Dispatch for January 23 , 2014 ( Thursday ) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PR , 3 Weather Watch , 2 Reg’l. Watch , 4 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 46 Photonews (Jan.22)

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1. WeatherWatch
24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Note: Please refresh the page to ensure that the information is up-to-date.   Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 23 January 2014 Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 23 January 2014 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 23 January 2014 Satellite Image for 5:32 a.m., 23 January 2014 Synopsis: Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: Eastern Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated light rains. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
2. WeatherWatch    GALE WARNING GALE WARNING NO. 33 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon. Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 23 January 2014 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Visayas and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. SEABOARD WEATHER WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS) SEA CONDITION WAVE HEIGHTS (meters) THE NORTHERN SEABOARD OF LUZON (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Isabela) Cloudy skies with light rains (52- 68 /28 - 36) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 5.0 THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS (Samar and Leyte) Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms (52- 68 /28 - 36) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 5.0 THE SEABOARDS OF CENTRAL LUZON AND THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF SOUTHERN LUZON (Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, The Eastern coasts of Albay, Sorsogon and Quezon including Polillo Island) Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains (52- 68 /28 - 36) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 5.0 THE SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN AND EASTERN MINDANAO (Agusan del Norte, Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao) Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms (52- 63 /28 - 34) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 4.5 THE WESTERN AND SOUTHERN SEABOARD OF SOUTHERN LUZON (Metro Manila, Cavite, Mindoro, Batangas, Palawan, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Burias Island, The Southwestern coasts of Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon and Quezon) Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains (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.   3. Weather Watch Tropical Cyclone Update As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).               1. PIA Regional Watch 19 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: Officials of barangay Ibabay Dupay, Lucena City implements experimental traffic scheme. This aims to solve traffic congestion in said barangay. 2. PIA Regional Watch 21 hours ago PIA-4A/CAVITE: The local government of Carmona recently turned-over Php 300,000.00 worth of livelihood assistance to Kilusan Kabalikat ng may Kapansanan para sa Kinabukasan (4K) and Persons with Disability Organization Carmona, Cavite, Inc. Said assistance will be used for the present livelihood of 4K and additional livelihood for the PWDs.     1.  PIA OFW Watch 14 hours ago DZBB: Kinumpirma ng DFA na wala pang nahuhuling Pinoy sa malawakang crackdown ng Malaysia sa mga illegal immigrant doon. 2. PIA OFW Watch 17 hours ago DZMM: Pinamamadali ng grupong Migrante International sa gobyerno ang pag-rescue sa mga OFW na biktima ng human trafficking at hino-hold ng kanilang mga Malaysian employer. Kasunod ito ng malawakang crackdown ng gobyerno ng Malaysia simula ngayong araw laban sa mga undocumented na foreign workers sa kanilang bansa. 3. PIA OFW Watch 18 hours ago DZRH: Inihayag ng DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez na nagsimula na ang crackdown sa mga illegal migrant worker sa Malaysia at kabilang sa nanganganib ang ilang OFW, pero sa ngayon ay wala pang nahuhuli. Patuloy aniya ang kanilang monitoring sa pamahalaan ng Malaysia kaugnay sa isinasagawang pagtugis sa mga ilegal na manggagawa. 4. PIA OFW Watch 19 hours ago DZMM: Inihain sa Kamara ng Gabriela party-list group ang isang resolusyon na humihikayat na alamin ng Kongreso ang kalagayan ng mga OFW na nakapiit sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Hiniling din ng grupo na dapat bigyan ng gobyerno ng mahuhusay na abogado ang mga ito upang matulungan sila sa kanilang mga kaso. Nakasaad anila sa datos ng Migrante International na tinatayang 7,000 OFWs ang nakakulong sa iba’t ibang bansa kung saan 108 sa mga ito ang nakahanay sa parusang kamatayan.   Weather Watch January  23 , 2013  ( Thursday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM CAVITE             :  Sunny  LAGUNA          :  Cloudy  BATANGAS      :   Cloudy  RIZAL                :  Sunny  QUEZON           :  Mosty Cloudy  ==============================================================    DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing Monday 20th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 GUMACA, Quezon, Enero 20 (PIA) --Matapos pagkalooban ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng iba't ibang kagamitan ang Gumaca Woodcraft Multi-purpose Cooperative sa ilalim ng shared services facility (SSF) program, isang pagsasanay ukol sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ang ipinagkaloob naman ng DTI-Quezon. Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC). Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures. Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto. Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara. Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod:  ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’. Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan. Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631390198699#sthash.NfuxAYv3.dpuf DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing Monday 20th of January 2014   GUMACA, Quezon, Enero 20 (PIA) --Matapos pagkalooban ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng iba't ibang kagamitan ang Gumaca Woodcraft Multi-purpose Cooperative sa ilalim ng shared services facility (SSF) program, isang pagsasanay ukol sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ang ipinagkaloob naman ng DTI-Quezon. Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC). Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures. Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto. Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara. Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod:  ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’. Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan.                                                                                               Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon)    Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf    No measles outbreak in Calabarzon Monday 13th of January 2014  2  0  0  0  0 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Jan 13 (PIA) --While the Department of Health (DOH) declared measles outbreak in some cities of the National Capital Region (NCR) early this month, there was no reported occurrence of outbreak in Calabarzon as of this time. But Calabarzon was not spared from the rising cases of measles in the Philippines. Last year, the total number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the region was 458, which was 288 percent higher compared with the 159 confirmed cases in 2012. Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, Jr., regional director, DOH - Regional Health Office (DOH-RHO) 4A, said there was an increase in measles cases last 2013 in three provinces in the region, namely: Laguna, 259; Batangas, 88; and Cavite, 57. The cities with the highest number of measles cases were: 1) Sta. Rosa City, 119; 2) Lipa City, 42; and 3) Bacoor City, 23. Since May 2013, the health workers in these areas have already conducted outbreak response immunization for children 6 months to 59 months old to complete the 2 doses of measles vaccination and ensure increase in the immunization coverage. Dr. Santiago stressed that significant activities have already been undertaken by the DOH-RHO 4A, in coordination with the local government units, such as: massive information dissemination campaign; delivery of Measles vaccines (MV) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccines (MMRV) to different provinces to ensure availability of logistics; surveillance of all reported cases; and inventory of cold chain facilities. Moreover, he said, health advisories have also been sent to local government units, to remind them to mobilize their respective local health workers to conduct catch-up and follow-up immunization of drop-outs and missed children, to ensure high immunization coverage. (MTYMalubag, DOH RHO4A/PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631389601198#sthash.rIIraTU7.dpuf    P10.5M halaga ng isda sa lawa ng Taal, apektado ng malamig na panahon Tuesday 21st of January 2014   TALISAY, Batangas, Enero 21 (PIA) --Tinatayang may 120 toneladang isda na nagkakahalaga ng P10.5M ang naapektuhan sa nangyaring fish mortality sanhi ng malamig na panahon. Sinabi ni Vic Mercado ng Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB) na nangyari ang insidente sanhi ng sulfur upwelling sa lawa ng Taal a siyang naging dahilan ng fish mortality sa mga barangay na kinabibilangan ng Aya, Quiling, Tumaway at Sampaloc na sakop ng bayang ito. Aniya, ang fish mortality ay dulot ng pag-overturn ng lawa at sulfur upwelling na dala ng napakalamig na panahon. Ito ay karaniwang nangyayari kapag ang malamig na tubig ay nagiging mabigat at bumabagsak sa ilalim na nagiging sanhi naman ng pagtaas ng mainit na tubig na kakaapekto sa mga isda. May 51 fishcages sa kabuuang 2,000 ang naapektuhan sa bayan ng Talisay. Patuloy din ang monitoring ng Task Force Taal Lake, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at lokal na pamahalaan ng Talisay upang masiguro na hindi na ito muling mauulit. Pinayuhan din ang mga operators ng mga fishcages na anihin na ang mga isdang maaaring maibenta upang maiwasan ang pagkalugi.(PIA Batangas)   Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo By: Gideon Gapayao Friday 10th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 10 (PIA) --The Antipolo City Business and Permits and Licensing Office is currently implementing its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) activity helping local entrepreneurs fast track their business registration processing. Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business. Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report. BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo By: Gideon Gapayao Friday 10th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 10 (PIA) --The Antipolo City Business and Permits and Licensing Office is currently implementing its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) activity helping local entrepreneurs fast track their business registration processing. Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business. Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report. BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf  Rizal gov’t signs agreement for Hinulugang Taktak development Monday 20th of January 2014 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 20 (PIA) --A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the co-administration and co-management of the Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape (HTPL) was signed recently between the provincial government of Rizal and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon Region recently. Governor Nini Ynares representing the Rizal Provincial Government (RPG) signed the MOA along with DENR Calabarzon Region regional executive director Reynulfo A. Juan and Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares. Under the agreement, the DENR through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the HTPL, chaired by RED Juan and co-chaired by Gov. Ynares shall oversee the active participation of all concerned and other stakeholders in the protection and management of the abovementioned natural resources. “It is high time that we bring back the glory of one of the most iconic waterfalls in the province and the whole country. I assure our constituents that more environmentally sound projects are in the pipeline,” remarked Gov. Ynares. The governor has always been a strong advocate of a sustainable development and protection of the environment. Her flagship project YES to Green (Ynares Eco System) program which has three components: cleaning, greening and recycling, has been successfully launched and supported by all the municipalities and one component city in the province. The HTPL is a priority project under the YES Program. The Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls with an area of 3.2 hectares was declared under the category of protected landscape through Proclamation No. 412 to ensure its protection, sustainable development and rehabilitation. (Rizal PIO/PIA-Rizal) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   22 JANUARY 2014. Aquino joins People Asia awarding rites; thanks foreign dignitaries for continuing support President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will be completed by 2017 President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create 18,000 jobs Palace: Reforms in GOCC system to keep bonuses of executives from getting too high President Aquino welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang President Aquino creates an Inter-Agency Committee for the Philippine hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation Administration unfazed by recent attacks, says Official Aquino joins People Asia awarding rites; thanks foreign dignitaries for continuing support   President Benigno S. Aquino III once again expressed his gratitude to foreign dignitaries who assisted the Philippines following the devastation of major calamities last year. “Here, we have the ambassadors and heads of mission who represent countries that have proven to be friends of the Filipino people—countries who have shown their support and solidarity with the Philippines in the wake of recent calamities,” the President said during the People Asia’s People of the Year Awards 2014 held in Makati City Tuesday night. “I ask you to join me in thanking them once more tonight. Excellencies, may I ask you to receive the applause—the gratitude and the friendship of our country.” The country was hit by major disasters in 2013 most notably the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu and the super typhoon Yolanda that devastated the Visayas region. The President said that Tuesday’s event is a celebration of a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence that has tangible effects on others. Tuesday’s event recognized the recipient of People Asia’s highest honor, Mrs. Socorro C. Ramos, the founder and general manager of National Book Store. For 14 years, People Asia magazine has annually recognized people who have inspired others by exhibiting competence and excellence in their chosen fields. “Whether in business, media and entertainment, medicine, or the many other sectors represented here today, our awardees for 2014 have indeed accomplished so much, and in so doing, have brought honor to the Philippines. To all of you: my sincerest congratulations,” the President said of the awardees. Among this year’s People of the Year are Miss World 2013 Megan Young, actress and singer Nora Aunor, Rizal Banking Commercial Corp. chair Helen Yuchengco Dee, five-time PBA coach of the year Chot Reyes, film director Brillante Mendoza, actor Coco Martin, Shell Philippines country chair Edgar Chua, ABS-CBN channel head Cory Vidanes, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, pop divah Kuh Ledesma, fashion designer Criselda Lontok, prosthodontist Dr. Steve Mark Gan, education advocate Fr. Gerard Deveza and Australian hotelier Thomas Meyer of Raffles and Fairmont Hotel. PND (as) TOP President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will be completed by 2017   President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 that will connect South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is expected to be completed by 2017. In his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia-end of the elevated section of the Skyway System in Makati City, the Chief Executive said the project aims to decongest traffic in Metro Manila. "Hudyat ang paglulunsad nating ito ngayon sa pagsisimula na ng kostruksyon, na ayon kay Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya ay talagang raratsada naman pagdating ng Abril ng taong ito. Inaasahan natin ang tuluyang pagkumpleto ng proyekto sa 2017—at malamang mamamasyal kami ni President (Fidel) Ramos ‘pag ito po ay nakumpleto na—samantalang mayroon naman pong accelerated construction target para sa June 2016," the President said. The Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway starts at the end of Skyway Stage 1 along Buendia Avenue, running the length of Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, Paco, Sta. Mesa via the Nagtahan flyovers, traversing Aurora Blvd and Araneta Ave. up to Sgt Rivera Road and A Bonifacio Ave. toward North Luzon Expressway. "Sa halagang mahigit 26 na billion piso, ikokonekta po ng lampas labing-apat na kilometrong kalsadang ito ang Buendia at Balintawak," he said. The 14.8 km 6-lane elevated expressway will help decongest the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila, particularly EDSA and C-5, the President said. "Tinatayang 55,000 sasakyan araw-araw ang ikaluluwag ng mga kalsadang ito. Siguro rin po, karamihan sa atin, dumaan na sa matinding kalbaryo ng pagbibiyahe mula Buendia hanggang Balintawak," he said. The skyway will reduce the travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from two hours to 15 to 20 minutes, the President said. After the project launching, the Citra Central Expressway Corporation will start mobilizing for its advance works along Osmeña Highway in Manila. The project aims at improving the accessibility, mobility and connectivity in and out of the metropolis via 8 strategic access points. It provides an alternate route to decongest EDSA and the major thoroughfares around its vicinity. PND (js) TOP President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create 18,000 jobs   President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday the P26.7-billion Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create some 18,000 jobs. "Makakapaghatid ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 na direktang trabaho, at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirect jobs sa panahon ng kostruksyon," the Chief Executive said in his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia-end of the elevated section of the Skyway System in Makati City. The project is expected to attract more investments not only to Metro Manila but also in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Central Luzon, the President said. The project will enhance the economic interaction of the CALABARZON, Metro Manila and Central Luzon that contribute to over 60% of the country's gross domestic product. "Sa totoo lang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo: Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noo’y tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways," the President said. "Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayo’y Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto," he said. "Sa harap po ng constitutional at legal issues na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saligang Batas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito, at para hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ihahatid nito sa mamamayang Pilipino," President Aquino stressed. The Citra Central Expressway Corporation will start full-scale construction this April and complete the project in 36 months. Team Skyway Stage 3 will exhaust all efforts to keep motorists, commuters and workers safe and the traffic moving at all possible time, especially in the vicinity of its work sites. The Stage 3 alignment will mostly use existing road medians and, as much as possible, utilize Indonesia's unique construction method of "Sosrobahu," a frictionless rotating pierhead device, which allows for the construction of the elevated road without major traffic disruption. "Sa atin pong mga kababayan, humihiling naman po ako ng kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa...Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa anumang adjustment na ating gagawin para mabigyang-daan ang kostruksyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta’t kooperasyon ng ating mga LGUs, partikular na sa isyu ng right of way," the President said. "Taos-puso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawat indibidwal at ahensiyang nakiambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating national agencies, local government units, hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital, sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok, dahil desidido silang makatulong," he said. PND (js) TOP Palace: Reforms in GOCC system to keep bonuses of executives from getting too high   Malacañang on Wednesday reassured the public that reforms in the rules in the operation of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) will prevent the bonuses and other incentives of the GOCCs’ executives from getting too high. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said GOCCs are now more transparent as they are mandated to list the details of bonuses given to officials on their websites. "If you compare, under the previous administration... the highest you can get under the previous administration is (between) P1.8 to P13.5 million. Under this administration, the GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs) Law (the highest) incentive is only P3 million," Lacierda said at a media briefing. He also said the GCG continues to improve its rules based on information and complaints from the public. Also, he said the GCG's own website can give the public an idea of incentives and bonuses GOCC executives can get. "It's no secret to the public as all these bonuses and incentives are posted. We have basis how much each director received," he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang   President Benigno S. Aquino III met with US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang on Wednesday to discuss financial and security issues. Rubio, who arrived on Tuesday, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Music Room of Malacanang. In a statement, Rubio underscored the importance of Asia to the economic and security well-being of America and said he hoped that the “rhetoric” about the increased presense in the region “does not come at the expense of enduring alliances and challenges in other parts of the world.” Joining the Senator were US Ambassador to the Philippine Philip Bradley, Consul for Foreign and International Security Affairs Jamie Fly and the Senator’s Chief of Staff, Cesar Conda? “For the Philippines, there are two main issues that we’ll talk about, one is the South China Sea issue,” Conda said. “We want to learn more about China’s activities there and what the Philippines is doing and how the United States can help.” Conda said Rubio is also set to discuss economic issues with Aquino to strengthen the existing close trading relationship between the two allies. Joining the President in welcoming Senator Rubio were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras and Rosalita Prospero of the Department of Foreign Affairs. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino creates an Inter-Agency Committee for the Philippine hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation   President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) to organize and implement activities for the hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Technology and Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation on September 8-9, 2014. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 61 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last December 23. The AIC will be co-chaired by representatives from the Department of National Defense, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Foreign Affairs and Office of European Affairs. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Climate Change Commission will participate in the committee as members. The inter-agency committee shall formulate a work program and budget plan for the hosting of the Conference. It shall implement the work program, and supervise and monitor all activities relevant thereto. The IAC shall engage the support, assistance, and cooperation of ASEM member partners, regional, inter-governmental, and non-governmental organizations and the private sector and/or entities in the preparations and conduct of the Conference and its related activities. It shall enter into agreements and contracts to implement this Circular, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations; and undertake measures necessary for the successful conduct of the Conference. The funding requirement for the preparation and conduct of the Conference, amounting to P8,670,750.00, shall be charged against the International Commitments Fund subject to applicable government accounting and auditing rules and regulations. The President directed all other government agencies to cooperate with the IAC and provide full support to activities related to the ASEM Conference. Relative to the performance of its mandate, the IAC, through the co-chairs, shall submit a report to the President within 30 days after the completion of the Conference, or as often as may be required by the President. Unless otherwise ordered by the President, the IAC shall cease to exist thirty (30) days after the submission of its report. The circular shall take effect immediately. PND (js) TOP Administration unfazed by recent attacks, says Official   The Aquino administration will continue to work to improve the lives of Filipinos despite the current attacks by some lawmakers. Sen. Ramon Revilla accused the President this week saying the chief executive tried to influence him during the Corona impeachment trial. The President denied the allegations. In a press briefing in Malacanang Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said politicians from other parties are attacking the President may be because of the 2016 presidential election. Some people are trying to discredit him knowing that his endorsement for a presidential candidate is crucial in the election, Lacierda said. “Whoever the President will endorse… The power of the President’s endorsement is lethal. It is effective and that's the reason why the—whoever the President would anoint, would certainly have an advantage. So why are people doing this? There are a number of reasons,” Lacierda said. “That’s understandable for those who are not on his camp. But, as far as we are concerned, we're going to continue this because this is an obligation of the President to the Filipino public to improve their lot in life and to allow inclusive growth,” he added. Lacierda also said that the administration has maintained its course in the righteous path and will continue to do so. The President also maintains high approval rating from the people, as evidenced by recent surveys. “Way past midterm, his numbers are still in the 70s. If you look at other heads of states, past midterm, their numbers are already in the 40s. It shows that the President has the trust of the people, has the faith of the people, and has the people behind him,” Lacierda said. PND (as) TOP     22 ENERO 2014 Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa People Asia awarding rites; pinasalamatan ang patuloy na suporta ng foreign dignitaries Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, ang gagawing ‘Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project’ Tiniyak ng Palasyo ang reporma sa 'GOCC system' para hindi masyadong lumaki ang bonus ng mga pinuno Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang si Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos Nilikha ng Pangulong Aquino ang 'Inter-Agency Committee' sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa 'Asia Europe Meeting' Hindi inaalintana ng administrasyon ang mga pagtuligsa rito Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa People Asia awarding rites; pinasalamatan ang patuloy na suporta ng foreign dignitaries   Muling nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa patuloy na pagdamay ng mga foreign dignitaries matapos salantain ng mga kalamidad ang bansa noong isang taon . “Kapiling natin ngayon ang mga embahador at puno ng misyon na kumakatawan sa mga bansang tunay na mga kaibigan ng sambayanang Pilipino—mga bansang nagpamalas ng kanilang suporta at pakikiisa sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng dinanas na kalamidad kamakalan,” wika ng Pangulo sa idinaos na “People Asia’s People of the Year Awards 2014” naginanap sa Lungsod ng Makati Martes ng gabi. “Ipinakikiusap ko sa inyo na makiisa sa akin upang minsan pa, pasalamatan sila ngayong gabi, mga Kabunyian, tanggapin po ninyo ang kanilang palakpakan na sagisag ng pagtanaw ng utang na loob at pakikipagkaibigan ng aming bansa,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. Malubhang sinalanta ng matitinding kalamidad ang bansa noong 2013 tulad ng lindol sa Bohol at Cebu, gayundin ang napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na sumalanta sa Rehiyon ng Kabisayaan. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na ang pagtitipon Martes ay pagdiriwang ng buhay na iniaalay sa pagtataguyod ng pinakamainam na magkakaroon ng makabuluhang epekto sa ibang tao. Tumanggap ng pinakamataas na karangalan ng People’s Asia ay si Gng. Socorro C. Ramos, ang nagtatag at pangkalahatang tagapamahala ng National Book Store. Sa loob ng 14 taon, ang People Asia magazine ay taunang pagkilala sa mga taong nagsilbing ispirasyon ng ibang tao dahil sa ipinamalas na kakayahan at pambihirang husay sa mga larangang kani-kanilang napili. “Maging sa negosyo, media at entertainment, medisina o iba pang sektor na may kinatawan dito ngayon, ang mga tumanggap ng gawad para sa 2014 ay talaga namang napakaraming nagawa na naging dahilan ng pagbibigay nila ng karangalan sa Pilipinas. Sa inyong lahat, ang aking taos-pusong pagbati,” dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Sa mga tumanggap ng gawad na People of the Year sa taong ito ay kabilang sina: Megan Young, Miss World 2013; ang artista at mang-aawit na si Nora Aunor; Tagapangulong Helen Yuchengco Dee ng Rizal Bankming Commercial Corp., Chot Reyes, limang taong napiling PBAS coach of the year, ,direktor ng pelikula Brillante Mendoza; artistang si Coco Martin, Edgar Chua, country manager ng Shell Philippines; Puno ng ABS-CBN Cory Vidanes; Gobernador Jonvic Remulla ng Cavite; tanyag na mang-aawit Kuh Ledesma; fashion designer Criselda Lontok; parthodentist Dr. Steve Mark Gan, education advocate Gerard Deveza at Australian hotelier Thomas Meyer ng Raffles and Fairmont Hotel. PND (as/zaf) TOP Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, ang gagawing ‘Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project’   Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho ang P26.7 bilyong Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project,” alinsunod sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. “Magkakaloob ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 direktang trabaho at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirektong hanapbuhay sa panahon ng kostruksiyon nito,” sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati nang ilunsad ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 na nasa dulo ng nakaangat na seksiyon ng Buendia na bahagi ng Skyway System sa sakop ng Lungsod ng Makati. “Inaasahang makaaakit ng maraming mamumuhunan ang proyektong ito, hindi lamang sa Metro Manila, kundi pati sa CALABARZON (Kabite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal at Quezon), gayundin sa Gitnang Luzon,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. Malaking bagay ang magagawa ng proyektong ito sa ekonomya ng CALABARZON, Metro Manila at Gitnang Luzon na sa kasalukuyan ay nag-aambag ng 60% sa gross domestic product ng bansa. “Sa totoo lamang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo, Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noon ay tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways,” wika ng Pangulo. “Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lamang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi ng Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayon ay Philippine National Constrruction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto,” paliwanag ng Pangulo. :Sa harap po ng mga isyung kostitusyonal at legal na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saiigambatas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito nang hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ibibigay nito sa mamamayang Pilipino,” pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Sisimulan na ng Citra Central Expressway Corporation ang puspusamg kostruksiyon sa Abril at mayayari ang proyektong ito pagkaraan ng 36 na buwan. Gagawing lahat ng Team Skyway Stage 3 upang matiyak na ligtas ang lahat ng motorista, mga pasahero at manggagawa at patuloy ang pagdaraan ng mga sasakyan sa lahat ng oras na maaari itong gawin, lalo na sa pook na nasa palibot ng proyektong ginagawa. Gagamitin ng Stage 3 alignment ang lahat ng umiiral na road medians at ang Sosrobahu, ang pambihirang paraang Indones kung saan maaaring gawin ang elevated road nang walang malaking problemang nalilikha sa trapiko. “Sa atin pong mga kababayan, hinihiling ko po naman ang kaunting pasensiya at pangunawa. Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa nang lahat sa ano mang pagbabago nating gagawin para mabigyang daan ang kostruksiyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta at kooperasyon ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, lalo na sa isyu ng right of way,” dugtong pa ng Pangulo. “Taos-puso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawa’t indibiduwal at ahensiyang mag-aambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating mga pambansang ahensiya, lokal na pamahalaan hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok dahil desidido silang makatulong,” dagdag ng Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP Tiniyak ng Palasyo ang reporma sa 'GOCC system' para hindi masyadong lumaki ang bonus ng mga pinuno   Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa madla na magkakaroon ng reporma sa mga tuntunin sa pagpapalakad ng mga Korporasyong Pag-aari at Kontrolado ng Pamahalaan (GOCCs) upang maiwasang maging napakalaki ng mga bonus at iba pang insentibo ng mga pinuno nito. Sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na higit na transparent ngayon ang mga GOCCs sapagka’t inatasan silang ilagay sa kanilang website ang detalye ng mga bonus na ibinigay sa kanilang mga pinuno. “Kung ihahambing ninyo sa ilalim ng nakalipas na administrasyon, ang pinakamataas na maaring makuha sa nagdaang administrasyon ay nasa pagitan ng P1.8 milyon hanggang P13.5 milyon. Sa ilalim ng administrasyong kasalukuyan nakalagay sa Batas ng Governance Commission for GOCCs na ang pinakamataas na insentibo lamang ay P3 milyon,” paliwanag ni Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Idinugtong pa ni Lacierda na patuloy ang GCG sa pag-aayos ng mga tuntunin salig sa impormasyon at mga sumbong buhat sa publiko. Ayon pa kay Lacierda, ang sariling website ng GCG ang makapagbibigay sa madla ng idyena tungkol sa insentibo at bonus na nakukuha ng mga pinuno ng GOCC. “Hindi kaila sa madla na ang lahat ng bonus at insentibong ito ay nakalagay sa website. May batayan tayo kung magkano ang natatanggap ng bawa’t direktor,” dugtong ni Lacierda. PND (js/zaf) TOP Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang si Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos   Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kay Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos sa Malacanang Miyerkoles tungkol sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa pananalapi at kapanatagan. Dumating si Rubio sa Pilipinas Martes at nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino sa Music Room ng Malacanang Miyerkoles. Sa isang pahayag, binigyang diin ni Rubio ang halaga ng Asya sa kabuhayan at kapanatagan ng Amerika at sinabing umaasa siya na ang “sali-salitaan” tungkol sa pamamalagi ng Amerika sa rehiyon “ay hindi magiging daan upang matayo naman sa alanganin at pagsubok ang mainam na pakikisama sa iba pang panig ng daigdig.” Kasama ni Senador Rubio nang magsadya sa Malacanang si Embahador Philip Bradley ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas, Konsul Jamie Fly ng Foreign and International Security Affairs at ang Chief of Staff ng Senador na si Cesar Conda. “Tungkol sa Pilipinas, dalawang mahalagang isyu ang pinag-usapan at isa na riyan ang isyu ng South China Sea,” sabi ni Conda. “Ibig naming malaman ang mga ginagawa ng China doon at kung ano ang ginagawa naman ng Pilipinas at kung paanong makatutulong ang Estados Unidos,” dagdag ni Conda. Sinabi ni Conda na pakikipag-usapan din ni Rubio sa Pangulong Aquino ang tungkol sa isyung pangkabuhayan upang mapalakas na lalo ang larangan ng kalakalan sa pagitan ng magkapanalig na bansa. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagtanggap kay Senador Rubio sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim ng Gabinete Rene Almendras at Rosalito Prospero ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas. PND (rck/zaf) TOP Nilikha ng Pangulong Aquino ang 'Inter-Agency Committee' sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa 'Asia Europe Meeting'   Nilikha ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) na maghahanda at magpapatupad ng mga kailangan sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Technology and Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation na gaganapin sa Setyembre 8-9, 2014. Ang kautusan ay salig sa Memorandum Circular No. 61 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Disyembre 23. Magiging ka-tagapangulo ng AIC ang mga kinatawan ng Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Bansa, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas at Tanggapan ng European Affairs. Mga kagawad naman ang mga kinatawan ng Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya, Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran, National Economic and Development Authority, Climate Change Commission, at Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya. Ihahanda ng Inter-Agency Committee ang programa at panukalang guguling tinatayang aabot sa P8,670.750.00 para sa pagiging punung-abala ng bansa sa naturang Kapulungan. Ang halagang ito ay kukunin sa International Commitment Funds. Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan na tumulong sa IAC at suportahan nang lubos ang mga nakatakdang gawaing kaugnay ng nasabing ASEM Conference. Tatlumpung araw pagkatapos ng kapulungan, ang IAC ay maghaharap sa Pangulo ng isang ulat tungkol sa kaganapan sa Conference. Mabubuwag na ang IAC tatlumpung araw matapos iharap nila ang karampatang report sa Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP Hindi inaalintana ng administrasyon ang mga pagtuligsa rito   Patuloy na ibubuhos ng administrasyong Aquino ang pagsisikap na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa kabila ng mga kasalukuyang pagtuligsa rito ng ilang mambabatas. Sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles, sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na hindi tinatantanan ng mga pulitikong kaanib sa ibang partido ang pagtuligsa sa Pangulo dahil sa halalang pampanguluhan sa 2016. Magugunitang pinaratangan pa ni Senador Ramon Revilla ang Pangulo na nagtangka umanong kumbinsihin siya noong panahon ng “impeachment” ng dating Punong Mahistrado Corona. Pinabulaanan naman ito ng Pangulo. Sinabi ni Lacierda na may mga taong nagnanais siraan ang Pangulo dahil napakahalaga ng pag-endorso niya sa sino mang kandidatong pangulo sa nalalapit na halalan. “Sino man ang iendorso ng Pangulo, malaking bagay ito. Matindi ang dating ng pag-iendorso ng Pangulo at iyan ang dahilan kaya sino man ang katigan ng Pangulo sa halalan, tiyak na malaking bagay ito para sa kandidato. Bakit ginagawa ng ilang tao ang bagay na ito? Napakaraming dahilan,” wika pa ni Lacierda. “Iyan naman ang dapat asahan sa mga hindi kapanalig niya. Sa ganang amin naman, itutuloy lamang namin ang pagsisikap na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino na sagutin ng ating Pangulo, lalo na ang malawakang pagsulong ng bansa, kaya ito ang pinagtutuunan namin ng panahon,” dugtong ni Lacierda. Binigyang diin ni Lacierda na patuloy ang administrasyon sa pagtalunton sa tuwid na daan at ito ang lagi nilang gagawin. Ang Pangulo ay patuloy na nakatatanggap ng mataas na “rating” sa mga ginanap na “survey” kamakailan. “Kahit lampas na ang kalahatian ng termino niya, ang numero niya ay nasa 70s pa. Kung titingnan ninyo ang ibang naging puno ng bansa, kalahatian pa lamang ng termino, bagsak na sa 40 ang rating nila. Samakatuwid, patuloy ang tiwala ng sambayanan sa Pangulo at nasa likuran niya ang taong bayan,” dugtong ni Lacierda. PND (as/zaf) TOP               President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Buendia - End of the Skyway Stage 1, Makati City 22 Jan 2014   Magandang umaga po. Maupo ho tayo. President Fidel Ramos; Secretary Babes Singson; Secretary Jun Abaya; Secretary Arsi Balisacan; Chairman Francis Tolentino; of course, Mr. Ramon Ang; Attorney Luis Sison; Mr. Shadik Wahono; one of my mother’s favorite generals, Jose Magno; Mr. Dodick Marceno Utomo; Mr. Robert Vergara; Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo; Mayor JunJun Binay; Mayor Herbert Bautista; Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Mayor Oscar Malapitan; Secretary Ping de Jesus; Project Team of the Metro Manila Skyways Stage 3; other government officials present; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Muli, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Ngayong umaga, sama-sama po nating inilulunsad ang isang proyektong pihadong maghahatid ng ginhawa sa mga kalsada sa lungsod: ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 or MMS 3. Bahagi po ito ng tinatawag nating Metro Manila Skyway System, kung saan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatayo ng elevated expressways, ay maikokonekta na natin ang SLEX at NLEX, o ang katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng kalakhang Luzon. Sa halagang mahigit 26 na billion piso, ikokonekta po ng lampas labing-apat na kilometrong kalsadang ito ang Buendia at Balintawak. Hudyat ang paglulunsad nating ito ngayon sa pagsisimula na ng konstruksyon, na ayon kay Secretary Jun Abaya ay talagang raratsada naman pagdating ng Abril ng taong ito. Inaasahan natin ang tuluyang pagkumpleto ng proyekto sa 2017—at malamang mamamasyal kami ni President Ramos ‘pag ito po ay nakumpleto na—samantalang mayroon naman pong accelerated construction target para sa June 2016. Oras na makumpleto, ano po ba ang maaasahan nating benepisyo mula sa Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 na ito? Maliwanag po: mababawasan ang traffic sa EDSA at sa iba pang pangunahing kalsada sa kalakhang Maynila, dahil madaragdagan ang kalsadang puwedeng tahakin patungo sa katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng Luzon. Tinatayang 55,000 sasakyan araw-araw ang ikaluluwag ng mga kalsadang ito. Siguro rin po, karamihan sa atin, dumaan na sa matinding kalbaryo ng pagbiyahe mula Buendia hanggang Balintawak. ‘Di po ba, halos dalawang oras, ‘pag minalas, ang inaabot nito dahil sa siksikan sa mga kalsada? Kapag nabuksan na po itong MMS 3, papatak na lang sa 15 hanggang 20 minuto ang biyaheng iyan. Ang good news pa: Makakapaghatid ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 na direktang trabaho, at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirect jobs sa panahon ng konstruksyon. Sa inisyal pong traffic na posibleng maidulot nito, malamang po ay may mga nag-aabang na ring kritiko na kokontra at magiging negatibo sa proyektong ito. Pati po sila, mukhang mabibigyan na rin ng trabaho. [Laughter] Sa totoo lang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo: Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noo’y tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways. Dapat po, aabot sa Carmen, Rosales, sa Pangasinan, at Lucena sa Quezon ang mga kalsadang kaakibat nito. Hindi pa naman po yata malabo ang paningin ko, pero wala pa po tayong nadadatnang expressway sa Rosales, at wala pa rin sa Lucena. Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Ang tanong po: Bakit nga ba napurnada nang ganito katagal ang planong ito? Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayo’y Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto. Siyempre, kailangan nang maghanap ng iba pang katuwang upang matuloy ang pagpapatayo nito. Yun nga lang, may mga barikadang humarang sa katuparan nito—ang Presidential Decrees 1113 at 1894—mga batas na, ayon sa mga salitang ginamit ng Pangulo noong mga panahong iyon, ay tila isinasaad na isa ang PNCC sa mga dapat maging palagiang partner sa konstruksyon ng proyekto. Ang masaklap pa nito: magdugtong ka lang ng kahit isang dipang kongkreto sa orihinal na kalsada, mabibigyan ka na ng panibagong 30 taon na prangkisa nang wala nang partisipasyon o pahintulot ng Kongreso. Sa harap po ng constitutional at legal issues na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saligang Batas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito, at para hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ihahatid nito sa mamamayang Pilipino. Ayaw na po nating ipasa sa susunod na administrasyon ang suliraning ito, at iparanas pa sa kanila ang kalbaryong ating pinagdaanan dahil sa probisyon ng mga naturang batas. Sa kabila naman ng mga lubak at harang na kinaharap natin upang marating ang araw na ito, hindi tayo natinag upang sama-samang humakbang pasulong. Talaga naman pong sulit ang anumang tagumpay na makakamit, lalo na kung pinaghihirapan. Kumbinsido tayong makakamtan natin ang patong-patong na positibong bunga ng yugtong ito ng Skyway—mula sa masusulit na oras, pera, at gasolina, hanggang sa dagdag-trabaho at pag-arangkada ng komersyo’t pambansang ekonomiya. Sa huli, tinutumbok nito ang ating layunin: ang itaguyod ang mga daan sa Kamaynilaan bilang daluyan ng kaunlaran. Taos-puyso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawat indibidwal at ahensiyang nakiambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating national agencies, local government units, hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital, sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok, dahil desidido silang makatulong. Patunay kayo sa positibo at mabungang resulta ng pag-aambagan ng pampubliko at pribadong sektor. Nawa’y patuloy tayong magbayanihan para iangat ang iisang bayan na ating ginagalawan, at ipakitang nasa loob o labas ka man ng Kamaynilaan, bahagi ka ng isang malawakang stratehiya para siguruhing walang Pilipinong maiiwan, sa ating biyahe tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran. Sa atin pong mga kababayan, humihiling naman po ako ng kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa. Malaking imprastraktura po ito. Sa pagtulog natin sa madaling araw, wala naman pong dambuhalang helicopter na biglang susulpot sa kalangitan at ilalapag na lang ang Skyway na ito sa kalsada, at paggising natin ay kumpleto na ang proyekto. Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa anumang adjustment na ating gagawin para mabigyang-daan ang konstruksyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta’t kooperasyon ng ating mga LGUs, partikular na sa isyu ng right of way. Para naman sa mga paulit-ulit na nagtatanong, at sinasadyang magbulag-bulagan sa mga nararating na nating tagumpay: Ito po ang daang matuwid. Hindi pinanday ng pantasya, at mas lalong hindi gawa-gawa na parang eksena sa isang pelikula—totoo at kongkretong mga proyekto ang hatid ng ating tuwid at mabuting pamamahala para sa kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Anumang pilit ng ilang magpapogi at magpabida para sa pansariling interes lang, ay wala pa ring makakapigil sa kolektibo nating pag-arangkada bilang isang bayan. Bawat hakbang sa tuwid na daan ay nakatuon lamang sa direksyon kung saan higit na maiaangat ang buhay ng mga kababayan nating matagal nang naetsapuwera’t napag-iwanan. Ito ang buong-sigasig na isinusulong ng inyong pamahalaan—sama-sama ang lahat sa pagsulong, at walang Pilipinong maiiwan. Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat po sa lahat. [HOME] INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB by Alan Allanigue January 21, 2014   Q: (recording cut) … sa ganitong mga usapin, hindi po ba, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Malinaw dito, Alan, na tila may pagtatangkang ilihis ang usapan dahil ang talaga namang usapin na kanyang hinaharap ngayon ay iyong tungkol sa paggamit ng PDAF. Iyon pong usapin ng impeachment, matagal na pong tapos iyon. At lahat po sila na senador na bumoto para sa conviction ni dating Chief Justice Corona ay hinangaan at pinapurihan na ng sambayanan. Pati po iyong Senado bilang isang institusyon, nakatanggap nang pinakamataas na marka mula sa mga mamamayang Pilipino. Kaya bakit po kailangan pang magbalik-tanaw doon at maglihis at lumikha ng alinlangan, samantalang napagpasyahan na ang isyung iyan. Ang dapat pong harapin na lamang ay tungkol sa paggamit ng PDAF. Q: Opo, opo. At of course ito ay naipagharap na ng kaukulang mga reklamo sa tamang forum, Sec. Sonny, ‘di po ba? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko mawari, Alan, kung anong maaari niyang ireklamo doon, samantalang ang sabi lang naman ng Pangulo ay magpasya siya ayon sa merito ng kaso. Ang tugon niya, mismo sa kanyang bibig nanggaling ito, “I will do what is right,” at ang kanyang pagboto ay para sa conviction. Sa makatuwid, wala namang kontradiksyon doon sa naging pasya niya doon sa posisyon ng ating Pangulo. At ni minsan, hindi niyang sinabing pinilit siyang palitan ang kanyang paninindigan; hindi siya nagsabing laban sa kanyang kalooban iyong hinihiling sa kanya. Kaya’t wala pong batayan iyong sinasabi niya na siya ay biktima ng persikusyon. Q: Okay, maiba naman ako ng usapin, Sec. Sonny. Ang atin pong mga kababayan sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao ay patuloy pa rin pong nakakaranas ng masamang panahon at iyong mga areas pong iba ay may pagbaha at landslides. Kumusta po ang pagtugon ng ating mga iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalan para matugunan, matulungan ang ating mga kababayan diyan po sa Mindanao, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyon pong Tropical Depression Agaton ay wala na po ‘no; bumalik na po sa low pressure area, iyong dahilan nang patuloy na pag-ulan sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Mindanao at sa ilang lalawigan sa Visayas. Ang National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council at ang mga lokal na unit po nito na pinangungunahan ng mga alkalde ng mga bayan at lungsod ay patuloy na tinututukan ang sitwasyon; lahat po ng mga dapat na ilikas ay nailikas na at binibigyan po ng ayuda iyong mga nasa temporary shelters. Q: Opo, at siyempre dahil diyan ‘no, isa rin sa mga dahilan nang pagtatalaga ng January 20, iyon pong kahapon bilang National Day of Prayer ay para ipakita ang pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino sa paghingi ng guidance at ng lakas sa Panginoon, ano ho, para patuloy na malagpasan ang mga sakunang humataw sa ating bansa noong nakaraang taon, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan, at naging mainam pong karanasan para sa buong bansa na masaksihan iyong pagsasama ng iba’t ibang pananampalataya. At ang Pangulo mismo po ang nanguna sa panalangin sa Poong Maykapal para po sa pag-alala ng mga nasawi nung mga nakaraang kalamidad at para humingi po ang bansa ng pamamatnubay ng Diyos sa ating pagharap sa kinabukasan. Q: Okay, isang bagay pa po, Secretary Sonny. Talagang simula pa lang ng taon ay nakahanay na itong iba’t ibang mga infrastructure projects, kagaya po nitong Stage 3 ng Skyway. Mukhang pangungunahan po ng Pangulong Noy ang paglulunsad o ang launching mismo nitong Stage 3 Project ng Skyway para higit na mapabilis at mas maging maginhawa ang paglalakbay ng mga kababayan natin, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Isa po iyan sa mga prayoridad na programa ng ating Pangulo at ng pamahalaan. At ito po ay malaki ang magiging epekto sa pagpapahusay ng daloy ng mga sasakyan at paglalakbay ng mga mamamayan, kaya po binibigyan po ito nang mataas na prayoridad ng ating Pangulo. Q: Sec. Sonny, baka meron pa po kayong nais na ipabatid sa ating mga kababayan na nakikinig nationwide at worldwide sa pamamagitan po ng www.pbs.gov.ph. Please go ahead, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Dapat lang po sigurong mag-focus po ang ating bayan sa pagpapatupad ng mga mahahalagang programa na makakatulong sa pag-asenso ng ating bansa habang inaasikaso po natin iyong pagbabagong-tatag ng mga kumunidad na nasalanta ng lindol at ng bagyo para po makabangon muli ang ating mga kababayan sa mga lugar ng kalamidad. Q: Okay, Secretary Sonny Coloma, sir. Salamat po ng marami for the updates mula sa Malacañang. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, Alan.   SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME] 22 JANUARY 2014 DOTC celebrates 115th anniversary with start of 2 major infra projects DSWD releases over 70,000 relief packs to LGUs in ‘Agaton’-hit areas Press Conference on National Accounts of the Philippines slated on January 30 HR training courses available at the CSI DTI launches e-payment for business name registration Baby dugong's death tied to enteritis Alcala opens Ambalgan RPC for high quality rice TESDA, FFCCCI to build 'green' center PhilHealth signs agreement with ILO for emergency response during calamities and other disasters DSWD receives more donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors BSP, PDIC approve the extension of SPRB Plus Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes Press statement on Sen. Bong Revilla's privilege speech Oil monitor as of 21 January 2014 Phl passes on Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Brazil to Indonesia DOTC celebrates 115th anniversary with start of 2 major infra projects Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) celebrates its 115th founding anniversary this week with the start of two (2) major infrastructure projects: the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMS 3) project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 Rehabilitation. “We are very happy to celebrate the DOTC’s anniversary with the start these major works. These are our gifts to the public,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya. A groundbreaking ceremony for the P 26.59 Billion MMS 3 project was held today, 22 January 2014. This project entails a 14.82-kilometer, mostly 6-lane elevated highway extension of the Skyway from Buendia, Makati to Balintawak, Quezon City. It is expected to decongest traffic on EDSA and other major thoroughfares in the metropolis by about 55,000 vehicles daily, and cut travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from almost two (2) hours to only twenty (20) minutes. Construction will begin in April 2014, and will be completed by April 2017. Another major project is the much-awaited P 1.3 Billion NAIA-1 Rehab, which is also beginning this week. This project involves the structural retrofitting, improvement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire (MEPF) protection facilities, and architectural works of the decades-old terminal building. D.M. Consunji, Inc., which was awarded the contract to undertake the rehabilitation works by the transport agency last December, will have until January 2015 to complete the project. This will mean that over the course of its implementation, certain areas of the terminal building will be closed for renovation. These closures will be done in six (6) phases of sixty (60) days each, and will be overseen by the DOTC and directly supervised by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). Preparations are now underway at NAIA Terminal 1, with affected concessionaires already clearing the area covered by Phase 1 of the project. Passengers will feel its impact beginning tomorrow, 23 January 2014, when the initial areas will be boarded up and actual rehabilitation works begin. “We appeal for patience and cooperation from passengers taking Terminal 1. These minor inconveniences will result in a much-improved NAIA, with better facilities and services for the public, in a year’s time,” added Abaya. |TOP| DSWD releases over 70,000 relief packs to LGUs in ‘Agaton’-hit areas Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Although Tropical Depression Agaton has dissipated, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remains on alert to augment the relief resources of local government units (LGUs) in meeting the needs of families displaced by the nearly two-week weather disturbance that affected most parts of Mindanao Region. To date, DSWD has distributed 62,022 family food packs worth P15.5 million to affected LGUs in Davao Region while 14,912 food packs amounting to P4 million have been given to CARAGA Region. An additional 5,000 family food packs will be delivered anytime to San Francisco, Esperanza, Rosario, and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur. DSWD-Central Office has released additional P10 million stand by funds to its Field Office in CARAGA for the purchase of more emergency relief supplies. As of 6 a.m., a total of 408 evacuation centers in the affected areas are still open providing temporary shelter to 35,122 families or 160,629 individuals while 47, 708 families composed of 293,288 individuals are still staying at their relatives’ or friends’ houses. |TOP| Press Conference on National Accounts of the Philippines slated on January 30 Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph The Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistical Coordination Board (PSA-NSCB) announces the holding of a Press Conference on the 2013 Fourth Quarter and 2013 Annual Performance of the Philippine Economy on January 30, 2014 (Thursday) at 10:00 a.m. at the NSCB Operations Room, 5th Floor Midland Buendia, Bldg., 403 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. National Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan and OIC National Statistician Carmelita N. Ericta will be the resource persons for the event. The press conference will be streamed live on the Internet through the USTREAM channel http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nscb. Highlights of the press conference will be tweeted live all throughout the duration of the press conference through the Twitter account @NSCBPhilippines. The hashtag to be used is #PHGDP. |TOP| HR training courses available at the CSI Source: http://excell.csc.gov.ph Human resource management practitioners seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and knowledge in organization development are invited to attend the training courses by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Civil Service Institute (CSI). For the month of February 2014, three public offerings are open to HR managers in the public or private sector. Ethical Decision-Making, Feb. 12-13, is a course that provides structured learning exercises in articulating the principles in ethical decision-making. It also equips the participants with skills in recognizing and resolving ethical dilemmas in the workplace. Deadline of registration is on Feb. 7. Decision-Making and Risk Analysis, Feb. 20-21, introduces strategies on identifying, managing, mitigating, and evaluating risks. The course also provides tools to address potential problems that could disrupt organizational thrusts and operations. Deadline of registration is on Feb. 17. Organization Development (OD), Feb. 27-28, is a course that provides the HR manager a planned, systematic process of improving organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. It addresses the challenges of changing behaviors, knowledge explosion, workforce diversity, among other organizational concerns, that pose a huge demand for leaders to effectively manage the organization. Deadline of registration is on Feb. 24. Registration fee of PHP5,000 includes training kit and meals. Registration for the courses may be done online through the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. Reservation of slots is on a first-come, first-served basis. As the central human resource institution of the Philippine government and adviser to the President on public personnel administration, the CSC commits to build or enhance the competencies of civil servants and strengthen the capacities of public organizations through the CSI. For more information on the course offerings, please contact the CSI at telephone numbers (02) 931-4182 or (02) 931-7935 locals 301-305, and fax number (02) 931-8019. |TOP| DTI launches e-payment for business name registration Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) introduces the electronic payment (e-payment) facility for business name registration on January 20 to make it easier for entrepreneurs to start a business in the Philippines. “In assuring entrepreneurs of an enabling business environment, the government is gathering institutions and partners from the private sector to work on key reform areas in line with President Aquino\'s policy thrust anchored on good governance and transparency,” DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said. “The e-payment facility for business name registration is one of the projects that the DTI is implementing to simplify the process of dealing with the government as entrepreneurs start and run their businesses,” Domingo added. Domingo said that the DTI’s goal is to make the Philippines a favorable environment for both foreign and local businesses to flourish. “In launching this facility, we enable enhanced delivery of services to the business community and further encourage economic activity in the country,” Domingo said. DTI Undersecretary for Management Services Nora K. Terrado noted that after migrating the Enhanced Business Name Registration System (eBNRS) and Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS) to the cloud environment in 2013, the DTI enhanced these systems to make them robust for additional functionalities and services such as the e-payment facility. “With this e-payment facility in place, entrepreneurs can apply and renew their business name without going to the DTI offices, and enjoy the convenience of paying the applicable fees online through their computers or mobile phones,” Terrado said. “This facility will further reduce the steps of business name registration since sole proprietors can now apply online through the BNRS website at bnrs.dti.gov.ph. In less than 15 minutes, they can complete the registration; moreover, they can opt to download and print their business name certificates,” Terrado said. Terrado added that registering a business name can also be done online through the PBRS website at business.gov.ph where entrepreneurs can also avail of other government-related services such as Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) validation and/or creation with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and application of Employer’s Registration Number (ERN) with Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth and Social Security System (SSS) in less than 40 minutes. Through this e-payment facility, entrepreneurs may register their business name without the need to visit the DTI office if payments are done by electronic means. Currently, the DTI has enlisted both Globe’s GCash and Bancnet for this ePayment facility. The e-payment facility was made possible in partnership with BancNet, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Globe Xchange, Inc. (GXI) and Landbank of the Philippines (LBP). GCash is an internationally acclaimed micropayment service that transforms one’s mobile phone into a virtual wallet for secure, fast, and convenient money transfers at the speed and cost of a text message, while Bancnet is the country’s largest electronic banking consortium with 113 members and affiliates. Bancnet is also a multi-bank multi-channel electronic payment network enabling payments for its automated teller machine (ATM) cardholders via ATM, point-of-sale terminal, internet, and mobile. DBP is the premier development financial institution in the Philippines while Land Bank of the Philippines is a government focused in promoting countryside development. “Today, business name registration for sole proprietorship can now be done end-to-end electronically. We are optimistic that this will help boost the number of business name registrations and the percentage of online transactions at DTI,” Terrado added. Last year, the DTI registered 335,266 new and renewing business names. Of this, a total of 41,658 new and existing business names were through the Philippine Business Registry. |TOP| Baby dugong's death tied to enteritis Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph A preliminary necropsy showed that enteritis or inflammation of the intestinal tract may be the cause of death for the baby dugong named “Binu” that died at the rescue center of Manila Ocean Park (MOP) last Sunday. This was according to Director Theresa Mundita Lim of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), who cited the initial findings of the animal autopsy conducted on Monday by experts from the bureau and MOP, and volunteer-experts from Japan. “The lesions noted during the post-mortem examination conducted on Binu on January 20, 2014 were indicative of enteritis,” Lim said. “Organ or tissue samples have been collected for further laboratory testing to fully determine the cause of death.” Lim said a more thorough examination of the dugong would determine if its illness was bacterial or viral in nature. While at the rescue center, Binu was fed with milk – a combination of infant formula and soy milk – which was the same formula used in the past to save newborn dugongs. Such formula was proven effective to wean the dugong and introduce it to its known diet of seagrass. Binu died 10 days after it was rescued in Infanta, Quezon. Its remains are kept in a freezer at MOP. Lim said there is a plan to preserve the dugong’s skeletal structure for educational purposes. |TOP| Alcala opens Ambalgan RPC for high quality rice Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala inaugurated the P32.2-million rice-processing center (RPC) in Ambalgan, Sto. Niño, South Cotabato on January 17, 2014 as part of the government’s commitment to provide high quality rice to the Filipino people. During the ceremony, Alcala stressed that the Department is eager in improving the quality of local rice thru the provision of a grain processing and storage facilities. He added that the Ambalgan RPC, which gives farmers’ access to postharvest facilities during bad weather conditions, is part of the priority project of the Aquino administration. To enable a more satisfactory operation and allow the users to import their rice products, the Secretary committed additional components including a rice sorter, a packing machine and a delivery truck unit. Once fully operational, the RPC to be managed by the Firmus Farm Service Cooperative, will benefit more than 5,000 farmers. Its target areas cover 10,000 hectares of rice farms in Sto. Nino, as well as other rice-producing municipalities nearby. “These efforts seek to improve the rice sector amidst negative issues on rice smuggling which the government is extensively investigating,” Alcala said. In earlier interviews, the Agriculture Secretary stressed that DA has been firmly upholding the Agriculture Tarrification Act which imposes import restrictions on farm products. “For as long as the Act is in effect, rice traders need to obtain permits from the National Food Authority (NFA) before shipping rice into the country or else these shipments would be considered as smuggled and seized upon arrival,” he added. Alcala also said that despite not reaching 100% sufficiency in rice, the rice sector was able to increase from 82% in 2010 to 97% last year. He explained that the target was not achieved because of the varied weather conditions that affected harvesting in the last quarter of the year. However, he assured that despite the 3% shortfall, the country remains to have sufficient rice stocks in the market and NFA warehouses. “Hindi na po siguro masama na nasa 97% sufficiency level na po tayo,” he disclosed, emphasizing that the level is 11% more than its level three years ago. |TOP| TESDA, FFCCCI to build 'green' center Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph Plans are underway for the construction of the first green building of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that will put it in the country's green map. The two-story structure, with an approximate floor area of 1,000 square meters, is a joint project between TESDA and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCI), which will not only provide trainees an eco-friendly learning venue, but also teach and expose them to the best practices on environmental protection and preservation. TESDA and FFCCCI signed a Memorandum of Agreement on January 21 to kick off the project that will be erected in the TESDA national headquarters in Taguig. FFCCCI will provide the funds for the building, and will spearhead the conceptualization of its design and project management. "The TESDA Green Innovation Technology Center will be the new hub for various technical vocational education and training programs. We are grateful to our private partners for investing in this idea that is finally coming into fruition," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said. "FFCCCI's donation to TESDA means that there’s a growing trust and confidence from the private sector on technical vocational education and training or tech-voc. It also means that the high satisfaction of our employers to the performance of TESDA graduates has been sustained," he added. The Center, Villanueva said, is envisioned to be "a campus of ideas and resources towards environmental innovation and stewardship." It will showcase different green technology programs such as the solar-powered lightings, bio-mass technology, engineered bamboo (e-bamboo), and advanced agricultural crop production technologies such as hydroponics and organic vegetable production using drip irrigation, the use of rain water and waste water (water recycling) to support the agricultural crop production technologies. "TESDA has been promulgating training regulations, which can be used to train the needed manpower for renewable energy while our training institutions nationwide have undertaken initiatives in green technology. Although many things are still to be harnessed in a more holistic manner, TESDA partners have a lot to offer to learn from," he said. In the Philippines, green growth is gaining momentum as more private corporations and government offices look for headquarters that are eco-friendly. A number of building owners are slowly retrofitting and upgrading their structures to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance. "We spend a third or maybe one half of our time every day in the office, which makes it among the biggest users of water and electricity, straining even more the environment because of the need for energy supply," Villanueva said. "The good news is technological innovations have offered us something that allows us to combine development, adaptation, recycling and reusing, and TESDA is embarking on this with its first green center," he said. TESDA also recently partnered with My Shelter Foundation for the production of solar night lights that has a solar-powered LED, which uses locally available materials such as plastic bottles. The light uses solar energy to power the lamp that will illuminate the bottle at night. TESDA has conducted trainers training on the assembly of the solar night lights. The training is now being replicated by the trainers in their respective regions. TESDA has also adopted the training cum production approach to produce solar night lights that the agency distributed in the communities damaged by typhoon Yolanda. |TOP| PhilHealth signs agreement with ILO for emergency response during calamities and other disasters Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the conduct of emergency employment response to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and other calamities and disasters that may arise in the future. Shaking hands after the simple signing ceremonies held in PhilHealth’s Central Office in Pasig City are ILO Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson and PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla. Also in photo are (L-R) ILO Technical Cooperation Coordinator and Resource Mobilization Officer Ruth Honculada-Georget; and PhilHealth’s OIC-EVP and COO Ramon F. Aristoza, Jr.; Chief Legal Executive Edgar Julio S. Asuncion; and VP-Member Management Group Gregorio C. Rulloda. |TOP| DSWD receives more donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Operations Office (DRRROO) Director Thelsa Biolena accepts the US$1,642,082.04 check donation from Thailand through Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto del Rosario, as Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Prasas Prasasvinitchai looks on. (Right photo) Another US$200 check is handed to Dir. Biolena by Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASPAC) Executive Director Bernardita Catalla. The donation came from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Lao PDR Resident Representative Minh Pham and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Lao PDR Country Manager Stefania Dina. Both check donations which were turned over to DSWD yesterday are intended for victims of ‘Yolanda’. As of January 21, 2014, DSWD has received a total of P72,418,737.60 local donations and US$17,672,759.55 foreign donations for ‘Yolanda’ survivors. DSWD is thankful for the numerous initiatives of local and foreign donors to help the victims of the super typhoon. |TOP| BSP, PDIC approve the extension of SPRB Plus Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) have approved the extension of the Strengthening Program for Rural Banks (SPRB) Plus from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 with certain amendments and enhancements, to encourage more mergers, consolidations and acquisition of eligible rural banks (RBs) and thrift banks (TBs) by strategic third party investors (STPIs). Among the approved amendments and enhancements include the relaxation of the required ownership control in an eligible bank by an eligible STPI to at least 60% (from at least 67%) of the outstanding capital stock of the eligible bank to align with the provisions of BSP Circular No. 809 dated 23 August 2013 on the rules and regulations implementing R.A. No. 10574 (An Act Allowing the Infusion of Foreign Equity in the Capital of Rural Banks, Amending R.A. No. 7353, Otherwise known as “The Rural Banks Act of 1992”). The financial assistance (FA) from PDIC may now also be in the form of either a combination of Preferred Shares (PS) and Direct Loan, or Direct Loan (DL) only. Furthermore, as support to banks affected by typhoon Yolanda, the amount of the PS component of the PDIC FA is increased from 50 percent to 100 percent of the required additional capital to restore the eligible bank’s capital adequacy ratio to a minimum 10 percent. The SPRB Plus, which is a joint project of the BSP and the PDIC, is an enhanced version of the original SPRB which was launched in 2010 exclusively for rural banks (RBs). In furtherance of the objectives of SPRB Module I and to promote participation under the Program, its scope was broadened and enhancements were made under the SPRB Plus such as inclusion of TBs, in addition to RBs, as among the eligible banks as well as the inclusion of TBs, universal and commercial banks (UKBs), non-bank corporations and group of companies as eligible STPIs. With the exception of STPI UKBs and banking groups which can only avail of incentives from the BSP without the financial assistance component, all other eligible STPIs, including non-bank corporations which are not subsidiaries of UKBs, may avail of both the FA and the incentives consisting of regulatory reliefs and branching/other incentives. The SPRB Plus aims to strengthen the banking system and to minimize bank closures. As of 31 December 2013, five (5) merger/consolidation applications involving ten (10) banks have been approved by the PDIC and are being processed by the BSP. Moreover, there are two (2) other applications for consolidation/acquisition that are in the pipeline. |TOP| Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Baldoz orders DOLE regional directors to mount sustained information campaign on guidelines on DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP conduct in labor disputes Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday reiterated the set of a guidelines to be observed by all members, personnel, and officers of identified government agencies and units during a labor dispute, or in any exercise of workers’ and trade unions’ rights, directing all DOLE regional directors to mount a sustained information campaign on the guidelines and to work closely with units or regional offices of the Departments of Interior and Local Government, National Defense, Justice, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police for its strict implementation and observance. “Decent work includes healthy and effective exercise of workers’ and trade union rights and to make sure that these are recognized and realized, the DOLE, together with the concerned government agencies and partners, have agreed to a set of guidelines prescribing the conduct of government officers and personnel during such activities,” Baldoz said. "There is a need to familiarize the public and all concerned about the guidelines, for them to become aware of it, and for the concerned on how to implement it. Being the lead advocate for decent work and respect for the freedom of association, it is our responsibility to guard and protect the workers’ and trade unionists’ rights," she added. The labor and employment chief said the Philippines is fortunate to have the guidelines, but the important challenge is to make sure that it is widely disseminated and properly implemented and observed. Baldoz also renewed her standing order for the existing regional structure of the National TIPC-Monitoring Body and the Regional TIPC-Monitoring Body to ensure observance of the guidelines at the local level by engaging in the regional implementation and monitoring the respective regional Human Rights Offices/Officers of the AFP and the PNP, as well as the regional officer of the Commission on Human Rights. Signed in May 2012, the Guidelines on the Conduct of the DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, AFP, and PNP Relative to the Exercise of Workers’ Rights and Activities aims to address violence and threats against workers and trade unionists, including the reports and/or allegations of militarization of workplaces and impunity. The said guidelines governs the official conduct of personnel and officers of the above-mentioned agencies, including the AFP’s CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAAs) and the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (SCAAs); the PNP’s Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (SOSIA); and Barangay Tanod/Public Safety Officers. It is applicable to all cases of exercise of workers’ rights, particularly freedom of association, collective bargaining, concerted actions, and other trade union activities in relation to the involvement and mobilization of the members of the AFP, the PNP, the local chief executives, company security personnel, security guards, and barangay tanod. The guidelines provide that labor disputes are under the primary and sole jurisdiction of DOLE and/or its appropriate agencies and that members of the AFP, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies, including barangay tanod and company security agency or personnel may not intervene in them except when expressly requested in writing by the DOLE; or when a criminal act has been committed, is being committed, or is about to be committed; or in cases of actual violence arising out of a labor dispute. Presence of AFP personnel or units in a workplace where strike, picketing, or lockout has been and in progress should only be based on a security situation, and only to extend support to the PNP; or, in the extreme situation when no other law enforcement agency in the area is available to maintain peace, order, and security; provide security for both workers and management; prevent violence or its escalation; and prevent the commission of crimes. A PNP peace-keeping team or Civil Disturbance Unit shall be assigned in a picket, strike, or lockout area when requested in writing by the DOLE or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), pursuant to the provisions of the Joint DOLE-PNP-PEZA Guidelines in the Conduct of PNP Personnel, Economic Zone Police and Security Guards, Company Security Guards and Similar Personnel During Labor Disputes, but their involvement shall be limited to the maintenance of peace and order, enforcement of laws, and implementation of legal orders of duly constituted authorities. They shall also stay at least in a 50-meter radius away from the picket, strike, or lockout area and shall be, at all times, in proper uniform and with properly displayed nameplate. "The AFP and the PNP must observe maximum tolerance at all times," the guidelines provides. It also provide that local chief executives and their authorized representatives may assist in settling any labor dispute in their areas of jurisdiction, but it should be in coordination with DOLE and/or its Regional Offices. The guidelines also prescribed penalties in case that any of the provisions of the guidelines was violated. “Labor rights are human rights. We should respect it. Workers and employers have the right to life, liberty, and property and enjoy the right to political dissent within the bounds of law,” Baldoz ended. |TOP| Press statement on Sen. Bong Revilla's privilege speech Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Naiintindindihan ko kung bakit galit si Sen. Bong Revilla sa mundo. Mahirap ang sitwasyon niya na may testigong at COA documents nagapapatunay ng koneksyon niya sa Napoles scam. Pero hindi solusyon sa problema niya ang paglilihis ng isyu, pagbaluktot sa katotohanan at panloloko ng tao. Sagutin na lamang niya ang mga sinabi ng mga testigo laban sa kanya at ipaliwanag na lamang niya ang mga dokumentong nag-uugnay sa kanya sa Napoles scam. Sa isyu naman ng pagpupulong nila ni Pangulong P-Noy, natural sa Pangulo na humarap sa matataas na opisyal ng bayan. Dati kaming magkasama ni Senator Bong sa Senado kaya nang iparating niya na mayroon siyang gustong i-take-up sa Pangulo kasama ang Cityhood ng Bacoor at ang kanyang pagiging Pangulo ng Partido Lakas, gumawa ako ng paraan para magkausap sila. Noong oras na iyon, wala sa Malakanyang at nasa Bahay Pangarap ang Pangulo. Para matugunan ang reglamento ng PSG at hindi na maaberya si Senator Bong, ako na ang nagmaneho ng sasakyan papunta sa Bahay Pangarap. Tungkol naman sa isyu ng plaka, kasinungalingan ang sinabi niya na tinanggal ko ang plaka ng sasakyan ko bago kami pumunta sa Bahay Pangarap. Hindi talaga ako gumagamit ng official plate. Hindi ito nakakabit sa sasakyan ko. Ang ginagamit ko ay ang regular na plaka na iniisyu ng LTO. Kahit na sino ang nakakakilala sa akin nang matagal, hindi ako gumamit nang otso na plaka noong kongresman , siyete noong senador at sais nang Cabinet Secretary. Hindi ko nakaugalian na ikabit ito sa aking sasakyan. |TOP| Oil monitor as of 21 January 2014 Source: http://www.doe.gov.ph Global crude oil prices were mixed but analysts believe sentiment would continue to be boosted by expectations of higher world economic growth. The price increase seen during the week was attributable in part to a sharper-than-expected reduction in US crude stocks and in part to significantly rising equity markets. Oil price uptick also came after the World Bank upgraded its 2014 forecast for global economic growth, indicating a potential improvement in oil demand. However, the underlying trend was generally downward given ample supply of the market and expectation of growing output from Libya and Iran. For petroleum products, Asian gasoline market remained largely steady, supported by expectations of stable demand-supply balance in February, with steady demand from Indonesia and Vietnam. Platts underscored that gains in the regional market have been capped by sustained strength in the East/West spread that keeps open the possibility of higher inflows of barrels into Singapore from India and Japan. Meanwhile, a supply glut continued to affect the Asian gasoil/diesel market this week, as the region dealt with increased exports of middle distillates from Japan, a shut arbitrage to Europe and lackluster demand within Asia. Weak domestic demand in Japan has led to local refiners cutting crude runs and raising exports of middle distillates. Overall, Dubai crude decreased week-on-week by about US$1.20/bbl. Similarly, MOPS diesel and gasoline decreased by about US$1.10/bbl and US$0.30/bbl. FOREX: Week-on-week value of Peso against the US dollar depreciated by P0.16 to P44.89, from P44.73 in previous week. Other recommended reference sites: (1) http://www.aip.com.au/pricing  (2) http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/oil_pet/prices/prices.html |TOP| Phl passes on Chairmanship of ASEAN Committee in Brazil to Indonesia Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 21 January 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Eva G. Betita handed over the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Brasilia (ACB) to Indonesian Ambassador Sudaryomo Hartosudarmo during the ACB Meeting on January 10 at the Bahay Pilipino, the Philippine Ambassador’s Official Residence. The ACB was formally recognized by the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta in February 2013 to further strengthen the ASEAN-Brazil relations and promote the interest, awareness and understanding of ASEAN in Brazil. It is composed of the seven (7) ASEAN Member-States present in Brasilia, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The ACB Chairmanship rotates every six months. From July to December 2013, Ambassador Betita, as Chair, led and coordinated the projects and activities of the ACB. Some of the highlights of the Philippine Chairmanship include the first ASEAN Anniversary celebration in Brasilia since the formal recognition of ACB by the ASEAN Secretariat attended by ambassadors from ASEAN, Dialogue Partners and high-level officials of Brazil, the ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival which was attended by more than 1,000 guests, the ASEAN Family Day at Jardim Botanico and the Visit to Palacio de Alvorada, Official Residence of the President of Brazil, among others. |TOP| ============================================================ Last Updated: 22 JANUARY 2014 Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy Please click on thumbnails to magnify       President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             Foreign Affair Secretary Albert Del Rosario greets US Senator Marco Rubio upon arrival at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for a courtesy call on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             US Senator Marco Rubio, escorted by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching ceremony of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and CCEC director Dodik Marseno. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Philippine National Construction Corporation president and chief executive officer Atty. Luis Singson, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono, San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, former President Fidel Ramos and CCEC director Dodik Marseno. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia–end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, former President Fidel Ramos and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, presses a button to lead the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are former President Fidel Ramos, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CMMTC) president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, CCEC director Dodik Marseno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, former President Fidel Ramos, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and former President Fidel Ramos. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, CCEC director Dodik Marseno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, former President Fidel Ramos, San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono and Philippine National Construction Corporation president and chief executive officer Atty. Luis Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo is Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to National Bookstore founder Socorro “Coring” Ramos during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte, and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21).p with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte, Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte and Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to National Bookstore founder Socorro “Coring” Ramos during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., People Asia president Kevin Belmonte and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, the enterprise continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)             President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Insurance Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)             President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc upon arrival for the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo are Insurance Deputy Commissioners Ferdinand George Florendo and Dorothy Calimag, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc and Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong and Finance Undersecretary Jeremias Paul, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)             President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s parents Adla and Mohammad Ghias Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s mother Adla Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the National Day of Prayer at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (January 20). With the theme: “One Nation in Prayer: Isang Bansa, Isang Panalangin.” President Aquino joins the nation in offering prayers for the victims of last year’s tragedies that include the failed Zamboanga City siege in September, the magnitude-7.2 quake in Central Visayas in October, and super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, and also to seek divine intervention for the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano Jr,/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to government officials in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait a commemorative olympic logo during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo)             President Benigno A. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Thursday, (January 16) at the department's central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD with the theme "DSWD @ 63: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Pagbabago". (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo )             President Benigno A. Aquino III views the exhibition of artworks at the compound of Department of Social Welfare and Development central office at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD Thursday, (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Butreau)             President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Danny Franco B. Bitara, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau)             President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Noemi P. Mongaya, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau)             Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma delivers his keynote speech on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS)             Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma receives Certificate of Appreciation from EPPC commissioner Anton Lim, Cesar Sarino and commissioner Milagros Kilayko  on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS)             President Benigno S. Aquino lll attends the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement" at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). Also in photo are from left, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas II, DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, DBM Secretary Florencio Abad, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, Central Bank Governor Amando Tetangco, Presidential Legislative Liason Officer Manuel Mamba. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino lll receives from Citibank Corporate and Investment Banking Vice Chairman Jay Collins and Citibank CEO Philippines Batara Siantun an enlarged cashless purchase card, during the ceremonial turn-over of the Cashless Purchase Card System at the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of " Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Ryan Lim/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City Tuesday, January 14, 2014 as Francis Giles Puno, President and COO of First Gen Corp., Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, DOE Secretary Jerico Petilla, First Gen Vice President Richard Tantoco, Mr. Oscar Lopez of Lopez Griup of Company and Ernesto Pantangco also of First Gen listen. First Gen operates the San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). with the President Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp Federico Lopez which operates San Gabriel Power Plant is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)             President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). Assisting the President are Federico Lopez, Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp.; Lopez Group of Company; Emiritus Oscar Lopez, DOE Sec. Jerico Petilla, Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, Richard Tantoco, Exec. Vice President, First Gen Corp. and Francis Giles Puno, President and COO First Gen Corporation First Gen Corporation First Gen operates San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau)             Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma presents Minister Yoshitaka Shindo of Japan Internal Affairs and Communications with token of appreciation during their bilateral meeting Monday (January 13) held at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City. (Photo by Luisito L Iglesias / NIB)         Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY