Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for August 1 , 2013 Thursday , 2 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 7 Weather Watch,
2 Regional Watch , 2 OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 4 Photonews

1.

Weather Watch

17 hours ago PAGASA TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT: Tropical Storm "Jolina" has maintained its strength and is now outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). LOCATION OF CENTER: As of 4:00pm, 530km west of Subic, Zambales (15.3N, 114.9E) STRENGTH: Maximum winds of 65kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph MOVEMENT: Northwest at 11kph FORECAST POSITIONS/OUTLOOK: Thursday afternoon: 720km west of Dagupan City

No Public Storm Warning Signals Raised FORECAST: Tropical Storm "Jolina" will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over MIMAROPA and over the provinces of Bataan, Zambales, Batangas and Cavite. With this development and unless re-entry occurs, this is the final bulletin for this weather disturbance. Meanwhile, another weather disturbance - a low pressure area (LPA) - was estimated at 130km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes (14.6N,125.4E).

2. Weather Watch
3 hours ago PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar on DZMM Re: weather update -Yung bagyong Jolina ay lumabas na po kahapon pero may namataan po tayong bagong LPA na nasa 245km silangan ng Casiguran, Aurora. -Kung sakaling ito ay maging ganap na bagyo papangalanan itong Kiko. -Mayroon pa rin pong epekto sa hanging Habagat (bagyong Jolina). -Apektado rin ng Habagat ang Metro Manila.

3. Weather Watch
4 hours ago PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar on DZMM -Nagbabanta sa Cagayan ang binabantayan nating LPA na may posibilidad na maging bagyo habang lumalapit

sa kalupaan.Huli itong namataan 245 km silangan ng Casiguran, Aurora. -Mataas ang tiyansa nito na maging ganap na bagyo sa ngayon dahil sa gumagandang sirkulasyon ng kaulapan nito at tatawagin itong Kiko . -Samantala, umiiral ang Habagat o southwest monsoon sa kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon, dahilan upang ang Gitnang Luzon at mga lalawigan ng Quezon, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela at Batanes Group of Islands ay makakaasa ng katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsa'y malakas na pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog. Maaari iyang magdulot ng pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. - Habang mahina hanggang katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog naman sa Metro Manila, ilang bahagi ng Luzon, Kanlurang Visayas at CARAGA region. - Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay makakaaasa na ng maaliwalas na panahon bukod na lamang sa pulopulong pag-ulan. - May gale warning na nakataas ngayon sa kanlurang bahagi ng bansa. Saklaw ng babala ang Western Seaboard ng Luzon partikular sa Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, western coast ng Ilocos Norte, Zambales Cavite, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, western coast ng Palawan at Batangas.Pinapayuhan ang mga mangingisda na may maliliit na bangka na ipagpaliban muna ang paglaot dahil sa pinag-ibayong hangin ng Tropical Storm Jolina.

4. Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5AM, 01 August. SYNOPSIS: At 4:00 am today, The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 245 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (16.7N, 124.8E). Southwest Monsoon affecting the western section of Luzon. FORECAST: Central Luzon and the provinces of Quezon, Pangasinan, La Union, Cagayan, Isabela and Batanes Group Of Islands will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Western Visayas and CARAGA region will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the entire archipelago and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

5. Weather Watch
14 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GMA: Nakalabas na ng PAR kaninang hapon ang bagyong Jolina pero isang LPA naman ang namataan sa layong 130 km Northeast ng Virac, Catanduanes. Samantala, mataas naman ang posibilidad ng pag-ulan sa buong maghapon sa Metro Manila bukas. Inaasahan din ang katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na pag-ulan sa Visayas dahil sa epekto ng hanging Habagat kung saan mas malakas ang pag-ulan sa western section nito. Asahan naman ang minsang maulap na papawirin sa Mindanao na may kasamang mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan.

6. Weather Watch
14 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines ABS-CBN: Kalalabas lamang ng bagyong "Jolina" sa PAR na nasa West Philippine Sea na ngayon at patungong

China. Habang palabas si "Jolina," may isang LPA namang namuo sa may Virac, Catanduanes. Hindi ito magiging bagyo dahil posibleng sumama ito sa sirkulasyon ng kalalabas lang na bagyo. Samantala, asahan ang maulap at maulan na pahaon sa Luzon bukas, lalo na sa Metro Manila. Sa Visayas naman, asahan ang maulan na panahon doon. Asahan din ang maulap na panahon sa Mindanao habang hindi naman magiging kalakasan ang magiging pag-ulan doon.

7. Weather Watch
16 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong on DZBB: - Nakalabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Jolina. As of 4:00pm, ito ay nasa layong 530 km kanluran ng Subic, Zambales. Ang lakas ng hangin nito ay 65 kph malapit sa gitna at may pagbugso na umaabot ng 80 kph. Ito po ay patuloy na kumikilos ng hilagang-kanluran na may bilis na 11 kph. Patungo ito ng Southern China. - Samantala, mayroon naman tayong namataang LPA na nasa layong 130 km hilagang-silangan ng Virac, Catanduanes. Medyo maliit ang tsansang maging bagyo ito. - Ang rehiyon ng MIMAROPA at ang probinsya ng Batangas, Cavite, Zambales at Bataan ay inaasahang magkakaroon ng katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na pag-ulan. - Dito po sa kanlurang bahagi ng Luzon, dahil sa bagyong Jolina, medyo may kataasan po ang pag-alon ng karagatan diyan. Mapanganib po ang lugar na iyan lalo na po sa maliliit na sasakyang pandagat.

Weather Watch

August 1 , 2013 ( Thursday )

as of 8 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Cloudy and Windy Sunny Fair Weather Fair Weather Partly Cloudy with Scattered rainshowers

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago PIA IV-A/CAVITE: Members of the Cavite Mayors' League signed a manifesto to support the national government' campaign to reduce the traffic mess in Metro Manila paricularly the E.O. 67 or the Integrated Transport Terminal and the Interim Transport Terminal of the Department of Transportation and Communication in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. Ruel Francisco

2. PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago PIA- IVA/QUEZON: The Quezon Provincial Employment Service Office (PESO) will conduct special recruitment activity today, July 31 for domestic helpers at Singapore. Interested applicants should apply at PESO office, provincial capitol building,

1.

PIA OFW Watch

16 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GTV: Kinumpirma ng POEA na tinanggal na ang OFW deployment ban sa Iraq liban sa apat na lugar kung saan magulo pa rin ang sitwasyon.

2. PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday DZBB: Tinuligsa ng Migrante Middle East ang pag-alis ng ban sa OFW na makapagtrabaho sa Iraq sa gitna ng pagsiklab ng karahasan sa ilang lugar doon. Sinabi ni Migrante Middle East coordinator John Lenard Monterona na ang nasabing hakbang ay maling payo.

A. QUEZON
1. Tagalog news: Quezon prov'l veterinary office, patuloy sa programang AI sa mga hayop
By Ruel M. Orinday Thursday 1st of August 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Agosto 1 (PIA) -- Iniulat ng tanggapan ng panlalawigang beterinaryo na patuloy ang kanilang programang "artificial insemination" (AI) sa mga alagang hayop sa mga bayan sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon. Sinabi ni Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Flomella Caguicla na sa nakalipas na mga linggo, siyam na bayan ang nabigyan nila ng serbisyong AI o ang pagtuturok ng semilya sa mga alagang hayop tulad ng baka, kalabaw at baboy upang mabilis na mapadami ang lahi. Bunga nito, walong alagang kalabaw ang matagumpay na nagbuntis sa tulong ng AI habang 14 na baboy, 29 na baka at 74 na kalabaw pa ang sumailalim sa artificial insemination. Dagdag pa rito, may 281 magsasaka ang nakinabang sa libreng pagbabakuna ng mga alagang hayop, pagpapainom o pagtuturok ng bitamina at deworming sa mga ito. Ang programang AI ng provincial veterinary office ay naglalayong matulungan ang mga magsasaka sa lalawigan na magkaroon ng karagdagang kita sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaki at pagpaparami ng mga alagang hayop.

Nagsasagawa din ang nasabing tanggapan ng quarantine checkpoint sa mga hayop na pumapasok at lumalabas sa lalawigan ng Quezon. Nakapagtala ang tanggapan ng 78 sasakyang nasuri na naglalaman ng 2,892 na baboy na pumasok at lumabas sa probinsiya; 15 baka, 15 kalabaw, 15 kambing at 12 kabayo. Kaugnay naman ng programa na maging rabies-free ang Quezon na isa sa hangarin at inisyatibo ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pangunguna ni Gov. Suarez at ng tanggapan ng panlalawigang beterinaryo, umabot sa 25 na aso ang naturukan ng anti-rabies sa nakalipas na isang linggo. (CPG/RMO-PIA4A Quezon at ulat mula sa Quezon PIO)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA
1. DTI, AISL sign MOA to curb undelivered balikbayan boxes
By Carlo P. Gonzaga Thursday 1st of August 2013 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Aug.1 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) forged an agreement with the Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc., (AISL) as an added measure to eliminate the incidence of abandoned and/ or undelivered balikbayan boxes due to failure to remit funds by unscrupulous foreign consolidators to their Philippine agents/ freight forwarders. In the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between DTI and AISL held recently at the DTI head office in Makati, the DTI, represented by Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, and AISL, represented by its president, Mr. Edgar C. Milia, commited to collaborate and exchange information to ensure that the balikbayan boxes sent by overseas Filipinos to their families and relatives in the Philippines will be delivered to rightful consignees. "The Department is grateful for the AISL and its member lines for assisting government in its effort to protect the rights of Filipinos, particularly those overseas," Undersecretary Maglaya said. "We believe that through DTI's partnership with AISL, the number of complaints on abandoned and undelivered balikbayan boxes will be significantly reduced," she added. DTI reported that from 2008 up to present, 550 complaints have been received, processed, acted upon, monitored, and referred to. The peak of complaints at DTI was in 2011 with a total of 208, which were mostly on undelivered balikbayan boxes. In 2012, PSB posted a total of 150 complaints.

The DTI-AISL agreement specifies that the DTI regularly provides its PSB advisory that includes the lists of accredited seafreight forwarders; foreign consolidators and its local counterparts, and freight forwarders with pending administrative cases and complaints. Consequently, the AISL is prompted by the DTI's advisory to screen incoming shipments in their ports of origin. DTI-Philippine Shippers' Bureau Director-in-Charge Victoria Mario A. Dimagiba emphasized, "The information from our office will properly guide the AISL in accepting or denying bookings of consolidated balikbayan box shipments at their areas". DTI explained that with the proper information from DTI, the shipping lines may refuse carriage of consolidated balikbayan box shipments if the foreign consolidator is in DTI's Advisory of those companies and/ or the Philippine Agent/ Freight Forwarder with complaints at DTI or has no DTI accreditation to engage in freight forwarding business. DTI also added that shipments of foreign consolidators whose Philippine agents are not DTI-accredited may also be denied. "The DTI is pleased with its partnership with AISL because we know that the international shipping lines play a vital role in bringing in and sending out packages for many Filipinos from countries around the world," Undersecretary Maglaya said. The DTI-PSB implements the accreditation scheme for sea freight forwarders categorized as non-vessel operating common carrier, international freight forwarder, and domestic freight forwarder according to Executive Order No. 514 and PSB Administrative Order 06, Series of 2005. As of July 05, 2013, the DTI-PSB has accredited 633 freight forwarders. AISL is a non-stock, non-profit corporation which consists of 41 container shipping lines calling Philippine ports and carrying around 85% of the volume of Philippine containerized export and import cargoes. It is recognized as the spokesman of international container shipping in the Philippines. For the list of accredited sea freight forwarders, visit www.dti.gov.ph or call DTI-PSB at 751.3304. (Charlie Dajao, DTI4A/PIA4A)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

31 JULY 2013.

1. President Aquino enjoins support for first ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in Manila 2. Malacanang says DTI and associations of flour millers and bakers studying ways to improve yield of Harinang Pinoy, main ingredient in Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal 3. Palace says its well-versed about corruption in the Bureau of Customs 4. Palace asks Bicols cooperation to resolve power concerns
1. President Aquino enjoins support for first ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in Manila

President Benigno S. Aquino III has enjoined all heads of departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned-controlled corporations, local government units, and state colleges and universities to extend full support for the 1st ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering on September 24-26 in Manila. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on July 19. With the theme Integrating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in the ASEAN for Food Security, Climate Change Mitigation and Global Practice, the conference will lay t he initial groundwork for the development of harmonized qualifications and standards necessary for the mobility of agricultural engineering services in ASEAN Region which will help achieve long-term competitiveness of ASEANs food, agriculture and forestry products/commodities. The Board of Agricultural Engineering of the Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council-Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee, in coordination with the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Services, is set to conduct the First ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering this September. In collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Commission on Higher Education and the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, the organizers will hold the three-day event at the Manila Hotel. Agricultural engineers of various government agencies are encouraged to participate in the said ASEAN Conference, subject to the approval of their respective heads of offices, and in accordance to the regular procedures for leaves of absences and availability of funds. The President directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to extend assistance in coordinating with concerned officials and embassies of all ASEAN countries to encourage the participation/attendance of their agricultural engineers, agricultural and biosystems engineers and concerned officials to the said ASEAN conference. PND (js) TOP 2. Malacanang says DTI and associations of flour millers and bakers studying ways to improve yield of Harinang Pinoy, main ingredient in Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal

The Department of Trade and Industry is working with members from the associations of flour millers and bakers into developing a higher yielding batch of Harinang Pinoy, a low-cost flour ingredient used to make Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal, two favorite bread types of Filipinos that may cost higher to buy, Malacanang said on Wednesday. In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that until then, millers and bakers have committed not to increase prices of these two bread types.

He added that if studies on improving the yield of Harinang Pinoy will not materialize, bakers will have to use the much more expensive local flour which in turn will increase the prices of Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal. The commitment the millers is to find ways to improve the yield of Harinang Pinoy so theyre doing it right now and the bakers have committed na wala munang price increase ngayon but theyre planning na sakaling gagamit na sila ng local flour magiging expensive na yan, Lacierda said. DTI is reviewing their suggested price but were looking already how the millers will improve the yield of Harinang Pinoy. Wala na munang pag-galaw sa presyo ng Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal dahil pinag-aaralan ng DTI kasama ng mga bakers and millers kung ano magagawa nila, he added. The Presidential Spokesperson clarified that the planned price increase will only affect Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal. Lets just clarify: its not all the bread whose prices will increase. Were focused only on Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal because these two types of bread use a different kind of flour called Harinang Pinoy, Lacierda said. So ang concern nila ay sa Pinoy Tasty at sa Pinoy Pandesal at hindi sa lahat ng tasty o pandesal. The bakers are limited to this, he said. PND (rck) TOP 3. Palace says its well-versed about corruption in the Bureau of Customs

Malacanang said it has enough information about the severity of the corruption in the Bureau of Customs and knows the scope of the overhaul needed to reform the bureau. Part of the process of instituting reforms is to know the battlefield. It is safe to say that we know the battlefield and we know the lay of the land; and so, what the reforms are will be in response to the lay of the land, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday. Pressed by reporters if the President has solid evidence to prove Customs personnel who are involved in smuggling, Lacierda said the Palace cant divulge at this time the measures to be carried out to reform the bureau. You will know our reforms. We dont want to telegraph our measure. If I answer you one way, there will be a lot of implications or consequences unnecessary consequences or unintended consequences. So the safest answer is to say: you will know, he said. In his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 22, the President lashed out at BOC personnel for not collecting more than P200 billion from the smuggled goods. The President said that instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing contraband from entering the country, those officials permitted the smuggling of goods, drugs, arms and other items into the country. Customs personnel who could not do their job dont deserve to remain in office, he said. Senator Francis Escudero, the Senate finance committee chair, on Tuesday filed a resolution directing three committees to investigate the padrino system in the BOC. Escuderos resolution mandates his committee as well as the Senate blue ribbon and ways and means committees to spearhead the investigation of a rumored patronage system in the customs bureau. PND (as) TOP 4. Palace asks Bicols cooperation to resolve power concerns

Malacanang asked Bicolanos to help resolve the current energy concerns in Bicol that have been affecting other sectors including tourism. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla will be meeting with Bicols local leaders, especially those from Albay to solve the problem. This is a problem of Bicol and we ask the people from Bicol to also help in resolving the problem. This cannot bleed forever. It has to stop, and thats the reason why Secretary Petilla is going to meet with them, Lacierda said. Petilla will meet three congressmen from Bicol as well as the AKO Bicol party-list representative about the action of the national government to resolve the issue. The lawmakers realized that theres a need to improve the situation of the Albay Electric Cooperative Inc. (Aleco), he said.

Hindi na pwedeng lumaki pa itong problema dahil kung hindi maayos ito, lalaki at lalaki ang problema, Lacierda said. The province of Albay has been cut off from the power grid starting Tuesday after Aleco failed to settle debts with the electricity spot market. The Department of Energy (DOE) said the Philippine Electricity Market Corp (PEMC), which operates the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), as well as power plant operators sought Alecos disconnection. The DOE said power producers have obligations to their creditors, while the financial viability of the WESM must be ensured. Reports said the Alecos arrears have ballooned to nearly P4 billion as a result of poor collections, high system losses, pilferage, and failure to secure long-term power supply contracts. PND (as) TOP

ARCHIVE 2013 31 HULYO 2013 1. Puspusang suporta ang panawagan ng Pangulong Aquino sa idaraos na ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering 2. Inihayag ng Palasyo na pinag-aaralan ng DTI at ng samahan ng flour millers and bakers ang pagpaparami ng pandesal mula sa harinang Pinoy 3. Hindi lingid sa Palasyo ang tungkol sa katiiwalian sa Aduwana 4. Hiniling ng Palasyo ang tulong ng taga-Bicol para malunasanan ang problema nila sa koryente 1. Puspusang suporta ang panawagan ng Pangulong Aquino sa idaraos na ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystem Engineering

Puspusang suporta ang atas ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa lahat ng puno ng mga kagawaran, mga ahensiya at sangay ng pamahalaang pambansa, gayundin ang mga korporasyonng pagmamay-ari o kontrolado ng pamahalaan, mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga kolehiyo at pamantasan ng pamahalaan sa idaraos na 1st ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering sa Setyembre 24-26 sa Manila Hotel. Ang atas ay sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Circular No. 52 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Hulyo 19. Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga tanggapan ng pamahalaang lumahok sa natur ang ASEAN Conference na maglalatag ng magkakatulad na hakbangin at pamantayang kailangan upang mapasigla ang agricultural engineering services sa Rehiyong ASEAN upang patuloy na matamo ng ASEAN ang kakayahang magkaroon ng kasapatan sa pagkain, mga produktong agrikultural at buhat sa mga kagubatan. Paksang-diwa ng Kapulungan ang Integrating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in ASEAN for Food Security, Climate Change Mitigation and Global Practice. Sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa ASEAN Coordinating Committee, magtutulungan sa paghahanda at pagdaraos ng kapulungang ito na nakatakdang gawin sa Setyembre ang Board of Agricultural Engineering ng Professional Regulation Commission, Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers at National Agricultural and Fishery CouncilAgricultural and Fishery Mechanization Committee. Makikiisa rin sa kapulungang ito ang Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Hanapbuhay, Kagawaranng Pagsasaka, Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya, Commission on Higher Educztion at Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association. Ang Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ay inatasan din ng Pangulo na tumulong nang puspusan sa kinauukulang pinuno at embahada ng mga bansang ASEAN upang mahimok na lumahok ang kanilang mga agricultural and biosystems engineers sa kapulungang nasabi. PND (js/zaf) TOP 2. Inihayag ng Palasyo na pinag-aaralan ng DTI at ng samahan ng flour millers and bakers ang pagpaparami ng pandesal mula sa harinang Pinoy Magkatuwang ang Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya at ang mga samahan ng flour millers at bakers para higit na maraming Pinoy Pandesal at Pinoy Tasty ang magawa buhat sa murang halaga na Harinang Pinoy para hindi

tumaas ang halaga ng mga paboritong tinapay ng mga Pilipino. Ito ang sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles at idinugtong na nangako naman ang mga millers at bakers na hindi sila magtataas ng presyo ng dalawang uring tinapay na ito. Idinugtong niya na kung ang pag-aaral kung paano mapararami ang magagawang pandesal at Pinoy Tasty mula sa Harinang Pinoy ay nangako naman ang mga millers at may panaderya na hindi pa sila magtataas ng presyo. Sinabi ni Lacierda na sa pag-aaral ay hindi mapararami ang magagawang tinapay buhat sa Harinang Pinoy, walang magagawa ang mga may panaderya kundi gamitin ang higit na mahal na harinang lokal na mangangahulugang tataas ang presyo ng Pinoy Tasty at Pinoy Pandesal. Ang pangako ng millers ay hahanap sila ng paraan kung paano mapararami ang magagawang tinapay buhat sa harinang Pinoy na kasalukuyan nga nilang ginagawa at hindi pa sila nagtataas ng halaga ngayon. Ngunit sakaling gagamit sila ng lokal na harina, magiging higit na mahal ito, sabi ni Lacierda. Sinusuri na ng DTI ang mungkahing presyo, ngunit ang sinisikap ay kung paano mapararami ang tinapay na gagawin buhat sa Harinang Pinoy. Wala munang paggalaw sa presyo ng Pinoy Tasty at Pinoy Pandesal dahil pinag-aaralan nga ng DTI, kasama ang mga bakers at millers kung ano ang magagawa nila, dugtong ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo. Niliwanag ni Lacierda na ang balak na pagdaragdag ng presyo ay para lamang sa Pinoy Pandesal at Pinoy Tasty. Liliwanagin lamang natin.Hindi lahat ng presyo ng tinapay ay tataas. Nakatuon lamang kami sa Pinoy Tasty at Pinoy Pandesal sapagkat ang dalawang klaseng tinapay na ito ang ginagamitan ng kaibang uri ng harina na kung tawagin, Harinang Pinoy, dagdag ni Lacierda. Kaya ito ay para lamang sa Pinoy Tasty at Pinoy Pandesal at hindi sa lahat ng tasty o pandesal, sabi pa ni Lacierda. PND (rck/zaf) TOP 3. Hindi lingid sa Palasyo ang tungkol sa katiiwalian sa Aduwana

Tahasang sinabi ng Malacanang na hindi lingid sa kabatiran nito ang matinding katiwalian sa Kawanihan ng Aduwana kaya kailangan ang malawakang reporma sa kawanihang nasabi. Bahagi ng proseso ng repormang gagawin ang alamin ang battlefield. Ang masasabi ko, alam namin ang battlefield at walang nalilingid sa amin. Kaya nga, ang repormang gagawin ay maaayon sa larangang kinakaharap, tahasang wika ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong -balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Sinabi ni Lacierda na hindi maibubunyag pa ng Palasyo sa panahong ito kung ano ang gagawing mga hakbang para maisagawa ang pagbalasa sa kawanihan. Malalaman ninyo ang mga repormang gagawin. Hindi namin ibig ihayag agad ang mga hakbang na ito. Kung sa sagutin ko kayo, maraming mga implikasyong mangyayari mga hindi karapat-dapat na pangyayari. Kaya ang pinakamabuting isagot ko: malalaman din ninyo, sabi ni Lacierda sa pamimilit ng mga reporter kung may matitibay na ebidensiya para patunayang may mga tauhan ang Aduwana na sangkot sa ismagling. Sa kanyang Ulat sa Bayan (SONA) noong Hulyo 22, pinilantik ng Pangulo ang mga tauhan ng Aduwana sa hindi pagpapataw ng buwis sa mahigit na P200 bilyong mga panindang puslit. Ayon sa Pangulo, sa halip na patawan ng karampatang buwis at iwasang makapasok ang mga kontrabando sa bansa, pinahihintulutan pa ng mga opisyal na ito na makapasok sa bansa ang mga puslit na paninda, droga, sandata at iba pang mga bagay. Ang mga pinuno ng Aduwana na hindi makatupad sa kanilang tungkulin ay walang karapatang manatili sa kanilang opisina, pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo. Nagharap ng resolusyon si Senador Francis Escudero, tagapangulo ng Lupon ng Senado sa Pananalapi, noong Martes na na nag-atas sa tatlong komite ng Senado na siyasatin ang tinatawag na padrino system sa Aduwana. Sa resolusyon ay may mandato ang kanyang lupon, gayundin ang mga lupon ng Blue Ribbon at Ways and Means Committees na siyasatin ang sinasabing patronage system sa Kawanihan ng Aduwana. PND (as/zaf) TOP 4. Hiniling ng Palasyo ang tulong ng taga-Bicol para malunasanan ang problema nila sa koryente

Hiniling ng Malacanang sa mga Bicolano na tumulong sa paglutas sa kasalukuyang problema nila sa koryente na nakaaapekto sa iba pang sektor, kabilang na ang turismo. Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles, sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na

makikipagpulong si Kalihim Jericho Petilla sa mga lokal na lider ng Bicol, lalo na sa Albay, para malutas ang problema. Ito ay problema ng Bicol kaya hinihiling namin sa mga mamamayan ng Bicol na tumulong sa paglutas sa problema. Kailangang malunasan ito, kaya nga kakausapin sila ni Kalihim Petlla, sabi pa ni Laci erda. Makikipagpulong si Petilla sa tatlong kinatawan ng Bicol at sa kinatawan ng Ako Bicol party-list tungkol sa hakbang ng pamahalaang pambansa para malutas ang bagay na ito. Sinabi ni Lacierda na alam ng mga mambabatas na kailangang ayusin ang kalagayan ng Albay Electric Cooperative Inc. (ALECO). Hindi na puwedeng lumaki pa itong problema dahil kung hindi maaayos ito, lalaki at lalaki ang problema, dugtong ni Lacierda. Pinutulan ng koryente ang buong lalawigan ng Albay mula noong Martes nang mabigo ang ALECO na bayaran ang utang nito sa electricity spot market. Ayon sa Kagawaran ng Enerhiya (DOE) ang Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) na nag-papalakad ng Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), gayundin ang power plant operators ang huminging putulan ng koryente ang ALECO. Idinagdag ng DOE na ang mga power producers ay may sagutin sa kanilang pinagkakautangan at dapat matiyak ang katatagan ng pananalapi ng WESM. Salig sa mga ulat, umabot na sa halos P4 bilyon ang utang ng ALECO dahil sa hirap maningil, malaki ang pagkalugi, pagnanakaw at kabiguang makakuha ng pangmatagalang power supply contracts. PND (as/zaf) TOP

President S. Aquino III's Speech during the Opening of "A Gift of Self" Exhibit Lobby Lounge, Manila Hotel 29 July 2013

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Baka napansin ho nyo, tatlo sa kapatid ko may painting dito sa gitnang pader na to, baka hinahanap nyo yong sa akin, simple lang naman po ang paliwanag diyan. Karamihan ho sa inyo nandito, palagay ko mayroon kayong mga pinahiram na mga painting na bigay sa inyo ng Nanay kobuti pa kayo. [laughter] Tinanong ko pa kasi Nanay ko, sabi ko, Mom, favorite son mo ako, wala ka pang binibigay sa akin. Sagot niya sa akin, Pulitiko ka, baka pamigay mo lang. Ngayon, nalaman ko lang si Vice President mayroon dinpulitiko rin siya. Hanggang namatay ang Nanay ko, may pinahiram po siya sa aking mga paintings sa office sa Senate, and now in my office currently, naka-display doon. On-loan from the family siguro iyon. Kaya tatanungin ko baka mayroong note na iniwan ang Nanay ko na baka mayroong conditionality na when I retire from politics, I will be given a painting miski a painting. Those of you with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing some personal time will attest to my love of books and music. Of course, now that very little of my time is my own, the piles of CDs and reading material that I must set aside for another day grow taller each time I look at them. For nowand for the next two years, eleven months, and two daysthe thought of turning up the volume, and actually immersing myself in a book without worrying about things of national importance, must remain something to look forward to. I believe that what those books and CDs are to me, painting was to Mom a president who, in light of the enormous challenges she faced, had to defer simpler pleasures for a later time. After all, she had to restore and nurture a democracy after more than a decade of tyranny. And there were also the coup attempts, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, and a very long El Nio, among others. She had to be a mother to the entire nation. In that trying time, prayerwhich was already a constant in her lifebecame her greatest refuge. Given her presidency, and the amount of time she spent helping others, my sisters and I were glad to see Mom develop an interest in painting. Beginning in 1996, Mom worked with oils and acrylics under the guidance of Jeff Consumo to produce studies on her favorite subjects: women and flowers, all in bright colors.

Looking back, I cannot think of an activity more appropriate for Mom someone who wanted a quiet home life, who would have been content with being a wife and partner to Dad, and a mother to us. So, even if she could never fully withdraw from the public sphere, Mom took the opportunity to revert to quiet things on her own time. As my older sister Ballsy said in a speech two years ago: Painting was an extension of Moms deep and abiding spirituality. And it was only natural for this to come to life in the canvases she filled with images of optimism and hope, expressions of her appreciation for the simplest, and yet the most beautiful things in life. In these ideals, Mom has always been consistent. She understood how freedom was such a fundamental requirement for human life, and so she fought for it and taught others to appreciate and care for it. She had every hope that the Philippines could rise above the dark days of Martial Law, and so she did all that she could to uplift the country, and to inspire others to do the same. Moms paintings are a very small part of the legacy she left behind. It is a legacy we feel every day as we live and work in a society now free from the iron fist of the dictator and from a military and police force who existed to serve one man alone. Most people would think that my family would be daunted by all this; they will wonder if we are burdened by the pressure to live up to our name. Let me be clear: it is not a burden. It reminds us what each and every one of us is capable of. This is also why I keep Moms painting of some flowers and a rosary in my office in Malacaangan office once used ironically by Mr. Marcos himself. More than ensuring that Mom and Dad are always close by, that painting reminds me what my duties are as President and as a Filipino. Our parents were extraordinary people who did extraordinary things, but the lessons they taught us were very simple: live with honor and follow your conscience. Always make the most of opportunities to alleviate the suffering of your countrymen. And, perhaps the simplest lesson of all: have faith, in both God and the people. It was because of faith that Mom found the courage to stand up against the dictatorship. It was because of faith that she was able to keep putting other people before herself, to keep giving until the very end. Mom valued her privacy, but she was never a solitary or selfish person. Whether in prayer, in service, or in art, the thought of other people was never far from her mind. So, even when she found a hobby she could truly indulge in, she chose to instead give of herself just a little more. She held joint exhibits with friends, and sold some of her paintings to raise funds for her advocacies. And she also gave away many of her works to friends and colleaguesthose of you here with us today, and may I add also relatives excluding yours truly. [laughter] I believe there is no more appropriate title for this exhibit than the one it bears: A Gift of Self. We would not be here if it were not for Moms selflessness. This is more than just an art exhibit, and my family and I are humbled and honored by your presence here: by the way the entire nation continues to cherish Cory Aquino and her legacy. And it is our deepest hope that your love for Mom does not stop with gratitude that you choose to live out her example every day, and do your part in building a better country. Thank you. Good evening. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
31 JULY 2013

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Total Gross Revenue Index of industries NCMB Region 7 resolves notice of strike in a Cebu beach resort Baldoz announces August job fairs; says she's upbeat for more jobs in the regions Biazon inspects PhP 255 million seized smuggled goods at Cebu Govt enhances AHJAG, security coordination against lawless elements in Mindanao Kaninyumanggi, the rise of DOSTs brown rice Secretary Del Rosario leads DFA Foundation Day celebration, lauds men and women of the DFA for steadfast commitment to promoting Phl Foreign Policy 8. Phl non-resident Ambassador to Andorra presents credentials to French President 9. DAR distributes agri lands in Cebu 10. ANNOUNCEMENT: Publication of Nominees for Various Professional Regulatory Boards (July 25, 2013) 11. VP Binay: Improved economy will prevent Pinoys from committing crime abroad 12. Let's just wait for Lanuza's release-VP Binay urges NGOs 13. GSIS offers restructuring for housing loan borrowers 14. Abad: Digitized payroll key to efficiency, transparency in gov't

15. DOLE and tripartite partners review, update Project JobsFit

1. Total Gross Revenue Index of industries Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph Total Gross Revenue Index of key industries continued to grow by 9.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013. Among industries, Finance posted the fastest growth at 18.1 percent from 12.7 percent followed by Private Services with an accelerated growth of 14.8 percent from 9.4 percent in the previous year. Meanwhile, Real Estate, the fastest growing industry for the past 2 years, decelerated to 12.1 percent from 28.1 percent. Trade and Manufacturing, likewise, contributed positively to the growth with 11.1 percent and 6.6 percent from 15.9 percent and 1.1 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Transport and Communication declined by 0.1 percent from a growth of 8.8 percent. Total Employment Index slowed down to 1.3 percent from a growth of 3.0 percent in the previous year. This was due to the slower growths in Manufacturing and Real Estate sectors. The deceleration was further compounded by the continued decline in Transportation and Communication, and Trade with negative 3.2 percent and negative 1.8 percent, respectively. On the other hand, Mining and Quarrying and Private Services paced up to a growth of 11.4 percent and 6.7 percent, respectively in Q1 2013. Total Compensation Index managed to maintain its growth to 8.0 percent in Q1 2013 from 8.8 percent a year ago. Mining and Quarrying recorded the fastest growth at 18.0 percent from 11.2 percent. This was followed by Transportation and Communication at 15.8 percent, which expanded from its 3.7 percent growth in 2012. The rest of the sectors also recorded positive growths in Compensation Index during the quarter. With compensation growing faster than employment, Total Compensation per Employee Index accelerated to 6.6 percent from 5.7 percent in the previous year. Growth was driven by the robust performance of Transport and Communication, which grew by 19.7 percent, and the favorable performance of the other sectors. Real Estate, however, continued to decline by 5.1 percent. This report is based on the July 2013 issue of the Quarterly Economic Indices (QEI) of the Philippines. |TOP| 2. NCMB Region 7 resolves notice of strike in a Cebu beach resort Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the settlement of the notice of strike (NOS) involving the P and I Resorts Inc. in San Isidro, San Fernando in Cebu following the successful conciliation efforts of the National Conciliation Mediation Board Regional Branch No. 7. Baldoz, citing a report from NCMB Executive Director Reynaldo R. Ubaldo, said the NOS of PULCHRA Beach Resort Employees Union has been amicably settled on 24 April 2013. NCMB-RB No. 7 Conciliator-Mediator Gemma R. Poloyapoy facilitated the settlement. I commend the parties for choosing a peaceful solution to their dispute. A strike could have been debilitating. It could have paralyzed the operations of the company and affected the resort patrons. Worse, it could have hurt the workers, said Baldoz. P and I Resorts, Inc. is engaged in recreational services and has 80 employees. Located at San Isidro, San Fernando, Cebu, it is represented by Koji Inoue, general manager; Bernadette Hernaez, human resource manager; and Atty. Joselyn Pesquera, legal counsel. PI Resorts, Inc. PULCHRA Beach Resort Employees Union is an affiliate of the Alliance of Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) which represents for collective bargaining purposes the 80 workers in the bargaining unit, 40 of whom are union members. It is headed by Santiago Marivall Enad. On 21 March 2013, the union filed a notice of strike (NOS) against the management for alleged unfair labor practice, specifically union busting due to alleged dismissal of the union president, and non-compliance with grievance procedure. Conciliator-Mediator Gemma Poloyapoy, who was assigned to conciliate the dispute, conducted several conferences between the union and management to narrow their differences and arrive at a settlement. On 24 April 2013, Enad, on behalf of the union, accepted the managements offer of early retirement program benefits amounting P142, 514. The agreement on the settlement was sealed with an ALU-TUCP representative concurring. Baldoz, in expressing her thanks to the union and the management for opting to dialogue and explore a peaceful solution to the dispute, said: This receptiveness to amicable and peaceful settlement showed the unions and the managements maturity, which augurs well for harmonious working relations in the establishment. |TOP| 3. Baldoz announces August job fairs; says she's upbeat for more jobs in the regions Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph To sustain the Department of Labor and Employments efforts in facilitating employment in the country, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that more DOLE job fairs are coming this August as a fresh reminder to those who are looking for work. "There is no time to waste. We are bringing employment opportunities closer to more job seekers as the government is serious in realizing a job-led growth, especially in those areas at the periphery of socio-economic development," Baldoz said. The conduct of yearround job fairs is one of the DOLEs employment facilitation strategies to provide jobseekers continuous opportunities to find jobs and to assist employers to find qualified workers. The DOLE conducts mega job fairs, city and municipal job fairs, in-house job fairs, mini-job fairs, and barangay job fairs in close coordination with local government units (LGUs) and the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). These job fairs are supervised by the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) and DOLE regional offices. For the month of August, the job fairs to be conducted in both urban and rural areas are as follows: NCR: 3 and 10 August-PESO Mandaluyong; 16 AugustPESO Pasay City Office; 17, 21, and 31 August-PESO Mandaluyong. Region 1: (No specific date yet) St. Louis College, San Fernando City La Union and LGU- San Carlos City, Pangasinan; 16 August-Binalonan, Pangasinan;

Region 3: (No date yet) Pag-asa Multi-Purpose Gym, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Region 6: (No date yet) LGUIloilo City and PESO Office Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental; Region 7: 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 AugustBarangay Area, Cebu City; 25 August -Cebu Provincial Capitol, Cebu City; Region 10: 15 August -Municipal Hall, Catarman Camiguin; and Municipal Gym Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. Region12: (No date yet) Malungon Gym, Sarangani; 7 August-Magpet, North Cotabato; 21 August-Kabacan, North Cotabato; Caraga: 8 August-Bayugan Municipal Hall, Agusan del Sur; 16 August-Surigao City Hall, Surigao City; and 22 August-Hinatuan Municipal Hall, Surigao del Sur. The DOLE's year-round job fair schedules and venues are posted for online accessibility in the governments job and skills matching portal, www.phil-job.net. As DOLE regional offices brace for more job fairs towards the end of 2013, Baldoz encouraged students and jobseeke rs to visit or contact the DOLEs regional and field offices and the Public Employment Service Offices in their localities to check the latest job fair venues and the list of licensed private recruitment and placement agencies (PRPAs) and their authorized branch offices and representatives to guide them in their job hunting. Our DOLE front liners, in partnership with our PESO officers, will assist jobseekers in verifying the authenticity and legitimacy of companies and local recruitment agencies so they will not be duped into non-existing jobs or illegal recruitment scams," she said, adding that a visit to PESO is helpful if they wish to avail of other employment facilitation assistance and services. "For example, they should know the schedule of our job fairs, training, and career counseling which could help them get into skills-fit employment opportunities, or find about enterprise or livelihood opportunities as alternative to wage or salaried employment," the labor and employment chief said. She said an updated directory of PESO offices across the regions can be accessed at the DOLEs Bureau of Local Employment website at http://ble.dole.gov.ph/pesodir.asp. |TOP| 4. Biazon inspects PhP 255 million seized smuggled goods at Cebu Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon and Port of Cebu District Collector Edward De La Cuesta on Tuesday (July 30, 2013) led the inspection of over PhP 255 million worth of smuggled goods seized on various dates by Bureau of Customs (BOC) operatives from the Intelligence Group (IG) under Deputy Commissioner Danilo Lim and Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) under Director George Alio at the Port of Cebu. According to Biazon, he wanted to physically inspect the 162, 240 bags of smuggled rice in 312 twenty-footer container vans to check the preparations for its scheduled August 7, 2013 auction. The smuggled rice to be auctioned next month is part of the 1,169 container vans of illegally imported rice from Vietnam that were seized by IG operatives in Cebu in April this year. One (1) lot, comprising 50 container vans of the smuggled rice were earlier auctioned by the BOC raising PhP 14.5 million in additional revenues for the government. However, the scheduled auctions of the remaining rice were deferred after the National Food Authority (NFA) proposed to buy all the rice seized by the BOC. In a recent letter to Biazon, however, the NFA Administrator stated their no objection to the BOCs plan to continue the auction of the seized rice at the Port of Cebu, in light of the deterioration of some seized rice stored in a private warehouse. The government expects to raise PhP 245 million from the August 7, 2013 auction of the 312 container vans of smuggled rice from Vietnam. While in Cebu, Biazon also inspected the over Php 10 million of smuggled items recently seized by Port of Cebu ESS operatives under Customs Police Major Camilo Cascolan. Among the seized goods for violation of Sections 2503 and 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) were three (3) units used Mitsubishi Colt vehicles and one used Mazda Elf truck from Japan, one (1) unit payloader from China, seven (7) units used motorcycles from China and Australia, five (5) units used speedboats from Australia , two (2) units used ambulance from Japan and 80 drums of automotive gear oils, among other dutiable goods. According to Biazon, the latest seizure of smuggled goods in Cebu is the result of the BOCs enhanced anti smuggling and anti-corruption drive, in response to President Simeon Benigno Aquino IIIs rebuke on the extent of corruption in the Bureau of Customs. If, for so many reasons, we encountered setbacks in our anti-smuggling campaign before, despite our all-out campaign against smuggling, we dont expect this to happen now after the Presidents resounding call for reforms in the BOC in his State of the Nation Address Biazon said. As of press time, the Commissioners call for all BOC District Collectors and Sub-Port Collectors to voluntary relinquish their posts to pave the way for the coming wide ranging revamp at the BOC has been complied by all the 37 sub-port collectors and 15 of the 17 District Collectors. Our anti-smuggling drive, just like before, will be aggressive and wide ranging. However, this time, with the Presidents call to clean the BOC of corrupt officials no matter who their protectors are, there will be no more sacred cows in the BOC. All those caught doing illicit trade in the Bureau will be prosecuted in accordance with law. Biazon stressed. |TOP| 5. Govt enhances AHJAG, security coordination against lawless elements in Mindanao Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Metro Manila In order to enhance its security mechanisms and address lawless elements in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) issued the Revised Joint AFP-PNP Operational Guidelines for the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group or AHJAG. The AHJAG is the cooperative mechanism between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that responds to criminality and terrorism in areas with MILF presence.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista and PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima at the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City signed the Revised Guidelines with GPH panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer as witness on 23 July 2013. The Revised Guidelines aim to advance coordination efforts among the government agencies involved in law enforcement, namely the PNP, the AFP and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) which is supervised by the government negotiating panel. This is a mechanism whereby we can effectively coordinate, not sacrifice, the security imperatives that need to be met in order to interdict criminal groups, while upholding the primacy of the peace process, Coronel-Ferrer said at the signing ceremony held at the General Headquarters Conference Room of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. AHJAGs mandate is to coordinate and monitor between and among the AFP, PNP, and MILF to ensure that law enforcement operations against criminal elements within MILF areas are effectively conducted without jeopardizing the ceasefire between the government and the MILF. We all know that criminality is a major problem. Even if we resolve the armed conflict between the government and the MILF, it will still be with us, Coronel-Ferrer said. Criminality is the more insidious enemy of the people. Criminal elements dont have an ideology and do not respect human rights. Harmonious inter-agency coordination In her speech during the signing, Coronel-Ferrer stressed that AHJAG is a mechanism for coordination, not for asking permission to pursue lawless elements. Coronel-Ferrer lauded the emerging stronger coordination with PNP. For the longest time, the governments AHJAG had been led by the AFP. Today, we can be assured of the PNPs full support, she said. In his speech, PNP chief Purisima said the signing indicated PNPs renewing [of] our commitment to peace in Mindanao and sending a strong message to criminals and lawless elements that the AFP and PNP, in coordination with AHJAG and MILF, are leaving no stone unturned for effectively addressing the peace and order challenges. In the same vein, AFP Chief Bautista said that the signing reiterates our resolve to cooperate with concerned parties and improve our systems to ensure effectiveness of AHJAG in the performance of its mandate, adding that it shall enhance efficiency and effectiveness in pursuing lawless elements in our shared aspiration for lasting peace. Our partnership--AFP, PNP, together with AHJAG MILF--will push the gains of the peace process, Bautista said. Established in 2002, the AHJAG was activated in January 2005. In the 35th Formal Exploratory Talks between the GPH and the MILF in January this year, the Parties renewed for another year the AHJAGs Terms of Reference in recognition of its important role. Last April, the GPH Panel spearheaded a workshop participated in by the GPH-AHJAG, the AFP Triad Staff, and the PNP Quad Staff to assess the current organizational structure and operational relationship of the AHJAG vis-vis the AFP and the PNP. The additional comments of these offices were consolidated and integrated in the final draft of the Revised Joint AFP-PNP Operational Guidelines for the AHJAG. The revisions included the following: (1) a defined coverage of the guidelines only to operations against criminal syndicates or kidnap-for-ransom groups, lost commands and other criminal elements within MILF areas or communities; (2) tasks were updated with the inclusion AFP and PNP offices and units performing AHJAG related functions; and (3) participation of the GPH-AHJAG Core and Teams in the regular updating of the joint AFP/PNP Wanted List. |TOP| 6. Kaninyumanggi, the rise of DOSTs brown rice Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph Kaninyumanggi what? This is actually a coined term for kanin (rice) and kayumanggi (brown), literally brown rice. The nickname originated from the Department of Science and Technology that launched a recipe book titled Brown Rice Recipes Para sa Lahing Kayumanggi on July 26 as part of the National Science and Technology Week 2013 celebration. The cookbook features 23 innovative recipes using brown rice as appetizer, main course and dessert. It is a result of rigorous experimentation and testing by a team of nutritionists who developed and compiled kitchen tested recipes to serve as a menu guide for a healthy eating habit. The nutritionists are based in DOSTs Food and Nutrition Research Institute. During the launch, Chefs Luchi Callanta and Timothy Neil Abuela from the renowned Center for Culinary Arts (CCA) conducted a cooking demonstration featuring a nouvelle cuisine called Pahiyas Rice [considered a rice dish], named after the famous fiesta in the town of Lucban, Quezon. As expected, the recipe included the very tasty Lucban longganisa (sausage). This dish is very colourful and appeals to the senses. it is very important to create a healthy relationship with

food, relates Chef Luchi. The other recipe demonstrated was a dessert called onde-onde (onde is a Malaysian word for sticky or malagkit in Pilipino) that looks like the common round-shaped buchi and cooked like the palitaw, a native ricebased delicacy that is boiled or immersed in boiling water. There to taste the food were DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo, who is a staunch advocate of brown rice and supporter of healthy living; FNRI Director Mario V. Capanzana; and Assistant Secretary Raymund E. Liboro. Some of the recipes in the book include tinapa (smoked fish) sa brown rice, brown rice vegetable medley, sweet Italian brown rice, brown rice a la spaghetti, kalamay sa gata brown rice, Hawaiian rice balls, Pinoy maki, everlasting turon, kalamay sa salabat brown rice and a number of interesting and intriguing delights. Also included in the recipe book are instructions on the proper way of preparing and cooking brown rice since it takes a different approach. Because the bran is still intact, brown rice has to be cooked with a ratio of one cup of rice to two cups of water. Further, brown rice has to be soaked first in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to make it softer and more palatable. Today, more and more people are turning to healthier food alternatives and doing more exercises and workouts to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With the fast-paced life of urban living and the proliferation of fastfood restaurants, it is quite difficult to sustain a healthy eating regimen. But DOST-FNRIs offer of an alternative diet in kaninyumanggi is one good option towards healthy living. |TOP| 7. Secretary Del Rosario leads DFA Foundation Day celebration, lauds men and women of the DFA for steadfast commitment to promoting Phl Foreign Policy Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 31 July 2012 Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario lauded the men and women of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for their steadfast commitment and positive contributions in promoting the three pillars of Philippine Foreign policy as he led the Departments observance of the 115th DFA Foundation Day and the 149th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini this morning. I commend you for your sustained commitment in helping realize the Philippines full potential, Secretary del Rosario said in his address to the DFA officials and personnel who attended the simple program at the DFA Main Buildings Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini in Pasay City. In his remarks, Secretary del Rosario likewise paid tribute to Apolinario Mabini, the first Secretary of Foreign Affairs. As the countrys first Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Apolinario Mabini tirelessly advocated a foreign policy anchored on sovereignty and self-determination. Indeed, his life was one that was not defined by the constrictions of fate or circumstance, rather than by his vision of what the nation could achieve as an independent State in the community of nations, Secretary del Rosario said. The Secretary likewise congratulated the Gawad Mabini awardees in his speech, noting their contributions in promoting the countrys interests here and abroad. Today, as we commemorate the legacy of the man whose profound patriotism, uncompromising beliefs and remarkable intellect helped shape Philippine diplomacy, we also honor the men and women of the Department who have exhibited remarkable dedication in pursuit of the three pillars of our countrys foreign policy, he said. The Gawad Mabini, composed of three ranks namely, the Grand Cross (Dakilang Kamanong), Commander (Dakilang Kasugo) and Member (Kasugo), were conferred to a total of 16 recipients, both in the DFAs Home Office and in its Foreign Service Posts. Established on 23 June 1898 under President Emilio Aguinaldos administration, the DFA Foundation D ay is traditionally celebrated every 23rd of June, following Presidential Proclamation No. 1717 dated 24 February 1978. However, to ensure that more officials and employees could join in the celebration, the DFA Day is being celebrated on a different date this year. |TOP| 8. Phl non-resident Ambassador to Andorra presents credentials to French President Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 31 July 2013 Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas presented to the French Co-prince of the Principality of Andorra, President Francois Hollande at the Palais lElys, Paris, his credentials as Philippine Non-Resident Ambassador to Andorra on July 11. Present at the ceremonies were officials from the Foreign Ministry of Andorra, including Andorran Foreign Minister Gilbert Saboya. The ceremony involved the presentation of Ambassadors to Spain and Andorra from ten countries: the Philippines, Thailand, Honduras, Belgium, India, Pakistan, Denmark, Sweden, Monaco and Vietnam. In his remarks, President Hollande expressed the importance of the relations of Andorra with the various countries represented at the ceremony and encouraged expanded cooperation with them in the future.

During his presentation, Ambassador Salinas extended the warmest greetings from President Benigno S. Aquino III and wishes for good health, prosperity and continued and enhanced cooperation between the Philippines and Andorra. |TOP| 9. DAR distributes agri lands in Cebu Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed 161.6-hectares of agricultural lands to 78 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in barangay Colonia, Tuburan, Cebu. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Isaganie. Yee said the distributed landholdings, previously owned by V.A. Cabahug Agro Industrial Development Corporation, was acquired through the voluntary offer to sell (VOS) of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Landowners offering their properties to CARP for distribution to the farmers is an indication that they recognize the role of the governments land reform program in improving the lives of the people in the countryside, Yee said. Yee also reminded the beneficiaries of their rights and obligations to pay real estate taxes as well as their annual amortization encouraging them to make their newly-acquired land productive and uplift their lives. I urge you to strengthen your (ARBs) organization, as well, because it will serve as your primary vehicle in building up your social capital, your asset in winning government assistance and private investors confidence to do business with you, Yee said. The provision of support services in the form of basic rural infrastructures, credit assistance and livelihood trainings, among others, is one of the major components of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), under the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), a comprehensive alternative development approach that directly deals farmers organizations. ARB Donald Pacaa in behalf of the farmer beneficiaries expressed his gratitude to the government through DAR for helping them realize their dream of owning land to cultivate. |TOP| 10. ANNOUNCEMENT: Publication of Nominees for Various Professional Regulatory Boards (July 25, 2013) Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph

The Professional Regulation Commission, in compliance with Section I, Article II of Executive Order No. 496, Series of 1991, which reads: The Commission shall, upon receipt of the resolution from the accredited professional organization, immediately publish the same in a newspaper of general circulation for the purpose of inviting anyone who may have derogatory information against any of the nominees which may render him unfit for the position to inform the said Commission within a period of ten (10) days from such publication xxx, hereby publishes the names of the nominees. Click here for the list of nominees for various Professional Regulatory Boards |TOP| 11. VP Binay: Improved economy will prevent Pinoys from committing crime abroad Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay said that the only plausible way to prevent Filipinos from committing crimes, particularly drug trafficking, abroad is for the economy to improve. "The solution is for our economy to improve, since the root of these crimes is economic," Binay said in light of news that two Filipino sisters were nabbed in Hong Kong for trying to smuggle in 14.5 kilograms of shabu. If convicted, the two Filipinos will face life imprisonment and a fine of about HKD5 million. According to Binay, Filipinos were pushed by poverty to commit crimes. "Kapit sa patalim. Kaya minsan, ako hindi ko naman sinasabing tama iyong ginawa, pero dahil sa pangangailangan," the Vice President said. He added that the government should now focus on inclusive development and helping Filipinos get employed in decent jobs to deter them from resorting to extreme measures to attend to their families needs. "Iyong huling binitay, siya ang tumulong para sa gamot ng nanay niya," he recalled. The Vice President also gave assurance that the women will be extended all appropriate assistance by the Philippine government as they face trial. He reiterated that while government does not condone their actions, it is still the States responsibility to help its citizens in need. Binay also renewed his warning to Filipinos that trafficking illegal drugs to other countries is not worth the risk. "The money you could gain from trafficking is not worth it, especially if your life is at stake," he said.

"The technology for detecting drug trafficking is already too advanced, so if you attempt to smuggle drugs in, you will definitely be caught," he added. |TOP| 12. Let's just wait for Lanuza's release-VP Binay urges NGOs Source: http://ovp.gov.ph Vice President Jejomar C. Binay has urged non-government organizations to stop giving unofficial deadlines on the date of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Rodelio "Dondon" Lanuzas release. "Alam mo iyan ang nagiging problema. Naglalagay sila ng deadline. Paano ka magdedeadline hindi mo naman hawak iyon. Tapos nagagalit sila," Binay said in an interview at the Coconut Palace Tuesday. According to the Vice President, these pronouncements are causing Lanuzas family unnecessary stress. He added that such pronouncements also unduly raise the publics expect ations and give the impression that government is not acting on Lanuzas immediate release. He added that the delays were uncontrollable on the part of the Philippine government. "May mga pagkakataong wala iyong judge, nagbakasyon iyong judge, so ayaw galawin. Tapos na-overlook yong kulang na dapat pumirma doon sa affidavit. Mamaya naman napunta doon sa isang ministry, wala na naman iyong minister, anong magagawa natin?" he said. He also said that the culture and bureaucratic processes of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must be respected, especially in the month of Ramadan. "Pero iyong magtampo at magalit tayo, mukha yatang hindi tama iyon," said Binay. Binay also emphasized that gratitude is due the Saudi government, particularly the Saudi king who paid the balance of the blood money that Lanuzas family was unable to raise. The amount reached 27.8 million pesos (SAR 2.3 million). Lanuzas family was able to raise approximately P7.6 million (SAR 300,000). "Ang sinasabi ko sa kanila, baka naman iyong medyo naiinip kayo o dumadating na sa yugto na kayo ay nagtatampo, huwag niyo lang kakalimutan ha, iyong hari ang nagbayad ng 27.8 million pesos," Binay said. The Vice President also assured the family that Lanuzas release was final, but that they have to bear with the delays. "Di ba ang gandang isipin na lamang na one thousand and one percent ay hindi na mai-execute ito," he added. "So, sana huwag natin kalimutan iyon, na we have to live with their bureaucracy, pero we must always remember our indebtedness doon sa hari dahil sinagot niya iyong 27.8 million pesos," the Vice President reiterated. |TOP| 13. GSIS offers restructuring for housing loan borrowers Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph Applicants entertained by appointment only The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will accept applications for its new housing loan restructuring program beginning August 1, 2013. Interested applicants in Metro Manila may call telephone numbers 479-3548, 479-3583 and 479-3587 to set an appointment. To contact GSIS provincial offices, call 847-4747. To avoid unnecessary waste of the member's valuable time and ensure they are properly attended to, GSIS will only entertain applicants who have previously set an appointment. GSIS President and General Manager Robert G. Vergara said the program is another initiative of the pension fund to help GSIS housing loan borrowers settle their arrears or update their housing accounts. PGM Vergara said the GSIS will condone all unpaid penalties and surcharges and grant extended payment terms for those qualified to restructure their accounts. Even those with current accounts will also benefit from the program, as their monthly amortization will be reduced through an extended payment term if they apply for restructuring. He added that foreclosable Real Estate Loan accounts and cancelled Deed of Conditional Sale (DCS) accounts that have not yet been sold are eligible under the program, saying that by restructuring, the auction of the property may be postponed and the foreclosure case or cancellation of the DCS account will be withdrawn. The program also grants incentives for accounts with arrears and the borrowers intend to pay in full. Those with arrearages of not more than six months will get 100% discount on unpaid interest, penalties and surcharges. Those accounts with arrearages of more than six months will get discounts based on their payment performance record. The program is open to: (1) borrowers whose accounts are current or up-to-date; (2) awardees of accounts with

cancelled deeds of conditional sale but are not yet sold; (3) accounts under foreclosure proceedings; (4) buyers of rights; and (5) heirs of deceased borrowers who will be able to meet the eligibility criteria and documentary requirements. However, borrowers whose properties have been auctioned and who were already issued a certificate of sheriff sale can no longer avail of the program. Application for loan restructuring will be accepted until 31 December 2013. No application fee is required for the program. |TOP| 14. Abad: Digitized payroll key to efficiency, transparency in gov't Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio Abad today highlighted the role of the National Payroll System (NPS) in the Aquino administrations drive for increased transpar ency and accountability in the Philippine bureaucracy, adding that the move to reform the existing payroll system will also facilitate the quick and efficient processing of employee salaries and benefits across government. As a fully automated and digitized system, the NPS will play a central role inensuring greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the governments human resource processes. And because the system will be completely electronic, all payroll-related activities will be implemented more quickly and with better accuracy, whether were talking about the distribution of monthly salaries due to government workers, or the regular monthly remittances that are made out to our employees social security and health insurance accounts, Bu dget and Management Secretary Florencio Butch Abad said. The Administrations Public Financial Management (PFM) Committeeof which the Department of Budget and Management is a memberhas been tasked to develop the centralizing software for the NPS, which will be pilottested in select agencies at the end of the year. The NPS is also a component of the larger Government Human Resource Information System (GHRIS), which will harmonize and unify all human resource management operations in government, from the recruitment phase all the way to retirement. Completion of the GHRIS is expected in the second quarter of 2014. We want to make it clear, however, that the DBM will not exert control over the personnel requirements of agencies. Together with the other members of the PFM Committee, we are only developing the software that will make payroll reform possible in the bureaucracy, Abad added. Under the reformed and digitized payroll system, agencies will continue to have discretion over their respective human resource and personnel requirements. This will be expressed in a Monthly Cash Plan relating to Personnel Services that will be submitted to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr), which will in turn provide a payment file to the proper bank for the timely processing of employee salaries. According to the DBM, agencies will be asked to establish Automated Teller Machine (ATM) payroll accounts for all their employees to allow for the electronic distribution of monthly salaries. Government servicing banks such as Land Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) will be prioritized, although other banks may also be proposed should Land Bank or DBP ATMs be unavailable for use in a particular area. Apart from facilitating the prompt release of salaries and benefits to government workers, the NPS will also ensure the timely remittance of withholding fees to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-ibig Fund, and PhilHealth. Switching to electronic means for the management of payroll processes is hardly a new concept. Its par for the course in the private sector, where companies are able to generate significant cost savings by abolishing check payments and the manual processing of monthly salaries and withholding fees. Similarly, the NPS will relieve the governments human resource units from the burden of handling cash and manually keeping track of all payroll activities, Abad said. It is, very simply, a matter of government finally keeping up with the times, where we do awa y with an outdated and grossly inefficient approach to personnel compensation in favor of an electronic payroll system that makes every transaction quick, verifiable, and transparent, he added. Abad also noted that the NPS will be a valuable instrument in eliminating ghost employees and preventing other payroll-related irregularities in the bureaucracy. To qualify for an ATM payroll account, you must apply for it in person with proper identification and the necessary endorsement from your mother agency. An agencys payroll database should also agree with the banks own records. In other words, ghost employees wont stand a chance under such strict standards. Were making it much harderif not impossiblefor unscrupulous individuals to corrupt the governm ents payroll system to their advantage. Best of all, the NPS will make it possible for all government employees to get their pay right on time, with all their remittances automatically made for them and their proper taxes withheld. This can only be wonderful news for our public servants, who will be efficiently compensated for their work, and for the public, to whom we can assure that every peso is being spent exactly as it should be, Abad said. |TOP| 15. DOLE and tripartite partners review, update Project JobsFit Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

"With the continuous improvement of the country's economy and further strengthening of its peaceful and harmonious industrial relations climate, the DOLE will brook to no obstacles and will be twice as intense as in the previous years three years in working to address job-skills mismatch." Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz pledged this yesterday as she announced that the DOLE, together with its tripartite partners, has concluded the annual review of the project, Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision and is now in the process of integrating the findings of the review through a National Integration Workshop held at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City, also yesterday. The DOLE led in the conduct of the workshop based on the results of earlier stakeholder consultations organized at the regional level across the country. Close to 100 representatives from DOLE regional offices, Departments of Education, Science and Technology, Energy, Public Works and Highways, Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism, Social Welfare and Development, and Trade and Industry, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, National Statistical Coordination Board, National Economic Development Authority, National Statistics Office, and various industry stakeholders attended the National Integration Workshop. Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision is a labor market signalling study that the DOLE initiated in 2009 as part of the its firm resolve to adopt coherent and innovative strategies to provide efficient employment facilitation services and to respond to the prevailing job-skill mismatch that underlies the unemployment and underemployment problems of the country. The outputs of this study were consolidated in a report, published as Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision, and launched in June 2010. JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision provides a map that guides jobseekers to their dream jobs and employers to their ideal workers through appropriate and relevant signals. It identified the key employment generators that have the potential to absorb the most number of workers from 2011-2020, namely, agribusiness, cyber services, health and wellness; hotel, restaurant and tourism; mining, construction; banking and finance; manufacturing; ownership dwellings and real estate; transport and logistics; wholesale and retail trade; and overseas employment. It also named the industries which are seen to provide the most number of employment opportunities in the long term, namely, creative industries, strategic farming and fishing, power and utilities, and renewable energy. "There had already been major changes on the current trends in the labor market since the study was conducted; as such, it is important to update the information contained in the document report," Baldoz said, adding that the government is steadfast in conducting roundtable discussions on policy inconsistencies and administrative inefficiencies that hinder job creation. The National Integration Workshop has, for its objectives, the following: (1) present the progress made relative to the recommendations identified in the Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision; (2) provide technical inputs on demand and supply of skills and perspectives on job-skills mismatch; (3) discuss the findings of the JobsFit regional consultations to DOLE officials, including the members of the oversight committee and technical working group on JobsFit Labor Market Information (LMI) report as well as to other stakeholders; and (5) to develop a draft LMI Report. The whole-day activity was divided in two parts. The first part included plenary sessions on such topics as "Objectives of JobsFit LMI Report and Post-Project JobsFit Progress Report; Where the Jobs Are; Where the Labor Supply Is; What Job-Skill Mismatch Is; Evidence of Occupational Surpluses and Shortages; and Summary Presentation of Regional Stakeholder Consultations' Report. During the second part, participants were grouped into three geographic clusters comprising the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao groups. Each group reviewed and validated their summary reports and responded to questions in line with issues and gaps on demand and supply competencies as well as on strategies and programs that will strengthen the government's job-skill matching system. The National Integration Workshop is expected to produce an updated version of the Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision identifying the new set of key employment generators and emerging industries, together with the corresponding skill requirements on a national scale supported by regional action plans. Baldoz expressed confidence that the review and update of the Project JobsFit: DOLE 2020 Vision will result to a flexible road map that would guide students and new entrants to the labor force in identifying college and technical-vocational courses they may pursue in order to land in a job relevant to their expertise, or to engage in self-employment undertaking right after graduation. Toward this end, she called anew for sustained pro-activism from the government and its tripartite partners, saying that by working together inclusive growth and sustainable development can be fast achieved. The efforts of DOLE in addressing jobs and skills mismatch is in-line with President Benigno S. Aquino III's 22point labor and employment agenda, whose overarching goal is to invest in the country's human resource to make them more competitive and employable. |TOP|

Last Updated:

30 JULY 2013

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President Benigno Aquino III views the works of his mother , the late President Cory Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III delivers his message during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III (right), and his sisters Ballsy and Viel (from left), unveil the portrait of their mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III unveils the works of his mother, former President Cory Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel on Monday (July 29). The exhibit features arts and paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!