PIAQuezon: 20 Dispatch for June 8 , 2015 ( Monday ), 16 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 2 Weather Watch , 5 OFW Watch , PNOY Speech, 22 Online News (June 6 ) , 54 Photo Release (June 5)

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

Issued at: 5:00 AM 08 June 2015

Synopsis: Ridge of high pressure area (HPA) affecting Luzon.

Forecast: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening will prevail over the whole country.

Light to moderate winds coming from the east to southeast will prevail over the whole country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

Pagtaya: Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na kalangitan na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi ang iiral sa buong bansa.
Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa silangan hanggang sa timog-silangan ang iiral sa buong bansa. Ang mga baybaying-dagat sa buong kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.

Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 3:00 PM yesterday --- 33.5 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM yesterday --- 25.6 ºC

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM yesterday --- 82 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 1:00 PM yesterday --- 59 %

High Tide Today: 1:31 PM ..……….... 1.14 meters
Low Tide Today: 9:52 PM ..……….... 0.02 meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 5:24 AM ..……….... 0.55 meters

Sunrise Today: 5:26 AM
Sunset Today: 6:24 PM

Moonset Today: 10:32 AM
Moonrise Today: 11:18 PM
Illumination Today: 72 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

Weather Watch

Yesterday at 11:24am ·

PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio on DZBB:
-Wala pa rin tayong namamataang LPA na posibleng makaapekto sa bansa.
-Asahan ang maalinsangan na panahon sa Metro Manila at sa buong bansa at asahan rin ang pagkakaroon ng thunderstorms sa hapon o gabi.
-Inaasahang temperatura sa Metro Manila 25-35 Degree Celsius.

JUNE 8, 2015 ( Monday ) as of 8:00 AM

PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City

PIA OFW Watch

1 hr ·

DZMM: Hiniling ni VP Jejomar Binay sa embahada ng bansa sa Kuala Lumpur na paimbestigahan ang pagkamatay ng isang Pinay matapos masunog ang bahay sa Malaysia noong June 2. Ayon kay Binay, nais niyang malaman kung paano na-trap ang Pinay sa nasusunog na bahay at bakit hindi ito nakalabas agad.

PIA OFW Watch

1 hr ·

INTERAKSYON: Four OFWs of Hyatt Hotel in Saudi Arabia were injured when alleged Yemeni Houthi rebels resumed mortar shelling and hit their staff accommodation in southwestern Arabian region. The 4 Filipinos were “only slightly injured” and “are now safe,” DOLE Sec. Baldoz said quoting a report from Labor Attache Jun Rasul. The incident prompted Baldoz to instruct POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac to meet with Philippine licensed recruiters deploying workers to Najran City, Saudi to update them on the situation in the area and to map out additional safety measures for them.

PIA OFW Watch

5 hrs ·

DFA Spokesman Asec. Charles Jose on DZMM:
Re: MERS-CoV in South Korea
-Wala pa tayong travel advisory or restriction papunta o galing ng South Korea. Ayon naman sa WHO hindi pa naman pandemic, so hindi warranted na mag-issue ng restriction.
-Naglabas na ng advisory ang embahada sa Seoul para sa mga kababayan natin na maging maayos sa hygiene, huwag humawak ng farm animals at doon sa mga health worker ay sumunod sa hygiene protocol.-Siguro po kanya-kanyang judgement na lang po, kung hindi naman urgent ang pakay nila doon siguro po ipagpaliban muna nila. (For those who will travel in SoKor)
-Sa tingin po ng WHO ay under control naman ang sitwasyon.
-Yung pinaka-index case po, isang South Korean na nagmula sa Saudi Arabia at nagpatingin siya sa apat na ospital so nakahawa at ngayon ang ginagawa ng SoKor ay contact tracing po.
-Wala na pong bagong cases ng MERS-CoV sa Middle East although sinusubaybayan pa rin ito ng ating foreign service post.
-Meron po tayong measure na implemented dito sa Pilipinas, kung may high fever kayo ay makikita ng scanner.
-Kung mayroon kayong virus ay pwede kayong ilagay sa quarantine.
-Ready naman po tayo at meron tayong measures dito para ma-detect yung mga papasok mula sa South Korea na may symptoms.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday at 10:17am ·

ABS-CBN News: The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has requested Malaysian authorities for a full investigation on the death of a Filipina in a fire incident in Johor Bahru. Ruby Lloren, who hails from Polomolok, South Cotabato, died when her house was allegedly set on fire by a robber who entered their house on Tuesday according to her husband. Her family, however, said autopsy results show that Lloren was poisoned first before she was burned to death.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday at 6:54am ·

INQUIRER: The POEA reminded OFWs in South Korea (SoKor) to take the necessary precautions against the dreaded MERS-CoV. In his Twitter account, POEA chief Hans Leo Cacdac posted a list of things that Filipinos in SoKor should do to avoid contracting the disease. So far, there have been four deaths and 50 cases of MERS-CoV reported in SoKor.

QUEZON

1. Tagalog news: East Meets West Foundation, nagkaloob ng mga medical equipment sa Quezon Medical Center

June 08, 2015

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Hunyo 8 (PIA) -- Tumanggap kamakailan ng mga bagong kagamitan ang Quezon Medical Center mula sa East Meets West Foundation laan para sa Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Peadtric Ward ng naturang ospital.

Ang turn-over ay pinangunahan nina Iris Gokeelao, Country Director ng naturang foundation, Dr. Rolando Padre, Chief of Hospital at Dr. Dennis Rivere, Head of Department of Pediatrics ng QMC.

Kabilang sa mga kagamitang ipinagkaloob ay dalawang unit ng suction machine, tatlong unit ng bubble CPAP machine, 100 pcs. ng CPAP cannula, isang bubble CPAP set, apat na unit ng infant warmer, tatlong unit ng double-sided phototheraphy at LED phototheraphy, isang unit ng light meter at tatlong unit ng hand sanitizer set.

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng pamunuan ng ospital lalo’t higit ang Department of Pediatrics na makikinabang sa kagandahang loob ng East Meets West Foundation.

Malaking bagay anila ang naturang mga kagamitan at aparato sa mga batang dinadala sa kanila partikular ang mga bagong-silang na sanggol na may problema sa kanilang kalusugan.

Kaugnay nito, nangako ang pamunuan ng ospital na pangangalagaan at iingatan ang ipinagkaloob na mga kagamitan upang magamit ng matagal.

Ikinatutuwa naman ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang pagkakaloob ng donasyong mga kagamitan ng pribadong sektor sa pampublikong pagamutan ng lalawigan lalo’t ngayon ay sinisikap ni Governor David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez na maging maayos ang operasyon ng naturang ospital. (Reygan Mantilla-Quezon PIO/FSC, PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433728132/tagalog-news-east-meets-west-foundation-nagkaloob-ng-mga-medical-equipment-sa-quezon-medical-center#sthash.69s2jbHW.dpuf

2. Gov't agencies convene to develop poverty reduction plans in Quezon

June 05, 2015

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, June 5 (PIA) -- National government agencies convened here recently for the first leg of the inter-agency action planning of the Accelerated and Sustainable Anti-Poverty Program (ASAPP)—an inter-agency efforts that seeks to alleviate poverty through sustainable employment and income generating opportunities for the poor.

During the said action planning, agencies shared and deliberated their respective programs and projects for the three identified hubs of the province, Polilio, Alabat and Lucena City. Each hub will serve as a gateway for the delivery of goods and services to the poor municipalities of the province.

As a gateway, Alabat will be able to approach the market representing the whole island as well as the municipalities of Quezon and Perez. The same process will also happen in Polillo as the hub of POGI (Polillo Group of Islands) municipalities and Lucena City as the hub of third and fourth districts.

Pablito Budoy of the Department of Trade and Industry here said that the needed interventions to address the poverty incidence in each municipality are now underway.

Programs and projects proposed by each agency will be integrated into one plan.

DTI-Quezon for its part will continue to provide skills training, product development like labelling and packaging, trade fair participation, and entrepreneurial assistance including financial aid.

Budoy added that results of the poverty reduction in the province is expected to be felt by the end of this year and early part of 2016.

The said inter-agency action planning was attended by heads and representatives of Department of Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Trade and Industry, Technical Education and Skills Authority also attended the said intervention. (DTI-Quezon/ RMO-PIA-Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701432522816/gov-t-agencies-convene-to-develop-poverty-reduction-plans-in-quezon#sthash.qvJ6In6Z.dpuf

3. Quezon provincial gov't now accepts nominations for the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan Award

June 05, 2015

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, June 5 (PIA) -- The provincial government here through the office of Gender and Development is now accepting nominations for this year's Search for Outstanding Quezonians or the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan award.

The Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan is the highest award given by the provincial government to the outstanding citizens of the province for their exceptional and meritorious achievements which greatly contributed to the advancement of interest and welfare development of the province and its people.

It is in line with the celebration of Quezon Day--the annual birth anniversary of the late President Manuel L. Quezon.

The Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan is composed of two categories, the Gintong Medalya ng Karangalan or the Life Achievement award and the Medalya ng Karangalan or the Special Achievement award.

Any individual or organization classified as social, civic, religious, government, non-government or any private or business associations can nominate a candidate for the said awards.

Qualifications and criteria for such awards are as follows:

Any individual who is a quezonian by birth and resided in the province for at least five years, if not born in Quezon but is married to a Quezonian but resided in the province for at least ten years;
The achievements of the nominee have greatly contributed to the advancement of interest and welfare develop service of the people of Quezon;
His/ her contributions go beyond the call of duty;
His/her life reflects the qualities and virtues of the late President Manuel L. Quezon and has contributed significantly to nation building.

The nominees shall be outstanding in a certain line of endeavor such as but not limited to agriculture, education, engineering and architecture, environment, government service, law, health, philanthropy, community and public service, science and technology, and sports and culture.

They must also have demonstrated civic mindedness and genuine concern for the province—a model citizen who exemplified the life and valued tradition set by the late President Quezon.

Last day of submission of nominations for the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan is on June 30 and the Outstanding Quezonians will be conferred on August 19 at the Quezon Convention Center. (Ruel Orinday/PIA- Quezon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701433306005/quezon-provincial-gov-t-now-accepts-nominations-for-the-quezon-medalya-ng-karangalan-award#sthash.C7lKtAdp.dpuf

CAVITE

1. PHDMO, HUDCC spearhead orientation on housing and urban development

June 05, 2015

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, June 5 (PIA) – A one-day orientation seminar on housing and urban development was organized recently by the Provincial Housing Development and Management (PHDM) in coordination with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) that was held at the ceremonial hall of the provincial capitol, this city.

The activity aimed to strengthen the capacity of LGUs on housing and urban development functions under RA 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act and RA 7160 or the Local Government Code.

City and municipal planning coordinators, assessors, engineers, housing, social welfare and development, environment and natural resources, and disaster risk reduction officers from Tagaytay City, Trece Martires City, Alfonso, Indang, Maragondon, Amadeo, Magallanes, Mendez and General Emilio Aguinaldo (Bailen) attended the activity.

Said cities and municipalities are expected to create their own Land Shelter Plan (LSP) aside from existing housing programs being implemented in their respective areas while 14 other LGUs have already completed theirs LSP, according to HUDCC.

Ms. Rowena P. Dineros, officer-in-charge of the HUDCC community development group gave an overview on what they will provide as lead agency in formulating national objectives for housing and urban development as well as in determining the participation of key government housing agencies in the national housing program.

She mentioned all the attached organizations functioning under HUDCC that are ready to assist LGUs in formulating their respective LSP and its successful implementation. These agencies are: the PAG-IBIG Fund, Home Guaranty Corporation (HGC), Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB), National Housing Authority (NHA), National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC).

A team from HUDCC presented the modules on how to draft the local shelter plan and provided copies for each LGU. Likewise, HUDCC identified the data requirements that will help LGUs in completing their LSP.

During the open forum, some concerns were raised relative to the subject including the issue between the hosts and receiving LGUs on relocation sites, the lack of facilities in some housing projects, and the source of funding for such plans.

According to HUDCC, a seminar workshop and writeshop will be scheduled after the orientation to guide the LGUs in drafting and finally submitting their own LSP. This will also serve as a venue in answering queries in relation to the issues and concerns on housing programs/projects being encountered by LGUs.

The HUDCC stressed out that the public should be informed that the housing projects are not absolutely free but different payment schemes and channels are offered settlers to make housing payments easier and lighter. (PICAD/Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671432990177/phdmo-hudcc-spearhead-orientation-on-housing-and-urban-development#sthash.M4jlZGMv.dpuf

2. PHDMO, HUDCC spearhead orientation on housing and urban development

June 05, 2015

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671432990177/phdmo-hudcc-spearhead-orientation-on-housing-and-urban-development#sthash.M4jlZGMv.dpuf

3. Cavite joins Month of the Ocean celebration

June 05, 2015

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, June 5 (PIA) – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) celebrated recently the 2nd Provincial Month of the Ocean to mark the contribution of agri-fishery workers in the province, to the Philippine agriculture and to the present economic status of the country as well.

More than 200 fisherfolks and fishery stakeholders, including city and municipal Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (IFARMCs) who played major parts in the event held at the Cavite State University – Naic campus in Barangay Bucana in Naic joined the festivity with the theme, “Karagatan Pangalagaan Ating Mahalin at Pagyamanin.”

A fluvial parade of color coded bancas representing the different participating coastal municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Cavite City, Rosario, Tanza, Naic, Ternate and Maragondon was one fo the highlights of the activity.

Provincial Agriculturist, Ms. Lolita C. Pereña, said this is the second year that Cavite Province observed the celebration while the first one was during the time of ex-governor Johnny Remulla in the 90’s.

Dr. Beng Umali, Campus Dean of CvSU-Naic delivered the welcome remarks mentioning the importance of the fishery school in producing students that help in protecting the ocean.

On the other hand, Vice-governor Jolo Revilla called on everyone to help protect the sea by not throwing garbage and other toxic materials that could destroy the ocean.

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Mr. Jess Barrera assured the fisherey sector that more trainings and new technologies are included in the priority programs of the government which will enhance productivity among fisherfolks and encouraged them to tap other sources of income like banca and fishnet making that will generate continuous income even during the rainy season.

Ms. Ma.Chloe Taripe, Regional FARMC coordinator oriented the fisher folks on BFAR National Project TARGET – an action to reduce poverty and economic transformation for the fishing community thru livelihood programs to be distributed to registered beneficiaries. Updates on RA 8550 as amended by RA 10654 were also discussed. The code provides for the management and conservation of fisheries and aquaculture in the Philippines and the reconstitution or establishment of fisheries institutions both at the national and local level.

Also in attendance were BM Irene Bencito, chairman, Committee on Agriculture and Naic Councilor Max Dagasdas who encouraged everyone to love and protect the environment especially the sea (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/671432980434/cavite-joins-month-of-the-ocean-celebration#sthash.kWXzViEQ.dpuf

LAGUNA

1. NFA and IRRI partner on improving rice quality

June 08, 2015

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna, June 8 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) on Friday (June 5) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on improving rice quality in the Philippines.

Under the MOU, the NFA and IRRI commit to promote and accelerate research on rice and rice-based farming systems toward establishing international-level standards for rice quality. Joint work will also be done toward consistent application of such standards for the benefit of all players in the Philippine rice industry, from farmers to consumers.

"Through this agreement, the NFA hopes to maximize IRRI's research in achieving our food security mission of providing the country’s rice requirements in terms of volume and quality. This will also guide us in our decision-making, not only in our operational activities but also in our policy-formulation, in anticipation of future developments such as infrastructure build-up," said NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay.

Rice quality encompasses rice farming technologies and practices that help ensure sustainable agriculture, improved farmer welfare, grain quality, and dietary practices that support improved nutrition and health among consumers.

"We are happy to share technologies, some partly developed through work funded by the Department of Agriculture on grain quality and forecasting, with NFA," said IRRI Deputy Director General Bruce Tolentino.

Tolentino assured Dalisay of IRRI's support to NFA's efforts to make good quality rice available to consumers, as well as to adapt better to the effects of climate change, citing damage to rice storage infrastructure when Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines in 2013.

NFA and IRRI will collaborate in these specific areas: grain quality improvement, including assessment of consumer preferences and research to enhance quality; rice breeding, production, and processing (postharvest)technologies; and the establishment of quality standards in relation to the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP), a key mechanism through which rice quality standards are promoted internationally.

NFA and IRRI will also be sharing scientific data and research results as well as strategic analysis of developments and trends in international rice trade.

The NFA is mandated to ensure the country’s food security and stability of the supply and price of rice, the country’s major staple. This collaboration is part of the NFA’s efforts to widen its partnership with both public and private sectors toward finding long-term and sustainable ways to achieve national food self-sufficiency and security.

IRRI is the world’s premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger, improving the livelihood of rice farmers and health of rice consumers, and ensuring environmental sustainability through rice science.

Earlier, the NFA also signed a memorandum of agreement with the Kaya Natin! Movement, a civil society organization advocating good governance and ethical leadership, for a “Bantay Bigas” project to ensure that the NFA’s inexpensive quality rice will be continuously available, accessible, and affordable to poor consumers who are its intended beneficiaries. (International Rice Research Institute)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433727215/nfa-and-irri-partner-on-improving-rice-quality#sthash.7qG6N2gu.dpuf

2. DTI: Reforms underway for a simpler, faster business start- up

June 08, 2015

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, June 8 (PIA) --Effective April 15, entrepreneurs only need to go through 6 steps and take 8 days to start a business in the country from the previous 16 steps and 34 days - a reform expected to improve the standing of the Philippines in the “Ease of Doing Business” competitiveness rankings measured annually by the World Bank (WB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Also, the number of payments for social service contributions for Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and Social Security System (SSS), has been reduced from 36 to 13.

The 10 government agencies that have signed an understanding on April 14 to implement the simplified process of starting a business in the country are the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Local Government of Quezon City (QC-LGU), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), and the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

The reform is a result of the continuing progress under the National Competitiveness Council’s (NCC) Gameplan 3.0 which streamlines government processes across 10 transactions in the conduct of business particularly in establishing new corporations, partnerships, and non-stock corporations.

The 10 transactions related to the “Ease of Doing Business” and monitored by IFC are: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

The package of reforms includes merging several steps together to create single-window applications; removal of outdated procedures; introduction of enhanced one-stop-shop procedures in local government units; and coordination and partnership across numerous government agencies.

DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo and Chairman of the NCC said that the reforms will make business registration faster, simpler, more efficient, and more transparent, and that DTI is committed to sustaining the momentum to achieve improved competitiveness and encourage inclusive growth.

The move is expected to dramatically improve the country’s competitiveness rankings.

According to Guillermo M. Luz, NCC Co-Chairman, the reforms will be initially implemented in Metro Manila and will be adopted gradually by cities and municipalities in the countryside.

The changes are hoped to be reflected in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report that will come out in September or October this year.

The Philippines ranked 95th out of 189 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Report 2015 released in October 2014, up 13 places from the previous list.

It also rose by 7 notches in the IFC’s Global Competitiveness Index 2014-2015 to 52nd out of 144 economies, from 59th out of 148 previously. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/DTI-

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631433728753/dti-reforms-underway-for-a-simpler-faster-business-start--up#sthash.E8IhYuMJ.dpuf

3. RDRRMC calls for support for National Disaster Consciousness Month

June 05, 2015

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, June 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) IV-A encouraged all regional councils and local DRMMC to support the National Disaster Consciousness Month slated this July 2015.

Regional Director Vicente Tomazar urged all DRMM councils in the region to spearhead activities such as workshops, orientation seminars, drills and exercises among others with particular emphasis on Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery, and Rehabilitation.

Tomazar also encouraged its stakeholders to support the "Gawad KALASAG" (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

It is a nationwide award given yearly by the National DRRMC to recognize outstanding performance of the Local DRRM Councils, civil society groups, schools and other major stakeholders in promoting significant DRRM Climate Change Adaptation programs and innovations. It also commends the heroic act of individuals, groups or institutions during natural and human-induced disasters.

Said award will be conferred to the winners for each of the following categories:

Best Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils
Best Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Committee
Civil Society Organizations, People's Organizations, NGOs
Private Organizations, Volunteer Groups, Government Emergency Response Management, Schools, and Hospitals,
Heroic Act of Individuals or Groups in providing humanitarian assistance
Special Recognition Awards

For more information regarding the Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Management and Humanitarian Assistance, you may contact RDRRMC IV-A Secretariat thru telephone numbers (049) 531-7266 and 531-7279 and look for Frederick Bargas or Jennifer Rivera. You may also email them at region4a@ocd.gov.ph and ocd.rdrrmc4a@yahoo.com. (RDRRC-OCD 4A/PIA 4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433473379/rdrrmc-calls-for-support-for-national-disaster-consciousness-month#sthash.I3Jg6VvL.dpuf

4. Tagalog news: Ombudsman Clearance, maaari nang iproseso sa SM City San Pablo

June 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Hunyo 4 (PIA) -- Bukod sa ilang mga dokumento katulad ng birth certificates at professional licenses, maaari na ring makakuha ng Ombudsman Clearance sa SM City Business Center ng lungsod na ito ayon ka mall manager Gabriel Timothy Exconde.

Ang Ombudsman Clearance ay isang kasulatan na ipinagkakaloob ng Office of the Ombudsman na nagpapatotoo na ang isang pinuno o kawani ng pamahalaan ay hindi nahaharap sa ano mang usapin na may kaugnayan sa “graft and corruption” na kailangang ilakip sa kahilingan o aplikasyon para sa promosyon gayundin para makapagretio.

Ang nasabing clearance ay kailangan din upang makakuha ang isang kawani ng permit upang makapagdala ng anumang armas.

Ayon kay Exconde, ang aplikasyon at ang kaukulang kabayaran ay maaaring iproseso sa SM Business Services kahit na mga araw ng Linggo o mga araw na walang pasok. Sa sandaling matanggap aniya ito ng business center ay kaagad nilang ipoproseso ang naturang clearance sa Ombudsman at ipapadala na lamang sa pamamagitan ng Air 21.

Ilan sa mga serbisyong ipinagkakaloob ng SM Business Center ang pagproseso ng mga dokumento mula sa Philippine Statistics Authority at renewal ng mga professional licenses mula sa Professional Regulations Commission.

Tumatanggap din ang naturang mall ng mga kabayaran para sa Social Security System at PAG-IBIG Fund. (Ruben E. Taningco/FSC, PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433391644/tagalog-news-ombudsman-clearance-maaari-nang-iproseso-sa-sm-city-san-pablo#sthash.1S3jrgzP.dpuf

5. Tagalog news: Mga programang pang-edukasyon, patuloy na tinututukan sa lungsod ng San Pablo

June 04, 2015

LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Hunyo 4 (PIA) -- Ipinagmalaki ng pamahalaang lungsod ang mga proyekto at programa na isinasagawa nito para sa kapakanan ng edukasyon at nangakong patuloy pa silang magsasagawa ng mga proyekto sa layunin na makapaghatid ng progresibong edukasyon sa lungsod.

Sa nagdaang Division Education Summit, ipinagmalaki ni Mayor Loreto Amante sa pamamagitan ng Head Executive Assistant nito na si Paul Cuadrana, na sa ilalim ng Special Education Fund ay nakapagtayo ang pamahalaang lungsod ng mga school buildings sa mga paaralan ng Lauro Dizon, Guerilla, Sto. Angel, Atisan, San Pedro, San Mateo at San Jose.

Nakabili na rin aniya ng lupa na pagtatayuan ng San Jose National High School, Stand Alone Science High School sa San Roque at San Pablo City Science High School.

Ayon pa sa ulat, naisaayos na rin ang mga school fence sa San Pablo City NHS, San Jose NHS, Felomina ES; H.E. Bldg. sa San Marcos ES; Covered Court ng ES sa Sta. Ma. Magdalena at Sto. Angel Library Hub.

Nakabili rin umano sila ng iba’t ibang kagamitan para sa mga paaralan tulad ng Sewing at Welding Machines; Samsung Tablets para sa SPCSHS; wooden chairs at electrical materials.

Dagdag pa nito na patuloy din ang isinasagawa nilang pagtulong sa iba't ibang programa ng Department of Education kabilang ang Brigada Eskwela, Teachers Day Celebration, Campus Journalism Activities, Palarong Pambansa at pagbibigay ng financial assistance sa mga local at international competitions.

Kaya naman lubos ang pasasalamat ni Susan Oribiana, City Schools Supt. at ng lahat ng bumubuo ng DepEd-San Pablo sa patuloy na pakikiisa at pagtulong ng pamahalaang lungsod sa lalo pang ikasusulong ng pagbibigay ng mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon sa lahat ng kabataan. (CIO-SPC/RET/FSC, PIA-4A)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931433387373/tagalog-news-mga-programang-pang-edukasyon-patuloy-na-tinututukan-sa-lungsod-ng-san-pablo#sthash.LryzuRyC.dpuf

BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: NGCP, nagsagawa ng power briefing para sa mga mamamahayag

June 08, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 8 (PIA) --Muling nagdaos ng Power 103 briefing ang National Grid Corporation of the Phils. (NGCP) para samga lokal na mamamahayag sa Calabarzon na ginanap kamakailan sa Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Metro Manila.

Kabilang sa mga tinalakay ay ang mga pangunahing tungkulin ng ahensiya na binubuo ng tatlong kumpanya kabilang ang Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., Calaca High Power Corp. at State Grid Corporation of China at pagpapaliwanag ng mga common terms na ginagamit ng NGCP para sa kabatiran ng publiko.

Sinabi ni Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, spokesperson ng NGCP, na ang power briefing ay isinagawa upang maibahagi sa mga lokal na mamamahayag ang mga kaalaman at maging katuwang na maipaabot sa publiko ang mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin upang mapangalagaan ang mga transmission lines ng NGCP.

Ilan sa mga safety tips na binigyang diin ni Alabanza ay ang pag-iwas sa pagpapalipad ng saranggola sa malapit sa transmission lines gayundin ang pag-akyat sa mga istruktura dahil sa taas ng boltahe na maaaring magdulot ng kamatayan sa sinumang lumapit dito.

Maging ang paglalagay ng mga istrukturang tulad ng bahay, basketball court, pagtatanim ng puno, pagpapark ng sasakyan, pagdadala ng mahahabang kahoy na maaring sumabit sa linya ng kuryente at maging ang pagsusunog malapit dito ay kinakailangan ding iwasan.

Sa usapin ng pagtatayo ng mga bagong power plants, sinabi ni Alabanza na hanggang kumpleto ang requirements at dumaan sa legal na proseso ay mabuti ito lalo pa at patuloy ang pagtaas ng pangangailangan sa suplay ng kuryente.

“Dahil sa pagtaas ng populasyon ng bansa, patuloy din ang pagtaas ng demand ng kuryente at kahit kalian ay hindi bababa ang pangangailangan sa kuryente kaya mas maganda kung maraming power plants ang itatayo sa bansa, pagtatapos ni Alabanza. (PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681433491991/tagalog-news-ngcp-nagsagawa-ng-power-briefing-para-sa-mga-mamamahayag#sthash.wkuLWcmw.dpuf

2. Tagalog news: Lungsod ng Batangas, muling nakamit ang Best CDRRMC for 2014

June 05, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 5 (PIA) --Muling ginawaran ng Gawad Kalasag Award ang Batangas City bilang Best City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) for 2014, component city category sa Calabarzon.

Sa isang seremonya na ginanap noong Mayo 28 sa disaster operations center sa Barangay Bolbok, tinanggap ni CDRRMO Rodrigo dela Roca ang plake ng pagkilala at tsekeng nagkakahalaga ng P50,000 mula kay Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region IV-A assistant for administration Elvis Cruz.

Ang Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) na ginawaran din ng pagkilala para sa NGO category ay tinanggap nina MFI executive director Karen Agabin at program manager Tony Reyes ang plake at tseke.

Bago ang paggagawad ng parangal, nagdaos ng pagpupulong ang konseho para a mga Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council na dinaluhan ng mga pangulo, barangay secretary at mga kagawad ng 105 barangay sa lungsod. Ito ay bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng kahandaan sa kalamidad ng mga barangay sapagkat sila ang nasa first line of defense o unang tutugon sa panahon ng kalamidad o sakuna.

Nagpresenta ng kanilang best practices hinggil sa disaster risk reduction management ang kinatawan ng mga barangay Kumintang Ilaya, San Agapito at Calicanto.

Sinabi ni dela Roca, na layunin ng nasabing pagtitipon na mabigyan ng sapat na impormasyon ang mga barangay bilang paghahanda sa panahon ng tag-ulan.

Tinalakay din sa pulong ang pagkakaroon ng mitigation program, contingency at disaster management action plan gayundin ang mga dokumentong kinakailangang ihanda ng mga barangay upang magamit ang local disaster risk reduction management fund.

Bagamat hindi kasama ang syudad sa West Valley fault line na inaasahang magdudulot ng matinding pinsala, binigyang diin pa din ni dela Roca na nararapat magkaroon din ng kamalayan ang mga mamamayang Batangueno.

Sa paggunita naman ng National Disaster Consciousness Month sa Hulyo, higit pang pagsasanay ang isasagawa ng CDRRMO kagaya ng mga earthquake drill, fire drill, tsunami drill at mga orientation awareness program sa mga komunidad.

Dumalo sa BDRRMC meeting sina Secretary to the City Mayor Atty. Reginald Dimacuha, DILG Director Amor San Gabriel, City Planning and Development Officer Engr Sonny Godoy, Budget Officer Beth delos Reyes at Hiyasmin Candava City Social Welfare and Development Office. (Ronna Endaya Contreras, PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681432895483/tagalog-news-lungsod-ng-batangas-muling-nakamit-ang-best-cdrrmc-for-2014#sthash.ePPhvz9d.dpuf

3. Tagalog news: BFP, patuloy ang inspeksyon sa mga dormitoryo at boarding houses sa Batangas City

June 05, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 5 (PIA) --Patuloy ang isinasagawang fire safety inspection ng tanggapan ng Batangas City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) sa mga boarding houses at dormitoryo, mga pribado at pampublikong paaralan ng elementarya, sekondarya, at kolehiyo sa Lungsod ng Batangas.

Sinabi ni SF01 Ador M. Guerrero, chief ng BFP Fire Safety Enforcement Section, na layunin ng inspection na matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga paaralan at mga boarding houses mula sa sunog na maaaring mangyari.

"Nakikipag-ugnayan kami sa mga may ari ng boarding houses na tinutuluyan ng mga mag-aaral upang matiyak kung may permit at kung wala ay kailangan ma-inspection," ayon pa kay Guerrero.

Kabilang sa mga tinitingnan sa kanilang inspection ang plan structural ng linya ng kuryente, kung ang pasilidad nito ay mayroon water sprinkler, smoke detector at fire exit.

Dagdag pa ni Guerrero, ang mga lalabag ay may kaukulang aksiyon at maaaring isara ang kanilang pinapaupahang bahay kung hindi susunod sa ipinagbabawal ng BFP.

Ang BFP ay magsasagawa din ng pagbisita sa mga establisyemento batay sa memorandum o Intensified Fire Safety Inspection of Establishment na ipinalabas ng mataas na tanggapan ng Bureau of Fire Protection.

Paalala pa rin ng BFP upang makasigurado ligtas at maayos ang mga rerentahan bahay, palaging hanapin ang fire safety certificate, sanitary at mayors permit. (Liza Perez De Los Reyes, PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681433405000/tagalog-news-bfp-patuloy-ang-inspeksyon-sa-mga-dormitoryo-at-boarding-houses-sa-batangas-city#sthash.Q6h9DUGf.dpuf

4. Tagalog news: Mga kabataan, nakinabang sa school supplies at groceries distribution

June 05, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 5 (PIA) --May 14 na kabataan sa lungsod ang nabiyayaan ng school supplies ng mga myembro ng Daughters of Mary Immaculate International (DMI) - Mother Purisima Circle ng Basilica ng Immaculada Conception sa ginanap na pamamahagi noong ika-25 ng Mayo sa tanggapan ng City Social Welfare and Development (CSWDO).

Sinabi ni DMI Regent Lilian Flores, na layunin ng nabanggit na grupo na kahit sa maliit na paraan ay maipadama ang kanilang pagkalinga sa mga batang anak ng mga nakapiit sa San Jose Sico City Jail.

"Nasa ika-limang taon na ang school supplies distribution na ginagawa namin bilang bahagi ng aming misyon na makatulong sa mga nangangailangan," wika ni Flores.

Ayon pa kay Flores, nagsasagawa din sila ng feeding program at nagbibigay ng livelihood training tulad ng haircutting sa mga kababaihan at pagagawa naman ng rosaryo sa mga streetchildren.

Bukod sa kanilang pondo, ang DMI na mayroong humigit kumulang sa 30 miyembro, ay nanganganglap pa din ng pinansyal na tulong mula sa mga pribadong indibidwal upang maipagpatuloy ang kanilang mga gawaing kawanggawa.

Samantala, may 100 daycare children mula sa mga barangay ng Sta. Clara, Cuta, Maitam at kasama rin ang Badjao community ang tumanggap ng groceries mula kay G. Gregorio Coliyat na isang pilantropo mula sa barangay Soro-soro Ibaba.

Sinabi ni Coliyat na ang nasabing gawain ay nagsilbing Thanksgiving Party niya bilang pasasalamat sa kanyang matagumpay na kidney transplant operation.

Ang pamamahagi ng grocery items at pagsasalu-salo sa isang masaganang tanghalian ay isinagawa sa Bahay Pag-asa sa pangangasiwa ng mga tauhan ng CSWD.

Nagpasalamat naman si CSWD Officer Mila Espanola sa tiwalang ipinagkakaloob sa kanila ng mga pribadong indibidwal at samahan sa pagpili ng mga magiging benepisyaryo ng kanilang mga gift-giving. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681432895750/tagalog-news-mga-kabataan-nakinabang-sa-school-supplies-at-groceries-distribution#sthash.tliDkHxJ.dpuf

5. Tagalog news: Supporters ng blood donation program, ginawaran ng Sandugo Award

June 05, 2015

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 5 (PIA) --Ginawaran kamakailan ng pamahalaang lungsod ng Batangas sa pamamagitan ng City Health Office (CHO) ng Sandugo Award ang mga indibidwal at ibat-ibang institusyon na sumuporta sa voluntary blood donation program ng nabanggit na tanggapan.

Personal na iniabot ni Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha kasama si City Health Officer Rosanna Barrion ang plaque of appreciation kina Senior Supt. Omega Jireh Fidel at ang Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) kabilang na ang mga tauhan nito na sina SPO2 Manuela Cueto at Pol. Insp. Garry Abregunda.

Tumanggap din ng plake ang mga barangay captains na sina Pangulong Mario Casao ng Haligue Silangan, Pangulong Mario Eje ng Talahib Payapa, Pangulong Jovy Fetalvero ng Barangay 20, Pangulong Arthur Torres ng Barangay 6, Pangulong Leonides Landicho ng Dumuclay at Pangulong Benedicto Baes II ng Pinamucan Proper .

May 13 donors naman ang tinanghal na galloners o yaong may siyam na beses na nakapag-donate ng dugo sa CHO na sina Maritess Furto, Alfritz Yaba, Soriano Casas, Edwin Chavez, Leonelle Quinio, Lovely Duenas, Reynaldo Antenor at Norma Mallari na pawang mga kawani ng CHO. Kabilang din sina Leonardo Ramos, Danny Boy Claveria, Elmer Melarpis at Virgilio Ramirez naman ay mula sa barangay Dumuclay habang si Allan Formasidoro ay taga barangay Talumpok West.

Lubos ang pasasalamat ng pamahalaang lungsod sa lahat ng tumugon sa kanilang mga voluntary blood donations na nakatulong sa mga nangailangan. (Ronna Endaya Contreras, PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681433318260/tagalog-news-supporters-ng-blood-donation-program-ginawaran-ng-sandugo-award#sthash.GgTaNFbx.dpuf

07 JUNE 2015.

Palace salutes Filipino athletes competing in Southeast Asian Games

Malacanang welcomes China's statement on having a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea row

Palace acknowledges report showing country's inprovement in Rule of Law Index 2015

Palace salutes Filipino athletes competing in Southeast Asian Games

The Palace salutes on Sunday Filipino athletes competing in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore.

"Nakikiisa si Pangulong Aquino sa sambayanang Pilipino sa pagpapaabot ng dasal, suporta at pagpugay sa ating mga atletang kasalukuyang lumalahok sa ika-28 Southeast Asian Games sa Singapore," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma also congratulated triathlete Ma. Claire Adorna for winning the first gold medal for the Philippines.

"Sa kabila ng kanyang injury, nagtagumpay ang 21-anyos na si Binibining Adorna, at pumangalawa sa kanya ang kanyang teammate na si Kim Mangrobang, na nakuha ang pilak na medalya para sa 1-2 finish ng pangkat Pilipinas," said Coloma.

He also extended his congratulations to other Filipino athletes who won medals in their respective events.

"Lubos din ang ating pagbati sa iba pang atletang Pilipino nagkamit na ng medalya sa iba’t ibang palaro tulad ng fencing, table tennis, Wushu, canoeing, Judo, shooting, at traditional boat race," said Coloma.

As of 1pm on Sunday, the Philippines garnered two golds, six silvers and eight bronzes.

The second gold medal is courtesy of another triathlete, Nikko Huelgas.

"Sa pagpapatuloy ng mga kompetisyon, umaasa tayo na mahihigitan ng Pilipinas ang nakamit nitong dalawampu’t siyam na ginto, tatlumpu’t apat na pilak at tatlumpu’t pitong tansong medalya noong ika-27 Southeast Asian Games sa Myanmar," said Coloma. PND (ag)

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Malacanang welcomes China's statement on having a peaceful solution to the West Philippine Sea row

Malacañang on Sunday welcomes China's statement "they would not seek any military solution to the territorial disputes" in the West Philippines Sea (WPS).

"Ikinalulugod natin ang mga pahayag na tulad niyan at sang-ayon din po tayo doon sa proposisyon na hindi dapat gumamit ng anumang military solution. At inaayunan din po natin ‘yung kanilang pahayag na ang apatnapung taong pakikipag-ugnayan sa pagitan ng China at ng Pilipinas ay peaceful, friendly at cooperative," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Coloma said that since the maritime dispute in the WPS involves other countries it will not be as simple as solving the issue bilaterally.

"Marami pong bansa, usually po ay more than two sa bawat pinagtatalunang lugar diyan o features o maritime entitlements diyan sa West Philippine Sea. Kaya po iyon po ang ating posisyon. Hindi po ganoon kasimple," said Coloma.

Zhao Jianhua, China’s ambassador to Manila, last Friday said, “We want the Philippines to return to the negotiating table," and added that China has no precondition to the resumption of the talk.

On March last year, the Philippines has filed a memorial before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China regarding its reclamation activities in the WPS.

Other claimants of land features located at the disputed maritime area are Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. PND (ag)

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Palace acknowledges report showing country's inprovement in Rule of Law Index 2015

The Palace acknowledged on Sunday a report indicating the Philippines' improvement in the recent Rule of Law Index 2015.

"We note the recently published 2015 Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project where the Philippines was ranked 51st among 102 countries. This is a significant improvement of nine spots from our ranking of 60 in 2014," said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

This year's report shows that the Philippines is the most improved country among ASEAN member states ranking 9th among 15 countries in East Asia and the Pacific for 2015.

According to Coloma, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative Director Elizabeth Andersen pointed out that the Philippines is one of three countries considered as rule of law “success stories.”

"Ms. Andersen mentioned about improvements by the Philippine government, such as 'judicial and policy reforms including the Department of Justice’s court automation initiative and efforts by the government to remove the country from the Intellectual Property Watch List,'” said Coloma.

"The Aquino administration will persevere in its efforts to pursue reforms in government and will continue to work to make such reforms sustainable and permanent," he added.

The Washington, D. C.-based, World Justice Project is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to advance the rule of law around the world. It was founded in 2006 through the initiative of the American Bar Association. PND (ag)

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06 JUNE 2015.

President Aquino brings home P13.5-B investment pledges, P136.9-B loans from Japan trip

Palace announces new appointments

Palace asks Filipinos in South Korea to take precautions vs MERS-CoV

President Aquino brings home P13.5-B investment pledges, P136.9-B loans from Japan trip

President Benigno S. Aquino III returned to the country on Friday with P13.5 billion investment pledges and P136.9 billion loans from his four-day state visit to Japan.The President was welcomed at the arrival area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Cabinet members including Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, DOH Secretary Janette Garin, and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez.
During the trip, President Aquino received P13.5 billion investment pledges frofqaqm 11 companies which signed letters of intent to open or expand their operations in the Philippines.
The President cited clothing company Uniqlo, which currently has 22 outlets in the country, is planning to add 200 more shops.
He said the other companies are into manufacturing of electric tricycles, printers, smart glasses and medical devices such as aortic catheter, invitro diagnostics and for hemodialysis treatment.
“Sa pagdadala nila ng mga produktong ito sa Pilipinas, malinaw na lumalawak ang pagkilala ng mundo sa talino at talento ng Pilipino,” said President Aquino, adding that some companies have expressed plans to make the Philippines their center of operations in the ASEAN region.
“Dahil alam naman nating kapag mas mataas sa value chain ang produktong nililikha ay mas mataas din ang pasahod at mas mabilis na matatamasa ang ginhawa at dignidad ng buhay para sa nakakaraming Pilipino,” said the President of the investment pledges that can generate around 30,721 jobs.
The Philippines and Japan also signed agreements in health, maritime safety and trade as well as a concessional loan amounting to P136.9 billion huge infrastructure projects.
“Dagdag pa pong good news ang sari-saring mga kasunduang nilagdaan sa pagitan ng Japan at ng Pilipinas partikular sa mga sektor ng kalusugan, maritime safety, at kalakalan,” said President Aquino.
“Ito pong concessional loan ang pautang na sobrang gaan ng interes at ipinagkakaloob ng kaibigan sa kanyang kapwa kaibigan. Nagpapakita po ito ng kagustuhang tunay na makatulong kaysa maging pabigat,” the President added.

President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Abe also signed a Joint Declaration on Strengthened Strategic Partnership.
“Tunay nga pong pinapalalim ang ugnayan ng ating mga bansa sa maraming sektor, kabilang na ang seguridad. Napapanahon po itong pagtaas ng antas ng ating relasyon sa Japan sa harap ng mga banta sa estabilidad sa West Philippine Sea,” said the President.
“Ang mahalaga nga po ay nakikita nating nagtutugma ang mga prinsipyo ng Japan at Pilipinas tungkol sa paggalang sa mga karapatan ng bawat bansa, sa malayang paglalayag sa international waters, at sa paghahari ng batas at mapayapang ugnayan upang matugunan ang anumang di-pagkakaintindihan. Sa tulong nga po ng Japan, natatawag ang pansin ng mas marami pang mga bansa sa sitwasyon sa mga dagat ng Asya,” he added. PND (jm)

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Palace announces new appointments

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced Saturday new appointments to various government offices released by the Office of the Executive Secretary.

First on the list was the new chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board for Fisheries under the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) --- Westly Rivera Rosario. Also appointed as chairperson of the PRC Board Professional Teachers was Rosita Lozano Navarro.

President Benigno Aquino III also made new appointments to the Department of Health and Department of Natural Resources namely Angelina Angeles Del Mundo as Director IV and Mayumi Quintos Natividad as Acting Director III, respectively.

The President also named Elsa P. Agustin and Juvy Cardona Danofrata as Acting Directors IV of the Department of Finance.

Other appointments include Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. as Undersecretary of the Department of Health; Antonio Y. Reyes as member representing an industry relying on Intellectual Property Protection under the Optical Media Board; Josemaria E. Claro as member representing the Education Sector of the Board of Directors of PTV-4, and Atty. Henry M. Francisco as Acting Public Attorney V of the Public Attorney's Office under the Department of Justice.

All the appointments were signed by the President last May 29. PND (jb)

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Palace asks Filipinos in South Korea to take precautions vs MERS-CoV

Malacañang advised Saturday Filipino nationals living in South Korea to take precautionary measures in light of recent confirmed cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the country.

"I think if I am not mistaken, we have around 55,000 Filipinos in South Korea and we just asked them to take extra measures for their hygiene as well as to follow directives from the South Korean authorities on that matter," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in her regular interview on government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

She noted that the South Korean government has been issuing advisories in order to prevent the spread of the deadly disease, which so far had killed 3 and infected 36, according to the latest data reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by the South Korean Health Ministry.

Valte said the Philippine government is confident that Filipinos there would be safe as long as they follow directives of the South Korean government.

"So we are quite sure that as long as you follow the guidelines set by your local authorities, you should be okay and just to take extra measures for your own protection," she said.

The Philippine embassy in Seoul earlier said that they are closely monitoring the situation.

Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez said the embassy would be ready to assist any Filipino who might be infected by the disease.

The embassy also refused to recommend imposition of travel restrictions to and from South Korea amid the situation.

At least 1,500 people were ordered to self-quarantine and 1,000 schools were closed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Reports said that the first case of MERS-CoV in South Korean was a 68-year-old man who returned to the county on May 4 after traveling to four Middle Eastern countries. PND (jb)

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05 JUNE 2015.

President Aquino, Prime Minister Abe renew commitment to peace and security

Transportation Department, Japanese shipbuilder sign agreement to boost Coast Guard's capability

President Aquino says he and Prime Minister Abe have challenged the status quo

President Aquino acknowledges Filipino comfort women's cry for justice

Japan shares Philippines’ serious concern over China’s reclamation activities in West Philippine Sea

President Aquino signs Executive Order creating Negros Island Region

Palace official calls on registered voters to submit biometrics data

Philippines, Japan to cooperate in developing Metro Manila's transport sector

President Aquino bids farewell to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko

President Aquino says he wants shift from personality-oriented to issue-oriented politics

President Aquino: I have no intention to run for any position

President Aquino: Philippines only standing up for its right to speak against China reclamation

Philippines, Japan to collaborate further to attain enhanced economic growth

APEC News Release

Bataan’s new hi-tech Command Center to secure Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events

President Aquino, Prime Minister Abe renew commitment to peace and security

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have agreed to cooperate further to ensure regional, as well as global, security."We reviewed the security challenges that confront both our nations, and pledged to cooperate in advancing our shared advocacy for members of the international community to act responsibly," President Aquino said in his message during the summit meeting with Prime Minister Abe, held at the Akasaka State Guest House here.
"We believe this can be done through finding just and peaceful solutions to our territorial disputes and maritime concerns by upholding the rule of law, towards creating a secure and stable environment that serves as the bedrock of our collective progress."
After 59 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, the President said both countries see a bond that transcends diplomacy.
Through their sustained efforts, the Philippines and Japan can continue nurturing their Strategic Partnership and friendship that draws strength from shared values, common goals, and mutual respect, he said.
He noted that aside from their strategic alliance, the two countries have agreed to further strengthen their economic relations.
Japan remains the Philippines’ largest bilateral trading partner, and a leading source of investment.
As the Philippines focuses on infrastructure development, the President said, Japan’s Official Development Assistance will be a vital component to achieve this goal.
The two countries also agreed to work together to enhance their tourism sectors.
The President also announced the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation for Health Care between the Department of Health and Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.

This memorandum will enable both countries to share knowledge on social health insurance, public hospital management, advanced technology, disaster preparedness, and human resources development.
President Aquino further expressed his gratitude to Japan for its role in the Bangsamoro peace process.
The summit meeting between the Chief Executive and his Japanese counterpart was one of the highlights of President Aquino's ongoing four-day state visit to Japan. PND (as)

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Transportation Department, Japanese shipbuilder sign agreement to boost Coast Guard's capability

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday witnessed the signing of the agreement on the cooperation between the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Japan Marine United Corp. (JMU) for the construction of 10 multi-role response vessels (MRRV) for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The Marine Safety Capability Improvement Project, which costs more than US$100 million, will be financed by Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), through the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP).

The JMU will provide the PCG 10 units of 40-meter class MRRVs and special spare parts.

The vessels, to be used by the PCG to monitor the country's coastlines, will be delivered in succession starting end of August next year.

The project aims to improve the PCG’s capability for quick and appropriate response to maritime incidents, such as search and rescue efforts and maritime law enforcement.

The JMU said it will utilize its rich construction experience that typified the vessels for the Japan Coast Guard and will actively engage worldwide ODA projects by the Japanese government to contribute to international cooperation.

Marubeni, the Japanese company that facilitated the deal, said it hopes to contribute to the development of bilateral relations between Japan and Philippines through the project.

According to JMU's briefer, the vessels, to be built at its Yokohama shipyard, have an overall length of 44 meters, a width of 7.5 meters, and a depth of 4 meters.

The vessels have a standard cruising speed of 15 knots and are classified as Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK). Each vessel will be manned by five officers and 20 crewmen.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya signed for the Philippine government, while JMU President Shinjiro Mishima signed for the Japanese company. PND (as)

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President Aquino says he and Prime Minister Abe have challenged the status quo

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III said Thursday he shares the same experience as his Japanese counterpart in terms of challenging the status quo for the welfare of his people.

In his speech during the state banquet hosted for him by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Akasaka State Guest House here, the President recalled the time when he was to run for the presidency in 2010.

He suggested then that if elected, his task would be to “lead his people towards greater heights by battling the status quo and curing the infirmities it represents”.

"Our responsibility would be to seek the improvement of our people’s lot in life. In the Philippines, we have worked to transform our society, living by the principle that inclusive growth is the end-all and be-all of our efforts," he said.

"For this reason, we pursued widespread reform, even if this entailed rattling the rice bowls and upsetting the comfortable conditions of those who benefited from the old and broken systems."

President Aquino noted that Prime Minister Abe returned to his office with the same commitment to do right by his people, even if it meant disrupting the status quo.

As a leader, Prime Minister Abe has faced and continues to face so many complex challenges -- from the threat of pandemics, to global climate change, to tensions and instabilities emerging in various parts of the world, the President said.

"He knows full well what must be undertaken in order to effectively serve his people, and the boldness of his leadership has inspired even greater trust and confidence in what we can achieve as partners on the path to equitable progress," he noted.

The President commended Japan for being a dependable partner to the Filipino people, despite the challenges it has been facing.

The two countries’ solidarity, he said, is exemplified by the immediate assistance extended to each other in times of natural calamities.

He acknowledged that Japan is the Philippines’ biggest country contributor of official development assistance; that it shares its expertise in economic and infrastructure development; and that it helps strengthen the country’s people-to-people interactions through education and youth exchange programs.

"Japan has been steadfast in its commitment to fostering a relationship where we are seen as an equal," the President added.

During their summit meeting earlier, the two leaders renewed their commitment to regional and global peace, and agreed to work together to develop their respective economies and strengthen their collaboration on health care, infrastructure and tourism.

President Aquino's meeting with Prime Minister Abe was one of the highlights of his ongoing four-day state visit to Japan. PND (as)

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President Aquino acknowledges Filipino comfort women's cry for justice

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday acknowledged the relevance of the grievances that Filipino comfort women constantly air every time the world marks the end of the second global war.

“The experiences of the comfort women (are) part of our national history and shared story of our nation. This is one tragic incident. We, in the Philippines, should take care of our own,” he told members of the Philippine media delegation at the Imperial Hotel here.

President Aquino made the statement when asked about his thoughts amid reports there are elderly women, who are still seeking justice over the atrocities that Japanese soldiers had inflicted on them during World War II.

Sought for a statement on whether he considered it a matter worth bringing up with Japanese authorities at this point, given strong diplomatic ties between Manila and Tokyo, the President said he is aware that Japan has already apologized.

“The records that are available to me, and I understand, Japan has apologized for such incidents in the past—specifically, the Kono Statement of 1993; Murayama Statement of 1995; 2002 letter of then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Filipino comfort women,” he said.

President Aquino added that he was told by former foreign affairs secretary Domingo Siazon that apologies and statements of remorse to Filipino comfort women had already been covered in previous negotiations for reparations and agreements between Japan and the Philippines, prior to his administration.

“The first time I heard about this (was) when I was still a congressman. Siazon was telling me that this has already been explained to them so many times. The agreements that were entered into, way before I entered public service, are supposed to have settled this matter between our countries,” he said.

He said that on his return to the country, he will seek updates on the efforts made by the government to address the concerns of comfort women to try and help them recover from their traumatic experiences.

President Aquino is here for a four-day state visit aimed at enhancing the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, which have become steadfast allies 59 years after the end of the war.

The President also pointed out that no less than His Majesty Emperor Akihito issued the latest apology during his remarks at the state banquet he hosted Wednesday evening at the Imperial Palace.

“During World War II, however, fierce battles between Japan and the United States took place on Philippine soil, resulting in the loss of many Filipino lives. This is something we Japanese must long remember with a profound sense of remorse,” Emperor Akihito’s statement went.

“In particular, in this year of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, I offer my deepest condolences to all those who lost their lives then,” the Emperor added.

President Aquino likewise noted that every Japanese ambassador assigned to the Philippines had never failed to issue public apologies during the commemoration of the country’s ‘Day of Valor’, held on April 9 every year in Mount Samat in Bataan.

“It is a constant practice for them to express remorse and apologies for what transpired during the war and that is a yearly event. And, honestly, especially for those who were not even born—there are ambassadors who were not even born in that period—I try to put myself also in their position of having to continuously apologize for or express remorse for the things that happened at a point in time when they weren’t even there but are taking cognizance and responsibility for it,” he said.

President Aquino noted that nonetheless, it is important for the country to remember the past if it is to chart its course towards the future, as reminded by Spanish writer George Santayana in one of his famous aphorisms, “those who forget the mistakes of the past are condemned to repeat it.”

“When we remember and commemorate these tragedies that happened to all of us, wherein all countries who were involved—and, of course, practically every country was involved; it was a world war—it does remind us of the real cost of war. It tells us why it should be avoided with utmost dedication and determination… Keeping it in our consciousness helps us prevent the reoccurrence of such a tragedy,” the President said.

World War II took place from 1939 to 1945, and back then, the Philippines was caught in the crossfire of battles between Allied and Axis forces, where the United States and Japan participated on opposite sides of the fence. PND (hdc)

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Japan shares Philippines’ serious concern over China’s reclamation activities in West Philippine Sea

(TOKYO, Japan) The Japanese government shares the Philippines’ serious concern over China’s ongoing massive reclamation activities in the disputed West Philippine Sea, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday, following his summit meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Akasaka State Guest House here. Prime Minister Abe said he and President Aquino had a "thorough discussion" on peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region amid China’s continuing aggression in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
“We once again confirm that we share serious concern about the large-scale land reclamation, and that we oppose any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo,” Prime Minister Abe said in his statement.
“We also agreed to thoroughly uphold the principle of the rule of law, and I once again conveyed our support for the utilization of the arbitration procedures by the Philippines,” he added.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhance further the strategic partnership between their countries with shared principles and goals.
“For the last 70 years after the war, through our relentless efforts, Japan and the Philippines have built an extremely friendly relationship. Today, we are strategic partners, contributing greatly to the peace and prosperity of the region,” Prime Minister Abe noted.
He mentioned that the Philippines and Japan agreed on the promotion of cooperation in defense equipment and technology, with the latter extending its assistance to further enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard.
The Prime Minister, meanwhile, reiterated his government’s full support for President Aquino’s efforts in promoting peace in Mindanao.
The two leaders also agreed on a roadmap to support the fast-growing Philippine economy through the development of transport infrastructure in the metropolitan Manila area, as part of the partnership for quality infrastructure that Prime Minister Abe announced last month.
"We will steadily work on our cooperation, including the P300-billion scale North/South commuter rail project," the Prime Minister said.

On a personal note, Prime Minister Abe said he was “greatly impressed” by President Aquino’s speech at the National Diet last Wednesday, in which the visiting leader spoke very highly of the Japanese spirit.
“I am truly grateful for the kind support the President expressed for the path that Japan has followed as a peace-loving nation, for our policy of being a proactive contributor to peace and our legislation for peace and security, and for our various reform initiatives, including the growth strategy,” he said.
The Philippines and Japan will mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year, and both leaders have said that they are looking forward to deepening these relations further to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the region and the international community. PND (hdc)

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President Aquino signs Executive Order creating Negros Island Region

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order 183 creating a Negros Island Region (NIR), comprising of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

The President signed the Order last May 29 “to further accelerate the social and economic development of the cities and municipalities comprising the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental and improve the delivery of public services” in the two provinces.

The Order stated the formation of a NIR-Technical Working Group (NIR-TWG), composed of the Office of the President (OP), Department of Budget and Management, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and representatives of the two provinces.

The group will formulate a roadmap to put in place the institutional arrangements for the NIR by 2015-2016; recommend to the OP the preferred Regional Center; arrange the requirements for organizational development, staffing and budgeting of regional line and regulatory agencies, as well as the imperatives for development planning and investment programming.

The Regional Councils and the government agencies designated as their interim secretariats are Negros Island Development Council-NEDA; Negros Island Peace and Order Council-DILG; and Negros Island DRRM Council-Office of Civil Defense.

The Order stated that the funding for the NIR-TWG will come from the implementing agencies of the NIR-TWG and the two provinces, subject to the availability of funds and upon compliance with all applicable laws and budgetary, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations.

It also directed all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and government financial institutions, to extend the working group their full assistance. PND (jm)

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Palace official calls on registered voters to submit biometrics data

A Palace official on Friday called on registered voters to submit their biometrics data to the Commission on Election (COMELEC) so they can vote in next year’s local and national polls. "We did hear from COMELEC that there are still a number of registered voters who have yet to do their biometrics. Umaapela na po kami, katulong po ng COMELEC,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the daily press briefing in Malacañang.
Biometrics is an authentication method using the registrant's picture, fingerprint, and signature recorded by a computer.
"Meron pa ho tayong mga ilang buwang natitira bago po dumating ang deadline ng COMELEC na October 31, 2015, para makapunta kayo sa COMELEC offices para magawa po ang mga biometrics ninyo,” she said.
Valte said she was informed by COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez that the commission’s offices in the National Capital Region will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sunday to Friday.
"Let’s take advantage of the remaining time. Sana huwag po nating hintayin ang last week or last three days, or last two minutes bago po tayo pumunta sa COMELEC offices para makakuha ng biometrics. Sayang naman po ang inyong boto,” she said.
Republic Act 10367 states that voters who fail to submit for validation prior to the May 2016 elections shall be deactivated from the voters’ list and shall not be allowed to vote. PND (jm)

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Philippines, Japan to cooperate in developing Metro Manila's transport sector

(TOKYO, Japan) The Philippines and Japan have agreed to continue working together to implement the roadmap to build and develop Metro Manila's transport sector.

In the Japan-Philippines Joint Declaration issued during their summit meeting on Thursday, President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to implement the "Cooperation Roadmap for Quality Infrastructure Development in the Transport Sector in Metropolitan Manila Area."

The initiative will be subjected to regular programming exercises of both governments, depending on the financing requirements.

The two leaders recognized that the North-South Commuter Railway Project Phase 1, which costs 300 billion yen, has a symbolic significance to the two countries’ cooperation based on the "Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas."

President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe also made a commitment to cooperate for the entire project by positively utilizing Japan's finance and technology based on the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure, initiated by the Japanese leader last month.

They also decided to accelerate their efforts to come up with details for the project.

Both the Philippines and Japan further agreed to cooperate in studying and conducting infrastructure development in other sectors and regions to improve the investment and business environment in the Philippines.

As part of the initiative, Japan has decided to extend assistance for the construction of the Davao City Bypass project, valued at 30 billion yen.

The Philippine government vowed to exert its best efforts for the smooth implementation of Japanese-assisted projects in the country. PND (as)

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President Aquino bids farewell to Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Hotel here on Friday morning as the President capped his four-day state visit to Japan.

The President, who was accompanied by his delegation, and Their Majesties met at 10 a.m.

After meeting the emperor, the President proceeded to the Japan National Press Club headquarters, where he signed the guestbook and viewed the message of his mother, former president Corazon Aquino, who wrote it when she visited Japan on November 13, 1986.

President Aquino then delivered a speech and answered journalists' questions during a press conference.

The Japan National Press Club was the President’s last stop before he departed for home on Friday afternoon.

He and his delegation left the Haneda International Airport here at about 2:50 p.m. on board Philippine Airlines Flight PR 001. PND (as)

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President Aquino says he wants shift from personality-oriented to issue-oriented politics

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday he wants to elevate the level of debate in Philippine politics so that the people could choose better leaders.

In an interview with the Philippine media delegation here, the President was asked about the bickering among politicians that has begun, as the country gears toward national elections next year.

The President said he and his Liberal Party mates want to change everyone's mindset when it comes to political debate and discussions.

"We move our politics beyond personalities to issues. Also, ‘di ba, parang each party takes a stand on a particular issue and win the votes on that matter," he told reporters.

"Parang when you elect this particular party, you expect this system of governance, you expect this type of decision-making and so on and so forth."

In one of his meetings with Japanese businessmen on Thursday, the President was asked how he would ensure that current reforms are sustained after he steps down from power.

In response, he said the thrust for next year's campaign, especially for the administration, will be continuity.

The Liberal Party has been espousing a shift from personality-oriented to issue-oriented politics, he told Japanese businessmen.

"So in next year's campaign, the primary message of our party is continuity. And we believe that our countrymen, who are reaping the benefits of good governance, will not want to backtrack on the course that we have taken," he said.

He said the Filipino voters have to see to it that the candidate who could ensure the continuity of reforms, succeeds him as president.

"So at the end of the day, it was our people who gave me the opportunity to serve them and to effect these changes, they would be the greatest guarantee that the path that we've taken would be continued," he said. PND (as)

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President Aquino: I have no intention to run for any position

(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday clarified that he does not intend to seek any local or national position after serving his six-year tenure in Malacañang.

The President made the statement following reports that took out of context his remarks during a recent Filipino community gathering here, that some sectors have been egging him to run for another public office to ensure the continuance of his government reforms.

“I have no intentions of running for any position. Nasa newscaps ko kanina kasi ‘yon—that I hinted I might run (in 2016),” he told members of the Philippine media delegation during an interview at the Imperial Hotel here.

“The phrase, I think, that you should pay attention to is: ‘my nephews and nieces might decide to change their names.’ Okay? So I just want that clear,” he added.

He was expressing concern over the possibility that the younger generations of the Aquino clan might be forced to enter politics by the same groups that have been urging him to stay in government.

During the get-together with the Filipino community here Tuesday, President Aquino instead told them that they must choose his rightful successor wisely next year to make sure the government reforms that he has initiated would continue even after his term. PND (hdc)

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President Aquino: Philippines only standing up for its right to speak against China reclamation

(TOKYO, Japan) The Philippines is only standing up for its sovereign right to speak against China’s massive reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea, President Benigno S. Aquino III told members of the Japanese media here Friday.

President Aquino made the statement in response to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's latest comment, decrying his comparison of China’s territorial expansion to that of Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland during Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.

He said he already expected China’s negative reaction towards his remarks, since that has been their line from the beginning, but it was never his intention to hurt anybody’s feelings when he expressed such thoughts.

President Aquino moreover argued that if the respective positions of China and the Philippines were reversed, Beijing would certainly not deny itself the right to oppose similar moves by any country trying to claim its territory illegally.

“I guess one of the questions we would ask the Chinese people would be: ‘If you were the Philippines and suddenly you would have one coastline, or in effect, your whole west coast is gone, you will be retained with the east coast, would you say: ‘Yes, please take half of our waterways.’? I don’t think any country would willingly do that. So, we are just standing up for our rights. We respect everybody else’s rights. We ask that our rights also be respected,” he said.

Gone are the days when the Philippines just stayed silent while China attacked it through its media, with more leaders from countries around the world voicing their opinions on the issue, President Aquino said.

“Throughout the years, we have not answered, for instance, all of the attacks on the Philippines by their media. We have tried to do our best to de-escalate the situation. We have promised to abide by international law, and that is why we went to arbitration, which is found as a means of resolving these disputes in UNCLOS,” he said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

President Aquino reiterated his appeal to China to re-examine its actions over the West Philippine Sea, and revisit the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, to which it is a signatory, along with other Southeast Asian nations that have claims in the disputed waters.

“We were taught when we were younger that the ability to come to an agreement sometimes necessitates, or a lot of times necessitates, your putting yourself in the other’s shoes. Look at it from the other perspective,” he said. PND (hdc)

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Bataan’s new hi-tech Command Center to secure Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events

Bataan’s provincial government will inaugurate on Monday the P180-million 1Bataan Command Center, a modern security facility that will protect motorists, pedestrians, and businesses, as the province prepares to host back-to-back events of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Bataan is set to welcome delegates of the APEC’s 21 member economies, who will gather at the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar heritage park and hotel in Bagac town for the Workshop on Fiscal Management Through Transparency and Reforms on June 9 to 10, and for the Senior Finance Officials’ Meeting on June 11 to 12. The events are part of year-round activities of the APEC, which the Philippines is hosting this year.

“We are opening our command center on Monday. Its first agenda will be the monitoring of the APEC event in Bagac, Bataan. There will be a lot of CCTV cameras [linked to the command center] and patrol vehicles,” Bataan Governor Albert Garcia said, referring to the 60 to 70 CCTV cameras installed along Bataan’s road network, mostly leading to Bagac.

Noting that Bataan is one of the most peaceful provinces in the country, Garcia said the command center was established to sustain the favorable peace-and-order situation in the province and to enhance capacity to respond to disasters and other emergencies.

The Bataan Police Provincial Office, Metro Bataan Development Authority, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council have been tapped to help operate the command center and to provide security personnel during the APEC events.

The provincial government will host a reception dinner on June 10 to welcome the APEC delegates, who will be regaled with a performance by the shadow play dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, fresh from its grand prize win in the recent Asia’s Got Talent show.

Delegates will also be given a walking tour of Las Casas so they could experience Philippine history, heritage, and craftsmanship.

Bataan is one of the most progressive provinces in Central Luzon. Infrastructure developments in the province have made it a preferred investment destination. It is home to the Freeport Area of Bataan, Hermosa Ecozone Industrial Park, PNOC Alternative Fuels Corporation, Morong Ecozone Inc., DND Arsenal, and the Bataan Technological Park Inc.

Such multinational companies as Petron, Luenthai, Orica, Dunlop Slazenger Philippines, Inc., Unioil, and Mitsumi Philippines have set up operations in Bataan, which also has pristine beaches, nature parks, and historical markers as tourist attractions.

The APEC, which aims to support sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, groups 21 economies in the Pacific Rim – Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; People’s Republic of China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; Russia; Singapore; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; Vietnam Nam; The United States; and The Philippines.

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Philippines, Japan to collaborate further to attain enhanced economic growth

(TOKYO, Japan) The Philippines and Japan, through their strategic partnership, have agreed on a wider collaboration to achieve regional economic growth.

Following their summit meeting on Thursday, President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came up with a joint declaration on the promotion of trade and investment, infrastructure development, health care, disaster risk reduction, agriculture and environment.

The two countries want improved regulations on imported food products, a closer tie-up on information and communication, and an agreement on social security.

To promote trade, the Philippines and Japan will enhance an industrial cooperation in such areas as automobile manufacturing, services, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and business environment.

Under the declaration, the Philippines is expected to address concerns in business environment, and policies in its vehicle manufacturing industry.

For its part, the Japanese government will support the Philippines in efforts to enhance the quality of the country’s human resources and other programs to make it a hub of human resource development.

On their economic partnership, the Philippines and Japan agreed to advance a study to improve the processing of the entry of Filipino nurses and caregivers to Japan under the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

At the same time, the two countries will cooperate further to achieve the Philippines' goal of universal health coverage and develop its health and medical sector.

To reduce disaster risk, both countries will launch a policy dialogue to discuss a cooperation on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) based on Japan's DRRM infrastructure and facilities.

The cooperation will particularly focus on the reduction of disaster risk in the Philippines due to the country’s vulnerability to typhoons, floods, and earthquakes.

Japan is also extending assistance for the completion of the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, which will approximately cost 11 billion yen.

To avert climate change, the Philippines and Japan will explore and conduct consultations under the Joint Crediting Mechanism to achieve low carbon growth.

The two governments will also launch a policy dialogue aimed at enhancing food self-reliance and the development of the food value chain to increase the value of Philippine agricultural products.

In the area of information and communications, both countries welcomed the development in Philippine telecommunications, after the country’s adoption of the integrated services digital broadcasting-terrestrial (ISDB-T) as its standard of digital terrestrial television broadcasting.

They also recognized the benefits of shifting the digital broadcasting and maximizing the use of vacant frequencies for broadband wireless access, such as TV white space technologies for rural connectivity. PND (as)

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06 JUNE 2015

Expert bats for cryo-conservation of tamaraw, Philippine deer in DOST forum

15 new patrol jeeps to strengthen Albay

Statement of Secretary Roxas on Executive Order 183 creating the Negros Island Region

Roxas eyes CCTV cameras in Caloocan, other areas in NCR

Isabela, Quirino subprojects receive NOL2 from the NPCO

DPWH-NCR June 5-8 road repair schedule

NCIP execs charged for illegal titling of ancestral lands

Inflation dips to its lowest level in 20 years

PHL Embassy in Tripoli evacuates 60 Filipinos from Libya

DFA to hold Anti-Trafficking in Persons Workshop for Personnel in Tagaytay

End-May 2015 GIR level inches up to US$80.86 billion

TBs NPL levels remain low

DTI, NTC remind cellphone and gadget dealers on consumer rights

DOJ issues guidelines on bail for cybercrime

PNP joins 7th Philippine Commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Our children should now feel the gains of peace - Ferrer

Government prepared for El Niño — Montejo

All surviving children of PNP personnel to receive NAPOLCOM scholarship benefits

DAR to provide clean water in the rural community of Nueva Vizcaya

DENR steps up campaign for responsible use of resources

Int’l body appoints PDIC President to Committee Chairmanship

Camarines Norte benefits from PPP Center’s capacity building program

Expert bats for cryo-conservation of tamaraw, Philippine deer in DOST forum

Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph

An expert has stated in a National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) roundtable discussion that native wildlife species which are genetically diverse, such as the tamaraw, Philippine deer, and small ruminants should be considered for cryo-conservation or the process of preserving cells by subjecting them to very low temperatures.

Dr. Lerma C. Ocampo, senior science research specialist at the Philippine Carabao Center, was one of the speakers at the discussion conducted last June 5 by NAST, an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The discussion tackled the topic “Animal Genetic Resource Management and Cryobanking” and aims to develop policy recommendations for animal genetic resource conservation and guidelines on cryobanking in the Philippines.

According to Ocampo, the tamaraw, Philippine deer, and small ruminants are believed to be disease-resistant, survive climate change, and thrive in local feed resources around them.

Water buffalo, cattle and goat are currently being used for cryo-conservation activities in the Philippines with a facility located inside the Philippine Carabao Center LIB Complex in Nueva Ecija.

Countries have been prompted to draw up an Animal Genetic Resources Conservation program to help ensure the continuous availability of food for their citizens due to population growth, urbanization, and weather disturbances which, according to Ocampo, could eliminate animal populations at any given time.

However, problems involving local ordinances among others, have hindered the inclusion of these wildlife species into the Philippines’ cryo-conservation initiatives.

“One approach to address such constraint is to optimize a recovery method for testicular sperm from post mortem testes,” said Ocampo.

Another approach, she added, is to “revisit and propose the use of electro ejaculator machine to collect sperm from live animals for future semen collection preservation.”

Cryobanking capitalizes on cryopreservation technologies such as conventional slow freezing techniques, vitrification or quick freezing technology for egg cells and embryos, and liquid nitrogen storage

Established in 2012, the Nueva Ecija cryobank facility for livestock and endangered indigenous animals stores locally processed semen from various breeds of water buffalo, goats, and cattle. Semen production labs like the Nueva Ecija stock farm and the Philippine Carabao Center at the Central Luzon State University and UPLB serve as the repository and source of frozen sperm from commercially active livestock.

Six cryobank units called cryotanks for the storage of frozen germ plasm are housed within the facility. These cryotanks are supplied with liquid nitrogen from a liquid nitrogen depot.

Dr. David Steane, honorary adviser on genetics and biodiversity of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives in Thailand, however, reminded during the NAST discussion that cryo-conservation needs clear regulations, specifically on health and ownership among others. (S&T Media Service)

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15 new patrol jeeps to strengthen Albay

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

To boost the Philippine National Police (PNP)'s invaluable service to Bicolanos, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas issued 15 brand new multi-purpose patrol jeeps to municipalities in Albay province on Thursday, June 3.

According to Roxas these patrol vehicles are important both in curbing criminality and in disaster preparedness operations in the province.

"Hindi lang ito para sa anti-criminality. Hindi lingid sa inyong kaalaman na ang Albay ay madalas dinadaanan nitong mga kalamidad. Dagdag pa diyan ang home grown na Mt. Mayon, na maya't maya kung sumungit at nagtatangka ng pagsabog," Roxas said.

It can be remembered that almost 50,000 Bicolanos fled from their homes when Mt. Mayon erupted last September 2014.

According to records Mt. Mayon, the famous volcano for its near perfect cone shape, has erupted more than 40 times.

Guinobatan Mayor Ann Ongjoco said that the patrol jeeps will be beneficial in evacuating residents that are usually threatened by flash floods and volcanic eruptions.

Roxas, together with Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, also reminded all PNP personnel and other local chief executives to remain vigilant, and to use these patrol vehicles in addressing the needs of residents in times of disaster.

He maintained that all municipalities of Albay will receive a unit of patrol jeep, as part of the 1,490 units which will be delivered to all municipalities nationwide.

"Programmatic ito. Ito po ay mula sa inyo, pera po ninyo ito, at nararapat lamang na ang serbisyo ay mapasainyo sa lalong madaling panahon," Roxas stressed.

As Secretary of the DILG, Roxas wants to ensure the safety of the Bicolanos from disasters through efficient and effective government efforts such as the procurement and distribution of patrol jeeps.

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Statement of Secretary Roxas on Executive Order 183 creating the Negros Island Region

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

I am very pleased to share with you that news that, on May 29, President Aquino signed Executive Order 183, which creates the Negros Island Region. Through this significant EO, all cities, municipalities, and barangays under the former regions that included Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are now part of just one region.

We want to thank Negros Occidental Governor and RDC-6 Chairman Alfredo Maranon Jr., Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, and the other officials of Negros who continue to work with us in effectively executing the Implementing Rules and Regulations. We also thank the representatives of the business groups, civil society, and non-government organizations and other stakeholders, for their active involvement in the consultations we held. You have already helped us in different ways; however, I will have to ask for your assistance in one more matter: Please help the DILG in explaining and informing our countrymen about the details and benefits of having this One Island Region. Through your sustained assistance and support, we will be able to bring our countrymen in Negros closer to living more progressive lives.

To our beloved Negrenses: I know that you have not fully benefitted from certain meaningful services, because you had to share funds and resources with other regions. I consulted you, and I learned of your desire to have equal and direct representation as one region. This desire is exactly what the formation of the One Negros Island Region fulfills.

Part of the Executive Order signed by our President is the creation of Regional Councils that will focus on the different aspects of ensuring our region’s well-being: the Development Council led by NEDA; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council led by the Office of Civil Defense; and the Peace and Order Council led by the DILG. The processing of your papers will also be faster, because you will no longer need to travel long distances for the applications, approvals, and follow-ups involved. You can count on the fact that the DILG will work with its other partners in the Negros Island Region Technical Working Group to formulate a Roadmap that will improve the delivery of important services, and that will create more opportunities for all of you.

Along the Daang Matuwid, our main goal is to achieve growth in which no one falls or is left behind. The One Island Region is one way we have fulfilled this promise to our countrymen. This is not just the union of cities, municipalities, and barangays; it is also the union of our dreams. And through your continued trust, we will together realize a safer, more prosperous, and more peaceful One Negros Island Region.

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Roxas eyes CCTV cameras in Caloocan, other areas in NCR

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

After the successful launching of Project SAFE KAm in Pasay Rotonda, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas ordered the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to install more closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Bonifacio Monumento-Caloocan area.

Officers of the NCRPO led by Director Mel Valmoria confirmed that 34 CCTV cameras will be installed within the said vicinity.

Roxas chose to launch Project SAFE KAm in that area after Pasay Rotonda because of the high volume of foot traffic, with almost 170,000 commuters converging in Bonifacio Monumento-Caloocan daily.

“Magiging kasangkapan ang mga ito para mas mabilis na mahuli at mapanagot sa batas kung sinoman ang gumawa ng krimen,” Roxas said.

Project SAFE KAm is a crime prevention measure initiated by Roxas utilizing CCTV cameras, providing the Philippine National Police (PNP) with reliable tools in identifying and catching criminal suspects.

Roxas and the PNP have identified seven crime-prone areas in Metro Manila namely Pasay Rotonda, University Belt area in Manila, Bonifacio Monumento-Caloocan, MRT North Edsa Station-West Avenue, EDSA Cubao-Aurora Boulevard, Redemptorist in Baclaran, and De La Salle University along Taft Avenue.

A total of 32 CCTV cameras have been installed in Pasay Rotonda.

The installation of 34 CCTV cameras in the Bonifacio Monumento-Caloocan area will cost approximately more than P900,000, to be financed through a partnership between the private sector and the PNP.

Project SAFE KAm is expected to further boost Oplan Lambat-Sibat, an intensified anti-crime campaign, which employs a deliberate, programmatic, and sustained approach in fighting criminality.

“Kasama ito sa ating programa na hindi bara-bara o patsamba-tsamba, hindi kanya-kanya at hindi ningas cogon. Nais natin na pairalin ang batas sa paraang deliberate, programmatic, at sustained upang maramdaman ng ating mamamayan ang kaligtasan sa ating mga lansangan,” Roxas stressed.

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Isabela, Quirino subprojects receive NOL2 from the NPCO

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) has approved three farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in Isabela and Quirino worth P249.2 million that will span over 33 kilometers, servicing production and marketing sites in the two provinces.

The PRDP National Project Coordination Office (NPCO) has issued the No-Objection Letter 2 (NOL-2) to the Rehabilitation ofNRJ Gamis-Calaocan FMR in Cabarroguis, Quirino; Rehabilitation of Magassi-Union-Camasi FMR, and Construction of Olango - Siempre Viva - Trinidad - Manano FMR both in Isabela, which signals the Local Government Unit (LGU) and contractor to start with the construction of the three FMRs.

Both road networks in Isabela will link towns and barangays to support the agriculture activities in the province especially the dairy industry, which is the priority commodity of the provinces.

Upon the issuance of the NOL-2, a Notice of Award (NOA) and Notice to Proceed (NTP) will then be issued to the contractors followed a pre-construction conference to be conducted by the Provincial LGUs.

Aside from the newly-approved sub-projects, the North Luzon cluster under the PRDP has two sub-projects issued with NOL-1 with on-going rebidding amounting to P240 million, and a P98 million subproject awaiting for the issuance of NOL2.

According to PRDP Project Director Emerson Palad, the FMRs built under the Infrastructure Development (I-BUILD) component are essential to support the marketing and enterprise activities in the areas. He also stressed that infrastructures built under the PRDP must be world-class and climate-resilient.

“We work hand-in-hand with the World Bank and the Local Government Unit in bringing FMR projects to help modernize agriculture and uplift the lives of the rural farmers,” he added.

DA-PRDP is a six-year national project that aims to establish a modern, inclusive, value-chain oriented, and climate resilient agriculture and fisheries sector. It is implemented through the partnership of the DA, World Bank and Local Government Units. (Kayla Arceo, Department of Agriculture North Luzon)

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DPWH-NCR June 5-8 road repair schedule

Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

The Department of Public Works and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) will undertake reblocking and road repair effective 10 PM of June 5, Friday to 5 AM of June 8, Monday on the following roads in the cities of Quezon, Pasig and Caloocan:

Quezon City

1.Along Payatas Road from Visayas St. to Zamora St. (1st lane, North bound).

Pasig City

1.Along C-5 Road (Gap 4) from Pasig Blvd. to Bagong-Ilog Service Rd. (South bound); and

2.Along C-5 Road from FR Cement to Lanuza St.(3rd outermost lane, North bound).

Caloocan City

1.Along EDSA from Concepcion St. to Evangelista St. (lane going to Monumento, 6th lane from sidewalk, North bound).

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NCIP execs charged for illegal titling of ancestral lands

Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph

The Office of the Ombudsman filed charges against officials of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) before the Sandiganbayan for violation of Republic Act No. 9649 (Charter of the City of General Santos) in connection with the illegal titling of ancestral lands in 2009 and 2010.
Facing three counts of violation of R.A. No. 9649 are NCIP Chairman Eugenio Insigne, Commissioners Rolando Rivera, Rizalino Segundo, Noel Felongco, Jannette Serrano-Reisland, Felecito Masagnay and Miguel Sia-Apostol, and Regional Director Jeanne Anne Moendeg-Zoilo.

Based on the complaint filed by former representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio, it was uncovered that three certificates of ancestral land title (CALT) with their respective titles of property were issued to private individuals without proper consultation and concurrence of the city government. The CALTs cover vast tracks of land equivalent to 4,040 hectares situated in Barangays Fatima and Bawing in General Santos City, which areas have been declared as reservation for an international airport under Presidential Decree No. 219.

Under R.A. No. 9649, the city government shall exercise the rights and prerogatives over all lands of the public domain and the city government shall at all times, be consulted and informed of any disposition, administration and management thereof.

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Inflation dips to its lowest level in 20 years

Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph/

MANILA – Ample supply of key food items and lower electricity and fuel prices pulled down inflation to its lowest level in 20 years, as headline inflation rate eased further to 1.6 percent in May 2015 from 2.2 percent in the previous month, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

“Using the current base year 2006, the May 2015 inflation rate is the lowest, covering the monthly inflation series from 1995 to May 2015. It was also below the market expectation of 2.0 percent,” said NEDA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan.

He added that year-to-date, headline inflation ending May 2015 averaged at 2.2 percent, comfortably within the inflation target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent set by the government for 2015.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that inflation in the food subgroup eased in May 2015 (3.2% from 4.0%) following slower price adjustments in rice, meat, fish, and fruits.

“Rice prices have normalized, as total rice stocks inventory grew by 16.5 percent year-on-year as of April 2015. With favorable weather conditions, the supply of fish has been steady and sufficient and the volume of in-season fruits in the market stable,” the NEDA official said.

“Inflation in the meat index was also curbed, following the Department of Trade and Industry’s imposition of lower suggested retail price,” Tungpalan added.

Non-food inflation also moderated in May 2015 (0.3% from 0.8%) resulting from the sustained decline in the prices of electricity, gas, and other fuels.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy prices, slid further to 2.2 percent from 2.5 percent in April 2015 and 3.1 percent in May 2014. Core inflation in the first five months of 2015 averaged at 2.5 percent.

Also, the slowdown of inflation in May 2015 appears to be geographically broad-based as the price index in the National Capital Region (NCR) slid to 0.7 percent in May 2015 from 1.5 percent in April 2015 and 3.8 percent in the same period a year ago.

Likewise, all regions except Region X (Northern Mindanao) registered slower year-on-year price increases, thus, resulting in a tempered overall inflation of 1.8 percent in May 2015 for areas outside NCR, from 2.3 percent in April 2015 and 4.7 percent in May 2014.

“Inflation remained low and stable in the first five months of 2015 in line with expectations over the policy horizon. This bodes well for household consumption,” he said.

Tungpalan also assured that overall, policies remain supportive of a manageable rate of inflation.

“With the country’s strong external position, the peso is expected to remain relatively stable and this will contribute to stable domestic prices going forward,” he said.

But despite the low inflation figures, the government remains wary of possible inflation risks.

“With the report that El Niño in the country may likely continue until early 2016, we should be keen in monitoring drought in agricultural areas and be ready to assist our farmers should there be a need to shift to crops that are less dependent on water and at the same time resilient to the high temperature climate,” said Tungpalan.

Tungpalan is OIC of NEDA while Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan is on official business abroad from June 2-5, 2015.

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PHL Embassy in Tripoli evacuates 60 Filipinos from Libya

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

05 June 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli successfully evacuated 25 Filipinos based in Benghazi and eastern Libya on June 03 and 35 more Filipinos in western and central Libya on June 04. The Embassy Team facilitated their smooth transit to the Tunisian border, provided for their necessities, and arranged for their flights back to the Philippines.

Twenty seven (27) of these repatriates are arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport today at 4:00 p.m. on board QR932, while 33 others are scheduled to arrive in Manila this Sunday, June 07, via QR932 at 4:00 p.m.

These latest arrivals will bring the total number of Filipino repatriates from Libya to 5,058. Meanwhile, the Embassy Team estimates that are still 3,496 Filipinos remaining in Libya.

In view of the continued political and security instability in Libya, the Department of Foreign Affairs urges all Filipino nationals there to immediately contact the Embassy Team and register for repatriation.

The Embassy Team continues to actively reach out to the Filipino community in Libya, advising them to avail of the mandatory repatriation program, and informing them of the repatriation schedules.

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DFA to hold Anti-Trafficking in Persons Workshop for Personnel in Tagaytay

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

05 June 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will conduct a Workshop on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) from June 06 to 07 in Tagaytay for its personnel in the Home Office.

Over 130 participants are expected to participate in the TIP workshop including Assistance to Nationals (ATN) officers, heads and personnel of DFA Offices, and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). The workshop will focus on the discussion of the following topics: Philippine perspectives on TIP, Philippine Government action against TIP, and protecting the vulnerable sectors.

The workshop aims to enable the participants to correctly identify different types of trafficking situations and to render appropriate assistance to the victims. Anti-TIP measures and steps to combat trafficking will likewise be shared, focusing on the best practices in recruitment to protect vulnerable migrants especially women.

In his message to the participants in the workshop convened in Vienna, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said, “Trafficking in Persons is modern-day slavery. It is an insidious crime that targets the most vulnerable members of society and robs them of their inherent dignity.”

The roster of speakers is composed of experts from the DFA-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs, DFA-Office of Middle East and African Affairs, DFA-Office of Personnel and Administrative Services, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment. Representatives from the Embassy of the United States and the Australian Federal Police will also serve as resource persons.

This is a culminating workshop following the success of the training programs for Foreign Service Posts in Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and African regions last 2014.

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End-May 2015 GIR level inches up to US$80.86 billion

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/

Preliminary data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose to US$80.86 billion as of end-May 2015, compared to the end-April 2015 GIR of US$80.85 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.¹ The increase in reserves was due mainly to the BSP’s foreign exchange operations, revaluation adjustments on its gold holdings and income from its investments abroad. These were partially offset by the National Government’s (NG) net foreign currency withdrawals and payments for its maturing foreign exchange obligations as well as revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s foreign currency-denominated reserves.

The end-May 2015 GIR level remains ample as it can cover 10.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 4.9 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 3.8 times based on residual maturity.²

Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also increased by US$0.01 billion to US$80.84 billion as of end-May 2015, compared to the end-April 2015 NIR of US$80.83 billion.

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¹The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th.
² Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months.

View Table

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TBs NPL levels remain low

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The total loan portfolio (TLP) of thrift banks (TBs) stood at Php 574.63 billion at end-December 2014. Of this amount, Php 25.17 billion or 4.38 percent represented the banks’ gross non-performing loans in the end of 2014.

The end-December 2014 gross NPL of TBs improved from the 4.52 percent recorded a quarter earlier. The latest figure sustains the industry’s quarter-on-quarter decline in NPL ratio since June 2013.

Aside from low NPL levels, the banks’ TLP grew by 13.07 percent at end-December 2014 to Php 574.63 billion from the Php 508.20 billion posted in the same period in 2013.

Meanwhile, the loan loss reserves of TBs stood at 76.98 percent of their gross NPLs in end-December last year. This shows that the industry continues to set aside substantial reserves for potential credit losses.

The TB industry’s NPLs also remained low across economic activities as seen in loans to individuals for consumption purposes; real estate, renting and business activities; agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing; wholesale and retail trade; and other community, social and personal service activities.

The latest NPL figures indicate TBs’ continued efforts to adhere to sound credit risk management systems and to maintain high loan quality. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas keenly monitors these indicators as part of its efforts to foster the stability of the financial system.

View Table

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DTI, NTC remind cellphone and gadget dealers on consumer rights

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Department of Trade and Industry Regional Office III (DTI-R03) and the National Telecommunications Commission Regional Office III (NTC–R03) held a seminar-briefing on trade and telecommunication rules and regulations on 14 April 2015 at the Ephatha Development Center, SACOP, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

More than 60 participants coming from cellphone dealers, repair shops, consumer groups, and representatives of local governments attended the briefing.

Pampanga Board Member Ricardo C. Yabut gave the opening message and explained the importance of good telecommunication services in the province because it is a growth center. He said that it is important that sellers and telecom service providers take care of their clients by promptly resolving their concerns and abiding by the law.

NTC-R03 Director Azor L. Sitchon said that his office is in the process of validating the signal of all cellphone service providers in each barangay in the country to ensure the affordability, accessibility, and reliability of telecommunications. He also said that during their enforcement activities in 2014, they have confiscated more than 1,000 illegal cellphone units in the region.

He reminded the participants that cellphone providers should register and revalidate their license to operate with the commission. He also said that it is important to check the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity Number (IMEI) of each cellphone to ensure that sellers are providing “type-approved” units. Based on NTC rules, unauthorized selling and advertisement of illegally sourced mobile phones is punishable by law. NTC-R03 has a One-Stop Action Center for consumer complaints such as unauthorized blocking or unblocking of numbers, malicious texting, or slow rate of service.

DTI-R03 Director Judith P. Angeles called for vigilance and critical awareness of cellphone buyers and responsible actions from sellers and repair shops. She said that the event was initiated by the agency because of the number of complaints about cellphone units it received in the past year. She added that the briefing is an excellent venue for sellers to be educated about consumer rights and it is also a protection for sellers from importers who provide sellers with defective cellphone units. DTI-R03 Consumer Protection Division (CPD) Chief Ricardo S. Naguit Jr. said that the holistic involvement of every stakeholder is important to enable good business.

The participants were also briefed on consumer rights and responsibilities and clarified on the period of warranty and prescription period on consumer complaints.

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DOJ issues guidelines on bail for cybercrime

Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph

The Department announced today the issuance of Department Circular No. 020 (DC 020) on the guidelines on bail for Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“Since the passage of our cybercrime law, numerous complaints of cybercrime were received and investigated by our law enforcement authorities. These have resulted to filing of criminal cases and requires the provision of bail as a balance, for provisional liberty,” said Secretary Leila M. De Lima. “This issuance will guide our prosecutors and public defenders on the amount of bail to recommend to the courts - to fill in the gap in the schedule since this is a relatively new law,” she said.

DC 020 supports the Supreme Court’s A.M. No. 12-11-2 dated 18 March 2014 for public prosecutors to assist the courts in fixing the amount of bail considering several factors.

“This is part of the Department’s commitment to ensure that bail is indexed and updated. Timely and relevant issuance of guidelines will make our criminal justice system more relevant,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Chair of the Committee on the Revision of the Bail Bond Guide.

The Committee is tasked to review and recommend changes to the 2000 Bail Bond Guide in consideration of the Constitution, Rules of Court, jurisprudence, and ensure that bail is not unduly burdensome for the underprivileged. It also aims to decongest detention facilities.

DC 020 can be viewed and downloaded at http://doj.gov.ph/files/issuance/DC020_Guidelines_on_Bail_for_RA_No__10275_for_the_Cybercrime_Prevention_Act_of_2012.pdf

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PNP joins 7th Philippine Commemoration of International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Source: http://pnp.gov.ph/

26 May 2015 – The PNP joins the weeklong celebration of the 7th Philippine Commemoration of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers hosted by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in coordination with the National Council for United Nations Peace Operations (NCUNPO) and the United Nations Information Center (UNIC) held at DFA Building in Roxas Boulevard.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated around the world every 29th day of May in memory of the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the quest for peace, as well as to give tribute to all the men and women who have served and to those who are in active service in UN Peacekeeping operations for their professionalism, dedication, and courage. The Philippine observance of the event was made official by Presidential Proclamation No. 1755, series of 2009.

Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Evan Garcia, United Nations Resident Coordinator ad interim Terence Jones, and high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology led the inauguration of an exhibit featuring the history of Philippine involvement in UN peacekeeping from 1964 up to the present day either as a Formed Units, UN Police, or Observers.

They were later joined by members of the diplomatic corps, government, military and law enforcement officials at the opening ceremonies in Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, where Acting Secretary Garcia delivered the keynote speech and Mr. Jones conveyed the message of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon. Both officials hailed the sacrifices made by the valiant blue helmets, and called for action in helping face the new realities and challenges of modern UN peacekeeping.

The event was highlighted by distribution of awards (NCUNPO, Service and Bravery) to deserving Filipino involvement in peace operations. The NCUNPO Award is awarded in recognition of an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Philippine government in UN peacekeeping operations efforts that brought honor, respect and credit to the country. The NCUNPO Service Award is given in recognition to the selfless service and devotion to duty of individuals who significantly contributed in the administrative and logistical preparations of Philippine deployment to United Nations Peace Operations (UNPOs). While the Bravery Award is handed to individuals to recognize their heroism during situation in mission areas involving risk of life.

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Our children should now feel the gains of peace - Ferrer

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

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Our children should now feel the gains of peace - Ferrer
Posted on Friday, Jun 5th, 2015

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur - The calm grandeur of Mounts Makaturing and Latukan and fertile farm fields give an inspiring backdraft to the "bayanihan" spirit among Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) troopers as they conduct hand-in-hand a Brigada Eskwela operation in Sandab Elementary School in Camp Bushra Somyorang on Wednesday.

No air of animosity between former foes was evident. They helped each other like longtime neighbors as they re-painted bullet-riddled walls, climbed dilapidated ceilings and roofs, and cut lumber together.

Shamera, 55 years old and a member of the MILF's women auxiliary troops, cannot help but feel awed and in disbelief as she served snacks to her MILF comrades as well as government troops alike.

"’Di ako makapaniwala na makikita ko ang ganito (I still can't believe what I'm seeing)," she said. Shameera dedicated all her remaining years to serve the MILF, with neither children nor husband who she said died in an armed encounter.

"Sana tuloy-tuloy na ito. Pagod na rin kami sa giyera kahit wala akong anak gusto (ko) na maranasan ng mga bata ang kapayapaan para di nila madaanan ang karanasan ko (I hope this will continue. We are tired of war, although I don't have children of my own, I want the kids to experience peace and not what I have gone through)," she added.

Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said that the children should not wait to feel the dividends of peace.

Coronel-Ferrer emphasized the rights of children for an enabling environment for good education, good health and better lives without fear and disturbance caused by armed conflicts.

“We don’t want our schools to be used as evacuation centers but as centers where we can have quality education.”

“’Wag po tayong mawawalan ng pag-asa. Ito po ang ating inaayos sa pamamagitan ng peace process. Ito po ang ipinapakita natin ngayon dito sa lugar ninyo na binibigyan natin ng halaga ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan. Kinabukasan na wala ng giyera; kinabukasan na masagana,” Ferrer added.

Ferrer said as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), identified MILF camps will be turned into productive and peaceful civilian communities.

Jafar Hadji Rauf , Chief Civil Military Relations of MILF-BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces), said Butig will change its image from a major revolutionary stronghold to a key agricultural and tourism center in Mindanao as more socio-economic development will flow in when there is peace.

Rauf said that Butig has a lot of economic and tourism potentials.

It is host to Lake Butig National Park, a protected area of 68 hectares comprising Lake Butig and its surrounding forest. It was declared a national park in 1965 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4190.

Mountaineers from the nearby Mindanao State University also boasted of having climbed the peak of Mount Makaturing, describing its flora and fauna like the scenes from the Hollywood movie Avatar.

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Government prepared for El Niño — Montejo

Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo assures that mechanisms are in place to monitor and project the latest weather patterns in the midst of the current El Niño episode.

Speaking in a special meeting at DOST-PAGASA Science Garden recently with Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, Montejo said that with PAGASA’s highly-modernized tracking and improved forecasting capability, the country now has the means to mitigate the ill effects of the weather phenomenon through better plans, programs, and activities cascading all the way to the farm level.

“Our priority initiatives in disaster risk reduction and management together with climate change adaptation have resulted in the large-scale upgrading of our corresponding infrastructure. Now the Philippines is better-prepared to deal with the challenges of El Niño and other extreme weather events. Naniniwala kaming maiibsan ng pamahalaan ang epekto nito, na malaking tulong sa mga magsasaka at maging sa mga mamimili (We believe the government will allay its effects, that it will be a big help to farmers and even to consumers),” Montejo explained. Through PAGASA, he added, the Department will continue to closely monitor this occurrence and shall issue periodic updates as needed.

In its latest advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services and Administration noted that a weak El Niño condition is still being observed in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with warmer than average sea surface temperatures of at least 0.5°C recorded since October 2014. It added that according to the latest global climate models, the ongoing El Niño condition may likely continue until mid-2015 with the possibility of strengthening toward the end of the year. (S&T News Service)

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All surviving children of PNP personnel to receive NAPOLCOM scholarship benefits

Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph

All surviving children of deceased or permanently incapacitated members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall now enjoy the scholarship assistance benefits being administered by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

This was announced by NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta following the issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 2015-002 dated April 13, 2015 which expands the coverage of the scholarship benefit.

Under the revised memo circular, the NAPOLCOM scholarship assistance shall be granted to both the legitimate and illegitimate children of deceased or permanently incapacitated PNP personnel. Before the approval of this memorandum, only the legitimate children can avail of the scholarship.

“The Commission recently issued Memorandum Circular No. 2015-001 increasing the scholarship benefits which now cover the K to 12 Program or the enhanced basic education program,” Escueta said.

NAPOLCOM scholars are now entitled to receive the maximum amount for tuition fees and miscellaneous expenses, as follows: ₱10,000 per school year for Kindergarten scholar; ₱18,000 per school year for Elementary scholar; ₱24,000 per school year for Secondary Education scholar; ₱18,000 per semester for Vocational scholar; and ₱30,000 per semester for College scholar.

Vice Chairman Escueta said that the Commission shall release the scholarship assistance either through reimbursement or direct payment to the school where the NAPOLCOM scholar is enrolled.

Escueta explained that Republic Act No. 6963 entitled “An Act Granting Special Financial Assistance and Benefits to the Family or Beneficiary of any Police or Military Personnel or Fireman Killed or Permanently Incapacitated while in the Performance of his Duty or By Reason of His Office or Position and for Other Purposes” provides for two (2) types of benefits: 1) special financial assistance to the family or beneficiary of the deceased or permanently incapacitated police personnel and 2) scholarship assistance to all surviving children of the said PNP member.

The special financial benefits, such as gratuity equivalent to one (1) year salary, monthly survivorship pension for five (5) years equivalent to 80% of the decedent’s basic monthly pay, and burial expenses equivalent to three (3) months basic salary shall be exclusively enjoyed by the surviving legal spouse and legitimate children of the concerned police personnel.

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DAR to provide clean water in the rural community of Nueva Vizcaya

Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the municipality of Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya for the establishment of Community-managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CPWASH) project to ensure the continued supply of safe drinking water in the community of Ambaguio.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Primo C. Lara, and Ambaguio Mayor Arnold Dinungon signed the MOA for St. Damien Cooperative to protect the health of the people in the community.

Mayor Dinungon said the project is very important to the people because there is a shortage of potable water in their area.

“CPWASH will be integrated in the 2016 Ambaguio Municipal Development Plan and constructed in every barangay,” he said.

The project, composed of Iron Removal Filter, Bio-sand Filter, Biogas Digester and Water Collector, is expected to benefit 320 members of the cooperative and their household members.

Under the MOA, DAR will provide Php80,000.00 for the capacity building of the identified para-engineers, LGU will shoulder Php50,000.00 for the materials while St. Damien Cooperative will give Php30,000.00 for the labor cost.

PARPO Lara said the project is also expected to contribute to the attainment of one of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of ensuring sustainable environment thru the provision of access to source of potable, safe and clean drinking water for the target beneficiaries.

Dinungon said he would implement the project in his own house as a way of advertising it and be emulated by other municipalities.

MGD are development goals that were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000. To ensure environmental sustainability is one of its goals.

The MOA signing is witnessed by various DAR and LGU personnel.

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DENR steps up campaign for responsible use of resources

Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph

Using the battle cry “doing more with less,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is intensifying its awareness campaign for responsible use of resources in time for the celebration of the Environment Month this June.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said it is important for the consuming public to develop responsible consumption habits at home and in the community to prevent further and potentially irreversible damage to the environment.

“We need to be more responsible with how we consume our resources, so that we can realize our dreams of having a healthy future for ourselves and for future generations,” Paje pointed out.

The environment chief said it is about time people must evaluate the impacts of their consumption by taking the environment and society into consideration during consumption decisions.

He said that practicing conscientious consumption through wastage avoidance and consuming only what is necessary can go a long way to having a healthy environment.

“We only have one planet Earth that provides all the natural resources we need to survive. The problem is that we are consuming these resources at a rate faster than the planet can provide, and too many of our ecosystems are being degraded, sometimes irreversibly,” Paje said.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently warned that at its current rate of consumption and production, the world would need three-planets-worth of natural resources to sustain the ways of living of an estimated 9.6 billion people by 2050.

Meanwhile, the DENR has lined up a series of activities to celebrate the Environment Month, adopting the World Environment Day theme: “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.”

The month-long celebration kicks off on June 5, which coincides with the World Environment Day, with a two-part activity at the SM North EDSA in Quezon City centering on the theme, “I Consume with Care.”

The first part will be the recognition rites for Philippine Ozone Desk-Foam Sector’s 17 partners in the phasing out of the greenhouse gas hydrochlorofluorocarbon or HCFC 141B.

Arts and crafts demo-workshop to be participated in by public high schools in Quezon City, eco-friendly discussions and presentations promoting environmental awareness, and exhibition of school supplies made of recycled and recyclable materials, comprise the second part.

From June 21 to 26, the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau will host the regional meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes to discuss mining safety and public engagement on mineral development and environmental impact issues.

The meeting, to be held in Manila and Palawan, will also serve as venue to discuss the production of a coffee table book on the best practices in mine rehabilitation and decommissioning.

Some 150 exhibitors from government, civil society, research and academic institutions, and the manufacturing, recycling and energy industries are expected to join the first-ever National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition from June 22 to 26 at the Sky Dome in SM North EDSA.

Organized by the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the event will showcase initiatives, best practices and emerging technologies to address challenges that environmental pollution and degradation pose to the economy, livelihoods, public health and survival. It will focus on the theme, “Nagbabago na ang panahon, panahon na para magbago.”

In partnership with Earth Day Network Philippines, the Zero Basura Olympics 2nd Resource Book will also be launched during the event, which features the best business practices of participants.

The exhibit ends on June 26 with an awarding ceremony for the Digital Art Contest participated in by college students in Metro Manila. The entries focus on how every Filipino can live sustainably to ensure that resources are used efficiently and with least environmental impact.

From June 22-26, a training-workshop called “Climate Proofing for Development: Practical Application for Comprehensive Land Use Plan” will be held in selected cities and municipalities of the province of Laguna. It aims to train local government units in climate proofing land use plans for local development.

On June 25, which coincides with the celebration of the Arbor Day, a tree-planting activity organized by the youth will take place in Angat, Bulacan.

The Environmental Management Bureau will spearhead a nationwide simultaneous cleanup of adopted water bodies under the DENR’s Adopt-An-Estero program on June 27.

Then on Sunday, June 28, 2015, the Bayanihan sa Daan (share the Road) campaign will take place, which will highlight the 10 million signature campaign being sought by the Bike Philippines Campaign set to culminate by April 2016.

The event, which will show proof of concept, with the theme “EDSA Revolution,” will start from the SM Mall of Asia Complex to Monumento in Caloocan, passing through EDSA. The event is being spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection and the Share the Roads Movement, in partnership with National Bike Organization, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metro Manila Development Authority and DENR.

The Laguna Lake Development Authority, also an attached agency of the DENR, will hold once-a-week tour of its new “green building” facilities at the National Ecology Center along East Avenue in Quezon City. The newly-built energy-efficient establishment has a rainwater catchment system that can provide water to the building’s water closets and urinals.

The Environment Month celebrations conclude on June 30 during the 7th Annual Clean Air Forum organized by the DENR and the Partnership for Clean Air. Some 200 stakeholders from the government, academe, private sector and the civil society are expected to participate in the forum to be held at the Land Transportation Office in Quezon City.

In 1972, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 5 of every year as World Environment Day, coinciding with the founding of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment.

In the Philippines, the month of June was declared as Environment Month by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1988.

Meanwhile, the DENR will celebrate during the month its 28th anniversary on June 10, while that of the Forest Management Bureau on June 26.

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Int’l body appoints PDIC President to Committee Chairmanship

Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph

The Executive Council of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) has appointed Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) President Cristina Que Orbeta as Chairperson of the IADI Audit Committee during the recently concluded Executive Council meeting held at the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland on June 2, 2015. President Orbeta was elected as member of the IADI Executive Council in 2014.

The Audit Committee monitors the financial reporting process, and internal control and risk management systems in support of IADI's objectives and financial operations. It also supports the IADI in ensuring that its financial resources are exclusively used to pursue its mandates and solely applied to the operating cost of the IADI and constitution of adequate reserves.

The Audit Committee is among the seven standing committees of the IADI, which include committees on Governance, Data and Survey, Finance and Planning, Membership and Communications, Research and Guidance, and Training and Conference.

IADI is a non-profit organization established in 2002 to promote international cooperation and guidance in the field of deposit insurance. It provides a venue for sharing best practices in deposit insurance and proactively issues guiding principles to assist all deposit insurers all over the world. The 79-member IADI is based in Basel, Switzerland, with PDIC as one of its founding members.

The PDIC received the Deposit Insurance Organization of the Year Award in 2013 from the IADI in recognition of its significant achievements in bank resolutions and payouts; compliance with the IADI Core Principles and international participation; and deposit insurance system improvements.

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Camarines Norte benefits from PPP Center’s capacity building program

Source: http://ppp.gov.ph

Local government units (LGUs) of Camarines Norte are the latest participants capacitated by the Public-Private Partnership Center through a series of PPP orientation workshop last June 1-3, 2015. This initiative is consistent with the Center’s commitment to expand its reach and to extend its resources to facilitate properly prepared PPP projects at the local level.

On June 1, the PPP Center organized an orientation-workshop primarily intended for officials and technical staff of the Municipality of Daet. Representatives from other local governments in Camarines Norte including Capalonga, Mercedes, Vinzons, and Jose Panganiban also attended the activity.

The workshop was also extended to nearby provinces like Pili, Camarines Sur and Gumaca, Quezon and to employees of Department of Trade and Industry regional office, Camarines Norte State College, and the local private sector.

Participants were provided an overview of the Philippine PPP Program and various services of the PPP Center, introduction to basic PPP concepts and the difference of PPP with traditional government procurement. Also covered in the workshop are discussions on the whole life cycle of PPPs from project development, preparation of the project bidding documents and procurement, to actual implementation and monitoring of the PPP agreement.

The second day of the activity also served as consultation for participating LGUs on their prospective PPP projects in their respective localities.

On June 3, a similar orientation-workshop was conducted to technical staff of the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte that would handle their future PPP undertakings. This was attended by staff from the Planning and Development Office, Environment and Natural Resources Office, Tourism Office, Assessors Office and representatives from the business community.

These initiatives are geared towards helping various LGUs to identify potential PPP projects that would accelerate infrastructure development in the Bicol region and spur economic activities and boost industries at the local level.

|TOP|

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Arrival Statement After his State Visit from Japan

NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City

05 June 2015

Matapos ang apat na siksik na araw, nakauwi na po tayo mula sa isang matagumpay na State Visit sa bansang Hapon. Doon, talaga naman pong nakita natin ang bunga ng kolektibong pagsisikap ng isang lahi upang magtagumpay laban sa anumang pagsubok. Ang totoo nga po, nitong mga nakaraang dekada, nakita natin na sa kabila ng pagharap sa sarili nilang mga hamon, ay higit pa sa kanilang obligasyon ang ipinarating na tulong sa atin ng bansang Hapon. Malaki at tuloy-tuloy ang naging suporta nila sa iba’t ibang sektor ng atin pong lipunan, kabilang na ang para sa disaster preparedness, sa seguridad, at sa kapayapaan sa Muslim Mindanao.

Sa mga aktibidad nga po natin sa biyaheng ito, nagpahayag tayo ng taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng tulong na kanilang naiparating at patuloy na ipinararating; pinasalamatan natin hindi lamang ang kanilang mga pinunong sina Emperor Akihito at Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, ngunit pati ang kanilang mga business association, at media organizations na nakadaupang-palad natin. Sa pagharap din po natin sa kanilang National Diet na siyang katumbas ng ating kongreso, idiniin natin ang ating paghanga at pasasalamat sa kanilang bansa, sabay ng paglilinaw sa mga posisyon natin sa mga isyu ukol sa seguridad. Inimbita rin po natin silang lalong paigtingin ang ugnayan sa kalakalan at sa sektor ng manggagawa.

Malaking karangalan ang maimbitahan sa National Diet upang magsalita, at talaga nga pong ikinagagalak natin ang mainit at positibo nilang pagtanggap sa ating mga sinabi. Ngunit gaya ng lagi nating idinidiin, anumang karangalan o papuring ipinaabot nila ay talaga pong mas marapat na ituon sa inyo, ang aking mga Boss. Anumang narating natin ay bunga hindi lamang ng aking indibidwal na pagsisikap, kung hindi, at mas importante, ng pag-aambagan ng ating buong bansa habang tinatahak ang Daang Matuwid.

Dala rin nga po ng pag-aambagang ito ang mga uwi nating pasalubong mula sa Japan. Ang maganda po rito, sa low-tech man o high-tech na industriya, nakakalikha tayo ng oportunidad para sa bawat antas ng manggagawang Pilipino. Tingnan po natin: Noong Miyerkules, labing-isang kumpanyang hapon ang pumirma ng mga letters of intent na magbukas o magpalawak ng operasyon sa ating bansa. Ang nakakatuwa po talaga, ay kitang-kitang mas mataas na sa value chain itong mga industriyang nagpanata ng kanilang mga investment: Mula po sa renewable energy sa anyo ng electric tricycles, hanggang sa mga printer, smart glasses, at iba pang digital media products; meron din nga pong mga matataas na antas ng mga gamit-medikal tulad ng aortic catheter at invitro diagnostics and hemodialysis treatment devices. Sa pagdadala nila ng mga produktong ito sa Pilipinas, malinaw na lumalawak ang pagkilala ng mundo sa talino at talento ng Pilipino. May ilan nga po sa kanilang nagpahayag na balak nilang gawing sentro ng kanilang operasyon sa ASEAN ang ating bansa. Sa suma-total po, may potensiyal na umabot sa mahigit P13.5 bilyon ang panatang dagdag na investments ng labing-isang kumpanyang ito, na siya namang maaaring magdala ng 30,761 trabaho.

Lalo pong maganda ito dahil alam naman nating kapag mas mataas sa value chain ang produktong nililikha ay mas mataas din ang pasahod at mas mabilis na matatamasa ang ginhawa at dignidad ng buhay para sa nakakaraming Pilipino. Ang panawagan nga po natin, lalo na sa kabataan, ay mag-aral nang mabuti upang talagang masulit ang mga pagkakataong bubukas sa napipintong pagpasok ng mga investments na ito. Ididiin ko lang po, ito pong 11 kumpanyang ito ay lumagda na ng letters of intent; bukod pa po sila sa maraming mga kumpanyang nakausap natin na nagpahayag din ng interes, at pinag-aaralan na kung paano sila magpapalawak o magsisimulang magpasok ng puhunan sa ating bansa.

Halimbawa nito ang kumpanyang Uniqlo, na kasalukuyan ay may 23 tindahan na sa Pilipinas. Paulit-ulit pong sinabi, nais nila na talagang palawakin ang kanilang operasyon at minamadali na nga po nila ang pagbukas ng karagdagang 200 outlets sa ating bansa. Sa ating business meeting, niyaya natin silang magtayo na rin ng pagawaan ng kanilang mga produkto dito sa Pilipinas. Sabi nila, may mga proseso pa raw pong dapat silang tapusin. Kailangan ng mga allied factory para magawa iyon. Eksakto naman pong nakasama rin natin sa pagtitipon ang supplier ng singkuwenta porsiyento ng kanilang mga tela at iba pang mga fibers. Nang mabanggit ko ang ating mungkahi sa Uniqlo, naisip po niyang baka nga magandang magtayo na rin ng mga pabrika nitong mga supplier ng Uniqlo sa Pilipinas. Sinabi po niyang makikipulong siya agad sa kanyang kaibigan na nagmamay-ari ng Uniqlo upang mapabilis ang pag-aaral at matingnan ang posibilidad, o mapamadali ang posibilidad na gawin tayong manufacturing hub sa lalong madaling panahon.

Dagdag pa pong good news: ang sari-saring mga kasunduang nilagdaan sa pagitan ng Japan at ng Pilipinas partikular sa mga sektor ng kalusugan, maritime safety, at kalakalan. Sa usapan naman po namin ni Prime Minister Abe, sinabi rin niyang handa silang magbigay ng isang concessional loan para mapondohan ang tatlong malalaking proyektong pang-imprastruktura. Ito pong concessional loan ang pautang na sobrang gaan ng interes at ipinagkakaloob ng kaibigan sa kanyang kapwa kaibigan. Nagpapakita po ito ng kagustuhang tunay na makatulong kaysa maging pabigat. Ang handa po nilang ipahiram sa atin, tinatayang nasa P136.9 billion.

Lumagda rin po kami ng Punong Ministro sa isang Joint Declaration on Strengthened Strategic Partnership, na tunay nga pong pinapalalim ang ugnayan ng ating mga bansa sa maraming sektor, kabilang na ang seguridad. Napapanahon po itong pagtaas ng antas ng ating relasyon sa Japan sa harap ng mga banta sa estabilidad sa West Philippine Sea. Ang mahalaga nga po: Nakikita nating nagtutugma ang mga prinsipyo ng Japan at Pilipinas ukol sa paggalang sa mga karapatan ng bawat bansa, sa malayang paglalayag sa international waters, at sa paghahari ng batas at mapayapang ugnayan upang matugunan ang anumang di-pagkakaintindihan. Sa tulong nga po ng Japan, natatawag ang pansin ng mas marami pang mga bansa sa sitwasyon sa mga dagat ng Asya.

Talaga nga pong kinikilala na ng kalakhang mundo ang Pilipinas: Iginagalang ang ating mga posisyon, dinadagsa tayo ng mga negosyante, at hinahangaan ang ating mga nagawa upang iangat ang antas ng pamumuhay sa atin pong bansa. Ang totoo nga po, sa ating pakikihalubilo sa mga Hapon, makailang ulit nila tayong tinanong: Paano ko raw po masisiguro na ang transpormasyong tinatamasa natin ngayon ay magpapatuloy? Ito pong malawak at makabuluhang serbisyong panlipunan, itong pag-angat ng ekonomiya at pagbubukas ng oportunidad, ang pagpapanagot sa mga tiwali, ang pagbawi sa ating pambansang dangal—paano raw po natin matitiyak na hindi masasayang, matitigil, o magbabalik sa dating sitwasyon ang mga ito kapag tayo’y bumaba na po sa puwesto?

At gaya nga po ng lagi, ang tugon ko: Hindi ko nag-iisang nilikha ang pagbabago; resulta ito ng pag-aambagan ng bawat disenteng Pilipino. Kaya mga Boss, kayo ang gumawa ng pagbabago, kaya’t kayo rin ang magpapanatili at magpapatuloy nito. Ang trabaho ko: Siguraduhin ang positibong bunga ng reporma at mabuting pamamahala. Alam ko pong nakikita ninyo ito, kaya’t tiwala akong kayo mismo ang titiyak na hindi na tayo magyu-U-turn tungo sa baluktot. Tiwala akong maiaangat natin ang antas ng pulitika, mula sa bangayan ng personalidad tungo sa tunay na pagsusuri ng mga isyu, ng prinsipyo, at ng pagkatao, upang makita kung anong klaseng pamumuno ang makakapagpatuloy ng paghahatid ng benepisyo sa inyo pong lahat.

Mga Boss, sa bansang Hapon, nakita po natin ang resulta ng pilosopiya nilang patuloy na hinangin ang sarili at ang lipunan, upang maabot ang pinakamataas na puwede nitong abutin; nakita ko ang maaaring marating ng isang kulturang talaga naman pong ginagawa ang lahat upang mabuo ang pinakamagandang produkto, serbisyo, o proseso. Buo po ang tiwala ko: Tayo rin po ay may ganitong karakter; nasa lahi din natin ang palaging pagsusuri sa sarili; ang patuloy na pagtutuwid sa mga baluktot at pagtatama ng mali; at ang pagbubuhos ng kakayahan upang marating ang pinakamataas na maaari nating marating. Harinawa po, narito na at magpapatuloy pa ang panahon kung kailan hinahangaan tayo ng ibang mga lahi, at tinatanong nila kung paano nating naabot ang transpormasyon ng ating lipunan. Ang tugon nga po: Nagkaisa tayo, nagsikap tayo, at nanalig tayo sa Maykapal; tinahak natin ang Daang Matuwid, at dito nga po tayo nananatili, tungo sa katuparan ng kolektibo nating mga pangarap.

Maramang salamat po. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.

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Last Updated: 05 JUNE 2015
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			(TOKYO, Japan) Imperial Hotel staff line up the hotel sidewalk to bid farewell to President Benigno S, Aquino III following the completion of his 4-day state visit to Japan from June 2 to June 5. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Poto Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko at the Reception Area of the Imperial Hotel for the farewell call by Their Majesties on Friday (June 05) during the President's State Visit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Kiku Room of the Imperial Hotel for the farewell call by Their Majesties on Friday (June 05) during the President's State Visit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) His Majesty Emperor Akihito greets members of the Philippine official delegation following the farewell call of Their Majesties at the Imperial Hotel on Friday (June 05) during the President's State Visit. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III views the message of his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, written on November 13, 1986 at the guest room of the Nippon Press Center Building. The press event with the Japan National Press Club was held on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President BJapan National Press Clubenigno S. Aquino III signs the guest book of Japan National Press Club at the Nippon Press Center Building on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the press event with the Japan National Press Club at the Conference Hall of the Nippon Press Center Building on Friday (June 05) for his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the press event with the Japan National Press Club at the Conference Hall of the Nippon Press Center Building on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his views during the open forum for the Press Event with the Japan National Press Club at the Conference Hall of the Nippon Press Center Building on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Kiku Room of the Imperial Hotel for the farewell call by Their Majesties on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Kiku Room of the Imperial Hotel on Friday (June 05) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivers his remarks during the dinner at the Kacyo-no-Ma Hall of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) for his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his remarks during the dinner hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Kacyo-no-Ma Hall of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) for his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III shake hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the joint press briefing at the Sairan-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his statement during the joint press briefing with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Sairan-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sign agreement at the joint press briefing held at the Sairan-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House on Thursday (June 04) during his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Asahi-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House during the Summit Meeting on Thursday (June 04) for his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Asahi-no-Ma Room of the Akasaka State Guest House during the Summit Meeting on Thursday (June 04) for his State Visit in Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Majesty Emperor Akihito offers a ceremonial toast to the guests during the State Banquet at the Banquet Hall (Homei-Den) of the Imperial Palace for his State Visit in Japan on Wednesday (June 03). Also in photo is Her Majesty Empress Michiko. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as His Majesty Emperor Akihito delivers his welcome address during the State Banquet at the Banquet Hall (Homei-Den) of the Imperial Palace for his State Visit in Japan on Wednesday (June 03). Also in photo is Her Majesty Empress Michiko. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a standing ovation after delivering his address to the Joint Session of the National Diet of Japan at the Chamber of the House of Councillors during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the joint session of the National Diet of Japan at the Chamber of the House of Councillors (HoC) of the National Diet during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). Also in photo are HoC President Masaaki Yamazaki and House of Representatives Speaker Tadamori Oshima. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his keynote speech during the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia – Special Session at the Ascot Hall of the Okura Hotel for his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03) with the theme: “Asia Beyond 2015: The Quest for Lasting Peace and Prosperity.” (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko during the welcome ceremony at the Grand Hall (Shunju-no-Ma) of the Imperial Palace for his State Visit in Japan on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko, greet Japanese officials during the Welcoming Ceremony at the Grand Hall (Shunju-no-Ma) of the Imperial Palace for his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko, lead the singing of the Philippine and Japanese National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Grand Hall (Shunju-no-Ma) of the Imperial Palace for his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III is Escorted by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace for the welcome ceremony during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko upon arrival at the South Porch (Minami-Kurumayose) of the Imperial Palace for the welcoming ceremony during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III converse with His Majesty Emperor Akihito upon arrival at the Imperial Palace for the welcoming ceremony during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko upon arrival at the Imperial Palace for the welcoming ceremony during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by His Majesty Emperor Akihito, greets Their Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and other members of the Imperial Family during the welcoming ceremony at the South Entrance Hall (Minami-Damaril) of the Imperial Palace on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the South Porch (Minami-Kurumayose) of the Imperial Palace for the welcoming ceremony during his State Visit on Wednesday (June 03). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. (UNIQLO) chairman Tadashi Yanai during the business meeting at the Katsura Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. (UNIQLO) chairman Tadashi Yanai during the business meeting at the Katsura Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the Disaster Preparedness Handbook for the Filipino Community presented by Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Ascot Hall of the Okura Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the participants in the meeting with the Filipino community for a group photo souvenir at the Ascot Hall of the Okura Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Ascot Hall of the Okura Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) during his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Ambassador Manuel Lopez witnesses as Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and JETRO chairman Hiroyuki Ishige sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Business Promotion Cooperation during the meeting at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials, headed by chairman Hiroyuki Ishige, during the meeting and ceremonial signing of MOU at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III Cabinet Secretaries exchanges pleasantries with Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials, headed by chairman Hiroyuki Ishige, during the meeting and ceremonial signing of MOU at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02), as part of his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) officials, headed by chairman Hiroyuki Ishige, during the meeting and ceremonial signing of MOU at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) during his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Marubeni officials, led by chairman Teruo Asada, during the courtesy call at the Momo Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 01) during his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Marubeni officials, led by chairman Teruo Asada, during the courtesy call at the Momo Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 01, 2015) during his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Kirin Holdings Co., Ltd. chairman of the board Senji Miyake during a business meeting at the Ume Room of the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine Embassy officials upon arrival at the Imperial Hotel during his State Visit to Japan on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of relations next year. Also in photo are Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez (left) and Imperial Hotel Gen Manager and President HideyaSadayasu (right). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine Embassy officials upon arrival at the Imperial Hotel on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Japanese officials upon arrival at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit which is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Japanese officials upon arrival at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			(TOKYO, Japan) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport on Tuesday (June 02). The State Visit of the President is taking place at an auspicious and important juncture in bilateral ties, which are presently at their most dynamic and excellent levels heading into the 60th anniversary of our relations next year. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr.-Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III chats with Hon. Tetsuro Amano, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Consul-General of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on Tuesday (June 02) for his State Visit to Japan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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7 hrs ·

Do your meetings and exhibitions in the Philippines! http://t.co/xoGyFQAL2z ‪#‎itsmorefuninthephilippines‬ http://t.co/UVuGRcvTE2 | via @govph

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Use COMELEC’s ‪#‎irehistro‬ Online Application Form Accomplishment & Submission. ‪#‎VoterReg2015‬ http://t.co/Rrkq2IkKde

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6 hrs ·

Frequently asked questions on the K to 12 program: http://t.co/Nk1zHIqBns ‪#‎GoKto12‬ http://t.co/P35IWZCEjr | via @DepEd_PH

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20 hrs ·

‪#‎DOLE‬ has opened hotlines for health and safety complaints in the workplace. http://t.co/eCW0bOVR9r

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‪#‎walangpasok‬ • ‪#‎IndependenceDay‬, June 12, is a regular holiday. http://t.co/JF9YjIUH60 http://t.co/lv1ChOaewL | via @govph

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‪#‎PH‬ ranking improves in Rule of Law Index 2015. Read more at http://t.co/CvuhI7uCE0 http://t.co/tdl1LbYX8b

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20 hrs ·

Learn more about Classroom Assessment for the K to 12 Basic Educ Program
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6 hrs ·

NOTICE FOR ALL PASSENGERS ARRIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES ‪#‎MERSCOV‬ https://t.co/gfap6xfU7N | via @officialdohgov

TRAVEL ADVISORY: MERS CoV Disease and EBOLA VIRUS

NOTICE TO TRAVELERS ARRIVING IN THE PHILIPPINES MERSCOV and EBOLA are DEADLY infectious disease cause by viruses that may affect passengers like you. HOW YOU...

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Sunday, June 7, 2015

20 Dispatch for June 8 , 2015 ( Monday ), 16 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 2 Weather Watch , 5 OFW Watch , PNOY Speech, 22 Online News (June 6 ) , 54 Photo Release (June 5)

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1. Tagalog news: East Meets West Foundation, nagkaloob ng mga medical equipment sa Quezon Medical Center

2. Gov't agencies convene to develop poverty reduction plans in Quezon

3. Quezon provincial gov't now accepts nominations for the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan Award

1. PHDMO, HUDCC spearhead orientation on housing and urban development

2. PHDMO, HUDCC spearhead orientation on housing and urban development

3. Cavite joins Month of the Ocean celebration

1. NFA and IRRI partner on improving rice quality

2. DTI: Reforms underway for a simpler, faster business start- up

3. RDRRMC calls for support for National Disaster Consciousness Month

4. Tagalog news: Ombudsman Clearance, maaari nang iproseso sa SM City San Pablo

5. Tagalog news: Mga programang pang-edukasyon, patuloy na tinututukan sa lungsod ng San Pablo

1. Tagalog news: NGCP, nagsagawa ng power briefing para sa mga mamamahayag

2. Tagalog news: Lungsod ng Batangas, muling nakamit ang Best CDRRMC for 2014

3. Tagalog news: BFP, patuloy ang inspeksyon sa mga dormitoryo at boarding houses sa Batangas City

4. Tagalog news: Mga kabataan, nakinabang sa school supplies at groceries distribution

5. Tagalog news: Supporters ng blood donation program, ginawaran ng Sandugo Award

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