Dispatch for Nov. 27, 2014 (Thursday) , 2 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 4 Weather Watch , 2 Regional Watch , 6 OFW Watch ,PNOY Speech ,15 Online News , 33 Photo Releases 27 NOV.

PCOO - Photo Releases

 

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at 5:00 a.m., 27 November 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 November 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 November 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

At 4:00 am today, Tropical Depression "QUEENIE" was estimated based on all available data in the vicinity of Tagbilaran City (9.8˚N, 124.0˚E), with maximum winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move west northwest at 24 kph.

Forecast: 

The regions of Northern Mindanao, Western and Central Visayas and the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Palawan will have rains with gusty winds. Bicol region, the rest of Mindanao and Visayas, and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon 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.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and from the northeast to north over Mindanao with moderate to rough seas.

 

Dost_pagasa added 2 new photos — with Geraldine Billones Camero and 21 others.

10 hrs · Edited ·

WEATHER BULLETIN No. 5
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING: Tropical Depression “‪#‎QueeniePH‬”
ISSUED AT 05:00 AM, 27 November 2014
(Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin to be issued at 11AM today)

“QUEENIE” HAS MAINTAINED ITS STRENGTH AND IS NOW CONTINUES TO TRACK ACROSS SOUTHERN VISAYAS.
Location of eye/center: At 4:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Depression “QUEENIE” was estimated based on available data in the vicinity of Tagbilaran City (9.8°N, 124.0°E).
Strength: Maximum winds of 55 kph near the center.
Movement: Forecast to move West Northwest at 24 kph.
Forecast Positions: “QUEENIE” is expected to cross Southern Cebu and Negros Oriental this morning and will be over Southern Negros Occidental before noon today. By tomorrow morning, it is expected to be at 100 km North of Puerto Princesa City, and at 590 km West Northwest of Puerto Princesa City by Saturday morning or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
Signal #1 (Winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours):
LUZON
•Palawan including the Calamian Group of Islands.
VISAYAS
•Southern Leyte
•Bohol
•Southern Cebu Including Cebu City
•Negros Oriental
•Southern Negros Occidental
•Siquijor Guimaras Island
•Iloilo
•Antique
MINDANAO
•Surigao del Norte
•Agusan del Norte
•Dinagat Province
•Camiguin
•Misamis Oriental
•Misamis Occidental
•Bukidnon
•Zamboanga del Norte
•Public storms warning signals elsewhere are now lowered.
•Estimated rainfall amount is from 7 – 15 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.
•Residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with PSWS#1 as well as the rest of Mindanao are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.
•Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the Eastern seaboard of Visayas.
•The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11AM today.

Dost_pagasa

3 hrs · Edited ·

RAINFALL ADVISORY No.4 ‪#‎VIS_PRSD‬
Weather System: TD ‪#‎QueeniePH‬
Issued at: 11:59 AM, 27 November 2014
Light to moderate to at times heavy rains affecting ‪#‎Cebu‬
• POSSIBLE FLOODING in low-lying areas and LANDSLIDES in mountainous areas.
• The public and the DRRMC concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next advisory.

Weather Watch

5 hours ago

DZMM: Patuloy ang galaw ng bagyong Queenie sa direksyong kanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 24kph. Nakalagpas na sa area ng Dumaguete ang bagyo at tumatawid sa pagitan ng southern Cebu at Negros Oriental, ayon kay PAGASA weather forecaster Manny Mendoza. Paliwanag ng PAGASA na ang mga nararanasang pag-ulan o pag-ambon sa bahagi ng Metro Manila ay dahil sa umiiral na Hanging Amihan.

November 27, 2014 as of 6:00 -7:00 A.M. 

PIA4A/QUEZON  :  Cloudy with Light Rainshowers

PIA Regional Watch

2 minutes ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Sinimulan na ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamamagitan ng Provincial Gender and Development Office, Provincial GAD focal point system technical working group, Provincial Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children ang 18-day campaign to end violence against women noong Nobyembre 25 sa bayan ng Unisan na magtatagal hanggang Disyembre 12 kung saan layunin ng kampanya na mapalakas ang suporta at pakikiisa ng mga duty holder tulad ng nasyonal at lokal na pamahalaan, media at iba't-ibang organisasyon para mawala ang karahasan sa mga kababaihan at kabataan.

PIA Regional Watch

3 minutes ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Adolescence Health and Youth Development Film Festival and Awarding is currently taking place at the Richville Hotel, Mandaluyong City where students from Tanay, Rizal and the Province of Cavite through the guidance of the Commission on Population Region 4 were given a chance to produce short films for on social situations faced by the youth. Seven secondary schools and films will be recognized and given awards during the activity.

 Write something on thi

PIA OFW Watch

20 hours ago

DZBB: Sinabi ng DFA na kanila pang kukumpirmahin kung kailangan pa ng P2-M blood money para makalaya ang OFW na si Jonard Langamin na nakaligtas sa bitay matapos patawarin ng mga kaanak ng biktima.

PIA OFW Watch

21 hours ago

INTERAKSYON: Seven OFWs who are coming home in the Philippines on December 1 from Sierra Leone and from Senegal and Nigeria will be undergoing the 21-day pre-departure quarantine in the countries they worked in to prevent the Ebola virus entry in the country.

PIA OFW Watch

21 hours ago

GMA: Apat na Pilipinong caregiver ang patay sa Edmonton, Canada nang maaksidente ang sinasakyan nilang kotse.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday

DZBB: Pinangangabahan ng mga kongresista na lumiit ang remittance sa bansa dahil sa pagsasara ng mga remittance center sa US matapos magkaproblema ang ilang bangko doon. Ayon sa mga kongresista, tiyak maaapektuhan ang mga OFW na nagpapadala sa kanilang mga pamilya.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday

Isang OFW sa Saudi Arabia na si Jonard Langamin ang hindi na pupugutan matapos patawarin ng pamilya ng kanyang napaslang. Sa ngayon, pinaaasikaso na Presidential Adviser to OFW VP Binay ang blood money upang maisagawa na ang deportation kay Langamin para makapiling ang kanyang pamilya sa Pasko. Naibaba sa P2M ang blood money na dating P5M na hinihingi ng pamilya Mendoza.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday

DZMM: Nangangailangan ang Qatar ng 500 Filipino nurses at medical technician para sa bubuksang bagong ospital sa nasabing bansa sa susunod na taon.

Tagalog news: DTI-Quezon, patuloy sa pagpapalakas ng mga MSMEs

November 25, 2014

TIAONG, Quezon, Nob. 25 (PIA) — Patuloy ang Department of Trade and Industry - Quezon sa pagpapalakas ng aspeto ng pangkabuhayan at pagpapaunlad ng mga Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sa bayang ito sa pamamagitan ng konsultasyon at mga libreng pagsasanay.

Isa sa mga pagsasanay na isianagawa ng ahensiya ay ang produksyon ng Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) na siyang patok na negosyo sa naturang bayan.

Katuwang ang iba't-ibang kooperatiba kabilang ang Rural improvement Club at KALIPI ay nagsasagawa ng libreng pagsasanay ang ahensiya sa mga indibidwal at MSMEs na nais mag negosyo ng VCO.

Nagpaabot din ng tulong ang Pasciolco Agri Ventures, isa sa mga manufacturer ng VCO at iba pang produktong galing sa niyog, sa pagsasagawa ng mga naturang pagsasanay.

Ayon sa opisyal ng Pasciolco Agri Ventures, hindi na kakailanganin pang bumili ng mga kagamitan o maglabas ng malaking puhunan. Ang kailangan lamang aniya ay supply ng niyog at de-kuryunteng pangkayod para sa maramihan at mabilisang panggagawa ng gata.

Handa namang tumulong ang DTI sa mga mga indibidwal o kooperatiba na gustong pumasok sa paggagawa at pagnenegosyo ng VCO. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI-Calabarzon/Pablito C. Budoy, DTI Quezon/FSC, PIA-4A)

Tagalog news: TARGET Program, inilunsad ng DA-BFAR

November 25, 2014

TANZA, Cavite, Nob. 25 (PIA) — Sa pangunguna ni Sen. Cynthia A. Villar, kasama ang mga opisyal mula sa iba't-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno ay inilunsad kahapon ng Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) ang Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation (TARGET).

Ang TARGET na naglalayong maitaas umano ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga mamayang nakapaloob sa sektor ng pangingisda ay alinsunod sa 'Social Agenda of Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Growth for Sectors with High Poverty Incidence,' isa sa mga pangkabuhayang programa ni Pang. Benigno S. Aquino, III.

Mahigit 33, 206 mangingisdang nakarehistro sa National Program for Municipal Fisherfolk Registration System o FishR at National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTSPR) ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang inaasahang makikinabang sa programang ito.

Sa ilalim ng programa, libreng pagkakalooban ng DA-BFAR ang mga rehistradong mangingisda ng suporta at mga interbensiyong pangkabuhayan tulad ng bangka, motor engines, payao at iba pang kagamitan sa pangingisda.

Sinabi ni BFAR National Director Asis G. Perez, kung maitataas umano ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mahigit 33, 206 na mangingisda ay maisasakatuparan aniya ang layunin ng programa na mabawasan ang antas ng kahirapan sa bansa mula pa lamang sa sektor ng pangingisda.

Dagdag pa nito na maaring mabawasan ng apat na porsiyento ang mahigit 39.2 porsiyento ng poverty rate naitala noong 2012 sa naturang sektor.

Maliban sa TARGET, inilunsad rin ng ahensya ang ‘National Program for Municipal Fishing Vessels and Gears Registration’ o BoatR upang mapabilis umano ang pagpaparehistro ng mga fishing vessels alinsunod sa itinatakda ng Republic Act 8550 o Philippine Fisheries Code.

Samantala, upang mapabilis ang implementasyon ng mga bagong programa ay makikipag-ugnayan ang BFAR sa mga ahensya at lokal na pamahalaan ng bawat bayan na kabilang sa naturang sektor.

Ang sektor ng pangingisda ang bumubuo sa 18.81 porsiyento ng kabuuang produksiyong agrikultural ng bansa. (FSC, PIA-4A/BFAR)

 

27 NOVEMBER 2014.
	President Aquino receives credentials of new ambassadors of Norway and Japan

President Aquino receives credentials of new ambassadors of Norway and Japan President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed the new ambassadors of Norway and Japan when they presented their respective credentials in a simple ceremony in Malacañang Palace on Thursday. The President first welcomed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway, Erik Forner, at the Music Room of Malacañang at 10 a.m. Forner was accompanied by Kristian Netland, the Norwegian Embassy in Manila’s Deputy Head of Mission; Lill Rita Vaksdal, Head of Administration; Kjetil Bjornstad and Karl Johan Haabeth, respectively the Head and Deputy Head of the embassy’s Visa Section. President Aquino then welcomed newly installed Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. Ishikawa was joined by spouse Yuko Ishikawa; the Japanese Embassy in Manila’s Deputy Chief of Mission Tetsuro Amano; Chief of Political Section Hironori Shibata; and First Secretary Hiromichi Matsuo. The two ambassadors pledged to further promote bilateral relations between their respective countries and the Philippines. Both envoys had a brief closed-door meeting with President Aquino at the adjoining Music Conference Room. President Aquino was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief Protocol Celia Anna Feria during the ceremony. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Evelyn Austria-Garcia introduced the two ambassadors to the President. PND (jb) TOP   26 NOVEMBER 2014. President Aquino presents government’s plans for coconut industry, farmers President Aquino presents government’s plans for coconut industry, farmers President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday laid out the government’s plans on how to improve the coconut industry – and the lives of its farmers -- as the government awaits the Supreme Court’s decision on the longstanding issue on the P71-billion Coco Levy Fund. During a dialogue with members of the Kilus Magniniyog, who staged a 71-day march from Davao City to Malacañang Palace, President Aquino said the government has sincerely tried to resolve the issue, citing the various court decisions on the fund that were in favor the coconut sector. “Ang problema lang po: hangga’t wala pang hatol hinggil sa motion for partial reconsideration na ating nilatag para sa kasong COCOFED vs. Republic, at wala pang utos ang Korte Suprema hinggil sa nilatag nating motion for partial entry of judgment para sa kaso, hindi pa po tapos ang proseso, at hindi pa rin po natin maaaring gugulin ang perang dapat nakalaan sa industriya ng niyog,” he explained. He however noted that while waiting for the court decision, the government has increased the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) funding from P593 million in 2010 to P5.1 billion in 2013. “Sadyang malaki nga po ito, dahil isinama na rin sa budget ng PCA ang pondo para sa mga magsasaka ng niyog na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, pati na rin ang pagtugon sa mga tinamaan ng cocolisap,” the President said, adding that with the funds, the government was able to focus on ways to make coconut farms more productive. Giving an example, he said intercropping has been introduced in coconut farms to increase the farmers’ harvests. “Kung magkakaroon po tayo ng fertilization, at dadagdagan ng saging ang sasakahin sa pamamagitan ng intercropping, tinataya ko aabot ng 129,000 piso ang kabuuang kita kada ektarya. Kung hahabulin nating anihin ang coco sap sugar, nang may fertilization at dagdag ding saging, aabot ang kita sa 185,900 piso. Kung sa virgin coconut oil naman po, dagdag sa saging at kung may fertilization, ang dati pong 20,000 piso mula sa kopra, aangat sa 250,320 piso sa kada ektarya kada taon. Kabilang nga po ito sa mga inisyatiba natin upang palakihin ang inyong kita,” said President Aquino. The Chief Executive further said that the government is strengthening coco-based farming enterprises, such as those on coco-sugar, coco coir, vinegar, and other coconut-based products. It has also set up scholarship programs to improve the skills of the next generation of farmers, he said, emphasizing that all these programs were funded by the national budget. “Ang pondo para sa lahat ng mga programang ito ay hindi nagmula o hiniram sa Coco Levy Fund, na hindi pa nga po natin magugol dahil wala pang pasya sa ating motion. Mula po ito sa ating pambansang budget, na talaga pong itinututok natin sa mga sektor na sisigurong magaaruga sa bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” he said. The President stated that he is open to the sale of the government’s controlling stakes in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB). “Kung matutuloy po sa baka sakaling pagbebentang ito, makakaasa tayo sa ‘di bababa sa 1.1 billion piso na maidaragdag sa pondong inilalaan sa inyong sector,” he said. He has also directed government agencies to study the best way to mobilize the Coco Levy Fund, once the High Tribunal has made a decision. Coconut farmers will be consulted in the crafting of legislation that would aid the country’s coconut industry, he said, adding that Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan has already held discussions with coconut farmers. “Ibinahagi niya po sa akin ang iba pang napagkasunduan. Una: Bagaman mas maganda kung mayroong batas, habang wala po ito, inaaral na rin po natin ang mungkahi ninyong gumawa na muna ako ng isang Executive Order. Ikalawa: Na ang pondo ng Coco Levy Fund ay bukod pa sa pondong inilalaan natin sa Philippine Coconut Authority, mula sa pambansang budget. Sang-ayon po tayo dito. Ikatlo: Sang-ayon din po ako na tanging interest income mula sa Coco Levy Fund ang ating gagamitin, upang pati ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng magsasaka ay mapakinabangan ito,” he said. Reiterating the government’s support for the coconut industry, President Aquino enjoined the coconut farmers to continue trusting the administration and sought their cooperation in fulfilling their aspirations. PND (ag) TOP

 

27 NOVEMBER 2014 Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino ang katibayan ng mga bagong embahador ng Norway at Hapon

Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino ang katibayan ng mga bagong embahador ng Norway at Hapon Tinanggap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang katibayan ng mga bagong embahador ng Norway at Hapon sa magkahiwalay na simpleng seremonyang ginanap sa Palasyo ng Malacanang Huwebes. Ikasampu ng umaga nang iharap ni Embahador na Katangi-tangi at May Lubos na Kapangyarihan ng Kaharian ng Norway, Erik Forner sa Pangulong Aquino ang katibayan niya bilang sugo ng kanyang bansa sa Pilipinas. Kasama sa Malacanang ni Embahador Forner sina Kristian Netiand, Deputy Head of Mission ng Embahada ng Norway; Lili Rita Vaksdal, Puno ng Administrasyon; Kjetil Bjornstad at Karl Johan Haabeth, Head at Deputy Head ng Visa Section ng Embahada ng Norway. Kasunod namang tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino ang katibayan ng bagong talagang Embahador Kazuhide Ishikawa ng Hapon sa Pilipinas. Si Ishikawa ay sinamahan ng kanyang maybahay Yuko Ishikawa; Tetsuro Amano, Deputy Chief of Mission ng Hapon sa Pilipinas; Hironor Shibata, puno ng Political Section ng Embahadang Hapones sa Maynila at First Secretary Hiromichi Matsuo. Kapuwa nangako ang dalawang bagong embahador na isusulong nila ang ibayong pakikipag-ugnayan ng kanilang mga bansa at ng Pilipinas. Magkahiwalay na nagkaroon ang dalawang Embahador ng closed door na pakikipagpulong sa Pangulong Aquino sa Music Conference Room. Sumaksi sa paghaharap ng katibayan ng mga bagong Embahador ng Norway at Hapon sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas at si Chief Protocol Celia Anna Feria. Si Assistant Secretary Evelyn Austria-Feria ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang nagpakilala sa dalawang Embahador sa Pangulong Aquino. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement during his dialogue with the Kilus Magniniyog Farmers

Heroes Hall, Malacañan Palace

26 Nov. 2014

Sa maraming nagdaang pagpupulong sa pagitan ninyo at ng iba’t ibang kinatawan ng gobyerno, kayo na po mismo ang naging saksi sa sinseridad ng ating administrasyon, upang mailagay sa ayos at maresolusyonan na ang mahabang alitan ukol sa Coco Levy Fund. Alam po ninyo, kung naging tradisyunal na politiko po ako, siguro po’y wala na kayong maririnig kundi matatayog na pangako sa araw na ito. Pero kilala po n’yo ako. Ang mahalaga sa akin, ang tumotoo sa inyo. Kaya po heto ang totoo: Noon pong Setyembre ng 2012, ibinaba na ng Korte Suprema ang huling hatol nila sa kasong COCOFED vs. Republic; noon naman pong Nobyembre ng parehong taon, lumabas ang hatol sa Cojuangco vs. Republic, kaugnay ng UCPB shares sa partido ni Cojuangco. Ang mga kaso pong ito ay ukol sa Coco Levy Fund. Pabor po sa inyong sektor ang mga naging desisyon. Ang problema lang po: hangga’t wala pang hatol hinggil sa motion for partial reconsideration na ating nilatag para sa kasong COCOFED vs. Republic, at wala pang utos ang Korte Suprema hinggil sa nilatag nating motion for partial entry of judgment para sa kaso, hindi pa po tapos ang proseso, at hindi pa rin po natin maaaring gugulin ang perang dapat nakalaan sa industriya ng niyog. Ang totoo nga po, matagal na nating pinag-aaralan kung ano ang gagawin sa Coco Levy Fund. Marami po tayong kasangga mula sa Quezon na pinaalala ang kasong ito, kaya po halos kakaupo pa lang natin ay inatasan na natin ang Department of Agriculture, Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management, at ang ating mga abugado sa gobyerno. Ang sabi ko po sa kanila: Suriin ang sitwasyon at magmungkahi ng pinakamainam na hakbang na ikabibiyaya ng inyong sektor. Sa sandaling mabigyan tayo ng pahintulot na gugulin ang pera, ang gusto ko, nakahanda na po ang plano, upang mapabilis ang pagdadala sa inyong sektor ng mga benepisyong matagal nang naantala. Sa kabila po nito, hindi po tayo papayag na habang naghihintay tayo sa pasya ng Korte Suprema, ay mapapabayaan naman ang ating mga magsasaka ng niyog. Hindi po namin kayo pinabayaan: Mula mahigit 593 milyong piso noong 2010, umangat sa P5.1 billion para sa 2013 ang nakalaang pondo ng Philippine Coconut Authority. Sadyang malaki nga po ito, dahil isinama na rin sa budget ng PCA ang pondo para sa mga magsasaka ng niyog na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, pati na rin ang pagtugon sa mga tinamaan ng cocolisap. Dahil po sa pagbubuhos ng pondo, natutukan natin ang mga programang ginagawang mas produktibo ang inyong mga sakahan. Halimbawa po: Sa pagpupunla ng iba’t ibang binhi sa pagitan ng mga hilera ng niyog, mas dadalas ang inyong ani. ‘Di po ba, kung kopra lang ang inyong aanihin, ang ulat po sa atin ay nasa 20,000 piso kada taon kada ektarya ang kikitain? Kung magkakaroon po tayo ng fertilization, at dadagdagan ng saging ang sasakahin sa pamamagitan ng intercropping, tinataya ko aabot ng 129,000 piso ang kabuuang kita kada ektarya. Kung hahabulin nating anihin ang coco sap sugar, nang may fertilization at dagdag ding saging, aabot ang kita sa 185,900 piso. Kung sa virgin coconut oil naman po, dagdag sa saging at kung may fertilization, ang dati pong 20,000 piso mula sa kopra, aangat sa 250,320 piso sa kada ektarya kada taon. Kabilang nga po ito sa mga inisyatiba natin upang palakihin ang inyong kita. Dagdag pa rito, pinapalakas pa natin ang coco-based farming enterprises, tulad ng sa coco-sugar, coco coir, vinegar, at iba pang mga produkto. Naghahain din po tayo ng mga scholarship program para pahusayin ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng ating magsasaka. Lilinawin ko lang po: Ang pondo para sa lahat ng mga programang ito ay hindi nagmula o hiniram sa Coco Levy Fund, na hindi pa nga po natin magugol dahil wala pang pasya sa ating motion. Mula po ito sa ating pambansang budget, na talaga pong itinututok natin sa mga sektor na sisigurong naaaruga sa bawat Pilipino, lalo na ang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan. Ano pa po ba ang mga plano sa mga darating na panahon? Sa usapin po ng United Coconut Planters Bank, alam naman nating hindi ito napatakbo nang maayos noong nakaraan. Dumating na po tayo sa punto na para mapangalagaan ang interes ng inyong sektor, at pati na rin po ng buong sambayanan, kailangan na nating gumawa ng mga hakbang upang masigurong masasagad ang benepisyong dala ng ating mga assets, kabilang na po ang UCPB. Handa po akong gawin ito. Kung matutuloy po sa baka sakaling pagbebentang ito, makakaasa tayo sa ‘di bababa sa 1.1 billion piso na maidaragdag sa pondong inilalaan sa inyong sektor. Nagbigay na rin nga po tayo ng direktibang pag-aralan, pag-usapan, at bumuo ng pagkakasundo sa buong sektor ukol sa kung ano ang pinakamainam na gawin sa Coco Levy Fund sa sandaling pumasok na ang pasya sa motion for partial reconsideration, at maaari nang gugulin ito. Ang nakikita ko nga pong pinakamagandang gawin ay ang bumuo ng isang batas: Sisiguruhin nitong tatawid sa mga susunod na salinlahi ang benepisyong dala ng Coco Levy Fund, at maiiwas din tayo sa anumang aberyang legal sa hinaharap. Alam ko po, na sa pag-uusap ninyo ni Secretary Kiko, ay sang-ayon kayo dito sa planong ito. Malaking bahagi po ang inyong sektor sa papanday sa panukalang batas na ito. Kayo ang pangunahing kukonsultahin sa mga probisyong lalamanin ng batas; kapag nagkasundo na po tayo sa mga probisyong ito, ihahain natin ang panukalang batas sa Kongreso, at isasama natin ito sa mga panukalang certified as urgent, upang maasikaso at maipasa nila ito sa lalong madaling panahon. Alam ko pong hindi magiging mahirap ang pagkakasundo, dahil ngayon pa lang ay nagiging mabunga na ang usapan ninyo ng aking mga kinatawan, partikular na nga po si Secretary Kiko Pangilinan. Naiulat na nga po niyang may mahahalagang bagay na kayong napagkasunduan. Bukod po sa pagpapanday ng isang batas, ibinahagi niya po sa akin ang iba pang napagkasunduan. Una: Bagaman mas maganda kung mayroong batas, habang wala po ito, inaaral na rin po natin ang mungkahi ninyong gumawa na muna ako ng isang Executive Order. Ikalawa: Na ang pondo ng Coco Levy Fund ay bukod pa sa pondong inilalaan natin sa Philippine Coconut Authority, mula sa pambansang budget. Sang-ayon po tayo dito. Ikatlo: Sang-ayon din po ako na tanging interest income mula sa Coco Levy Fund ang ating gagamitin, upang pati ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng magsasaka ay mapakinabangan ito. At malinaw po sa atin: Kailangan nating ipagpatuloy ang mga konsultasyong nangyayari. Ngayon pa lang, kausap na po natin ang napakaraming stakeholders ng inyong sektor; kung maaari nga po, gawin pa nating mas malawak ito, at magbuo ng mga mekanismo upang lalo pang gawing mabunga ang ating usapan. Malinaw naman po siguro: Buong-buo ang aming suporta, at nasa panig ninyo kami. Magkatugma ang mga hangarin ninyo, at ang hangarin ng gobyerno para sa inyo. Ang totoo nga po, higit pa ang gusto namin: Mas malawak na benepisyo, at mas pangmatagalang mga struktura upang masigurong mabibigyang-kalinga ang inyong sektor. Magpatuloy nga po sana ang inyong tiwala, at lalo pa sana itong tumibay; tulungan po ninyo kami sa laban tungo sa katuparan ng ating nagkakaisang adhikain para sa mga magsasaka ng niyog, at para sa kalakhang Pilipinas. Maraming salamat po; simulan na po natin ang ating diyalogo.

[HOME]   26 NOV 2014 Expansion for coco industry eyed with P1.38-B release; Abad: PcA to play key role in PH agri-business growth More Pablo survivors receive new, safer homes from DSWD Secretary Del Rosario is “Map Management Man of the Year 2014” Philippines Reiterates Its Commitments to Implement Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Ex-PCGG Chair indicted for influence peddling MB Allows Qualified Thrift Banks to Deal in Deliverable FX Forwards MB Authorizes Thrift Banks, Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks To Buy/Sell Foreign Exchange 'Public Welfare is our Top Priority' - Roxas DAR Lauds Farmers’ Organizations DPWH Chief urges contractors to comply with projects' specs In Oman, Baldoz announces POLOs re-structuring with 162 new positions Department of Finance and Securities and Exchange Commission Sign Data Sharing Agreement PHL urged to establish competitive digital niche in Asia The Coordination Team for the Transition to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and its Terms of Reference JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation, Bayan Academy and TESDA link to train future entrepreneurs Expansion for coco industry eyed with P1.38-B release; Abad: PcA to play key role in PH agri-business growth Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph  The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P1.38 billion to the Philippine Coconut Agency (PCA) to support their operations and various programs that can help strengthen the country’s coconut industry. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “Coconut production is an important agri-business industry in our country. Not only does it contribute to the growth of our economy, it also generates a large number of jobs and income for our farmers. Through their efforts and their programs, the PCA is helping create a resilient and sustainable future for both the farmers and the industry.” Charged against the 2014 national budget, the P1.38-billion release will pay for the agency’s operating requirements and locally-funded projects for the second semester of the year. The funds will also jumpstart the agency’s procurement activities, which in turn would fast-track their programs. Of this amount, the PCA will first get P466 million to partially cover their operations and select programs that are ready for implementation, like the payment of farmers’ incentives under the Participatory Coconut Planting Program, as well as the organic fertilizers for the Coconut Fertilization Program. It will also help coconut farmers in capacity-building under the Intercropping Program. The release will likewise support other projects, including the Accelerated Coconut Planting/Replanting and the KAANIB Enterprise Development. It will also be used to address the coconut scale insect (CSI) infestation that has plagued coconut trees across the country. Abad said, “With the right measures and funding, the PCA has been able to address an agricultural crisis like the coconut insect infestation. This is a good example of how our agencies’ capacity to deal with major issues has been ably supported by the National Government.” The PCA had earlier received P400 million to combat the CSI infestation last June under the Scale Insect Emergency Action Program. An estimated 1.2 million trees had been seriously affected by an infestation of the pest Aspidiotus rigidus in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, Cavite, and Basilan, leading the government to put parts of CALABARZON and the island of Basilan under a state of emergency. |TOP| More Pablo survivors receive new, safer homes from DSWD Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Some 2,779 more family-survivors of Typhoon Pablo from the towns of Bangaga, Cateel, Boston, and Tarragona in Davao Oriental have received new safer homes from Secretary of Social Welfare and Development Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon during a simple turnover ceremony over the weekend. The shelter units were built through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Modified Shelter Assistance Program (MSAP) in partnership with the provincial local government. With the turn over of these houses, a total of 10,716 units have already been completed for ‘Pablo’ survivors . Each shelter unit has a lot area of 70 square meters. It has a two-room division, bathroom, and separate kitchen. Its walls are concrete and newly-painted. Upon seeing her new home, Virginia Otig, 69, a widower who lives alone, cannot contain her happiness especially when Sec. Soliman handed her the Certificate of Occupancy. “Sa totoo lang, mas maganda pa itong bahay na ito kaysa doon sa nawala naming bahay. Bagong buhay talaga ang dala ng bahay na ito [The truth is, this house is even better in terms of materials compared to what I had before the storm wiped it out. I’m truly lucky and I’m really grateful. It’s like claiming a new lease on life],” shared Virgina, as tears welled up her eyes. Virgina said that after the typhoon, she collected the debris she found on the streets, made herself a makeshift shelter, and went through cold and uncomfortable nights without a proper bed and a roof above her head. “Iba talaga kapag may totoong bahay kang tinitirahan. Aalagaan ko ang bahay na ito [It is really different if you live in a real house. I will take good care of this house),” Virgina said. Sec. Soliman in her message emphasized that the permanent homes would not have been completed without the cooperation of the local government units and the beneficiaries who helped build the units through the DSWD Cash for Work program. “Bawat isa sa inyo dito ay parte ng proyekto. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit magaganda ang mga bahay ninyo, dahil kayo mismo ang gumawa nito. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtutulungan upang tuluyan na ang ating pagbangon [Everyone of you here is part of this project. That’s the reason why these houses are beautiful because you, the owners also assisted in building it. Let us continue to work together and help each one rise up and get on with our interrupted lives],” Sec. Soliman said. Aside from permanent shelters, earlier on, the survivors also received family food packs, emergency shelter assistance, supplementary feeding program, social pension, cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities from DSWD. |TOP| Secretary Del Rosario is “Map Management Man of the Year 2014” Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 25 November 2014 – The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) conferred on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario the “MAP Management Man of the Year 2014” in an awarding ceremony held on November 24 at The Peninsula Manila. MAP conferred the prestigious award on the Secretary for raising the standards of economic diplomacy; for enhancing the country’s bilateral partnerships; for transforming the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) into a strong, professional, and highly competent organization; for restoring morale in the DFA by limiting the number of political appointees and recognizing merit in the career advancement process for foreign service personnel; for rationalizing Philippine presence overseas; and for proactively ensuring the safety and security of overseas Filipinos around the world. MAP likewise cited Secretary Del Rosario’s “contribution to re-shaping national values by setting an example that Filipino professional managers can emulate through his track record of integrity, professional competence, and strong leadership in his management career in both public and private sectors.” In his acceptance speech, Secretary Del Rosario said that he was truly honored to receive the award and that he was “particularly pleased with it because it has given the DFA the recognition that it warrants.” The Secretary then expressed appreciation to the MAP, to the members of the diplomatic corps, and to Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan, who nominated him for the award. Under MAP’s rules, only MAP members are eligible to submit nominations. Secretary Del Rosario also conveyed his deep gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III “for his guidance, his trust and his confidence.” By the end of his speech, Secretary Del Rosario noted that “The bottom line is that our foreign policy will evolve. It will continue to evolve. It will be defined by our national government and, at the same time, by the ever-changing environment internationally.” “And how do we posture the DFA? At all times, we are trying to be smarter. We are trying to be leaner. We are trying to be more innovative,” the Secretary concluded. The Management Association of the Philippines is the country’s premier management organization whose members represent a cross-section of CEOs, COOs and other top management practitioners from the largest local and multinational companies operating in the Philippines. MAP also counts top management educators and some government officials as its members. It promotes management excellence and continues to serve as a dynamic partner of business, government and civil society. For 2014, its theme is “MAPping a Future of Inclusive Growth with Good Governance.” |TOP| Philippines Reiterates Its Commitments to Implement Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 26 November 2014 - Colonel Gerry Amante, Head of the Munitions Control Center of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to implement the provisions of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons when he read the Philippine Statement during the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and Its Protocols, held in Geneva from November 10 to 14. The Philippines further highlighted its willingness to work closely with its partners in the international community towards a common goal of eradicating threats posed by mines, booby traps and other devices. The Philippine delegation was headed by Permanent Representative Cecilia B. Rebong. Other members of the delegation included Deputy Permanent Representative Noralyn Jubaira-Baja and Attache Hossana P. Dela Cruz. |TOP| Ex-PCGG Chair indicted for influence peddling Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph Former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Chairman Camilo Sabio faces graft charges for attempting to influence his brother, Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Jose L. Sabio, Jr. to help a party-litigant in a case pending before the CA. In a Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause to indict Chairman Sabio for two counts of violation of Section 3(a) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and for violation of Article 243 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The Joint Resolution narrated that on 30 May 2008, Justice Sabio received a call from his brother Chairman Sabio informing him that he had been named member of the CA division to which the MERALCO-GSIS case had been raffled. Chairman Sabio tried to convince Justice Sabio “of the rightness of the stand of the GSIS and asked his brother to help the GSIS, which represents the interest of the poor people.” It was also uncovered that Chairman Sabio received a call from GSIS Board Member Atty. Jesus Santos informing him that the MERALCO-GSIS case was already raffled to the division of Justice Sabio, Atty. Santos requested Chairman Sabio’s intercession to convince Justice Sabio to rule against the issuance of Temporary Restraining Order in favor of MERALCO. Section 3(a) of the Anti-Graft Law prohibits public officers from “persuading, inducing or influencing another public officer to perform an act constituting a violation of rules and regulations duly promulgated by competent authority or an offense in connection with official duties of the latter, or allowing himself to be persuaded, induced, or influenced to commit such violation or offense.” On the other hand, Article 243 of the RPC penalizes any “executive officer who shall address any order or suggestion to any judicial authority with respect to any case or business coming within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of justice.” Justice Sabio was excluded as respondent in the complaint filed by the Field Investigation Office “since records do not show that he had been influenced by his elder brother.” |TOP| MB Allows Qualified Thrift Banks to Deal in Deliverable FX Forwards Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Monetary Board approved the amendments to the regulations governing the derivatives activities of banks to allow thrift banks (TBs) with the authority to issue foreign Letters of Credit (LCs) and pay/accept/negotiate import/export drafts/bills of exchange, to act as dealers of deliverable foreign exchange (FX) forwards, if they meet certain criteria. Under the existing regulatory framework, only Universal and Commercial Banks are allowed to offer their own products to clients under either a Type 2 (Limited Dealer) or a Type 1 (Expanded Dealer) Authority. It is expected that policy amendment will expand the FX risk hedging options of SMEs to the extent that they are better served by thrift banks. Under the new rules, thrift banks with an existing authority to issue foreign letters of credit and pay/accept/negotiate import/export drafts/bills of exchange may apply for a Type 2 Limited Dealer authority to operate as dealer of deliverable FX forwards. Applicant banks shall be subject to the existing licensing process. At a minimum, an applicant bank must demonstrate adequate competence in its general operations, hold capital commensurate to the risk assumed or to be assumed from the derivatives activity and have and maintain a risk management system that conforms to the principles and complies with the risk management guidelines for derivatives. Once the Type 2 authority is approved, a thrift bank can offer FX forwards to clients subject to certain conditions to ensure that transactions solely relate to clients’ trade-related requirements. Thus, the tenors of the FX forward contracts should match the term of the client’s underlying trade transactions. Further, to ensure banks are undertaking activities in a prudent manner, they will be covered by regulations prescribing capital for market risk. In addition, thrift banks are expected to have appropriate practices for the selling and marketing of FX forwards to their clients. Thrift banks that are granted the authority to engage in said derivative transaction shall likewise comply with the provisions of the Manual of Regulations on Foreign Exchange Transactions (MORFXT). |TOP| MB Authorizes Thrift Banks, Rural Banks and Cooperative Banks To Buy/Sell Foreign Exchange Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Monetary Board approved the amendments to the powers and scope of authorities of banks to explicitly recognize the authority of thrift banks, rural banks and cooperative banks to buy and sell foreign exchange. This will enable these banks to play a more active role in the remittance business. These amendments serve to expressly classify thrift, rural and cooperative banks as authorized agent banks (AABs) under the Manual of Regulations for Foreign Exchange Transactions (MORFXT), thus allowing such entities to buy and sell foreign exchange as part of the banking services these financial institutions can offer its clients. The BSP emphasizes that the classification of the subject banks as AABs necessarily binds them to strictly abide by the applicable provisions of the MORFXT, particularly on the sale of foreign exchange. Moreover, the banks are expected to manage the risks arising from the exercise of their authority. While it is recognized that the buying and selling of foreign exchange will entail additional market risks, ample prudential safeguards are in place. Monitoring of foreign exchange exposures are adequately captured in the BSP prudential reports and the extent of thrift, rural and cooperative banks’ compliance and assessment of risk management, and risk exposures are evaluated during the BSP on-site examination. |TOP| 'Public Welfare is our Top Priority' - Roxas Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has assured the Senate that the welfare of the general public has been and will always be the top priority of his department. Roxas responded following remarks made by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago in a privileged speech delivered on Monday before the Senate, as it resumed its budget hearing for the fiscal year 2015. Santiago, in her speech, reminded the DILG to focus on its mandate which is “to supervise local government units and to secure the lives and property of every Filipino no matter where they live, what their political colors are and whether they are friends or foes.” One project that she mentioned was DILG’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig), a water program that was started by the late DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo back in 2011. “Pina-iigting po natin ang mga proyekto ng dating kalihim” (We strengthen the projects of former secretary), Roxas said. “Potable water is a prime essential need of every community and every LGU must be involved in meeting this need,” he explained. The secretary added that given that many communities still remain without access to potable water, continuing the P1.53 billion-project will therefore help many Filipinos in 89 waterless municipalities and barangays. He also maintained that despite attempts made by some sectors to draw political color in the efforts of the DILG, it has always strived to fulfill its mandate even in times of disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and even armed conflicts, through its wide array of projects and programs. “Makasisiguro po ang ating butihing senador na hindi nagpapabaya at walang pinipili sa paglilingkod ang DILG (The senator can be sure that DILG is neither negligent nor biased in fulfilling its duties,” the secretary said.) |TOP| DAR Lauds Farmers’ Organizations Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph AGRARIAN Reform legal consultant Aison Garcia lauded various organizations of farmers and indigenous peoples for their passion, unity and efforts in finding solutions to their problems on human rights and land problems. “The government appreciates the big support of various sectors in helping the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) fast-track land acquisition and distribution, especially in provinces with problematic landholdings and resistant landowners,” Garcia said during the “Breaking the Barriers to Peace Forum-Workshop” sponsored by the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC) held recently at the Cocoon Hotel in Quezon City. “The DAR needs more community organizers to help us efficiently implement the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Programs (CARP). CARP is not just about rewarding agricultural lands, it also provide its beneficiaries with necessary support services,” Garcia said. The forum-workshop, dubbed as “Laying Justice on the Ground: Moving from Land Disputes to Land/Domain Rights and Peace,” tackled various issues and explored various ways of finding solutions to the farmers’ and indigenous peoples’ various problems on human and land rights violations. Former Quezon Province Representative Oscar “Ka Oca” Santos said he believes that a government supported by its people would surely succeed on its objective. “Last year, around 800 farmers received certificates of land ownership award (CLOAs) in Bondoc Peninsula. With the unity of the farmers to let their voices be heard, the DAR spared no effort to realize their dreams in spite of the resistance of influential and rich landowners in this area,” Santos said. Bondoc Peninsula is tagged as hotbed of agrarian conflict in Southern Tagalog. The forum-workshop was also attended by other government officials from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Department of Justice (DoJ) and leaders from farmers and indigenous peoples’ sectors. |TOP| DPWH Chief urges contractors to comply with projects' specs Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph “Do good to your country by being truthful in the implementation of your projects. That’s the least you can do to pay back the taxpayers, after all, they’re the ones paying for your services”, said Public Works and Highways Rogelio L. Singson as he appeals for the contractors’ sense of patriotism in implementing government projects. While procurement for the 9,278 projects valued at P269.7 Billion for CY 2015 Infrastructure Program has started, Singson asks the contractors to help in the Department’s transparency and accountability efforts by not conniving with anyone or giving “commissions” to anyone including DPWH employees, politicians or with other contractors in securing projects from DPWH. Instead, the contractors are told to give the best price and follow specifications. Singson also appealed to the contractors to strictly comply with the approved plans and specifications. “Do not shortchange the Filipino people by engaging yourselves to corrupt practices,” he added. With considerable increase of infrastructure investments programmed in the 2015 national budget, DPWH has enough public works projects for qualified and competent contractors. However, there are still reports that contractors are giving advance payments to unscrupulous individuals peddling projects in exchange for a promise of bagging government contracts. Nobody in DPWH can commit projects to anyone. “As corruption perception survey results in the past has shown positive improvement of the Department due to its transformation program to include efficiency and transparency in the procurement process, we continue to appeal to the contractors to refrain from colluding with either DPWH employees or with other contractors”, added Singson. To lessen opportunities for collusion, DPWH has simplified the bidding process with only five (5) documentary requirements and eliminated the submission of letter of intent to encourage participation of more bidders. DPWH also no longer accepts credit line certification from banks to augment financial contracting capacity which is also another source of corruption. DPWH is also monitoring the contractors who just participate in many of the biddings without any intention of winning any bid as evidenced by the variance from the approved budget for the contract. To date, there are at least 89 blacklisted contractors in the list of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP). |TOP| In Oman, Baldoz announces POLOs re-structuring with 162 new positions Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Aim is to realize Pres. Aquino’s goal for POLOs as centers of care and excellence In Oman, Baldoz announces POLOs re-structuring with 162 new positions Muscat--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the re-structuring of all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) starting January 2015 on account of the newly-created 162 positions for overseas posts that President Benigno S. Aquino III has given the DOLE. In an afternoon forum with leaders of over 40 Filipino organizations at the Philippine Embassy in Muscat, Oman, Baldoz said the President has given the DOLE 162 new plantilla positions for overseas posts and this, she said, was a clear signal for the DOLE to intensify its effort to transform all POLOs into centers of care and excellence as the President instructed in his 22-point labor and employment agenda. Earlier, she announced the POLOs re-structuring and the new plantilla positions in a morning meeting with newly-installed POLO-Oman chief, Labor Attacher Nasser Mustafa, and his staff. “While we have begun the transformation of our POLOs into centers of care and excellence which President Aquino III completely supports, we realize that we can do more with additional personnel to really ensure that we perform our mandate of protecting our OFWs and promoting their welfare and interest. The 162 new positions are a welcome reinforcement to this effort and so we have to really be serious in fulfilling the President’s expectations,” she said. “The myriad needs of our OFWs necessitate that we beef up our personnel to meet those needs,” she added. Relative to this, Baldoz said the Human Resources Development Service and the International Labor Affairs Bureau are already working on the new POLOs structure and will come out with qualifications standards for the 162 new plantilla positions in time for the POLO Conference in December in Manila. Initially, the labor and employment chief, who is the main architect of the re-structuring, said the DOLE is contemplating two options for the new organizational structure: (1) POLOs with three operational units and (2) POLOs with two operational units. There will be an internal management unit, welfare unit, and technical unit in the first option, while the welfare unit and technical unit will be fused in the second option. “Whatever the structure the HRDS and the ILAB recommend, I have instructed that the underlying philosophies of good governance with all the elements of accountability, integrity, and transparency be the main consideration. She said that this means all units will use the FLOIS as a tool in the performance of reporting and data management functions. Also, that the number of POLO personnel to be assigned per POLO will be based on the following categories: (a) welfare-heavy post and (b) development-oriented post. According to Baldoz, each POLO will have an ideal complement of 10 to 15 personnel holding permanent plantilla positions, composed of the labor attache, technical staff (from the 162 newly-created positions), welfare officer, and OWWA administrative staff. “Interpreters and drivers may be considered for entry-level positions as option to engaging local hires for these functions,” Baldoz said. She further explained that all POLO personnel shall be governed by the three-year tour-of-duty and two-year home office assignment prescribed in the POLO Manual of Operations. All POLO plantilla positions will be distributed to DOLE offices involved in overseas employment functions on a detail arrangement. POLO personnel returning for home office assignment will be posted at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, National Reintegration Center for OFWs, International Labor Affairs Bureau, and DOLE regional offices. During the meeting with the Filipino community, Baldoz and his delegation, composed of DOLE Undersecretary in charge of the Middle East Ciriaco Lagunzad, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration chief Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Rebecca Calzado, and International Labor Affairs Bureau Director Saul de Vries, responded to various concerns of OFWs, among them the establishment of an OFW hospital, presence in Oman of the Social Security System, outreach in far-lung areas of Oman, repatriation, and ‘Omanization’. She also introduced to the community Labor Attache Nasser Mustafa as the new POLO chief in Oman. Later after the forum, Philippine Ambassador to Muscat Narciso Castaneda hosted a dinner for the community and Secretary Baldoz’s delegation. Also present were Consul General Hjayceelyn Quintana and Welfare Officer Sylvia ‘Bing’ Tolentino. Secretary Baldoz and her delegation visited Oman on their way to attend the 3rd Abu Dhabi Dialgoue Ministerial Meeting in Kuwait. |TOP| Department of Finance and Securities and Exchange Commission Sign Data Sharing Agreement Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last 17 November 2014, allowing both parties to institutionalize data sharing and information exchange. As part of this undertaking, the SEC will share electronic copies of all basic company information and financial data contained in the General Information Sheets (GIS), as well as all financial data contained in the General Form for Financial Statements (GFFS), the Special Form for Financial Statements (SFFS), and the Audited Financial Statements (AFS). The DOF intends to utilize available data for its internal use in order to enhance policy formulation, research, risk analysis and audit profiling of businesses. Before signing the agreement, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said, “We fully believe in using every tool and resource available in this digital age to enhance our government’s capacity to serve the Filipino people. Instant access to and effective management of information is critical to DOF’s mission to enable the country to stand on a stronger fiscal position, if only to use these resources to empower the least in our society to stand on their own as well.” Effective starting this month, the agreement is expected to boost DOF knowledge management capacity, using data and information already available to the SEC for more responsive and effective policy development. The agreement also called for the procurement of a data processing service provider, as well as the copying and consolidation of up to 70,000 electronic submissions in 60 working days. SEC Chairperson Teresita Herbosa said, “We are delighted that information available to SEC can support the Department of Finance in carrying out their mandates and our shared responsibility to build a stronger, more resilient economy under a good governance framework.” The SEC has jurisdiction and supervision over all corporations, partnerships, or associations which are the grantees of primary franchises, licenses, or permits issued by the Philippine Government. SEC is the repository of general registration information, of audited financial statements (AFS), other periodic and/or event-driven reports and disclosures required under the SRC, CCP, and other SEC-administered laws and regulations, such as general information sheets (GIS), and the general form for financial statements (GFFS)/special form for financial statements (SFFS). This joint undertaking of the SEC and DOF is supported by the USAID-funded project Facilitating Public Investment (FPI). FPI is working to facilitate the expansion of the “fiscal space” for public and private investment in the Philippines through higher tax revenue and public expenditure reforms. The SEC is under the administrative supervision of the DOF under Executive Order (EO) No. 37 dated 19 April 2011. |TOP| PHL urged to establish competitive digital niche in Asia Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph/ During the 5th IC Design Training Program, Professors Shuenn-Yuh Lee PhD and Cheng-Han Hsieh of the Taiwan-based National Cheng Kung University urged Filipino engineers to set up companies to encourage innovation in the Integrated Circuit (IC) design and to establish a competitive digital niche in Asia. The training program, which was held at the JICA-Net Satellite Center in UP Diliman, Quezon City, focused on the importance of analog to digital and digital to analog converters. This is an initiative of the Board of Investments (BOI) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Taiwanese government, and the Philippine Institute for Integrated Circuits (PIIC). “These four institutions are working together to improve and promote the IC Design industry in our country. Individual Industry Roadmaps have identified training needs to address human resource development and upgrade them with latest technology requirements of the global market,” Industry Development Group (IDG) Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. said. Professor Lee noted that homegrown engineers have increased their technical capability over the years. He further encouraged the trainees to innovate and even put up IC Design start-ups to boost the digital revolution. IC Design is an essential part of the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industry. In 2013 alone, the industry accounted for 28% of the country’s GDP output or revenues in excess of USD 21B and employed some 4M employees directly and indirectly. The country’s Electronics Industry Roadmap envisions the country as a globally competitive electronics hub by 2030 with investments of USD 10B, exports of USD 112B and direct and indirect employment of up to 24M. For the short and medium terms, the country’s total exports are expected to top USD 37B by 2016 and USD 52B by 2022. Some 29 participants, mostly faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students in the fields of Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering from the University of the Philippines (UP_, University of San Carlos, Mindanao State University, Iligan Institute of Technology, and Bulacan State University completed the training. Other attendees include representatives from the electronics companies of Analog Device Inc. and Zynix Design. Also present were representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), UP College of Engineering, PIIC, and the BOI. Based on the latest figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s electronics industry exported USD 16.28B from January to August 2014, a 5.2-% increase from USD 15.28B in the same period last year. In 2012, the DTI and BOI launched the Industry Development Program (IDP) to support the preparation of the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS). The Electronics Industry, as well as 29 other industry sectors, collaborated with government, academe and civil society in the crafting of their respective industry roadmaps. The project aims to chart the direction, goals and strategies for key industries and form the basis for the development of the CNIS. |TOP| JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation, Bayan Academy and TESDA link to train future entrepreneurs Source: http://tesda.gov.ph A skills development program combined with entrepreneurship education being made available in poor communities in the country has been yielding high employment rate for its graduates. This month, a fresh batch of graduates completed the training course and hopes are high that they would soon join the workforce as employees or their own boss. Since it was piloted in Baseco in Tondo in 2010, the Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development has registered an average of 90 percent employment rate for its 395 beneficiaries. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Foundation conceptualized the program and implemented it tapping the assistance of Bayan Academy and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). On November 26, the new graduates were feted at the 4th Culminating Activity of the JPMC Entrepreneurship Education for Community Development Program held at Recruitment Hub, Net Plaza Building in Taguig City. In his message to the graduates, TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said the government and private institutions could never go wrong when they invest in the education of the youth. “Our technical-vocational (tech-voc) programs are geared towards providing employment to our graduates. Combined with entrepreneurship modules, these programs could help produce technopreneneurs who could generate employment opportunities not only for themselves but even for their families and communities,” Villanueva said. Villanueva thanked JPMorgan Chase & Co. for its commitment to promote skilled Filipinos for nation-building and for Bayan Academy’s innovation for infusing entrepreneurship modules in TESDA courses. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Philippines executives headed by Mr. Robert Panlilio, senior country officer and Ms. Pixie Gutierrez, vice president and head of communications attended the event. Bayan Academy was represented by its chairman and president Dr. Eduardo A. Morato, Jr., Ms. Gina Lopez, chairperson of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Ms. Marietta Goco, Bayan Academy Board of Trustee and Mr. Raul Manikan, executive director. The technopreneurship program through private and public collaboration is a powerful formula in addressing unemployment in the country, he said. He also acknowledged the partners and industry players who were responsible in ensuring the high employment rate of the graduates. Of the 395 scholars, 80 are from Baseco, while the rest are from different cities of Metro Manila and provinces of Palawan, Victorias, Negros Occidental, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Tagaytay, Cavite, Porac, Pampanga, and General Santos. The program has been expanded to other areas in the country with the support of TESDA and its regional and district offices. JPMorgan, one of the world's leading financial services firm, started the program in 2010 aiming to advocate change and empower people in poor areas through holistic community development programs that ranged from education for children, livelihood assistance, and deployment of water towers, technical skills and entrepreneurship training. It found a partner in Bayan Academy – a social development organization focused on promoting entrepreneurship and technical and livelihood skills training – to facilitate interventions for disengaged youth and adults in Baseco and to assist in creating pathways to employment opportunities. The program has equipped beneficiaries with the necessary skills to apply for jobs and become successful individuals. Entrepreneurship modules were also developed for beneficiaries who opt to start their own enterprise. Finally, the program has created a network of social capital consisting of partners who support the employment of graduates and advocate the effectiveness of the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Entrepreneurship Education Program for Community Development. Bayan Academy and JPMC Foundation was able to forge partnership with TESDA in the selection of tech-voc institutions that have good record in providing quality training to their students. TESDA also assisted in the competency assessment of the graduates and awarded the TESDA National Certificate to the passers. For 2015, JPMC Foundation and Bayan Academy together with TESDA, ERDA Foundation, Center for Community Transformation, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Reyes Hair Cutters, Jing & Laica Salon, and many more partners will continue to bring the program to high need communities of Metro Manila and in areas affected by Haiyan. |TOP|

 

Last Updated: 27 NOVEMBER 2014
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (November 27). Also in photo is Mme.Yuko Ishikawa, spouse of the Ambassador. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Kingdom of Norway Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Ferner during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Kingdom of Norway Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Ferner during the presentation of credentials at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Kingdom of Norway Ambassador to the Philippines Erik Ferner signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			His Excellency Kazuhide Ishikawa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, troops the line during the foyer honors accorded him at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby upon arrival for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			His Excellency Erik Ferner, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines, reviews the honor guards during the arrival honors accorded him at the Malacañang Palace Grounds for the presentation of credentials on Thursday (November 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a document containing the proposals and recommendations for the immediate implementation of the coco levy fund from a representative of coconut farmers' organizations during the dialogue at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (November 26). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Representatives of coconut farmer organizations walk inside Malacanang Palace grounds Wednesday (November 26) for a dialoque with President Benigno S. Aquino III on the issue of the coco levy fund. The President and some members of the Cabinet held a 3-hour talk with the farmers. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with representatives of coconut farmer organizations at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (November 26). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll views the solar rooftop project of SM Supermalls in the Northlink Building at the SM City North Edsa Complex, Quezon City, during its launching on Monday (November 24). The solar panels spread across 11,511 square meters of the mall's rooftop have the capacity of 1.5 MW. The energy of the sun captured by the panels is converted to electricity by 60 inverters which can provide 5% of daily supply of 179,793 average kilowatt. Also in photo is SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll grace the launching of the Green Switch of the solar rooftop project of SM Supermalls in the Northlink Building at the SM City North Edsa Complex, Quezon City, Monday (November 24). The solar panels spread across 11,511 square meters of the mall's rooftop have the capacity of 1.5 MW. The energy of the sun captured by the panels is converted to electricity by 60 inverters which can provide 5% of daily supply of 179,793 average kilowatt. Also in photo are, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Solar Philippine President Leandro Leviste, and SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll leads the green switch launch of solar rooftop project of SM Supermalls at the Northlink Building at the SM City North Edsa Complex, Quezon City, Monday (November 24). The solar panels spread across 11,511 square meters of the mall's rooftop have the capacity of 1.5 MW. The energy of the sun captured by the panels is converted to electricity by 60 inverters which can provide 5% of daily supply of 179,793 average kilowatt. Also in photo are, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Solar Philippine President Leandro Leviste, and SM Prime Holdings President Hans Sy. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). Also in photo is Jorge Araneta. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III with Araneta Center partners during the 60th anniversary celebration Friday (November 21) held at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City. With the president are Manny Pangilinan, Andrew Tan of Mega World, Teresita Sy-Coson of SM, Jorge Araneta , Alfredo Ramos of National Bookstore and Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco and daughter Zenaida Tantoco of Rustans. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the Araneta's during the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower building in Cubao , Quezon City Friday, November 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea /Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III after unveiling of Gateway Tower marker and the Bencab Triptych, with (from left) DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, National Artist Ben Cabrera, Judy Araneta Roxas, Jorge Araneta and wife Stella, Baby Araneta, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Congressman Sonny Belmonte, during the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III during a visit to Jollibee Singapore at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Wednesday afternoon (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III orders his food during a visit to Jollibee Singapore at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Wednesday afternoon (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanging pleasantries with Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng during a business meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng in business meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III with Singapore Airlines Engineering Company president and chief executive officer William Tan Seng Koon in meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Singapore Airlines Engineering Company president and chief executive officer William Tan Seng Koon at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano,  Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Lauro Montellani Jr / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shake hands with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). This is the first time that a Philippine president will keynote the said event since its inception in 2009. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

The Senate has approved the P2.606-T 2015 Nat'l Budget. Learn more about budget legislation: http://budgetngbayan.com/budget-101/budget-legislation/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

INFOGRAPHIC • List of remaining 2014 holidays:
http://www.gov.ph/…/01/list-of-nationwide-holidays-for-2014/

 

Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

INFOGRAPHIC • List of nationwide holidays for 2015:
http://www.gov.ph/…/23/list-of-nationwide-holidays-for-2015/