24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 15 October 2014Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 15 October 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 15 October 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
At 4:00 AM today, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 500 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur (8.5˚N, 131.0˚E).
Forecast:
Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Central and Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Northern Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms while the Regions Of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the east to northeast over Eastern Visayas. The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast to north with slight to moderate seas.
PAGASA weather forecaster Leony Sarmiento on DZBB:
Re: Yellow rainfall warning advisory
-Heavy rain or yellow rainfall sa Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila (southern part) at ilang bahagi ng Bulacan. Tatagal ito 8:30AM-11:30AM.
-May banta ng pagbaha sa mga nabanggit na lugar.
-Mahinang pag-ulan naman ang mararanasan sa Cavite, Pampanga, Quezon.
Re: Yellow rainfall warning advisory
-Heavy rain or yellow rainfall sa Rizal, Laguna, Metro Manila (southern part) at ilang bahagi ng Bulacan. Tatagal ito 8:30AM-11:30AM.
-May banta ng pagbaha sa mga nabanggit na lugar.
-Mahinang pag-ulan naman ang mararanasan sa Cavite, Pampanga, Quezon.
PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada:
-Sa ngayon, nasa ilalim pa rin ng yellow rainfall advisory ang Kamaynilaan, Rizal, Laguna, at mga bahagi ng Bulacan. Pinagmomo-monitor ang mga residente sa mabababang lugar sa posibleng pagbaha.
-Ang mga pag-ulan na ito ay dahil sa shear line, ang zone kung saan nagsasalubong ang mabilis na hangin na nagreresulta sa mabilis ding paglikha ng ulap. Dahil sa northeast at easterly winds na galing sa sirkulasyon ng LPA na ating binabantayan ay nagkaroon ng cloud formation sa malaking bahagi ng Central Luzon, Southern Luzon at Metro Manila.
-Tuloy-tuloy na mahina hanggang katamtamang ang bagsak ng ulan dahil sa shear line. Bumababa na sa Bicol at Visayas ang shear line pero asahan pa rin ang mahinang pag-ulan ngayong umaga sa Metro Manila.
-Kinahapunan naman ay asahan ang pulo-pulong pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.
-Samantala makakaranas naman ng mahina hanggang sa katamtaman at kung minsa'y malakas na pag-ulan sa Eastern Samar, Samar, Northern Samar, Leyte, at Biliran sa loob ng hanggang dalawang oras dahil sa LPA.
-Hindi nakikitang magiging ganap na bagyo itong LPA dahil malapit na ito sa kalupaan. Nasa karagatan pa rin ito sa layong 500 kilometro silangan ng Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.
-May gale warning pa rin sa northern at eastern seaboards ng Northern Luzon.
DZMM:
Hindi magpapadala ng mga health worker ang pamahalaan sa mga lugar na
tinamaan ng Ebola virus. Sinabi ni Sec. Sonny Coloma na sisiguraduhin na
lamang ng pamahalaan na hindi kakalat sa bansa ang nasabing sakit.
Pinaghahandaan naman ngayon ng pamahalaan ang voluntary repatriation ng
mga OFW mula sa Liberia kasunod ng anunsiyo ng DFA na itatas sa crisis
alert level 3 ang sitwasyon doon.
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| Government, private sector must work together to sustain growth of BPO sector, says President Aquino | |||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
International IT Business Process Management Summit 2014
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Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Makati City
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14 Oct. 2014
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| Today, I have the pleasure of addressing the leaders and stakeholders of an
industry with one of the most fascinating success stories in recent memory.
Not long ago, the Philippines was the global IT-BPM industry’s best kept
secret. Despite our status as one of the largest English speaking nations on
Earth, and despite our high literacy rate, somehow, in the year 2000, there
were only a few BPO companies operating in the Philippines; your industry
only employed a few thousand workers, and had yearly revenues of just a few
million dollars. There was no concerted effort to capitalize on this
advantage; on the contrary, I am told that some early BPO companies even
went to extra lengths to remain silent about their operations here, because
they feared new competitors in the market and wished to safeguard their tiny
niche. Perhaps some of you here today can still remember the turning point: Then Secretary of Trade and Industry Mar Roxas took notice of the massive potential of your sector, reached out to industry leaders, and launched an organization whose purpose was to convince global companies to invest in the Philippines’ IT-BPM sector. Eventually, through the confluence of efforts between the public and private sectors, and due to the sheer talent and skill of our greatest resource, the Filipino people, you succeeded in doing just that. Since then, your industry has gone from success to success, and the transformation of the IT-BPM sector over the last decade has been staggering. Anywhere you look these days, you will find indicators of the industry’s excellent performance: Your companies are recruiting workers through billboards along EDSA, through advertisements on the backs of buses, and through banner ads on the Internet. May I take note that I am also very captivated by these ads that offer breakfast just for you to apply. [Laughter] And once you are accepted, they say that the blowout dinner is on them. Not too long ago, I think Mario Montejo and Greg Domingo were the ones who had to give breakfast to the interviewees just to be interviewed. [Laughter] There are also increasingly positive reports about your performance. I was pleased to find out, for instance, that this year, Manila leapfrogged over Mumbai to take the number two spot in the 2014 Tholons Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations Report. Not to mention the fact that six other Philippine cities also made it to the list, namely: Cebu, Davao, Sta. Rosa, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio. I have also been informed that, as of September 2014, employment in your industry has reached the one million mark, which makes me hopeful that by 2016, you will meet, if not exceed, your target of employing more than 1.3 million Filipinos. But since your industry is known for innovation, I think you will do better than a 15-percent growth on a yearly basis. And may we add that during our recent European and North American trip, we made it a point to convince more of those that have been investing in this sector to do so much more, and I think they will… I will leave it up to Greg to give you the details of this. Might I point out, as you know these jobs take on a multiplier effect. They empower your employees to frequent convenience stores and coffee shops; to buy more prepaid load for their mobile phones; to pay their rent, if not invest in condominiums for themselves; and to ride public transport, if not purchase their own vehicles. I’m told also that traffic is now—you’re part of the traffic, being victims and also contributors. [Laughter] There is supposed to be a market in our auto industry catering specifically in your sector, and they are all projecting a 20-percent increase in sales or year-to-year basis. In short, ladies and gentlemen, these one million jobs are equivalent to a million productive employees and empowered consumers, who stimulate the economy and, in turn, create even more jobs, thus spurring a virtuous cycle of inclusive growth. The tangible benefits that your industry brings to our people, by tapping their innate skill, talent, and creativity, has never been clearer, and I stand here today to tell you that our government has every intention of helping you continue growing and empowering our people. We are highly aware of your companies’ need to continue hiring people with the right skill sets for the jobs that are available, which is why we have continued to enhance the capacities of our Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Over the course of our administration, we have invested more than 1.3 billion pesos in our Training for Work Scholarship Program for the IT-BPM sector. This includes the part of the program conducted in partnership with your association, which produced more than 65,000 graduates, 70.7 percent of whom are already working for you. Rest assured that, under the leadership of my “elder brother,” Secretary Joel Villanueva, [laughter] TESDA will continue working to optimize this program further and improve the employment rate of its graduates. We have also allocated 125 million pesos for the roll out of the Service Management Program under the Commission on Higher Education, which we are conducting in partnership with your association as well. It is a 21-unit course designed to arm our students with the skill sets needed for entry-level positions in your industry. As of June of this year, we have trained 545 instructors to teach subjects for this program, with more training sessions scheduled in the coming months. I am certain that this will be a welcome boost in developing our Next Wave Cities, and in spurring the continued growth of your industry, not just in Metro Manila, but across the entire archipelago. It is clear: As your industry discusses how to approach and overcome the challenges that arise, we will also be there, as a constant and steady partner. Government will continue to listen to your concerns and proposals, all to ensure that the Philippines stays a global leader in IT-BPM far into the future. The story of the IT-BPM industry in the Philippines is one of hard work, ingenuity, sacrifices, and success. I am confident that, in the future, countries around the world will be looking to the Philippine example to see how we managed to achieve such striking success and become a global industry leader in just a short number of years. However, we must also realize that the success of this industry has always been rooted in innovation, perseverance, and an eye for opportunity. This is why we must continue working together, public and private sector alike, to find new ways of maximizing the potential of our people, and to consolidate our leadership position in this industry. We can do precisely that in events such as this, where we are able to share and improve our ideas. Without doubt, this is the best way to make certain that this industry’s remarkable story of growth continues without end; that more and more Filipinos are able to enter this industry and have long, rewarding careers; and that IT-BPM in the Philippines can continue being a platform to show the entire globe that the Filipino works, and that the Filipino is, indeed, world class. And as final note, may I thank you for being part of the efforts to bring our OFWs back home Thank you. Good day. |
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| Signing of the Bilateral Swap Arrangement between Japan and the Philippines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Bank of Japan, acting as the agent for the Minister of Finance
of Japan, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signed the third
Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) on 6 October 2014. The arrangement
is an expansion of the current BSA where the amount that the
Philippines can swap is doubled from 6 to 12 billion US dollars,
while Japan can swap up to 500 million US dollars. Aside from the
crisis resolution facility, this arrangement also introduces a new
feature in the form of a crisis prevention scheme to address
potential liquidity needs. The authorities in Japan and the Philippines hope that the strengthened bilateral financial cooperation will contribute to the stability of the financial markets, and further develop growing economic and trade ties between the two countries. |
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| Empowering workers and sustaining enterprises is key theme of biennial 2014 National Productivity Convention | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Empowering Filipino workers and sustaining the country's
enterprises through productivity and innovation will be the key
buzzwords that participants will hear and discuss in the 2014
National Productivity Convention that will take place on Wednesday,
16 October, at the Heritage Hotel in Manila. "We look forward to the 2014 National Productivity Convention for it will offer us the opportunity to engage micro, small, and medium enterprises--the backbone of the Philippine economy--on the important issue of productivity and innovation which is key to empowering our workers and sustaining the growth of our enterprises towards regional and global competitiveness," said Baldoz as she primes up publicity for the biennial event. "This Convention is our contribution to the celebration of October as the National Quality and Productivity Month," she added. Secretary Baldoz will deliver a keynote address at the Convention. This is the third National Productivity Convention since it was first held six years ago. The National Wages and Productivity Commission, which is organizing and hosting the event, said it had chosen the theme,“Productivity, Innovation, and Enterprise Development: Empowering Workers, Sustaining Enterprises”, as fitting to the thrust of the DOLE of putting productivity and innovation to the fore of its roadmap to decent work that will contribute to the national goal of massive employment generation and substantial poverty reduction. NWPC Acting Executive Director Patricia Hornilla said the NWPC expects over 250 Convention delegates and participants representing the public and private sector organizations, as well as champions and advocates in the productivity movement. Main activity at the Convention will be a research forum where experts and resource speakers from the International Labor Organization and Gawad Kalinga Foundation will present studies and researches on the importance of workforce cooperation and character building in promoting productivity. On policy, Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry will present a paper on trade reforms, competition, and innovation in relation to the ASEAN Economic Integration 2015, while Undersecretary Fortunato dela Pena of the Department of Science and Technology will present a paper on innovation-led development path in the Philippines. Like in the previous two National Productivity Convention, the NWPC and its partners will use the event to kick-off the 2015 Productivity Olympics, the country's national competition for best productivity improvement practices among MSMEs. "We will unveil the objectives, criteria, mechanics, and prizes of the 2015 Productivity Olympics during the event and hear testimonials from past Olympic winners," said Director Hornilla. Also in the Convention, Baldoz will lead officials and partners in the official launch of the DOLE's newest free programs and services to MSMEs, the Productivity Toolbox, an integrated, ladderized, and needs-based package of productivity improvement programs to assist MSMEs in implementing work process improvements, utilizing resources more efficiently, reducing errors, accidents, downtime, and customer complaints, and improving product quality and delivery. Expected to deliver messages in the Convention are former Senator Ernesto Herrera of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-ITUC; Edgardo Lacson, President of the Employers' Confederation of the Philippines; DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado; NEDA Deputy Director General Emmanuel F. Esguerra; and Hon. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles, Chairperson of the House of Representatives's Committee on Labor and Employment. |
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| POEA Governing Board bans deployment of OFWs to Yemen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the Governing Board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, of which she is the Chairperson, has approved a resolution imposing a total ban on the processing and deployment of all OFWs to Yemen, both returning and newly-hired, effective immediately. The ban is contained in Governing Board Resolution No. 27, Series of 2014, signed by Baldoz; Hans Leo J. Cacdac, POEA Administrator and Vice-Chair of the Governing Board; and members Felix M. Oca, Estrelita S. Hizon, Alexander E. Asuncion, and Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal. In raising the crisis alert level for Yemen, the DFA, in a letter to the POEA Governing Board, said that while the current situation in Sana'a, Yemen is relatively peaceful following the signing on 21 September of a UN-brokered Peace and Partnership Agreement between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, Houthi forces remain in Sana'a and have imposed their control on checkpoints and some government buildings. "They also continue to enter the homes of previous government ministers who they have targeted and identified as pro-Isla, the country's main Islamist Sunni party and the Houthis' biggest rival," the DFA said in its letter. The total deployment ban is in accordance with the raising by the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Crisis Alert Level for Yemen from Alert Level 2, or Restriction Phase, to Alert Level 3, or Voluntary Repatriation Phase. The DFA further said "the Peace and Partnership Agreement is complex and difficult to implement, and therefore, Yemen's future as a country remains uncertain." Furthermore, it said the senior political adviser to the UN Special Envoy to yemen has not dismissed the possibility that other groups, such as the Hirak Movement in the south of Yemen, who are separatists; Sunni Salafists, and the Islah Party, as well as the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, will try to take advantage of the unsettled situation, rendering the situation unpredictable. In the country's Crisis Alert Level System, Alert Level 3 is issued when violent disturbances or external aggression occur in a limited area and that Filipinos in this area are enjoined to return to the Philippines and the DOLE automatically imposes absolute deployment ban. “The POEA Governing Board automatically issues a total ban on the processing and deployment of all OFWs under Alert Level 3 and the government encourages OFWs remaining in a certain area to go home to the Philippines," said Baldoz, adding: “I encourage every OFWs in Yemen to be very vigilant and to contact the Philippine Embassy in Yemen for their trip back to the Philippines." The POEA Governing Board re-imposed a total ban on the processing and deployment of both returning and newly-hired OFWs to Yemen on 10 December 2013 following the bomb attack at the Yemeni defense ministry complex on 5 December that resulted to the death of seven Filipinos and injury to 11 other OFWs. On 13 February 2014, the Governing Board issued GBR No. 2 Series of 2014 allowing the re-deployment of returning OFWs to Yemen, subject to proof of existing employment as determined by the POEA, but maintaining the processing and deployment ban for newly-hired OFWs. The lifting of the ban came after the signing of the Peace and Partnership Agreement between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. The POEA said deployment of OFWs to Yemen in 2013 reached only 646, with 571 of them re-hires and 75 new hires. Baldoz said that with the imposition of the total ban to Yemen, she has instructed the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh, which exercises jurisdiction over OFW affairs in Yemen, to closely coordinate with Philippine Embassy officials in Riyadh and in Yemen in continually monitoring the situation with the end in view of securing the welfare and protection of OFWs in that country. She also advised OFWs in Yemen to return to the Philippines. Should the situation in Yemen worsens demanding voluntary or mandatory repatriation, Baldoz said the government, through the DOLE, is prepared to provide returning OFWs from Yemen appropriate assistance services and programs under the new "Assist WELL Program", a reintegration package that addresses the Welfare, Employment, Legal, and Livelihood needs of repatriated OFWs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pedals of hope | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valle Hermoso, Negros Oriental- After losing her husband in a fatal
accident four years ago, Helen Balasabas Ombrero, 47, has doubled
her efforts to fulfill her responsibilities to her six children. Such is a huge task for a petite mother who stands 4’10 tall, but Helen is not complaining. Helen earns a living by doing farm duties like tilling the field and planting corn and root crops. She also collects fire woods she can sell. Helen only earns an average from P100 to P150 a day, clearly not enough for her family’s daily needs. Her income doing farm duties could not also suffice for her to send all her children to school. Another setback, Helen shared, is when she has to take care of anyone of her children when he or she gets sick. This would mean sacrificing a day’s work in order for her to attend to her sick child. The family also lost their house in a fire last year, which has worsened the family’s living conditions. After the incident, some of Helen’s kids were even seen begging on the streets. Gains from Pantawid Helen saw hope when she became a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program because she now receives cash grants that help her send Susan, 15, and Myrna, 11, to school. Pantawid Pamilya is one of the core poverty reduction programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that focuses on human capital investment through the provision of health and education cash grants to eligible poor households. According to this town’s municipal link Emmalinda Alarcio, Helen has been actively joining Pantawid Pamilya Family Development Sessions (FDS), which had improved her views in life as she became more aware of her responsibilities towards her children. FDS is a gathering of 25-35 parent-beneficiaries, as part of the program conditionalities which they should comply to continue receiving the cash grants, where they discuss topics that aim to strengthen and enhance their parental roles. Livelihood support Helen’s optimism remained high, especially that her family was among the 31 recipients of brand new trisikads provided by DSWD through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). SLP is a community-based capacity building program that seeks to improve the socio-economic status of program participants. It is implemented through the Community-Driven Enterprise Development (CDED) approach, which equips the program participants to actively contribute to production and labor markets by making use of available resources and accessible markets. The beneficiaries of the brand new trisikads are members of the Vallehermoso Trisikad Association (VALTA). A trisikad is a regular bicycle mounted to a sidecar costing P9,345. “Mapasalamaton kaayo ko nga nakadawat ko niining bag-o nga trisikad kay akong bana sauna usa ka trisikad driver. Samtang nagpa-abot kos akong kinamagulangang anak nga tua pa sa Cebu ako lang usa ang mugamit niini para naa me panudan (I am very grateful with this new trisikad because my late husband used to be a trisikad driver. Now, we have our own trisikad. In the meantime, I will be the one to drive this to earn a living while waiting for my second child to arrive from Cebu),” Helen said. Moreover, Helen is also optimistic that she can send her other kids to school now that they no longer rent a trisikad. During the turn-over ceremony, the President of VALTA, John Anog, vowed that they will take care of the trisikads adding that members have agreed to pool in P20 from their income as monthly dues for maintenance. The group also plans to acquire more units to help other members of the organization get their own trisikads. Bobby Fat, 41, who is also a recipient of trisikad, expressed his deep appreciation because he had longed wish of buying his own unit. Aside from being a trisikad driver, Bobby also does farming to support his five children. DSWD- Field Office VII Director Mercedita Jabagat graced the turn-over rites together with Mayor Joniper Villegas, and Angelo Tiongson representing Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. Dir. Jabagat encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the units as they are the first in the region to have received such aid. “I hope the next time I visit here, the trisikads are still in good condition. I also challenge VALTA to set an example for other groups to follow,” she said. The Field Office will also implement the project in other towns in the region, which were hit by Typhoon Yolanda. |
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| DPWH to effect protection works on Philippines highest bridge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio
L. Singson directed DPWH Region 8 to protect the structural
stability of Agas-Agas Bridge, the highest bridge in the Philippines
situated along the Daang Maharlika in Sogod, Southern Leyte. Singson said that in view of the observed occurrence of landslides and scouring at bridge piers 1 and 2 following recent experienced of heavy rains in the area, this could seriously damage the foundation of the superstructure if neglected. DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis reported that they have already taken measures to facilitate the appropriate restoration and rehabilitation methods. Program of work and plan to protect the bridge from imminent damage are being readied for submission to the DPWH Central Office, added Asis. In an inspection on August 2014 by a team of engineers led by Southern Leyte District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia, it was found that the 84 meter high and 350 meter long concrete bridge is exposed to damage risks since the ground where both the two piers of the bridge (Bridge Pier I and Bridge Pier II) are rooted has scoured – in addition that the access road to underneath the bridge had collapsed. The landslide and scouring that occurred are only about 10 meters apart from both bridge piers. Previous preventive measures applied such as drainage canals and gabion flood controls were all washed out. The bridge structure inaugurated in 2009 is a vital link in the Eastern Visayas road network and was built with tourism amenities for extreme sports like bungee jumping. |
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| DPWH advisory for alternative routes to Manila Airport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Aware of the impact on traffic of the on-going NAIA (Ninoy Aquino
International Airport) Expressway within the bounds of Pasay and
Parañaque Cities, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
advises motorists to consider EDSA and Roxas Boulevard in going to
and from the airport. As construction activities shift to high gear at NAIA Expressway, a 7.15 kilometer four (4) lane elevated expressway project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Program, we anticipate that vehicular movement along the vicinity of Andrews Avenue, Domestic Road, MIA Road and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard will be affected by the on-going works, said DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. Singson advised that while the proponent San Miguel Corporation thru their infrastructure arm Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc. and their nominated civil work contractors will do their best to manage traffic along the road network traverse by the project, we hope the motorists and commuters will also plan their trips, be aware of the traffic conditions leading to airport, and take other route options. To date, cumulative work accomplishment is at 10.6% with construction implementation divided into two phases: phase II-A between Entertainment City to NAIA Terminals 1 & 2 and phase II-B from Domestic Road to Terminal 3 at Sales Street. The project will provide better access to the NAIA and PAGCOR Entertainment City and will connect to the Skyway network of Metro Manila with the existing Manila South Luzon Expressway at Sales Interchange. About 80,000 travellers per day will benefit from reduced travel time once the elevated road opens as scheduled by October 2015. |
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| Inclusive growth happening now; forum on “Inclusive Growth Through Inclusive Business” marks BOI’s 47th Anniversary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inclusive growth is no longer a mere concept in today’s advancing
economic growth. Equitable opportunities for economic participants
include a large part of a country’s labor force which has a direct
link between the macro and micro determinants of progress. As part of its 47th year Anniversary, the Board of Investments (BOI), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), conducted a forum for its registered enterprises to promote Inclusive Business (IB) models. “Through this endeavor, we plan to mainstream IB into the government industrial policy and influence other government agencies in advocating for similar policies,” Industry Development Group (IDG) Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Adrian Cristobal Jr. said. The Asian Development Bank defines “Inclusive Business” as a commercially viable profit-making entity, where private companies’ core business solutions are designed to address social issues and benefit the poor and vulnerable by engaging them as producer, employee, distributor or consumer of goods and services. “We welcome the partnership with the ADB in the design of the Project Preparatory and Technical Assistance (PPTA). BOI will be working with the ADB for the preparatory studies, capacity building and the start up loan activities,” Cristobal added. “Inclusive Growth through Inclusive Business,” the topic of BOI”s Trade and Industry (TID) Updates forum , was attended by BOI-registered firms from various sectors and top officers from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), PHINMA Property Holdings, Kennemer Foods International and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP). Cristobal said that DTI and BOI programs and initiatives to support the country’s inclusive growth agenda is a priority of the agency. Among these supporting activities are trade and investment facilitations, ease of doing business reforms, more inclusive industry roadmaps, providing incentives and Shared Services Facilities (SSF). From providing incentives, to requiring socialized housing projects, and development of industry roadmaps. Since 2012, BOI has conducted a series of seminars to inform various offices of the DTI to discuss the role of IB in nation-building and economic development. IB workshops will also be conducted within the year with focus on manufacturing, mass housing, tourism, and health sectors to equip the BOI in IB project facilitation and accreditation. |
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| Beacons of excellence conferred PQC awards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently awarded three
companies for organizational improvement and performance excellence.
At the recently concluded 2014 Philippine Quality Challenge (PQC)
Awarding Ceremonies and Forum, Taters Enterprises, Inc. (TEI),
Eurotel Hotel Makati, and Clinic Systems Inc. (Alabang Medical
Clinic Branch) were recognized for the improvement in their
management systems and practices. “We have been promoting this quality challenge, encouraging companies to stretch themselves and aspire for excellence because whether you like it or not, the competition is here. That’s the nature of a globalized economy. The work that we have been doing since 2010 is geared towards enhancing competitiveness to seize opportunities in the ASEAN Economic Community,” DTI-Industry Development Group (IDG) Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. said in his keynote speech. TEI is a home grown, family-owned franchise of the Taters Snack League fast-food chain. It started as a small take-out snack bar at the Greenbelt Cinema Makati in August 1994, founded by TEI’s President, Ana Maria Tanchanco. The store initially offered three snack favorites: popcorn, peanuts and fries, of a unique and distinctive taste and quality. Coupled with its all-American baseball theme, freshly cooked, tasteful food and modest pricing, it was an instant success to the cinema-going market. Eurotel Hotel Makati is part of the fastest growing chain of Businessman’s Hotel in the Philippines, offering elegant yet affordable lodging facilities for individuals, couples, groups, tourists and travelers and is located right at the heart of the busy Metro Makati. With its unique and classy lobby and receiving area, Eurotel boasts of its modern European elegance coupled with its traditional Filipino hospitality. Alabang Medical Clinic (AMC)-Main Branch is the main hospital of Clinic Systems Inc. (CSI). CSI is composed of three Level 1 hospitals. Alabang Medical Clinic Main – 30-bed capacity, Alabang Medical Clinic Muntinlupa – 25-bed capacity and Alabang Medical Clinic Las Piñas - 25 bed capacity; and two (2) outpatient satellite clinics: Alabang Medical Clinic Biñan and Alabang Medical Clinic Almanza. Services include inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic healthcare services delivered on-site and at home, 24 hours, seven days a week. All of the Awardees are SMEs. The criteria has seven categories: Management, Planning, Customer Focus, Measurement and Data Management, Workforce Focus, Operations Focus, and Business Results. PQC Awardees were recognized for adopting systematic approaches in some of the requirements of the PQC Criteria with the achievement of each approach’ corresponding better and meaningful result. On its third year, the PQC, managed by the Competitiveness Bureau of the DTI, links various business organizations to work with teams of expert assessors to evaluate, assess, and improve their business processes and systems in pursuit of organizational improvement and performance excellence. Five awardees were also recognized for passing the PQC Improvement Validation - EMS Components Assembly, Inc., Manila Catering Services, Sunlight Foods Corporation, Danilyn's Enterprises Inc. and University of the Philippines - National Engineering Center. The PQC Improvement Validation aims to continue their commitment to be better by sustaining strengths and addressing opportunities for improvement identified in the feedback report prepared by our third party volunteer Assessors and validators. “The PQC sets the standards of excellence to guide Philippine organizations towards achieving world-class performance. These PQC awardees also share their management practices for other small, medium and large organizations to emulate. These practices can be a benchmark of those who dare to set their own management systems and practices against the best of the world,” Cristobal added. |
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| CITEM gets P98M for trade promotions; Abad: Local products take center stage in Manila fame | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
(CITEM) received P98.5 million from the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) for their operational requirements and
participation costs in international trade events, as well as the
Manila FAME and Design Week scheduled for October this year. Of the total amount, P49.9 million will be allotted to the 60th Manila FAME and Design Week Philippines, the country’s annual design and lifestyle event that showcases locally made furniture and products in the world market. This occasion will provide opportunities for small and medium scale entrepreneurs (SMEs), artisans, and manufacturers to feature their creations to the local and international audience. On the other hand, P37 million will be allotted to other international events, while the rest will be for CITEM’s general administration and support for its trade promotion activities. “The Philippines has gained recognition for being one of the best performing economies in Asia. The upcoming Manila FAME and Design Week will help keep the country on the world stage by showcasing homegrown talent and promoting globally competitive export products,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. Prior to this release, the government had released P60.9 million during the first quarter of this year. This brings the total amount released to P159.4 million or 84 percent of the P190.4 million appropriated from the 2014 General Appropriations Act for CITEM. “We aren’t just working to meet our export growth targets, we also want to increase international interest in the Philippines as a reliable source for quality products and services. Events like these support our local industries, especially the SMEs as their efforts can help contribute to the country’s rising growth,” the budget secretary said. CITEM, the export promotions arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), provides export-driven programs and spearheads official participation in overseas trade fairs. It also organizes signature trade events in the Philippines and other promotional activities in key markets abroad. |
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| QC police file charegs VS. Grenade-Toting Trio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quezon City Assistant City Prosecutor Chua Cheng has recommended the
filing of criminal charges against three (3) motorcycle-riding
suspects arrested by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) last weekend
(Oct 5). Ricardo Ayeras @ Abdul Karim Ayeras, Andrescio Valdez @ Sabri Sindayen and Ricky Macapagal @ Abdurahim, will be charged for violation of RA 10591 also known as the Comprehensive Firearm and Ammunition Regulation Act, Falsification of Public/Private Documents, RA 10054 (Riding without Helmet), RA 4136 (Riding without License), and Concealing True Name. The three suspects were arrested during the conduct of OPLAN SITA by elements of Masambong Police Station led by Police Superintendent Pedro T Sanchez. The three (3) suspects were presented for inquest proceedings upon their arrest last October 5, 2014 and continue to be detained at the lock-up cell of Masambong Police Station. Confiscated from their possession were a handgrenade, suspected falsified documents and government IDs. |
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| Nigerian State Finance Minister receives PHL Ambassador | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 October 2014 - The Nigerian Minister of State for Finance,
Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, received Philippine Ambassador Alex V.
Lamadrid on October 13 at the Federal Ministry of Finance to discuss
collaborative and cooperative activities in strengthening
Africa-Asia relations, including Philippines-Nigeria relations. Ambassador Lamadrid apprised the Minister on the increasing investments by Filipino companies in Nigeria, but noted that much still has to be done in improving trade relations. Ambassador Lamadrid also informed the Minister that while the Double Taxation Treaty had been ratified by both countries, a review and updating of the said treaty was necessary as recommended by the Nigerian Ministry of Finance during the Joint Commission Meeting last December 2012. The Minister, together with the Accountant-General of the Federation, also expressed interest in how the Philippines carries out its public sector accounting, particularly the Philippines’ compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and noted that a meeting with the concerned Philippine agency will be valuable in eliciting the country’s best practices. The Minister plans to include the Philippines in a roadshow to help drum up for support for Nigeria’s various development programs. Ambassador Lamadrid welcomed the idea as it is seen as forging better relations between the two regions. |
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| PHL Ambassador graces 54th South East Asia Amateur Golf Team Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 October 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Nestor
Z. Ochoa attended the opening ceremony of the 54th South East Asia
Amateur Golf Team Championship on October 12 at The Empire Hotel and
Country Club in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam. The annual tournament is divided into four categories, with the men contesting the Putra Cup, the women in the Santi Cup, boys aged 18 and below in the Lion City Cup and girls aged 18 and below in the Kartini Cup. Host Brunei is joined by Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines at the four-day competition. The highlight of the opening ceremony was the introduction of delegates representing the seven participating countries, including Mr. Jun Galindez from the Philippines. The guest of honor, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, said in his message that organizing the tournament goes a long way in making Brunei a golfing destination. The Philippines is the defending champion for the Putra Cup, Thailand for both the Lion City Cup and Kartini Cup, and Malaysia for the Santi Cup. |
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| Peace panels to create team for projected transition of ARMM to Bangsamoro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – As Congress continues deliberations on the draft
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the peace panels of the Government of
the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
continue with their parallel work of implementing the provisions of
the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB). In a meeting recently held in Kuala Lumpur, the two panels agreed to create a composite team that will coordinate the preparations and ensure a smooth process for the projected transition of government functions from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) upon the anticipated passage in Congress of the BBL and its subsequent ratification in the envisioned core territory. The BTA is the body provided for in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which shall serve as the interim government prior to the establishment of the Bangsamoro and the assumption of its elected leaders in 2016. “The composite team will be made up of members coming from the central and ARMM governments and the MILF,” Coronel-Ferrer said. “The terms of reference of said composite team is being drafted and is expected to be signed soon.” Clear plan for ARMM employees According to Coronel-Ferrer, the crafting of a clear transition plan for ARMM employees is in the agenda of said composite team. “The Civil Service Commission and other relevant agencies will be consulted to ensure a smooth transition,” Coronel-Ferrer said. Earlier, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said that civil service rules will be followed and civil service eligibilities and entitlements of ARMM employees will be respected during the transition phase from ARMM to the Bangsamoro government. “We imagine that there may be some reorganization of the governmental structures in consonance with the proposed ministerial form (of government of the Bangsamoro),” Deles said, emphasizing that, “certainly in doing that, there will be a clear plan, separation benefits if necessary.” “We’ll follow the laws of the land. Certainly to those who have civil service eligibility, we’ll have different options open to them such as being transferred to another area or by choice, being separated with due compensation. So this will all undergo due process,” she added. However, the peace adviser cautioned that implementation of the transition process will only happen once the BBL is passed and ratified in a plebiscite. As the creation of the composite team is being finalized, the implementation of other components in the CAB moves simultaneously. Just recently, both panels have formalized the bodies and mechanisms that will roll out the normalization process which includes the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) which shall oversee the process of decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons; the Joint Normalization Body (JNC) which shall coordinate the different normalization processes and mechanisms; and the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), recently introduced to the public, which shall undertake a study and recommend to the panels the appropriate mechanisms of transitional justice and reconciliation. |
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| GSIS offers up to 40K calamity loan to members hit by Luis, Mario | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General
Manager Robert G. Vergara announced that the pension fund opened its
emergency loan window with a maximum credit limit of P40,000 to
members affected by typhoons Luis and Mario that devastated several
areas in mid-September. Qualified to apply for emergency loan are active GSIS members who are working or residing in calamity-declared areas. So far, the areas declared under a state of calamity are Marikina, Cainta, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan; Meycauayan City and Calumpit in Bulacan. “Our members often suffer the ill-effects of not just one but several calamities that visit our country during the year. To help them cope, we enhanced the terms of our emergency loan. Those who have existing emergency loan may now borrow up to P40,000,” Vergara said. Vergara explained that the GSIS doubled the amount of the maximum credit limit for members who have existing emergency loan in order for them to take home a bigger amount. Moreover, the GSIS waived the 12- monthly amortization requirement for emergency loan renewal. For members with no emergency loan yet, they may borrow up to P20,000. A total of 40,560 members are expected to apply for the program. The deadline of application for members in Marikina and Cainta is October 28, 2014. In Ilocos Sur, GSIS will accept applications until November 7, 2014. In the other calamity-declared areas, applications will be accepted until October 31, 2014. The emergency loan bears a 6% interest per annum payable in 36 monthly installments. The first amortization for the loan is deducted from the borrower’s salary three months after the loan was granted. Borrowers should not be on leave of absence without pay; have no arrears in the payment of mandatory monthly contributions; and have no loans that are declared in default. Interested members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks in GSIS offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education; and selected Robinsons malls. The loan is electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard. The GSIS has allotted a total of P15 billion for the program this year. As of September, it has released almost P4 billion in emergency loan from the total budget. For inquiries on the enhanced emergency loan program, members may call the GSIS contact center at 847.4747. |
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| PRC sets schedule of initial registration for new Mechanical Engineers, Professional Mechanical Engineers and Certified Plant Mechanics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, October 14, 2014 --- The Professional Regulation
Commission hereby informs all those who passed the October 2014
Mechanical Engineer, Professional Mechanical Engineer and Certified
Plant Mechanic Licensure Exam of the schedule of their initial
registration at the PRC-Registration Division (PRC Main Building,
Manila): MECHANICAL ENGINEERS:
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| PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of Lobo (Batangas) to pay their obligations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of
the closed Rural Bank of Lobo, reminded borrowers of the bank to
continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC
representatives. In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of Rural Bank of Lobo to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL - RURAL BANK OF LOBO (BATANGAS), INC. The Receiver cautioned borrowers that it has discontinued the engagement of the bank's collectors. Moreover, PDIC has not engaged any person to collect the loans of the bank. To ensure proper recording of payments made by borrowers, PDIC further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments. Official receipts will be issued by PDIC upon validation of payments and will be sent through mail to the borrowers. For proper accounting of their payments, borrowers who do not receive their official receipts are advised to send a copy of their deposit slips by mail to the Deputy Receiver for loans Ms. Mary Ann C. Crisostomo at the PDIC Office, 5th Floor, SSS Bldg., Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City or send via e-mail to Ms. Rhona R. Ascaño at rrascano@pdic.gov.ph or to Ms. Thelma A. Peña at tbarias@pdic.gov.ph. The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of Lobo, Inc. under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1438 dated September 18, 2014. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on September 19, 2014. Upon takeover, all bank records were gathered, verified and validated. Rural Bank of Lobo is a four-unit rural bank with Head Office located in Poblacion, Lobo, Batangas. Its branches are located in Batangas City, Lipa City and Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC-Loans Management Department I at (02) 841-4760 or 841-4982. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph. |
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| TESDA, Coke bring Christmas early to women entrepreneurs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and
Coca-Cola Philippines are spreading early Christmas cheer to women
micro-entrepreneurs with activities that will allow them access
resources for their sari-sari stores in time for the Christmas
season. The first STAR (Sari-sari Store Access to Training and Resources) Christmas Convention, which kicked off on October 13 at the Andres Bonifacio Integrated School Gymnasium in Mandaluyong City, gathered around 670 STAR Program scholars from Taguig, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa and San Juan. During the Christmas Convention, the women STAR Program scholars were taught how to apply for additional capital through ASA Philippines, the micro-finance partner of STAR Program for GMA and South Luzon. Coca-Cola Philippines also provided the women scholars with merchandising support and Christmas decorations that will bring Christmas back to the communities. "It is never too early to bring Christmas cheer to the people, especially women retailers, who are at the forefront of small business and micro-enterprise," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said. "With this newfound knowledge about managing their business, they could hit it big in time for Christmas," Villanueva added. The STAR Christmas Convention is part of Coca-Cola’s Share Sari-Saring Happiness campaign for the year. The STAR program is under the Coca-Cola Company’s 5by20 Program, a global initiative to empower five million women worldwide by the year 2020. It was launched and piloted by TESDA and Coca Cola in 2011 and is now being implemented in 23 cities. The skills training program has three components: access to training, access to resources and access to peer mentoring. The STAR Christmas Convention is also being planned in Davao City, Pampanga, Batangas, and Negros Occidental. Atty. Adel Tamano, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice President for Public Affairs; Carlos Gonzales of Coca- Cola FEMSA; Kamrul Tarafder, founder and president of ASA Philippine Foundation, TESDA Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Teodoro C. Pascua, TESDA Special Projects Office Director Sonia Lipio and Mandaluyong City local government officials headed by Councilor Charice Abalos led the launch in Mandaluyong City. |
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| Changing perspectives: Making health care accessible to the poor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| "If a family member falls ill, getting immediate medical
attention is a privilege given only to those who can afford." This is one of the most common notions among the less-privileged in society and Lisa is among the many who believes so. In an interview, she shared her personal views on access to health care and how a recent experience proved her otherwise. Flordeliza “Lisa” Tabuyog, 35, hails from Brgy. Central, Mati City, in the province of Davao Oriental. As a mother of four, Lisa admits to the struggle of raising her children and sending them to school while making ends meet altogether. Her husband, Leonerio, works ‘round the clock as a tricycle driver just to make sure he puts enough food on the table. Lisa helps by occasionally rendering laundry services to her neighbor. Just recently, Leonerio started to complain about an unusual pain at his back. He dismissed the idea of seeking medical attention, certain that this could just hamper his daily routine at work. This was the case for several days until the discomfort grew unbearable that Leonerio could barely sleep or move around. This prompted Lisa to accompany her husband to the nearest district hospital where the doctor found the need to schedule him for an operation to remove the cyst that grew precariously at his back. At the moment, the couple was in a dilemma: How could they possibly pay for the medical expenses? “Siyempre operahan diay siya, nabalaka mi kay wala mi kabalo asa mukuha ug kwarta.” (We were worried on how to generate money for the operation), Lisa shared. The story, however, took an unexpected twist. It was when the hospital staffmember asked if either of them where PhilHealth members that an already restless Lisa remembered that she is and, as a matter of fact, had her PhilHealth ID with her. Lisa is among those identified under Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) and listed in her Member Data Record (MDR) among her qualified dependents is husband, Leonerio. “Pagdawat nila sa akong ID ug MDR, ana sila na wala na mi bayaran jud kay covered na daw ang among tanan magasto.”(When they checked our ID and MDR, we were informed that we don’t have to shell out money because our expenses were already covered.), she recalled. This holds true since Lisa’s family is among the 14.7 million indigent families enrolled in PhilHealth and whose coverage had been renewed for the year. They are entitled to the ‘no balance billing’ or walang dagdag bayad policy when availing of PhilHealth benefits in ward-type accommodation of government hospitals. Seeing the urgency to remedy his condition, Leonerio underwent cyst excision earlier than scheduled and was even given take-home medication; this, without having to shell out a single peso from his pocket. In an interview with the couple who were delegates for PhilHealth’s Alaga Ka activity in Mati City, they expressed their deepest gratitude given their situation. “Nagpasalamat mi kay lisod na kaayo ang panahon karon pero aduna diay jud pwede makatabang namo pag magkasakit mi.”(We are thankful because we can now rely on this if we get sick and hospitalized.), they said. Now, Leonerio is recovering fast and is expected to go back to his work anytime soon. Lisa also regarded the efforts of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in their poblacion who do regular rounds to ensure that their coverage is renewed and that they are able to maximize the health care benefits due them. Her children have likewise availed themselves of free check-up and diagnostic tests through PhilHealth’s TseKaP package. Asked if she still believes that access to medical services is accessible only to the rich, Lisa shook her head in objection. “Not anymore.” Her change in perspective gave her a restored sense of relief, knowing that she and her family and those like her are socially secured and protected with their rights to an equal share of health care benefits. Meanwhile, PhilHealth, through its multi-sectoral campaign dubbed as Alaga Ka Para sa Maayos na Buhay, is in constant drive towards educating and empowering the poor in the farthest reaches of the country with their health care benefits. |
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| Study hikes overhead of govts cash program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MORE FUNDS have been allotted to pay for administrative costs of a
government cash transfer program, the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) said on Monday. Overhead costs in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have risen to 11% -- or P8.58 billion -- of its P78-billion total budget for 2015 since it will also pay for a study that will assess its impact, DSWD Secretary Corazon Dinky J. Soliman said during a Senate finance subcommittee hearing. The figure is higher than the P5 billion or 8% set during the previous years P62.6-billion budget. The rise in overhead costs are part of the third wave of the impact evaluation assessment. This would be conducted by a technical working group also composed of representatives from the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), as well as the Social Weather Stations (SWS). The study costs were quite high because there were 9,000 respondents, Ms. Soliman said during the hearing on Monday. She also said it was within the normal range. Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph G. Recto questioned the size of the administrative costs, especially since more employees would need to be allotted funds once they were approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The allocation for personnel services was also high because there is one municipal officer assigned for every 800 families enrolled under the program, said Ms. Soliman. The program currently has 4.4 million beneficiary families, with children aged 3-18. The increase in overhead costs to P8.58 billion in 2015 from P5 billion the previous year will also cover salaries of employees -- including contractuals -- who will facilitate family development sessions and manage special cases that local DSWD offices would be unable to perform, Ms. Soliman said. This was to ensure the families are really monitored and are provided the information and cash grants in a manner that we are sure would help, she added. A suggestion by Mr. Recto to devolve the manpower needs to the local government units (LGUs) would only work if they were ready to absorb the cost, Ms. Soliman said. Ms. Soliman also said that the House of Representatives had been hesitant to allocate the funds to the LGUs anyway. Some of your colleagues in the House do not agree. They believe it should be a national government program, she said. We want to see the day its the LGU who are the primary implentators. Although the funds for conditional cash transfer (CCT) has ballooned from its initial allotment of P21 billion in 2011 (with 2.3 million families covered), Ms. Soliman said the budget for 2016 should be similar with this years, before tapering off in the succeeding years. 25,000 households would be graduated from the program by 2015, after the last of beneficiary children finish high school. As of date, 51% of the CCT programs P62.6-billion budget had been disbursed. Ms. Soliman explained that the amounts are released to beneficiary families during the first week of every fourth month. The DSWD, she explained, would have to observe the families compliance with conditions set by the program (such as sending children to school and clinics regularly), before encoding the payroll at the national level. Hence, the last of CCT releases for the year may be issued on January. |
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Last
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15 OCTOBER 2014
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on Yolanda Updates at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (October 15). In attendance are DSWD Secretary Corazon Dinky Soliman, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, Rehabilitation Czar Pampilo Laczon, NHA General Manager Chito Cruz and other officials involved in the rehabilitation efforts. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo during the International Information Technology-Business Process Management Summit 2014 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday (October 14). With the theme: “Drive Change. Shape the Future,” the Summit aims to drive leaders and decision makers to be part of the transformation that will shape the future of the IT-BPM industry by taking advantage of the technological revolution to further its role as one of the top economic boosters in the country. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the International Information Technology-Business Process Management Summit 2014 at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Tuesday (October 14). With the theme: “Drive Change. Shape the Future,” the Summit aims to drive leaders and decision makers to be part of the transformation that will shape the future of the IT-BPM industry by taking advantage of the technological revolution to further its role as one of the top economic boosters in the country (Photo by Ryan Lim / Robert Vinas / Benjie Basug / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) Officers in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (October 14). FILSCAP was established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original music works. The new set of FILSCAP officers are Arturo “Nonoy Tan” Lui Pio; Noel Cabangon; Jaime “Jim” Paredes; RGMA Marketing and Productions, Inc., represented by Leocadio Sanchez III); Star Songs, Inc. (Atty. Ma. Victoria Benedicto); Polyeast Music Entertainment, Inc. (Raquel Dacillo); Katrina Belamide; Rodolfo Cayamanda, Jr.; Universal Records, Inc. (Ramon Chuaying); Nathaniel Joseph de Mesa; Alpha Music Corporation (Alvin de Vera); and Roberto “Snaffu” Rigor. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) Officers during the Induction Ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (October 14). FILSCAP was established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original music works. The new set of FILSCAP officers are Arturo “Nonoy Tan” Lui Pio; Noel Cabangon; Jaime “Jim” Paredes; RGMA Marketing and Productions, Inc., represented by Leocadio Sanchez III); Star Songs, Inc. (Atty. Ma. Victoria Benedicto); Polyeast Music Entertainment, Inc. (Raquel Dacillo); Katrina Belamide; Rodolfo Cayamanda, Jr.; Universal Records, Inc. (Ramon Chuaying); Nathaniel Joseph de Mesa; Alpha Music Corporation (Alvin de Vera); and Roberto “Snaffu” Rigor. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) Officers for a photo souvenir during the induction ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (October 14). FILSCAP was established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original music works. The new set of FILSCAP officers are Arturo “Nonoy Tan” Lui Pio; Noel Cabangon; Jaime “Jim” Paredes; RGMA Marketing and Productions, Inc., represented by Leocadio Sanchez III); Star Songs, Inc. (Atty. Ma. Victoria Benedicto); Polyeast Music Entertainment, Inc. (Raquel Dacillo); Katrina Belamide; Rodolfo Cayamanda, Jr.; Universal Records, Inc. (Ramon Chuaying); Nathaniel Joseph de Mesa; Alpha Music Corporation (Alvin de Vera); and Roberto “Snaffu” Rigor. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) Officers in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (October 14). FILSCAP was established in 1965 to administer the public performance and reproduction rights of creators and owners of original music works. The new set of FILSCAP officers include Arturo “Nonoy Tan” Lui Pio; Noel Cabangon; Jaime “Jim” Paredes; RGMA Marketing and Productions, Inc., represented by Leocadio Sanchez III); Star Songs, Inc. (Atty. Ma. Victoria Benedicto); Polyeast Music Entertainment, Inc. (Raquel Dacillo); Katrina Belamide; Rodolfo Cayamanda, Jr.; Universal Records, Inc. (Ramon Chuaying); Nathaniel Joseph de Mesa; Alpha Music Corporation (Alvin de Vera); and Roberto “Snaffu” Rigor. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with his Cabinet Secretaries at the President's Hall of Malacanang Monday (October 13) concerning the status of the MRT 3 maintenance. The President is concerned about negative reports he has been receiving regarding Metro Rail operations. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III discusses with his Cabinet Secretaries at the President's Hall of Malacanang Monday (October 13) updates on the Ebola Virus. The President assured that preventing its outbreak here is a top priority of the government. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III views the exhibits after addressing the 65th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday (October 13). The Philippines’ hosting of the 65th Session is historically significant considering that after a quarter of a century, another Aquino is addressing the regional committee as President of the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 65th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday (October 13). The Philippines’ hosting of the 65th Session is historically significant considering that after a quarter of a century, another Aquino is addressing the regional committee as President of the Philippines. Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona, 64th Session of the Regional Committee chairperson Dr. Leao Talalelie Tuitama, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific regional director Dr. Shin Young-soo and WHO Geneva executive director Dr. Ian Smith. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano,Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the 65th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific at the Reception Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday (October 13). The Philippines’ hosting of the 65th Session is historically significant considering that after a quarter of a century, another Aquino is addressing the regional committee as President of the Philippines. The meeting will tackle important health issues that include Emergencies and Disasters, Universal Coverage, Antimicrobial Resistance, Tobacco, Mental Health, among others. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano,Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the heads of delegations for a photo opportunity during the 65th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific at the foyer stairs of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Monday (October 13). The Philippines’ hosting of the 65th Session is historically significant considering that after a quarter of a century, another Aquino is addressing the regional committee as President of the Philippines. The meeting will tackle important health issues that include Emergencies and Disasters, Universal Coverage, Antimicrobial Resistance, Tobacco, Mental Health, among others. Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona, 64th Session of the Regional Committee chairperson Dr. Leao Talalelie Tuitama, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific regional director Dr. Shin Young-soo and WHO Geneva executive director Dr. Ian Smith. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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GAWAD PARANGAL. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. receives the Manuel L. Quezon GawadParangal award from Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista during the Quezon City Diamond Jubilee Celebration held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Sunday, October 12, 2014. Ochoa was recognized for his remarkable public service, notably his performance as Quezon City administrator from 2003-2010. (Photo By: Ryan Lim/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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GAWAD PARANGAL. Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. is flanked by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte after receiving the Manuel L. Quezon GawadParangal for his remarkable public service, notably his performance as Quezon City administrator from 20013-2010, during a ceremony held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Sunday, October 12, 2014. (Photo By: Ryan Lim/ Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (October 10) following his arrival from Bali, Indonesia where he attended the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival message at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (October 10) following his arrival from Bali, Indonesia where he attended the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (October 10) following his arrival from his Bali, Indonesia where he participated in the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line in a welcome ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Friday night (October 10) following his arrival from Bali, Indonesia. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III answers question during coffee with media held at Nusa Dua Hotel Resort on Friday (October 10). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) Members of the Philippine Media got an oppotunity to have a "selfie" taken with President Benigno S. Aquino III during the coffee with media held at the Nusa Dua Hotel Resort on Friday (October 10). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his appreciation after receiving from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna” during the conferment ceremony at the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10) at the sidelines of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna” during the conferment ceremony at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) on Friday (October 10) at the sidelines of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his response after receiving from Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono the “Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna” during the conferment ceremony at the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10) at the sidelines of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during the Opening Session the 7th Bali Democracy Forum at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10). The gathering is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III focuses on the exchanges during the Opening Session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10). The gathering is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his remarks during the Opening Session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum VII at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10). The gathering is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Also in photo are Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. R.M. Marty Natalegawa. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his remarks during the Opening Session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center on Friday (October 10). The gathering is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Also in photo are Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. (Photo by Gil Nartea and Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his remarks during the Opening Session of the 7th Bali Democracy Forum VII at the Nusantara Hall II of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) on Friday (October 10, 2014). BDF is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Also in photo is Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. (Photo by Gil Nartea and Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia – President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Brunei Darussalam His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prof. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and other delegates, gestures during the Group Photo for the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII at the Auditorium of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) on Friday (October 10, 2014). BDF is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to foster dialogue-based regional and international cooperation through sharing of experiences and best practices that adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect and understanding. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(BALI, Indonesia) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Brunei Darussalam His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prof. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao and other delegates for a Group Photo during the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII at the Auditorium of the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) on Friday (October 10, 2014). BDF is an annual, intergovernmental forum on the development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to foster dialogue-based regional and international cooperation through sharing of experiences and best practices that adhere to the principles of equality, mutual respect and understanding. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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