| MMDA offers free Pasig River ferry rides
on Independence Day |
| Source:
http://www.mmda.gov.ph |
|
Here’s good news to the ferry-riding public.
In commemoration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day, the
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) Pasig River
Ferry System is offering free rides around town to commuters on
Friday, June 12.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the public can avail of the
free rides from 6:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
At present, the ferry service has 11 stations which include
Pinagbuhatan and San Joaquin in Pasig City, Guadalupe and
Valenzuela in Makati City, Hulo in Mandaluyong City, PUP Sta.
Mesa, Sta. Ana, Lambingan, Escolta, Lawton, and Plaza Mexico in
Manila, with 10 passenger boats in operation.
According to the MMDA chief, the ‘libreng sakay’ will enable the
agency to further promote the ferry system as an alternative
mode of transportation, particularly in the midst of the present
traffic congestion problem resulting from the numerous ongoing
infrastructure projects of the government in Metro Manila.
The Pasig River Ferry System was revived April last year by
MMDA, the Department of Transportation and Communication, and
the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. |
|
|
|
| Manufacturing sector outlook
remains upbeat in 2015 – NEDA |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Production of the manufacturing sector increased
slightly in April 2015 but the outlook remains upbeat with
expectations of robust private consumption and public spending,
according to the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA).
In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated
Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) released today, the
manufacturing sector’s Volume of Production Index (VoPI)
slightly grew by 1.4 percent in April 2015, lower than the
16.1-percent expansion last month and the 10.8-percent growth a
year ago.
Meanwhile, the sector’s Value of Production (VaPI) contracted by
4.2 percent in the period, down from the 9.7-percent growth in
the previous month and the 10.9-percent expansion in April 2014.
“Despite the April 2015 numbers, investors remain confident of
the growth prospects. Proof of this is the recent expansion of
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc.’s facilities in San Fernando,
Cebu to boost productive capacity in anticipation of higher
demand for construction materials,” said Economic Planning
Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.
“A number of Japanese firms are also poised to relocate to the
country. In addition to the supply of skilled labor, some firms
also want to maximize duty-free benefits in the Philippines
under the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences
Plus,” he added.
Meanwhile, average capacity utilization remained at 83.2 percent
during the period. The basic metals subsector had the highest
average capacity utilization at 88.8 percent in April 2015,
slightly higher than the 88.5 percent last year.
“Since basic metals are among the backbone industries with high
forward linkages, its high average capacity utilization will
enhance firms’ capacity to respond to the increasing demand of
other subsectors, particularly the rapid growth in private
construction and the expected realization of government
infrastructure projects,” said Balisacan, who is NEDA
Director-General.
Among the surveyed firms, 26.4 percent operating at full
capacity (90-100%), 55.3 percent at (70-89%) and 18.3 percent
operating at below (70%) capacity.
The chemicals and tobacco industry sustained their strength for
the period, countering the slowdown in the production of food
and petroleum products. Also, leather, printing, basic metals,
and machinery (except electrical) registered double-digit
growth.
However, Balisacan said that despite the positive outlook, the
adverse effects of El Niño and uncertainties in the global
market still pose significant risks.
“The government must encourage more value-adding activities,
especially those that increase the linkage between agriculture
and manufacturing. Production would need to diversify further to
areas and subsectors, for this to be realized, an efficient
transport and logistics network should be put in place,” he
said.
He also reiterated the country’s need continuously undertake
efforts in improving business climate, address its long-standing
power security issues, and diversifying the country’s range of
products.
“We need to enhance the ability of SMEs to participate in
regional and global markets, in line with the ASEAN economic
integration, and pursue diversification of export products and
markets, given uncertainties in global demand. This is vital to
sustain the global competitiveness of the country and survive
the low demand from the country’s top export markets,” said
Balisacan. |
|
|
|
| BSP Rediscount Rates for June 2015 and
availments as of May 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
The BSP announced today the applicable Peso Rediscount Facility
and Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF) rates
for the month of June 2015 and loan availments as of end May
2015.
The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting Windows
(RWs) I and II for June 2015 are as follows:
Loan Maturity
|
Rate (%)
|
RW I
|
RW II
|
30 days
|
6.1250
|
4.0000
|
90 days
|
6.1875
|
4.0000
|
180 days
|
6.2500
|
4.0625
|
360 days
|
n/a
|
4.1250
|
The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are based on the
applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse
repurchase rate, respectively, plus term premia for longer
maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15 August 2013.
These rates have been in effect since 15 September 2014 and will
remain until the policy rates are revised.
The following are the rates for the month of June for loans
under the EDYRF:
Loan
Maturity
|
Rate (%)
|
Dollar
|
Yen
|
1-90 days
|
2.28375
|
2.09643
|
91-180 days
|
2.34625
|
2.15893
|
181-360 days
|
2.40875
|
2.22143
|
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London
Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 29 May 2015 plus 200 basis
points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to
Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of
thrift and rural banks amounted to P179 million for the period
01 January to 31 May 2015, which is 72.0 percent lower than the
P640 million total for the same period last year. Out of the
aggregate availments for the period, 85.0 percent went to
commercial credits, 2.8 percent to production credits and 12.2
percent to other credits consisting of housing (5.3 percent),
permanent working capital (3.7 percent) and CAPEX (3.2 percent).
Under the EDYRF, total dollar availments of a universal bank for
the period 01 January to 31 May 2015 amounted to US$0.7
million and benefitted one exporter. This represents a 83.7
percent decrease in availments compared to the US$4.3 million
grants for the same period last year. There was no
Yen-denominated availment under EDYRF for the subject period in
2015, nor for the same period last year.
|
|
|
|
| ICT Expo for PWDs set to promote Digital
Entrepreneurship |
| Source:
http://icto.dost.gov.ph |
|
In line with the annual Information and Communications
Technology (ICT) Month, the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) ICT Office is launching the first Inclusive
ICT 4 BIZ 2015 Expo: Connecting Businesses with the Right People set
on June
17 at the Sequioa
Hotel, Quezon City.
ICT 4 BIZ 2015, created
in partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs
(NCDA), is designed to promote digital entrepreneurship among
persons with disabilities (PWDs) by providing a conducive venue
for business-to-business (B2B) interactions, as well as seminars
on digital entrepreneurship.
The expo aims to connect Filipino PWDs engaged in animation,
web/graphics design, web content management, coaching, and
transcription services to business institutions and
organizations that need such services.
ICT 4 BIZ 2015 is
DOST-ICTO’s answer to the government mandate of providing equal
and fair employment opportunities to PWDs which make up 1.53% of
the population, according to a 2010 Census. Furthermore,
Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons
was implemented in 1992 to protect their welfare. It also
prohibits any form of discrimination against them, especially at
the workplace.
Today, the ICT Office champions the exploration of ICT as an
expansive sector teeming with opportunities for all Filipinos.
This expo is part of the ICT Office’s celebration of the ICT
Month, which coincides with this year’s theme of “No Juan Left
Behind.”
If you want to know more about ICT Office’s projects, visit
icto.dost.gov.ph. For more ICT
4 BIZ 2015 event info, link here. |
|
|
|
| Tribal mother-grantee of Pantawid
Pamilya welcomes complements to cultural practices |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
| A 40-year-old mother from the Ati broke the stereotype of
indigenous peoples (IP) being aloof, and spoke about how
Pantawid Pamilya has changed her family’s way of life. The Ati
is a Negrito indigenous group from Panay Island, Visayas.
Leonida Bartolome of Barangay Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan,
said that her family’s way of life is now better since they
became beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya. “Pasalamat ako dahil
napapansin mga tawo tulad naming mga Ati. Kami nakasulod sa
Pantawid Pamilya (I am thankful that Ati, like us, are also
given attention. We are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya),”
said Leonida. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is a human
development program that invests in the health and education of
poor families, primarily those with children aged 0-18. It
provides cash grants to partner-beneficiaries who comply with
the conditions of sending their children to school, bringing
them to health centers for checkups, and attending the monthly
Family Development Sessions (FDS). Leonida is married to Joel, a
part-time laborer. They have five children, namely: Judelyn, 21;
Jeremy Jhon, 18; Abegail, 9; Joel Jr., 7; and Aniza, 5. Joel’s
meager income from odd jobs that come few and far between can
hardly support the family’s daily needs. Leonida’s three younger
children are covered by Pantawid Pamilya and are receiving
monthly cash grants for their education and health needs.
Leonida shared that with the cash grants, she need not worry
about the school requirements of her children. She and Joel can
now focus on putting food on the table. “Bahul bahul bulig sa
amon. Kon wala obra ang akon asawa, wala gid makitaan kwarta.
Ngayon may pambili na ng bag, notebook, at tsinelas (The program
has helped us so much. When my husband had no work, we really
had no money. Now, we have money to buy bags, notebooks, and
slippers for the children),” she said. Beyond cash grants While
the cash grants have helped Leonida meet the daily school needs
of her children, the lessons she learned from FDS have changed
her perspectives in managing her household. FDS is conducted
monthly by DSWD and partners from non-government organizations,
the private sector, and civil society organizations. It serves
as a venue where topics on effective parenting, husband and wife
relationships, child development, laws affecting the Filipino
family, gender and development, home management, active
citizenship, and electoral education are discussed. Leonida
narrated that practices such as washing the dishes and sweeping
the floors used to be foreign to her. After attending the FDS,
she learned about the importance of maintaining the cleanliness
of their house. Now, she said that her children are helping her
keep the cleanliness of their home. Leonida also shared that she
is greatly thankful for the transformation of her husband. “Sang
una pirme sya gainom. Subong, sobrang minsan nalang. Indi na
siya pasaway kay hadlok man mabawian sang cash grant (While he
used to always drink liquor, now, he rarely does it. He is not
hard-headed anymore. He does not want our cash grants from the
government to be stopped),” she said. When asked about her
dreams, Leonida beamed and said, “Dapat makatapos ang mga anak
ko ng kolehiyo (My children should finish college).” “Kun
makatapos sila ng kolehiyo, mabuligan man nila ang ila iban nga
utod at mga kapwa Ati namin (If they finish college, they could
help the rest of their siblings and our fellow Ati),” she said.
As of May 27, 2015, a total of 4,424,705 active households
nationwide are covered by the program. Of this number, 559,374
are IP beneficiary-households of which 416,671 are in Mindanao,
134,471 in Luzon, and 8,232 in Visayas. In Panay Island which is
composed of the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo,
there are 496 active IP household-beneficiaries. DSWD Secretary
Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the inclusion of IPs in
Pantawid Pamilya reflects this administration’s principle of
inclusive growth where no one is left behind, especially for the
sectors that have long been overlooked in the past. |
|
|
|
| ABS-CBN’s - Lingkod Kapamilya
commends DOLE Call Center for providing info on SPES to teleradyo
audience |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph/ |
|
The Department of Labor and Employment’s Call Center has helped
an intern and a researcher/production assistant of the ABS-CBN’s
Lingkod Kapamilya program at DZMM Teleradyo gather information
and gain understanding on the Special Program for Employment of
Students (SPES) leading to its airing in the weekly program ‘Kapamilya
Konek.”
With this service mileage, the DOLE Call Center received a pat
on the back in the form of a commendation letter from Brayan
Acupan, intern, and Luci Maligaso, researcher of the ABS-CBN
Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc.
“The [DOLE Call Center] agent gave the right information. She
also provided assistance and the necessary telephone number
which had led to the appropriate resource person who became our
guest for the radio show “Kapamilya Konek,” Acupan said in his
letter.
The commendation arose from the DOLE Call Center’s response to
ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya which sought assistance on whom to
interview with regards the DOLE’s Special Program for the
Employment of Students.
Acupan talked to Cynthia Miranda, DOLE Call Center action
officer, and asked data on SPES, such as jobs being offered by
the program, and the number of beneficiaries.
The DOLE Call Center referred Acupan to the office of Director
Nicon F. Fameronag, the DOLE Spokesperson and head of the DOLE
Labor Communications Office.
Subsequently, ABS-CBN sought Dir. Fameronag as the resource
person of the program.
The information provided by Director Fameronag became the
feature in the show when the Kapamilya Konek discussed the topic
Payong Kapamilya: Extra Baon Ngayong Bakasyon.
Kapamilya Konek presented the SPES o Special Program for
Employment of the Students, as one of the most popular programs
of the DOLE which give students and out-of-school youth
opportunities to earn income to support their school needs.
Apart from the Teleradyo, the Kapamilya Konek also disseminated
in its social media page the benefits of SPES to Filipino
families.
“Ayon kay DOLE Labor Communication Office Director Nicon
Fameronag, ang SPES ay programang nagbibigay hindi lamang ng
trabaho kundi trabahong may sweldo. Ang sweldo ay minimum wage
ng rehiyon kung saan ka nagtatrabaho. Ang 40% ng sweldo ay
ibibigay ng DOLE na pambayad sa matrikula o education voucher
kung tawagin, habang 60% nito ay cash na ibibigay ng
participating organization o ng iyong sponsor. Mayroong minimum
na 20 working days at maximum na 52 working days. Sigurado rin
ang iyong social security insurance at certificate of employment
kapag natapos mo ang naturang programa. Higit na makakatulong
din ito dahil magkakaroon ka na ng ideya at mga karanasan
pagdating mo sa pormal na labor market,” the teleradyo show
informed the public.
To know more about the SPES Program, Kapamilya Konek also
encouraged its viewers to visit the official website of
DOLE,www.dole.gov.ph, and click BLE or Bureau of Local
Employment, which take charge of the DOLE SPES program, or call
the DOLE hotline at 527-8000 from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. or
visit the nearest Public Employment Service Office.
Kapamilya Konek is a public service program that aims to link
government agencies, organizations, and experts to provide
solutions to issues and problems faced by Filipino families. |
|
|
|
| PSA releases the 2014 compendium of
Philippine Environment Statistics |
| Source:
http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announces the release
of the 2014 Compendium of Philippine Environment Statistics
(2014 CPES). The 2014 CPES is a compilation of statistical
information collected from data available from various
government agencies. The statistical data presented in
this publication adopted the Framework for the Development of
Environment Statistics (FDES) as approved by the United Nations
Statistical Commission in 2013. These data focused on the
framework’s core set of environment statistics of the six
components namely: (a) environmental conditions and
quality, (b) environmental resources and their use, (c)
residuals, (d) extreme events and disasters, (e) human
settlements and environmental health, and (f) environment
protection, management and engagement.
As present, the said publication is available in CD-ROM version
only at the National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) at
this address:
Ground Floor, Midland Buendia Building
403 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Philippines
Telephone number: (632) 895-2767; e-mail info@psa.gov.ph
By 15 July 2015, new address is at:
5th Floor CVEA Building
East Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone number: (632) 462-6000 local 822; email info@psa.gov.ph |
|
|
|
| POEA cancels license of manning agency
over placement fee |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac has ordered the cancellation of
the license of Mid-South Ship and Crew Management, Inc. for
collecting placement fees from two seafarers. The cancellation
arose from the complaints of two jobseekers who alleged that
they applied with Mid-South Ship and Crew Management, Inc. and
was assured employment as fishermen for a Taiwan-based fishing
vessel. They paid placement fee of P30,000 and P60,000,
respectively, but they were not issued corresponding official
receipts. The fishermen allegedly signed employment contracts
with duration of two years for a monthly salary of US$250.00.
They were subsequently deployed but returned to the country
after working for three and a half months, complaining of
maltreatment and unpaid salaries. Cacdac said there is total
prohibition on the charging or collecting placement fees from
seafarers. Any amount charged and collected by the said agency
is illegal and deemed excessive. Section 2 (a) of Rule II, Part
V of the 2003 POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the
Recruitment and Employment of Seafarers prohibits manning
agencies from charging, imposing, or accepting directly or
indirectly, any amount of money, goods or services, or any fee
or bond for any purpose from an applicant seafarer. Cacdac said
that as a consequence of the penalty of cancellation of license,
the officers and directors of the agency at the time of the
commission of the offenses were disqualified from recruitment
and deployment of overseas Filipino workers. Cacdac also ordered
Mid-South Ship and Crew Management, Inc. and its surety company
to refund to the complainants the amounts representing the fees
illegally collected from them. |
|
|
|
| SSF beneficiaries in ARCs undergo SRA
courses on site |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
One hundred thirty three (133) Shared Service Facilities (SSF)
beneficiaries in the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in the
province of Nueva Vizcaya underwent a Productivity and
Managerial/ Entrepreneurial Trainings under the SME Roving
Academy (SMERA) Program of the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI).
Among the eight cooperators benefitted were Pingkian Community
Development Cooperative with SSF project on Turmeric processing
(Kayapa), Samahang Magsasaka ng Wacal, Inc. on Milk processing (Solano),
Bangaan Rural Workers Association on Cacao Nut processing (Solano),
Malabing Literacy Credit Organization on Wine processing (Kasibu),
Saint Joseph Parish MultiPurpose Cooperative on Veggioe Noodles
and Veggie Chips Making (Dupax Del Norte), Villaverde
Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. on Banana Chips and Chicacorn
making (Villaverde), Future Life and Livelihood Association on
organic fertilizer production (Bambang), and Darapidap Auto
Savings Group, Inc. on Tamarind candy making (Aritao).
DTI-Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Ruben Diciano said that
most of the SSF Cooperators are established Village Enterprises.
They were established laterally with priority industry clusters
which were identified by the LGUs and the SME Development Plan,
along which the interventions of the Department are aligned.
A total of 135 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)
benefitted from the conduct of trainings which covered the
following topics: Good Manufacturing practices, Basic
Bookkeeping, Business Ethics, and Business planning.
The SMERA offers a ladderized set of trainings/courses: Level
1-4 for SME operating within a domestic market and levels 5-7
for those vying to become exporters.
Along with other relevant and focused assistances based on the
needs of the beneficiary-SMEs, DTI envisions them to grow and
become globally competitive. |
|
|
|
| Negosyo Center in Batangas City to be
launched 25 June |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will launch the
Batangas City Government’s Negosyo Center located at the Gusali
ng Kapayapaan at Kalikasanin P. Burgos Street on 25 June, DTI-4A
Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo announced.
Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, DTI Secretary Gregory
Domingo, and Ramon Lopez of the Philippine Center for
Entrepreneurship (PCE) will give keynote messages at the launch,
while Batangas City Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha will declare the
Center ‘business ongoing’.
Negosyo Centers are established in all provinces, cities and
municipalities to promote ease of doing business and facilitate
access to services for micro, small, and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) in accordance to Republic Act No. 10644, also known as
the “Go Negosyo Act”.
The Go Negosyo Act aims to promote job generation and inclusive
growth through the development of MSMEs, and stipulates for the
establishment of Negosyo Centers.
Moreover, the Act aims reduce poverty by encouraging the
establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) that
facilitate local job creation, production, and trade in the
country.
Every Negosyo Center established will facilitate and expedite
the business application process of MSMEs in coordination with
the local governments and other concerned agencies and will
provide assistance to MSMEs in the availment of technology
transfer, production, and management training programs and
marketing assistance of the DTI and other government agencies.
A unified and simplified business registration form that contain
all necessary information for the business application process
of MSMEs will be made available in all Negosyo Centers.
Under the law, DTI through the Negosyo Centers will have sole
power to issue the certificate of authority for the barangay
micro business enterprises to avail of the benefits provided by
Republic Act 9178, the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises
(BMBEs) Act of 2002.
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED)
Council, through the DTI regional offices, will assign personnel
and supervise the operations of the Negosyo Centers.
Along with the Quezon City Negosyo Center, the Batangas City
Negosyo Center is a pilot center. Existing Negosyo Centers are
in Cagayan De Oro and Iloilo City. |
|
|
|
| Philippines leads Asia
Pacific’s turn to openness |
| Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
PH advancing fiscal transparency in APEC through the Cebu Action
Plan
10 June 2015 Bagac, Bataan—The Philippines wraps up the hosting
of the APEC 2015 Workshop on Fiscal Management Through
Transparency and Reforms today in
Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. While the first day focused on
open data and budget transparency, the second and last day will
focus on international tax transparency and cooperation.
In the first day, open governance reforms in various aspects
across APEC member economies were brought forward. Framing the
discussion in terms of opportunities,
McKinsey & Co. Associate Principal Kristine Romano projected
that open data can help unlock $3.2-$5.4 trillion in economic
value per year in 7 domains, in consumer finance, oil and gas,
health care, electricity, consumer products, transport, and
education.
Various sessions explored how openness can optimize results in
procurement and contracting, budgets and expenditures, the
provision of tax incentives and subsidies,
and expanding fiscal space to target more productive public
investments. Emphasis was placed on ICT innovation and citizen
participation as ways to bolster fiscal transparency reforms.
Member economies echoed the goals of making fiscal transparency
work for inclusive economies. Budget Undersecretary Richard E.
Moya commented, “Transparency isnot enough, it is not an end. It
is a means towards efficient and effective delivery of public
goods and services.”
Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “The Philippines is
ahead of the curve as an open, transparent government delivering
real economic returns for our people. We
find evidence from some of our neighbors showing how the
Philippine experience with good and open governance is not an
isolated miracle. These are results we wish toscale up across
the region.
Together with APEC member economies, we will advance the tested
idea that openness, in terms of data and citizen participation,
is the best guarantee of inclusive
and sustainable growth.”
Member economies continuously develop fiscal policies to ensure
fairness and integrity of tax systems in an increasingly
fast-paced and interconnected world.
Sessions will highlight initiatives on international cooperation
addressing tax avoidance and evasion, as well as base erosion
and profit shifting. International best
practices on auditing cross-border transactions and facilitating
exchange of information, such as AEOI and FATCA initiatives,
will be discussed.
Openness in the extractive sector will also be an important
focus as numerous economies increasingly rely on the mining,
oil, and gas sectors for revenues.
Sessions will draw on the processes and standards of the
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and how
openness benefits the management and regulation of the
extractives sector.
The 2-day workshop builds on the existing body of work and firms
up the fiscal transparency pillar of the Cebu Action Plan (CAP).
The CAP, proposed by the
Philippines, intends to boost financial integration, fiscal
transparency and resiliency, as well as infrastructure
development and financing among APEC member
economies for more sustainable and inclusive growth trajectories
across the region.
Delegates will be treated to a walking tour around the recreated
town of heritage houses in Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar.
Meanwhile, the Bataan Provincial
Government is set to play host to a dinner capping off the
workshop. |
|
|
|
| Roxas: Negros Region |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas told
Negrenses that the hard work begins now that crafting the
implementing rules and regulations for the newly created Negros
Island Region (NIR) will require unity and collaboration from
all sectors.
"I congratulate you all, but this is not going to be easy. The
decisions are yours, the responsibilities are yours and we no
longer have the excuse that we are poor," Roxas told local
officials and members of business organizations, the academe,
sugar farmer groups, and other civil society organizations in
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, during his visit to the island
region yesterday.
"The challenge and the inspiration are now in your hands in
shaping the future," he added.
Negrenses will no longer be dreaming of a one island region
because President Aquino has already signed Executive Order 183
creating the NIR or a separate region composed of Negros
Occidental and Negros Oriental.
"Indi na ini damgo lang [This is no longer a dream]. We now have
realized that dream," Roxas stressed.
He also clarified that representatives of Negros Occidental and
Oriental will have to determine the government offices to be
established closest to them so they will no longer have to
travel long hours to get to the regional centers just to
transact with the national government.
"What is important is that Negrenses will no longer be dependent
on the schedule of sea travel when they wish to go to the
regional centers in Iloilo for the Occidental side and Cebu for
the Oriental side," Roxas said.
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr. said that he
cannot express how happy he is now that the NIR has been
formally established.
The governor claimed that the Occidental side is 99 percent
supportive of the NIR initiative since it was formulated several
years ago.
He, on behalf of his constituents, personally thanked Roxas for
helping them realize this dream.
Through the creation of NIR, the delivery of basic services to
the Negrenses will be faster and more efficient, while
development projects like farm-to-market roads, bridges, and
other infrastructures will be top priority in the new region.
Negrenses strongly believe that they will reap more benefits now
that the NIR is formed not only because of the convenience it
would give them when transacting with the national government,
but also because of the social and cultural unity that can be
expected from this union. |
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| Trike drivers thank Daang Matuwid: No
more kotong sa Sorsogon |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Claiming that "Daang Matuwid" reforms are strongly felt in the
city of Sorsogon, tricycle drivers and operators offered their
thanks and heartfelt gratitude to the Aquino administration
through Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas.
“Gusto namin magpasalamat sa pamamagitan ni Secretary Roxas
dahil bahagi siya ng administrasyon na nagpatupad ng reporma na
damang-dama namin dito sa Sorsogon,” said Jose Alimoot,
president of the Federation of Association Sorsogon Tricycle
Operators and Drivers (FASTOD).
Officers of 24-member tricycle associations under FASTOD met
with Roxas during a dialogue organized by the Koalisyon ng
Mamamayan Para sa Reporma (KOMPRe) held at the Multi-Purpose
Hall of The Lewis University in Sorsogon City on Friday, June 5.
According to Alimoot, the city government has become "friendly"
to the transport sector.
“Pati ang LGU [local government unit] ngayon maganda ang
pakikitungo sa amin. Wala na rin kotong ngayon,” he said.
The 5,000-strong member Federation has a total of 3,200
registered tricycle units.
According to Alimoot, since the Aquino administration took over,
they no longer worry about abusive policemen or traffic
enforcers.
"Dati, may mga pulis na uutusan ang tricycle driver na maghatid
ng gamit sa bahay niya na walang bayad. Ngayon, ang mga pulis,
mababait na,” he said.
To show their appreciation, he said members of the federation
consistently cooperate and support the local government’s
various programs.
“Naging bahagi kami ng reporma. Miski sa Land Transportation
Office [LTO], sumusunod kami sa mga traffic rules,” he said.
According to Alimoot, they asked Roxas to help fast-track the
registration of their members with new tricycle units, as well
as the release of the plate numbers.
“Sana, sa pamamagitan ni Sec. Roxas, mapapabilis ang proseso ng
pag-process ng mga permit at plaka ng mga bagong tricycle ng mga
miyembro namin. Sa local government units din, sana magkaroon ng
review para ang fine at penalties ay maibaba at hindi maging
mabigat para sa mga miyembro,” he said.
Almost a hundred other officers of various tricycle drivers
associations joined the dialogue.
Roxas makes it a point to meet with civil society organizations
during his project visits, ensuring that the issues and concerns
of communities will be acted upon. |
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| The search for exemplary Filipino
engineers begins... Manila Water Foundation, DOST launch First-Ever
National Award for Engineering Excellence |
| Source:
http://www.dost.gov.ph |
|
Manila Water Foundation and the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) are now accepting nominations for the premier
run of the Manila Water Foundation Prize for Engineering
Excellence.
Said prize, which is part of the Manila Water Foundation’s 10th
anniversary this year, is a nationwide search for five exemplary
engineers who have developed and implemented projects that
champion water, sanitation, environment and sustainability for
marginalized communities. To inspire and empower all Filipino
engineers to serve the country better through engineering
solutions resulting in positive social impacts, each prize
recipient will receive Php500,000.
The partnership between the Foundation and the DOST was
formalized during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement
held on April 21 at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel.
“There are a lot of great engineers with a lot of ingenious
engineering solutions, but there's not enough engineering
excellence recognition in the country. We're very excited to
partner with DOST, who is a practitioner of truly ingenious
solutions that work in the Philippines,” said Manila Water
Foundation President Ferdinand M. dela Cruz.
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo shared dela Cruz’s enthusiasm on
this project as he pointed out how Manila Water Foundation’s
vision and programs are strategically aligned with those of
DOST. While the Manila Water Foundation is committed to becoming
an enabler of change for Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities
through access to sustainable water and used water services, the
DOST is steadfast in finding viable and innovative solutions for
proper water usage, particularly in low-income communities.
“There are so many areas where innovative solutions can be
developed for viable options. This is where science, technology
and innovation can come in. Hopefully, this prize can encourage
solutions to optimize and enhance the use of water,” Montejo
said.
Eligible to be nominated are bona fide Filipinos who have a
degree in any engineering course or related sciences and have
been actively performing engineering functions in the
Philippines for the past ten (10) years. Nominations may be sent
to the Manila Water Foundation until
July 15, 2015. Successful nominees will move on
to the next stages of the search leading up to the awarding
ceremony before the year ends.
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| PHL Consulate General in Xiamen
intensifies overseas voters registration campaign |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
09 June 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, led
by Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores, began intensifying
its overseas voters registration efforts with the kicking-off of
an overseas voters registration activity on May 31 to motivate
Filipino churchgoers within the premises of the Xiamen
Cathedral/Church of the Holy Rosary in Xiamen City.
The Consulate General undertook the initial overseas voters
registration event prior to and after the regular Sunday English
mass service in cooperation with the Diocese of Xiamen, led by
Bishop Joseph Cai and Parish Priest, Father Joseph. The Sunday
mass is regularly attended by 200-300 churchgoers, including
Filipinos, Chinese and other expat Catholics.
Consul General Flores was assisted by the Consulate General’s
overseas voters secretariat and supported by staff members.
The Consulate General intends to undertake similar registration
events at the Xiamen Cathedral prior to the end of the overseas
voters registration period in October 2015. |
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| DAR turns over more projects for Balasan
farmers |
| Source:
http://www.dar.gov.ph |
|
More projects were recently turned over by the Department of
Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Iloilo Provincial Office to improve the
quality of life of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in
the Municipality of Balasan, Iloilo particularly in TIMIPAL
Agrarian Reform Community (ARC).
Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Enrique C. Paderes
the projects worth 30.8M consist of: 1) Balasan Communal
Irrigation System, 2) Post Harvest Facility, 3) Concreting of
JNR Sito Malbog - Tinguian Road and 4) Palay and Rice Trading
Project.
He said the projects are implemented under the Agrarian Reform
Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III, one of the many
foreign funded projects accessed by DAR.june 10 2015 national 2
Balasan Mayor Filomeno V. Ganzon expressed confidence that the
TIMIPAL ARC would provide a strong leadership in managing the
projects while assuring them of his support.
Agrarian Reform Cooperative Chairperson Lily Baclagon said they
are very thankful to DAR and partner agencies and to Mayor
Ganzon for facilitating the projects.
“The said projects will not only bring economic benefits to the
ARBs in the ARC but also the adjacent barangays,” she added. |
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| DAR gives Cotabato farmers a brand
new tractor |
| Source:
http://www.dar.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently turned over a
P3.1-million farm tractor to a farmers’ organization to help
them increase farm productivity and their income.
A brand new, heavy-duty Massey Ferguson four-wheel drive tractor
with implements was turned over to the Cebuano Small Coconut
Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CSCFMPC) in Tupi, South
Cotabato.
Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Engr. Nestor I.
Villanueva, said that the 259-strong farmers cooperative would
benefit from the tractor.june 9 2015 national 2
“This brand new 90-horsepowered tractor including the farm
implements—trailing harrow, disc plow and trailer, would greatly
improve and make farming a lot easier, reduce their expenses and
improve farm yield,” said Villanueva.
Cooperative Manager Aurelio D. Solon who formally received the
tractor said “this tractor is such a big help. It will speed up
our plowing and other preparatory activities before actual
planting. This tractor would now be one of our services to our
members.”
Farm equipments like tractors, are being provided to agrarian
reform beneficiaries under the DAR’s Agrarian Reform Community
Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) Project.
(Kathleen Sespeñe) |
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| DENR celebrates 28th Founding Anniversary |
| Source:
http://www.denr.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will
celebrate its founding anniversary tomorrow (June 10), marking
28 years of fulfilling its mandate of ensuring proper
conservation, management, development and use of the country’s
environment and natural resources.
According to DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, the DENR’s
environmental protection efforts have been successful through
the years and this was mainly due to its dedicated workers.
The environment chief also attributed to workers the DENR’s
worthy performance and accomplishments under the administration
of President Benigno Aquino III.
“At 28 years, we have come a long way. Our notable contribution
to the overall achievement of the Aquino administration has been
defined by our perseverance and belief in our individual and
collective strength,” Paje said.
He added: “Together, we will stay even stronger as an
institution for Philippine environment for decades to come.”
With theme, “Alay sa mga kawani: Katuparan ng mga Minithing
Pangarap,” the day-long celebration will start with the
inauguration of the 180-meter road network that connects the
DENR central office on Visayas Avenue in Quezon City, with the
offices of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and Biodiversity
Management Bureau on nearby North Avenue.
The road network forms part of an overall plan to harmonize all
development activities in areas under the DENR’s jurisdiction.
“All these efforts are primarily designed to improve the quality
of the DENR’s management, especially of its workers who are the
agency’s most valuable assets,” Paje explained.
A special program will be held at the DENR central office, the
highlight of which will be the performance by Asia’s Got Talent
grand winner El Gamma Penumbra.
The DENR will also kick off its month-long health and wellness
program for its employees. Among these is the provision of free
flu vaccination to its employees in the central office and free
dental examination and medical consultation throughout the
month.
Early this year, in February, five air-conditioned shuttle buses
-- three 45-seater and two 30-seater buses -- were commissioned
to service its workers at the central office and its bureaus to
and from work.
The DENR has also successfully negotiated with the Land Bank of
the Philippines for the installation of an ATM booth at its
lobby following the department’s adoption of the expanded
modified disbursement system where payment is made through ADA
or advice to debit account.
“Under this system, we have adopted the so-called ‘check-less
transactions,’ meaning we are no longer issuing checks but
instead, our payments, which include the salaries and wages of
our employees, are paid directly to their bank accounts,” Paje
explained.
Although the DENR was only created in 1987 by virtue of
Executive Order No. 192 signed then President Corazon C. Aquino,
the agency traces its beginnings to the creation of an office by
Royal Decree called “Inspeccion General de Montes” in 1863.
But it was not until 1916 when Act No. 2666 was enacted by the
American colonial government that a state agency was tasked to
primarily focus on fishing, forestry and mining with the
establishment of the Department of Agriculture and Natural
Resources (DANR).
In May 1974, Presidential Decree No. 471 was issued splitting
the DANR into the Department of Agriculture and the Department
of Natural Resources (DNR).
The DNR became the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1978 when
the country adopted a parliamentary form of government under the
Marcos regime. |
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| PhilHealth Z Product Team
conducts orientation at Bicol Medical Center |
| Source:
http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
|
NAGA CITY --- Not even the intermittent power supply in the
region could prevent the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) from
accommodating the composite team from the Philippine Health
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) for the re-orientation
session on the different Z Benefit Packages.
Present were representatives from the Medical, Surgery,
Pediatrics and other Departments of the BMC, including support
staff members from the Billing, Social Work, Records, Finance,
Pharmacy, Nursing and Administration Offices. They trooped to
the BMC Auditorium to listen to members of PhilHealth’s Product
Team for Special Benefits and officers from PhilHealth’s
Regional Office V explain the details of the different packages
that PhilHealth has crafted under the Z Benefits.
The re-orientation begun with Dr. Melanie Santillan, Product
Team Head introducing the list of Z Packages that are currently
being provided for by PhilHealth for catastrophic illnesses that
require prolonged care and treatment. Merla Rose Reyes discussed
in detail the new forms to be used by the contracted facility
while Melchora Mateo of the Accreditation Department tackled the
general provisions of the provider’s contract. Dr. Veronica
Mateum, HCDMD Head of PhilHealth Regional Office V discussed the
process flow when filing claims for reimbursement.
Questions raised during the open forum touched on who were the
authorized signatories in the Member Empowerment (ME) Form,
whether or not biopsy or other diagnostic work-up services are
included in the Z Package, and whether or not the rates being
used to reimburse drugs and medicines are based on the Drug
Price Reference Index. Clarification was also sought regarding
the Z Benefit rates for orthopaedic implants, and suggestions
for tri-media efforts to inform the public, particularly the
doctors, on the availability of the Z Packages were made.
In her message to participants, Dr. Mary Jane Uy, Chief of
Medical Professional Staff of BMC said that the BMC’s active
participation in the NHIP was “very important to our performance
in the hospital that’s why we are inspired.” She added that “it
made such an impact on the economic gains of our employees” and
appealed for understanding among her colleagues on the need to
comply with the requisites of PhilHealth. “We are here,
continuously working together and adjusting to all the
requirements that time and again PhilHealth imposes on us. Their
plan is to enlarge its coverage so we can expect that there will
always be changes and these changes will always be welcome
because this made such a difference, not only to the hospital
but to our employees, as well,” she said.
The BMC is a DOH hospital and is envisioned to be the premiere
medical center in Bicol. It currently caters to patients from
all over Bicolandia. A two-storey cancer center, a five-storey
Medical Arts Building, an ER Center and a Trauma Center are
being constructed within the BMC compound.
According to BMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Efren SJ. Nerva,
PhilHealth reimbursements in 2014 reached P90.43 million,
comprising about 41 percent of the hospital’s total income for
that year. Since 2008, the percentage of PhilHealth
reimbursements compared to BMC’s total income has consistently
increased, peaking at about 45 percent in 2013.
He also shared that at present, the BMC, which has a 500-bed
capacity, is “overflowing with patients,” even reaching up to
150 percent occupancy rate. The BMC is contracted for Z benefits
for breast and prostate cancer, but Nerva explained that since
radiotherapy services are not yet available anywhere in the
Bicol region, the BMC has not been able to go full-swing yet on
the provision of the services.
Crediting PhilHealth for the assistance that it has given to BMC
over the last seven years, Nerva said that PhilHealth
reimbursements have greatly contributed to the “ongoing
financial improvement of the BMC” and that these have “financed
our quick fix (projects) and the acquisition of new equipment
needed by our medical specialists in the practice of their
profession.” When asked why he is bent on seeing the big-ticket
projects for BMC into completion when he is about to retire from
government service, Nerva stressed that, “I want to do something
for the hospital that nurtured me.” |
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Speech at the FFCCCII and
the Filipino-Chinese community’s celebration of the 117th Philippine
Independence Day |
| PICC, Pasay City |
08 June
2015
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Tonight, we gather as friends in order to anticipate the 117th anniversary
of the proclamation of Philippine independence this Friday; and to celebrate
the longstanding friendship between the Filipino and Chinese peoples, as
well as the contributions of Chinese-Filipinos to our national development.
These occasions hold significant meaning for all of us, perhaps best
illustrated in the image you see before you.
This picture was taken
in 1899, in Yokohama, Japan. The man seated is Sun Yat Sen, honored as the
Father of Modern China. Standing beside him is Mariano Ponce: a close
personal friend of both Dr. Sun Yat Sen and our national hero, Dr. Jose
Rizal, and thus a member of the generation who fought for the establishment
of an independent Philippines.
In 1898, a year before this photograph
was taken, we Filipinos proclaimed our independence in Kawit, Cavite. In
1911, Sun Yat Sen overthrew the oppressive Qing Dynasty. Both these men were
spurred to action by the principles of freedom and equality, and the desire
for progress, peace, and stability for their countrymen. These very
aspirations brought them together, as friends and as partners who sought to
help each other in their respective struggles.
Many of you would have
heard the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” This photograph
encapsulates the solidarity and the drive for independence of our
forefathers. These, and friendship, are the legacies our founding
generations have left to us, borne of shared experiences. We Filipinos had
to reclaim our sovereignty from foreign colonizers; we had to do so again in
1986, from a dictatorship imposed by one of our own countrymen. China has
likewise had to reclaim its dignity and sovereignty from the impositions of
foreigners in the past. Thus, today, we are given an opportunity to revisit
the fundamental bases of our relationship: a relationship consecrated by the
heroes we revere and focused on our goals for our peoples: prosperity,
stability, and the rule of law.
The full integration of
Chinese-Filipinos into our society is itself proof of the solidarity that
can be realized from such a relationship. History has shown us that
Chinese-Filipinos were not treated as full citizens of the Philippines back
in the day, yet your forefathers chose to set this aside, in favor of
contributing to national development. Indeed: in every sphere of public
life, whether in the days of our forefathers or in the present, excellence
has been displayed by Chinese-Filipinos. General Ignacio Paua fought
alongside the heroes of our revolution in the struggle to claim Philippine
independence. Decades later, it would be General Vicente Lim engaging in
battle during the Second World War. In politics, we have Sergio Osmeña, our
first Speaker of the House, our first elected Vice President, and our
President from 1944 to 1946. In law, there is the example of Claudio
Teehankee, who did not hesitate to stand up for the rights of the people
during the Marcos dictatorship. Filipino art and culture bear the mark of
Ang Kiukok, a National Artist for Visual Arts. As Filipinos, they, in their
everyday lives, did their part to build our nation.
This is being
continued by the FFCCCII. Your economic and civic contributions are vast;
you have provided jobs to so many of your countrymen through the companies
you manage and own. At the same time, you have taken it upon yourself to
empower them in other ways: building classrooms for public schools and
housing for Filipinos affected by Typhoon Yolanda; providing assistance to
victims of other tragedies, including that of the recent Valenzuela fire;
conducting medical missions, and supporting our national police, among
others. For everything you have done and you will continue to do, let me
express our gratitude: thank you for all your efforts.
This is the kind of solidarity that must go beyond our national borders; it
is the kind of solidarity all nations of goodwill must strive to accomplish.
Countries can no longer rely solely on their own strengths. In many ways,
our successes and failures are dependent on the successes and failures of
partners and friends in the global community. Challenges such as pandemics,
global terrorism, and climate change, or even those related to economic
growth, become infinitely less daunting when we work to overcome them in
unison with others.
That is why we have always been determined to
work with other nations to improve our collective fortunes, economic or
otherwise. For example, as proof of our intentions to have friendly
relations with the People’s Republic of China, we need only look at the
sector of tourism.
At the time of my state visit to China in 2011,
the Philippines was sending almost 830,000 tourists to China; while Chinese
tourists visiting the Philippines only numbered around 190,000. The
situation has seen some improvement over the years. In 2013, over 426,000
Chinese tourists visited the Philippines. This still does not compare,
however, to the almost 1 million Filipinos who traveled to China, visited
its historical and cultural sights, and contributed to its economic growth
in 2013. The discrepancy is heightened especially when you take into
consideration that our country represents only around 1/13th of China’s
total population.
This trend continues in trade and investment. In
2011 again, during that same visit to China, I spoke to a gathering of
businessmen. It was pointed out that, back then, Filipino foreign direct
investments into China totaled roughly $2.8 billion, while Chinese
investments into the Philippines were at roughly $600 million.
Indeed: The kind of world we live in today demands greater solidarity from
all nations, based on the truism that stronger relationships between nations
redound to the benefit of their peoples, and also to the entire world. In
trade and investment, as with all other aspects of the relations between the
Philippines and China, there is much that we can improve on—as long as our
relationship is strengthened by mutual respect, the determination to
maintain fairness and harmony, and a firm commitment to the rule of law. Let
me emphasize that this does not only take place on the level of governments:
everyone, including businessmen and captains of industry like yourselves,
has a role to play.
It is my hope that we all bear this in mind, as
we commemorate the independence of the Philippines—an occasion that likewise
underscores our interdependence with the world and, consequently, our
desire, then as today, to be and to act as a responsible member of the
community of nations. Moving forward, may we all strive to do our part in
enhancing cooperation and unity, as our forefathers did: whether to uplift
the lives of Filipinos on our shores, or to work towards fostering stability
that will redound to the benefit of all.
Thank you, and good day. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DWIZ / Kasangga Mo ang Langit by Rey Langit
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11 June 2015
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LANGIT: Mr. Secretary, magandang umaga po sa inyo.
SEC. COLOMA:
Magandang umaga, Rey.
LANGIT: And in advance, Happy Independence Day
po sa inyo.
SEC. COLOMA: Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan sa inyong lahat
sa DWIZ, Rey.
LANGIT: Kayo po ba ay patulak na sa Iloilo? Nasa Iloilo
na po kayo ngayon?
SEC. COLOMA: Ngayong umaga pa lang kami
maglalakbay patungong Iloilo, Rey.
LANGIT: Secretary, doon sa mga
hindi po masyadong acquainted doon sa naging paliwanag ng Palasyo, may mga
nagtatanong po: Bakit po ang event natin bukas ay sa Iloilo po?
SEC.
COLOMA: Ayon po sa ating National Historical Commission, ang Sta. Barbara,
Iloilo ang siyang lugar kung saan unang itinaas iyong bandilang Pilipino at
itinanghal ang kalayaan ng ating bansa sa rehiyon ng Bisayas.
Kung
maaalala natin, noong isang taon, ang pagdiriwang ay idinaos naman sa Naga
City dahil sa Naga ay mayroong tinatawag na Quince Martires na nag-alay ng
buhay nila para sa bayan. Kaya sa ating pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan,
pinapalawak natin iyong kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan hinggil sa kung
paano natamo at nakamit ang kalayaan ng ating bansa, at kung paano humantong
doon sa pagbubuo ng Republika ng Pilipinas dahil mahalaga ito, itong
kaalaman na ito, sa kanilang pag-unawa sa kahalagahan ng demokrasya at ng
kalayaan. At kapag napalawak at napalalim iyong kanilang pag-unawa, siguro
ang kasunod diyan ay mas mararamdaman nila at mas isasa-puso, isasa-diwa at
gagawin nila iyong nararapat para maipagmalaki nila iyong pagiging Pilipino.
LANGIT: Yes, yes. Pero, Secretary, siguro naaalala ninyo way back na
medyo maliliit pa tayo, ‘pag ganiyang mga petsa na po ay nagkalat na po ang
mga bandila sa kalsada at mga sasakyan; feel na feel po natin ang spirit ng
ating observance ng Independence Day.
SEC. COLOMA: Well, ang bandila
ay isang sagisag ‘no, at ito naman ay nakikita natin sa maraming lugar. Pero
sa personal ko lang na pakiramdam, Rey, ‘pag nalagpasan na natin iyang mga
simbolo na ‘yan, ang pinakamahalaga pa rin iyong nasa puso at diwa natin -
iyong pagiging Pilipino at iyong pagmamahal sa kalayaan ng ating bansa.
LANGIT: It doesn’t necessarily mean, Secretary, na nababawasan ang ating
pagiging nationalistic kapag hindi natin nakikita ang mga simbolong iyan?
SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Rey. Kasi sa tingin ko nga, simbolo iyan na mas
importante iyong nasa puso, nasa isip at iyong sa gawa.
LANGIT: Okay,
Secretary, madako naman po tayo rito sa simbolo ng House of Representatives
ano po. Ano po ang reaksiyon ng Malacañang kahapon nang naiatras kaagad ni
Speaker iyong planong botohan dahil hindi po nalikom iyong sapat na boto
para po rito sa economic Cha-cha?
SEC. COLOMA: Doon po sa natunghayan
kong balita ay nakapag-muster naman sila ng mataas na numero para sa quorum.
At ang masasabi ko na lang po ay iginagalang po natin ang pagpapasya nila
dahil sila naman ay pantay at hiwalay na sangay ng pamahalaan. Hindi po
natin alam lahat o ganap iyong buong background nung kanilang pagdedesisyon,
at sila lang naman po ang nagpapasya, kaya iginagalang po natin ang kanilang
pagpapasya.
LANGIT: Secretary, doon po sa understanding na nagkaroon
po ng commitment ang mga majority ng mga kongresista sa Pangulo,
specifically, noong sila ay nagkaroon ng pulong. Iyon ho bang … kahapon,
before ng adjournment sine die na hindi po nakumpleto hanggang sa plenaryo,
isang debate lamang po sa plenaryo sa isyu ng BBL. Ito po ba ay hindi nagpa…
medyo nagpalungkot sa Pangulo?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang focus kasi natin,
Rey, iyon pa ring pagtamo ng layunin na makapagpasa ng batas at maitatag
iyong Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Kinikilala natin na hindi naman natin
totally na mahahawakan o masasabi kung paano iyong magiging proseso diyan,
‘no, dahil nga hiwalay na sangay iyong Batasan o iyong ating Lehislatura. At
kinikilala din naman natin na mahalaga rin iyong pagkakaroon nang mas
malawak na talakayan. Doon sa ulat ay may 25 pang mambabatas na nais
magtanong. At karapatan naman nila iyan at napakahalagang patakaran ang
tinatalakay.
Kung magbabalik-tanaw tayo, Rey, iyon namang timetable
na hanggang June 11, mismong ang ating mga mambabatas din ang nagtakda noon
dahil sila iyong nagmamaneho sa proseso. Simula doon sa committee level kung
saan meron silang isinasagawang public consultation, hanggang maihatid nila
ito ‘no sa kanilang plenaryo na kung saan naman ay meron silang period of
interpellation at introduction of amendments. Mga proseso lahat ng
demokrasya iyan, Rey, kaya mainam din siguro na mas maging malawak iyong
talakayan hinggil diyan. Ang kahulugan lang niyan ay umiikli iyong … o
umikli iyong transition period o iyong panahon sa ilalim ng administrasyon
ng Pangulo na kung saan masusubukan itong mga ideyang ito, dahil doon sa
pagkatapos nitong maging batas ay dapat magkaroon ng plebesito; pagkatapos
ng plebesito ay mayroon iyong tinatawag na Bangsamoro Transitory Authority
bago maghalalan. So, iti-thresh out pa iyong kung paano na ngayon magaganap
iyong ibang mga prosesong iyan dahil umatras na nga iyong timetable natin.
Pero ang focus natin, Rey, ay doon pa rin sa mas malaking larawan – na
prosesong pangkapayapaan na nais nating itaguyod. Hindi naman po natitinag
iyong determinasyon ng Pangulo na tapusin itong prosesong ito para maihatid
iyong prosesong kapayapaan sa dapat nitong hantungan.
LANGIT: So,
hindi pa rin totally tapos iyong hangarin na ang unang halalan sana sa
bagong Bangsamoro region ay ma-synchronize sa ating eleksyon sa 2016?
SEC. COLOMA: Sa pagkaunawa ko ay hindi pa nawawala iyong posibilidad na
iyan ‘no. Kailangan lang suriin nang mas masusi, kasi nga may mga timetable
ang Comelec hinggil sa paghahanda ng plebesito at pagkatapos, hinggil sa
pag-file ng certificate of candidacy at iba pang mga proseso hinggil sa
halalan. Kaya’t hintayin na lang natin kung ano iyong talagang magiging
proseso. Basta ang mahalaga, Rey, hindi po tayo natitinag doon sa
determinasyon na makamit iyong layunin na kapayapaan.
LANGIT:
Secretary, ayaw ko namang pangunahan ang Pangulo sa kaniyang magiging speech
sa State of the Nation Address, pero isa sa mga ina-anticipate po sa mga
kasamahan natin sa media [ay] itong BBL. Eh hindi na nga mapapasama na isa
sa mga accomplishment ng administrasyon, for the meantime. At pagkatapos eh,
diyan ba, Secretary, ay ia-announce din kung sino po ang ia-anoint ng ating
Pangulo para sa 2016?
SEC. COLOMA: Hinggil doon sa huling tanong mo,
Rey ‘no, nagpahayag ang Pangulo - sa huling panayam sa kanya hinggil diyan -
na pagkatapos ng kanyang pagtatalumpati ng State of the Nation Address na
gaganapin sa Hulyo 27, doon pa lamang magaganap iyong pagdeklara niya na
kaniyang pagpapasya hinggil sa bagay na iyan.
LANGIT: And related pa
rin diyan, Secretary. Hindi po natin maikakaila na malakas ang ugung-ugong
sa tuwing bumibisita po si Senator Grace Poe sa Malacañang. Eh feeling nila
may mga nangyayaring development na dapat bang ikakaba ng kampo ni Secretary
Mar Roxas, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang batid natin ay nagaganap
ngayon iyong patuloy na pakikipagpanayam ng Pangulo. Bahagi ito ng
konsultasyon, bahagi ito ng pagbubuo ng consensus hinggil sa magiging pasya,
at ito naman ay dapat talagang pagdaanan para makabuo ng isang mainam na
pasya.
LANGIT: Sabagay, medyo mahirap na tanong po iyan, and ayaw
nating pangunahan lahat ang … pero ang intensyon ba, Secretary—teka muna,
kung sabagay, hindi naman kayo partilista, ano po? Hindi naman kayo Liberal
ano, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po ako kasapi ng Liberal Party.
LANGIT: O sige, i-set aside ko na lamang iyon at itanong po natin sa mga
Liberal members. Anyway, pagdating po ba roon sa Anti-Political Dynasty
Bill, ito po ba ay dedicated sa very few politicians na masyadong prominent
sa mga panahong ito, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Iyan po kasi ay hindi
naman po iyan administration bill. Iyan po ay initiative ng ating mga
mambabatas - matagal-tagal na rin po iyong panahon, simula noong nabuo iyong
ating 1987 Constitution. Meron po kasing nakasaad doon na prinsipyo laban sa
pag-iral ng mga political dynasty. At matagal na ring naghihintay ang ating
mga mamamayan ng isang enabling law na magbibigay sustansiya diyan sa
prinsipyong iyan. Kaya siguro mainam na lamang na hintayin natin iyong kung
ano ang magiging porma at sustansiya niyan. Dahil kung maipapasa naman iyan
meron pa ring pag-aaral na gagawin ang Pangulo, pagkatapos—ang proseso kasi
natin kapag mayroong naging batas meron pong panahon na puwedeng pag-aralan
ng Pangulo kung siya ay sasang-ayon, hindi sasang-ayon o hihintayin na
lamang mag lapse into law after 30 days. So, hintayin na lang po natin dahil
wala pa namang nabubuong batas na humantong sa yugtong iyan.
LANGIT:
Secretary, doon sa—ilan sa mga probisyon na naisakatuparan po ng House of
Representatives - lalo na doon sa originally walo na kini-claim na
unconstitutional bagama’t dadalawa lamang po ang na-delete doon. Doon po sa
ilan pang mga probisyon – anim – na medyo nabawas na po iyong impact ng
pagiging independent ng Bangsamoro sa pamamagitan po ng pagkre-create…
intension po na mag-create ng Commission on Audit, magkaroon na independent
na electoral body, magkaroon ng sariling Civil Service, iyong mga ganyan.
Pero itong ginawang amendments po ng House eh acceptable po ba ito sa
Malacañang?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang pinaka-importante, Rey, sa lahat ng
pinag-uusapan nating nabanggit mo ay doon sa kahuli-hulihan, dapat ang
lalabas na batas ay tumatalima sa mga probisyon ng 1987 Constitution. At
malinaw din naman ang deklarasyon ng ating mga mambabatas na kaya nga sila
nagtitiyaga na himayin at busisiin, ika nga, itong batas na ito dahil
tungkulin nga nila na tiyakin na lahat ng batas na kanilang pinapasa ay
naaayon sa probisyon ng ating Konstitusyon.
Kaya nananalig tayo na
kapag natapos na itong prosesong ito ay wala nang makapagsasabi na hindi
binigyan ng sapat na pansin iyong pagtitiyak na maayos ang batas na ito.
Pinakamainam siguro…nakikita lang kasi natin sa ngayon iyon lang pagtalakay
sa Kamara. Meron pa kasing pangalawa—kabahagi din nito iyon namang
pagtalakay sa Senado. Hindi pa naman nagkakaroon nang ganap na plenary
discussion o debate sa Senado hinggil diyan. Kaya matagal-tagal pa ring
proseso ang pagdadaanan nito. Pero sa bahagi po ng Ehekutibo, talaga namang
tiniyak na tumatalima ito sa Konstitusyon.
At kung maaalala din
natin, mayroong 14 na kasapi ng 1986 Constitutional Commission na nagpahayag
na sa kanilang pananaw ay tumatalima sa Konstitusyon ito ‘no. Kabilang na
diyan sina dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide, si dating Comelec Chairman
Christian Monsod, Father Joaquin Bernas, si Senator Joker Arroyo—hindi,
sorry ‘no, hindi ako sigurado doon kay Senator. Si ano pala…ang aking ibig
sabihin ay si dating Justice Adolf Azcuna. Kaya sila po ay nagpahayag na rin
ng opinyon hinggil diyan. Kaya siguro po, kapag pinagsama-sama talaga lahat
ng mga pagsisikap na ito, makakarating talaga tayo doon sa lugar na masasabi
natin ay talagang sumusunod ito sa ating Konstitusyon.
LANGIT:
Secretary, but all indications eh … doon sa naging statement po ni Senator
Bongbong Marcos, na siya ang chairman po ng Committee on Local Government,
nang sabihin niyang, “it will only lead the Philippines to perdition,” medyo
mukhang talagang dito sa original na BBL draft ay hindi katanggap-tanggap po
doon sa kaniyang committee at pinu-push niya ang substitution daw po ng
buong draft bill.
SEC. COLOMA: Unawain lang natin, Rey, iyong
konteksto. Iyon pong pagsasalita ni Senador Marcos ay sa kaniyang kapasidad
bilang chairman ng Committee on Local Government na nag-aral nitong batas na
ito. Iisa po siya sa dalawampu’t tatlong miyembro ng Senado; lahat naman po
sila ay boboto sa panukalang batas na iyan. Nandoon pa lang sila doon sa
yugto ng pagpi-present ng committee report. Kaya hintayin na lang po natin.
Iginagalang po natin ang kaniyang opinyon. Marami pa rin pong ibang opinyon
hinggil diyan.
LANGIT: Pero tuloy pa rin po ba ang desire ng
Malacañang na makapulong po itong si Senator Bongbong Marcos at saka ang
kaniyang committee?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang sinabi po ng Pangulo ay handa
naman siyang makipag-usap kung mayroong nais na makipagtalakayan sa kaniya
tungkol diyan. Handa naman pong makipag-ugnayan ang Ehekutibo kung
tatanungin po ang aming opinyon. Palagi naman po kaming nagbibigay ng
kaalaman sa kanila kapag hinihiling po sa amin. Iyon naman po ang proseso ng
pagsasabatas.
LANGIT: Ngayon na pag-uusapan natin ang probisyon,
iyong isang masyadong kontrobersiyal na “opt-in” provision. Ultimong ang
kaalyado po ata ng Pangulo, si Senate President Franklin Drilon, ay
nagsabing hindi pahihintulutan po ito, itong pagpapalawak ng teritoryo o
nasasakupan ng Bangsamoro.
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga, Rey, bahagi iyan
doon sa pagtatalakay. Noong isang araw nga ay nakita ko at binasa ko
iyong—maganda iyong ginawa ng House Ad Hoc Committee, nag-take out sila ng
dalawang pahinang advertisement sa isang broadsheet at ipinakita nila ano
iyong original bill, ano iyong kanilang … ano na ngayon ang porma nun at
iyong mga notes nila ‘no. Kaya makikita natin kung paano nag-evolve iyong
kanilang talakayan. Siguro mainam na basahin ng mga nag-aaral nitong isyung
ito iyong nilahad nilang matrix ‘no - iyong comparison - para maunawaan at
ma-appreciate natin na talagang siniseryoso nila iyong pagsasabatas nito
dahil napakahalaga nito para sa kapakanan ng ating bansa.
LANGIT:
Okay. And lastly, Secretary. Balikan po natin sumandali ang pulitika. Iyong
very recent statement po ni Vice President Jejomar Binay na umaasa pa rin
siya sa anoinment ng Pangulong Aquino. Nag-react na po ba ang Pangulo rito?
SEC. COLOMA: Wala pa po tayong nalalaman ‘no. Iyan po ay tinalakay na sa
press briefing kahapon ni Secretary Lacierda, at palagay ko naman ay
nailahad na niya iyong mga mahahalagang aspeto. At sa kahuli-hulihan, ang
magpapasya naman po dito ay ang ating Pangulo kaya mas mainam po siguro,
hintayin na lang natin.
LANGIT: May pahabol dito, text: Nagkaroon na
rin ba ng masinsinang pakikipag-usap daw ang Pangulo kay Secretary Mar?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang alam ko po ay napaka-regular naman iyong kanilang
pag-uusap. Wala po akong mas detalyado pang impormasyon hinggil diyan. Dahil
bilang Cabinet member nga po ay mayroon namang tuwirang access si Secretary
Roxas. Talaga naman pong si Pangulo rin ay nakikipag-usap ng regular sa mga
miyembro ng Gabinete. At dahil si Secretary Roxas po ay leader din na
kanilang partido, siya rin po ay nakukonsulta sa mga bagay na iyan. Kaya sa
akin pong pagkabatid ay continuing po iyong kanilang pakikipag-ugnayan sa
isa’t isa.
LANGIT: Kung inyong mararapatin, Secretary, paratingin na
lang ho ninyo sa mga leaders ng Liberal Party at sa Pangulo na kung pupuwede
ay magsa-suggest po ako ng isang pangalan sa senatorial slate, at huwag
kakalimutan ang pangalang ‘Sonny Coloma’.
SEC. COLOMA: (Laughs) Ang
problema lang diyan, Rey, sa iyong panukala, dahil ang pinag-uusapan diyan
pagtakbo, ‘di ba? Pagtakbo sa eleksyon. Eh medically and empirically
speaking, hindi na po natin kayang tumakbo. Kaya na lang po natin ay lakad.
LANGIT: Literally.
SEC. COLOMA: (Laughs)
LANGIT: Pero
pagka-sinabi ng Pangulo, kapag ang pinag-uusapan natin ay “qualification” at
saka pinag-uusapan natin ay “capability” para maging isang legislator,
nariyan ang Secretary Sonny Coloma.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at
hindi ko makakalimutan ang iyong matayog na pagturing sa aking kaaba-abang
sitwasyon. (Laughs)
LANGIT: But I will still insist, Secretary, na
iyan ay makarating sa Pangulo ho?
SEC. COLOMA: Baka naman bilang
isang kaibigan ay mas mainam na huwag mo nang ituloy iyon, Pre. (Laughs)
LANGIT: (Laughs) Secretary, gustong-gusto kong marinig iyang matunog
ninyong halakhak na iyan. But I am sincere and truthful—
SEC. COLOMA:
Maraming-maraming salamat, Rey. Pero mas marami sigurong kuwalipikado at mas
maraming karapat-dapat. Maraming salamat sa iyong pagturing.
LANGIT:
Thank you so much and good morning po, Secretary.
SEC. COLOMA:
Magandang umaga, Rey, at mabuhay ang Kalayaan ng ating Republika. |
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| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data
Processing Center |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 AM
11 June 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM
11 June 2015 
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