Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for August 22 , 2013 Thursday , 1 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 27 Weather Watch,
1 Regional Watch , 6 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 2 Photonews

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877.

1. Weather Watch

CLASS SUSPENSIONS for AUGUST 22, 2013 (THURSDAY)

(As of 9:00 a.m., August 22) We update this class and work suspensions list as soon as new announcements are made or reported. For areas and schools not in the list, it means there is no announcement yet. This is based on our TV, radio and online monitoring. Please refresh this note for further updates. Thank you! FOR METRO MANILA: CALOOCAN - All levels, public and private LAS PINAS - Public elementary to high school, DISTRICT 1 ONLY MAKATI - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 MALABON - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23

MANDALUYONG - All levels, public and private MANILA - All levels, public and private MARIKINA - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 MUNTINLUPA - Pre-school to HS, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 NAVOTAS - All levels, public and private PARANAQUE - All levels, public and private PASAY - Pre-school to HS, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 PASIG - Pre-school and elementary, PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLY PATEROS - Pre-school to HS in PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLY, until Friday, Aug. 23 QUEZON CITY - Pre-school to HS, public and private, TAGUIG - All levels, PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLY VALENZUELA - Pre-school to HS, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 FOR OUTSIDE METRO MANILA: BATAAN - All levels, public and private BENGUET - Pre-school to high school in LA TRINIDAD BULACAN: BALAGTAS, BALIWAG, BOCAUE, BULAKAN, MALOLOS, MARILAO, MEYCAUAYAN, PULILAN, SAN RAFAEL - All levels, public and private CALUMPIT, OBANDO, PAOMBONG - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 BUSTOS, HAGONOY, GUIGUINTO, PLARIDEL - Pre-school to high school, public and private CAVITE - All levels, public and private LAGUNA - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 PANGASINAN - All levels, public and private PAMPANGA - All levels in GUAGUA, STO.TOMAS, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, public and private RIZAL: ANTIPOLO - Pre-school to high school, public and private CAINTA - Pre-school to HS, public and private and UNIVERSITY OF RIZAL SYSTEM RODRIGUEZ - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 SAN MATEO - All levels, public and private, until Friday, Aug. 23 TAYTAY - Pre-school to high school, PUBLIC SCHOOLS ONLY SPECIFIC SCHOOLS: ADAMSON UNIVERSITY - Classes in all levels and work operations ANGELICUM COLLEGE - All levels ASIA PACIFIC COLLEGE - Classes only ASSUMPTION COLLEGE - Classes and office operations until Friday, Aug. 23 ATENEO LAW SCHOOL - Classes only CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY - Classes in all levels and office operations in Manila and Malolos DE LA SALLE ARANETA UNIVERSITY - Classes and office operations until Friday, Aug. 23 DE LA SALLE COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE - Classes and office operations DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY - Classes in all levels and office operations in Manila, Dasmarinas, Makati campuses and Science & Technology Complex FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY - Classes in Makati and Manila campuses, including FEU EAST ASIA COLLEGE FEATI UNIVERSITY - Classes only LA CONSOLATION COLLEGE - All levels LA SALLE GREENHILLS HIGH SCHOOL - All levels LETRAN COLLEGE - All levels LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA - Classes only MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - All levels in Manila and Makati campuses PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG VALENZUELA - Until Friday, Aug. 23 PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY - Classes in all levels and work operations PHILIPPINE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY - Classes in all levels in Taft, HS & JASMS Indiana campuses PUP LAGUNA CAMPUSES - Until Friday, Aug. 23 PUP PARANAQUE - All levels SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI COLLEGE - All levels until Friday, Aug. 23 SANTA ISABEL COLLEGE - All levels SAN BEDA COLLEGE OF LAW (MANILA) - Until Aug. 24; Midterm exams moved to Aug. 27-31 SAN PEDRO COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - Until Friday, Aug. 23 ST. JAMES COLLEGE - All levels ST. SCHOLASTICA'S COLLEGE MANILA - Classes only TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - Classes in Manila campus UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP BINAN - All levels, until Friday, Aug. 23 UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - Classes in all levels and office operations; Entrance exams on Aug. 25 moved to

Sept. 1 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN - All levels UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES LOS BANOS - Classes only until Friday, Aug. 23 UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA - All levels VALENZUELA POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE - Until Friday, Aug. 23

#WalangPasok

2. Weather Watch
6 minutes ago near Quezon City PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio on DZBB: -Sa kanyang tinatakbo ngayon, maaaring mamayang gabi o bukas ay nasa loob na ng PAR ang direksyon nito, sa silangan ng Northern Luzon. -Posible pong malusaw ito dahil malakas ang epekto ng Habagat. Ang isang LPA kapag malakas ang hangin sa paligid niya, nasisira ang kaulapan. Kasi ang LPA o bagyo ay binubuo ng mga kaulapan at kapag malakas ang hangin sa paligid niya, nawawasak ang kaulapan at gayundin malulusaw ang LPA. -Sa ngayon po maging alerto tayo kasi may panibagong LPA tayo, kahit hindi pa siya bagyo ay inaabisuhan natin ang ating mga local govt na maaaring maapektuhan nito. -Ngayon po ang Hanging Habagat ay lusaw na po at patuloy ito na kumikilos pa-hilaga kaya buong Luzon maaapektuhan. Sa ilang oras, Northern at Central Luzon na lang ang maaapektuhan ng Habagat dahil hinihila ni bagyong Maring ang habagat. Ngayon po ang bagyong Maring ay nasa China.

3. Weather Watch
14 minutes ago DZBB: New LPA spotted outside PAR, may take same direction as Maring

4. Weather Watch
20 minutes ago DAM UPDATE as of 8am |via @dost_pagasa #DamUpdate STATUS OF MONITORED MAJOR RESERVOIRS IN LUZON as of 8 AM 22 August 2013

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For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877.

5. Weather Watch
48 minutes ago near Quezon City PIA-NCR: PAGASA raised ORANGE RAINFALL ADVISORY#33 over Metro Manila, heavy to intense rainfall was observed for the past 3 hours and most likely to continue for the next 3 hours. FLOOD is threatening in low-lying areas. ALL are advised to monitor the weather condition and watch for the next advisory.

6. Weather Watch
about an hour ago near Quezon City Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito on DZRH: -Suspended na ang pasok ng mga estudyante dito sa Laguna today hanggang bukas, Biyernes. -Alam nyo naman dito sa Laguna, maulan, unpredictable ang panahon. -Martes na ang balik sa eskwelahan ng mga bata. -Ang 1st district ng Laguna, catch basin ito. Nasira pa yung Tres Luces dam sa Rizal, Laguna. -Kasama dito ang lungsod ng Sta. Rosa, San Pedro, Bian. -Bangungot talaga sa amin ang Laguna Lake. Napakaraming problema dito kaya panay ang pakikipagpulong natin kay Laguna Lake Administrator Neric Acosta, Sec. Mar Roxas pati kay PNoy na dapat ay maunpisahan na nag rehabilitation ng Lgauna Lake para matigil na ang pagbaha sa Metro Manila at mga karatig lungsod at probinsya. -Bagamat sanay na kami sa baha dito sa Laguna ay mahirap pa rin para sa amin. -Natutuwa naman ako na sa lahat ng lalawigan na nag-declare ng state of calamity, kami ang unang pinuntahan ni PNoy kasama sina Sec. Mar Roxas at DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman. Mahigit 2 oras ang Pangulo sa Laguna at namigay ng relief goods. -Consistent ang pagbibigay ng relief goods at pagbibigay ng tulong dito hanggang ngayon. -Nagkausap na kami ng Pangulong Aquino noong SONA niya, OK naman kami. -Apat ang component ng P18.7B loan. Una is dredging the setting, relocation ng informal settlers, massive

reforestration, ferry boat transport system. -Hindi namin ito sinasang-ayunan ng Pangulo dahil hindi sapat ang P18.7B dahil hindi maganda ang mga component, kulang na kulang ang loan na ito ng Pilipinas sa Belgium. -Ang dredging temporary solution lang yan. Kailangang maumpisahan ang Pacific spillway. -Wala na tayong nakikitang pagasa sa Paraaque spillway dahil sa pagtayo ng mga matataas na establishments, subdivisions.

7. Weather Watch
58 minutes ago near Quezon City DZRH: Nakatakdang pumunta ng Cavite ngayong 10:00 ng umaga si PNoy para personal na mamahagi ng relief goods sa mga residenteng naapektuhan ng bagyong Maring.

8. Weather Watch
about an hour ago near Quezon City PIA-5/WEATHER-ADVISORY: Local Weather Forecast Issued At: 5:00AM, 22 August 2013 Synopsis: Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) affecting Luzon and Western Visayas. Forecast: Bicol region will be partly cloudy to cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds coming from the southwest will prevail with moderate to rough seas.

9. Weather Watch
2 hours ago near Quezon City DZBB: Nananatili sa critical level San Mateo River. Sa latest monitoring ng San Mateo MDRRMO, nasa 20m pa rin ang antas ng lebel ng tubig sa ilog kung saan lubog pa rin ang mga bahay na nakapaligid dito. Abot sa 5,189 families o 17,000 katao ang mga nasa evacuation center. Ngayong araw hanggang bukas ay walang pasok ang lahat ng antas sa San Mateo, Rizal na nasa ilalim ng state of calamity.

10. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 hours ago near Quezon City PIA-13: PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5AM, 22 August. SYNOPSIS: Southwest monsoon affecting Luzon. FORECAST: The regions of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Ilocos and Cordillera will experience monsoon rains which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON and The provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Palawan, Bicol region and Visayas will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the South to Southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 9271335 and 927-2877.

11. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 hours ago ABS-CBN: Patuloy ang pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan ngayon sa Dalandanan, Valenzuela City. Dahil dito ay mabilis ding tumaas ang lebel ng tubig doon. Ayon naman sa Valenzuela PIO, ang bahagi ng McArthur Highway mula Dalandanan hanggang sa Malanday ay hindi na passable sa lahat ng uri ng sasakyan.

12. Weather Watch

2 hours ago near Quezon City PAGASA Yellow Rainfall Advisory No. 33 Weather System: Southwest Monsoon (#Habagat) Target Areas: #MetroManila (#CAMANAVA, #Manila, #Pasay and #QuezonCity) Issued at: 7:30AM, 22 August 2013 (Thursday) Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected over #CAMANAVA, #Manila, #Pasay and #QuezonCity within the next 3 hours. However, heavy to intense rainfall is affecting #Bataan and portions of #Pampanga, #Bulacan and #Zambales and most likely to continue for the next 3 hours. FLOODING in low-lying areas may still prevail. ALL are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next advisory.

13. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 hours ago near Quezon City PAGASA Dam updates as of 6AM: Ambuklao - 751.86m (2 gates open at 2m) Angat - 198.82m Binga - 574.69m (3 gates open at 2.5m) Caliraya - 286.96 m Ipo - 100.19m (2 gates open at 0.6m) La Mesa - 80.26m (overflow elevation) Magat - 191.15 (all gates closed) Pantabangan - 191.92 m San Roque - 267.92m

14. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 hours ago near Quezon City ABS-CBN: Nagdarasal na lamang ang mga residente ng Laguna na sana ay huminto na ang pag-ulan. Nasa 26,000 pamilya naman ang apektado sa buong CALABARZON. Lahat naman ng tulay at daan sa Laguna ay passable na. Sa Batangas naman, wala ng suspensyon ng klase habang suspendido naman ito sa lahat ng antas sa Cavite at Laguna. Balik normal naman na ang operasyon ngayon ng Batangas Port.

15. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 hours ago DoH Asec. Eric Tayag on GMA: -Patuloy po ang pag-iikot ng DoH personnel sa evacuation centers at mino-monitor po ang kalusugan ng mga apektado ng baha. -Kahapon nga ay nag-ikot tayo sa evacuation centers sa Marikina, Mandaluyong at San Mateo, Rizal kung saan nakasama natin ang Pangulo. -Ang binabantayan natin ay ang tubig na iniinom at ginagamit, gayundin ang mga palikuran. sa ilang evacuation center kasi, overcrowding ang problema. -Tuloy-tuloy rin po ang DSWD at mga LGU sa pamamahagi ng pagkain. -Ang mga lutong pagkain, dapatn makonsumo sa loob ng apat na oras. -Iwasan po ang 1 parte ng sukang puti at 4 na parte ng tubig. Ibabad ang paa ng ilang minutos at patuyuin. Huwag magbabad sa tubig-baha. -Mag-ingat din sa iba pang mga sakit gaya ng leptospirosis. -Ang DoH hotline ay 921-6480.

16. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

3 hours ago near Quezon City DZMM: Ayon sa pinakahuling tala ng NDRRMC kaninang 5AM, umakyat na sa 16 ang bilang ng mga nasawi sa bagsik ng Habagat na pinalakas ng Bagyong Maring. Nanatili naman sa 41 ang sugatan pero nadagdagan ng isa at ngayo'y lima na ang nawawala kabilang ang isang taga-Pampanga. Umabot naman sa 1.2 milyong indibidwal o halos 270,000 pamilya ang naapektuhan ng Habagat, na nagdulot na rin ng mahigit P78M pinsala simula nang manasala nitong Linggo. Nadagdagan na rin ang mga lugar na nasa state of calamity kung saan anim na lungsod ang mula sa Metro Manila.

17. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

3 hours ago PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran on DZMM: -Makakaranas pa rin po ng pag-ulan ngayong araw ang Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Northern Luzon, Ilocos Region at CAR na maaaring mag-trigger ng mga pagbaha at landslide. -Nakataas pa rin ang Yellow Rainfall Advisory sa Bataan, portions ng Pampanga, Bulacan at Zambales as of 4:30AM na effective hanggang 7:30AM. Posibleng i-lift na yan mamaya. -May namataan tayong LPA sa layong 1,200 east ng Northern Luzon, pero outside PAR pa naman. -Sakaling maging bagyo ito ay papangalanang Nando. -May binabantayan din tayong cloud cluster sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao pero hindi pa malinaw kung magiging sama ng panahon. -Ang Habagat pa rin ang nakakaapekto sa malaking bahagi ng bansa, lalo na sa Luzon.

18. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

3 hours ago near Quezon City Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman on DZMM: -Nasa mahigit 32,000 po ang nananatili sa evacuation centers. -Hanggang bukas po ay wala munang pasok sa mga klase sa lahat ng antas. -Marami pa pong hindi nagsiuwian base na rin sa rekomendasyon ng ating disaster response units habang pabugso-bugso pa rin ang ulan.

-Tuloy-tuloy po ang pamamahagi natin ng relief goods, gayundin ang pag-monitor sa lebel ng tubig sa Marikina River.

19. Weather Watch

3 hours ago THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY NO. 01#MPRSD 5:50 AM AUGUST 22, 2013 Thunderstorms affecting portions of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Norte ,General Santos and nearby areas may persist in 1-2 hrs. All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong winds, lightning and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates.

20. Weather Watch

3 hours ago 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00AM 22 August 2013 SYNOPSIS: Southwest monsoon affecting Luzon FORECAST: The regions of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Ilocos and Cordillera will experience monsoon rains which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON and The provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Palawan, Bicol region and Visayas will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the South to Southwest will prevail throughout the archipelago and the coastal waters will be moderate to rough.

Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature : 1:30 PM Yesterday --- 26.4 C Minimum Temperature : 2:30 AM Yesterday --- 23.3 C Maximum Relative Humidity : 2:00 AM Yesterday --- 100 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 11:00 AM Yesterday --- 93 % High Tide Today : 10:39 AM .. 1.30 Meter Low Tide Today : 6:01 PM .. 0.18 Meter High Tide Today : 11:48 PM ... 0.67 Meter Low Tide Tomorrow : 4:12 AM .. 0.41 Meter Sunrise Today : 5:43 AM Sunset Today : 6:15 PM Moonset Today : 6:32 AM Moonrise Today : 7:04 PM Illumination Tomorrow : 99 % For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877.

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21. Weather Watch

11 hours ago PHILSTAR: DepEd advises schools to hold make-up classes in lieu of the suspended classes due to torrential rains brought by typhoon Maring.

22. Weather Watch

13 hours ago ABS-CBN: Nakalabas na ng PAR kaninang umaga ang bagyong Maring at kasalukuyan nang nasa kalupaan ng Northern Taiwan. Gayunman, paiigtingin pa rin ng sirkulasyon ng nasabing bagyo ang hanging Habagat na magdadala ng pag-ulan sa western section ng Luzon at Visayas. Bukas ay asahan ang maulap na panahon na may pag-ulan sa buong Luzon. Asahan naman ang maulap na panahon sa Visayas kung saan mas malakas ang pag-ulan sa western section nito. Asahan naman ang maulap na panahon na may mahinang pag-ulan sa Mindanao.
na po passable for Light vehicles ang Tomas Claudio st., Morong, Rizal - Rizal PDRRMO

23. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

13 hours ago GMA: Hindi pa masimulan ang pagkumpuni sa nasirang bahagi ng SCTEX dahil sa masamang lagay ng panahon. Bumigay kasi ang lupa sa ilalim ng tulay sa may bahagi ng Porac, Pampanga. Ayon sa pamunuan naman ng SCTEX, tila hindi naman apektado ng bitak ang kabuuang integrity ng tulay bagamat susuriin pa rin nila ito. Inaasahan naman ng pamahalaan ng Porac na maaayos agad ang bitak sa nasabing tulay. Kita naman sa magkabilang bahagi ng SCTEX ang mga palayan na lubog pa rin sa baha. Isang lalaki naman ang natagpuan patay sa Sta. Rita River sa Olongapo City.

24. Weather Watch

14 hours ago PIA-4A/RIZAL: LGUs that declared under The State of Calamity: SAN MATEO, TAYTAY, CAINTA, MORONG & RODRIGUEZ.

25. Weather Watch

14 hours ago GMA: Matapos mapansin ang tila pagkawala ng Pangulo sa gitna ng kalamidad, nagtungo ito kanina sa ilang lugar para mamigay ng relief goods. Nagtungo kanina si PNoy sa ilang bayan ng Laguna para mamigay ng tulong bago tumuloy sa Mandaluyong Elementary School. Kapansin pansin naman ang pag-ubo ng Pangulo sa gitna ng pamimigay ng tulong.

25. Weather Watch

14 hours ago PIA-4A/CAVITE: As per Mayor Strike B. Revilla, classes in ALL levels in the City of Bacoor are suspended tomorrow, August 22, 2013. Work in all city government offices shall resume tomorrow, August 22, 2013.

26. Weather Watch

15 hours ago ABS-CBN: Bumisita at nagbigay ng relief goods si PNoy sa mga apektado ng baha sa Cavite at Mandaluyong City. Sinagot naman ng Pangulo ang batikos sa social media na kung bakit ngayon lang siya nagpakita sa mga binaha. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na mula pa noong Linggo ay naka-monitor siya sa mga kaganapan sa panahon sa bansa.

27. Weather Watch

16 hours ago PAGASA Dr. Vicente Malano on DZBB: - Kaninang umaga ay lumabas na si TS Maring, east of northern Taiwan at ngayon ay nasa northeast Taiwan na po siya at inaasahan natin ang patuloy na papaganda ang panahon sa Metro Manila. - Meron pa tayong mga na-oobserbahan na moderate to heavy rains in some areas of Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. - Hindi po gaya noong two days ago saka kahapon na may makapal na kaulapan na nabagsak ng ulan ditto sa Metro Manila kasama na ang southern part adjacent provinces ng Cavite at Laguna.

Weather Watch

August 22 , 2013 ( Thursday )

as of 6 :00-7:00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Its raining with heavy clouds as of 6:25 am. Cloudy Partly Cloudy Cloudy Mostly Cloudy

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

50 minutes ago near Quezon City PIA-4A: President Benigno S. Aquino lll is expected to visit flood victims in Cavite at 10:00AM today ( August 22, 2013) to lead the the distribution of relief goods to the 178 families or 754 individual evacuees from brgys. Pag-asa 1, 2, 3, Medicion and Tuclong 2B at Tinabunan Elementary School, brgy. Pag-asa 3, Imus City, Cavite.

1. PIA OFW Watch

3 minutes ago near Quezon City DZMM: Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DFA sa mga tauhan nito sa Malaysia kung may nadamay na Pinoy sa nahulog na bus sa Malaysia. Samantala, wala pa ring pagkakakilanlan ang Pinay OFW na natagpuang patay at nakasilid pa sa maleta sa isang dumpsite sa Egypt.

2. PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago DZRH: Kinumpirma ng isa sa limang Pinoy na bumalik sa bansa matapos sumailalim sa voluntary repatriation program ng pamahalaan na takot ang namamayani ngayon sa mga kababayan natin sa bansang Egpyt.

3. PIA OFW Watch

13 hours ago DZBB: Dumating na kaninang hapon ang limang OFWs mula sa Egypt. Ayon kay DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez, tatlo sa mga OFW ay mula sa Cairo habang dalawa naman sa mga ito ay mula Alexandria.

4. PIA OFW Watch

13 hours ago GMA News: Isang batang Pinoy, tinaman ng ligaw na bala sa Egypt, ayon kay DFA Sec. Del Rosario. Isang Pinay rin aniya ang natagpuang patay sa imbakan ng basura doon.

5. PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago DZMM: Tiniyak ni PNoy na may trabahong naghihintay sa mga OFW na maaapektuhan ng kaguluhan sa Egypt. Pinatitiyak din ng Pangulo sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno ang kaligtasan ng mga OFW roon.

6. PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday near Quezon City PHILSTAR: The government ordered the mandatory evacuation of 6,000 Filipinos in Egypt because of the deteriorating security situation following days of violent clashes. DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario issued crisis alert level 4, noting the worsening security situation that endangered Filipino workers there. Del Rosario also ordered the deployment of a special team to Cairo to help speed up the repatriation of the Filipinos, who he urged to contact the embassy.

A. QUEZON

1.

Tagalog news: Emergency response team ng Quezon, tutulong sa mga biktima ng bagyo sa Bacoor
BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY Tuesday 20th of August 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Agost 20 (PIA)--Ang emergency response team ng Provincial Disaster Risk duction and Management Council (PDRRMC) ng Quezon ay nakatakdang magtungo ngayon sa Bacoor, Cavite upang magsagawa ng rescue operation sa mga pamilyang naging biktima ng pagbaha dulot ng habagat. Sinabi ni Dr. Henry Buzar ng PDRRMC-Quezon na maraming pamilya ang naapektuhan ng pagbaha sa Bacoor kung kayat nagpasiya ang PDRRMC-Quezon na magpadala ng rescue team sa nasabing lugar upang matulungan mailigtas ang mga taong biktima ng kalamidad. Ang emergency rescue team na may kasanayan sa paglilgtas ng buhay lalo kapag may nangyayaring kalamidad sa Quezon ay may mga dalang life vest, lubid at iba pang mga kagamitan sa pagliligtas ng buhay. Samantala, sinabi rin ni Buzar na hindi naman direktang naapektuhan ng habagat ang lalawigan ng Quezon. Aniya, wala ring mga ulat ng biktima ng pagbaha sa lalawigan sa kabila ng nangyaring malimit na pagulan nitong mga nakaraang araw. (RMO, PIA-Quezon)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

21 AUGUST 2013.

1. President Aquino assures government presence to help victims of flooding 2. President Aquino joins Filipinos in commemorating the 30th Death Anniversary of former Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino, Jr. 3. President Aquino appeals to Mandaluyong City residents to join government efforts to relocate settlers to safer places 4. Torrential rains encourage President Aquino to work harder at addressing flooding 5. Government ready to assist Filipinos affected by tensions in Egypt, says Aquino

6. Governments flood-control projects on track, Department of Public Works and Highways says
1. President Aquino assures government presence to help victims of flooding

BINAN, Laguna) President Benigno S. Aquino III assured Filipinos that the government was 100 percent primed and ready to extend any form of assistance to the victims of widespread flooding spawned by monsoon rains enhanced by typhoon Maring the past three days. The President gave the assurance in a short mesage during his visit to the De La Paz elementary school here on Wednesday. The school was tranformed into an evacuation center to accomodate 328 families or some 6,334 individuals who were adversely affected by the floods. "Ready po ang inyong gobyerno dito sa kalamidad na ito at huwag tayo magaalala, marami tayong resources pa na magagamit para maibalik tayo sa maayos sa lalong madaling panahon," the President said. He pointed out that the reason for his visit was to personally check on the situation of the people and to see if there was anything more to do. "Nandito nga kami lahat para tumulong, para makita kung ano --- kung may kakulangan pa," the President said. The President then personally handed out food packs to the victims. The food packs consisted of rice, noodles, coffee, can of sardines and corned beef, as well as mattresses and blankets. According to Social Welfare Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman who briefed the President on the relief efforts in the province, eight municipalities consisting of 38 barangays, 3,300 families or 15,950 individualas have been relocated to 47 evacuation centers. PND (rck) TOP 2. President Aquino joins Filipinos in commemorating the 30th Death Anniversary of former Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino, Jr. President Benigno S. Aquino III joined the Filipino people in commemorating the 30th Death Anniversary of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., saying that each Filipino carries the potential to bring about a lasting transformation in society. "As we celebrate his courage and patriotism, may we be reminded that individual choice can change the course of our history, and that each and every Filipino carries the potential to bring about lasting transformation in society," the Chief Executive said in his message commemorating his father's death anniversary. The former senator was assassinated on August 21,1983 at the then Manila International Airport now Ninoy Aquino International Airport. His death paved the way for his wife, Corazon C. Aquino, to continue what he had left behind the fight for the restoration of freedom and democracy. "On August 21, 1983, my father made the difficult decision to return to his ailing nation. No exile could lull him into comfort amidst the pleas of his kababayans for a peaceful life; no distance could make him neglect the duties he swore to his motherland. Instead, he headed home, alone, heart burning with fervor, to fight for the democracy he dreamed of reclaiming for his country," the President said. Thirty years after his death, Ninoy continues to inspire the Filipinos to cope with the challenges of maintaining our restored freedom in the countrys democratic system. "This was the choice that led to his martyrdom, and the turning point of our continuing narrative: In grief, the indomitable Filipino spirit was awakened. This spurred the Peo ple Power that brought back our peoples liberty and our national dignity," the President stressed. "Let the heroes in each of us thrive in our everyday words and action, in service of the greater good; exercise the freedom we enjoy today to spark a revolution for positive change and cast our stake in forging our destiny as a nation. Time and again, we have proven that no challenge is too daunting and no task is too great for a united Filipino nation," he further said. The President said the recent history attests to the power of Filipinos' solidarity as they seized the chance to steer our nation towards the straight and righteous path and to rebuild the just, equitably progressive society that his father aspired for. "Let us remain steadfast in our journey of renewal and bestow the legacy of an even more mature democracy upon coming generations," he concluded. PND (js) TOP

3. President Aquino appeals to Mandaluyong City residents to join government efforts to relocate settlers to safer places

BARANGAY POBLACION, Mandaluyong City) President Benigno S. Aquino III appealed to residents of Mandaluyong City to join government efforts to relocate those living within specified danger zones to safer places in order to ensure that no casualties are recorded in times of emergency. The President aired his appeal during his visit to the Mandaluyong Elementary School in Barangay Poblacion here to lead the distribution of food packs to victims of floods brought about by the torrential rains due to the monsoon system enhanced by typhoon Maring the past three days. Joining the President at the distribution ceremonies were Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Dinky Soliman, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. According to Soliman, who briefed the President on the DSWDs relief efforts in the municipality, 307 familie s or some 1,631 individuals of Barangay Poblacion have been relocated to the Mandaluyong Elementary School. They will soon receive food packs containing: rice, noodles, coffee and cans of sardines, corned beef as well as mattresses and blankets to ward off the cold. PND (rck) TOP 4. Torrential rains encourage President Aquino to work harder at addressing flooding

MANDALUYONG CITY) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that the torrential rains experienced by a large part of Luzon as well as Metro Manila over the last three days has served as encouragement to work harder at addressing the increasing incidence of flooding during the rainy season. In an interview after distributing food packs to the flood victims at the Mandaluyong City Elementary School, the President said the heavy downpour spawned by the monsoon season enhanced by typhoon Maring serves as an impetus to complete the things needed to address the perennial problem of flooding. If at all, lalo tayong magkakaroon ng impetus para magawa ang mga dapat gawin, the President said pointing out that over the course of the last three days, he had made follow ups with Justice Secretary Leila De Lima on the cases filed against establishments impeding the flow of waterways. Specifically, ang mga ... medyo malalaking mga establisyimento. The end point being to be able to demolish this illegal structures at makadaloy 'yung tubig, he added. He said he was disheartened to know that there had been casualties due to the floods but vowed that government relief agencies would continue to work towards maintaining a zero casualty rate. Siyempre, bawat isang namatay... hindi okay sa atin 'yan at gusto nating mapabawas. Maganda naman ang balita na walang na-isolate, in the sense na hindi maabot. Mukhang lahat ng communities na apektado, ang report sa atin e napuntahan at naasikaso, the President said. Ngayon, maganda rin 'yung cooperation nung ating mga kababayan na tumutulong --- iyong nakikiisa sa paglikas dito sa mga danger zones. Dito nga sa Mandaluyong, ni-report, by next month, iyong sa first 80 families, tapos na iyong dayalogo nila, makakalipat by next month. Hindi na 'yung masalimuot ang proseso sa paglilikas sa kanila sa mas maayos na lugar, he added. PND (rck) TOP 5. Government ready to assist Filipinos affected by tensions in Egypt, says Aquino

The Philippine embassy in Egypt has an initial $240,000 that could be used for the repatriation of Filipinos who remain in that country in the midst of the continuing tensions there, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday. In an interview during a visit in an evacuation center in Mandaluyong City, the President said there are between 5,000 to 6,000 Filipinos who stay in Egypt, mostly students and domestic helpers. Initially, there are only five who are coming home today at marami ang nagre -resist dahil ayaw raw nilang mawalan ng trabaho. But the situation is really serious, the President said. We will not call for level 4, which is forced repatriation, but Im sure the embassy in Egypt has been preparing for this, and has been actively trying to encourage our countrymen to ensure their sa fety to leave Egypt at this time, he said. The President also assured that the government will assist returning OFWs from Egypt by giving locally available jobs

and livelihood assistance similar to what the administration did to OFWs affected by the Arab Spring. He said that the AG&P, a manufacturing facility based in Batangas, hired 4,000 Filipinos displaced by the Arab Spring. The labor department and other government agencies like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will be preparing to assist OFWs who will return home, the President said. The government automatically releases such support, he said, adding that since the number of affected Filipinos in Egypt is significant, concerned government agencies will act on it. PND (as) TOP 6. Governments flood-control projects on track, Department of Public Works and Highways says

The completion of the governments flood control system particularly in Me tro Manila remains on track, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported on Wednesday. During an interview with the media in Mandaluyong City, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said the DPWH has several drainage improvement projects being done in different parts of Metro Manila to address flooding. The DPWH also has projects aimed at improving the capacity of the waterways in the metro, Singson said, adding that one of the agency's ongoing project is located in Bonifacio Avenue, which will address flooding at the Maysilo Circle. It also has another flood-control project in Blumentritt, he said noting that the three segments are already ongoing. Singson promised to complete the Blumentritt project, which is a major drainage improvement, by July next year. Singson, together with the other Cabinet secretaries, accompanied President Benigno S. Aquino III, who visited Binan and San Pedro, Laguna, before going to Mandaluyong City to oversee the ongoing relief operations in communities affected by the flooding. PND (as) TOP

20 AUGUST 2013.

1. Malacanang orders suspension of work in government offices anew in light of severe flooding 2. Aquino puts on hold release of Priority Development Assistance Fund
1. Malacanang orders suspension of work in government offices anew in light of severe flooding

Malacanang ordered the suspension of work in the government offices in Metro Manila in light of the severe flooding in some parts of the metropolis, a Palace official said on Tuesday. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement that Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. ordered the suspension of work in government offices, except those involved in disaster risk reduction and management, upon the recommendation of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. The PAGASA issued an Orange Rainfall advisory early Tuesday, warning the public that heavy to intense rainfall are to be expected over Metro Manila and parts of Central and Southern Luzon. The weather bureau also advised the public to take precautionary measures. PND (js) TOP 2. Aquino puts on hold release of Priority Development Assistance Fund

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration has put on hold the release of funds intended for Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) until a thorough investigation into the pork barrel scandal ends. The President said future PDAF releases are still with the Department of Budget and Management because the implementing agencies which got initial releases have to liquidate the money they received. Asked until when the DBM will hold the PDAF, the President said the ongoing investigation on the pork barrel of lawmakers has to be completed so that the government could act on the loopholes that reportedly became the source of corruption on PDAF releases. Tapusin muna ang imbestigasyon and check kung mayroong pa ngang mga loopholes na dapat maisara, the Chief Executive said in an interview with GMA network's Maki Pulido on Tuesday. The government must file charges if the investigation yielded any anomaly in PDAF releases, he said. The Department of Justice (DOJ) intends to expand its investigation into the pork barrel scam following the release of the Commission on Audit (COA) report on alleged misuse of over P6 billion in controversial funds. The President also expressed dismay over allegations on the misuse of the PDAF. Ang kuntsabahan ng napakaraming sektor para mangyari ito, ang mga allegations? Beneficiaries, listahan ng bar examinees? Malulungkot ka rin kung yung magandang nagagawa naman sa paggamit ng PDAF natatabunan nitong kababuyan na ito, he said. So, were trying to come up with that system that does away with all of the loopholes, para siguradong mapunta doon sa talagang pangangailangan ng bawat k omunidad, he continued. The President also said hes not in favor of abolishing the PDAF altogether since it helps the government carry out projects that cant be done by the national government. He added that his administration is working on a new system that will eliminate the loopholes that result to corruption. There will be a menu of projects and expenses and the government must limit the release of funds to legitimate nongovernment organizations (NGOs) that really help the community, he said. The current process in releasing the PDAF must be simplified, the President said. Building major projects such as schools and electrifying communities should not be a concern since the government has started eliminating the classroom backlogs and has connected far-flung areas to main power lines, he added. The justice department has been investigating the anomaly in the release of PDAF of lawmakers allegedly to nonexistent or bogus NGOs amounting to billions of pesos. PND (js/as) TOP

16 AGOSTO 2013 1. Pinuri ng Pangulong Aquino ang Philippine Spine Society sa malaking ambag sa pagsulong at paglinang ng spine surgery practice sa Pilipinas 2. Kinilala ng Pangulo ang halaga ng master plumbers sa larangan ng imprastraktura at water systems ng bansa 3. Idineklara ng gobyerno ang state of calamity sa Aurora at Zambales 4. Handang makipagtulungan ang Palasyo sa Kongreso, Korte Suprema para matiyak ang transparency sa budget ng hudikatura

1. Pinuri ng Pangulong Aquino ang Philippine Spine Society sa malaking ambag sa pagsulong at paglinang ng spine surgery practice sa Pilipinas Pinuri ng Pangulong Benigno S.Aquino III ang Philippine Spine Society (PSS) sa malaking nagawa nito sa paglinang ng spine surgery practice sa Pilipinas. Kayong mga lalaki at babae sa larangan ng medisina, napakahalaga ng ginagampanan ninyo upang matamo ang dakilang hangarin maisulong ang inyong propesyon na ang kasing kahulugan ay higit na mabuting serbisyong medikal at mataas na uri ng pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng sambayanang Pilipino, sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang pahatid-bati sa PSS kaugnay ng Annual Operative Course in Spine Surgery. Sinimulan ng PSS at ang Philippine Orthopedic Association, sa pakikipagtulungan ng Medical City Development of Orthopedics ang dalawang araw na Annual Operative Course in Spine Surgery: Updates on Degenerative Conditions of the Cervical Spine sa Medical City sa Ortigas Avenue, Lungsod ng Pasig. Ang malusog at kapaki-pakinabang na mamamayan ng gulugod ng isang malakas at umuunlad na bansa at upang pangalagaan ang kapakanan nila ay kailangang tiyaking patuloy tayong magsisikap patungo sa laganap at pantay na kaunlaran. Ang malasakit, husay, kaalaman sa pagbabago at katapatan sana ang mamayani sa inyong mga gawain upang sapat ninyong matugunan ang mga hamon ng patuloy na pagbabago sa ating paligid. Ang modernisasyon sana ay maging kasangkapan ninyo upang higit na magampanan ang inyong mga tungkulin bilang mga lingkod ng bayan, sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Nanawagan ang Pangulo sa PSS na makiisa sa pamahalaan upang matupad ang magkatulad na hangaring ang Pilipinas ay maging isang masaganang bansa. Ang pagkakaisa ang bibigkis sa atin patungo sa pakay na pagbabago ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng higit na masiglang kalakalan at ibayong pagkakataon para sa mga masigasig at masisipag na mamamayan. Pag-ibayuhin natin ang pagsisikap na taluntunin ang tuwid at tamang landas upang mabigyang katuparan ang malawak na potensiyal ng ating bansa, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP 2. Kinilala ng Pangulo ang halaga ng master plumbers sa larangan ng imprastraktura at water systems ng bansa Inaasahan ng administrasyon ang mga master plumbers upang matiyak ang husay ng imprastraktura at water systems ng bansa sang-ayon sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kaugnay ng idinaraos na Visayas-Mindanao Conference ng National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines, Inc. Manatili sana ang mga master plumbers na kabalikat ng ating simulain ng isang tunay na nagkakais ang lipunan kung saan ang sipag sa trabao ay pantay na ginagantimpalaan at ang mga hakbang natin ay ginagabayan ng walang pasubaling pag-ibig sa bayan, sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang pahatid-bati sa National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines Inc. (NAMPAP) sa dalawang araw na Visayas-Mindanao Conference sa VCDU Prince Hotel and Convention Center sa South Montilla Boulevard, Lungsod ng Butuan, Agusan del Norte. Sinimulan Biyernes ang dalawang araw na kapulungang ito na may paksang-diwang Master Plumbers on High Gear for Global Challenge. Ang laganap na kaunlaran ang pangunahing pakay natin sa panahong ito ng panibagong sigla ng tiwala ng sambayanan sa ating mga istitusyon. Ang pagsasakatupran ng mabuting pamamahala ay unang hakbang lamang sa mahaba at matagal nating paglalakbay na gagawin, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Habang inilalatag natin ang mga kailangan upang iangat ang kapakanang pambayan, umaasa tayong ang mga pagsisikap na ito ay lilikha ng ibayong mga pagkakataon para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga kapus-palad na bahagi ng lipunan, wika ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino na inaasahan niyang ang pagtitipong ito ay magiging daan ng ibayong ispirasyon ng mga master plumbers upang ibayong tumulong at magmala-sakit sa Kabisayaan at Mindanao. PND (js/zaf) TOP 3. Idineklara ng gobyerno ang state of calamity sa Aurora at Zambales

Idineklara ng pamahalaan ang state of calamity sa mga lalawigan ng Aurora at Zambales na malubhang pininsala ng bagyong Labuyo ngayong linggong ito, ayon sa pahayag ng Malacanang Biyernes habang patuloy ang pagdadala ng tulong sa mga binagyo at pag-aayos ng mga napinsalang imprastraktura sa iba-ibang bayan at lungsod. Ang mga pook na ipinailalim sa state of calamity ay ang mga bayan ng Dinalungan, Casiguran at Dilasag sa Aurora at ang Candelaria, Santa Cruz at Masinloc sa Zambales, alinsunod kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang. Sinabi ni Valte na patuloy ang pagsubaybay ng pamahalaan sa pinsala na iniwan ng bagyo at hanggang kaninang ikalima ng umaga (Biyernes) ay kabuuang 76 mangingisda ang nailigtas sa mga lalawigan ng Pangasinan, Catanduanes at Camarines Norte.

Idinugtong ni Valte na walo ang iniulat na nasawi sa bagyo, pito katao ang sugatan at apat pa ang nawawala. Kabuuang 84,571 pamilya ang apektado sa 87 bayan, anim na lungsod, 16 na lalawigan sa mga Rehiyon 1, 2, 3, 5 at sa Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), sang-ayon sa National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC). Batay pa rin sa ulat ng NDRRMC, ang nasirang bahay ay kabuuang 20,136 sa mga Rehiyon 1, 2, 3, 5 at CAR. Patuloy, sabi ni Valte, ang paghahatid ng tulong ng pamahalaan sa mga taong pininsala ng napakalakas na bagyong Labuyo at kabuuan ng P12,191,826.99 ang halaga ng tulong na naipamigay sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo. PND (as/zaf) TOP 4. Handang makipagtulungan ang Palasyo sa Kongreso, Korte Suprema para matiyak ang transparency sa budget ng hudikatura Nakahanda ang Malacanang na makipagtulungan sa Hudikatura at Kongreso para matiyak ang fiscal autonomy and transparency sa budget ng Kataastaasang Hukuman. Ayon sa ulat, hinihingi ng Hudikatura sa Kongreso na alisin ang special provision sa panukalang pambansang budget para sa 2014, lalo na sa Judiciary Development Fund (JDF) sa pangambang maging sagwil ito sa kalayaan ng hudikatura. Tungkol sa ibang mga bagay na inungkat ng mga kinatawan ng hukuman, ang DBM sa panig ng Ehekutibo, ay handa at sisikaping maging bukas sa pagtatrabaho na kaisa sila at ang Kongreso sa ano mang bagay na may kinalaman sa kanilang budget, sabi ni Deputy Presid ential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan Biyernes. Ang punto lamang naman natin, at kung makikita natin sa pagbasa ng mga special provisions na ang nilalayong talaga ay transparency, at alam naming nasa Ehekutibo na ang mga kasama natin sa Korte Suprema ay papayag dito dahil ang fiscal autonomy at transparency ay maaari namang magkasama, dagdag pa ni Valte. Ipinaliwanag ni Valte na ang Special Provision 6 ng programa sa gugulin ay nagsasaad na "awtomatiko at regular na ilalabas sa hudikatura. Ito naman ay hindi pre-condition sa paglalabas ng ano mang pondo ng Korte Suprema at maliwanag na maliwanag ito sa espesyal na probisyon, sabi pa ni Valte. PND (as/zaf) TOP

Talumpati ng Kagalang-galang Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo ng Pilipinas Sa Pambansang Kongreso sa Wika Inihayag sa Leong Hall, Ateneo de Manila University Noong ika-19 ng Agosto 2013

Tagapangulong Virgilio S. Almario; Father Jett Villarin; mga kinatawan ng Kalupunan ng Komisyoner ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino; mga kasaping akademiya at mga non-government organizationna hindi pa na-translatena narito; mga kawani ng ng pamahalaan; mga kagalang-galang na panauhin; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang umaga po muli sa inyong lahat. Isa sa mga tanong na bumagabag sa dating Pangulong Manuel Quezon noong panahon ng Commonwealth ay ito: Oras na magbalik sa Estados Unidos ang mga Amerikano, at makamit ng Pilipinas ang kalayaan, at wala na muling paghuhugutan ng dahilan ang mga Pilipino para lumaban at magkaisa para sa iisang layunin, ano pa ang magbubuklod sa ating bansa? Ang sagot dito: isang wikang pambansa. Sa halip na magkanya-kanya bilang Tagalog, o Bisaya, o Cebuano, o Ilocano, o Kapampangan, kikilalanin sila kikilalanin tayosa ilalim ng iisang pangalan: Pilipino. At gaano man karami ang ating isla, pagbubuklurin tayo ng isang tinig, ng isang wika: Filipino.

Mula sa proklamasyon nito bilang wikang pambansa noong 1937, wala pa ho ako noon, [laughter] ewan ko lang si Father Jett dahil lamang siya sa akin ng kaunti, [laughter] dumaan sa mabagal at masalimuot na yugto ang Filipino bilang wikang may kakayahang pagkaisahin ang bansa. Hindi bat dati, meron lamang tayong Linggo ng Wika? Bagaman buong buwan na ng Agosto kung ipagdiwang ating sariling wika ngayon, naniniwala pa rin akong dapat ay araw-araw na kinikilalat pinapahalagahan ang ating pong sariling salita. Marahil, kung wala pa ang mga gurong tulad ni Ginang Escasa, na talagang hinasa kami sa silid-aralan sa wastong paggamit ng Filipino, malamang ay kanina pa ako natitisod sa maraming salita, at hindi na ninyo ako inimbita sa pagtitipong ito. Ang nakakabahala, sa halip na pagmulan ng kolektibong dangal, nagiging bukal pa ng alitan ang wikang Filipino. Personal ko itong nasaksihan noong bagong halal pa lamang akong Kongresista. Syempre ho, pag-nagumpisa ang Kongreso, mag-oorganisa kayo. Habang nag-oorganisa kayo, habang nag-oorganisa kayo, e di wala pang trabaho ang mga komite dahil binubuo nga. So isang araw, tumayo ang kinatawan ng Quezon City, o isa sa mga kinatawan ng Lungsod Quezon at nagtalumpati sa wikang Filipino. Tumayo ang kinatawan ng Davao del Sur noong panahon na iyo at itinanong kung bakit nagsalita ng Tagalog ang kinatawan ng Quezon City. Sagot po ng kinatawan ng Quezon City, Ayan po ay opisyal nating lenggwahe. Ang sagot sa kanya, Pakibasa nga yong parte ng Konstitusyon na nagsabi nang Tagalog ay Filipino. At pagkatapos po non ay nag-Bisaya na ang ating butihing kasamahan galing ng Davao del Sur. Pagkatapos po non, eh sumagot na rin ho ang presiding officer, Deputy Speaker galing Palawan, sinagot yong dalawang kin atawan sa wikang Ilokano. Kaya po yong stenographer nagtataas ng kamay at sinabing, Suko na ako, hindi ko na alam kung ano ang susundan dito! [Laughter] Alam ho ninyo, dalawang linggo pong debate kung ano Filipino. Ang napala namin, habang ino-organisa ang Kongreso. At habang silay nagdedebate, sabi ko, Napakabigat naman ng talakayan nating ito! Napakaraming inakyat baba kong dike para lang magkaroon ng pribilehyong magmkaroon ng debateng tila walang saysay. Sa unang tingin, nakakatawa nga ho ang kwentong ito. Subalit kung susuriin, ganito mismo ang kasalukuyang konteksto ng pulitika ng wika sa Pilipinas ngayon. Ang isang bagay na dapat ay nagbubuklod sa atin, nagiging mitsa pa ng di-pagkakasunduan. Ang wikang dapat ay bumubuo at tumatahi sa libu-libo nating mga kapuluan, ay siya pang pumupunit sa mga prinsipyong naghuhulma sa ating kasaysayan. Kaya naman isang malaking hakbang ang pagtitipong ito sa pagpapayabong ng ating wikang pambansa. Nananalig akong sa pagtutulungan ng mga kalahok na sektor, maitutulay ng Unang Pambansang Kongreso sa Wika ang ilang mga hamon at suliraning pangwika na matagal nang nabalewala sa ating lipunan, at magsimulang maitaas ang antas ng pakikilahok at diskurso ukol dito. Nagpapasalamat ako sa kasalukuyang pamunuan ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, sa inisyatibang likumin ang mga kaisipan at opinyon ng mga eksperto sa pagtitipong ito, gayundin sa masigasig na pagpapatupad ng mandato ng komisyon. Nananalig akong magiging mabunga ang Unang Pambansang Kongreso sa Wika, at magagamit tungo sa paghubog ng mas progresibong lipunan ang anumang resulta ng inyong talakayan. Kahit sa munting paraan, kompiyansa ako sa naiaambag ng ating administrasyon sa pagpapayabong at pagtangkilik sa wikang pambansa. Bilang Pangulo, tungkulin kong ibalik ang tiwala at kompiyansa ng mga Pilipino sa mga institusyong pampamahalaan. Samakatuwid, tinig nila tayo. Mangyayari lamang ito kung naiintindihan at nakikita nilang hinihimok natin silang makilahok sa paghubog ng pamahalaang tunay na mula sa kanila, at kumikilos para sa kanila. Kaya naman bago pa man ako mahalal, napagpasyahan kong gamitin ang Filipino sa aking mga talumpatihindi bilang gimik o propaganda kundi dahil ito ang tunay na tinig ng ating mga kababayan. [Applause] Humaharap po ako sa kanila bilang kolektibong boses ng mga Pilipino, kayat obligasyon kong magsalita sa wikang komportable sila, at naiintindihan nila. Alam po nyo, naalala ko tuloy: Noong ako poy unang tumatakbo bilang kongresista, may mga lumapit po sa akin at sabi bilib na bilib raw ho sila sa aking ama. Napakagaling raw hong magsalita. Para raw machine gun. May nagsabi pa ho yatang masinggan [machine gun]. [Laughter] Tapos, ako naman poy siyempre nagalak, at tinanong ko poy ano ho ba ang naalala nila sa mga binigkas na salita ng aking ama. Sabi nila, Medyo matagal na yon eh pero magaling siyang magsalita. [Laughter] So, Thank you na rin ho, sabi ko. Noong ako naman po yong unang na-interview, noong bago nga tayong halal, isang beses, isang kapitan namin sa Tarlac nagsabi sa akin, Sir, napanood ko kayo sa telebisyon. Kagaling nyong magsalita! Tapos sabi ko, Ano ba yong pinakamagandang nasabi ko? Sir, magaling kayong magsalita talaga pero English yong sinasabi nyo, hindi ko masyadong naintindihan pero damang-dama ko magaling kayo talaga. [Laughter] Sa madaling salita, magsasalita ka, baka matuwa sayo, baka ma-impress sayosabi ng mga Amerikanopero wala naman naintindihan. Wala naman atang pag-uugnayan na nangyari doon, o pagkakaunawaan o pagkakaintindihan. Kaya mabuti yata ay maintindihan ng nakakarami ng ating sinasabi, o kung hindi, nag-aksaya lang tayo ng hangin. Hindi ko kailangang magtunog marunong o magmukhang matalino sa pakikipagdiyalogo gamit ang mga banyagang wika. Ayokong iligaw ang aking kapwa, o pabanguhin ang aking mga nagagawa, sa paggamit ng mabubulaklak na salita. Trabaho kong iulat sa kanila kung ano ang totoo, sa paraang simple at pinakanauunawaan ng madla. Higit sa lahat, Filipino ang gamit ko sa tuwing kaharap ang aking mga Boss, dahil alam kong ito ang wikang pinakamalapit sa kanilang puso.

Simple lamang ang punto ko: Huwag nating hayaang maikahon tayo sa pagtatagisang-dila. Pagkakaisa ang bukal kung bakit mayroon tayong pambansang wika, kayat dapat nating timbangin kung paanong magag amit ang husay at talino ng mga ekspertot dalubhasa sa paghahatid ng positibismot pag-asa sa ating kapwa. Pagkatapos ng debatet talakayan, matuto tayong maging mahinahon, magkasundot magtagpo sa gitna, at paglabas ng kumperensyang ito, ay humakbang pasulong tungo sa direksyong makabubuti sa ating pambansang wika. Imbes na mga galos at pilat ang makuha dahil sa pagtatagisang-tinig, sana ay umusbong ang pagkakaunawaan at pusong makabayan. May tungkulin tayong palaganapin ang isang kulturang may malalim na pagkakaintindihan sa isat isa, gamit ang isang wikang pinagbubuklod at pinapatibay ang buong bansa. Ulitin ko po: Wika, dapat pagbubuuin tayo, hindi tayo dapat paghihiwalayin. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
AUGUST 21, 2013
1. DSWD continues relief operations for victims of torrential rains 2. DFA Raises Alert Level 4 over Egypt 3. Philippine Delegation Participates in Passport Fraud Detection Seminar at International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok 4. DSWD calls for volunteers to help repack goods for disaster victims 5. Gov't remains committed to fulfill 1996 FPA 6. DFA Ladies Foundation conducts Second Civil Service Review 7. DTI brings food products from 16 regions to Metro Manila 8. DPWH resumes QC and Caloocan repairs this weekend 9. BPM industry readies more job breaks for Pinoys, DOST exec says 10. SSS diversifies AlkanSSSya coverage, attracts 284 ISGs so far 11. PDIC to continue processing claims of Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan depositors 12. Statement of DOTC on the Bidding for LRT-1 Cavite Extension 13. Baldoz to grace launching of Lakas-Sipa sa Batang Malaya football clinic 14. DOLE's ECC lifts payment suspension of EC death benefits in the public sector, calls on EC survivorship pensioners to register with GSIS 15. NFA releases 934 bags of rice for "Labuyo" victims

1. DSWD continues relief operations for victims of torrential rains Source: https://www.dswd.gov.ph

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with local government units affected by heavy downpour spawned by typhoon Maring will conduct massive relief operations today in areas with the most number of displaced families and in those with recurring floodwaters. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said that over P7.9 million worth of relief assistance from the combined resources of the DSWD, LGUs, and NGOs have been provided to disaster victims. Of this amount, the DSWD extended P3.763 million. Secretary Soliman added that the Department has purchased 1,500 sacks of rice as additional food support for the affected families in the CALABARZON areas. She also said that repacking is on-going for the newly-purchased food items for the additional 100,000 stockpile of family packs at the DSWD-National Resource Operations Centers (NROC). Secretary Soliman reiterated her call for volunteers to help in the repacking of goods at NROC along NAIA Chapel Road in Pasay City with telephone number 852-8081. Based on the 6 am report of the DSWD-Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center (DROMIC), some 223,991 families or 1,060,094 individuals have been affected. Of this number, 29,041 families or 132,969 individuals are staying in evacuation centers in NCR, CAR, Regions I, III, IV-A and B. NCR has the most number of evacuees with 20,524 families or 132, 969 persons staying in 200 evacuations centers. Secretary Soliman said that DSWD personnel are deployed 24/7 at the NDRRMC Operations Center at OCD, Camp

Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City to coordinate and respond to issues on the current disaster operations. The Secretary also instructed for the establishment of a DSWD Disaster Operations Center at the DSWD-NROC to coordinate all relief distribution efforts. (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) |TOP| 2. DFA Raises Alert Level 4 over Egypt Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 20 August 2013 Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario who is visiting Cairo for the second time in two weeks for the purpose of assessing the security situation of Filipino nationals, raised Crisis Alert Level 4 over Egypt on August 19. Secretary del Rosario said that the marked deterioration of peace and order in Egypt, exacerbated by the ongoing political instability and grave security challenges in that country, make working and living there increasingly difficult and dangerous. Crisis Alert Level 4 entails mandatory repatriation at Philippine Government expense. A Rapid Response Team (RRT) arrived in Cairo on August 17 to assist in the implementation of the repatriation program. On August 14, a Filipino-Egyptian teenager was hit by a stray bullet during clashes near her home in Helwan. The teenager seemed to be on the road to recovery and was in good spirits when she was visited by Secretary del Rosario, according to Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jesus I. Yabes and Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Claro Cristobal. Secretary del Rosario calls on Filipino nationals in Egypt to contact the Philippine Embassy in Cairo immediately and to avail of its repatriation service. The Embassy may be reached through the following contact details: Trunk Lines: (+202) 25213062/64/65/51 Direct Lines: (+202) 2516 6217 / 25213045 Mobile Hotlines: (+2) 012 2743 6472 / 012 8247 6554 Fax No.: (+202) 2521-3048 Facebook: Cairo Philippine Embassy e-mail: cairo: cairope@tedata.net.eg, cairo.pe@dfa.gov.ph -END|TOP| 3. Philippine Delegation Participates in Passport Fraud Detection Seminar at International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph

20 August 2013 - A team of participants from the Philippines, led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of Consular Affairs Executive Director Wilfredo Santos, successfully attended the workshop on Passport Fraud Detection at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop was held from August 13 to 15. The team was composed of representatives from the DFA, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Bureau of Immigration. Other delegations participating in the course were from Indonesia, Thailand and, Laos. OCA 3The workshop included various topics and exercises geared towards improving the participants knowledge and skills in Passport Fraud Detection, as well as provided avenues for the sharing of best practices, policies, and infrastructure in addressing the issue of passport fraud. The Philippine delegation actively participated and took the lead in the discussions and activities and DFA Office of Consular Affairs Executive Director Santos was selected as class representative. In his address to the class, he noted that the seminar was a welcome opportunity for all concerned agencies in the Southeast Asian region to enhance their knowledge and skills in detecting passport fraud. He emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen efforts in combating passport fraud due to its strong correlation to illegal activities and transnational crime. Executive Director Santos added that through capacity building programs and sharing of best practices on this issue, Southeast Asian governments take one step towards securing their borders and preserving the integrity of their passports and travel documents. OCA 4The course was the first of its kind conducted for Asian participants under the ILEA program, sponsored and presented by the United States Department of State.

ILEA-Bangkok was established through a cooperative endeavor between the United States of America and Thailand in 1998, and has since then conducted training programs for law enforcement officers in Southeast Asia. END |TOP| 4. DSWD calls for volunteers to help repack goods for disaster victims Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman today called for volunteers to assist in the repacking of goods at the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NRCO) along Chapel Road in Pasay City. Interested volunteers may call Mr Ronald Reonal at 852-8081 . Meanwhile, Secretary Soliman said that 199 evacuation centers are open in disaster-affected areas providing temporary shelter and relief assistance to 9,153 families or 41,000 persons. The National Capital Region has 77 evacuation centers, Region IV-A with 59, Region III has 47, CAR has 6, and Region IV-B with one evacuation center. Relief distribution also continues for some 19,140 families or 90, 458 persons who chose to stay in their friends or relatives. As of 6 am today, a total of 125, 024 families with 601,114 persons from 503 barangays in NCR, CAR, and Regions I, III IV-A and IV-B were affected by heavy rains and floodings. Secretary Soliman said the P4.4 million worth of relief assistance coming from the combined resources of the DSWD, concerned LGUs, and NGOs were provided to the affected families. Secretary Soliman added that the Department will send today 10,000 family food packs and 5,000 family food packs to Regions III and IV-A, respectively. She added that the Department is now coordinating with the World Food Programme for the distribution of high energy biscuits for children and older persons. Secretary Soliman said that all members of the DSWD Quick Response Teams in disaster-affected areas are on alert status to augment resources of local government units to assist in relief distribution and in managing evacuation centers ### (DSWD-Social MarKeting Service) ### August 20, 2013. |TOP| 5. Gov't remains committed to fulfill 1996 FPA Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila The government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), assured that it remains committed to fulfill its obligations to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement (FPA) it had signed with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). In a statement, OPAPPs Undersecretary Jose Lorena said that the government has no intention of abrogating or abandoning the FPA, and has been continuing its positive engagements with the MNLF, contrary to the claims of MNLF leader Nur Misuari. The Aquino administration has always engaged the MNLF since 2010 and will continue to do so under the existing mechanism as we have conveyed to the OIC-PCSP (Organization of Islamic Conference - Peace Committee for Southern Philippines), he said. Lorena said Misuari, along with his contingent is always being invited and present in the Tripartite Implementation Review meetings and other related meetings over the past three years. The government, MNLF, and the OIC have been engaging in a tripartite review of the implementation of the final peace agreement since 2007. The review process is being facilitated by the OIC-PSCP, which is chaired by Indonesia. As far as the GPH (Government of the Philippines) is concerned, we are not aware of any reason for them to claim that government has abandoned them. Our aim has always been to complete the Tripartite Implementation Review so that we can move forward with concrete actions towards the development of MNLF communities, which we have already started, he pointed out. We encourage Mr. Misuari to be a partner in ensuring the welfare of MNLF communities and actively engage with us in the drafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law which will incl ude the agenda of the MNLF, he added. Lorena made the statement following reports that Misuari declared a Bangsamoro Republic in some parts of Mindanao.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles has earlier clarified that the gove rnments main objective in pushing for the completion of the tripartite review is to start the implementation process for the consensus points and mechanisms that the Parties have agreed on. We have already informed the OIC through the chair and members of the [Peace Committee for Southern Philippines chaired by Indonesia] that we think it is time to draw a conclusion to the review process, she said. In a statement issued last week, Deles likewise cited Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa's "firm support for the efforts being undertaken by the GPH to ensure a comprehensive settlement of the armed conflict in Southern Philippines." "He was categorical in stating that Indonesia opposes any attempt to jeopardize the territorial integrity of the Philippines and that any such move falls outside the ambit of the agreed upon Tripartite Review Process," she added. |TOP| 6. DFA Ladies Foundation conducts Second Civil Service Review Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 16 August 2013 - Forty-five (45) of the members and dependents of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ladies Foundation (DFALF) completed the Second Civil Service Review for the Professional and Sub Professional Examinations conducted by DFALF from June 29 to August 10. The main objective of the Review was to prepare DFA personnel, with no appropriate eligibility, to hurdle the Civil Service exams. Obtaining the appropriate eligibility would qualify them for permanent/higher appointments in the Department. Ms. Josephine Teves of the Learning Mate Tutorial Center conducted the review covering English, Mathematics and Filipino. Professor Jan Robert Go of the University of the Philippines covered the sessions on General Information and Logic. The lectures also provided intensive practical application exercises and personal tips and advice in taking the exams. Diagnostic and mock examinations were also administered prior to and at the end of the Review. At simple closing ceremony held on August 10, Certificates of Attendance were distributed to the participants. DFA Assistant Secretary for Personnel and Administrative Services Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek, also DFALF President, expressed satisfaction on the interest and desire of the reviewees to properly equip themselves for the CS exams. With the new knowledge, concepts and techniques acquired during the Review, she encouraged the participants to take the CS exams scheduled on 13 October 2013. She also reiterated the DF ALFs standing offer to refund the registration fee of P300.00 to the successful examinees. She also expressed her deep appreciation to the DFALF officers, and to Ms. Teves, for their patience, dedication and commitment in bringing about the fruitful conclusion of this important DFALF activity. The Project Coordinator was Ms. Norma Pastrana with team members composed of Ms. Lorraine M. Espiritu, Ms. Rosabelle Toledo, Ms. Felicitas Commendador and the DFALF Secretariat. |TOP| 7. DTI brings food products from 16 regions to Metro Manila Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Home-grown fresh and processed food products from the countrys 16 regions will be for sale in the Department of Trade and Industrys (DTI) upcoming Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair, showcasing regional specialties and delicacies occasionally available in Metro Manila. While food fairs have become quite a common place to look for home -grown products and best buys especially with the prevalence of weekend markets, the Sikat Pinoy National Food Fair will bring together more than 250 food entrepreneurs from the various regions of the country in one venue, DTI Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo, Jr. said. With the tagline Piling-piling pagkaing Pilipino, the fair will be held at the SM Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City from August 21 to 25 2013. The DTI in cooperation with its regional and provincial offices, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) is organizing this fair.

Since around half of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are into the food and beverage sector, we are organizing this fair to create more business opportunities for our food entrepreneurs. This way, we focus on a sector with a competitive advantage," Manalo said. Some of the products for sale are coffee from Benguet, unoy rice from Kalinga, empanada from Ilocos, longanisa from Vigan, Ivatan yellow rice from Batanes, sans rival from Pampanga, cashew nuts from Palawan, smoked fish from Cavite, suman sa lihiya from Oriental Mindoro, laing and pinangat from Albay, snack food from Iloilo, chicharon from Cebu, moron from Leyte, juices from Zamboanga, processed meat from Misamis Oriental, coco sugar from Davao del Sur, and tablea from Agusan del Sur. The first day of the fair, August 21, will be devoted to institutional buyers from hotels, resorts, and restaurants, as well as media outfits. The succeeding four days will be open to the public. The fair will also hold free cooking demonstrations and training seminars. The cooking demonstrations will be hosted by the LJC Restaurant Group and Culinary Institute of Aristocrat (August 22), Ultima Entrepinoy and Pan Pacific (August 23), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (August 24); and Villa Salud Catering (August 25). The seminar topics include: basics of exporting (August 24), food-handling and food additives (August 24), and business opportunities in meat processing and food cart business (August 25). For more information on the fair, you may contact the DTI through the Bureau of Domestic Trade (BDT) at 751.3223, or email at bdt@dti.gov.ph. The BDT is at the ground floor of the Trade and Industry Building, 361 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue in Makati City. You may also visit the fairs website at www.sikatpinoyfairs.com, or like its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SikatPinoyFairs. |TOP| 8. DPWH resumes QC and Caloocan repairs this weekend Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) resumes its concrete re-blocking and road repair program along EDSA, covering Quezon and Caloocan cities, this weekend. The affected areas include: northbound lane of Palanza St to Bayani Steet (Northbound) along Araneta Ave. and Shell Gas Station to Balintawak MRT Station (3rd lane, Northbound) both in Quezon City; and, southbound lane of Monumento Circle (4th lane) and MCU Hospital to Monumento Circle (northbound) in Caloocan City. Repair works to start tonight (August 16, 2013) at 10:00pm until 5am on Monday, 19 August 2013. DPWH is taking advantage of the weekend in implementing these long-overdue road rehabilitation works to avoid heavy traffic build up causing inconvenience to the riding public. For updates and concerns, please contact DPWH through text: type DPWH (space) your message, then send to 2920 or Hotline Number 165-02. You may also view our Facebook page (DPWH Central Office) or follow us on twitter @dpwhco. |TOP| 9. BPM industry readies more job breaks for Pinoys, DOST exec says Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph

More job opportunities, more career options. With a total workforce of 776,794 in 2012, some 137,066 of these were new hires, the countrys IT-Business Process Management industry continues to burst at the seams with a US$ 13.2billion revenue. The Department of Science and Technology - Information and Communication Technology Office (DOST-ICTO) is furthering its efforts in bringing jobs to Filipinos in the countryside, as we aim to hit our target of 1.3 million full time employees working in the industry by 2016, DOST -ICTO Executive Director Louis Napoleon C. Casambre said. DOST-ICTO is the countrys main agency handling the IT -BPM sector. Director Casambre said that for years, the countrys IT -BPM sector has shown strength in terms of revenues, positioning the country as the best provider in voice services and second best in non-voice. Opportunities in the industry were echoed by speakers at the recently held IT-BPM Career Talk during the National Science and Technology Week at the SMX Convention Center as they also discussed the various skills needed in it, as well as options and perks. According to the speakers, other IT-BPM sectors such as animation, game development, health information management, and software development are quickly catching up with the popularity and capability of call centers. Getting on the game

Alvin Juban, president of the Game Developers Association of the Philippines, cited that the country today has an estimated 4,000 game developers involved in motion graphics, motion capture, sound design, conceptualization and game quality assurance. Poised to further boost industry manpower is the newly established Human Development Facility. Owned by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the government of South Korea and the Department of National Defense of the Philippines , the facility is designed to strengthen the skills of Filipino professionals in animation and game development, said Juban. Nurses, medics join the fray Meanwhile, Dr. Josefina V. Lauchangco, president of the Health Information Management Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (HIMOAP), elaborated that a background in the medical field is a big advantage for those seeking jobs in the health information management sector such as medical transcription. She added that the number of nurses hired by HIMOAPs member-firms in the country was estimated to reach 43,000 in 2012. They aim to raise employment numbers to 100,000 by 2016, she reported. However, Dr. Lauchangco added that professionals from fields of specialization other than medicine are also welcome to work in the health information management outsourcing sector. |TOP| 10. SSS diversifies AlkanSSSya coverage, attracts 284 ISGs so far Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph

The Social Security System (SSS) attracted a total of 284 informal sector groups (ISGs) to join its microsavings program called AlkanSSSya so far, which translates to over 21,500 workers in hard -to-reach sectors now effectively covered with social security protection. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio de Quiros, Jr. said the agency intensified its coverage drive and diversified the types of covered ISGs to enable more workers to benefit from the AlkanSSSya, which evolved from the original TrikanSSSya scheme conceptualized by SSS for tricycle operators and drivers. The AlkanSSSya addresses a concern shared by many informal sector workers that saving for monthly SSS contributions is beyond their means. But we have shown that with a little discipline, setting aside as little as about P10 every day will enable them to receive SSS benefits when their ability to earn is hampered by various SSScovered contingencies, de Quiros noted. AlkanSSSya participants contribute at a minimum monthly salary credit of P3,000, which has a corresponding SSS contribution of P312 per month. Large cabinet-type units with secure, individual boxes that serve as personal piggy banks store the workers daily savings for SSS contributions. A total of 284 ISGs nationwide are currently covered by the AlkanSSSya program, including tricycle operators and drivers associations or TODA that enrolled in the TrikanSSSya since it was first launched last December 7, 2011 in Las Pias City. De Quiros said 229 of these 284 ISGs joined the AlkanSSSya this year. From only 55 covered ISGs by the end of 2012, the SSS increased the number of participating ISGs to 284 in less than eight months, de Quiros said. Covered ISGs from the National Capital Region totaled 89, while an additional 195 ISGs are based outside NCR, which attests to the widespr ead support that the program has been getting. The participating ISGs include cooperatives, community-based associations and various workers groups for jail inmates, transport workers, garbage pickers, ambulant vendors, workers in golf courses, farmers and fisherfolk. De Quiros said four participating ISGs have members who are employed in local government units, such as barangay employees, tanod and volunteer workers, who are exempted from the social security program for public sector workers. In the transport sector alone, the covered workers range from bus dispatchers, to airport service providers, to operators and drivers of tricycles, trisikads, jeepneys, shuttle buses and motorboats. We expect more informal sector workers from varying types of industries to start their SSS savings under the AlkanSSSya program in the coming months, he said. |TOP| 11. PDIC to continue processing claims of Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan depositors Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance claims from depositors of the closed Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan (CRB Bulacan) at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City. Claims may also be filed through mail. The state deposit insurer has already concluded the on-site claims settlement operations for CRB Bulacan at the banks premises last July 23, 2013. PDIC sent notices of payment amounting to P14.57 million involving 11,215 accounts with balances of P15,000 and below where the filing of claims is waived by PDIC. Meanwhile, PDIC paid 4,375 claims for deposit insurance during the on-site claims settlement operations involving 3,826 accounts for a total amount of P701.45 million. As of July 23, 2013, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for 24,960 accounts, or 79% out of 31,583 accounts that require the filing of claims. The total amount of deposits covered by these claims is P311.78 million. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney of the depositor or parent in the case of a minor depositor. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed CRB Bulacan is on May 25, 2015. After the said date, PDIC, as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any claim for payment of deposit insurance. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 8414630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1800-1-888-PDIC (7342). |TOP| 12. Statement of DOTC on the Bidding for LRT-1 Cavite Extension Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph Manila, Philippines Construction will proceed as scheduled on the LRT1 Cavite extension project. The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) made this statement after only one bidder submitted a qualified offer for the project on 15 August. Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said that the bids and awards committee is looking at the possibility of extending the bidding process and reevaluating the existing terms to further address the commercial issues raised by the prequalified bidders. Abaya added that the evaluation would be completed in a week, after which next steps in the bidding process will be announced. The goal of the evaluation and the next steps is to ensure that the construction of the LRT1 Cavite extension will proceed in the second half of 2014, as scheduled. |TOP| 13. Baldoz to grace launching of Lakas-Sipa sa Batang Malaya football clinic Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

With James and Phil Younghusband as anti-child labor advocates Baldoz to grace launching of Lakas-Sipa sa Batang Malaya football clinic Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said she will join on Monday the Younghusband brothers, James and Phil, together with International Labor Organization-Manila Office Director Jeff Lawrence Johnson, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, and other civil society partners in a football clinic for child laborers recently freed from the scourge of child labor. Lakas-Sipa para sa Batang Malaya, a football clinic for child laborers, which the ILO will spearhead, will kcik-off on Monday, 19 August 2013, at the Emperador Stadium, McKinley Hill, Taguig City. I will be there. I urge anti -child labor advocates, even football sports fanatics to join us in this event, Baldoz happily announced. The government earnest campaign against child labor gets an upgrade with this football clinic. The DOLE, together

with the International Labor Organization-International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO-IPEC), in partnership with the Younghusband Football Academy and Chelsea Football Club Soccer School Philippines will give a strong kick to the anti-child labor campaign with the holding of the Lakas-Sipa sa Batang Malaya football clinic, Baldoz added. Over 250 child laborers will join the football clinic, along with sponsors, volunteers and media partners. The teams formed during the football clinic will compete in a tournament to be held in19 October 2013. Batang Malaya: Child Labor Free Philippines serves as a venue to bring government agencies, members of the National Child Labor Committee (NCLC), employers and workers organizations, civil society, and former child laborers to unite and call for an end to the worst forms of child labor. In 2012, the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III launched the H.E.L.P. M.E. Convergence Program to intensify the governments campaign to end the worst forms of child labor by 2016. H.E.L.P. M.E. stands for health, education, livelihood, and prevention, protection, and prosecution, monitoring and evaluation. The H.E.L.P. ME Convergence program is envisioned to contribute to the realization of the country's ultimate Millennium Development Goal of eradicating poverty through decent work by 2016. The DOLE is also strongly implementing its Child Labor-Free Barangay Project, a barangay-based strategy to lick child labor by providing parents of child laborers with livelihood assistance so they may keep their children in schools where they belong. This is DOLEs way of helping each family start anew and for their children to live free, happy, and healthy in a safe environment, said Baldoz who, herself, had visited 30 barangays all over the country last year to jumpstart the project. The Lakas-Sipa para sa Batang Malaya event will start with the parade of football teams and march against child labor. This will be followed by the symbolic kick No to Child Labor by Secretary Baldoz, Ambassador Goldberg, and Director Johnson. Football superstars James and Phil Younghusband, together with players/trainers of the Chelsea Football Club Soccer School Philippines, will teach the child laborers the basic of football. Child labor is a serious offense. It deprives children of the chance to play, to study and to live a life with dignity, echoed Baldoz. ILO member States, including the Philippines, have set the goal of ending the worst forms of child labor by 2016. In response, the NCLC, with the support of the ILO, initiated the Batang Malaya: Child Labour Free Philippines in 2012 to highlight the plight of child laborers. This year, the ILO has chosen the red card call for support against child labor and raise awareness on hazardous work of children all over the world. In football, a red card means a se rious offense and the player has to be expelled from the game. The Lakas-Sipa para sa Batang Malaya event is sponsored by the Landbank of the Philippines, Consuelo Foundation, Wang Videography, Imagine Nation Photography, the Younghusband Football Academy, DOLE Philippines, Inc., SM Cares, SM Supermalls, Accel, ABS-CBN, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Molten, Globe Telecom, Kettle Food Corporation, Megaworld, St. Lukes Medical Center, United Football League, Gatorade, ILO Manila Staff Union, St. Scholasticas College, DMCI Homes, University of the Philippines Alpha Sigma Fraternity, International School Manila, San Miguel Foundation, Gardenia and Amspec. |TOP| 14. DOLEs ECC lifts payment suspension of EC death benefits in the public sector, calls on EC survivorship pensioners to register with GSIS Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph DOLEs ECC lifts payment suspension of EC death benefits in the public sector, calls on EC survivorship pensioners to register with GSIS The Employees Compensation Commission, an attached agency of the DO LE, pursuant to its mandate to provide appropriate and meaningful benefits to workers who are victims of work-related contingencies, has lifted the suspension of the paymernt of EC death benefits in the public sector beyond the five-year guaranteed period, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda DImapilis-Baldoz announced yesterday. The lifting of the suspension of payment is contained in ECC Board Resolution No.12 -07-16, said Baldoz. Baldoz, who chairs the ECC Board, said ECC Executive Director Stella Banawis has reported that the resumption of payment of survivorship pebnsion is now being implemented by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), with prospective application and subject to certain conditions.

Director Banawis said the conditions are as follows: (1) Those EC survivorship pensioners who are actually receiving opensions as of August 2013 shall no longer be subject to the five-year cap; (2) Those who will be entitled to receive EC survivorship pension after August 2012 shall no longer be subject to the five-year cap; and (3) Those EC survivorship pensioners whose pensions were stopped due to the 5-year cap will have their pension accrual from August 2013 processed. An additional condition requires that the surviving legitimate spo use under this policy should not have remarried. As to the dependent children, the qualifications for them to be entitled are (1) he or she must be single; (2) must not be gainfully employed; and (3) must not be over 21 years of age, is incapable of self-support due to a physical or mental defect which is congenital or acquired during minority, Banawis explained. She further said that the GSIS is now processing the resumption of pension of those who are entitled to this benefit. However, the GSIS shall first create a record in its database, hence, all qualified pensioners are encouraged to visit and inquire at the nearest GSIS regional office and enroll for the Land Bank eCard where the monthly pension will be credited. Any question about this release? Inquire from or visit the GSIS Branch nearest your residence or call ECC at 8994251 or 52 local 227 0r 228. |TOP| 15. NFA releases 934 bags of rice for "Labuyo" victims Source: http://nfa.gov.ph

The National Food Authority (NFA) had already released, as of August 15, a total of 934 bags of rice for distribution to victims of typhoon Labuyo in Northern and Central Luzon provinces. A total of 140 bags were issued in La Union through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the local government at 120 and 20 bags, respectively. A hundred bags each were issued to Abra and Western Pangasinan also in Region 1. In Region 2, a total of 80 bags were issued through the DSWD in Cagayan; 20 bags through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and another 50 bags through the local government of Quirino province. A total of 76 bags were issued in Nueva Vizcaya through the local government and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) at three and 73 bags, respectively. In Region 3, a total of 293 bags were issued, with the provincial government of Aurora getting 183 bags; the DSWD had 30 bags; the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) in Casiguran getting 50 bags and Barangay Cozo, also in Casiguran, getting 30 bags. Another 75 bags were issued through the local government of Bulacan. The typhoon also damaged some NFA properties and stocks in the affected regions. In Quirino province, the agencys fence, dryer/millhouse and gate were damaged. In Casiguran, Aurora, the NFAs warehouse was partially damaged affecting some 3,000 to 4,000 bags of palay stocks. Another leased warehouse in Alejo was partially damaged affecting some 2,000 bags of palay stocks. Meanwhile, NFA administrator Orlan A. Calayag informed that the agency had also issued a total of 14,063 bags of rice for victims of the recent floods in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City. Of this number, 500 bags were issued to the provincial and government offices; 13,083 to LGUs and 480 bags to the DSWD. |TOP|

Last Updated:

21 AUGUST 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes relief goods to the affected families of tropical storm Maring in Binan, Laguna, Wednesday, (August 21). Assisitng the President are Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos, Mandaluyong City Congressman Neptali M. Gonzales II and some Department of Social Welfare and Development staff. (Photo by Rey Baniquit/ Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes relief goods to the affected families of tropical storm Maring in Binan, Laguna, Wednesday, (August 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Rey Baniquit/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

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