Dispatch for March 25 , 2014 (Tuesday) , 1 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 4 Weather Watch , 1 Reg’l. Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 14 Online News , 18 Photonews (Mar.24)

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 25 March 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 25 March 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 25 March 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Moderate to strong northeasterly to easterly surface windflow prevailing over Luzon.

Forecast:  

Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region and the Province of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and coming from the east over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough

 

Pia Quezon shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

about an hour ago

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at : 5:00 AM 25 March 2014

Synopsis: Moderate to strong northeasterly to easterly surface windflow prevailing over Luzon.

Forecast: Eastern Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Bicol region and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and coming from the east over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 12:00 PM Yesterday --- 29.5 ºc
Minimum Temperature: 8:00 AM Yesterday --- 22.9 ºc

Maximum Relative Humidity: 8:00 AM Yesterday --- 100 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 AM Yesterday --- 59 %

High Tide Today: 4:10 PM …..………… 0.94 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 1:28 AM …..………… -0.06 Meter

Sunrise Today: 5:57 AM
Sunset Today: 6:07 PM

Moonset Today: 12:47 PM
Moonrise Tomorrow: 1:53 AM
Illumination Tomorrow: 29 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

Like · · Promote · Share

 

  Weather Watch

GALE WARNING NO. 22

For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeasterly Surface Windflow.
Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 25 March 2014

Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the eastern seaboard of Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Visayas.

SEABOARD	WEATHER	WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS)	SEA CONDITION	WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)
THE EASTERN  SEABOARD OF  LUZON ( Isabela, Eastern Coast of Cagayan, Aurora, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coast of Albay, Eastern coast of Sorsogon, Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island )	Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms	(52-63/28-34)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 4.5
THE EASTERN SEABOARD OF VISAYAS ( Samar and Leyte )	Mostly cloudy skies with scattered light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms	(52-63/28-34)	Rough to very rough	3.4 to 4.5

 Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.
The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.

4. Weather Watch

43 minutes ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran on DZBB:
-Sa Metro Manila, may mga parteng maulan.
-Lumabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Caloy as of 10:00am.
-Wala na tayong ini-expect pang magkakaroon tayo ng LPA. Inaasahan na lang natin ang pagpasok ng tag-init.
-Tinitignan na lang natin ang factor pa na maaaring magpatagal ng ating summer. Isang factor ang paghina ng Amihan, pagpasok ng Easterly winds ang inaasahan natin at pagtaas ng temperatura.
-Maulan sa bahagi ng Aurora at Quezon at hanggang gabi pa po magtatagal ang pag-ulan pero hindi naman kalakasan.
-Nakataas pa rin ang gale warning sa eastern seaboard ng Luzon.

 

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PDRRMC-Quezon Director Henry Buzar on DZBB:
Re: State of calamity, idineklara sa Quezon Province dahil sa pag-atake ng 'cocolisap'
-Nag-declare kami ng state of calamity dahil sa kulisap na ito.
-Malaki na (area na naapektuhan ng kulisap). Mayroon kaming tatlong bayan at isang island municipality sa Pollilo ang tinamaan ang kanilang mga halaman.
-Ito ay tumawid galing Batangas at nahawa na ang puno ng niyog sa Quezon. Mayroon din ibang fruit trees na naapektuhan.
-Mabilis ang pagkalat nito kaya ginagawan na ng paraan ng provincial agriculturist namin na ma-control ito.

 

University of Perpetual Help, Nephrology society ST chapter, host World Kidney Day 2014

Tuesday 25th of March 2014

BINAN, Laguna, Mar. 25 (PIA) --The Department of Internal Medicine of the University of Perpetual Help (UPH-DIM)  Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical Center together with the Philippine Society of Nephrology-Southern Tagalog chapter hosted the observance of the annual “World Kidney Day 2014” held last March 21 at the university gym.

The annual celebration geared towards promoting awareness and prevention of kidney diseases, was participated by kidney disease patients and their families, members and officers of Nephrology Society-Southern Tagalog chapter and other partners.

Rhodora D. Valenzona MD, FPCP, DPSN, executive training officer and over-all chair of World Kidney Day 2014 lectured on the symptoms of anemia, “Sagip Bato” including signs and treatment options as well as nutritional requirements of chronic kidney disease patient

“Our kidneys are very hardworking organs- so vital that we need to take care of it because the moment it malfunctioned, the rest of the body would start malfunctioning too,” Valenzona said.

She emphasized that chronic kidney diseases entails patients with a lot of problems and as well as large sum of expenses.

Aside from the lecture, a talent search dubbed “Talentadong Bato” showcased the singing abilities of qualified dialysis and chronic kidney disease patients. Cash prizes of P20,000; P10,000; and P5,000 were awarded to first three winners.

Also part of the celebration were screening, diagnostic activities and free kidney clinics, lectures and workshops for kidney professionals, fora for patients and families, and distribution of information education communication (IEC) materials on kidney diseases.

Based on the Department of Health statistics, kidney disease ranks ninth among the leading causes of death for the past several years. The prevalence of kidney diseases in the country is 9.4 percent or approximately six million Filipino adults are suffering from kidney damage. (NAC, PIA4A)

24  MARCH 2014.
	President Aquino leads launch of ALAGA KA program
	Government remains committed to competitive business environment, says Aquino
	President Aquino receives Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs in courtesy call
	Aquino wants National Commission on Muslim Filipinos involvement in PDAF scam investigated
	President Aquino says resumption of peace talks depend on communist rebels

President Aquino leads launch of ALAGA KA program   President Benigno S. Aquino III lead the launch on Monday of the Department of Health and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s multi-sectoral advocacy campaign dubbed as “Alaga ka para sa Maayos na Buhay” (ALAGA KA) aimed at providing the country’s 14.7 million indigent families greater access to primary health care services. Joining the President at the launch held at the Quezon Memorial Circle were Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista, DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, Philhealth president and CEO Alexander Padilla and Department of Education Secretary Armin Luistro. According to Padilla, who is also chair of the ALAGA KA steering committee, ALAGA KA is a collaboration between Philhealth, DOH, local government units and other stakeholders in the health sector to make sure that indigent members and those from the poor segment of the population are properly instructed on how to avail of these basic health services at the rural health units and health centers where they are assigned. In his speech, the President invited the attendees – some 2,000 indigent families from different parts of Metro Manila – to fully partake and utilize the benefits offered by ALAGA KA. “Layunin po ng ALAGA KA program na imulat ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang 14.7 milyong kapus-palad na pamilya, sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng DOH at PhilHealth. Hinihimok natin silang sagarin ang pakinabang na bunsod ng pagkakataong ito. Kabilang sa maraming mga serbisyo ng programa ang pagkakaloob ng micronutrient supplements, maternal and neonatal care package, at family planning—bukod pa sa treatment package para sa TB, at sa libreng pagpapagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital. Malinaw sa mga serbisyong ito: naniniwala tayong “prevention is better than cure.” Imbes na makuntento sa paglunas sa karamdaman, binibigyang kakayahan natin ang mga Pilipinong iwasan ang sakit at ang paglaganap nito,” the President said. He said Philhealth and other related government health services has been able to keep with the demand because of proper management of the nation’s resources. “Sa nakalipas na mahigit tatlong taon, pinalawak po natin ang saklaw ng PhilHealth, at ang mga serbisyong kaakibat nito. Bukod sa pagpapatayo at rehabilitasyon ng ating mga government health facilities, nagpadala rin tayo ng libo-libong mga doktor, nurse, midwife, at community health teams sa malalayong lugar upang arugain ang mas nangangailangan nating mga kababayan. Nariyan din po ang ating Primary Care Benefit—na tinatawag ding “Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya” o TSeKaP,” the President said. “Kabilang nga po sa mga serbisyo nito ang health-risk counseling at cancer screening, at ang pagsiguro na ang mga benepisyaryong pamilya ay makakapagpatingin sa doktor kada taon,” he added. He added that even the legislative branch pitched in and helped by passing the Sin Tax Reform And Responsible Parenthood Laws that greatly helped in larger health services to the people. “Bukod po sa makabuluhang serbisyong mula sa ehekutibo, nakipag-ambagan na rin ang lehislatura upang maisabatas ang Sin Tax Reform Law at ang Responsible Parenthood Law na nagbibigay kakayahan sa atin na lalong magbigay-lingap sa ating mga kababayan,” the President said. PND (rck) TOP Government remains committed to competitive business environment, says Aquino   President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the business community that his administration will remain committed to ensuring a level playing field for businesses and keeping a good business environment in the country. The President told businessmen during the oathtaking ceremony of the new officials of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederations (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club that the government posted significant successes in the past few years of the Aquino administration. Among these include the Philippines’s huge jumps in various competitiveness rankings, as well as investments upgrades from major credit ratings agencies. Investments have also gone up with the net FDI increasing by 20 percent, from $3.22 billion in 2012, to $3.86 billion in 2013, he said in his message in Malacanang. “When I met with PHILEXPORT back in October of 2012, I expressed my confidence in their ability to weather the storm that the exports sector was facing at the time. Today, we are indeed seeing brighter skies, with total merchandise exports increasing by 9.3 percent to more than $4.38 billion in January of this year, as compared to $4 billion in January of 2013,” the President said. The government posted these major feats after leveling the playing field and creating a better environment for businesses. “Given the global community’s reception to the new face of Philippine politics and systems, we expect increased access to wider arenas of competition: so long as you take advantage of our resurgence, you will cease being big businesses operating in a small pond, and perhaps become industry leaders in an entire ocean of opportunities,” the President added. The President also advised the newly elected officials of different business organizations in the country to always keep in mind the benefits to the people of whatever endeavors they do. Local businesses must ensure the competitiveness in the domestic market and create a healthy business environment for each player, the chief executive said. With the government’s partnership with private businesses, the country can take even greater strides for the benefit of millions of Filipinos, he noted. PND (as) TOP President Aquino receives Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs in courtesy call   President Benigno S. Aquino III received Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel García-Margallo in a courtesy call in Malacanang on Monday. Margallo arrived in the Philippines for a two-day official visit from March 24 to 25 at the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. While in the Philippines, Margallo will also meet Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and discuss bilateral relations with Secretary del Rosario. A highlight of Margallo’s visit to the Philippines is his trip to Tacloban City on March 25. Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rehabilitation efforts in areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda last year. The visiting Spanish official will also address the members of the Makati Business Club and also visit Bangkal High School in Makati to check on the progress of the implementation of the Department of Education’s Special Education Program in Foreign Language in partnership with the Embassy of Spain and Instituto Cervantes in Manila. The Minister will likewise inaugurate the Spanish-assisted Humanitarian Assistance Emergency Warehouse project at Clark International Airport. Total trade between the two countries from January to October 2013 is valued at $385,130,000 while the total investments from Spain from January to September 2013 amounted to $200,000. Philippines’s total exports to Spain are valued at $122.26 million, while the total imports from Spain amount to $262.87 million. Among the Philippine’s major exports to Spain include coconut (copra) oil, yellow fin tunas, seaweeds, carrageenan and other algae, and pineapple. The Philippines’ top commodity imports from Spain are women’s outerwear, tubes, pipes and hoses, wine and spirits and preparations for animal feed. The country is also a major destination for Spanish tourists with 17,126 visiting the Philippines last year. There is an estimated 40,000 Filipinos living in Spain today. PND (as) TOP Aquino wants National Commission on Muslim Filipinos involvement in PDAF scam investigated   President Benigno S. Aquino III wants an investigation into the alleged involvement of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in the multibillion peso Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam which the Commission on Audit (COA) recently unearthed according to reports. Speaking to reporters on Monday, President Aquino said he already tasked Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, and Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to come up with a thorough report on the matter as soon as possible. The NCMF is an agency under the Office of the President that reportedly received P515-million from two senators—named in a newspaper account as Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Gregorio Honasan—and 38 former and incumbent members of the House of Representatives based on COA’s findings. “To be perfectly candid about it, there are so many functions embodied in their (NCMF’s) charter, which I reviewed today, and I was not clearly aware or immediately aware that they were a conduit or an implementing agency for various PDAF projects,” President Aquino told reporters. He added they are still clarifying with COA whether the report can already be considered a "finding" or just an “observation audit memorandum” in which case the NCMF would have to respond to certain questions first. “Even before we get their answers, I want to make sure exactly what went to whom, and why was it coursed through the NCMF… So I want to get as thorough knowledge as possible, and I have directed the concerned individuals—specifically the Executive Secretary, the Secretary of Budget and Management, and the Cabinet Secretary—to submit to me a thorough report on this particular issue,” President Aquino said. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino says resumption of peace talks depend on communist rebels   President Benigno Aquino III on Monday said the resumption of peace talks with communist rebels will only depend on their “willingness” to return to the negotiating table. In an interview with reporters following an event in Malacanang, President Aquino dismissed that the arrest of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA), will have an effect on the stalled peace talks with the communist groups. “Well, they have walked out to the CPP-NPA and they have walked out of the peace talks, if you remember correctly. Does it have an impact? I don’t think so. It really depends on their willingness to go back to the bargaining table,” the President said. He said he was not surprised with the arrest of the Tiamzons affirming that they were the ones he was pertaining to in a prior interview about a high-profile fugitive who will be arrested soon. “It wasn’t a surprise because I did mention it,” the President told reporters. CPP founding chairman Jose Maria "Joma" Sison earlier said that the arrest of the Tiamzons will impede the peace negotiations. The insurgent’s peace panel likewise condemned the arrest of the couple saying that they were both covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG), while government officials said otherwise. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima earlier defended the legality of the arrest of the Tiamzons in Carcar, Cebu last Friday saying that they were not covered by any immunity. She stressed that guarantees under the Jasig is not operational since the peace process between the government and the communist rebels have been stalled. President Aquino, meanwhile, believes that the arrest of the couple has delivered a “serious blow” to the CPP-NPA. “It shows you also the competency of our security forces,” he said. On Sison’s threat of more attacks following Tiamzon’s arrest, the President said “The attacks have not ceased. So, what are they saying? For them, it’s business as usual I guess.” He also cited media reports that the Tiamzons were in possession of hand grenades and pistols, which he said "normally does not occupy the belongings of a peace negotiator." President Aquino said the government should deal with “root causes” of insurgency problem to be able to stamp it out. “That’s why we are focused on empowering our people, especially in trying to move them out of poverty in the various interventions that we have been doing from education, to health, to livelihood, to housing, to disaster preparedness and so on and so forth,” he said. PND (jb) TOP

24 MARSO 2014 Inilunsad ng Pangulong Aquino ang programang ‘ALAGA KA’ para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan ng 14.7 milyong maralita Inilunsad ng Pangulong Aquino ang programang ‘ALAGA KA’ para sa serbisyong pangkalusugan ng 14.7 milyong maralita   Pinangunahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang paglulunsad Lunes ng “Alaga ka para sa Maayos na Buhay” (ALAGA KA) ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan at Philippine Health Insurance Corporation na magbibigay ng pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan sa may 14.7 milyong maralitang pamilya sa buong bansa. Ginanap ang paglulunsad ng nasabing programa sa Quezon Memorial Circle sa Lungsod ng Quezon kung saan dumalo rin sina Alkalde Herbert Bautista ng Lungsod ng Quezon, Kalihim Enrique Ona ng Kalusugan, Alexander Padilla, pangulo ng PhilHealth at Chief Executive Officer at Kalihim Armin Luistro ng Kagawaran ng Pagtuturo. Sang-ayon kay Padilla na siya ring tagapangulo ng steering committee ng ALAGA KA, sa programang ito ay magkakatuwang ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan, PhilHealth, mga lokal na pamahalaan at iba pang may kaugnayan sa sektor ng kalusugan upang matiyak na ang mga maralitang kasapi at ang dukhang bahagi ng populasyon ay mabigyan ng kaukulang kaalaman kung paano makikinabang sa mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga rural health units at health center sa mga pook na tinitirahan nila. Hinimok ng Pangulong Aquino ang may 2,000 dukhang pamilyang buhat sa iba-ibang dako ang dumalo sa paglulunsad ng nasabing programa na upang lubos nilang pakinabangan ang mga benepisyong alay ng ALAGA KA. “Layunin po ng programang ALAGA KA ay imulat ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang 14.7 milyong kapus-palad na pamilya, sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng DOH at PhilHealth. Hinihimok natin silang sagarin ang pakinabang na bunsod ng pagkakataong ito. Kabilang sa maraming mga serbisyo ng programa ang pagkakaloob ng mcronutrient supplements, maternal and neonatal care package, at family planning—bukod pa sa treatment package para sa tuberkulosis (TB) at sa libreng pagpapagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital. Malinaw sa mga serbisyong ito: Naniniwala tayong ‘prevention is better than cure.' Imbes na makuntento sa paglunas sa karamdaman, binibigyang kakayahan natin ang mga Pilipinong iwasan ang sakit at ang paglaganap nito,” wika ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na nagagawa ng PhilHealth at iba pang serbisyong pangkalusugan ng pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan dahil sa maayos na pangangasiwa sa mga yaman ng bansa. “Sa nakalipas na mahigit na tatlong taon, pinalawak po natin ang saklaw ng PhilHealth, at ang mga serbisyong kaakibat nito. Bukod sa pagpapatayo at rehabilitasyon ng mga pasilidad na pangkalusugan ng pamahalaan, nagpadala rin tayo ng libu-libong duktor, nars, komadrona at community health teams sa malalayong mga lugar upang arugain ang mas nangangailangan nating mga kababayan. Nariyan din po ang ating Primary Care Benefits—na tinatawag ding 'Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya' o TSeKaP," wika pa ng Pangulong Aquino. “Kabilang nga po sa mga serbisyo nito ang health-risk counselling at cancer screening, gayundin ang pagsiguro na ang mga benepisiyaryong pamilya ay makapagpapatingin sa duktor taun-taon,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. Idinagdag niya na ang sangay lehislatibo ng pamahalaan nang pagtibayin nila ang mga Batas na Sin Tax Reform at Responsible Parenthood na nakatulong nang malaki tungo sa higit na malawak na serbisyong pangkalusugan sa taong bayan. “Bukod po sa makabuluhang serbisyong mula sa ehekutibo, nakipag-ambagan na rin ang lehislatura upang maisabatas ang Sin Tax Reform Law at Responsible Parenthood Law na nagbigay kakayahan sa atin na lalong magbigay-lingap sa ating mga kababayan,” pahayag pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (rck/zaf) TOP

24 MARCH 2014 Indonesian gov’t officials in PH to study DSWD’s anti-poverty program GPH, MILF to ‘hit the ground running’ in implementing Bangsamoro pact Gov’t urges unity for success of comprehensive peace deal with MILF Gov't cashless cards to solve unliquidated spending woes Nuclear terrorism will affect OFWs - VP Binay Ceremonial signing of SLRB’s Bolusao Hydro Project RP posts historic rice growth DAR pours P108.92-M infra projects in Zambo Norte DAR to assist in the clearing operation of Yolanda-hit area DepEd commences screening of SPES 2014 applicants DFA Lowers Crisis Alert Level for Bangkok from 2 to 1 Philippines Joins Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition 2014 Abaya: 100 transport sector projects awarded in 2013 DSWD investigates rotten relief goods in Palo DSWD to hire 1,245 staff to validate qualified aid recipients Indonesian gov’t officials in PH to study DSWD’s anti-poverty program Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Manila, Philippines – Representatives from the Indonesian government recently visited the Philippines to study the implementation of Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), one of the three main poverty alleviation programs implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The learning visit, which ran from March 17 to 21, was the second information exchange between the two countries this year. Last January, a video conference was held between Kalahi-CIDSS officials and staff with key individuals from the Indonesia team. The purpose of the video conference was for the Philippines to study how community-driven development (CDD) was used in disaster response by Indonesia following the Aceh tsunami. The 2004 Aceh tsunami resulted in over 10,000 casualties. Last November, the Philippines was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan). The learning visit picked up where the video conference left off. The purpose was to look into how CDD, through Kalahi-CIDSS, is being utilized in communities, particularly in light of the aftermath of TS Yolanda. Specifically, it explored the engagement between citizens and their local governments through CDD, particularly in the context of post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation. Both exchanges were facilitated in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). CDD is a development strategy that focuses on empowering and building up the capacities of citizens and local government units so they will be able to lift their own communities out of poverty. It is the approach utilized by Kalahi-CIDSS in its over 10 years of implementation, during which it has covered 364 municipalities in 12 regions nationwide. According to Aunur Rofiq Hadi, the Head of the Policy Working Group of the National Community Empowerment Program, Indonesia pays particular focus on its citizens because they believe in the capacity of the residents to push for local development. He said, “We see villages as commodities,” describing how their CDD program, the Program Nasional Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (PNPM) Mandiri, invests in human capital by capacitating residents of poor communities and providing them the resources and the skills needed to help them implement sub-projects that can address their most pressing needs, similar to Kalahi-CIDSS. Interestingly, Indonesia’s premier CDD program, the Kecamatan Development Program (KDP), was the parent program of the Kalahi-CIDSS, as the latter’s design was based on the former. KDP has since evolved into the PNPM Mandiri, which has a broader coverage and scope. Similarly, the DSWD is now preparing for the National Community-Driven Development Program (NCDDP), the scaling up of Kalahi-CIDSS’ CDD operations nationwide. NCDDP pays special attention to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). Part of its coverage specifically involves municipalities that were affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Aside from ‘Yolanda’-affected areas, NCDDP will target the poorest municipalities in the country. Its total target coverage is 847 municipalities in 58 provinces of 14 regions in the Philippines. The NCDDP will also look into other thematic areas, including gender, conflict, environment protection, and the participation of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), to ensure coverage of the vulnerable sectors in communities. |TOP| GPH, MILF to ‘hit the ground running’ in implementing Bangsamoro pact Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila – Three days before the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels returned from an executive session held in Kuala Lumpur citing readiness to “hit the ground running” for the implementation of the agreement that will pave way for the creation of the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity by 2016. In an interview over DZXL on Sunday, GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that both parties have agreed on and initialed the introductory text to the CAB on March 22 in the Malaysian capital. The CAB will be officially signed on March 27 (Thursday) at the Malacañan Palace. According to the panel chair, the initialed document identified the component parts making up the CAB, reiterates the goals of the peace negotiations, lays down the general principles that would guide the implementation, and thanks the main actors who played a role in reaching the agreement. Coronel-Ferrer said they were “also able to complete the Terms of Reference for the mechanisms that will be put in place for the Annex on Normalization, which was signed last January.” The TORs include those for the Joint Normalization Committee, the Independent Decommissioning Body, and the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission. These bodies will support the normalization process through which MILF forces can transition to productive civilian lives and participate in governance reform. “A body will be created to study the meaning of reconciliation and justice for the people in Mindanao in order for us to make the healing process as comprehensive as possible,” Coronel-Ferrer said in Filipino. The panel chair stressed that enormous work awaits both parties after the CAB signing. “There are many things to be done,” she said, adding that next in line is finishing the Bangsamoro Basic Law by March 31 by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and identifying the people who will sit in the mechanisms. In an earlier interview, Coronel-Ferrer said: “There’s no time to rest. We pause briefly for the celebratory signing of the CAB and then go back to work.” The panel chair said that getting the implementation of the CAB right is crucial for lasting peace and development in Mindanao and the entire Philippines to be attained. “The GPH Panel is consolidating our programs and will be putting up an office in Cotabato so that we will be very much on the ground. We have to do everything quite fast but without sacrificing the principles of inclusivity and transparency.” |TOP| Gov’t urges unity for success of comprehensive peace deal with MILF Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila – Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Sunday called on all stakeholders to support the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that will be signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27 (Thursday) in Malacañang.‎ “Peace requires a lot of hard work. Peace requires unity in purpose and cooperation. Kailangan po natin ang tulong ng lahat (We need everyone’s help),” she said during an interview over DZXL. “Ang layunin natin ay walang maiiwan sa process na ito. Tulungan po niyo kami. Napakarami nating dapat gawin para magtagumpay talaga ang peace process natin (Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind in this process. Help us. There is a lot of work to do to make the peace process successful),” she added. The CAB is the final peace agreement between the GPH and MILF that will serve as basis for the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). The BBL, once passed by Congress and upheld in a plebiscite in the proposed core territory, will formalize the entrenchment of the Bangsamoro political entity that will enjoy an enhanced political and fiscal autonomy. Coronel-Ferrer said that the success of the CAB will help realize the hopes of ordinary Mindanaoans to lead peaceful lives, enjoy equal opportunities, send their children to schools, have decent jobs, and keep away from criminal activities. She also pointed out the importance of having strong and democratic governance institutions. “This is the goal of the creation of the Bangsamoro political entity – replace the institution that does not live up to the expectations for a good and democratic government. We are putting all the elements in place. The institutional designs of this (Bangsamoro) government will be more representative and accountable,” Coronel-Ferrer said in Filipino. The panel chair also stressed that lasting peace and development in Mindanao will also benefit the entire Philippines. “We need the public to understand that if we are able to work this out and have peace and development in Mindanao, the whole country will benefit. A bomb that explodes in Mindanao affects the entire country. Economic activity is disrupted, business confidence is decreased, travel is restricted. One incident can easily affect the economy of the country.” |TOP| Gov't cashless cards to solve unliquidated spending woes Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Unliquidated expenses in government transactions? Process gaps in procurement that leave wide room for graft and corruption? An Administration-led project to use cashless cards in government purchases may just be the solution. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio B. Abad today said that the initial implementation of the Aquino administration’s Cashless Purchase Card System program is the first step in preventing unliquidated spending in government, especially in light of a Commission on Audit (COA) announcement that P5 billion in state funds have yet to be accounted for. “Cashless cards will play a defining role in ridding government transactions of the corruption they’re notorious for. The cards will do away with petty cash advances and payments in procurement, and the details of each transaction will be recorded in real-time and on a web-based platform. Overall, the digitization of the procurement process will be key in ensuring that every peso spent by government officials and employees is well-spent and accounted for,” Abad said. The program—which was launched in January this year—is in its initial phase and is currently being pilot-tested in the DBM and the Department of Defense-Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP). The Administration partnered with Citibank in rolling out the cards, which will have features similar to most credit cards. In the pilot phase of the Cashless Purchase Card System program, participating agencies will use the cards to procure medical supplies, meals, transportation of official documents, airline tickets, and construction supplies for minor repair projects. Abad said that the Administration expects to implement the program across all government agencies next year, as well as expand the list of items that are eligible for procurement through cashless cards. “Automating government processes and switching to cashless solutions doesn’t only save time and resources. By integrating and digitizing the procurement process, we can seal off the gaps that make it easy for irregularities to happen. In the case of cashless purchase cards, we’re tying together what used to be separate transactions: procurement, payment, and auditing,” Abad said. “Once we’ve successfully established the use of these cards in government, there won’t be any room for unliquidated expenses, as every detail will be tracked from the beginning of the transaction. It’s not just a matter of doing our public auditors a favor. It’s also a matter of assuring our citizens that the government is using state funds honestly and responsibly,” he added. |TOP| Nuclear terrorism will affect OFWs - VP Binay Source: http://www.ovp.gov.ph Any act of nuclear terrorism in any part of the world will affect a large number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently living and working abroad, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said Saturday before leaving for the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands. “[W]ith over 10 million of our kababayans living and working overseas, any act of nuclear terrorism in any part of the world will inevitably victimize scores of overseas Filipinos,” Binay said. The Vice President is representing President Benigno S. Aquino III in the biennial summit. He also represented the president in the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, South Korea. Binay is also the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns. The Vice President said the threat of nuclear terrorism is not confined to nations who possess nuclear weapons or operate nuclear power plants, but rather a global problem that demands the attention of the international community. “The Philippines does not possess nuclear material that may be turned into a nuclear weapon by terrorists or other non-State actors, nor does it operate nuclear power plants. Yet the relevance of nuclear security to the Philippines cannot be underestimated,” he said. “We could become safe havens or transit and staging grounds for those who want to commit acts of nuclear terrorism. Terrorists can steal from radiological sources in our laboratories, factories and hospitals in order to build a ‘dirty bomb’,” he added. A “dirty bomb” is one type of a radiological dispersal device (RDD) that combines conventional explosives, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. The Vice President said that through the commitments made and the cooperative arrangements forged in the past summits, the Philippines has been able to enhancing its own security measures, through technical and financial assistance from partner states and organizations. The summit is expected to gather around 53 heads of state, including United States President Barack Obama, who initiated the holding of a summit on nuclear security in 2009. The first Nuclear Security Summit was held in Washington, D.C. in 2010. |TOP| Ceremonial signing of SLRB’s Bolusao Hydro Project Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla poses with the officers of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Builders and Developers Group, Inc. (SLRB) and officials of the Department of Energy and the Local Government Unit (LGU) in Lawaan, Eastern Samar during the signing of the contract for the 300-MW Pumped storage Bolusao Hydro Project held on 21 March 2014 at the DOE. With the Secretary in the photo are (L-R): DOE- Hydro and Ocean Energy Management Division Supervising Science Research Specialist Winifredo Malabanan, DOE Assistant Secretary Daniel Ariaso, SLRB Chief Operating Officer Anthony Violago, SLRB President and Chief Executive Officer Oscar Violago, Lawaan Mayor Nida Gabornes, and LGU officials. |TOP| RP posts historic rice growth Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Despite strong typhoons during the last half of the year, Filipino farmers were able to produce a total of eighteen point forty four million metric tons (18.44 million MT) of palay in 2013. “The highest ever recorded in Philippine history.” This was according to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who led the recognition and awarding of top producers of palay via the National Rice Achievers (NRA) awards held at the Newport Performing Arts, Resorts World Manila, Pasay City, on March 14, 2014. Although three percent short of the 100% rice production target, overall yield was posted at 97% based on a 20.04 million MT target. Alcala commended the local chief executives of rice-producing provinces, municipalities and cities for continuing to partner with the government in its drive to attain food self-sufficiency. He also expressed his gratitude to farmers and irrigators associations, and agricultural technicians for their invaluable contribution in attaining the historic feat. “We value your role in ensuring safe, nutritious, affordable, and sufficient supply of food for the Filipino people,” he said. He also challenged the provincial governors to implement programs that will increase farmers' production and income. In addition, he campaigned for the integration of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in rice to improve the quality of palay in preparation for intense domestic and global competition, as well as the use of appropriate modern technologies to boost overall production. Alcala reiterated President Aquino’s directive on his 2nd State of the Nation Address: "Ang gusto nating mangyari: Una, hindi na tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan. Ikalawa, ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-aangkat. Ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin." A total of P117.42 million (M) worth of project grants and cash prizes were given out to the 2013 NRA awardees consist of 12 provinces, 48 municipalities, 10 Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), three Small Water Impounding System Associations (SWISAs), and 496 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs). Each province received P4 M worth of project grant, while municipalities received P1 M worth of project grants. The IAs and SWISAs each received P1 M and P500, 000 respectively, while AEWs were given P20, 000 cash prize each. |TOP| DAR pours P108.92-M infra projects in Zambo Norte Source: http://dar.gov.ph Agrarian beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Norte will soon enjoy greater economic opportunities as the government in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), pours various rural infrastructure projects in support of the country’s sustainable rural development program. The P108.92-million project include the concreting of four farm-to-market roads in the municipalities of Siocon, Labason, Manukan, Sindangan and the construction of the Panabutan communal irrigation in Sirawai. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Director Julita Ragandang said the development of Zamboanga del Norte, being one of the poorest province in the country, aims to reduce the incidence of poverty and raise the standard of living of farmers. “Zamboanga del Norte, whose residents consists mainly of farmers and fisher folks, will greatly benefit from these infrastructure facilities. These [infra projects] will enhance the rural economy and in the process, create job opportunities in the province,” Ragandang said. These infrastructure projects is under DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community Project (ARCP) and will cover 19 agrarian reform communities in Zamboanga del Norte. Ragandang added that the continuing support provided by the ADB and other partners in the donor community “is a testament to the capability and credibility of DAR to implement large-scale development projects under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).” |TOP| DAR to assist in the clearing operation of Yolanda-hit area Source: http://dar.gov.ph The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said today that it is coordinating with the DA and the PCA in the clearing operations of areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda. Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said that he met with the regional officials of the DAR, DA, and PCA last Monday in Tacloban to discuss areas where the DAR can help in the clearing operations of the two other agencies. “I understand that areas where there are agrarian reform beneficiaries, such as our agrarian reform communities, have yet to be cleared of debris, like felled coconut trees. The DAR is coordinating with DA and PCA in order to clear these debris. The DAR can provide, among others, equipments, such as tractors, to help in clearing these areas.” said de los Reyes. The DAR chief acknowledged that the agrarian reform agency is procuring tractors, which are intended to assist in the operation of the government in clearing fallen trees in Yolanda-struck areas, under the negotiated mode of procurement. The mode of procurement is selected pursuant to GPPB Resolution No. 34-2013 which allows government agency to use the same for purposes of rehabilitation in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The Secretary said that the DAR is coordinating with the DA and the PCA in drawing up the plans for the clearing operation. “As soon as the DAR receives a report as to what type of tractor is needed in the clearing, it will proceed with the procurement of the tractors.” said de los Reyes. The report is expected to be included in the operation plan being coordinated and drawn up by DA, PCA, and DAR. De los Reyes further added that he has received word from DAR’s Tacloban office that the regional officials of DAR, DA, and PCA have already inked their joint report on the plans for the clearing operation yesterday and is now just being transmitted to Manila. |TOP| DepEd commences screening of SPES 2014 applicants Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph The Department of Education (DepEd) started the screening applicants of Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) 2014, Friday. "Through SPES, we want to provide equal opportunities for students and out-of-school youth from underprivileged families to harness their potential and skills for the country's development," Undersecretary for Regional Operations Rizalino Rivera said. He added that the program would aim to immerse the youth in the government and hone their sense of leadership and public service. "We hope to instill inspiration and hope in young people. With the help of SPES, we also aspire to aid the students in their education," Rivera said. Almost 200 aspiring young applicants were interviewed during the first day of screening. More than 400 applications were sent to the DepEd Central Office. Out of these applications, the Department will accommodate 100 poor but deserving students and OSY who will start their training in April. SPES 2014 Trainees will be employed for 30 (thirty) working days under the supervision of SPES 2014 Secretariat in the Department of Education – Central Office. SPES is mandated under Republic Act No. 9547, otherwise known as "An Act to Help Poor but Deserving Students Pursue their Education by Encouraging their Employment during summer and/or Christmas Vacations." |TOP| DFA Lowers Crisis Alert Level for Bangkok from 2 to 1 Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 24 March 2014 - In view of the Thai Government’s decision to lift the state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas effective 19 March 2014, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F del Rosario lowered the Crisis Alert Level from 2 to 1. Under Alert Level 1, Filipinos in Bangkok and the concerned areas, namely Nonthaburi Province, Lad Lum Kaew District of Pathumthani Province, and Bang Phli District of Samutprakan Province, are advised to take necessary precautions. There is no ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers under Alert Level 1. |TOP| Philippines Joins Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition 2014 Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 24 March 2014 – The Philippines participates in the 21st Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition from March 19 to 22 in Moscow, Russia, as part of the Department of Tourism’s ongoing marketing campaign in Russia. The Philippine delegation, led by Mr. Raymund Glen Agustin of the DOT Market Development Group, is composed of 13 domestic travel and tour operators as well as hotels and resorts representatives. Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Alejandro B. Mosquera hosted a welcome reception for the Philippine delegation on March 19 at the Ambassador’s Residence in Moscow. Also in attendance were Russian travel and tour operators. The MITT is an annual tourism exhibition in Moscow and one of the top five travel exhibitions in the world. This year’s event is participated in by 198 countries from different regions. |TOP| Abaya: 100 transport sector projects awarded in 2013 Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph Improved Infrastructure Facilities Being Enjoyed Across the Country Reporting on its procurement performance last year, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) says that it awarded one hundred (100) projects through competitive bidding last year. “The DOTC awarded no less than 100 projects in 2013 alone: from the rehabilitation and improvement of numerous ports and airports across the country, to the supply of Coast Guard rescue equipment, to the master planning of Metro Manila transport systems. These projects are now in various stages of implementation and completion,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph “Jun” Abaya. “While we are still rolling out our big ticket projects, we have been mindful of the plight of the majority of Filipinos who rely on these infrastructure facilities for their livelihood. Fisherfolk who depend on functioning ports and wharves, agribusiness and commercial traders whose businesses count on air cargo transportation – they are already starting to benefit from these crucial projects,” he added. The department’s hitting average in obligating funds for its projects is at 70%, since its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) managed to obligate P 21,583,165,000.00 out of its 2013 allotments, which totalled P 30,738,436,000.00. “I think we have one of the most hard-working Bids and Awards Committees in government. From the sheer number of projects bid out alone, their output speaks for itself. No one should question their dedication to honest, competent, and effective public service,” Abaya remarked. Examples of the DOTC’s 2013 projects include: port improvement projects in places such as Meycauayan, Marinduque, and Siargao; airport upgrading works in areas such as Naga, Catarman, and Butuan; and the installation of airfield lighting systems for the Ozamiz, Dipolog, Roxas, and Cotabato airports. Other projects are the construction of a Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Office in Cagayan de Oro and a Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Office in Tangub City. These also include the supply of magnetic tickets for the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3) and the installation/construction of various lots of “Kayo ang Boss Ko” or “KBK” toilet facilities for airports, seaports, and LTO and LTFRB offices in different regions of the archipelago. Safety and security continued to be a priority for the DOTC, which equipped the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with new assets to protect the national territory, such as the development of search-and-rescue (SAR) bases in Western Visayas and Northern Mindanao, and the procurement of fifty (50) rubber boats for use in its rescue operations. |TOP| DSWD investigates rotten relief goods in Palo Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Palo, Leyte – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sent a team to investigate the media reports that rotten relief were distributed in a barangay in Leyte. Upon validation by a team from DSWD-Field Office VIII who went to the area and interviewed Brgy. Captain Panchito Cortes, they found out that the goods comprising of 300-ml bottled water, cup noodles, foiled viand, and biscuits were donations from a private organization who directly gave the goods to the LGU. Cortes showed the rotten goods to the DSWD team who said that these were not part of the food packs given out by the Department. The MSWDO also confirmed this. He informed the DSWD team that he did not distribute the goods when he learned that these were already spoiled. He reported the incident to the MSWDO which ordered for the immediate retrieval of the goods. Cortes said he panicked when he learned that the goods were already spoiled citing that people have started to flock to the barangay hall eager to receive the goods. Earlier, DSWD also investigated the reported truckloads of relief goods being buried in the dumpsite of Palo..a certification issued by the Municipal Health Officer (MHO) on March 7 belied the allegation.The MHO said that only one sack of assorted biscuits, 10 cups of instant noodles, 1/2 sack of wet rice, and one sack of used clothing were buried. The MSWDo said that the goods came from “various agencies” which she can no longer remember. DSWD said that MSWDOs should always check the expiration dates and the quality of the goods being donated to them before they distribute these so as not to compromise the health and well-being of their constituents. For its part, DSWD will conduct a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the circumstances of storing donated goods, identify areas for technical assistance to improve the capacity of the LGUs in storage and distribution of relief goods. To date, DSWD has already distributed more than 5 million food packs to Typhoon Yolanda-affected local government units in Eastern Visayas. |TOP| DSWD to hire 1,245 staff to validate qualified aid recipients Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR), will hire and train 1,245 staff to conduct the special validations for the beneficiaries of Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens and Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) Program. They will be assigned as area coordinators, area supervisors, enumerators, and encoders. Of the total number of staff to be hired, 878 will be assigned to validate the status of the 132,000 beneficiaries of the Social Pension who are not in the Listahanan database, while 371 will assess potential beneficiaries for the MCCT Program. DSWD targets to include around 63,000 families in the MCCT. Social Pension is being implemented in accordance with the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010. It grants qualified beneficiaries P500 monthly stipend each to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs. The MCCT, on the other hand, provides cash grants to street and displaced families, nomadic indigenous peoples (IPs) or those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas provided that they comply with its conditions on health and education. “For the Social Pension, the purpose of the special validation is to verify the poverty status of its current recipients and ensure that only the poor senior citizens will continue receiving benefits,” explained DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. DSWD Field Offices will facilitate the recruitment and screening of applicants beginning April 2014. Applicants can submit their application to the nearest DSWD office or to the Social Welfare and Development Team office. The special validations shall start by 2nd quarter of 2014. |TOP|

       

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Launching of Alaga Ka Para Sa Maayos na Buhay Program

Quezon City Memorial Circle

24 Mar 2014

Secretary Ike Ona; Secretary, Brother Armin Luistro; PhilHealth President and CEO, Alex Padilla; Dr. Alexander Ayco and other board members of PhilHealth; of course, our very energetic Mayor Herbert Bautista; Mayor Lenlen Oreta; Mayor Del de Guzman; Mayor John Tiangco; other local government officials present; officials and staff of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang araw po at sana po’y ‘wag muna tayong ulanin. Tunay pong malayo na ang ating narating mula nang tahakin natin ang tuwid na daan, at isa po ang sektor ng kalusugan sa tumatamasa ng positibong bunga nito. Parang kailan lang po, naging kasangkapan ang sistemang pangkalusugan para pairalin ang sistemang padrino; ang kailangan ng kalinga at gamot, dadaan pa sa kung kani-kanino para mag-umang ng palad. Ngayon, nakatutok na ang inyong gobyerno sa pagbibigay-lingap sa ating mamamayan bilang sandigan ng kanilang marangal at maayos na pamumuhay. Ngayon, ang sektor ng kalusugan, buong-buo ang pakikiambag tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran. Patunay po rito ang inilulunsad natin ngayong ALAGA KA programa ng DOH at PhilHealth, sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan, at mga katuwang na ahensya. Malinaw ang batayang prinsipyo ng programang ito: Ang kaalaman ay kapangyarihan. Di po ba, mas mapapakinabangan ang ating mga programang pangkalusugan, kung mas marami ang nakakaalam nito? May saysay lamang ang pagpapaunlad sa serbisyo ng mga ospital kung pupunta rito ang ating mga kababayan para magpacheck-up; nagkakabisa lang po ang mga gamot kung naibibigay at naiinom ito ng mga may sakit. Sa inisyatibang ito, tiyak pong maiibsan natin ang bilang ng mga kababayan nating napapahamak dahil lang sa kawalan ng kaalaman sa mga serbisyong tutugon sa kanilang karamdaman. Layunin po ng ALAGA KA program na imulat ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang 14.7 milyong kapus-palad na pamilya, sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng DOH at PhilHealth. Hinihimok natin silang sagarin ang pakinabang na bunsod ng pagkakataong ito. Kabilang sa maraming mga serbisyo ng programa ang pagkakaloob ng micronutrient supplements, maternal and neonatal care package, at family planning—bukod pa sa treatment package para sa TB, at sa libreng pagpapagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital. Malinaw sa mga serbisyong ito: naniniwala tayong “prevention is better than cure.” Imbes na makuntento sa paglunas sa karamdaman, binibigyang kakayahan natin ang mga Pilipinong iwasan ang sakit at ang paglaganap nito. Inaasahan po natin ang pakikipagtulungan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan para sa tagumpay ng programang ito. Bilang mga lingkod-bayan na nakababad sa komunidad, kayo ang mas nakakaalam ng mga lugar na mas kailangan ng kalinga, at kung ano ang kanilang pangangailangan. Alam naman po siguro natin: Kung natutulog lang sa pansitan ang mga kawani ng gobyerno sa mga lungsod, munisipyo, at barangay, talaga pong magdududa ang ating mga nasasakupan sa mga repormang ating isinasakatuparan. Sa kabilang banda, kapag masigasig tayo sa paghahatid ng serbisyo at maayos ang ating ugnayan lalo na sa pambansang pamahalaan, tiyak na uugong ang magagandang balita hanggang sa mga pinakaliblib na kanayunan. Makakaasa naman ang mga kapwa natin pinuno: anumang problema na hindi ninyo kayaning mag-isa, ipaabot lang ninyo sa amin at magkasama natin itong tutugunan. [Applause] Malinaw po: Mahalaga ang buhay ng bawat indibidwal; karapatan ng sinuman, mayaman man o mahirap, nasa lungsod man o lalawigan, ang magandang kalusugan. Batid nating anumang karamdaman ay sakit din sa bulsa. Maaaring sa isang iglap, tamaan ka lang ng sakit, pwedeng masimot ang iyong mga pinaghirapan. Kaya naman narito ang estado upang proteksyunan ang mamamayan sa ganitong mga alalahanin. Sa nakalipas na mahigit tatlong taon, pinalawak po natin ang saklaw ng PhilHealth, at ang mga serbisyong kaakibat nito. Bukod sa pagpapatayo at rehabilitasyon ng ating mga government health facilities, nagpadala rin tayo ng libo-libong mga doktor, nurse, midwife, at community health teams sa malalayong lugar upang arugain ang mas nangangailangan nating kababayan. Nariyan din po ang ating Primary Care Benefit—na tinatawag ding “Tamang Serbisyo para sa Kalusugan ng Pamilya” o TSeKaP. Kabilang nga po sa mga serbisyo nito ang health-risk counseling at cancer screening, at ang pagsiguro na ang mga benepisyaryong pamilya ay makakapagpatingin sa doktor kada taon. Bukod po sa makabuluhang serbisyong mula sa ehekutibo, nakipag-ambagan na rin ang lehislatura upang maisabatas ang Sin Tax Reform Law at ang Responsible Parenthood Law na nagbibigay kakayahan sa atin na lalong magbigay-lingap sa ating mga kababayan. Sa mabuting pamamahala, talagang bumubuti na ang kalagayan ng ating mga Boss. At hindi po tayo makukuntento dahil alam nating marami pa tayong magagawa. Patuloy tayong magtatrabaho upang marating ang panahon na imbes na iasa pa ni Juan ang paggaling sa hilot, ay magpapagamot siya sa ating maaasahang propesyunal. Patuloy tayong kakayod upang hindi na kailanganin pa ng mga kababayan natin sa liblib na lugar ang kilo-kilometrong paglalakad bago makarating ng ospital. Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga serbisyo, hindi lang para sumigla ang mga pamayanan ngayon, kundi upang maitaguyod din ang maayos na buhay at kinabukasan ng ating mamamayan. Sa yugtong ito kung saan naipagkakaloob na natin ang mga makabuluhang serbisyo para sa ating mga Boss, kompiyansa tayong sila na mismo ang gagawa ng paraan upang siguruhing hindi na tayo babalik sa dating sistema; na patuloy silang makikiambag at gagawa ng pagbabago. Sa mas pinalakas na pagdadamayan at pagkakapit-bisig ng bawat Pilipino, tiyak pong magpapatuloy ang positibo at malawakang transpormasyong tinatamasa ng atin pong lipunan. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

[HOME]

Last Updated: 24 MARCH 2014
Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy
Please click on thumbnails to magnify

			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq, Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Total trade between the two countries from January to October 2013 is valued at US$385,130,000 while the total investments from Spain from January to September 2013 amounted to US$200,000. Philippines’ total exports to Spain are valued at US$ 122.26 million, while the total imports from Spain amount to US$262.87 million. There were 17,126 Spanish tourists who visited the Philippines last year, and there is great potential in increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries. An estimated 40,000 Filipinos live in Spain. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Spain is one of the biggest donors to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in areas hard hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Relations between the Philippines and Spain have enjoyed an active exchange of trade and investments. Total trade between the two countries from January to October 2013 is valued at US$385,130,000 while the total investments from Spain from January to September 2013 amounted to US$200,000. Philippines’ total exports to Spain are valued at US$ 122.26 million, while the total imports from Spain amount to US$262.87 million. There were 17,126 Spanish tourists who visited the Philippines last year, and there is great potential in increasing tourism exchanges between the two countries. An estimated 40,000 Filipinos live in Spain. Also in photo are Kingdom of Spain Ambassador to the Philippines Jorge Manuel Domecq and Instituto Cervantes Secretary General Rafael Rodriguez-Ponga. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with newly inducted officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the oathtaking ceremony of the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday(March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Anvil Business Club Officers, led by Anvil president Reginald Yu, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) Board of Trustees and Officers, led by Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Board of Governors and Officers, led by ECOP president Edgardo Lacson, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea /Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the new set of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Board of Directors and Officers, led by PCCI president Alfredo Yao, during the oathtaking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo is Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the newly elected officials of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) and Anvil Business Club at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (March 24). Also in photo are Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health (DOH) leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo is Health Secretary Enrique Ona. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Health Secretary Enrique Ona and PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. Also in photo are Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Alexander Padilla and Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Alaga Ka para sa Maayos na Buhay (ALAGA KA) Program at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Elliptical Road, Quezon City on Monday (March 24). The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Department of Health leads the simultaneous launching of the program in all 17 regions in order to provide the country’s 14.7 million indigent families with greater access to primary health care services. (Photo by Gil Nartea / 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