Dispatch for September 11 , 2014 (Thursday ), 11 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3 Weather Watch , 1 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech ,INTERVIEW OF SEC. COLOMA, 15 Online News, 38 Photonews (Sept. 10)

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Dispatch  for  September  11 , 2014  (Thursday ), 11 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 3  Weather Watch , 1 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech ,INTERVIEW OF  SEC. COLOMA, 15 Online News, 38 Photonews (Sept. 10)

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast Issued at 5:00 a.m., 11 September 2014 Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 September 2014 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 a.m., 11 September 2014 Satellite Image    Synopsis: Trough of a Low Pressure Area(LPA) affecting Western Luzon. Forecast:   The Provinces of Zambales and Bataan will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from southwest to south with slight to moderate seas. Over Metro Manila: Maximum Temperature: 11:00 AM Today --- 30.2 ºc Minimum Temperature: 2:00 AM Today --- 24.2 ºc Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Today --- 100 % Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 AM Today --- 76 % Low Tide Today : 5:33 PM --- -0.25 Meter High Tide Today : 11:23 PM --- 0.79 Meter Low Tide Tomorrow: 4:53 AM --- -0.28 Meter Sunrise Tomorrow : 5:44 AM Sunset Today : 6:01 PM Moonrise Today : 6:59 PM Moonset : 7:35 AM Illumination Today : 99 % For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Weather Watch 35 minutes ago DZMM: LPA sa Karagatang Pasipiko sa labas ng PAR, ganap nang bagyo ayon kay PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio.

Weather Watch 14 hours ago GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz: -Isang bagyo ang posibleng pumasok sa PAR bago mag-weekend. -Bukas, posibleng umulan na naman sa kalakhang Luzon, lalo na sa hapon. -Sa Metro Manila, umaga hanggang hapon mataas ang posibilidad ng pag-ulan at sa gabi ay bababa na ang tsansa nito. -Mahinang ulan sa hapon ang asahan sa Visayas lalo na sa central at western sections. -Posible naman ang thunderstorm sa Mindanao, lalo na sa Davao at SOCCSKSARGEN.

September  11, 2014 ( Thursday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM CAVITE              :  Sunny LAGUNA           :  Sunny BATANGAS       :  Sunny RIZAL                :  Sunny QUEZON           :  Sunny

PIA Regional Watch

OFW   Watch News Feed PIA OFW Watch 16 hrs PIA-3: A total of 209 OFWs from Central Luzon who were either displaced due to wars, victims of human trafficking, or repatriated, received livelihood assistance from OWWA. Under the Balik-Pinas Balik-Hanapbuhay program, each OFW receives P10,000 worth of aid consisting of techno skills or entrepreneurship trainings, provision of starter kits, and other interventions that would enable them to quickly start a livelihood.

QUEZON            1. Tagalog news: Kampanya laban sa tigdas, inilunsad na sa Quezon Wednesday 3rd of September 2014 LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, September 3 (PIA) --Sinimulan na sa lalawigan ng Quezon ang malakawang Ligtas Tigdas Campaign o Measles, Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Mass Immunization (MR OPV MI) para sa buong buwan ng Setyembre ngayong taon. Ang malawakang kampanya ay ipinatutupad sa pagtutulungan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamamagitan ng Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Department of Health (DOH) at World Health Organization (WHO). Target ng naturang mass immunization ang 0-59 months old na bata para sa oral polio vaccine at 9 – 59 months old para sa measles rubella, nabakunahan na o hindi pa. Sinabi ni  Ma. Joeann Reyes, provincial EPI coordinator na sa lalawigan ng Quezon ang target na bakunahan sa buong ng buwan ng Setyembre ay 11.5 porsyento o 250,000 batang limang taon pababa. Ayon naman kay Dr. Grace Santiago, officer-in-charge head ng Technical Services Division ng IPHO na ang Ligtas sa Tigdas Campaign ay malawakang pagbabakuna sa buong bansa at ito ay inadopt ng probinsya bilang pakikiisa sa WHO at DOH. “Bakit ginagawa ito kahit mayroon na tayong lingguhang pagbabakuna? Hindi natin maiiwasan ang outbreak lalo na ngayon na dumadami ang kalamidad,” dagdag pa ni Santiago. Ang kampanya ay aktibong sinusuportahan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez sa pamamagitan ng paglalabas ng punong lalawigan ng executive order na humihikayat sa lahat ng punong ehekutibo ng bawat bayan at lungsod sa lalawigan na ipagpaliban muna ang iba pang aktibidad para masuportahan at magkaroon ng kooperasyon at koordinasyon sa malawakang pagbabakuna. Ayon pa kay Santiago na nakahanda din ang 16 na pampublikong ospital sa lalawigan kung sakaling magkaroon ng adverse events following immunization (AEFI) ang mga batang babakunahan at hindi na kailangang magbayad sa mga ospital. Sa mensahe naman ni Provincial Administrator Rommel Edano, Jr. na hindi ito ang una’t huling aktibong pakikiisa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan bagkus panibagong simula ito para ipakita ang masidhing intensiyon na wakasan ang mga sakit na nabanggit. Hinikayat din ni Edano ang lahat ng kawani ng pamahalaang panlalawigan at mamamayan ng lalawigan ng Quezon na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa tigdas at polio upang sa gayon ay makaiwas at magkaroon ng maayos na implementasyon ng programa ng DOH at pamahalaang panlalawigan. Samantala, ang lahat ng mga batang may 0 – 59 buwan gulang at 9 – 59 buwan gulang (nabakunahan na o hindi pa) ay maaaring dalhin sa pinakamalapit na health center o vaccination post para sa libreng bakuna kontra tigdas at patak kontra polio. Ang tigdas ay isang nakakahawang sakit na karaniwang apektado ay mga batang may edad 6 na buwan hanggang 12 taong gulang, kadalasan ang mga bata sa mahihirap na bansa ang nagkakaroon ng tigdas na galing sa measles virus o rubeola. Kabilang sa mga sintomas ng tigdas ay lagnat na tumitindi pagdating ng 4-5 araw, sibpon at ubo, pamumula at pagmumuta ng mga mata at kakaibang pamamantal o rashes sa buong katawan. (R. Mantilla-Quezon PIO/ RMO-PIA, Quezon) 2. Tagalog news: Nutrition council sa Lucena City, palalakasin Wednesday 3rd of September 2014 LUCENA CITY, Quezon, September 3 (PIA) --Muling bubuhayin at palalakasin ang Lucena City Nutrition Council (LCNC) makaraan itong ipag-utos ni Lucena City Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala sa pamamagitan ng isang Executive Order No. RAA- 045-2014. Sa pamamagitan nito ay hiniling sa mga kinauukulang departamento ng lokal na pamahalaan  ang pagtalima ukol sa pagsusulong at pagtiyak ng wastong nutrisyon ng mga Lucenahin dahil na rin sa seryosong problema na kinakaharap ngayon hindi lamang sa lungsod kundi sa buong bansa, kung saan milyong mga batang Pinoy ang apektado ng malnutrisyon.   Base sa isang pag-aaral, lumalabas na ang mga sanggol, mga bata, mga buntis at nagpapasusong ina ang vulnerable o maaaring maging biktima ng malnutrisyon kung saan ilan sa masamang epekto nito ay ang pagbagal ng physical & mental development ng isang bata, pagbaba ng kanilang resistensya na nagiging dahilan upang madali silang kapitan ng mga sakit at kung minsan ay nagdudulot pa ng kamatayan sa mga malalang tinamaan nito. Kaugnay nito, sa pangunguna ng tanggapan ng City Health ay binuo ang Lucena City Nutrition Council kung saan ang mga miyembro ay kinapapalooban nina  Mayor Roderick Alcala bilang Chairman, City Health Officer Dra. Caridad Diamante bilang Vice Chairman, Kon. Benito J. Brizuela, chairman ng committee on Health sa Sangguniang Panglunsod kasama si Konsehala Atty. Rhaetia Marie Abcede-Llaga bilang co-chairman ng Committee on Health sa Sangguniang Panglunsod, DILG City Director Marcial Juangco, Dr. Juvy Paz Purino bilang Representative ng Department of Health, Association of Barangay Captains President Hermilando Alcala Jr., City School Division Supt. Dr. Aniano Ogayon, City Social Welfare & Development Officer Lourdes Maralit, City Agriculturist Melinda Letargo, City Budget Officer Rosalinda Castillo, Mr. Edwin Hernandez mula sa DOLE, Ves McGowan ng PIO, Mr. Nelson Balina ng NFA, Lucena City Parents Teachers Association, City Nutrition Officer Azenith Ramos, City Nutrition Coordinator Jessa Theanne Balagtas, Association of Barangay Nutrition Scholars Ambrosia Lagar, Agricultural Technoligist, Social Welfare officers Rosario Ebron at Emelinda Quinsanos, DEPED-EPS1 TLE/HE Ms. Janelet Fuentes, DepEd School Nurse Nancy Cupo at ang 10 accredited Non Government Organizations and Private Sector sa Lucena. Kabilang sa mga magiging trabaho ng City Nutrition Council ay ang pagbubuo ng local food and nutrition policies, strategies at iba pa na may kinalaman sa pagpapaunlad ng programa sa nutrisyon. Inaasahan na sa pagtutulungan ng mga nabanggit na sektor ng pamahalaan ay maisusulong sa lungsod ng Lucena ang wasto at tamang nutrisyon para sa isang malusog na pamayanan ng Bagong Lucena.  ( PIO Lucena/ RMO-PIA, Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=701409726498#sthash.Qc62YlxD.dpuf CAVITE 1. DTI, Cavite State University launch coffee service facility Monday 8th of September 2014 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, September 8 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Cavite State University (CvSU) launched on Tuesday a shared service facility (SSF) for the coffee industry. The Php350,000-multi-range, automatic packing machine is setup at the university where the National Coffee Research, Development and Extension Center (NCRDEC), an extension service of CvSU created to promote the development of the coffee industry in the country, is based.   Among the direct beneficiary of the SSF is the Cavite Coffee Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative which is composed of 60 farmers from the 9 upland municipalities in Cavite : Amadeo, Alfonso, Maragondon, General Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Mendez, Tagaytay City , Silang, and Naic.   The launch coincided with the fifth year celebration of the university’s Research, Extension, Continuing Education and Training Services whose theme is “Addressing Food Security and Climate Change”. Speaking at the launch, DTI regional director for Calabarzon Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that food security could be addressed through the industry clustering approach. “We identify the gaps of the industry through studying their respective supply and value chains in consonance with the coffee stakeholders, that is, the private sector, the local governments, the regional government agencies, and the academe”, Toledo said. “Usually, it is only the exporters that gain considerably while the producers only earn the meager amount. What we want instead is all the players in the chain will profit so that inclusive growth will be achieved”, Toledo added. Noly Guevara, provincial director of DTI in Cavite said that the SSF project of which aim is to mechanize production to achieve higher levels of productivity, quality and competitiveness – is the answer to the call of the President for inclusive growth. Noly Guevara, provincial director of DTI in Cavite said that by processing own harvest, farmers can earn more through ground coffee that would sell in the range of Php500 to Php1,200 per kilogram, more profitable than selling coffee beans to big coffee manufacturers where prices are only at Php90 to 100 per kilogram. According to Guevara, with the new equipment and other facilities in the university, the processing cycle of roasting, grinding, packing and labeling is now complete and have enough processing capacity for the province’s coffee industry. The packing machine is capable of filling and packing 30ml~100 ml of ground coffee into 80~150mm by 70mm~115mm packs at a rate of 35 to 75 bags per minute. (Charlie S. Dajao/DTI Calabarzon/PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631410156247#sthash.aRpmL0Jp.dpuf BATANGAS 1. Tagalog news: PSA, magsasagawa ng 2013 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry Wednesday 10th of September 2014   LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Setyembre 10 (PIA) --Ang Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ang pangunahing ahensya ng pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng pangangalap ng datos at bumuo ng estadistika ng bansa, ay naghahanda ngayong araw ng pagsasagawa ng 2013 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI). Layon nito na makakalap ng datos at maging kalipunan ng impormasyon na may kinalaman sa gawaing pang-ekonomiya na ibabahagi ng establisyemento sa buong bansa na sumasakop sa kanilang operasyon ng taong 2013.   Ang wasto at napapanahong tala ng establisyemento ay magsisilbing batayan ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor sa kanilang pagsasaliksik at pag-aaral ng estraktura ng industriya, pagsusuri ng takbo ng kalakalan at pagbabalangkas ng balakin at programang pang-kabuhayan na naaangkop sa pamilihan. Lahat ng nasasakop ng pormal na sektor ng pangkabuhayan ay saklaw ng 2013 ASPBI tulad ng mga establisyementong nabibilang sa pangsakahan; gawaing panggubat; pangingisda; pag-mimina; pagawaan; pang-elektrisidad; pagpapadaloy ng gaas at tubig; konstruksyon; pagbebenta ng kalakal; pag-sasaayos ng mga sasakyan, kagamitang pang-bahay at personal na bagay; pangkabuhayang may kinalaman sa kainan; pagseserbisyong pang-sasakyan, pag-iimbak ng kalakal at pang-komunikasyon; pananalapi; pagbebenta ng lupa at bahay; paaralang pang-pribado; gawaing pangkalusugan at panglipunan; at iba pang pangkominidad at personal na pagseserbisyo na nakasaad sa  2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification. Kasabay ng 2013 ASPBI, ang isang rider sarbey, ang 2013 Survey on Information and Communication Technology (SICT)) na mangangalap ng impormasyon tungkol sa pagkakaroon o paggamit, distribusyon at utilisasyon ng mga negosyo at industriya ng teknolohiya sa impormasyon at komunikasyon o ang tinatawag na information and communication technology (ICT) at ang taunang pagsasagawa ng Updating  of List of Establishments (2014 ULE).  Magkakaroon ng pagsasanay sa mga tauhan ng PSA-Batangas na kalahok sa gagawing sarbey sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Provincial Statistics Officer Charito C. Armonia ng PSA-Batangas sa ika 8-9 ng Setyembre, 2014. Ang mga tauhan ng naturang opisina na dumalo sa pagsasanay ay magsisimulang mamahagi ng questionnaire sa mga piling establisyemento simula sa ika-10 ng Setyembre 2014. Sisimulan naman ang pangangalap ng may sagot nang questionnaires, sampung (10) araw pagkatapos ng pagkatanggap ng establisyemento. Tinatayang maiuulat ang resulta ng ASPBI sa susunod na taon.  (R. Bagay, PSA Batangas/PIA-Batangas)   2. Tanauan City launches "A tree for every newborn baby" Tuesday 9th of September 2014 TANAUAN CITY, Batangas,September 9 (PIA) --A simple but purposeful initiative, this was the gist of Mayor Thony C. Halili’s speech as he led the grand launch of Tanauan City Ordinance No. 2014-17 otherwise known as “A Tree for Every Newborn Baby of 2014” held last Friday, September 5, 2014 at the Tanauan Gymnasium 2 in this city. Authored by City Councilor Joseph M. Castillo, this only of its kind ordinance in the country is the city’s answer to the call for national greening program institutionalized under Executive Order No. 26 which was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 24, 2011. With the aim of instilling into the consciousness of each and every Tanaueño family the importance of planting trees in order to sustain an environment-friendly community, the ordinance will require all parents registering their newborn child to plant a tree before a certificate of live birth can be issued by the local civil registrar. Citing the massive devastations to the city’s vegetation due to Typhoon Glenda and the coco-lisap pests, Mayor Halili stressed “there’s need for a more serious and concerted effort to mitigate the ill effects of climate change like this notable program.”  He also mentioned his administration’s other environment-friendly initiatives, e.g. activation of the “Task Force Kalinisan” which will monitor and strictly enforce the city’s environmental regulations, establishment of a material recovery facility, implementation of “segregation-at-source” of household wastes, the “20-meter easement rule” along the Taal Lake shore, and the banning of  fish cages within the city’s waters. The event, heralded by a tree-planting activity of city hall employees, was graced by Miss Philippines-Air titlist and Tanauan City native Diane Carmela T. Querrer and DENR Batangas Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Mr. Jose Elmer Bascos.(Gerard Laresma-Tanauan City Information Officer/PIA-Batangas) 3. Tagalog news: GSIS Batangas nagsagawa ng public sector union dialogue Tuesday 9th of September 2014   LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Setyembre 9 (PIA) --Nagsagawa ng public sectors union dialogue ang Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Batangas Branch noong ika-5 ng Setyembre  sa kanilang tanggapan sa barangay Alangilan. Layunin ng naturang forum na maipabatid sa mga stakeholders  nito ang mga inisyatibo at repormang ipinatutupad at ipatutupad pa ng nabanggit na ahensya upang maipromote ang service responsiveness at transparency. Sinabi ni GSIS Vice President Philip Andres,  na hangad ng GSIS na sa susunod na limang taon ay maibalik ang kanilang pagiging “premier pension fund institution”. Ilan sa kanilang mga proyektong naisagawa na ay ang paglalagay ng humigit kumulang sa 50 service desk nationwide, pagdedeploy ng may 1000 GWAPS kiosks, renewed partnership sa Landbank at ang pagkakaroon ng 24/7 contact center. Ito ay 1-800-10-8474747 para sa Smart users at 1-800-8-847-4747 naman para sa Globe users. Ipagpapatuloy din ng GSIS ang mga member-friendly program tulad ng non-suspension of privileges of employees in suspended agencies, restored survivorship benefits, no more forced deduction of housing loan from retirement benefits, housing loan remedial and restructuring program, scholarship program, social assistance package for calamity hit members (loan moratorium, emergency loan), optional non-life insurance (fire insurance, personal accident insurance), systems enhancement (electronic billing and collection sytem) at ang pagpapahinto ng Annual  Renewal of Active Status (ARAS).  Dagdag pa dito ang increased funeral benefits, removal of remarriage and cohabitation, life endowment policy at pension para sa mga uniformed personnel. Ipinabatid din sa nabanggit na okasyon na dulot ng naturang mga reporma, nakamit ng GSIS ang excellent rating sa Anti-Red Tape (ARTA) Survey 2014 sa service delivery. Nagkaroon ng open forum kung saan binigyang linaw at kasagutan nina GSIS Batangas Branch Manager Celeste Ferreras at mga kasamahan nito ang mga katanungan ng kanilang mga miyembro.   Kabilang sa  public sectors union na dumalo ay ang  mga guro mula sa Dep Ed Batangas City,  mga kawani ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 4, National Food Authority (NFA), Local Water District ng Tanauan, Batangas, Odiongan, Romblon at Metro-Lipa, Occidental Mindoro State College, Local Government Unit ng Mindoro at Romblon, Provincial Government at Department of  Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sa Batangas. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas) 4. Tanauan City receives lot for new city hall Tuesday 9th of September 2014     TANAUAN CITY, Batangas, Sept. 9 (PIA)  – A prime lot 25 meters above sea level, with a commanding 360-degree view of the city, seated at the very center of a 12-hectare property atop Laurel Hill in Barangay Natatas will be the site of the new Tanauan City Hall and People’s Park. Thanks to the inspiring generosity of the siblings former Mayor Sonia Torres-Aquino, Mrs. Nila Torres-Rafer and Mr. Feliciano L. Torres, Mayor Antonio C. Halili’s grand vision of propelling the growth and development of Tanauan City took an upswing as the family donated some 2.8-hectare of the property to the city government. Witnessed by the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, city government’s top officials and employees, representatives from the city’s various sectors and organizations, barangay chiefs, executives of the Torres Group of Companies, two former mayors, and members of the Torres-Aquino-Rafer families, the simple but historic signing of the Deed of Transfer held recently at the very same place where an ultra-modern, but ecologically-balanced structure is set to be erected to become the city’s symbol of progress. Mr. Feliciano Torres, Chairman of the Torres Group of Companies and the designated speaker for the Torres clan, praised Mayor Halili’s strategic vision of spilling the city’s urban development into the barangays.  “Our family is quite impressed with the Mayor’s expansion thrust, particularly, introducing programs that will ensure sustainability and continued development of the areas that will be directly affected by the city hall transfer,” Mr. Torres said in his speech of formal turn-over.   “This is the reason why our family, rather than selling the property, decided to donate it instead to the city,” he added. For his part, Mayor Halili replied, “The people of Tanauan City will be forever grateful of your family’s contribution to the progress and development of our city and we will reciprocate this generosity with good stewardship, transparent governance, intensified public service and determined drive to alleviate the lives of each and every Tanaueño.”  He also disclosed his intention to convert the old city hall building into a City Hospital that will serve his less-privileged constituents. Groundwork on the site is expected to commence shortly as the city government of Tanauan recently obtained a P500-M loan from Land Bank of the Philippines for this project.(Gerard Laresma-PIO Tanauan City/PIA-Batangas) 5. Tagalog news: KKK, isinulong sa lungsod ng Tanauan By: Mamerta P. De Castro Monday 8th of September 2014 LUNGSOD NG TANAUAN, Setyembre 8 (PIA) --Isinusulong ng Philippine National Police-Police Community Relations (PNP-PCR) ang Kalinisan ng Kabataan tungo sa Magandang Kinabukasan (KKK) program sa layuning maitaas ang antas ng kamalayan ng mga kabataan ukol sa kahalagahan ng kalinisan. Sinabi ni PSI Rowena Amata, hepe ng Women and Childrens Desk na ang programa ay isa sa mga pangunahing developmental programs ng PNP Tanauan at layong makaikot sa 48 barangay na nasasakupan ng lungsod. "Sa kasalukuyan, may dalawang barangay pa lamang ang aming napapagdausan ng programa kabilang ang mga  barangay ng Hidalgo at Pagaspas," wika ni Amata. Kabilang sa programa ang pagtuturo ng personal hygiene, tamang paghuhugas ng kamay,pagsesepilyo ng ngipin, paglilinis ng tainga, paggupit ng kuko at paggupit ng buhok. Nagkaroon din ng feeding program, parlor games at gift giving kung saan nagkaloob ng hygiene kit kabilang ang sepilyo, toothpaste at sabon na mula sa malalaking pamilihan sa lungsod. Bukod sa programang ito, nagsasagawa din ng school visitation upang talakayin ang mga kaalaman ukol sa anti-drug abuse at mapalawak ang kampanya upang maiwasan ito ng mga kabataan. Malaki naman ang pasasalamat ng mga magulang sa dalawang barangay na nauna nang binista ng PCR sapagkat malaking tulong ang kaalamang ito upang maituro sa mga kabataan ang tamang pangangalaga ng katawan. “Isang magandang pamamaraan din ito upang maiwaksi ang takot o pagkahiya ng mga kabataan sa mga kapulisan sapagkat nakikita nila na ang mga pulis ay maaari nilang maging kaibigan at tagapagtanggol sa anumang kapahamakan”, dagdag pa ni Amata. (MPDC-PIA Batangas) 6. Tagalog news: P1.6M handog ng Alay lakad Foundation  sa mga kabataang Batangueno Friday 5th of September 2014 LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Setyembre 5 (PIA) --Naging  matagumpay ang ika-42 edisyon ng Alay Lakad Foundation Walk for a Cause sa taong 2014 matapos makalikom ang mga ito ng P1.6 milyon pondo para sa kanilang adbokasiya para sa edukasyon ng mga  iskolar na nasa pangangalaga  ng ALFI. Sa pagsasama-sama ng ibat-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at mga socio civic organizations, ipinakita ng mga ito ang pagsuporta sa adbokasiya ng  Provincial Alay Lakad Foundation sa pamamagitan ng  sama-samang paglalakad mula sa mga napiling lugar patungo sa Kapitolyo  kasama si  Governor  Vilma Santos Recto at mga pangunahing panauhin na sina Angel Locsin at Luis Manzano. May temang “ Lakad Pagkaka-isa, Kudos.. Kabataan at Mamayang  Batangueño  para sa  taong ito,  ipinakita ng mga mamamayang Batangueno ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan  na maipagpatuloy ang simulain ng samahan na magbigay  pag-asa sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng edukas yon. Binigyang pasasalamat ni Governor Vi ang mga lumahok at nakiisa sa layunin ng Alay Lakad Foundation Inc.-Batangas Chapter sa pamumuno ni former Board Member Lianda Bolilia sa patuloy nitong pag-ganap bilang pangunahing kabalikat ng lalawigan sa pagbibigay ng bagong simula para sa mga out of school youths. Nagbigay din ng kanilang pagahanga si Ms. Angel Locsin at G. Luis Manzano  sa mga mamamayang Batangueno sa dedikasyon ng mga ito na mag-kaisa upang mabigyan ng importansiya ang edukasyon para sa mga kabataang kabilang sa mga kapos palad na pamilya. Katulad ng mga nakaraang taon itinanghal na biggest contributor para 2014 edisyon ng walk for a cause ang Department of Education Batangas  na nakalikom ng halagang P466,674 sinundan ito ng provincial government of Batangas na nakalikom ng  P400,000 at P200,000 mula sa personal na pondo ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto at asawa nitong si Sen. Ralph G. Recto . Ang halagang nabangit ay nakasama sa kabuuang Pondo na uamabot sa P1.6M  kasama ang kontribusyon ng iba pang Government Agencies, NGO’s at mga indibidwal na nag-laan ng kanilang kontribusyon para sa ALFI Batangas. Ang Alay-Lakad Foundation ay isa sa mga pangunahing tumutulong sa mga kabataan partikular sa mga out of school youths at mga kabilang sa mga mahihirap na kumunidad  na mag karoon ng pagkakataong  makapasok sa ibat-ibang learning institutions sa pamamagitan ng scholarship at livelihood trainings na magagamit nila sa pagsisimula ng kanilang pagiging produktibong miyembro ng pamayanan. ( Edwin V. Zabarte-PIO Province/PIA-Batangas) 7. Tagalog news: Suspension bridge, hiniling ng lungsod ng Batangas sa pamahalaang nasyunal na maipagawa Friday 5th of September 2014   BATANGAS CITY,  Setyembre 5 (PIA) --Inirerekomenda ng pamahalaanglungsod ng Batangas sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ang pagpapagawa ng suspension bridge bilangkapalit ng nasirang Calumpang Bridge noong kasagsagan ng bagyong Glenda. Sinabi ni Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha na ang suspension bridge ang iminungkahi ng City Engineer’s Office dahil ito ay mas matibay laban sa malakas na bagyo. Aniya, ang dating tulay, at ang nasira ring Bridge of Promise ay “vulnerable” o mahina sa pagtaas ng rumaragasang tubig, mga debris kagaya ng troso na mula sa mga karatig lungsod at bayan, at heavy siltation ng Calumpang River tuwing may malakas na bagyo “Sa patuloy na urbanization at paglago ng populasyon, mangangailangan ng isang mas matibay at pangmatagalang tulay na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng lungsod at sisiguro sa kapakanan at kaligtasan ng mga tao,” sabi ni Dimacuha.  Sinabi rin niya na sa ginagawang ayon ng pamahalaang nasyunal na decongestion ng mga ports sa Manila, ang Batangas Port ang isa sa mga itinuturong alternatibong destinasyon kaya’t kaillangang mapaayos agad ang tulay para maging maalwan ang transportasyon ng mga produkto at mapaluwag ang daloy ng trapiko. Binigyang diin ni Mayor Dimacuha ang agarang pagpapagawa ng suspension bridge upang masolusyunan na ang mga losses na dinadanas ng mga negosyo at industriya, inconvenience sa mga tao at ang pagsisikip ng trapiko. Problema din ng mga oil companies sa lungsod ang transportasyon ng kanilang mga fuel products kaya’t apektado ang supply ng oil kasama na ang aviation fuel. Kaugnay nito, muling nagsagawa ng inspection at evaluation ng Calumpang Bridge ang mga opisyales ng DPWH Central Office at ng DPWH Batangas 2nd District noong September 3. Ayon sa kanila prayoridad ni DPWH Sec. Singson at Budget Sec. Butch Abad ang agarang pagpapagawa ng tulay ng Calumpang sapagkat apektado ang ekonomiya ng lungsod at ng bansa. ??(Marie V. Lualhati, PIO-Batangas City/PIA-Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681409903829#sthash.YNBJtp28.dpuf 8. Barangay Information Coordinators, nagsanay sa lungsod ng Batangas Tuesday 2nd of September 2014 LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Setyembre 2 (PIA) --Sumailalim sa pagsasanay kamakailan ang mga nahirang na Barangay Information Coordinators (BIC) sa pagsusulat ng balita upang mabigyanng kaalaman sa pagbibigay ng mga impormasyon tungkol sa mga proyekto at programang pangkaunlaran sa kanilang mga barangay. Sa naturang pagsasanay na  tinaguriang “Ang pagbabalita Atbp.”, ipinaliwanag sa mga BIC ang kanilang magiging papel at ipinaliwanag kung ano ang balita, istilo ng pagsusulat at kung paano at saan makakakuha ng balita. Nagsilbing resource speaker sa unang araw si Ms Cecille Ayllon, Program Director and Professor, School of Professional and Continuing Education sa De la Salle-College of St Benilde.   Samantala, sa ikalawang araw naman, tinalakay ni Carlo Gonzaga, officer-in-charge ng Philippine Information Agency Region IV-A ang mabuti at di mabuting dulot ng social media, papel ng media ng gobyerno sa pagbabalita gayundin ang ilang mga sinasabi ukol sa cyber law at epekto. Inanyayahan din dito ang mga kinatawan ng ibat-ibang departamento ng pamahalaang lungsod para naman mabigyan sila ng kaalaman sa pagsulat ng simpleng komunikasyon. Sa mensahe ni City Administrator Phillip Baroja na kinatawan ni Mayor Eduardo B. Dimacuha, naniniwala siya na mahalaga ang bahaging gagampanan ng mga barangay information coordinators sa pagbibigay ng tama at napapanahong  kaalaman sa mga  mamamayan. Magiging katuwang aniya ng Public Information Office-Batangas City ang mga BIC sa larangan ng pamamahayag. Naghalal ang mga BIC ng set of officers kung saan nagwagi bilang Pangulo ang barangay secretary  ng Barangay 6 na si Marichris Abanador. Ang seminar ay pinangasiwaan ng PIO-Batangas City  noong ika-19 at 20 ng Agosto sa Teachers Conference Center.   (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681409192308#sthash.S3XKzyk2.dpuf    RIZAL 1. Antipolo City Gov’t, PIA, DENR nagsanib vs Climate Change Monday 8th of September 2014 LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Setyembre 8 (PIA) --“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago” Ito ang naging tema ng orientation na isinagawa ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa pakikipag-tulungan ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) hinggil sa pagbabago ng panahon o Climate Change na ginanap sa Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club sa Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City noong nakaraang Huwebes (Setyembre 5, 2014). Ang aktibidad ay bahagi lamang ng inilunsad na national campaign ng DENR at PIA upang lubos na maintindihan ang epekto ng pagbabago ng panahon sa buhay ng tao. Gayundin, layunin ng Climate Change orientation campaign na himukin ang ilang pangunahing sektor, partikular na ang kabataan na makilahok sa aktibidades sa climate change activities. Ang advocacy campaign orientation ay pinamunuan ni Ginoong Arnold Grant S. Belver na nagsilbing resource speaker mula sa Climate Change Commission. Ipinaliwanag ni Belver ang mga dapat gawin sa pagbabago ng panahon at ang panahon ng pagbabago tungo sa ating hinaharap. “Ano ba ang pagbabago? It's about creating change. Everything we deal—changes. Paano ba natin pakikutunguhan ang pagbabago at ano ang dapat na ikukonsidera sa climate change”, ilan lamang ito sa mga katanungan na sinagot ni Belver sa naganap na orientation. Ipinaliwanag din ni Belver kung paano nakakaapekto ang climate change sa ating pananamit, sa mga pagkaing ating kinakain at maging sa ating “moods” at pag uugali. Ang pagpoprotekta ng ating kapaligiran, paglilinis ng komunidad at pagtutulungan ng bawat isa ay isang malaking bagay upang labanan ang Cimate Change at ang pag-iinit ng mundo. “We need to transform the way we change, that's why we are here to help each other noting that partnership is a big deal so we must work together”, ang naging pahayag pa ni Belver kung saan ipinaliwanag din nya na isa sa malubhang dahilan ng pag-init ng mundo ay bunga ng polusyon. Kabilang sa mga munting hakbang upang makatulong ang bawat isa sa pagbabago ng panahon ay pagtatanim ng puno at halaman sa bakuran; suportahan ang mga lokal at organikong produkto; bawasan ang paggamit ng sasakyan; ugaliing magrecycle at maghiwalay ng itinatapong basurang nabubulok sa di-nabubulok at gumamit ng mga makabagong energy-saving na bumbilya at patayin ang mga ilaw at hugutin sa saksakan ang mga appliance kapag di ginagamit sa dahilang kumukunsumo pa rin ito ng kuryente. Kaugnay nito, hinikayat naman ni G. Carlo P. Gonzaga, ng PIA Region IV-A na makiisa at makilahok sa mga programang ilulunsad ng ating pamahalaan upang maibsan ang masamang epekto ng Climate Change. Kabilang sa mga namuno sa nabanggit na Climate Change orientation ay sina G. Dodie Coronado ng Public Information Office (PIO) head at Ret. Col. Rolando Velicaria ng City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Antipolo. (Antipolo-PIO/PIA-Rizal)

10 SEPTEMBER 2014. Philippines now conducive to business, President Aquino tells investors President Aquino leads awarding of exemplary Filipino businesses President Aquino asks Congress for immediate passage of proposed Bangsamoro Law Congress aims to pass Bangsamoro Basic Law in first quarter of 2015 Philippines now conducive to business, President Aquino tells investors President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday assured the business community that the Philippines is open for business and that his administration will work hard to minimize regulatory risk to investors. Speaking before the participants of the ASEAN Business Awards Philippines in Makati City, the President said his administration has carried out major reforms in the last few years to make the country more conducive to business even in the midst of global uncertainty. "Our message to investors is clear: The Philippines is once again open for business," he said. "We have leveled the playing field, and are giving the investors the assurances that matter—that as they deal with the commercial risk that naturally comes with enterprise, our government will do its utmost to minimize regulatory risk." He recalled that the country's bureaucracy was in shambles when the administration assumed office in 2010. But through the reforms initiated by the government, registering a business in the Philippines has become easy for investors, he said. The government set up the Philippine Business Registry, which gathered the business registration processes of several different agencies into a single shop, thus eliminating red tape, he said. Citing another example of reform, the President noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), under Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, has optimized the bidding process, cutting down the required bidding documents from 20 to only 5. Simply by plugging the leaks in DPWH's system, the agency has saved nearly P28 billion on building, upgrading, and improving the country's infrastructure, he said. Because of these reforms, the Philippine economy grew by 7.2 percent last year, making the country one of the best performing economies in Asia, he said. The President further reported that in the second quarter of this year, with some sectors still feeling the effects of the spate of disasters in late 2013, the GDP grew by 6.4 percent. The international community has recognized the country's turnaround, he said, with credit rating agencies from all over the world announcing a total of 20 positive credit rating actions for the Philippines in the past four years. Among the most significant upgrades last year were those from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s, which declared the Philippines investment grade. The Philippines has also consistently climbed global competitiveness ranking, the latest being the country's leap to 52nd place on the World Economic Forum’s 2014 Global Competitiveness Report, up 33 places from its 85th position in 2010. "All this was a result of our belief in our people, and in our efforts to put them in the global spotlight. The resurgence of the Philippines is a result of striving for success in the face of challenge," he noted. And as the ASEAN Integration comes in 2015, the President said he believes the country could compete with its neighbors as it faces another development in the increasingly globalized world. The ASEAN Business Awards Philippines, the local counterpart of the regional ASEAN Business Awards, was established by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council to recognize enterprises that have contributed to regional growth. PND (as)   TOP President Aquino leads awarding of exemplary Filipino businesses President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday expressed his confidence in the skills and talents of Filipinos, as he led the awarding of Filipino businesses that excelled in various fields. In his speech during the ASEAN Business Awards Philippines in Makati City, the President said he believes that Filipinos could compete with their ASEAN neighbors as the regional block integrates next year. "The nominees and awardees here today are those who will ensure that in the era of globalization, the Philippines will not merely stay afloat, the Philippines will excel," the President said. "All of you here today are the individuals who, in the coming years, will carry our message to the world that the Philippines works, and that the Filipino is world class," he added. He further noted that as the country welcomes an integrated Southeast Asia, all companies around the Philippines are entering a global competition of their own. The Chief Executive said he is hopeful that the awardees would not rest on their laurels but be inspired to pursue even greater heights. “I am likewise hopeful that companies across the archipelago can follow the examples that our nominees and winners today have set, so that we may show our countrymen, the Southeast Asian region, and the entire world, the skill and talent that runs through the veins of every Filipino,” he said. The event recognized both large businesses, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For large businesses, Pointwest Technologies Corp. was recognized as Best in Innovation; International Container Terminal Services Inc. as Best in Corporate Excellence; and Golden ABC Inc. as Best in ASEAN Centricity. For SMEs, Vcargo Worldwide (Vintel Logistics Inc.) was declared Best Young Entrepreneur; the Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services (CHEERS) Corp. as Best Women Leader; and Fountainhead Technologies Inc. as Best in Innovation. The ASEAN Business Awards Philippines, the local counterpart of the regional ASEAN Business Awards, was established by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council to recognize enterprises that have contributed to regional growth. Since its launch in 2007, the annual awards have recognized more than 60 companies in the region that have excelled in such categories as growth, employment, innovation and corporate social responsibility. PND (as) TOP President Aquino asks Congress for immediate passage of proposed Bangsamoro Law President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday asked Congress to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law immediately so that Muslim Mindanao would have enough time to prepare to govern itself. In his speech during the ceremonial turnover of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law in Malacañang, the President acknowledged that while Congress has to review the proposed bill thoroughly, there is an urgency to pass it as soon as possible. “Sa atin naman pong Kongreso: nauunawaan namin na kailangan ninyong suriin nang mabuti ang panukalang batas na ito. Ang hiling lang namin, maipasa po sana ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Sa ganitong paraan po, mabibigyan natin ng sapat na oras ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim na makapaghanda, at tuluyang mapalago ang ipinunla nating pagbabago sa pamamahala sa Bangsamoro," he said. The President also appealed to the nation to support the important legislation, saying that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a genuine transformation of society. The people of Luzon and the Visayas must help their Muslim brothers, who have been left behind in terms of progress, he said. “Kaya naman gusto nating bigyan ng pantay na pagkakataon ang lahat, lalong-lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan, upang mabigyan sila ng kakayahang makiambag sa pag-angat ng bansa," he noted. He called on all Filipinos to respect the beliefs and rights of the country’s indigenous people, and to harness their knowledge to understand Mindanao’s history and culture, instead of spreading negative news and unfounded assumptions about the region. Like people from anywhere in the country, Muslim Filipinos also aspire to see their children graduate and live lives without fear and worry, he said. There is a need to strengthen trust among Filipinos by supporting the immediate passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, he stressed. “Huwag [na nating hayaan] ang pagkakataong magbigay ng panibagong bukas sa Lupang Pangako; hinihimok ko kayong makiambag tungo sa katuparan nito,” he said. The President extended his gratitude to the leaders and the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), under Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Mohagher Iqbal for their solidarity. He thanked the members of the government’s peace panel, led by Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles and Chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and other stakeholders. President Aquino also recognized the contributions of members of the Cabinet, and foreign partners who helped in crafting the peace accord. He said that as he leaves for Europe on Saturday evening, he will share with European leaders the Philippines’ peace achievement in Mindanao. “Ikukuwento ko sa kanila kung paanong sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan ay nakarating tayo sa kinalalagyan natin ngayon,” he said. “Ibabahagi ko sa kanila na bagama’t hindi pa ganap ang ating tagumpay, buo ang ating loob na magpapatuloy ang ating pagsisikap tungo sa isang mas maunlad at mas mapayapang Pilipinas." The President will embark on a European tour next week to visit Spain, Belgium, France, and Germany before proceeding to the United States. PND (as) TOP Congress aims to pass Bangsamoro Basic Law in first quarter of 2015 Senate President Franklin Drilon said Wednesday they aim to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law in the first quarter of next year. "We are giving ourselves until the first quarter of next year," Drilon said when asked by reporters about the Senate's timetable in passing the bill. During the ceremonial turnover of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, President Aquino asked Congress to pass the bill immediately so that Muslim Mindanao would have sufficient time to prepare to govern itself. Drilon said passing it in the first quarter of next year would give the region enough time to conduct a plebiscite and have the transition commission in place before the 2016 election. The proposed Bangsamoro law will have bipartisan support in the Senate, he said, noting the presence of Senate minority leader Senator Tito Sotto, chairman of the Senate’s local government committee Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, and Peace and Unification Senator TG Guingona. “This bill will have bipartisan support. We will co-author it with several of our colleagues and we will immediately set the committee hearings, next week. We will request Senator Bongbong and Senator TG to set the committee hearings next week,” he said, adding that the Senate will tackle the Bangsamoro Basic Law after the ongoing committee hearings on the budget. Drilon said he is confident that the measure will be passed. “What we will look at with care is that the Bangsamoro Basic Law should be within the four corners of the Constitution," he said. The Senate President said he is glad that the President has assured that the bill is within constitutional boundaries. He in turn guaranteed that they will respect the rights and consider the aspirations of Muslim Filipinos. Once the basic law is ratified, the Organic Law that created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be repealed, Drilon said. PND (as) TOP   10 SEPTYEMBRE 2014 Mainam nang paglagakan ngayon ng negosyo ang Pilipinas, sabi ng Pangulo sa mga imbestor Pinangunahan ng Pangulong Aquino ang paggagawad sa mga katangi-tanging mga negosyong Pilipino Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino sa Kongreso na pagtibayin agad ang panukalang ‘Bangsamoro Law’ Pagtitibayin ng Kongreso ang ‘Bangsamoro Basic Law’ sa unang kuwarter ng 2015 Mainam nang paglagakan ngayon ng negosyo ang Pilipinas, sabi ng Pangulo sa mga imbestor Tiniyak ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga mangangalakal na ang Pilipinas ay bukas sa pagnenegosyo at puspusang sisikapin ng administrasyon niya na mabawasan ang regulatory risk sa mga imbestor. Sa pagsasalita sa mga kalahok sa ASEAN Business Awards Philippines na idinaos sa Lungsod ng Makati Martes, sinabi ng Pangulo na nagsagawa ang administrasyon niya ng mahahalagang reporma sa nakalipas na ilang taon upang ang bansa ay maging higit na kahali-halina sa pagnenegosyo sa kabila man ng kawalang katiyakan sa daigdig. “Malinaw ang mensahe namin sa mga imbestor: Ang Pilipinas ay muli na namang bukas para sa negosyo,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. “Ginawa naming parehas ang larangan at tinitiyak namin sa mga imbestor na habang hinaharap nila ang mga commercial risk na laging kaakibat ng pagnenegosyo, ginagawa namang lahat ng aming pamahalaan ang lahat para mabawasan ang masalimuot na mga regulasyon,” wika pa ng Pangulo. Sinabi ng Pangulo na masalimuot ang burukrasya nang manungkulan ang administrasyon niya noong 2010, subali’t sa pamamagitan ng mga repormang inilunsad ng pamahalaan, gumaan ang pagpaparehistro ng mga imbestor ng kanilang mga negosyo. “Itinatag ng pamahalaan ang Philippine Business Registry na siyang binigyan ng tungkuling tipunin ang mga irerehistrong negosyo na nasa iba-ibang ahensiya upang isang tanggapan na lamang ang humawak nito at maalis ang red tape,” pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. Ginawang halimbawa ng Pangulo ang Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan (DPWH) na nasa ilalim ni Kalihim Rogelio Singson na sa halip ng dating 20 dokumento ang hinihingi sa lalahok sa subasta ay ginawa na lamang lima, kaya naging mabilis ngayon ang proseso ng pagsusubasta. “Sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng bara sa tagas sa sistema ng DPWH, nakatipid ng halos P28 bilyon ang ahensiya sa pagtatayo, pagkukumpuni at pag-aayos ng mga imprastraktura ng bansa,” dagdag ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na dahil sa mga repormang ito, ang ekonomya ng Pilipinas ay lumago ng 7.2 porsiyento noong isang taon at ang bansa ay naging isa sa best performing economies sa Asya. Iniulat din ng Pangulo na sa ikalawang kuwarter ng taong ito, bagaman nadarama pa ng ilang sektor ang tindi ng iniwang pinsala ng mga kalamidad noong huling yugto ng 2013 ay lumago pa ng 6.4 porsiyento ang Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ayon sa Pangulo, kinilala ng pandaigdig na komunidad ang pagbalikwas ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahayag ng credit rating agencies sa buong mundo na kabuuang 20 positive credit rating actions ang nakuha ng Pilipinas sa nakalipas na apat na taon. Kabilang sa mahalagang upgrades (pagtaas) noong isang taon ang buhat sa Moody’s, Fitch at Standard & Poor’s na nagdeklarang investment grade ang Pilipinas. Nagpatuloy ang Pilipinas sa pag-akyat sa global competitiveness ranking na ang pinakahuli ay ang pagtalon ng bansa sa ika-52 puwesto sa 2014 Global Competitiveness Report ng World Economic Forum o pag-angat ng 33 puwesto mula sa ika-85 puwesto noong 2010. “Ang lahat nang ito ay bunga ng pananalig natin sa ating mga mamamayan at sa mga pagsisikap nating mailuklok sila sa global spotlight. Ang pagbabagong sigla ng Pilipinas ay bunga ng pagsisikap na matamo ang tagumpay sa harap ng matitinding hamon at pagsubok,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na habang palapit ang ASEAN Integration sa taong 2015, tapat ang pananalig niya na kaya ng bansa na makipagsabayan sa mga kapit-bansa habang kinakaharap ang panibagong kaganapan sa patuloy na globalized world (nagbabagong daigdig). Ang ASEAN Business Awards Philippines ay katapat ng pampurok na ASEAN Business Awards na itinatag ng ASEAN Business Advisory Council upang kilalanin at parangalan ang mga negosyong nakapag-ambag sa pampurok na pagsulong. PND (as/zaf) TOP Pinangunahan ng Pangulong Aquino ang paggagawad sa mga katangi-tanging mga negosyong Pilipino Nagpahayag ng pagtitiwala ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa kakayahan at talino ng mga Pilipino nang pangunahan niya ang pagkilala at pagbibigay ng gawad sa mga negosyong Pilipino na naging matagumpay at pambihira sa iba-ibang larangan. Sa talumpati sa ASEAN Business Awards Philippines sa Lungsod ng Makati Martes, sinabi ng Pangulo na naniniwala siyang kaya ng mga Pilipino na makipagpaligsahan sa kanilang kapit-bansang ASEAN habang ginagawa ang pampurok na pagsasanib sa taong darating. “Ang mga nominado at tumanggap ng gawad dito ngayon ang siyang titiyak na sa panahon ng globalisasyon, ang Pilipinas ay hindi magpapatangay lamang sa agos, kundi bagkus magpapakita ng pambihirang kakayahan,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. “Kayong lahat na narito ngayon ang mga nilikhang sa darating na mga taon ay siyang magpa-palaganap ng ating mensahe sa daigdig na ang mga Pilipino ay tunay na world class,” dugtong ng Pangulo. Sinabi ng Pangulo na habang sinasalubong ng bansa ang pinagsanib na Timog Silangang Asya, lahat ng mga kompanya sa buong Pilipinas ay pumapasok na nang kusa sa isang pandaigdig na kompetisyon o paligsahan. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na inaasahan niyang hindi masisiyahan na lamang ang mga tumanggap ng gawad sa kanilang natamong tagumpay at sa halip ay magiging ispirasyon ito upang lalo pang sikaping maakyat ang rurok ng tagumpay. “Umaasa rin ako na ang mga kompanya sa lahat ng sulok ng ating kapuluan ay susunod sa pamantayan ng mga nominado at ng mga nagwagi ngayon upang ipakita ng ating mga kababayan na sa rehiyon ng Timog Silangang Asya at ang buong daigdig, ang pambihirang kakayahan at talinong nananalaytay sa ugat ng bawa’t Pilipino,” pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. Kinilala sa pagtitipong ito ang malalaking negosyo, gayundin ang maliit at katamtaman ang laki ng mga kumpanya (SMEs). Sa malalaking negosyo, kinilala ang Pointwest Technologies Corp. bilang Best in Innovation; ang International Container Terminal Services naman ay Best in Corporate Excellence; at ang Golden ABC Inc. bilang Best in ASEAN Centricity. Para sa SMEs, kinilala ang Vcargo Worldwide (Vintal Logistics Inc. na Best Young Entrepreneur; ang Community Health Education, Emergency Rescue Services (CHEERS) Corp. ang Best Women :Leader; at Best in Innovation ang Fountainhead Technologies Inc. Ang ASEAN Business Awards Philippines ang katapat ng regional ASEAN Business Awards na itinatag ng ASEAN Business Advisory Council upang kilalanin at parangalan ang mga negosyong nakatulong nang malaki sa pampurok na pag-unlad. Mula nang ilunsad ito noong 2007, ang taunang paggagawad ay kinikilala nang mahigit na 60 kompanya sa rehiyon na nagpakita ng pambihirang kakayahan sa mga kategoryang katulad ng paglago, hanapbuhay, pagbabago at corporate social responsibility. PND (as/zaf) TOP Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino sa Kongreso na pagtibayin agad ang panukalang ‘Bangsamoro Law’ Hiniling ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Kongreso Miyerkoles na pagtibayin agad ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law upang magkaroon nang sapat na panahon ang Muslim Mindanao na makapaghanda para pamahalaan ang sarili nila. Sa talumpati sa ceremonial turnover ng draft Bangsamoro Basic Law sa Malacanang, kinilala ng Pangulo na bagaman kailangan pang masusing pag-aralan ng Kongreso ang panukalang batas, mahalagang mapagtibay ito sa lalong madaling panahon. “Sa atin naman pong Kongreso: nauunawaan namin na kailangan ninyong suriin nang mabuti ang panukalang batas na ito. Ang hiling lamang namin, maipasa po sana ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Sa ganitong paraan po, mabibigyan nang sapat na oras ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim na makapaghanda at tuluyang mapalago ang ating ipinunlang pagbuo sa pamamahala ng Bangsamoro,” wika ng Pangulo. Sinabi pa ng Pangulo na kailangang tulungan ng mga mamamayan ng Luzon at Kabisayaan ang kanilang mga kapatid na Muslim na napag-iwan sa larangan ng kasaganaan at pag-unlad. “Kaya naman gusto nating bigyan nang pantay na pagkakataon ang lahat, lalung-lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan upang mabigyan sila ng kakayahang makapag-ambag sa pag-angat ng bansa,” sabi ng Pangulo. Nanawagan ang Pangulo sa lahat ng Pilipino na igalang ang paniniwala at mga karapatan ng mga katutubong mamamayan ng bansa at sikaping maunawaan at malaman ang kasaysayan at kultura ng Mindanao sa halip na magpalaganap ng mga negatibong balita at walang mga batayang palagay tungkol sa rehiyon. “Katulad ng mga tao saanmang sulok ng bansa, pangarap ng mga Muslim na Pilipino na makitang nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang kanilang mga anak at mamuhay nang walang takot at agam-agam,” pahayag pa ng Pangulo. “Dapat nating patibayin pa ang pagtitiwala ng mga Pilipino sa isa’t isa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay agad sa panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. “Huwag ( na nating hayaan) ang pagkakataong magbigay ng panibagong bukas sa Lupa ng Pangako. Hinihimok ko kayong makiambag tungo sa katuparan nito,” dugtong ng Pangulo. Nagpasalamat ang Pangulo sa pagkakaisa ng mga lider at kasapi ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sa pamumuno ni Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Mohagher Iqbal. Pinasalamatan din nag Pangulo ang mga kagawad ng peace panel ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ni Teresita Deles, Tagapayong Pangkapayapaan ng Pangulo at Tagapangulong Miriam Coronel-Ferrer ng Bangsamoro Transition Commission at ang iba pang “stakeholders.” Pinahalagahan din ng Pangulong Aquino ang kontribusyon ng mga kagawad ng Gabinete at ang mga kabalikat na mga dayuhang tumulong upang mabalangkas ang kasunduan ukol sa kapayapaan. Binanggit ng Pangulo na pagtungo niya sa Europa sa Sabado ng gabi, ibabalita niya sa mga lider ng Europa ang nagawa ng Pilipinas tungo sa kapayapaan ng Mindanao. “Ikukuwento ko sa kanila kung paanong sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan ay nakarating tayo sa kinalalagyan natin ngayon,” sabi ng Pangulo. “Ibabahagi ko sa kanila na bagama’t hindi pa ganap ang ating tagumpay, buo ang ating loob na magpapatuloy ang ating pagsisikap tungo sa isang mas maunlad at mas mapayapang Pilipinas,” pahayag pa ng Pangulo. Nakatakdang umalis ang Pangulo Sabado ng gabi para sa pagdalaw sa mga bansang Espanya, Belgium, Pransiya at Alemanya bago tumuloy sa Estados Unidos. PND (as/zad) TOP Pagtitibayin ng Kongreso ang ‘Bangsamoro Basic Law’ sa unang kuwarter ng 2015 Sa unang kuwarter ng taong 2015 hangad nilang pagtibayin ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law, alinsunod kay Pangulong Franklin Drilon ng Senado Miyerkoles. “Binibigyan namin ang aming mga sarili ng hanggang sa unang kuwarter ng susunod na taon,” ito ang sagot ni Drilon nang tanungin ng mga reporter kung kailan mapagtitibay ng Senado ang nasabing panukalang batas. Sa ceremonial turnover ng draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, hiniling ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Kongreso na pagtibayin sa madaling panahon ang nasabing panukalang batas upang mabigyan nang sapat na panahon ang Muslim Mindanao na makapaghanda para sa pamumuno sa kanilang rehiyon. Sinabi naman ni Drilon na sa pagpapatibay nila ng panukalang batas sa unang kuwarter ng susunod na taon ay mabibigyan nang sapat na panahon ang rehiyon na magdaos ng plebisito at ang pagtatayo ng Transition Commission bago ganapin ang halalan sa 2016. Ang panukalang batas ng Bangsamoro ay bipartisan ang suporta sa Senado, sabi ni Drilon at binanggit ang pagdalo nina Senador Tito Sotto, lider ng minorya sa Senado, si Senador Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, tagapangulo ng Lupon ng Pamahalaang Lokal sa Senado at Senador TG Guingona ng Peace and Unification sa seremonya sa Malacanang Miyekoles. Ayon kay Drilon, ang panukalang batas na ito ay itataguyod ng mayorya at minorya at makakabilang din sa mga awtor nito ang iba pa nilang kasamahang Senador. “Agad naming idaraos ang mga pagdinig sa susunod na linggo. Hihilingin namin kina Senador Bongbong at Senador TG na magtakda na ng mga pagdinig ng lupon sa susunod na linggo,” dugtong pa ni Drilon na nagpahayag ng pagtitiwala na mapagtitibay ang batas ng Bangsamoro. “Ang masusi naming susuriin ay kung ang Bangsamoro Basic Law ay naaalinsunod sa apat na sulok ng ating Kostitusyon” dagdag pa ni Drilon. Sinabi ng Pangulo ng Senado na natutuwa siya na tiniyak ng Pangulo na ang panukalang batas na ito ay naaayon sa mga tadhanain at hanggahan ng Kostitusyon. Tiniyak din ni Drilon na igagalang nila ang mga karapatan at mga pangarap ng mga Muslim na Pilipino. Kapag napagtibay ang bagong batas na ito, ang Organic Law na lumikha ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ay mapawawalang bisa na. PND (as/zaf) TOP

President Beningo S. Aquino III's Speech at the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace                                                                                                                                                  10 Sept 2014 Noong magsimula po ang ating termino, ang sinabi natin sa ating mga kababayan: Puwede na muling mangarap. At ngayong araw nga po, pinatutunayan natin: Hindi lang tayo nangangarap, tinutupad na natin ang ating mga mithiin. Isang malaking hakbang na naman ang nagawa natin patungo sa isang mas mapayapa at mas maunlad na Mindanao. Sa pamamagitan nitong panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law, nabibigyan natin ng hugis ang pagsasakatuparan ng mga prinsipyong nakapaloob sa ating Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Noon nga pong nakaraang SONA, humingi ako ng pang-unawa sa ating Kongreso ukol sa batas na ito. Kinailangan po natin ng sapat na panahon upang mahimay ang bawat probisyon ng ating panukalang batas. Mahaba at mabusisi po ang prosesong ito dahil nga inilatag natin ang bawat detalye ng pagpapatupad ng ating adhikain para sa Bangsamoro. Tinitiyak ko po sa inyo: Pinanday ang Bangsamoro Basic Law upang maging makatwiran, makatarungan, at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat, Moro man, Lumad, o Kristiyano. Nagpapasalamat ako sa pakikiisa ng mga pinuno at kasapi ng MILF, sa pangunguna nina Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at Mohagher Iqbal, ng ating masisipag at magigiting na peace panel sa pangunguna naman nina Secretary Ging Deles, at Chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, gayundin sa atin pong Bangsamoro Transition Commission, stakeholders, mga miyembro ng Gabinete, at sa ating mga katuwang sa ibang bansa, upang tuluyang mailimbag sa kasaysayan ang bagong kabanata ng kapayapaan at pagkakaisa sa bansa. Tiwala ang nagdala sa atin dito. Sa kabuuan ng negosasyon, nakita kong talaga namang desididong makarating sa isang kasunduan ang bawat panig. Napatunayan po natin: sa panahong hindi natin iniisip kung paano makakapanlamang, narating natin ang isang sitwasyon kung saan lahat ay panalo. Ngayong mayroon na tayong panukalang batas, matibay ang aking pananalig na sang-ayon ito sa ating Saligang Batas; na matapat ito sa mga prinsipyo ng ating Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro; na sinasalamin nito ang ating kolektibong pagsisikap tungo sa pag-unlad na walang naiiwan. Sa atin naman pong Kongreso: nauunawaan namin na kailangan ninyong suriin nang mabuti ang panukalang batas na ito. Ang hiling lang namin, maipasa po sana ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Sa ganitong paraan po, mabibigyan natin ng sapat na oras ang ating mga kapatid na makapaghanda, at tuluyang mapalago ang ipinunla nating pagbabago sa pamamahala sa Bangsamoro. Sa aking mga Boss: ngayong naibigay na natin ang kopya ng panukalang batas sa Kongreso, huwag po sana nating isipin na sa mga mambabatas lamang nakasalalay ang pag-usad ng inisyatibang ito. Ang totoo, bawat isa sa atin ay may mahalagang papel na ginagampanan upang makamit ang tunay na transpormasyon sa lipunan. ‘Di po ba’t “kapatid” ang tawag natin sa ating mga kababayan sa Muslim Mindanao? Sa isang tipikal na pamilyang Pilipino, ni minsan, narinig ba natin mula sa ating mga magulang na pinayuhan tayo at sinabihang “Sige, lamangan mo ang kapatid mo”? Bilang ama ng bayan, tungkulin ko pong manguna sa pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng bansa, at itaguyod ang isang patas at makatwirang lipunan. Ngayon po, ito ang pakiusap ko: Tulungan natin ang mga kapatid nating Pilipino. Maliwanag naman pong napag-iwanan ang ARMM sa pag-unlad. Kaya naman gusto nating bigyan ng pantay na pagkakataon ang lahat, lalong-lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan, upang mabigyan sila ng kakayahang makiambag sa pag-angat ng bansa. Ang sabi ko nga po: Dapat may boost up, para naman maka-catch up ang mas nangangailangan. Sa ating mga kababayan sa Luzon at Visayas, maging malinaw po sana: Hindi magiging kumpleto ang pagbabago kung hindi ito magsisimula sa ating mga isip at puso. Tanggapin natin nang buong-buo ang ating mga kababayang Muslim. Irespeto natin ang paniniwala at paraan ng pamumuhay ng ating mga katutubo. Imbes na sumakay sa mga nagpapakalat ng negatibong balita at paniniwala tungkol sa Katimugan, gamitin natin ang ating talino at panahon upang lubos na maunawaan ang kasaysayan, kultura at karanasan ng mga kapwa rin natin Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan nito, madidiskubre nating kapareho din natin sila: nangangarap na mapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang kanilang anak, gustong mamuhay nang walang takot at pangamba, nagnanais na maging matagumpay sa itinataguyod nilang larangan. Malinaw po: Ngayon, higit kailanman, namamayani na ang tiwala natin sa isa’t isa. Kailangan po nating pagtibayin ang tiwalang ito, sa pagsuporta sa agarang pagsasabatas ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Huwag [na nating hayaan] ang pagkakataong magbigay ng panibagong bukas sa Lupang Pangako; hinihimok ko kayong makiambag tungo sa katuparan nito. Kapag naipasa na po ng Kongreso ang Bangsamoro Basic Law, ang susunod na hakbang para sa atin ay isang plebesito para sa mamamayan ng Bangsamoro. Ang panawagan ko po sa ating mga kapatid na boboto: Pag-aralan ninyo sana nang mabuti ang mga nailatag na probisyon. Ang inyong pag-unawa at pakikilahok ang magiging pananggalang ninyo sa mga nagpapakalat ng agam-agam sa ating agenda ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Ito rin ang magbibigay sa inyo ng higit na kakayahang makibahagi sa transisyon patungo sa isang matatag na pamahalaang Bangsamoro pagdating ng 2016. Doon naman po sa ilang nag-aalala kung magtatagumpay ba ang inisyatibang ito, ang sa akin po: Ngayong nagkakapit-bisig na ang di-hamak na mas maraming Pilipino—Moro man, Lumad, o Kristiyano—ngayon pa ba tayo magdududa sa isa’t isa? Ngayon pa ba tayo matatakot sa pagbabago? ‘Di man natin hawak ang hinaharap, buo po ang loob ko, at natitiyak ko, maging ang mga kasamahan natin ngayon dito—ang wagas na tiwala at pagkapit sa pag-asa ang maghahatid sa atin sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Sa Sabado ng gabi po ay bibiyahe ako patungong Europa. Kasama po ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law at ang mga narating natin sa usaping pangkapayapaan sa mga ipagmamalaki ko sa mga pinuno at mga kababayan natin sa Spain, Belgium, France, at Germany. Ikukuwento ko sa kanila kung paanong sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan ay nakarating tayo sa kinalalagyan natin ngayon. Ibabahagi ko sa kanila na bagama’t hindi pa ganap ang ating tagumpay, buo ang ating loob na magpapatuloy ang ating pagsisikap tungo sa isang mas maunlad at mas mapayapang Pilipinas. Malinaw po: Nabigyan tayo ng pambihirang pagkakataon upang mapatunayan, hindi lamang sa ating mga sarili, kundi sa mundo, na kaya nating makamit ang dating ipinapalagay na imposible. Nang malagay tayo sa isang sangandaan, pinili nating gawin ang makatwiran, at ngayon nga ay abot-tanaw na natin ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at malawakang kaunlaran. Ipagpatuloy po natin ang pagkakapit-bisig upang maipamana natin sa mga susunod na henerasyon ang isang Pilipinas na malaya sa hidwaan, tuloy-tuloy ang kaunlaran, at hinahangaan sa iba’t ibang panig ng daigdig. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.   INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue                                                                                                                                       11 September 2014 ALAN: Kahapon po ang ceremonial turnover sa Malacañang nito hong draft ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Well, of course, iyong talumpati ng Pangulo, talagang in-underscore niya iyong urgency na maipasa ito sa lalong madaling panahon, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan. At nagbigay naman ng pagtiyak ang mga lider ng Kongreso ng kanilang buong pagsuporta para maipasa nang agaran ang Bangsamoro Basic Law. ALAN: Opo. At dito po sa panukalang batas na ito, kumbaga ay mabubuo iyong—ito ho iyong Bangsamoro na papalit sa kasalukuyang Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Secretary Coloma, sir, hindi po ba? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan. Ang magaganap ay ito: Pagkatapos maipasa ang batas ng Kongreso, ihaharap ito sa mga mamamayan ng Mindanao – doon sa mga sakop nitong Bangsamoro – at sila ay magpapasya sa isang plebesito. At kapag inaprubahan nila ito – na atin naming inaasahan – mag-e-exit na iyong kasalukuyang Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, at ang hahalili na istruktura ay iyong Bangsamoro Transitional Authority. At ang mga bubuo nitong Bangsamoro Transitional Authority ay maglilingkod ng humigit-kumulang isang tao hanggang dumating iyong pagdaraos ng 2016 national election na kung saan idaraos na rin iyong kauna-unahang halalan para sa bubuo ng Bangsamoro Political Entity. Iyan ang buong kaganapan ng proseso ng kapayapaan. ALAN: Opo. So ito pong Bangsamoro Transitional Authority na bubuuin, saan-saan pong sektor po magmumula ang mga magiging miyembro nitong lupon na ito, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Mula din sa hanay ng mga stakeholders sa lugar ng Bangsamoro, Alan. ALAN: Okay, so lahat ng mga sektor ay magiging represented dito sa bubuuing transition group o transition authority o commission na ito, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Habang tinatalakay natin ito ‘no, maaaring ipunto natin ang isang mahalagang bagay. Mapapansin natin na ang ginamit na salita ay Bangsamoro at hindi na iyong Muslim Mindanao. Sapagka’t ang tinutukoy talaga sa konsepto ng awtonomiya ay hindi lamang iyong ating mga kapatid na nananampalataya sa Islam o ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim. Ang bumubuo ng Bangsamoro ay maraming … kung hindi ako nagkakamali, labing-apat na ethnic groups diyan sa Kamindanaon, kabilang na ang mga Tausug, ang mga Maguindanao, ang mga Yakan at iba’t iba pa—mga Badjao. Humigit-kumulang labing-apat na indigenous or ethnic groups ang bumubuo niyan, Alan, iyan po iyong Bangsamoro. Kaya hindi po ito nililimitahan ng paraan ng pananampalataya. Kaya napakahalagang pagbabago itong konsepto ng Bangsamoro. ALAN: So kumbaga, hindi ginamit iyong salitang Muslim, particularly, to cover also itong mga ethnic groups na nabanggit ho ninyo na— SEC. COLOMA: Mas malawak iyong sakop kung tutuusin dahil ang tinutukoy na ay iyong—Bangsa kasi nation ‘no. Iyong nation is composed of ethnic groups; iyong mga components niyan ay mas malawak kaysa doon sa datihang klasipikasyon. ALAN: Okay. And base ho dito sa pahayag ni Majority Leader Congressman Neptali Gonzales, meron daw pong nakatakdang pagpupulong ang mga mambabatas with the President para dito sa mabilis na pagsasabatas ng panukalang ito tomorrow, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Mahalaga kasi dito, Alan, iyong ganap na pag-unawa at pag-intindi sa mga mahahalagang probisyon. Kaya bahagi ito ng konsultasyon, dayalogo at pagpapaliwanag para lahat ng mga may taya o stakeholder groups – at ang ating mga mambabatas ay napakahalagang stakeholder group dito – ay papasok sa deliberasyon na merong ganap na pag-unawa sa iba’t ibang mahalagang probisyon ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Iyan ang layunin nang binanggit ni Majority Leader Boyet Gonzales. ALAN: Sa ibang usapin naman po, Secretary Coloma, sir. Dito sa usapin ng port congestion. Meron pong naging assessment si Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo na posible raw na umabot hanggang 2015 itong paglutas sa port congestion dito sa Port of Manila, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pahayag ni Secretary Domingo ay positive naman—positive iyon, Alan. Kaya niya sinabi iyon, ang kanyang pinagbabatayan ay iyong paglago ng ekonomiya. Siyempre kapag lumago ang ekonomiya, sisigla ang komersyo, dadami ang pangangailangan ng negosyo at kalakal, dadami rin iyong cargo na papasok sa ating bansa; at iyan ang magbubunsod ng additional demand for port facilities. Iyan po ang ibig sabihin noon. Huwag po nating pakahulugan na negatibo; positibo po iyon. Ang kailangan lang, sa pag-unawa niyan, maglalaan na po tayo ng dagdag na espasyo, ng dagdag na paglalagyan ng mga warehouse, cargo – iyong tinatawag nating supply chain o ng logistic facility. Iyan po ang kahulugan. Positibung-positibo po iyang deklarasyon na iyan ni Secretary Domingo. ALAN: Lalo na ho ngayong papalapit ang Pasko, talagang mas expected ho na lalago ang trade dahil maraming papasok na goods dito sa atin sa Pilipinas for the Christmas season, Secretary. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga. At doon na nga sa mas malaking larawan o big picture na inaanalisa ni Secretary Domingo, kung magpapatuloy kasi ang ating kasalukuyang rate of growth na nasa 6.5 to 7.5 – iyon ang range na ating tinatamo – sa maikling panahon, halos dodoble iyong laki ng ating ekonomiya. ALAN: Ayun, okay. SAEC. COLOMA: Kaya hindi po biru-biro iyan, dapat pong paghandaan na natin sa pamamagitan nang pagtatatag ng mga karagdagang pasilidad. Kaya nga po sa kasalukuyan, maging iyong Port of Batangas at iyong Subic ay ginagamit na nang husto. Iyong Port of Batangas ay more than 90% utilized na, at iyong Subic ay napupuno na rin. At sa dokumento ng kalakal, nilalagay na iyong Subic at Batangas bilang Manila Port 2, Manila Port 3 dahil doon sa kasulatan ng mga kalakal, Alan, nilalagay doon kung saang pantalan iyong landing. At dati ay nakalagay palagi, halimbawa, Kaohsiung-Manila, Hong Kong-Manila, Singapore-Manila, kaya hindi ganoon kadaling i-divert sa ibang pantalan. Pero dahil itinalaga na iyong Subic at Batangas na Manila Ports din iyon ay meron ng ibang option ang mga magpapadala ng cargo, at matutugunan naman iyong karagdagang volume ng imports na pumapasok sa ating bansa. ALAN: Nabanggit ninyo iyong Batangas is already 90% utilized. SEC. COLOMA: Iyon po iyong huling ulat na ipinaalam sa atin. ALAN: So ibig sabihin, malaking volume na dapat sana dito sa Port of Manila ang destination ay nadala na roon sa Batangas Port. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Alan. Ayon sa pag-analisa rin, doon sa total volume na pumapasok na cargo, limampung porsyento ang dini-distribute dito sa loob ng Kalakhang Maynila. At iyong the rest of the 50%, pinaghatian na po iyan ng CALABARZON na kasama na nga iyong Batangas, at iyong patungo namang hilaga na Bulacan, Pampanga, Central Luzon. Iyon po ang pagkakahati ng mga kargo na tinatanggap sa Port of Manila. ALAN: Opo, I see, I see, okay. Well, Secretary Coloma muli, sir, salamat po nang marami for the updates from the Palace. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME] [HOME]

10 SEPT 2014 1.      FDI Net Inflows continue to rise in June 2014; First semester level reaches US$3.6 billion 2.      Adoptive couple becomes advocates of legal adoption 3.      OWWA-RWO5 provides 10 thousand cash assistance to Libya repatriates 4.      POLO, Philippine Consulate raise issue of OFWs' placement fee with HK Labor Department 5.      PHL Embassy in Mexico joins Migrants Day Eucharistic Celebration 6.      Philippines highlights importance of Civil Registration at UNESCAP Regional Preparatory Meeting 7.      PH exports sustain strong double-digit growth in July ‘14 8.      Real Estate Appraiser Licensure examination release of the July 2014 withheld examination results 9.      PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Banco Carmona starting September 9 10.  DepEd expands educ access for Filipino children in Sabah 11.  Filipino experts tackle impact evaluation techniques in IEmatters workshops 12.  Ombudsman indicts former city mayor, 6 others in fertilizer fund scam 13.  Tuguegarao City mayor, administrator dismissed 14.  BSP honors its stakeholders in Zamboanga City 15.   One year after: Zamboanga City rises from the ashes of armed of conflict FDI Net Inflows continue to rise in June 2014; First semester level reaches US$3.6 billion Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Foreign direct investments (FDI) posted net inflows amounting to US$588 million in June 2014, a turnaround from the US$26 million net outflows registered in the same period last year. This developed as increases were registered across FDI major components.1,2 In particular, investments in debt instruments rose by more than four-fold to US$459 million from US$108 million in the same period last year. This resulted on account of higher lending of parent companies abroad to their local affiliates to fund existing operations and business expansion plans in the country. Equity capital transactions which reversed to net inflows of US$54 million from net outflows of US$192 million a year ago, also helped boost FDI level in June 2014. The bulk of these equity capital investments—emanating mainly from the United States, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany—was channeled mainly to real estate; manufacturing; transportation and storage; mining and quarrying; and administrative and support service activities. Furthermore, reinvestment of earnings increased from US$59 million to US$75 million. On a cumulative basis, net inflows surged by 76.9 percent to US$3.6 billion for the first six months of the year from US$2 billion in the previous year, which continued to reflect strong investor confidence in the country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals. The increase in FDI during the period was brought about by the large increments in all FDI major components. Investments of parent companies abroad in debt instruments issued by local affiliates (or intercompany borrowings) reached US$2.4 billion from US$1.2 billion a year ago. Equity capital also posted net inflows of US$762 million, 30.7 percent higher than the year-ago level of US$583 million, as placements of US$1.1 billion more than compensated for the US$356 million withdrawals. Equity capital investments—which emanated largely from the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom—were channeled largely to activities related to financial and insurance; real estate; manufacturing; wholesale and retail trade; and transportation and storage activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings increased by 72.2 percent to US$400 million from US$232 million last year. ----------------------- 1 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. On 21 March 2014, the BSP released the BPM6-based series from 2005-2013. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines). 2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. |TOP| Adoptive couple becomes advocates of legal adoption Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph On their fifth year of marriage, Michael Dennis and Cecil Sucgang of Paranaque City were faced by their inability to conceive a child. Dennis was diagnosed with “azoospermia”, a medical condition of a man not having any measurable level of sperm. The diagnosis came as quite a shock to everyone, especially to Dennis, who expected to have a perfect family with children. The couple learned to overcome the pain by supporting each other, as well as leaning on the support of their respective families and relatives. Dennis admitted that at first he has negative feelings about adoption. “I never thought that I will undergo the adoption process. I feel ashamed not having a child,” he confessed before officials and employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the flag raising ceremony at the Central Office on Monday. Thinking and feeling that there was something lacking in their married life, they gradually accepted the reality and considered adoption to be the logical choice for them. In September 2009, the couple was assessed by the social worker as capable of adopting a child. They were matched to their preferred female child whom they named Cyrille. Dennis was working in Singapore when he heard the good news that they were finally matched with a child. He cried when he first saw the picture of baby Cyrille sent by his wife. “That was the most beautiful picture I saw,” Dennis narrated. Excited to be with Cyrille, Dennis did not finish his work contract in Singapore and flew home to the Philippines. “When I first met my five-month old child at the airport, I was very happy, and it entirely changed my negative feelings about adoption,” Dennis continued. On June 22, 2011, the court issued the Certificate of Finality of their adoption. Today, the couple is very active in the adoption support group in the National Capital Region. They are often invited to give inspirational talks to prospective adoptive parents. Cyrille is now in school, a very pretty and smart child. The couple decided it is already the right time for them to have another child, this time a baby boy who needs a caring and loving family. They are now preparing for their second adoption. “In our own little ways, we can bring positive change to other people’s lives, especially to abandoned children who need the love and care of a family,” Dennis enthused Legal Adoption Adoption is a socio-legal process of providing a permanent family to a child whose parents have voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished parental authority over the child. Adoption is for children who cannot be reared by their biological parents and who need and can benefit from new and permanent family ties. It provides the same mutual rights and obligations that exist between children and their biological parents. It comprises of social work and other professional services that are required in the placement of children in adoptive families. In 2010, a year after Republic Act 9523 otherwise known as “An Act Requiring Certification of the DSWD to Declare a Child Legally Available for Adoption as a Prerequisite for Adoption Proceedings” was enacted, DSWD’s Adoption Resource and Referral Office (ARRO) received numerous applications from prospective adoptive parents. From 2010 to the first semester of 2014, DSWD facilitated the processing of domestic adoption cases leading to the permanent placement of 414 children for adoption. |TOP| OWWA-RWO5 provides 10 thousand cash assistance to Libya repatriates Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph Repatriates from Libya received ten thousand cash through the Financial Relief Assistance Program of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). The repatriates are OFWs who arrived in the country since July 20 after Alert Level 4 has been hoisted by the Department of Foreign Affairs with the heightened security threats due to political turmoil in Libya. OWWA-Regional Welfare Office 5 released a total of 1.52M cash assistance to 152 OFWs, out of of the 276 Bicolanos deployed in Libya. Many of the Bicolanos displaced by Libya crisis were from Camarines Sur. The OWWA continues to monitor the repatriation efforts as an estimated 3,000 repatriates already arrived in the country while 10,000 OFWs are still in Libya. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz immediately directed the implementation of the Assist WELL Program (Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal Assistance) where 2,736 Libya repatriates were assisted. Most of the repatriates asked for assistance in redeployment overseas, transportation fare in going to home provinces and in setting-up of livelihood under the OWWA Balik-Pinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay program as temporary source of income. Other assistance were for scholarship or training, legal assistance, temporary accommodation, medical assistance, and stress debriefing/counseling. |TOP| POLO, Philippine Consulate raise issue of OFWs' placement fee with HK Labor Department Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said she had received a report that the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong headed by Labor Attache Manuel Roldan, and the Philippine Consulate headed by Consul General Bernardita Casalla, had met with officials of the Hong Kong Labour Department in a bid to formulate cooperative agreements to address the concerns of OFWs in Hong Kong. "Labatt Roldan reported that the Philippine side raised the issue of placement fees and complaints of workers against their Hong Kong employers during a meeting with Commissioner Donald Tong, Deputy Commissioner Byron Ng, Assistant Commissioner Nicholas Chan, and Queenie Wong, a senior administrative officer of the Hong Kong Labour Department," said Baldoz. "Their discussion focused on the need to cooperate with each other in addressing the concerns of Filipino household service workers in Hong Kong, particularly on placement fee issues and workers' complaints against their employers," Baldoz added. In his report, Labor Attache Roldan said he explained to the HK Labour Department officials the Philippines's processes and procedures in hiring Filipino workers, emphasizing the government's "no-placement fee" policy, the process of accrediting Hong Kong-based employment agencies with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and their responsibilities to the workers they hire. Consul General Catalla, on her part, raised the issue about the prevailing practice of Hong Kong-based agencies of collecting placement fees from workers in violation of Hong Kong laws, which allows only a service fee of 10 percent of a worker's first month's salary. Roldan reported that this policy is being defied. “Upon their arrival, they are brought by the agency to a Hong Kong lending company to sign a loan document specifying an amount of up to P3,000 that they had to pay through monthly installment of between five to seven months. "The workers are asked to pay through various 7-Eleven branches. They are also being made to open a bank account in Hong Kong, but are required to surrender their ATM cards to their agencies. Later, the agencies give to the worker only the balance of their salaries after the amount of service fee for the month has been deducted. These practices, along with other OFW complaints, such as illegal recruitment and abuse, often remain unreported, Roldan explained. Commissioner Tong said he is encouraging workers to report their complaints against their employers to the Hong Kong Labour Department, and against their agencies to the Employment Agency Administration. He said their complaints will be used as basis of his department to conduct an inspection and investigation. But Consul General Catalla said the problem was the availability of the workers to file complaints, saying that they are free only on Sundays, when the Labor Department is closed. Catalla suggested that the Philippine Consulate accept complaints from OFWs since it is open on Sundays, summarize these complaints, and forward it to the Hong Kong Labour Department. Roldan said Commissioner Tong was amenable to the idea of this case-referral system and suggested that this be the subject of further discussion. Baldoz expressed support for the scheme, saying it will make the Hong Kong Labor Department more accessible to OFWs. "Through the case-referral system, the availability of OFWs to seek redress for their grievances and of Hong Kong authorities to hear them will no longer be an issue," said Baldoz. Roldan finally said they have also informed the good Commissioner that the POLO is already using during its conduct of the Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS) for OFWs the educational video presentation of the Hong Kong Labour Department informing foreign workers of their rights in Hong Kong. |TOP| PHL Embassy in Mexico joins Migrants Day Eucharistic Celebration Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 10 September 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., together with Embassy personnel and members of the Filipino community, attended a Liturgical Mass celebrating Migrants and Refugees Day on September 08 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico, upon the invitation of the Archdiocese of Mexico’s Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (Comision de Pastoral de Migrantes y Movilidad Humana). Cardinal Norberto C. Rivera, the Archbishop of Mexico, was the main celebrant. Other Embassies in attendance were those of Spain, Peru, Chile, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras. Several migrants from the aforementioned countries also joined the celebration. The Migrants Day Eucharistic Celebration is held every first Sunday of September in Mexico. The whole Archdiocese of Mexico and most Latin American countries dedicate the Mass to honor and give grace to all the migrants and refugees in Mexico City. A Filipino nun and member of the Scalabrinians order, Sister Maria Arlina Barral, assisted in the Embassy's participation in the said event. She is the Director of the Pastoral Commission which extends pastoral services to the migrants in Mexico. It likewise provides basic needs to migrants such as food, clothing, transportation, medical services, legal orientation and spiritual guidance. The Pastoral Commission was established in July 2000. |TOP| Philippines highlights importance of Civil Registration at UNESCAP Regional Preparatory Meeting Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 10 September 2014 - The Philippine delegation, headed by National Statistician Lisa Grace Bernales of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), participated in the Regional Preparatory Meeting (RPM) on the Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics from August 28 to 29 at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP). During the RPM, Ms. Bersales, who is also the Chair of the ESCAP Committee on Statistics in her remarks, remarked that “our shared version is that of babies in Asia and the Pacific born in an environment which assures them of recognition of their legal identity and all dignity and benefits that this recognition brings with it.” Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Dr. Enrique Tayag was also elected Vice-Chair of the RPM and likewise chaired the discussion during the second day of the meeting. The other members of the delegation were PSA Interim Deputy National Statistician. Paula Monina Collado, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Director Marites Maristela, DOH Lawyer Romela Devera, Philippine Embassy’s (BKKPE) Alternate Permanent Representative (APR) to UNESCAP Princess Tomas-Tayao and Third Secretary Anna Marie Santos, Office of the Cabinet Secretary Lawyer Christine Lovely Red, and Department of Education (DepEd) Statistician Mercy Castro. |TOP| PH exports sustain strong double-digit growth in July ‘14 Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph MANILA— Merchandise exports grew by 12.4 percent in July 2014, with higher revenues from manufactures and agro-based products, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported today that the value of merchandise exports grew to US$5.5 billion during the period from US$4.9 billion in July 2013. The Philippines posted the second highest exports growth among the major economies in East and Southeast Asia in July 2014, next only to China. For the first seven months of 2014, exports sales grew by 8.5 percent to US$35.1 billion, higher than US$32.4 billion in the same period last year. Accounting for 81.5 percent of total merchandise exports, revenues from manufactured goods grew by 15.9 percent from US$3.8 billion in July 2013 to US$4.4 billion in July 2014 due to strong overseas sales in almost all sub-groups in manufactured commodities, with electronics products topping the list. “The favorable performance of the manufactures sector largely reflected the upbeat global manufacturing activity which remains elevated,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. “Our country’s robust exports growth reflects global trend, as we see major economies such as the USA, China and Germany continuously showing signs of bouncing back from economic shocks. This suggests that global demand is picking up pace and that our exports sector is slowly gaining momentum,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. Growth in total agro-based exports also registered a strong double-digit feat, as sales receipts totaled US$447.2 million in July 2014, 20.7 percent higher than the US$370.6 million recorded in the same period a year ago. This is largely due to favorable performances from all major sub-groups, in particular, coconut products, fruits and vegetables, other agro-based products, and sugar products. “The exports outlook for agricultural products is bullish. Further intensifying efforts to implement programs that will help areas that are vulnerable to the adverse impact of a dry spell and coconut scale insect infestation will propel further growth in the sector, especially for coconut-based commodities for which the Philippines is a major exporter,” he added. The growth in manufacturing and agro-based exports more than offset the lower receipts from mineral, petroleum, and forest products. “Overall, global trade activity for the initial month of the third quarter projects better prospects for the coming months of the year especially for our electronics, garments, intermediate goods exports, and agriculture-based products,” said Balisacan. The Cabinet official stressed however the importance of addressing the instability of power supply in the country. “The expected tightness in the supply of power in the coming months could disrupt industrial production, hurting exports. Additional cost of utilities may also hamper production volumes. This should also be given priority by the government to support the country’s export targets,” he said. Among selected Asian economies, PR China posted the period’s highest growth at 14.5 percent, followed by the Philippines (12.4%) then Viet Nam (12.2%). Other economies that posted positive exports growth were Taiwan (5.8%), Republic of Korea (5.4%), Malaysia (0.8%), Japan (0.8%) and Singapore (0.4%). Japan remains as the Philippines’ top export market accounting for 22.2 percent of the country’s total revenues from merchandise exports during the period. USA came second, with a 14.7 percent share, followed by PR China with 12.8 percent. In terms of regional destination, outward shipments to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-countries comprised 13.8 percent of total exports while the European Union (EU) covered 9.8 percent. |TOP| Real Estate Appraiser Licensure examination release of the July 2014 withheld examination results Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 32 examinees passed the Real Estate Appraiser Licensure Examination given by the Board of Real Estate Service on July 13, 2014 as per Board Resolution No. 61 Series of 2014. The members of the Board of Real Estate Service who gave the licensure examination are Dr. Eduardo G. Ong, Chairman; Florencio C. Diño II and Rafael M. Fajardo, Members. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on September 17, 2014. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2014-2017. All registrants are likewise required to submit an original copy of Surety Bond for three ( 3 ) years (with certificate of good standing from the Insurance Commission), minimum amount of which is P 20,000.00, with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as Obligee. For government employees, no Surety Bond is required, but instead, submission of a notarized original Certificate of Employment from their respective offices is required. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. |TOP| PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Banco Carmona starting September 9 Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will start servicing the deposit insurance claims of depositors of the closed Banco Carmona, Inc. (A Rural Bank) on September 9, 2014. Servicing of claims for the bank's Head Office and its PTC Branch will be conducted from September 9 to 11, 2014 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the bank's the Head Office located at J.M. Loyola Street, Carmona, Cavite. The state deposit insurer announced that depositors, regardless of amount of their deposits, should file a claim for deposit insurance. Banco Carmona was ordered closed by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on August 1, 2014. It was taken over by the PDIC on the same day. The PDIC earlier informed depositors that there will be a delay in the payout operations because the owners, officers and employees of the bank did not properly and promptly turn over to the PDIC the records and assets of the bank. Without the complete and updated records, the PDIC was unable to promptly validate bank deposits and determine the amount of insured deposits for payment. In view of this constraint, the claims settlement operations for Banco Carmona has been delayed by 24 days. Payments should have commenced last August 15, 2014. Furthermore, all depositors of the bank had to be required to file claims due to need to establish validity and ownership of deposits. In line with procedures adopted for other closed banks, PDIC has dispensed with filing of claims by depositors with balances of up to P50,000, and mails checks to the depositors within 14 days from takeover date. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original copy of evidence of deposit such as Savings Passbook and Certificate of Time Deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of document requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent and the other requirements. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. PDIC may require additional documents to prove validity and ownership of deposit accounts The procedures and requirements for the filing of deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. Depositors who are not able to file their claims during the claims settlement operations period may submit their claims either through mail to PDIC or personally at the PDIC Office, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City starting September 22, 2014. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Banco Carmona is on August 1, 2016. After this date, PDIC as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. The PDIC said that all valid claims will be paid. For deposits to be considered valid, it must be recorded in the bank's records and must have evidence of inflow of funds, based on the results of PDIC examination. PDIC, as Receiver, has the authority to adjust the interest rate on unpaid interests on deposits of a bank if such rate is deemed unreasonable. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |TOP| DepEd expands educ access for Filipino children in Sabah Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph In its mission to increase access to education for Filipino learners, the Department of Education (DepEd) has forged an understanding with the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, and identified alternative learning centers for the Community-based Education Program in Sabah. “DepEd remains committed in ensuring that the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized are given preferential attention, including our brothers and sisters in Sabah,” DepEd Undersecretary for Partnerships and External Linkages Mario A. Deriquito said. The signed MOU aims to improve—through capacity-building activities, professional, technical and administrative advice, and the provision of learning and instructional materials, among others—the capacity of the ALCs to provide basic literacy to Filipino children in Sabah who have no access to regular education. “Filipino children in Sabah are in a precarious situation and our initiatives are mere first steps in a long journey, but we are hopeful that with the dedication of all stakeholders, we will be able to transform through education the lives of these children for the better,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said. Anchored on the thrust of Education for All, the community-based education program will address the illiteracy among school-aged Filipino learners in Sabah especially those who cannot afford to pay school fees in private schools. It will be carried out in cooperation with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), parents of the learners, and Filipino community volunteers in Sabah. To date, more than 2,200 school-aged Filipino children are enrolled in the ALCs, namely Learning Translation and Review Centre (Keningau), Persatuan Kebajikan Pendidikan Kanak-Kanak Miskin (The Society for Education of Underprivileged Children) (Lahad Datu and Semporna), Sekolah Sukarela Persatuan MAFIL-KOFA (Keningau), Stairway to Hope Learning Center (Kota Kinabalu), Stairway to Success Learning Center (Sandakan), and Vision of Hope Learning Center (Keningau). |TOP| Filipino experts tackle impact evaluation techniques in IEmatters workshops Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph Economists from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the University of the Philippines (UP) took turns discussing techniques in impact evaluation at the IEmatters pre-conference workshops, providing development practitioners with the means to generate evidence that will influence policy. PIDS Senior Research Fellow Aniceto Orbeta on Tuesday (Sept. 2, 2014) gave an overview of regression discontinuity and interrupted time series designs, which exploit the fact that development programs often use arbitrary rules (such as age of the beneficiary) for program placement or eligibility. Such interventions, he said, provide good quasi-experiments by comparing people affected by the rule and those who are not. These designs avoid the ethical issues sometimes faced by methods involving randomized control trials, where treatment is withheld from otherwise eligible people. In regression discontinuity designs, control groups are not eligible, Orbeta said. Accuracy and precision are important to good measurement but there will be tradeoffs between the two, he added. UP economist Joseph Capuno on Monday (Sept. 1, 2014) introduced propensity score matching, one of the common matching methods. Matching methods use a comparison group where the ideal comparison group is selected such that it matches the treatment group using either a comprehensive baseline survey or time invariant characteristics. Matches are selected on the basis of similarities in observed characteristics. Stella Quimbo, also a UP economist, discussed the approach of instrumental variables to impact evaluation, which involves a non-experimental method using regressions to estimate program impact. The instrument, she explained, is a variable that is correlated with program placement but has no direct effect on the outcomes of interest. More than 400 delegates are in Manila for the first-ever large-scale international conference on impact evaluation in Asia, co-organized by the Asian Development Bank, the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation or 3ie, and PIDS. Pre-conference workshops started Monday, Sept. 1 and will end Sept. 3. The conference proper will be from Sept. 3 to 5. PIDS is co-organizing the conference in conjunction with the 12th Development Policy Research Month, a nationwide observance promoting evidence-based policymaking. Visit the conference website: http://impactevaluation2014.org |TOP| Ombudsman indicts former city mayor, 6 others in fertilizer fund scam Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict a former mayor of Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and six private individuals implicated in the anomalous expenditure of public funds intended for the Farm Inputs and Farm Implements Program (FIFIP) of the Department of Agriculture (DA). In a 17-page Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of an Information against former Mayor Omar Ali and private respondents Jaime Paule, Marilyn Araos, Marites Aytona, Leonicia Llarena, Minda Bombase and Joselito Flordeliza, President of the National Organization for Agricultural Enhancement and Productivity Incorporated (NOAEPI) for violation of Section 3(e) in relation to Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. According to the Resolution, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was entered into between Mayor Ali, NOAEPI President Flordeliza and DA Regional Field Unit X (DA-RFU X) Director Rufo Chan, Jr. on 06 May 2004. Under the MOA, NOAEPI received the amount of P1,999,500.00 from DA-RFU X in two tranches to cover the payment for 1,333 bottles of liquid organic fertilizer priced at P1,500.00 per bottle bought from Feshan Philippines, Inc. The Resolution found that Paule, Araos, Aytona, Llarena, and Bombase conspired with Flordeliza and Ali in diverting the fund received by NOAEPI and Feshan. Findings made by the Commission on Audit (COA) reveal that NOAEPI was awarded the contract even if the NGO’s total equity is only P468,868.40 and that no List of Farmer Beneficiaries or Distribution List was submitted to support the liquidation. COA findings also determined that the fertilizers were overpriced as its actual price is only P150.00 per bottle and not P1,500.00. The Resolution also cited that Mayor Ali “failed to monitor and ascertain the status of the project, the proper utilization of the fund, and the receipt of the fertilizers by the farmer beneficiaries,” resulting to injury to the City of Marawi. In approving the Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that “in the performance of his official duty, Ali acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence, and gave unwarranted benefit to NOAEPI, and entered into a contract that is gross and manifestly disadvantageous to the government.” Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 provides that it shall be unlawful for any public officer or private person in conspiracy with them, to perform his official duty or in relation to his public position, to act with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable neglect, thereby causing undue injury to the Government or any private party, or to give any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference. Meanwhile, the charges against City Administrator Nasser Sampaco, Municipal Treasurer Anggay Abdullah, Municipal Accountant Potre Taurak, State Auditor Pundug Laguindab, and Deonilla Gregorio and Redentor Antolin, both from Feshan Philippines, Inc. were dismissed for lack of probable cause, while the complaint for Malversation of Public Funds was dismissed for lack of merit. |TOP| Tuguegarao City mayor, administrator dismissed Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph For issuing a special permit to operate a baratilyo and ordering the closure of three city streets without prior legislative approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the mayor and city administrator of Tuguegarao City were meted out the penalty of dismissal from the service. In a Decision issued by the Office of the Ombudsman, Mayor Jefferson Soriano and City Administrator Ronald Brillantes were found guilty of Grave Misconduct and were also criminally charged with two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). The Decision narrates that on 18 July 2013, Soriano sent a letter-request to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for authority to conduct a baratilyo as part of the city’s fiesta celebration and to close portions of the Gomez, Del Rosario, and Gonzaga streets for such purpose from August to September 2013. However, a week earlier, Soriano and Brillantes issued a special permit to businesswoman Vicky Medina to exclusively conduct carnival and baratilyo operation. It was also established that city roads were closed without the Sanggunian’s approval. In approving the findings, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said that“by issuing the Special Permit to Medina on 11 July 2013, respondents deliberately pre-empted, if not circumvented, the will of the local legislative body and granted a privilege to a private party without the benefit of negotiations, and without taking into account the safety, operation, and financial conditions that the Sangguniang Panlungsod was able to lay down through a City Resolution only on 31 July 2013.” Ombudsman Morales emphasized that the “law prohibits the mere giving of unwarranted benefit… The mere fostering of an uneven playing field in the conferment of a public privilege is, in itself, injurious to public interest.” Insofar as the road closure is concerned, the Ombudsman said that “the City Mayor has no plenary authority to unilaterally cause the closure of local roads” as such closure of local roads, even on a temporary basis, must bear legislative, and not simply executive fiat.” Section 3(e) of R.A. No. 3019 provides that it shall be unlawful for any public officer or private person in conspiracy with them, to perform his official duty or in relation to his public position, to act with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable neglect, thereby causing undue injury to the Government, or any private party, or to give unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference. In addition to dismissal from the service, Soriano and Brillantes face the accessory penalties of cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and bar from taking civil service examinations. |TOP| BSP honors its stakeholders in Zamboanga City Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Deputy Governor Vicente S. Aquino led the awards ceremony for stakeholders of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in Region IX during the annual appreciation lunch held at the Multi-Purpose Room, BSP Zamboanga New Generation Building, Zamboanga City on 9 September 2014. Universal Canning, Incorporated (UCI) was chosen as the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES) in Region IX. UCI is one of the largest and most dynamic marine industrial conglomerates in the Philippines. A.L. Gonzales and Sons, Inc. was also recognized as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms in Region IX. The company is a distributor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) products and retailer of household appliances in Zamboanga City. The Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments was awarded to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), Zamboanga City. Meanwhile, the Zamboanga City Bankers & Financiers Association received the award for Outstanding Regional Partner in Currency Programs of the BSP. Through this annual event, the BSP gives recognition to BES respondents as well as to public and private institutions that have provided strong support for the BSP’s various statistical undertakings, information requirements, and advocacy programs. The event attests to the successful alliances that have helped the BSP maintain price and financial stability and ensure an effective payments and settlements system. Stakeholders of the BSP in the National Capital Region were earlier recognized during the awards ceremony at the BSP Main Office on 9 July 2014. This year’s stakeholders’ awards marks the fifth time that the BSP has held its annual stakeholder’s awards in Region IX and is the eighth in a series of 11 regional events for this year. |TOP| One year after: Zamboanga City rises from the ashes of armed of conflict Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Zamboanga City – One year after the armed conflict between the military and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)-Misuari faction here, new communities have risen in various areas established by the government as transitional and permanent resettlement sites for families who lost their homes. In Barangay Tulungatong, a transitional site, for instance, where 412 families have already transferred, is now a busy community. Around 25 bunkhouses with 300 rooms were built here by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and partners. Internally displaced Sama-Badjaos who used to occupy the Cawa-Cawa Boulevard are now in transitional and permanent shelters, re-establishing their community. Now, the area is free from family-evacuees and the local government unit (LGU) is cleaning up the area. In Buggoc, 54 families have recently transferred to the single-detached transitional houses. More families are expected to transfer upon completion of some 163 units by October 2014. Rogelio Olbido’s family was among the first to call the shelter in the area, their new home. Rogelio, 72, said “Nasa ligtas na bahay na po kami (We are now in a safe house).” DSWD said that around 1,906 families have transferred to transitional shelters/bunkhouses which are now serving as temporary homes to the displaced families while waiting for their permanent houses. Rising from the ravages of conflict, the internally displaced persons (IDPs) have transformed these empty sites into a thriving community, showcasing rows of homes with neat, small gardens planted with vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants; sari-sari stores, children playing, families doing their laundry or going about their household chores, and neighbors chatting animatedly. With the help of the government and partner humanitarian organizations, the survivors of the siege have found renewed hope in these transitional sites. Some permanent shelters have already been constructed, such as the Martha Permanent Shelter, now with 44 families Teresa Maru, shared “Masaya na ang buhay naming dito sa Martha shelter (We are happy here at the Martha permanent shelter).” This was affirmed by Lilia Fuentebella, 74. “Salamat sa pabahay na ito na tulong ng gobyerno. Nabago po ang buhay namin (Thanks to this housing provided by government, our lives have changed).” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that all displaced families, especially those still living in the Zamboanga Grandstand, will be transferred to safer homes by year end. “The goal is to close all evacuation centers and move all families to shelters. Our target is that by December 15, the Grandstand will be empty as the families there will have already been given temporary or permanent shelters,” she pointed out. The Secretary however calls for a ” real durable solution” to the problem. “While we have shelter as the temporary answer to the problem of internal displacement, the real durable solution to all this is peace in Zamboanga and in the country,” Sec. Soliman explained. Response The course of the armed conflict affected a total of 23,794 families in 14 barangays such as Arena Blanco, Cabatangan, Calarian, Canelar, Kasanyangan, Mampang, Mariki, Rio Hondo, San Roque, Sta. Barbara, Sta Catalina, Talon-Talon, and Zone IV. Massive destruction was recorded in eight out of the 14 barangays, which were the location of the actual conflict. These were Arena Blanco, Kasanyangan, Mampang, Mariki, Rio Hondo, Barbara, Sta. Catalina and Talon-Talon. More than 20,000 families were displaced due to the prolonged fighting which left 10,160 houses totally destroyed. The massive destruction of properties and businesses created a setback in the entire socioeconomic status of the Zamboangueños. As soon as the armed conflict ensued, the local government led by Mayor Beng Climaco and the national government wasted no time in responding to the urgent needs of the affected families. Evacuation centers were immediately established to accommodate the displaced families. DSWD provided food assistance to the most vulnerable displaced families, including psycho-social interventions. Based on the record, DSWD provided a total of 553,120 food packs to evacuees which amounted to more than P264 million. Likewise, the Department provided non-food items such as mats, malong, hygiene kits which cost P7,696,558.50 Recognizing the needs of the IDPs for livelihood, DSWD also implemented the cash-for-work program which benefited 466 individuals amounting to P3.8 million for two-months-worth of work. In partnership with DSWD, the World Food Programme (WFP) also provided food-for-work, distributing to 18,000 IDPs a total of 18,000 bags of rice to amounting to P22.5 million. To address the psycho-social needs of the evacuees especially the children, DSWD conducted counseling, and art and play therapy sessions. Stress debriefing was also conducted to IDPs in evacuation centers. Road to recovery With “Build Back Better Zamboanga” as the working goal, the national government, the LGU, and civil society organizations continued to converge their services to achieve this. Sec. Soliman said that the way to recovery is to enable the IDPs to regain their productive capacity. Providing an opportunity to earn is also a key component towards rebuilding the IDP’s lives, the Department strengthened its livelihood program for the affected families. Not far away from the Buggoc Transitory shelter where the Sama-Badjaos have transferred, they are now seen fixing things in their boats ready to go out into the sea to catch fish. Likewise, DSWD provided 2,483 families with livelihood assistance amounting to P20,173,880 to start their own sources of livelihood. Complementing the livelihood assistance are DSWD’s other programs and services for the IDPs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Supplementary Feeding Program, and Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, among others. Sec. Soliman is confident that with the continued convergence of services, building back a better Zamboanga is not far behind, prompting her to express her dream for the city. “My vision for the city is the Vinta – colorful and sailing away to a brighter future in Zamboanga.” |TOP|

Last Updated: 10 SEPTEMBER 2014 Alternative photo archive with high resolutions Please click on thumbnails to magnify President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Spain Ambassador Luis Antonio Calvo during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ambassador Dr. Gamini Samaranayake during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo byBenhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Chech Republic Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10) .The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. ( Photo by Gil Nartea/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqb hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing are Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing is Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Also in photo are Secretary Teresita Quinto-Deles, Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker of the House Feliciano Belomnte, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Also in photo are Secretary Teresita Quinto-Deles and Chairman Mohagher Iqbal. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the Draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte,Jr and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10). The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing are Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll graces the Asean Business Awards Philippines held at New World Hotel in Makati City,Tuesday (September 9).The Asean Business Awards Philippines aims to recognize outstanding local enterprises and use its platform to spread knowledge about the ASEAN Economic Community. Also in photo is Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Asean Business Advisory Council Philippines (Photo by BenhurArcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech at the Asean Business Awards Philippines held at New World Hotel in Makati City,Tuesday (September 9).The Asean Business Awards Philippines aims to recognize outstanding local enterprises and use its platform to spread knowledge about the Asean Economic Community. (Photo by Gil Nartea | BenhurArcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the exhibit area upon arrival for the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the Function Hall 3, SMX Convention Center of the SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are, PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the Function Hall 3, SMX Convention Center of the SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino and PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the exhibit area upon arrival for the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. present the medals and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is: “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is: “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim /  Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. presents the medals and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr., upon arrival for the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim /  Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Foreign Chamber Council of the Philippines (FCCP) officers for a photo souvenir during the oathtaking ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday(September 03). The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Edward Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs, Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice Chairman External Affairs, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade And Commerce, Ram Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman, Philip Chien FCCP Chairman, Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice Chairman-Ways and Means, and Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility, Eddie B H Yeo FCCP Vice Chairman Tresury and Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And Information. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the Foreign Chamber Council of the Philippines (FCCP) officers in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (September 03). The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Philip Chien FCCP Chairman, Ram Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman,Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice Chairman-Ways and Means, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade And Commerce,Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice Chairman External Affairs, Edward Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs,Eddie B H Yeo FCCP Vice Chairman Tresury, Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And Information and Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly appointed government officials in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly appointed National Peace and Order Council officials in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo is Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in government officials for a photo souvenir after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Jose Favia for a photo souvenir after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner-at-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and TV host/actress Marian Rivera. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the Department of Health (DOH) Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September, 01). With the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Janette Garin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Janette Garin and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo is Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona leads the ceremonial “patak” of oral polio vaccine during the Launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Undersecretary Dr. Janette Garin and Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Enrique Tayag. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Randy Halasan from the Philippines as being one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY