Daily Weather Forecast

Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 19 June 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow

Synopsis:

At 4:00 AM today, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 295 km east of Mindanao (08.5N, 129.0E) . It is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) across Visayas.

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 19 June 2015

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 19 June 2015

Forecast:

Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will be experienced over MIMAROPA, Visayas and Mindanao. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to south will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest to south over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

PAGTAYA: Maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang mga pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog ang mararanasan sa MIMAROPA, Kabisayaan at Mindanao. Bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi ang iiral sa Metro Manila at sa nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon.

Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang hangin mula sa timog-silangan hanggang sa timog ang iiral sa Luzon at mula naman sa timog-kanluran hanggang sa timog sa nalalabing bahagi ng bansa. ang mga baybaying-dagat sa buong kapuluan ay magiging banayad hanggang sa katamtaman ang pag-alon.

OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 03:30 PM Yesterday --- 34.4 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 05:00 AM Yesterday --- 25.0 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 05:00 AM Yesterday --- 94 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 03:00 PM Yesterday --- 51 %
High Tide Today: 11:19 AM ……… 1.28 Meters
Low Tide Today: 07:40 PM ……… -0.03 Meter
High Tide Tomorrow: 12:00 PM ……… 1.23 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 08:19 PM ……… 0.01 Meter
Sunrise Today: 05:27 AM
Sunset Today: 06:27 PM
Moonrise Today: 07:42 AM
Moonset Today: 08:40 PM
Illumination Today: 5 %
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

3 hrs ·

GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on DZBB:
-Dalawa ang posibleng LPA. Iyung isa sinabi na ng PAGASA na namataan malapit sa silangang Mindanao at iyung isa pa nasa labas pa ng PAR
-Magtutulong itong dalawang ito para magsimula na ang ating tag-ulan.
-Magsisimula na ang pag-ulan Sabado, Linggo, Lunes.
-Silangang Mindanao maulan dahil sa LPA.
-Asahan natin na magiging maulan na.
-Sa Linggo dito sa Metro Manila at ilan pang bahagi ng Luzon at Mindanao ay magiging maulan.

June 19, 2015 (Friday) as of 11:00 A.M.

PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City

PIA Regional Watch

18 hrs ·

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon will strengthen the implementation of Quezon Participatory Guarantee System (Quezon PGS) in order to maintain the quality of organic products like rice and vegetables produced in the province.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hrs ·

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Quezon has conducted consultation and dialogue with 59 wood users like sash factories, furniture shops, lumber dealers and wood processing plant holders to promote 'zero illegal logging' in the province.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Department of Labor and Employment (DTI)-Quezon recently launched 'Project Angel Tree' aimed to provide educational assistance to former child loborers from the towns of San Andres and San Narciso by providing school materials and uniforms. For the meantime, three recipients were given college scholarship.

PIA Regional Watch

21 hrs ·

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Humigit kumulang 40 kabataan sa lungsod ng Batangas ang sumailalim sa Lead and Learn Leadership Training and Seminar ng City Council for Youth Affairs na layong mabigyan ng sapat na kasanayan ang naturang mga kabataan na pawang mga Special Program for the Employment of students grantees upang maging mahusay na lider at maimulat ang mga ito sa pagseserbisyo publiko gayundin ang bolunterismo.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hrs ·

DZBB: Pinaiimbestigahan na ng Migrante Middle East ang umano'y tumataas na bilang ng OFWs na biktima ng pang-aabuso sa Saudi Arabia upang matulungan ang mga ito.

18 JUNE 2015.

President Aquino still consulting with stakeholders on presidential bet

President Aquino greets Muslim Filipinos as fasting month of Ramadan begins

President Aquino leads special Cabinet meeting to discuss Eastern Visayas Rehabilitation

President Aquino appoints new Rights Commission Chair, Bureau of Corrections Chief

President Aquino still consulting with stakeholders on presidential bet

President Benigno S. Aquino III is continuously consulting with relevant stakeholders on his preferred candidate for next year’s presidential elections, a Palace official has said.

Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. issued the statement on Thursday, the same day Pulse Asia released its latest survey, which showed Senator Grace Poe topping the list of possible presidential bets for the 2016 national elections.

The survey, conducted from May 30 to June 5, indicated that Poe got 30 percent, an increase from her previous rating of 14 percent, to pull ahead of Vice President Jejomar Binay, who garnered 22 percent.

"Public opinion survey results present a snapshot view of citizen preferences on potential candidates. The President continues to consult with relevant stakeholders and, as he stated most recently, he is looking at the period after his last SONA (State of the Nation Address next month) as the appropriate time for making an announcement on his preferred candidate for the 2016 presidential elections,” Secretary Coloma said.

"Meantime, the President and the Cabinet continue to focus efforts on implementing priority development and reform programs that will ensure the attainment of sustainable and inclusive growth,” he added.

Pulse Asia’s latest survey also showed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remaining at third place with 15 percent, followed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, who were tied at fourth place with 10 percent each.

In last March’s survey, Duterte and Estrada were tied at the third spot. PND (jm)

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President Aquino greets Muslim Filipinos as fasting month of Ramadan begins

President Benigno S. Aquino III has greeted the Muslim Filipino community as they celebrate the start of the Fasting Month of Ramadan on Thursday.

“It (Ramadan) is a time for you to embody the teachings of the Holy Quran as you practice greater discipline, compassion, and restraint,” the President said in his message released by the Office of the President on Wednesday.

“May this sacred occasion bring you closer to the Almighty, becoming his instruments of peace and unity as the Filipino nation gathers on our shared journey to create a more prosperous and equitable nation,” he said.

“Our entire country is with you in spirit as you observe this time of deep reflection. May we continue to exhibit excellence, integrity and accountability in our deeds, and achieve greater milestones in nation-building,” he added.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

This year’s Ramadan begins on June 18 and ends on July 17. PND (ag)

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President Aquino leads special Cabinet meeting to discuss Eastern Visayas Rehabilitation

President Benigno S. Aquino III led a special Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Thursday to tackle housing reconstruction in Eastern Visayas, which was devastated by Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) in November 2013.

"National Housing Authority General Manager Chito Cruz was asked to present an update on Haiyan and other housing programs," Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

According to the Cabinet Secretary's Office, since Thursday's meeting is a special, and not a regular, Cabinet meeting, not all Cabinet members were required to attend.

President Aquino approved in October last year the P167.9-billion Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan (CRRP), solidifying the government’s commitment to rebuild areas in Eastern Visayas devastated by the super typhoon.

The recovery plan focuses on long-term and sustainable efforts to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen the capacities of communities to cope with future hazard events.The P167.9 billion will be used to restore infrastructure, settlements and basic community facilities, livelihood and the resilience of vulnerable communities.
The amount is broken down into P35.1 billion for infrastructure; P26.4 billion for social services; P75.7 billion for resettlement; and P30.6 billion for livelihood. PND (as)

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President Aquino appoints new Rights Commission Chair, Bureau of Corrections Chief

Malacañang on Thursday announced the appointment of lawyer Jose Luis Martin Gascon as new chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), replacing Loretta Ann Rosales, whose term ended on May 5.In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino III also appointed Karen Gomez-Dumpit, Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, and Leah Tandora-Armamento as new members of the CHR, replacing Cecilia Rachel Quisumbing, Norberto dela Cruz, and Maria Victoria Cardona.
All four of them will serve until May 5, 2022.
Gascon, a former director general of the ruling Liberal Party, has been a member of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board since February 2014. He chaired the Human Rights monitoring committee for the government; and the joint monitoring committee for the peace process between the National Democratic Front and the government from 2010 to 2014.
Gascon also served as undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs from 2011 to 2014, and as board member of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority from 2010 to 2011.
He earned his law degree from the University of the Philippines (UP) and his master’s degree in international law from the University of Cambridge's St. Edmund’s College.
Gomez-Dumpit, currently director at the CHR’s Government Linkages Office, has a master’s degree in human rights from the London School of Political Science and a master’s degree in public management from the Development Academy of the Philippines.
Children’s rights advocate Pimentel-Gana is chief of staff of the Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III. She obtained her law degree and her master’s degree in public administration from UP.
Tanodra-Armamento, who is currently an undersecretary at the Department of Justice, earned her nursing degree from Far Eastern University and her law degree from Ateneo de Manila University.
Meanwhile, President Aquino named Ricardo Rainier Cruz III as director general of the Bureau of Corrections, replacing Franklin Jesus Bucayu.
Retired Lieutenant General Cruz served as commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2013 to 2014, and as assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army from 2011 to 2012. PND (jm)

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18 JUNE 2015

Health insurance coverage at 60? Definitely!

SAF 44 kin received P80-M cash benefits

Exploring innovation in organizational leadership

New MRT-3 maintenance providers to start on July 5

DPWH exec faces graft raps for illegal travel expenses

BSP issues guidelines on Trust Corporations

Forum on Laguna Lakeshore Expressway-Dike Project

BIR collections for Q1 2015 and April 2015 sustain uptrend

National Government Budget Surplus at P52.6 billion in April 2015

Arnold Galang: Making peace possible through fashion

Interview with DFA Undersecretary airs on Arirang TV

AFP delegation to Senior Staff Program calls on PHL Consulate General in Guam

K to 12 key to social economic development - Salceda

DOST helps keep candle livelihood project burning

BI denies Wang Bo's records doctored

Philippines embarks on online VISA project for Taiwanese

MB places Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

Trainees pilot TESDA-Samsung electronics lab

Tomato breeding lines resistant to dreaded virus developed

Despite late onset of rainy season, DA urges nation to be prepared for rains, typhoon

Health insurance coverage at 60? Definitely!

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

“Masaya ako nang malaman ko na lahat ng senior citizen ay awtomatikong miyembro na ng programang PhilHealth,” says Leonora Hasabulla or Nora, a 68-year-old, Board member of the Senior Citizens Association of Barangay 184 in Caloocan City. “Malaking tulong ito para sa aming mga senior citizen dahil kami ay masasakitin na.”

Through Republic Act 10645 which was signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III on November 5, 2014, all Filipinos 60 years old and above, regardless of their social or economic status, are now mandatorily covered by PhilHealth.

“We are very happy with this law since it will ensure that all senior citizens will be adequately protected,” PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said.

Immediately, PhilHealth issued the guidelines to operationalize the new development through Circular No. 33, s. 2014 which was published in major newspapers on December 23, 2014. The Circular created a new member category referred to as “Senior Citizen” where elderly Filipinos with no existing coverage can be enrolled.

These include Filipinos, 60 years old and above who are not in any way enrolled with PhilHealth at any point in time; and members in the formal or informal economy who are 60 years old and above but do not have qualifying contributions to be entitled to the benefits.

However, senior citizens who have paid at least 120 monthly contributions with PhilHealth shall be enrolled as Lifetime Members. They are not qualified under the Senior Citizen category as they are already Lifetime Members.

Also, elderly citizens who are gainfully employed or have regular sources of income, shall continue to contribute to PhilHealth and will get coverage as members in the formal or informal economy. Upon ceasing to earn, they will be covered as Lifetime Member or Senior Citizen member if they are not able to accumulate at least 120 monthly contributions.

Similarly, senior citizens who are already covered as members identified through the National Household Targeting Systems for Poverty Reduction or Listahanan of the DSWD and those currently enrolled as Sponsored Members are not qualified under the Senior Citizen category since they are existing members.

To make enrolment easy for the senior citizens, PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Offices (PhilHealth –LHIO) have been coordinating with the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) of municipalities and cities. Instead of asking elderly Filipinos to go to the LHIO, their names can be submitted through the OSCA along with duly accomplished PhilHealth Member Registration Forms (PMRF). Subsequently, Member Data Records (MDRs) and IDs will be released by the LHIOs through the OSCA.

Senior citizens who prefer to file their applications directly at any LHIO nationwide are welcome. If in case they are not able to enroll before confinement, they are still entitled to avail themselves of the benefits. They only need to present their Senior Citizen ID to the hospital. Subsequent steps on how to have PhilHealth benefits automatically deducted from their hospitalization charges will then be provided by the health care institution.

“We are bringing into the National Health Insurance Program all the 7.6 Million senior citizens,” Padilla said, and called on the public to help spread the good news about this development. “We need everyone’s help so that we can fulfill our commitment where RA 10645 is concerned,” he said.

The annual premium contributions of the enrolled senior citizens shall be sourced from the proceeds of Republic Act 10351or the Sin Tax Reform Act.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa napakagandang programang ito na ginawa ng pamahalaan at ng PhilHealth para sa mga nakatatanda. Ibabahagi ko ito sa aking mga kapwa senior citizens sa aming asosasyon.” Nora said.

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SAF 44 kin received P80-M cash benefits

Source: http://pnp.gov.ph

Surviving kin of the SAF 44 have received a total of Php 69,566,524.88 in lumpsum death benefits from the Office of the President, Philippine National Police and National Police Commission.

Another Php11-million in cash donations were also received by the SAF 44 families from the Senate, House of Representatives, and Dasmariñas, Cavite LGU.

In addition to the lumpsum benefits and cash donations, qualified beneficiaries will receive an average monthly pension of P12,000.00 from the PNP and another P16,000.00 average monthly pension from the National Police Commission.

The lumpsum benefits received by all SAF 44 beneficiaries include P250,000.00 from the President’s Social Fund totaling P11-million; an average of P174,600.75 Special Financial Assistance (SFA) from the PNP totaling Php7.6-million; and an average of P218,294.19 Commutation of Accrued Leaves (CAL) totaling Php9.6-million.

Other individual lumpsum benefits received by each of the SAF 44 families include an average P26,062.79 in Back-Earned Pension from the PNP; an average of P65,759.80 in Burial Benefits from the NAPOLCOM; average of P263,039.18 NAPOLCOM Gratuity, an average of P38,222.36 Back-Earned Pension (BEP) from NAPOLCOM and an average of P557,677.12 insurance benefits from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI).

Each individual SAF 44 beneficiary has received an average of Php 1,593,656.19 in total lumpsum benefits depending on rank.

All lumpsum benefits from government were received thru individual checks.

Meantime, pension payments to beneficiaries were paid thru individual ATM accounts with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The National Police Commission is also granting educational scholarship to deserving children of the SAF 44.(PNP-PIO)

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Exploring innovation in organizational leadership

Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph

Innovation as a critical part of continuous organizational improvement takes centerstage in a one-day forum organized by the Civil Service Commission’s Civil Service Institute (CSI) tomorrow, June 19, at SEAMEO-Innotech, DIliman, Quezon City.

The forum, “Innovation Leadership”, is the second quarter offering of the Leadership Series organized by the CSI.

The CSI Leadership Series is a learning and networking event held on a quarterly basis designed to inspire government executives, directors and managers to continually enhance their leadership effectiveness. It showcases the best practices of successful leaders and managers in both the government and the private sectors. It is based on the premise that an executive or manager has the power of influence and the capability to bring about significant impact on people and organizations especially on those they work with or whom they serve.

With speakers from both government and private practices, the Innovation Leadership forum aims to motivate organizational leaders with the various leadership styles and accomplishments of exemplary front-runners. It also aims to explain the latest management and leadership concepts which the participants can practically apply to their respective organizations.

Speakers are Mr. Mike Grogan of the Mike Grogan Consulting and Profiles Asia Pacific, Municipal Mayor of Alaba, Quezon, Maj. Gen. Fernando L. Mesa, and OIC-Regional Director Maria Lourdes Lacaba Agustin from the Department of Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region.

The first quarter forum, “Mentoring and Coaching for Organizational Excellence” was held last March 18 with international coaching guru, Dr. Peter Chee, as one of the speakers.

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New MRT-3 maintenance providers to start on July 5

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

DOTC Awards 6-Month Contracts for 4 Disciplines; 3 More on the Way

Passengers of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will soon feel improvements in the metropolis’ main railway system as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded maintenance contracts for four (4) of seven (7) disciplines or components of the rail system, namely:

Rail Tracks and Permanent Ways
Buildings and Facilities
Communications Systems
Ticketing or the current automated fare collection system

These maintenance contracts cover a 6-month period beginning on July 5 this year, and are intended to fulfill the MRT-3’s daily operating requirements until the longer-term maintenance provider is procured.

The DOTC has twice bid out the three (3)-year maintenance contract – once in September 2014 and again in January 2015 – but both auctions failed due to the non-participation of potential bidders. The DOTC is now seeking the approval of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) to pursue an alternative mode of procurement for the 3-year maintenance deal.

The 4 new maintenance providers were procured via a multi-disciplinary approach, through which the DOTC is engaging sub-contractors directly for the maintenance works. This is expected to improve the efficiency of executing such works.

Details of these maintenance contracts are as follows:

Discipline	Contract Amount	Maintenance Provider	Description of Scope
Rail Tracks and Permanent Ways	P 23.9 Million	Jorgman-Korail- Erin Marty Joint Venture	General maintenance of the rails.
Buildings and Facilities	P 23.35 Million	Global Epcom Services, Inc.	Maintenance of stations, depot and other infrastructure.
Communications Systems	P 7.28 Million	Trilink Technologies, Inc.	Upgrade and maintain communications systems to improve operations coordination.
Ticketing	P 6.95 Million	Future Logic Corporation	Maintenance and general management of all AFCS equipment systems, software and spare parts.

The 3 other disciplines are currently still being procured. These are: Rolling Stocks and Depot Equipment, Power Supply and Overhead Catenary System, and Conveyance Systems.

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DPWH exec faces graft raps for illegal travel expenses

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

The Office of the Ombudsman filed three Informations against a former regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region VII for violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).

In a nine-page Order, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales affirmed the earlier Resolution indicting Juanito Abergas before the Sandiganbayan, in connection with his illegal claim of reimbursements totaling to P1,804,406.19 from 2002 to 2005 consisting of travel expenses, extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME), and actual and incidental expenses (AIE).

Records show that in 2005, the Commission on Audit (COA) – Regional Office No. VII conducted a fact-finding investigation and found that Abergas claimed reimbursements for travel expenses amounting to P603,459.55 without submitting necessary documents such as certificates of appearance and travel authority; EME amounting to P784,430.94 which exceeded the ceiling allowed by law were incurred not in the performance of official duty nor for the benefit or interest of public service; and AIE amounting to P416,515.70.

COA auditors uncovered that Abergas requested reimbursement of expenses for pasalubongs such as dried fish, dried mangoes, dried squid, chicharon and other grocery items, and included extra terminal fees, and rebooking fees for his wife. Results of the preliminary investigation disclosed that from 2002 to 2005, he made 133 travels, 88 of which had no travel authorities, and without submitting certificates of appearance in all the travels undertaken. For the travels in 2004 and 2005, the COA auditors noted that Abergas failed to present boarding passes in almost all of his trips.

In denying the motion for reconsideration filed by Abergas, the Order stated that the “respondent’s claims of good faith and regularity in the performance of his official functions fail vis-à-vis the evidence presented.”

Ombudsman Morales rejected Abergas’ defense that the reimbursements were all allowed in audit by the COA as no notice of disallowance was issued, and ruled that “a Notice of Disallowance is not an element of the crime charged.”

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BSP issues guidelines on Trust Corporations

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

The Monetary Board approved new guidelines on the establishment and operation of Trust Corporations (TCs). These guidelines effectively update key components of Circular No. 710 issued in January 2011.

TCs are entities that are duly authorized by the BSP to engage in funds management under either a trustor-trustee arrangement or an agency type of agreement. Unlike existing trust units of banks and non-bank financial institutions, however, TCs are organized as a corporation with its own capital and management structure.

“Having an entity primarily performing trust activities that is separate from the bank or NBFI proper has been a prudential policy direction of the BSP, starting from Circular No. 710”, BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. notes. He further points out that “these guidelines not only follow through on that policy direction but further enhances the governance arrangements which should be of value to the clients of a trust corporation”.

Under the new guidelines, the existing Trust Rating System developed by the BSP will be revised to consider “capital adequacy” as an additional component in evaluating the operations of a trust corporation. The Trust Rating System is an assessment tool of the BSP to comprehensively and uniformly evaluate the administration of fiduciary activities of trust entities.

In addition, the duties and responsibilities of the management and staff of TCs have been expanded to highlight the implementation of a sound risk management system as well as corporate governance practices. Likewise, these individuals must possess the qualities and qualification that can assure the performance of trust functions in an expert and professional manner.

Adjustments have also been made with respect to the handling of the minimum capitalization of TCs. From a minimum capitalization of Php100 million at inception, TCs are provided a 5-year transition period within which to increase their capital to Php300 million. This added flexibility recognizes that TCs will build-up their operations during the transition period.

“We appreciate the value of aligning capital growth with the expansion of the operations of TCs up to a desired threshold but we also need to highlight that the high-bar of governance for TCs is in place from the outset”, Governor Tetangco said.

A trust corporation will not be subjected to credit-related prudential controls applicable to bank operations such as the single borrowers’ limit (SBL) and loan accommodations to directors, officers, stockholders and their related interests (DOSRI). To prevent any abuse, the guidelines reiterate the policy that banks and non-bank financial institutions which choose to provide trust services must do so only either through their trust department or through a subsidiary or affiliate trust corporation.

The approved guidelines is a major liberalization initiative of the BSP that increases competition in the asset management business while enhancing governance standards. The establishment of trust corporations is expected to increase market players. At the same time, the investing public can expect to benefit from more innovative trust products and services.

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Forum on Laguna Lakeshore Expressway-Dike Project

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

A consultation/dialogue between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), fisherfolk organizations in affected communities and civil society organizations was recently held at the Ateneo de Manila University for the proposed Laguna Lakeshore Expressway-Dike Project (LLEDP). LLEDP is a Public-Private Partnership project that involves the construction of a 47-kilometer expressway-dike from Taguig City to Los Baños City, Laguna. The discussion was organized by NGOs for Fisheries Reform, Inc. and Partnership of Philippine Support Service Agencies Inc. (PHILSSA).

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BIR collections for Q1 2015 and April 2015 sustain uptrend

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

Q1 2015 collections growth at 14.61%

18 June 2015– For the first quarter ending March 31, 2015, the Bureau of Internal Revenue collected PhP 303.38 billion in tax revenues, PhP 38.68 billion or 14.61% more than the collections made in the 1st quarter of 2014. Collections from BIR operations amounted to PhP 292.25 billion, PhP 27.62 billion or 14.77% more than collections made in the 1st quarter of 2014. While collections from non-BIR operations amounted to PhP 11.13 billion, PhP 1.06 billion or 10.49% more than 1st quarter of 2014.

For the month of April 2015, the BIR collected PhP 160.78 billion, PhP 4.67 billion or 2.99% more than collections made in April 2015.

Collections from BIR operations amounted to PhP 159.45 billion, PhP 6.06 billion or 3.96% more than that of April 2015. Of this amount, the regional offices collected PhP 59.87 billion, PhP 4.76 billion or 8.64% more than its collection last April 2014. Meanwhile the Large Taxpayer Service collected PhP 99.18 billion, PhP 1.30 billion or 1.33% more than its collection last April 2014.

Collections from non-BIR operations for April 2015 amounted to PhP 1.73 billion, PhP 1.39 billion or 44.55% less than the amounted collected on April 2015.

Since a large part of the income tax liabilities due on April 15, 2015 were the tax liabilities due from business resulting from their business operations for the last quarter of 2014, sales of businesses and the resulting income therefrom are greatly affected by the port congestion experienced last year.

The collections of the Large Taxpayer Service were greatly affected by decreases in income reported by a significant number of taxpayers under their jurisdiction. Taxpayers should expect a significant intensification of audit to determine the veracity of the reported decreases in their income.

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National Government Budget Surplus at P52.6 billion in April 2015

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

Year-to-date turns up a surplus of P19.1 billion

The National Government’s budget balance in April 2015 was at a surplus of P52.6 billion, 35% or P28.3 billion lower than the surplus registered last year. Year-to-date, the budget balance was at a surplus of P19.1 billion, in contrast with the P3.3 billion deficit recorded the same time last year.

The primary balance for the month was at a surplus of P68.3 billion. Year-to-date, the primary balance was recorded at a surplus of P135.4 billion, 20% higher than the P113.3 billion posted last year.

Total revenues for the month totaled P209.1 billion in April. Meanwhile, total revenues for the period of January-April reached P679.6 billion, expanding 9% year-on-year.

Year-to date collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) sustained its growth trajectory – the BIR raked in P160.8 billion for the month, bringing the January-April tally to P467.9 billion, up 11% from comparable figures in 2014.

The BOC’s take for the month came in at P28.1 billion, bringing its total collections for the first four months of the year to P120.4 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3%.

Meanwhile, income from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) amounted to P11.6 billion for April, and P49.5 billion for January-April, slowing down due to reduced bond holdings, as well as the remittance of dividend collections from GOCCs in March instead of April as was the case last year.

Other offices contributed P8.6 billion for the month and P41.9 billion for January-April.

National Government disbursements for the month totaled P156.5 billion, expanding by 9% compared to April 2014. For the period of January to April, expenditures reached P660.6 billion, reflecting an increase of 5% from year-ago levels. We expect this improving pace to further accelerate as agencies continue to uncork the barriers to faster government spending.

Year-to-date, interest payments amounted to P116.3 billion, while April 2015 interest payments totaled P15.7 billion. Interest payments for January-April 2015 accounted for 18% of expenditures, improving on the 18% share recorded last year.

The sound fiscal health of the country remains to solidify our place as Asia’s bright spot. Both houses of Congress have recently advanced priority economic bills, namely the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA), Fair Competition Act, and the easing of the Cabotage law, ensuring that we continue to grow with better policy environments.

Particularly, TIMTA enables us to monitor the tax expenditures we provide in the form of incentives, ensuring that each and every taxpayer peso is used to encourage investments in the most strategic and productive manner. TIMTA allows us to safeguard our firm fundamentals in leveraging data transparency for more informed economic decision-making.

We are confident that the continued expansion of our fiscal space can support the growing spending needs of a booming economy. The reforms we have painstakingly put in place are showing results in due time. We are working hard to, one can perhaps say, put a 6th R to our spending philosophy: we want to spend on right project, with the right quality, with the right people, at the right time, at the right cost, and at the right pace.

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Arnold Galang: Making peace possible through fashion

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

TAGUIG CITY – Drawing inspiration from the rich artistry of Mindanao, Filipino designer and National Ambassador for Peace Arnold Galang has yet again made sure that the call for peace in the country echoed through his collection during the Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2015 show held at SM Aura Premier.

“This collection is an installment of the peace campaign, which started three seasons ago. So even my colours this season are still inspired by the artistry and craftsmanship of the Mindanao people—based on their vintas (indigenous boat) and weaving patterns and colours,” said Galang during an interview after the show.

The silhouettes are also reflective of the Southern Philippines, lifting inspiration from the malong (tubular garment) and the long tunic dresses of the Mindanaoans, in shades of green, teal, marsala and yellow; and matched with gold shoes and accessories to complete each look.

“My inspiration has always been peace. I found peace in nature this season. That’s why you saw a lot of flowers and butterflies. All the bright colours came from nature, which talks about serenity and peacefulness,” the designer added.

Lifestyle of peace

The peace ambassador and designer also intimated that the entire process of crafting the collection was done with peace in mind.

Galang envisions every Filipino to be able to embrace “peace as a lifestyle” as well.

“The market we are catering right now, I think they have the means, they have the ways, and they have the capacity to be able to make peace possible.”

Even if others think that fashion is a high-end interest, Galang seeks to “make these people who can make the difference aware of it.”

“Every Filipino deserves peace. And the only way we can achieve that is if we start somewhere,” Galang stressed.
- See more at: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/news/arnold-galang-making-peace-possible-through-fashion#sthash.P4FPq8iE.dpuf

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Interview with DFA Undersecretary airs on Arirang TV

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

17 June 2015 – Philippine Foreign Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Laura Q. Del Rosario, who recently led an investment promotion delegation from Central Luzon, was the featured guest on the business section of the morning news broadcast South Korea’s international news channel, Arirang TV, on June 04.

Undersecretary Del Rosario spoke with Business Daily host Lee Ji-yoon for almost 10 minutes at the Seoul Global Center on May 28 in Seoul’s central business district of Jongno-gu to discuss Philippine-Korea relations, the Philippines’ chairmanship and hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) this year and the changing global economy.

The edited interview, which ran for 6 minutes 11 seconds, was initially broadcast as the main segment of Episode 44 in their international channel at 8 am (KST) on June 04, with two more reruns later in the day and another the following day.

The interview can be viewed online at: http://goo.gl/6SZXrt

Undersecretary Del Rosario led a 20-member strong mission to South Korea from May 27 to 29 attract potential locators in South Korea to freeport zones in the Philippines. Apart from B2B business matching sessions and a promotion conference, Undersecretary Del Rosario also delivered a lecture at a top private university and held an academic roundtable during her three-day visit.

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AFP delegation to Senior Staff Program calls on PHL Consulate General in Guam

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

17 June 2015 - The nine-member delegation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), headed by RADM Aurelio A. Rabusa Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Reserved and Retiree Affairs (J9), paid a courtesy call on the Philippine Consulate General in Guam on June 09.

The AFP delegation was accompanied by the new head or Adjutant General of the Guam National Guard (GUNG), Brigadier General Roderick R. Leon Guerrero and other GUNG officers.

The AFP Delegation is in Guam to attend the Senior Staff Exchange Program under the Guam National Guard-Armed Forces of the Philippines (GUNG-AFP) State Partnership Program from June 08 to 13. As part of the AFP Reserved Development Program, the purpose of their visit to Guam is to observe the operations of the Guam National Guard particularly on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).

Aside from AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Rabusa Jr., the AFP Delegation is composed of the following: BGEN Raymund D.V. Elefante AFP-CDR Air Force Reserve Command; BGEN Paulo Leo MA G. Miciano, AFP – CDR Army Reserve Command; BGEN Johnny L. Macanas, AFP–CDR AFP Reserve Command; COL (P) Alvin A. Parreno, PN (M) (GSC) – CDR, Navy Reserve Command; CAPT Carlito L. Barizo, PN (MNSA) - N9 Assistant Chief of Navy Staff for Reservist Affairs; CDR Stephen A. Tuballa, PN - Executive Officer, ON9; LT Marvin Maneja, PN, Asst Plans/Ops Officer, OJ9; and Msg Dadale-Chief Clerk, OJ9 – OJ9 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

On behalf of the Consulate General, Philippine Consul General Marciano R. de Borja extended a warm welcome to the AFP Delegation and also to Brigadier General Leon Guerrero who visited the Consulate General for the first time since his assumption of command of the Guam National Guard last March 28. He also took the opportunity to share with the AFP delegation what the Philippine Consulate General has been doing and also to exchange views on improving the reserve service in the Philippines.

Consul General de Borja also thanked the Guam National Guard for its continued support for the improvement of AFP capability through the AFP-GUNG State Partnership Program.

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K to 12 key to social economic development - Salceda

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

Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed his full support to the government’s K to 12 program amidst calls for the Supreme Court to declare the program unconstitutional.

Salceda said it is necessary to add 2 years to the current basic education program to give Filipino graduates a chance to compete in the international labor market.

“Number one talaga para sa kabutihan ng ating mga graduates kasi kung kulang din naman talo sila sa international labor market so hindi sila napo-promote. Sa dami naman ng graduates natin taun-taon na umaabot ng 450,000, kulang sila ng dalawang taon, so kailangan talaga matugunan natin,” Salceda said.

He also stressed that the general public should look at the additional years as added value that the government is providing for free.

“Dati binabayaran ng government 10 taon lang (ng basic education), ngayon 12 na, ayaw mo pa ba ‘yun? Nakatipid ang mga pamilya ng two years,” he added.

As a policy maker, the governor said he has long been advocating for the program, believing that the K to 12 Program, partnered with 4Ps and health programs, will finally put an end to the inter-generational transmission of poverty in the country.

“Itong triumvirate na ito sa pananaw ko ang solusyon para finally hindi tayo pabalik-balik sa napakataas na poverty ratio at mabibigyan ng chance ang mga ordinaryong pamilya na maging competitive o makilaban po hindi lang dito sa loob ng Pilipinas kundi sa labas. Kailangan globally competitive po ang bawat indibidwal pati na po ang mga komunidad so talagang puspusan ang aming pagma-market ng K to 12 bilang pillar ng ating socio-economic development,” Salceda emphasized.

He is also calling on the public to be open to the K to 12 reform admitting that, while it may not be easy to change a system that we have all been used to in the past, it is also not acceptable for the citizenry to remain shortchanged. Salceda believes that if the vast majority accepts system change pushed for by the government, this will lead to social cohesion which allows the necessary sacrifices to make reforms work for everyone.

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DOST helps keep candle livelihood project burning

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

The future burns bright for a church-based organization in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque as it expands the operation of its candle production livelihood project with the help of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The Batayang Pamayanang Kristiyano (BKP) Holy Cross Parish Chapter started candle production in March 2011. Then, they were producing an average of 510 (both votive and standing) pieces of candles from 150 kgs of paraffin wax per month which were supplied to the local parish. The group was earning an average gross income of P 10,000 per month.

Realizing that there is still untapped market for their products in the province, BKP thought of improving the candle production. It was then that they sought the assistance of the Provincial Science and Technology Center of Marinduque to scale up their production through mechanization.

The group was able to acquire a votive candle molding machine in 2013 through a Grants-in-Aid fund from DOST-MIMAROPA.

The machine has helped increase production from 40-60 votive candles to 216 candles per day which translates to 4,752 votive candles per month. The monthly gross income of the group is now pegged at around P 18,500.

Furthermore, the BKP-Holy Cross Parish Chapter is now able to supply the candle needs of all the 14 parishes in the province.

Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., the newly installed bishop of the Diocese of Boac is very appreciative of DOST’s initiatives in promoting science and technology livelihood activities. “Napakalaki ng nagagawa ng DOST (DOST has been a big help)”, he said, adding that he sees the agency as one of the frontliners in serving the poor in the country.

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BI denies Wang Bo's records doctored

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

Manila, Philippines---Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Elaine Tan vehemently denied a newspaper report claiming that records of Chinese gambling lord Wang Bo were doctored to allow him to be placed under immigration control and deportation.

Tan says Wang was immediately placed under immigration control shortly after the bureau learned that he was using a revoked passport. Under Immigration rules, a foreigner who uses a revoked or lapsed or fake passport is subject to summary deportation proceedings.

Tan also verified reports that as early as January 30 of this year, the bureau received information about Wang’s involvement in illegal gambling operations in China. Upon learning of Wang’s detention at the bureau, the Chinese embassy immediately sent a letter from its Police attaché authenticating Wang as a fugitive from justice. The Chinese police attaché also verified revocation of Wang’s passport.

Tan says the story which the newspaper carried was a selective reading and interpretation of a transcript made during deliberations of the Board of Commissioners last May 21. It was then, says Tan, that the March 5 deportation order issued by the bureau was overturned by a resolution penned by Associate Commissioner Gilberto Repizo.

“The statements were taken out of context. Let us not pass judgment based on just one portion of the proceedings. Wang Bo’s deportation was discussed in at least three meetings of the Board of Commissioners and also went through hearings before other BI officers. Let us read and understand the whole story first,” Tan continued.

Records show that Wang was actually admitted into the country when his exclusion was recalled on February 11, for the purpose of deporting him to China.

Tan explained that there may have been confusion on the issue of admission (entry) when the proponent for the reversal of the deportation order represented that there was no such admission (entry).

“If we read the other documents of the case, we will find out that Wang was admitted (and not excluded) because we want to bring him to justice in China—it is a standard law enforcement protocol to prevent a fugitive from avoiding the arms of the law. We cannot deport if he were excluded,” Tan said.

A January 30 letter from the Chinese embassy, which formed the basis for his inclusion in the BI’s blacklist, states that Wang’s passport had been cancelled and that he is a fugitive in China.

Quoting a June 8 resolution issued by the Secretary of Justice, Wang should have been deported immediately if not for the inaccurate and inappropriate representations by Associate Commissioner Repizo. Repizo meanwhile maintains his stand that there must be authentication of documents presented by foreign governments before deportation of the said alien may proceed.

Tan says it is the bureau’s policy to immediately submit a foreigner with a revoked passport much less one declared a fugitive from justice to summary deportation proceedings.

Investigation about the alleged payola scam however is being undertaken by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

“It is premature to pass judgment at this point, as the case is already with the Department of Justice. Let us just wait for the official findings after the investigation,” advised Tan.

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Philippines embarks on online VISA project for Taiwanese

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

Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) embarked on an online application system of tourist visas for Taiwanese traveling to the Philippines.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) was designed to provide a more convenient travel to the Philippines.

According to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, the ETA is set to be officially launched on July 1. MECO is in close coordination with the BI for the implementation of the project.

A trial run of the online system was done last May 15. MECO selected the first Taiwanese tour group to visit the Philippines using the new travel permit. In May 20, the first batch of Taiwanese ETA holders arrived at the Kalibo International Airport.

“This joint MECO and BI project for Taiwanese citizens aim to make traveling to the Philippines easier and hassle-free,” said BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison. “These efforts are done to boost tourism in the country, and to strengthen our relationship with Taiwan,” he added.

A trial run was also conducted at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Puerto Princesa International Airport, and Mactan Cebu International Airport. The final run will be held on June 28 at the NAIA.

The ETA is valid for a 30-day stay in the Philippines. Application can be done anywhere as long as there is a computer, internet access, and a printer. Processing period is expected to take from 30 minutes up to two working days. Applicants must be 15 years old and above, and their passports must be valid for at least six months. The authorization, if approved, must be printed on a clean A4 size paper and presented to the BI upon arrival in the Philippines, together with other regular immigration requirements.

The online application system is for Taiwanese passport holders and for application of visitors’ visa for tourism only.

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MB places Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

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

The Monetary Board (MB) placed Siargao Bank (A Rural Bank), Inc. under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 919.B dated June 11, 2015. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on June 15, 2015.

Siargao Bank is a three-unit rural bank with Head Office located at 03406 Jose C. Sering Bldg., Borromeo St., Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. Based on the Bank Information Sheet filed with the PDIC as of December 31, 2014, the bank is owned by John and Nanette S. Wright (19.09%), Socorro L. Sering (18.58%), Eugene Razon and Jacqueline Sering (18.54%), Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering (13.46%), Joseph Calderon and Remedios Sering (10.64%) and Vert Bleu Acquisitions, Inc. (2.78%). The Bank's President is Nanette S. Wright and its Chairman is Remedios S. Calderon.

Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2015, Siargao Bank had 9,739 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P116.9 million. Total insured deposits amounted to P112.6 million or 96.4% of total deposits.

PDIC said that during the takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00.

Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P50,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims, except when they have outstanding obligations with Siargao Bank or acted as co-makers of these obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank. PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank by the first week of July.

Depositors may update their addresses until June 25, 2015 using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be distributed by PDIC representatives at the bank premises.

For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts by the second week of July.

The PDIC also announced that it will conduct a Depositors-Borrowers Forum on June 26 and 29, 2015 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. The time and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and announced in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. Likewise, the schedule of the claims settlement operations, as well as the requirements and procedures for filing claims will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises, other public places and the PDIC website.

For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph.

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Trainees pilot TESDA-Samsung electronics lab

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

Inside the newly-launched electronics laboratory of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporations (SEPCO), trainees can actually tinker with electronic gadgets as a way to learn.

The room is equipped with tools, gadgets, appliances and electronic equipment that the students can use to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a competent electronics technician.

"The laboratory will be a hub for learning, building, playing, creating, innovating, and we could not thank Samsung enough for working with TESDA to put this up," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.

On June 17, the launch of the TESDA-Samsung Consumer Electronics Servicing Training Laboratory took place at the Electronics Workshop of the TESDA Women's Center in Taguig City.

The electronics lab was earlier conceptualized through a memorandum of agreement forged between TESDA and SEPCO in December 2014.

The agreement includes a donation from SEPCO of all the necessary serviceable equipment, tools and training materials to be used for the training of students and a seven-day Training of Trainers.

The partnership program seeks to ensure the availability of a pool of highly-skilled workers in the electronics industry. It will also give the graduates a chance to get a job immediately and to specialize in the repair of Samsung products like audio-video equipment, domestic appliances such as washing machine, microwave oven, vacuum cleaner, hand held phones, refrigerator and air-conditioning units.

The trainees will also be exposed to new Samsung technologies such as the touch screen handheld phones and tablets.

Currently, there are 26 female trainees enrolled in Consumer Electronics Servicing under the Dual Training System (DTS). They started their training on May 4 and will be deployed to Samsung Service Centers for their actual work exposure.

Through the DTS delivery, the trainees will undergo two months in-center training and three months in-company training with a daily allowance equivalent to 75% of the minimum wage during their immersion in the company.

Villanueva led the launch of the electronics laboratory together with Seungho Jee, director of Service Operations for SEPCO; Teodoro Pascua, TESDA deputy director general for operations; Arlita Narag, SEPCO Public Affairs Head, ?and Maria Clara Ignacio, chief of TESDA Women's Center.

Applicants who are interested to undergo the 5-month training can inquire through 887- 7777, 0917-4794370 or www.facebook.com/tesdaofficial.

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Tomato breeding lines resistant to dreaded virus developed

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

The Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) has developed tomato breeding lines resistant to Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) in the hope of reviving tomato’s robust production in the country.

The two-year project was completed by a team composed mainly of local scientists at the IPB-UPLB, namely Dr. Josefina Narciso, Dr. Melquiades Reyes, Dr. Lolita Dolores and Ms. Alma Canama.

With financial support from the Department of Agriculture Biotech Program, the research team developed the candidate ToLCV-resistant lines from local tomato varieties by interbreeding local varieties with ToLCV-resistant tomato lines acquired from the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center (AVRDC)-The World Vegetable Center.

ToLCV-resistance in the donor parental lines, hybrids and the derived lines from the initial hybrids was verified by exposing the plants to the ToLCV- Laguna isolate and by marker-assisted selection (MAS). MAS can predict even at early seedling stage whether a plant will grow to express a trait of interest based on the mere presence or absence of gene markers.

Gene markers are short unique DNA sequences located near the DNA sequence of the gene responsible for a desired physical characteristic/trait in each generation of plants produced.

In this case, markers for genes responsible for the resistance to ToLCV confirmed successful transfer of the resistance gene in the genetic make-up of the developed tomato lines.

Lines rated as highly resistant due to absence or very minimal observed symptoms of infection and detected for presence of ToLCV resistance genes through gene markers were considered candidate ToLCV resistant breeding materials.

Tomato was the leading vegetable crop in the country in terms of area planted until 1990.

The peak of decline in the area of production in 1997 was primarily due to pests and diseases as well as unfavorable climatic conditions especially during off-season months.

Virus diseases, including ToLCV, are considered the most damaging to tomato production worldwide causing 50-100% yield loss.

Use of chemicals to stop the vector insect proved to be costly and does not warrant sustainable protection. Moreover, the strategy can be hazardous both to human health and environment.

The use of resistant varieties offers the most effective and practical strategy to overcome the disease.

While breeding initiatives to virus resistant varieties have been going on, the lack of varieties with durable resistance against multiple virus diseases remains a concern to farmers.

At present, there are no commercial varieties grown in the Philippines with durable resistance to major virus diseases such as ToLCV.

Use of the promising resistant breeding materials may improve production yield and income of more than 18,000 tomato growers. (DA-BPO)

For more information, please feel free to contact:

Dr. Melquiades E.C. Reyes

Project Leader, Institute of Plant Breeding

University of the Philippines Los Baños

Email Address: melqreyes@yahoo.com

Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso

Director, Biotechnology Program

Department of Agriculture

Tel. No. (632) 922-0057

Email Address: tonyalfonso2002@yahoo.com; biotechpiu@gmail.com

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Despite late onset of rainy season, DA urges nation to be prepared for rains, typhoon

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

The Department of Agriculture said today that despite the delay of the onset of the rainy season due to El Niño, farmers and the whole nation must also be prepared for rains and typhoons.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Department is already busy making the necessary preparations as part of its climate change resiliency efforts.

“Climate change is already upon us, and we must do all that we can to be already for its effects,” Alcala said.

Alcala cited super typhoon Chedeng, which in April threatened the Philippines.

“A storm of Chedeng’s magnitude in the first week of April is something quite unimaginable some years ago. Luckily for us it dissipated as it entered the country and there was minimal damage,” Alcala said.

According to the Secretary, disaster preparation should go hand-in-hand in with disaster response.

Alcala added that in the event another typhoon of Chedeng’s initial strength enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, emergency response should not be 10 kilometers per hour (kph) if the typhoon’s speed is 120 kph.

“Ang pagdaan sa daang matuwid ay dapat matulin din,” Alcala said.

He added that among those badly need help after typhoons are the farmers. The multiplier effect is bigger if help is given straight to farmers because they also feed others with what they plant, according to the Secretary.

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Last Updated: 18 JUNE 2015
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo is PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). Also in photo are Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general Joel Villanueva, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (June 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Some of the decommissioned combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front present during the turnover of weapons at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. Also in Photo are MILF Central Committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Independent Decommissioning Body chairman Ambassador Haydar Berk (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. Also in photo are MILF Central Committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III with MILF Central Committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim graces the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III observes the processing of the weapons and combatants during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high powered firearms and the decommissioning of combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) at the Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (June 16). The government and the MILF agreed to undertake the ceremonial turnover of the 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in the Phase 1 of the Normalization Program for the Bangsamoro. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua listens as President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura del Rosario, greets Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua during the reception line for the Vin d’ Honneur in commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence at the ground lobby of Casa Real de Iloilo in General Luna Street, Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III offers the traditional toast to the guests during the Vin d’ Honneur in commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the ballroom of the Casa Real de Iloilo in General Luna Street, Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Vin d’ Honneur in Commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence at the ballroom of the Casa Real de Iloilo in General Luna Street, Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). Also in photo are acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura del Rosario and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)


			President Benigno S. Aquino III offers the traditional toast during the Vin d’ Honneur in commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the ballroom of the Casa Real de Iloilo in General Luna St?, Iloilo City. Also in photo are the Dean of Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto and acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Laura del Rosario. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence during the wreath laying ceremony at the General Martin Delgado Monument of the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; and National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Maria Serena Diokno. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence during the flag raising ceremony at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo are Senate President Franklin Drilon; House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.; Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., troops the line during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence during the wreath laying ceremony at the General Martin Delgado Monument of the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo is AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence during the wreath laying ceremony at the General Martin Delgado Monument of the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo are AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; and National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Maria Serena Diokno. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the flag raising ceremony for the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Santa Barbara plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence during the flag raising ceremony at the Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12). This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo are Senate President Franklin Drilon; House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.; Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12) for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12) for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a warm reception upon arrival at Santa Barbara Plaza in Iloilo City on Friday (June 12, 2015) for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan.” Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

			Capitalizing on the power of information to reach the people and educate them on how the government spends is a trait that Bataan has been demonstrating. This was the statement of Richard Parry, head of Global Relations of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as he met with members of the media during a press conference today in the International Media Center in Bagac town. (Jose Mari M. Garcia/PIA 3, Bataan)

			Richard Parry, head of Global Relations of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, lauds the province of Bataan and says it is a regional leader in the extensive use of information for promoting fiscal transparency. He met with members of the media during a press conference today in the International Media Center in Bagac town. (Jose Mari M. Garcia/PIA 3, Bataan)

Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY

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One Luzon E-NewsMagazine 19 June 2015 Vol. 5 No. 119

A daily E-NewsMagazine about North and Central Luzon

Ninz Don't

22 hrs ·

Iwagayway ang bandila ng Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!
Here's your June 18 issue of One Luzon E-News Magazine from the
Philippine Information Agency North Luzon Cluster.
... See More