Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 8 PRs ( March 26, 2013),Dispatch for March 27 , 2013 (Wednesday),

PCOO 18 Photonews March 26 , 2013, 8 Weather Watch, 11 Regl.Watch , 1 OFW Watch, 18 Online News

Weather Watch

21 minutes ago

Visayas will still bear the dusts and heat of summer with less prospect of rain today up to

Friday.

Temperature: High, 33'C.

Forecast: Iloilo and rest of Western Visayas will be cloudy then sunny with light rains today,

while Caticlan will be sunny to partly cloudy today until Monday.

==PAGASA-DOST Visayas.

Weather Watch

about an hour ago

(27MAR2013-03) 24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5AM today.

SYNOPSIS:Easterlies affecting the Eastern Section of the Country.FORECAST: The whole

country will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated Rainshowers or Thunderstorms

mostly in the afternoon or evening. Light to moderate winds blowing from the East to

Southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and coming from the East to Northeast over the

rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the Archipelago will be slight to

moderate.>> NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch

3 hours ago

GMA resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz

- Muling makakaranas ng pag-ulan ang ilang bahagi ng bansa ngayong araw.

-Dahil sa easterlies sa silangan ng bansa, magdadala ito ng bahagyang pag-ulan sa Northern

Luzon at silangang bahagi ng bansa.

- Sa Metro Manila posibleng umulan mamayang hapon.

- Kahapon ay naitala naman ang 34.8 degree Celsius na temperatura sa Manila, ito ang

pinakamainit na temperatura ngayong taon sa Metro Manila.

Weather Watch

3 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Manny Mendoza on DZMM

Re: Weather update

-Ang buong bansa kasama ang Metro Manila ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap na

kalangitan na may pulo-pulong pag-ulan, pagkidlat, pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.

-Sanhi po ito ng easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country.

-Amin pong nakikita ay magpapatuloy pa rin ang magandang panahon sa Luzon, fair weather

sa Visayas at sa Mindanao sa mga three to four days ay magkakaroon po ng maulap na

kalangitan na may kalat-kalat na pag-ulan, pagkulog at pagkidlat.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

(26MAR2013-03) 24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5PM today.

SYNOPSIS:Easterlies affecting the Eastern Section of the Country.

FORECAST: The whole country will experience partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or

thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the East to Southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon

and coming from the East to Northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters

throughout the Archipelago will be slight to moderate.>> NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Dahil sa init ng panahon ngayong Summer, posibleng makakuha ang isang tao ng

sunburn, pagkulubot ng balat, pagbagsak ng immune system at iba pang sakit. Dahil dito,

nagbabala ang mga doktor laban sa sobrang pagbababad sa araw at ipinayo nila ang paggamit

ng sunblock, paggamit ng payong at pagsusuot ng sando para makaiwas sa mga nasabing

sakit.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

GMA: Sinabi ng PAGASA na makakaapekto sa panahon ng bansa ang easterlies. Posible

namang umulan sa Metro Manila pagdating ng hapon o gabi pero tinatayang magiging mainit

pa rin sa tanghali sa 36°C. Wala namang masyadong inaasahang pag-ulan sa Metro Manila

mula Huwebes Santo hanggang Sabado de Gloria. Patuloy namang binabatayan ang isang

posibleng LPA na maaaring pumasok sa Philippine area of responsibility sa Huwebes.

Gayunman, sinabi ng PAGASA na mababa ang tsansa nito na maging isang bagyo.

Weather Watch

15 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Ang init na naranasan sa Maynila kanina ay posibleng init din na maramdaman

bukas. Ang pinakamainit na temperatura sa Metro Manila ngayong araw ay naitala sa 34.8°C.

Inaasahan na magiging maganda ang panahon sa bansa bukas. Samantala, magiging maulap sa

Samar at Leyte habang magiging maganda ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas.

Asahan din ang maulap na panahon sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao dahil sa easterlies

habang ang natitirang bahagi nito ay makakaranas ng good weather.

Weather Watch

March 27 , 2013 3 hours ago

CAVITE : Sunny

LAGUNA : Sunny

BATANGAS : Fair weather

RIZAL : Sunny

QUEZON : Sunny

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA 4A/BATANGAS: Nagpaalala ang pamunuan ng Batangas Port sa mga pasaherong

dumadagsa dito ukol sa mga ipinagbabawal na dalhin sa pagsakay sa barko tulad ng mga

bladed weapon at flammable materials.Ipinagbabawal din ang pagdadala ng hilaw na karne ng

baboy,baka,kambing,tupa,manok,itik at bibe.

PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsagawa ng surpresang inspeksyon at pakikipagpulong ang Office of

Civil Defense 4A at 4B sa Batangas Port kanina. Ito ay upang masiguro na ipinapatupad ang

karampatang seguridad para sa mga biyahero at turistang dumadating sa naturang pantalan.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago

PIA-4A: Mr. Ompomg Rivera, GK head in Laguna said that there are 20 GK sites already existing in the province but their group is still looking for other sites to build GK village for the needy and most vulnerable in terms of disaster in the community.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago

PIA-4A: According to Jose Emilio "Bodoy" Oquinena, Gawad Kalinga (GK) area coordinator for

Southern Tagalog, there are around 1,200 volunteers registered today from various sectors and provinces including nationals from other countries like Singapore, India and Africa joined the Bayani Challenge "Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan" being conducted March 23 -27, 2013 at Barangay Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa City to help in constructing Gawad Kalinga housing units for the qualified families particularly those living in a disaster prone areas.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The National Food Authority (NFA)-Quezon urged the farmers, cooperatives, associations and individual to sell their produced palay at NFA office. According to NFA provincial manager Nestor Balina, the NFA will buy palay at P17 per kilo. This buying of palay will strengthen the rice self sufficiency and will stop rice importation in able to help rice farmers in our country.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago

PIA-4A: Jose Emilio "Bodoy" Oquinena, Gawad Kalinga (GK) area coordinator for Southern Tagalog said that 160 houses will be ready for occupancy this coming May 2013 at GK Village, Barangay Pulo, Santa Rosa City. He said beneficiaries of this project are qualified families living in disaster prone areas and willing to render free services as a sort of what he termed "Sweat Equity."

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ayon sa tala ng PNP, bumaba ang bilang ng index crime sa lalawigan ng Batangas mula sa 516 noong 2010 ay nasa 259 ito ngayong 2013 sa parehong panahon. Ito ay bunsod ng agresibong pagpapatupad ng mga batas at checkpoints sa iba't ibang bahagi ng lalawigan.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Residents of marginalized communities in Binan, Laguna, have gained greater access to 24/7 affordable and potable piped water through Laguna Water's "Water for

the Community" or "Patubig Para Sa Barangay" Program.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: The Cainta Municipal Government and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) will be holding a mega job fair at the People's Center, Municipal Compound, Cainta, Rizal this April 12. For more Information contact the local PESO at 399-9575.

PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The office of the provincial agriculturist today conducts 'technical awareness on scale insects infesting coconut' at Kalilayan hall, Lucena City. This is part of the awareness campaign program of the provincial agriculture office for municipal agriculturists and coconut farmers which aims to fight scale insects infesting coconut in the province.

PIA Regional Watch

23 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: 21 Epektibo at Responsableng Kilusan ng Kababaihan sa Bagong Laguna (ERK2SBL) members of Brgy. Cabanbanan, Pagsanjan recently underwent livelihood training under the Livelihood ng Masa Training Program of Special Livelihood Office (SLO) of the provincial government of Laguna. The training aims to provide Laguneños livelihood knowledge to improve their socio-economic status and is in line with the Women's Month celebration this month of March.

PIA OFW Watch

PIA OFW Watch

DZMM: Nilinaw ng DOLE na ang deployment ng mga manggagawa sa Iraq ay magsisimula

lamang sa sandaling matapos ang bilateral agreement sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng nasabing

bansa at matukoy ang tinatawag na restricted zones.

Yesterday at 1:47am

A. QUEZON

1. Tagalog news: 'Farmer's enhancement productivity program',

inilunsad sa Quezon

By Ruel M. Orinday Tuesday 26th of March 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Inilunsad ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon noong

nakaraang linggo ang Farmer’s Enhancement Productivity Program (FEPP) sa lungsod na ito.

Unang mabibiyayaan ng nasabing programa ang distrito ng Bondoc Peninsula, kung saan may mahigit sa

dalawang daan na mga magsasaka ang makikinabang.

Ang pagsasanay na ito ay gagawin sa tulong ng Tanggapan ng Panlalawigang Agrikultor, at umaasa ang

gobernador ng Quezon na si Gov. David Suarez na makakatulong ito na malutas ang problema ng mga

magsasaka sa pagpupuhunan.

Kadalasang inuutang muna ng mga magsasaka ang puhunan para makapagtanim, kaya halos nawawalan na ng

kinikita ang mga ito dahil sa patong patong na bayarin at interes.

Sa ilalim ng programang FEPP, ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ang siyang magiging kapitalista ng mga maliliit

na magsasaka. Lahat ng binhi ng mais, gamit sa pagtatanim at iba pang farm inputs ay manggagaling sa

probinsya.

Bukod dito, sinabi din ng gobernador na bibigyan ng monthly subsistence ang mga magsasaka habang hindi pa

inaani ang kanilang mga pananim.

Dagdag pa ng batang gobernador na ang pamahalaang panlalawigan na rin ang bibili ng mga inaning mais sa

mga magsasaka para matiyak na may bibili ng kanilang ani. Isa din itong paraan para maprotektahan sila sa

pagmamalabis ng ilang mga middlemen at masiguro na nasa tamang presyo ang kanilang mga pananim.

(PIO/CPG/RMO/PIA-4A)

2. Tagalog news: PhilHealth audio-visual ipinapalabas sa mga bus

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Tinanggap kamakailan ng PhilHealth-4A ang go-signal sa Del

Monte Land Transport Bus Company na ipalabas ang PhilHealth’s bus advertisement campaign sa kanilang

mga pampasaherong bus.

Pagkatapos ng ilang buwang negosasyon, ibinigay na rin ni DLTBCo General Manager James Olayvar ang

kanyang approval upang masimulan ang partnership sa pagitan ng PhilHealth at DLTBCo sa isang pulong

kasama si RVP Alberto C. Manduriao ng PRO IVA. Napagkasunduan sa nasabing pulong na ipalalabas ng

DLTBCo ang audio visual material ng PhilHealth isang beses kada biyahe sa bawat ruta.

Mayroong 250 bus units ang DLTB na may ruta sa Southern Tagalog at Visayas kung saan inisyal na naibahagi

ang mga CD sa 96 na bus units nito. Ang audio visual na nasa CD ay ipapalabas sa biyaheng mula Manila to

Lucena, Camarines Sur at Camarines Norte.

Upang gawing pormal ang partnership ng PhilHealth at DLTBCo., isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

isasagawa.

Sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng mga advertisement sa loob at labas ng bus gayundin ang pagpapalabas ng

mga audio visual, maipaabot sa publiko ang kahalagahan ng pagiging miyembro ng PhilHealth at mga

benepisyo kapag sila ay na-ospital.

Kaya naman isa itong pagkakataon na nakita ng PhilHealth Regional Office 4A na maipalabas sa mga

pampasaherong bus ang audio visual bago ang pelikula na pinapalabas habang nasa biyahe.

Sa pagtaas ng bilang ng mga taong gumagamit ng pampublikong bus sa Southern Luzon, nais ng PRO 4A na

madagdagan ang kaalaman ng publiko ukol sa importansya ng kalusugan sa pagseseguro sa ilalim ng National

Health Insurance Program (NHIP). Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang negosasyon ng PRO 4A sa Southern Luzon Bus

Operators Association para maipalabas din ang nasabing audio visual sa mga bus operator members nila.

Isang general orientation ang ibibigay ng PRO 4A para sa mga drivers at kundoktor ng DLTB patungkol sa NHIP

para makasagot sila sa mga katanungan ng ilang miyembro at pasahero na makakapanuod ng nasabing audio-

visual tungkol sa programa at benepisyo ng PhilHealth.

Ang Del Monte Land Transport Bus Company (DLTBCo) ay isang provincial bus company na binuo bilang

subsidiary ng Del Monte Motor Works, Inc. o DMMW. Ang DLTBCo ay bumibiyahe sa mga probinsya ng

Batangas, Laguna, Quezon at Bicol at iba pang lugar sa Visayas region. (Philhealth 4A/CPG/PIA4A)

3. Tagalog news: 'Farmer's enhancement productivity program',

inilunsad sa Quezon

By Ruel M. Orinday Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Inilunsad ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon noong

nakaraang linggo ang Farmer’s Enhancement Productivity Program (FEPP) sa lungsod na ito.

Unang mabibiyayaan ng nasabing programa ang distrito ng Bondoc Peninsula, kung saan may mahigit sa dalawang

daan na mga magsasaka ang makikinabang.

Ang pagsasanay na ito ay gagawin sa tulong ng Tanggapan ng Panlalawigang Agrikultor, at umaasa ang gobernador

ng Quezon na si Gov. David Suarez na makakatulong ito na malutas ang problema ng mga magsasaka sa

pagpupuhunan.

Kadalasang inuutang muna ng mga magsasaka ang puhunan para makapagtanim, kaya halos nawawalan na ng

kinikita ang mga ito dahil sa patong patong na bayarin at interes.

Sa ilalim ng programang FEPP, ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ang siyang magiging kapitalista ng mga maliliit na

magsasaka. Lahat ng binhi ng mais, gamit sa pagtatanim at iba pang farm inputs ay manggagaling sa probinsya.

Bukod dito, sinabi din ng gobernador na bibigyan ng monthly subsistence ang mga magsasaka habang hindi pa

inaani ang kanilang mga pananim.

Dagdag pa ng batang gobernador na ang pamahalaang panlalawigan na rin ang bibili ng mga inaning mais sa mga

magsasaka para matiyak na may bibili ng kanilang ani. Isa din itong paraan para maprotektahan sila sa

pagmamalabis ng ilang mga middlemen at masiguro na nasa tamang presyo ang kanilang mga pananim.

(PIO/CPG/RMO/PIA-4A)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

1. Laguna residents benefit from subsidized water connections

By Alan C. Ortillano Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis BINAN CITY, Laguna, March 26 (PIA) -- Residents of marginalized communities in this city have gained greater access to affordable and potable piped water through Laguna Water’s “Water for the Community” or “Patubig para sa Barangay” Program. The water operator servicing the cities of Binan, Cabuyao, and Sta. Rosa, and Manila Water Foundation, together with the local government, recently awarded certificates as proof of the service connections granted to over 130 households in the villages of Soro-Soro and Malaban in Binan City. Binan City Mayor Len Alonte thanked Laguna Water and the Manila Water Foundation for choosing the two villages under her jurisdiction, to be the first recipients of the foundation’s subsidized water connection. “This is very important to the residents of Soro-Soro and Malaban. Water connection is P5,690 each, and for most of the families here, that is already their monthly income,” said Alonte. The mayor also urged the residents to take responsibility over this privilege given to them to improve their quality of life, by paying diligently and by being vigilant on water pilferage. “We need to work together to ensure that the blessings given to us will not go to waste,” Alonte added. Laguna Water pioneered the Tubig Para Sa Barangay Program in the province to replicate the success of its parent company, Manila Water in the East Zone, in addressing the water problems of marginalized communities in the province and ensuring potable water in the village beneficiaries. Today, at least 78,000 people from poor communities or 30 percent of the water company’s

customer base of 254,000 have benefitted from the program. Laguna Water was formed in 2009 through a public-private partnership together with the provincial government of Laguna to ensure that there is enough safe, clean and affordable water in Cabuyao, Sta. Rosa, and Binan, as these cities continue to grow both in terms of population and development. (CIO-Binan/ACO, PIA-Laguna)

2. Review preparedness measures for Holy Week – RDRRMC

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Vicente F. Tomazar, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-4A and regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 4A appealed to all local DRRMCs in the region to review their preparedness measures for this Holy Week. Tomazar, advised DRRMCs to conduct pre-emptive actions to avert any potential disaster that may happened due to the expected outpouring of people travelling the countryside in observance of the Holy Week which may contribute to vulnerability to human-induced and natural disasters. The measures proposed include: convening of local DRRMCs to appraise all contingency plans related to public safety, transport security, health emergency, peace & order and other human-induced and natural hazards for the purpose of identifying gaps and contingent actions for various scenarios and implement contingency plans/standard operating procedures (SOPs) when necessary. Moreover, the DRRMCs are requested to place their respective DRRM operations centers (Opcens) and response groups on standby alert from March 24-31 and activate in case of emergency. The DRRMCs are also asked to collaborate with public information officers (PIOs) and private media on the widest dissemination of precautionary measures and safety tips for transport security, health, emergency, child protection and public welfare. In case of emergencies and or disaster incidents, the DRRMCs are called on to report immediately including their actions taken and provide situational updates to the RDRRMC Opcen with telephone numbers (049) 531-7266/531-7279 or email at ocd.rdrrmc4a@yahoo.com.(CPG/PIA4A)

3. Review preparedness measures for Holy Week – RDRRMC

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 26th of March 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar. 26 (PIA) -- Vicente F. Tomazar, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC)-4A and regional director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 4A appealed to all local DRRMCs in the region to review their preparedness measures for this Holy Week. Tomazar, advised DRRMCs to conduct pre-emptive actions to avert any potential disaster that may happened due to the expected outpouring of people travelling the countryside in observance of the Holy Week which may contribute to vulnerability to human-induced and natural disasters. The measures proposed include: convening of local DRRMCs to appraise all contingency plans related to public safety, transport security, health emergency, peace & order and other human-induced and natural hazards for the purpose of identifying gaps and contingent actions for various scenarios and implement contingency plans/standard operating procedures (SOPs) when necessary. Moreover, the DRRMCs are requested to place their respective DRRM operations centers (Opcens) and response groups on standby alert from March 24-31 and activate in case of emergency. The DRRMCs are also asked to collaborate with public information officers (PIOs) and private media on the widest dissemination of precautionary measures and safety tips for transport security, health, emergency, child protection and public welfare. In case of emergencies and or disaster incidents, the DRRMCs are called on to report immediately including their actions taken and provide situational updates to the RDRRMC Opcen with telephone numbers (049) 531-7266/531-7279 or email at ocd.rdrrmc4a@yahoo.com.(CPG/PIA4A)

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: Tulong pinansiyal at 'carpentry kits', ipinagkaloob sa

50 pamilya

By Mamerta P. De Castro Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 26 (PIA) -- Pinagkalooban ng tulong pinansiyal at "carpentry

kits" ng Pamahalaang Panalalawigan ng Batangas ang may 50 pamilya mula sa mga bayan ng

Balete at Mataas na Kahoy kamakailan.

Sa ilalim ng Balay Project na ipinapatupad ng provincial social welfare and development office

(PSWDO), pinangunahan ni Gov. Vilma Santos Recto ang pamamahagi ng financial grants na

nagkakahalaga ng P50,000 kada pamilya upang makatulong sa pagsasagawa at pagsasayos at

relokasyon ng kanilang tahanan na lubhang nanganganib na tuluyang masira pagdating ng

kalamidad.

Personal na tinaggap ng mga opisyal ng baranggay at municipal social welfare officers ang

tulong mula sa gobernadora na sinaksihan ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaang panlalawigan

ganun din ang mga benepisaryo at kanilang mga pamilya.

Ang pamamahagi ng kabuuang P2.5 milyon ay sasakop sa mga Baranggay Magapi at Paligawan

sa bayan ng Balete at Baranggay Kinalaglagan, Manggahan, Calingatan naman sa Mataas na

Kahoy na sumailalim sa matinding pagsususri at natukoy sa CBMS na tinaguriang nasa

"calamity danger zone."

Sa ilalim ng Balay Project, layunin nito na buhayin ang ispirito ng bayanihan sa loob ng

pamayanan sa pamamagitan ng sistemetikong pagtutulungan sa pagsasaayos ng mga tahanan

ng mga lubhang nangangailangan mga kababayan sa loob ng pamayanan. (Edwin V.

Zabarte/CPG/MPDC-PIA4A)

E. RIZAL

1. Agricultural Insurance for Rizal ARBs underway

By Gideon Gapayao Tuesday 26th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Marso 26 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) aims to cover agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide, including those in Rizal, through the Agricultural Insurance Program (AIP). The agency is currently working with the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation to help provide insurance for ARBs while minimizing the credit of the farmers, said DAR-Rizal Beneficiary Development Coordinating Division (BDCD) chief agrarian reform program officer Cecile Reyes. AIP aims to protect farmers against losses, improve access to credit and increase agricultural

productivity. Reyes said that P1 billion will be available for the insurance nationwide for 2013. DAR-Rizal aims to orient local ARBs by April in order to implement the program as soon as possible. The Rizal Provincial Agrarian Reform Office (PARO) was oriented on the AIP last March 20. ARBs eligible to apply for the program may be individual borrowing farmers, self-financed farmers or farmers borrowing as a group. Risks to be covered by the program include natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, drought, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; plant diseases and; pest infestation of major pests. Risks not covered include fires from whatever cause, theft, robbery, war, any measure of the government in the larger interest of the public, avoidable risks due to neglect of assured/non-compliance of accepted farm management practices, strong wind and rain not induced by typhoon and any cause or risk not specified in covered risks. (DAR-Rizal/CPG/GG/PIA4A)

26 MARCH 2013.

President Aquino visits Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila to check preparations being undertaken

for the security and safety of travelling Filipinos, tourists alike

Govt fine tuning stop-gap measure to address Mindanao power crisis

President Aquino orders DOTC and Philippine Coast Guard to enhance security and

emergency procedures in seaports for safety of passengers

President Aquino intends to watch a film on Jesus Christ this Lenten season

President Aquino visits Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila to check preparations being undertaken for the security and safety of travelling Filipinos, tourists alike

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited on Tuesday Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila to personally check the preparations being undertaken by concerned government agencies to ensure the security and safety of Filipinos and tourists traveling to the provinces during the Lenten season. The Chief Executive arrived at 9:15 am at Pier 12, where the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation, one of the country‘s premiere shipping lines, is located. Accompanied by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr., the President was welcomed by Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Atty. Juan Sta. Ana, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Nicasio Conti, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, and officials of the Manila North Harbour Port Inc. and the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation. Shortly after his arrival in the area, the President immediately conducted a brief inspection of the

shipping company‘s two ticketing booths, check-in counters, help desk areas (medical team and security help desk) and passengers' pre-boarding facilities, including its x-ray machines that can both scan passengers of the Princess of the South, a passenger vessel, and their luggages. On his way to inspect the facilities of the shipping company, the President was briefed by Abaya about the preparations being undertaken by concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the public. President Aquino was likewise briefed on the initiatives that are being implemented to make the harbor at par with other commercial harbors in other countries. The President then boarded the Princess of the South which was docked at Pier 12 to check on the condition of the passengers. Following the President's visit, the Princess of the South, which has a total capacity of 2,000 passengers, left Manila for Cebu. In an interview, the President promised that concerned government agencies will remain on heightened alert for the safety and orderly travel of passengers. PND (js)

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Govt fine tuning stop-gap measure to address Mindanao power crisis

The government is working on a mechanism that will assist power distribution utilities to buy diesel-fed electric generating plants as an immediate stop-gap measure to the current energy crisis in Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday. In an interview during his visits to bus terminals and ports Tuesday, he said the Department of Energy presented a plan that details how the government could assist distribution utilities in purchasing generating sets. Using diesel power plants are seen as the quickest remedy to the Mindanao power problem, he said, and with these plants the government could set these up in six months to one year. ―Yung one year kasama na doon ‗yung four months na procurement ng gobyerno,‖ he said. ―So we‘re working on the mechanism para madala itong distribution utilities nitong mga generators na ito.‖ The President added that the government is working in an immediate solution that is lawful and his administration doesn‘t want shortcuts. ―Ang state of emergency will only help in terms of ‗yung baka mas mapadali ang procurement. Ngayon, ayaw naman nating madaliing sobra na baka magkaroon ng shortcut sa batas, tapos sasabihin ng COA [Commission on Audit] hindi pwede lahat ‗yan. Balik na naman tayo sa wala,‖ he said. ―Gusto lang natin from the start, ‗pag na-deploy ‗yan, talagang sumusunod sa lahat ng mga alituntunin, lahat ng patakaran, at lahat ng batas para ‗pag naranasan na ay hindi naman mawawala kaagad,‖ he added. The government response is also intended to make sure that the upcoming elections will not be affected and all the voting precincts will have enough power to transmit all the election results, he said. But by 2015, when the permanent plants start to produce enough energy, the President said he expects the Mindanao power problem to go away. It takes between three to four years to set up the power plants, he said noting the earliest target date is about 300 megawatts from coal-fired power plant by 2015. Similar other plants will also start going online after that until 2017, he explained. Also augmenting the insufficiency of power in Mindanao is the Iligan diesel power plant, which has been operating and returning to its rated capacity, he said. Asked how long Mindanao residents would wait before the remedial measure takes effect, the President said he wants to make sure that government actions complies with the law. He noted that currently, there is 35 megawatts available off these diesel power plants. PND (as)

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President Aquino orders DOTC and Philippine Coast Guard to enhance security and emergency procedures in seaports for safety of passengers

President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered on Tuesday Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena to enhance the security and emergency procedures in the seaports to ensure the safety of the passengers. The Chief Executive issued the directive following his visit to Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to oversee the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies. Last week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) officially launched OPLAN Ligtas-Biyahe: Kwaresma 2013 to ensure convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe travel for motorists and commuters this Holy Week. "Doon sa ship itself, may mga signs that tells you where you are suppose to go, pero all in English. Tapos, sabi ko baka naman dapat mas simplehan ang instructions in the event that there‘s an emergency.... These are being taken cared of now by both MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) and by the Coast Guard," President Aquino said. The President, however, cited the enhanced efforts initiated by both the shipping and government authorities to prevent the shipping of drugs and prohibited items. "Talagang thorough ang ginagawa nila to prevent all of this contraband from getting on board," the President said. The Chief Executive was informed that the law enforcers, together with the vessel's security personnel, arrested a passenger who was found in possession of shabu. After his visit to Pier 12, President Aquino proceeded to NAIA Terminal 4, at 10:15 a.m. and immediately inspected the operations and security preparations at the airport. The President inspected the ticketing booth, x-ray area, check-in counters of the Sea Air and pre-boarding gate at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 4. He then went to NAIA Terminal 3 and inspected the airport facilities. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado briefed the President on the status of passenger volume and traffic, airport security and assistance measures. The President reminded the government agencies namely, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, among others to enhance the implementation of their respective tasks to protect the travelling Filipinos and tourists. From NAIA, President Aquino proceeded to the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on EDSA, Pasay City to inspect security preparations. He commended the government agencies concerned and the bus operators for implementing initiatives in ensuring the safety of the riding public. " Andito ‗yung testing for drugs and alcohol ingestion. So mukhang very thorough ang ginagawa nila MMDA Chairman (Francis) Tolentinto, voluntary on the part of the drivers and conductors and naging positive. Ngayon, they found one person out of everybody who‘s driving or conducting the buses. So nakaka-impress na meron tayong ganitong equipment that is already being utilized to enhance the safety of our people," he said. PND (js)

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President Aquino intends to watch a film on Jesus Christ this Lenten season

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that he intends to watch a film about Jesus Christ this Lenten season.

In an interview during his visit at the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Pasay City on Tuesday, the Chief Executive said he opted to spend the Lenten season in his official residence called Bahay Pangarap located at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Manila by watching a film about Jesus Christ. The Bahay Pangarap is only five minutes away from Malacañang Palace. "I‘m trying to look for my copy of the film ―Jesus Christ Superstar‖. "Di ba, hindi (ito) masyadong heavy the way it reminds (us) of what our Christian faith is supposed to be; what Christ had to undergo to save all of us," the President said. President Aquino visited on Tuesday the Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to check on the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies to ensure the security and safety of Filipinos and tourists traveling to the provinces during the Lenten season. The President vowed that the concerned government agencies remain on heightened alert for the safety and orderly travel of passengers. PND (js)

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25 MARSO 2013

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 2 na special non-working day sa Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ni 'Balagtas'

Matatagalan pa bago maalis ang Pilipinas sa aviation watch lists ng Amerika at ng Europa, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa CAAP

Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Social Cabinet Cluster na maghanda ng magagamit ng Kongreso para ipalit sa pagtitibaying Magna Carta para sa mga maralita

Pinapurihan ni Aquino ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Flash Elorde sa sigasig at pagsisikap nitong matangi sa lalong tangi sa boksing

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 2 na special non-working day sa Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ni 'Balagtas'

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino iii ang Abril 2, natapat sa araw ng Martes, bilang special non-working day sa lalawigan ng Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ng Ama ng Panitikang Pilipino at makatang Francisco ―Balagtas‖ Baltazar. Inilagda ng Pangulong Aquino ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 560 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Marso 13 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Bulakan na maipagdiwang nang angkop ang ―Araw ni Balagtas.‖ Isinilang si Baltazar sa Panginay, Bigaa (Balagtas na ngayon) sa lalawigan ng Bulacan noong Abril 2,

1788. Bunso siya sa apat na anak nina Juan Baltazar, isang panday, at ni Juana de la Cruz. Binatilyo si Balagtas nang lumuwas sa Maynila at maging katulong sa Tundo para makapag-aral. Mahilig siya sa pagtula at nakilala si Jose de la Cruz, tanyag nang makatang mahilig manghingi ng manok bilang bayad sa mga nagpapaayos sa kanya ng tula kaya binansagan siyang ―Huseng Sisiw.‖ Walang manok na panregalo si Balagtas kaya nagsarili siya ng pagsusulat. Bilang parangal at pagkilala kay Balagtas, ang pagtatalo sa pamamagitan ng tula ay tinawag na "Balagtasan." Ang husay ni Balagtas ay kinilala ng Pahayagang Kastilyano at dalawang linggong naging pabalat ng nasabing babasahin. Si Balagtas ang itinuturing na William Shakespeare ng Panitikang Pilipino at ang kanyang walang kamatayang akdang ―Florante at Laura‖ na halos 200 na taon ang nakalilipas nang sulatin niya ay naisalin sa iba-ibang wika, kabilang ang Ingles. Ang mga aral sa ―Florante at Laura‖ ay patuloy na angkop sa kasalukuyan at hindi nililipasan ng panahon. Buhat sa Tundo, lumipat siya sa Beata, Pandacan, Maynila ang purok ng sining, kalinangan at panitikan sa Maynila nang panahon ng mga Kastila. Ipinakulong si Balagtas sa Pandacan at nang makalaya ay nagtungo sa Bataan at doon nakaisang puso niya si Juana Tiambeng. Pebrero 28, 1862 nang bawian ng buhay si Balagtas. PND

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Matatagalan pa bago maalis ang Pilipinas sa aviation watch lists ng Amerika at ng Europa, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa CAAP

Hiningi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga pinuno at tauhan ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) na pag-ibayuhin ang kanilang pagsisikap para mapahusay at matugunan ang itinakdang pandaigdig na pamantayan sa aviation safety upang maalis na ang Pilipinas sa ―watch lists‖ ng Estados Unidos at ng European Union. Ito ang naging mahigpit na tagubilin ng Pangulo sa CAAP sa talumpati niya kaugnay ng ika-5 anibersaryo ng ahensiya sa punong tanggapan ito sa Lungsod ng Pasay Lunes. ―Ibig ko kayong batiin sa inyong mahusay na pagtupad sa tungkulin, gayundin sa anibersaryo ng inyong tanggapan. Gayunpaman, ibig kong ipaalaala sa inyong lahat na hindi pa tapos ang inyong gawain. Sa hinaharap na mga araw, linggo at buwan, dapat magsikap ang bawa‘t isa sa inyo upang ang bansa natin ay matanggal sa watch lists ng Estados Unidos at ng European Union,‖ wika ng Pangulo Pinapurihan ng Pangulo ang pagsisikap ng CAAP na umalinsunod sa global safety standards na katulad ng: Civil Association Safety Oversight Reporting and Tracking System, Minimum Required Annual Inspection ng lahat ng air operators, rebalidasyon ng lahat ng Air Operators Certificate ng limang international operators, gayundin ng mga taxi operators at domestic air operators at ang Certificate Management Department para tulungan ang mga lokal na eroplanong tulad ng Philippine Airlines at Cebu Pacific na tugunan ang pamantayan ng ibang bansa at alalayan silang mapalawak ang kanilang mga ruta. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na bagaman ang mga programang ipinatupad sa pamumuno ni Direktor Heneral William Hotchkiss III ng CAAP ay naging daan upang tanggapin ng Intenational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ang Significant Safety Concerns na ibinigay sa Pilipinas na naging daan tungo sa katotohanang ―sa kasalukuyan ay talagang higit nang ligtas lumipad sa Pilipinas.‖ ―Ito ay bunga ng pagsisikap ng bawa‘t isa sa inyo na ubus-kayang naglingkod sa ahensiyang ito kaya pinasasalamatan ko kayong lahat sa inyong paglilingkod,‖ sabi ng Pangulo. ―Dahil dito, ngayong araw na ito, ang aking tagubilin sa inyo: Tapusin natin ito. Maganda na ang sinimulan natin, kasama natin ang mga tamang tao at nailagay na natin sa akmang lugar ang sistema. Ito na ang pagkakataon upang tulutan nating pumasok ang ginintuang yugto, hindi lamang para sa aviation o sa turismo ng Pilipinas, kundi higit sa lahat, para sa ating buong bansa,‖ mariing wika ng Pangulo. Nilikha ng Batas ng Republika 9497 ang CAAP na dating Air Tramsport Office bilang Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines na may saguting –-ispeksiyunin at itala ang lahat ng eroplanong pagmamay-ari at ginagamit sa Pilipinas at lahat ng pasilidad, gayundin ang pagpapatupad ng mga batas na may kinalaman sa trasportasyong panghimpapawid, mamahala at mangalaga sa mga pambansang paliparan, air navigational at iba pang pasilidad at tukuyin ang halagang dapat nilang bayaran sa operasyon ng public air utility facilities.

Bukod sa Pangulo dumalo sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng CAAP sina Hotchkiss III, Kalihim Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya at John Andrews, Deputy Director General ng CAAP. PND

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Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Social Cabinet Cluster na maghanda ng magagamit ng Kongreso para ipalit sa pagtitibaying Magna Carta para sa mga maralita

Inatasan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Social Cabinet Cluster (Human Development and Poverty Alleviation) na bumalangkas ng ―pamalit na panukala‖ na ihaharap sa Kongreso na maaari nitong gamiting saligan tungo sa pagbalangkas ng ―Magna Carta for the Poor.‖ Sa panayam matapos magsalita sa ika-5 anibersaryo ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) sa Lungsod ng Pasay Lunes, sinabi ng Pangulo na gusto niya ang pamalit na panukala matapos na hindi niya pagtibayin ng unang balangkas ng ―Charter for the Poor‖ na ayon sa kanya ay mahihirapan ang pamahalaan na ipatupad ang mga tadhanain. Sa ilalim ng International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, isang kasunduang pinagtibay ng General Assembly ng United Nations noong Disyembre 16. 1966 kung saan ang Pilipinas ay isa sa 160 bansang lumagda at nangakong pagkakalooban ng karapatang pangkabuhayan, panlipunan at kultura ang mga tao, kabilang ang karapatan sa paggawa at karapatan sa kalusugan, karapatan sa edukasyon at karapatang magkaroon nang sapat na pamantayan ng pamumuhay. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang Seksiyon 4 ng ICESCR na nagbigay sa mga dukha ng karapatang hingin agad na tamasahin ang mahalagang hakbang upang mapawi ang karalitaan\: a) karapatan sa pagkain; b) karapatang magkatrabaho at ikabubuhay; k) karapatan sa mataas na uri ng edukasyon; d) karapatan sa tahanan; at e) karapatan sa mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan at mga gamot. Tinukoy ng Pangulo na ang pagkakaloob ng bahay na ayon sa kanya ay aabutin ng limang milyong social housing units ay magkakahalaga ng kabuuang P2.320 trilyon na siyang kabuuang budget ng bansa sa taong ito na aabot sa P2-trilyon. ―Kaya bukod diyan, isa pa lamang sa limang karapatang hindi kayang paglaanan ng pondo ng ating budget. Ngayon, sa ating P2 trilyong budget, mga P600 bilyon lamang ang maaaring ilaan sa nasabing programa. Wala pa ang karapatan sa pagkain, wala pa rin ang karapatan sa trabaho, wala ang karapatan sa kalusugan, wala ang karapatan sa edukasyon,‖ pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. ―Kaya ang hakbang natin para rito ay atasan ang social cluster na bumalangkas ng pamalit na panukalang ihaharap sa susunod na Kongreso at sana naman, mabilis nila itong pagtibayin,‖ dugtong pa ng Pangulo. PND

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Pinapurihan ni Aquino ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Flash Elorde sa sigasig at pagsisikap nitong matangi sa lalong tangi sa boksing

Pinapurihan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Gabriel ―Flash‖ Elorde sa ipinamalas na sigasig at pagsisikap upang maging tangi sa lalong tangi sa larangan ng boksing. ―Ang pagkakaisang dahilan ng tibay ng loob at tiwala natin bilang lahi. Ito ang mga katangian ng yumaong boksingerong si Gabriel ―Flash‖ Elorde na tinambalan pa ng tatag ng kalooban at pagsisikap kaya niya natamo ang tagumpay; nanatili siyang sagisag na bumigkis sa ating mga sportsmen at nagbigay sa kanya ng ibayong lakas,‖ sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang mensahe sa 13th Annual Gabriel ―Flash‖ Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions Lunes. Tinanggap ni Nonito Donaire, kasalukuyang super-bantamweight champion ng World Boxing Organization (WBO) ang ―Flash Elorde Memorial Belt‖ sa seremonyang ginanap Lunes sa Sofitel Hotel. Ang iba pang boksingerong pinarangalan sa taunang pagtitipon ay sina WBO at WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria; John Riel Casimiro kampeon ng IBF flyweight; WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes at Sonny Boy Jaro, dating may hawak ng titulong WBC flyweight.

―Ang pagtitipong ito ang gumugunita kay Elorde at nagpaparangal sa kanyang pambihirang husay, disiplina at propesyonalismo na ginamit ng ating mga kampeon upang ipamalas ang walang katulad at galing ng kampeong Pilipino. Ipinagpapatuloy ngayon ng ating mga boksingero ang pagpapamalas ng galing, kakayahan at malasakit kaya sila ay nananatiling karangalan ng Pilipinas,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulo. ―Sa pagkakataong ito, muli nating bigyang sigla ang inyong lakas na makipaglaban sa matapat na paraan nang ang puso ay nagkakaisa ang tibok sa pagmamahal sa pamilya, mga kaibigan at mga kababayan. Nagkakaisa tayo sa lilim ng bandila ng karangalang nagbigay sa atin ng lakas upang humakbang na papasulong bilang isang bansa,‖dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga atleta ng bansa na manatiling kabalikat ng pamahalaan sa pagsisikap na ipagpatuloy ang nagkakaisang mithiing makamtan ang laganap na kasaganaan sa bansa. ―Sa loob ng 13 taong singkad, kinikilala natin ang ating nga namumukod-tanging boksingero at ang mga taong kabalikat nila sa pagpapaunlad ng boksing sa Pilipinas sabi ni Liza Elorde, manugang ng dakilang Gabriel ―Flash‖ Elorde at maybahay ng boxing promoter.‖ PND

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ONLINE NEWS

26 MARCH 2013

DBM hits doomsday SUC budget forecast

COA appointed FAO External Auditor anew

DWPH cited on its performance governance initiatives

Gov’t, coco coir industry stakeholders eye strategic interventions

National Government fiscal deficit in January at P19.531 billion

DOJ to host the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Experts Group on Competition

DOLE welcomes labor agreement with Germany on health care professionals

Q and A on the GPH-MILF special meeting held on March 25, 2013

PNP sends rookie officers to the field

Philippines, Japan exchange notes on major infrastructure projects

Philippines expresses support for Joint United Nations Initiative on Sustainability Standards

DA supports farmer entrepreneurship program

DENR readies for forest fires

DAR distributes 3,790 has of land in CARAGA

DBP opens financing facility to promote public safety and security

MMDA launches person With disabilities-friendly pedestrian crossing

PDIC advises borrowers of RB Buenavista (Agusan del Norte) to pay their obligations

Health chief cites importance of PhilHealth coverage during Secretary’s Cup Debate Championship

DBM hits doomsday SUC budget forecast

Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad countered reports alleging that State Universities

and Colleges (SUCs) will have their budgets slashed in 2014, adding that indicative budget ceilings for

the next fiscal year are merely tentative and subject to further discussion with concerned departments

and agencies.

―These pronouncements on the 2014 budget for SUCs are premature, not to mention misleading to the

public. The indicative budget ceilings are by no means final and inflexible. Instead, they serve only as

guideposts for departments in the formulation of their budgets, and may even be subject to increases,

depending on an agency‘s requirements,‖ Abad said.

He further noted that while the 2013 budget ceiling for SUCs was set at P30.2 billion, the approved

budget for the country‘s tertiary education institutions eventually amounted to P34.9 billion.

―Indicative budget ceilings only reflect a department‘s budgetary requirements for its current operations

and ongoing programs, assuming that they will continue next year without the need for more funding

support. The budget ceiling may also be lower than the final approved budget, since we haven‘t yet

accounted for an agency‘s proposed programs and projects for the following year.

―Additionally, the budget ceiling considers the fact that some programs and projects will be finished this

year, and will no longer require funding in 2014. Again, these—among many other points—need to be

discussed further between DBM and the SUCs, so we can arrive at a proposed budget that efficiently

addresses their needs and allows them to serve their students better,‖ Abad said.

The Budget chief also urged the public to contact DBM for clarifications on the budget preparation

process, especially in light of recent controversies surrounding SUCs.

―We in DBM maintain full transparency, accountability, and openness in the public expenditure process.

We‘ve made it much easier for the ordinary Filipino to engage us in dialogue, and we invite the public to

contact us if anything is unclear about the budget preparation process. At the same time, we encourage

all Filipinos to join us in the responsible interpretation of budget figures to avert inaccuracies and

misinformation,‖ Abad said.

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COA appointed FAO External Auditor anew

Source: http://www.coa.gov.ph

ROME, ITALY – The Philippine‘s Commission on Audit (COA) was appointed as External Auditor of the

United Nation‘s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for another six-year term during the 148th

session of the FAO Finance Committee last March 19, 2013. It was selected over other shortlisted

candidates, Germany and United Kingdom.

This is the second time that the Commission will serve as FAO External Auditor. It was first elected last

June 2007 at the FAO Council‘s 132nd session with a four-year term from 2008. In April 2011, its term

was extended for the period 2012-2013 during the 141st session of the FAO Council.

―Our triumph in the Food and Agricultural Organization bid is a recognition of our distinct expertise in the

field of international audit,‖ said COA Chairperson Ma. Gracia M. Pulido Tan. ―This achievement is

shared by all of us in the Commission. I thank my colleagues in COA and all those who have extended

their unwavering support in our campaign.‖

To date, this is the Commission‘s third international recognition under the leadership of Chairperson Tan.

In May 2011, it was elected as External Auditor of the World Health Organization during its 64th

Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. In March 2012, it was elected to a three-year term in the governing

board of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) during its 12th Assembly in

Jaipur, India.

Accompanying Chairperson Tan during her oral presentation for the FAO bid were International Audit

and Relations Office (IARO) Director Lito Q. Martin, Office of the Chairperson Director Ma. Milagros A.

Lapus, Philippine Embassy Minister Grace Cruz-Fabella and Agriculture AttachÈ Lupino Lazaro, Jr.

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DWPH cited on its performance governance initiatives

Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

The Department of Public Works and Highways received the highest Performance Report Rating among

all national government partner-agencies of Millennium Challenge Corporation which presented their

performance report during the biannual Public Governance Forum held recently. The DPWH is one of

the pilot government agencies subjected to performance governance system adapting the Balanced

Score Card rating. The award called, Trailblazer Award, is given to participating agencies or units in the

public revalida based on significant progress in the agency‘s initiatives and scorecard. Last year, the

DPWH has also received the ―Governance Excellence Seal,‖ again the highest rating among

participating government agencies, for its outstanding progress under its good governance program and

an unwavering commitment to reform in the Philippine public sector. According to Institute of Solidarity in

Asia, the DPWH has demonstrated the organization‘s continued determination to institutionalize good

governance and deliver breakthrough results. The DPWH garnered a rating of 9.08 out of 10 of its

revalida report presented by Secretary Rogelio L. Singson before a group of panelists headed by Mr.

Rex C. Drilon of Institute of Solidarity in Asia which also included Dr. Alexis Acacio of the University of

the Philippines -Institute of Civil Engineering, Ms. Charie Villa of ABS-CBN, Ms. Marivic Añonuevo of

Millennium Challenge Account – Philippines, Mr. Lito Madrasto of the Philippine Constructors

Association, Dr. Henry Basilio, President - Research, Education, and institutional Development

Foundation Inc., Mr. Edwin B. Villanueva, Chairman - VFL Advisors Inc. (a financial consultancy firm),

and Mr. Mario Jose E. Sereno, Executive Director - Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the

Philippines. Secretary Singson reported on the DPWH performance on paving and upgrading of national

roads, construction of permanent bridges, implementation of major flood control projects on major river

basins, and other significant gains in its good governance and anti-corruption reforms under the ―Daang

Matuwid‖ policy agenda of the Aquino Administration. In his message, Secretary Singson ―firmly believes

that while the DPWH continues to transform itself into a results-based government agency under a new

era of good governance, the agency never wavered from its focus of delivering the right infrastructure

needed to sustain the country‘s economic development.‖

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Gov’t, coco coir industry stakeholders eye strategic interventions

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

Almost 1000 participants from the national and local government agencies and units, relevant agencies,

institutions and industry stakeholders gathered to look at strategic areas of intervention during the 2nd

National Coco Coir Summit in Lucena City.

―The attendance of participants today from various government agencies, industry players and

stakeholders clearly signifies the sustained interest in and enthusiastic support for the coco coir industry.

Working harmoniously together and consolidating our resources and efforts, we can all look forward to a

sustained future,‖ PHILCOIR, Inc. President Ariel F. Aguirre said in his opening message during the

summit.

This summit, led by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA),

aims to gather the industry‘s stakeholders and key players nationwide to assess their performance

status, update on the results of government interventions, share best practices for replication, and

resolve their concerns.

―The holding of the 2nd national coco coir summit and its activities is a testament of the dedication and

hard work of the TWG (or the national technical working group on coco coir) not only to sustain interest

and attract attention to the coco coir industry but more importantly to ensure its further development and

growth,‖ Aguirre said.

This TWG on coco coir is composed of the representatives of the agency task force, including the

Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Land Bank (LB), and led by DTI Undersecretary Merly

M. Cruz. For almost two years, the group has been meeting monthly to formulate and drafting a

comprehensive and thorough development plan for the coco coir industry.

Aguirre noted that the 1st Coco Coir summit, wherein a joint statement of commitment was signed by

government agencies and industry stakeholders, has shown the firm results to support and develop the

coco coir industry. This joint statement of commitment was signed the secretaries of the DTI,

Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Public

Works and Highways (DPWH); administrators of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Fiber

Industry Development Authority (FIDA); and chairman of the coconut industry investment fund and

president of the PHILCOIR.

―To carry out this joint statement of commitment, the interagency coco coir and peat task force was

created to ensure the implementation of the programs and projects of the coco coir development plan,‖

Aguirre said.

Aguire also mentioned the executive order (EO) creating the Philippine Coco Coir Industry Development

Council (PCCIDC) has already been finalized by the TWG for approval of the Office of the President.

This EO creating the PCCIDC intends to promote and foster the development of the coco coir industry

and directing domestic utilization in organic agriculture, horticulture and soil erosion control projects of

government, expanding value-adding and export promotion.

―We expect that this historic and important EO will be signed by the President soon and consequently

prioritize attention and ensure consolidated and sustained effort for the coco coir industry,‖ Aguirre said.

With this awaited EO, the industry can look forward to the creation of a big domestic market for coco coir

products, specially, coco nets to be used by the DPWH for slope protection and erosion control for its

road construction projects as well as DENR for rehabilitation mining sites; and coco peat to be used by

the DA and the PCA for the fertilization of coconuts and other agricultural crops.

―We are hopeful that this EO will finally unlock the huge economic potential of the coco fiber and coco

peat subsectors bringing about the unprecedented growth and helping alleviate poverty in the

countryside,‖ Aguirre said.

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National Government fiscal deficit in January at P19.531 billion

Source: http://www.treasury.gov.ph

25 March 2013 Manila, Philippines – The National Government incurred a P19.531 billion deficit for the

month of January 2013. This is 23% higher than the deficit level of P15.943 billion for the same period a

year ago.

Revenue Performance Revenue collections reached P138.368 billion for the month of January. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) registered a growth of 11% and 12%, respectively, compared to same month last year. Actual collections for the month were recorded at P94.718 billion for BIR and P24.540 billion for BOC, while the Bureau of the Treasury income was recorded at P9.350 billion. Collections from Other Offices were recorded at P9.760 billion.

Total tax revenues for the month amounted to P120.434 billion, representing 87% of total revenues while the remaining 13% came from non-tax revenues.

Expenditures For the month of January, total expenditures amounted to P157.899 billion, 11% over last year. Interest payments amounted to P54.842 billion, 9% higher compared with interest outflows in 2012.

Primary Surplus/ (Deficit) Netting out the interest payments in the expenditures, the National Government recorded a primary surplus for the month amounting to P35.311 billion.

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DOJ to host the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Experts Group on Competition

Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph

The DOJ-Office for Competition (OFC), as the designated Competition Authority of the Philippines

through Executive Order No. 45, series of 2011, is hosting the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Experts

Group on Competition (AEGC) on 25-26 March 2013 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.

Delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore,

Thailand, and Vietnam will witness the handover of the Chairmanship of the AEGC for 2013-2014 from

Brunei Darussalam to the Philippines.

Secretary Leila M. De Lima will deliver the Welcome Remarks for this historic event as it will be the first

time that the Philippines will assume the Chairmanship of the AEGC.

"The Philippines is much honored for the trust and confidence that our ASEAN neighbors have bestowed

on us. Our pro-active stance in advancing competition policy and law is being recognized regionally and

globally," said Secretary De Lima.

The AEGC is a forum to discuss and cooperate on competition policy and law. The ASEAN Economic

Ministers endorsed its establishment in August 2007. It first met in 2008 and has agreed to focus for the

next three to five years on building up competition-related policy capabilities and best practices in

ASEAN Member States.

The OFC, headed by Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, was created by EO 45 designating the DOJ

as the Competition Authority. Its mandate is to investigate all cases involving violations of competition

laws and prosecute violators, enforce competition policies and laws tor protect consumers from abusive,

fraudulent, or harmful corrupt businesspractices and supervise competition in markets, among others.

The Philippines also has the honor of being requested by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for

ASEAN Economic Community, Dr. Lim Hong Hin, to act as co-hair of the 2nd Meeting of the Project

Steering Committee (PSC) for ASEAN-German Cooperation Project on Competition Policy and Law

(CPL) that will be held on 27 March 2013 at the same venue.

The CPL Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

(BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It

strives to enhance the legal framework, institutional set-up and capacities for promoting competition in

the ASEAN Member States. This is in accordance with the commitment of ASEAN for the introduction of

nation-wide competition policy in ASEAN Member States by 2015 when the ASEAN Economic

Community will come into effect.

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DOLE welcomes labor agreement with Germany on health care professionals

Source: http://www.poea.gov.ph

DOLE welcomes labor agreement with Germany on health care professionals Labor and Employment

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis- Baldoz, German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Dr. Ursula Von Der

Leyen, German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Joachim Heidorn, and Philippine Ambassador to

Germany Ma. Cleofe Natividad yesterday witnessed the signing of the "Agreement Concerning the

Placement of Filipino Health Care Professionals in Employment Positions in the Federal Republic of

Germany" between the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) headed by

Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac and the German Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fur

Arbeit, or BA) headed by Director Monika Varnhagen in a simple ceremony at the DOLE in Intramuros,

Manila.

The agreement paves the way for the opening of the German health care sect or for Filipino healthcare professionals, including nurses.

Baldoz, after the agreement's signing, hailed the quick and successful conclusion of the initiative as "a beginning of a stronger relationship between the Philippines and Germany in the field of labor and employment".

"The conclusion of this agreement between the POEA and Germany's Federal Employment Agency, through its International Placement Services, concerning the government-to-government placement of Filipino health professionals for temporary employment in Germany manifests the Philippine government's firm commitment to provide for an orderly system for the recruitment of Filipino healthcare professionals to Germany," said Baldoz.

"It also demonstrates our commitment to promote their welfare and protection, as well as to cooperate with Germany on the promotion and sustainability of human resource development (HRD) in the Philippines. These are important elements in the joint management of migration that has strong potential to contribute to a "triple win" for the workers, for the employers, and for the two countries," she added.

Other German and Philippine officials who witnessed the signing of the agreement were Anke Barneworld of the Office of the German Minister of Labor and Social Affairs; Christoff Wegner, Commercial Counsellor of the German Embassy in Manila; Atty. Teresita Manzala, Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission; Assistant Secretary Ma. Zenaida Angara-Collinson of the

Department of Foreign Affairs; Director Nimfa de Guzman of the POEA; Director Mersole Mellejor of the Office of European Affairs, DFA; and Director Rodolfo Sabulao of the DOLE's International Labor Affairs Bureau.

The bilateral labor agreement covers the following areas of cooperation between the two countries: (a) regulation on the deployment of Filipino health care professionals; (b) preservation, promotion, and development of Filipino workers' welfare; (c) exchange of ideas and information with the aim of improving and simplifying job placement procedures; and (d) other relevant technical and HRD cooperation and continuing studies in labor and employment. Under the agreement, each party undertakes to ensure that the recruitment and deployment of Filipino health care professionals are in accordance with existing laws of each country; that Filipino health care professionals to be deployed have appropriate employment contracts; and that they are provided with proper briefing or orientation before departure.

The agreement provides that Filipino health care professionals may not be employed in Germany under working conditions less favorable than those for comparable German workers. They will also have compulsory insurance in the German social security system, such as health and long-term care insurance, pension, accident, and unemployment insurance. German employers must also provide them adequate accommodation.

"There will be a standard bilingual labor employment contract to be used for the placement of Filipino health care professionals. Both parties will exert efforts to ensure observance of the workers' rights," Baldoz elaborated.

She further explained that both parties to the agreement will explore projects to sustain and promote HRD in the Philippines. "While the bilateral labor agreement establishes the conditions for the recruitment and employment of Filipino health care professionals, including nurses, to Germany to address the shortage of health care workers in that country, the provisions on recognition of qualifications and mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of trained and qualified health care professionals in the Philippines through HRD cooperation are very important given the concerns of the Philippine health sector on their active migration," Baldoz emphasized.

"We have to ensure that the migration of our workers takes place under an ethical recruitment framework that benefits the sending and receiving country," she further said.

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Q and A on the GPH-MILF special meeting held on March 25, 2013

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

1. Why was the 37th Formal Exploratory Talks reset/postponed from March to April?

The President has requested that the 37th round of formal exploratory talks that was originally scheduled to begin March 25, be reset to April (next month). The President deems it necessary to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.

As the President explained in the CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) press conference on March 25: ―It is important to finish all the annexes, which requires reaching a meeting of the minds on these annexes. This will, in turn, help in the process of crafting a new organic act so that the final outcome will be legislation all stakeholders agree to, and (will) rally behind.‖ 2. Did the government panel convey this to the MILF and the facilitator?

Yes. Government Peace Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer with panel members Senen Bacani and Yasmin Busran-Lao personally went to Kuala Lumpur to personally convey the President's request and to set with their counterparts in the MILF the new date for the formal exploratory talks.

3. What was discussed in the informal meeting?

The GPH Panel conveyed the President's request for the re-scheduling of the talks to the MILF peace panel and Malaysian facilitator. The meeting ended with a "firm commitment of the two parties to continue the talks in an expeditious manner."

The panels also discussed the composition of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) and the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP), the convening of the Transition Commission in the first week of April 2013, and the Terms of Reference of the Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

The parties agreed to meet in the second week of April 2013 for the 37th round of Formal Peace Talks.

4. Did the Sabah issue factor in/cause the postponement of this round of peace talks?

No. The President himself said that the ―Sabah issue should not affect the ongoing talks with the MILF.‖

5. Will the signing of the comprehensive agreement still push through before the end of summer?

The Parties continue to seek solutions to the remaining issues in the best possible way, at the soonest possible time. The President emphasized that he wants all stakeholders to agree and support the Annexes as these will also serve as basis of the Transition Commission in crafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law. 6. How can the TransCom start its work without the complete annexes?

The FAB already provides enough guidance for the TransCom to start its work. The Annexes will not take long to finish and these can be inputted in the work of the TransCom subsequently.

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PNP sends rookie officers to the field

Source: http://pnp.gov.ph

The Philippine National Police is expecting 17 more newly commissioned Police Inspectors to join the

ranks of the PNP Officer Corps from this year‘s PNP Academy graduating class. The 17 other members

of the graduating class are now completing their administrative requirements and academic clearances

to become

eligible for late graduation and eventually join the PNP Officer Corps. The 17 late graduates will join 237

other members of the PNPA ―Tagapamagitan― Class 2013 who earlier reported for duty as Police

Commissioned Officers. A total of 254 members of the 2013 graduating class have been allocated

vacant positions in the Police Regional Offices and National Operational Support Units.

PNP Chief, ―CODE-P‖ Director General Alan LM Purisima has approved the deployment distribution of

the 254 new Police Inspectors as proposed by the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

(DPRM). Thirty–one (31) members of PNPA ―Tagapamagitan― Class 2013 will be assigned to the

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), 29 to Northern Mindanao, 22 to Southern Mindanao,

12 to SOCSARGEN Region, 18 to Caraga Region, 10 to Cagayan Valley Region, 10 to Cordillera

Region, 22 to MIMAROPA, 22 to Bicol Region, 22 to Western Visayas, 17 to Eastern Visayas, 10 to the

Maritime Group and 29 to the Special Action Force.

According to PNP Spokesman, Chief Supt Generoso R Cerbo Jr., the new Police Inspectors will be

assigned to the Regional Public Safety Battalions (RPSB) and Provincial Public Safety Companies

(PPSC) that are the police tactical strike forces for internal security and anti-criminality operations. SAF

is the national tactical maneuver force, while Maritime Group specializes in seaborne law enforcement

and public safety operations. According to Cerbo, the newly-commissioned Police Inspectors are

presently on a 30-day academic break after which they will report back for orientation prior to

deployment to their assigned units. Over the weekend, 237 members of the PNPA ―Tagapamagitan―

Class 2013 received their issued firearms, police badge, basic individual equipment and first paycheck

representing monthly salary and initial clothing allowance. (PNP-PIO)

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Philippines, Japan exchange notes on major infrastructure projects

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

25 March 2013 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Japanese Ambassador to the

Philippines, H.E. Toshinao Urabe, signed and exchanged notes today, March 25, on two yen loan

projects, namely, Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila (JPY 43.25 billion or

Php18.56 billion) and the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection

Project (JPY 10.78 billion or Php 4.63 billion), and two grant aid projects, namely, the Mini-Hydropower

Development Project in the Province of Ifugao (JPY 887 million or Php 380.67 million); and Mini-

Hydropower Development Project in the Province of Isabela (JPY 146 million or Php 62.66 million).

The Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila includes the development of the

Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 South Extension and LRT Line 2 East Extension projects while the New

Bohol Airport Project involves the construction of a new airport in Panglao Island, which is compliant with

international standards. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida earlier conveyed the Japanese

Government‘s decision to extend yen loans to these projects during his visit to the Philippines last

January 10. These projects will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and

Communications.

The mini-hydropower development projects in the provinces of Ifugao and Isabela are part of the

Department of Energy‘s program to develop renewable energy resources for energy sustainability,

stability and security. Hydropower is an attractive alternative source of electricity because of its minimal

impact on the environment.

These official development assistance projects on infrastructure development form part of the economic

pillar of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership. Japan continues to be the country‘s top source of

official development loans.

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Philippines expresses support for Joint United Nations Initiative on Sustainability Standards

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

26 March 2013. – The Philippines expressed its support for a joint United Nations‘ initiative on voluntary

sustainability standards (VSS) at the Conference launch of the United Nations Forum on Sustainability

Standards (UNFSS) on March 21 in Geneva.

Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup of the Department of Agriculture emphasized that country

standards should be in conformity with regional and global standards. He pointed out that the three

major VSS issues having a direct impact on the Philippines pertain to certification for compliance on 1)

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) National Program vis-à-vis Global GAP; 2) National Organic

Certification Program vis-à-vis international organic certification bodies; and 3) fair trade certification.

As Chair of the ASEAN Task Force on Horticultural and Food Product Standards, Assistant Secretary

Salacup noted that ASEAN is working towards harmonization and equivalence in organic agriculture in

the ASEAN region, and expressed appreciation for the Global Organic Market Access (GOMA) project of

the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization

(FAO) and the International Federation of Agriculture Movements (IFOAM).

Noting that governments have a major role to play in making VSS work to achieve sustainable

development goals, he further stressed that governments need to address information gaps through

information dissemination, as well as through capacity development and training of people at the

grassroots level to implement agreed regional and global standards, particfularly on food safety

concerns.

UNFSS is a platform of five UN agencies, composed of UNCTAD, International Trade Center (ITC),

FAO, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Industrial Development Organization

(UNIDO). Its objective is to facilitate and strengthen the effective participation of developing countries in

the international dialogue on VSS, and to inform decisionmakers about the importance of these

standards.

Forum organizers pointed out that while VSS are often viewed as a technicality, they are tools that can

be used to advance sustainable production and consumption processes. They stressed that unless pro-

actively addressed, VSS can become serious market entry barriers and a major challenge for small-

scale producers. As new tools in international trade outside the framework of the World Trade

Organization, VSS could directly or indirectly undermine rules and measures provided in the WTO

Agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary Standards (SPS).

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DA supports farmer entrepreneurship program

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

The Department of Agriculture will vigorously support initiatives to enable farmers sell their produce

directly to institutional buyers.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the assurance during a farmers' forum, spearheaded by

the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the National Livelihood

Development Corporation (NLDC), which has been implementing a Farmer Entrepreneurship Program

(FEP) since 2008.

Under FEP, the three institutions provide agro-enterprise training and guidance, enabling farmers'

groups to deliver required quality of farm products such as vegetables to agribusiness enterprises like

the JFC..

During the forum held at the Jollibee Plaza in Ortigas, the DA chief said while the country‘s economy has

been improving, the small farmers, fishers and ruralfolk have not felt the economic improvement.

He said the FEP is one initiative that should be expanded and highlighted to show that the programs of

the Aquino administration is felt by small farmers and the Filipino people, especially those in the

countryside.

For its part, in the area of agribusiness marketing, the DA has established last year six Agri-Pinoy

Trading Centers and will be constructing eight more this year. ―The DA is making sure that the trading

centers are pro-farmers. We will assist them sell their produce directly to wholesale buyers," Secretary

Alcala said.

The DA chief was glad to hear that Jollibee advocates organic farming. He said the DA is finding ways of

lowering the production cost, and it will help farmers up to postharvest and processing by providing them

needed equipment and facilities.

The FEP Forum was participated by LGUs and academe from Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija,

Quezon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao Oriental. The participants presented how the FEP has helped the

small farmers create a more systematic approach to farming that eventually led to their success in

bringing their produce to institutional markets.

Present during the forum were officials of JFC, CRS and NLDC, led by Ms Grace Tan Caktiong, Mr.

Ryan Russel, and Mrs. Gondelina Amata. (Marlo Asis, DA-AFIS)

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DENR readies for forest fires

Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph

As summer sets in, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has ordered all field officials of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to adopt new strategies and draw up preventive and

remedial measures against forest fires.

According to Paje, forest fires, which are particularly prevalent in the summer season, are a major and

permanent hazard that could completely destroy forests. In an effort to address the issue, the DENR has

invested in comprehensive training programs to equip its forestry workers with the needed skills to fight

forest fires effectively.

This year, Paje called for an inventory of the agency‘s fire-fighting equipment and the capability of its

field personnel in putting out fires in response to the increased risk of forest fires due to the onset of the

dry season.

He also tasked his 16 regional executive directors to update their remedial measures on preventing flare-

ups, particularly grass fires that usually occur in degraded forestlands due to flammable ground debris

that could burn up as a result of drought and high temperature.

―We have to make sure that forest fires won't happen in forestlands where tree-planting activities of the

National Greening Program (NGP) are on the upswing otherwise the program's gains will literally go up

in smoke," Paje explained.

Paje also ordered the prioritization of strict monitoring of protected areas, which also function as habitat

for endangered species of plants and animals, for potential outbreak of forest fires and to ensure

sufficient water supply in communities.

According to records of the DENR‘s Forest Management Bureau, the Cordillera Administrative Region

(CAR) tops the list of forest fire hotspots, followed by Central Luzon and Southern Mindanao.

The DENR regularly updates its personnel capabilities through a series of trainings held at its

Environment and Natural Resources Academy in Carrangalan, Nueva Ecija.

Last year's trainings focused on prevention and management of forest fires in tree plantations in

consonance with NGP's objective of establishing tree plantations in denuded forest lands.

Among the strategies being employed by the DENR to boost its forest fire prevention and fighting

capabilities include the involvement of community members in its trainings in coordination with the

Bureau of Fire Prevention of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, with which the DENR

has a standing agreement to conduct joint trainings as well as forest fire-fighting operations.

Forest fire preventive measures consisted of monitoring for kaingin (slash and burn) activities and

unauthorized bush burning in pasturelands, construction of water impounding structures to trap and store

rainwater, clearing of new growth in fire lines or ―fire buffers‖ inside tree plantations, and conduct of

forest fire drills with forest resource-dependent communities especially in drought-prone areas.

From 2000 to 2010, the DENR recorded a total of 34, 921 hectares were affected by forest fires, with

19,607 hectares located inside natural forest, while the other 15,314 hectares inside plantation areas.

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DAR distributes 3,790 has of land in CARAGA

Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph

Luz Village, Butuan City – 2,623 farmers are now landowners as the Department of Agrarian Reform

(DAR) distributed a total of 3,790 hectares of agricultural lands in CARAGA region.

In the province of Butuan alone, DAR Secretary Virgilio De Los Reyes distributed 3,260 hectares of

farmlands to 2,263 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform

Program with extension reform (CARPer).

The covered landholdings are from the municipalities of Butuan, Buenavista, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las

Nieves, Tubay, Nasipit, Carmen, RT Romualdez, Magallanes, and Cabadbaran.

De Los Reyes told the new landowners that government‘s support for the farmers does not end in the

distribution of lands, there are also various support services to further boost their economic lives.

Edwin Espinosa, a farmer-beneficiary from the said province, said that they finally reap the fruits they

have sowed for years. ―With the DAR on our side, I am certain that our newly-acquired land will give us a

better life,‖ he added.

Earlier, Secretary De Los Reyes also distributed 530 has. of lands to 360 ARBs in the province of

Dinagat Island. The farmlots are from the municipalities of Dinagat, San Juan, Cagdianao and Basilisa.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Jamil Amatonding Jr. said that this is the first time a DAR

Secretary has set foot in the province.

―The presence of our Secretary gives a positive outlook to the farmers. The farmers said that they feel

that the government is sincere in uplifting their lives,‖ he added.

The DAR also turned-over a P6-million worth of farm equipment to the 1,046 ARBs in Butuan City.

The farm equipment includes one (1) combined harvester, two (2) jeep-mounted threshers, four (4)

cultivator power tillers, five (5) threshers, and eight (8) hand tractors.

De Los Reyes said the farm equipment is implemented under the department‘s Agrarian Reform

Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCESS) program.

―Part of the ARCESS program is to provide you (the farmers) with farm implements or common service

facilities to help improve your incomes. I hope that this equipment will also serve as a tool to unify your

organization in taking care of these machines,‖ De Los Reyes said.

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DBP opens financing facility to promote public safety and security

Source: http://www.dbp.ph

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has launched a P1-billion financing facility to

support the funding requirements of public and private enterprises for projects that promote public safety

and security and effective deterrence of crime and violence.

The Financing for Public Safety Initiatives (FPSI) facility aims to promote the mainstream use of security-

related technology and devices for crime deterrence, detection and punishment, early warning and

emergency response especially in government and private business establishments.

The facility also aims to strengthen the capacity of local government units (LGUs) in promoting and

ensuring public safety, augmenting police visibility, and improving community preparedness through the

use of security-related devices and technologies. It also encourages integration and inter-linkages of

public safety systems of government with private sector users for better response to emergencies and

crime incidence, improvement of database and reporting mechanisms, and will contribute to further IT-

based public safety strategies.

The FPSI will fund the purchase and installation of security systems and devices, operation and

maintenance requirements of security systems, and the training of security personnel on the use of

security systems and devices. The facility will also finance security system integration and improvement

projects for public and private establishments including Public-Private Partnership security projects,

system integration projects with law enforcement and other public safety agencies such as disaster

coordinating agencies, the Bureau of Fire Protection and medical units, and the construction and

development of public safety centers or monitoring centers.

For more details, interested parties may call: AVP Leopoldo A. Resmundo, Jr. (ljaresmundo@dbp.ph);

Mgr. Kristina T. Adecer (kstordilla@dbp.ph); or Engr. Wilbert K. Co (wkco@dbp.ph) at telephone

numbers 812-5703 and 8189511/ 9611 local 2332.

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MMDA launches person With disabilities-friendly pedestrian crossing

Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph

In line with the observance of the Women with Disabilities Day on Monday (March 25), the Metropolitan

Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today launched a person with disabilities (PWD)-friendly

pedestrian crossing along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City.

The PWD pedestrian crossing, installed at the corner of Aurora Boulevard and Imperial Street, right in

front of Isetann Mall, is equipped with a traffic signal system integrated with a closed circuit television

(CCTV) camera directly connected to the MMDA Metrobase office.

"A Metrobase staff will be monitoring the pedestrian crossing 24/7, and will be in charge of giving out

verbal instructions once the traffic lights change," Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

According to Tolentino, similar PWD-accessible pedestrian crossings will be put up at the corner of

Aurora Boulevard corner JP Rizal Street in Project 4, Quezon City and at Santolan Road corner Marcos

Highway in Pasig City. Quezon City and Pasig City are two of the cities in Metro Manila that have the

most number of PWDs.

The celebration of Women with Disabilities Day every last Monday of March is pursuant to Presidential

Proclamation Number 744.

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PDIC advises borrowers of RB Buenavista (Agusan del Norte) to pay their obligations

Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Rural Bank of

Buenavista (Agusan del Norte), Inc., reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and

transact only with authorized PDIC representatives.

In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of RB Buenavista to pay their loans and other obligations at any

Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under the account name, PDIC FAO BURL RB BUENAVISTA

with Reference Number 373094900013. It further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB

Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB

Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments.

The Monetary Board (MB) placed RB Buenavista under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB

Resolution No. 377 dated March 4, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on March 4, 2013. Upon

takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated.

Rural Bank of Buenavista is a two-unit bank with Head Office located in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Its lone branch is located in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur. Latest available records show that as of

December 31, 2012, Rural Bank of Buenavista had 2,883 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P44.97

million. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of June 30, 2012 filed by the Rural Bank

of Buenavista with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Alfredo T. Bonpin (37.21%), Leonardo G. Yu

(12.02%), Francisco Y. Chan, Jr. (11.61%) and Shelita L. Yu (8.94%). Its Chairman and President is

Leonardo G. Yu.

Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC – Loans Management Department I at (02)

841-4760 or 841-4767. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph.

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Health chief cites importance of PhilHealth coverage during Secretary’s Cup Debate

Championship

Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph

Health Secretary Dr. Enrique T. Ona stressed the need for Filipinos to be PhilHealth members during the

Secretary‘s Cup Debate Championship and Awarding Ceremonies held at the Century Park Hotel Manila

on March 16, 2013. He pointed out what it means for a family to have a PhilHealth card to be able to

avail of the benefits when the need arises, ―to have the assurance that whenever they go to sleep and

wake up everything will be all right as far as health is concerned.‖

The Health chief concurrently serves as the PhilHealth Chairman of the Board and OIC President and

Chief Executive Officer.

The Secretary‘s Cup on Kalusugan Pangkalahatan is a nationwide multi-sectoral advocacy campaign

initiated by the Universal Health Care (UHC) Study Group of the University of the Philippines-National

Institute of Health and the Department of Health. It aims to bring awareness and engage various sectors

in the discussion of issues concerning the implementation of UHC. It also provides a platform to

celebrate local best practices and contributions in the achievement of UHC.

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Last Updated: 26 MARCH 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the briefing on the status of operations and

arrangements made in line with the Lenten Season byMetropolitan Manila

Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino during the inspection of major

passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in EDSA,

Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The President wants to make sure that all security

preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by

Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III greets passengers during the inspection of major

passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Lobby, Ninoy Aquino

International Airport Terminal 4 in Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The President

wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel

during the Holy Week. (Photo by: Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau /

PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Departure Lobby, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 in

Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during the inspection of major passenger terminals

in Metro Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in

place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. In photo are Manila International

Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado and Transportation and

Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Rolando Mailo /

Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to passengers during the

inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Victory Liner Bus

Terminal in EDSA, Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during the Inspection of Major

Passenger Terminals in Metro Manila. The President wants to make sure that all

security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo

by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in EDSA, Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during

the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila. The President wants to

make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the

Holy Week. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III is briefed on the status of passenger volume, traffic,

airport security and assistance measures by Manila International Airport Authority

general manager Jose Angel Honrado during the inspection of major passenger

terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Area, 2nd Floor, Ninoy Aquino

International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The

President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe

travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau /

Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of The Princess of the South

passenger vessel at Pier 12, North Harbor in Arten Road, Tondo, Manila City on

Tuesday (March 26) during the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro

Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to

ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. Also in photo is Transportation and

Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Robert Viñas /

Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III buys a snack during the inspection of major

passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Lobby, Ninoy Aquino

International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 in Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The

President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe

travel during the Holy Week. (Courtesy of RTVM)

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to the passengers during the

inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Victory Liner Bus

Terminal in EDSA, Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during the Inspection of Major

Passenger Terminals in Metro Manila. The President wants to make sure that all

security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo

by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III interacts with the passengers during the inspection of

major passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in

EDSA, Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during the Inspection of Major Passenger

Terminals in Metro Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security

preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by Gil

Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Victory Liner Bus Terminal in EDSA, Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during

the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila. The President wants to

make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel during the

Holy Week. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Departure Lobby, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 in Pasay City

on Tuesday (March 26) during the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro

Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to

ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. In photo are Manila International Airport

Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado and Transportation and

Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang

Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to the passengers during the

Inspection of Major Passenger Terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Area, 2nd

Floor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Tuesday

(March 26). The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in

place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang

Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the briefing on the status of passenger

volume, traffic, airport security and assistance measures by Manila International

Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado during the inspection of

major passenger terminals in Metro Manila at the Departure Area, 2nd Floor, Ninoy

Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26). The

President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe

travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Departure Area, 2nd Floor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in

Pasay City on Tuesday (March 26) during the inspection of major passenger terminals

in Metro Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in

place to ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. In photo are Manila International

Airport Authority general manager Jose Angel Honrado and Transportation and

Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang

Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of The Princess of the South

passenger vessel at the Pier 12, North Harbor in Arten Road, Tondo, Manila City on

Tuesday (March 26) during the inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro

Manila. The President wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to

ensure safe travel during the Holy Week. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo

Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the ticketing and pre-boarding facilities at

the Pier 12, North Harbor in Arten Road, Tondo, Manila City on Tuesday (March 26)

during the Inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila. The President

wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel

during the Holy Week. Also in photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary

Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Philippine Ports Authority general

manager Atty. Juan Sta. Ana, Maritime Industry Authority administrator Nicasio

Conti, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant R/ Adm. Rodolfo Isorena, Manila North

Harbour Port, Inc. chief executive officer Richard Barclay and Philippine Span Asia

Carrier Corporation chief executive officer and president Jordan Go upon arrival at

the Pier 12, North Harbor in Arten Road, Tondo, Manila City on Tuesday (March 26)

during the Inspection of major passenger terminals in Metro Manila. The President

wants to make sure that all security preparations are in place to ensure safe travel

during the Holy Week. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)