Monday, July 20, 2015

11 Dispatch for July 20 , 2015 ( Monday), 1 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 2 Weather Watch , 8 Regional Watch , 2 OFW Watch , 21 Online News ( July 18 ), 50 Photonews (July 16 )

 
DAILY WEATHER FORECAST


Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 20 July 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow

 Synopsis:

Southwest Monsoon affecting Luzon.

 pressure.gif  Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 20 July 2015
 wind.gifPredicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 20 July 2015
satellite



Forecast:

Occasional rains will be experienced over Ilocos Region and the islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.


Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the south to southwest with slight to moderate seas.


Thunderstorm Advisory No. 2
Issued at: 3:35 PM, 20 July 2015
Thunderstorm is affecting ‪#‎Cavite‬ (Amadeo, Silang, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo), ‪#‎Bulacan‬ (Dona Remedios, San Ildefonso, San Miguel, Norzagaray, San Rafael), ‪#‎Quezon‬ (Guinayangan, Lopez, Macalelon) and ‪#‎Zambales‬ (Masinloc, Candelaria, Palauig) which may persist for 1-2 hours and may affect nearby areas.
... See More



 July 20, 2015 (Monday) as of 10:00 A.M.
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON  :  Sunny in Lucena City






NORTHERN


 SOUTHERN


WESTERN


 
 EASTERN



PIA-4A/BATANGAS: After touring the BIR tax stamp production area, Pres. Aquino as DFA Sec Del Rosario is briefing him, is now touring the production area for DFA passport that include the vault, printing section, chip encoding section lamination section and quality assurance and releasing section.


PIA-4A/ BATANGAS: Pres. Benigno S. Aquino S. Aquino III is now touring the production area for BIR tax stamps which comprise the following machineries: printing machines, quality assurance machine, slitter machine and the integrated revenue stamp information system room. The Pres. is accompanied by Pres. Sec. Coloma while BIR Comm. Kim Henares is briefing him on the production area.

 
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III upon arrival at APO Procution Unit, Inc Security Printing Plant is escorted in front of the building to lead the unveiling of the marker. The Pres. along with APO Chairperson Milagros S. Alora, Gov. Vilma Santos Recto and Cong Nelson Collantes unveiled the inaugural marker.


PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III's entourage arrive by chopper at the vicinity of Lima Technology Center in Malvar, Batangas at 11:30 am. The reception party that will welcome the President at the APO Production Unit, Inc. include Batagas Vilma Santos-Recto, Cong Nelson Collantes, and PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma.

 
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: The unveiling of the historical marker of the Apo Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant in Lima Technology Center, Malvar will highlight the personalization and release of the first e-passsport for Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. The event will showcase the APO Lima security printing plant's capability to conduct security printing of e-passport, accountable forms, excise stamps and identity documents for the Philippine government.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Aside from BIR Comm. Kim Henares, DFA Sec Albert Del F. Del Rosario will also brief Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III on the passport production at the Apo Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant at Lima Technology Center in Malvar.

 
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III, as part of his itinerary, will tour the Apo Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant with a walking briefing from BIR Comm. Kim Henares for the BIR Tax Stamp production area to be assisted by APO Production Unit, Inc. Gen. Manager Jaime H. Aldaba.

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to attend today at 11:00 am the unveiling of the inaugural marker of the APO Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant and Live Demonstration of the New ePassport System at the APO Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant located at Lima Technology Center in Malvar.



DZBB: Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DFA sa Philippine Embassy sa Abu Dhabi kaugnay ng umanoý ginawang pagpapahirap at pagpatay ng isang Sri Lankan domestic helper sa isang Pinay domestic helper sa UAE. Ayon kay DFA Asec. Jose, aalamin muna nila ang detalye ng insidente mula sa embahada.
GMA News TV: Isang OFW ang napatay ng kapwa domestic helper na isang Sri Lankan sa Dubai, UAE dahil daw sa pagtatalo. Nakakulong na sa Central Jail ang suspek. Dead on the spot naman ang Pinay DH. Tutukan daw ng DFA ang kaso ng naturang Pinay DH na napatay.






 
BATANGAS

Pres. Aquino gets first Philipine e-passport produced in Batangas high security printing plant
  • July 20, 2015
MALVAR, Batangas, July 20 (PIA) --President Benigno S. Aquino III set in motion the printing, issuance and delivery of newly-designed and more secure e-Philippine passports as he participated today in a live demonstration by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) new Philippine e-passport system. The live demonstration was held at the newly-inaugurated high security printing plant of the APO Production Unit at Lima Technology Center in this town.

APO Production Unit's contract to print e-Passports for the DFA is expected to address the country's need for increased production capacity over the next 10 years, as well as upgrade the security and integrity of the electronic travel document to comply with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The new e-Passport system introduces the following:
a. passport booklets made of more durable and higher-quality materials to last beyond normal wear-and-tear period'
b. lesser procedural steps from application stage to personalization and shorter waiting period for passport issuance; and
c. new design and security features that prevent fraud, thus enhancing the integrity and credibility of  Philippine passports.

During the program, the President experienced live the entire process of application for until release of his e-Passport - from enrolment and caputre of biometrics and biographical data, printing and verification - which is performed in a matter of minutes on APO's newly-acquired machinery.

To demonstrate the system's capability to conduct a similar process off-site at real time, representatives of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) communities in Singapore and Doha, Qater participated in a similar process during the live demonstration.

The commemmorative e-Passports of the President and the OFWs in Singapore and Doha, the first to be printed in the high security printing plant, were presented immediately to the applicants or their families.

Another highlight of the occasion is the unveiling of the historical marker that signals the start of full operations of the APO-Lima High Security Printing Plant and the lvie demonstration of the new e-Passport system, an event graced by the presence of the President.

APO Production Unit, Inc. is a government controlled corporation and one of the three recognized printers (RGP), as shown in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and reaffirmed by the Governance Commission for Government Controlled or Owned Corporations (GCG). The two others are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the National Printing Office (NPO).

Presently under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), APO was created in 1974 and had in the past been under different government agencies like the NEDA, Office of the Press Secretary, and the Philppine Information Agency.

APO, which takes over the production of the new e-Passports that used to be printed by the BSP at its security plant complex in Quezon City, also currently produces at its Lima Security Plant the excise stamps for the Bureau of Internal Revenue. It also maintains the Internal Revenu Stamp Information System (IRSIS), a security software that tracks and traces tobacco products.

APO Production Unit has been servicing the various printing needs of the DFA since 2012, providing technical support for the Document Management System of the DFA's Office for Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA).

In July 2014, APO opened its new security printing facility at the LIMA Technology Center in Malvar, BAtangas to enable it to address specific needs of the DFA, particularly related to printing delivery schedules and security concerns related to the e-Passport system.

The 3-hectare property was developed exclusively as a high security printing facility to enable the company to achieve its mandate to provide accountable forms and high security printing services for the national government and its agencies.

The new e-Passports to be produced by APO will be fully compliant with government procurement policies and standards set by international organizations like ICAO. (Jimbo H. Aldaba, EVP & GM, APO Production Unit, Inc./PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631437377589/pres-aquino-gets-first-philipine-e-passport-produced-in-batangas-high-security-printing-plant#sthash.012UGyNU.dpuf




 
Palace welcomes results of second quarter survey on hunger, lowest since May 2005
 
Malacañang has welcomed the results of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on hunger, which showed a 12.7 percent drop in the second quarter of the year, the lowest in a decade.

"We welcome the latest results of the Social Weather Stations’ self-rated survey on hunger, which saw a significant drop in the number of families experiencing involuntary hunger: from 16.3 percent in June 2014 to 12.7 percent. According to the SWS, this is the lowest recorded rate in ten years, since May 2005,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement issued on Monday.

Valte said that since 2010, the Aquino administration has been pressing forward in its goal of inclusive growth, toward a future where no one is left behind.

She noted that among the government’s initiatives is the expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which covers more than 4.4 million households.

“The program is an example of the government’s commitment to the Filipino people, as it embodies concrete investments in human development, empowering beneficiaries and their families to better care for themselves. This is consistent with recent survey results on unemployment and underemployment, which have gone down under this administration,” she added.

The Palace official further said that inflation has been kept down and the prices of basic commodities have remained relatively steady, owing to the government’s efforts to ensure the consistency of food supply in the country.

“Recent results show that self-rated hunger has been on a downward trend these past quarters. We hope that this will continue, as the administration further ramps up its efforts to implement programs and policies that will contribute to a better overall quality of life for our citizens,” she said.

The SWS survey, conducted on June 5 to 8 among 1,200 adults nationwide, showed that 12.7 percent of the respondents, equivalent to about 2.8 million families, said they have experienced hunger at least once in the past three months.

It also noted that this result is 0.8 percent lower than the first quarter's 13.5 percent (about 3 million families), and is the lowest since May 2005’s 12 percent.

The latest poll also showed that 10.8 percent, or about 2.4 million families, experienced “moderate hunger” (experienced hunger “only once” or “a few times” in the last three months), while 1.9 percent (431,000 families) said they experienced “severe hunger” (experienced hunger “often” or “always” over the same period). PND (jm)
President Aquino inspects high security printing plant in Batangas
 
(MALVAR, Batangas) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday inspected a high security printing plant here and witnessed the demonstration of the upgraded ePassport system.

Upon arrival at the APO Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant, located at the LIMA Technology Center, the President was received by Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto, and APO’s Chairperson Milagros Alora and President Armando Dimarucot, Jr.

President Aquino proceeded to unveil the printing plant’s inaugural marker and inspected the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Tax Stamp Production Area, where he was briefed by BIR Commissioner Kim Henares.

Afterwards, he witnessed the demonstration of the ePassport system, which was simulcast live to the Department of Foreign Affairs Consular Office in Parañaque City, as well as the Philippine embassies in Singapore and in Doha, Qatar.

The ePassport booklet is made of more durable and higher quality materials and has security features to prevent fraud. The new process will shorten the waiting period for the issuance of passports from 15 days to 10 days for non-express processing, and from seven to five days for express processing.

The APO (Asian Productivity Organization) Production Unit is a government-controlled corporation under the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). It is one of three recognized government printers, along with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Printing Office.

After the program, Secretary Coloma and APO executives presented President Aquino his commemorative ePassport.

Also present during the program were Batangas District 3 Representative Nelson Collantes, Malvar Mayor Carlito Reyes, Lipa City Mayor Meynard Sabili, and other officials of the PCOO. PND (ag)
 
 
Palace congratulates Nonito Donaire, Jr., for winning against French Anthony Settoul
 
Malacañang on Sunday takes pride in Nonito Donaire, Jr.’s second round technical knockout victory against French boxer Anthony Settoul.

“Palagi po nating ipinagmamalaki at ipinagbubunyi ang tagumpay—ang bawat tagumpay—katulad nitong pinakahuling tagumpay ni ‘Filipino Flash,’ Nonito Donaire,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Donaire, known as the "Filipino Flash," brought down Settoul twice in the first round of their scheduled 10-round super bantamweight boxing match held at the Venetian Resort in Macau, China last Saturday.

In the second round, Donaire landed his right hand at Settoul’s chin that sent the latter for the third time in the canvas, this prompted the Frenchmen’s corner to throw in the towel at 1:41 of the round.

With this win, Donaire’s scorecard is now at 35 wins (23 knockouts) and three (3) losses.

“Muli po siyang (Donaire) naghatid ng karangalan sa ating bansa. Sana’y magpatuloy ang kanyang pagiging kampeon,” said Coloma. PND (ag)
Palace welcomes support of American Senators in country's effort to peacefully resolve West Philippine Sea row
 
The Palace on Sunday said it is elated with the show of support from American Senators, who praised the country for its effort to peacefully resolve the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“Ikinagagalak po natin na lumalawak lalo ang hanay ng mga sumusuporta sa posisyon ng ating bansa,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

United States Senators John McCain, Jack Reed, Bob Corker and Ben Cardin released a statement supporting the Philippines’ decision to file a case before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea concerning China’s expansive claim to disputed maritime territories.

In a statement, the four US Senators said, “Although the United States does not take a position on the competing claims, we applaud Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his government for his commitment to pursuing this legal course of action. While China is constructing and militarizing new land features in the South China Sea and increasingly turning to coercion to achieve its goals, we are encouraged to see that Manila continues to make every effort to resolve these claims peacefully, consistent with international law, and through international arbitration mechanisms.”

The US Senators also support “bolstering the maritime capabilities of South East Asian nations and conducting joint exercises and patrols.”

“It is also critical that the United States take the necessary steps to sustain a balance of power that will continue to uphold peace and stability throughout the region. Given the pace and scope of China's military trajectory, we believe this will demand a sustained investment in our military presence in the Asia-Pacific region,” the US Senators added.

Coloma said the US Senators now join the list of those who support the Philippines’ effort to resolve the dispute peacefully.

“Sa ganyan pong pagpapahayag nina Senator McCain at Senators Jack Reed at Bob Corker at Senator Ben Cardin, dumarami po lalo ang hanay ng mga sumusuporta sa ating itinataguyod na mapayapang pagresolba ng mga usapin sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea,” said Coloma.

The European Union, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan and Australia has shown their support for a peaceful resolution of the dispute following international law. PND (ag)
APEC's Iloilo City meeting to tackle infrastructure development through long-term investments
 
Iloilo City is hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting from July 23 to 24 that will center on talks on building infrastructure through long-term investments and capital market development.

The meeting, titled “Fostering APEC’s Infrastructure through Long-term Investment and Capital Market Development,” will be held at the Royal Garden Hall Convention Center in Iloilo City.

Delegates include financial experts and senior officials from finance ministries across APEC member-economies, as well as representatives from international development institutions.

Iloilo’s local government sees the meeting as a good opportunity to help realize the goal of investment generation especially in the Visayas region.

“Hosting APEC is a way to boost awareness of the investment opportunities and strengths of Iloilo City as an investment destination,” Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.

Iloilo City is taking advantage of its hosting of one of the high-profile meetings of APEC to drum up interest among potential investors in a wide range of sectors, including retail, manufacturing, business process outsourcing (BPO), agro-processing, and tourism.

Mabilog said 400 hectares of reclaimed land in Iloilo City is currently being developed to become an industrial zone.

The city received P150-billion worth of investment pledges in 2013 from various private enterprises intending to locate in the zone. So far, he said, about 60 percent of the amount has already been spent by investors.

On top of this, Mabilog said, another 400 hectares of reclaimed land have been identified recently by the city government for the establishment of another business area. As such, the city is keen on promoting itself to even more potential investors.

While delegates will talk about infrastructure and capital market development in the Asia-Pacific region, Iloilo believes the event will help spread positive impressions on the city.

Mabilog said Iloilo City, named as the most livable city in the Philippines by touristspotsfinder.com, boasts of high-quality workforce with 99 percent literacy rate. The city also has a secure supply of electric power with its coal-fired power plant, he added.

He also said the city government, recognized by the National Competitiveness Council as No. 1 in terms of local government efficiency, observes business-friendly processes.

“The economic outlook for Iloilo is very dynamic, and we have a lot of potential to grow. We look at Iloilo City as a globally competitive, premier city,” Mabilog said. PND (as)
 

Palace hopes for speedy Maguindanao massacre case trial
 
The case against the accused in the Maguindanao massacre case will continue despite the death of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., a Palace official said.

“The case will proceed, of course, against the others—the other accused—who remain alive,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday.

“Pagdating lang po dito, kay Andal Ampatuan, Sr., the case will be… Kasi death extinguishes criminal liability,” she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan noting there are other means to claim for damages.

“But of course, as far as the main case against the other accused are concerned, of course that will proceed.”

As to the timeframe whether the case could be finished within the term of President Aquino, Valte said like the families of the victims and the general public, the President also wants immediate conclusion to the trial.

The government knows the frustrations of the bereaved families of the victims and the President understands it, she said.

“We understand dahil ang daming akusado, parang hindi po lahat ay nahuli at the same time, so iba-iba ho ‘yung takbo ng mga legal proceedings laban po sa mga akusadong ito,” Valte said.

“Kaya naman po, dahil kinikilala ng ating Pangulo ang nararamdaman ng mga pamilya, that’s why the President has given strict orders to the prosecution under the executive to make sure that they remain vigilant against dilatory tactics or against delay.”

Although the President wants a speedy trial, it must be recognized that the verdict in the case will not be handed down by the President but by the presiding judge handling the case.

“So ang ginagawa lang po on the executive side ay siguraduhin na mapabilis po ang kaso sa side natin, at hindi po tayo ang maging cause ng delay, at labanan po natin ‘yung delay na baka ginagawa ng kabilang side,” she said.

Ampatuan, Sr., one of the suspects in the worst case of election-related violence in Philippine history, died on Friday night (July 17), his lawyer said.

He died at about 10:02 p.m. of liver cancer at the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City. PND (as)
Palace pushes passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law anew to improve plight of Muslim Filipinos
 
A recent survey, showing dismal improvement in the plight of Muslim Filipinos in the country, reinforces the government’s position of attaining enduring peace in Mindanao to bring genuine regional development, a Palace official said.

A new survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed 43 percent of Filipinos do not see "much real improvement" in the position of Muslims in the country.

“I think this only confirms the resolve of why we need to have a real, comprehensive solution when it comes to peace and order and security in Mindanao,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

“Tingin ko hindi naman natin maikakaila na talagang kailangan ng tulong ng mga kababayan natin doon at hindi lang ito ang tulong na iaabot natin, na mabibigyan ng programa, kailangan talaga komprehensibo ang peace solution para sa kanila.”

Valte said she believes that the best solution is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to address not only the physical needs of Muslim Filipinos but also the concerns on peace and security.

The survey, conducted from June 5 to 8, showed that 43 percent agreed and 25 percent disagreed that there has not been much real improvement in the position of Muslims in the past few years, for a "moderate" net agreement of +18.

The survey also showed that nearly half, or 47 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents, agreed to make an effort in improving the situation of Muslims even by giving them preferential treatment. PND (as)
Local government units must act swiftly to prevent mining disasters in their areas
 
The Palace commended the local officials of Baguio for temporarily suspending all small-scale mining operations in their area because of continuous rains, which may result to accidents.

“Magandang balita ang ginawa sa Baguio-La Union kasi nga talagang patuloy ang pag-ulan in that area,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday.

“Kailangan laging maagap ang ating mga local government official na hindi lang ho ‘yung preemptive evacuation ang iniisip natin pero kung mayroon hong presensya ng mga ganyang operasyon diyan ay dapat maging mindful din po ang ating mga pamahalaang lokal.”

Three miners died and six others were missing in Semirara Island when an open-pit coal mine collapsed.

Valte said President Aquino was very concerned when he was informed by the Department of Energy about the Semirara incident.

The DOE, according to Valte acted immediately to suspend the coal mining operations for Contract No. 5 in Semirara.

A thorough investigation is also underway to determine the cause of the accident and make it sure that it won’t happen again in the future, Valte said.

“Kailangang makita kung ano ba ang naging cause nitong insidenteng ito, kung mayroon bang naging pabaya, at kung ano ang mga dapat na gawin para hindi na po maulit ang mga ganitong sitwasyon,” she said.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp., a unit of Consunji-led conglomerate DMCI Holdings, operates the coal mine. PND (as)
 
 
 
President Aquino greets Muslim community on Eid’l Fitr
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday greeted Muslim Filipinos on the occasion of Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

In his message, President Aquino joined the country’s Muslim community in celebrating Eid’l Fitr, expressing hope that the activities during Ramadan have strengthened their faith.

“Today, we gather for the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Eid’l Fitr, to commemorate the time when Allah, the Merciful and the Compassionate, revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). We celebrate this festival to thank Allah for His kindness and generosity in giving to us His word, that we may be guided in the ways and truth of purpose towards paradise,” the President said.

“It is my hope that the activities during Ramadan strengthened your faith, even as the feast that now follows, nourishes and rejuvenates both your body and spirit,” he added.

President Aquino noted that the country is closer to achieving genuine and lasting peace and development for the people of Mindanao.

“This occasion comes at a most auspicious time when our country is finally nearing its goal of achieving genuine, lasting peace in Mindanao. Like your festival, this is the much awaited end to a long, protracted period of reflection, sacrifice, and rediscovery of the values that our nation and our people cherish,” he said.

The President also hoped that through Ramadan activities, the Filipinos would “emerge better citizens and devotees of God”.

“May peace and unity prevail over our lands and waters, as we proceed to the next chapter of our journey on the straight and righteous path towards a more equitably progressive future,” he said.

President Aquino declared Friday (July 17) a regular holiday in celebration of Eid’l Fitr. PND (co)
Palace reiterates President Aquino's stand on Charter Change
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III will not support any move to change the Constitution that would lift the term limits of the country's leaders, as he has always maintained, a Palace official said Friday.

"The President has reservations about lifting term limits," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message to the media.

"He has expressed this many times, as lifting term limits opens the door to dictators, who can abuse the resources of the State to stay in power -- which was precisely the concern of the framers of the 1987 Constitution."

Valte further said that doing away with term limits would also make it easier for families inclined to build political dynasties to perpetuate themselves in power.

In a separate text message, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said removing the limits of the tenure of elected officials would open up possible abuses of power, such as what happened during the Marcos dictatorship.

"Ang term limit ay isinabatas dahil sa katuwirang maaaring abusuhin ang pinalitang sistema, tulad ng naging karanasan sa diktadurya," he said.

"Pinakamahalaga ang nag-iisang termino ng Pangulo at kailangang marinig ang tinig ng mga Boss hinggil dito."

Vice President Jejomar Binay has said he wants the term limits of elected officials to be lifted, allowing them to govern for as long as the people support them.

Under the present Constitution, the President could not seek reelection after a six-year term. PND (as)
Palace spells out President Aquino's considerations for Presidential bet
 
In choosing who he would endorse in next year’s presidential election, President Benigno S. Aquino III will consider this candidate’s capability to continue the administration’s reform programs and unquestionable integrity, a Palace official has said.

"The primary consideration of the President is the continuation of the reforms he has set in place during his term. It is imperative that good governance must continue to enable Filipinos to reap its benefits," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message sent to the media on Friday.

"Anyone willing to continue this must be honest, with unquestionable integrity and capable of competently facing the challenges that come with being President," said Valte, who is still in The Netherlands.

Valte is part of the Philippine government's delegation attending the hearings of the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague regarding the case the country has filed against China on the West Philippine Sea issue.

President Aquino said in an event in Camp Crame on Thursday that he is close to announcing the candidate he will support in next year's election.

He said is pleased to find that a number of qualified people could succeed him as chief executive when he steps down from office next year.

The President had a six-hour meeting with Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Wednesday night.

The main goal is to ensure the continuance of the country's transformation so that more people would benefit from a more progressive Philippines, he said.

President Aquino also noted that he will continue to meet with different people and organizations in the coming days to know their pulse.

He is expected to announce his presidential bet after his state-of-the nation address (SONA) on July 27.

Based on recent surveys, Senator Poe is the front runner among the possible presidential candidates, while Senator Escudero tops the possible contenders for Vice President. Secretary Roxas is the Liberal Party’s presumptive presidential candidate. PND (as)
 
 
 

18 JULY 2015
First GPH Participation in ASEAN-India Eminent Persons' Lecture Series Draws Attention to Philippine Position
on Rule of Law and Latest Developments in the South China Sea
11,213 ISFs in priority waterways received 18,000 financial assistance – DSWD
Treason, inciting to sedition cases lack factual, legal basis – Deles, peace panel, Saguisag
BSP Wins Award from the Global Forum on Remittances and Development
Foreign portfolio investments post net inflows for first semester of 2015
Roxas gives good governance award to 8 Cebu municipalities
PHL Consulate General in Hong Kong Bowls for Charity
More groups voice support for the K to 12 Program
DPWH installs earthquake recording instrument
Avila leads DOLE-NCR in awarding livelihood to 113 victims of Kentex fire tragedy
DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations conducts learning session on OSH and safety inspection
PhilHealth Taps BDO Unibank Inc. as Local Fund Manager
NEDA Board approves new civil registry project, changes in two projects
TESDA to train over 5,000 Bulacan youth
Two bidders advance to bidding stage for the Regional Prison Facilities through the PPP Project
‘Yolanda’ survivors get extra income from oyster project funded by DSWD
OWWA Region I welcomes new OFWDSP scholars
DTI, Germany hold mobile apps contest to green MSMEs
DTI launches 54 more Negosyo Centers
Roxas, CAMANAVA Brgys. to tackle disaster preparedness and response
NAPOLCOM recommends to PNoy promotion of incoming PNP Chief Marquez to four-star general
First GPH Participation in ASEAN-India Eminent Persons' Lecture Series Draws Attention to Philippine Position
on Rule of Law and Latest Developments in the South China Sea
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
 
The Philippine Government participated for the first time in the ASEAN-India Eminent Persons’ Lecture Series in New Delhi, India, with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia drawing attention to the country’s principled position on the rule law and discussing the latest developments in the South China Sea and the country’s arbitration case against China.

Speaking at the Institute for Defence and Security Analyses (IDSA), a prestigious and independent Indian security and defense think-tank based in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Undersecretary Garcia pointed out that the Philippines’ arbitration case against China on the South China Sea was fully consistent with international law.

Explaining the Philippines’ efforts to seek better clarity on the issues involved in the South China Sea through the legal track, Undersecretary Garcia said arbitration was provided for under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and that resort to the rule of law allowed small countries “to stand on an equal footing with wealthier and more powerful States, confident in the conviction that right prevails over might.”

Undersecretary Garcia also debunked observations that third party arbitration was contrary to the so-called Asian way of settling disputes.

“It has been claimed also – almost as gospel truth – that Asians are against submitting their disputes to international legal process. Singapore’s Ambassador at large Tommy Koh pointed out that this is incorrect, citing that Southeast Asian countries have a positive track record of referring their disputes to the international legal process,” said Undersecretary Garcia.

Among the cases brought by Asian states to international courts are the Preah Vihear case between Cambodia and Thailand, the Sipadan and Ligatan case between Indonesia and Malaysia, the Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh case between Malaysia and Singapore, and the Myanmar – Bangladesh maritime boundary delimitation case.

Underlining the need for the international community to support adherence to the rule of law efforts, Undersecretary Garcia cited India’s leading role in advancing the rule of law through its respect for the ITLOS decision on its maritime delimitation case with Bangladesh.

Undersecretary Garcia underlined that under the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, recourse to judicial settlement of legal disputes should not be considered an unfriendly act between States.

The lecture was chaired by Ambassador Sanjay Singh, former Secretary (East) of the Government of India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
11,213 ISFs in priority waterways received 18,000 financial assistance – DSWD
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assures the public that the P509.6 million budget it received from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the implementation of the Oplan LIKAS (Likas para Iwas sa Kalamidad at Sakit) for informal settler families (ISFs) in the National Capital Region went to rightful beneficiaries.

Oplan LIKAS is a convergence and collaborative effort among 13 national government agencies (HUDCC, DILG, SHFC, NHA, DSWD, DBM, DPWH, DOF, DENR, MMDA, NAPC, PCUP, and CHR), with the participation and involvement of the local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and people’s organizations (POs). Spearheaded by DILG, this initiative aims to relocate ISFs living along priority waterways and esteros in various parts of Metro Manila to safe, decent, and affordable housing units as part of President Aquino’s “Covenant with the Poor.” The priority waterways are Tullahan River, San Juan River, Pasig River, Manggahan Floodway, Estero de Maypajo, Estero de Sunog Apog, Estero Tripa de Gallina and Maricaban Creek.

The role of the DSWD is to validate ISFs either living on top or within the 3-meter easement in these priority waterways, and to disburse the P18,000 financial assistance to the validated ISFs after they are relocated by the National Housing Authority. For organized ISF communities advocating for their People’s Plan (for onsite, in-city or near city relocation), this may be released in two installments as rental assistance.

As of June 8, P 201,834,000.00 was granted to 11,213 beneficiaries while P 2,844,000.00 was released as rental assistance (either in full or in part) to 171 beneficiaries, for a total disbursement of P 204,678,000.00

This is eighty-six percent (86%) of the first tranche (P 237,303,000.00) from DILG, with a second tranche in the same amount received last month, June 2015. P35M is earmarked for the Project Management Office for operating expenses. The P509.6M is expected to benefit 26,367 ISFs.

Disbursement of the remaining amounts, in tandem with the relocation activities, is ongoing.
Treason, inciting to sedition cases lack factual, legal basis – Deles, peace panel, Saguisag
Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph
 
MANILA – The treason and inciting to sedition cases filed against officials of the government’s peace process office, including members of the peace panel that negotiated the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), should be dismissed because it is “appallingly bereft of factual and legal basis.”

According to the lead counsel of the GPH peace panel, Atty. Rene Saguisag, in the joint counter-affidavit to the complaint, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and Government of the Philippines (GPH) Chief Peace Negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and other members of the government peace panel said that “[a]t best, (the complaint) is the product of wilful ignorance of the basic tenets of criminal law, democracy, and the legislative process, and must be dismissed for utter lack of merit. At worst, it is the complainants’ malevolent attempt to use the Honorable Office for their political ends…”

"As government officials, my clients hold themselves to the highest standards‎ with regard to adhering to the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. Even if‎ this case is appallingly bereft of factual and legal basis, they personally submitted their counter-affidavits in deference to the established legal processes of this country," Saguisag added.

The treason and inciting to sedition case was filed last May 28 by Buhay Party-list Representative Lito Atienza, ABAKADA Party-list Representative Jonathan Dela Cruz, and University of Asia and the Pacific law professor Jeremy Gatdula.

Deles and the others, in their joint counter-affidavit, argued that “the BBL is clearly a document inciting peace, justice, order, unity, and goodwill among all peoples. Quite contrary to the baseless asseverations of the complainants, the text of the BBL itself reveals that it espouses an enduring peace.”

“To charge us with treason and inciting to sedition is to misunderstand not only basic concepts of criminal law and constitutional law, but the very idea of a nation, democracy, the Philippine people, and the history of the Republic of the Philippines,” continued the counter-affidavit of Deles and the peace panel members.

They said that the complaint failed to prove the existence of all the elements of treason such as a state of war.

Deles and the peace panel members also raised the possibility that the complainants are trying to subvert the power of the Supreme Court by filing the complaint with the prosecutor’s office. They argued that “[t]he Honorable Office is being invited by the complainants to exercise a power that lies solely with the Supreme Court. Even on this matter alone, the Honorable Office must dismiss the instant Complaint-Affidavit.”

Ferrer expressed that they responded to the complaint as required by judicial process. "The case filed against us has no substantial merit and that's why we believe the Manila prosecutor's office will dismiss it in due time. Out of respect for the administrative process and the offices which the complainants engaged prematurely and needlessly, we submitted and attested before the fiscal our counter-affidavits."
BSP Wins Award from the Global Forum on Remittances and Development
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the winner of the 2015 Global Forum on Remittances and Development (GFRD) Public Sector Award from the International Fund for Agricultural Development of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Commission. The award was received by BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. (second from right) along with Deputy Governors (from right to left) Diwa C. Guinigundo, Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr., and Vicente S. Aquino. The BSP was nominated by Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Imelda Nicolas. The BSP was recognized for its Economic and Financial Learning Program that educates overseas Filipino workers and their beneficiaries on the importance of, and methods for using remittances to build savings and invest productively. Governor Tetangco cited overseas Filipinos and their beneficiaries for their continuing gains in developing good money habits such as saving and investing. The latest survey indicated that there were more households that used part of their remittances for investments while allocation for savings increased from only 7.2 percent in the first quarter of 2007 to 49.7 percent in the second quarter this year.
Foreign portfolio investments post net inflows for first semester of 2015
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
 
Transactions for the first six months of the year yielded net inflows of US$738 million, in contrast to net outflows of US$1.3 billion in 2014 when funds shifted back to the US as tapering of the quantitative easing program started in early 2014.

For the month of June 2015, registered foreign portfolio investments rose by 6.4 percent to US$1.7 billion from US$1.6 billion in May. The figure is also slightly higher by 1.4 percent compared to last year’s performance as the US Federal Reserve signaled slower than anticipated interest rate hikes which, based on market expectations, may possibly occur late this year.

However, transactions resulted in overall net outflows of US$522 million as gross outflows increased to US$2.21 million from US$2.16 million in May. This development may be attributed to the following: a) weaker-than-expected first quarter GDP growth of 5.2 percent for the Philippines vis-à-vis 6.6 percent last quarter and disappointing Q1 corporate earnings; b) profit taking; c) growing concerns on the looming interest hike in the United States and; d) the Greek debt crisis. In contrast, modest net inflows of US$44 million were recorded a year ago.

About 79.2 percent of investments registered in June were in PSE-listed securities (mainly pertaining to holding firms; food, beverage and tobacco companies; banks; property firms; and telecommunication companies); the rest of the investments were in Peso GS (20.6 percent) and other peso debt instruments (OPDI – 0.2 percent).

The United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Luxembourg and Hong Kong were the top five (5) investor countries for the month, with combined share to total of 80.5 percent. The United States continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving 77.1 percent of total.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is voluntary under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions. The issuance of a BSP registration document entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment. Without such registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking system.
Roxas gives good governance award to 8 Cebu municipalities
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
 
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has awarded eight municipalities in Cebu with the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), a prestigious award that recognizes cities and municipalities for their transparency, honesty and diligence in their delivery of services to ordinary citizens.

Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas personally handed over the SGLG plaque and cash reward to the municipal mayors of Argao, Bantayan, Dalaguete, Dumanjug, Malabuyoc, Medellin, Oslob, and San Remigio in a ceremony held at the Norkis Park in Mandaue City, Cebu, on Tuesday (July 14).

The eight mayors were each given P3-million checks to fund local projects in their towns.

A P7-million check to be used for development projects was also given to the Cebu government after the province received the SGLG award for the provincial category.

“Kayo na nabigyan ng award ang nagpapatotoo sa salitang Daang Matuwid ng ating pamahalaan, hindi baluktot na pamamalakad kundi diretso sa pagbigay ng serbisyo sa tao,” Roxas told the local officials present at the ceremony. “Ituloy natin ito sa kapakanan ng ating mga boss at huwag na tayong bumalik pa sa dating madilim at liko-likong nakaraan na puro kurakot at kurapsyon.”

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III praised the DILG for initiating the award, saying that it pays for local government units (LGUs) to be honest and transparent in giving services to the people. He reminded the public officials present that they are mandated to provide for their constituents and not to shortchange them of the services they deserve.

The awarding ceremony also coincided with the workshop-seminar initiated by the group Koalisyon ng Mamamayan Para sa Reporma (KOMPRe), which was attended by civil society organizations, Cebu women’s groups, vendors and transport groups, and other non-government organizations.

KOMPRe organizers gathered the peoples’ organizations in Cebu to know their needs and to address the problems hounding their sectors.

The SGLG award, also known as “Pagkilala sa Katapatan at Kahusayan ng Pamahalaang Lokal,” was launched in January 2014 to honor the LGUs that display good governance while providing better services to the people.

The award, which originated from the Seal of Good Housekeeping program introduced in 2010 by the late Secretary Jesse Robredo, aims to recognize the LGUs in their proper practice of transparency and diligence in compliance with the Anti-Red Tape Act.

This award also drives LGUs to encourage investment and employment through business-friendliness and competitiveness; protection of their constituents from threats to life and security; and safeguarding the integrity of the environment.

According to DILG Regional Director Rene Bordeos, an LGU first needs to pass all the three core assessment areas—Good Financial Housekeeping, Social Protection, and Disaster Preparedness—and at least one of the essential assessment areas—Business-Friendliness and Competitiveness, Peace and Order, or Environmental Management—in order to become an SGLG recipient.

With the introduction of the SGLG, DILG aims to create LGUs that not only sustain the practices of accountability and transparency (Good Financial Housekeeping), but are also able to prepare for the challenges posed by disasters (Disaster Preparedness), and are sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and marginalized sectors of the society (Social Protection).
PHL Consulate General in Hong Kong Bowls for Charity
Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph
 
16 July 2015 - The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, together with other 19 teams from various Filipino organizations and business groups participated in the 3rd Square and Compass Club Hong Kong (SCCHK) Charity Bowling Tournament, held at the Dragon Bowling Centre in Kowloon on July 11.

The annual bowling tournament aims to raise funds to support the charity activities of SCCHK. This year, proceeds from the tournament are intended for the Bahay ni Maria Foundation in Calamba, Laguna, a house for abandoned elderly and mistreated children managed by the Missionary of Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong fielded its own team composed of Deputy Consul General Christian L. de Jesus, Ms. Bernadeth G. Aranzaso as team captain, Ms. Luz M. Iglesias, Mr. Florentino D. Granada and Mr. Danilo A. Baldon.

In his remarks, Deputy Consul General Christian L. de Jesus congratulated the SCCHK for organizing the annual tournament which promotes interaction and fosters friendship among Filipino organizations and other business groups for a good cause.

Deputy Consul General Christian L. de Jesus was joined at the tournament’s ceremonial ball roll-off by Mr. Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno, six- time World Bowling Champion, Mr. Wu Siu Hong, East Asian Games Gold Medalist and Mr. Ric Mercado, Chairman of SCCHK.

The Philippine Consulate bowling team bagged the 1st Mixed Team Runner Up under Group C. The Elite Team, Hong Kong Football Club, and 19 Rock emerged as champions in Class A, Class B and Class C respectively. Mr. Jimmy Manalo and Ms. Almaz Lau received the Male and Female Highest Pin Falls and Highest Number of Strikes award.
More groups voice support for the K to 12 Program
Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph
 
Bicol - As the full implementation of the K to 12 program in 2016 draws near, over 6,400 education stakeholders from different groups pledge their support for the program and the benefits it entails.

Department of Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC expressed his gratitude to those who continue to support and help make the K to 12 program effective, saying, "DepEd cannot do all of the reforms by ourselves. We thank our industry partners for making employment programs fit for our learners; our local government units for their constant promotion of the program; and for all of you who have expressed support for this major education reform."

Parents, teachers, students and representatives from the business sector voiced their personal sentiments on the reform.

Tabaco National High School Teacher Salve Estrella said in her testimony, "Our presence here today is a strong testament of our support for this program. Together, we will find solutions for pressing issues. Together, we will taste the sweetness of our success."

Grade 10 Legazpi City Science High School student Joseph Aristotle de Leon shared his vision for himself and the country and said, "As a student it has been my dream to be an engineer who innovates, and solves world problems. I believe and trust that the kto12 program is the potent instrument as I soar towards this dream."

"Morally and pedagogically it (K to 12) is convincing. Learning takes time and K to 12 corrects the congested curriculum that we've had before,” Albay Province Governor Joey Salceda said.

He also explained a possible increase in the cohort survival rate of outgoing Elementary students to incoming High school students and said, "My analysis is, the 46% cohort survival from Elementary to High School will increase to 67%, because with this program, the goal is clear, and the program is promising.”

Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal also shared his insights on the program seeing it as not just an immediate solution for pressing issues but a long term investment. He said, "Naniniwala ako na armas ng Pilipino ang edukasyon para sa ikauunlad ng bayan. Kaya ipagpatuloy natin ang programang ito (K to 12) hindi lang para sa ikagaganda nito ngayon, kundi pati para sa mga susunod na henerasyon."

SHS to reduce poverty in the country

"Ang K to 12 ay bahagi ng recipe para sa poverty reduction," said Salceda. "Socially, I am convinced that the K to 12 program will give equal dignity for all. After SHS, our students will be employable and this equal opportunity for work shows a great sense of dignity in our society,” he added.

Congresswoman Leni Robredo also expressed her support for the K to 12 program, citing her personal experience as she said, "My daughter is currently in Grade 10 this year and will be part of the full implementation of K to 12 next year as she enters Grade 11. That’s why I see that the benefits outweigh these additional two years in high school."

The K to 12 program gives the learners enough skills for work as shared by San Jose Pili National High School Teacher Glenda Tornilla, "I am always proud when I see my Grade 10 students, Roderick, Mike, Yvan, Fe, Chary, Joy and Jay, my students in computer hardware servicing. While they are studying, they are now able to help out in their household through their sidelines. Kaya na nila magkumpuni ng mga computer at dahil dito nakakatulong sila sa kanilang mga pamilya."

"At the end of the day, ang hamon sa Albay at Camarines Sur ay ang kaisipang, 'No learner should be left behind.' Ang pangarap natin ay walang out of school youth sa buong probinsya ng Albay at Camarines Sur, at sa buong bansa,” Luistro added.
DPWH installs earthquake recording instrument
Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph
 
Leading the public sector in maximizing resources and technology available for disaster risk reduction, two (2) units of accelerograph were installed at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Head Office to ensure the serviceability, performance, and structural integrity against earthquake of its five (5) storey building at Port Area, Manila.

Installation of accelerograph, a sensing equipment that measures seismic acceleration or strong ground motion that processes and converts the intensity, velocity and displacement of ground motion, coincides with the holding of Earthquake Resilience Seminar by the DPWH National Building Code Development Office among Metro Manila Building Officials recently.

Earlier, the DPWH through its National Building Code Development Office (NBCDO) issued NBCDO Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2015, which provides for the Guidelines and Implementing Rules on Earthquake Recording Instrumentation (ERI) for Buildings and as part of the Implementing Rules and Regulation of the National Building Code and pertinent provisions of National Structural Code of the Philippines.

The Guidelines and Implementing Rules on Earthquake Recording Instrumentation for Buildings which was published in newspaper of general circulation requires building to install certain number of ERI and at different locations.

It shall cover all existing buildings, both government and private, located in Seismic Zone 4 in the entire Philippines except Palawan and Tawi-Tawi located in Zone 2.

The installation of the instrument shall form part of the requirements for the Annual Certificate of Inspections for existing buildings and as a pre-condition for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings covered by the guidelines.

Monitoring of compliance on the provisions is under the ambit of powers of the office of the local Building Officials and City/Municipal Engineer who are required by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to submit quarterly compliance report of the buildings under their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Avila leads DOLE-NCR in awarding livelihood to 113 victims of Kentex fire tragedy
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
 
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended the DOLE-National Capital Region after Regional Director Alex P. Avila reported to her that the DOLE regional office has delivered livelihood grants to 113 workers and dependents of victims of the fire disaster that razed Kentex Manufacturing Corporation in Valenzuela City.

“The livelihood awards consisted of jigs and tools that the recipients could use to help them recover from the tragedy,” Avila said in his report to Sec. Baldoz.

Baldoz said that aside from ensuring that the workers’ employer, Kentex, will pay their liabilities, the DOLE Regional Office in the National Capital Region also granted the wish of the workers and their families for livelihood assistance to enable them to move on in their lives.

“We hope that with the help of these livelihood grants, the worker-survivors and the families of those who died in the Kentex fire will recover economically and socially, especially those who lost their kin who could either be the family’s breadwinner or simply providing needed economic support,” Baldoz said after receiving Director Avila’s report.

Yesterday, Avila personally led DOLE-NCR officials composed of DOLE CAMANAVA Field Office Director Andrea Cabansag and her staff in handing out the livelihood grants at the Barangay Hall of Brgy. Ugong, Valenzuela City. Barangay Captain Eduardo Nazar and his officials, as well as Helen Abulencia of the Social Security System attended the awarding.

The grants were each worth P10,000 and are intended by the recipients for various home-based livelihoods, such as rice trading; carinderia; frozen food trading; patis and dishwashing making; sari-sari store; dress making; buy and sell; burger stand; street food vending; and welding.

Of the 113 livelihood beneficiaries, 35 were dependents of those who died from the fire. Regional Director Avila said a second batch of livelihood beneficiaries, who were also victims of the Kentex fire tragedy, will be awarded with similar livelihood projects.

“We are scheduling the next awarding,” he said to the media who covered the event.

Avila pledged to closely monitor the progress of the livelihood projects to ensure that these serve the purpose of helping alleviate the economic condition of the beneficiaries.

At the awarding, the livelihood beneficiaries profusely thanked the Department and DOLE-NCR for helping them move on after the tragedy.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DOLE dahil sa tulong na ito. Makakapagsimula muli kami nang paunti-unti,” said Kentex fire survivor Clu Lida Bautista, who was provided with five sacks of rice and equipment for her rice trading business.

Randy Quidem, on the other hand, promised that he will try his best to make his new dressmaking business a success.

“Sisikapin ko po na maging successful itong bagong business na dressmaking. Napakalaking tulong po ito para magkaroon kami ng panibagong umpisa at dagdag na kita,” said Quidem. He was given a sewing machine and tools for his new trade.
DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations conducts learning session on OSH and safety inspection
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
 
Forty (40) members and officials of various unions and federations in Metro Manila have participated in the kick-off of the DOLE’s technical learning sessions at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Diliman, Quezon City, the first in the series that Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has ordered in the aftermath of the deadly Kentex Manufacturing Corporation fire accident.

“I have ordered this series of learning sessions on OSH and safety inspection to enhance safety and health in all workplaces.The learning session is not new, but we have to refresh our people’s and our partners’ knowledge on OSH. We have to underscore the importance of OSH among workers and employers,” said Baldoz.

The Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) is leading the conduct of the series of learning sessions on occupational safety and health standards and technical safety inspection in coordination with the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) and Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC).

On the second leg of the learning session on 5 June, a total of 36 union and federation representatives joined, while 38joined the learning session on 26 June.

The representatives were from the National Association of Trade Unions (NATU);Samahan at Ugnayan ng mga Manggagawang Pantahanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (SUMAPI); Philippine Trade and General Workers' Organization (PTGWO); Metro East Labor Federation (MELF);Alliance of Genuine Labor Organizations (AGLO);Federation of Free Workers(FFW);Associated Labor Unions (ALU);Confederation of Democratic Workers of the Philippines (CDWP); Kaunlaran ng Manggagawang Pilipino, Inc.(KMPI);

All Workers Alliance of Trade Unions (AWATU); Alliance of Free Workers (AFW); League of Independent Bank Organization (LIBO); International Seamen's Mutual Labor Association (ISLA); Pambansang Kilusan sa Paggawa (KILUSAN);

National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE); Association of Construction and Informal Workers (ACIW); United Filipino Seafarers (UFS); Mariners’ & Allied Transport Employees’Union (MATEU); Philippine Association of Migrant Workers and Advocates (PAMWA); Federation of Coca Cola Unions (FCCU); Samahang Manggagawang Pilipino-National Alliance of Teachers and Office Workers (SMP-NATOW); Kilusan ng Manggagawang Makabayan (KMM); and National Union of Workers in Hotel Restaurant and Allied Industries (NUWHRAIN).

The learning sessions tackled Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rule 1070 (Occupational Health and Environmental Control); 1083 (Respiratory Protection); 1090 (Hazardous Materials); and Department Order No. 136-14: Guidelines for the Implementation of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in Chemical Safety Program in the Workplace; scope and components of OSH standards and other OSH-related DOLE issuances which form part of the Labor Compliance Checklist; key principles in the implementation of workplace policies and programs on drug-free workplace, Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS, and Hepatitis B; and the coverage of technical safety inspection and standard requirements.

Baldoz said the learning session emphasized the importance of ensuring safety and health at the workplace.

“Most importantly, thelearning sessions also provided an opportunity to discuss issues and challenges in the implementation of occupational safety and health standards,” said Baldoz.

She added that these learning sessions highlight the advocacy and commitment of the DOLE to remain steadfast in its mandate to promote occupational safety and health towards achieving decent work for all.

The next sessions are scheduled on 31 July, 14 and 28 August, and 11 and 25 September. Interested participants may contact Mr. Roland C. Nobleza or Ms. Adoracion I. Ducduc of the BLR’s Union Registration and Workers’ Empowerment Division (URWED) at telephone nos. 527-2537.
PhilHealth Taps BDO Unibank Inc. as Local Fund Manager
Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph
 
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has tapped the Banco de Oro Unibank, Inc. (BDO) to be its first Local Fund Manager to help grow the health insurance fund and ensure its stability for the benefit of PhilHealth’s 86 million beneficiaries.

The Investment Management Agreement was signed by PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla and Ador A. Abrogena, Executive Vice President of BDO Trust at the BDO’s office in Makati City.

As local fund manager, BDO will manage P1 billion, which is only a small portion of PhilHealth’s investment reserve fund, and ensure that the fund grows so that PhilHealth can continue to provide for the health insurance benefits of its growing membership base. The partnership is expected to further maximize the returns that PhilHealth generates from its current investments and pave the way for the attainment of the investment objective of optimizing growth and yield through active investments in the stock market through a disciplined stock selection process.

“We are very happy that BDO is our first local fund manager,” Padilla said. “We rely a lot not only on our collections of premium for the reimbursement of PhilHealth benefits but also in the investments that we do. So far, we have been performing well in investments but we are limited to fixed government securities as well as government bonds. Now that we partnered with BDO, we expect bigger returns in equities,” he added.

BDO Trust will manage the investment portfolio based on strict implementing directives stated in the Stock Investment Guidelines provided by PhilHealth. “PhilHealth has a huge responsibility of providing benefits to millions of our countrymen. It is therefore very important that we as fund managers make sure that we manage this fund with the highest degree of responsibility for the fund to perform its objective of providing universal health coverage for all of us. That is the commitment of BDO,” said Abrogena.

PhilHealth shall continue to tap the services of four (4) more local fund managers through public bidding by the end of the year.
 
NEDA Board approves new civil registry project, changes in two projects
Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph
MANILA – In a meeting on July 15, 2015, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino III, approved the new Civil Registry System Information Technology Project and changes in the NAIA Expressway Phase II and the Daang Hari- SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) Link Road Project.

“The approval of the Civil Registry System Information Technology Project will extend and enhance the Philippine Statistics Authority’s civil registry document services, which is a highly critical need for Filipino citizens. Meanwhile, the adoption of changes in the NAIA Expressway Project, Phase II and the Daanghari-SLEX Link Road project are responsive in essentially reconciling the increasing need of motorists and the service capacity of these roads over the course of time,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

First, the NEDA Board approved the new Civil Registry System (CRS) Information Technology Project of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The project involves the computerization of the civil registry operations of the PSA and is designed to collect, store, maintain, and manage civil registry documents and the specimen signatures of all city and municipal registrars using imaging technology. It will also include production of vital statistics and will make the civil registry services available nationwide through the CRS outlets and other authorized partners.

Moreover, the project has an estimated total project cost of PhP1.59 billion, that will be implemented through public-private partnership. It has a concession period of 12 years including 2 years of development.

With regards to the NAIA Expressway Project, Phase II, the NEDA Board approved to change the alignment from Domestic Road to Electrical Road.

The transfer of the project alignment from the Domestic Road to the Parañaque River/Electrical Road is in line with DPWH’s recommendation, which will require an additional cost amounting to PhP2.07 billion. The project was confirmed by the NEDA Board on May 30, 2012.

Another is the approval of the change in scope of the Daang Hari- SLEX Link Road Project, which will construct additional civil works to improve overall access to and from both roads of the project. This includes a provision for future expansion of the SLEX for a possible fifth lane for both directions. This is supported by the Toll Regulatory Board’s October 29, 2012 letter to DPWH citing that SLEX was already under Level of Service C and would eventually reach critical level by the year 2018. The cap of the additional cost for this change is PhP223.02 million. The NEDA Board previously approved the project on July 8, 2011.

Meanwhile, the NEDA Board will still discuss anew the proposed Bonifacio Global City Ortigas Road Link of the DPWH to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
 
TESDA to train over 5,000 Bulacan youth
Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph
Hard up youths who may have missed school this semester will have a chance at education with a course of their choice.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has partnered with 14 technical vocational institutions to make available a total of 5,532 scholarship slots to poor but deserving students, who want to pursue tech-voc education.

The beneficiaries were selected from districts 1 and 4 and from the lone district of San Jose del Monte.

A ceremonial turnover of the scholarship vouchers was held on July 16 during the Scholars Day at the San Jose del Monte covered court, which was attended by the beneficiaries and representatives of technical vocational schools.

The activity was organized with the Bulacan Association of Technical Schools (BATS) and the local government unit.

"TESDA scholars are almost always the ones who are burdened with limited resources, but who have the potential to be something more. We want to be at the right place at the right time for them," TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said.

The scholarships are under TESDA's Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

The TWSP aims to give training that would fill the skills gap and job requirements of priority industries and sectors with high employment demand.

Villanueva said that TESDA continues to improve the reach of quality technical vocational education to the grassroots and works to encourage technical vocational institutions to offer programs in qualifications that will cater to the demands of industries.

After training, TESDA offers free competency assessment to the graduates to ensure they have quality skills and are qualified to receive the National Certificate.

Certified graduates are also linked to potential employers through job fairs.
Two bidders advance to bidding stage for the Regional Prison Facilities through the PPP Project
Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph
 
Two groups prequalified to bid for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Bureau of Corrections' (BuCor) first Regional Prison Facilities project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Program.
After evaluation of prequalification documents submitted last June 26 2015, DOJ and BuCor deemed San Miguel Holdings Corp. and Mega Structure Consortium compliant with the requirements to bid for the Php 50.2 billion Regional Prison Facilities through PPP, while DMCI Holdings Inc. did not pass the prequalification stage of the project.
The winning bidder will design, finance, construct, and maintain the modern prison facilities that will be constructed at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
This Regional Prison Facilities PPP project will accommodate 26,880 inmates, including staff housing and administrative buildings, areas for rehabilitation (sports, work and religious activity), and will be installed with high security equipment.
It will address the dire situation faced by existing penal facilities and create more humane prison conditions.
‘Yolanda’ survivors get extra income from oyster project funded by DSWD
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
 
As part of the continuing assistance to survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) initiated the Oyster Aquaculture livelihood project for 51 individuals from Brgy. Barra, Roxas City in Capiz. The project is a group enterprise of the Fisherfolks Association in the village.

A community-based capacity building program, SLP increases the economic opportunities of families through the different modalities such as skills training, seed capital fund, pre-employment assistance fund, and the cash for building livelihood assets. It is implemented through the Community-Driven Enterprise Development Approach, which equips program participants to actively contribute to production and labor markets by looking at available resources and accessible markets.

DSWD poured in some P1,676,100 as seed fund for the enterprise.

This August, the members will harvest the fruit of their eight months of hard work.

Eleven-year-old John Well Detablan is one of those who cannot hide his excitement as harvest time nears.

John, whose father Wilmer is the president of the Fisherfolks Association, said that he does not mind being exposed to the sun’s scorching heat while staying in the river monitoring the growth of the oysters.

“Lagi po ako nandito kasama si tatay. Pagkatapos po ng klase ko o kaya ‘pag walang pasok ay sumasama ako dito sa ilog para tignan kung lumalaki na sila (I am always here with my father after my class or every time I have no class to help check these oysters),” he said.

Equally excited is Excelyn, John’s mother. Excelyn said that they are thankful for the seed capital to invest in an oyster project as their alternative livelihood for fishing.

She added that the project is a great help to all members of the association because it provides them extra income which helps sustain the daily needs of their families, especially since fishing becomes risky during the rainy season.

Excelyn also said that being beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya has really changed their lives because it helps them cope during lean months.

Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 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).

The Pantawid Pamilya has been covering Excelyn’s three children for almost five years now.

She also shared that of the 51 members of the Fisherfolks Association, 32 are beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilya. Excelyn said that the cash grants they are receiving every two months are helpful in meeting the needs of their children.

“Maganda pong motibasyon ang Pantawid Pamilya para mag-aral nang mabuti ang mga bata (The program is an effective motivation for the children to go to school),” Excelyn enthused.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the changed lives of beneficiaries prove that the Sustainable Livelihood Program and Pantawid Pamilya truly help empower the poor.

“Napatunayan mula sa mga benipisyaryo mismo na kaya nilang magbago sa tulong ng mga programa ng pamahalaan, (The beneficiaries themselves have proven that they can change for the better, with the help of government programs),” Sec. Soliman emphasized.
OWWA Region I welcomes new OFWDSP scholars
Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office I (OWWA RWOI) is proud to welcome its latest batch of scholars under the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program (OFWDSP), as they have gathered together for a formal orientation and agreement-signing on July 13, 2015, at Max’s Restaurant, City of San Fernando, La Union.

After careful evaluation of their application by the OWWA RWOI, 48 incoming college freshmen have qualified for the OFWDSP for the new academic year, and they will enjoy the benefits of the scholarship for the entire span of their tertiary education.

The OFWDSP offers financial assistance of P20,000 per year to qualified dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who receive a monthly salary of not more than US$400.00. The qualified applicants shall enroll in any four-year or five-year baccalaureate course in any college or university within Region I.

Of the 48 new scholars, 13 of them come from Pangasinan, 12 each from La Union and Ilocos Norte, and 11 from Ilocos Sur.

One of them is Daphne Kyle R. Mabanta of San Fernando City, La Union. Her father, Fernando P. Mabanta, works as Plumber is Saudi Arabia. She will take up BS Nursing this coming academic year.

Daphne’s mother, Marilyn, was also present during the activity. She, together will all the other parents and guardians of the scholars, were also invited during the orientation to inform them about their responsibilities in the scholarship of their child/ward.

Ms. Dolly Ann G. Camacho, Program Coordinator for OWWA RWOI, briefed the scholars and their parents/guardians about the terms and conditions of the scholarship program, including specific provisions in Enrollment, Shifting of Courses, and Suspension and Termination of the Scholarship.

The OWWA RWO I is hopeful that with the aid of the scholarship, the OFW dependents will succeed in their studies. “Your parents make great sacrifices abroad,” said OIC Rhoda Nilda Placida R. Lee, “and the best way to pay them back is to do great in your studies.”
DTI, Germany hold mobile apps contest to green MSMEs
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
 
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the German development cooperation agency Deutsche Gesellschaft fűr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) are inviting all Filipinos who are adept at developing mobile applications to participate in their joint competition to green local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

With MSMEs among the most severely affected by extreme weather events and other calamities that hit the country, which are largely attributed to global warming, the DTI has partnered with Germany, a global leader in fighting climate change using state-of-the-art technology, to make local MSMEs more environment-friendly and climate-smart.

DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said, “The move to green our MSMEs will not only help reduce climate change overall, but will also make their businesses more sustainable and competitive in the world market.”

Germany has infused extra funds into the DTI-GIZ project Promotion of Green Economic Development (ProGED), funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), for the launch of a competition for mobile applications that would help MSMEs become more climate friendly in seven critical areas: resource efficiency, solid waste management, green supply management, natural resource management, green transportation, water and waste water management, and energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Short concept papers for the mobile apps can be submitted at the contest website at http://go.greeneconomy.ph until 15 August 2015.

Shortlisted concepts will be announced at the contest website on 19 August. Their proponents will be invited to a face-to-face event to present their app ideas. There will be three elimination rounds before the winning app is selected. The dates and venues will be announced later. Transportation and lodging expenses to and from Manila will not be shouldered.

The contest, called “GreenOvation,” is open to all Filipinos aged 18 and above, even to students, teachers, women, and retirees, both individuals and groups of up to three persons only. The winner will be supported by GIZ to develop the app for full use by local MSMEs.
DTI launches 54 more Negosyo Centers
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
 
“As of July 10, 2015, there are now 54 Negosyo Centers launched this year. This brings us to a total of 59 Centers now operating all over the country. Five of these became operational on the fourth quarter of 2014,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 12 Assitant Regional Director (ARD) and Negosyo Center National Program Office (NC-NPO) Program Manager Dorecita T. Delima said.

Of the 59 centers, 16 are located in Mindanao, 12 are in Visayas, and 31 are in Luzon, or a share of 27%, 20%, and 53%, respectively. Majority of these centers are located in the various Local Government Units (LGUs) where the Centers are based, and in the DTI Regional and Provincial Offices nationwide. Only one Center is academe-based while another is housed at a Chamber’s Office.

The Digos Negosyo Center hosted by Cor Jesu College and the Davao City Negosyo Center hosted by the Davao City LGU and the Davao City Investment Promotions Center (DCIPC) were launched on 9 July, with Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, author of Republic Act (RA) No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act, gracing the event. The Malaybalay Negosyo Center has also been launched on 10 July.

For the rest of the month of July, 26 more Negosyo Centers are likewise set for launching all over the country. It is expected that by month’s end, Negosyo Centers will be present in all the regions of the country.

A total of 146 Negosyo Centers are set to be launched by end of the year, or 46% of the total target of 100 centers for 2015. The total number of Negosyo Centers operating by then would reach 151, including the 4 centers already operating in 2014.

“Based on the numbers, we are on track in our goal of making sure that Negosyo Centers are set up in the areas where they matter the most, where they are felt the most. This is DTI’s commitment for the continued growth of our MSMEs, as enunciated by the DTI Secretary himself, Gregory L. Domingo,” DTI Regional Operations Group (ROG) Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya said.

DTI has been given the key responsibility and challenge of establishing Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities, and municipalities nationwide, as provided for under the Go Negosyo Act, which seeks to strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide to create more job opportunities in the country. It was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III on 15 July 2014, with the DTI issuing Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 14-5 series of 2014 or the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act No. 10644.
Roxas, CAMANAVA Brgys. to tackle disaster preparedness and response
Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph
 
Being alert saves alive.

This is the catchphrase of Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas, who will join more than 500 barangay and local officials today (July 15) at the Disaster Preparedness Conference in the city of Malabon.

During the event, Roxas is expected to tackle the local government units’ (LGUs) role in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), particularly in disaster preparedness and early response, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and the National DRRM Law of 2012.

Both these laws require LGUs to prepare and implement their local disaster risk reduction management plans (LDRRMPs) to ensure the safety of their constituents above all other concerns.

Roxas aims to empower barangays on these matters given that they are at the grassroots level of the community, resulting in a more direct and responsive approach in terms of disaster preparedness.

The areas of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) lie lower than most areas in Metro Manila, making them more susceptible to floods caused by rains and high tides. Eight major waterways cause floods in these areas, which is why the DILG has always been active in engaging their LGUs in disaster preparedness.

Roxas, as the DILG Chief, sits as the vice chairperson for disaster preparedness in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

For its part, the DILG has also been rolling out OPLAN Listo, a manual for all LGUs that will serve as their guide in making early and critical preparations before and during times of disasters. OPLAN Listo has been adopted recently by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to closely monitor disaster response nationwide.
 
NAPOLCOM recommends to PNoy promotion of incoming PNP Chief Marquez to four-star general
Source: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph
 
Following the announcement by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas of the appointment of Police Director Ricardo Cornejo Marquez as the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) recommended to President Benigno S. Aquino III his promotion to the highest rank of Police Director General.

This was disclosed by NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta after the NAPOLCOM en banc signed Resolution No. 2015-304 dated July 14, 2015 recommending to President Aquino the designation of Police Director Marquez as Chief, PNP and his promotion to four-star General.

Marquez who is presently designated as Chief of the Directorate for Operations will replace Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Officer-in-Charge of the PNP, upon his compulsory retirement on July 19, 2015.

“The NAPOLCOM has determined that there is no legal impediment to the designation of Police Director Marquez to the position of Chief, PNP and his promotion to the highest rank of Police Director General,” Escueta said.

He added that the Commission also certifies that Police Director Marquez meets all the requirements for designation to the position of Chief, PNP.

Section 26 of Republic Act No. 6975 (PNP Law) provides that the Chief of the PNP shall be appointed by the President from among the senior officers down to the rank of Police Chief Superintendent.

“The same provision further specifies that the Chief of the PNP shall serve a term of office not to exceed for (4) years,” Escueta said.
 
 
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech during the unveiling of the inaugural marker of the Apo Production Unit, Inc. High Security Printing Plant and live demonstration of the new ePassport system
Lima Technology Center, Apolinario Mabini St., Malvar, Batangas
20 July 2015
 
With less than a year remaining in my term, I find myself looking back to the first days we spent in office. Then, the stories of government and its attached agencies were about corruption, inefficiency, or the vicious cycle wrought by both. The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Production Unit was no different. It was first authorized in 1974 to undertake printing jobs for government agencies. Unfortunately, for more than 30 years, it was unable to fulfill its mandate and suffered from the highest forms of inefficiency. The result: a lack of operating funds, piling debt, and the inability to obtain new contracts. The irony is clear: the situation was so bad that the APO, a GOCC itself, could not even solicit printing jobs from its fellow agencies in government.

Given the APO’s condition in 2010; the decision could have been made to cut our losses and start anew. Instead, we all chose the path of reform. Short-term measures were undertaken to ensure that printing continued; long-term solutions included streamlining and computerizing operations, enhancing the skills of the workforce, and acquiring new printing equipment.

Today, we can see that these efforts are literally paying off: from operating at a loss just a few years ago, to finally fulfilling your mandate and contributing to the national coffers. For instance, in 2014, you turned over P2.7 million to the government. While this is a small amount compared to the remittances of other GOCCs, I am confident that it will continue to grow, given the change that has taken place in the APO.

It is my hope that this upward trend in your performance continues, especially since you have been taking on even more complex work, for instance, in this security printing plant. Here, excise stamps for the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Internal Revenue Stamp Information System are already being produced. I understand that these stamps have a significant contribution to the collection of sin taxes, allowing the BIR to efficiently monitor the manufacturing, sales, and taxation of tobacco products. Even better: the security features included on these excise stamps ensure that they cannot be forged—helping us crackdown on smuggling and tax evasion.

The APO’s capacity to undertake high security printing projects for government agencies is precisely why it has also forged a new partnership with our Department of Foreign Affairs to improve the current production of ePassports. A number of problems were encountered with the previous system: obsolete software and hardware and the inability to meet increasing demand, amongst others. Not to mention the fact that the two integral stages of the production process—booklet printing and assembly, and personalization of passports—were done by two different entities. This naturally leads to inefficiency, which is compounded all the more by the increases in passport applications we’ve been seeing. In 2014, passport issuances breached the 3 million mark for the first time. Question: How can a problematic system handle such great demand?

The service level agreement forged between the DFA and the APO early this year will help ensure that the current system runs smoothly: both through maintenance and technical support provided by APO, and through an added printing facility located here. The good news is: This is only for the short term. I am told that both the DFA and the APO are engaged in negotiations to improve further on the current system, and provide printing and personalization services for the next decade. The benefits of housing the entire ePassport system here are clear: The integration of processes in an expansive, and secure facility.

Let me take this opportunity to express my confidence that you will be able to reach an agreement at the soonest possible time, so that production can also begin as envisioned in January 2016. Now that I have my own ePassport—though it seems as if I cannot use it—I am certainly looking forward to seeing this plant’s operations in full swing, so that the rest of the country can benefit from APO’s services. That is, after all, what reform is about, whether undertaken in the national government or in an institution like this one. You have already achieved so much in such a short amount of time. Moving forward, never forget that yours can only remain a true success story if it remains geared towards the success of the Filipino people.

Thank you. Good day.
 
 
 
 
 
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Change of Command Ceremony and retirement honors for Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A. Espina
Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City
16 July 2015
 
Nabanggit ko po kanina kay Dindo, “Dindo, mukhang hindi yata tamang ‘sign off.’ Palagay ko, ‘change channel’ lang. At kung gigisnan natin ang mga mukha ni Nick Bartolome at Ramon Bacalzo, parang mas masarap yata ang buhay ‘pag natapos tayo dito sa mga tungkulin natin ngayon. Nick, baka may second career ka na sa showbusiness.

Ito na ang ikaapat na pagpapalit-atas sa liderato ng ating kapulisan sa loob ng ating panunungkulan. Sa pagkakataong ito, naalala ko ang panatang binitiwan ko noong unang beses akong dumalo sa change of command ng PNP noong 2010: Tatanggalin natin ang pilat ng pagdududa ng mga tao, hindi lamang sa kapulisan, kundi sa buong pamahalaan. Sa loob nga ng mahigit limang taon ng pagtahak sa Daang Matuwid, ito mismo ang tinupad natin at patuloy na pinagsusumikapan.

Ngayong araw po, binibigyang-parangal natin ang isang pinuno at pulis na hindi matatawaran ang mga naging ambag sa ating agenda ng tunay na pagbabago sa kapulisan: si Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, na buong-prinsipyong tinimon ang PNP sa nakalipas na pitong buwan.

Sa buong karera ni Dindo, naging mabuti siyang ehemplo para sa mga kapwa niya Pilipinong pulis: bukas ang loob, magaling makipag-usap, at talagang mapagkumbaba. Naalala ko nga po noong mga panahong spokesperson siya ng PNP; isang beses, nagkataong pareho kaming nasa Batasan at may dumating na politiko na galing po sa amin sa Tarlac. Habang naglalakad, nasagi po nang di-sadya nitong politiko ang paa ni Dindo, at ang dulo po niyan ay pareho silang natumba. Sa totoo lang, nakatayo lang noon si Dindo, pero siya pa ang humingi ng paumanhin, na patunay sa kababaan niya ng loob. Tumatak nga po sa akin ang eksenang iyon; kaya noong biglaang kinailangang magtalaga ng isang OIC para sa PNP, di na po tayo nagdalawang-isip kung sino ang karapat-dapat sa posisyon. Di naman po tayo nagkamali: Kay Dindo, talagang napalapit ang sambayanan sa ating kapulisan.

Kung mga tagumpay naman sa kanyang termino ang pag-uusapan: Dahil sa kanyang mahusay na pamumuno, nahuli ang ilan sa pinakapinaghahanap ng batas, gaya ni Miguel Omayao na opisyal ng CPP-NPA-NDF West Central Mindanao Front; kasama po siya sa higit 17,300 na wanted na tuluyang naabot at nadala sa katarungan ng PNP sa panahong OIC si Dindo. Isa naman sa criminal gangs na nabuwag ng PNP sa panunungkulan niya ay ang Bathala Drug Group, na naging notorious sa Davao City at mga karatig na lugar nito.

Katuwang naman ang AFP, naglalakihang tagumpay din ang nakamit ng PNP sa larangan ng peace and order. Nariyan ang paghuli sa ibang pinuno pa ng CPP-NPA-NDF na sina Ruben Saluta, Emmanuel Bacarra, at Rodrigo Tayasan, pati na ang pagdakip sa teroristang si Mohamad Ali Tambako at apat na kasamahan nito. Idiin ko lang po: Itong si Tambako na lider diumano raw ng Justice for Islamic Movement, ay humiwalay sa Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters para lalong maghasik ng gulo, at di na nga po hinayaan ng PNP na makaporma pa ang bago niyang itinatag na grupo.

Dindo, sa maikling panahon na ika’y naglingkod bilang OIC, at sa ibang naging tungkulin mo gaya ng magsilbi kang hepe ng NCRPO, ipinamalas mo ang galing at propesyonalismong hinihiling sa mga tagapagtupad ng batas. Nakakalungkot ngang isiping umabot na tayo sa sandaling kailangan mong iwan ang serbisyo. Sa araw na ito, tanggapin mo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng sambayanan para sa lahat ng iyong sakripisyo’t pagsisikap.

Epektibong paglilingkod at isang taas-noong PNP: Iyan po ang ipapamana ni Dindo sa pagbaba niya sa katungkulan. Kasabay ng pagkilala natin sa isang papaalis na kabalikat sa mabuting pamamahala, tinatanggap naman natin ang pagpasok ng bagong PNP Chief: si Police Director Ricardo Marquez, na siyang magtataguyod sa ating kapulisan sa huling yugto ng ating administrasyon.

Pinili natin si Ric dahil isinabuhay niya ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng isang huwarang pulis: masipag, alisto, at may paninindigan sa pagtupad ng kanyang mandato. Naalala ko nga po: Noong 2014, mayroon daw pong isang nagpositibo sa karamdamang MERS-CoV na umuwi dito. Masakit po, naabisuhan lang tayo 12 oras pagkatapos lumapag na siya bansa sakay o lulan ng isang eroplano. Sakto po, Miyerkules Santo noon, at marami nang nasa bakasyon sa ating kinauukulan. Ang kailangan pong hanapin, di-bababa sa 414 na pasahero na posibleng nahawaan nitong virus na ‘to. Siyempre po, talagang tinutukan natin ito at sinigurong hindi kakalat ang sakit; hindi tayo basta-basta lang nakuntento at sumang-ayon sa mga tinaguriang established protocol. Dinoble natin ang pagsisikap para hanapin ang lahat ng posibleng maapektuhan ng karamdamang ito. Kinailangan nga pong bumuo ng bagong plano para rito; si Ric nga po ang naitalaga para isakatuparan ang planong ito.

May isa pa pong kuwento tungkol kay Ric: Nang mabalitaan nating gustong bumisita ng Santo Papa sa ating bansa, natural, ang tugon po natin: Siyempre! Nang malaman na po natin lahat ng detalye tungkol sa pagibisita niya, biglang napatanong po tayo: Umoo nga ba talaga tayo sa mungkahi niyang dumalaw sa atin? Ang una pong hiling ng Santo Papa ay magkaroon ng isang motorcade para makahalubilo kahit papaano ang mga kababayan natin. Pagabi ang pagdating ng ating Santo Papa, at napatanong tayo: Ano ang silbi ng motorcade sa dilim? Ang sabi po sa atin ng mga kawani ng Simbahan: Huwag ho tayong mag-alala, lalagyan naman daw ng ilaw ‘yung kanyang Pope Mobile.

Tandaan po ninyo: Matapang ang Santo Papa at may ilang nasagasaan sa mga pahayag niya. Bilang host, tungkulin nating tiyakin ang seguridad ng ating bisita. Pero ang sabi po sa atin: Di puwedeng armored vehicle ang sasakyan niya, kasi di niya maririnig ang mga tao. Para sa atin pong mga security experts na batid ang panganib, talagang nightmare scenario po ito; kumbaga, may bull’s eye na sa Santo Papa, inilawan mo pa siya para mas madaling maasinta. Wala nga pong kapaliwanagan kung saka-sakaling may nangyari kay Pope Francis habang narito siya sa Pilipinas.

Sagaran nga po ang naging hamon sa Papal Visit: Nariyan ang posibilidad ng stampede sa Luneta. Di nga po biro ito. ‘Pag may stampede, ang doctrine po para mahinto ito, kailangang itulak ang mga tao mula sa masikip patungo sa maluwag na espasyo. Problema: ‘Yung Quirino Grandstand at Luneta na po ‘yung pinakamaluwag nating venue, at kung magkakagulo doon—halimbawang may magpaputok ng labintador—ay itutulak mo ang mga tao papunta sa mas makitid na lugar. Baliktad doon sa nakaugaliang doktrina. Hindi nga po madaling mahihinto ang stampede at pihadong may mapapahamak.

Dagdag ko na rin po: Nariyan ang pagbisita ng Papa sa Tacloban, ang bawat aktibidad niya at pagkilos kung saan “exposed” din siya; pati ultimong banta ng masamang panahon, kinaharap niya. Awa nga po ng Diyos, at sa pakikiisa ng ating mga kababayan, naitawid ng ating Security Sector—ng Sandatahang Lakas at ng PNP—ang okasyong ito. Sa lahat ng ito, ang taong nakatalaga para bantayan ang bawat kompone ng plano ay si Ric Marquez.

Si Ric na po ngayon ang bagong magtitimon sa PNP, at inaasahan nating papantayan niya, kung hindi man tataasan pa, ang antas ng pagseserbisyong ipinamalas ng mga nauna sa kanya. Bago naman po ako magpatuloy, gusto kong humingi ng paumanhin sa lahat ng naghintay nang pagkatagal-tagal sa pagtatalaga natin ng bagong chief ng PNP. Aaminin ko sa inyo: Ang inaasahan nating pagpapalit-atas, dapat sa Nobyembre o Disyembre pa; pero sa pag-alis ni General Purisima, na napabilis pa dahil sa kanyang suspension, maski tayo nalagay sa di-pangkaraniwang sitwasyon. ‘Yung isa sa kakilala nating posibleng mapili para sa posisyon, di na pala pupuwede dahil di na siya kabilang sa mga nagko-contend sa posisyong ito. Kaya naman, napunta tayo sa senior officials ng PNP, at alam n’yo, sa panahong pumipili tayo ng itatalaga, nakikita natin diyan ang katakot-takot na siraan. Dahil di ko sila personal na kakilala, wala akong agarang basehan para paniwalaan ang mga ulat na dumarating sa atin. Kaya naman kinailangan nating mag-imbestiga.

Ang naging malinaw po rito, ‘yung pagbabatuhan ng putik, sintomas ng isang mas malaking problema sa ating kapulisan. Tila nga po may mga kampo-kampo sa loob ng ating kapulisan: May pulis na bata ni ganito, may pulis na bata ni ganyan. Ang pananaw po natin: Bilang pulis, bata ka dapat ng sambayanang Pilipino; tropa ka dapat ng taumbayan.

Ito po ang pangunahing kailangang itaguyod ng ating bagong PNP chief. Nitong Lunes lang, kinausap natin siya at nilatag ang mga suliraning nakikita natin sa serbisyo. Ang punto ko po sa kanya: Pareho na kaming paretiro, at mauuna lang ako nang kaunti; kailangan niyang hubugin ang isang mas buo at mas matatag na PNP, kasabay ng pagtiyak sa isang malinis at matiwasay na halalan sa 2016.

Maliwanag naman: Sa Daang Matuwid, di puwede ang kanya-kanya; di puwedeng mamayani ang imahen ng Pulis Patola; di puwede ang kaisipang wangwang. Alam nga po natin ang tipo ng pulis na di dapat tularan. Tunghayan ninyo ang isang videong ito mula sa GMA 7 tungkol sa isang SPO1 na si Ricardo Cezar Pascua na humarang po sa ating convoy noong 2012.

(VIDEO)

Mga kasama, huwag na po tayo tumutok sa mga dahilan niya. Tingnan nga po ninyo: May plakang mahirap basahin, walang rehistro ang sasakyan, at malala pa ay wala siyang dalang lisensiya para magmaneho. Ganito po ba ang inaasahan nating magpapatupad ng batas? Paalala ko lang: Walang sinuman, estrellado ka man o P.O. na nakakabit sa iyong pangalan, ang puwedeng mangibabaw sa batas.

Sa kabila nito, marami naman ang matatawag nating huwaran sa inyong hanay. Nariyan ang isang Senior Inspector Charity Galvez na pinamunuan ang pangkat ng 30 pulis sa paglaban sa 250 NPA noong 2011 sa Agusan del Sur; nariyan ang isang PO3 Edlyn Arbo na kahit off-duty ay tinugis ang holdaper sa sinakyan niyang jeep. Isama na rin po natin ang apat na rookie policewoman na agad tumugon sa pag-atake ng Martilyo Gang sa Mall of Asia nitong 2014; at si PO3 Felipe Moncatar na nakilala naman sa dami ng naipakulong niyang kriminal. Nariyan din si Inspector Marjorie Manuta, na bagaman nasalanta rin ng bagyong Yolanda, ay naglakad nang anim na kilometro para lang matulungan ang kanyang mga kababayan. Banggitin ko na rin po si SPO3 Erlinda Gagaoin ng La Union, na pinasan ang isang lola para lang maiuwi dito. Si PO2 Dondon Sultan na matapos tulungan ang isang nasiraan ng sasakyan ay tumanggi pa sa inabot na P1,000 at sinabing “Trabaho naming tumulong sa mamamayan.”

Ngayon, ang utos natin sa ating bagong hepe, simpleng-simple: Tanggalin, parusahan ang mga baluktot; at gantimpalaan naman ang tuwid para lalo pa silang magpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo.

Kasabay nito, bilin din natin ang pag-angat pa sa ating antas ng seguridad sa ating mga police installations at detachments. Nitong Abril at Mayo lang, nagkaroon ng mga pag-atake sa dalawang kampo ng ating kapulisan, na dapat sana’y talagang protektado. Sa isang insidente, pinaulanan raw ng mortar ang ating mga tropa, na parang pahiwatig na ganoon-ganoon na lang ang tingin sa atin ng mga kalaban ng Estado. Pinapasagot na nga po natin ang kinauukulan tungkol sa mga kakulangan sa kampo. May isa namang insidente kung saan, pinasok ang ibang kampo para magpasabog ng bomba. Nang may dumating na first responders, nag-detonate sila ng pangalawang IED. Puwede ho sanang naiwasan ‘yan kung naging mas mahigpit tayo sa mga patakaran. Ang gusto kong bigyang-diin dito: May repormang dapat ipatupad; ang mga nagbibigay ng seguridad sa bansa, kailangang may seguridad din, lalo na sa sariling mga tanggapan.

Sa ating kapulisan naman, walang duda: Hindi magkukulang ang ating administrasyon sa pagkakaloob sa inyo ng kakayahan at kagamitan. Mula sa pagkamit ng 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio sa unang pagkakataon sa ating kasaysayan; hanggang sa pagtulak ng PNP Capability Enhancement Program at pagpapalakas sa tinatawag ninyong “shoot, scoot, and communicate;” at maging sa pagtutok sa pabahay at pensiyon ninyo, sinisiguro nating naalagaan ang inyong kapakanan. Nariyan din naman ang mga kuya ninyo sa serbisyo, sa pangunguna ni Sec. Mar, na gagabayan kayo sa landas ng tama at tuwid. Pero may kasabihan nga po: Puwede kang magturo, ngunit ang pagkatuto, nasa tao. Nakahanap na nga po tayo ng timon para sa PNP na talagang nagpakitang-gilas, at kailangan na lang ay sumunod kayo sa ehemplo niya. Ngayong mayroon na kayong pangmatagalang lideratong gagabay sa inyo, ang panawagan ng ating mga Boss: Nasa likod ninyo ang bayan; kaya naman, isabuhay ninyo ang inyong mandato bilang nagkakaisang Philippine National Police, isang Philippine National Police na tumototoo sa sinumpaang tungkulin, isang Philippine National Police na tutok sa serbisyo, disiplinado, at kongkretong simbolo ng pagbabago.

Sa Daang Matuwid, paganda nang paganda ang estado ng lipunan, at kaakibat niyan ang kakayahang matugunan pa ang inyong mga pangangailangan. Pero ang kaunlaran, nagmumula iyan sa kaayusan at katahimikan. Sa patuloy na pagtupad sa inyong tungkulin, tumutulong kayong hubugin ang kinabukasan na karapat-dapat para sa ating lahat. Tama lang po na ibuhos natin ang lahat ng magagawa natin, para tiyak na maipamana ang isang mas magandang Pilipinas sa susunod na salinlahi: Isang bansa na mas mapayapa, mas ligtas, at mas matatayog ang inaabot na pangarap.

Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano
19 July 2015
 
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Mr. Montano: ‘Yung atin pong mensahe dito sa pagkapanalo nitong ating ‘Filipino Flash,’ si (Nonito) Donaire?

SEC. COLOMA: Siyempre po, palagi po nating ipinagmamalaki at ipinagbubunyi ang tagumpay—ang bawat tagumpay—katulad nitong pinakahuling tagumpay ni ‘Filipino Flash,’ Nonito Donaire. Muli po siyang naghatid ng karangalan sa ating bansa. Sana’y magpatuloy ang kanyang pagiging kampeon.

Mr. Montano: May update po ba tayo sa SONA (State of the Nation Address) preparations na pwedeng mabanggit dito sa ating (palatuntunan)?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang batid lang po natin ay patuloy na pinaghahandaan ni Pangulong Aquino ang kanyang paghahatid ng final State of the Nation Address sa darating na pagbubukas ng joint session ng ating Kongreso. Wala po akong partikular na impormasyon hinggil sa mga nilalaman ‘nung kanyang draft speech kaya mainam po siguro ay hintayin na lamang natin mismo ‘yung kanyang pagtatalumpati.

Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir. Mayroon pong pahayag ang dalawang US senators—sina Senators John McCain at Jack Reed—na miyembro ng Senate Armed Services Committee ng US ukol daw po… Pinapurihan nila ang Pilipinas ukol doon sa ating efforts to resolve peacefully ‘yung ating territorial dispute sa South China Sea. Ano po ang maipapahayag natin ukol dito?

SEC. COLOMA: Sa ganyan pong pagpapahayag nina Senator McCain at Senators Jack Reed at Bob Corker at Senator Ben Cardin, dumarami po lalo ang hanay ng mga sumusuporta sa ating itinataguyod na mapayapang pagresolba ng mga usapin sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea, at ‘yung kainaman po na ito ay daanin sa mga legal na proseso dahil nga po tayo ay signatory doon sa United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kaya ikinagagalak po natin na lumalawak lalo ang hanay ng mga sumusuporta sa posisyon ng ating bansa. Nauna na rin po ang pagpapahayag ng suporta sa adhikaing itinataguyod natin ang European Union at iba pang mga kasapi po ng ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) at ‘yung bansang Japan. ‘Yun pong Australia naniniwala din po sa prinsipyo ng peaceful resolution of disputes following international law.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, ‘yung atin pong efforts para po tulungan ‘yung ating mga kababayan diyan po sa mga binaha sa Pangasinan, at kumusta na rin po ‘yung monitoring natin doon sa sitwasyon doon?

SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy pong sinusubaybayan ng ating National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (ito) at tinututukan ang mga isinasagawang programa ng lokal (na pamahalaan)—meaning regional po at provincial DRRMCs. At ang mga national agencies po natin katulad ng DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) ay mayroon na pong ipinahahatid na agarang pagkalinga sa mga apektado ng kalamidad. Nakahanda rin po ang mga work teams ng Department of Public (Works and) Highways para ibalik po ‘yung mga nasirang imprastruktura. At ‘yon naman pong Department of Agriculture ay naghahanda na ring tulungan ‘yung mga magsasakang apektado ng nasalantang mga pananim.

Mr. Montano: May maipapahayag po ba itong ating Palasyo tungkol dito sa police handling ‘nung sinasabing rubout ng mga pulis diyan sa Lungsod ng Maynila?

SEC. COLOMA: Ang alam po natin ay agarang kumilos ang ating kapulisan diyan, at ‘nung siya ay bagong install pa lamang bilang PNP (Philippine National Police) chief, si Police Director General Ricardo Marquez ay agad nang kumilos diyan upang tiyakin ‘yung pagpapanagot sa mga responsable. At doon po sa natunghayan natin, apat doon sa limang pinaghihinalaan ay nasa kamay na po ng Manila Police Office.

Mr. Montano: At tiniyak naman nitong ating bagong hepe ng PNP na makakamtan ‘yung hustisya at ‘yung pamilya ng biktima ay mabibigyan ng tulong, karampatang tulong?

SEC. COLOMA: Tama ‘yung sinabi mo, Efren.

Mr. Montano: Okay po. In relation po dito, ano po ‘yung aksyon ng ating pamahalaan para maitulak itong anti-torture policy laban sa mga mababanggit nating ill treatment na mga ginagawa ng ating ilang kapulisan laban sa mga suspek po?

SEC. COLOMA: Wala pong lugar sa ating pamahalaan dahil labag sa batas at labag po sa ating mga adhikain ng demokrasya at kalayaan ‘yung paggamit ng torture, kaya ‘yan po ay masinsing tinututukan ng ating Commission on Human Rights, at ang atin pong mga alagad ng batas ay pinaaalalahanan na kailangang ipatupad ang batas at sila mismo ang unang dapat sumunod sa batas at hindi rin magsagawa ng mga kahalintulad na aksyon dahil sila po ang nagpapatupad ng batas.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, mayroon pong pahayag ang Commission on Audit. Ipinapahinto raw po ‘yung kontrata doon sa license plate deal nila with the Dutch-Filipino consortium. So, sir, makakaapekto kaya ito doon sa serbisyo ng LTO (Land Transportation Office) na pagbibigay ng mga license plate?

SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon pong mga pasya ng Commission on Audit ay naaayon sa kanilang tungkulin sa Konstitusyon at sa batas. Sa lahat naman po ng pagkakataon kailangang ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi maantala at inaasahan po natin na isasagawa ng LTO at ng DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) ang mga nararapat na hakbang para tiyakin ‘yung patuloy na paglilingkod sa ating mga mamamayan diyan sa aspeto ng pagkakaloob o paghahatid ng proper car registration documents, kabilang na po ang mga license plate.

Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir.

Mr. Montano: Wala na po yatang mga questions, ‘yung parting message po natin, siguro paalala doon sa mga flooding na nangyayari lalo dito sa Norte. Nasa inyo po ang pagkakataon dito sa ating Sunday habit sa Radyo ng Bayan.

SEC. COLOMA: Nananawagan po tayo sa ating mga kababayan na ipagpatuloy ‘yung pag-antabay at pagsubaybay sa lahat ng mga ulat patungkol sa pag-ulan o maging sa thunderstorms; kung mayroon din pong mga advisory hinggil sa mga darating na weather disturbance, kabilang na ang mga bagyo, dahil nga po nais natin na manatiling ligtas sila. ‘Yun pong mga lugar na apektado ng mga kaganapang ito ay tinututukan din—ang tinutukoy ko po ay katulad ‘nung mga nasa malapit sa mga dam—at ‘yun pong mga water level sa ating mga ilog ay tinututukan din sa pamamagitan ng mga makabagong kagamitan para magbigay ng sapat na kaalaman sa ating mga mamamayan at sapat na kahandaan, at kung kinakailangan ay bigyan sila ng abiso hinggil sa paglilikas. So kailangan lang po ‘yung ating patuloy na pag-antabay at pagtutok sa weather situation.

Mr. Sebastian: Alright. With that, sir, marami pong salamat sa inyong oras na ibinigay sa bayan.

SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga po sa inyo.

****
 
SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND)
 
 
 
 
 
Last Updated: 16 JULY 2015
Alternative photo archive with high resolutions
Please click on thumbnails to magnify
 
    President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses the turnover by Manny Pangilinan to Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson a check during the briefing on the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Project at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (July 16, 2015). The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board on 21 November 2013 is a 45.5-km, four-lane paved toll road that will connect CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite and the SLEX-Mamplasan interchange in Biñan, Laguna. (Photo by Exequiel Supera/ Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the briefing on the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Project and ceremonial turnover of the check at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (July 16). The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board on 21 November 2013 is a 45.5-km, four-lane paved toll road that will connect CAVITEX in Kawit, Cavite and the SLEX-Mamplasan interchange in Biñan, Laguna. CALAX is expected to reduce travel time between CAVITEX and SLEX from an average of 1.15 – 2 hours to only 45 minutes. Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao, Manny V. Pangilinan and Secretary Cecar Purisima. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Dinna Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Degree of Chief Commander on outgoing PNP Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director General Espina during the Philippine National Police Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine National Police Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement.  (Photo by Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Dinna Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, presents the awards and memento to outgoing PNP Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina during the Philippine National Police Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses the change of command ceremony of Philippine National Police with former PNP Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina ceding to newly appointed Chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez the symbolic Transformation Torch during the PNP Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine National Police  Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16, 2015). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Newly installed PNP Chief Marquez delivers his speech during the Philippine National Police Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16, 2015). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement. Marquez is a member of the PMA “Sandigan” Class of 1982. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III passes on to newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez the Transformation Torch after it was ceded by former PNP Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Director General Espina during the PNP Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16,  (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Rolando Mailo/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the Philippine National Police Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday (July 16, 2015). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing officer-in-charge and Deputy Director General Espina, troops the line to signal the start of the PNP change of command ceremony and retirement honors for P/DDG Leonardo Espina in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday (July 16, 2015). The Commander-in-Chief has appointed Police Director Ricardo Marquez as the new PNP Chief replacing Espina following the latter’s retirement. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Benhur Arcayan / Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15).  Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras and  Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15).  Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (July 15). Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the PA change of command ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Agnes Carolina Samson-Iriberri, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander on outgoing Philippine Army  Commanding General AFP Chief Lt. General Hernando Iriberri, during the Philippine Army (PA) change of command at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III salutes the entry of colors with AFP Chief of Staff outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri and the new 57th Commanding General of the Phil Army Major General Eduardo Año.  at the Philippine Army (PA) Change of Command Ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on wenesday (July 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and  AFP Chief of Staff outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri , inspects the troops during the Philippine Army change of command PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday (July 15, 2015). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III hands over the command symbol to 57th Philippine Army Commanding General, Army Major General Eduardo Año from outgoing commanding General Lt. Gen Hernando Iriberri, AFP Chief of Staff, during the change of command ceremony at the PA Gym in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday (July 15). Año is the commander of the Army’s 7th Commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Cum Laude Graduate and a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the AFP Command Plaque, encased Philippine Flag, framed medals and Plaque of Honorable Service to former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III hands-over the Saber to the 46th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri during the Testimonial Honors and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Iriberri replaced former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., and newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri review the Honor Guards during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Change of Command Ceremony from outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. to newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10, 2015). Iriberri replaced Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the AFP Command Plaque, encased Philippine Flag, framed medals and Plaque of Honorable Service to former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri is the 46th AFP Chief of Staff replacing Catapang following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    The 46th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri delivers his remarks upon assumption as head of AFP during the Testimonial Honors and AFP Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club (AFPCOC), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). Iriberri replaced former AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. following the latter's retirement from his Tour of Duty. Lt. Gen. Iriberri is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Mrs. Vilma Catapang, confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with the degree of Chief Commander on outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr../ Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by outgoing AFP Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., review the Honor Guards during the Testimonial Honors and Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command Ceremony at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned Officer’s Club, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday (July 10). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan/ Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras meets with Hiroshi Watanabe, Governor and CEO of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation in a courtesy call held at the receiving area of the President's Hall of Malacanan Palace on Tuesday (July 7). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the Cabinet Budget Presentation meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace Monday (July 6). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III joins his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Budget Presentation Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace Monday (July 6). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the men and women in uniform participating in the pass-in review during the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Rey Baniquet - Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.; and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado upon arrival for the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    The Aerobatic Demonstration and Opener Pass of the PAF during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947, two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in is photo Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr.;
and PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. Also in photo Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, reviews the troops during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III checks the scale model of FA 50 aircraft frpom South Korea as part of the exhibition during the celebration of the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III checks the newly acquired choppers as part of exhibition during celebration of the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a coffeetable book presented by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, presents the command plaque and streamer during the awarding ceremony for the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 68th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Haribon Hangar of the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Wednesday (July 01). This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Matatag na Bagwis, Dangal ng Bayan, Lakas ng Sambayanan”. The PAF was founded on July 1, 1947- two years after the end of World War II. It traces its lineage to the Philippine Army Air Corps, which was established in 1941. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III talks with Ana Theresia Hontiveros Baraquel after administering the oath as Philhealth Director in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Ana Theresia Hontiveros Baraquel after administering the oath as Philhealth Director in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Amelia Guanzon after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Sheriff Abas after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Health Secretary Janette Garin after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (June 30). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY

Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino!
Here's your July 20 2015 issue of One Luzon E-News Magazine from the Philippine Information Agency North Luzon Cluster.
Please click and follow link.



Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)