2 Dispatch for April 17 , 2014 (Friday ), 4 Weather Watch , 2 Regional Watch , 6 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech, 20 Online News , 43 Photo Releases,(Apr.16)

Daily Weather Forecast

 Issued at: 5:00 a.m. today, 17 April 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Synopsis:

Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas.

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 a.m. 17 April 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 17 April 2015

Forecast:

Caraga and Davao Region will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section.


Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over the eastern section of Luzon and its coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.

Weather Watch

2 hrs ·

Provinces experiencing dry spell, as per PAGASA: Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Batanes, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Palawan, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato, Sarangani, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, and Sulu.

Dry spell hits 30 provinces | Manila Bulletin | Latest Breaking News | News Philippines

Manila Bulletin, the nation's leading newspaper, brings you the latest news and current events in...

mb.com.ph|By Manila Bulletin

Weather Watch

3 hrs ·

ABS-CBN: Makakaranas ng ulan sa ilang bahagi ng Mindanao dahil sa easterlies. Magkakaroon ng mahina hanggang sa katamtamang ulan sa CARAGA at Davao Region. Magiging mainit naman sa Metro Manila at natitirang bahagi ng bansa pero maaaring magkaroon ng isolated rains at thunderstorms.

Weather Watch

14 hrs ·

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Nararanasan pa rin ang mahinang El Niño sa bansa. 30 probinsya ang apektado ng dry spell sa mga nakalipas na buwan.
-May tsansa ng mahinang ulan bukas ng umaga sa eastern section ng Cagayan Valley, Aurora at Quezon.
-Sa Visayas, central section ang uulanin sa hapon.
-Sa Mindanao, may mahina hanggang katamtamang ulan buong maghapon.

                           April 17, 2015 (Friday) as of 9:00 AM

               PIA4A / PIA QUEZON    :  Sunny  in Lucena City
   

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Department of Labor and Employment and local Public Employment Services Office are collaborating with the SM for a series of Labor Day Job Fairs to be held on May 1. The recruitment activities will take place at SM Masinag, SM Center Angono and SM Taytay from 8am to 5pm to help provide new jobs for locals of Rizal.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Antipolo City Government is set to conduct a job fair at the Robinsons Place Antipolo Activity Center on April 28 from 8am to 5pm. Locals are encouraged to bring their resumes and documents to participate in the said activity. Other government agencies such as the NBI, Philhealth, SSS, NSO and Pag-Ibig will be present to offer their services and provide documents during the activity.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hrs ·

DZBB: Kinukumpirma ng DFA ang ulat ng news site na Bernama na tatlong Pilipino raw ang naaresto sa Labuan, Malaysia kamakailan dahil sa ilegal na droga.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hrs ·

GMA: Nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang pamilya Veloso na makausap si Mary Jane na nahaharap sa death sentence sa Indonesia. Ayon sa kapatid ng OFW, pupunta siya sa Indonesia bukas para makipagkita kay Mary Jane.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hrs ·

GMA: Nangangambang siyam na araw na lang bago i-firing squad ang OFW na si Mary Jane Veloso sa Indonesia. Umaasa pa rin ang pamilya Veloso na hindi mapa-firing squad si Mary Jane. Nasisisi naman ang gobyerno dahil hindi raw ito naging maagap sa kaso ni Veloso. Dati nang iginiit ng DFA na hindi sila nagpabaya sa kaso ng OFW.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hrs ·

DZBB: Dumating na ang mahigit 50 OFW mula sa Yemen sa NAIA ngayong 4:00 ng hapon. Sinalubong sila ng mga tauhan ng OWWA.

PIA OFW Watch

19 hrs ·

DZRH: Isang OFW ang minaltrato sa Saudi Arabia. Tiniis niya ang mga pagpapahirap sa kanya at walang pahingang trabaho. Tinangka rin siyang halayin ng kanyang amo.

PIA OFW Watch

20 hrs ·

DZBB: Umabot na sa mahigit 500 Pilipino ang lumikas sa bansang Yemen, ayon sa DFA. Patuloy naman ang panawagan ng DFA sa mga natitirang Pilipino sa Yemen na magparehistro na para sa repatriation.

 

16 APRIL 2015.
	Malacañang is focused on implementing programs, does not want political distractions, official says
	President Aquino to lead turnover of newly built school buildings in Bulacan, Tarlac

Malacañang is focused on implementing programs, does not want political distractions, official says

The Palace on Thursday reiterated that it remains focused on carrying out the administration's programs in the remaining days of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s term, even as the country gears up for next year’s presidential election.Reacting to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on the “three best leaders to succeed PNoy in 2016”, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the administration’s attention is on the implementation of its programs and not on politics. "Nanatiling nakatuon ang ating pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa at proyekto para sa pagpapahusay ng ekonomiya at pagpapatatag sa mga repormang nasimulan na at nais makumpleto sa mga nalalabing buwan ng termino ni Pangulong Aquino," Secretary Coloma said during a press briefing in Malacañang. The latest survey, he said, could guide the country’s voters in choosing the better candidate. "Pero ang pokus po namin ngayon ay hindi sa mga kandidato o sa eleksyon, kung hindi sa trabaho ng pamahalaan," he added. Coloma said he heard the President tell Agence France-Presse during a recent interview that he will announce the administration’s presidential bet in June. “Narinig ko ‘yon dahil saksi ako doon sa interview… Ang sinabi na lang niya (President Aquino) ay, ‘Mainam na maghintay na lamang sa aking ilalahad,’” he added. Asked if the President would anoint Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas as the administration’s bet, Coloma noted that President Aquino often emphasizes that his successor must be someone who would continue the reforms that he has initiated. "Ang suhestiyon niya o ang payo niya ay tingnan kung sino ba talaga ang makapagpapatuloy at makapagtitiyak na ang mga reporma at transpormasyong nasimulan na ay makukumpleto," the Palace official said. “Ang pokus po ng kanyang mensahe sa ating mga mamamayan ay doon sa prinsipyo na sa kanilang pagpapasya, dapat isaalang-alang ang kahalagahan na maipagpatuloy at makumpleto ang transpormasyon at reporma na naisagawa na. ‘Yan po ang kanyang palaging binibigyan ng diin.” The SWS survey, conducted last March 20 to 23 among 1,200 adults nationwide, showed that Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares remain in the top two positions, with 36 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has overtaken four other potential candidates and is tied with Secretary Roxas for third position, with 15 percent each. Roxas’ rating dropped to 15 percent from 19 percent in a similar poll conducted on November 27 to December 1 last year. PND (as)

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President Aquino to lead turnover of newly built school buildings in Bulacan, Tarlac

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead on Friday the turnover of newly constructed school buildings in Malolos City, Bulacan province and Tarlac City, Tarlac province, that addresses the backlog of classrooms in the country. The President is expected to arrive at the Malolos Integrated School at 10 a.m. and inspect a two-storey 18-classroom building and a one-storey six-classroom building built through the Public Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP) in Central Luzon. Education Secretary Armin Luistro will brief the President on the project. Afterwards, President Aquino will proceed to the Tarlac National High School in Tarlac City to lead a similar event. The President will tour and inspect the facilities of the newly constructed three-storey building in the main campus of the Tarlac National High School. Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson will be on hand to give the President a briefing on the classroom project. Following the briefing, a signed memorandum of understanding will be handed over to the President by Cristino Naguiat Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which funded the project. The Department of Public Works and Highways carried out the school construction project. After that, the President will lead the ceremonial turnover of keys to 30 classrooms to the school principal, Dr. Yolanda Gonzales. PND (as)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines 2015 General Assembly

Manila Hotel, Manila

15 April 2015

Maganda ho concentration ko pagpunta ko dito. Akala ko kaya kong sagutin lahat ng tanong ninyo. Nakita ko na ho si George. Nasira ho ‘yung concentration ko. Matagal ko na hong kaibigan ito dahil nag-abot ho kami sa college niyan. Eight years ho kasi siya bago nag-graduate yata. Hindi, dahil ano ho may pagkarebelde noong araw ‘yan. Hanggang ngayon yata. Kinakabahan ako ‘pag nakikita ko ‘to; parati hong matatawa tayo. Kung minsan lang “laugh at” hindi “laugh with,” pero hindi bale na lang ho–hindi ho iyon ang pakay ko ngayong araw na ito. Mga kasama, bilang Pangulo, alam naman po ninyong talagang marami tayong isyung kailangang tugunan; bawat rehiyon, bawat lalawigan, at bawat munisipyong tulad ng inyong mga nasasakupan, ay may mga hamon at problemang kailangang pagtuunan ng ating atensiyon. Kung puwede nga lang po ay isa-isa kong dalawin ang inyong mga munisipyo upang personal na makinig sa inyo. Pero batid naman po ninyo, iisa lang ang katawan natin, at marami rin nga pong mga isyung pambansa at panlabas na kumakain ng ating oras. Mabuti na lang po at may mga kalipunang tulad ng LMP, kaya’t nabibigyan tayo ng pagkakataong magpulong sa iisang bulwagan, at sama-samang maglatag ng ating agenda upang maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga Boss. Sa mga mayor po na talaga namang bumiyahe nang malayo para makadaupang-palad natin ngayon, talagang maraming-maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. [Palakpakan] Batid ko po, malaking papel na ginagampanan ng ating local government units. Kung ang pagpapalakad ng buong bansa ay tungkulin ng pambansang pamahalaan, kayo naman sa LGU ang direktang nakakasalamuha ng ating mga mamamayan. Kayo ang nagtutulay ng pambansang agenda tungo sa bawat sulok ng ating bansa. Kayo ang bukal, at ang pinatutunguhan ng ating ipinapatupad na proyekto. Sa pamamagitan ninyo, nararamdaman ng ating mamamayan kung tumototoo ang gobyerno sa panata nitong maglingkod sa bayan. Kaya nga: Ang tagumpay o pagkabigo ng isang administrasyon ay nakasalalay sa pakikipagtulungan ng local government units sa pambansang pamahalaan. Wala po sigurong tatanggi: Talagang napakahirap ng trabaho ninyong mga lokal na pinuno. Batid ko ang mga suliraning kinakaharap ninyo, na talaga naman pong nakababad, 24/7, sa lokal na konteksto. Bagaman hindi po ako naging alkalde, nakihalubilo rin tayo sa lokal na pulitika. Maaaring noong simula, pangiti-ngiti pa tayo. Pero sa paglipas ng mga araw, talagang ramdam na natin ang bigat ng ating tungkulin. Naikuwento ko na po sa inyo ito noon: Noong bagong-halal akong Congressman sa Tarlac, may konsehal na lumapit sa akin. Kailangan daw niya ng tulong sa pag-arkila ng orkestra sa aming piyesta. Ang tanong ko po, “Magkano po ang kailangan?” Ang sagot niya sa akin, “P40,000 kada isa.” Ilan ho ba ang kailangan natin? Sabi niya, “Kailangan natin ng dalawa, at iyan na ang pinakamura.” Ang hirit pa niya, para nga raw ho may relyebo, kailangan daw ng dalawang orkestra. Suma-total: P80,000. Sa loob-loob ko lang po, kahit doblehin pa ang suweldo ko noon na 35,000 sa gross, di pa rin po aabot sa request niya. Sa tugtugan pa lang, kukulangin na po ang ating pondo. Isang halimbawa pa lang po iyan sa napakahabang listahan ng hinihingi sa atin bilang mga pinuno, mula sa pinakamaliliit hanggang sa pinakamalalaking hiling. Sabi nga ho ng iba, ang masaklap pa, kapag may humingi ng sampu at nabigay mo o nagawaan mo ng paraan ang siyam, ang tanging maaalala nila ay ‘yung isang hindi mo naibigay. Tama ho ba? [Palakpakan] Di maiiwasan po, ang iba po sa atin, sa kagustuhang mapondohan ang mga ganitong hiling, natutuksong gumawa ng gimik o ng magic, para masigurong tuwing may makakasalubong na mag-uumang ng palad ay mapapagbigyan ito. Ang resulta po: Isang sistema kung saan habambuhay na nakakaasa sa pabor ang ating mga nasasakupan, habang ang mga pinuno naman ay nakatali rin sa pagbibigay ng mga pabor. Sa sobrang tagal na nga pong naghari ng ganitong kalakaran, parang ang hirap nang mag-isip ng iba pang paraan ng pulitika. Ang tanong ng iba: Mayroon pa nga bang alternatibong landas? Ang tugon po natin: Meron, at iyan mismo ang tinatahak natin sa tuwid na daan. Di po ba’t may kasabihan tayo: Sa halip na bigyan mo ng isda, turuan mo ang iyong kapwa na mangisda? Pinapatibay natin ang ating mga pambansang institusyon, at binibigyang-lakas ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan. Itinataguyod natin ang isang sistemang tunay na tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan; kung saan ang ayuda ay hindi grasya o pabor, hindi nakukuha sa pag-umang ng palad sa padrino o sa koneksiyon, hindi nakasalalay sa kapritso ng mga nakaupo sa puwesto, kundi karapatang makukuha sa pagsunod sa tamang patakaran. Naniniwala rin po tayo: Ang mga nagpapakitang-gilas sa serbisyo, marapat lamang na bigyan ng insentibo. Nagagawa po natin ito sa pamamagitan ng ating Seal of Good Housekeeping, na ipinatupad na mula 2011, at ng Seal of Good Local Governance nitong 2014. Ang mga nakatanggap po ng parangal na ito, nakakakuha ng Performance Challenge Fund, at nadaragdagan ang kakayahang tugunan ang mga suliranin sa kanilang nasasakupan. Dahil nga po rito, hindi na tayo magtataka kung sa mga susunod na taon, parami nang parami ang magpapakitang-gilas at higit pang mapapaunlad ang kanilang komunidad. Paalala lang po, may kasabihan nga ho ang mga nagsasalita ng Ingles, “Success has many fathers and failure is an orphan.” At kung halimbawa nga ho na mahusay na pamamahala ang pag-uusapan, hindi na po natin kailangang lumayo. Nariyan po ang mabuting halimbawang ipinamalas ng inyong hepe sa League of Municipalities of the Philippines na si Mayor Sandy Javier. [Palakpakan] Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, mabilis na nakabangon ang kanyang bayan sa pagsalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Pero sa halip na magrelaks na lang at makontento sa kanyang nagawa, pinangunahan niya ang paglilinis ng mga debris sa kalsada, maging sa kanyang mga karatig-bayan. Ang balita ko pa po: Sa loob ng 36 oras, puyat man, kumakalam man ang tiyan, non-stop pa rin siyang nagtrabaho at ang kanyang mga kasamahan para makatulong sa ibang mas matindi ang pagkasalanta dahil sa Yolanda. [Palakpakan] Tunay nga po: Sa malasakit at tiwala natin sa isa’t isa, napakalaki na ng pagbabagong naisakatuparan sa ating bansa. Sa mabuting pamamahala, patuloy ang paglago ng ekonomiya, na siya namang nag-aangat sa ating kakayahang pondohan ang ating mga serbisyong panlipunan. Sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: Kung 800,000 lang noon, ngayon, 4.4 million na ang kabahayang benepisyaryo nito. Sa PhilHealth, napalawak na rin natin ang hatid na mga serbisyo. Sa edukasyon, napunan na rin natin ang mga minanang backlog sa silid-aralan, textbooks at upuan upang mas mapataas ang kalidad ng edukasyon ng ating kabataan. Talaga naman pong pinapabuti natin ang buhay ng napakarami nating kababayan; pinapalawak ang pagkakataong tumulak sa pag-asenso, at inaangat ang kanilang kakayahang makiambag sa pagpapaunlad ng lipunan. Tuloy-tuloy din ang transpormasyong naisasakatuparan natin sa sektor ng imprastruktura. Kamakailan lang, pinasinayaan ang ipinagawa nating Lullutan Bridge sa Isabela. ‘Yung “Lullutan” po ay salitang Ibanag. Noong unang binanggit po sa akin, “lulutang.” Sabi ko, bakit naman kaya magpapangalangan ng tulay “lulutang”? Baka naman ‘yung tulay na ‘yan lulutang at lulubog. At sa totoo lang po, ‘yung tulay ho palang nandoon noong 1995 ay tinatawag na spillover bridge. Ibig sabihin po no’n, ‘pag malakas ang tubig, matatakpan ang tulay. Noong 1995, nasira po ang tulay po ang tulay na ito, na nagdulot ng katakot-takot na pasakit sa ating mga kababayan doon po sa Isabela. Sa halip na ibalik ang tulay, niremedyuhan lang ito ng mga nauna sa atin. Ang resulta: Mas matagal na biyahe at mas malaking gastos sa transportasyon dahil kailangan pang gumamit ng barge para makatawid ang mga komunidad. Kung hindi ka gagamit ng barge, dagdag isa’t kalahati hanggang dalawang oras ang aabutin ng biyahe mo dahil iikot ka pa doon sa iba’t ibang mga bayan. Hindi tuloy natin maiwasang isipin: Bakit kaya hinayaang magdusa nang matagal na panahon ang ating mga kababayan, at ipagkait sa kanila ang nararapat na serbisyo? Twenty years po iyan, halos isang henerasyon ang dumaan, puwede naman palang matapos sa loob ng tatlong taon. Isa pa hong halimbawa: Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II naman sa Iloilo, 1960’s pa raw po nang naisip gawin ito. Pareho ho kaming umusbong sa kaisipan ng tao noong 1960. Pero ngayon lang pong naisasakongkreto sa atin pong administrasyon. Bukod dito, nariyan din ang Aluling Bridge sa Ilocos Sur na 1978 pa lang inilatag na ang plano, pero tayo na po ang nagtapos. Kung iisipin nga po, kung naipagawa na ang mga ito noon pa lang, gaano na kaya kalaking pag-asenso ang nakamit ng napakarami nating kababayan? Iilan lang po iyan sa mga halimbawa ng transpormasyong nangyayari ngayon sa ating mabuting pamamahala. Di po ba dati, ang laging bukambibig ng gobyerno, walang pera sa kaban ng bayan? Alam po ni Manong Hussin Amin ‘yan; magkasabay kami sa Kongreso noong panahon na iyon. Ngayon, napapatunayan natin: Kung hindi nanakawin ang pondo, hindi ito magkukulang. Malinaw naman po: Pinagtutuunan natin ng pansin ang kapakanan ng mas nakakarami nating kababayan, at isinusulong ang mga inisyatibang pangmatagalan ang hatid na benepisyo. Ang dating mga proyektong dinadaan sa pulitika, ngayon inaayon sa tamang proseso; ang dating mga benepisyong piling-pili ang nakikinabang, pinipilit nating palawakin upang masaklaw ang lahat. May mga pulitiko nga pong hindi man natin kapartido ay nagpo-post pa sa social media, nagpapasa ng resolution, o naglalabas ng mga ad upang magpasalamat sa ating administrasyon para sa mga bagong gawang kalsada, tulay, iba pang imprastruktura, at iba pang tulong sa kani-kanilang mga lugar. [Palakpakan] Klaro po: Hindi pulitika ang batayan ng ating mga proyekto. Saanmang lalawigan o munisipyo, ano man ang apelyido o partido ng alkalde, ngayon, sinisikap nating makapaghatid ng agarang benepisyo. Sa lahat po ng ating napagtagumpayan, may makakapagsabi pa ba pong napabayaan sila? Para sa atin, simple lang ang sukatan ng mahusay na pamumuno. Kung ang mga problemang minana natin ay nabawasan, o tuluyang nasolusyunan, masasabi nating tayo ay nagtagumpay. Kapag naman eksaktong problema o nadagdagan pa ang suliraning ipinamana sa susunod na salinlahi, malinaw pong tayo ay nabigo. Kaya naman inaasahan ko po ang tulong ng ating mga kasamahan sa local government units, upang masigurong ang mga ipinupunla natin ngayon ay madidiligan sa mga susunod na panahon, at hindi matatabas lamang ng mga nais magbalik sa baluktot na daan. Makakaasa naman kayo: Kapag may dumating na mga lehitimong problemang hindi n’yo kayang tugunan, narito ang pambansang gobyerno, lalong-lalo na ako, bilang ama ng bayan, para gumawa ng hakbang upang tulungan kayong lahat. [Palakpakan] Talaga naman pong kung magtutuloy-tuloy tayo sa tuwid na daan, lalo pang gaganda ang ating patutunguhan. Isipin po ninyo: Kung ngayon pa lang ay napakarami nang bagong kalsada, tulay, paliparan at daungang nagdadala ng oportunidad sa inyong mga munisipyo, paano kaya kung mas umarangkada pa tayo? Kung ngayon pa lang, lumalago na ang ating ekonomiya, gaano karami pang negosyo ang itatayo, gaano karami pang trabaho ang malilikha, kung sisiguruhin nating ang integridad at katapatang bukal ng kompiyansa ay patuloy na magiging haligi ng pamamahala? Kung ngayon pa lang, halos limang taon matapos manumbalik ang pag-asa ng ating mga Boss, ay napakalayo na ng ating narating, gaano pa kaya katayog ang mga pangarap na maaabot natin kung magtutuloy at dadami pa ang mga repormang ipapatupad ng susunod na magiging pinuno? Ang hamon sa atin ngayon: Siguruhing maging permanente ang bunga ng ating mga pagsisikap. Kung naniniwala tayong naghahatid ng pakinabang ang landas na ating tinatahak ngayon, makatwiran lang na ipagpatuloy natin ito. Bilang mga pinuno, tinatawag tayo sa bawat sandali ng pamamahala: Tumototoo tayo sa ating salita, piliin natin ang tama, at unahin natin ang kapwa. Ipamana natin sa susunod na mga henerasyon ang isang bukas na di-hamak na mas maganda kaysa sa atin pong dinatnan. At bilang tugon po doon sa hinihingi ni Kagalang-galang Sandy Javier–bagama’t ngayon ko lang ho narinig ‘yang kanyang mungkahi–meron na po tayong sagot sigurong dapat ibahagi sa inyo. Pinaalala ho sa atin na puwede kayong magtaas ng local taxes, pero huwag na ho nating pag-usapan iyan lalo na’t malapit na’ng eleksiyon, baka maraming magalit sa inyo. [Tawanan] Pero dahil gumanda na ho ang ating ekonomiya, gumanda pa ho lalo ang ating tax collection. Sa totoo lang po, ‘yung pie na pinag-uusapan, o greater slice of the pie, eh ganito po ang nangyari: Noong 2010, ang share po sa IRA ay P265.8 billion. Ito pong 2015, ang tinataya po ay P389.86 billion, puwera pa ho ‘yung Performance Challenge Fund at saka ‘yung Bottom Up Budgeting na atin pong pinag-usapan. Bago pa ho naparating itong sinasabi ninyong lakihan ang slice, mukha hong lumaki na iyong slice maski na hindi pa natin ini-slice ulit ‘yung pie. [Palakpakan] Alam n’yo, bigyan ko kayo ng sampol ng problema ko. Baka mapansin n’yong lalo ho lumalago ‘yung buhok ko. Iyong sa ating pong unipormadong hanay, malaki ho ang ginugugol natin sa kanila lalo na sa retirement at sa pension. Siguro two years ago, lampas P50 billion na po. Next year, tinataya po nasa P80 billion ang pambayad doon. Ang problema po niyan dalawa: Una po, walang pension system talaga doon sa ating unipormadong hanay, puro galing sa budget. Iyong pangalawa po, nagkaroon ng tinatawag na “indexing.” ‘Pag tumaas ang sahod ng aktibo, tataas rin ang benepisyo ng retirado. Kayo, naiintindihan naman ho nating lahat, meron kang obligasyon, wala ka namang pagkukunan. At kailangan nating ayusin ‘yung sistema. Pinag-aaralan ho, paano ba natin maiwawasto ‘yung sistema? Ang kakailanganin hong pondo para maitayo ‘yung kanilang pension system–halos dalawang trilyong pesos. Ulitin ko lang po, ‘yung isang estimate po, nasa 4.3 trillion; ‘yung isang estimate po, 1.7 trillion. Iyung budget po, 2.6 trillion. Ipasok natin ‘yung buong budget, kulang pa. Ang dulo po niyan, gusto ko man hong sabihing umoo. Sige, lakihan natin nang lakihan ang slice ng pie. Siguro kaya ko hong i-commit sa inyo, sa mga nagpapakitang-gilas nga ho, hindi mahirap dagdagan ang inyong pondo. Sa mga marami naman pong problemang naidudulot sa atin, medyo nag-iingat tayong dagdagan ang pondo. Nasa inyo po iyan. Magtulungan tayo dito. Success will breed success. Pasensiya nga ho, failure will breed an orphan. Ulitin ko lang po, tanaw at dama namin, nakikita namin ang mga suliraning hinaharap n’yo, papel namin bawasan ngayon ang problemang kinakaharap n’yo. Iyan po, umasa kayo. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.

[HOME]   16 APRIL 2015 A Triumphant Return of the Philippines to the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition PHL Government Continues Evacuation from Yemen and Repatriation to the Philippines DSWD training of field staff for household assessment ongoing WWII Veterans’ Valor And Sacrifice Remembered in New Jersey Sagbayan Market, Civic Center repairs 'Right on Track' - Roxas BSP Advises the Public and Reminds Banks on the Prohibition Against Unsolicited Text Messages January-February 2015 Personal Remittances Reach US$4.1 Billion Aquino admin to push faster gov't spending; Abad: Measures to ensure efficient, effective budget implementation P350-M fund to raise new Bohol Provincial Capitol; Abad: New capitol part of on-going rehab of Bohol quake damage 80 OFWs, children from Yemen returned home GSIS awarded seal of excellence for frontline service Ombudsman charges Surigao City mayor with graft Capiz towns get shelter aid Verification and Assessment Report – Ceasefire Violations Mamasapano Incident January 25, 2015 Applications now open for Fire Officer Examination Roxas, Bohol LGUs set up 'City of Lights' Monitoring Tool Roxas, Bohol kids ‘happy” with new Day Care Center ECOP credits two-tiered wage system to ‘less politics’ in wage fixing PHL Envoy Lauds Launch of Multicultural Cub Reporter Corps in South Korea DOT, PHL Embassy in Warsaw Strengthen Partnership in Tourism Promotion A Triumphant Return of the Philippines to the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition Source: http://dfa.gov.ph 15 April 2015 - The Department of Foreign Affairs hosted a press conference today on the participation of the Philippines in the 56th Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition, in cooperation with the Office of Senator Loren Legarda and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The press conference highlighted the country’s historic return to the Venice Biennale Art Exhibition after a 51-year hiatus. The Philippine Pavilion will present the curatorial vision of Dr. Patrick Flores. His theme, “Tie a String Around the World,” will feature the works of Jose Tence Ruiz and Manny Montelibano, along with the film “Genghis Khan” by National Artists Manuel Conde and Carlos Francisco. The Department of Foreign Affairs recognizes the impact of culture in modern diplomacy. It is undoubtedly an effective tool in reflecting the country’s important and rich cultural force and its fundamental values. The 56th Venice Biennale thus provides an invaluable opportunity to foster greater mutual understanding and more people-to-people exchanges through culture. In his Welcome Remarks, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario noted how the Philippine Pavilion in the 2015 Venice Biennale would be a great opportunity to showcase the immense talent and creativity of Filipino artists, as well as a source of pride for the country. “We are confident that the Philippine Pavilion will contribute to the dynamism of the dialogue of ideas and philosophies among artists and visitors to the Venice Biennale,“ stated Secretary del Rosario. The participation of the Philippines in the 56th Venice Biennale further cements the Department’s partnership with the Office of Senator Legarda and the NCCA, under the able leadership of the NCCA Chairman, Dr. Felipe de Leon, Jr. The three agencies comprise the Philippine Art Venice Biennale (PAVB) Coordinating Committee. The Committee is now at the final stages of mounting the Philippine Pavilion, in time for its Official Opening on May 08 at the Palazzo Mora in Venice. Towards this effort, the PAVB Coordinating Committee is working closely with the Philippine Embassy in Rome, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan, and the relevant offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Held every other year, the Venice Biennale is the most prestigious gathering of the world’s outstanding artists from different disciplines and perspectives to interpret the relationship between art and the development of the human, social and political world. Some 90 countries will be represented in the 56th Venice Biennale, where a multitude of art lovers and culture watchers the world over are expected to visit. The international art exhibition will be open to the public from May 09 to November 22. |TOP| PHL Government Continues Evacuation from Yemen and Repatriation to the Philippines Source: http://dfa.gov.ph 16 April 2015 – Efforts to evacuate Filipinos in Yemen and repatriate them to the Philippines continue. On April 15, a group of 21, which includes 1 foreigner, traveled from Sana’a and are expected to cross the Yemeni-Saudi border today, Saudi time. With this latest group, the total number of Filipinos evacuated from Yemen is at 537. On April 07, Pakistan Navy evacuated five Filipinos from Yemen. One Filipino went to Dubai, while four were repatriated to Manila on April 08. Their plane tickets were paid by their employer. On April 15, 60 evacuees left Riyadh via FlyNas and Cebu Pacific, and they are expected to arrive in Manila today at 3:45 p.m., bringing the total Filipinos repatriated to 405. The next batches of repatriates are set to leave Riyadh via Cebu Pacific and PAL flights on April 17 and 18. The Philippine Government continues to urge all those in Yemen to contact the Philippine Embassy’s Crisis Management Team in Sana’a to arrange for their expedient evacuation from Yemen. |TOP| DSWD training of field staff for household assessment ongoing Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph The Department of Social Welfare and Development, through the Listahanan, is currently conducting simultaneous training across all regions for field staff who will implement the 2nd round of assessment in the 2nd quarter of 2015. In 2009, the DSWD conducted the first assessment which resulted to the identification of 5.2 million poor households out of the 10.9 million assessed. These poor households have since become beneficiaries of the Philhealth Indigent Program. Around 4.4 million of them have also been enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The upcoming 2nd assessment will enable the department to monitor and track the progress in the lives of these previously-identified poor and identify a new set of poor and near poor households who may be qualified to receive assistance. “Training is a vital part of our preparation for the assessment. Through this, we can ensure that the staff that we will deploy are equipped with the right knowledge, skills and attitude to undertake the activity and produce high-quality, accurate and reliable output,” stated DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. The training also serves as the final part of the screening process, where only those who complete and pass the final exam will be hired. The five-day training includes lectures on how to conduct the assessment using the family assessment form, roles and responsibilities of each staff, and a practicum or a mock assessment in a nearby barangay. As of April 2015, more than 47,000 individuals have applied for the 47,644 vacancies for the positions of area coordinators, area supervisor, enumerator, encoders and verifiers for Listahanan. Around 31,000 applicants have been shortlisted and called to attend the training. In some regions, screening is still ongoing. Applicants are advised to contact the nearest DSWD field office to acquire information as to the schedule of screening in their respective cities and municipalities. |TOP| WWII Veterans’ Valor And Sacrifice Remembered in New Jersey Source: http://dfa.gov.ph 16 April 2015 – The Philippine Consulate, in cooperation with the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, Inc. (FECGP), commemorated the 73rd Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan or the Araw ng Kagitingan at the Bataan Death March Memorial at Cooper River Park, Cherry Hill, New Jersey on April 09. Four WWII veterans, namely Mr. Pablo M. Barros, Mr. Sostones E. Rivera, Mr. Regino B. Barreda and Mr. Rogelio V. Bucot from Jersey City and Cherry Hill in New Jersey, Brooklyn and Long Island in New York, respectively, and members of their families attended the event. Invitations were issued to the 31 living WWII veterans residing in the 10 states under the Consulate General’s jurisdiction. A number responded with appreciation but due to age or mobility problems were unable to attend the event. Cherry Hill Mayor Chuck Cahn, who graced the solemn commemoration, paid tribute to the heroism of the Filipino and American soldiers of WWII and honored the sacrifices they made for their respective countries. “Our town of Cherry Hill was fortunate to have the Bataan Death March Memorial, the only memorial in the Northeast USA, to honor the valor, bravery and sacrifice of WWII Veterans in the Philippines and the Philippine theatre of military operations,” said the Mayor. The Mayor, together with Camden County Commissioner Gwen de Vera, also handed over a Congressional Proclamation on the event signed by Congressman Donald Norcross of the First District of New Jersey. Philippine Consul General Mario L. de Leon, Jr. extolled the WWII veterans and conveyed profound appreciation to the four of them who graciously participated in the ceremony. Consul General de Leon also informed them of the Consulate General’s effort in making representations with the US Government for support of House Resolution (HR) 535, which seeks to award collectively a Congressional gold medal to the Filipino Veterans of the WWII in recognition of their dedicated service to the US and the Philippines. “Just this past week, we have had fruitful dialogues with Representatives Kathleen Rice of New York and Frank Pallone of New Jersey to request them to rally the behind the draft bill and pass it to law,” stated the Consul General. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Bataan Death March Memorial led by the Consul General highlighted the program. Mayor Cahn joined the Consul General in the ceremony together with FECGP President Ruth Luyun, FECGP Project Officer Senen Fontanilla and two WWII veterans. “Taps” was played after the wreath-laying to conclude the event. After the ceremony, a reception was held at the Philippine Community Center in Stratford, New Jersey. The FECGP President welcomed the veterans and other guests. Mr. Regino Barreda spoke on behalf of the veterans and recounted his experiences as an intelligence officer of the USAFFE during the war. He also detailed his training after the liberation of the Philippines and his subsequent assignment to Okinawa to provide help to American soldiers still fighting there. The Consul General conferred Certificates of Appreciation to the four veterans who attended the event. “My grandfather never attends any event but was so excited when he received the Consulate’s invitation. This is very important to him,” said Ms. Camille Nunez, Mr. Barros’ granddaughter. The affair was attended by more than 80 people from the Filipino communities in the Philadelphia and New Jersey areas. |TOP| Sagbayan Market, Civic Center repairs 'Right on Track' - Roxas Source: http://dilg.gov.ph Wala nang tawad. Tapat na po. These were the words used by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas as he assured residents of Sagbayan, Bohol, province that the government will speed up the reconstruction of their public market and finish the project before the current year ends. "Walang iwanan ito...kaya mabilis ang pagbangon. Nakikita, sige-sige, humaharurot, bumabangon ang Bohol," Roxas told residents. The P52-million reconstruction project for the public market of Sagbayan is set to be finished this October, along with the rehabilitation of its covered court worth around P23.4 million. The municipality of Sagbayan is one of the areas that was highly devastated by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook the provinces of Bohol and Cebu in 2013. Roxas, well-known as "Mr. Palengke" when he was previously Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary, said that facilities such as public markets, civic centers, and town/city halls were prioritized because these are essential to the delivery of public goods and services, as well as to restoring normalcy in a community. According to the latest update on the DILG’s Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA), 57 repair projects totalling P9.7 million are already finished. Three of those projects are in Cebu province, which was also partly affected by the earthquake. Roxas relayed to Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto that P327.75 million from the BEA-DILG fund should be spent to finish the remaining eight projects in Cebu, and 198 repair and reconstruction projects in Bohol, among others in the pipeline. Roxas was also joined by Gov. Chatto, DILG Region 7 Director Nani Villacorta, and Sagbayan Mayor Ricardo Suarez during his inspection of the public market's construction site. |TOP| BSP Advises the Public and Reminds Banks on the Prohibition Against Unsolicited Text Messages Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The BSP issued an Advisory to the Public to inform them of the appropriate action to take if unsolicited text messages about bank advertisement, loan offer or marketing are received. Earlier, the BSP issued a Memorandum to all Banks and its Subsidiaries/Affiliates reminding them of their compliance with the law/rules prohibiting unsolicited text messages. The Cybercrime Prevention Act or R.A. No. 10175 criminalizes the transmission of commercial electronic communication with the use of computer system which seeks to advertise, sell or offer for sale products and services unless there is prior affirmative consent from the recipient. The National Telecommunication (NTC) through its Memorandum Circulars likewise prohibits Public Telecommunication (PTEs) and content and/or information service providers (CPs) from sending and/or initiating push or unsolicited text messages, unless there is a written consent from the subscriber choosing to receive commercial advertisements through text. The issuance of the said the Advisory to the Public and Memorandum to Banks is in view of the complaints and inquiries received by the BSP involving unsolicited text messages on bank advertisements, loan offer or marketing. |TOP| January-February 2015 Personal Remittances Reach US$4.1 Billion Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) amounted to US$2.1 billion in February 2015, an increase of 4.0 percent compared to the same period in 2014. As a result, remittance inflows for the first two months of the year reached US$4.1 billion, posting a year-on-year growth of 2.1 percent, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officer-in-Charge Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. announced today.1 For the period January-February 2015, personal remittances from land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more, and migrants’ transfers totaled US$3.1 billion. Meanwhile those from sea-based and land-based workers with work contracts of less than one year aggregated US$1.0 billion. Cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks summed up to US$1.9 billion in February 2015, higher by 4.2 percent than the level posted a year ago. This brought cash remittances for the first two months of 2015 to US$3.7 billion, representing a 2.4 percent increase relative to the year-ago level. In particular, cash remittances from land-based and sea-based workers rose to US$2.8 billion and US$0.9 billion, respectively. The bulk of cash remittances came from the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Canada.2 The slowdown in growth in recent months could be due to base effect as remittances last year were relatively high given higher transfers from overseas Filipinos that were intended for the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts in Eastern Visayas due to the damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda. The steady deployment of OF workers remained a key driver in the sustained inflows of remittances. Preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) showed that approved job orders reached 164,525 for the period January-February 2015, of which 26.5 percent were processed job orders that were intended mainly for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Likewise, the continued efforts of banks and non-bank remittance service providers to expand their international and domestic market coverage through tie-ups abroad as well as the introduction of innovations in their remittance products continued to provide support to the steady flow of remittances. ------------------ 1 The BSP started to release data on personal remittances in June 2012. As defined in the Balance of Payments Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), personal remittances represent the sum of net compensation of employees (i.e., gross earnings of overseas Filipino (OF) workers with work contracts of less than one year, including all sea-based workers, less taxes, social contributions, and transportation and travel expenditures in their host countries), personal transfers (i.e., all current transfers in cash or in kind by OF workers with work contracts of one year or more as well as other household-to-household transfers between Filipinos who have migrated abroad and their families in the Philippines), and capital transfers between households (i.e., the provision of resources for capital purposes, such as for construction of residential houses, between resident and non-resident households without anything of economic value being supplied in return). 2 There are some limitations on the remittance data by source. A common practice of remittance centers in various cities abroad is to course remittances through correspondent banks, most of which are located in the U.S. Also remittances coursed through money couriers cannot be disaggregated by actual country source and are lodged under the country where the main offices are located, which, in many cases, is in the U.S. Therefore, the U.S. would show up to be the main sources of OF remittances because banks attribute the origin of funds to the most immediate source. |TOP| Aquino admin to push faster gov't spending; Abad: Measures to ensure efficient, effective budget implementation Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph Following a year of slower government spending, the Aquino administration is now taking aggressive steps to ramp up public disbursements and bring faster economic growth to the country. With majority of their respective 2015 allotments already released to government departments and agencies under the General Appropriations Act-as-Release Document (GAARD) regime, President Aquino recently issued Administrative Order (A.O.) No. 46 to improve spending efficiency and expedite the implementation of priority programs and projects under the 2015 Budget. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “We’ve already set down a lot of transparency and openness reforms in the National Budget, and that’s allowed us to make spending more responsive to the people’s needs. We recognized the need, however, to make budget execution much more efficient among our agencies. If major departments cannot optimize their budgets, it will be very difficult for us to get crucial projects rolling.” “There was a clear need for us to adopt firmer and more aggressive measures so that the Budget can duly support the growing economy. The A.O. will allow us to strengthen agency capacities for implementing the budget and clear more of the bottlenecks that hamper efficient spending.” Under A.O. 46, agencies will be required to complete the disaggregation of project listings and submit all the documentary requirements for their allotment releases by end-April. Likewise, they should submit to the DBM and the Office of the Cabinet Secretary (OSC) their implementation plans for the programs and projects noted in the FY 2015 GAA. To improve procurement practices, agencies will be expected to assign full-time support staff to their respective Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Secretariats—even as they require BAC members and Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to prioritize procurement assignments over other duties and responsibilities. Furthermore, larger departments with a number of complex items that need to be procured—like the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—should increase the number of BACs to handle the load. “We have a strong procurement framework, but agencies won’t be able to make good use of it if they juggle their daily responsibilities with BAC duties. We see now that introducing devoted BAC staff will go a long way in making the procurement process more efficient. If we clear this bottleneck, agencies can deliver public goods and services more quickly,” Abad said. In addition, the A.O. directs agencies to submit their Annual Procurement Plan (APP) to the Government Procurement Policy Board and its Technical Support Office as soon as possible, besides coordinating with the DBM to ensure they have the needed personnel and resources. They must also comply with all procurement timelines as required by Republic Act 9184 (the Government Procurement Reform Act). Furthermore, agencies will be required to designate full-time personnel—with officers not below the rank of Undersecretary—to oversee the implementation of each program and project, as well as ensure that these are properly executed. Finally, departments and agencies must now submit their Budget and Financial Accountability Reports at the end of every quarter to the DBM and the OSC. The reports are expected to cover the progress and issues of the program and project implementation, as well as catch-up plans and alternative modes of implementation if applicable. Abad said, “Hand-in-hand with the early release of government funds, these measures improve department spending and procurement in both the immediate and long term. Our National Budget has already been designed in favor of rapid and inclusive economic growth. If we’re going to realize our goals, however, agencies must be better-positioned to bring goods and services efficiently to the public. The A.O. addresses that need in a very sure and sustainable way.” The A.O. can be found in full here: http://www.gov.ph/downloads/2015/03mar/20150330-AO-0046-BSA.pdf |TOP| P350-M fund to raise new Bohol Provincial Capitol; Abad: New capitol part of on-going rehab of Bohol quake damage Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/ As part of the National Government’s push for inclusive growth among the different provinces, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released an initial P350 million to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the construction of the new Bohol Provincial Capitol, chargeable against the FY 2014 Supplemental Appropriations. Bohol’s proposed 5-storey provincial capitol building will be built on their new site in Cogon, Tagbilaran City. The previous Bohol Provincial Capitol had been damaged by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in October 2013, and it had been deemed dangerous for use afterward. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The plan to build a new Bohol Provincial Capitol building is being done under the Administration’s Build Back Better policy. But we’re also committed to continue rehabilitation projects in provinces that had been badly hit by natural calamities in the past years.” The proposal to build the new provincial capitol building had been included in the Bohol Earthquake Rehabilitation Plan and endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Full Council to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) last December 2013. Abad said “In order to restore the delivery of public services in the province, the proposed Bohol Provincial Capitol required the appropriate budgetary support. Fortunately, the 2014 Supplemental Budget was crucial in helping us appropriate funds for priority projects like these and this will be for the ultimate benefit of Filipinos in the area.” The fund for the Bohol Provincial Capitol was part of the P22.47-billion Supplemental Budget, which was passed last December 2014. Aside from the provincial capitol building, the Supplemental Budget also funded the following projects: the building of fishports, lighthouses, and seawalls by the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA); the implementation of the North Triangle Relocation Plan by the National Housing Authority (NHA) that benefited informal settler families (ISFs); and the Operational Transformation Plan of the Philippine National Police (PNP). |TOP| 80 OFWs, children from Yemen returned home Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph 78 OFWs, and 2 children, from Yemen returned home April 14, 2015 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Philippine Airlines flight PR 655 at 9:15 A.M. According to OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado, the returning workers were visibly happy upon arrival at the airport despite the long travel to safety which lasted for 10 hours. Natakot po kami sa air strike na baka tumama sa mga bahay o buildings kaya nagdesisyon na kami umuwi,” a repatriate who worked for 20 years as supervisor in Yemen said. When asked if he has any plan to go back to Yemen when the situation there stabilizes, or to another country where his skills are needed, the OFW said, “hindi muna, pahinga muna ako. Nakakasawa rin naman magtagal doon,” he quipped. The returnees availed of the Philippine government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program. Alert Level 4 was raised in February 2015 when the strife in the said country escalated exposing the lives of OFWs to danger. Last Monday, 13 April, 20 repatriates from Yemen -- 19 OFWs and one child -- were extended airport assistance by the OWWA Repatriation Team. Upon arrival at the airport, the displaced/distressed workers were accorded airport assistance that include special lane in processing of immigration papers. Some of the OFWs are now temporarily housed at the OWWA Halfway Home before they return to their respective provinces. Most of those who are in OWWA are from the Visayas and Mindanao. At the airport, the repatriates were briefed on the DOLE-OWWA-POEA ASSIST WELL programs and services, to cushion the impact of the Filipino migrant workers’ sudden job displacement resulting from the political conflict in Yemen. Following are information on the number of Filipinos who have safely arrived in Manila: April 8 - 4 OFWs; April 9 - 90 OFWs including 5 minors; April 11 – 98 OFWs including 8 minors; April 13 – 20 OFWs including 1 child; April 14 – 80 OFWs including 2 kids, or a total of 342 returnees. OWWA is on a 24-hour standby to repatriation advisories from the Agency’s overseas posts. |TOP| GSIS awarded seal of excellence for frontline service Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph The Head Office of State pension fund Government Service Insurance System today received the Citizen's Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence award from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for exemplary frontline service. The GSIS Head Office is the eighth to receive the recognition along with branch offices Bayombong, Bulacan, Dipolog, Laoag, Surigao,Tagum and Tuguegarao. These offices obtained an Excellent rating (90% and above) in the Anti-Red Tape Act-Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS) in 2014 and had no unresolved complaint in the Contact Center ng Bayan of CSC. ARTA-RCS is a mechanism used by the Commission to obtain clients' feedback and assess agencies' performance on frontline service delivery. During the awarding ceremony at CSC's main office in Quezon City, GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara accepted the wall-mountable glass seal bearing the "Seal of Excellence" logo to symbolize the achievement of excellence, as well as a cash reward amounting to Php100,000.00. "This recognition will inspire us to further raise the bar of service excellence and to do more for our members as caring and responsible stewards of their savings," Vergara said. In 2014, GSIS garnered an overall average rating of 92% - a dramatic turnaround from a failed rating of 73.82% in 2012 under the ARTA survey. The pension fund also topped the 2014 ARTA survey covering more than 1,000 agencies. GSIS earned the highest percentage of offices nationwide that have been rated Excellent in the survey. Thirty eight branch offices out of 57 surveyed, or 67% earned an Excellent score with not one office receiving a failing mark. "This award is truly a recognition of the hard work and dedication of the men and women of GSIS to deliver on the promise of responsive service to our more than 1.8 million members and pensioners", Vergara said. |TOP| Ombudsman charges Surigao City mayor with graft Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of an Information for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against Mayor Ernesto Matugas of Surigao City. The graft charge stemmed from the service contracts entered into by Matugas without securing the approval and authority from the Sangguniang Panlunsod in violation of the Local Government Code of 1991. The Resolution stated that “in entering into service contracts [for the period January to June 2011] without prior authority of the Sanggunian, respondent Matugas caused undue injury to the government in the consideration stated in such contracts, or an aggregate amount of P1,206,000.00.” The complaints against job order personnel Balgamelo Ma, Philip Sykimte, Mario Gesta, Valeriano Ma, Cesar Concepcion, William Angob, Gilgie Degala, Karen Chastity Ma, Michael Litang, Col. Rodolfo Dela Piedra, Kim Olaivar, Maria Lowela Marasigan, Kim Jonas Orquillas, Jr. and Emilda Retorta were dismissed for lack of probable cause. The administrative case against Matugas was dismissed in view of his reelection in 2013. |TOP| Capiz towns get shelter aid Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Provincial officials of Capiz conveyed their gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for undertaking rehabilitation programs to support poor families affected by Typhoon ‘Yolanda’. “In November 2013, ‘Yolanda’ devastated us,” said Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco during the opening ceremonies of the ‘Capiztahan.’ “Today, we are deeply humbled, as one of the persons who supported us during those difficult times is joining us. We extend our special thanks to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and to the members of her office for reaching out to Capizenos.” During the said ceremony over the weekend, Gov. Tanco handed over a plaque of appreciation and a copy of the resolution to Secretary Soliman, who was in the province to check on the implementation of the DSWD rehabilitation programs for ‘Yolanda’ affected families. Gov. Tanco stressed that the ‘Capiztahan’ is an opportune time to celebrate the “collective resiliency, perseverance and the attitude of the Capizenos to never surrender.” “Gone are the days of ‘Yolanda’. As we celebrate ‘Capiztahan,’ our faith and our sheer will to live have shown what true Capizenos are,” he said. Service with a smile Meanwhile, Sec. Soliman expressed gratitude to Gov. Tanco, local goverment officials, and all Capizenos for recognizing the Department’s efforts in serving the people, particularly during calamities and disasters. “Ginagawa po namin ito dahil kami ay lingkod-bayan tulad din ng ibang nagtatrabaho sa gobyerno. Pangalawa, salamat dahil ito ang pinagkukunan namin ng lakas upang tuloy -tuloy na makapaglingkod na may ngiti (We are just doing our duty as public servants. We thank you for this recognition because this gives us the strength to continue serving with a smile),” said Sec. Soliman. The Secretary said that aside from rehabilitation efforts for ‘Yolanda’ affected families, the Department continues to implement the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Service-National Community Driven Development Program (Kalahi-CIDSS), Sustainable Livelihood Program, Supplementary Feeding Program, and Social Pension, among others. Thankful ESA recipients Aside from government officials, affected families of ‘Yolanda’ also expressed gratitude to the national government for providing them the Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA). The ESA was created to allow less fortunate families to have a chance to rebuild their homes. Igleceria Bulquerin of Roxas City said, “Salamat po Sec. Soliman. Salamat sa DSWD sa pagtugon sa aming pangangailangan. Ginamit po namin ang P30,000 para muling itayo ang aming bahay (Thank you Sec. Soliman. Thank you DSWD for responding to our needs. We used the ESA amounting to P30,000 to rebuild our house).” “Salamat sa pagtulong ninyo para muli kaming makabangon. Hindi lamang ninyo itinayo muli ang aming bahay, binuo niyo rin muli ang tiwala namin sa gobyerno. Dahil dito, muli kaming natutong mangarap (Thank you for helping us so we could recover from the devastation of the typhoon. You not only repaired our house, you also restored our trust in the government. We have learned to hope for the future again),” said teary-eyed Bulaclac Jardiolin of Panay, whose house was totally damaged by ‘Yolanda’. ESA provides P30,000 and P10,000 financial assistance to ‘Yolanda’ survivors whose houses were totally and partially damaged, respectively. The ESA is given to affected families who have no permanent sources of income or whose income is below the poverty threshold of the region (houses located in safe areas; listed in the Disaster Family Access Card (DAFAC); families whose heads are not permanent or regular employees and do not have access to housing loans; fixed monthly salary below P15,000 and have not received the same assistance from other agencies). To date, the DSWD has released P1.9 billion for ESA in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental. Of this amount, Aklan received P348.7 million; Antique, P213.2 million; Capiz, P798.2 million; Iloilo, P437.9 million; and Negros Occidental, P138.9 million. |TOP| Applications now open for Fire Officer Examination Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph Application for the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) is now open. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) administers the FOE in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Applicants should get and file their application forms at the CSC Regional Office (CSCRO), or at any of the CSCRO’s Field Offices where they intend to take the examination. Application form can also be downloaded from the CSC website: csc.gov.ph.  All applicants must be (1) a Filipino citizen, (2) of good moral character, (3) mentally and physically fit, (4) must not have been convicted by final judgment of an offense or crime involving moral turpitude, or of disgraceful or immoral conduct, dishonesty, examination irregularity, drunkenness or addiction to drugs, (5) must not have been dishonorably discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian positions in the government, (6) must possess a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution of learning, and (7) must be 21 to 35 years old at the date/time of filing of application. Deadline for filing of application is June 17. The FOE will be given on August 16.  For more details, please refer to Examination Announcement No. 03, s. 2015 posted on csc.gov.ph |TOP| Roxas, Bohol LGUs set up 'City of Lights' Monitoring Tool Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph With a map and some LED lights, Boholanos can now monitor the developments in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)'s Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA) repair and reconstruction projects. Together with the Bohol provincial, city, and municipal governments, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas presented the so-called "City of Lights," a project monitoring tool that determines the status of various BEA projects in the province after a 7.2-magnitude shook it, along with parts of Cebu province. Roxas unveiled the geographical representation during his visit in the municipality of Sagbayan where a public market was being reconstructed at P52 million, and a civic center was undergoing repairs at P23.4 million. "Gusto nating makita ng taumbayan na nagagastos nang maayos ang buwis na ibinabayad nila," Roxas said. Currently, 57 repair projects totaling P9.7 million are already finished. Three of those projects are in Cebu province, which was also partly affected by the earthquake. Roxas also made it point that P327.75 million from the BEA-DILG fund will be spent to finish the remaining eight projects in Cebu, and 198 repair and reconstruction projects in Bohol, among others in the pipeline. All in all, more than P2.4 billion was allocated for the rehabilitation efforts for more than a thousand proposed repair and reconstruction projects that are already being processed and reviewed by the DILG. The geographical representation will be brought to the provincial capitol, to make available to the general public. |TOP| Roxas, Bohol kids ‘happy” with new Day Care Center Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Earlier today, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas shared the joy of pupils, parents, and teachers during the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the newly repaired day care center in Barangay Cogon, Inabanga, Bohol. More than a hundred and fifty children, parents, teachers, and local officials witnessed the ceremony, marking a new beginning for the young children of Barangay Cogon. "Kayong lahat ang gumawa nitong ating day care center," Roxas said in his message. During his speech, one of the children offered Roxas a drawing of a rocket ship, which he took as a metaphor for the kind of development that is at hand. "Humaharurot, tuloy-tuloy na ito," he said. The day care center was one of the 22 day care centers in Inabanga damaged by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that shook the provinces of Bohol and Cebu in 2013. Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto took the chance to express his profound gratitude both to Roxas and to President Aquino for the assistance that the national government was able to provide the province in order to recover from the 2013 quake. Roxas in return saluted the spirit of Boholanons for their quick and effective recovery after the earthquake. "Adversity brought out the best from the Boholanons," he said. According to the latest update on the DILG’s Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA) fund, 57 repair projects totalling P9.7 million have already been completed by local government units (LGUs) in cooperation with the national government. The repair of the Barangay Cogon day care center cost about P100,000. Roxas viewed this success as an encouragement for local executives to also make sure that the P327.75 million allocation from the BEA DILG fund will be spent to finish the remaining eight projects in Cebu, and 198 repair and reconstruction projects in Bohol, among others in the pipeline. "Inaasahan po na lahat ng programs of work ay lalo nating mapabilis para tulad ng day care center na ito, mapakinabangan na ng ating taumbayan," Roxas said. After the brief ceremony, Roxas shared lunch with Gov. Chatto, Inabanga Mayor Roygie Jumamoy, DILG Region 7 Director Nani Villacorta, the parents, and the pupils at the day care center. |TOP| ECOP credits two-tiered wage system to ‘less politics’ in wage fixing Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Chairperson of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), yesterday noted the support of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines to the DOLE’s two-tiered wage system (TTWS) reform, which said the reform has led to the expeditious and non-adversarial consensual decision-making process in the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs). Commenting on a letter she received from ECOP President Edgardo Lacson on the newest minimum pay raise in Metro Manila which took effect this month, Baldoz said the ECOP has credited the two-tiered wage system for “introducing the most critical criterion in the reform, which was the use of the poverty income threshold in the first tier as a major indicator in setting the floor wage.” “The best example of this is in the NCR,” said Lacson in his letter. “As it is, the NCR wage rate of P466 per day (was) double the NCR 2012 poverty threshold of P234 per day. Lacson also said, without elaborating, that since its implementation, the two-tiered wage system has seen a “significant reduction in the politics of wage fixing”. The TTWS, initiated by Secretary Baldoz in 2012, is a wage reform where the first tier is the mandated minimum wage, or floor wage, set by RTWPBs, while the second-tier is the non-mandatory component that provides workers’ pay increases and benefits based on productivity-based formulas contained in advisories also issued by the RTWPBs. The advisories guide industries in developing and implementing productivity improvement programs, productivity-based incentives, and profit- or gain-sharing schemes that workers and employers agree as basis for additional pay or incentives. Under the reform, the minimum wage is viewed as a social safety net, as it is, to protect the most vulnerable sectors, while the productivity-based pay is regarded as the more appropriate mechanism of rewarding workers’ productivity as their progressive contribution to enterprise growth and competitiveness. Relative to this, NWPC deputy executive director Patricia Hornilla said the ECOP will meet with the NWPC this week in a technical working group to map out support strategies by the employers’ group on advocating the TTWS more extensively with employers. Separate meetings are also planned for the unions. “We need the support of the ECOP and the unions in raising knowledge and awareness that would lead to practice of the TTWs. This is a reform that everyone should embrace because it is appropriate for our current economic and labor market conditions,” Baldoz said. |TOP| PHL Envoy Lauds Launch of Multicultural Cub Reporter Corps in South Korea Source: http://dfa.gov.ph 15 April 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez commended the launch of a news-gathering brigade composed of multicultural elementary school children from various countries, including the Philippines, for a youth-oriented Korean-language online newspaper published in collaboration with one of South Korea’s biggest media organizations. “The increasing number of multicultural families is the outcome of globalized society; we want a society that has a positive image of multicultural children and to raise them as global leaders in South Korea,” said Tycoon Media Group CEO Choi Youngkyu, who opened the ceremonies with his welcome remarks at the Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul. In his congratulatory speech as guest of honor, Ambassador Hernandez commended the Tycoon Media Group and the Hankook Ilbo Media Group for launching the “Ssaeng Ssaeng Mujigae” (Flash Rainbow News) Reporter Corps as part of its corporate social responsibility in encouraging the participation of South Korean children with mixed parentage. “The older members of this democratic nation have the civic responsibility to challenge and educate the younger members of society of the concepts of diversity and inclusiveness,” Ambassador Hernandez said. “This program will also be an opportunity for these children to instill in them a sense of nationalistic pride by inspiring proper views about their motherland.” Some 100 elementary school children from 3rd to 6th grades who signified their interest to become cub reporters for the site and future leaders attended the event with their parents. The event, which was sponsored by the Arts Exchange Association and the Multicultural Federations of Culture, was attended by Choi Shin-won, Chairman of a high-tech material producer SKC Ltd., and members of South Korea’s National Assembly. Ruling Saenuri Party’s Deputy Floor Leader Yoon Sang-hyun and Philippine-born Representative Jasmine Lee sent video messages. The cub reporters of the “Ssaeng Ssaeng Rainbow News” will have a chance to meet and interview Seoul-based ambassadors, statesman, national leaders and South Korean celebrities for publication of their news articles in future editions of the online children’s newspaper. |TOP| DOT, PHL Embassy in Warsaw Strengthen Partnership in Tourism Promotion Source: http://dfa.gov.ph 15 April 2015 - The partnership between the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw in promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination in the markets of Poland and the three Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania has been strengthened with the meeting between Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon and Ambassador Patricia Ann V. Paez during the International Tourismus Borse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany last March 04 and with the visit to Warsaw of Berlin-based Tourism Attaché Dakila Gonzales from April 08 to 09. Tourism Undersecretary Bengzon, who requested for the meeting, expressed his appreciation for the Embassy’s pro-active campaigns in promoting Philippine tourism and disclosed that the DOT will now strongly pursue the establishment of a travel trade network with Polish and Baltic tour operators and other stakeholders in the tourism industry. Undersecretary Bengzon and Ambassador Paez also met with the Head of the ITB Berlin Exhibition Director David Ruetz and ITB Berlin Product Manager for Asia Diane Klaue and discussed ways to better promote the Philippines.The DOT official invited Mr. Ruetz and Ms. Klaue to visit the Philippines. Ambassador Paez and Principal Assistant for Economic Diplomacy Attaché Evelyn Vega also met with several Philippine tour operators and with the representatives of Philippine Airlines (PAL) who participated in the ITB. As a follow through to the meetings in Berlin, Tourism Attaché Gonzales visited Warsaw recently and met with Mr. Michael Cessannis of National Geographic Traveller, Mr. Arkadiusz Nowak of Nowak Adventure Travel, Ms. Barbara Grabowska of Singapore Airlines, and with Mr. Grzegorz Karolewski of Qatar Airways. |TOP|

 

Last Updated: 16 APRIL 2015
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			Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. rallies graduates of Manuel L. Quezon University to believe in the Philippines and take full advantage of the opportunities available in the country during the 67th Commencement Exercises of the school in Manila on Wednesday. Also in photo are officials of the university. (Malacañang Photo Bureau / Ryan Lim)
			Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. (right) and Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) Chairman Dr. RizalinoAcuzar (left) lead the 67th Commencement Exercises of the MLQU in Manila on Wednesday. In his speech, Ochoa rallies the graduates to believe in the Philippines and take full advantage of the opportunities available in the country. (Malacañang Photo Bureau / Ryan Lim)
			Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. hands a diploma to graduate during the 67th Commencement Exercises of Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila on Wednesday. Ochoa rallies the graduates to believe in the Philippines and take full advantage of the opportunities available in the country. Looking on are MLQU President Dr. IsaganiGermar and Arch. Rudy Ferrer, Dean of the College of Architecture. (Malacañang Photo Bureau / Ryan Lim)
			(LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte) Governor Imee Marcos, along with Dr. Chung-Hsien Chen, chairman of the APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology  and his co-chair Director Mario Marasigan of the Department of Energy, and Vivien  Hsien of the secretariat meet with members of media covering the event at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel here on Wednesday (April 15). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua)
			(LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte) The delegates to the 44th Meeting of the Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation gather for a photo souvenir at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel led by DOE Director Mario Marasigan. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua)
			(LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte)  Director Mario Marasigan of the Department of Energy and co-chair of the APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology delivers his opening remarks at the 44th meeting of the group held at Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel here on April 13-15. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in Manila City on Wednesday (April 15). This year's gathering carried the theme: “Empowerment of LGUs Towards All-Inclusive Growth.” (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the officers and members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, headed by its national president Mayor Leonardo Javier, Jr. for a photo souvenir during the General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in Manila City on Wednesday (April 15). This year's gathering carries the theme: “Empowerment of LGUs Towards All-Inclusive Growth.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the League of Municipalities of the Philippines General Assembly at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel in Manila City on Wednesday (April 15). This years gathering carries the theme: “Empowerment of LGUs Towards All-Inclusive Growth.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			Dr. Chung-Hsien Chen (left), from the Ministry of Economic Affairs-Bureau of Energy of Chinese Taipei, is chairman of APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology. Director Mario Marasigan (right) of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, is co-chair.
			Director Mario Marasigan, of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau of the Department of Energy, and co-chair of the APEC Expert Group on New Renewable Energy Technology, said it is important for member economies to share their roadmap for renewable energy so that other members may learn from their experience.
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and PSE chairman Jose Pardo. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by PSE chairman Jose Pardo; San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang; and Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala upon arrival for the bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor  in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14, 2015). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the  bell ringing ceremony at the Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; PSE director Eusebio Tanco; and BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy; PSE president and chief executive officer Hans Sicat; Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; PSE director Eusebio Tanco; and BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, leads the bell ringing ceremony at the  Philippine Stock Exchange trading floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi closed at an all-high since the start of the year. Also in photo are PSE chairman Jose Pardo; BDO Unibank, Inc. chairperson Teresita Sy; PSE president and chief executive officer Hans Sicat; Ayala Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; and San Miguel Corporation vice chairman, president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. bell ringing ceremony at the PSE Ayala Trading Floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi closed at an all-high since the start of the year. Also in photo is Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. bell ringing ceremony at the PSE Ayala Trading Floor in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on Tuesday (April 14). The PSE has broken past the 8,000 level on March 30, and has since then extended its winning streak to finish at an all-time record of 8,127.48 last Friday (April 10), the 27th time the PSEi closed at an all-high since the start of the year. (Photo by  Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting on the Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the meeting on the Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palaceon Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. Also in photo are TUV SUD Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, TESDA director-general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva and deputy director-general for Policies and Planning Irene Isaac. (Photo by Ryan Lim / by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as TESDA director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva receives the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate from TUV SUD Philippines general manager Femelyn Lati in a ceremony at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. Also in photo is Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with TESDA director general Emmanuel Joel Villanueva during the awarding of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Nationwide ISO 9001:2008 Certification at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (April 13). Established in 1947, the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) certifies a government or private enterprise’s adherence to worldwide industrial and commercial standards of excellence. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla ang Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath in front of the stained glass mural at the Colonnade of the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the Colors while singing the Philippine National Anthem during the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa; US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg; and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09, 2015). This year’s theme: “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Mt. Samat Shrine in Pilar, Bataan for the 73rd Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on Thursday (April 09). This year’s theme is “Ipunla and Kagitingan sa Kabataan, Ihanda ang Beterano ng Kinabukasan." (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and Isabela 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III, distributes financial assistance to family beneficiaries during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Tuesday (April 07, 2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through at the completed Lullutan Bridge during the inauguration ceremony in Barangay Lullutan on Tuesday (April 07, 2015). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region.  Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson; Isabela Governor Faustino Dy III; Isabela 1st District Representative Rodolfo Albano III; City of Ilagan, Isabela Mayor Jose Marie Diaz; Isabela Vice Governor Antonio Albano; and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Head Manuel Mamba. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(ILAGAN CITY, Isabela) The newly constructed Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. President Benigno Aquino graced the inauguration of this bridge on Tuesday (April 7). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm welcome from the locals during the inauguration of the Lullutan Bridge in Barangay Lullutan, City of Ilagan, Isabela on Tuesday (April 07). The 500.6 lineal meter Lullutan Bridge is considered one of the longest bridges that crosses Cagayan River connecting Barangay Camalagui 1 and Barangay Lullutan in the Cagayan Valley Region. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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PIA News Desk

38 mins ·

Basic info about ‪#‎ElNino‬ http://t.co/ocimITT9uM

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PIA News Desk

24 mins ·

April is ‪#‎cancer‬ in Children Awareness Month. These are the most common types of cancer found in children http://t.co/ZDZgVgYYBt | via ‪#‎DOH‬

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10 mins ·

‪#‎DFA‬ advises Fil. in ‪#‎UAE‬ & other Gulf Cooperation Council member countries (GCC) against submitting fake documents http://t.co/DhkssSw5yc

PIA | DFA advises Filipinos in UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council member countries (GCC)...

MANILA, April 17 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cautions Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the United Arab Emirates and in other Gulf...

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Noynoy Aquino (P-Noy)

16 mins ·

[Adm-02] P-Noy leads ceremonial turnover of DepEd Philippines PPP for school Infrastructure Project in Malolos, Bulacan.
(Photo credit: @DepEd_PH)

Pia Quezon

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PIA News Desk

12 hrs ·

April is ‪#‎Poetry‬ Month. What is your favorite poem of all times? http://t.co/WzWNGtcHUR

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1 hr ·

Line-up of performers for ‪#‎MTV‬ Music Evolution in Manila: http://t.co/fRwheAD4nk ‪#‎itsmorefuninthephilippines‬ http://t.co/acVukepvci | @govph

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Pia Quezon

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PIA News Desk

47 mins ·

Aquino Admin to push faster gov't ‪#‎spending‬
http://t.co/VeY1rjKQpa

PIA | Aquino Admin to push faster gov't spending 

MANILA, April 17 --  Following a year of slower government spending, the Aquino administration is now taking aggressive steps to ramp up public disbursements and bring faster economic growth to the country.

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Pia Quezon

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PIA News Desk

1 hr ·

White metered ‪#‎taxis‬ to be allowed in ‪#‎NAIA‬ Terminals 2 and 3 - See more at: http://t.co/l7QmpmrbAO http://t.co/Mlkw8cOT7E

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News Feed

Mark Pimentel Barroga‎Pia Laguna

2 hrs ·

Hi,
Here's your April 17 edition of One Luzon E-NewsMagazine.
Please click link to read:
http://issuu.com/one_luzon/docs/vol.5_no.074
Maraming Salamat Po!

One Luzon e-news Magazine 17 April 2015 Vol 5 no 074

Helen Tibaldo

issuu.com

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PIA News Desk

1 hr ·

Bus stops and pick-up points of the Express Connect service—a faster, more convenient mode of transport. http://t.co/ci4uKKrt0l | via @govph

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