang mga hepe ng pinakamalaking mga negosyo sa kanilang bansa. Napakaraming tulong na po ang naipaabot ng asosasyong ito; bilang grupo, nagbigay sila ng one million yen para sa mga biktima ng Yolanda—at barya lang po iyan kumpara sa ayudang nanggaling sa mga indibiduwal na kumpanyang kasapi nila. May kumpanya na pong nag-abot ng 50 million yen, habang ang isa pa ay may 10 million yen na ipinaabot sa Japanese Red Cross upang makatulong sa mga nasalanta ni Yolanda. Taimtim po natin silang pinasalamatan sa kanilang tulong at pakikiisa. Sabay nito, binalitaan natin sila ukol sa patuloy na pag-arangkada ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, at ng dumarami pang pagkakataon upang mamuhunan sa ating bansa. Tapat nating tinugunan ang bawat isa sa kanilang mga tanong: Mula po sa mga isyu sa enerhiya, regulasyong pinansyal, turismo, hanggang sa digital television broadcast, binigyang-linaw at naresolba po natin. Kaya na nga rin po lalong dumami ang nagpakita ng kagustuhang makapasok sa ating merkado, kabilang na ang kumpanyang indibiduwal nating kinausap: Ang Sumitomo Metal Mining Company, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo-Mitsui Banking Corporation, at NIDEC Sankyo Corporation. Sa pagtatayo o pagpapalawak ng negosyo ng mga kumpanyang nakapanayam natin, tiyak na magiging hitik sa oportunidad ang mga sektor na napakalaki ng ambag sa ating ekonomiya. Kabilang po sa mga inaasahan nating lalago ay ang mga sektor ng imprastruktura, enerhiya, mining, manufacturing, at syempre iba pa po, na alam po nating mamumunga ng maraming trabaho sa bawat Pilipino. Hindi po biro ang ipapasok na kalakal ng mga kumpanyang ito; katunayan nga po, ang isa lang sa kanila ay nagpahiwatig na aabot daw sa 300 million dollars ang dagdag pa nilang ipupuhunan para mapalawak ang nakatayo na nilang operasyon sa Pilipinas. Halimbawa pa po ng mga pinag-aaralan o naitakda nang proyekto ay di bababa sa isang bagong manufacturing plant, may research development facility at marami pang iba. Napakasulit po talaga ng mga pagpupulong na ating dinaluhan; umaapaw po ang mga ito sa magagandang balita. Hindi na muna natin isisiwalat ang lahat ng detalye sa ngayon dahil may kasabihan nga po tayong “Baka tayo mausog.” Hintayin na lang po natin ang aking pagdalo sa kanilang mga groundbreaking ceremonies para malaman natin lahat ang lahat ng kumpanyang tinutukoy. Sa dinaluhan naman po nating ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, tinalakay ang mga isyung nakakaapekto sa buong rehiyon. Hinimok natin ang ibang mga bansa upang pumanday ng isang patas at makatarungang mekanismo na tutugon sa mga hamon ng nagbabagong klima. Bukod sa larangan ng relief at disaster response, kailangan ding maging mulat ang lahat, lalo na ang mga bansang may mga industriyang maaaring malaki ang kontribusyon sa pagkapinsala ng kapaligiran: Iisa lamang itong mundong pinagsasaluhan natin. Sabi ko nga po sa aking mga kapwa-pinuno, “Our respective nations cannot be caught in a vicious cycle of preparation, devastation, and reconstruction.” Sa pagpupulong din pong ito, idiniin natin ang ating mga paninindigan ukol sa kalayaan sa paglalakbay—hindi lamang sa mga karagatan, ngunit pati na rin sa himpapawid. Naging malinaw po ang kanilang pakikiisa sa ating prinsipyo: Kailangang sumunod ang lahat sa isang prosesong nakabase sa matibay na mga patakaran at batas. Nakakatuwa nga po na talagang lalong tumitibay at dumarami ang mga kasangga natin sa ASEAN na sumasang-ayon sa ating posisyon. Hanggang kaninang hapon nga po bago tayo lumipad pauwi, tuloy pa rin ang pagdating ng good news: Nalagdaan na po ang 184 million dollars na pautang mula sa Japan International Cooperation Agency, para makabili ng sampung Coast Guard vessels na magbabantay sa ating mga baybayin. Matapos idaan sa proseso ng bidding, tina-target po nating dumaong ang una sa mga barkong ito sa taong 2015. Pakikisamang tunay po ang pinipilit nating ipakita sa lahat ng bansa. Sinusuklian nila ito ng napakabuti at napakatunay ding pakikisama: May respeto, at nagpapamalas ng makabuluhang pakikibalikat habang sinisikap nating abutin ang ating mga adhikain. Nawa’y samantalahin po natin ang mga pagkakataon upang makapagpamana sa mga susunod na salinlahi ng isang lipunang mas patas, mas sagana, at tumatamasa ng mas malawakang kaunlaran. Ulit po, magandang araw po sa inyong lahat at maraming salamat po

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14 DECEMBER 2013 Rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives DFA Spokesperson Delivers Lecture on PHL Foreign Policy in Baguio City Agusan Farmers Receive Early Christmas Gifts From DAR DTI beefs up industry policy team, economic experts appointed to key posts OIC backs implementation of GPH-MILF framework deal, urges integration of MNLF peace pact gains in basic law NHMFC's "Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko" raffle winners announced GSIS to release Php1.2 B in cash benefit for qualified members POEA cancels recruiter’s license for violating HSW policy Total deployment ban to Egypt lifted The irony of pain DSWD, DepED literacy project for PWDs takes off in Ilocos Region Philippines re-elected in IMO Council under Category C Two firms and one cooperative awarded as labor law complaint by DOLE Region 6 PHL submits application to EU-GSP+ Scheme DepEd, private sector ink agreement for high-tech equipment in public schools In celebration of 2013 National Volunteer Month, PNVSCA honors outstanding volunteers PRC designates Catarman as Special Testing Center and Baybay City as alternate testing site for the January 26, 2014 BLEPT

Rebuilding homes, rebuilding lives

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

Guiuan, Eastern Samar – A day after Typhoon Yolanda hit this town, couple Teresita and Gabino Bitwaran knew that they have to start from scratch again. The home they both worked hard for to build had been destroyed in just a flick of a finger. Teresita, 63, a retired teacher, still gets emotional upon reminiscing how their once secure house in Brgy. Alingarog was torn down by strong winds. Gabino, on the other hand, cannot hide his frustration. However, as the head of the family, he has to lead his family in moving forward. New roof Gabino’s first step was to rebuild their home. With some of their savings, he prioritized to buy eight galvanized iron sheets to secure their bedroom. For the other parts, Gabino used the old sheets that are still in good condition and the tarpaulins given to them as part of the relief goods distributed in their barangay. Despite the couple’s eagerness to rebuild their home, they do not have enough funds to buy all their needed materials. Construction materials from DSWD, DOE To help homeless families like the Bitwarans, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are distributing galvanized iron (GI) sheets which they can use to repair their houses. Initial recipients are those from this town and Tanauan, Leyte. They were identified through an assessment conducted by the DSWD. To date, some 2,154 GI sheets have been distributed to 132 households here while 9,270 pieces were given to 585 families in Tanauan. “These materials are a great help to us,” the Bitwaran couple expressed after receiving 20 GI sheets. The DSWD and DOE will be distributing a total of 75,000 pieces of 3×9 GI sheets to qualified households.

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DFA Spokesperson Delivers Lecture on PHL Foreign Policy in Baguio City

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

14 December 2013 – As part of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA’s) efforts to increase the public’s awareness of its role in the pursuit of the national interest and in nation-building, DFA Spokesperson Raul S. Hernandez delivered a lecture on the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy before a large congregation of college students in Baguio City. The lecture was held on December 13 at the Navy Base Campus of Saint Louis University (SLU). The venue was filled to capacity, as more than 700 students turned up for the lecture. Apart from SLU, other schools in Baguio City were represented, including the University of Baguio, PATS School of Aeronautics, BSBT College, AMA Computer College, and Baguio Central University. Also present were the regional bureaus of various media organizations, such as the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), ABS-CBN, GMA News, Solar News, Bombo Radyo, DZWT, Radyo ng Bayan, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sunstar, Amianan Balita Ngayon and SkyCable. Spokesperson Hernandez explained the DFA’s mandate, objectives and initiatives with regard to the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy, focusing on passport and assistance-to-nationals services, economic diplomacy activities, and the measures to protect the national territory, among others. Spokesperson Hernandez stressed the Philippines’ adherence to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the rule of law, as demonstrated by the decision to bring the West Philippine Sea issue before an independent international arbitral tribunal. In a lively Q&A, the DFA Spokesperson engaged audience members who were interested to know more about the DFA’s stand on a variety of issues including the framework agreement on Increased Rotational Presence with the the United States, protection of overseas Filipinos and repatriation efforts in Syria, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Philippine participation in the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit, partnership with allies on building minimum credible defense posture and cultural diplomacy. Several students and faculty members were likewise interested in the DFA’s role in the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 and the effects of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement on the local economy. Spokesperson Hernandez also encouraged the students to join the ranks of the Philippine Foreign Service Corps, describing it as “one of the best ways to serve the nation.” The lecture was made possible with the support and cooperation of Saint Louis University, headed by its President, Rev. Fr. Jessie M. Hechanova, CICM, and the DFA Regional Consular Office in Baguio, led by Mr. Edgar Canta. Assisting the DFA Spokesperson were Principal Assistants Sharon Johnnette Agduma and Darell Ann Artates from the DFA-Public Information Services Unit. This is the second lecture on Philippine foreign policy conducted by the DFA in the City of Pines this year, and the sixth in a series of lectures held in the cities of Cebu, Dumaguete, Marawi and Puerto Princesa.

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Agusan Farmers Receive Early Christmas Gifts From DAR

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

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed Monday a total of 860.1465 hectares of agricultural lands to 491 farmers in Jabonga, Agusan del Sur, bringing to 13,541 hectares of farmland already distributed in Caraga region for the year and surpassing the region’s target of 11,088 hectares. DAR Caraga regional director Faisar Mambuay led the distribution of the certificate of land ownership awards (CLOAs) covering packets of landholdings in barangays Bangonay, Libas and Cuyago. Mambuay said the distribution of lands is the DAR’s commitment to the farmers in the hope of improving their living condition and spurring rural development. “The government also implements various support services to ensure economic improvement in the farming sector. These services come in the form of credit assistance, crop insurance and trainings” Mambuay said. Mr. Danilo Dayong, 50-year old farmer and a recipient of a 3-hectare area from Barangay Bangonay, shed tears of joy as he received the land title which he described as an early Christmas gift from the government. “There is never too late for a blessing like this. I was a farmer since childhood, now I am a landowner” Dayong said. Jabonga Vice Mayor Glicerio Monton said the DAR’s continued implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in his municipality is a big help in uplifting the lives of his constituents, particularly the farmers.”

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DTI beefs up industry policy team, economic experts appointed to key posts

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

The Department of Trade and industry (DTI) continues to strengthen its industry development and policy arm with the two recent appointments of experts on economics and trade policies, joining the ranks of trade officials under the Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) headed by Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. Early this year, Dr. Ceferino Rodolfo was appointed Assistant Secretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Rodolfo served as Vice Dean and Acting Dean of School of Management at University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) from 2009 to 2013 and was part of its core faculty for Competitive Strategy and Business Economics. Asec. Rodolfo’s expertise includes trade policy, industrial policy, and international trade and negotiations. Dr. Rodolfo earned his degree on Economics from the University of the Philippines. Asec. Rodolfo completed his PhD in Public Administration at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG) and earned his Masters of Science Degree in Industrial Economics at Center for Research and Communication (now UA&P). Asec. Rodolfo has more than 15 years of experience in the areas of trade and industry policy (research, teaching, policy advocacy), and industry and sector competitiveness, for various organizations including academic research networks, government agencies, and development partners. His areas of expertise are Policy research and analysis, especially in the context of trade (e.g. trade in goods, trade in services and trade facilitation), trade negotiations, and competitiveness and industrial policy formulation; design and conduct of capacity building activities, especially in the area of trade, under various contexts: development partner interventions for public agencies, professional training for private sector, and academic courses for graduate students; Strategic planning design, facilitation, and monitoring, both in the context of private sector organizations and public agencies; and, Design, implementation and delivery, and evaluation of development program actions. Dr. Rafaelita Aldaba, on the other, was recently appointed as Assistant Secretary for Industry Development. Prior to her appointment, Dr. Aldaba served as Acting Vice President of the state think-tank Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) from 2012 to 2013. From her stint at PIDS, she became a trade facilitation expert and team leader at the Asian Development Bank, and served as Project Manager for various inter-agency research projects from 1991 to 2009. In PIDS, she had written several papers focusing on the ASEAN Economic Integration, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Trade Liberalization, Competition Policy, Industrial policies, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs). Asec. Aldaba earned her PhD and Master of Arts Degree in Economics at University of the Philippines and took up Bachelor of Science in Business Economics in UP. She also attended advanced studies in International Economic Policy Research at Kiel Institute of World Economics, Germany in 1989. “The appointments of Drs. Rodolfo and Aldaba are timely as they are necessary, now that we are at the high point of elevating our trade engagements with our traditional and pioneering trade partners, while we work to improve our country’s competitiveness through the Industry Roadmaps Project. Their expertise and involvement in both these processes will contribute greatly in achieving our goals for industry development and policy reform,” Usec. Cristobal said.

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OIC backs implementation of GPH-MILF framework deal, urges integration of MNLF peace pact gains in basic law

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

Conakry, Guinea – The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its support to the full implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and called for the integration of peace gains achieved in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In a resolution adopted during the 40th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers held on December 9 to 11 here, the body urged the OIC Secretary General “to exert his efforts to find common grounds between the Parties to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the 1996 Agreement on the implementation of the 1976 Peace Agreement and develop a mechanism to ensure that the gains of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement on the implementation of the 1976 Peace Agreement are preserved and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its Annexes are fully implemented with the end goal of integrating the gains achieved in these peace agreements in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.” Signed by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October 2012, the FAB serves as the blueprint for the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bangsamoro Basic Law, once ratified, will enable the entrenchment of the new region. The OIC also recognized “the peace efforts between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for reaching a comprehensive agreement that would help improvement of the situation of Muslims in Mindanao region” and hoped that the FAB “would be concluded in line with 1976 Tripoli Peace Agreement.” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Jose Lorena, Office of the Executive Secretary Undersecretary Nabil Tan, Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Alex Lamadrid, and Atty. Zoilo A. Velasco of DFA represented the Philippine government in the OIC meeting. Seguis remarked that based on the OIC resolution, “it seems that the organization is accepting the FAB as the framework or mechanism for convergence of the two peace tracks with the MNLF and the MILF.” The OIC sits as an observer in the GPH-MILF peace negotiations. It also facilitates the Tripartite Implementation Review of the 1996 FPA between the government and the MNLF. “The OIC apparently is accepting already the convergence framework being proposed by the GPH,” Seguis added. Meanwhile, he confirmed that MNLF faction chair Nur Misuari, who has a standing warrant of arrest in the Philippines, “was not present in the meeting and there was no MNLF delegation that showed up.” Next tripartite meet Seguis, who had an opportunity to deliver a statement at the plenary, appealed to the OIC members to support the continuation of the 5th Tripartite Implementation Review meeting. The said meeting, which was supposed to be held last Sept. 16, was postponed upon the request of Misuari “due to the incident in Zamboanga City.” “The Government is committed to pursue the implementation of the substantive agreements reached by the parties during the Tripartite Implementation Review,” he said adding that the FAB, which was signed last year, envisions a future Bangsamoro region that is “neither exclusive to the MNLF nor the MILF.” The holding of the next tripartite meeting was supported by the OIC who, in its statement, called on its Secretary General and the Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (PCSP) to hold another session of the tripartite meeting to overcome “pending major difficulties.” New GPH-MILF milestone Seguis also conveyed to the OIC the recent milestone in the Philippine peace process with the signing of the GPH-MILF power-sharing agreement. “The Annex on Power-Sharing recently signed already opens up the possibility of converging the achievements of both GPH-MNLF and GPH-MILF peace processes, setting a path for a coordinated implementation of both peace agreements for the benefit of the entire Bangsamoro,” he stated. Quoting from the last provision of the annex, he pointed out that it calls on the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to “undertake an inventory of the powers and consider the proposed recommendations from the review process of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement for possible inclusion in to the Bangsamoro Basic Law…” The GPH and the MILF will hold their next round of talks in January to finalize the remaining annex on normalization and an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters. The BTC for its part has been conducting consultations with various stakeholders of the Bangsamoro in drafting the Basic Law. “The opportunity for a genuine and comprehensive peace in Mindanao is just within arm’s reach. We ask OIC’s help in realizing this, mindful of the new realities and of no less than the best interest of the entire Bangsamoro people,” said Seguis.

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NHMFC's "Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko" raffle winners announced

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

The National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) announced the eight lucky winners of the “Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” 2013 Raffle Program. First prize of P350,000 goes to Gloria Oliveros of Cagayan De Oro City; second prize winner of P250,000 is Jegina Raagas of Barangay Bitanagan, Davao Oriental; and third prize of P150,000 goes to Isidro Llenas of Cagayan De Oro City, P150, 000. Consolation prizes worth P50,000 each will also be awarded to five borrowers namely, Florida Cerbo from Davao del Norte, Eleonor Bojocan from Cavite, Ruben Rodriguez from Caloocan City, Alejandro Delos Santos from Muntinlupa City, and Agosto Pascua from Novaliches, Quezon City. The winners are among the more than 13,000 updated housing loan borrowers who qualified for the program. They were drawn out of an electronic raffle led by BSP Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo, NHMFC President Felixberto U. Bustos Jr., HUDCC Secretary General Celia S. Alba, and DBM Director Larry Drapete. Also witnessing the raffle draw were DOF Director Charissa Hipolito, NHMFC Internal Auditor Tita Puzon and other NHMFC senior officials. President Bustos explained that the cash prize would be first applied to the outstanding principal balance (OPB) of the borrower’s loan. Any excess amount will be awarded in cash to the winner(s). Awarding of raffle winners will be held during the 36th Anniversary Celebration of NHMFC on December 20, 2013. The “Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” raffle program is the corporation’s rewards and incentives program that aims to encourage borrowers to pay early and keep their housing loans updated. Aside from the raffle coupon, updated borrowers will also enjoy an early payment discount program. The discount amount is automatically applied to the interest portion of the loan.

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GSIS to release Php1.2 B in cash benefit for qualified members

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

After posting earnings from its social insurance fund, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will disburse a total amount of Php1.19 billion in cash benefit to its compulsory life insurance policyholders. "The payout this year is 28% higher than the Php930 million released last year," President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said. Active members whose life insurance coverage have been in force for at least one year as of December 31, 2012 are qualified to receive the cash benefit. However, members whose policies lapsed, matured, or were terminated in 2012 and who have defaulted in their salary and consolidated loans for at least 12 months and unpaid premiums for at least 12 months as of December 31, 2012 are ineligible to receive their cash benefit. Likewise, employees working in suspended agencies as of December 31, 2012 are unqualified to receive their cash benefit. The cash benefit will be automatically credited to the accounts of qualified GSIS members through their GSIS eCards or UMID cards from December 17 to 21, 2013. "Our servicing banks requested that the release of cash benefit be staggered within the five-day period to ensure that our members receive them before Christmas day and to avoid further delays," PGM Vergara said. GSIS earned more than Php93 billion in comprehensive income in 2012, an increase of 27.3% from Php73.2 billion in 2011. The growth was attributed to the pension fund's heightened effort to collect premium payment as well as the improved performance of the System's investments.

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The irony of pain

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

Coron, Palawan – From afar, the island of Barangay Malawig is a picture of an apocalypse. Aboard a tiny boat, upon reaching the shore of the island, one can gain a better perspective of the kind of strength Typhoon Yolanda had. Indescribable It was a moving canvass. The elements of nature took wrath to a higher degree and pounded the island to rubbles. A closer look will reveal walls and roofs of houses effortlessly peeled off, schools and stores hammered to pieces, and livelihoods mercilessly vanished to bits – an instant paralysis brought by ‘Yolanda’. At every turn, pain manifests itself on faces of people who survived destruction. Behind every fallen home are layers of stories after stories, told and retold, but the gravity of pain is unchanged. Emma Kapian, 30, one of the residents of Barangay Malawig lost her twin. Her experience of survival can be traced in tracks of tears that languidly fall on her face upon recalling her experience. Her story was told many times over, and the freshness of pain can break the coldest of hearts. Embattled It was seven in the night and storm surge swiftly seeped through the house of Emma. Her knees trembled as she hurriedly clutched her 3-day old twins on each arm to escape the rising ocean that was engulfing the island. Her husband, Senkaji, carried their eldest daughter Mary Jill, and salvaged a few household items and ran. “Ang lakas ng hangin, at talagang hindi pa namin naranasan ‘yung ganun kalakas na hangin, pero sabi ko, kahit hinang-hina na ako, kailangan talaga naming manakbo pataas ng bundok kasi mabilis ang pagtaas ng tubig at malakas ang alon (The wind was strong, something we had never experienced before, but I had to collect all energy I had left for we have to climb up the hill as quickly as we can to beat the rising water),” recalled Emma. With what was left of her energy, she, along with her husband and Mary Jill, climbed up a hill adjacent to their house. “Masakit po ‘yung mga bato sa paa kapag nayayapakan, pero akyat pa rin po kami (The rocks we’re stepping on were rough and painful to our feet but we kept moving anyway),” she explained. The winds and churning waves were smashing their bodies to the hill, but the Kapians steadily climbed barefoot until they found a safe spot. “Nu’ng naramdaman na naming medyo mataas na kami e huminto na kami (As soon as we felt that we’ve reached higher grounds, we settled),” relayed Senkaji. High above ground, the Kapians watched Yolanda whip their house and the waves ruthlessly dragged their neighbours’ boats to the ocean. “Para kaming nanunuod lang na sirain [ang] mga bahay namin, pero wala kaming magawa. Mahirap pang kalaban ‘yung hangin (It was like we were just watching our house get destroyed, but we cannot do anything. The winds were just strong),” said Emma. The Agony of Emma The strong wind stretches Emma’s energy to drain, but she had mustered a power to wrap her twins in blanket and attempted to keep them from getting soaked in heavy rain. She held her twins dearly, and prayed that they pass through the storm unharmed. Eventually, the wind subsided. As ocean water levelled to the ground, the magnitude of destruction showed its face. It was a crashing image of a pitiless devastation. The whole of Malawig cried in mourning of lost houses, livelihoods and a community in general. It was as if someone had lifted the whole barangay to dizzying heights and dropped it at staggering speed and left whatever is erected to falter. Emma was astonished. In her hands were hard, cold bodies of her twins. Their lips turned purple. She shook both babies and pressed her ear to their chests. Their heart had stopped beating. They were dead. “Para akong dinagukan ng malakas sa likod, hindi po ako nakaiyak kaagad (It felt like a strike in the back, and I can’t even cry),” said Emma in a trembling voice. She looked to Senkaji and Mary Jill, and broke down. “Tinignan ko ulit, baka buhay pa, pero matigas na sila pareho talaga, wala ng iyak (I took a second look at them to check if they are breathing, but both bodies were hard and cold, and I they are not crying anymore),” she said crying. As Emma looked down, she saw the enormity of damage caused to their barangay. Her emotions were torn, and her heart cried for the loss of her home, her livelihood and her children. Senkaji tightly embraced Mary Jill and Emma, as he himself shed tears. “Okay lang sana kung bahay lang at ‘yung bangka ang nasira e, pero ang pinakamasakit, nawala pa ‘yung kambal namin (I could have easily accepted the loss of our house and boat, but the most painful to accept was the loss of my twin),” said Senkaji, whose boat for fishing was destroyed as well. “Ngayon po, kabuhayan namin wala na din, aasa na rin muna sa relief (Now our livelihood has vanished too [so] we will try to survive throught the relief goods [given to us]),” Senkaji added. They used to earn a maximum of P25,000 a month from fishing, and have now been left without an option for income. Undreamt of In the aftermath of the storm, help and support flooded barangay Malawig. DSWD-Field Office IV-B attended to the needs of typhoon-devastated barangays and delivered relief to its residents. There were 160 houses in the area and all of which were damaged if not swept away completely. Today, rehabilitation, debriefing of victims and rebuilding of houses are ongoing. Various organizations have converged to hasten the restoration of damaged houses and provide support to residents who have lost their livelihoods. The International Labor Organization (IOM) had made their full assessment of Malawig and will implement an income-generating activity as temporary livelihood for the residents. Relief goods from DSWD, the British Navy, LGU of Coron and other non-government organizations have been distributed to all residents. All efforts that have been done by far are progressive. “Hindi po talaga kami makapaniwala na ganito ang aabutin namin, wala pa kaming ganitong karanasan noon (We could not believe this would happen, we had never had this before),” said Emma. “Pero wala naman magagawa kundi bumangon (But we can’t do anything but rise above it),” she added, in hope of rising from the catastrophe. The other cheek The island-strip of Malawig is situated off the farthest end of the northern coast of Palawan. Even after Yolanda had hit the barangay, the shoreline is as majestic and breathtaking as it ever was. If you stand by the shore and look over the sea, and away from the destruction caused by Yolanda, it becomes a refreshing beauty that seemingly cleanses the pain of looking at typhoon-pounded community of Malawig. The stark contrast is an apparent message of nature, that misery and beauty sit side by side to each other. A person can always turn around, to see vibrancy, to shake up a perspective and lead the eyes to a brighter, more pleasing blue beyond. Emma buried her twin under their reconstructed hut. Her story will be told and retold and the gravity of pain will gradually subside in time. Her eyes may have cried tons of tears, but her spirit is indestructible. “Babangon ulit, baka may planong iba ang Diyos sa amin (We will rise from this, maybe God has a different plan for us), “ she said, while forcing a faint smile. The most honest of emotions is pain. It easily manifests itself on the face of a human being. It tells a story – of heartbreak, losing a loved one, a home and a life you once knew. Pain lingers and clings to the heart until the agony settles and fades into memory. The mightiest of strength, however, is drawn from the greatest pains ever inflicted. No matter the kind of catastrophe ever ruin a person’s life, hope, and will to survive can endure supreme emotional pain. Emma had lost her twin, but her transcendent optimism fuses peace to her mourning soul.

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DSWD, DepED literacy project for PWDs takes off in Ilocos Region

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

San Fernando City, La Union – To further empower persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to implement a literacy project for this sector. Dubbed “I LOVE PWDs” Project, it aims to develop desirable working knowledge, attitudes, values and skills of PWDs to help them cope with challenges in life. “I LOVE PWDs” stands for Interactive Learning Operations Via Education for Persons With Disabilities. Under the project, 35 teachers who have undergone special training on managing PWDs will conduct free home learning sessions to the beneficiaries. They will use the five learning modules of DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) such as writing, communication, numeracy skills, critical thinking and problem solving, and moral recovery program. To date, there are 50 PWD-beneficiaries of the project coming from different places in Ilocos Region. “This project has been a big help to us. We appreciate the efforts of DSWD and DepEd for opening opportunities to improve our status in life,” a beneficiary said DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that this project will help PWDs boost their self-esteem and self-worth. She encourages other DSWD Field Offices to adopt the program in their respective areas. According to Dr. Edwin Ferrer, Officer-In-Charge of DepEd-ALS, the PWDs under this program have improved their self-confidence. “They are not afraid of other people anymore. Their learning capacity is also enhanced,” Dr. Ferrer said. For his part, DSWD-Field Office I Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo said that the “I Love PWDs” Project is essential in preparing the PWDs for higher learning in formal or non-formal institutions like the DSWD–Area 1 Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC). “The AVRC provides skills training to PWDs such as basic computer operation, canteen management, and massage therapy,” he explained. For the teachers, sharing their time and knowledge is their own little way of making a difference in the lives of PWDs.

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Philippines re-elected in IMO Council under Category C

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

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said that the Philippines was re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council under Category C (special interest in the maritime transport/navigation). “The Philippines placed 9th in rank, garnering 126 votes. The re-election of the Philippines to the IMO Council only shows the high regard of the 170-member UN organization has for our country as the primary provider of seafarers to the world.,” said Baldoz. The report of the country’s re-election to the IMO Council came from Labor Attache Joan Lavilla who said that the Philippines will hold the port as council members from 2014-2015. The Philippines was first elected to the IMO Council in 1997, and has since been re-elected under Category C where 20 governments representing all major geographical areas of the world have special interest in maritime transport and navigation. There are 24 countries which vied for 20-country slots in Category C. Elected together with the Philippines were Singapore, Turkey, South Africa, Malta, Indonesia, Mexico, Chile, Denmark, Australia, Malaysia, Belgium, Morocco, Thailand, Peru, Bahamas, Liberia, Kenya, and Jamaica. Ten governments are elected each under Category A and B. States with high interest in international shipping services like Greece, Japan and the United States were elected under Category A, while those with largest interest in international seaborne trade like Germany, Brazil, and France were elected under Category B. IMO is a UN specialized agency responsible for ensuring maritime safety and security and protecting the marine environment. The Council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible for supervising the work of the organization. The Assembly normally meets once every two years in regular session. It is responsible for approving the work programme, voting the budget, and determining the financial arrangements of the Organization. It also elects the Council.

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Two firms and one cooperative awarded as labor law complaint by DOLE Region 6

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

As part of its 80th Founding Anniversary Celebration last 6 December 2013, Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 6 bestowed two firms and a cooperative in Iloilo City in Western Visayas, the Tripartite Certificate of Compliance with Labor Standards (TCCLS) under the Incentivizing Compliance Program or ICP after voluntary complying with labor standards laws. The ICP has reaped three awardees this year after passing the validation and assessment by the Tripartite Certification Committee (TCC) in November 2013. The TCC, composed of representatives from the management, employees sector and the government, conducted table and onsite validation that included interviews with personnel of contractors and sub-contractors to ascertain that not only the principal company is complaint with labor standards but its contractors and subcontractors as well. The awardees of the TCCLS were Panay Power Corporation (PPC) and its sister company, the Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) located in Brgy. Ingopre, La Paz, Iloilo City, and Escalante Public and Private School Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (EPSTEMPCO), located in East Avenue, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. The TCCLS is the first level seal of good housekeeping issued by the DOLE to enrolled establishments in recognition of their voluntary compliance with labor standards. This certificate is a requirement to qualify for the Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) and the Child Labor Free Establishment (CLFE) awards, and the basic pre-qualification requirement to the DOLE Secretary’s Award and to the highest citation, the Tripartite Seal of Excellence or the Presidential Awards. The PPC, an awardee of the GKK Award in 2012, in recognition of its outstanding achievements in responding to the safety and health needs of workers, the workplace and the community, serves the electricity needs of Panay Electric Company, Inc., one of the largest private utilities in the country, and as well as the Iloilo Electric Cooperative, which provides ancillary support to the Boracay Island, a country’s known tourist destination. The PEDC, on the other hand, is a164-megwatt Clear Coal Fired Power Plant which uses state-of-the-art clean coal technology. It supplies power to the eight (8) electric cooperatives under the Panay-Guimaras Power Supply Consortium such as Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO I, II, and III), Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO), Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO)m Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO), Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO), and Panay Electric Company, Inc. (PECO). Meanwhile, the EPSTEMPCO is an awardee of the National Productivity Olympics Awards in 2011 given by the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) in recognition of its best productivity practices. Once a fledgling teacher’s cooperative in 1992 with 64 members and paid up capital of P6,400, it is now one of the most successful community-based cooperative in the country. From being involved in credit and savings, merchandising, and mini-hostel and function room. It also provides assistance to the community through livelihood programs, income generation, food production and education, as well as employment and environment protection.

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PHL submits application to EU-GSP+ Scheme

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

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo recently signed the Philippine application to the GSP+ plus Scheme of the European Union. The EU GSP+ arrangement is a special incentive scheme for sustainable development and good governance anchored on the effective implementation of 27 international conventions on human and labor rights, environment and governance principles to which the Philippines is a signatory. The Philippine application will be submitted to the EU Delegation Office in Manila for subsequent transmittal to DG Trade of the European Commission. The application will be subjected to review and assessment within a period of 10 months and includes documentary requirements relative to the country’s ratification of the 27 international conventions and an undertaking to accept regular EU monitoring to ensure implementation of the conventions mentioned. The DTI as lead agency for this initiative has concluded more than a year of preparatory work involving inter-agency consultations and industry briefings on the requirements and benefits of the scheme. The application is supported by industry groups and associations who would like to take advantage of the GSP+ preferences, particularly the textile and garments and the tuna sectors. DTI Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. stated that “the manufacturing industry roadmap identifies government interventions in assisting the private sector in gaining more access to markets. The sustainability of the tuna and garments sectors will greatly contribute to the revival of the country’s manufacturing industry since these sectors account for more than 50% of the country’s industry labor force.” Initial estimates indicate that the GSP+ could increase Philippine exports to the EU by 611.8M euros, representing around 11.96% expansion over 2012 Philippine exports to the EU. Product sectors with the highest projected increases are animal or vegetable fats and oils (231.2M euros); prepared foodstuffs (151.2M euros); textiles and garments (79.7M euros); footwear, headwear, umbrellas (28.5M euros); and chemical products (17.1M euros). The projected increase in exports could translate to 267,587 additional jobs both in the agriculture and manufacturing sector. The application to the EU GSP+ scheme is in accordance with the Philippines’ Europe strategy to secure market access preferences, initially through the GSP+ while informal technical discussions are ongoing for a possible PH-EU and PH-EFTA FTAs.

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DepEd, private sector ink agreement for high-tech equipment in public schools

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

MAKATI CITY – The Department of Education (DepEd), the Betty Bantug Benitez (BBB) Foundation, and Playtech signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a US$100,000 project that aims to provide educational equipment for schools in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. The project, which will be implemented by the foundation, will provide 13 Promethian Interactive White Boards to 13 public elementary schools and 200 desktop computers to 7 public high schools. Education secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC called the donation “an early Christmas gift” and explained that while “…the first three years of the current administration were spent dealing with backlogs in the number of classrooms, teacher items, textbooks, furniture, and sanitation facilities. The second half will be spent providing schools with something beyond basic resources.” According to Victorias City Rep. Alfredo Benitez, “This is what the private sector can do to help the government in advancing education.” He added that while high-tech equipment is good, “…education banks on the effectivity of our teachers. They are the most crucial component.” Luistro also mentioned the “limitless possibilities of technology” and explained that the interactive boards, among other tech gadgets, are being studied by the DepEd to maximize their use in education. “It will be a waste if we use this with the old mode of teaching – the teacher standing in front giving information. We are studying how to use these so that learning becomes interactive. After all, the best way to learn is when the students discover things on their own.” Playtech CEO Moran Weizer explained the advantages of using the whiteboard that connects to the internet and has touch-screen capabilities. “We know that it works. We’ve tested this is schools in Israel.” The company, which is traded on the London Stock Exchange, employs around 1,000 Filipinos in Manila. Weizer reiterated their commitment to the country. “This is only the first of many steps to further contribute to Philippine society. This is part of our role as a private company.” At present the DepEd target is to provide computer packages for all public high schools with electricity nationwide within 2014. Beneficiaries: Promethean Interactive White Board 1. Villa Miranda ES 2. Estado ES 3. Victorias North ES 4. Dona Andrea Palanca ES 5. Estado ES – Mimi extension 6. La Consolacion ES 7. Valencia Ko ES 8. Gawahon ES 9. Santiago Franco Sr. Memorial ES 10. J.L. Suarez ES 11. DJ Gaston ES 12. Romana ES 13. Amanda ES Desktop Computers 1. Victorias NHS – 50 units 2. Brgy. Estado NHS – 20 units 3. Alfonso Sta Ana Memorial HS – 20 units 4. Victorias NHS – Gaston Ext – 25 units 5. Victorias NHS – Brgy I Brillantes Ext. – 20 units 6. Victorias NHS –Canetown Ext. – 20 units 7. Negros Occidental NSHS – 45 units

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In celebration of 2013 National Volunteer Month, PNVSCA honors outstanding volunteers

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

MANILA— The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) is honoring outstanding Filipino volunteers in celebration of the 2013 National Volunteers Month this December. These volunteers, whose works demonstrate commitment and service to others especially in times of disaster and calamities, will be recognized in an Awarding Ceremony on Friday, December 13 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. The Search for Outstanding Volunteers recognizes Filipinos who exhibited exemplary performance and dedication to service while building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. The search is open to all Filipinos -- individuals or local or international volunteer organization -- who currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines. This year’s SOV awardees are the following: 1. Margarita H. Coscolluela 2. Arvin O. Marabiles 3. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. 4. Volunteer Service Provider (VSP) 5. Kabalikat Civicom – 475 Marinduque Chapter 6. PLDT Employee Volunteers 7. Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) or the German Development Service Coscolluela, who formed the Sta. Maria Iloy Sang Dios Prison Ministry in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in 1981, is this year’s recipient of the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA). She has been actively involved for 32 years in the prison ministry, which conducts regular visits, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and teachings to 19 jails all over the province. She also conducts a welfare program which provides prisoners with medical, livelihood, personal, and paralegal assistance. The national awardees for the Individual Category are Arvin O. Marabiles and Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. Marabiles hailed from Davao City and formed the Saint Francis Xavier Trabungco Mountaineering Club Search and Rescue Group (SFX TRABMOC). SFX TRABMOC is the only volunteer emergency response group in Northern Davao. He joined the group’s emergency missions, particularly in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations during the Compostela Valley landslide in December 2012. Meanwhile, Anduyan presently serves as the Dean of the College of Industrial Technology and Education in the Isabela State University. He initiated and implemented Project TEACH (Teach Every Agta Child), which develops the functional literacy of Agta children in Brgy. Cabisera 10, Ilagan City, Isabela. He also formed the Project DEMI (Dynamic English and Mathematics Instruction), a barangay-based literacy program which aims to empower school children of Brgy. Namnama, Ilagan City to acquire functional skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. The SOV also acknowledges volunteer groups and organizations which cover the Not-for-Profit and the Corporate categories. One of the group awardees for the Not-for-Profit Category is the Volunteer Service Provider (VSP). It is composed of students from the San Pedro College in Davao City. In 2010, VSP started FLUSH (For the Love of Ultimate Hygiene and Sanitation) by constructing two ceramic toilet bowl units for the Matigsalog Tribe of Marilog District, Davao City. The group also initiated and implemented DOMES (Developing Ocean’s Man-made Eco-friendly Shelters), wherein they constructed six concrete domes that were then deployed in previously destroyed seabed at Purok Pigasaan, Samal Island, Davao del Norte. The Kabalikat Civicom – 475 Marinduque Chapter, another Not-for-Profit Category awardee, is one of the more than 700 chapters of the Kabalikat Civic Communicators Association, Inc. Kabalikat Civicom is the Philippines’ largest and most active civic communication group. The organization’s Marinduque chapter has a 24/7 Disaster Monitoring and Civic Rescue Team that can be deployed anywhere in the entire province. The group also disseminates early warnings to localities and makes available radios with portable antennas and solar powered communication systems which can be used in times of calamities. The recipient of the Corporate Category award is the PLDT Employee Volunteers, a group of PLDT employees who do volunteer works outside their regular working hours. One of the group’s most notable volunteer contributions is the TELEpuno, a 5-year tree planting program established in 2008 that has planted over 80,000 seedlings to restore the ecology of the Infanta-Real Quezon watershed reserve. Special citation will also be conferred to Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) or the German Development Service. From 1990 to 2011, DED sent a total of 210 German volunteer development workers to the Philippines, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao. The DED established a Peace Building Program in 2003, which pushed for peaceful conflict resolution in Mindanao. It also created the Weltwaerts Program in 2008, which extends assistance in basic literacy, non-formal education, health, and environment concerns, among others. Carrying the theme “Volunteer for the MDGs: Fight HIV and AIDS”, the 2013 National Volunteers Month celebration will be headed by the NVM Honorary Chair Efren Penaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year and the 2008 Search for Outstanding Volunteer Awardee. Apart from the SOV, the PNVSCA will also be conducting a forum on “Filipino Youth Volunteering for HIV and AIDS” in January 2014. It is expected to gather about 100 youth participants from different youth organizations in Metro Manila who will be given the opportunity to express their commitment to volunteer in HIV- and AIDS-related activities. Further, the National Coalition on Volunteerism (NCV) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme, with the support from the Association of Foundations (AF) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), will also organize a two-day event entitled “Pugay-Kamay: Honoring the Volunteer Hands and Hearts of Hope”. The event aims to harness the strength of volunteerism for nation-building, participatory governance and resiliency of communities. A Kite-Flying Festival was held last Saturday, December 7, by the PNVSCA, NCV and UNV and participated in by local government officials from Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Naga. The traditional kite-maker Pa Andang from Sulu/Tawi-tawi provided the kites which carried the words “Katapatan, Kalusugan, Kapayapaan.” Launched on December 5, 1998, the annual observance of NVM seeks to: (a) build nationwide public awareness and appreciation for volunteerism; (b) create an environment for encouraging voluntary action; and (c) recognize volunteers and their contributions to society.

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PRC designates Catarman as Special Testing Center and Baybay City as alternate testing site for the January 26, 2014 BLEPT

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

Manila, December 12, 2013 – The Professional Regulation Commission and the Professional Regulatory Board for Professional Teachers announces the designation of Catarman, Northern Samar as a special testing center and Baybay City, Leyte as an alternate testing site for the January 26, 2014 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (BLEPT) on account of the poor and unstable condition of the buildings and facilities in Tacloban City which were regularly used in connection with the conduct of the BLEPT. "The holding of the January 2014 BLEPT in Catarman and Baybay City will work to the convenience and comfort of the examinees, especially those coming from Tacloban City", the Board said. The January 2014 BLEPT will be held simultaneously in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Catarman Northern Samar, Baybay City Leyte (Alternate Testing Site), Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tuguegarao, Pagadian, Zamboanga and Hong Kong.

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Last Updated: 16 DECEMBER 2013
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers arrival statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday (December 15) from Tokyo, Japan where the Chief Executive attended the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III (second from left), together with other Asean leaders with their respective spouses bid goodbye during the gala dinner hosted by Japan Prime Misister Shinzo Abe at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan Saturday (December 14). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Prime Minister Shinzo and Madame Abe at the reception area before the start of the gala dinner hosted by the Japanese Prime Misister at the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit is the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) president & chief executive officer Takeshi Kunibe during the courtesy call at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. The call highlight the Aquino administration’s thrust on good governance and sound economic management and thank the officials of SMBC in supporting Philippine investment promotion activities in Japan. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. In photo are SMBC’s deputy president Hiroshi Minoura, managing director Yasuyuki Kawasaki and director & general manager Shosuke Mori and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) president & chief executive officer Takeshi Kunibe during the courtesy call at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. The call highlight the Aquino administration’s thrust on good governance and sound economic management and thank the officials of SMBC in supporting PH investment promotion activities in Japan. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with NIDEC chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer and Nidec Sankyo Corporation chairman Shigenobu Nagamori during the meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. Also in photo is Nidec Sankyo Investor Relations general manager Masahiro Nagayasu. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) – Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes NIDEC chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer and Nidec Sankyo Corporation chairman Shigenobu Nagamori during a meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Ltd. (SMMC) chairman and representative director Nobumasa Kemori during the Meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. Also in photo are SMMC’s president and representative director Yoshiaki Nakazato and director & senior managing executive officer Takeshi Kubota. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Sumitomo Metal Mining Company Ltd. chairman and representative director Nobumasa Kemori during the meeting at the Kaede Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata after conferring on her the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14, 2013) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited for her dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall social and economic development of the PH at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo. Also in photo are husband Shinjuro Ogata, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata during the courtesy call at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited for her dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall social and economic development of the Philippines. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. Also In photo are husband Shinjuro Ogata, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata and husband Shinjuro Ogata during the conferment ceremony of the Order of Sikatuna at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata during the conferment ceremony of the Order of Sikatuna at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata during the conferment ceremony at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is JICA president Akihiko Tanaka. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs & Special Advisor to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president and former JICA president Dr. Sadako Ogata in a ceremony at the Yamabuki Room of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit. Dr. Ogata was cited for her dedicated leadership of the JICA, contributing to the overall social and economic development of the Philippines. The Order of Sikatuna is the national order of diplomatic merit of the Republic of the Philippines. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders offers a toast during the luncheon meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday (December 14) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit, the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III along with fellow regional leaders attends the luncheon meeting hosted by Keidanren and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Golden Room of the Keidanren Kaikan on Saturday (December) at the sidelines of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit, the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the discussions during Session 1 of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Saturday (December 14, 2013). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the Session 1 of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Saturday (December 14, 2013). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upon arrival for Session 1 of the ASEAN – Japan Commemorative Summit at the Hagoromo-no-ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Saturday (December 14). The ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit will be the culminating event to a full year of activities commemorating 40 years of ASEAN-Japan relations. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

            

Thank You and God Bless !!!!