Dispatch for January 27 , 2014 ( Monday ) , 2 PIA Calabarzon PR , 4 Weather Watch , 1 Reg’l. Watch , 1 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 30 Photonews ( Jan.25 )

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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., 27 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., 27 January 2014 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 January 2014 Satellite Image for 5:32 a.m., 27 January 2014 Synopsis: Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies 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. 41 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon. Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 27 January 2014 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and of Mindanao. SEABOARD WEATHER WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS) SEA CONDITION WAVE HEIGHTS (meters) THE NORTHERN SEABOARD OF NORTHERN LUZON (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte) Mostly cloudy skies with isolated light rains (52- 63 /28 - 34) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 4.5 THE EASTERN SEABOARDS OF Southern Luzon (Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon and Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island) VISAYAS (Samar and Leyte) and MINDANAO (Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Province and Siargao Island) 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).       4.  Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo. Yesterday 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast Issued at : 5:00 AM 26 January 2014 Synopsis: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: The whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies 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. Over Metro Manila: Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 28.5 ºc Minimum Temperature: 6:20 AM Yesterday --- 16.9 ºc Maximum Relative Humidity: 7:00 AM Yesterday --- 95 % Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 49 % High Tide Today: 5:42 PM …..……….. 0.88 Meter Low Tide Tomorrow: 2:44 AM …..……….. 0.01 Meter Sunrise Today: 6:25 AM Sunset Today: 5:52 PM Moonset Today: 1:12 PM Moonrise Tomorrow: 2:24 AM Illumination Tomorrow: 21 % For More Information And Queries, Please Call At Telephone Numbers 927-1335 And 927-2877 Or Log On To Www.Pagasa.Dost.Gov.Ph.         1. PIA Regional Watch January 25 PIA 4A/BATANGAS...Isinasagawa ngayon ng DepEd sa buong lalawigan ang maagang pagpapatala ng mga batang magsisimulang pumasok sa paaralan sa darating na Hunyo 2014 1.  PIA OFW Watch January 25 DFA spokesman Asec. Raul Hernandez on DZBB: Re: Malaysia crackdown -Sa ngayon, we are on the process of verifying itong news reports na may kababayan tayong naaresto sa Kota Kinabalu at sa Sabah, alleged maltreatment during the crackdown. -Inaaksyunan na po ito ng ating embahada doon at binibigyan ng sapat na representation ang ating mga kababayan upang matiyak na igagalang ang karapatang-pantao ng Flipino workers doon bagama't sila ay undocumented.   Weather Watch January  27 , 2013  ( Monday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM CAVITE             :  Partly Cloudy LAGUNA          :  Sunny BATANGAS      :   Sunny RIZAL               :  Partly Cloudy  QUEZON          :  Partly Cloudy with Isolated Light rainshowers ==============================================================    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    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 Apat na ahensiya, pinag-isa sa bagong tatag na Philippine Statistics Authority Wednesday 22nd of January 2014   CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Enero 22 (PIA) –Apat na ahensiya ng gobyerno na may kinalaman sa estadistika ang pinagsama-sama sa bagong tatag na Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na nagkabisa noong Disyembre 29, 2013. Kabilang sa apat na tanggapan ng gobyerno na pinag-isa bilang pagtupad sa Republic Act No. 10625 o Philippine Statistical Act of 2013, ang National Statistics Office (NSO), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) ng Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) ng Department of Labor and Employment, at National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). Hinirang na interim national statistician si NSO administrator Carmelita N. Ericta sa pamamagitan ng designation order na nilagdaan ni NEDA Secretary at PSA Board Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan noong Enero 2, 2014. Umiral ang order simula noong Enero 9, 2014 at tatagal ng isang taon hanggang sa mabigyan ng appointment ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mapipiling bagong National Statistician maliban kung ito ay kanselahin na ng PSA Board Chairperson bago pa sumapit ang nakatakdang panahon. Base sa designation order, binibigyan ng kapangyarihan si Administrator Ericta na gawin ang mga tungkulin na pangasiwaan at bantayan ang transition operations at administrative matters ng PSA; mag-apruba ng mga voucher, payroll, kontrata kabilang ang mga kontrata sa pamimili at iba pang transaksyon ng PSA; kumatawan sa PSA sa pagpirma ng mga kontrata, pananaliksik at pagbibigay ng awards; magsilbi bilang Interim Chairperson sa PSA Board Secretariat; tagasugo ng Pilipinas sa regional at international conferences at meeting bilang pinakamataas na awtoridad ng estadistika at may kinalaman sa pagtatalang sibil o civil registration; mangasiwa sa pagpapatupad ng batas na nauukol sa Pagtatalang Sibil at Vital Statistics System na naaayon sa Civil Registration Act 3753; asikasuhin na mabigyan ng technical supervision ang mga local civil registrars bilang Civil Registrar General; at mag-ulat  sa  PSA Board Chairperson hinggil sa mga ginawa ng PSA sa loob ng interim period. Samantala, binanggit sa designation order na si Administrator Ericta ay hindi maaring makilahok sa pagbuo ng polisiya ng PSA at magbibigay ng appointment sa mga tauhan nito. Ang Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ang magbibigay ng kundisyon sa pagbuo ng staffing pattern at position structures ng PSA. Kaugnay nito, inatasan din ni Secretary Balisacan sina NSO Deputy Administrator Paula Monina G. Collado bilang Interim Deputy National Statistician (DNS) upang mangasiwa ng Civil Registration and Central Support Office ng PSA; Director Romeo S. Recide puno ng Bureau of Agricultural Statistics na mamuno ng Sectoral Statistics Office ng PSA; at Assistant Secretary General Lina Valencia Castro ng National Statistical Coordination Board para sa Censuses and Technical Coordination Office. (NSO-Laguna/PIA- Laguna) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=641389922212#sthash.nHC75Sen.dpuf    150 bata nakinabang sa feeding program ng Sto. Tomas MPS Wednesday 22nd of January 2014   STO.TOMAS, Batangas, Enero 22 (PIA) --Humigit kumulang 150 bata mua sa barangay Poblacion 3 ang benepisaryo ng feeding program na isinagawa ng pamunuan ng municipal police station sa bayang ito kamakailan. Sinabi ni PSupt Barnard Danie Dasugo na patuloy na isinusulong ng kanilang pamunuan ang feeding program upang makatulong na mabawasan ang kaso ng malnutrisyon sa bayang ito. “Pangunahing layunin ng programa na makatulong na mabawasan ang mga batang malnourished o undernourished dahil sa kakulangan ng masusustansiyang pagkain,” wika ni Dasugo. Sinabi naman ni barangay captain Victor Bathan na malaking tulong ito lalo na’t ang mga kabataang nakinabang ay may pangangailangan sa tamang nutrisyon at walang kakayahan ang mga magulang na palagiang magkaloob ng masusustansiyang pagkain. Bunga nito, nagpasalamat naman ang mga magulang ng mga batang benepisaryo ng feeding program sa pamunuan ng Sto. Tomas MPS nasabing programa. Noong nakaraang taon, nagsagawa na rin ng feeding program ang Sto. Tomas MPS sa ibang mga barangay. (PIA Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681389772713#sthash.G5gWoksy.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 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 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   26 JANUARY 2014. Swedish King visits Laguna Jamborette, says scouting can change the world Palace: President Aquino welcomes signing of last annex in peace pact with MILF Palace hopes Congress will pass Bangsamoro basic law soonest Palace: Freedom House report on Phl shows reforms bearing fruit Palace supports tougher measures vs 'riding-in-tandem' crimes     Palace invites all groups to take part in Mindanao peace process King Carl XVI visits projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban City Swedish Monarch says 'working together' necessary for recovery Swedish King visits Laguna Jamborette, says scouting can change the world LOS BANOS, Laguna) Visiting Swedish monarch King Carl XVI Gustaf joined thousands of boy and girl scouts here participating in the 3rd One Regional Scout Jamborette saying scouting offers a lot of possibilities to change the world. The Southern Luzon scouting event started January 22 and will continue until January 26. During Saturday’s event, the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) National Court of Honor conferred on King Carl XVI Gustaf the Mt. Makiling Award. The awarding ceremony was spearheaded by Vice President Jejomar Binay, the president of the BSP. The king said he is deeply honored by the award conferred on him noting that what all scouts should do is to work together to change the world and make it better, he said. “I think what you are doing here in your country is fantastic. But what we can do together not only here but also around the world to work together and that will be possible to many, many young boys and girls, to make a difference for them and to all the possibilities to start a new life,” the Swedish monarch said in a message during the awarding rites. “And we can all do that together. And I will promise that I will continue to work for the scout movement international and in Sweden and elsewhere in the world. And I want to wish you all, everybody good luck for the future.” King Carl XVI Gustaf, whose major advocacies is scouting, visited several areas in the scout camp site and met with scouts as they participated in the different activities and exercises. After his event at the Philippine scouting center, the Laguna provincial government hosted a lunch for the visiting European monarch. King Carl XVI Gustaf expressed his gratitude to Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito for supporting the conduct of the scouting event in Los Banos. After his visit in Laguna, the Swedish king went to the Catholic Center of the Our Lady of Remedios in Malate, Manila for another scouting event. Boy and girl scouts from different high schools and colleges in Manila welcomed the king in a program for him. King Carl XVI Gustaf joined them in different activities at the center. Showing deep interest on how scouting reformed and improved the lives of the youth in Manila, the king toured the areas near the Catholic Center to see the places where poor scouts earned their living. On Sunday, the king will fly to Tacloban City to take part on different scouting-related activities. He is expected to join a flag-raising ceremony and the distribution of neckerchiefs and scout uniforms to patrol leaders. He will also visit areas where scouts participate in post-typhoon rehabilitation works. The Swedish monarch will also visit the projects of the BSP in Tacloban City and other related projects supported by the Swedish government in cooperation with the United Nations in the Philippines. King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in the Philippines Friday for a three-day visit and will depart Sunday evening. PND (as) TOP Palace: President Aquino welcomes signing of last annex in peace pact with MILF President Benigno Aquino III welcomes the signing of the final annex paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Malacañang said Sunday. Speaking on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the President congratulated the panels of both sides for the signing of the annex in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. "Malugod na ipinaaabot ng Pangulong Aquino ang kanyang pagbati at pasasalamat sa mga kasapi ng Philippine at MILF peace panels sa paglagda sa ikaapat at panghuling annex on normalization kahapon sa Kuala Lumpur na siyang magbibigay daan sa pagbubuo ng Bangsamoro Peace Agreement (The President sends his congratulations and thanks to the Philippine government and MILF peace panels for signing the fourth and final annex on normalization in Kuala Lumpur. This will pave the way for the Bangsamoro peace agreement)," Coloma said. He said next step now is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be submitted to Congress. The measure will then be subjected to a plebiscite. Coloma noted the normalization annex provides for the gradual laying down of arms by the MILF and the decommissioning of its troops. For its part, the government will also lessen the number of military forces in Mindanao, and help the MILF neutralize private armed groups. The government will also implement social and economic programs for MILF members, he said. "Ang mga pagsusuko ng armas ay pangangasiwaan ng isang third party decommissioning body alinsunod sa napagkasunduan ng dalawang panig (The surrender of arms will be supervised by a third-party decommissioning body agreed upon by both sides)," Coloma pointed out. Meanwhile, Coloma said the government panel fulfilled Aquino's instructions to make sure the pact is: - compliant with the 1987 Constitution - reflects the lessons government learned from past peace efforts - in line with the political, cultural and economic principles of both sides "Umaasa tayo na malaki ang magiging kahalagahan nito sa katahimikan ng rehiyon at ganap na kapayapaan sa Mindanao (We expect this will have a major impact on peace in Mindanao)," Coloma said. PND (jl) TOP Palace hopes Congress will pass Bangsamoro basic law soonest With the last annex for a comprehensive peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front now signed, Malacañang hopes Congress will quickly pass a basic law for a proposed Bangsamoro political entity. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said Sunday the next step is to craft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law and submit it to Congress. "Umaasa tayo na sa kasalukuyang session ng Kongreso matalakay ng ganap ito para maipasa at nang maidaos ang plebisito (We hope the measure can be tackled in the present session of Congress so it can be passed soonest, and a plebiscite can be held)," Coloma said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Coloma said the government is confident both houses of Congress will act on the Bangsamoro basic law soonest. "Umaasa tayo na bibigyan ito ng naaangkop na atensiyon ng ating mga mambabatas (We are hoping our lawmakers will give priority to this)," he said. He added the issue has a "sense of urgency," since the aim is to not only hold a plebiscite but to elect the new officials of the Bangsamoro political entity by 2016. The Bangsamoro entity is intended to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. PND (jl) TOP Palace: Freedom House report on Phl shows reforms bearing fruit Malacañang on Sunday welcomed the results of a study by US-based non-government organization Freedom House, saying this shows reforms by the present administration to uphold basic freedoms are bearing fruit. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Philippines stood out among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in terms of political rights and civil liberties. "Malugod na tinatanggap ng Pilipinas ang ulat ng Freedom House, isang pandaigdigang non-governmental organization na naka-base sa Washington, D.C. sa Estados Unidos, na sa ikaapat na sunod na taon napanatili ng ating bansa ang puwesto nito bilang isa sa 59 na bansang itinuturing na partly free sa buong mundo (The Philippines welcomes the report of Freedom House, an international NGO based in Washington D.C., for its report where the Philippines maintained a 'partly free' status)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. He noted the Philippines was tops among ASEAN member countries when it got a score of 3 in the categories of political rights and civil liberties. Under Freedom House's rating system, a score of one meant the most free and seven meant least free. Coloma pointed out other Asian nations got a score of 4. Coloma pointed out the Philippines' scores may also be due to the reforms the Aquino administration had adopted to uphold democracy and human rights. "Ang resulta ng nagsabing pag-aaral o survey ay pagpapatunay lamang na nagkabunga ang mga isinagawang reporma ng pamahalaan upang mapangalagaan ang demokrasya at maitaguyod ang karapatang pangtao at kalayaan sa pagkilos ng ating mamamayan na siyang susi sa pagpapatatag ng mga pampublikong istitusyon ng isang progresibong bansa (The results of the survey showed the fruits of the reforms by government to uphold democracy and human rights, which are key to a progressive nation)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Palace supports tougher measures vs 'riding-in-tandem' crimes Malacañang on Sunday said it supports tougher measures against crimes by perpetrators who ride "in-tandem" on motorcycles. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said government will keep tab on the progress of such tougher measures in Congress. "Nais naman po nating makita yung pagsulong ng mga inisyatiba ... na makatutulong talaga sa pagtigil sa mga krimen. At batid natin na ang pangkaraniwang modus na ginagamit, lalo na sa mga walang habas na pagpapaslang, ay ‘yung paggamit ng motorsiklo ng mga assailant na riding-in-tandem (We want to see such initiatives to curb crime take off. We are aware that many recent crimes including murder involve the perpetrators riding-in-tandem on motorcycles)," he said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Some officials had reportedly proposed the banning of people from riding motorcycles tandem-style. Coloma said they are hopeful laws that could help prevent such crimes will be passed soonest. "Kaya po tinututukang maigi ‘yan ng ating mga awtoridad at umaasa po tayo na kung magkakaroon ng mas mahigpit na batas maaari ring maisulong ‘yung minimithi nating pagbaba ng krimen (Our authorities are closely monitoring the progress of such measures. We hope Congress could come up with measures that will help curb such crimes)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Palace invites all groups to take part in Mindanao peace process Stressing that the peace efforts in Mindanao are inclusive, Malacañang on Sunday reiterated its invitation to all concerned groups, including the Moro National Liberation Front, to take part in the peace process. Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said this after the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front signed an annex that would lead to a peace pact. "Ang nais po ng ating pamahalaan ay maging kalahok ang pinakamaraming stakeholders, yun pong may mga taya sa katahimikan o kapayapaan sa Mindanao. Kasama pa rin naman diyan yung ating mga kababayan na kasapi ng MNLF dahil doon sa mga naunang panahon sila ay nagsikap din na maitatag ang kapayapaan (Our government wants as many stakeholders taking part in the peace process as possible. This includes fellow Filipinos who are members of the MNLF, which in the past also fought for peace)," Coloma said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. On Saturday, government and MILF negotiators signed the last annex that would pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. "Kung maaari po ay kasama ang pinakamaraming Pilipino na naniniwala sa mga batayang prinsipyo na atin na pong nailinaw at nabuo sa Bangsamoro Peace Agreement (If possible, we want as many Filipinos as possible to support efforts for a peace agreement)," Coloma said. PND (jl) TOP King Carl XVI visits projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban City TACLOBAN CITY) His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Sunday distributed uniforms to members of the Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP) in Tacloban City during his visit here. His Majesty arrived at Tacloban airport past 9 a.m. Sunday and was welcomed by city government officials led by Mayor Alfred Romualdez and other officials from the BSP and the United Nations. The Swedish monarch is here to see the projects of the BSP in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and the other projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. King Carl XVI Gustaf was accompanied by Vice President Jejomar Binay in his visit here. Binay is also the current National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. His Majesty is the Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation and the Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year. King Carl XVI, along with Vice President Binay and officials from BSP and UN, visited first the San Jose National High School where he distributed Type “B” uniforms (shirt, neckerchief and pants) to the boy and girl scouts.  The Swedish monarch also interacted with the scout members. His Majesty dropped by at the Boy Scout Rotunda for the flag ceremonies before he proceeded to San Fernando Central School for the distribution of uniforms to the scouts. The Swedish monarch then inspected the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Leyte Building, which was also damaged by Typhoon Yolanda. After his inspection of the BSP Leyte Building, His Majesty proceeded to the Leyte Park Hotel for lunch before flying back to Manila. Vice President Binay said the BSP has 286,027 members in Eastern Visayas. And for Leyte alone, it has 28,564 members. In Tacloban City, it has 4,500 scout members.  King Carl XVI Gustaf arrived in the Philippines on Friday. This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the country. His Majesty paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is the country’s Chief Scout as mandated by R.A. 7278, upon his arrival in Manila on Friday.  PND (co) TOP Swedish Monarch says 'working together' necessary for recovery TACLOBAN CITY) His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on Sunday cited the importance of “working together” and “helping each other” to cope in every situation, particularly in a calamity, during his visit to Tacloban City, one of the areas hardest-hit by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan). King Carl XVI visited Tacloban on Sunday to see the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in the aftermath of Yolanda, as well as the other projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The Swedish monarch was accompanied by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is also the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. During his press conference here, King Carl XVI said he was saddened by the loss of lives and extensive damage brought by super typhoon Yolanda to the country. “Everybody has to help each other in whatever condition there is,” His Majesty said.   The Swedish monarch said that anybody can do something to help the survivors of the super typhoon, which brought extensive damage and left thousands of people dead in Eastern Visayas. “Everybody in the world, of course, knows this very tragic situation and everybody wants to do the utmost to help these poor people who have been seriously, terribly… struck by this storm,” His Majesty said.   Sweden is among the countries that have given assistance to the Philippines to help the people affected by super typhoon Yolanda in the Eastern Visayas.  “We have to do what we can do,” the Swedish monarch added. “You can’t do everything but everybody can help to do something... and that is working together, and I believe that’s where the scouts are good at.” King Carl XVI emphasized the scouts are trained to work together as a team. His Majesty said that one of the values being taught in scouting is to “always think of your neighbor” and to help each other in every situation. Vice President Binay said the Boy Scouts of the Philippines has 286,027 members in Eastern Visayas. For Leyte alone, BSP has 28,564 members while in Tacloban City, it has 4,500 scouts. The Vice President, during the press conference here, also said that 276 (boys and girls) BSP members died during the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda last year. King Carl XVI is in the country for the three-day visit as he is the Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year. His Majesty is the Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation. PND (co) TOP 25 JANUARY 2014. Philippines to strive to improve civil, political freedoms, says Palace Have an open mind, Palace urges critics on peace efforts with MILF Palace: Government taking steps to prevent Phl from becoming transshipment point for drugs Sustain efforts to rehabilitate Yolanda-hit areas, President Aquino instructs concerned officials Palace: President Aquino appoints 2 DND officials, reappoints several others Palace: Consultations needed for 6-hour workday proposal for teachers Philippines to strive to improve civil, political freedoms, says Palace The Philippines on Saturday vowed to improve its standing in the international community as far as the protection of civil and political rights is concerned.Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said this after the US-based NGO Freedom House deemed the Philippines "partly free." "(K)ailangan umakyat pa rin ang ating ranking pagdating sa civil and political rights. Siyempre demokrasya tayo at gusto natin everybody takes full advantage of the (rigths) accorded to them under our Constitution (We have to improve our standing when it comes to civil and political rights. Of course we are a democracy and we want everyone to take full advantage of their rights under our Constitution)," Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. She also noted the Philippines stood out among its fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in political rights and civil liberties. Freedom House's "Freedom in the World 2014" report tagged the Philippines as one of 59 countries deemed "partly free." It gave the Philippines three points each in terms of political rights and civil liberties on a scale of 1 to 7, with one being most free and seven being least free. PND (jl) TOP Have an open mind, Palace urges critics on peace efforts with MILF Malacañang on Saturday urged critics of the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to at least keep an open mind on the peace pact both sides are working on. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is nothing to lose if all Filipinos gave the peace process a chance to succeed. "Siguro doon sa mga nagdududa, ang panawagan natin ay buksan ho natin ang ating puso’t isipan doon sa matagal ng pinag-uusapan, pinag-didiskusyunan ng parehong panel (To those still doubtful about the peace process, we ask you to open your hearts and minds to what the two panels have so far achieved)," Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Besides, she said everyone will have a chance to analyze later on how the annexes to the peace pact were crafted. "Siguro wala pong mawawala sa atin at this point if we give peace a chance (There is nothing to lose if we give peace a chance)," she said. In the meantime, Valte said the government is both confident and optimistic that there will be "good news" on the peace process while both panels are in Kuala Lumpur. "Kahapon medyo guarded optimism ang nararamdaman nila. Kanina iba ang tono ng nakausap ko. Parang naramdaman na rin ang kasiyahan na malapit na magkaroon ng good news (On Friday, there was guarded optimism. But earlier today when I talked to some of those in the talks, you could feel they are optimistic there will be good news)," she said. PND (jl) TOP Palace: Government taking steps to prevent Phl from becoming transshipment point for drugs Malacañang on Saturday reassured the public the government is taking steps to keep the Philippines from becoming a transshipment point for drugs.Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno Aquino III has instructed the concerned agencies to share information so they can work together more effectively. "Ang huling naalala ko sinabi ng Pangulo is to share information. Hindi lang ito law enforcement agencies ang gumagalaw (The President ordered the agencies concerned to share information. This applies not just to law enforcement agencies)," she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. She also noted there is now heightened cooperation among the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police. What is important is heightened cooperation and sharing of information among these agencies, she said. Valte also noted that with authorities getting better at thwarting drug laboratories, it is possible drug rings may have shifted to manufacturing the drugs abroad and using the Philippines as a transshipment point. However, she added the sharing of information among law enforcement agencies has already netted results, including the interception Friday of some P1.3 billion in illegal drugs. PND (jl) TOP Sustain efforts to rehabilitate Yolanda-hit areas, President Aquino instructs concerned officials President Benigno Aquino III has instructed Cabinet members involved in the rehabilitation of areas hit by super Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) last year to sustain their efforts despite criticisms from some sectors, Malacañang said Saturday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President issued the marching orders during a meeting with Cabinet members involved in the reconstruction. "Isa yan sa na-emphasize din ng ating Pangulo, na kailangan tuloy-tuloy ang efforts natin (The President emphasized that efforts to reconstruct the affected areas should continue)," Valte said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. She said the President instructed his Cabinet members to study constructive criticisms about their efforts and incorporate them into their efforts. "Should we receive any suggestions or constructive criticism, we take that in stride and incorporate that in our plans," she said. The government is in the midst of reconstruction efforts in areas hit by Yolanda, which left at least 6,200 dead after battering the Visayas and Southern Luzon last November. For its part, the international community had committed to help in the reconstruction efforts. PND (jl) TOP Palace: President Aquino appoints 2 DND officials, reappoints several others Malacañang on Saturday announced the appointment of two new defense officials and the reappointment by President Benigno Aquino III of several others in various positions. President Aquino appointed two acting directors of the Department of National Defense: Herbert Yambing and Lea Rosemary Liban. The reappointed officials included those in the John Hay Management Corp. and the Poro Point Management Corp. under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. Appointed to serve until June 30, 2014 are: Camp John Hay Management Corp. Board of Directors: Silvestre Afable Jr. (Chairman of the Board), Jamie Eloise Agbayani (President/CEO), Arnel Paciano Casanova, Reynaldo Agranzamendez, Catherine Mary Biazon, Emerito Manalo, Ceasar Oracion, Gloria Peralta, Teddy Esteban, Rigoroso Antonio, and Tengco Alexander Bangsoy, vice Felicito Payumo. Poro Point Management Corp. Board of Directors: Ives Nisce (Chairman of the Board), Florante Gerdan (President/CEO), Jorge Banal, Elmer Cadano, Louis Funa-Ay, Claver Jr. Celia Guzman, Nicolas Tabora, Mitchel Verzosa, and Vladimir Rodriguez, vice Amparo Aspiras. PND (jl) TOP Palace: Consultations needed for 6-hour workday proposal for teachers A proposal to shorten the working hours of teachers to six a day may need consultations among stakeholders, Malacañang said Saturday.Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said such a change in the schedules of teachers could impact on other sectors. "Merong mga employers na bukas sa flexitime pero to shorten to six hours, that will require consultations with other stakeholders. Magkaka-impact yan sa kinikita ng ating mga kababayan (Some employers are open to flexitime. But to shorten the teachers' time to six hours a day, that will require consultations with other stakeholders because it may affect other sectors of the economy)," she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. For now, she said some employers had said they were open to a flexible schedule for workers, especially with the third stage of the Metro Manila Skyway project having started. Some lawmakers earlier proposed to reduce the working hours for teachers from the standard eight hours a day to six. A bill in the House of Representatives proposes a six-hour workday for public school teachers and exempts them from complying with the Civil Service's eight-hour requirement. Lawmakers calling for the shortened work hours said this will allow the teachers more time to rest, and in turn "innovate and enhance classroom teaching." PND (jl) TOP 24 JANUARY 2014. President Aquino appoints four new ambassadors to Republic of Korea, Argentine Republic, Canada and Singapore President Aquino thanks Canada for helping the Philippines in the aftermath of Yolanda President Aquino vows to stay on the straight path to continue the country's economic growth Palace spells out corrective measures to avoid future energy rate hikes Government to protect consumers from effects of strengthening US dollar, says official President Aquino welcomes His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in Malacanang DFA dispatches officers to assist Filipino workers abused in Malaysia King Carl of Sweden arrives in Manila for a three-day visit President Aquino appoints four new ambassadors to Republic of Korea, Argentine Republic, Canada and Singapore President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed four new ambassadors to various countries.In a transmittal letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said the Chief Executive signed the appointment letters of the new ambassadors on January 20. The Chief Executive named Raul S. Hernandez as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea: Ma. Amelita C. Aquino as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Argentine Republic with concurrent jurisdiction over the Pluri-national State of Bolivia, the Republic of Paraguay and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay; Petronila P. Garcia as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada and Antonio A. Morales as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Singapore. Hernandez served as Foreign Affairs Spokesperson since July 2011 until his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Korea. After joining the DFA in 1993, he held various positions in Philippine diplomatic and consular missions in China, Canada and the Hague, Netherlands. Prior to her appointment, Aquino served as Executive Director of the Office of American Affairs since January 2009. She held various positions in Philippine diplomatic and consular missions in China, Mexico, Chile, among others. Garcia served as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Middle East and African Affairs since September 2011 until her appointment as Ambassador to Canada. She held various positions in Philippine diplomatic and consular missions in Tel Aviv, Israel; Cairo, Egypt; Seoul, Korea; Pretoria, South Africa; Sydney, Australia, and Singapore. Morales served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Peninsula Beijing as Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General since March 2013 until his appointment as Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore. PND (js) TOP President Aquino thanks Canada for helping the Philippines in the aftermath of Yolanda President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his appreciation to Canada for standing in solidarity with the Philippines during the disaster relief operations in the aftermath of supertyphoon “Yolanda” (internationally known as Haiyan). In his remarks during the courtesy call of the “Winter Escapade—It’s More Fun In The Philippines” Tour held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanang Palace on Friday, the Chief Executive assured the Canadian donors that resilience and strength underpin rehabilitation efforts to build back better. Thus far, official Canadian contribution to the emergency effort is estimated at USD 40 million, in addition to the private donations channelled through Canadian charities. "Typhoon Haiyan or Yolanda was really bad and it came on top of several crises. You had the Zamboanga; you had the Bohol-Cebu earthquake; you had ‘Santi’ in between them before ‘Yolanda’ struck. And then now you have ‘Agaton,’" the President said. "The Philippines is visited by about 20 typhoons every year. We have gone a long way....Now, we have a weather bureau who can actually tell you precisely where it will fall, what the wind strength will be, what the rainfall will be but, more importantly, we have a Department of Science and Technology that is able to translate all of this data (and) can make our citizens even more prepared than what they were," he said. He thanked the Canadian and Filipinos for helping the communities recover from the devastation wrought by Yolanda. "And again, on their behalf, I thank all of you for this really tremendous effort that enabled us to overcome and continue to overcome the challenges besetting our country as we try to recover, reconstruct, rehabilitate, and build back better," he said. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. The program is also a big boost to the country's tourism sector, particularly in the Western Visayas. On Friday, 24 Canadian visitors, many of them of Filipino heritage, paid a courtesy call on President Aquino. They toured Panay Island from January 18 to 23. PND (js) TOP President Aquino vows to stay on the straight path to continue the country's economic growth President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to stay on the straight path to overcome challenges and continue the country’s economic growth. In his remarks during the courtesy call of the “Winter Escapade—It’s More Fun In The Philippines” Tour held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanang Palace on Friday, the Chief Executive said the country is now enjoying stellar economic performance and continuing positive outlook for economic growth. "We have gotten so many accolades from credit ratings agencies that have given us investment grades status already as a country," he said. "For those of you who have not been back to the country in quite a while, I think you will notice that there are significant changes in our country today. I dare say that when I step down by 2016, perhaps a lot of you will no longer recognize the skyline of the National Capital Region as well as that of Cebu and so many other areas. You will be pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure that will be wrought on the country," he said. President Aquino said the government launched on Wednesday the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 that will connect South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). "The domestic-tourism program has already breached the target for 2016 as early as 2011. So that has necessitated practically doubling the targets by 2016, and I am confident that we will reach that," he said. The President said tourist dollars spent for goods and services generate income that create jobs, stimulate the local economy and boost confidence in tourism. "I had a battle cry during the campaign of “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” And what does that mean? We want growth that is inclusive. We do invest a vast majority of the budget in education. And one of the components is TESDA, or the TechVoc sector. Previously, it used to hit around 26% placement rate for its graduates," he said. "Over half a million Filipinos in our three years, about 560,000 actually, or thereabouts, have been brought through the process, and again at least 62% of this 500-plus thousand Filipinos have found meaningful work," he said. "Another program that we are proud of is—in Tagalog, it’s called the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program. It’s called the Conditional Cash Transfer Program in English. And the only requirement is to keep your children in school, you will receive a stipend from government," the President said. "This year, we will expand the program to cover students in the high school arena. There is a recent study that says graduating from high school brings a premium of 40% in your income and earning capabilities over that of elementary school graduates," he said. PND (js) TOP Palace spells out corrective measures to avoid future energy rate hikes Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said that the President is determined to find out the cause of the sudden power rate hike to avoid it from happening again. Citing the Senate hearing on the issue on Thursday, Coloma spelled out during a press conference in Malacanang Friday the corrective measures that the government should undertake. First, industry players must prepare for the maintenance shutdown of Malampaya gas facility and other sources of power to avoid disruptions in the electric supply and sudden rise in energy bills. Second, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the chief regulator of the power industry, must ensure that there is no collusion among industry players that result to unjustifiable profits. If an anomaly is proven, based on the EPIRA, any entity that committed abuses must be held accountable, Coloma said. While the lawmakers investigate the issue, government agencies, based on the President’s order, are investigating the power rate hike by the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). The DOJ is also doing a parallel investigation and the President at the same time wants a review for possible amendment of EPIRA. “Government is committed to ensure the sufficient supply of electricity to households and industries at reasonable rates and foster a business climate that encourages continuing investments in energy development,” Coloma said. PND (as) TOP Government to protect consumers from effects of strengthening US dollar, says official Concerned government agencies are closely watching the strengthening US dollar against the Philippine peso to prevent inflation and maintain the strong purchasing power of Filipino consumers, a Palace official said on Friday. “Tinututukan po iyan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, at ayon sa kanila, malaking bahagi nito ‘yung tinatawag nilang rebalancing na nagaganap sa iba’t ibang ekonomiya dahil nga sa nakikitang resurgence or recovery of the US economy,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Jr. Coloma said of the peso-dollar exchange rate. Coloma said in a press briefing in Malacanang Friday that according to assessments made by some individuals and organizations, there could be movements in the peso-dollar exchange rate but by the end of the year, the peso will start to gain traction again. The exchange rate could go back to P43 to P44 to a dollar by year-end, he said. “Ibig sabihin lang, meron namang dynamics iyong fluctuations in the peso-dollar exchange rate. Sa bahagi ng pamahalaan, lalung-lalo na ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, pangunahing layunin nila iyong pag-control sa inflation sapagkat ayaw nilang mabawasan ang purchasing power ni Juan dela Cruz,” he noted. The peso has shown some weakness recently against the dollar on expectations that the US Federal Reserve will cut back its bond-buying program, which drives corporate demand for the dollar. The tapering policy from Federal Reserve is the biggest factor for the peso’s decline, according to currency strategists. Not only Asia suffers from these developments but also European countries, they said. PND (as) TOP President Aquino welcomes His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden in Malacanang President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed on Friday visiting Sweden’s reigning monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, to further promote the relations between the two countries during ceremonies in Malacañang Palace on Friday. The Swedish King was accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group at the Palace main lobby at 3 p.m. King Carl XVI Gustaf was ushered to the second floor of the Malacañang Palace for the traditional signing of the Palace Guest Book. His Majesty paid a courtesy call on President Aquino, who is the country’s Chief Scout by virtue of Republic Act 7278. King Carl XVI Gustaf is visiting the Philippines from January 24 to 26 as Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year. This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. The Swedish King was accompanied by Klas Molin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Philippines; Lars Kolind, Executive Committee member of the World Scout Foundation (WSF); Fredrik Gottlieb, WSF Treasurer; Sven Philip Sorensen; WSF Regal Circle member, Simon Hang Bock Rhee; World Organization for the Scout Movemement (WOSM) Chairman; Scott Teare; WOSM Secretary-General; John Geoghegan, WSF Director and Jose Rizal Pangilinan, WOSM Regional-Director of the Asia Pacific Regional Office. Joining the President in welcoming the Swedish monarch and Head of State were Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretay Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Bayani S. Mercado, Education Undersecretary Mario Deriquito, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson. Binay, concurrently the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, will fête the King of Sweden for dinner together with officials of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Scout Foundation. Vice-President Binay led the Philippine delegation to Sweden when it hosted the World Scout Jamboree in 2011. The Swedish monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). His Majesty’s commitment to the Boy Scout movement has been lifelong. From being a scout himself as a young man, His Majesty has served as the Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation (WSF) since 1977. The WSF raises funds for various scouting projects worldwide, including the Ticket to Life project in the Philippines. Aside from the WSF, King Carl XVI Gustaf is actively involved in issues related to nature and the environment, personally instituting the King Carl Gustaf Environmental Competition and the “Royal Colloquium," an international environmental symposium held annually in Sweden with participants from all over the world. The King has been chairman of the Swedish branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) since 1988. King Carl XVI Gustaf is one of the longest serving monarchs in Europe, having celebrated the 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 2013. Under His Majesty’s reign, the Swedish monarchy has evolved to be seen as the world’s most modern monarchy. King Carl XVI Gustaf is second cousin to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and is related to the reigning monarchs in Europe. He is married to Queen Silvia Sommerlath and has three children: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine. PND (js) TOP DFA dispatches officers to assist Filipino workers abused in Malaysia The Department of Foreign Affairs instructed the country’s Consul General in Kuala Lumpur to check on the cases of some Filipino workers being harassed or abused in the ongoing crackdown in Malaysia against illegal workers. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the consul general dispatched Assistance to Nationals officers, (ATNs) to get information on reported cases and raise them to Malaysian authorities. Coloma said Filipino embassy officials in Kuala Lumpur knew of the crackdown after Malaysian authorities announced the start of the round up on January 21. Coloma also reported that in the last quarter of last year, with the help of the Philippine embassy in Malaysia, the government were able to send home more than 5,000 Filipino workers staying illegally in that country. Philippine authorities negotiated with their Malaysian counterparts to help overstaying Filipinos and assisted them in fixing their documents. Filipino officials accompanied them and provided free transportation to the Malaysian immigration center in Putrajaya, Coloma said. The Philippine embassy also negotiated to lower the fine for overstaying Filipinos—from 30 ringgit (about $10) a day to 500 ringgit for total maximum penalty, he said. “At habang isinasagawa ang announced crackdown, sinisikap pa rin nilang matulungan ang ating mga mamamayan; pinagpapayuhan lahat ng mga manggagawang Pilipino doon na maging handa sa lahat ng pagkakataon at laging dalhin ang kanilang mga dokumento,” he said. “Gayunpaman, patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating embahada at ang Department of Foreign Affairs para tiyakin na hindi magkakaroon ng maltrato laban sa ating mga manggagawa at mamamayan sa Malaysia.” PND (as) TOP King Carl of Sweden arrives in Manila for a three-day visit King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden arrived in Manila on Friday for a three-day official visit including a trip to typhoon ravaged Tacloban on Sunday.King Carl and his party touched down Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 onboard Thai Airways flight TG260 at 11:55 a.m. He was welcomed by Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro, European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, non-resident Philippine Ambassador to Sweden Bayani Mercado, and J. Rizal Pangilinan, regional director of the World Organization for the Scout Movement. This is the first visit of King Carl in the country as he was invited as Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year. Since 1977, His Majesty has served as the honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation, which raises funds for various scouting projects worldwide, including the Ticket to Life project in the Philippines. First on his itinerary was a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III, who is the country’s Chief Scout as mandated by Republic Act 7278, in Malacanang. He was also invited by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who is the National President of the Boy Scout of the Philippines, to a dinner at the Coconut Palace, Friday evening. On Saturday, the King is scheduled to visit a scouting centre in Mt. Makiling in Los Banos Laguna. He will then fly to Tacloban on Sunday to visit the various projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and other related projects implemented by the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). PND (jb) TOP   24 ENERO 2014 Nagtalaga ang Pangulong Aquino ng mga bagong embahador sa Republika ng Korea, Argentine Republic, Canada at Singapore Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Canada sa pagtulong nang salantain ng bagyong Yolanda ang Pilipinas Patuloy na pagtahak sa tuwid na daan ang pangako ng Pangulong Aquino upang magpatuloy ang pagsulong ng ekonomya ng bansa Mga hakbang na gagawin para maiwasang tumaas ang halaga ng koryente sa hinaharap na panahon, masusing isasagawa ng pamahalaan Pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang madla sa epekto ng paglakas ng ‘US dollar,’ sabi ni Coloma Nagtalaga ang Pangulong Aquino ng mga bagong embahador sa Republika ng Korea, Argentine Republic, Canada at Singapore Nagtalaga ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ng apat na bagong embahador sa iba-ibang bansa, ayon sa nakasaad sa liham ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N.Ochoa, Jr. kay Kalihim Albert F. del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas. Sinabi ng Kalihim Tagapagpaganap na Enero 20 nilagdaan ng Pangulo ang pagtatalaga kina: Raul S. Hernandez bilang Embahador na Katangi-tangi at May Lubos na Kapangyarihan sa Republika ng Korea; Ma. Amelita C. Aquino na Embahador na Katangi-tangi at May Lubos na Kapangyarihan sa Republika ng Argentina at nakasasakop din sa Plurinational State ng Bolivia, sa Republika ng Paraguay at sa Oriental na Republika ng Uruguay; Petronila P. Garcia bilang Embahador na Katangi-tangi at May Lubos na Kapangyarihan sa Canada at Antonio A. Morales, Embahador na Katangi-tangi at May lubos na Kapangyarihan sa Republika ng Singapore. Si Hernandez ay naging Tagapagsalita ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas mula noong Hulyo 11, 2011 bago nahirang na Embahador sa Republika ng Korea. Taong 1993 nang mapasok sa DFA si Hernandez at humawak ng iba-ibang tungkulin sa mga misyon at konsuladong diplomatiko sa China, Canada at The Hague, Netherlands. Si Aquino naman ay Tagapagpaganap na Direktor ng Office of American Affairs sapul noong Enero 2009. Humawak din siya ng iba-ibang tungkuling pandiplomata sa mga misyon sa China, Mexico at Cuba. Naging Katulong na Kalihim si Garcia ng Office of Middle East and African Affairs buhat noong Setyembre 2011 bago nahirang na Embahador sa Canada. Natalaga rin siya sa mga misyong diplomatiko at consular sa Tel Aviv, Israel; Cairo, Ehipto; Seoul, Timog Korea; Pretoria, Timog Africa; Sydney, Australia at Singapore. Si Morales naman ay naglingkod na Deputy Chief of Mission at Konsul Heneral sa Peninsula Beijing mula noong Marso 2013 bago hinirang na Embahador sa Republika ng Singapore. PND(js/zaf) TOP Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Canada sa pagtulong nang salantain ng bagyong Yolanda ang Pilipinas Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Canada sa pagsaklolo at pagdamay nito sa Pilipinas sa panahon ng disaster relief operations matapos salantain ng napakalakas na bagyong “Yolanda” ang Kabisayaan at Katimugang Luzon. Sa maikling pangungusap nang makipagkita sa Pangulo ang “Winter Escapade—It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour” na ginanap sa Rizal Ceremonial Hall sa Palasyo ng Malacanang Biyernes, tiniyak ng Pangulo sa mga nagbigay ng donasyon na mga taga-Canada na ang sinisikap ng pamahalaan sa rehabilitasyong ginagawa ay makapagtayo ng higit na matibay at matatag na mga bahay at gusali sa mga pook na winasak ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda. Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, ang opisyal na kontribusyon ng Canada sa pagbabagong tatag na ginagawa ay tinatayang aabot sa 40 milyong dolyar-Amerikano, bukod pa sa mga pribadong donasyong ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng kawanggawa ng Canada. “Napakalupit ng bagyong Haiyan o Yolanda at dumating pagkatapos ng iba pang mga krisis na tulad ng Zamboanga, napakalakas na lindol sa Bohol at Cebu. Dumaan ang Santi bago humagupit ang Yolanda. At ngayon naman, mayroon tayong Agaton,” sabi ng Pangulo. “Ang Pilipinas ay hinahagupit ng halos 20 bagyo taun-taon. Marami na kaming pinagdaanan. At ngayon, mayroon na kaming Kawanihan ng Panahon na talagang tiyak na natutukoy kung saan daraan ang bagyo, kung gaano kalakas ang hangin, kung gaano karami ang ibubuhos na ulan. Subali’t higit sa lahat, mayroon na kaming Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya na nagpapaliwanag sa lahat ng data upang makapaghandang mabuti ang aming mga kababayan sa ano mang mangyayari,” paliwanag ng Pangulong Aquino. Ipinaabot ng Pangulo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga taga-Canada at mga Pilipino na tumutulong sa mga komunidad upang makapagbagong tatag mula sa malawak na pinsalang iniwan ng Yolanda. “At muli, sa ngalan nila, maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat sa tunay na malaking tulong na naging daan upang makabangon kami at maipagpatuloy ang pagharap sa mga hamon at pagsubok na dinanas ng aming bansa habang nagpupunyagi kaming makatindig na muli, magbagong tatag at magtayo nang higit na mahusay at matitibay na mga tahanan at gusali,” pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo. Ang “Winter Escapade” ay isang tour program na inilunsad ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas at ng Kagawaran ng Turismo na ang pakay ay maakit ang mga balikbayan na dalawin ang Pilipinas sa panahong taglamig sa Kanluran. Ang programang ito ay malaking tulong sa kaunlaran ng sektor ng turismo ng bansa, lalo na sa Kanlurang Kabisayaan. Biyernes, 24 na panauhing taga-Canada, karamihan ay may dugong Pilipino, ang nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang. Naglakbay sila sa Pulo ng Panay mula Enero 18 hanggang Enero 23. PND(js/zaf) TOP Patuloy na pagtahak sa tuwid na daan ang pangako ng Pangulong Aquino upang magpatuloy ang pagsulong ng ekonomya ng bansa Nangako ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na patuloy siyang tatalunton sa tuwid na daan upang matawid ang mga pagsubok at magpatuloy ang pagsulong ng ekonomya ng bansa. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo sa harap ng mga panauhing “Winter Escapade—It’s More Fun In the Philippines Tour” na ginanap sa Rizal Centennial Hall sa Palasyo ng Malacanang na sa kasalukuyan, ang bansa ay maluningning na tala ang nagawa sa larangan ng ekonomya at patuloy ang positibong pananaw sa paglago ng ekonomya. “Marami kaming tinanggap na papuri buhat sa mga credit rating agencies na nagbigay na sa amin ng investment grade status bilang isang bansa,” sabi ng Pangulo. “Sa inyong matagal-tagal na rin namang hindi nakauuwi sa bansa natin, palagay ko, napuna ninyo ang mahahalagang mga pagbabago sa ating bansa ngayon. Buo ang loob kong sabihin na pagbaba ko sa 2016, hindi na makikilala nang marami sa inyo ang skyline ng National Capital Region, gayundin ang sa Cebu at marami pang pook.Malugod kayong mabibigla sa mga imprastrakturang makikita sa ating bayan,” wika ng Pangulo. Binanggit ng Pangulong Aquino na inilunsad na ng pamahalaan Miyerkoles ang “Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3” na magdurugtong sa South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). “Nalampasan na ng domestic tourism project ang target para sa 2016 noon pang 2011. Kaya kinakailangang doblihin natin ang target para sa 2016 at natitiyak kong maaabot natin iyon,” dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Idinugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino na ang dolyar na ginagasta ng mga turista para sa paninda at serbisyo ay lumilikha ng salaping nagbibigay ng mga trabaho, nagpapasigla ng ekonomya at nagiging daan ng pagtitiwala sa turismo. “Noong panahon ng kampanya, ang sigaw namin: ‘Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.’ Ano ang ibig sabihin nito? Nais naming maging malawakan ang pagsulong. Ito ang dahilan kaya ang malaking bahagi ng badyet ay inilalaan namin sa edukasyon. At isa sa bahagi nito ay ang TESDA o TechVoc sector. Dati-rati, umaabot sa 26% ang placement rate sa mga nagtapos,” pahayag ng Pangulo. “Sa loob ng tatlong taon ng aming panunungkulan, mahigit na kalahating milyong Pilipino o 560,000 ang nakatapos nito at halos 62% ng mahigit na 500,000 Pilipino ang nagkaroon na ng kapaki-pakinabang na trabaho,” dagdag ng Pangulo. “Ang isa pang programang aming ipinagmamalaki ay ang Programang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino na Conditional Cash Transfer Program sa Ingles. Ang tanging itinakdang tuntunin dito ay tiyaking pumapasok sa paaralan ang inyong mga anak at makatatanggap kayo ng karampatang halaga mula sa pamahalaan,” paliwanag ng Pangulo. “Sa taong ito, palalawakin pa namin ang programang ito para ang mga mag-aaral sa mataas na paaralan ay makasama. Sa katatapos na pag-aaral, sinasabing ang nakatapos sa mataas na paaralan ay nagbibigay ng 40% sa inyong kita at kakayahang kumita kaysa sa mga tapos lamang sa mababang paaralan,” anang Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP Mga hakbang na gagawin para maiwasang tumaas ang halaga ng koryente sa hinaharap na panahon, masusing isasagawa ng pamahalaan Nais ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na malaman kung ano ang dahilan ng biglaang pagtaas ng halaga ng koryente upang huwag nang maulit ang ganito, sang-ayon kay Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Comunications Operations Office Biyernes. Binanggit ni Coloma ang pagdinig ng Senado Huwebes tungkol sa isyung ito sa pulong balitaang ginanap sa Malacanang Biyernes kung saan sinabi ng Kalihim ang karampatang mga hakbang na dapat gawin ng pamahalaan. Una, dapat maghanda ang industry players tungkol sa maintenance shutdown ng Malampaya gas facility at iba pang pinagmumulan ng koryente nang maiwasan ang kakapusan sa elektrisidad at biglaang pagtaas ng presyo nito. Ikalawa, dapat tiyakin ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) na siyang chief regulator ng industriya ng koryente na walang sabwatan ang mga industry players para magkamal ng tubo. Sinabi ni Coloma na kapag napatunayang may katiwalian, salig sa EPIRA, alinmang kompanyang magsamantala ay dapat papanagutin. Habang sinisiyasat ng mga mambabatas ang isyung ito, ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan, salig sa utos ng Pangulo, ay kasalukuyan nang nagsisiyasat sa pagtataas ng presyo ng koryente na ginawa ng Manila Electric Company (Meralco). Nagsisiyasat na rin ang Kagawaran ng Katarungan tungkol dito at iniutos naman ng Pangulo na rebisahin para masusugan ang EPIRA. “Nakapangako ang pamahalaan na titiyaking may sapat na koryente ang mga tahanan at ang mga industriya sa makatuwirang halaga at isulong ang magandang pagkakataon sa negosyo upang patuloy na may maglagak ng puhunan sa paglinang ng enerhiya,” pahayag pa ni Coloma. PND (as/zaf) TOP Pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang madla sa epekto ng paglakas ng ‘US dollar,’ sabi ni Coloma Sinusubaybayan na ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang paglakas ng dolyar-Amerikano laban sa piso ng Pilipinas upang maiwasan ang inflation at mapanatiling malakas ang purchasing power ng mga Pilipino. “Tinututukan po iyan ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at ayon sa kanila, malaking bahagi nito ang tinatawag nilang rebalancing na nagaganap sa iba’t ibang ekonomya dahil nga sa nakikitang paglakas o pagbangon ng ekonomya ng Estados Unidos,” paliwanag ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office. Sinabi ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes na ayon sa mga pagtayang ginawa ng ilang tao at organisasyon, maaaring magkaroon ng pagkilos sa peso-dollar exchange rate, subali’t sa pagtatapos ng taon, magsisimula uling umangat ang piso. Ayon sa kanya, maaaring bumalik sa P43 hanggang P44 ang palitan ng dolyar sa pagtatapos ng taon. “Ibig sabihin lamang, mayroon namang dynamics ang pabagu-bagong palitan ng dolyar at piso. Sa panig ng pamahalaan, lalung-lalo na sa Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, pangunahing layunin nila ang pagkontrol sa inflation sapagka’t ayaw nilang mabawasan ang purchasing power ni Juan dela Cruz,” dagdag ni Coloma. Kamakailan ay humina nang bahagya ang piso laban sa dolyar dahil inaasahang puputulin na ng Federal Reserve ang bond-buying program nito na naging dahilan kaya lumaki ang pangangailangan ng mga korporasyon sa dolyar. Ang “tapering policy” ng “Federal Reserve” ang pangunahing dahilan kaya bumaba ang piso, sang-ayon sa mga currency strategists. Hindi lamang ang Asya ang nagdurusa rito, kundi pati ang mga bansang Europeo, ayon sa kanila. PND (as/zaf) TOP   23 ENERO 2014 Maglalagay ang gobyerno ng ‘Yolanda/Haiyan’ donor fund, donation-tracking website” para isulong ang ‘transparency’ Nagtakda ang gobyerno ng mga hakbang sa gagawing rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’ Binabalaan ni Lacson ang nagiging mga sagabal sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng Yolanda Lumitaw sa survey ng ‘Social Weather Stations’ na sa pook na sinalanta ng ‘Yolanda,’ ‘higher satisfaction’ ang nakuha ng Pangulong Aquino Pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino sa ginagawang pagtugis ng Malaysia sa mga ilegal na manggagawa Hindi tinatantanan ng pamahalaan ang kampanya upang pangalagaan ang mga mamamahayag—Coloma Maglalagay ang gobyerno ng ‘Yolanda/Haiyan’ donor fund, donation-tracking website” para isulong ang ‘transparency’ Upang makita kung saan napupunta ang mga donasyong natanggap ng gobyerno para itulong sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) ay ilalagay ng pamahalaan sa isang map-based website ang mga natanggap na donasyong salapi para makita nang lahat, sangayon kay Kalihim Panfilo M. Lacson, Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. Binigyang diin ni Lacson sa pagsasalita sa forum sa Lungsod ng Makati na ang pondong bigay para itulong sa mga biktima ng Yolanda ay pangangasiwaan ng pinagtitiwalaan at kilalang matataas na pinuno ng malalaking grupo ng mga negosyante. “Tutulong kami para mabilis na mailunsad ang pondo sa madaling panahon. Kasalukuyan na naming ginagawa ang map-based website upang matiyak na ang pondong galing sa mga tao ay agad makikita ng sino mang ibig tumunghay nito,” sabi pa ni Lacson. Idinugtong ni Lacson na kabilang sa Board of Trustees ng pondo ang mga pinuno ng malalaking kompanya sa sektor ng media, komunikasyon at pananalapi. Sinabi ni Lacson na ni isa ay walang tumanggi sa mga nilapitan niya upang anyayahang maging kagawad ng Board of Trustees. Ayon kay Lacson, pauna niyang binuksan ang isang dollar savings account (105-310-463-926) para sa mga overseas Filipino workers, gayundin ang peso savings account (005-310-633-988) sa sangay ng Banco de Oro sa Ayala. Ayon kay Lacson, magbubukas pa sila ng accounts sa ibang mga banko. Sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda ang Kabisayaan at Katimugang Luzon noong Nob. 8 at nag-iwan nang hindi bababa sa 6,200 patay. Idinagdag pa ni Lacson na ang 171 bayan at mga lungsod na winasak ni Yolanda ay hinati nila sa 24 na clusters na maaaring ampunin. Nanawagan din ang pamahalaan, wika ni Lacson, sa malalaking negosyante na makibalikat sa bagay na ito at maagap namang tumugon ang pribadong sektor. “Nangako rin ang mga tagapagtaguyod na susuportahan nila ang mga pangangailangan para sa edukasyon, kalusugan, pabahay at pagkakakitaan,” sabi pa ng Kalihim. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Nagtakda ang gobyerno ng mga hakbang sa gagawing rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’ Ngayong 20,000 oras na lamang o dalawang taon at kalahati ang nalalabi para tapusin ng pamahalaan ang dapat gawin tungo sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na winasak ng napaka-lakas na bagyong “Yolanda,” gumawa ng mga hakbang ang administrasyong Aquino para matiyak na itutuloy ang rehabilitasyon magtapos man ang termino ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa taong 2016. Sinabi ni Presidential Assistant on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Panfilo M. Lacson na kukuha ang tanggapan niya ang understudy na magpapatuloy ng gawain nito kahit magtapos man sa Hunyo 30, 2016 ang termino ng administrasyong Aquino. “Sisikapin naming tapusin ang 85 hanggang 90 porsiyento man lamang sa Hunyo 30, 2016. Gayunman, may nakahanda kaming understudy para tiyaking maski wala na kami, maaari pang ituloy ang aming gawain kahit tapos na ang termino ng Pangulong Aquino, paliwanag ni Lacson sa panayam sa Lungsod ng Makati. Ayon kay Lacson, ang gobyerno at ang pribadong sektor ay magpapatuloy sa dapat nilang gawin sapagka’t bahagi ito ng kanilang pangakong gawin. Idinagdag ni Lacson na umaasa siyang sa darating na anim na buwan hanggang isang taon ay inaasahan niyang may maitatayo nang mga istraktura. Magpapatuloy ang tanggapan niya sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga tagapagtaguyod na mga dayuhan ukol sa rehabilitasyon. Sinabi ni Lacson na marami pa sa napinsala ng Yolanda ang kulang sa pangunahing kailangan gaya ng ilang tao sa ilang pook sa Samar na napilitang manirahan sa mga yungib. Samantala, tiniyak ni Lacson sa mga mamamayan at pinuno ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na mananatiling “color-blind” ang opisina niya tungkol sa kinabibilangang partido ng sino man. Tahasang sinabi ni Lacson na sa mga nakakausap niyang kilalang pulitiko, agad niyang sinasabing huwag mag-alala ang mga ito dahll color-blind sila sa ganito. “Ang problema kasi, pag pulitika ang pumasok sa usapan, hindi mayor ang pinarurusahan mo, kundi ang mga tao, mga biktima. At kung tutulungan mo ang isang lugar, hindi mo tinutulungan ang mayor, gobernador o congressman, ang tinutulungan mo ay ang mga taong nagdurusa,” sabi pa ni Lacson. Inulit din ni Lacson na sa pagpapatupad ng gawain ng kanyang opisina, ang susundin ay ang minimum requirements sa itatayong mga paaralan at multi-purpose halls. Binigyang diin ni Lacson na dapat matibay ang mga paqaralan at multi-purpose halls na maaaring gamiting emergency evacuation centers at ang mga ospital naman ay kailangang magamit din bilang command and communication centers kung kinakailangan. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Binabalaan ni Lacson ang nagiging mga sagabal sa rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng Yolanda Nagbabala si Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson na hindi siya mangingiming “habulin “ang mga magiging “sagabal” sa sagutin niyang pagbabagong tatag ng mga pook na sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda. Ang babala ay sinabi ni Lacson sa interbyu sa kanya ng mga reporter pagkatapos magsalita sa forum sa Lungsod ng Makati Huwebes kung saan niya inihayag na nailista na niya ang mga nagtangkang sagkaan ang sinisikap niyang isagawang rekostruksiyon. “May listahan na ako. Haharapin ko sila malaon at madali. Maikli lamang ang listahan kung ihahambing sa napakahabang listahan ng talagang ibig tumulong,” sabi ni Lacson. Sinabi rin ni Lacson sa pagkakataong ito na hinihintay niyang siyasatin ng Criminal Investigation Service and Detection Group ng Pambansang Pulisya at ng Intelligence Service ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ang mga umano ay sangkot sa katiwalian sa rekonstruksiyon. Idinugtong niya na titiyakin ng opisina niya na maipaghaharap ng sakdal ang mga taong dapat managot sa bagay na ito ano man ang kulay ng pulitika ng mga taong nasabi. “Bagaman nananangan ako sa policy of inclusion, hindi ako mag-aatubiling usigin ang mga uunahin pa ang personal nilang kapakanan ano man ang apilasyon nilang pulitika kaysa sa pagsasakatuparan ng aking misyong iniatang ng Pangulo,” sabi pa ni Lacson. “Sabi nga, either you’re in or in the way, (kasama ka o hadlang ka),” dagdag ni Lacson., Samantala, sinabi ni Lacson na patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang opisina niya sa mga lokal na pinuno ano man ang kinaanibang partido pulitikal ng mga ito. Binigyang diin ni Lacson na patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan niya dahil iyon ang sagutin niya upang maisagawa nang maayos ang rehabilitasyon. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Lumitaw sa survey ng ‘Social Weather Stations’ na sa pook na sinalanta ng ‘Yolanda,’ ‘higher satisfaction’ ang nakuha ng Pangulong Aquino Lumitaw sa survey ng Social Weather Station (SWS) na nakakuha ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino ng higher satisfaction ratings sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong “Yolanda” na kati-bayan ng suporta sa patuloy na pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na makapagbagong tatag ang mga biktima at maibangong muli ang nawasak na komunidad sa pagtatayo ng mga higit na matibay na mga pamayanan. Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa isang pahayag sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes. “Sang-ayon sa pinakahuling SWS survey, tumanggap ang Pangulo ng higher satisfaction rating sa mga pook na apektado ng bagyong Yolanda kung ihahambing sa mga nasa labas ng ng pook ng kalamidad,” wika ni Kalihim Coloma at idinagdag na sa mga biktima ng Yolanda, nakakuha ang Pangulong Aquino ng 73% na nasiyahan sa pagtupad ng Pangulo sa tungkulin, samantalang 19% naman ang hindi nasiyahan. Ang Pangulo ay nakakuha ng iskor na net satisfaction rating na +54% (satisfied minus % dissatisfied) na sa klasipikasyon ng SWS ay very good. Sa mga hindi naging biktima ng Yolanda, 69% ang satisfied at 21% ang dissatisfied o ng net satisfaction rating na +48, na ang klasipikasyon ay “good.” Ang December 2013 SWS Survey ay ginawa noong Disyembre 11-16, 2013 sa pamamagitan ng harapang interbyu ng 1,550 adults. “Nakalulugod naman na ang mga taong nagdusa sa nanalantang bagyo ay lubos na nasisiyahan sa ginawa ng Pangulo at ng pamahalaan upang mabawasan ang sakit ng kalooban at mapawi kahit paano ang pagdurusa nila sa kabila ng mga hamon at suliraning patuloy na kinakaharap. PND (js/zaf) TOP Pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino sa ginagawang pagtugis ng Malaysia sa mga ilegal na manggagawa Tiniyak ng Malacanang Huwebes na aatasan ang Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas na siyasatin ang umano ay pagmamalabis na ginagawa ng mga maykapangyarihan sa Malaysia laban sa mga Pilipino na nagtatrabaho sa nasabing bansa. Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes, sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na sagutin ng pamahalaan na pangalagaan ang mga mamamayan nito, lalo na kung sila ay pinag-uusig sa ibayong dagat Sinabi ni Coloma na ang Pilipinas at Malaysia ay matagal nang magkaibigan at nagtutulungan at idinagdag na naniniwala siyang ang mga pinuno ng Malaysia ay mag-uukol ng panahon sa mga bqgay na idudulog ng pamahalaang Pilipino. “Mahaba ang kasaysayan ng pagkakaibigan at kooperasyon sa pagitan ng Malaysia at Pilipinas. Katulad nang nabanggit, sila ang tumatayo ngayong tagapamagitan sa ating usapang pangkapayapaan hinggil sa Bangsamoro,” wika ni Coloma. “Siguro ay makatuwirang sabihin na sila ay makikinig sa ating ilalahad sa kanila at wala naman pong kasaysayan na sila ay hindi nagbigay ng atensiyon sa mga diplomatic concerns na ating inilahad sa kanilang pamahalaan,”dugtong pa ni Coloma. Idinagdag ng Kalihim na para gumawa ng hakbang ang pamahalaan ng Malaysia, dapat iulat nang buo ng Kagawaran ng Suliraning Panlabas ng Pilipinas ang detalye ng sinasabing pagmamalabis at paninikil laban sa mga manggagawamg Pilipino. Sinabi ni Coloma na dapat lamang magtamo ng katarungan ang mga pinahihirapan umano sa ginagawang panghuhuli ng Malaysia sa mga ilegal na manggagawa. “Tiyak pong gagawin ng ating Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang lahat ng nararapat para mabigyan ng katarungan ang diumano’y pananakit o paggawa ng karahasan laban sa ating mga mamamayan dahil hindi naman ito talaga dapat maganap,” dugtong ni Coloma. “Ganoon din sa ating bansa. Tinatrato natin nang may paggalang ang mga mamamayan ng ibang bansa. Dapat lamang na ganoon din ang kanilang pagtrato sa ating mga mamamayan. Tinitiyak natin na gagawin ang lahat ng nararapat para magawaran ng katarungan ang inilahad ng ating kasama rito,” pahayag pa ng Kalihim. Salig sa mga ulat, may mga Pilipino na hinuli at ikinulong sa gitgitang mga piitan at pilit na pinaamin na sila ay mga manggagawang ilegal. Ilan umanong babaing migranteng mangga-gawa, ayon sa ulat, ang ginahasa. Noong Marso ng nakaraang taon, iniutos ng pamahalaan ng Malaysia ang puspusang pagpuksa sa mga mandirigma buhat sa Sulu na sumakop sa isang pook sa Lahad Datu sa Sabah. Ang naturang grupo ay nagtungo roon upang bawiin ang nasabing pook na ayon sa kanila ay ang Sultanato ng Suli ang may-ari. PND (as/zaf) TOP Hindi tinatantanan ng pamahalaan ang kampanya upang pangalagaan ang mga mamamahayag—Coloma Hindi tinatantanan ng pamahalaan ang tulung-tulong na pagsisikap ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan para tugunan ang mga kaso ng media killings sa bansa. Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes. “Patuloy kaming nakikipag-ugnayan sa kinauukulang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan. Ang utos po sa kanila ay pag-ibayuhin ang pagsisiyasat at paghahanap sa mga gumawa ng mga krimeng ito dahil hindi naman po natin mapapahintulutan ang paggawa ng karahasan laban sa mga mamamahayag at laban sa mga nagtatrabaho bilang mga peryodista at sa pagsasaka-tuparan ng kalayaan ng pamahayagan at kalayaan ng pagpapahayag,” wika ni Coloma. Kabilang sa mga ginagawa ng pamahalaan ay ang pagbabago ng rules of court para mapabilis ang paglilitis ng mga usapin, lalo na ang malalaking kaso ng karahasan sa mga mamamahayag—ang Maguindanao massacre, na tatlong hukom na ang nakatalaga para maglitis. Sinabi rin ni Coloma na pinag-ibayo rin ng Pambansang Pulisya at ng iba pang tagapagpatupad ng batas ang kampanya para madakip ang mga may kagagawan ng pagpasalang sa mga mamamahayag. “Kaya pag-iibayuhin ng ating pamahalaan ang pagsisikap na mabigyan ng katarungan ang karahasan laban sa mga journalists,” sabi ni Coloma. Idinugtong ni Coloma na ito rin ang dahilan kaya pinag-iibayo ng pamahalaan ang kampanya laban sa mga walang pahintulot na sandata. Binanggit din ni Coloma ang paglagda ng Pangulo sa isang bagong baqtas na nagpapahintulot sa mga propesyonal na magdala ng sandata para sa kaligtasan nila, gayundin ang higit na matagal na pagkabilanggo na hindi bababa sa 30 taon kapag nahuling may dalang walang lisensiyang baril. 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. Solar Day Break / Solar News Channel by Amelyn Veloso January 26, 2014 SEC. COLOMA: (recording cut) … for their achievement in being able to complete the signing of the four annexes that will pave the way for the signing of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro. AMELYN: Sir, how will the government handle the groups who are still opposing the GPH-MILF peace deal? SEC. COLOMA: Our approach is inclusive, Amelyn. We would like to invite other stakeholders to participate in this process. We continue to engage them in dialogues. And we hope that they will see the light and be a part of this historic and important process for our people in Mindanao. AMELYN: Sir, will the government hold separate talks with the MNLF? SEC. COLOMA: As far as I understand, Amelyn, our Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process continues to engage the MNLF through its committee of 15 – they have a new governance structure – and other groups that are also stakeholders in this process. Nobody is being purposely left out, for as long as they are willing to participate and contribute to the peace process. AMELYN: Okay, sir, can tell you us what will happen next? Can you walk us through to the next phases after the signing of the final annex of this framework agreement? SEC.COLOMA: The next important milestone is the enactment of a Bangsamoro Basic Law. Right now, we have a Bangsamoro Transition Commission that is principally responsible for drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be submitted for Congress. Even after the annexes had been initialed and signed, my understanding that the members of the Transition Commission have already begun the groundwork for drafting this law. So after the annex on— AMELYN: Normalization? SEC. COLOMA: On power-sharing, wealth-sharing, transitional arrangement and, now, normalization had been signed, they began examining the provisions that could find their way into the Bangsamoro Basic Law. So, once this Bangsamoro Basic Law is enacted by Congress, hopefully by 2015, this will be submitted to the people for a plebiscite … in a plebiscite. And if it is approved in the plebiscite, then the final phase will be pursued which is the election of officials for the Bangsamoro political entity, which we hope can be held simultaneously with the 2016 national elections. AMELYN: Sir, we’ve received reports that—please clarify it to us, the 1996 peace agreement has not been fully implemented accord. So they are saying that, will that affect this current Bangsamoro Framework Agreement or the Bangsamoro Basic Law? And then also, that agreement, in the 1996 agreement covers a different area. So, what will happen now, sir? Will that be a hindrance to the signing or the enactment of a Bangsamoro Basic Law? SEC. COLOMA: As I said, Amelyn, we continue to engage the MNLF through its present governance board. If you will recall, before the Zamboanga crisis last October, there was a meeting that was scheduled in Indonesia that was not convened because of what happened in Zamboanga City. So, even as we speak now, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process continues to engage the elements of the MNLF in dialogue so we can thresh out their concerns because we really want this to be an inclusive process, and we continue to seek ways and means for harmonizing the concerns of all other stakeholders. AMELYN: With what has been reached by this Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, is the government also looking to sit down with other groups who are in conflict with … we are in conflict with? SEC. COLOMA: Definitely, Amelyn. The OPAPP has tables for the other issues that we are tackling so that we could attain the objectives of the administration in achieving peace in all parts of the country. If you will recall, these negotiations had been initiated with the CPP-NPA-NDF. We’ve also talked the disagreement with the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and all other—these issues are being addressed because the administration believes that peace is the way to progress. AMELYN: Do you see any other hindrances to the completion ang signing of the peace deal with the MILF? SEC. COLOMA: Many challenges are expected, but what is important is that both panels are approaching the table with trust and with a firm determination to push the peace process forward. So this will what … will spell the difference and make it possible for us to attain our objectives. AMELYN: Thank you for joining us this morning, sir, Secretary Sonny Coloma. SEC. COLOMA: Thank you, Amelyn. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME]   25 JANUARY 2014 DAR’S bridge project To open Up development potentials Of isolated ARCs DSWD leads ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program for ‘Yolanda’ evacuees Vice President Binay meets His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation BSP terminates Syrian Pound (SYP) Currency Exchange Facility (CEF) Inflation remains within target in 2013 Bank lending standards remain broadly steady in Q4 2013 Sec. Soliman tours US Sen. Rubio around DSWD relief hub Next Wave Cities move up in Global IT-BPM locations ranking CSC conducts eligibility exams for the career service in 2014 HR training courses available at the CSI DPWH resures EDSA re-blocking activities Robotics Olympiad victors showcase winning creations GPH welcomes support of legislators, stresses their role in Bangsamoro’s success PNP examination announcement DOST-DOLE partnership to open more technology-driven jobs for disaster-devastated communities DAR’S bridge project To open Up development potentials Of isolated ARCs Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned-over yesterday the Yen ¥793 million(about Php 350 million) Umiray Bridge that now connects Dingalan town in Aurora Province with General Nakar in Quezon Province. DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that under the department’s Program Beneficiaries Development, the DAR provides for improving access of agrarian reform communities (ARCs) to economic and social services. “The construction of the Umiray Bridge will change the lives of the people here. The bridge will not only improve their living conditions, it will also open opportunities for economic growth and development of about 11,000 hectares of agricultural lands,” said De los Reyes. De los Reyes said that more than 30,000 people will benefit from the bridge including some 13,000 farming families living in five agrarian reform communities namely, Umiray, Poblacion, Ibona, Gen. Nakar and Matawe. “With this bridge, farmers’ income will improve for they can now cross the river and transport their farm yield with ease and with minimal travel expense,” De los Reyes said.dar web news 1 pix 2 jan 24 2014 2 According to DAR Undersecretary/Project Implementation Officer for Foreign Assisted Projects Jerry Pacturan, before the construction of the bridge, farmers and residents of Dingalan, Aurora and Gen. Nakar, Quezon, rode boats to get to the other side. “If the water level of the river is low, vehicles can cross but they have to go through a 30-kilometer logging road along a hilly and very rugged terrain. That’s added expense for farmers who pay P70.00 manual hauling fee per sack of their produce and another P20.00 for boat fare”, Pacturan said. Pacturan added that majority of these communities, located in the eastern part of the Quezon, are presently separated by the Umiray River from mainland Aurora and have been physically isolated from government’s basic services especially during heavy rains. “With the construction of Umiray bridge, farmers now pay only P15.00 hauling fee per sack, a clear savings of P55.00 per sack”, explains Pacturan. The 358-linear meter bridge project was implemented by DAR with funding under Grant-Aid Program of the Government of Japan (GoJ) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). |TOP| DSWD leads ‘Balik sa Bayan’ program for ‘Yolanda’ evacuees Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph An inter-agency group led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has offered a package of services to Typhoon Yolanda survivors who temporarily sought refuge in Metro Manila and nearby provinces but are now ready to go back to their respective hometowns in Eastern Visayas. Dubbed “Balik sa Bayan,” the beneficiaries are provided with financial assistance, transportation assistance, and health services. They are also given pabaon packs containing relief goods, blankets, and mats; shelter kits with construction materials and basic carpentry tools; starter kits; and, a mobile phone. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the program aims to assist the survivors in their early recovery and reintegration to their respective communities. Currently being processed for the assistance are those who were temporarily housed at the different facilities managed by the DSWD, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations, and those who can no longer be accommodated by their relatives due to their limited resources. As of January 23, a total of 77 families composed of 212 individuals who were accommodated at the DSWD-managed Jose Fabella Center in Mandaluyong City and at the Tent City in Pasay City have been sent home.Other agencies working on the implementation of the program are Department of Health (DOH), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Salubong Movement, PLDT-Smart Foundation, and the different LGUs. |TOP| Vice President Binay meets His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 24 January 2014 – Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, concurrently the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, welcomed His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden today at the Coconut Palace. His Majesty, as Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation, will be the Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in its centenary year to be held in Makiling, Laguna on January 25. The Vice-President thanked His Majesty for the support given by the World Scout Foundation (WSF) to the Ticket to Life project of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines located in the cities of Manila, Zamboanga and Davao, noting that the WSF funding for this project provides a promise of a better future to children in difficult circumstances. The Vice-President also conveyed his appreciation of the WSF’s assistance to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) through its Messengers for Peace initiative. As National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the Vice-President will join His Majesty at tomorrow’s Scout’s activities in Makiling, where more than 7,000 young scouts are expected to participate. Vice-President Binay will also accompany His Majesty in Tacloban to visit the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ various projects in the typhoon-affected areas. Prior to His Majesty’s meeting with the Vice-President, King Carl XVI Gustaf was welcomed earlier today by President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañan. The President is the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines as mandated by Republic Act 7278. King Carl XVI Gustaf has been a lifelong supporter of the Scouting Movement, becoming a scout himself at 10 years old. His Majesty accepted the role of Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation in 1977 and has since been leading the WSF in raising funds to support scouting projects worldwide. |TOP| BSP terminates Syrian Pound (SYP) Currency Exchange Facility (CEF) Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is reminding the public of the termination of the SYP CEF on 24 January 2014. The CEF is an initiative of the BSP to provide immediate liquidity assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families repatriated from Syria due to political conflict in the country. It will be recalled that the SYP CEF was initially established for a period of four (4) months from 30 January 2013 up to 30 May 2013. However, due to the continuing political conflict in Syria, the BSP re-opened the facility for a period of six (6) months starting from 28 July 2013 up to 24 January 2014. The SYP CEF allowed returning OFWs and their family members to exchange SYP for Philippine peso (PHP) with BSP’s Head Office, regional offices and branches as well as authorized agent banks (AABs) up to a maximum equivalent of PHP10,000.00 per person. Starting 25 January 2014, the BSP Cash Department, regional offices/branches and AABs shall no longer accept SYP for conversion to pesos. |TOP| Inflation remains within target in 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The BSP announced today the publication of the 49th issue of the quarterly BSP Inflation Report covering the period October-December 2013. The full text has been released in electronic format (as a PDF file) on the BSP website (http://www.bsp.gov.ph/publications/regular_inflation.asp). The BSP Inflation Report is published as part of the BSP’s efforts to improve the transparency of monetary policy under inflation targeting and to convey to the public the thinking and analysis behind the Monetary Board’s decisions on monetary policy. The following are the highlights of the Q4 2013 BSP Inflation Report: Inflation remains within the target range in 2013. Inflation for the whole year of 2013 averaged 3.0 percent. In Q4 2013, inflation accelerated to 3.4 percent from the quarter-ago rate of 2.4 percent due to higher food and non-food inflation. Food inflation increased owing to tighter domestic supply conditions from weather-related disruptions as well as stronger demand during the holiday season. Non-food inflation rose similarly due to higher electricity rates on account of the increased generation charges at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. Similarly, core inflation was higher in Q4 2013 than in the previous quarter, but remained lower compared with year-ago rates. The number of CPI components showing inflation rates above the 5.0 percent threshold likewise increased, accounting for a bigger proportion of the CPI basket. Domestic demand remains firm. Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7.0 percent in Q3 2013, driven by strong household spending, exports, and capital formation on the expenditure side, and by solid gains in the services sector on the production side. Indicators of demand also continue to be solid given generally favorable consumer and business sentiment. Vehicle and energy sales remain brisk, while the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) continues to signal strong growth in new orders and production, especially in the services sector. Sustained credit growth and ample liquidity are also seen to provide a further boost to domestic demand going forward. Prospects for global growth strengthen. The US economy continues to show signs of firmer recovery amid buoyant private demand and a steady improvement in employment conditions. Economic activity in Japan also has been robust, supported by accommodative monetary and fiscal policy. Meanwhile, the recovery in the euro area remains modest. The pace of growth in key emerging markets appears to be decelerating due to weaker domestic demand. While the global outlook continues to be surrounded by some uncertainty, the IMF is expected to raise its global growth forecast for 2014 as the outlook for the US economy improves. Inflation pressures are also seen to remain broadly subdued. The inflation environment in AEs continues to be benign given sizeable spare capacity. By contrast, inflation has risen in some emerging economies owing to domestic supply factors. Local financial markets see modest gains. Moody’s decision to upgrade the Philippines’ credit rating to investment grade, reflecting the continued positive outlook on the Philippine economy, lifted market confidence in early Q4 2013. However, concerns over the potential impact of Typhoon Yolanda and the decision by the US Federal Reserve to start tapering its monthly bond purchases in January dampened investor sentiment toward the end of the review quarter. Nonetheless, the country’s debt spreads narrowed, while the peso maintained its stability. However, the stock market pared its gains with the main index retreating from its level in the previous quarter. The BSP maintains its policy settings during the quarter. During its monetary policy meetings on 24 October and 12 December, the Monetary Board (MB) decided to keep policy interest rates steady based on its assessment of a manageable inflation environment, with the future inflation path expected to be within the announced target over the policy horizon. The MB also noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook remained tilted slightly toward the upside due to potential increases in food prices as well as possible further adjustments in power rates. Meanwhile, inflation expectations continue to support the within-target inflation outlook. Prevailing inflation and output conditions suggest that monetary policy settings remain appropriate. Baseline forecasts indicate that inflation will likely settle within the inflation target ranges for 2014 and 2015. Underlying demand-side pressures continue to be manageable, while inflation expectations remain firmly anchored. Moreover, the temporary period of strong liquidity growth is not expected to translate into significant inflationary pressures given the temporary nature of the adjustments related to the BSP’s new guidelines on the access of trust entities to the Special Deposit Account (SDA) facility. At the same time, the rising demand for money appears to be consistent with sustained improvements in the economy’s absorptive capacity. Nonetheless, the risks to future inflation appear to be skewed to the upside due mainly to transitory supply-related pressures. This highlights the need to communicate the importance of non-monetary measures being undertaken by other government agencies to promptly address supply-side price pressures and manage inflation expectations. Going forward, the BSP remains guided by its primary objective of maintaining price and financial stability. The BSP stands ready to deploy appropriate measures as needed to ensure sustainable and broad-based economic growth. |TOP| Bank lending standards remain broadly steady in Q4 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Results of the Q4 2013 Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey (SLOS) showed that most of the respondent banks maintained their credit standards for loans to both enterprises and households during the quarter based on the modal approach.1 This is the 19th consecutive quarter starting Q2 2009 that most banks reported broadly unchanged credit standards (see Chart 1). The diffusion index (DI) approach2,3 , likewise showed unchanged overall credit standards for loans to enterprises with equal number of banks indicating tightening and easing credit standards. However, the DI pointed to a net tightening of overall credit standards for loans to households in Q4 relative to the previous quarter, with the DI recorded at 4.8 percent. The details of the DI computation found in Table 1 (see also Chart 2). In the previous quarter, credit standards for corporate lending showed a slight net tightening, while credit standards for loans to households showed a slight net easing using the DI approach. The BSP has been conducting the SLOS since Q1 2009 to enhance its understanding of banks’ lending behavior, which is an important indicator of the strength of credit activity in the country. The survey also helps the BSP assess the robustness of demand conditions, potential risks in the asset markets, and possible strains in the bank lending channel as a transmission channel of its monetary policy. The survey consists of questions on loan officers’ perceptions relating to the overall credit standards of universal/commercial banks (U/KBs) in the Philippines, as well as to factors affecting the supply of and demand for loans by both enterprises and households.4 Survey questions were sent to all commercial banks,5 with 34 banks responding in the latest survey, representing a response rate of 97.1 percent.6 The analysis in the survey is based on comparisons with data for the immediately preceding quarter. Lending to Enterprises Most banks (86.7 percent of banks that responded to the question) indicated that credit standards for loans to enterprises were kept steady during the quarter using the modal approach. The unchanged overall credit standards was attributed by banks to their steady outlook on the domestic economy as well as specific industries, including manufacturing and real estate, unchanged tolerance for risk, and unchanged view on profile of borrowers. In particular, banks’ responses indicated unchanged collateral requirements and loan covenants on the whole.7 By borrower firm size, overall credit standards for top corporations were unchanged for the second consecutive quarter based on the DI approach. Meanwhile, overall credit standards for large middle-market enterprises, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and micro enterprises continued to show a net tightening, based on the DI approach. For the next quarter, most of the respondent banks still expect credit standards for loans to enterprises to remain unchanged. However, the percentage of banks foreseeing a slight easing of credit standards for loans to businesses (except micro enterprises) was higher compared to those expecting the opposite. A more favorable economic outlook along with expectations of more aggressive competition from banks and non-bank lenders were cited by respondent banks as key reasons behind the expected net easing of credit standards. Lending to Households Using the modal approach, the survey results likewise showed that most of the respondent banks (85.7 percent) continued to report unchanged credit standards for loans extended to households. The DI approach, however, indicated a net tightening of credit standards for households on the back of perceived stricter financial system regulations and reduced tolerance for risk of banks. In particular, banks’ responses indicated overall stricter collateral requirements for loans extended to households along with unchanged maturity period for loans on the whole. Over the next quarter, credit standards for households are expected to hold steady, on the whole, using both the modal and DI approaches. Expectations of unchanged tolerance for risk and steady economic outlook were among the factors cited for said result. Loan Demand Responses to the question on loan demand showed that the majority of the respondent banks continue to see unchanged overall demand for loans from both enterprises and households. Using the DI approach, however, a net increase in overall demand8 for loans from both enterprises and households was observed. For loans to businesses, the net increase in loan demand was attributed by banks to higher inventory financing and working capital needs of borrower firms as well as an improved economic outlook. Meanwhile, the net increase in demand for household loans was due to lower interest rates and more attractive financing terms offered by banks. The net increase in loan demand for both business and household loans, using the DI approach, was reflected in the robust lending activity of banks during the quarter. Looking ahead, most of the respondent banks expect unchanged loan demand over the next quarter. However, a larger proportion of respondents expect demand for loans to increase further in the next quarter relative to those who indicated the opposite. For loans to businesses, the net increase in demand for loans was attributed by respondent banks to higher inventory and accounts receivable financing needs, increased working capital needs of borrower firms, and lower interest rates. For loans to households, meanwhile, banks’ more attractive financing terms and lower interest rates were cited by respondent banks as factors behind the expected increase in loan demand. Special Questions on Commercial Real Estate Loans Most of the respondent banks (85.0 percent) indicated unchanged overall credit standards for commercial real estate loans using the modal approach. However, based on the DI approach, a net tightening of overall credit standards was noted for commercial real estate loans for the sixth consecutive quarter in Q4 2013. The net tightening of overall credit standards for commercial real estate loans was attributed by respondent banks to stricter oversight of banks’ real estate exposure along with banks’ reduced tolerance for risk. In particular, respondent banks reported wider loan margins, reduced credit line sizes, stricter collateral requirements and loan covenants, increased use of interest rate floors, and lower loan-to-value ratios for commercial real estate loans. Demand for commercial real estate loans was also unchanged in Q4 2013 based on the modal approach. A number of banks, however, indicated increased demand for the said type of loan on the back of more attractive financing terms of banks and lower interest rates. For the next quarter, most of the respondent banks expect to maintain their credit standards for commercial real estate loans. However, banks that anticipate a tightening of their credit standards outnumbered those expecting the opposite. In terms of demand for this type of loan, although most of the respondent banks anticipate generally steady loan demand, a number of banks are of the view that demand for commercial real estate loans will continue to increase in the next quarter. ------------- 1 In the modal approach, the results of the survey are analyzed by looking at the option with the highest share of responses. 2 In the diffusion index approach, a positive diffusion index (DI) for credit standards indicates that the proportion of banks that have tightened their credit standards are greater compared to those that eased (“net tightening”), whereas a negative DI for credit standards indicates that more banks have eased their credit standards compared to those that tightened (“net easing”). 3 From Q1 2010 to Q4 2012 survey rounds, the BSP used largely the DI approach in the analysis of survey results. Beginning Q1 2013, the BSP used both the modal and DI approaches in assessing the results of the survey. 4 This is consistent with the surveys of bank lending standards of other central banks, namely, the US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, and the Bank of Japan. 5 Of the 36 universal/commercial banks (U/KBs), only 35 banks are included in the survey because one bank requested not to be included in the survey since it does not engage in corporate and retail lending. 6 As of September 2013, U/KB loans accounted for about 86.4 percent of the banking system’s total outstanding loans. 7 The survey questionnaire identified six specific credit standards: (1) loan margins (price-based); (2) collateral requirements; (3) loan covenants; (4) size of credit lines; (5) length of loan maturities; and (6) interest rate floors. A loan covenant is an agreement or stipulation laid down in loan contracts, particularly contracts with enterprises, under which the borrower pledges either to take certain action (an affirmative covenant), or to refrain from taking certain action (a negative covenant); this is consequently part of the terms and conditions of the loan. Meanwhile, an interest rate floor refers to a minimum interest rate for loans. Greater use of interest rate floor implies tightening while less use indicates otherwise. 8 “Diffusion index (DI) for loan demand” refers to the percentage difference between banks reporting an increase in loan demand and banks reporting a decrease. A positive DI for loan demand indicates that more banks reported an increase in loan demand compared to those stating the opposite, whereas a negative DI for loan demand implies that more banks reported a decrease in loan demand compared to those reporting an increase. |TOP| Sec. Soliman tours US Sen. Rubio around DSWD relief hub Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Tacloban City, Leyte – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman showed and briefed United States Senator Marco Rubio on the various phases of disaster and warehouse operations in the DSWD Relief Hub during his visit to this city on Wednesday. Sec. Soliman said that as of January 22, DSWD has already distributed a total of 3,371,844 food packs and rice packs, 462,121 liters of water, 126,253 canned goods, and 245,444 high energy biscuits to ‘Yolanda’ victims in Eastern Visayas. She explained that food distribution will not be terminated in March. However, DSWD and concerned local government units will conduct a joint assessment by end of March to determine the number of families who are able to stand on their own and those who need continued assistance. |TOP| Next Wave Cities move up in Global IT-BPM locations ranking Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph Five (5) Next Wave Cities or cities outside of Metro Manila that have developed the required ecosystem to support the Information and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry have moved up in the Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations Rankings report released last week. Davao City and Bacolod moved up one notch from their 2013 ranking (70 and 94 respectively) to their 2014 rankings (69 and 93 respectively) while Santa Rosa, Laguna moved up two notches from 84 to 82 in the ranking. Next Wave Cities Cebu and Baguio, ranked 8 and 99th respectively, kept their spots in the Tholons World Rankings, Metro Manila overtook India’s Mumbai to take the second spot in the world rankings following the city of Bangalore. A total of seven (7) Philippine cities made it to the Top 100 rankings with two (2) cities making it in the top 10. Undersecretary Louis Casambre of the Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology said that, “The goal of the Next Wave Cities Program of the DOST-ICT Office and the IT – Business Process Association of the Philippines (iBPAP) has always been to develop globally preferred outsourcing destinations outside Metro Manila.” “Our goal for 2016 is to add three more cities from the Philippines in the top 100.” Usec. Casambre added. Next Wave Cities Program Manager, Ms. Emmy Lou Delfin said that, “We have been getting a lot of support for the Next Wave Cities Program; from local ICT councils, local government units, the academe, to regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DOST, together with the Information Technology Business Processing Association of the Philippines (iBPAP)and we intend to maintain our efforts in bringing inclusive growth to the countryside. The Next Wave Cities Program, a joint project of DOST-ICT Office and iBAP, promoted the industry to countryside stakeholders and students in 9 cities and provinces through the Next Wave Cities Road show last year, the last province being Rizal wherein the event spurned the re-organization of the province’s ICT Council to help develop the province’s ecosystem to support the local IT-BPM Industry. The Next Wave Cities Roadshows have been running for three (3) years and have resulted to more cities starting the own development efforts to get them ready for IT-BPM locators and more people getting better understanding of available careers in the IT-BPM industry. |TOP| CSC conducts eligibility exams for the career service in 2014 Source: http://excell.csc.gov.ph The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announces the calendar of written examinations for 2014. The Career Service Examination – Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) for Professional and Subprofessional levels are scheduled on April 6 and Oct. 26. Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old, regardless of educational attainment may take the CSE-PPT. CSC allows an individual to retake the same level of exam regardless of the number of times he or she failed. However, the same level of examination should not be retaken within three months. This three-month rule does not apply to applicants who wish to take a different level of exam from the one previously taken. Applications for the CSE-PPT may be filed at any CSC Regional or Field Office until Feb. 20, 2014. Fire and Penology Officer exams The Fire Officer Examination (FOE) and the Penology Officer Examination (POE) will be conducted simultaneously on March 2. Applicants for the FOE and POE must be Filipino citizens; physically and mentally fit; of good moral character; have not been convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude; and have not been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian position in the government. Those with pending administrative and/or criminal cases may take the examinations without prejudice to forfeiture of the eligibility should they pass the exam but would later be convicted as a result of their pending cases. Additional qualifications for the Penology Officer Examination are as follows: must be bachelor’s degree holders; 21 to 30 years old; at least 5’4” (1.62 m) in height for males and 5’2” (1.57 m) for females. However, these requirements shall not apply to incumbent Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) employees whose names are included in a list submitted to the CSC. Height and age requirements are waived for incumbent employees of the Bureau of Corrections and all Provincial and Subprovincial Jails. Said personnel, though, must submit a Certification of Employment from their authorized agency official. Also exempted from the age and height limits are former penology and correctional service agency employees on the condition that their applications are endorsed by the BJMP. For applicants belonging to cultural communities, the CSC said the height requirement shall not apply as supported by related certification issued by the National Commission on Indigenous People or the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. Applications for the FOE and POE may be filed at the CSC Regional Offices in San Fernando City (La Union), Legaspi City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Zamboanga City, Davao City, and Butuan City. In addition, applicants of the POE may file their applications at the CSC Regional Offices in Tuguegarao City, City of San Fernando (Pampanga), Cagayan de Oro City, and Baguio City. Incumbent and former employees of penology and correctional service agencies may also file their applications at the BJMP Regional Office nearest them. Deadline of application for the Fire Officer and Penology Officer Examinations is on January 24, 2014. Eligibilities resulting from the Fire Officer and Penology Officer Examinations shall be considered appropriate for first and second level ranks, and corresponding functionally related ranks in the fire protection service and jail management and penology service, respectively. This eligibility does not cover ranks under the Philippine National Police. Foreign Service Officer exams Another eligibility exam, the Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO) will be conducted on Aug. 10. The CSE-FSO is both an eligibility exam for government service and a qualifying test for the five-part Foreign Service Officer Examination administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Civil Service Commission conducts the career service examinations for all positions in government, as well as special exams for specific job functions in different departments or agencies in government. Application forms for the different examinations are available at any CSC Regional or Field Office. Forms and list of other documentary requirements may also be downloaded from the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. Examination fees are PHP500 for the CSE-PPT and CSE-FSO, and PHP700 for the FOE and POE. For more information on the civil service exams, contact the CSC Examination, Recruitment, and Placement Office at telephone numbers (02) 931-7935, (02) 931-7939, (02) 931-4138, or email erpo@webmail.csc.gov.ph. |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| DPWH resures EDSA re-blocking activities Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) National Capital Region Director (NCR) Reynaldo Tagudando have alerted all concerned District Engineering Offices (DEOs) to effect the latest authority received by the DPWH from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to resume with its concrete re-blocking and road repair activities - covering five (5) road sections in Mandaluyong, Quezon and Caloocan City, from 10pm of January 24, 2014 (Friday) until 5:00am of January 27, 2014 (Monday). In Mandaluyong, motorists are pre-warned of possible traffic slowdown as DPWH conducts repair activities between Reliance Street and Libertad Street (northbound). Travellers should also expect some lane reduction along Sgt. Rivera St. – between A. Bonifacio Avenue and Obudan Street (eastbound, 2nd lane), between Main Avenue and P. Tuazon (1st lane, northbound), and along C.P. Garcia Avenue – between E. Jacinto St and Magiting St (going to University Ave, 2nd lane from sidewalk) – all in Quezon City; and in the northbound lane (lane 4) between Malvar and Gen Tinio Streets in Caloocan City as these (road) sections are also covered in the concrete re-blocking plan. Director Tagudando have also advised his District Engineers to monitor the compliance of contractors on the instruction of Secretary Rogelio L. Singson concerning public safety thru the installation of appropriate warning signs and construction barriers to avoid untoward incidents especially at night. Weekend travellers are, likewise, requested to allot longer time to travel with the expected slow-down of traffic due to these road repairs. The new concrete pavement will result to longer road performance to outweigh the temporary inconvenience to travelling public during the repair works period. Repair activities are scheduled on weekends, where EDSA is less busy, given the lesser volume of vehicles and commuters during these days. |TOP| Robotics Olympiad victors showcase winning creations Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph PASIG CITY – Philippine representatives to the World Robotics Olympiad held in Jakarta, Indonesia November 2013 visited the Department of Education (DepEd) to show their winning creations. The team won two silver and two bronze medals. Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. anchored the contingent with winners from the College level- Mars Invasion Category (Bronze), the Open Junior High School Category, and the Open Elementary Level (Silver). Grace Christian College also won Bronze at the Junior High School Open division. Accompanying the contingent was World Robotics Olympiad, Philippines Organizer Mylene Abiva. DepEd Assistant Secretary for Programs and Projects Lorna Dig-Dino was in awe of the accomplishment of the Philippine contingent. “It is refreshing to see that there are Filipinos seriously taking up this endeavor and competing in tournaments to push themselves to be better. It is still a dream to see machine building and computer programming in everyday teaching and learning”, she added. “There really is a difference between looking at illustrations and instructions and actually building and tinkering”. The students showcased their winning creations ranging from semi-autonomous and automobile devices to remote controlled sea drones using play system building blocks to build the infrastructure. “Students under these robotics programs are trained at an early age to program and build,” Abiva explained adding that the programming was done in C++. According to Abiva, the batting average for Robotics program participants who pursue careers in Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is 90%. The Department of Education offers enriched Science, Technology, and Engineering Curriculum (STE) programs through the Regional Science High School and through the special science classes of STE implementing schools. The program puts students through rigorous and challenging version of the required Math and Science subjects, gearing them to enter higher education with a firmer background on these subjects. STE is also a Pre-University Academic Track in the senior high school programs, which will be implemented in 2016. |TOP| GPH welcomes support of legislators, stresses their role in Bangsamoro’s success Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Kuala Lumpur – Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Thursday welcomed the support of legislators who arrived in the Malaysian capital to observe the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “It’s the entire Congress who will pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), so we need the support of all the legislators to help us see through the full implementation of the agreement,” she said in an interview. The GPH and the MILF peace panels are now on the third day of the 43rd round of Exploratory Talks where both sides are trying to complete the Annex on Normalization and the Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters – the last documents to be signed in order to complete the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The CAB, which comprises of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the four Annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing, and Normalization as well as the Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters, will be the basis for the drafting of the BBL that will pave the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region which will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. To be drafted by the Transition Commission, the BBL will be certified as urgent by the President, passed by Congress, and subjected to a plebiscite in areas covered by the FAB. Senator Kiko Pimentel and Zamboanga City Congresswoman Lilia Nuño arrived in the Malaysian capital city ahead of other legislators who will serve as observers to the talks. Coronel-Ferrer underscored how important it is for the legislators to be present in this round of negotiations so they will gain deeper understanding of what’s being discussed on the table. “It’s important that they hear what kinds of issues we are discussing, what kinds of creative solutions we are putting forward…because the law will have to provide a lot more details than what we are providing in the annexes. They will have that kind of context to write a very good law in support of the peace agreements,” she added. According to Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, "legislators are here to give moral support (to the peace process and the panels) and keep an open mind. Meanwhile, Nuño also expressed her support to the peace process, underscoring that "Zamboanga may not be part of the Bangsamoro, but the success of the peace talks will not only benefit the municipalities, but the whole country as well." |TOP| PNP examination announcement Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph The National Police Commission conducts two sets of police examinations twice a year, one for those who are already in the police service (promotional), and another for those aspiring to enter the Philippine National Police (PNP entrance). Applicants shall utilize the on-line system to request the Regional Office for their schedule on the filing of examination application. Applicants will personally appear at the NAPOLCOM Regional Office on the date assigned to them, with their printed on-line confirmation letter and other required documents, for further evaluation. Date of Exam: April 27, 2014 ONLINE APPLICATION SCHEDULING (ENTRANCE EXAM): February 10-14, 2014 ONLINE APPLICATION SCHEDULING (PROMOTIONAL EXAM): February 17-21, 2014 PERIOD OF FILING: March 3-28, 2014 (Please mouseover "PNP EXAM" tab above, click "ANNOUNCEMENT" for more details) |TOP| DOST-DOLE partnership to open more technology-driven jobs for disaster-devastated communities Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph More technology-driven jobs are in the offing as the science and labor departments join forces in a nationwide livelihood program that will be technology-driven, resource-based and sustainable. Priority of said livelihood program are Filipinos who are economically displaced and marginalized due to natural and man-made calamities, including returning or displaced OFWs and their families. “We do not only aim to rebuild communities,” said Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario G. Montejo, “but also to enhance the resilience of our communities with the aid of technology.” The program, also in collaboration with the trade and agriculture departments, will have several components, including the establishment of community-based enterprises, business incubators, business and technology centers, innovation and knowledge centers, and promotion of climate change mitigation to increase community disaster resiliency. Said component programs, according to Sec. Montejo, are built upon the “Filipino’s spirit of self-reliance, resilience, and ingenuity.” Business and technology incubators will provide a package of support services to start-up enterprises while business and technology centers will serve as alternative sites and technology terminals to create new or revive enterprises. Innovation and knowledge centers, meanwhile, will provide relevant information on science, technology, and innovation. As well, the Department of Labor and Employment will provide working capital in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs; trainings on skills and entrepreneurship, and organizational development, as well as on productivity, safety and health; and facilitate entrepreneurs’ enrollment to micro-insurance. Agreed responsibilities of said agencies are sealed in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement on Jan. 23 this year at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City attended by the heads, regional directors, and key officials of the involved agencies. Within the next 30 days, DOST and DOLE regional offices will conduct consultations with possible beneficiaries and come up with a detailed action plan. Priority technologies for livelihood DOST’s priority technologies to be included in the livelihood program include indigenous handicraft making, fiber glass bancas, foldaway shelter, ceramic water pot filter, bakery products, charcoal briquetting, vegetable noodles, waste recycling, and complementary foods for babies. For the fishery sector, livelihood packages include smokehouse kits, fish canning and bottling, fish and squid drying, vacuum packing, fish fillet, and minced fish. While DOST will provide appropriate technologies and livelihood training, DOLE will handle the employment aspect. The Department of Trade and Industry will take care of the market side, and the Department of Agriculture will manage the agriculture and fishery aspect. Joint forces to help Yolanda victims This program is a convergence of government agencies, said Sec. Montejo, to maximize resources and ensure sustainability. This is echoed by DOLE Sec. Rosalinda J. Baldoz who said that the four agencies, all in the livelihood, employment and commerce cluster, have forged this program in the cabinet level. She shared that in her visits to Yolanda-hit areas, she found out that employment is now the top need of communities. “People in the devastated regions are already looking for jobs,” she bared. This is why the agencies came up with this convergence program, she said, which is a part of the RAY or Reconstruction Assistance on Yolanda. Technology-driven, resource-based, sustainable “The use of technology (in the livelihoods) will create value,” Montejo stressed. “The convergence of agencies ensure that there will be markets, and value-adding through technology ensure the program’s sustainability.” On resource-based livelihoods, he explained, “Whatever we find in a certain area, we will create a product out of it using technology, add value to it, and find market for it.” As an example, he shared that in his meetings with the local officials in Jaro, Leyte, they planned to package their local lechon (roasted pig) as “Yolanda-brand” and find market for it in Manila. In Basey, Samar, meanwhile, their abundant root crop camote (sweet potato), can be processed into chips, and appropriately package it to make it competitive in the market, he told. “President Benigno S. Aquno III’s instruction is clear: All initiatives must be sustainable so that we will see better communities in the future,” Sec. Baldoz told. “The reforms pushed by the President are not great changes but reform on how we do things—that these initiatives will go on even after this administration.” The programs, being technology-based, make us confident that these will be sustainable, according to her. “Sustainability ensures the transformation of beneficiaries to better families, communities and country, leading to inclusive growth.” |TOP| Last Updated: 25 JANUARY 2014 Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy Please click on thumbnails to magnify President Benigno S. Aquino III celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, says the Holy Rosary with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III lights candles in a simple celebration of the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25?). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III meditates as he celebrates the 81st birthday of former President Corazon C. Aquino, with families and friends at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City, Saturday (January 25). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, escorted by Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, during the Departure Honors at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace after the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, troops the line during the departure honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby after the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Also in photo are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Kingdom of Sweden Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Klas Molin and World Scout Foundation executive committee member Lars Kolind. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call on Friday (January 24). This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. Sweden’s reigning monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada during a courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other notable destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. Also in photo are Tourism Undersecretary Theresa Martinez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Canada His Excellency Leslie Gatan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other notable destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. Also in photo are Tourism Undersecretary Theresa Martinez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to Canada His Excellency Leslie Gatan and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the participants of the Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines Tour of the Ambassadors, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 24). The ACGTDT visits take place every year, not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to tour Metro Manila and other destinations, but also to foster a stronger sense of nationalism. Winter Escapade is a tour program launched by the Department of Tourism aimed at attracting snowbirds and balikbayans to visit the Philippines during the cold season in the West. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson stresses a point on rehabilitation work in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) during a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) 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) Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY ============================================================