Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 7 PRs ( April 12,15 , 2013), Dispatch for April 15 , 2013 (Monday),
7 Photonews , 4 Weather Watch, 5 Regl.Watch , 4 OFWV Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News

Weather Watch
3 hours ago

PIA-10: 5:00am 04/15/13 Weather Forecast:Trough of Low Preassure Area affecting Southern Mindanao.
SOCCSKSARGEN and the Provinces of Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Winds will be light to moderate coming from the East to Northeast with slight to

moderate seas. PAGASA-DOST

Weather Watch
3 hours ago (15APRIL2013-01)

24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST ISSUED AT 5AM TODAY.

SYNOPSIS: Trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting southern Mindanao. FORECAST: SOCCSKSARGEN and the
province of Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the East to Southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the East to Northeast with slight to moderate seas>> NDRRMC OPCEN"

Weather Watch shared a link.

5 hours ago

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued at: 5:00 AM 15 April 2013 SYNOPSIS: Trough of a low pressure area (LPA) affecting Southern Mindanao. FORECAST: SOCCSKSARGEN and the provinces of Lanao del Sur , Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas. Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature: 2:10 PM Yesterday --- 34.5 C Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 23.3 C Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 92 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 55 % High Tide Today : 12:29 PM ........ 0.96 meter Low Tide Today : 8:38 PM ..... -0.07 meter Sunrise Today : 5:41 AM Sunset Today : 6:10 PM Moonset Today : 10:15 PM Moonrise Today : 9:07 AM Illumination Today : 19 % For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877

or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

14 hours ago

THUNDERSTORM WATCH:
Issued at 10:00 PM, 14 April 2013 Thunderstorm is more likely to develop over Metro Manila within 12 hours. All are advised to monitor updates.

Weather Watch

April 15 , 2013 (Monday) CAVITE : LAGUNA : BATANGAS : RIZAL : QUEZON :

4 hours ago

Partly Cloudy
Sunny Fair weather Fair weather Sunny

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-NCR: President Aquino is set to witness today a practice run of the Department of Science and Technology's
Automated Gateway Transit (AGT) at the University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City. AGT is an elevated commuter rail transit system similar to the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). It can carry up to 60 passengers per trip.

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday

GMA : The Philippine government thanked Malaysia for the release of 32 Filipinos who were intercepted off Sabah
last April 8. Romel Yusuf Matba and his and 31 of his companions drifted to Sabah waters after their boat encountered problems. Malaysian authorities intercepted and briefly detained them. But after Philippine authorities confirmed Matba is a mayoral candidate for Languyan in Tawi-Tawi, Malaysia did not pursue charges against the 32.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ngayon sa unang distrito ng lalawigan ang ikalawang leg ng Padyak para sa
mapayapang halalan kung saan iba't ibang mga bikers at miyembro ng kapulisan ang nakibahagi sa naturang aktibidad. Layon nitong maisulong ang isang tahimik at mapayapang halalan sa darating na Mayo 2013

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday

MMDA: ADVISORY: Road Repair in the following areas:

1. Along North Ave. infront of SM North the Block (westbound, 3rd lane) and infront of SM North Main Bldg. (westbound,2nd lane), Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 2. Along Mindanao Ave. from Road 20 to Road 8 (southbound, 2nd lane) Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 3. Along Edsa from Oliveros St. to kaingin Road (southbound), 5th lane) Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 4. Along Edsa from North Ave. to Corregidor Road (Northbound, 4th lane) Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 5. Along Edsa from after Biglang Awa St. to before Mariano St. (southbound, lane 6 adjacent to gutter/sidewalk,) Caloocan City from April 11, 2013 12:00 AM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 6. Along North Ave. near Trinoma Mall crossing Mindanao Ave. and North Ave. Quezon City from April 11, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 7. Along Quirino Highway from Mater Cameli School to Sacred Heart Novitiate (northbound, 2nd lane),Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 8. Along Quirino Highway from Regalado North Ave. to Belfast St. (southbound, 3rd lane) Quezon City from April 12, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM. 9. Along Edsa infront of MCU Hospital to Gen. Simon St. (northbound, lane 6 near center island), Caloocan City from April 11, 2013 10:00 PM to April 15, 2013 5:00 AM.

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-NCR: Did you know? That an E-Trike (Electric Tricycle) is powered by an electric motor instead of an internal
combustion engine fed by gasoline or diesel. This means NO TAIL PIPE emissions for the modern tricycle. To know more, please visit the opening of the Department of Energy's "Name this E-Trike Contest" today at SM San Lazaro, Manila at 11AM.

PIA OFW Watch

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago

Filipino Community president in Geoje Island, South Korea Ferdinand Viola on DZMM:
Re: Sitwasyon sa South Korea -Hindi po naaalis ang pangamba ng mga nandito pero ang aming mga expatriates na mga taga-Europe at US, sila po ang medyo kinakabahan ng konti pero ang mga Koreans naman po para sa kanila, normal ang takbo ng kanilang buhay. -Ang paghahandang binigay sa amin ng embahada ay maayos. Constantly attached sila sa amin dito, lagi po silang may communication na just in case na magkakagulo ay mayroon po kaming convergence area na malayo sa Seoul, which is in Busan, Daegu at Gimhae Airport. -Preparation po namin just in case magkakagulo ay stay put muna kami dito sa Goeje.

-Mga 400 po kami dito but unfortunately some are registered and some are not registered. -Marami po dito mga engineers, entertainers. -Koreans never talk about this situation. They do not like to discuss it kasi para raw po sa kanila, normal iyon.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

DZBB: Hinihikayat ng DFA ang mga OFW sa Saudi Arabia na samantalahin ang tatlong buwang palugit na ibinigay ng
naturang bansa para ayusin ang kanilang residency permit.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

PIA-CAR/KALINGA: OWWA Dir. Manuela Pea reiterated the need to undergo the legal process before going
abroad to work. This is she said would ensure the proper documentation of aspiring OFWs to be registered at the POEA thereby helping the government monitor them in the host country. Pea visited the province for the Cordillera Credit Cooperative General Assembly conducted in Tabuk City.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

PIA-NCR: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may soon benefit from the government's universal health program as
the Department of Health (DOH) readies a program addressing the issue of migrant health. Health Secretary Enrique Ona said DOH will work with the International Organization for Migration on the program which will involve a package of services for OFWs. The DOH said the health program to be developed will include: capacity building; policy development and technical cooperation on migration issues services; humanitarian responses; migration of nationals and aliens; and assistance to internally or externally displaced persons and other persons in need.

A. QUEZON

"Hello Quezon" to showcase traditions, festivals, products, skills & creativity

By Ruel M. Orinday Monday 15th of April 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, April 15 (PIA) -- A promotional activity dubbed "Hello Quezon" was launched recently to showcase the traditions, festivals, products, skills and creativity of the different towns in the province. Hello Quezon is a two-day affair featuring displays of products, places through merchandise and photo exhibits, cultural presentations highlighting talents and abilities of the people to inculcate love of town, the province and to be proud being a Quezonian. The activity being held at the 3rd floor of SM City Lucena, features the following municipalities: April 5-6- Tiaong, Quezon; April 12-13- Padre Burgos, Quezon; April 26-27Jomalig, Quezon; May 3-4- Lucban, Quezon and May 10-11- Tagkawayan, Quezon. The provincial government of Quezon through the provincial tourism office spearheads the event in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and in partnership with SM City Lucena. (R. Orinday-PIA, Quezon with reports from provincial tourism office-Quezon)

B. CAVITE
1. Another set of sidecars given to micro entrepreneurs
By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 12th of April 2013

CARMONA, CAVITE, April 12 (PIA) -- The local government, through its Municipal Social Welfare Development office (MSWDO), distributed additional 11 "Unlad Kabuhayan" sidecars to selected micro entrepreneurs. This is part of the local government's initiative to mobilize, support and increase the incomes of Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the municipality. The distribution of the sidecars was held during the regular Monday Flag-raising ceremony at the town plaza. This is the second time the local government, through the MSWDO, assisted the micro

entrepreneurs. Last February 4 of this year, the MSWDO distributed twelve sidecars to local vendors from different barangays to be used as rolling stores to start their own business. The latest batch of beneficiaries was screened by the MSWDO who applied for the said program. They already have existing small-scale businesses like retail of doormat, kakanin (rice cakes), assorted biscuits, vegetables and cooked food just the first batch of beneficiaries. The MSDO was tasked to monitor their day-to-day operations, to ensure that grant is fully utilized by each recipient. The primary objectives of this program are to widen their (vendors) market through mobility and to increase the income of the MSMEs. (PIO/CPG/RBF/PIA4A-Cavite)

2. Environmental office conducts monitoring vs. the use of plastic

By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 12th of April 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, CAVITE, April 12 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environmental and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has conducted compliance monitoring in the town of General Emilio Aguinaldo to evaluate business establishments and residents in compliance with Provincial Ordinance No. 007-2012 or the Plastic Regulation Ordinance of Cavite. During their visit, Engineer Ruperto T. Arca who heads the monitoring team presented and discussed the ordinance to barangay chairmen who was then holding a special meeting at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall. It was observed that the business establishments near the municipal hall and nearby houses were not aware of the said ordinance. This may be due to lack of information dissemination. To address this matter, PENRO will continuously monitor and evaluate the compliance of each city and municipality in the province of Cavite through follow-up monitoring, information dissemination, evaluation and enforcement that will be done regularly. (PICAD/CPG/RBF/PIA4A-Cavite)

3. Bacoor, PDEA inks agreement for drug free city

By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 12th of April 2013

CITY OF BACOOR, CAVITE, April 12 (PIA) -- The city government and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to ensure the safety of the people, especially the youth, in all forms of illegal drugs. The agreement coincided with all-out campaign to fight illegal drugs and encouraged all sectors in the community to assist the city government to report the existence of drug syndicates/pushers in their respective areas. Among the features of the contract is the construction of rehabilitation center and putting up a PDEA satellite office in the city to augment the city government and the Philippine National Police in its campaign to get rid of all illegal drug activities in the city. PDEA Regional Director Jeffrey Bangsa and City Mayor Strike Revilla led the signing of the agreement which was held at the town plaza. In his message, Mayor Revilla reiterated his strong commitment to become a drug-free city and assured the Bacooreos that he will continue this campaign to fight illegal drug syndicates/pushers in the city. Revilla also thanked the PDEA officials for assisting the city government and assured them of all the support needed to eradicate the proliferation illegal drugs in the city. (PIO/CPG/RBF/PIA4A-Cavite)

4. Hundreds of students completed various IT courses

By Ruel B. Francisco Monday 15th of April 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, April 15 (PIA) -- More than 460 students of the Cavite Computer Center (CCC) completed information Technology (IT) courses and training during the 21st recognition day held last March 23. These students finished courses and training on basic computer application to advance; web designing, networking, database management; video editing and digital effects, and the basics of AutoCAD, among others. During the program Dr. Camilo Polinga, CCC Officer-in-charge, and guest speaker talked about the importance of ICT information as it provides access to people all over the globe through the various IT applications and programs. The CCC is an extension office of the Provincial Governor serving as a dynamic arm in providing computer literacy program for the people of Cavite especially for Out-of-SchoolYouth (OSY) in cooperation with the Department of Education Non-Formal Studies.

It aims offer free computer education with up-to-date programs that will enhance Caviteos with good computer- technology skills that will allow him to work productively, produce output with quality and create the cutting-edge. It also serves as a partner of financially incapable parents in giving their children a worthwhile education. Students who had shown exemplary performance in various courses were given special awards. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA
Caravan on proper management of garbage launched in Cabuyao
By Alan C. Ortillano Friday 12th of April 2013

CABUYAO CITY, Laguna, April 12 (PIA) -- The city government launched the Caravan para sa Tamang Pamamahala ng Basura on March 24, for the citywide implementation of an integrated and multi-sectoral Solid Waste Management Program. The activity, which aims to generate and strengthen awareness on the proper and efficient management of waste in the city, was held in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the Association of Barangay Chairmen (ABC). The programs goal is a more logical and organized segregation and disposal of waste materials, based upon the principles of three Rs Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Trash is to be segregated according to four classifications, instead of the usual two (Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable): Biodegradable (wet paper, fruit and vegetable peelings, leftover food, etc.), Recyclable (newspapers, books, bond paper, folders), Non-recyclable (disposable diapers, sando bags), and Special and Hazardous Waste (electronics, chemicals). These classifications dissect waste into more manageable groups for easier segregation and potential usefulness. Contrary to just dumping trash to landfills or incinerators (both of which can have adverse environmental effects), sorting out which ones could be re-used helps in minimizing the need to dispose of waste altogether. The Solid Waste Management Program has initially been implemented in the City Hall premises on March 18, where the City ENRO endorsed that Leadership by Example is the best way to incite cooperation from the rest of the community. Each department/office is

required to have separate containers for segregation of garbage. Its only a matter of time before the program becomes common practice among Cabuyeos. Additionally, to help reduce trash, employees are advised to refrain from using too much paper (as it is the most common waste produced by offices) and to resort to alternatives to paper usage like communication through e-mail, sharing newspapers and magazines, maximize use of blank spaces on scratch paper, purchasing products designed for multipleuse among others.(HMH-CIO/CPG/ACO/PIA4A-Laguna)

D. BATANGAS

DTI confiscates P.5-million worth of uncertified flatglass in Batangas

Monday 15th of April 2013

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, April 15 (PIA) -- About P.5-million worth of suspected uncertified flat glass were confiscated recently as a result of the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) on-the-spot inspection and monitoring of products covered under DTIs product standards law. Ranulfo Guce, chief of DTI-Rizal's business regulation and consumer welfare division and leader of the enforcement team, said three flat glass retailers in Lipa City failed to present the valid import commodity clearance (ICC) certificates and/or stickers for the said items. More than 180 panels of suspected uncertified flat glass panels were found without the required quality certification markings (PS or Import Commodity Clearance marks) thus were seized. Guce also said that some of the panels confiscated were not conforming to the required thickness requirements according to the reference standard, PNS 193:2005. DTI conducts regular monitoring and enforcement activities to verify the compliance of manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers. The DTI enforcement team, assisted by technical representatives of the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation (PPSQF), a private sector partner of DTI in its enforcement activities - seizes/confiscates uncertified products to protect consumers against the

hazards such products pose, and to avert the proliferation of substandard goods to the market. Flat glass, used in commercial and residential building construction as windows, doors, walls, partitions, tables and many other applications, is among the products that require mandatory product certification. Consumer products such as home appliances, electrical devices, construction/building materials and chemical and consumer products that greatly affect life, property, health and safety such as flat glass products are regulated under the DTI's Philippine Standards Certification Scheme. DTI Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo urges consumers to patronize only PS and ICC-marked products in the market to be assured of safe and quality products. Products not bearing the quality certification mark or ICC stickers, which indicate conformity to the relevant product standards, are considered uncertified or nonconforming, thus, will be subject for seizure, forfeiture or condemnation. Establishments violating the Product Standards Law (Republic Act 4109), The Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act 7394), DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2 Series of 2007, for the distribution and selling of uncertified flat glass products, will face administrative charges. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI-Calabarzon).

E. RIZAL

14 APRIL 2013.

President Aquino to witness demo run of the Department of Science and Technology automated guideway transit Monday Malacanang says Donaire retains support of the Filipino people despite loss

President Aquino to witness demo run of the Department of Science and Technology automated guideway transit Monday President Benigno S. Aquino III will witness a demo run of the Department of Science and Technologys (DOST) automated guideway transit (AGT) that it has put up at the sprawling University of the Philippines campus in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday. A flagship project of the DOST under the leadership of Secretary Mario Montejo and in collaboration with U.P., the AGT is an elevated commuter rail train system that is capable of transporting up to 60 passengers from station to station much like other elevated carriers in other countries and the rail transit system in Metro Manila. It is the first Philippine-made elevated train and being electrically powered and thus, emission free, the AGT is seen as a long term solution to the traffic congestion and high instance of pollution in Metro Manila. The current train is a light version of the intended final product a driverless people mover, but a bigger or fullsized version is to be built soon, based on the recommendations of U.P. Diliman which are expected by the middle of this year. Joining the President will be Montejo, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya, UP president Alfredo Pascual, and Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista. PND (rck) TOP Malacanang says Donaire retains support of the Filipino people despite loss Malacanang said on Sunday that Filipino boxer Nonito The Filipino Flash Donaire retains the Filipino peoples admiration and support despite his defeat to Cuban pugilist Guillermo Rigondeaux in their super bantamweight bout held in New York City Saturday night. In a statement read over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that despite this setback, the entire Filipino nation can expect Donaire to rise anew and serve as inspiration to millions of his fellow Filipinos and supporters. Nabigo man si Nonito Donaire Jr. na mapag-isa ang WBO at WBA super bantamweight title laban kay Guillermo Rigondeaux sa kanilang bakbakan sa Radio City Music Hall, New York City, hindi pa rin natitinag ang suporta ng sambayanan sa ating Filipino Flash, Valte said. Hindi man niya nakamit ang kaniyang pakay sa labang ito, nananalig ang buong bansa sa muling pa gbangon at pagtindig ng Boxing Writers Association of America 2012 Fighter of the Year upang magsilbing inspirasyon sa milyun-milyon niyang mga kababayan at tagasuporta, she added. Donaire, whose boxing bout with Rigondeaux lasted all 12-rounds, lost via a unanimous decision. PND (rck) TOP

.
13 APRIL 2013.

President Aquino thanks people of Mindanao for helping push regional reforms Aquino: Righteous path yields developments, reforms in Mindanao Government has mechanism that will boost power sources in Mindanao, Aquino assures local leaders Palace advises Pagadian mayor to face estafa charges Philippine government ready to help repatriate Filipinos from Saudi Arabia
President Aquino thanks people of Mindanao for helping push regional reforms

BULUAN, Maguindanao) President Benigno S. Aquino III extended his gratitude Friday to the people of Mindanao particularly the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for supporting him in carrying out reforms in the region. Maraming, maraming salamat sa ibinigay ninyong pagkakataong paglingkuran kayo. Maraming salamat po sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo para magawa natin ang mga repormang matagal nang hinahangad ng Mindanao, the President said in his message during his meeting with the community and local leaders here. President Aquino also thanked those who supported the synchronize election in Mindanao, noting its importance as it gives the people greater freedom of choosing the right leaders. At present, the President said the government has been taking care and focusing its attention on the people of Mindanao contrary to the previous administration that neglected the region. Immediately after ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman took office, he found irregularities such as ghost teachers and schools and other anomalous projects, the President said. In the past, the people of Mindanao were overwhelmed by fear, violence and poverty but now, with the reforms being carried out by the Aquino government, the true potential of the Land of Promise starts to blossom. Pag-asa, kapayapaan, at kaunlaraniyan ang bago pong mukha ng Mindanao. Iyan ang bagong imahen ng ARMM. At hindi talaga tayo magsasawang magpabalik-balik sa inyong lugar, lalo na kung ganito kainit ang pagsalubong ng mga kapatid nating mga Moro sa atin, the President said. Ang inyo pong pakikiisa ang susi sa bawat tagumpay natin. Kayo po, at ulit -ulitin ko, kayo po ang aking mga boss ang gumawa ng lahat nito. In order for these reforms to continue, the President said the people of Mindanao must support candidates allied with the administration this coming May polls. Nakasalalay po sa kung sinong iboboto ninyo sa darating na Mayo kung magtutuluy-tuloy ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ARMM o kung magbabalik tayo sa sistema nang panlalamang, karahasan, at pang-i-itsapuwera, he said. The President arrived here in Buluan after visiting Cotabato City Friday morning. The President was joined by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Maguindanao Gov. Toto Mangudadatu and other local officials. PND (as) TOP Aquino: Righteous path yields developments, reforms in Mindanao BULUAN, Maguindanao: Traversing the righteous path made it possible for Mindanao to accomplish reforms and build major projects that now has started to benefit the people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday. Sa tuwid na daan, napatunayan nating posibleng magkaroon ng gobyernong may malasakit at tapat; na posibleng maging pantay ang magangandang pagkakataon, ikaw man ay nasa Luzon, sa Visayas, o sa Mindanao, the President said in his speech durin g his meeting with the local leaders and residents here. The President reminded the people that their votes in the upcoming May polls are crucial in ensuring that reforms in Mindanao continue or will the region revert back to its previous condition. The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) agreed on the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace last year, the President said, noting that the former rebel organization is now a government partner for reform and development. Also, the President said that because of the righteous path that his administration champions, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was able to push many projects that has now started to help the people. Among these projects include the 13-kilometer Simuay-Landasan-Parang road, the Cotabato East Diversion Road and the 36 irrigation projects in Mindanao that cost P471-million. More than 381,560 households in ARMM are benefiting from the governments Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the President said, adding that reforms and additional projects will continue in Mindanao if the people choose the right leaders especially those allied with the administration. PND (as) TOP Government has mechanism that will boost power sources in Mindanao, Aquino assures local leaders COTABATO CITY) President Benigno S. Aquino III assured local leaders on Friday that the government is

crafting a mechanism that will boost the power sources in Mindanao. During a dialogue with the local leaders at the ORG Conference Room, ARMM Compound here, the Chief Executive said the government is looking for alternative sources of energy to effectively address the power crisis in Mindanao. The power crisis in Mindanao has been attributed to the decreased generating capacity of hydropower plants caused by the reduced water level in Lake Lanao. Based on the Philippine Development Energy Plan 20122030, the Mindanao grid will need an additional capacity of 2,188 MW by 2030. "The initial plan is, pinaayos na ang mechanism. By 2015, mag-o-online yung mga nagtatayuan ngayon na coalfor instance, yung Aboitiz. Pero parang 2013 hanggang 2015, magtatayo muna tayo ng mga diesel plants na mag-ge-generate ng power," President Aquino said. Using diesel power plants is seen to be the immediate remedy to the Mindanao power problem, the President noted. "Problema ng diesel, mahal, pero interim lang ito. Kapag natapos gamitin sa kalakhang Mindanao, ililipat sa mga SPUG (small power utilities group) . Ito ang next step. Ang magpopondo, ang national government," the President continued. The generators will augment demand for power in Mindanao at least until 2015 when new power plants are expected to start their operations. However, the President stressed the need to first fine-tune the mechanism before purchasing the generators since under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the government is prohibited to buy additional generating capacity. "Pero meron doon sa EPIRA Law na hindi na pwedeng bumili ang NAPOCOR (National Power Corporation). Yun ang pinag-aaralan: Paano ang mekanismo? Sino ang pwedeng i-authorizemay pondo, pero sino ang authorized na bumili para maibsan ang power shortage ngayon dito at magamit ng mga SPUG?" he noted. President Aquino said the mechanism should fall within the purview of the law. He said he wants to make sure that government actions complies with the law. He also told the local leaders that the government provides a subsidy for Palawan and Mindoro areas where SPUG services are needed. "Ngayon, sina-subsidize yon. Pero yung Mindoro pag na-online na ang kanilang wind at saka hydroparang may geothermal pa yatang tinitingnan parang matatanggal sila doon sa SPUG. Baka pwede na silang magsolo, magkakaroon pa sila ng surplus, pwedeng ma-export. Between Mindoro and Palawan, pag natanggal sila sa SPUG, 50 percent ng gastos natin sa tinatawag na missionary roots ay matatanggal," he said. President Aquino also expressed concern over the proposal to rely solely on the SPUG for power supply. "Ang sa SPUG, isa pang problema doon, besides yung kulang, napakaluma ng mga generating sets. Kumbaga, sa maintenance at maintenance na lang malulugi ka na," he said. "So parang newer units, more efficient, mas made-deliver ang kailangang kuryente...at baka makabawas din sa ating subsidy na kailangang gamitin. Ang bawas sa subsidy, pwedeng ilipat sa more generating ability," he said. PND (js) TOP Palace advises Pagadian mayor to face estafa charges Malacanang advised Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co to face the syndicated estafa filed against him instead of evading the law. Co is being implicated in connection with the Aman Futures pyramiding scheme. The Iligan City Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Co but the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) that tried to serve the arrest order failed to find Co in his home and at his office. In an interview on Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there are two warrants of arrests issued against Co. When it comes to cases like this the best avenue for someone to prove his innocence or to present his defense is by facing the charges in court, Valte said. Hindi naman nakakatulong yung tumatakbo or nagtatago. Kung mayroon kayong warrant harapin nyo na lang yung mga kasong isinampa laban sa inyo. May pagkakataon kayong patunayan sa korte yung inyong sinasabing innocence. Cos charges stemmed from the complaint filed by Julius Labunog who alleged that his group was defrauded of P29.63 million. The co-accused of Pagadian Mayor include Manuel Amalilio, Aman Futures executives Fernando Luna, Lelian

Lim Gan, Eduard Lim, Wilanie Fuentes, Naezelle Rodriguez and Lurix Lopez. Amalilios wife Abigail Pendulas is also being charged of syndicated estafa. PND (as) TOP Philippine government ready to help repatriate Filipinos from Saudi Arabia Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that it is always prepared to extend assistance to Filipinos asking for help in Saudi Arabia particularly those who are undocumented and wanting to go back to the Philippines. At least 7,000 Filipino workers sought repatriation from Saudi Arabia after King Abdullah ordered a three-month delay on government crackdown against illegal and overstaying foreigners in that country. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the countrys embassy in the Middle Eastern country extends assistance to those who wants to go home. Valte also said her office received a letter last week from three Filipinos wanting to be repatriated to the Philippines. She said they endorsed them to the Philippine Embassy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia that will facilitate their return to the Philippines. Hindi naman problema sa atin yan. Trabaho natin yan, facilitating assistance to undocumented Filipinos who may want to go back to the country, she said. Patuloy naman ang assistance na ine-extend ng ating mga posts doon sa mga undocumented workers. In the same way na kapag meron ding reklamo, ipaaabot din sa amin para nagagawan din natin ng paraan. According to Migrante, 7,000 have signed up for repatriation but it expects the number could go up because 20,000 were considered undocumented out of about 1.5 million Filipinos in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabias King Abdullah stopped the crackdown against illegal immigrants and foreign workers in April, giving them three months to fix their status. Those who will be caught without proper documents may land in jail and could be fined, deported and banned from entering Saudi Arabia. PND (as) TOP

12 ABRIL 2013 Ginawaran ng Pangulong Aquino ng Order of Lakandula (postumo) ang kolumnistang si William 'Billy' Esposo Nagsadya ang Pangulong Aquino sa Lungsod ng Cotabato Ginawaran ng Pangulong Aquino ng Order of Lakandula (postumo) ang kolumnistang si William 'Billy' Esposo Ginawaran ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ng Order of Lakandula, ranggong Grand Officer (postumo) ang yumaong kolumnistang si William Billy Esposo dahil sa katangi-tangi niyang paglilingkod bilang Katulong na Kalihim sa Public Affairs ng Kagawaran ng Lokal na Pamahalaan noong Enero 1987 sa simpleng seremonya sa Lungsod ng Makati Huwebes. Ipinagkaloob ng Pangulo ang parangal sa balo ni Esposo, Amelia Y Esposo sa seremonya pagkatapos ng misang idinaos sa Sanctuario de San Antonio sa Forbes Park, Lungsod ng Makati.

Pinarangalan ang yumaong kolumnista dahil sa naiambag niya sa panunumbalik ng demokrasya sa pamamagitan ng pagtatatag ng Cory Media Bureau upang harapin ang misimpormasyon at propaganda ng diktadurya kaya napukaw, naturuan at napakilos ang sambayanang Pilipino upang bawiin ang kanilang demokrasya. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang ginawa ni Esposo na tulungan ang pagbabago sa Ministri ng Impormasyon nang manungkulan siyang direktor ng Bureau of Broadcast at pagiging masigasig sa 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Higit sa lahat, ang ipinaglaban nang puspusan ni Billy ay walang iba kundi ang ating bansa. Sa pagsulyap lamang sa kanyang resume ay mabibigyan na tayo nang sapat na katibayan: buhat sa pamumuno sa Cory Media Bureau, na nanguna sa pakikibaka laban sa monopolistic media hanggang sa ginampanan niya sa iba-ibang tanggapan ng pamahalaan ukol sa media at komunikasyon, at maging sa mga organisasyon at kilusan ng civil society, sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang huling pati kay Esposo. Hindi gaanong katandaan sa akin si Billy, ngunit nang ako ay nasa gulang na 20 taon, ang tangi kong pinag uukulan ng panahon ay ang kaligtasan ng aking butihing ina, siya naman, ang inaatupag ay ang henerasyong nauna kaysa akin: ang pangunahing mga mandirigma sa unang hanay ng larangan sa pakikibaka sa diktadurya, ang mga nagpapakilos at nagpauga noon ng pamahalaan, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na si Esposo ay isang mabuting tao at guro. Si Billy ay talagang pambihirang kumbinasyon ng kawalang takot, talino, kakayahan bilang propesyonal at masayahing personalidad na naghatid sa kanya sa rurok ng tagumpay hindi sa iisang larangan lamang na pinasok niya kundi mula sa advertising and marketing hanggang sa media at komunikasyon, maging sa pulitika at pagsusulat. Tunay na katangi-tangi ang kakayahan niya bilang manunulat, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Tinuruan niya ako kung paano sumagot nang diretsahan at hindi pagbibigay ng kuru -kuro. Ginawa niya ito nang panahong si Billy ay may karamdaman na, dagda g ng Pangulo. Ibinuhos niya ang kanyang mga huling pananalita para sa Philippine Star nang manindigan siya tungkol sa isyu ng Sabah, at sa pagsusulong sa Gawad Kalinga at Focolare Movement, ang dalawa sa kayang paboritong ipaglaban. Ito ang pambihirang si Billy Esposo: laging naka-aaninag ng pag-asa at tuwa sa harap ng nakasisirangloob na kalagayan, at palaging nag-iiwan ng pangwakas na mga pangungusap sa isang mithiing itinuturing niyang nakahihigit kaysa kanya, sabi ng Pangulo. Pagkatapos ng pagpaparangal, sumama ang Pangulo sa pamilya Esposo, mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan sa paghahatid kay Billy sa huling hantungan sa Manila Memorial Park sa Barangay Pieta, Governors Drive, Lungsod ng Dasmarinas sa Cavite. PND TOP Nagsadya ang Pangulong Aquino sa Lungsod ng Cotabato

LUNGSOD NG COTABATO) Dinalaw ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang lungsod na ito upang alamin ang ginagawang mga proyektong imprastraktura at mga pagbabago sa Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) upang mapaunlad ang ekonomya ng rehiyon. Iniulat sa Pangulong Aquino ni ARMM Officer-in-Charge Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman ang mga ginagawang proyekto sa ARMM sa pagtitipong ginanap sa Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center, ARMM Compound. Ang pagdalaw rito ng Pangulo ay may kaugnayan sa mga proyektong nakatuon sa pagsisikap na mamayani ang kapayapaan sa buong rehiyon. Sinabi ni Hataman sa Pangulo na umuunlad ang kalakalan sa kanilang pook at ang mga proyekto dito ng Pangulo ukol sa edukasyon, kalusugan at pagpawi sa kahirapan. Umaabot sa kabuuang P9,401,144,000 ang inilaan para sa mga proyekto sa rehiyong ito. Ayon kay Hataman, ang mga pambansang lansangan sa rehiyon ay kasama sa Annual Infra Fund ng Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan sa taong ito. Para sa mga proyektong imprastraktura rito ay P2.510 bilyon ang inilaan ng DPWH. Sa mga proyektong ginagawa na sa rehiyon ay kabilang ang Agri-Pinoy ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka na may budget na P280.361 milyon; Fish for Peace ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources P129.982 milyon; Proyekto ng Repormang Pansakahan sa mga Komunidad ng Kagawaran ng Repormang Agraryo P852.000 m; 2013 PAMANA o Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan P1.546 bilyon; Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao ng Kagawaran ng EdukasyonP3.900 B; at Health Facility Enhancement ng Kagawaran ng KalusuganP182.752 milyon. Binanggit ni Hataman sa Pangulo ang malalaking pamumuhunan sa ARMM na tulad ng Bumbaran Development Corporation na naglunsad na ng P365 milyong proyektong pabahay para sa mga mamamayan ng ARMM. Ginagawa na ng kompanya ang 1,500 pabahay sa rehiyon. Ang Del Monte naman sa pamamagitan ng kompanya nitong Delinanas Development Corp. ay namuhunan ng P569.0 milyon para sa paglinang ng 550 ektaryang gagawing sagingan dito. Sinabi pa ni Hataman na balak ng Del Monte na gawing P750 milyon ang puhunan nito para umabot sa 3,000

ektarya ang maging sagingan nila. Ito ay magbibigay ng hanapbuhay sa libu-libong mamamayan dito. Sa kabilang dako, balak ng Bumbaran Development Corporation na magtayo ng 1,000 bahay sa Maguindanao na paglalaanan ng P300 milyon. Idinugtong pa ni Hataman na isang imbestor na taga-Malaysia ang balak magtayo ng P500 milyong palm oil business sa rehiyon, samantalang ang La Frutera ay nagbabalak namang paabutin pa sa P300 milyon ang puhunan nila sa Maguindanao. Pinasalamatan ng mga lokal na pinuno rito ang Pangulong Aquino sa malasakit na maging masagana ang ARMM. PND TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino IIIs Speech during a Meeting with Local Leaders an d the Community Buluan, Maguindanao 12 April 2013

Maupo ho tayo lahat. Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Lu Antonino, alam niyo, si Secretary Lu Antonino, siya ang hepe ng MINDA, at napakagaling pong hepe nito, may pina-follow po siya sa aking release, sabi ko kay Butch Abad, ating Secretary of Budget, Butch, nasaan yung pina-folow up ni Lu? Ang sagot sa akin ni Butch Abad, Sir, wala pa yung request, pina-follow na nga yung release. Ganon kaagresibo po itong si Lu Antonino kaya talagang nasa mabuti ng kamay po kayo po dito sa Mindanao. Atin pong Governor Mujiv Hataman; atin pong Governor Toto Mangudadatu, governor ng Maguindanao; Mayor Jong Mangudadatu; butihin ho nating kasama sa kongreso, si Rep. Bai Sandra Sema; Mayor Dong Mangudadatu; atin pong walang pagod na Secretary-General ng Partido Liberal, si Mel Sarmiento; atin pong Regional Vice gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Alharon Rashid Lucman; atin pong vice gubernatorial candidate sa Maguindanao, Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat; atin pong mayoralty candidate sa Buluan, Ms. Lona Mangudadatu; atin pong reelectionist na Vice Mayor King Jhazzer Mangudadatu; atin pong Regional Vice Governor; atin pong mga Regional Legislative Assemblymen present; local leaders from the province of Maguindanao; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan, salam alaikom. Siguro, umpisahan ko muna sa sinabi ni Mayor Jong, tinanong niya kanina kung maaasahan ko raw sa inyo ang 80 percent, sabi niyo, oo. Gusto ko lang hong ipaalam sa inyo lalo na po don sa mga nasa labas na hindi na nakapasok dito, kung tataasan pa niyo yung 80 percent, hindi po ako magagalit sa inyo. Alam ho niyo, nakuwento rin niya nong tumakbo ako nong 2007, alam naman natin lahat kung ilan ang boto kong tinanggap. Nagkataon ho kaming dalawa niChiz Escudero ang nasa Senate Electoral Tribunal, so ipinakita sa amin yung mga resulta. So, ipinakita yung form kung saan nakalagay yung tara. So yung tara po, ang tanda ko sa ipinakita sa aming ebedensiya, pinirmahan naman ho ng inspectors, pagkatapos ho pirmahan, dinagdagan ng tara pa, tapos pinirmahan ulit. Alam niyo, pag pinirmahan, the end na yun eh, di ho ba? Akala ko sa hotel lang yung plus plus, okay. Sabi ho sa akin ni Chiz, Pare huwag mo ng titingnan yan, sasama lang ang loob mo. Sabi ko, ebidensiya to, tingnan na natin. Tapos sabi ko, palagay ko, kung sasama ang loob ko, mas sasama ang loob mo. Sabi niya, bakit? Pare ko, tingnan mo, tinalo kita dito, meron akong 13 votes yata don sa return na yun, siya 12. Sabi niya, paano nangyari yan, bakit mas mataas ka sa akin? ganon lang talaga, alphabetical order, yung porsyento ng oposisyon, divided by all of us. Sa akin trese, sa yo, dose. Magpasalamat ka, may dose ka. Pero ngayon po, iba na at siguro yan ang importante nating pag-usapan, eh. Bakit otsenta porsiyento? Nong araw ho, ipinagmamalaki dito, hindi lang ho 100 percent eh, di ho ba? At ano ba una nating isinulong, sabi natin isynchronized election, pag sinynchronized natin election, mahirap ng lutuan. Kailangan, yung boses ng taumbayan ang talagang marinig, kailangan ayusin natin ang sistema na magkaroon ng laya ang bawat tao na mamili kung sino ang mamumuno sa kanya. Mangyayari lamang yun pag lahat ng kandidato, sabay-sabay tumatakbo para walang nangangalaga ng boto ninuman. Kailangan kumayod ang bawat isa at sa tulong po niyo, tulong po ni Gov. Toto at lahat nagtulong-tulong dito, naging batas po, kasama si Bai Sandra, naging batas po at tayo nga hoy nandito na sa synchronized election kung saan may kalayaan ang lahat mamili ng kung sino ang mamumuno sa kanila. Yun po ang una nating isipin.

Kung mapapansin po ninyo, padalas nang padalas ang pagbisita natin dito saMindanao. Noong pebrero, nasaSultan Kudarat tayo para sa Sajahatra Bangsamoro, at nito lamang Marso, nasa GenSan naman tayo. Sa totoo lang po, marami ang nakakapansin: kung gaano raw po kalubha ang pambabalewala sa inyo ng mga dating pinuno, siya namang nag-uumapaw na pag-aaruga at pagkalinga natin ngayon sa Mindanao. Salamat po don sa mga nasa labas.

Kung dati ho, maikakahon sa takot, karahasan, at kahirapan ang kalagayan ng Mindanao, ngayon ay unti-unting umuusbong ang tunay na potensyal ng land of promise:pag-asa, kapayapaan, at kaunlaran. Iyan ang bago pong mukha ng Mindanao; iyan ang bagong imahen ng ARMM. At hindi po talaga tayo magsasawang magpabalik-balik sa inyong lugar lalo na kung ganito kainit ang pagsalubong ng mga kapatid nating mga Moro sa atin. Ulit po, maraming, maraming salamat po sa ibinigay ninyong pagkakataong paglingkuran kayo; maraming salamat posa tiwalang ipinagkakaloob ninyo para magawa natin ang mga repormang matagal nang hinahangad ng Mindanao. Ang inyo pong pakikiisa ang susi sa bawat tagumpay natin: kayo po at ulit-ulitin ko po, kayo po ang aking mga boss ang gumawa ng lahat nito. Sa ngayon po, pamilyar na siguro kayo sa estilo ng ating pamamahala: diretsong salita, para diretso rin ang makabuluhang gawa. Kaya hindi na po ako magpapaliguy-ligoy pa: Narito tayo ngayon upang suportahan ang mga nagsilbing haligi sa kasalukuyang paglakas ng ARMM, at muling hinginsa inyo sa aming mga boss na pumanig sa Team PNoy at sa mga kakampi nating nagsusulong ng isang mapayapa at maunlad na Bangsamoro. Nakasalalay po sa kung sinong iboboto ninyo sa darating na Mayo kung magtutuloy-tuloy ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ARMM, o kung magbabalik tayo sa sistema ng panlalamang, karahasan at pang-eetsapwera. Nasa panig na po natin mula noong simula, ang kasangga nating nagpunla ng samut saring reporma at inisyatiba ditosa ARMM, wala pong iba kundi ang ating Regional Governor -- si Mujiv Hataman. Alam po ninyo, nang itinalaga natin si kapatid na Mujiv para itimon ang ARMM, wala po talaga tayong duda sa kakayahan niyang ipatupad ang mga pagbabagong nais nating makita at maramdamansa rehiyon. Sa sunud-sunod na paglalantad niya sa mga ghost projects ng dating administrasyon, bagay na bagay po talaga kay Mujiv ang bansag na Ghost Buster. Siya po ang tuwirang naging susi natin para mapigilan ang pagpopondo sa mga ghost bridge, papunta sa ghost school, at sa mga ghost teacher na hanggang ngayon hinahanap pa. Napigilan ang pagwawaldas ng limpak-limpak na salapi mula sa kabang bayan. Dahil sa dedikasyon ni Mujiv na burahin ang dating masamang imahen ng ARMM, at itulak ito sa mas maunlad at mapayapang sitwasyon, nagsisimula nang bumukas ang ibat-ibang oportunidad sa ARMM. Sa katunayan, Nobyembre ng nakalipas na taon nang magkaroon ng groundbreaking para sa isang kumpanya. Ang halaga ng inilagak na puhunan dito: animnapung milyong dolyar, para sa pagpapalago ng tatlong libong ektaryang banana plantationdito po sa ARMM. Tinatayang aabot sa apatnalibot limandaang trabaho ang maidadagdag nito sa inyong rehiyon, at magbubuhos ng kita sa ibang industriya at sa libu-libong pamilya.Paano po nangyari ito? Dahil may isang Mujiv Hataman na nakatutok sa paghahatid ng tunay na asensot pag-asa sa inyong rehiyon.Ginawa ni Mujiv ang kanyang tungkulin nang walang ibang iniisip kundi ang gawing realidad ang mga bagay na datiy hindi pa mapangarap. Ngayon, kung nais nating dumami pa ang oportunidad, kung gusto nating lumakas pa ang ARMM, kung gusto nating yumabong ang kultura ng tuwid na pamamahala, wala po kayong ibang dapat gawin kundi ang iboto si Mujiv sa Mayo a-trese. Ganong paraan,maki-ambag sa mga repormang nais nating ipatupad. Muli, para Regional Governor -- ang ating ghost buster, si Mujiv Hataman. Siguro, idadagdag ko lang, tulungan niyo si Mujiv, ako poy panatag ang kalooban kung lahat ng ipapadala natin sa ARMM, pupunta sa dapat kalagyan. Panatag ang loob ko, madali hong magsalitang oo. Pag iba ho naupo, baka pag tinanong ako, puwede niyo ba kaming magpadala ng ganito? Oo, isasabay ko na yung COA, oo isasama ko na ang iba pang magmamatyag kung anong ginawa niyo. Alam niyo, dito ko na siguro banggitin sa inyo, galing ako sa Cavite kamakailan. Meron pong karsadang mag-uugnay sa Ternate, Cavite papuntang Nasugbu. Ang inaasahan pong mababawas sa biyahe, yung mga magiging turista sa Nasugbu, isang oras kalahati. Yung proyekto po, sinabi sa akin, inumpisahan 1994. Kailan po matatapos tong proyektong to? July 1, 2013. Di halos 20 years po. Malaki sigurong proyekto yan, opo six kilometers. Kayo na po magkuwenta, ilang metro ang ginagawa kada taon para 20 years matapos yung six kilometers at hindi pa ho tapos ha, July 1 pa ho matatapos. Dito po sa ARMM, alam na rin niyo yung mga never ending road na malapit ng maging ending, di ba, matatapos na. Napanatag po ang loob ko, si Mujiv nandito kasama ang ating butihing Bise Gubernador, pag nagpadala tayo diyan at may nagsabing Pontio Pilato, nasaan ang pondong napunta sa ARMM? Halika, tingnan mo tong tulay, halika tingnan mo tong karsada, halika, tingnan mo tong eskuwelahan, halika, tingnan mo, may pruweba ho dahil hindi napunta sa bulsa ni Mujiv. So sa ganong paraan po, yung kulang at hindi niyang kayang gawin, pipilitin kong kayanin kaya kailangan po natin nandito si Mujiv. May Mujiv naman tayo sa Regional Government, eh paano naman yung Maguindanao? Kasama rin po natin sa tuwid na daan, para gobernador ng Maguindanao, walang iba kundi si Governor Toto Mangudadatu. Alam na po ng marami sa atin kung gaano kasaklap ang pinagdaanang pagsubok ni Toto. Subalit sa halip na magmukmok, tila ba nagagawa niyang humugot ng lakas at inspirasyon sa mga hamon na kaniyang pinagdaanan, at talagang ibuhos ang kaniyang kakayahan upang paglingkuranang buong Maguindanao. Kitang-kita naman po ang mga bunga ng kaniyang trabaho: namuno siya sa pagbuo ngMaguindanao Task Force Reconciliation and Unification, na layong pumagitna at ayusin ang mga rido ng mga angkan at pamilya, upang magpunla ng

pagkakaisa, kapatiran at kapayapaan sa lalawigan. Alam niyo, naalala ko po tuloy ang tatay ko tsaka yung mga iba pang nakulong nong Martial Law. Yung mga nakulong ho, kasama na ho don, yung nag-alaga sa akin nong bata ako yaya ko. Yung yaya ko po, di na namin empleyado kasi, nag-asawa na two years before Martial Law. Nong dumating po yung Martial Law, inaresto, after a few months, pinakawalan, pagkatapos pinakawalan, inaresto ng pangalawang beses, tapos pinakawalan na naman. Noong siya poy nakapag-asawa na, nabuntis, inaresto ng pangatlong beses anim na buwan na siyang buntis. Anong kasalanan niya, dahil gusto lang gawing testigo laban sa aking ama. Nong dumating po yung EDSA, yung mga nagpahirap sa kanya, eh parang nakabalimbing ng huling sandali, sabi sa akin, sana huwag mo akong makakalimuntan. Sa loob loob ko naman, paano kita makakalimutan, nagpapaalala ka sa akin nong yaya ko. Pero ang nangyari po, imbes na maghanap ng paghihiganti yung yaya ko, imbes na puno ng poot ang tatay ko, at iba pang nakilala kong pinapahirapan nong panahon ng Martial Law. Tila nabiyayaan sila ng Poong Maykapal na magawang magpatawad at ayusin ang kinabukasan imbes na maiwan sa lumipas na hindi naman puwedeng palitadahan. Malaking bagay po, no, yoong ipagpaliban yung poot ng damdamin at alam naman natin kung anong kalapastanganang napala ni Totot ng kanyang pamilya. Imbes na maghanap ng paghihiganti, nagsulong pa, nagsulong ng paraan para mapagbati ang mga hindi nagkakaunawaan. Ibig sabihin po non, hindi natin kailangang ipangako na si Toto, gagawin ang tama sa kapwa, ginawa na niya ang tama sa kapwa. Yan ang kailangan nating gobernador. Nakapagpatayo rin si Governor Mangudadatu ng ibat ibang gusali at imprastraktura para saBangsamoro, gaya na lamang ng Rajah Buayan-Silongan Peace Center. Nong araw po, pag iniisip ang laki ng problema ng ARMM, pag naisip yung Maguindanao, pinakamalala diyan sa Maguindanao, tama po ba? Hindi naman po insulto yun. O, nong naupo si Toto, mula sa pinakamalalang pamamahala, ngayon po, may Seal of Good Housekeeping na ang Maguindanao galing sa DILG. Gusto ho ng Poverty Reduction Program dahil talaga naman ang atin pong mga rebellion, nagmumula sa kakulangan ng pag-asa sa pag-asenso sa buhay. So, naiwan ba sa theorya si Toto? Hindi po. Namudmod po at ginawa yung programang ang ngalan ay Plant Now, Pay Never Development Program kung saan 420 thousand na pump oil; 1.25 million rubber seedlings; ang napamudmod na sa mga magsasaka para madagdagan ang kanilang kinikita. Ako poy interes koy edukasyon, pag sinabi natin kabataan, susi sa kinabukasan, natural po, kung hindi natuto yung bata, medyo pangit ang kinabukasan. Si Toto sang-ayon, gumawa po ng scholarshipsna 1,970 college students to the Maguindanao Program on Education Assistance and Community Empowerment Program. Nagregister po ng 2,097 graduates para don sa review ng pagiging teacher. Nagkaroon rin po ng 1,100 na kumuha nong review para sa Civil Service Commission. Sa kalusugan, prioridad rin natin, may Mobile Hospital na po, nag-conduct ng mga medical missions at dental missions kung saan 354,922 patients na ang natulungan. Nakapagbigay na po ng Philhealth Cards na limampung libo sa atin pong mga kapuspalad na mga kababayan. At sa husay ng pamamahala niya, nagawa pang makatulong sa mga mamamayan ng Cagayan de Oro at saka sa coastal areas ng Davao City nong tumama yung bagyo. Baka naman iba na ang tatakbuhin mo Toto sa susunod. Pero magaling pa ho dito, dito po peace and order, pagkaintindi ko, overall -- ang laki ng ikinatahimik na nitong lugar na to. Pati po yung Commander ko ng PSG, sa Cotabato medyo pasensiya na, medyo alert ng konti, dito po -- medyo relax ng konti. Bakit ho? Nong naupo siya, ang internally displaced people, lumikas ng kanilang tahanan dahil magulo eh halos limampung libo. As of 2013, wala na raw pong internally displaced people. Nabawasan na po yung mga private army, nagkaroon po ng resolusyon yung dalawampung major family feuds; nagkaroon na rin po ng reduction of poverty incidents; nagkaroon rin po ng reduction in human trafficking at sinenyasan po nila akong baka naman hanggang bukas nandito pa akong sinasabi ang mga nagawa ni Toto, baka iwanan na niyo ako. Madaling salita po, hindi na mahirap ispilingen yun. Toto, ang liwanag ng pagbabagong nangyari sa Maguindanao, isusugal pa ba natin yun? Talaga naman pongnag-uumapaw ang husay at serbisyong hatid at patuloy na ihahatid ni Toto para sa Maguindanao, kayat dapat lamang na ibalik siya bilang gobernador ninyo. Iyan po si Governor Toto Mangudadatu. Ulitin ko lang ho ah, pasensiya na kung makulit, siya tumawag sa akin, tinitext ako madalas nito, walang problema sagutin. Palagay ko parati, pag may pinadala siyang text sa akin, resonable. Pag may pinadala ako sa kanya, hindi kami haharap sa taumbayan, at pag hinanap kung saan yung ginawa, wala kaming maituro. Kaya pag kay Toto ho, kampanteng-kampante tayo kadalasan kung hindi naman parati pag nagsabi siyang kailangan ho namin ng tulong,

ang kailangan ko lang sabihin, of course. Kasama rin po natin ngayon ang iba pang katuwang natin sa paghahatid ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ARMM. Para Regional ViceGovernor, nabanggit ko na po kanina, si Rasheed Lucman. Para naman Bise Gobernador ng Maguindanao,si Lester Sinsuat. Ang patuloy na magdidilig ng tamang pamamahala sa unang distrito, walang iba kung hindi si Congresswoman Bai Sema. Puwede ho bang pag-usapan si Bai at sakanyang asawa, si Muslimin? Bakit ho napakaimportante ng ugnayang nong National at saka Local Government? Kanina ho kasi nong pa-landing na kami sa Cotabato City, nakita ko po yung ilan-ilang water lily, water hyacinth at yung kangkong na metro-metro ang lapad. Naalala ko po nong isa sa mga unang dalaw ko dito, may baha, tama ho ba. Bakit nagkabaha, di makadaloy yung ilog dahil punong-puno ng water lily sa ilalim ng mga tulay, naipit don, tama po ba yun? Okay. Ang trabaho ko po, yung tinatawag na initial response o yung primary response nagmumula po yan sa Local Government Unit, di ho ba? Pag ang National ang aaksiyon, siyempre, magmomobilize ang National, yung local nandon na. So, yung unang responder nasa batas po yan -- Local Government. Yung hindi niya kaya, pupunuin ng National Government, tama po yun maliwanag. So si Bai ho, ang nagtext sa atin, si Mujiv kasama rin na malala na yung water lily na umiipit nong tubig -- bumabaha sa Cotabato City. At kaagaran, inutusan natin ang DSWD at saka si Secretary Babes Singson ng DPWH na aksyonan, Secretary Singson -- tanggalin yung obstruction, Secretary Soliman, tulungan yung mga nabaha, ayos di ho ba? At kumilos naman na kaagad, kaya kami poy nagpulong para malaman pa kung ano pa ang kulang na dapat gawin dito. Ang pagkaintindi ko po yung Cobatato City, Bai tama ba, ay may sariling mga equipment para mai-clear, mai-clear ang water lily para hindi umipit. Pagdating ko po, hindi tumatakbo ang equipment, sira raw. So yung equipment po ng DPWH, kinuha pa sa ibang lugar eh hindi naman po puwedeng ilagay sa likod ng pick-up yun. Siyempre, tatakbo ng mga ilang oras para mahaba-habang oras na dumadami pa rin yung water lily. So pagdating po, nakausap natin ang kasalukuyang Mayor at akala koy magpapasalamat, na salamat po, naibsan na ang problema namin at napapakain natin ang mga nasalanta. Di ba, normal lang ho yun, tinulungan namin siya eh wala hong ginawa kundi batiin yung aking Secretary of Social Welfare and Development at saka yung aking Secretary of Public Works and Highway. At nong aking sinuri, meron pang base yung reklamo niya, eh wala. Ang reklamo lang pala eh bakit hindi niyo idinaan sa akin lahat ng tulong na yan? Abay kako, sandali lang, merong mga taong nalagay sa panganib dahil sa baha, siguro ho, asikasuhin natin sila at saka na yung pulitika, tama po ba? Kaya ako poy ganadong-ganado nasa darating na eleksyon, siguro naman pag nabalik na si Muslimin Sema sa Cotabato City, iba na ang usapan. Sa totoo lang ho, tao rin naman ako, ang sarap mapikon pero bawal mapikon, Pangulo po ako ng Republika eh. Basta ako, pinapaalam ko lang ho, baka makarating sa mga boss ko sa Cotabato City, magtinginan tayo ng pruweba, di ho ba? May problema kayo, makipagtulungan siya, ang ginawa, inaway ang lahat ng tumutulong sa kanya. Bahala na po kayo kung palagay niyo, karapat-dapat yung ganyang ang mamumuno sa inyo. Palagay ko naman ang mga boss ko sa Cotabato City maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw, dapat kay Muslimin Sema tayo. Kasama rin po natin ang susunod na kongresista ng ikalawang distrito, si Sajid Mangudadatu. Nabanggit ko na po ang ating babalik na Mayor ng Cotabato City, walang iba kung hindi siMuslimin Sema, ang nag-iisang peacemaker. Para sa akin ho, alam niyo yung Cotabato City nong una kong nadalaw yan,2007. Sabi ko, parang naiba tong lugar na to, paglanding ho naming -- airport ng Cotabato City, nakatutok sa airstrip dalawang 50 caliber, medyo napansinko, medyo manipis pala tong bakal ng eroplano. Pagsakay ko po ng kotse, ang pinakamababang armas na, yung security guard, yung blue ang uniporme -- carbin, yung sumama ho sa aming parang mga pulis ho yata dito non eh, eh apat ho sila, dalawa naka-M203, apat silang naka-M16. Kako, kung pupuwede lang yata, bawat tao dito lima tangan na baril nangyari yun eh.
So, ang punto po, si Muslimin Sema, alam naman natin, kabahagi sa MNLF, noong nagkaroon tayo ng Sajahatra, kasama natin na talagang publiko sinabi ang pagsuporta nila dito sa paghuhubog ng ating Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Kaya po nabansagang talaga namang peacemaker. Kasi mayron hong iba, di ho ba, walang ginawa kundi kontra ng kontra, kontra ng kontra, wala namang solusyon na ibinibigay, kung hindi dagdag away. Kaya peacemaker si Muslimin, okay. Sila po ang mga mamumuno at gagabay sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-unlad ng inyong lalawigan. Sila po ang makakasama natin sa tuwid na daan tungo sa makabuluhang pagbabago . Nasa yugto po ngayon ang bansa kung saan nagsisimula nang magbago ang konsepto ng pamamahala at paglilingkod. Sa tuwid na daan, napatunayan nating possible ang magkaroon ng gobyernong may malasakit at matapat, na posibleng maibalik ang tunay na lakas ng gobyernno sa taumbayan, na posibleng maging pantay ang magandang pagkakataon. Ikaw man ay nasa Luzon, sa Visayas o sa Mindanao. Ngayon, nararamdaman na ng ARMM na ang mga konkretong bunga ng ating mga reporma. Hahayaan ba nating bumalik tayo sa bulok na kalakaran? Meron bang makakapagsabing mas maganda yung ating pinalitann? Wag naman po sana, huwag na po tayong umatras pa, huwag na po tayong bumitiw pa.Sa muli ninyong paghaharap sa sangandaan sa Mayo 13, tandaan na ninyong napanday ang Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, hindi sa dating ruta ng dahas, hidwaan at panlalamang, kung hindi sa landas ng tiwala, kapatiran at kapayapaan. Saksi tayong lahat

sapagbabago. Ang MILF na datiy napipilitang idaan sa armas ang mga hinaing nilang hindi pinapansin ng pamahalaan. Ngayon ay aktibo na nating katuwang sa pagtitindig ng mga pundasyon para sa mas mapayapat maaliwalas na Bangsamoro. Nangyari ito dahil dahil tumahak tayo sa tuwid na landas. Tandaan rin sana ninyong bawat proyektot programang naibabahagi natin sa bawat sulok ng ARMM, mula sa halos labintatlong kilometrong Simuay-LandasanParang Road hanggang sa Cotabato East Diversion Road na babagtas sa Cotabato at Sultan Kudarat. Mula sa tatlumput anim na irrigation projects ng Maguindanao na nagkakahalaga sa mahigit 471 million pesos, hanggang sa mahigit 381,560 na kabahayan sa ARMM na binibigyang-lakas natin gamit ang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Lahat po ng mga ito ay nagawa natin at plano pa nating higit pang palakasin dahil may mga kasangga tayong buwisbuhay kung paglingkuran ang Maguindanao, ang ARMM at ang bawat Pilipino. Baka nga po sa pagbaba natin sa puwesto, June 30, bago ho noon,2016, baka ho hindi na tayo masyadong busy non, baka magkaroon na tayo ng konting oras para sa sarili, baka sakaling maimbita ako ni Governor Toto at ni Governor Mujiv. Baka gusto mong magpahinga sa amin at pagdating ko ho dito wala nang security. Maari akong imbitahin ng kahit sinong kapatid na Moro, ilibot sa kanyang bukid, ipakita ang mga tanim niyang hitik na hitik sa bunga at masi-swimming kami sa dagat ng Bangsamoro na ang tanging iniiwasan at kinakatakutan ay mga pating at jelly fish at hindi kapwa Pilipino. Alam ko pong possible talagang mangyari ito lalo na kung ang mga kasama nating magtitimon sa bansa ay mga kasangga sa tapat na paglilingkod, mahal ang ating bansa at pirming nakabukas ang puso sa kabutihan ng kapwa. Hindi ko naman ho ipinapangako sa inyo na pagbaba ko sa 2016, wala na tayong problema, palagay ko kaya ko hong ipangako sa inyo na pagbaba ko sa puwesto at nagkita tayo muli, sasabihin niyo may problema pa kayo. At pag tinanong ko ano ang problema niyo, sasabihin niyo siguro, napakaganda ng ekonomiya namin dito sa ARMM. Ang daming nakabili ng motorsiklo, pati kotse, ang problema namin ngayon, trapik. Baka naman dahil kakailanganin natin ng kuryente at isa sa pinakamabilis ay iyong coal power plants, baka naman magalit sa atin si Loren at sabihin, may smog na ngayon sa ARMM, dahil napakaraming power plant at napakaraming factory. Yunho ang magiging problema natin. Siguro puwede nating bawasan iyong problema ngayon pa lang. Ngayon ho papakiusap ko rin naman po sa inyo ang Team PNoy, ating mga senatorial candidates. Isa lang naman ho siguro naging batayan, apatnapu silang pinagpipilian, pati naman ho yung nasa kabilang panig, may parte, diho ba, sinabi nila, mag-coalition na lang kami. So, pati yung nasa kabila po sasali sa atin sana, eh kako apatnapu itong pinagbabalanse namin eh at nagdeklara kayo na magso-solo kayo, no. So, paano ba natin pinili yung apatnapu? Hinanap natin sino ang mga may pruweba nang ipinakita, na nung oras na subukan ay nagpakita ng gilas at tumaya sa taumbayan at hindi sa sariling interes. Umpisahan ko po, kanina nandito si Sonny Angara. Sonny Angara, kasamahan ko sa kongreso. First term niya, may impeachment laban kay GMA. Congressman ka na sasama ka sa impeachment, kinalaban mo ang Malakanyang, kapag natalo kayo, humanda ka, tama ho ba? First term, hindi ho last term, first term niya pinanindigan niya, paniwala niya, boss niya ang humalal sa kanya, boss niya ang humihingi ng tinatawag na check and balance, kailangang matigili yung pang-abuso, puwedeng hindi na siya nakabalik sa puwesto, pero ipinaglaban ang karapatan natin, kaya dapat lang iyan ang ilagay nating tao sa senado, Sonny Angara po ang pangalan. Pinsan ko po, nandito pa, si Bam Aquino, nililiwanag ko po, pinsan ko siya. May nagtanong raw ho kasi sa kanya kung pamangkin ko siya. Sabi ko, excuse me, tingnan mo yung litrato namin, hindi ba magkasing-tanda lang ang dating. May nagtanong pa raw kung anak ko siya. Ngayon, hindi, totoo iyan eh, ang edad namin pareho, pareho ho kaming may 3 at may 5. Siya po 35, ako po 53, maliwanag -- parehong-pareho. Pero si Bam ho kasi, noong siyay 6 years old noong pinaslang ang tatay ko --tiyo niya, nadadalaw niya sa kulungan, noong susunod niyang makita, pinaslang, nasa kabaong na. At bata siya nagtatanong na siya, bakit ginawa s a tiyo ko to at kasama naming nagiikot sa buong Pilipinas para manggising sa karumal-dumal na gawain noong batas militar. At dahil don ho, yun ang nahubog sa kanyang kaisipan. Siya po nagtapos sa Ateneo de Manila. Management Engineering ang kurso, summa cum laude na, valedictorian pa, okay. Yang kursong iyan, pag nakatapos ka lang ng kursong iyan, mamili ka ng trabaho, pinag-aagawan ka. Eh pag ikaw ay valedictorian at summa cum laude, hindi lang mamili ka nang trabaho, talagang maski anong trabahonggusto mo, tatanggapin ka. Pero minabuti po niya imbes na pumasok sa tinatawag na corporate world eh talagang sumama sa mga kababayan natin dahil paniwala po naming lahat, hanggang may naiiwan sa laylayan ng lipunan, hanggang may taong hindi nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon, baka maullit sa atin yung martial law, baka magsubok na naman ng kung- anu-anong eksperimento na kakawawain tayong lahat. Kailangan po lahat may pakinabang sa demokrasya, kaya naman po pinasok niya iyong microfinance, tumulong sa ating mga kababayang magkaroon ng kapital, maipundar sa kanilang maliliit ng negosyo, maging tulay sa kanilang pag-aenso. Iyan po imbessa sariling guminhawa, inisip niya kaginhawahan ng mas nakakarami, tulungan po natin sa senado. Si Risa Hontiveros, sa lahat ng laban na pinasukan, talaga naman pong wala tayong masasabi. Si Risa ulit, namili, nag-umpisa ang public service niya, talkshow host ito, hindi ho ba, puwede namang iwan na lang sa komportableng studio, puwede namang tinalakay ang mga maiinit na isyu hanggang doon sabihin sa sarli nakatulong na ako. Pero kulang yun, ilang beses na siya ang nasa karsada, bago siya naging kongresista, para maging mukha nong tutol sa nanngyayari sa lipunan. Ilang beses ng lumanghap ng teargas at water canon, ilang beses kinulong pansamantala dahil ipinaglalaban yung walang kalabang-laban.Ulit,puwedeng kumportableng buhay don, pumili ng pakikibaka para tulungan yung walang kakayahang lumaban. Ulit, iyan ang kailangang nating tatao sa senado, nakatutok sa

iba hindi sa sarili, Risa Hontiveros, pakitulungan po natin. Si Jun Magsaysay po, nandito rin kanina. Si Jun Magsaysay, simplihan na lang natin, huwag na nating sabihin, anak siya ni Ramon Magsaysay. Importante ho nong binigyan ng pagkakataong tumuntong sa Senado, siya ang nagsiwalat sa atin ng fertilizer scam. Ano po iyong fertilizer scam?Tulungan ang magsasaka.Ano yung tulong na ginawa nila? Binigyan ng abono.Ano iyong abono?Pambulaklak. Sinong tinutulungan na magsasaka? Sumasaka ng mais, sumasaka ng palay, binigyan mo -- abonong pambulaklak.Mali ang fertilizer, over-priced pa, hindi pa nakuntento, iyong mali na over-priced, hindi pa diniliver.Sino ang nagsiwalat niyan?Jun Magsaysay. Punto po rito, kinalaban nanaman niya yung mga nakinabang dito. Ang dami po nito, matataas na tao sa atin pong lipunan at sa gobyerno. Pero ulit, maliwanag, pinakita na sa atin ni Jun Magsaysay noong sinabi niyang maglilingkod, klaro, ang boss taumbayan, hindi yung nakaupo sa Malacaang. Iyan ulit, tunay na nagpapruweba na dapat karapat-dapat na ibalik natin sa Senado -- si Jun Magsaysay. Si Koko Pimentel. Ano naman ang pruweba ni Koko Pimentel? Kasabay ko nong 2007, at dito nga pala sa ARMM alam na yata niyo, di ba? parang doon sa makakatunggali namin doon, merong number one eh. Eh, noong wala nang kapaga-pag-asa iyon, nagbago yung number one dito sa ARMM. Tama ho ba?Ano ho ang punto nito?Hindi sa sinasabing nakawawa siya dito. Dinaya nga si Koko nanalo, may bendisyon ng taumbayan, may mandato pero nadaya. Noong nadaya siya, kung pansarili lang ang ambisyon niya, puwede namang tumakbo ng 2010 sympathy vote na lang, panalo na si Koko, nakapuwesto siya. Iyong six years na binigay niyo sa kaniya, anong nangyari? One year-ten months.Wala man one-third.Pero ano ang importante kay Koko?Binigyan ninyo ng mandato, yung karapatan niyong mamili, pinaglaban niya. Pinaglaban niya maski i-sacrifice yung sarili na iyong dapat nakapuwesto siya, hindi na bale iyon, importante, ipaglaban iyong tama. Nagbayad siya -- karamihan nung term,hindi siya ang naupo. Iyan ulit, taong nagpakita na sa atin: ipaglalaban iyong karapatan niyo. Kaya dapat at karapat-dapat lamang ibalik po natin sa Senado -- si Koko Pimentel. Si Loren Legarda nandiyan po. Alam niyo, nahirapan ho akong magsalita kay Loren. Para bang maski anong sabihin ko, sasabihin niyo sa akin alam namin. Tagapagtanggol ng kalikasan, alam namin iyan. Naging peacemaker, may napababa at nai-release na mga sundalo at pulis; may mga nakausap na rebeldeng faction, sasabihin na naman niyo sa akin, alam rin namin iyan. Pag sinabi nating paulit-ulit na nag-number one, katulad noong tumakbo kami, sasabihin ninyo, alam rin namin yan. Eh kung ganun ho, alam rin niyo na dapat ibalik natin sa Senado si Loren dahil talagang nagpakita na ng pruweba sa atin, paulit-ulit. Si Jamby Madrigal.Si Jamby Madrigal ho pag nakikita natin sa kaniyang mga poster, sa TV, maaliwalas ang mukha dahil hindi kayo tiwali.Pag tiwali kayo at tinignan kani Jamby, parang talo pa ho na masama ang tingin sa inyo ni Mr. Tyson noong kasikatan ni Tyson bilang boksingero, dahil talagang kontra siya sa tiwali at galit sa corrupt. Kaya ho si Jamby, nakasama natin sa oposisyon oposisyon sa dating namumuno po sa atin ulit nagpakita na ng pruweba, tulungan po natin maibalik si Jamby Madrigal. Sonny Trillanes, ikinulong, di ho ba? Alam naman natin, isang tawag lang, sabihin sa Malacaang, suko na ako, released. Pero hindi eh. Palagay niya tama iyong pinaglaban niya, pinanindigan niya, kasama naming tumakbo 2007, nangampaniya sa loob ng piitan. Noon naging senador, nasa piitan pa rin. Ginawa niya iyong trabaho niya bilang senador sa loob ng kulungan dahil importante yung prinsipyo; importante yung binitawang salita: Paglilingkuran kayo. Pinandigan po niya, pinagtiisan ang pagpipiit niya hanggang nagkaroon ng katarungan.So, ulit po, palagay ko nakita na natin ang pruweba ni Sonny Trillanes. Cynthia Villar po, siyay asawa ng Speaker noong nag -umpisa akong kongresista.Tumayong parang nanay sa amin, talaga naman hong nagpakita ng pruweba. Tinulungan kami: paano ba maging mas epektibong representante. Ako po, si Cynthia, sa lahat ng pagkakataon na nagkausap kami, ang maipapangako ko sa inyo, diretso kausap. Pag sinabi niyang puti, klaro puti; pag itim, klarong itim. Hindi pag kausap eh hindi puti, sasabihin puti; iyong susunod, pag sinabi, di ba itim, itim. Hindi ho balimbinging tao, diretsong kausap. So pag sinabi po niya, magiging hanep ang buhay kung maraming hanapbuhay, alam ko po pag si Cynthia nasa Senado, magkakatotoo iyan. Si Grace Poe, pinakamagalang naming kandidato. Siguro ho, noong tinalaga ko siya sa MTRCB, doon nagpakita ng pruweba. Kausap niya diyan siyempre mga director, mga artista, may mga obra maestra, huwag mong pakialamanan at siyempre buong pusot kaluluwa nila nilalagay don s a work of art, tama po ba? Ngayon kung hindi ka mahusay makipagtungo sa kanila at biglang may kailangang putulin dito, away na katakut-takot yan. Pero simula nung naitalaga natin si Grace Poe,ni minsan po, hindi tayo nagkaron ng isyung mabigat na hindi niya tinalakay at nagkaroon ng kapayapaan sa larangan at industriya na saklaw ng MTRCB. Simple lang naman po ang inaambisyon niya: ang kaniyang ama, may binalak para sa ating lahat, hindi ho nagkaroon ng pagkakataon, hayaan ninyong si Grace ang magtapos ang inumpisahan ng kaniyang yumaong amang si FPJ. Tulungan natin papasok sa Senado. Dalawa na lang po si Alan Cayetano, nandiyan naman po ang poster na maliwanag ang mga sinasabi. Nakita na natin sa kaliwat kanang mga imbestigasyong ginawa para madiskrube natin ang mga tiwali mula sa Kongreso hanggang sa Senado. Si Chiz, isa ho sa pinakamalapit sa atin. Kasamahan mula sa Kongreso hanggang sa Senado. Sa totoo lang ho, hindi every time ay nagkasundo kami sa lahat ng isyu, pero ni minsan po, hindi ko nakitang nagdesisyon siya na asiwa; parati pong nagmumula sa kaniyang pananaw, sa kaniya pong prinsipiyo. Ginagarantiya ko po sa inyo, itong si Chiz ay may heart or big heart for all of us. So, mga kasama, siguro pagdidiinan ko na lang at ito na lang po ang huli. Sinamantala ko na ho, baka hindi ako makabalik sa inyo bago eleksyon. Malaki na ho ang pinagbago ng Pilipinas. Ulitin ko, hindi ko naman sinasabing wala na ho tayong problema. Pero ang dami na hong problemang akala ko ay imposible, nagkakaroon ng solusyon. For instance po, nong araw po, nong nag-umpisa, tinanong ko kay Brother Armin, Brother Armin, ilan ba ang kulang nating classroom? Sabi niya sa akin, 66,800 classrooms. Brother, magkano ba ang halaga ng bawat

classroom? Higit kumulang 700,000 pesosbawat isa. Magkano ang kayang suportahan ng budget kada taon?Walong libong classroom. Eight thousand times six years, 48,000. Pagbaba ko sa puwesto, may utang pa ako. Pero pinagtulung-tulungan po, katapusan nitong taon na ito, inaasahan nating tapos na ang problema sa classroom sa buong Pilipinas. Nag-angkat ang dating gobyerno, pinahintulutan, 2.5 million metric tons, kulang natin, 1.3 million metric tons. Anong nangyari?Nag-import nga ng two million, saan nailagay?Warehouse.Sino ang nakinabang? Eh yung daga. Ngayon po, baka itong taon na ito, palarin lang tayo sa klima, baka makaumpisa na tayong mag-export dahil self-sufficient na tayo, hindi lang ho sa palay, sabi ho ni Secretary Alcala, pati na rin sa mais. Noong araw po, presidente ang nanay ko, nakasama ako sa isang biyahe niya. Kinakausap natin ang mga negosyante, halos lumuhod tayong nakikiusap, subukan naman niyong mag-invest sa Pilipinas; dagdagan niyo ang trabaho ng ating mga kababayan. Ngayon po, nakita naman po ninyo, stock market natin dati 4,000; ngayon malapitlapit na sa 7,000 ang index. Yung mga negosyante noong nandun kami sa Davos, mga trentay singko ang kausap namin. Sa totoo lang ho, kumbinsido na silang dumating sa Pilipinas. Konti na lang ang mungkhi natin dahil talagang palagay nila, sa panahon na pangit ang ekonomiya ng buong mundo, Pilipinas isa sa pinakamagandang pupuntahan para magpalago ng kanilang mga negosyo. Lahat po nito, nagawa natin within two years and ten months of our administration. Lahat po nito ay hindi nagawa sa siyam at kalahating taon nung ating pinalitan. Kaya rin nilang gawin, hindi po nila ginawa. Mayo a-trese, ako poy nakikiusap sa inyo, ito ang mga kasangga, ito yung magbubuhat nung bahay-kubo ng Pilipinas mula sa tagilid na lugar sa mas maaliwalas na lugar. Kumuha naman po tayo nung tutulong bumuhat.Huwag naman tayong kumuha nung sasakay pa habang binubuhat natin yung bahay-kubo, di ho ba? Huwag ho nating isugal buhay ng mga anak niyo ang nakataya dito, kinabukasan po. Uulit-ulitin ko, kayo po ang boss ko, kayo po ang masusunod. Kami po ay pag-utusan niyo at tayong lahat ay tumahak sa tuwid na landas tungo sa mas maraming oportunidad para sa lahat. Magandang hapon po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
13 APRIL 2013 PhP 1.2 billion of smuggled rice held in Cebu Manggahan Festival kicks off at Robinsons MMDA chairman accepts apology of Chinese ambassador Inclusivity, whole-of-government approach among the positive features of GPH-MILF peace process, says Deles CSC enjoins government offices to create panel to review performance DOST presents road train & other technologies in innovation congress DPWH warns public works contractors, suppliers on solicitation Administrative penalties handed down in light of Reyes escape How important is agriculture in the economy? DOE Chief strengthens ties with Trans-Pacific countries to accelerate development of Renewable Energy Secretary Del Rosario receives delegation from the German Bundestag Phl Ambassador conducts Offical Visit to Namibia GPH-MILF peace process reaches new phase, says gov't chief negotiator SSS text transactions through mobile phones double in 2012 All systems go for opening Of aualification documents for AFCS project |TOP| PhP 1.2 billion of smuggled rice held in Cebu Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon aptly sent the message today that the Philippines is no place for smugglers when he announced of the BOCs recent issuance of Alert Orders on 1000 twenty footer container vans of smuggled rice from Vietnam worth PhP 1.2 billion which arrived at the Port of Cebu on separate occasions during the period March 22 to April 3 this year. According to Biazon, the hot rice shipment from Vietnam which was misdeclared as stone slabs, granite slabs and cooling insulators were consigned to nine (9) different consignees and did not have the required import permits from the National Food Authority (NFA). The government could rise up to PhP 600 million in duties, if these rice shipment were legal and covered by the

required import permits. Biazon said, adding that, However, based on our verification from the National Food Authority (NFA), we were informed that the NFA had no knowledge of such shipment. Biazon explained that, although they have yet to issue the Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) as the consignees of the hot rice still have not filed their entries and its is still within the 30 days filing period, technically though, the 1,000 container vans of illegally imported rice are already seized by the government. The Commissioner, however, said he will issue the corresponding WSDs when he conducts the actual inspection of the seized rice at Cebu next week. Biazon attributes the Cebu rice catch to the BOC Intelligence Group(IG) under Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lims enhanced profiling system.This big rice haul in Cebu is the result of our tightened watch and intelligence w ork in the BOCs various ports. Biazon said. For his part, Lim explained that his operatives are now closely watching three high risk ports for smuggling, particularly the Ports of Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Cebu. |TOP| Manggahan Festival kicks off at Robinsons Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Manggahan Festival kicks off at Manggahan sa Robinsons Fair, Robinsons Mall, Iloilo City starting April 8, 2013. The fair is a week-long (until April 14, 2013) promotional activity and advertising program participated in by 13 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) featuring the best products and culture of the Province of Guimaras. Manggahan sa Robinsons is a prelude activity to the Manggahan Festival slated on April 14-21, 2013 at the Guimaras Provincial Capitol grounds. With the theme "Guimaras ... Unfolding Opportunities, Harnessing Resources," a series of activities are lined up for the occasion aimed at developing the tourism potentials of the province. One of the grandest activities is a cultural show that reflects Guimarasnon's colorful way of life and culture commemorating the provincehood anniversary of Guimaras. Adding color to the Festival are the activities set at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, where everyday is packed with fun-filled events like traditional "Guimaras mango-eat all-you-can", Mangoman Triathlon and Fun Run, AgriTrade Fair, food festival, and the search for the Mutya ng Guimaras. Opening salvo and launching of the Guimaras Agri-Trade Fair is on April 15 at the Guimaras Capitol Grounds. The trade fair will be a venue for the MSMEs to promote their products and bring in financial benefits. Products to be showcased include processed fruits & nuts, bags, baskets, pottery, decorative boats, candles, paper crafts, mangoes and other fruits, vegetables & ornamental plants. There are 75 participating MSMEs with targetting PHP3M in sales. |TOP| MMDA chairman accepts apology of Chinese ambassador Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino today accepted the apology of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for the involvement of one of its diplomats in a traffic altercation that happened last April 5 along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City. In a letter dated April 9, Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary Ma Keqing expressed her apology for the unfortunate incident concerning diplomat Mr. Wang Ben. "I welcome this respectable act by the Honorable Ambassador Ma Keqing, and I thank her for not tolerating the misconduct committed by an Embassy official," Tolentino said. On the night of April 5, Wang Ben, First Secretary of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, bumped the rear of Tolentino's car along Roxas Boulevard then tried to escape by speeding towards Taft Avenue. The MMDA chief himself chased the vehicle. The diplomat even evaded a dragnet by traffic enforcers assigned near the Light Rail Transit station along Buendia Avenue. Mr. Wang Ben, who showed a photocopy of his identification card, hit Tolentino's vehicle apparently because of irritation caused by the slow-moving traffic. Ambassador Keqing said all the staff of the Chinese Embassy have been reminded to strictly observe traffic rules and exercise extreme precautions on the road. "The gesture of the Honorable Ambassador is highly appreciated. I just hope that incidents like that won't happen again, even as we adhere to the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations. Let's just forgive and forget," Tolentino stressed. |TOP| Inclusivity, whole-of-government approach among the positive features of GPH-MILF peace process, says Deles Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on Thursday underscored inclusivity and whole-of-government approach as among the positive characteristics of the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). We on the side of the government assure that there would be not only gender representation but also intergeneration and other representation (in the peace process), she said in her speech during the Second Conference on Mediation held recently in Istanbul. The two-day mediation conference, where Deles was invited to share the current gains of the Philippine peace process, served as a venue for mediation actors from various states, regional organizations, non-government organizations, academe sector, and the United Nations to discuss ways on how to peacefully resolve armed conflicts in Middle East countries. The peace adviser said that the Philippine government ensures gender, ethnic and generational balance particularly in the newly-formed Transition Commission which has been mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the way for the establishment of the new Bangsamoro region. Womens involvement On womens involvement in the peace process, Deles related the unprecedented levels of womens participation that is in fact happening in the Philippines peace process. For the first time, the government panel is headed by a woman when the original panel chair was appointed to the Supreme Court. There are two women out of the five members of the government panel. The head of the legal panel and the head of the secretariat are women, all fall under the age of 35, stated Deles who was the only woman panelist in the conference. "It has been remarked to me by several women that it looks like Im the only woman in this whole forum that is speaking." Out of the four technical working groups that worked on the annexes, three are women and increasingly, there have been women also now with the MILF and in the Transition Commission, she added. She also said that the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which both parties signed last October 2012, adopts a gender-sensitive approach. It actually has a very exclusive provision for womens political rights in the Bangsamoro and it identifies womens rights as well as those of children, and that is placed in any post conflict development program, she stated. Womens voices need to be heard. Work of entire govt Deles said that the four annexes which, together with the FAB, form part of the yet to be signed comprehensive agreement, is actually a work of the entire government. The annexes on normalization, power-sharing, and wealth-sharing are in the process of completion by the GPH and the MILF peace panels who recently met in Kuala Lumpur to resume discussions on remaining unresolved issues. The annex on transitional arrangements and modalities has already been signed by the parties last February. Deles related that various government agencies have been involved in the crafting of the annexes because the President wants to make sure that anything that we commit in the annexation is going to be supported by everyone in the government. The point is that when we actually commit to something, we know that it is something that is going to be delivered and that the whole of government may be able to stand behind, she stressed. Acknowledging the long road ahead, Deles said that the government remains hopeful as we struggle through completing the annexes and putting the new bodies in place. The demonstration is there and the parties are committed to the process and that increasingly more and more of our people are coming aboard and seeing why in the end, this is something that what we have to do and it is something that will be good not just for the Bangsamoro, not just for Mindanao, but also for the entire country. |TOP| CSC enjoins government offices to create panel to review performance Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph Performance management is a critical indicator of good governance as it tells if a government a gency is doing well in delivering public services. This was underscored by Civil Service Commission (CSC) Chairman Francisco T. Duque III as the CSC issued a directive to all government agencies to create a Performance Management Team (PMT) within their respective offices that will monitor and review the implementation of the Results-Based Performance Management System or RBPMS. RBPMS is a mechanism designed to establish a unified and integrated performance management system across all departments and agencies within the executive branch of government.

The creation of the PMT is also aligned with the requirements of the Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), a performance indicator that focuses on performance results that are reviewable and are based on scientific and verifiable parameters in assessing organizational performance and the collective performance of individuals within the office, explained Chairman Duque. Under CSC Memorandum Circular No. 8, s. 2013, the PMT shall be composed of an executive official designated by the head of agency as chairperson, a human resource management officer, a planning officer in charge of organizational planning, a finance officer, and a representative of the employees union. If there is no accredited employees association, a rank -and-file representative may be chosen through a general assembly. The PMT shall set targets; ensure the alignment of the budget with work distribution; recommend approval of the performance commitment; act as appeals body and final arbiter for performance management issues; identify potential top performers and provide inputs for the grant of awards and incentives; and adopt necessary rules, procedures, and strategies in carrying out its duties. The harmonized RBPMS and SPMS will be used as basis in determining performance-based allowances, incentives, or compensation of government officials and employees. |TOP| DOST presents road train & other technologies in innovation congress Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph In a recent innovation congress, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Montejo introduced the Road Train, one of the DOSTs proposed advanced transport systems that will help ease traffic conditions in Metro Manila. He said the Road Train will be an effective means of transporting people on the road. (The Road Train is) not that high-tech, but it is innovative in its strategic use of existing applied technologies to introduce (a new) mass transit system, which can resolve (our traffic problem), or at least part of it, Secretary Montejo said. He added that the technology is an offshoot of system development of the Automated Guideway Transit or AGT, an elevated rail transport considered as the first locally developed train now undergoing functional tests at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The innovation congress, dubbed ICon and held recently at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, also showcased other DOST innovations such as Project NOAH, along with the latest advances in car manufacturing technology and design, gadgets developed by various companies, and other smart devices. ICon is a joint activity of the DOST and the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors or AVID. The ICon spotlights the countrys brand for innovation called Filipinnovation and promotes DOSTs advocacy for a Smarter Philippines. Participants to the event include the academe, businessmen, and diplom ats, along with the biggest names in the car industry. The ICon is quintessentially a public-private partnership that denotes a very important theme at the core of our work in DOSTinnovation, said Secretary Montejo. Innovation is the key enabler of productivity, a driver of growth in successful economies, and, in a very concrete sense, at the heart of economic development, he added. AVID President Ma. Fe Perez-Agundo likewise said that the ICon not only aims to foster a mindset of innovation but is also an effort to elevate the country in the Global Competitive Index. We want the Philippines to become a recognized player in the global arena, she said. The ICon showcased various facets of innovation including megatrends, technopreneurship, technology business incubators, government policies and programs on innovation, and smart cities, a concept conceived and introduced to the world by IT giant IBM. Among the high-profile speakers were National Academy of Science and Technology President and former DOST Secretary Dr. William Padolina, who talked about the latest researches in hard sciences and government initiatives; Rappler Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maria Ressa, who expounded on seeing the world in Gods Eye View through social media and the imperative of harnessing this power; IBM Philippines Chief Technologist Lope Doromal, Jr. who explained the principle of Smarter Cities (which served as platform for DOSTs Smarter Philippines Program); Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. CEO Arthur Tan who discussed global megatrends, convergence, and pervasive connectivity; and Hyundai Chief Design Manager Casey Hyun who enlightened the audience on the rudiments of automobile design and some of the most recent developments in this area. The Icons second day emphasized role of media in science and technology (S&T) and trends in S&T communication. Among the speakers were DOST Science and Technology Information Institute Director Raymund E. Liboro, Representative Angelo Palmones, Former ASEAN Foundation Director Dr. Filemon Uriarte, Jr., Business Mirror Science Editor Ms. Lynn Resurreccion, and National Research Council of the Philippines President and National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz, among others. All ICon participants wore radio-frequency identifications produced by Itemhound Corporation, one of the successful beneficiaries of DOSTs technology business incubator program. |TOP| DPWH warns public works contractors, suppliers on solicitation Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has warned internal and external stakeholders against the modus operandi of unscrupulous individuals soliciting contributions or selling tickets for an organized event. DPWH re-issued the warning in the light of continuing reports received from field units against letters of solicitation to DPWH employees and officials, contractors, consultants, and suppliers purportedly endorsed by top hierarchy of the Department. As a matter of policy, solicitation or endorsement is not allowed in the DPWH and sanctions are in order against those found doing so, said DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson. Fraudulent individuals pretending to be an official of the DPWH or his representative have also been contacting several contractors asking favors, soliciting funds or financial aid for a group crusade. Our mandate is building roads and other national infrastructure. We are not in any way involved in anti-illegal drug campaigns or any related fund raising activities to raise awareness on illegal drug related issues, said Singson. Singson advised that those who have received such calls or letter request to help put an end to this syndicate by verifying authenticity of solicitation messages and calls from supposed DPWH officials to call the Public Information Division at telephone number 02-536-34-77 or thru the 24/7 DPWH Call Center Hotline 165-02. Singson deplored that certain groups had imputed questionable motives in dragging names of DPWH officials including him in a bid to destroy the continuing efforts of the Department to transform and follow President Benigno S. Aquino III administrations bid towards Daang Matuwid. |TOP| Administrative penalties handed down in light of Reyes escape Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph On 18 March 2013, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) decided two administrative cases against two of its employees in connection with the departure of former Palawan Governor Mario Joel T. Reyes and his brother, former Coron Mayor Mario T. Reyes, from the Philippines, despite their implication as masterminds in the killing of journalist Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega. The BI found ROGELIO F. UIDARBE, JR., Administrative Aide III liable for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service pursuant to Section 46 A 3 and B 8, Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, and was meted the penalty of DISMISSAL FROM THE SERVICE WITH ALL ITS ACCESORY PENALTIES. Commissioner Ricardo A. David, Jr. held that Udarbe's retirement benefits, except accrued leave credits were forfeited; his civil service eligibility was cancelled; he was perpetually disqualified from holding public office; and was barred from taking civil service examinations. The Bureau found that there is substantial evidence to hold Udarbe liable for the administrative charges based on the following findings which were established after the concerned parties and their witnesses were heard: that Udarbe facilitated the departure for Vietnam of the Reyes brothers on 18 March 2012; he actively participated in ensuring that the departure of the Reyes brothers from the country would not be detected by providing the vehicle which transported Atty. Hermie Aban and the Reyes brothers to the NAIA Terminal 3; he received money in consideration of his participation in the escape; and he gave Arsenio Sicad ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) so that the latter would not tell anyone about what transpired. The BI also decided Administrative Case No. 2012-184 against Respondent WESLEY L. GUTIERREZ, Security Guard I, for Grave Misconduct, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Records show that on 18 March 2012, during the effectivity of the Look-out Bulletin, Gutierrez, Acting Immigration Officer, cleared for departure the tampered ePassport No. EB4621556, under the name of Joseph Lim Pe, with a picture bearing an image of the fugitive Reyes. Gutierrez was found liable for Gross Neglect of Duty because he failed to exercise due care and prudence in ascertaining the authenticity and validity of Philippine passport No. EB4621556. The Bureau found that the act of negligence by Gutierrez in allowing the departure of Reyes despite the issuance of a Look-out Bulletin against him, and presentation of a tampered passport, and the admission made by him during his testimony, has diminished the faith of the public in the Bureau and is tantamount to Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service. Accordingly, he was meted the penalty of DISMISSAL FROM THE SERVICE WITH ALL ITS ACCESSORY PENALTIES. Commissioner David, Jr. held that Gutierrez's retirement benefits, except accrued leave credits were forfeited; his civil service eligibility was cancelled; he was perpetually disqualified for reemployment in any branch of the government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including governmentowned and controlled corporations; and was barred from taking civil service examinations. |TOP| How important is agriculture in the economy? Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph Agriculture is a crucial sector for reducing poverty and attaining the Millenuim Development Goals (MDGs), which includes halving the proportion of people in extreme poverty and hunger by 2015 (from its level in 1990). While the economy is growing, there may be a need to examine the agriculture sector more carefully, since official poverty statistics (dating as far back as 1985 up to the most recently released figures in 2009) show that the concentration of the poor has been in the entire agriculture sector. Many resources have been devoted by past administrations to agricultural modernization, the provision of agricultural inputs, and agrarian reform, but the Philippines continues to face a lot of challenges particularly to uplift the farmers out of poverty. How important is agriculture in the economy? Several decades ago, the countrys economy and employment have been dependent on agriculture. In recent years, however, the population has become less dependent on farming. In terms of share to the total economy, the agriculture sectors importance has continuously dropped over the past decades. In 1946, about a third of the economy (29.7 percent) was agricultural, but the share of agriculture to the economy has declined over the

years.In 2012, it is now contributing merely 11.1 percent to the economy. (Table 1 and Figure 1) Statistics always become interesting when they are compared across time and across space. Consider economic statistics across regions of the country. Based on the 2011 Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), Central Luzon (Region III) and CALABARZON (Region IVA) are the top two contributors to the agricultural sector at 13.8 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively.Comparing the share of agriculture in the total economies across all the regions, it can be observed that the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the largest share of Agriculture industry to its economy with 63.0 percent.(Figure 2) It is interesting to note that ARMMhas consistently been on record as having one of the highest poverty incidences among all the regions (at 45.9 percent in 2009) in the country. (Table 2) Examining employment figures, we find that the average share of agricultural employment for the past two decades to the total labor force is about one-third or 36.6 percent. In 2010, 31.2 percent of the total labor force are working in agriculture.When the total employment figures in the agriculture sector are broken down by region, Western Visayas and Cagayan Valley have the most number of employed persons in agriculture while the least are in Metro Manila and CARAGA. (Table 3.4) According to the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES), the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), indicates that agriculture receives the lowest average daily basic wage and salary compared to non-agriculture sectors. Farmers and fishermen are among the least paid workers in the Philippine economy with an average daily wage and salary of Php 156.8 and Php 178.43, respectively in 2011. It was also noted that wage and salary received by those in agriculture are comparable to those of private households with employed persons (i.e., domestic helpers) at Php 138.99. (Table 4) In 2012, the labor productivity, as measured by the ratio of Gross Value Added (GVA) to total number of employed persons, the entire agriculture sector posted the lowest productivity rate with Php 57,728. The Industry and Service sectors, likewise, have higher productivity with Php 351,024 and Php181,850, respectively. (Table 5) Given the low labor productivity and wage rates, it is not surprising that across basic sectors, poverty incidence is highest among fishermen and farmers at 41.4 percent and 36.7 percent in 2009, way above the poverty incidence for the whole country at 26.5 percent in 2009.Among regions, Zamboanga Peninsula has the highest poverty incidence of farmers (at 54.0 percent), while CARAGA has the highest poverty incidence (of 59.2 percent) among fisherfolk. (Table 6, 7.1 and 7.2) With all these figures, it is also not surprising to find that that the bulk of working children aged 5-17 years are employed in the entire agriculture sector (estimated at 56.6 percent in 2011). The most number of children working in Agriculture are found in Northern Mindanao, which in 2009, is a region with one of the highest poverty incidences for farmers (at 52.3 percent).Eastern Visayas has the most number of children working in the fishing industry at 14.5 percent. (Table 7.1 and 8) While this profile of the agriculture sector may give more bullets for prophets of doom to point to the lackluster performance in boosting the sector, it is important to recognize that government has a number of policies and programs toward uplifting the lives of the Filipino farmers and fishermen. The budget allocation of the government to the agriculture sector, as indicated in the General Appropriations Act 2012, may seem meager but it has been continuously increasing from a share of 0.5 percent in 2007 to 4.7 percent of the total budget in 2013. (Table 9) Government has also sought to improve access to agricultural loans through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) Agricultural production loan, a mechanism that helps farmer finance their inputs to the process of production.It can be noted that palay production had the biggest share to total agricultural loans in food commodity with 35.2 percent. (Table 10). The current administration, through the Department of Budget and Management, has also started to compile its Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), an electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers and fishermen the target beneficiaries of agriculture-related programs and services. The RSBSA is intended to be used to improve the targeting of subsidies and aid to proper beneficiaries, and likewise serves as an auditing mechanism to ensure that resources are given to those who need them. The Philippines, like other ASEAN economies, has likewise experienced changing structure of agriculture sector. For instance, the shares of Agriculture to the economy of most countries in the Association of South East Asian (ASEAN) have also been declining, especially in the case Vietnam, which was 40.2 percent agricultural in 1985, with this share reduced to almost half in 2011 (at 22.02 percent). Note that even if the share of agriculture to the economy has been declining, the Gross Value Added of Agriculture in 2011 for ASEAN countries has still been a considerable amount: leading are Indonesia (37,252 million US$), Philippines (15,397 million US$), and Thailand (14,182 million US$). In terms of employment, Thailand has the most number of persons in ASEAN employed in agriculture at 41.5 percent. But employment in agriculture has also declining, especially in Thailand from 70.8 percent in 1980 to only 41.5 percent in 2009. (Tables 11, 12 and 13; Figures 3 and 4) Unfortunately, many statistics we collect and compile only describe the past, and very often, even when policy interventions are made, the effects take time. Whether the current efforts of government will be successful, only time will truly tell. Many efforts have not yielded fruit, but perhaps, it is time also for everyone to recognize that we cant leave everything to government. If we wish the agriculture sector to grow in importance, then we all have to do our share in helping farmers, in reducing transportation costs, and reducing the profits of middle-men. This isnt the sole responsibility of government. Statistics in agriculture will also need to constantly improve to help serve as guideposts for government to recalibrate its actions as need be. But these improvements will require investments. Government must not only need to invest in proper interventions, but also in statistics so that we can improve the performance of the agriculture sector. Reactions and views are welcome thru email to the author at jrg.albert@nscb.gov.ph.

|TOP| DOE Chief strengthens ties with Trans-Pacific countries to accelerate development of Renewable Energy Source: http://www.doe.gov.ph (Taguig City) Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla called on Trans-Pacific countries to foster cooperation in developing renewable energy (RE). Speaking in the Pacific Energy Summit held in Vancouver, Canada last April 2-4, Secretary Petilla highlighted the importance of RE in achieving the Energy Reform Agendas thrust on energy security, optimal energy pricing, and a sustainable energy system. Utilization of clean energy is an immediate priority of the Philippine government and we will support initiatives that will spur their development by way of transparent policies. The Pacific Energy Summit is an invitation-only event that convenes high-level policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to articulate regional energy needs and opportunities, as well as to explore market-based policy solutions, coordinate efforts to effectively use available technology and limited resources, and foster publicprivate partnerships. With the theme, Forging Trans-Pacific Cooperation for a New Energy Era, the summit seeks to thresh out best practices and solutions for successfully meeting Asias energy needs and promoting environmental stewardship. Likewise, it aims to strengthen the AsiaNorth America ties which are envisioned to play a significant role in boosting energy and environmental security. Summit participants included representatives from the public and private sector of the following countries: Philippines, United States, Canada, Singapore, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, China, Indonesia, and United Kingdom. There should be sharing among nations in strengthening RE knowledge and technologies in terms of research, development and demonstration activities towards technology innovation and standards interoperability, capacity building through knowledge sharing, policy advice and technology transfer, and windows for financing and long term investments, among many others, Sec. Petilla said in his speech. The Philippines has been forging ties with other countries for RE information and technology sharing, as well as promotion of energy investment portfolio of the Philippines. Last year, the Philippines also committed to participate in the ASEAN Green Connectivity and APEC Energy Security. |TOP| Secretary Del Rosario receives delegation from the German Bundestag Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 12 April 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on Friday, April 12, received a delegation of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Bundestag headed by Chairman Ruprecht Polenz (CDU/CSU). The delegation, which is on official visit to Manila from April 11 to 13, includes Mr. Hans-Ulrich Klose (SPD), Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Deputy Head of Delegation; Mr. Jrgen Klimke (CDU/CSU); Mr. Johannes Pflug (SPD); Dr. Rainer Stinner (FDP) Committee; Mr. Stefan Liebich (Die Linke); and Dr. Michael Fuchs, Head of the Committee Secretariat. The Committee on Foreign Affairs is one of the most influential in the German Bundestag being one of four (4) committees provided for on a permanent basis in the German Basic Law. It deals with the classic area of policy and oversees German foreign policy. The visit of the delegation is expected to further boost excellent relations between the Philippines and Germany. It came at the heels of three (3) other visits of German officials during the first quarter of this year. From 7 to 8 February 2013, German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle, came to Manila with a business delegation for the first visit at his level in more than 12 years. Dr. Westerwelle was followed by a delegation from the German Ministry of Defense led by Rear Admiral Thorsten Kahler from 13 to 15 February. Most recently, German Labour and Social Affairs Minister Dr. Ursula von der Leyen came to Manila on 17 to 19 March to witness the signing of the Agreement Concerning the Deployment of Filipino Health Care Professionals in Employment Positions in the Federal Republic of Germany. The signing of the Agreement opens the German health care sector to Filipino health care professionals who have been, heretofore, barred from employment in accordance with existing German laws. It also stipulates the procedures and conditions for the deployment of Filipino health care professionals to Germany. During the call, a wide range of issues were discussed. At the bilateral level, economic relations between the Philippines and Germany, German official development assistance, support to the peace process in Mindanao and assistance to help enhance the Philippine criminal justice system, law enforcement and in promoting good governance, among others, were taken up. The West Philippine Sea and other developments in ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region were also discussed. It is in the best interest of the Philippines and Germany that the high -level exchanges among our officials will continue, Secretary del Rosario remarked. He urged the German delegation to lend its support to efforts in bringing Philippine-German relations to even greater heights.

The delegation will also participate in a discussion with members of the German Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday, April 13. |TOP| Phl Ambassador conducts Offical Visit to Namibia Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 12 April 2013 Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R. Vingno Jr. undertook an official visit to Namibia from from April 02 to 04. While there, the Ambassador attended the State of the Nation Address of Namibian President Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba on April 03. Ambassador Vingno met with the Department of Bilateral Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the establishment of a Bilateral Consultative Mechanism between the Philippines and Namibia. The Ambassador also followed up the status of the draft of a visa-waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders as previously submitted during his last trip to Namibia in 2012. He likewise met with Mr. Tomas Iindji, a Namibian national and candidate for Philippine Honorary Consul in Namibia, with whom he had general discussions on the duties and responsibilities of an honorary consul for the Philippines. Ambassador Vingno also took the opportunity to touch base with members of the Filipino community based there. |TOP| GPH-MILF peace process reaches new phase, says gov't chief negotiator Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Thursday said that the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is taking on a new phase never reached before by both sides. We are where the process has never been before. Never before had the negotiations between the government and the MILF come to the stage of actually defining and listing down powers; of actually identifying sources of funds and revenues for the new political entity that we are creating. Never before has the transformation of an armed group been discussed let alone imagined in detail, she said in her speech during the closing ceremony of the 37th GPH-MILF Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur. The panels concluded their three-day talks with the signing of the Terms of Reference for Sajahatra Bangsamoro, which is a development program jointly undertaken by the GPH and the MILF to deliver basic socio-economic services to target communities in the south. Discussions on the normalization annex by their respective Technical Working Groups also resumed while both parties continued to discuss the remaining issues on power-sharing and wealth-sharing. Let us not think there is only one correct way of moving forward. After this round, we have agreed to a process of exchanging notes that will settle the unresolved issues, Coronel-Ferrer added, thanking Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed for his willingness to maximize the potential of this approach in the next weeks before we convene again for the finishing touches. She said that both panels may possibly sign the three remaining annexes at the same time or sign each in a sequential process. However the actual process turns out, what is important is that we do this together, take the same path together, and reach our goal together -- with the rest of the country, the whole government, its three branches, Philippine civil society and the international community behind us, Coronel-Ferrer stated. Overcoming challenges The peace panel chair quoted President Aquino in describing the current stage of the GPH-MILF peace process to the difficult part called Heartbreak Hill in the famous Boston marathon. The Heartbreak Hill, it turns out, has many diversions. We are once more in this long marathon, at the crossroad where we need to stop and reflect to get us a full second wind that will carry us through the finishing line. Tough round MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal described the three-day sessions as tough. He congratulated everyone for being very professional as they exchanged their views in the spirit of fair play and understanding. We know that in negotiations, nothing is personal, it is about issues, said Iqbal. Rest assured that on the part of MILF peace panel, we have only respect for our counterparts in government. I know that our counterparts in government are honorable women and men. We salute all of them. He stressed the need to complete the annexes the soonest possible time. "We understand that the remaining issues are very tough, very, very tough but they are not insurmountable. We can surmount all these remaining issues as long as our negotiation is (geared toward) problem-solving. We can settle these, Insha Allah.

Based on solid ground Coronel-Ferrer reiterated that the GPH wants a peace agreement based on a solid foundation that will withstand scrutiny and has solid legal, political and financial grounds. We are thoroughly reviewing all the issues on the table so that we can confidently sign and implement what we agree to, she stated. |TOP| SSS text transactions through mobile phones double in 2012 Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph As a result of its drive to provide members quick and convenient services, the Social Security System (SSS) posted a record 601,936 transactions via its mobile phone-based facility called "Text-SSS" in 2012, reflecting a jump of 106 percent from its total of 291,600 in 2011. SSS Vice President for Member Services Division Mario Sibucao said the number of new Text-SSS users showed a similar surge of 107 percent, with a total of 163,384 new registrants recorded in 2012 from only 78,795 members joining the program in 2011. Over 313,000 members are registered in Text-SSS as of December 31, 2012. "The Text-SSS enhancements we introduced last year gave members a huge incentive to use this facility, which brought steep growths in both registration and number of transactions. This year, we hope more members will register so they will also benefit from the ease and convenience that Text-SSS brings," he added. Launched in February 2010, the Text-SSS was initially offered as a means for members to conveniently check their SSS contributions, loan balance and loan status using their mobile phones. Given the Philippines status as the "Text Capital of the World", SSS members quickly took to using the short-messaging service (SMS)-based facility for their inquiries. In 2012, the SSS expanded its Text-SSS services to allow members to get updates on the status of their sickness, disability, maternity, retirement and funeral claims. Members can also send feedback on SSS programs and services thru Text-SSS. Sibucao listed other Text-SSS services also launched last year, such as inquiry facilities for members asking about the required documents for SSS registration, amendment of membership data and filing of benefit claims. Members can also check SSS branch locations via Text-SSS. "By using Text-SSS and other self-service facilities such as the SSS website, members can check their SSS records and get information wherever they are. This access to information leads to their empowerment against negligent employers who fail to register them or remit their contributions," he said. "This also saves members a lot of time, effort and money as compared to their visiting an SSS office to follow up or inquire personally." A total of 212,174 contribution inquiries made up a third of Text-SSS transactions last year, up by 64 percent from the 129,029 inquiries posted in 2011. To register with Text-SSS, members can text their SS number and birthdate using the format "SSS REG <SS Number> <MM/DD/YY>" to 2600. Each text message costs P2.50 for Globe and Smart subscribers and P2.00 for Sun Cellular users. |TOP| All systems go for opening Of aualification documents for AFCS project Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is all set to conduct the Opening of Qualification Documents for the P 1.72-Billion Contactless Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS) Public-Private Partnership Project tomorrow afternoon (April 12, 2013). The Contactless AFCS Project will modernize and improve the overall passenger experience at the LRT and MRT Systems, said the DOTC. Passengers will no longer have to spend so much time lining up just to buy tickets. They will also be able to seamlessly transfer from one line to another. Prospective bidders will submit their qualification documents for evaluation by the DOTC and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) tomorrow, in line with the requirements of the Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Law. Only those proponents which meet the eligibility requirements will qualify to participate in the actual bidding of the Project, scheduled to be held in the third quarter of this year. We have spared no effort to make sure that the Project will attract many investors, while at the same time ensuring the best service for our people, the DOTC added. As a result, 34 interested companies purchased Invitation Documents for pre-qualification, although we expect a lower number of participants tomorrow since many of them will have partnered with each other already. Among the 34 purchasers is Kystek Corporation, which earlier claimed to have been given the exclusive right by the DOTC to implement a project similar to the AFCS. The DOTC denies any truth to Kysteks claim. Contrary to recent reports, the DOTC never approved Kysteks unsolicited proposal. Acceptance of an unsolicited proposal requires no less than the Secretarys authorization, th e DOTC clarified. In Kysteks case, the basis for its claim is an unauthorized letter of acceptance signed by a mere former Director

of the Department. The fact that Kystek purchased Invitation Documents shows that it is fully aware that its unsolicited proposal was never accepted by the government, and that it is interested to bid for the AFCS Project, added the DOTC. The AFCS Project was approved by the President and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board in November 2012. It will introduce a smart card-based technology similar to the Octopus card system in Hong Kong, to make the commute for train passengers in Metro Manila more convenient and efficient. |TOP|

Last Updated:

13 APRIL 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym in Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). The Liberal Party (LP) was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. Also in photo are reelectionist ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, reelectionist LP Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas III. (Photo by Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the Liberal Party supporters upon arrival for the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym in Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Robert Vias/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales / Robert Vias/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III endorses the Liberal Party candidates for the May 13, 2013 midterm election from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and Maguindanao Province, headed by reelectionists LP Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym in Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to Liberal Party members and supporters from Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Maguindanao Province after attending the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym in Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Buluan Municipal Gym in Maguindanao on Friday (April 12). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representati ve Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by Jay Morales / Robert Vias/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the meeting with Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) LGUs at the ORG Conference Room, ARMM Compound in Cotabato City on Friday (April 12). The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao region was first created on August 01, 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734 (otherwise known as the Organic Act) in pursuance with a constitutional mandate to provide for an autonomous area in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau)

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