24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 11 February 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 February 2014 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 February 2014 |  Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
Northeast monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The Province of Surigao will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The Regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Northeast monsoon affecting Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The Province of Surigao will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The Regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
GALE WARNING # 02
FOR: STRONG TO GALE FORCE WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SURGE OF NORTHEAST MONSOON
ISSUED AT: 5:00 AM TODAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2014
STRONG TO GALE FORCE WINDS IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON.
• NORTHERN SEABOARD OF NORTHERN LUZON
(Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte)
• EASTERN AND WESTERN SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON
(Isabela, Eastern coast of Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Western coast of Ilocos Norte)
FISHING BOATS AND OTHER SMALL SEACRAFTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO VENTURE OUT INTO THE SEA WHILE LARGER SEA VESSELS ARE ALERTED AGAINST BIG WAVES.
FOR: STRONG TO GALE FORCE WINDS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SURGE OF NORTHEAST MONSOON
ISSUED AT: 5:00 AM TODAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2014
STRONG TO GALE FORCE WINDS IS EXPECTED TO AFFECT THE SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON.
• NORTHERN SEABOARD OF NORTHERN LUZON
(Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte)
• EASTERN AND WESTERN SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON
(Isabela, Eastern coast of Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Western coast of Ilocos Norte)
FISHING BOATS AND OTHER SMALL SEACRAFTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO VENTURE OUT INTO THE SEA WHILE LARGER SEA VESSELS ARE ALERTED AGAINST BIG WAVES.
3. Weather Watch
24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
ISSUED AT: 5:00 AM 11 February 2014
SYNOPSIS: Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon
FORECAST: The province of Surigao will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan valley and central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over northern and central Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 3:30 PM Yesterday --- 32.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 22.0 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 92 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 4:00 PM Yesterday --- 55 %
High Tide Today: 7:50 PM …..……….. 0.92 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:36 AM …..……….. -0.08 Meter
Sunrise Today: 6:21 AM
Sunset Today: 5:59 PM
Moonrise Today: 3:02 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 4:04 AM
Illumination Today 86 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
ISSUED AT: 5:00 AM 11 February 2014
SYNOPSIS: Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern Luzon
FORECAST: The province of Surigao will be cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan valley and central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over northern and central Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.
Over Metro Manila:
Maximum Temperature: 3:30 PM Yesterday --- 32.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 22.0 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 92 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 4:00 PM Yesterday --- 55 %
High Tide Today: 7:50 PM …..……….. 0.92 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:36 AM …..……….. -0.08 Meter
Sunrise Today: 6:21 AM
Sunset Today: 5:59 PM
Moonrise Today: 3:02 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 4:04 AM
Illumination Today 86 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
4. Weather Watch
ABS-CBN:
Maalinsangan na ang panahon sa Metro Manila pero nilinaw ng PAGASA na hindi pa
summer season, sa halip ay dulot ito ng Easterlies. Inaasahang bababa muli ang
Northeast Monsoon o Hanging Amihan pero hindi na singlamig na tulad ng dati. Sa
paglakas ng Easterlies sa Marso, inaasahan ang mas mainit na panahon sa
pagsapit ng summer season. Samantala, hanggang 32°C ang inassahang temperatura
sa Metro Manila ngayong araw.
5. Weather Watch
GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:
-Muling lumalakas ang hanging Amihan. Sa datos ng The Weather Company, posibleng sa Huwebes o Biyernes maramdaman ang malamig na temperatura na dala ng Amihan sa Luzon.
-Asahan naman bukas ang mahinang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, lalo na sa eastern at central sections nito.
-Hanggang katamtamang ulan ang inaasahan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao, lalo na sa northern at central sections nito.
-Muling lumalakas ang hanging Amihan. Sa datos ng The Weather Company, posibleng sa Huwebes o Biyernes maramdaman ang malamig na temperatura na dala ng Amihan sa Luzon.
-Asahan naman bukas ang mahinang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas, lalo na sa eastern at central sections nito.
-Hanggang katamtamang ulan ang inaasahan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao, lalo na sa northern at central sections nito.
1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Philippine Red
Cross (PRC)-Quezon-Lucena chapter in cooperation with ABS-CBN Southern Tagalog
will hold mass blood donation dubbed as 'Dugong alay pandugtong buhay' on Feb.
22 at PRC office, Lucena City. The activity aims to accumulate blood for future
use of many patients who needs blood transfusion.
2. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The city government
of Lucena encouraged all business establishments in the city to put up CCTV
camera to prevent and solve crime. According to Ves Villanueva, city public
information officer, this will prevent crime and will maintain peace and order
in the city to more business entrepreneurs to invest here.
3. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Lucena diversion
overpass pedestrian lane project of DPWH-2nd engineering district which is
located in barangay Gulang-Gulang near St. Anne College, Lucena City has been
inaugurated by the local and DPWH officials recently. DPWH 2nd district
engineer Cely Flancia said the total amount of project was P10M. Dr. Pat Andaman,
chief executive officer of St. Anne College of the Pacific thanked DA secretary
Procy Alcala and DPWH officials in making this project possible. Andaman also
said that through the project completed, students of St. Anne college would be
safe in crossing the busy street.
February 11 , 2013 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Cloudy
LAGUNA : Cloudy
BATANGAS : Partly Cloudy
RIZAL : Partly Cloudy
QUEZON
: Mosty Cloudy
LUNGSOD NG BATAGAS,
Pebrero 10 (PIA) --Inilunsad kamakailan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas at
Team Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI) isang independent power producer ang Solar Energy Power Project for Verde
Island.
Sinabi ni Roderick De
Castro ng Team Energy Foundation Inc., na isinusulong ng kanilang kumpanya
ang rural electrification sa pamamagitan ng solar power at renewable energy
system.
Bukod pa dito,
inoorganisa din nila ang barangay at binibigyan ng livelihood development
upang maitaas ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga naninirahan sa komunidad.
Sinabi naman ni Mayor
Eddie Dimacuha na matagal ng panahon ang hinihintay ng mga residente
ng Isla
Verde ang pagkakaroon
ng kuryente kung kaya't ganun na lamang ang galak nila matapos ang
partnership na ito.
Inaasahang
makikinabang sa naturang proyekto ang anim na barangay ng isla
na kinabibilangan ng Liponpon, San Agustin Kanluran, San Agustin Silangan,
San Andres, San Agapito at San Antonio.
Nilagdaan din ng mga
kinatawan mula sa pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas at TEFI ang isang
memorandum of understanding para sa pagsusulong ng proyekto.
Sinaksihan ito ng mga barangay captain ng anim na barangay at mga
department heads sa lungsod ng Batangas (MPDC, PIA Batangas)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681392003598#sthash.FBcQO2Gb.dpuf
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech
at the Outstanding Agency Awards of the Philippine Overseas Employment
Administration
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Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
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10 Feb
2014
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| Sa huling pagtataya ng Department of Foreign Affairs, umaabot na sa 6.3
milyon ang mga Pilipinong rehistradong na nasa labas ng ating bansa. Wala
man po sila ngayon dito sa Pilipinas, malayo man po ang kanilang
kinalalagyan, malinaw na malinaw ang ating paninindigan: Kabilang sila sa
ating mga Boss. Kasama sila sa mga nagtitiwala sa atin na pangalagaan ang
kanilang mga karapatan; sumaklolo at magbigay-lingap sa oras ng kanilang
pangangailangan; at magpalawak ng pagkakataon para sa propesyunal at
personal nilang pag-unlad. Isipin po natin sandali ang kanilang kalagayan: Nagtatrabaho sila sa isang lugar na iba ang pagkain, iba ang wika, iba ang kaugalian, at iba ang kultura. Malayo sila sa kanilang pamilya, kaibigan, at nakasanayang paraan ng pamumuhay. Dahil dito, lalong nagiging mahalaga para sa kanila na maramdaman mayroon silang pamahalaang mapagmalasakit–isang pamahalaang handang manindigang, “Hindi sila nag-iisa.” Kaya nga po, sa araw na ito, binibigyang-pugay natin ang mga inisyatiba ng iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaan. Malinaw ang mga ambag nito sa pagpapakita ng bagong mukha ng isang gobyernong may malasakit na gobyerno sa kababayan nating nasa ibang bansa. Partikular kong babanggitin ang mga bagong-lagdang Bilateral Labor Agreements kasama ang Germany, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Canada, at New Zealand. Ang mga kasunduang ito ang magtataas sa antas ng ating kakayahang mangalaga sa kapakanan ng ating mga OFW; nakatutok ang mga ito sa regulasyon ng placement fee at salary deduction, palitan ng impormasyon tungkol sa karanasan sa job placement, at etikal na proseso ng recruitment. Para naman sa mga nagbabalik na OFW, nariyan po ang ating Reintegration Program. Alam naman po natin ang takbo ng kapalaran: May mga kababayan tayong buong-buhay na nagpapakahirap sa ibang bansa para magpundar ng negosyo. Napakasaklap po kung lulubog ang negosyong ito. Sa Reintegration Program, makatatanggap sila ng mga training na tutulong sa kanilang maunawaan ang iba’t ibang aspekto ng pagnenegosyo. Maaari rin silang mag-loan ng mula 300,000 hanggang 2 milyong piso sa tulong ng reintegration fund mula sa Landbank. Sa dagdag na kapital, mas lalawak ang pagpipilian nilang mga negosyo. Mahusay rin po ang agaran at mabilisang pagtugon sa mga kasong isinampa laban sa mga lisensiyadong recruitment agencies. Ayon nga sa natanggap kong ulat, nitong nakaraang taon lang, 2,940 na sa mga kasong lumapag sa kanilang mesa ang naresolbahan ng ating Department of Labor and Employment. Sa mga pribadong ahensiya naman na pinararangalan ngayong araw, taos-pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong iparating sa inyo. Alam po natin: May ilan sa ating employment at manning agencies, kung ituring ang ating mga kababayan, parang naglalakad na pitakang puwedeng pagkakitaan, at saka kakalimutan kapag hindi na mapapakinabangan. Kapuri-puri po ang inyong mga makabagong programang nagsisiguro na ang kaalaman at husay ng ating mga kababayan, ay may karampatang sahod at tungkulin sa makukuha nilang trabaho. Wala rin kayong kung anu-anong mga kaltas at hokus-pokus, kaya naman hindi nababaon sa utang ang mga Pilipinong nangingibang-bayan para tuparin ang kanilang mga pangarap. Humahanga rin po ako sa mga inisyatiba ninyo upang mapaunlad ang kakayahan ng mga OFW na masigurong mayroon silang pag-usad sa mga napili nilang karera. Special mention rin po dapat ang Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Co. of Manila Inc. dahil natutulungan ninyo ang mga kababayan nating makakuha ng angkop na trabaho at suweldo pagbalik nila sa Pilipinas. Higit sa lahat, sa inyo pong mga pinarangalan ngayon: Kayo ang nasa frontline ng pagtukoy sa mga bagong oportunidad na maaaring buksan para sa ating mga kababayan. Matagal na kayong nagbibigay-serbisyo sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino; umaasa akong lalo pang titibay ang inyong pagiging lingkod-bayan, lalo pa kayong makikiambag, at lalo pa tayong magtutulungan para maabot ang ating kolektibong pangarap. Sa ngalan ng mga natulungan ninyong OFW at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay, maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo. Sinisikap nating mapalawak at mapaunlad pa ang ating ekonomiya, upang mapabilis naman ang pagdating ng araw na ang mga pangarap na maaabot lamang sa pagiging OFW, ay bubukas at maaabot na rin sa pananatili sa Pilipinas. Palapit na po tayo nang palapit sa hangaring ito. Hindi po tumatamlay ang ating pagsisikap para sa mas epektibong deployment ng ating mga kababayan, sa pangangalaga ng kanilang karapatan, at sa pagpapalawak ng mga pagkakataon para sa mga nais mangibang-bayan. Patunay ang araw na ito: Basta’t tuloy lang po ang tulungan sa pagitan ng iba’t ibang sektor, basta’t tuloy lang ang ating pagtupad sa dakilang tungkulin ng paglilingkod sa mamamayang Pilipino, nasaan mang panig sila ng mundo–talaga naman pong lalong mapapabilis ang ating kolektibong pag-angat, at lalong magiging abot-kamay ang mas magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga Boss. Magandang araw po, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. |
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| Ombudsman dismisses Customs official | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A ranking
Bureau of Customs (BOC) official at the Port of Manila was dismissed
from the service for dishonesty. In a 23-page Decision, the Office of the Ombudsman found substantial evidence to hold Rafael Mendoza Merencilla, BOC Chief Customs Operations Officer, administratively liable for making false declarations in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). Investigation determined that Merencilla was earning P449,676.00 annually while his wife, also a BOC employee, was earning P176,184.00 per year. The Office found that Merencilla failed to declare at least six (6) properties located in Lipa City and Las Piñas, with the property in Lipa at least 18,535 square meters. He also failed to declare seven (7) vehicles. From 1997 to 2009, his cash-on-hand increased from P30,000.00 in 1997 to P9,145,493.04 in 2009. Based on records submitted by the Bureau of Immigration, the Merencilla family made several foreign travels to the United States, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The evidence also showed that there was an increase in Merencilla’s total assets from P4,480,000.00 in 1997 to P29,301,380.64 in 2009. Discrepancies in the disclosure of business interests were also established. .[A]s a public officer (he) has the duty to declare his ownership over his properties as the law requires full disclosure of all (his) assets, liabilities, and net worth,” the Decision stated. The penalty of dismissal from the service carries accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification for re-employment in government service. |
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| Abad: P17.7-B already mobilized for Yolanda rehab | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In line with
the Aquino administration’s drive to ensure the swift recovery of
Yolanda-stricken areas, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
Secretary Florencio B. Abad confirmed today that a total of P17.69
billion has already been released for the recovery and
rehabilitation program for communities felled by the super typhoon
in November 2013. “True to the President’s word, the Administration has been working continuously to expedite the rehabilitation and recovery process for all communities destroyed by Yolanda. Relief operations—which commenced as soon as logistical bottlenecks had been cleared—have run full-throttle to ensure the safety and full recovery of Yolanda’s survivors,” Abad said. Significant releases from the P17.7 billion—which were released in late December to fuel the implementation of crucial rehabilitation projects—include a P2.2-billion release to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for Permanent Housing Units in affected areas, specifically in the form of assistance to houses in “no-build” zones. The location of shelters that will benefit from these funds will be determined by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for relocation to safer areas. “One of the more critical components in long-term rehabilitation is the provision of adequate shelter assistance, particularly to families whose houses were formerly situated in high-risk, disaster prone areas. Several of those who unfortunately perished during the super typhoon were living in very vulnerable areas. We want to prevent future calamities from reaching the scale of Yolanda’s tragic aftermath by rebuilding communities on safer ground,” Abad said. The rehabilitation of public facilities also received a P5.72-billion boost, of which P3.93 billion was used for power distribution facilities under the National Electrification Administration (NEA). Generation facilities under the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) also received support amounting to P101.2 million, while transmission facilities under the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) were restored with P1.5 billion. Of the P5.72 billion released for rehabilitating government facilities, another P111.2 million was made to the National Food Administration (NFA), while P77.01 million was rolled out to the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) for restoring the local water systems in affected areas. “Some of the more crucial releases we made were directed towards the restoration of basic public services, such as the rebuilding of power generation, distribution, and transmission systems, as well as the reestablishment of clean water supplies. The restoration of these services was especially time-sensitive, as the continued well-being of survivors were especially dependent on how quickly we could bring the power and water supply back up,” Abad said. Other releases comprising the total P17.7-billion release include a P1-billion fund for education and health services. These include the restoration of services in hospitals, regional health units, and barangay health units in Yolanda-stricken areas, maternal and child health and nutrition, provision of WASH (water, sanitation, and health) facilities, and the provision of essential medicines. An additional P2.01 billion was also made available for local government services. Furthermore, P2.87 billion was channeled into agriculture and fishery services, including the provision of rice and corn seeds, banca and fishing paraphernalia (depending on the number of beneficiaries), and farm implements and fuel subsidies for farm machinery, as well as services for coconut tree disposal and utilization. The Aquino administration also directed P953.5 million for the provision of temporary employment for displaced families with partially damaged houses, as well as P1.88 billion for food distribution and supplementary feeding activities for the typhoon’s survivors. Another P1.07 billion was also released as additional Quick Response Funds. Besides the P17.7-billion release, Abad said that the DBM had also rolled out a total of P3.1 billion in December for the immediate rehabilitation of the Tacloban Airport, which was severely damaged as Typhoon Yolanda swept through Tacloban City. “The rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas ravaged by Yolanda is already well-accounted for in the Philippine Development Plan, which is the Administration’s medium-term strategy for bringing inclusive development to the country. The extent to which the typhoon struck down economic activity in several parts of the Visayas will have serious implications on the country’s growth agenda, far beyond the limits of Yolanda’s destructive path. Public expenditure in 2014 will therefore respond both to the common development needs of the country’s broader population, as well as the extraordinary requirements of typhoon survivors as they rebuild their lives and communities,” Abad said. |
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| Over 8,000 new homes to be built for Bohol quake survivors | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sagbayan, Bohol
– A total of 8,083 disaster-resistant houses will be built for
families whose houses were totally damaged by the 7.2-magnitude
earthquake in Bohol through the joint efforts of the Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the provincial government,
and Habitat for Humanity. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, DSWD-Field Office VII Director Mercedita Jabagat, Governor Edgardo Chatto, and Habitat Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Charlito Ayco signed over the weekend in this town the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Core Shelter Assistance Project (CSAP). CSAP provides environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units built onsite that can withstand up to 220-kph wind velocity, at least intensity four earthquakes and other natural disasters. Costing P88,000, each unit is made of locally available materials to revitalize local economy. DSWD will shoulder P70,000 while Habitat will share P18,000 as counterpart for each unit which may be in the form of cash, labor, volunteers, facilities and equipment, administrative cost, and social services such as medical missions and feeding programs. Total cost of the housing project is P711,304,000 of which P565,810,000 will be provided by DSWD and the rest by Habitat. Habitat, with its extensive experience in the management and implementation of socialized housing projects to address the shelter needs of the homeless and disadvantaged groups, will build the core shelters. DSWD turned over to the group a total of P371 million as initial tranche for its counterpart. The provincial government, in coordination with concerned municipalities and DSWD, has already identified the beneficiaries. Of the 17 hardest-hit towns of Bohol, Loon has the most number of totally damaged houses with 1,255 followed by Sagbayan with 1,035 then Maribojoc with 1,033. In her message during the groundbreaking ceremony which was attended by beneficiaries and the local chief executives of the 17 hardest-hit municipalities, Sec.Soliman said, “Sagbayan was the epicenter of the earthquake but it will also become the epicenter of rebuilding of communities and rebuilding of lives.” She also acknowledged the survivors who showed their resiliency to recover after the earthquake. For his part, Gov. Chatto thanked the Aquino administration for its continued help to the province despite facing the “bigger challenge of rebuilding Eastern Visayas.” Ayco, on the other hand, said that they will do their best to deliver their commitments on time so that the survivors can already settle down and start to lead normal lives. Carmelita Lamoste, 46, one of the beneficiaries of the housing project, is also thankful for the assistance and vowed to take good care of her family’s new home. Aid for house repair For families with partially damaged houses, DSWD and the municipal governments will implement the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA). Under the ESA, each household-beneficiary will receive P10,000-worth of materials for house repair. DSWD will provide P346.8 million for this project. A total of 34,688 houses were partially damaged in the province. |
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| Banks' consumer loans sustain rise | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer loans
(CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift banks (TBs)
reached Php 702.6 billion at the end of third quarter of 2013, an
increase of 16.9 percent from the Php 601.03 billion posted during
the same period a year earlier. The latest figure reflects an increase of 3.3 percent from the prior quarter. This sustains the trend of quarter-on-quarter growth since the time the current reportorial template was introduced in 2008. Consumer lending was mainly lifted by an increase in residential real estate loans (RRELs) amid continued household investments in residential properties and a slow rise in the cost of construction materials. Auto and credit card loans, on the other hand, rose at a slower pace due to the lean season. While the consumer finance portfolio expanded, banks managed the rise in soured CLs. The non-performing CLs of U/KBs and TBs represented 6.13 percent of their total CLs in September 2013, a slight increase from the 6.09 percent registered in June 2013. U/KBs and TBs also set aside loan loss reserves of 67.8 percent of their non-performing CLs as a safety net against consumer credit risks. Non-performing CLs represent only one percent of the banks’ total loan portfolio. Furthermore, the consumer credit exposure of the banks remained low compared to their regional peers. At end-September 2013, the CL exposure in Malaysia stood at 57.1 percent; Indonesia, 28.8 percent; Thailand, 26.8 percent; and Singapore, 26.4 percent. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) monitors the quality of all types of bank loans as part of efforts to promote high credit standards. This is essential to fostering financial stability, which is a key policy objective of the BSP. |
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| BSP rediscount rates for February 2014 and availments as of January 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BSP
announced today the rediscount rates applicable on loan availments
by banking institutions for February 2014 and availments as of
January 2014.For loans under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the
rediscount rates effective 15 November 2013 up to the next policy
rates revision are as follows:
Meanwhile, for loans under the Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF), the rates for the month of February are as follows:
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, total availments of thrift and rural banks amounted to P36 million for the period 01 to 31 January 2014, 99.2 percent lower than the P4,320 million total in the same period last year. Of the availments for the period, 27.6 percent went to commercial credits, 4.1 percent to agricultural and industrial credits, and 68.3 percent to other credits consisting of other services (66.1 percent) and permanent working capital (2.2 percent). Under the EDYRF, aggregate dollar availments of a thrift bank for the period 01 to 31 January 2014 amounted to US$0.2 million and benefitted one exporter. This represents a 99.1 percent decrease in availments compared to the US$21.8 million grants for the same period last year. On the other hand, there was no Yen-denominated availment under the EDYRF for the period 01 to 31 January 2014. |
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| DOLE pushes for zero-accident campaign across all industries | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Front and
center in the national government’s agenda has always been the
safety and welfare of Filipino workers. This is the message of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, in reference to the January 2014 Survey of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) on Safety and Health in Workplace, which shows that a total of 11,140, or 54 percent, of the total 20,635 occupational injuries in 2011 were brought by superficial injuries and open wounds. “The advent of industrialization and the continuing introduction of technological innovations in our country today have correspondingly increased the number and types of occupational hazards that our workers are exposed to,” Baldoz said. According to the survey, other occupational injuries accounted one-tenth each, namely dislocations, sprains and strains with 2,460 cases, or 11.9 percent; fractures with 2,082 cases, or 10.1 percent; and burns, corrosions, scalds and frostbites with 2,073 cases, or 10 percent. The rest of the types of injuries had a total share of 14 percent, to wit: concussions and internal injuries, 953 cases; acute poisoning, 229 cases; traumatic amputations, 220 cases; and other cases, 7 cases. “We will be twice as intense as in the past years in pushing for zero tolerance on work-related injuries and illnesses, and we will strive further to make work processes as safe as they can be,” Baldoz said. “Investing on occupational safety and health does not only mean less risk of accidents. It also enhances the efficiency and viability of the enterprise, through less workdays lost; and, thus, boils down to the mutual benefit of both the workers and employers whatever industry they may be in,” she said. Citing the survey, the labor and employment chief noted that the highest number of injuries occurred in the manufacturing industry with 10,344 cases, or 50.12 percent. This is followed by Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing with 2,492 cases, or 12.07 percent; Wholesale and Retail Trade, 1,614 or 7.82 percent; Transportation and Storage, 1,478 or 7.16 percent; and Accommodation and Food Service Activities, 911 or 4.41 percent. The survey also shows that 8,113 cases, or 40 percent, of occupational injuries affected wrist and hand. Other parts of the body that were also affected were, as follow: lower extremities, 4,238 or 20.5 percent; arm and shoulder, 3,345 or 16.2 percent; and head, 3,093 or 15.0 percent. Of the total number of injuries surveyed, at least 7,466 cases, or 36.2 percent, were brought about by stepping on, striking against or struck by objects. Other injuries were due to the following circumstances: being caught in or between objects at 3,959 cases, or 19.2 percent; falls of person, 2,582 or 12.5 percent; struck by falling objects, 1,878 or 9.1 percent; exposure to extreme temperature, 1,767 or 8.6 percent; over-exertion or strenuous movement, 1,459 or 7.1 percent; exposure to harmful substances, 848 or 4.1 percent; contact with electric current, 402 or 1.9 percent; and others, 275 or 1.3 percent. Saying that the DOLE never compromises when it comes to the safety of work-sites and healthy workers, Baldoz said that the DOLE has held consultations with stakeholders to amend and consolidate the guidelines on construction safety for more effective implementation. “Accidents can be prevented; and we have to constantly and relentlessly work towards zero accident in all industries,” she said, adding: “I therefore urge all sectors concerned-whether they be in labor, management, government or the academe-to extend their full support to achieve the noble objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.” |
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| Bacolod Diocesan schools partner with DOLE's NCMB and voluntary arbitrators in promoting alternative dispute resolution | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The promotion of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in the Western Visayas region, specifically Negros Occidental, has received an added big push as a result of a partnership between the DOLE's National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Panay-Negros Association of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (PANAAVA), and the Diocesan Association of Parochial Schools (DAPS) in the Diocese of Bacolod. This was the gist of the report to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz by NCMB Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo who said the NCMB, PANAAVA, ad the DAPS last week signed a memorandum of agreement in Bacolod City that binds the three parties in jointly promoting ADR. The MOA was signed by DAPS Superintendent Rev. Fr. Hubert M. Javellana, PANAAVA President Atty. Jose I. Lapak, Jr., and Executive Director Ubaldo, and witnessed by Amy D. Amar, President of the Association of Labor-Management Councils-Negros Occidental Chapter, Inc. and Ma. Gila M. Villanueva, President of the Association of Industrial Peace Advocates of Negros Occidental, Inc. "This agreement is in line with our advocacy to strengthen the promotion of ADR, especially the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) and Voluntary Arbitration through tripartism and convergence," declared Ubaldo in his report. In essence, the agreement binds the DAPS to integrate in its policies the exhaustion of ADR before it resorts to legal disputes; to serve as a conduit between NCMB and DAPS graduates and its personnel--especially those needing assistance for work-related claims, complaints, and similar processes--for intervention under the SEnA and mandatory conciliation, or for facilitation to voluntary arbitration. The DAPS is an aggregate educational institution administered and managed by the Diocese of Bacolod, known for high quality education and training, research, and extension services. It advocates Catholic religious teachings in its undertakings and community concerns. On its part, the NCMB, through its Regional Branch No. 6, will assist the DAPS through its conduct of orientation seminars on labor laws, labor relations, and labor standards, as well as through skills enhancement on ADR, facilitation of labor-management cooperation, grievance handling, and productivity programs. The PANAAVA, on the other hand, shall provide seminars on voluntary arbitration and make its members ready to handle and resolve cases with quality decisions at the most inexpensive manner at the earliest time. "We will conduct for DAPS graduates and personnel seminars on recent jurisprudence on VA and legal cases, on the mechanics of the arbitration process, and its advantages and preference," said Atty. Lapak after the MOA signing. Baldoz commended the DAPS, PANAAVA, and the NCMB for the joint cooperation initiative. "Your agreement to promote ADR is a step in the right direction and will boost industrial peace and harmony in the region," she said, urging the three parties to see to it that the memorandum of agreement does not just remain on paper. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roxas to Mindanao LGUs: Let us all support Framework Agreement for Bangsamoro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interior
and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today called on the
governors, mayors and other elected officials of Mindanao to extend
their all-out support to the Framework Agreement for Bangsamoro,
which was forged recently by the National Government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Roxas noted that the local officials are in the best position to explain to their constituents the advantages of creating a new Bangsamoro Region as a necessary step in securing just and lasting peace in Mindanao. “Together with the President, I celebrate with the whole of Mindanao and the entire country on the potential that the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement brings,” Roxas said during the opening ceremony of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) office in Cotabato City. “The Framework Agreement is a crucial and necessary first step towards lasting peace and development in Mindanao. Thus, I ask for everyone’s support so that we can hurdle the challenges ahead and succeed in transforming this nascent promise into reality,” he added. Roxas joined Sec. Teresita Deles, the Presidential Adviser for Peace Process, in the opening ceremony which was also attended by the 15 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. The 15 members of the Commission, of which seven were nominated by the Government, and eight recommended by the MILF, include Akmad A. Sakkam, Johaira C. Wahab, Talib A. Benito, Asani S. Tammang, Pedrito A. Eisma, Froilyn T. Mendoza and Fatmawati T. Salapuddin Robert M. Alonto, Abdulla U. Camlian, Ibrahim D. Ali, Raissa H. Jajurie, Melanio U. Ulama, Hussein P. Munoz and Said M. Shiek. Mohagher Iqbal, current chair of the MILF peace panel will serve as Chairperson of the Commission. The Transition Commission is tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be certified urgent by the President and submitted to Congress for passage. It will undergo a plebiscite in the proposed Bangsamoro core territory as per the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). Once ratified, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is deemed abolished and the new Bangsamoro region will be formally established. Roxas expressed optimism that the Transition Commission would exert all efforts to consult and rally the support of all stakeholders in the ongoing peace process between the government and the MILF. “I trust the Bangsamoro Transition Commission to draft an Organic Act that is within the spirit and framework of the Constitution. I am confident that whatever present concerns we have will all be properly addressed by the more comprehensive treatment by the Bill, containing the Bangsamoro Organic Act, to be filed in Congress,” Roxas said. “Tiwala ako na patuloy nating kokonsultahin ang lahat ng grupo at sektor na interesadong magbahagi ng kanilang saloobin at opinyon kaugnay sa planong pagbubuo ng bagong Bangsamoro Region,” he added. Roxas urged members of the Transition Commission to stand their ground and ward off attempts to sabotage the ongoing peace process in Mindanao. “Alam nating lahat na hindi madali ang prosesong dinadaanan natin. Marami ang magtatangka na harangan ang ating paglalakbay tungo sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Naniniwala ako na buo ang ating loob at tiwala sa isa’t-isa para malampasan ang anumang pagsubok,” he said. “Malayo man ang ating paglalakbay tungo sa kapayaan, naniniwala akong nasimulan na natin ang panimula ngunit mahalagang hakbang. Asahan ninyong kasama ninyo ako hanggang sa dulo ng paglalakbay na ito,” he added. |
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| DTI readies SCOs for sellers with increased prices of cement bags | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amid media
reports that cement industry has increased prices on their bags in
Luzon, the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) heightens its price
monitoring activities nationwide to closely check prices of cement
bags in the market. DTI-Consumer Protection Group Officer-in-Charge Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba asserted, “Our monitoring teams in all provinces and regions have been notified to conduct daily monitoring activities over the next two weeks on prices of cement bags, to which we’ll accordingly issue show cause orders (SCOs), if necessary, to retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors of cement and let them explain why the sudden increase in their prices." Dimagiba recounted that Eagle Cement has advised DTI that there is no adjustment in their prices.vDimagiba conveyed that based on the Department's regular market monitoring activities particularly in Luzon, there is ample supply of cement bags and sees no reason for the reported price increases. He added that the truckers, haulers, and other stakeholders requested the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWH) the further extension of the suspension of the implementation of the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of some trailer and bulk trucks by February 1 to prevent overloading, which poses risks to highway safety and traffic operations. “Meanwhile, the prevailing price range of cement bags in the National Capital Region (NCR) remains at P215-P220,” Dimagiba emphasized. “The DTI is strict on taking measures against unwarranted price increases and we appeal especially to these cement companies to be assisting instead for the welfare of the consumers," he added. The DTI reminded the retailers, manufacturers, importers, and distributors of basic necessities and prime commodities that any act of price manipulation–profiteering, hoarding, and cartel–has a penalty of imprisonment for a period of not less than five years nor more than 15 years; or a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P2M according to the Price Act. To report complaints on price and supply of cement, call DTI Direct 751.3330 or 0917.8343330 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM during weekdays. |
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| Phl Embassy, Turkish artists and Gazi University to launch “For the Philippines” Exhibition for Yolanda victims | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 February
2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Ankara, Gazi University, and Gazi
University Faculty of Arts and the Visual Arts Education Practice
and Research for Disabled People (GEGSEM), is set to launch today an
international visual arts group exhibition, entitled “For the
Philippines,” for the benefit of the victims of supertyphoon Yolanda
(Haiyan). High-ranking Turkish Government officials, the members of the diplomatic corps in Ankara and Istanbul, international organizations and business groups, Turkish academe and artistic community, and the Filipino communities in Turkey are expected to attend. Ambassador Maria Rowena Mendoza Sanchez, Consul General Robert Ferrer, Consul Leilani S. Feliciano and Cultural Officer Eunice Trinidad met with Mr. Bulent Salderay, Faculty of Gazi University Fine Arts Department and Head of the Visual Arts Education Practice and Research for Disabled People (GEGSEM) and Mr. Jonal Buenafe, Ankara-based Filipino artist, to discuss preparations for the event. One hundred and six (106) artworks from 85 Turkish artists have been received by Gazi University Faculty of Arts Department for this endeavor and more are expected to be received in the coming days before the opening ceremony scheduled today at the Embassy Exhibition Halls in Ankara. |
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| Phl Consulate General in Vancouver participates in Asian Studies Day | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 February
2014 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver successfully
participated in the 2014 Asian Studies Day held at the Langara
College in Vancouver on February 04. The yearly event aims to provide Langara students and its community with an opportunity to learn more about Asia through various displays of arts and crafts, food, information materials, including audio-visuals, particularly related to education, tourism and culture from all the participating consulates/ organizations. The Philippine booth showcased Philippine-made products such as wooden and woven items, finely embroidered fabrics, jewelries, bags, and frames. Generating much interest from students are the Philippine delicacies “puto and kutchinta” and variety of sweets and candies. Also well received are the information materials from Department of tourism’s “Its More Fun in the Philippines” and brochures on top Philippine universities from Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, together with the Consulate’s officers and staff, attended the event. Also represented are the Consulates of China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Thailand, Tourism Malaysia and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. |
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| Deles cites critical role of BTC in drafting an inclusive Bangsamoro law | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cotabato City -
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles
cites the important and historic role of the Bangsamoro Transition
Commission in drafting a Bangsamoro Basic Law that is fair,
acceptable, and inclusive for congressional approval. "You are both mentor and student; mentor to our legislators in understanding the spirit of compromise and understanding that brought about the Framework Agreement, its Annexes and addendum. You are student to the myriad voices, all with their own grievances and aspirations, whose dream of a Bangsamoro that works, is just as real and as urgent as yours," Deles reminded the 15 BTC members at the inauguration of their office in Cotabato City. The presidential peace adviser graced the opening of the BTC office with DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. They were welcomed by BTC chairman and head of the MILF negotiating panel Mohagher Iqbal, who presided over the first official meeting of the BTC at their new office. Deles reminded the BTC that the Bangsamoro Basic Law's approval is critically important to the successful conclusion of the peace negotiations and implementation of the agreements forged by the GPH and MILF panels. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) fully supports the work of the BTC, she added. "The Bangsamoro Basic Law must not be an island in our statutes, but a document that blends with our Constitutional framework to guarantee the freedom, security and prosperity of Filipinos. Your work in drafting this law as basis for congressional deliberations and approval will endure long after the law has been enacted," the peace adviser said. Deles assured that the entire government is right behind the BTC’s efforts in the crafting and the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. She also called on peace advocates and supporters of the Mindanao peace agreement to carry on with their advocacy and not be disheartened by the handiwork of "spoilers". "There will always be spoilers, doomsayers, and know-it-alls. Our hope is that they will learn to trust the process as it shifts from negotiations to partnerships, cemented by law, and celebrated by our people," Deles said. She said that the new office of the BTC will enable the body to accelerate its work in crafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law, as instructed by President Aquino. The President, in a recent meeting with BTC officials in Malacanang, pledged his full support to the enactment of the new organic law that would pave the way for the abolition of the ARMM and creation of a Bangsamoro regional government in areas that would ratify the law in a plebiscite. He, however, asked the BTC to speed up its work in order to give both Houses of Congress more time to study the measure. "You will have to formulate provisions that would guarantee a true Bangsamoro future where children can have happier childhoods, their parents longer and more productive lives, and where communities are grounded with abundance, rather than uprooted in fear," the Secretary told the BTC. The BTC led by Chairman Iqbal is composed of fifteen (15) commissioners, all appointed by President Aquino, with 8 members coming from the MILF and 7 members designated by the government. It is mandated to hold consultations with various sectors and stakeholders in Mindanao to ensure an inclusive, fair and transparent Bangsamoro Basic Law. “This roadmap has built-in safeguards to ensure that this journey to peace in Mindanao shall not be short lived. It is the gift of our generation to those that will follow us, a legacy of a united, progressive and peaceful Mindanao,” Deles said. |
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| DAR turns over P23.4 million road in Zamboanga Del Sur | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over a P23.4-million worth
of farm-to-market road in Zamboanga del Sur to boost the
agricultural and economic activities of farmers in the municipality
of Josefina. Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the rehabilitated nine-kilometer road, located in the Josefina Highland Cluster agrarian reform community (ARC), would provide farmers easier access to market to open up more business opportunities for their farm products. Ragandang said the infrastructure project was implemented under Agrarian Reform Communities Project Phase II (ARCP2) together with the Provincial government and the local government unit (LGU) of Josefina. “The cost sharing for the farm-to-market road is 50/50 between the LGU and the ARCP2 funded under Asian Development Bank (ADB),” she added. Josefina Mayor Fe Pitogo said it would be easier for the farmers to ferry various produce, crops and vegetables from far-flung areas to the market. Pitogo also advised the recipients that to lengthen the viability of the farm-to-market road, the barangay officials as responsible custodians, must oversee its maintenance with utmost care and sustaining its benefits and services until the next generations. Governor Antonio Cerilles lauded the DAR’s initiatives and advised the farmers to be responsive and be involved in the programs of the government so that other developmental projects will be poured in their locality. |
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| DBP lends P116-M to Camarines Norte Water District | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dbp.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
State-owned
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has approved a
P116.08-million term loan facility for the Camarines Norte Water
District (CNWD) in line with its thrust of helping ensure a stable
supply of potable water in the country.
The loan will
partly finance the rehabilitation and replacement of old and
dilapidated distribution lines in seven municipalities served by the
water district. The project will improve the water district’s
non-revenue water to 20%, and provide better services to 23,445
active service connections, or an estimated service population of
140,670. DBP had previously extended a P30-million loan to CNWD that partially funded surface water source development, taking water from Mampurog River using state-of-the-art filtration system and installation of transmission lines from Brgy. Dagotdotan, San Lorenzo Ruiz to the Camambugan Concrete Reservoir. |
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| The problem with subsidies in economic policy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| There are two
Asean countries currently facing serious problems because of
subsidies. Thailand is sitting on a large stockpile of rice because
the government has been buying rice from farmers at prices 40
percent or more above the world market price. For the period
September 2011 to September 2012 alone, it is estimated that losses
of $ 4.4 billion were incurred under this policy. The sovereign
credit rating of Thailand is now deemed under threat of a downgrade
because of its rice inventory problems. To make matters worse, the
present Thai government is heavily dependent on the rice farmers for
political support and, therefore, has very great difficulty in
rectifying this particular problem given the political problems that
it is currently facing. Indonesia is the other Asean country with a serious problem because of its policy of subsidizing the cost of fuel prices for domestic consumption. By way of background, Indonesia used to be a major oil exporter. It used this position to subsidize domestic consumption of fuel by selling it below the world market price. However, in the mid-2000s, Indonesia became a net oil importer even as oil prices started to go up at a fast pace. Its oil bill quadrupled and in 2012 it incurred a current account deficit for the first time since the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. It is estimated to have had a current account deficit equal to 3.7 percent of GDP last year and it is estimated to remain at the 3-percent level this year. Its currency, the Indonesian rupian, depreciated against the US dollar by about 25 percent over the past year. Indonesia will be having parliamentary and presidential elections this year and therefore the process of rectifying the subsidy/deficit problem also poses a serious political dilemma. The problem with subsidies, as can be discerned from the cases of Thailand and Indonesia, is that it entails the reallocation of resources from one sector of the economy to another sector in a manner that goes against the flow of market forces and cannot be sustained without eventually affecting other economic variables. These usually cause or aggravate a budget deficit and often times adversely affect the balance of payments accounts. The major complication of subsidies is the political aspect. Once subsidies are started, it is very hard to undo and only with great political will and much political capital. This leads to the current debate on why electrical power cost in the Philippines is believed to be among the highest in East Asia and as to whether the government should subsidize it or not. There are several factors that must be considered in evaluating this issue including the lessons from the experiences of Thailand and Indonesia cited earlier. Another most important factor to consider is the reason why our power costs are high in the first place. We should go back to 1991 and 1992, when the National Power Corp. (Napocor) was practically the sole supplier of electrical power. It was cumulating losses year after year and the government had to subsidize it and guarantee its debt. Furthermore, it had not expanded its generating capacity to meet the needs of a fast-growing economy. In 1992 the Philippines experienced massive power outages at great inconvenience to both industry and the consumer. The country had to resort to stop-gap measures that turned out to be expensive in the long run. The base load coal fired and natural gas power plants had much longer gestation periods to put up and start operating. As a matter of fact, the Epira law is the core of a whole process of transferring the business of power generation and transmission to the private sector, because the government and government-run corporations failed not only in operating the business of power generation and transmission profitably but worse it failed to put up the generating capacity needed by the economy. The cumulative losses (stranded costs) and stranded debts of Napocor will continue to add to the costs of power in the Philippines in the future. It seems quite clear that the privatization of the power generation and transmission businesses is not the cause but a long-run solution to high power costs and inadequate power supply. The government’s role is to bring down the barriers for entry into the business by capable investors to expand capacity and to regulate the industry to ensure optional competition and prevent monopolistic practices. The problem with subsidies as experienced in Indonesia is that it encouraged consumption at the expense of the taxpayer and the current accounts without encouraging the development of alternative sources of energy. The problem of subsidizing rice prices in Thailand is that the government ended up financing a huge inventory of rice in its warehouses, which it cannot sell except with huge losses. The political cost of subsidies also becomes very high. |
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| PPP Center invites interested consultants for PDMF panel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine
Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Center invites eligible
international and local consulting firms to submit expressions of
interest to prequalify to be part of the Project Development and
Monitoring Facility (PDMF) panel of consulting firms. Selection process shall be undertaken in accordance with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Consultant Selection Guidelines. Deadline for submission of EOIs is on 22 March 2014. Details are available at http://csrn.adb.org/csrn/home.htm?page=mainPage. The Center is currently restructuring the PDMF panel to further improve its technical dimension and facilitate upgrading in terms of the capability, expertise, and experience of the panel members. From an initial nine (9) consortia of consulting firms in 2011, the panel has expanded to 15 members in 2012. PDMF prequalified consulting firms shall be retained on non-committal basis for two years to support preparation and transaction of PPP projects in the Philippines. Total available budget for transaction advisory services for PPP project preparation and management is approximately USD 90 Million. The PDMF is a revolving pool of funds from the Philippine Government and the Government of Australia under a Capacity Development Technical Assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The PDMF is being used to engage project preparation and transaction support consultants for PPP project preparation and transaction to develop a robust pipeline of viable and well-prepared PPP projects. |
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Last
Updated:
10 FEBRUARY 2014
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| Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the POEA Outstanding Agency Awards in Malacanang Monday (February 10). With the President are DOLE Sec. Rosalinda D. Baldos, POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and recipients of the award. The Presidential Award of Excellence recognizes the consistent excellent performance of private employment and manning agencies licensed by the Department of Labor and Employment through POEA. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montillano/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 50th Anniversary of Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) at the EGV Multipurpose Hall in Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on Friday (February 7). With the theme: “50 Years of Expertise in Serving God’s Special Children.” EGV is the first and largest government facility for people with developmental disorders, founded on February 03, 1964 with funding assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Philanthropist couple Samuel Gaches and Elsie McCloskey donated their 16-hectare summer villa to the government to be used as asylum for the sick, aged and handicapped. (Photo by Lauro Montillano; Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the men and women in uniform participating in the march-in-review during the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, together with 56th Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General Major General Hernando Iriberri and former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, observes the men and women in uniform participating in the march-in-review during the PA Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday(February 07, 2014). Iriberri is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III hands over the command symbol to 56th Philippine Army Commanding General Major General Hernando Iriberri from former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, during the Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Iriberri is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes the entry of colors during the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, inspects the troops during the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (February 7). Major General Hernando Iriberri, the 56th PA Commanding General replacing Coballes, is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division (ID) and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of the Kingdom of Spain during a courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Also in photo is DFA Secretary Albert Del Rosario.(Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar of the Kingdom of Spain,during a courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International, during her courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino lll welcomes Jasmine Whitbread, CEO of Save the Children International, during her courtesy call at the Music Room in Malacañang Palace on Thursday (February 6). Also in photo are DSWD Undersecretary Parisya Taradji and Pinky Abellada.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III renews his driver’s license, two days before he turns 54, at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Tayuman, Manila City on Thursday (February 06). Also in photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Photo by Gil Nartea, Rey Baniquet, Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III renews his driver’s license, two days before he turns 54, at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Tayuman, Manila City on Thursday (February 06). (Photo by Gil Nartea, Rey Baniquet, Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers prayers before the remains of Gerardo “Mang Gerry” Velasquez, father of singer-actress Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, at the Manila Memorial Park in Plaridel, Bulacan on Wednesday (February 05). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) Foundation, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Leyte for the construction of 500 houses and five units of Barrio Schools for Typhoon “Yolanda” victims at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (February 05). The relocation site will be named as “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village." Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, FFCCCII Foundation, Inc. president Dr. Alfonso Siy, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) Foundation, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Leyte for the construction of 500 houses and five units of Barrio Schools for Typhoon “Yolanda” victims at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (February 05). The relocation site will be named as “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village”. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with FFCCCII Foundation president Dr. Alfonso Siy during the Ceremonial Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) Foundation, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Leyte for the construction of 500 houses and five units of Barrio Schools for Typhoon “Yolanda” victims at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (February 05). The relocation site will be named as “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village." Also in photo is Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII) Foundation president Dr. Alfonso Siy and Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of 500 houses and five units of Barrio Schools for Typhoon “Yolanda” victims in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (February 05). The relocation site will be named “Filipino-Chinese Friendship Village." Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Palo Municipal Mayor Remedios Petilla, FFCCCII chairman emeritus Dr. Lucio Tan and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 04). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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