Issued at: 5:00 AM today, 03 September 2015
Valid Beginning: 5:00 AM today until 5:00 AM tomorrow
Synopsis:
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis 8 AM 03 September 2015
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM 03 September 2015
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Forecast:
Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced over Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Mindoro and Romblon. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila And the rest of the country
Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the south to southeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
September 3 , 2014
( Thursday ) as
of 9:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Cloudy in Lucena City
Northern
Southern
Western
Eastern
LAGUNA
Calabarzon RDC
checks K to 12 implementation readiness
·
September
03, 2015
CALAMBA CITY,
Laguna, Sept. 3 (PIA) --The newly-formed Calabarzon Regional Development
Council (RDC) Ad Hoc Committee on K to 12 held its organizational meeting
recently at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP) in Malvar,
Batangas.
Present during the
meeting were committee chair Dir. Diosdado M. San Antonio of DepEd Region IV-A,
vice-chair Dir. Luis G. Banua of NEDA Region IV-A, officials of regional line
agencies and universities and colleges (SUCs), private sector and
parents-teachers association (PTA) representatives and Cavite Province for the
local government unit.
In his opening
message, Dir. San Antonio thanked the RDC for the creation of the committee,
adding that, to his knowledge, this is the first RDC Committee on K to 12 in
the country.
San Antonio
informed the ad hoc committee members on: the updates on Senior High School
(SHS) preparation; benefits of the SHS Voucher Program for the students and
schools; partnership opportunities with higher education institutions and
industries; and division action plan on K to 12. The division action plans of
Quezon Province and Bacoor City were presented by Dr. Tolentino Aquino and Dr.
Ruth Fuentes respectively to gauge the readiness of the school divisions on K
to 12.
He clarified the
concerns of the SUCs on the deadline of filing of application for provisional
permit to operate SHS program for school year 2016 to 2017 as well as queries
on the implementation of the voucher system. He also noted the concerns of the
PTA representatives as to the status of classrooms.
Meanwhile, RDC IV-A
Dir. Banua reported the functions of the K to 12 ad hoc committee. He also
informed the committee members on the creation of a technical working group
(TWG) to strengthen academe-industry linkages and to address the issue of
mismatch of graduates with the employment demand. The TWG will likewise support
the K to 12 program especially on the area of technical-vocational
education.
The University of
the Philippines (Los Banos) and the five state universities – Batangas State
University, Cavite State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University,
University of Rizal System and Southern Luzon State University as well as the
representative of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities
shared their initiatives on K to 12 and expressed their support to the
program.
Engr. Josephine
Baquiran of the DPWH Region IV-A presented the status of the construction of
classrooms in the region in response to the concerns brought up by PTA
representatives, Rowena Arellano of Division of Batangas Province and
Joseph Paluyo, Division of Antipolo City.
The committee
members conveyed their appreciation for the conduct of the meeting. Through the
meeting, according to them, they were able to understand more the program and
would help advocate the K to 12 program. (NEDA Region IV-A/PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631441251545/calabarzon-rdc-checks-k-to-12-implementation-readiness#sthash.0waWDqvg.dpuf
RIZAL
Tagalog news: Unang 10-year solid waste management plan ng Antipolo City, aprubado ng DENR-NSWMC
September 03, 2015
LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Set. 3 (PIA) --Pasado sa Department of Environment and National Resources-National Solid Waste Management Commission (DENR-NSWMC) ang kauna-unahang 10-year plan ng Antipolo City sa solid waste management sa ilalim ng administrasyon ni Mayor Jun Ynares.
Ikinasiya ni Mayor Ynares ang naging aksiyon ng DENR-NSWMC dahil sa matagal na panahon ay wala pang naihahaing 10 year solid waste management plan ang lungsod.
“Napapanahon na para magkaroon ang Antipolo City ng matagalang plano sa wastong pangangasiwa ng basura dahil ang lungsod ay malaki rin ang nasasakupan at patuloy ang pagdami ng mga gustong manirahan dito. Gusto naming masiguro na sa pag-unlad ng lungsod ay hindi namin napapabayaan ang kalinisan at kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng proper waste disposal,” sabi ni Mayor Ynares
Napapaloob sa 10-year plan ang mga programang waste reduction/diversion tulad ng source segregation, pangangasiwa ng residuals, nabubulok, nareresiklo at special waste kasama ang enforcement activities.
Kada araw ay hinahakot ng mga trucks ng City Environment and Waste Management Office, sa pangunguna ni Violeta Sabulao-Faiayaz ang daang-daang toneladang basura. Kalahati nito ay dumadaan sa waste segregation at ang natitirang basura naman ay napupunta sa safe disposal area.
Abala rin ang nasabing opisina sa pagpapatupad ng mga programang pangkalinisan kaagapay ang ibang pribadong sektor katulad ng mga clean-up drive (ng mga ilog, estero, kanal), reforestation, tree planting, desludging project at IEC campaign sa mga residente.
Lahat ng residente ay hinikayat na makiisa at makipagtulungan sa pamahalaang lokal sa pagsunod sa ipinapatupad na waste segregation at tamang pagtatapon ng basura sa layuning maging “disaster-free community” ang Antipolo. Ito ay malaking kabawasan sa mga sakuna at kalamidad partikular na ang matinding pagbaha.
Naging leksiyon na sa mga residente ang sinapit ng Hinulugang Taktak, ang dating sikat na tourist attraction ng lungsod, kung saan ito ay lubusang napabayaan dahil sa polusyon mula sa mga basurang itinatapon sa ilog at mga kanal.
Sa tiyaga at pagsusumikap ni Mayor Ynares na manumbalik ito sa dating ganda ang, inilunsad ang malawakang rehabilitasyon na kasama sa programa ang solid waste management at ngayo’y muli na namang binuksan ang Hinulugang Taktak at dinarayo na muli ng maraming turista.(PIO-Antipolo City/PIA-Rizal)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631441256152/tagalog-news-unang-10-year-solid-waste-management-plan-ng-antipolo-city-aprubado-ng-denr-nswmc#sthash.B4UZscb5.dpuf
| Cebu’s hospitality, tourism industries gain from APEC meetings, says tourism official | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (CEBU CITY, Cebu) Cebu province’s hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings this year is bringing economic and job benefits to its hospitality and tourism industries, as well as its small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a tourism official has said. “We are expecting 2,300 delegates. The minimum expenditure of one APEC delegate, excluding the accommodation, is about $100 a day,” Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Rowena Montecillo said during a press briefing here Tuesday. Montecillo said her office tour desk has reported 49 tours for some 107 delegates, who spent an average of P2,500 to P3,000 per person. “That will be P250,000 to P300,000 sales for our tour consortium until yesterday (Monday),” she said. Montecillo said local tourism enterprises are gaining directly and indirectly from the APEC meetings. “Some of the hotels, especially the four venue hotels, will have to hire additional people to assist them when it comes to housekeeping, serving (waiters) and other frontline services,” she said. Moreover, the tourism official said, local producers are gaining sales from APEC delegates. The exhibit dubbed as ‘Exquisitely Filipino’, featuring the province’s fashion accessories, furniture and office and home furnishings, among others, is ongoing at SM Cebu. “I think the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) is expanding the trade hall. There will be additional 20 to 30 more suppliers,” Montecillo added. PNA (ldv) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Palace warns traffic law enforcers against demanding ‘kotong’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Palace on Wednesday warned traffic law enforcers against extorting money or “kotong” from motorists. “Kung may magko-kotong, don't hesitate to tell us. We will not tolerate wang-wang sa daan. We will not tolerate wang-wang ng mga kahit sino sa gobyerno. So, kung mayroong manghihingi ng kotong, please don't hesitate to tell us, our media friends. We will give you a number so that you can report these,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing in Malacañang. President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday ordered the deployment of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) to serve as the lead traffic law enforcement agency on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). This has prompted fears of a rise in the incidence of police officers extorting money from motorists, as what happened in the past. “Certainly, we will not tolerate corruption. That should not be another avenue for corruption on the part of public officials,” he added. When asked how the government would deal with traffic law enforcers engaged in “evidence planting”, Secretary Lacierda said safety measures are already in place to prevent this. “I believe that EDSA is covered with CCTVs. So I think that I s, at the very least, a protection for our motorists,” he said, noting that video footages of any wrongdoing done by “any agent of authority” will be used as evidence against him or her. He also encouraged motorists to use the cameras on their cellphones to record corrupt practices or crimes committed by traffic law enforcers. “Kung may ganyang klaseng bagay, pwedeng kunan ng litrato, ipadala niyo sa mga ahensya at iimbestigahan ‘yan. Paalala na rin sa ating mga kawani na maraming mga matang nakatingin kaya ang trabaho natin bilang members of government is magtrabaho nang maayos, lalo na sa trapiko. Hindi para gawing pagkakataon ito na pagkakitaan,” he said. The HPG has been tasked to ease traffic congestion in six major intersections along EDSA. These “choke points” are the intersections of Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, and Taft Avenue. PND (ag) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| APEC member economies see extremism as a major threat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (CEBU CITY, Cebu) Delegates who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on counter-terrorism here have recognized the threat posed by extremism to the region's economic growth. In his closing remarks delivered after the meeting on Wednesday, Chairman of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG), Acting Executive Director Oscar Valenzuela, noted that the topics of extremism and foreign terrorist fighters came up during the meeting. "We are one with Russia in saying that the foreign terrorist fighter threat cuts across the four activity areas of our Counter-Terrorism and Secure Trade Strategy," Valenzuela said. "We are therefore encouraging the economies to propose activities to address this." The issue, he said, is important and timely as evidenced by the contributions and comments made by APEC participants who joined the discussions. Valenzuela said the participants will wait for Indonesia’s proposal under Business Resilience and Recovery, as they would like to bring home takeaways from Indonesia’s experience in the Bali and the Jakarta bombings. He also encouraged APEC delegates to look back at the lessons they have learned during the meeting on terrorism and from the Foreign Terrorist Fighter Workshop held last Monday (August 31). "We must be able to apply them in our own economies. It is also hoped that this issue would be discussed more thoroughly," he said. According to Valenzuela, the threat of terrorism is very real, and it results in lives lost, broken families, and destroyed communities. Terrorism compels people to live in harsh conditions, fearing for their lives, and many are forced into isolation as they flee their homes, he said, adding that historical and cultural treasures are also being systematically destroyed by extremists. "Our meeting may have now come to an end. But it is hoped that we continue to build on our successes. We continue to build our ties and the relationships between our economies," Valenzuela told the APEC delegates. The delegates met in Cebu for the sixth meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Working Group. PND (as) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| President Aquino has no regrets appointing Ombudsman Morales, says Palace official | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Malacañang on Wednesday said President Benigno S. Aquino III is not sorry for appointing Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President appointed Carpio-Morales because "he wanted an independent individual to head that office". "When the President appointed Ombudsman Carpio-Morales, he stated very categorically that he wanted an independent individual to head that office. And does the President regret? The President has mentioned Ombudsman Carpio-Morales, I think, thrice in the six times that he delivered the SONA (State of the Nation Address)—2011, 2012, and I believe (in) the last SONA, he also mentioned Ombudsman Carpio-Morales. He wants someone who will look after integrity. The President expects integrity in all branches of government. And so, no, the President does not regret appointing Ombudsman Carpio-Morales," explained the Palace official during the daily press briefing. Ombudsman Carpio-Morales on Tuesday said during a budget hearing at the House of Representatives that President Aquino is among the subjects of the initial investigations being conducted by the Office of Ombudsman regarding the government's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). When asked if President Aquino is ready to face charges after his term ends, Lacierda replied: "In the universe of possibilities, if anybody wants to question the President subsequent to his term, there will always be people who will attempt to do so." "The President has mentioned already that we have disturbed a number of rice bowls. Will there be people unhappy with the government? Will there be people unhappy with the President? In the universe of possibilities, yes, there are people who will be unhappy with how we went through ‘Daang Matuwid’," he further said. Lacierda also said the administration has nothing to do with the Ombudsman probe. "The power of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman Act is that the Ombudsman can motu propio investigate. She mentioned yesterday (Tuesday) it was done. She ordered the investigation motu propio. So, we were not even aware until she mentioned it yesterday," said Lacierda. "There is no unseen hand. This is the independence of Chit Carpio-Morales working as the Office of the Ombudsman was meant to be. To be an independent office and to be able to investigate without fear or favor," the Palace official said. PND (jm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippines pushing for harmonization of rules of origin for free trade agreements among APEC members | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (CEBU CITY, Cebu) The Philippines is urging fellow member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to work towards harmonizing and simplifying the rules that determine what products can benefit from tariff, in a bid to increase the access of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to free trade agreements (FTAs) and regional trade agreements (RTAs). At the opening of the APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Dialogue on FTAs and RTAs here Wednesday, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ceferino Rodolfo noted that significant steps have to be taken towards addressing the “spaghetti bowl” or “noodle bowl” effect caused by FTAs and RTAs. “Spaghetti bowl” effect refers to a problem of FTAs in rules of origin (ROO), which determines the national source of a product eligible for preferential tariffs. The APEC policy support unit data indicated that APEC members have entered 144 FTAs, more than half of all FTAs in place globally. Rodolfo said APEC economies have recognized that high-quality RTAs and FTAs could be important avenues to achieve free and open trade and investment. “But we need to work to ensure the high quality, transparency and broad consistency of the RTAs and FTAs in our region. FTAs and RTAs are here to stay and APEC must continue to do its part to improve the co-existence of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements,” he explained. Rodolfo emphasized that simplifying and streamlining ROOs can facilitate the access of the MSMEs in the regional and global markets, as highlighted in the Boracay Action Agenda (BAA) to globalize MSMEs, comprising more than 90 percent of the establishments in the region. The BBA aims to foster MSMEs’ growth through capacity building programs, facilitating their participation in global value chains (GVCs) and providing MSMEs greater opportunities. The third APEC SOM here will focus on the implementation of the BBA, which received broad support from the 21 APEC member economies during the two-day APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade meeting held last May in Boracay, Aklan. “By harmonizing and simplifying ROO and making its application simple and non-restrictive across different RTAs, it will help simplify trading conditions and contribute greatly to APEC and WTO’s (World Trade Organization) work on transparency,” he added. Rodolfo, who is also the APEC 2015 Philippine Lead for Trade, said instruments developed by the APEC, such as RTAs and FTAs, should harness trade potentials. “(These) ensure that both developing and non-developing economies benefit alike from our work. Trade is a tool for development but APEC economies should work together to spread the benefits of trade and globalization to all,” he said. Moreover, the trade official also expressed hope that APEC can take steps towards a comprehensive and quality Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), a major instrument to further the APEC’s regional economic integration agenda. “The Asia-Pacific region has long been an advocate for the centrality and primacy of the multilateral trading system. APEC members have worked tirelessly to strengthen the rules based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open and inclusive multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO,” Rodolfo added. PNA (ldv) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| APEC Senior Officials reaffirm commitment to counter-terrorism | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (CEBU CITY, Cebu) Senior officials of member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Wednesday reaffirmed their continued commitment to undertake individual and joint actions to counter terrorism to foster security and resilience of businesses and communities in the region. Chairman of the APEC Counter-Terrorism Working Group (CTWG), Oscar Valenzuela, said APEC member economies will continue implementing the work plan and the APEC Counter-Terrorism and Secure Trade Strategy. “It must be reiterated that this plan is a living document, and we must ensure that it is able to meet the changing landscape of the fight against terrorism,” he said in his closing remarks during the 6th APEC CTWG Meeting held here. Valenzuela, Acting Executive Director of the Philippine Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center, noted that they also support deeper cooperation and capacity building across the priority areas of secure supply chains, travel, finance and infrastructure. These initiatives will ensure that regional commerce is more secure, efficient and resilient, he added. “It is hoped that the role of security, especially against terrorism, in building sustainable and resilient communities will have a real world impact that can be seen and felt by the people in our economies,” Valenzuela said. The APEC CTWG chair further said that the formal reporting of individual Counter-Terrorism Action Plan is important as it provides an avenue for the economies to report on the progress of their efforts against terrorism and securing trade. Valenzuela said other economies could possibly learn and adapt best practices. PNA (ldv) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech during the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awards | |||||||||||
| Cultural Center of the Philippines, Pasay Cit | |||||||||||
| 31 Aug 2015 | |||||||||||
| This is an extraordinary occasion. Exactly fifty-seven years ago, on August 31, 1958, the first Ramon Magsaysay Awards were given to five individuals. As we celebrate a long tradition of recognizing selfless service to the peoples of Asia here in these ceremonies, so too do we celebrate, fittingly, National Heroes’ Day here in the Philippines. Year in and year out, the Filipino people pay tribute to the bravery of those who worked towards a better Philippines. The faces on the banners around the country, the names most praised today often come from the pages of our history books: people like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Marcelo del Pilar, hailed, and rightfully so, as heroes. Yet, the law that mandates the commemoration of National Heroes Day names no single person. Nowhere does it say that blood must be shed for one to be considered a hero. What matters most is the attention and care we give to the ignored and the oppressed; the courage to stand for what is right; and the constant, quiet determination to do our part in uplifting our fellowmen. These, I believe, are the same principles that informed the leadership of Ramon Magsaysay, a true statesman and a renowned steward of the people’s trust, held in esteem not only in our country, but also in the rest of the world. Should we examine the Magsaysay Credo, we will find no allusion to news-making deeds. Instead, we see the promise of service, especially to the common man, and a moral code and style of governance founded on the very same. Should we examine the life of President Magsaysay, we will see all this, fueled by a dissatisfaction with the status quo and a resolve to bring change to the majority, as soon as possible—even if it means standing alone, against the greatest odds. As the saying goes: Heroes are ordinary people caught up in extraordinary times. This brings to mind a play that I studied in English class, quite a few years ago: Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People.” The play is set in a town well-known for its baths, which attract many visitors and contribute a great deal to the local economy. In this fictional society, tourism serves as the lifeblood of the people. Dr. Stockmann, the medical officer at the Municipal Baths, has discovered that the water used is contaminated—and he is determined to make this information public. Throughout the course of the play, Dr. Stockmann faces intense opposition. He is called selfish; he is told that he should he reveal not this information, for he will be culpable, if he did so, for the ruin of the town. In spite of all this, Dr. Stockmann stands by what he has discovered—he speaks the truth, even if he is, at the end of the play, branded an enemy of the people. In a very tangible way, each of us has been in Dr. Stockmann’s shoes—or that of Jose Rizal, or even of President Magsaysay. We are Dr. Stockmann when we face a fork in the road, whenever we confront the question, “Shall we choose the hard right, or the easy wrong,” and find in ourselves the strength to do that which is right. Our awardees here are the perfect examples of that. Each of them has transcended the “individual” perspective. Each of them has chosen to leave their comfort zones, and answer the call to serve more and more people, whether the immediate community, or all of society. To our awardees: You have all faced formidable opponents, from corrupt employees and officials in government, to the phenomenon of widespread poverty and inequality, and even to the way that time erodes our most valuable traditions. But you were not daunted; you have persevered, and continued to persevere, in order to protect justice, basic human rights, and our cultural heritage. There is Anshu Gupta, who has proven that the key to combating extreme poverty and vulnerability in his home country, India, lies in the simplest of things: cloth. Realizing its intrinsic value for survival and human dignity, Mr. Gupta left a lucrative job and founded Goonj, an organization focused on empowering those at the margins through the redistribution and processing of cloth to fit all kinds of needs. Working in 21 of India’s states, Goonj has now helped a vast number of Indians to take stock of their own lives through the various initiatives under its Cloth for Work program. From the utilitarian, but no less meaningful, use of cloth, we move to the example of one who has preserved its beauty, and used it to help others weave stronger, brighter futures: Kommaly Chanthavong from Laos. She turned her love for silk-weaving into the Phontong Handicraft Cooperative, covering 35 villages—and did not stop there. Today, the Lao Sericulture Company manages Ms. Chanthavong’s many initiatives: from the Mulberries Organic Silk Farm, to Camacrafts, which markets handicrafts, and even to Mulberries, which initiates livelihood projects from traditional arts and crafts. All these provided thousands of Laotians with dignified livelihoods, while preserving and honoring ancient cultural traditions. Indeed: Our country holds the belief that if you forget your roots, you are bound not to reach your destination. Our own kababayan, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa, has lived by this code. She turned her appreciation of the arts into an advocacy, with the most important one being the study, practice, and teaching of the dance style, pangalay, from the southernmost part of our country. Mrs. Fernando-Amilbangsa refused to let this tradition be forgotten, believing that it is not only a unique manifestation of our people’s culture, but that it also links us to our brothers and sisters in Southeast Asia. In the face of indifference or perhaps even scorn, she persevered and even modernized the dance—ensuring that the tradition of pangalay becomes a living embodiment of Filipino progress. From Myanmar, we have Kyaw Thu, an esteemed actor, who has chosen to make his mark beyond the silver screen, and work with the marginalized. In 2001, as we have heard, he founded a society to help the poor bury their dead in accordance with the proper Buddhist burial rites. Since then, their work has expanded to cover almost every aspect of life, including medical assistance, vocational training, and humanitarian assistance to victims of conflict and calamities. Mr. Thu has never just been a figurehead. He has helped to carry coffins during funeral services; he has lent material support to those protesting restrictive government policies; he himself has spoken out on social issues, even in the face of harassment. There is also Sanjiv Chaturvedi (san-jeev cha-toor-vehdee), who has dedicated his life to fighting corruption in government. The idealism that paved the way for his entry into public service has spurred his investigations of corruption and determination to uphold integrity, even in the face of threats, humiliation, and harassment. Let us emphasize: Mr. Chaturvedi does not only strive to uncover wrongdoing, he also works to institute policies that ensure the transparency and accountability of systems and to implement meaningful projects. Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges before him, he continues to work towards lasting reform. Such a situation, as you may well know, is very familiar to those working in this administration, who have spent the past few years struggling to uproot corruption and impunity, and institute good governance in its place. None of our awardees embarked on these journeys out of a desire for fame and fortune; none of you chose to take on these responsibilities because you thought that they were simple or easy. Real transformation requires real, backbreaking effort—and this is what you gave, willingly. In many ways, you are like the heroes that many of my countrymen remember on this day: those who struggled and endured hardship for a greater cause. It is only right that we are paying tribute to all of you on this occasion. You are the modern-day heroes that not only Filipinos, but all men and women all over the world need. This is the last time that I will be invited to the Ramon Magsaysay Awards to preside over it; I must say: It has been a distinct privilege and an honor. Each time I have seen the roster of awardees, I am reminded of what my mother President Corazon Aquino, a former Ramon Magsaysay Awardee herself, often said, quoting my father: “It only takes a few dedicated and courageous individuals to infect many, many people with the germ of courage.” Today, let me add the qualities of compassion, integrity, and determination to that. You are the individuals that my mother spoke of; and it is my deepest hope that you will continue your work—that you will continue to inspire us who wish you nothing but the greatest success, because we know that you share this success with tens of thousands, if not, millions of others. Thank you, and good day. | |||||||||||
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Last Updated: 01 SEPTEMBER 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with RMAF chairman Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J. presents the medal and certificate to Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from the Philippines as one of the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay Cityon Monday (August 31, 2015). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees (from left) Kommaly Chanthavong from Laos, Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from Philippines, Anshu Gupta and Sanjiv Charturved from India, and Kyaw Thu from Myanmar for a group photo during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation 2015 Presentation Ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the medal and certificate to Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa from the Philippines as one of the 2015 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31, 2015). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) 2015 Presentation Ceremonies at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday (August 31). Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent of the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III visits the wake of DepEd Undersecretary Francis Varela in La Salle Greenhills Chapel Monday (August 31). Varela died Saturday morning from a motorcycle accident along the highway in Baras town, Rizal. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacanag Photo Bureau)
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 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno and Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the copy of a book “Ang Mamatay ng Dahil sa Iyo” presented by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo is Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief of Staff, General Hernando Iriberri. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairperson Dr. Maria Serena Diokno, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during the commemoration of the National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” Also in photo are Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri, troops the line during the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday (August 31). This year's theme is “Bayaning Pilipino Noon at Ngayon: Ang Simula at Tagapagpatuloy ng Malawakang Pagbabago.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Amb. Angie Sta. Catalina, APEC 2015 National Organizing Committee Deputy Director General provides media details on APEC's 25-year history during a briefing on Saturday ( August 29) held at the APEC International Media Center at Bayfront Hotel in Central Cebu City. (Rey S. Baniquet) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchange views with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo State Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. Also in photo are Madame Naraporn Chan-o-cha and Presidential Sister Maria Elena Balsy Aquino Cruz. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, arrive for the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivers his message during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the official visit of General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, lead the ceremonial toasts during the state luncheon at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand shake hands after delevering their statements at the joint press conference held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand during the joint press conference at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, greet Thai officials during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first official visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Joseph Vidal/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Burea | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivers his remarks during the joint press conference with President Benigno S. Aquino III held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his statement during the joint press conference held at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, share a light moment during the joint press conference at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Joseph Vidal / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (August 28, 2015). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. Also in photo are Madame Naraporn Chan-o-cha and Presidential Sister Maria Elena Balsy Aquino Cruz (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Friday (August 28). This is the Thai Prime Minister’s first visit to the Philippines since assuming office in August 2014. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines added 2 new photos.
Photos from the DOTC Spokesperson: MRT-3 prototype assembly preparations begin with bogies readied on rail tracks. You can learn more about the prototype for the new MRT-3 train cars here: http://bit.ly/1fWmYUu
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