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 | 10,000 Pantawid Pamilya high school grads demonstrate success amid poverty anew |
| PHL Government Ready to Assist Mary Jane Veloso’s Family for Another Visit |
| OIC Secretary General Expresses Support to Peace, Highlights Shared Interests with PHL |
| Press Statement of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz: On the ILO’s Philippine Employment Trends 2015 report |
| 11th Manila Int'l Auto Show kicked off at PTTC |
| Roxas to visit possible NIR site |
| PDIC to continue processing claims of Community Bank (Rural Bank of Alfonso) depositors |
| DA cuts down chicken SRP today |
| DA readies interventions for long dry spell |
| BBL deserves a second chance – DA chief |
| NEDA backs eco-efficient infra development to improve climate change resiliency, water security |
| DILG and NAPOLCOM warn public of spurious groups soliciting donations for “SAF 44” |
| Ex-Leyte mayor suspended for tolerating assault of PENRO exec |
| DOJ-OFC partners with OECD-KPC in Bid-Rigging Workshop |
| OWWA reactivates its Crisis Monitoring and Response Team for Yemen crisis |
| Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima to highlight ASEAN’s global impact |
| 38 employers, excited to sign up, too, attend launch: In Davao City, Baldoz, Rep. Nograles witness two of the country’s best PESOs sign up for JobStart Philippines |
| PNP-CIDG captures 2 rebel group leaders |
| Over 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior HS in 2016 |
| Philippines, Bangladesh move toward closer relations with signing of MOU establishing foreign policy consultations |
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| 10,000 Pantawid Pamilya high school grads demonstrate success amid poverty anew |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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In an effort to prove further that determination and perseverance coupled with a little help from the government are the key to success, more than 10,000 beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program who have graduated from high school in the National Capital Region will participate in the second post-graduation event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City tomorrow, April 23.
The event with the theme, “Pagtatapos Niyo, Tagumpay ng Pilipino,” is being organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to recognize the beneficiaries for working hard to fulfill their dreams of finishing high school.
It can be recalled that the first event was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) on April 9 with 4,000 graduates from the National Capital Region.
“The activity is our way of expressing our appreciation for the Pantawid Pamilya students who never wavered in their determination to improve their lives,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. “I am proud to say that these students are among the first high school graduates of the Pantawid Pamilya.”
Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program that invests in the health and education of poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS).
In 2013, the DSWD expanded the coverage of the program to include the 15-18 age bracket to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from high school, and have a higher rate of employability.
The Secretary also shared that the post-graduation event will serve as the venue to give citations to those who graduated with honors.
She added, “These students are proof that given the little assistance, they too can excel.”
Graduating valedictorian from Maligaya High School in Novaliches, David Louie Manansala will give a valedictory address to inspire his fellow graduates.
Furthermore, partner agencies, business sector, and civil society organizations are also expected to participate in the event to present their programs and services which the graduates may avail of.
To give the students an orientation on academic and career opportunities, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Joel Villanueva, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Patricia Licuanan will share their respective programs and services.
As the event is a celebration of the students’ accomplishment, selected Pantawid Pamilya graduates will also showcase their talents and will share their inspiring stories.
“The more than 300,000 graduating high school children of the Pantawid Pamilya are a confirmation that development can indeed be achieved. All we need to do is help them continue dreaming and striving for a better life. It is important to tell these children to never give up,” Sec. Soliman enthused.
The Secretary said that whether in academic, technical skills, or other talents, the Pantawid Pamilya youth show that, “Kaya din nila ang pagbabago (they too can achieve change and development).” |
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| PHL Government Ready to Assist Mary Jane Veloso’s Family for Another Visit |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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22 April 2015 – At the initiative of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, arrangements have been made by the Department of Foreign Affairs to accommodate the request of Mary Jane Veloso for her family to visit her in Indonesia. Any delay in their trip is brought about by personal engagements of the family.
The Philippine Government stands ready to assist Ms. Veloso in meeting with her loved ones as part of its efforts to assist her. |
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| OIC Secretary General Expresses Support to Peace, Highlights Shared Interests with PHL |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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22 April 2015 – The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) H.E. Mr. Iyad Ameen Madani conducted an official visit to the Philippines from April 17 to 20, to officially express the OIC’s support to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
Secretary General Madani commenced his visit with a courtesy call on Secretary Albert F. del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) last April 17. During the call, Secretary Del Rosario expressed his gratitude for the humanitarian missions and assistance extended by the OIC and its Member States to the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoons Yolanda and Sendong. Secretary Del Rosario also extended his appreciation for the continuing support of the OIC to the peace process.
For his part, Secretary General Madani highlighted the OIC’s recent thrust to pursue diversified areas of work, such as science and technology, to inspire hope among the youth in its Member States and a way to counter threats of radicalization. He also acknowledged that the OIC shares many common interests with the Philippines, such as combating terrorism and other transnational crimes, and the promotion and protection of human rights in Asia. These common interests, he noted, can be the foundation of new areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the OIC, whether through bilateral relations with Member States or direct multilateral engagements with the organization. In this regard, Secretary General Madani shared that there is renewed interest in the OIC to revisit the Philippines’ bid for an observer status this year.
Secretary General Madani also met with Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, which is the lead agency that hosted the Secretary General’s visit. This meeting was followed by courtesy calls with the Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and other members of Congress.
He also sat down with key personalities of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Davao, and convened a meeting of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum (BCF).
The official visit concluded with a courtesy call by Secretary General Madani on President Aquino on April 20. He was joined in this meeting by OIC Special Envoy for Peace in Southern Philippines H.E. Ambassador Syed Kassem Elmasry, and Dr. Hassan Abedin, head of the Muslim Minorities division of the OIC.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) (formerly Organization of the Islamic Conference) is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, with 57 Member States spread over four continents. It has played key roles in the peace process in Mindanao, including being the facilitator in the tripartite review of the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF. |
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| Press Statement of Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz: On the ILO’s Philippine Employment Trends 2015 report |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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(Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz issues the statement below following the release by the International Labor Organization Country Office for the Philippines of its Philippine Employment Trends 2015 report).
“I welcome the report of the International Labor Organization’s Philippine Employment Trends 2015 report that seeks to take stock of progress and developments towards our economic, including employment, targets.
“The report, in particular, shows that employment has expanded by more than 4 million, or 11.8 percent, over a five-year period, 2008-2013, despite the many challenges that the country has had to face through these years.
“I believe that President Benigno S. Aquino III’s labor and employment agenda, which the DOLE has translated into meaningful and substantive reforms that we have been implementing in earnest, is to be credited for this positive development.
“I note that the report validates Philippine official data on the outcomes spurred by these reforms. For example, wage employment, which is one measure of employment quality, has improved by 24.7 percent over the five-year period, or 4.4 million in absolute terms. Conversely, employment of unpaid family workers has declined by 5.6 percent. The Report also shows that vulnerable employment, which is another measure of the quality of employment, declined from 43.5 per cent in 2008 to 38.3 per cent in 2013. It also shows faster employment growth among women workers, 14 percent compared to 10.5 percent for men.
“We agree with the ILO that the unemployment challenge is primarily a youth phenomenon, as official data of the Philippine Statistics Authority shows youth unemployment accounts for half of the total unemployed Filipinos. But even on this score, the Philippines has shown modest gains. In the January 2015 Labor Force Survey, youth unemployment among the 15 to 24 year olds has gone down from 17.3 percent in January 2014 to 15 percent in January 2015. Over an expanded period, from 2005 to 20013, the Report shows that youth unemployment rate declined slightly from 17.4 per cent to 16.1 per cent. The Philippines, through the DOLE, has been working very closely with the ILO since 2010 to address youth unemployment, and I believe this is contributory to the decline.
“There is ample evidence that our package of reforms in the areas employment facilitation, workers’ welfare and protection, labor relations, and labor governance crucially respond to the continuing and emerging challenges posed by changes in the labor market, including the problems and opportunities the forthcoming 2015 integration of the ASEAN Economic Community may bring. Brick by brick, we are building stronger labor governance institutions supported by responsive labor and employment policies that will sustain our gains. By never losing sight of our national goal of poverty reduction in multiple dimensions and massive creation of quality employment, we hope to see the positive trends continue. I note that the ILO has observed a modest decline of poverty rate among all Filipino workers to 21.9 per cent in 2012 from 22.9 percent in 2006.
“I cite in particular our efforts in striking a balance between maintaining greater flexibility for enterprises and industries to be more competitive on the one hand, and ensuring protection for the more vulnerable groups of workers on the other hand. We also practice convergence with our key national government allies and tripartite partners to ensure consistency of policy to create more impact and increase employment opportunities, as well as to encourage private sector participation so that we can maximize benefits from limited resources.
“I am pleased that the ILO has taken notice of our labor market intervention programs and projects, such as the Training for Work Scholarship Program, Special Program for Employment of Students, Community-Based Employment Program which is part of our DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, Public Employment Service Office, Government Internship Program, the PhilJobNet, Apprenticeship and Learnership Program, and the latest, JobStart Philippines, all of which are geared towards enhancing employability, facilitating access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and protecting workers’ rights and promoting their welfare. |
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| 11th Manila Int'l Auto Show kicked off at PTTC |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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For the 11th time, the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) was again preferred by the Worldbex Services International to be one of the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS)' prime venues last 09 to 12 April 2015.
Dubbed as the biggest motoring and driving event in the Philippines, MIAS has already gathered over 500,000 attendees since 2005. This year, the fair showcased brand new vehicles and hybrid cars as well as state-of-the-art auto parts, electronic gadgets, motorsports clinic and demos, plus on- and off-road test drives.
PTTC Halls A, B, and C including the main lobby were fully occupied during the event. Car enthusiasts frequented the venue that featured a collection of vintage and restored automobiles.
Highlights of MIAS 2015 took place at Hall B which comprised of seminars, car competitions and recognition ceremonies namely: "TRS Safety Seminar"; :GT Radial Presentation: A State of Comfort and Performance"; "Tramigo – the Best Car Tracking Device Takes the Lead in Global Cloud Services"; "E-DRIVE: How Carmudi Drives the Online Business"; song, dance, and games with the A-Plus All Weather Paintabes; "Big Power Stroke Presentation: World Class Vehicle Preventive Maintenance"; MCC/Heela and Buzzrack presentation; MIAS-PETRON Custom and Classic Car Competition; and Blue Point Launching by Co Ban Kiat Hardwares. |
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| Roxas to visit possible NIR site |
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is scheduled to fly to Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental and travel to Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental today (April 21) to further assess the proposed creation of one Negros Island Region (NIR).
Roxas heads to Silliman University, Dumaguete City for a multi-sectoral consultation on NIR with representatives from the academe, members of the local business chamber, different civil society organizations and non-government organizations.
Roxas will then proceed to Central Philippines State University, Kabankalan City, for an ocular inspection of the proposed site for the regional center.
The scheduled visit of Roxas came after officials and residents of both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental reached a consensus for the two provinces to merge as a one island region in order to hasten development and speed up the delivery of services to its constituents.
Kabankalan City is among the strategic locations being considered to host the regional hub because of its viability and accessibility to both provinces, being situated near the boundary of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.
Kabankalan is home to developed communities with their own commercial and business districts, as well as schools, banks and other facilities needed to make a regional center function efficiently.
Negros Occidental currently belongs to Region 6 with its regional center based in Iloilo, while Negros Oriental is part of Region 7 with regional center situated in Cebu.
With the establishment of a regional hub at the center of NIR, people from Negros Oriental will no longer travel to Cebu to transact business with the national government, nor will the people from Negros Occidental travel to Iloilo to do the same.
Compared to other provinces in the Visayas, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have not been receiving notable public investments thus, leaving them behind the other provinces in Regions 6 and 7.
Thus, the creation of NIR is expected to improve the delivery of basic services to all Negrenses, increase public investments and boost the local economy of Negros Island. |
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| PDIC to continue processing claims of Community Bank (Rural Bank of Alfonso) depositors |
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Community Bank (Rural Bank of Alfonso) at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City until February 26, 2017. Claims may also be filed through mail.
Community Bank, which was ordered closed on February 26, 2015, has P242.2 million in total estimated insured deposits involving 20,576 accounts. A total of P169.5 million in insured deposits covering 1,581 accounts was paid during the onsite claim settlement operations (CSO). Another P40.8 million was settled thru postal money orders sent via registered mail to 10,498 accounts of depositors with balances of P50,000 and below where filing of claims was waived by PDIC.
As of March 23, 2015, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for P28.5 million covering 4,704 accounts. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the said bank is on February 26, 2017. After said date, PDIC shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim.
When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature. The same set of documents must be enclosed when claims are filed through mail.
Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney. In the case of a minor depositor, the Special Power of Attorney must be executed by the parent.
The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website.
For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |
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| DAR Installs 84 New Farmer Beneficiaries In Negros Occidental |
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph |
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The Department of Agrarian Reform recently installed 84 new agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Negros Occidental.
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Lucresia Taberna said that 67 new farmer beneficiaries were installed in 122.9213 hectares in Brgy. Don Salvador Benedicto, Pontevedra, Negros Occidental. The property was acquired through voluntary offer to sell (VOS).
Taberna said that the other 17 new farmer beneficiaries were installed in 50.5573 hectares acquired through Compulsory Acquisition in Hacienda Canticbil Tonsay, Brgy. Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
She encouraged the new farmer beneficiaries to cultivate their own lands and make it productive for the benefit of the next generation.
Mrs. Ma. Fe Magno, in behalf of her fellow farmer beneficiaries, was very thankful to the DAR personnel who help them acquire lands.
The installation was conducted with the assistance of the Philippine National Police headed by Pontevedra Chief, Ariel Pico and Chief Ruben Pajarito of La Castellana Police Station.
After the installation, DAR Negros Occidental announced that it is ready to intervene for the development of ARBs through the support services such as Agrarian Production Credit Program (APCP) and Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). (Riza Dee C. Alojado) |
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| DA cuts down chicken SRP today |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Department of Agriculture implemented on Monday, April 20, 2015, a lower suggested retail price (SRP) for chicken in Metro Manila markets.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala approved the P110 per kilogram temporary SRP for whole chicken recommended by the Department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) Director Leandro Gazmin and the United Broiler Raisers Association, until gate prices stabilize.
Alcala signed a memorandum directing the price adjustment on April 15.
The previous SRP for chicken was P135 per kilo.
The DA, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is continuously monitoring the prices and supply of chicken.
Based on AMAS’ regular monitoring of the price of chicken from the United Broiler Raisers Association, the farmgate price of chicken as of April 6 lingers around P51 per kilo in Northern Luzon, with prices ranging from P47-54 per kilo, and P53.20 in Southern Luzon with prices ranging from P48-59 per kilo.
According to AMAS’ chicken price monitoring of selected markets in Metro Manila, as of Sunday the gate prices of chicken has improved to P60-65 although chicken inventory is still above 20 million kg.
As of April 15, the prevailing price of fully-dressed chicken is P120 per kilo, with prices ranging from P98-140 per kilo. Meanwhile, prices of chicken in supermarkets range from P96-112 per kilo. Choice cuts chicken is not covered by SRP.
With the recent announcement of the new SRP, sales of chicken in public markets and supermarkets have improved, Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Jose Reaño said.
Recently, Usec Reaño announced that farmgate price of chicken and hogs will be posted in wet markets’ DTI price bulletin boards in Metro Manila so that consumers will know if the said commodities are being sold at reasonable prices.
Thru this, the consumers can demand and question retailers who are selling chicken and pork at exorbitant prices.
The move will also help the poultry raisers who are losing money as of now because of the over-supply of chicken. |
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| DA readies interventions for long dry spell |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The government is gearing up to cushion impact of the prolonged dry season brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.
With anticipated damage caused by the dry spell in Davao region, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in cooperation with Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 11 and the provincial government of Davao del Norte will be conducting a cloud seeding intervention to the affected areas immediately after the completion of the needed papers before its commencement.
Mike Nota, technical staff of BSWM informed DA-11 officials headed by regional director Remelyn Recoter that the province has a total of 37 percent damaged areas, comprised mostly of banana plantations.
Based on records from the regional High Value Crop Development Program (HVCDP), Davao del Norte has a total of 23,772 hectares of banana plantation, 8,425 hectares of which have been damaged by the dry spell.
“About P3 to P4 million was allocated for cloud seeding process, wherein 10 percent from the amount will be given to the El Niño affected local government unit,” Nota reported.
However, the Bureau will no longer conduct cloud seeding in Davao City because the extent of the damage is severe especially corn and mango.
“We will not conduct cloud seeding in Davao City anymore because the damage is already big and it can’t be recovered. The provinces of Davao Oriental and Davao del Sur have minimal damages and it does not require cloud seeding intervention,” Nota explained.
He added, “If in case there will be continuous rain in the next days, we can halt the application of cloud seeding.”
DA 11 has prepared necessary interventions needed by affected provinces.
According to Dr. Rafael Mercado, assistant regional director for research and regulatory, “even before the threat of dry spell, the agri agency has started to monitor and evaluate different areas in the region which will be directly affected.”
He bared that the Corn Program has already prepared 6,923 bags corn seeds as buffer stock while the Rice Program has prepared 4, 200 bags certified rice seeds, 1,130 bags registered rice seeds, and 125 units Pump Irrigation System and 5 units Pump Irrigation System (Open Source for rehabilitation).
Under the HVCDP, 575 drums, 66 bags of mungbean, one unit spring development and one unit farm reservoir have been prepared.
Director Recoter urged farmers to report their crop losses to their municipal agriculturists, “so we will know your concern and immediately act up on it.” |
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| BBL deserves a second chance – DA chief |
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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The Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) deserves another chance as part of the peace process for Mindanao, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said on Friday as he embarked on a two-day caravan to distribute assistance in farming and fishing communities in North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City, including war-torn communities in those areas.
“The President should be supported in his efforts to achieve peace and development for all peoples of Mindanao – be it Muslims, Lumads and Christians – through a comprehensive framework provided by the BBL,” Alcala said.
“And within this framework, agricultural development plays a huge part. There could no genuine, lasting peace without the improvement in the economic conditions of the people of Mindanao,” he added.
Dubbed as Ulat ng Bayan–Peace Caravan, the activity was organized by DA Regional Field Office 12 and was highlighted by the distribution of production support and award of livelihood and infrastructure projects valued at P411.5 million in Pikit, Aleosan and Midsayap in Cotabato, Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City in Maguindanao.
It also included checks worth millions for recipient-LGUs under the government’s Bottom-Up Budgeting and PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn programs.
Recipients for the livelihood projects were “previously unserved stakeholders” as they came from far-flung barangays that lack access to government services and have suffered from armed conflict and other man-made disasters, said RFO 12 Director Amalia Datukan. Many of them, she added, are unorganized farmers and fisherfolk or belong to informal organizations.
“We coordinated with the local government units through their municipal or city agriculturists so that we were able to come up with beneficiaries that truly deserved government assistance,” Datukan explain. “It’s in keeping with President Aquino’s inclusive growth agenda.”
Through the event, the DA chief and other DA national and regional officials – that included Assistant Secretary and concurrent OIC Director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute Edilberto De Luna, Datukan and BFAR 12 Director Sammy Malvaz – were able to touch-base with as many as 10,000 farmers, fishers and other ruralfolk, according to estimates of DA RFO 12.
“Ang dala namin [na tulong] ay para sa pagbangon at pag-angat ng buhay ng mga kababayan natin sa [mga lugar na sinalanta ng mga nakaraang armadong labanan,” the DA chief told the farmers and local leaders during an open forum and distribution of farm inputs and machineries in Pikit, North Cotabato, where the peace caravan started. The caravan ended in Barangay Salabaca in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat the next day.
From Pikit, the Secretary motored to nearby Aleosan for the second part of the caravan. Later in the afternoon, he took part in the Farmers’ Field Day at Philippine Rice Research Institute in its expirement station in Midsapayap, Cotabato.
Halal abattoir
On the second day, in Barangay Tamontaka Mother in Cotabato City, Alcala led the inauguration and turnover to the local government of what was envisioned to be the first-ever halal abattoir in the country.
Built at a cost of P20 million under DA’s livestock development program, Double A slaughterhouse is expected to be a reliable source of Halal-accepted products for consumers in Cotabato and other parts of South Central Mindanao, as well as other regions. Its daily rated capacity is estimated at 15 heads for cattle, 10 heads for carabao and 40 heads for goat once fully operational.
In support of its development and future expansion, the DA chief committed to help in carrying out an animal genetic improvement program in the province, and in crafting a halal livestock roadmap, which he said, should be completed within the month. Farmers will be also taught how to grow their own source of silage or feed.
“Ito ay pagpapakita ng tunay na layunin ng Pangulo [para sa kapayapaan sa Mindanao],” Alcala said.
Farmer and fisherfolk leaders and local officials thanked Secretary Alcala and the DA family for staging the caravan. They likewise commended the strong cooperation among DA agencies in the region for ensuring what they described as a successful distribution of aid and interventions to rightful recipients.
“Pagpapatunay ito na suportado [ng DA ang ating] food security agenda,” they commented.
The peace caravan – a special edition of DA RFO’s quarterly Ulat sa Bayan that serves as a reporting and feedback mechanism for its programs and plans – was the second visit for Alcala in SOCCSKSARGEN this year, the first being on March 3, when he and Senator Cynthia Villar led the turnover and award of nearly P1-billion worth of farm and fishery equipment, seeds and other production inputs, and farm-to-market projects, at DA’s Tupi Research and Experiment Station in Tupi, South Cotabato. A peace caravan is likewise slated for Northern Mindanao before the end of the month through the lead efforts of DA RFO 10. |
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| NEDA backs eco-efficient infra development to improve climate change resiliency, water security |
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph |
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MANILA – The Philippine government, as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), has adopted the ecologically and economically efficient (“eco-efficient”) concept in the development of water infrastructure as an overarching strategy towards the pursuit of water security, and, through innovative interventions and technologies, as an important approach to dealing with the challenges of climate change.
This is in recognition that despite the Philippines being blessed with abundant water resources, increasing demand and competing use have resulted to water supply shortages. While the increasing frequency and intensity of rainfall could augment water supply during dry months, excess water has not been taken advantage of and efficiently utilized. Instead, extreme rainfall has resulted in flooding and damages.
“We see the mainstreaming of eco-efficient water infrastructure (EEWIN) as a strategy to help enhance our country’s competitiveness by helping increase the efficiency and productivity of our growth sectors,” said NEDA Deputy Director-General for Investment Programming Rolando G. Tungpalan.
“We have been advocating the development and mainstreaming of EEWIN, which utilizes water resources in an economically-efficient and environment-friendly way, in the planning and project preparation processes, such as in the design of infrastructure,” the NEDA official added.
In February 2013, the NEDA Board – Committee on Infrastructure (INFRACOM) directed all relevant and water-related agencies to mainstream the eco-efficient concept in their proposed/identified activities, programs, and projects, and tasked NEDA to disseminate EEWIN key principles and standards for reference of concerned agencies.
To comply with this INFRACOM directive and facilitate said mainstreaming, NEDA developed appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on EEWIN, with the objective of providing implementing agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders with model EEWIN technologies/innovations that can be replicated or adopted in designing their own activities, programs, and projects.
EEWIN was presented during the March 18, 2015 Symposium on Water Security Towards Sustainable Development, an activity spearheaded by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) as part of the World Water Week 2015 celebration.
Successful and replicable EEWIN projects developed by agencies and institutions, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Department of Science and Technology – Region 7 (DOST-7), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), City Government of Muntinlupa, SM Malls, and Ayala Land, Inc., were showcased, with emphasis on their advantages and benefits, to inspire stakeholders to welcome innovation in their planning and design processes.
“With this approach, we can ensure the availability of water at this time and for future generations while building on the needed infrastructure to ultimately achieve a high, sustained, and inclusive growth,” the NEDA official explained.
Consistent with the concept of value engineering/value analysis (VE/VA), EEWIN aims to optimize resources and investments, reduce overall life-cycle costs, and expand the functionality of a project, without compromising its intended objectives.
“When applied to infrastructure development, eco-efficiency means being able to do more with less cost and with lower negative effect on the environment,” the NEDA official emphasized.
To help disseminate information about EEWIN, the NEDA had uploaded an information video on its YouTube channel accessible via this shortlink – http://goo.gl/81ET9l. |
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| DILG and NAPOLCOM warn public of spurious groups soliciting donations for “SAF 44” |
| Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph |
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The Department and Interior and Local Government and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) warned the public against spurious groups allegedly soliciting donations through text messages for the families of “SAF 44”, even mentioning the names of the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) and the Secretary of the National Defense (SND) to make the scam more credible.
This was announced by NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta after the DILG issued a Memorandum categorically denying any involvement in such solicitation activity.
In the said Memorandum, the DILG said that is does not authorize anybody to solicit donations on its behalf nor encourage any form of solicitations for the families of “SAF 44” among its personnel and employees.
Escueta said that the NAPOLCOM is committed in preserving its integrity and enjoins its personnel nationwide to refrain from entertaining or getting involved in this kind of activity.
“Any personnel or employee who will engage in the aforementioned undertaking without justifiable cause shall be dealt with accordingly,” Escueta said.
In case the public receive information on similar incident in the future, please report immediately to the DILG (Attn: PSupt. Jonathan A. Cabal) at telephone number 9286713, mobile nos: 09154208498, 09055269699 and 09167857500 or email at jonathan_cabal@yahoo.com.ph or underarmor2006@yahoo.com.ph. Reports may also be sent to NAPOLCOM Public Information Division at piopress08@yahoo.com. |
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| Ex-Leyte mayor suspended for tolerating assault of PENRO exec |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the suspension of former mayor Bernard Jonathan Remandaban of Tabango, Leyte for a period of six months and one day after he was found guilty of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
The suspension was ordered in connection with the incident of 31 May 2007 when in his presence, Remandaban’s close-in security assaulted and threatened Hernani Delos Reyes, Jr., Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), when the latter refused to sign the Memorandum of Agreement concerning a reclamation project in Tabango.
A medico-legal report issued by the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center corroborated the extent of injuries suffered by Delos Reyes, while affidavits of two PENRO employees affirming the assault incident were also submitted.
The Decision stated that “by tolerating the assault of complainant by his close-in security, respondent lowered the bar of public service and thus rendered him administratively liable” and that “respondent’s act renders him liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government was directed to implement the suspension order. |
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| DOJ-OFC partners with OECD-KPC in Bid-Rigging Workshop |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
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The DOJ-Office for Competition (OFC), in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development! Korea Policy Center (OECD/KPC), holds the International Workshop on Fighting Bid-Rigging today until Wednesday, 22 April 2015 at the InterContinental Hotel Manila, Makati City.
"This workshop is both timely and relevant in light of OFC's thrust to go after cartelists and economic saboteurs within the context of the President's Daang Matuwid platform and anti-corruption campaign," said Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima. "Genuine competition in the procurement process will ensure high quality of goods at competitive prices which ultimately leads to better public service," she added.
Aside from the OFC, the workshop aims to equip other competition authorities and stakeholders in the region with the necessary techniques in cartel detection and prevention through competition law enforcement.
"This activity is part of the broader OFC work in enforcing competition policy and law as an instrument towards economic development and good governance," said Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, head of the OFC.
International delegates from France, Sweden, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Fiji, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia will be able to share experiences with participants from the Philippines, particularly from the Sandiganbayan, Office of the Ombudsman, Government Policy and Procurement Board, Commission on Audit, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Customs, the Judiciary, among others.
The OFC also collaborated with the OECD/KPC and ASEAN Secretariat in 2012 in the Joint Workshop on Bringing Competition into Regulated Sectors which focused on competition policy and regulatory reform. |
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| OWWA reactivates its Crisis Monitoring and Response Team for Yemen crisis |
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph |
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has reactivated its Crisis Monitoring and Response Team (CMRT) to respond to the current critical situation in Yemen after the Alert Level in the area was raised to 4 due to the worsening armed-conflict there. The CMRT is a special committee of OWWA that is reactivated in times of political unrest in countries where there are affected Filipino migrant workers. The committee ensures the timely response and assistance of OWWA to the distressed and displaced workers from war-torn nations.
OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado ordered the reactivation of the CMRT to closely-monitor the status of evacuees, border-crossers and Filipinos staying at holding areas, and to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Missions in the repatriation of affected OFWs in the area. It is likewise directed to identify the needs and carry out the usual services of Repatriation Assistance Division (RAD) for repatriated workers upon arrival at the airport, and provide regular and timely advisories to the public as well as maintain records of repatriated OFWs.
OWWA has already accorded 342 repatriated Filipino migrant workers from Yemen with necessary airport assistance which includes a special lane for the processing of immigration papers of Yemen repatriates, provided temporary shelter and transport services and fares for their on-ward travel to their respective provinces. OWWA is also part of the DOLE-Assist WELL which caters to the Welfare, Employment, Livelihood and Legal needs of the displaced workers. |
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| Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima to highlight ASEAN’s global impact |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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Purisima in Jakarta for the World Economic Forum on East Asia
20 April 2015, Jakarta, Indonesia– Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima is in Jakarta today to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia. He joins other ASEAN leaders anticipating the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community by end-2015.
Hosted by Indonesia and themed, “Anchoring Trust in East Asia’s New Regionalism,” the 24th World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia brings together economic leaders in unlocking the barriers to integration, competition, and interconnectivity.
Purisima will be in the spotlight as he discusses ASEAN’s global impact in a televised session WEF is hosting in partnership with CNBC (13:45 local time, 14:45 PST; also webcast), at the Shangri-la Hotel in Jakarta. Purisima is expected to deliver key insights on how increasing ties between the ASEAN countries and the rest of the world can reshape the global economy. The conversations are expected to touch on global investment flows and capital market development, a key priority of Purisima’s. Other dimensions the WEF event will focus on are on emerging innovators and investments in human capital, as well as the risks and rewards in shifting foreign policies.
Moderated by Pauline Chiou, anchor at CNBC Asia, the panel will consist of Purisima, Indonesian Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, H. Raymond Bingham, the Chairman of Flextronics International, USA, Adi B. Godrej, the Chairman of The Godrej Group and Godrej Industries, India, and Serge Pun, the Chairman of Serge Pun & Associates (Myanmar).
Purisima is expected to tout the Philippines’ priorities on financial integration, inclusion, and transparency, as well as financing for disaster resilience and infrastructure development. Apart from the televised session, Purisima will also keep a busy schedule meeting members of the private sector to promote the Philippines’ trade and investment objectives.
Representing the Philippines in President Benigno S. Aquino’s stead, Purisima will lead the Philippine delegation composed of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Secretary Julia Abad of the Presidential Management Staff, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairperson Teresita Herbosa.
SEC Chairperson Herbosa will be part of the WEF sessions, From Digital to Financial Inclusion, as well as Charting a Path to Success: Developing East Asia’s Capital Markets for Sustainable Growth. |
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| 38 employers, excited to sign up, too, attend launch: In Davao City, Baldoz, Rep. Nograles witness two of the country’s best PESOs sign up for JobStart Philippines |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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| JobStart Philippines, the pioneering collaborative project which aims to ease youth unemployment, has reached the shores of Mindanao and is now being rolled out in the island’s largest city, Davao City, and in its neighbouring urban enclave, Tagum City. Yesterday, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz flew to Davao City and joined the Hon. Karlo B. Nograles, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Labor and Employment, to witness the signing of Memorandums of Agreement between JobStart Philippines, represented by the Bureau of Local Employment headed by Director Dominique R. Tutay, and the local chief executives (LCEs) of the two cities, Mayor Allan Rellon of Tagum City, and Atty. Dwight Howard representing Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City. These two cities have been identified as JobStart partner-implementers in Mindanao basically because of their fully-capacitated and well-established Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs)—the PESOs of Tagum and Davao are institutionalized, well-acclaimed and multi-awarded—and the willingness of their LCEs to implement the JobStart program. Also, the two cities were chosen because of their high youth unemployment rates and both have significant presence of prospective employers. In fact, 38 employers attended yesterday’s MOA signing and many of them already signified desire to sign-up for the program, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. JobStart Philippines is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and funded by the government of Canada. ADB’s Director Kelly Bird was present to witness the MOA signing, held at Radisson’s Park Inn Hotel in Lanang, Davao City, and so were the officials of the DOLE Regional Office No. 11, lead by Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jason Balais, officer-in-charge, Ruth Rodriguez, chief of the BLE’s LMI division, and DOLE’s tripartite partners in the hospital, construction, and BPO sectors. “Davao and Tagum Cities now join San Fernando City, Pampanga; Gen. Trias, Cavite; Taguig City; Quezon City; Bohol, and 11 other municipalities and cities all over the country which will run the JobStart’s full roll-out this year,” said Baldoz, who said launches are also being planned in the next month in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan and in five PESOs in the National Capital Region. “This is the only program I know that while still being piloted—JobStart’s pilot run ends yet in June—cooperators, such as employers and LGUs are already signing-up. This is very exciting,” she added. JobStart is full-cycle employment facilitation service that seeks to address youth unemployment by capacitating PESOs and helping youth beneficiaries jumpstart their careers by creating opportunities to improve their technical skills and develop their life skills necessary for success in today’s competitive workplace. “With this program, we aim to increase the youth’s employability to 80 percent or higher and also shorten their school-to-work transition from two to four years to only six months or lower,” said Baldoz. JobStart starts with the provision of career guidance through skills assessment, career and self-awareness, and career coaching. Following the assessment of a participant’s job readiness, he or she is provided with an eight-day life skills training designed to holistically hone the attitude and behavioural skills of the youth into a person well-prepared to face the challenges of the world of work. “The completion of career guidance and life skills training enables the youth to be matched in jobs available in partner-employers for the technical training of up to three months, and an application of what has been acquired and learned through internship program for also up to three months,” Baldoz said. Rep. Nograles, who had filed in February H.B. 5468, or “An Act Institutionalizing the Nationwide Implementation of JobStart Philippines Program and Providing Funds Therefor, Otherwise Known as the JobStart Act”, said he is convinced JobStart will serve as a tangible and sustainable answer towards providing inclusive development for our people through equality in employment opportunities.” “The need to provide our country’s at-risk youth with the opportunity to become productive citizens and to be able to provide them with the training to not just acquire the technical skills, but more importantly the life skills they need to build better life for themselves, is a paramount responsibility of the State,” he said. The DOLE targets some 3,200 youth beneficiaries this year for JobStart, even as it will continue to implement it in the four pilot areas. “JobStart partners with employers in providing a comprehensive and systematic approach in assisting young jobseekers, from planning their career paths all the way through acquiring the best-fit jobs,” said Baldoz. JobStart calls for employers to be selected through the signing of a memorandum of agreement. They, in turn, prepare a training plan and select from the JobStart youth participants and provide them with technical training and work experience. They receive the full cost of the technical training from the Bureau of Local Employment, the project management office. Youth participants are also paid an allowance to cover the employers’ administrative cost. In turn, employers pay the trainees an amount of at least 75 percent of the prevailing minimum wage in their region. Baldoz lauded the following private companies for joining the launching in Davao City: Uni Frutti; SRL International Manpower Services; PBGEA; NCCC; Sumifru; Chariffer Builders; DLPC; MDC; Tristar Group of Banana Co.; Accendo Commercial Corporation; TMI-M; Davao doctor’s Hospital; DDC; Techno Trade Resources, Inc.; EMCOR; SM Supermarket; TADECO; Pritong Manok; Lapanday Foods Corp; Uraya Land Development Corp.; HEDCOR; Pinnacle Hotel and Suites; Earthgrain Goldilocks; UPI; SM Lanang Dept. Store; SM Home Lanang; DSG Sons; Big 8 Corporate Hotel; Stanfilco; Convergys; and San Pedro College. For more details about JobStart, contact the Project Management Office at the Bureau of Local Employment, 6th Floor, BF Condominium, Solana for. Andres Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila; tel. 527-2543 or 527-2539; email at jobstartph@yahoo.com. |
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| PNP-CIDG captures 2 rebel group leaders |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
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With the relentless manhunt operations of the Philippine National Police and as the active support role of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in internal security, two rebel leaders were arrested over the weekend.
Reports coming from Police Director Benjamin Magalong, Director of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said that the combined forces of CIDG Zamboanga Del Norte, personnel of RIU9-IG, RID-PRO9, Piñan MPS and Military Intelligence Group (MIG) arrested a Local Communist Movement (LCM) leader identified as Rodrigo TAYASAN in Purok 2, Brgy. Sta. Fe, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.
The law enforcers served the Warrants of Arrest for Multiple Murder with 4 counts of Frustrated Murder and Damage to Government Property issued by Judge Bernadette Paredes-Encinareal of RTC 10thJudicial Region, Branch 36, Calambe, Misamis Occidental and for Murder issued by Judge Reymar Lacaya of RTC 9thJudicial Region, Branch 11, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte and with a monetary reward amounting to Php300,000 under the Joint Order of Department of National Defense-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DND-DILG).
Tayasan was a former executive committee member of the Sub-Section Committee of the CNN Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) who became inactive in 2006 but began to be active again and served as Deputy Secretary of NG-KARA WMPRC.
While at Sufra Firing Range, Bernadet Village, Sitio Looc, Barangay Luna, Surigao City, MIG personnel and detectives of CIDG Region 13 under the direct supervision of PSUPT Randy Glenn Silvio by virtue of Warrants of Arrest for Murder and Multiple Attempted Murder nabbed BONIFACIO PLATIL alias Thadeus Anob Uray.
PDir Magalong said that based on the intelligence report from MIG, PLATIL is the 2nd Deputy Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).
“CIDG detectives together with our counterparts in AFP are dedicated to continue our service as protectors of the people, continuously hunting these criminals under the directives of DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP-OIC, PDDG Leonardo A. Espina to prevent them from committing other hideous crimes to ensure the security of the public. This is also a pronouncement that we are moving forward and continuing our work after the Mamasapano incident”, Magalong said.
Captured wanted persons are now in custody of Piñan MPS for proper disposition and filing of cases. (PNP-PIO) |
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| Over 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior HS in 2016 |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ |
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After years of rigorous planning and consultations with education stakeholders, the Department of Education (DepEd) has identified and mapped more than 5,800 public schools set to offer Senior High School (SHS) in 2016 nationwide as part of its continued preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program.
Over the last several years, division personnel field office personnel and school heads have been continuously collaborating with their respective communities, local chief executives, legislators, industry partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders for SHS preparations.
Factors such as the availability of buildable space and school sites, community realities, local development plans, parents’ and students’ preferences, and the current and future needs of local industries were taken into consideration in the identification and preparations to establish SHSs.
DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that one of the key objectives during the SHS planning at the local levels is each and every one who completes Junior High School (Grade 10) must have access to a Senior High School. “Wala pong munisipyo, kahit gaano kaliit, ang mawawalan ng Senior High School,” Luistro added.
Luistro cited Tiwi, Albay as one of the examples. The said municipality has three DepEd schools that will offer SHS. The second one was Daraga, Albay, where eight (8) DepEd SHS and five (5) possible private schools will offer SHS. The Cotabato division will also have as many as 59 DepEd SHS. There are also 22 private schools and two state universities and colleges (SUCs) that showed interest and capacity to offer SHS in the Cotabato division.
The education chief said, “This has been mapped all the way to the program offerings until the maximum number of students that can be accommodated—not only in the DepEd schools but also in the private schools, HEIs, and SUCs.”
Designed to ensure that basic education graduates are equipped and ready for employment, entrepreneurship, or higher learning further education and training in universities, colleges, and other institutions, the SHS program has attracted partnership interests from various industry and business groups nationwide. |
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| Philippines, Bangladesh move toward closer relations with signing of MOU establishing foreign policy consultations |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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21 April 2015 - The Philippines and Bangladesh signed an agreement to establish a mechanism for a periodic review of bilateral relations, a move seen to bring cooperation and collaboration between the two countries on various areas to a higher level.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing Foreign Policy Consultations between the Philippines and Bangladesh on March 25. On the same day, delegations from the Philippines and Bangladesh successfully held the first Foreign Policy Consultations.
At the inaugural meeting, both sides discussed developments in the bilateral relations of the two countries, and discussed initiatives in the areas of education, information and communications technology, fisheries, aquaculture and sports that may be pursued to further expand relations.
Both sides noted the potential to increase trade in goods and services between the two countries. Following the formation of the Philippines-Bangladesh Business Council last January 21, both countries hope to generate more activities fostering greater interaction between Filipino and Bangladeshi businessmen and to increase awareness of each country’s products. These efforts are seen to lead to an increase in bilateral trade and investments.
The Philippine and Bangladesh delegations also discussed the exchanges between their members of Parliament, education and training exchanges between their Armed Forces and invitations extended to the officers to attend military and defense-related courses in their respective defense colleges.
Both delegations also explored how the recently concluded MOU on Sports Cooperation can be implemented.
DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario headed the Philippine delegation, while Foreign Secretary Haque headed the Bangladeshi delegation. The Philippine delegation included representatives from the Philippine Sports Commission, Department of National Defense, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 23 April 2015
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 23 April 2015 
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