PIA Calabarzon 3 PR May 24, 2013, Dispatch For May 27, 2013 Monday

Aguinaldo Shrine
Pagsanjan Falls
Taal Lake
Antipolo Church
Lucban Pahiyas Feast
PIA Calabarzon 3 PR May 24 , 2013, Dispatch for May 27 , 2013 Monday,

4 Photonews , 4 Weather Watch, 3 Regional Watch , 6 OFW Watch ,1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News
Weather Watch
PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura on DZBB: Re: Weather update -Kahapon (Sunday)po may naitala tayong matataas na pag-ulan. -Medyo palapit na po talaga ang ating rainy season. May binubuo po tayo ng certain amount ng rain fallsa mga sumusunod na istasyon or at least 5 station. Nakakatatlo na po tayo 'yung istasyon ng Ambulong, Baguio at Cabanatuan kapag napunan na po natin 'yung ating 5 istasyon ng mga pag-ulan maaari na po tayong magdeclared ng rainy season. Inaasahan po natin 'yan sa unang pagpasok ng 1st week ng June. -Severe thunderstorm po 'yung ating naranasan (kahapon) kaya medyo malalakas 'yung pag-ulan. Concentrated po 'yan sa area ng Tanay at Bulong area, Dagupan area at ibang bahagi ng Metro Manila. -Maliit na po ang tiyansa na magkaroon tayo ng bagyo ngayong May.
21 minutes ago
Weather Watch GMA resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz: -Mararanasan muli ang malawakang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng bansa. -Ayon sa PAGASA, diffused tail-end ng cold front ang nakakaapekto sa Northern at Central Luzon habangITCZ naman ang nakakaapekto sa Southern Mindanao. -Sa huling linggo ng Mayo, ang Metro Manila ay makakaranas pa rin ng maulang panahon lalo na sa hapon o gabi.
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines
Weather Watch 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00 AM 27 May 2013 SYNOPSIS: Diffused Tail-end of a Cold Front affecting Northern and Central Luzon. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Mindanao. FORECAST: The regions of Ilocos , Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, SOCCSKSARGEN and Zamboanga Peninsula and the province of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will
have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly over the western section. Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to south will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the east to northeast over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature : 12:00 NN Yesterday --- 33.6 C Minimum Temperature : 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.8 C Maximum Relative Humidity: 8:00 PM Yesterday --- 97 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 12:00 NN Yesterday --- 57 % High Tide today : 10:52 AM ... 1.36 meter Low Tide today : 7:17 PM ... -0.25 meter Sunrise today : 5:26 AM Sunset today : 6:20 PM Moonrise Today : 7:20 AM Moonset Today : 8:36 PM llumination Today : 95 % 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 ABS-CBN: Ayon sa PAGASA, hindi pa tapos ang tag-init at hindi pa masasabing panahon na ng tag-ulan dahil tatlong radar stations pa lang nila ang nakakapagtala ng 25mm na dami ng ulan at kulang pa ng dalawa para masabing tag-ulan na. Isa pa sa hinihintay na indikasyon ng PAGASA ay ang pag-iral ng hanging Habagat.
Weather Watch
May 27 , 2013 (Monday) CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON
as of 11:52 AM : : : : :
Mostly Cloudy in Lucena City
PIA
Regional Watch
PIA Regional Watch

Saturday via mobile PIA-4A/BATANGAS:Isinusulong ng mga kapulisan sa lungsod ng Batangas ang paggamit ng bisikleta sa kanilang mga tauhan ito ay upang maipakita na mainam ito sa kalusugan bukod pa sa mas malapit sa pagseserbisyo sa publiko ang mga pulis.
PIA Regional Watch

Saturday via mobile PIA -4A/BATANGAS: Nagpanukala ang Batangas City police station sa mga bagong miyembro ng sangguniang panglunsod na mabigyan ng tax rebates ang mga kumpanya na manghihikayat na gumamit ng bisikleta sa mga empleyado sa pagpasok sa trabaho.Ito ay mas maigi sa kalusugan,iwas polusyon at tipid sa gasolina.
PIA Regional Watch

Saturday via mobile PIA- 4A/BATANGAS: Mahigit 100 marginalized farmers sa lunsod ng Batangas ang nagtapos sa pagsasanay sa ilalim ng Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan farmers training program. Layon nitong maituro ang makabagong pamamaraan at teknolohiya sa pagsasaka upang lumaki ang kita.
PIA OFW Watch DZRH: Nakatakdang lumipad ngayong umaga ang isang batch ng OFW patungong Taiwan. Ito ay sa kabila ng patuloy na tensyon sa pagitan ng Maynila at Taipei. Bandang 10:45 mamaya ay nakatakdang lumipad ang 18 OFW patungong sa Kaoshiung, Taiwan. Sakay ang mga ito ng China Airlines flight C1-702 habang nakasuot ang mga ito ng pulang T-shirt na may nakalagay na I Love Taiwan. Nakakuha ng visa ang mga OFW bago ang May 15 kung kailan ipinataw ng Taiwan ang ban para sa paglalabas ng working visa.
PIA OFW Watch GMA: Natagpuang patay ang isang batang babaeng Fil-Am sa loob ng kanyang kuwarto sa kanilang bahay sa New York. Sinasabing nagpakamatay ang bata matapos mabiktima ng cyberbullying.
Friday at 8:35pm near Quezon City, Philippines
PIA OFW Watch GMA: Sinabi ng kapitan ng Taiwanese vessel na nakaengkwentro ng PCG noong Mayo 9 na hindi nila binangga ang barko ng PCG. Samantala, kasunod ng ilang insidente ng pananakit sa mga OFW sa Taiwan ay nanawagan ang panganay na anak ng napaslang na Taiwanese fisherman na huwag idamay ang mga Pilipinong nasa kanilang bansa. Humihingi naman ang mga naulila ng Taiwanese fisherman ng public apology mula sa gobyerno ng Pilipinas.
PIA OFW Watch ABS-CBN: Nakatakdang dumating sa NAIA terminal bukas ng 4:00 ng hapon ang 34 OFWs mula Syria. Dahil dito ay aabot nasa 4,212 ang kabuang bilang ng mga Pinoy na
narepartriate mula sa Syria.

PIA OFW Watch ABS-CBN: Ayon sa MECO Labor Affairs sa Kaohsiung, mismong ang mga may-ari ng kompanya sa Taiwan ang nagsasabi na malaking tulong sa kanila ang mga empleyado nilang Pinoy. Sa ngayon ay bumaba na ang emosyon ng publiko ng Taiwan hinggil sa insidente ng pagkamatay ng kanilang kababayan sa Balintang Channel bagama't tuloy pa rin ang komentaryo sa media doon. Inaantabayanan na rin sa Taiwan ang pagdating ng imbestigador ng NBI para matuldukan na ang kaso.
PIA OFW Watch DZBB: Binalaan ng Philippine Embassy sa Saudi Arabia ang mga OFW na nagnanais magparepatriate na mag-ingat sa nagpapanggap na mga opisyal ng embahada o konsulado sa naturang bansa. Sa ipinalabas na advisory, iniulat ng embahada na may mga Pinoy na nabiktima ng mga impostor. Nilinaw ng embahada na ang travel document na kanilang iniisyu ay libre. Nabatid kasi na humihingi umano ng pera ang mga fixer na nasa paligid ng embahada at sila umano ang mag-aayos sa dokumento.
A. QUEZON
B. CAVITE
DPWH-Cavite bares completed asphalt overlay road project
By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 24th of May 2013 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, May 24 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has revealed the newly completed asphalt overlay along the Municipality of Carmona's diversion road. DPWH-Cavite said the asphalt overlay (KM47+ (-804) to KM47+ (-339) have been one of the completed project of the government this year. The contract cost of the completed project was Php17,397,788.93. The project which started last February 13, 2013 was completed on April 7 this year under contract with Marcbilt Construction, Incorporated under the supervision of the Maintenance Section of the Cavite District Engineering Office. Carmona is one of the municipalities in the province that prioritized the accessibility of the town for many people and companies who wish to open or expand their businesses or create investments. The project is believed to provide improved transportation which will eventually help develop the economy and commerce in and around the municipality and the province as well. The newly asphalted road section was provided with white thermoplastic pavement markings for a safer road network as directed by Sec. Rogelio L. Singson. (DPWH-Cavite/CPG/RBF/PIA4A-Cavite)
C. LAGUNA
Tagalog news: Mga fiscal official ng water district, sumailalim sa pagsasanay
Friday 24th of May 2013 LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Mayo 24 (PIA) -- May 50 mga pinunong nangangasiwa sa paggugol at pagpapasubasta mula sa San Pablo City Water District, Laguna Water District, Calamba City Water District at Tanay (Rizal) Water District ang sumailalim sa tatlong-araw na pagsasanay upang mapalawak ang kanilang kamalayan sa mga tadhana ng Republic Act 9184. Ang batas ay maskilala sa katawagang Government Procurement Reform Act, ayon pa sa ulat ni Public Affairs Officer Al Genove ng San Pablo City Water District. Karamihan sa lumahok sa pagsasanay na ginanap sa San Pablo City Water District Regional Training Center noong Martes, Mayo 21, ay ang mga kagawad ng Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) ng mga tinukoy na distrito, ito ay isinagawa ng naaayon sa tagubilin ng Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) na ang tagapangulo ay si Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad. Ang unang araw ng pagsasanay na pinangasiwaan ni SPCWD Board Chairman Gerardo B. Ilagan ay malawakang tinalakay ni Supervising Budget and Management Specialist Leoncio A. Arellano ng Department of Budget and Management-Region IV-A ang mga pangunahing probisyon ng RA 9184, sa ikalawang araw ay tinalakay ang mga itinakdang pamantayan sa pagpaplano, pagpapatupad at pag-uugnayugnay ng mga kinauukulang tanggapan sa pagpapasubasta para sa pagbili ng mga panustos na kagamitan sa pamamagitan ni Provincial Government Department Head Diego M. Salas, Provincial Budget Officer ng Quezon, samantalang ang tinalakay ni Dr. Henry M. Buzar, Human Resources Management Officer ng Quezon Province rin ang pamantayan sa pagpapasubasta ng consulting services o sa pagkuha ng mga kasangguni na mga eksperto sa ibat ibang larangan ng pangangasiwa. Sa huling araw ng talakayan, si Director Huillio B. Belleza ng Department of Public Works and HighwaysRegion IV-A, ang nagpaliwanag sa tamang proseso ng pagpapasubasta para sa pagpapatayo ng malalaking imprastraktura o pagpapatupad ng mga malalaki at magugol na proyekto. Sa ulat ni Genove, napag-alamang pangunahing layunin ng pagsasanay, na sadyang nilimitahin ang bilang
ng kalahok para ito ay maayos na maisagawa, ay maikintal sa kaisipan ng mga pinunong pinagkakatiwalaan sa pagpapatupad ng mga pamamaraan upang mapangalagan ang paggugol sa pondo ng bayan ay matamo ang kinikilalang transparency in procurement process o ang lahat ng isinasagawang tran saksyon ay hayagan at makatarungan maging sa mga pribadong kontratista na lumalahok sa mga pasubastang ipinagaanyaya ng mga ahensya at tanggapan ng pamahalaan at sa pagkakataong ito ay ng mga tinukoy na water district. Ang isinasagawang pasubasta ng mga water district ay para sa construction materials at mga pangangailangan ng tanggapan at para sa mga serbesyo ng mga tagapayo o consulting services upang matamo ng distrito ang layunin nitong ang malinis at ligtas na tubig ay makararating sa bawat tahanan sa pamayanang nakatakda nilang paglingkuran, paglilinaw pa ni Genove. Sa Sixth Edition ng Implementing Rules and Regulations ng Republic Act No. 9184, napag-alaman na ang Environment and Natural Resources Secretary ay kagawad ng Government Procurement Policy Board sapagkat nakatadhana sa mga pananagutan ng isang water district na makilahok sa mga gawain sa pagpapatatag ng kapaligiran, kaya ang San Pablo City Water District ay aktibo at tuwirang nakikilahok sa pagpapatupad ng mga itinakdang palatuntunan ng pamahalaan tulad malawakang pagtatanim ng mga puno sa labas at loob ng watershed o tubig-kanlungan at pagpapalawak ng kamalayan sa kahalagahan ng tamang pangangasiwa at pangangalaga sa mga punong kahoy, maging ito ay nasa mga pribado o pansariling bakuran. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga water district sa bansa ay nakikilahok sa mga pangdiriwang ng Earth Day at Arbor Day. Magugunitang noong nakaraang Buwan ng Abril, sa pagdiriwang ng Earth Day 2013, maraming kabataan mula sa iba ibang paaralan sa lunsod ang pinagkalooban ni Al Genove ng panayam upang maikintal sa kanilang kaisipan ang tamang kamalayan sa climate change, lalo na sa epekto nito sa mga may buhay, maging ito ay tao o hayop o halaman. (Ruben E. Taningco/PIA-Laguna)
D. BATANGAS
Tagalog news: Nasugbu-Ternate road, inaasahang magbibigay ng karagdagang progreso sa lalawigan ng Batangas
By Mamerta P. De Castro Friday 24th of May 2013
NASUGBU, Batangas, Mayo 24 (PIA) --Inaasahang magbibigay ng karagadagang progreso sa lalawigan ng Batangas kapag natapos na ang Nasugbu-Ternate road. Ang naturang proyekto na binisita kamakailan ni Public Works and Highwyas Secretary Rogelio Singson ay sumasakop sa dalawang bayan mula sa dalawang lalawigan sa Calabarzon, ang Ternate sa Cavite at Nasugbu sa Batangas. Umabot sa halagang P864,497,114.54 ang halaga ng proyekto at may 6.045 kilometrong kalsada na babaybay sa tabing dagat ng dalawang lalawigan. May apat na tulay din na bahagi ng proyekto ang Sinalam na may 21.96 metro ang haba, Kaysabong 26.64 metro, Patungan 13 metro at Tabe na may 17 metro. Isa sa pinakamahalagang konsepto ng proyektong ito ang konstruksyon ng 303 metro two-lane tunnel na may tamang bentilasyon, pananggalang sa apoy at tubig at tamang pailaw. Inaasahang matatapos ang proyekto sa Hulyo 1, 2013 at ito ay isa sa malalaking proyekto kung saan magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga coastal towns sa lalawigan ng Batangas at Cavite na mapaikli ang oras ng biyahe mula apat at kalahating oras ay magiging tatlong oras na lamang. Magbubukas din ito ng oportunidad upang ang malalawak na mga lupain na nakatiwangwang ay magamit upang mapakinabangan. Hangad din na masmapaunlad ng mga residente ang kanilang pamumuhay lalo na at mas madali nang maipapadala sa mga palengke at kabayanan ang mga produkto dito. Isa pang inaasahan dito ay ang patuloy na paglago at pagtaas ng turismo lalo na at maraming mga ipinagmamalaki beach resorts ang matatagpuan sa mga lugar na ito. (CPG/MPDC-PIAA Batangas)
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E. RIZAL
26 MAY 2013.
President Aquino cites Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative for its contribution to the energization program in Mindanao President Aquino appoints lawyer Elias as private representative to the Toll Regulatory Board Aquino government lauds Bureau of Internal Revenue for successfully surpassing its target for the month of April this year
President Aquino cites Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative for its contribution to the energization program in Mindanao
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited on Sunday the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO) for its contribution to elevate the standard of service in the energization and helping the government in providing the people access to sustainable, efficient and reasonable electricity. "Our energy infrastructure is the base upon which we establish equitable progress, enabling individuals and communities to obtain the promise of development by engaging in industries and increasing productivity," the Chief Executive said in his message to DASURECO on the occasion of 33rd Annual General Membership Assembly. The DASURECO conducted on Sunday the 33rd Annual General Membership Assembly which has for its theme "Building a Better Future, 37 years of Touching Lives" at the Sta. Cruz Central Elementary School , Zone III, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur . "Our goal as a nation anchors on these key components, and so we turn to our partners in the energy sector to remain steadfast in driving our collective advancement. As one of our distinguished cooperatives, we trust that DASURECO will continue to elevate the standard of service in energization and redefine the field with innovative solutions," the President said. The President acknowledged that DASURECO is one of providers of quality and dependable supply of electricity at a reasonable cost.
"In this period of transition for Mindanao, your enterprise holds a position of great consequence. We turn to you to brace the communities under your watch, as we sow the seeds of revitalization and transform this once tumultuous region into a hub of economic resurgence, built on the bedrock of justice and stability. Let this assembly help you outline your initiatives and unite our endeavors in forging a more vibrant chapter for our people,he said. PND (js) TOP President Aquino appoints lawyer Elias as private representative to the Toll Regulatory Board
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed lawyer Richard Joseph S. Elias as private representative to the Toll Regulatory Board, a Palace official said. The appointment was announced by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during an interview aired over government-owned radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday. Valte said the Chief Executive signed the appointment of Atty. Elias last May 17. He will replace Atty. Pablo Roces Nava III. Born in 1971, Elias was admitted to the Bar on April 15, 1996. He obtained his AB Philosophy and Juris Doctor degrees from the Ateneo de Manila University. Valte said Elias had worked at the SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co (SGV and Company) as tax and corporate attorney from 1996 to 1998. Being an expert in tax and corporate laws, Elias then engaged in private practice of law and handled various tax and corporate cases since 1999. Prior to his appointment to the Toll Regulatory Board, Elias had also served as consultant in various foreign corporations. Elias also handled labor law consultancy for various private companies. PND (js) TOP Aquino government lauds Bureau of Internal Revenue for successfully surpassing its target for the month of April this year
The Aquino administration lauded the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for successfully surpassing its target for the month of April this year when it managed to collect P148.99 billion in tax revenues, a Palace official said on Sunday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during an interview aired over government-owned radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday that the BIR collected P148.99 billion in tax revenues in April, 4.43% higher than its P142.66-billion target. Valte said last month's collections were also 28.2% more than what the BIR generated in April 2012. April is traditionally the BIR's strongest month because of the yearly deadline for filing the income tax returns. The BIR continues to implement reforms by intensifying its crackdown on tax evaders to hit its revenue goal for 2013. The agency is eyeing to collect P1.253 trillion for the year 2013, over 17% higher than its P1.066-trillion goal in 2012. Meanwhile, Valte also announced that the Department of Tourism allocated a total of P1.5 billion to finance tourism infrastructure projects in the Davao Region. "Isa po doon sa mga proyekto na popondohan po noong amount na binanggit po natin ay iyong improvement ng mga daan connecting the foot of Mt. Apo, iyong Davao del Sur to Davao City," she said. The DOT's project aims to bolster tourism in the Davao region and increase employment and business opportunities for the communities in the region. "So isa pang magandang balita natin ang 42 million pesos that the DBM (Department of Budget and Management)
has released to support the operational requirements of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission; at, of course, alinsunod po ito doon sa ating goal na ma-facilitate ang socio-economic reform and development sa ARMM," Valte said. PND (js) TOP
25 MAY 2013.
Govt to continue pushing rules-based approach in resolving new tension in West Philippine Sea Government ready for school opening, says Palace Aquino wants sustainable rehabilitation of Typhoon Pablo victims in Mindanao
Govt to continue pushing rules-based approach in resolving new tension in West Philippine Sea
The Philippine government will stick to using diplomatic solution in resolving the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea with the renewed tensions in the Ayungin Shoal, a Palace official said on Saturday. The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the current maritime tensions can lead to conflict in the disputed areas particularly with the armed patrols of China. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday that the government will adhere to a rules-based approach in finding a peaceful solution to the problem. Weve not changed our stance, if you notice in the disputes, in the maritime disputes that weve had in the past years, and its deliberate, Valte said. Weve chosen not to respond to provocative statements and provocative actions that may not be productive for the path that weve chosen to take. So deliberate yung choices natin, na mapayapa ang ating pagdadaanan dito. Asked if theres a need for the President to convene the National Securi ty Council or a full Cabinet meeting because of the Chinese incursions, Valte said the Aquino administration feels that there is no need for such a meeting at this time. Given the capacity and capability of the country to deal with the problem, Valte said the President is firm in continuing to deal with the issue given the limited resources that the Philippines has at present. Ang sabi ng Pangulo is that so far, were dealing with it on the level that is effective for us, he said. To address the problem of Filipino fishermen affected by the tension, Valte said they are asking the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) about any possible assistance the government can extend to the fishermen. In-assure naman tayo ng BFAR na una daw tinutulungan nilang maghanap ng iba pang lugar na puwede pangisdaan; at pangalawa, existing pa rin yung mga payao na sinet up (set up) natin. Malapit ito sa pampang, para naman hindi sila kailangang lumabas at lumayo palaot, she said. PND (as) TOP
Government ready for school opening, says Palace
Malacanang made an assurance Saturday that government agencies have already made the necessary preparations for the school opening next month. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine National Police is ready to ensure peace and order as children go back to school this June. The Department of Trade and Industry has also launched a caravan that will sell cheap and safe school supplies, Valte said. Valte is encouraging the public to avail of the DTIs offering by knowing the caravan schedule. Usually, the DTI sells the supplies near the municipal building or in public places, she said. Valte also told the parents to report public schools asking for fees during enrolments, noting a DepEd guideline prohibiting the collection of such fees from students. Mahigpit pong pinagbabawal yan ng DepEd sa mga public school kahit taw agin nila itong mga voluntary collections. Meron lang mga bagay na binibigyan ng pahintulot ang DepEd pagdating sa mga kakaunting babayarin sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan, she said. The national government is also coordinating with local government units in the inspection of dormitories to make sure that owners comply with the new building code, the Palace official said. Last week, the Palace appealed to colleges and universities to go slow in increasing their tuition fees asking them to impose adjustments based on consultations with different stakeholders. PND (as) TOP Aquino wants sustainable rehabilitation of Typhoon Pablo victims in Mindanao
President Benigno S. Aquino III wants to make sure that assistance is extended to the victims of Typhoon Pablo as he met Task Force Pablo on Friday. The meeting had several highlights, according to Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. The President wanted to validate further the magnitude of the damage and the problems confronting the two provinces devastated by Typhoon Pablo last December. Pinapasigurado ng Pangulo na nakita na natin lahat ng dapat tulungan at lahat naman ng mga areas na kailangan ng alalay ng national government, Valte said. Of course, patuloy ang pakikipagtulungan natin doon sa dalawang pamahalaang lokal, doon sa dalawang probinsya para sa assistance natin, she added, noting the government has alr eady shifted from relief operations to providing assistance in rebuilding and rehabilitation. Among the hard hit areas include Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Among the immediate challenges to the government is providing decent shelter for the survivors, food supplies and livelihood. The government is also concerned about the number of school buildings damaged by the typhoon. Aside from these major thrusts, the President also wanted to know the impact of the government assistance to other
priorities of government particularly with the ongoing programs. At ang mahigpit na bilin po ng Pangulo ay kailangan masigurado po natin na yung rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts natin ay sustainable, she said. So apart from lending assistance when it comes to the housing and to the shelters that are needed, pinapatiyak ng Pangulo na kailangan sustainable, at kaagapay nito yung mga livelihood training at pagtulong at paghanap ng ibang puwedeng maging pangkabuhayan doon sa mga lugar na iyon, she added. PND (as ) TOP
24 MAY 2013.
President Aquino leads various religious groups during 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly in Pasig City President Aquino reiterates his administrations commitment to protect 10 million Filipinos working and residing in other countries Aquino receives updates on the case on PSG members involved in QC heist
President Aquino leads various religious groups during 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly in Pasig City
President Benigno S. Aquino III joined people of different religious groups, including Christians, during the "2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly at the Global Discipleship Congress in Pasig City on Friday. The Chief Executive was the guest of honor and speaker during the event held at the Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium, Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City. The event gathered Filipinos and foreigners of different religious organizations to pray for the country and President Aquino and the country's leaders. After delivering his message, the President, himself, prayed for the country and the entire Filipino people. He was subsequently prayed over by intercessors led by Care for Philippines Movement (K4Phil) founder and president Bishop Jonel Milan and Christ Commission Fellowship (CCF) founder and president Dr. Peter Tan-Chi. In partnership with the CCF, the K4Phil Movement organized the prayer assembly that was attended by delegates from various religious groups here and other countries. The program included prayer intentions for President Aquino, the leaders of different government bureaucracies and departments, legislators, members of the judiciary, law enforcers, media organizations, non-government organizations, busines sector, teachers, parents and children and youths, as well as leaders and members of the religious organizations.
Bishop Milan called on the entire Filipino nation to join them in praying for the President and his Cabinet and the society. "The prayer focus are their good health, protection, wisdom so they can advance righteousness in the land. The President and other leaders need our prayers and encouragement for a sustained transformation of our country," Bishop Milan said. "This call is for everyone who truly cares for the country, young and old, church and schools, individuals and families among others. This prayer event is another attempt to raise not intercessors but prime movers for this call. We are thanking the Lord for blessing our President & and his Cabinet with health, protection, wisdom and righteousness in pursuing good and restraining evil in their governance, he said. Since 2002, K4Phil intercessors and members are praying daily for our leaders, especially the executives who are capable of bringing immediate change. In 2012, the prayer assembly was held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on the occasion of World Vision's 55th Anniversary. Around 12,000 intercessors from different churches and World Vision's partners attended the prayer rally. In 2011, around 11,000 intercessors from various religious groups held a prayer assembly at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. PND (js) TOP President Aquino reiterates his administrations commitment to protect 10 million Filipinos working and residing in other countries
President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated on Friday his administration's commitment to protect the 10 million Filipinos residing or working in other countries. In his message during the "2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly at the Global Discipleship Congress" held at the Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium, Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City on Friday, the Chief Executive said the welfare of the Filipinos abroad remains one of his top concerns. "So my friends, being President of this country is not exactly the easiest job in the world. We have about 10 million Filipinos elsewhere. Chances are if theres an incident that happens anywhere in the world, there would be a Filipino directly involved," the President said. "And let me give you some examples of the problem, early on in this administration, there was a flare up in the Korean Peninsula, which is unfortunately turning into a regular occurrence," he said. The government is mandated to ensure the safety and protection of 50,000 Filipinos in South Korea and nine (9) nationals in North Korea, the President noted. "I had to ask why do we have people in North Korea? and I was told: Sir they are part of various United Nation offices and missions. Now the problem is, we have an embassy of 23 people in South Korea. (With) the Filipinos in North Korea, we have to deal with them through our Beijing Embassy," he said. After the South Korean warship sunk in April 2010, the President said his administration had to address the plight of the 50,000 Filipinos there despite of the government's limited resources. President Aquino said the administration continues to hurdle the challenges to be able to improve the lives of the Filipinos here and abroad. "You might think that Im complaining about the job, but I guess, I just really want to impart to you, in the lightest way possible, that there are difficult burdens in this particular job especially when you dont want to be just taking your turn in the merry-go-round that leads nowhere, but when you want to lead the people towards the rightful place in the
sun and be part of transformative phase," he said. The President also noted the need to seek God's intervention to lead the country to achieve progress. He, likewise, cited the contribution of the K4Phil and the CCF for their support to the government's campaign to provide the people jobs and better public services. "I agree prayer is indeed a very, very, very efficient weapon and tool, and really the source of our strength," he said. During the event, the President prayed and thanked God for giving him and his administration of steadfast friends and supporters, including the K4Phil and CCF, to help transform the country into a progressive nation. PND (js) TOP Aquino receives updates on the case on PSG members involved in QC heist
President Benigno S. Aquino III is receiving regular updates from the Presidential Security Group in the case of two of its member who reportedly figured in a robbery incident in Quezon City this week. PSG Commander Colonel Ramon Mateo Dizon said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the PSG is cooperating with the Quezon City Police Department in its investigation adding that the PSG leadership will not tolerate wrongdoing among its members. However, Dizon said its too early to say whether the two PSG members are really involved in the heist because the investigation is still ongoing. Although there is an alleged involvement in criminality of two of its members, Dizon clarified that it is not the organization that committed the mistake, and only the two people who belong to the organization. "Were not tolerating it, were cooperating with the PNP. Were having it investigated. Were supporting them. So, I guess, thats all we can do because I cannot go and investigate instead of QCPD," Dizon said. Since the investigation is still ongoing, Dizon said the soldiers' rights must also be protected and the PSG has sent its lawyer to assist them in whatever legal battle they will face in the future. Asked if the PSG will carry out the new policy to discipline its ranks, Dizon said it is not necessary because the men and women of the PSG are performing their duties effectively. "Now, if there are one or two of us who are violating any rules or regulations, then theyre made answerable for it. They have to answer for that," he said. "Weve already instructed our commanders to, again, remind our people that, here in PSG, we a re even stricter than other units," he added. Dizon said there are certain rules for PSG members and anyone violating its general orders or SOPs may be reprimanded or demoted. Sgt. Marvin Gaton and Cpl. Bobby Ates allegedly robbed an establishment in Quezon City together with other three suspects. They are currently at the custody of the Quezon City Police Department. PND (as) TOP
24 MAY 2013 Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly ng iba -ibang grupo ng pananampalataya sa Lungsod ng Pasig Muling tiniyak ng Pangulong Aquino na hindi pababayaan ang 10 milyong Pilipinong nagtatrabaho at naninirahan sa ibang bansa Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly ng iba-ibang grupo ng pananampalataya sa Lungsod ng Pasig Nakiisa ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mananampalatayang buhat sa iba-ibang relihiyon sa ginanap na 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly ng Global Discipleship Congress sa Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium, Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue kanto ng C-5 sa Lungsod ng Pasig Biyernes. Sa kanyang mensahe ipinagdasal ng Pangulo ang bansa at ang sambayanang Pilipino. Nanguna naman si Obispo Jonel Milan, tagapagtatag at pangulo ng Care for Philippines Movement (K4Phil) at Dr. Peter Tan-Chi, tagapagtatag at pangulo ng Christ Commission Fellowship, sa pananalangin para sa Pangulo. Sinabi ni Obispo Milan na dapat ipagdasal ang Pangulo at ang iba pang mga lider upang patuloy silang maging malusog at ligtas upang maitaguyod ang patuloy na pagbabago ng ating bansa. Ipinaliwanag din ni Obispo Milan na lahat ng nagmamalasakit sa ating bansa, bata o matanda man, simbahan at mga paaralan, at ang buong sambayanan ay kailangang magpasalamat sa Bathala at laging idalanging ang Pangulo at ang mga kagawad ng Gabinete niya ay maging malusog at ligtas upang itaguyod ang kabutihan sa pamamahala nila. Sa pagtitipong ito ay ipinagdasal ang Pangulong Aquino, gayundin ang mga pinuno ng pamahalaan, mga mambabatas, mga kagawad ng hudikatura, mga tagapagpatupad ng batas, organisasyon ng media, sektor ng negosyo, mga guro, magulang, bata, kabataan, gayundin ang mga lider at kasapi ng mga samahan ng mga relihiyon. Mula noong 2002, ang intercessors at mga kasapi ng K4Phil ay nagdarasal araw-araw para sa mga lider natin, lalo na ang mga pinunong siyang nangunguna sa pagbabagong kailangan. Noong 2012, idinaos ang prayer assembly sa Smart Araneta Coliseum sa Lungsod ng Quezon kaugnay ng ika-55 anibersaryo ng World Vision na dinaluhan ng 12,000 intercessors ng iba-ibang simbahan at mga kabalikat ng World Vision. PND TOP Muling tiniyak ng Pangulong Aquino na hindi pababayaan ang 10 milyong Pilipinong nagtatrabaho at naninirahan sa ibang bansa
Muling binigyang diin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes na hindi pababayaan ng administrasyon niya ang may 10 milyong Pilipinong nagtatrabaho at naninirahan sa ibang mga bansa. Sa mensahe sa 2013 Care for Philippines Prayer Assembly sa Global Discipleship Congress na idinaos sa Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium sa Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue, kanto ng C-5, Lungsod ng Pasig Biyernes, sinabi ng Pangulo na isa sa mga pangunahing pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng kanyang administrasyon ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipinong nasa ibayong dagat. Ang pagiging Pangulo ng bansa natin ay hindi po pinakamadaling trabao sa daigdig. May humigit -kumulang na 10 milyong Pilipino ang nasa iba-ibang bansa sa daigdig. Kaya kung sakaling may mangyaring ano man saan mang dako ng mundo, malamang na may isang Pilipino na masasangkot, wika ng Pangulo. Itulot po ninyong banggitin ko ang ilan sa mga problemang nangyari. Nang bagu-bago pa ang administrasyon natin, nagkaroon ng ligalig sa Korean Peninsula na sa kasawiang palad, nang malaunan ay naging madalas na ang mga kaguluhan, sabi ng Pangulo. Katungkulan ng pamahalaan na tiyakin ang kaligtasan at pangalagaan ang may 50,000 Pilipino sa Timog Korea at siyam naman sa Hilagang Korea, wika ng Pangulo. Naitanong ko: bakit may kababayan tayo sa Hilagang Korea? At ang sagot sa akin: Sir, sila po ay tauhan ng iba -ibang tanggapan at misyon ng United Nations, Ang problema, 23 katao lamang ang tauhan ngating embahada sa Timog Korea. Tungkol naman sa mga Pilipino sa Hilagang Korea, kinailangan nating paraanin sa Embahada natin sa Beijing ang tulong sa kanila, paliwanag ng Pangulo. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na pagkatapos lumubog ang bapor pandigma ng Timog Korea noong Abril 2010, kinailangang asikasuhin natin ang 50,000 Pilipino doon sa kabila ng maliit na pondo ng pamahalaan. Sinabi ng Pangulo na patuloy ang administrasyon niya sa pagsisikap na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa loob at labas ng ating bansa. Huwag ninyong akalaing nagrereklamo ang lingkod ninyo tungkol sa aking trabaho.Ibig ko lamang ipaalam sa atin, sa abot ng aking makakaya, ang mabibigat na pasaning kaugnay ng tungkuling ito, lalo na kung ayaw ninyong kung makasama sa merry-go-round na walang direksiyon ang patutunguhan sapagkat ang inyong hangad ay maakay ang sambayanan sa tamang lugar sa ilalim ng Araw at maging bahagi ng pagbabago, sabi ng Pangulo. Ayon sa Pangulo, kailangan natin ang tulong at patnubay ng Diyos upang maihatid natin ang bansa sa tunay na kasaganaan. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang mahalagang naitulong ng K4Phil at ng CCF sa kampanya ng pamahalaan na mabigyan ng hanapbuhay at higit na mabuting serbisyo ang taong bayan. Tulad ninyo, ako po ay naniniwalang ang panalangin ay napakabisang sandata at kagamitang tunay na mahalagang balong ng ating lakas, dugtong ng Pangulo. Sa pagtitipong ito, nanalangin at nagpasalamat sa Diyos ang Pangulo sa pagbibigay sa kanya ng matatapat na kaibigan at tagapagtaguyod na tulad ng K4Phil at CCF para magtagumpay ang hangarin niyang maging masagana ang bansa. PND TOP
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 2013 Care for Philippines (K4Phil) Prayer Assembly Global Discipleship Congress Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium, Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City 24 May 2013 Thank you. Good morning, please sit down. If you will notice, I had the teleprompter removed. Im not actually happy with the speech. I dont know if its becoming a tradition that every time I appear before you, I find the speech prepared is inadequate, by my normally gifted speechwriters. So, since waking up, and on the way here, I have been drafting a speech. So it will tend to be disorganized and I apologize in advance and, of course, somehow I may had the impression that I will be talking primarily to Filipinos. It turns out that there are delegations from about 20 different countries present today60-plus countries. So that means I had to rewrite the speech that I was drafting because it was in Filipino. [So, again, if there are errors, they are solely mine. And the difficulty is I have to start with a story regarding kutsinta. Well, just to explain to our foreign delegates present, kutsinta is local delicacy. Its common anywhere in the country. Its made of rice and its sweet and its normally colored either orange or brown. Well, the story starts with: We were exiled in Boston. We were together as a family. It was somewhat a normal life after having undergone close to eight years of the martial law period. During Christmas, there would be a gathering of the Filipino community in Boston, which at that time wasnt too big, about 200 or so professionalsand one of the wives of the residents of Boston, an American citizen already, felt, as part of the Christmas cheer, to prepare kutsinta for the community. Of course, its a very tedious process to do so and normally one would get a portion of about two pieces for each individual, once a year. And for me, somehow, that symbolized the loneliness of exile. Especially when we would watch advertisements by Florida that said, during winter, and at the height of winter, it would show palm trees swaying in the breeze and would end with a tagline that said, The warm breeze and palm trees of Florida. While we were shivering in New England. So, the net result is that somehow every time I get to see kutsinta, regardless of wherever I am in the country or outside, I feel compelled to eat it because I was so deprived when we were in Boston. Which brings me to the next topic, and I want to share with you what it means when we talk about burdens of office. And perhaps to encapsulate it, let me share with you something that Secretary Petilla once showed me. One day, he told me, he said Mr. President, I am now thoroughly prepared. And, of course, Secretary Petilla is a very gifte d individual both in the private sector and in governance, as governor of the province of Leyte. And I was wondering why he had to say he was prepared. He opens his small bag, brings out a package of Skyflakes crackers. And I was really curious as to what he was about to say next, and he said, Mr. President, were following the example of Secretary Singson, that whenever we accompany you, we make sure that we are prepared for any eventualityincluding missed meals. And unfortunately that is the case. One time in particular, we had a dialogue that started at 10 oclock, the budgeted time was up to 11:30, but for whatever reason the dialogue lasted until 1:30, which even passed the period we had allocated for lunch. Suffice to say that it took us until 3 oclock in the afternoon before we finally got to partake of something and the something turned out to be finger sandwiches at a hotel for the fourth engagement of the day. Secretary Almendras, whos not exactly a small person, joined me in this endeavorand we all had, shall we say, we were all feeling light-headed by the time we got to the third engagement. And, in fact, even the media was complaining and they said, Mr. President, perhaps you have made the choice to forgo the meals in service of the people. We also serve the people but we have not agreed to that choice of forgoing all of the meals. And if you dont eat, we also dont eat; so please stop to giv e us an opportunity to also partake of our own meals, which we think are part of our basic human rights.
So, my friends, being President of this country is not exactly the easiest job in the world. We have about 10 million Filipinos elsewhere. Chances are, if the theres an incident that happens anywhere in the world, there would be a Filipino directly involved. And let me give you some examples of the problem. Early on in this administration, there was a flare up-in the Korean Peninsula, which is, unfortunately, turning into a regular occurrence. And at the time I was briefed: How many Filipinos do we have in South Korea? I was told we have 50,000 individuals in South Korea. And we also had nine Filipinos in North Korea. And I had to ask: Why do we have people in North Korea? And I was told, Sir, they are part of various UN offices and missions. Now, the problem is: We have an embassy of twenty-three people in South Korea. The Filipinos in North Korea, we have to deal with them through our Beijing embassy. So there was an incident wherein there was a ship of the South Korean Navy that was sunk, then subsequently an island of South Korea that was lobbed with artillery shells. There was talk that war was imminent, at that point in time. So, obviously, we had to take care of our 50,000 citizens, and I asked our Armed Forces: Exactly what resources do we have to take care of our people? I was told that, at the time, we had one C-130 transport aircraft. How many people can this accommodate? Sir, about one hundred per flight. Fifty-thousand, divided by one hundred, okay. How long will it take, the flight? They said, Four hours. Thats four hours to? [Yes, sir] And four hours back? [Yes, sir.] And about an hour or two to refuel, to load the passengers, et cetera et cetera. So you had a ten-hour window to bring in a hundred people each time. Okay, how about ships? Sir, we have a ship. How many can it accommodate? Sir, we have a thousand-capacity ship. How long will it take? Ten days. I didnt bother to ask. I didnt bother to ask if it was ten days to and ten days from. Because I didnt want to be depressed . Anyway, perhaps, through your prayers, we were enlightened. Excuse me, Dr. Ona, our Secretary of Health, keeps on reminding me that I have to take a vacation. Perhaps this is Gods message to me that, yes, you are entitled to at least two days a year. You might think that Im complaining about the job. But I guess I just really want to impart to you, the lightest way possibl e, that there are difficult burdens in this particular job, especially when you do not want to be just taking your turn in the merry-goround that leads nowhere but when you want to lead the people towards their rightful place in the sun, and be part of transformative change. When I look and I am fifty-three right now, but I tend to look at my life, or I reflect on my life, and I reflect on, shall we say, the depths that we had gone to. For instance, let me talk, just briefly, about martial law. My father was imprisoned I think he was number one on the order of battle he was imprisoned for seven years and seven months. A person whose main joy in life is talking with people, interacting with people, was, for the largest time perhaps, for at least five or six years confined, in solitary confinement, deprived of most contact with other people. My father was considered to be the presidential candidate for the scheduled elections in 1973 and we all know he never got that chance. So from the depths of acclaim, of fame, and of power or, sorry, from the heights, rather we were brought down to the depths of you know, a lot of times, being tempted to despair. My mother would be walking on a city sidewalk, would see one of their friends who swore undying loyalty, and this friend would
suddenly decide to cross the street to avoid contact with my mother, lest they be labeled subversive. Our household I had my yaya the person who took care of me, who was no longer an employee, got arrested three times, was never charged, was incarcerated for the last time while she was six months pregnant, together with her husband who also was no longer in our employ. Their only crime: Being members of our household staff, who were being tasked and pressured to testify falsely against my father. We went to Boston. Texas first, then Boston, for my fathers exile after he was granted permissio n to have a heart bypass. In Boston, there were so many movements that we were we had to pause and be reflective. And I asked a perpetual question: Why, if we are doing that which is right, why are we the ones exiled, while the ones who we believe are doing wrong are partying non-stop in Manila? Where is the justice in that? And, through my mothers incumbency somehow you miss the days when you were in the opposition, when you could do no right, because there were so many critics of my mother. There were 28 newspapers, for instance, in Metro Manila tasting newly-won-back press freedom, who went excessive who felt was better to complain and criticize than to praise for the good things that you did. And I had to ask: Why is it that the right that is being done seems to be so invisible? Im reminded that just a few days ago, I was talking to a very senior member of our media, and I was telling her about something I keep talking about: Tourism numbers in our country and the employment figures. And to be honest with you, in our correspondence through SMS or through text messages, it seemed like it was the first time this media personality ever heard of these facts. And I said: You are the ones who are supposed to disseminate this, and you dont know it. My, my, my. We really are in a difficult position of not having our message come across. Well, anyway, the bottomline, I guess, my friends, is this and, Im sorry, I have to tell you another story, and this will be the last one before we go into the prayer. I dont want to wear out my welcome. When I was a congressman, and my staff had a traditional complaint come election time, they kept saying: Sir, why is it that all of these barangay captains during the period in between elections are taken cared of so well? We address all of their concerns. But come election time, some of them turn into people who seem to have developed amnesia. That we have to prove once again our rightfulness for being in this position. It seems they have forgotten everything that they have passed our way and we have resolved. And I told them, in this manner I answered them, rather, in this manner: Do you remember So-and-So? And they said, Yes. When do you see him? Come campaigning period. When do you see him next? The next campaign period. Does he ever bother us for anything? They said, No. Well, I guess, thats the balance in the world. If you have people who never recognize the good that you do, there are those who constantly support you, nourish you, strengthen you, without asking for anything in return like Bishop Jonel Milan and the Reverend Doctor Tan-Chi, and Bishop Tendero. So therefore, if we are prepared to accept the good that people do to us, then it is but necessary or, by definition and also part of the equation, that evil has to come our way. And there is a lot of evil in this world. There are those who have chosen to be myopic, who will only focus on the negatives and will never entertain the possibility of any positives. There are those who find, unfortunately, happiness in bringing everybody down instead of trying to lift everybody up. But through all of this there has been one constant, and I agree: Prayer is indeed a very, very efficient weapon, a very, very efficient tool, and really, the source of our strength. When at the end of the day, it seems that the burdens seem insurmountable for instance, when we were talking about employment, we were saying we generated, at the least, 860,000 new jobs per year. And then we are also cognizant of the fact
that there is an estimated 1 million new entrants into the labor pool every year. So we are still trying to match those numbers. We are still trying to reform the education system. But Im digressing. The bottom line is this: Whenever any of my Cabinet, members of the staff, allies come to me and unburden themselves and say, This seems such an impossible job, I tell them: At the end of the day, so long as you can face yoursel f in the mirror and say you have done everything you did, then that is enough. Ill have to quote Cardinal Sin, when he once said, Do what you can, and leave the rest to God. The bottomline is: I think that is the only thing that we can ask of those who would want to serve us. Be honest when you say that I really did and tried my best, and God will provide the rest. I agree totally with that statement. So, I was also asked to deliver a short prayer. I normally pray by myself. [Laughter.] And normally towards the end of the day. So if I am not as proficient as the two able gentlemen in front of us, you will please excuse me. But please join me in this very short prayer. Dear God, You are our Father and we thank You for our family, for our friends, for our steadfast supporters, like Bishop Jonel Milan and, of course, Dr. Tan-Chi, Bishop Tendero. Through them we feel Your love and the constancy of Your support. We admit that we are not perfect. We ask for your wisdom as we endeavor to, daily, make Your Kingdom apparent in this world. Lastly, we ask that You shield us from our enemies, as we endeavor to do Your work. Amen. Thank you, and good day. [HOME]
ONLINE NEWS
25 MAY 2013
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. OPAPP exec challenges educators to take part in promoting peace through cultural diversity 34 Filipinos to arrive home from Syria Business sentiment soars to an all-time high in Q2 2013 CSC issues guidelines on grant of eligibility to Sanggunian Members CSC reiterates prohibition of liquor consumption in government offices COA Official tops Fraud Examination Mar to Bong, no one is above the law Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the 34th National Conference of Employers Mechanism for transparent implementation of peace pact with former Cordi rebels set PNP geared for Balik-Eskwela 2013 Talks for stronger ASEAN S&T cooperation now on DENR okays groundwork for Cagayan de Oro River Basin master plan Former DAR Assistant Secretary indicted, dismissed Sandiganbayan convicts former Dapitan Mayor for graft, malversation MB places Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid
OPAPP exec challenges educators to take part in promoting peace through cultural diversity Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Quezon City Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta on Wednesday challenged the education sector to take part in advancing the peace process by changing mindsets, breaking symbolic and imagined barriers that divide, and embracing inclusivity and diversity. We need you to accompany us in this process, Oreta told educators during a conference organized by the Asia -Pacific Network for International Education and Values Education (APNIEVE) held in Miriam College here. In her address, Oreta urged participants to re-evaluate the data being taught and the language being used as these can either encourage or prevent discrimination and exclusivity. How much of the language and its symbolic meaning create the othering? she asked. Mostly sa (on) terrorists, do we say Christian terrorist? But if it is a Muslim, you will see there the label Muslim terrorist. So it is as if when you are a Muslim, laging kakabit (you are always tagged as one). Again, perhaps that is not the intention of the message; the subliminal message that it creates is also problematic. Touching on the role of schools in embracing multi-culturalism, she asked the audience, How many of our schools actually have prayer rooms for other religions? How much of our food is halal? This is what we realize when we had some of our Muslim friends come over, wala silang makain sa (they cant eat anything at the) cafeteria. So again, we talk about inclusivity. We talk about non -discrimination, Oreta said. Sometimes we look at them as trivial but these are actually big issues. Summing up her address, Oreta told the participants, We talk about education as the ideological backbone of our political system. If that is the case, then we really have to do something with our education. At the same time that we want to promote a culture of peace, maybe we need to sharpen the discussions and discourse some more. How much of the core message of our curriculum actually promotes inclusivity and non-discrimination? she added. The audience in the APNIEVE conference was composed of educators from different regions in the country. APNIEVE is an organization that aims to promote peace, human rights, democracy, and sustainable development through values education. |TOP| 34 Filipinos to arrive home from Syria Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 24 May 2013 The Philippine Embassy in Damascus reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that 34 Filipinos safely crossed the Syrian-Lebanese border today. The group, which is now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, will take a flight for Manila via Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). They will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal I tomorrow, May 25 at 03:55 p.m. via Emirates Airlines flight EK 332. Upon the groups arrival, the total number of repatriates will reach 4,212. The DFA continues to urge all Filipinos who are still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation as the violence in the country continue to worsen. For assistance they may call the Embassy at 963-11-6132626, +963-96-8955057, +963-93-4957926, +963-99-2264145, +963-96-8953340, or +963-95-8903893. The families of Filipinos in Syria may also provide the DFA with up-to-date information regarding their next-of-kins present location and contact details in Syria. Those who wish to do so may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFAs 24-hour Action Center at (02) 834-3333. END |TOP|
Business sentiment soars to an all-time high in Q2 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Business confidence registers a record high Businesses were bullish in their outlook on the economy in Q2 2013, with the overall confidence index (CI) rising to 54.9 percent. This is the highest reading since the start of the nationwide survey in Q4 2006. The confidence index is computed as the percentage of firms that answered in the affirmative less the percentage of firms that answered in the negative with respect to their views on a given indicator. Respondents attributed the record-high outlook to expectations of: (a) expansion of businesses, new product lines (for manufacturing and trade), and additional projects (particularly in construction and real estate), (b) brisker business due to election-related spending, and (c) seasonal uptick in demand during the summer and harvest/fishing seasons. They were also optimistic that their business operations would benefit from the countrys strong macroeconomic fundamentals and investment grade credit rating from three ratings agencies, namely, Fitch Ratings, Standard and Poors and Japan Credit Rating Agency. The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the bright business prospects in the US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR and South Korea, but was in contrast to the weaker outlook of those in Canada, Germany, New Zealand and India. For the quarter ahead (Q3 2013), the business outlook continued to be favorable. However, the next quarter CI was lower at 46.2 percent compared to that of a quarter ago. According to respondents, their less optimistic views were due to seasonal factors, such as: (a) slowdown in demand (from a high base during election period) for those in the manufacturing and trade sectors, (b) interruption of regular business activities during the rainy season, (c) lower output (which leads to lower trade activities) during the planting season, and (d) expected slow month for businesses in August. Outlook for both NCR and AONCR is upbeat Tracking the national trend, the sentiment of businesses in both the National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the NCR (AONCR) was quite upbeat in Q2 2013 but turned less sanguine for the next quarter. For both the current and next quarters, NCR respondents remained more bullish in their outlook on the economy than those from AONCR. This indicated firms expectations that economic conditions would be more favorable in NCR than in AONCR. Importers are most optimistic Businesses involved in international commodity trading had more favorable views in Q2 2013. Importers were the most optimistic. The outlook of dual-activity firms also improved appreciably during the quarter. However, the outlook of importing and dual-activity firms was less favorable although remaining positive in Q3 2013 due to expectations of lower consumer demand during the rainy and non-harvest seasons. Exporters outlook was more buoyant in both Q2 and Q3 2013, with expectations of more projects and orders as a result of the continuing recovery in the US economy and stronger growth prospects in emerging market and developing economies. Optimism is observed across employment size Business sentiment was more upbeat across employment size in Q2 2013. Large-sized firms business confidence was the most buoyant, with the CI reaching an all-time high. Medium- and small-sized firms posted near record-high confidence in the current quarter. However, the outlook of all firms was less positive for Q3 2013. Business confidence is high across sectors Across sectors, the outlook of businesses was more bullish in Q2 2013. The confidence of firms in the construction and wholesale and retail trade sectors were at their highest levels. Likewise, greater optimism was observed among firms in industry and services. For the next quarter (Q3 2013), business confidence was less upbeat but remained positive across sectors, with the exception of firms in the construction sector which continued to have a more buoyant outlook. Construction firms expected that the expansion of construction services would be sustained as more favorable business conditions would encourage the influx of foreign investments, particularly in office and housing construction and the expansion of factories. Construction firms also expected more public infrastructure projects after the May elections. The sanguine outlook of the wholesale and retail trade and industry sectors stemmed from respondents expectations of a
surge in consumer demand and business activity due to election-related spending, the improvement/launch of new product lines and rise in investments. The services sector recorded the most bullish outlook across sectors for Q2 and Q3 2013. Among its sub-sectors, financial services remained the most optimistic, with the CI registering a six-year high of 89.4 percent in Q2 2013. Likewise, the outlook of other sub-sectors rose, except for transportation which remained almost steady. Businesses outlook about their own operations is more upbeat With respect to their own operations in Q2 2013, the outlook of businesses across sectors was more upbeat, except for wholesale and retail trade which turned less optimistic. The index for the trade sector was lower on account of expectations of higher volume of inventory in the current quarter and less favorable business conditions for the next quarter. Firms expect easier access to credit and better financial conditions The financial conditions index reverted to positive territory at 1.3 percent in Q2 2013 from -1.5 percent in the previous quarter. Firms were also of the view that their liquidity requirements could be met through available credit as more respondents continued to report easier access to credit relative to those that indicated the opposite a quarter ago. The credit access index rose to its highest level ever in Q2 2013. Employment outlook improves The employment outlook index for the next quarter increased to 24.1 percent from 23 percent last quarter. By sector, firms in the services sector were the most optimistic in their employment outlook in Q3 2013. The employment outlook of firms in the industry and construction sector was likewise upbeat, while that of the wholesale and retail trade declined slightly compared to that of the previous quarter. Number of firms with expansion plans remains steady while average capacity utilization increases In line with the favorable business sentiment for the next quarter, firms in the industry sector continued to have a favorable outlook on the economy. The percentage of businesses with expansion plans for the next quarter remained broadly steady at 28.7 percent. Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization for the current quarter slightly increased to 74 percent compared to 73 percent registered last quarter. Competition and weak demand remain to be the major challenges to business The top business constraints identified by respondents in Q2 2013 continued to be domestic competition (cited by about threefifths of the total number of respondents) and insufficient demand (leading to low sales volume). A stronger peso, higher inflation and lower interest rates are expected Expectations on the direction of key economic indicators showed that strong macroeconomic fundamentals are expected to be sustained in the current and next quarters. Even as respondents who expected inflation to go up continued to outnumber those that held the opposite view, businesses anticipated that inflation would settle at the lower end of the inflation target at 3.3 percent for both the current and next quarters. This is consistent with inflation expectations based on forecast surveys of private sector economists by the BSP and by Asia Pacific (AP) Consensus, indicating that inflation has remained well-anchored and within target for 2013-2014. Stronger inflationary pressures, however, could emanate from pending petitions for utility rate adjustments and the likelihood of higher electricity rates in Mindanao as a result of the current power supply shortfall. The possibility of a continued strong surge in liquidity arising from strong foreign exchange inflows on the back of favorable domestic growth prospects also constitutes an upside risk to inflation. More respondents expected the peso to appreciate in Q2 and Q3 2013, although the number that said so declined compared to the previous quarter. Expectations of the pesos sustained appreciation could be due to the anticipated strong inflows of overseas Filipinos remittances, business process outsourcing (BPO) services receipts, and foreign investments as well as the recovery of export demand. Meanwhile, more respondents expected interest rates to decline in the current and next quarters, as the impact of the cumulative 100-basis point reduction in policy rates as well as SDA rate cuts in 2012 continue to work its way into the economy. Survey response rate is higher at 83 percent
The Q2 2013 BES was conducted during the period 1 April10 May 2013. There were 1,554 firms surveyed nationwide. Respondents were drawn from the Securities and Exchange Commissions Top 7,000 Corporations in 2010, as follows: 607 companies in NCR and 947 firms in AONCR, covering all 17 regions nationwide. The survey response rate for this quarter was higher at 83 percent (from 80.2 percent in the previous quarter). The response rate was higher for both NCR at 81.7 percent (from 76.8 percent in the previous quarter) and AONCR at 83.8 percent (from 82.4 percent in Q1 2013). A breakdown of responses by type of business showed that 14.9 percent were importers, 7.1 percent were exporters, and 17.6 percent were both importers and exporters. About 60.5 percent of the respondents were neither importers nor exporters, or did not specify their firm type. |TOP| CSC issues guidelines on grant of eligibility to Sanggunian Members Source: http://csc.gov.ph Local government officials who complete their term of office may now be granted civil service eligibility. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10156, otherwise known as An Act Conferring Upon Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan the Appropriate Civil Service Eligibility under Certain Circumstances, and for Other Purposes. The law allows members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan a certain level of civil service eligibility. The Sanggunian Member Eligibility (SME) may be granted to Sanggunian Members if they meet the required number of years of service and educational attainment as defined under RA 10156. The Sanggunian First Level Eligibility is equivalent to a Career Service Sub-Professional Eligibility and is granted to Sanggunian Members who have served for an aggregate period of six years and have completed at least 72 academic units leading to a baccalaureate/bachelors degree. Meanwhile, the Sanggunian Second Level Eligibility corresponds to a Career Service Professional Eligibility and may be granted to Sanggunian Members who have served for an aggregate period of nine years and completed a baccalaureate/bachelors degree. Members of the Sangguniang Bayan, Panlungsod, and Panlalawigan who have been elected after the effectivity of the Local Government Code of 1991 (R.A. 7160) or on May 11, 1992 onwards and have met the requirements are entitled to the grant of Sanggunian Member Eligibility. Under the guidelines, the prescriptive period for Sanggunian Members who have completed six or nine years of service is within five years from the effectivity of the IRR or in May of 2013. For those elected in the May 2013 elections, prescriptive period shall be within two years upon meeting required number of years of service. The computation of the aggregate years of service of a Sanggunian Member shall be based on the actual number of years of service per official records of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its regional offices. Also, the number of years of service of a Sanggunian Member in any and in one or more positions may be accumulated for the purpose of computing and completing the required aggregate number of years of service. However, Sanggunian Members who were not elected (ex. president of provincial, city, or municipal chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay) are not entitled to the grant of eligibility. The CSC Regional Offices are accepting applications from qualified Sanggunian Members whose last term of office or years of service were served in the province, city, or municipality under their respective geographical jurisdiction. For additional information regarding RA 10156, visit the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph. For further inquiries, the public may call (02) 931-8092, (02) 931-7939, and (02) 931-7935. |TOP| CSC reiterates prohibition of liquor consumption in government offices Source: http://csc.gov.ph
The two-day liquor ban during the midterm polls may have been lifted, but the Civil Service Commission (CSC) reiterates the prohibition on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in government offices. Pursuant to CSC Resolution No. 1100039, the consumption of alcoholic beverages such as, but not limited to, malt, wine, and intoxicating liquor in workplace among government officials and employees during office hours is prohibited. CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III stressed that the mere consumption of alcoholic beverages in the workplace during office hours, as well as reporting for work while under the influence of alcohol, shall be considered as an administrative offense, separate and distinct from the offense of Habitual Drunkenness. However, the consumption of alcoholic beverages may be allowed during programs and rituals such as ceremonial toasts and observance/honoring of local customs and traditions. In such instances, the alcoholic beverage must be limited to malt and wine, and the consumption shall not result to intoxication wh ich is defined as, the impairment of a persons mental faculties ensuing to the loss of control over his/her behavior and/or actions. Should an untoward incident happen as a result of such consumption, both the head of office and the officials or employees concerned will be held liable. Officials and employees who are caught in the act of consuming intoxicating liquor and other alcoholic beverages during office hours, as well as those who will be reporting for work under the influence of alcohol, shall be held liable for Misconduct which is punishable by suspension for one to six months for the first offense, and dismissal from service on the second offense. |TOP| COA Official tops Fraud Examination Source: http://www.coa.gov.ph Heres another occasion to be proud of for the Philippines Commission on Audit (COA). The COAs Fraud Audit Office Director, Atty. Alexander B. Juliano, will be the recipient of the Walker Award, a recognition bestowed upon the person receiving the highest annual score on the Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) Examination. This recognition bespeaks of the COAs commitment to professionalism and global excellence. A total of fifteen (15) Management Systems International-US Agency for International Development (MSI-USAID) sponsored COAn examinees took and successfully passed the CFE Examination. Atty. Juliano bested other examinees not just from the Philippines but from other countries as well. The CFE examination, organized by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), tests proficiency and competence in the four primary areas of fraud examination: Financial Transactions and Fraud Schemes, Law, Investigation, and Fraud Prevention and Deterrence. Being the largest anti-fraud organization in the world and the premier provider of anti-fraud training and education, ACFE has made a contribution in reducing fraud worldwide. Its 65,000 members are proclaimed experts in the field of fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. Atty. Juliano will receive his award during the 24th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA scheduled for June 23-28, 2013. |TOP| Mar to Bong, no one is above the law Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Manila, Philippines Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said on Wednesday/May 22 that no one is above the law as he affirmed his own findings that the police who chased a group of 30 armed men in Bacoor City to enforce the gun ban on Election Day were following standard operating procedure of the Philippine National Police. Patakaran ng aking pamamahala dito sa DILG na walang sinisino ang batas, Roxas said. Dahil dito, kahit na ang aking kaibigang si Senador Bong Revilla senador man siya, sikat na artista or big shot sa Cavite ay hindi pwedeng pumaibabaw
sa batas, Roxas said. The Interior Secretary personally investigated the May 13 standoff between the Cavite police and the group of men armed with high-powered rifles who had sought refuge in Sen. Bong Revillas residence along Aguinaldo Highway. May karapatan lang ang mga pulis na sundan ang mga suspek saan man sila magtago. Wala po ako sa pinangyarihan pero ito po ay SOP o Standard operating procedure ng mga pulis pag may tinutugis silang mga suspect, said Roxas. Kung may tumakas na suspek, susundan nila (pulis) ang suspek. Ayon sa batas, kailang ang pumayag ang may-ari ng gusali na pumasok [ang mga pulis]. Hindi pumayag si Sen. Revilla kaya nag-apply ng search warrant. Habang naga-apply ka ng search warrant, babantayan mo ang isi-search mo para 'di lumabas ang suspek," he added. Roxas emphasized that there is nothing personal in the issue and expressed surprise at the lawmakers behaviour when the police who gave chase stuck firmly to the rules. Ang tanong siguro, ay bakit kaya? Bakit kaya sila (armed men) hahanap ng pagsaklolo sa inyo? Tauhan niyo ba itong mga civilian na may dalang high-powered rifles? Roxas asked. Nagtataka ako kasi maraming ginampanang papel sa pelikula si Sen. Revilla, mga ginampanan nyang role na bayani ng batas at naging isa pa siyang mambabatas. Kaya hindi po namin lubos na maisip kung bakit hindi nalang siya pumayag na masundan ang mga suspect na ayon sa mga saksing pulis ay nanduon sa loob ng bahay na nagtago, Roxas said. Kahit kaninong bahay po 'yun... itong mga armadong lalaki, araw ng election mahahabang baril an g hawak, high-powered, walang uniporme... 'di ba trabaho ng pulis na sundan sila? Araw ng eleksyon ito," Roxas added. During a walking tour of the Estero de Paco in Manila, Roxas further told reporters, Ano ang pamermersonal doon? Ang mga isinagawa ng mga pulis ay ayon lamang sa batas at sa mga alituntunin ng kanilang tungkulin. |TOP| Statement of Sec. Balisacan at the 34th National Conference of Employers Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph Good morning! Thank you for the invitation. I was informed that you have asked NEDA in 2011, to present the Philippines overall development framework for inclusive growth. Today, I am pleased to present to you the progress our country has achieved for the past two years and the directions and priorities moving forward towards the achievement of rapid, sustained and inclusive growth. The Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 has set the following major targets to be achieved by the end of the plan period: GDP growth rate of 7-8% and investment to GDP ratio of 22% as indicators of rapid growth; low and stable inflation within the 3-5% band as indicator of sustained growth; unemployment rate of about 7% and poverty incidence of about 17% as indicators of inclusive growth. We are confident that with the 2012 GDP growth rate of 6.6%, we are on track to achieving our target of 6-7% this year and 6.5-7.5% next year. Investment to GDP ratio in 2012 was 20.4%. A significant portion of this is public investments, which increased by more than 32%. Inflation rate was kept low and stable, even settling at the lower end of our target. There are other indicators that demonstrate that we have managed our economy quite well. And perhaps the best evidence is our first ever investment grade rating granted by the two major credit rating agencies Fitch and Standard & Poors. The big challenge in all these is to reduce unemployment and poverty incidence. Let me clarify, though, that reduced unemployment in 2012 of 7.0% is already within the target set out in the Plan. Moreover, the quality of employment, as indicated by the proportion of workers in the wage and salary classification, has improved. In 2010, only 54% of workers were in this classification; this increased to 57% in 2012 and to 60% in January 2013. Despite these seemingly good numbers in employment, poverty remains high even with the slight decline. Hence, we intend to revise the employment targets, particularly paying attention to the creation of decent and remunerative jobs to make it more consistent with the goal of inclusive growth. After all, inclusive growth means that a lot more participate in the growth process (at the very least, those wanting to work should find work) and that everyone benefits from it (those working should earn decent returns and even those not able to work should be able to enjoy the minimum basic needs). As I speak before you, the Philippine Development Plan is being updated. We are taking stock of the lessons learned these past three years. We are also trying to anticipate future developments especially in the rest of the world, and what these would mean for the Philippines. Our aim is to refine our strategic framework to achieve the goal of rapid, sustained and inclusive
growth. This framework takes advantage of the opportunities presented by recent and possible future developments and prepares for possible threats. Lest I be misconstrued, it should be noted that, every year, each agency of government comes up with a workplan and a corresponding budget. The PDP updating, meanwhile, forces each agency to frame its workplan its outcomes and outputs in the next three years towards achieving our goal of rapid and sustained and inclusive growth. The process also provides a venue for agencies and stakeholders involved in a sector to come together and draw up a strategic framework that will ensure coherence, effectiveness and efficiency of policies, programs and projects. The PDP midterm update will address the two major challenges of inclusive growth: create massive jobs and substantially reduce poverty. Creating jobs to reduce unemployment requires a multi-pronged multi-stakeholder approach. More importantly, the strategy should be anchored on a distinct appreciation of the unemployment problem. Looking at the data, we have broken down the unemployment problem into three types (1) the slow rate of increase of employment opportunities, (2) low employability of new job entrants, and (3) slow recovery of firms and businesses that have been affected by calamities. Addressing the first problem, the slow rate of increase of employment opportunities, requires nothing less than rapid, sustained investment growth, both from the public and private sectors. We aim to achor public investment to areas and programs that would improve the investment climate for private investors. Our strategic framework envisions the public sector as provider of enabling conditions for the private sector to invest in productive sectors, thereby creating decent and remenurative employment opportunities for the rapidly growing labor force. High and sustained investment growth will, of course, mean rapid and sustained economic growth. We will, as I noted earlier, maintain our target growth path of 6-7% in 2013 and increasing to 7-8% by 2016. Macroeconomic stability will still be the major strategy to fuel positive expectations. Government will continue to exercise fiscal prudence. We will strive to maintain, if not improve, our credit ratings so that business and employers could enjoy a lower cost of capital. Government will continue to assist in expanding markets. ASEAN 2015 is just around the corner and in preparation, the DTI has been conducting seminars on Doing Business in Free Trade Areas. We have also been aggressively attracting tourists into the country. These tourists are like export markets already coming into our shores. Another avenue that can be used to tap foreign markets is through Overseas Filipinos. To boost the competitiveness of our productive sectors, we are investing heavily in infrastructure, human capital (particularly in basic education and health), and governance. Admittedly, in infrastructure development, especially those involving publicprivate partnerships, the pace of implementation has been slower than desired. We expect to see faster implementation of the key infrastructure programs in the remaining years of this administration. The Aquino Administration is strongly committed to building a strong foundation for a competitive economy. We are also proposing measures to encourage innovations for we know that this is the only way to sustain growth. A major part of the R&D work would still be initiated by government. But we hope that the private sector would increase their R&D efforts as well. Investments in human capital will also address the problem of low employability among new job entrants. The President has recently signed into law the K+12 program. Apart from adding two more years of education, the curriculum will now better prepare our students to the world of work. We are also increasing investments in technical education while encouraging higher education institutions to partner with business and employers to ensure relevance of their program offerings. A strategy that can be rolled out immediately is to enhance the Government Internship Program, whereby interns are taught skills and work values. The third problem can be addressed by the other strategies of the PDP that are meant to improve resilience to shocks. These pertain to social protection programs, climate change adaptation and even the pursuit of lasting peace. The second challenge to be addressed is to substantially reduce poverty. A major strategy is still to link this with the plan to generate employment. The employment measure that is more indicative of poverty is underemployment. An underemployed person is one who has a job but is still looking for additional work, perhaps because he is not earning enough. A visibly
underemployed person is one who is working less than 40 hours a week and is still looking for additional work. The solution, therefore, is to provide the enabling conditions for part-time employment. More than half of the visibly under-employed are agricultural workers. The inherent seasonality of work or the low returns to agricultural labor results in high poverty incidence in the sector, almost 40% in 2009. Linking agricultural workers to the supply chain will increase effective demand for agricultural output, and hopefully, increase returns to their labor. However, we are aware that the agriculture sector will need to improve the quality and increase the quantity of its output. Government can facilitate the linkage but we are hoping that the business sector can take on a huge role in this, perhaps through technology, additional training, equipment or others. Good governance will continue to be the platform upon which we will implement the above strategies. I think that in the past couple of years, we have demonstrated that the Presidents mantra that good governance is good economics works. With the cost savings we have realized because of good governance, we have managed to increase the budget for education, health, and infrastructure and increased the scale of our Conditional Cash Transfer program, even without introducing new taxes, except the sin tax. Going forward, we will advocate for the passage of the Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives bill in order to improve the efficiency of our fiscal instruments to influence growth. Promoting transparency and accountability in government will remain in force. We will also strive to improve the responsiveness of governance. We have accomplished great strides in reducing the cost of doing business, and we intend to further streamline the processes. Going forward, we will be advocating for the use of regulatory impact assessment analytics before any regulation is imposed. This essentially compares the cost of administering and complying with the regulation to the supposed benefits. Presently, the effort is already being piloted by the DOT and the DOLE. We are also improving our statistical system to enable us to come up with appropriate and timely policy and program responses. We hope to be able to reduce the time lag of the reporting of our National Income Accounts from 60 to 45 days. We will need the cooperation of private businesses to do this. I would like to request those that submit reports to our statistical agencies to submit them much earlier. We just started the practice of releasing the first semester poverty figures this year. And we are putting in place a survey protocol to produce nationally representative poverty statistics annually. We would like to request the indulgence of household respondents to be generous in sharing their time to answer the questions truthfully. To sum up, let me just assure you that we are on track with respect to a number of indicators on rapid and sustained growth. We are also aware of the big challenge of achieving inclusive growth. Going forward, we are seeing various opportunities and we hope to take advantage of these in order to meet the challenge. This will require government working hand in hand with the private sector, especially the employers. We hope that ECOP would continue supporting governments efforts in providing high-quality and sustainable jobs that our country needs to ultimately improve the lives of our fellow Filipinos. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. |TOP| Mechanism for transparent implementation of peace pact with former Cordi rebels set Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Baguio City A mechanism for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Transparency (MET) of the governments Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA) Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) is set for signing on May 24 by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and Cordillera-based civil society organizations (CSOs). The MET mechanism shows commitment of both the government and the CBA-CPLA to principles of transparency and accountability in implementing the 2011 MOA, said OPAPP Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval. According to Sandoval, the signing ceremony is seen to cement partnerships with the CSOs towards attainment of good governance. OPAPP and our CSO partners believe that the MET mechanism can improve governance and monitoring of governments peace and development projects and programs, she added. Engaging the public through CSOs The signing ceremony with CSO partners is hoped to enhance the engagement of th e public through the CSOs creative approaches in monitoring and evaluation of projects.
The MET will utilize collaborative approaches and engage the public in promoting an atmosphere of constructive and productive dialogue and mutual cooperation in the monitoring and implementation of the 2011 MOA, Sandoval stated. Independent M&E The MET mechanism with CSOs shall ensure independent regular monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the progress of the GPH--CBA-CPLA MOA implementation. It is designed to go beyond the minimum requirements of monitoring physical accomplishment, towards helping OPAPP find out how the MOA and its various components have helped to build peace on the ground. This means, for instance, helping find the connection not just between d evelopment and poverty, but also between development and peace. This also means having a role in local mechanisms for sustaining peace beyond the MOAs implementation timeframe, said Sandoval. The CSOs set to sign the agreement as partners of OPAPP for the MET mechanism are Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (Abra); Peoples Organization for Social Transformation Development Network Inc. (Apayao), Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (Ifugao), International Association for Transformation (Kalinga), and EBGAN, Inc. (Mountain Province). |TOP| PNP geared for Balik-Eskwela 2013 Source: http://pnp.gov.ph Ensuring safety and security of the students and other commuters, the Philippine National Police is all set to provide security coverage and public safety services nationwide during the opening of classes this coming June for the school year 2013-2014. In coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Local Government Units and other concerned agencies, the PNP has organized security coverage in different schools, campus, and universities particularly in Metro Manila and other urban cities where huge volume of students are expected to converge in the first to second week of June. As well, airports and seaports, transport terminals, business establishments and areas of convergence will be strictly provided with safety and security measures as people are expected to return from their vacation at the end of May. As directed by the Chief PNP, PDG Alan La Madrid Purisima, all Police Regional Offices (PROs) will organize teams in all police stations to conduct mobile and foot patrols along major routes and highways leading to all learning institutions and within the immediate vicinity of school premises to ensure public safety. We also would like to warn the public, especially the students. to be more vigilant while going to school particularly on pu blic utility jeepneys, bus, and trains where criminals cou ld take advantage, PDG Purisima said. Commuters should be mindful and secure their belongings at all times. In addition, parents should always keep their eyes on their children while going and leaving school premises, the Chief PNP added. Police Assistance Desks (PADs) will also be established near major school campuses and clustered schools nationwide in coordination with school authorities and their security forces, and barangay force multipliers. The PNP will also designate dedicated personnel to address bullying inside and outside school premises in coordination with school officials; coordinate with concerned local government units regarding the strict implementation of the zoning ordinance prohibiting the existence of computer shops, billiards establishment and other distractive recreation within the immediate of the schools. If unnecessary actions or suspicious person or group are observed, PDG Purisima advised the public to immediately report or go to the nearest Police Assistance Desks or Police Stations, or through PNP hotlines I-Text Mo Kay TSIP 0917-84757557 and PNP TXT 2920. |TOP| Talks for stronger ASEAN S&T cooperation now on
Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph The 65th ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology Meeting (ASEAN COST-65), organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), opened on May 20, 2013 at the Taal Vista Lodge in Tagaytay City to formally usher in the start of this years discussions on common issues in science and technology currently affecting ASEAN member nations. ASEAN-COST Chairman for the Philippines and DOST Undersecretary for S&T Services Fortunato T. dela Pena delivered the opening remarks in behalf of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to welcome the 100 delegates from ASEAN member nations, including representatives from ASEANs dialogue partners namely the United States, Austria, Belgium, Germany, China, Japan, and India. The Plenary Session for Sub-Committee Meetings officially kickstarted the opening day of the six-day biennial event. The Plenary Session underscored matters and issues discussed during the 64th meeting of ASEAN COST as well as the 7th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMMST -7) held in Brunei which will be the jump-off points for this years Sub-Committee talks. Foremost among these was the Krabi Initiative 2010 , a program endorsed by S&T ministers during the 6th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on S&T held in December 2010 in Krabi, Thailand. The Krabi Initiative seeks to raise ASEANs competitiveness in the global village by leveraging the capabilities of science, technology and innovation. Specifically, the program aims to achieve its mission via identified key areas, namely ASEAN Innovation for Global Market, Digital Economy, New Media and Social Networking, Green Technology, Food Security, Energy Security, Water Management, Biodiversity for Health and Wealth, and Science and Innovation for Life. Among the other issues raised during ASEAN COST-64 and IAMMST-7 which will provide the springboard for discussions this year are the reorganization and restructuring of COST, establishment of new funding mechanisms, and performance review of the various sub-committees. Another point of discussion was ASEANs collaborations with its dialogue partners and their existing projects. Among these are the Talented Young Scientist Visiting Program and ASEAN-China Technology Transfer Center with China, and the ASEAN-US S&T Fellowship Program and ASEAN-US Award for Women in Science with US. Plans and updates in connection with these topics will be the focal points of the nine Sub-Committee meetings anchored on the following major programme areas of ASEAN-COST: food science and technology, biotechnology, meteorology and geophysics, marine science and technology, sustainable energy research, microelectronics and information technology, material science and technology, space technology and applications, and S&T infrastructure and resources development. Aside from the Sub-Committee Meetings, delegates to ASEAN COST-65, which will run until May 25, 2013, will also participate in other activities such as the ASEAN-EU Dialogue Meeting, ASEAN-US Consultation Meeting, and a tour of the DOST office in Taguig and the Bonifacio Global City. Established in 1978, the ASEAN COST aims to strengthen S&T in the region by ensuring that cooperation between members on S&T initiatives remains relevant to present day challenges and supportive of the directives set by ASEAN leaders and S&T ministers. ASEAN is composed of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. |TOP| DENR okays groundwork for Cagayan de Oro River Basin master plan Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has given the go signal to begin the groundwork for an integrated master plan to rehabilitate the 137,418-hectare Cagayan de Oro River Basin in order to reduce the impact of natural disasters. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the 15-year master plan would serve as an indispensable planning tool to guide the rehabilitation and development of one of the biggest watersheds in the country. We want to come up with a blueprint that is designed to save lives, properties and the environment, Paje said. We dont wa nt
another disaster as damaging as Sendong to happen again. In 2011, the Cagayan de Oro River failed to hold the huge amount of rainfall brought by tropical storm Sendong that eventually poured into low lying areas of the city and triggered deadly flashfloods. Sendong left more than 1,200 people dead and destroyed P1.3 billion in agriculture and properties in Cagayan de Oro and nearby Iligan City. The DENR has created a five-member team led by river basin management expert Dr. Diomedes Racelis of the Center for Environmental Studies and Management Inc. to draw up the master plan and ensure its completion by October next year. The team was also tasked to conduct a series of public consultation to generate inputs for the long-term plan, especially on identifying the possible root causes of the flooding in the area. The study and the corresponding public consultations would help authorities undertake an integrated management of the river basin to better address problems such as flooding, soil erosion and pollution, which are caused by unsustainable land use and agricultural practices, improper waste disposal, and proliferation of informal settlers along riverbanks, Paje pointed out. He said the flooding in the area was further aggravated by heavier rainfall and other extreme weather events. The Cagayan de Oro River Basin is one of the 18 major river basins in the country, straddling most parts of Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon province. It plays a central role in the economic and ecological viability of Northern Mindanao. Paje earlier announced that a validation team had been formed to identify areas to be covered by the massive reforestation program in Cagayan de Oro City, as mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 10452. RA 10452, which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III last month, mandates the DENR to plant trees in 3,000 hectares of public land in the capital city of Misamis Oriental to protect its people and its environment from floods and landslides. The reforestation program seeks to prevent a repeat of the disaster left by Sendong in Cagayan de Oro. Another severe flooding hit the city in January 2009. According to Paje, the law complements the Aquino administrations forest policies the National Greening Program (NGP) and the total log ban aimed at fighting the adverse effects of climate change. |TOP| Former DAR Assistant Secretary indicted, dismissed Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of Information before the Sandiganbayan for one count of the crime of Estafa against a former Assistant Secretary for Field Operations of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), aside from finding him guilty of grave misconduct for having solicited a total of P610,000 from a security agency in exchange for a wouldbe favorable decision in the bidding for security services at the DAR. In a 12-page Joint Resolution, Ombudsman Morales found probable cause to indict Dominador B. Andres for the crime of Estafa under paragraph 2(a) of Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code. Andres was also found guilty of Grave Misconduct which is punishable by dismissal but he, having retired from government service in 2011, was meted the penalty of FINE equivalent to one years salary as well as cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office. The Joint Resolution resolved the complaint filed in March 2010 by Marjorie Escorial, marketing director of Isla Security Agency (ISA) against Andres for Perjury and Estafa as well as Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct. Sometime in February 2009, Escorial learned from Milagrina Birosel that the DAR was in the process of accepting bidders for security services and that Andres is Birosels relative. Birosel introduced Escorial to Andres who, upon learning of ISAs intention to join the bidding for security services, starte d making false pretense and fraudulent representation to Escorial in order to induce the latter to give and deliver the amount of, initially, P210,000.
On April 18, 2009, Andres asked Escorial to give P500,000 that would be supposedly given to DAR Undersecretary Narciso Nieto who would be the one to award the contract. Escorial gave Andres only P400,000 and Andres, in turn, issued a personal Banco de Oro Pay to Cash check in the amount of P400,000 dated May 20, 2009 as guarantee that he will make good of his representations to Escorial. When Escorial eventually learned that another security agency was contracted by DAR, she deposited the check for payment but was dishonored for having been drawn against insufficient funds. Escorial, through counsel, thereupon informed Andres of the dishonor of his check and demanded the return of her money. The Joint Resolution stated that Andres clearly used his position as Assistant Secretary to misrepresent and solicit money from complainant with the promise of a favorable decision. As for the criminal charge, the Office found prima facie evidence to indict respondent of the crime of Estafa. As DAR Assistant Secretary, Andres employed deceit to convince Escorial to part with her money by making it appear that he has the power or influence to cause the award of the contract of security services in ISAs favor. It noted that this representation is false since he is not a member of the BAC designated to recommend the winning bidder or the DAR official who could make such award. It added that Andres had no power to award the contract in favor of ISA and that his false representation relative to his power to influence Undersecretary Nieto to award the contract, if money is given to the latter, is proof of deceit. The charge of Perjury was dropped for insufficiency of evidence. |TOP| Sandiganbayan convicts former Dapitan Mayor for graft, malversation Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph THE Office of the Ombudsman won the graft and malversation charges filed against a former municipal mayor of Dapitan City for pocketing close to P1 million in Confidential Intelligence Fund (CIF) from 1998 to 2001. In a 27-page Decision penned by Associate Justice Efren N. De la Cruz and concurred in by Associate Justices Rodolfo A. Ponferrada and Rafael R. Lagos, the Sandiganbayan First Division convicted Joseph Cedrick O. Ruiz. Ruiz was sentenced to suffer the penalty of imprisonment of six years and one month to eight years for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), and imprisonment of 12 years and one day of reclusion temporal minimum, as the minimum penalty, to 18 years and one day of reclusion temporal maximum, as the maximum penalty for violation of Article 217 (Malversation) of the Revised Penal Code. Aside from imprisonment, the former mayor who was eventually appointed as judge of the Regional Trial Court in Makati, was also slapped with perpetual special disqualification from holding any public office, fined P950,000 equivalent to the amount malversed, and ordered to indemnify the city of Dapitan the sum of P950,000, plus interest. Records showed that for the period from June 30, 1998 to June 30, 2001, Ruiz allowed Police Inspector Pepe E. Nortal to request, for and in his behalf, the withdrawal as cash advance the amount of P1 million from the CIF appropriated under the Office of the City Mayor for fiscal year 2001 to address the peace and order situation of Dapitan City. Nortal testified that Ruiz could not make the cash advance himself as he had not liquidated his previous cash releases. Of the amount, P50,000 was handed to Nortal for the PNP expenses. In convicting Ruiz, the Sandiganbayan stated that the timing of the P1 million cash advance was suspect as it was done on May 16, 2001 or five days after the May 11, 2001 elections, where he lost his bid for re-election. Accused Ruizs failure to satisfactorily explain where the money went is sufficient to conclude that he converted the same f or his personal use, the ruling stated. |TOP| MB places Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph
NEWS MB places Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan under PDIC receivership All valid insured deposit claims will be paid The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 823.A dated May 23, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on May 24, 2013. Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan is an 18-unit bank with Head Office located in Banga I, Plaridel Bulacan. It has 13 branches in Bulacan (Angat, Balagtas, Baliuag, Bocaue, Bulacan, Malolos, Malolos-Cabanas, Meycauayan, Paombong, Pulilan, San Jose del Monte City, San Miguel and Sta. Maria); and a branch each in Urdaneta (Pangasinan), Cainta (Rizal), Sta. Rosa (Laguna) and Makati (a microfinance-oriented branch). Latest available records show that as of March 31, 2013, Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan had 44,388 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P2.17 billion. A total of 44,166 deposit accounts or 99.5% of the accounts have balances of P500,000 or less and fully covered by deposit insurance. Total insured deposits amounted to P1.79 billion or 82.4% of the total deposits. PDIC said that upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00. The PDIC also announced that it will conduct Depositors-Borrowers Forums from May 30, 2013 to June 5, 2013 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. Claim forms will be distributed during the Forum. The schedule and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The claim forms and the requirements and procedures for filing are likewise available for downloading from the PDIC website. Depositors may update their addresses with the PDIC representatives at the bank premises or during the Forum using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be furnished by PDIC representatives. Duly accomplished Mailing Address Update Forms should be submitted to PDIC representatives accompanied by a photo-bearing ID of the depositor with signature. Depositors may update their addresses until June 13, 2013. Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P15,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims. But depositors who have outstanding obligations with the Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan including co-makers of the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank, regardless of amount, should file deposit insurance claims. For depositors that need not file deposit insurance claims, PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank no later than the 3rd week of June 2013. For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts no later than the 2nd week of July 2013. The schedule of the claims settlement operations will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as through the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of December 31, 2012 filed by the Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Crb Employees Credit Coop (39.74%) and United Coop Bankers Coop (34.77%). Its Chairman is Isidoro C. Santos and its President/CEO is Reynaldo C. Capalad. For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC(7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 8414630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. |TOP|
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Christ Commission Fellowship founder-president Dr. Peter Tan-Chi during the 2013 Care for Philippines (K4 Philippines) Prayer Assembly Global Discipleship Congress (GDC) at the (CCF) Auditorium in Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City on Friday (May 24). The common goal of K4Phil and GDC is seeing the nation transformed through leaders in government and society which is accomplished through the daily prayers, which focus on Kalusugan (Health), Kaligtasan (Protection), Karunungan (Wisdom), and Katuwiran (Righteousness) in governance. (Photo by: Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) K4 Philippines Intercessors Movement founder-president Bishop Jonel Milan, D.D. and CCF founder-president Dr. Peter Tan-Chi leads its congregation to pray-over President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 2013 Care for Philippines (K4 Philippines) Prayer Assembly Global Discipleship Congress at the Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium in Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City on Friday (May 24, 2013). The common goal of K4Phil and GDC is seeing the nation transformed through leaders in government and society which is accomplished through the daily prayers, which focus on Kalusugan (Health), Kaligtasan (Protection), Karunungan (Wisdom), and Katuwiran (Righteousness) in governance. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias / Marcelino Pascua / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 2013 Care for Philippines (K4 Philippines) Prayer Assembly Global Discipleship Congress (GDC) at the Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium in Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City on Friday (May 24). The common goal of K4Phil and GDC is seeing the nation transformed through leaders in government and society which is accomplished through the daily prayers, which focus on Kalusugan (Health), Kaligtasan (Protection), Karunungan (Wisdom), and Katuwiran (Righteousness) in governance. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias / Marcelino Pascua / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by K4 Philippines Intercessors Movement founderpresident Bishop Jonel Milan, D.D. and CCF founder-president Dr. Peter Tan-Chi upon arrival for the 2013 Care for Philippines (K4 Philippines) Prayer Assembly Global Discipleship Congress (GDC) at the Christ Commission Fellowship Auditorium in Frontera Verde Drive, Ortigas Avenue corner C-5, Pasig City on Friday (May 24). The common goal of K4Phil and GDC is seeing the nation transformed through leaders in government and society which is accomplished through the daily prayers, which focus on Kalusugan (Health), Kaligtasan (Protection), Karunungan (Wisdom), and Katuwiran (Righteousness) in governance. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias / Marcelino Pascua / Malacaang Photo Bureau)
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PIA Calabarzon 3 PR May 24, 2013, Dispatch For May 27, 2013 Monday

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PIA Calabarzon 3 PR May 24, 2013, Dispatch For May 27, 2013 Monday

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PIA Calabarzon 3 PR May 24 , 2013, Dispatch for May 27 , 2013 Monday,

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By Mamerta P. De Castro Friday 24th of May 2013

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