PIA Dispatch - Monday, November 17, 2008

GMA signs EO launching job generation visa

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed today an executive order that would allow foreigners to stay in the Philippines indefinitely provided they will employ at least 10 Filipinos.

The President signed the Executive Order (EO) No. 758 during a brief program held this morning at the Malacanang Rizal Hall and attended by Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Special Envoy Francis Chua, and Shameem Qurashi, chairman of the Philippine Association of Multi-National Council Regional Headquarter, Inc.

Libanan, who thanked the President for signing EO No. 758, said the President’s action is timely because the launching of the job-generation visa would mitigate the negative impact of the current economic meltdown on the Philippine Economy.

EO No. 758, which has the effect of a law, prescribes guidelines for the issuance of a special visa to non-immigrants for employment generation.

Libanan said in an interview after the signing of the executive order that it would be easier now for foreigners to do business in the country as EO No. 758 waives the requirements for visa applications and encourages them to bring their investment into the country.

He said a foreigner who employs 10 Filipinos must invest at least P200 million because one job creation costs P10 million. This would be an active investment because the foreign investors pay monthly compensation to their employees, “thus it revolves the economy, hindi tulad ng nangyayari ngayon na inactive and investments.”

Under the guidelines, the BI shall issue Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) to a foreigner engaged in viable and sustainable commercial enterprise, trade or industry that has in its employ at least 10 Filipinos.

Foreigners who acquire the visa are considered special non-immigrants with multiple entry privileges and conditional extended stay, without need of prior departure from the Philippines.

Also, the same visa may be extended to the visa applicant’s spouse and dependents under 18 years of age, whether legitimate, illegitimate, or adopted.

The guidelines also provide that aside from investing in a particular business, the visa applicant must also have a genuine intention to remain in the Philippines and he or she must not be a risk to national security.

President Arroyo directed the BI to continuously monitor the continued compliance by the visa holders of the SVEG, and authorized the BI commissioner to revoke the visa of a foreigner found to have violated the conditions of his visa.


PGMA to keynote municipal mayors at Manila

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the keynote speaker Wednesday of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) 2008 General Assembly that will be held at the Tent City of the Manila Hotel. The LMP is an association of 1, 495 municipalities all over the Philippines.

This year’s three-day general assembly carries the theme “LMP Working on Local Solutions to National and Global Issues on Food Security, Climate Change, Local Economic Development and Peace and Security.”

The theme supports LMP’s aspiration to crystallize, ventilate, and articulate issues affecting member-municipalities. In pursuit of this mission, the said assembly will continue to play its role to address the national and local issues.

“We, the local leaders of our country play a significant role in the society because of the capacity to interact and work directly with the communities to enable us to serve them better and know what exactly they need,” stressed Mayor Ramon N. Guico Jr., the LMP national president and municipality mayor of Binalonan, Pangasinan.

Guico added that the general assembly will discuss current global issues on food security, climate change, local economic development, and peace and security based on the progress report of the 2008 Island Cluster Conferences outputs.

‘‘We will convey the passed resolutions from the previous conferences for ratification, consultation and interaction with the concerned agencies. We will also generate action plans to sustain the programs for the succeeding years,” he stressed.

One of the highlights of this General Assembly is the “Sign-up Campaign” for Coastal Resource Management and Climate Change Environmental Champion Advocate to popularize and institutionalize the policies for the development of local government units.

LGU awardees will also promote the innovations and best practices of the municipalities.

Also to be highlighted are the LMP’s priority bills on Land Administration and Reform Act (LARA), Value Reform Act (VRA), Free Patent bill, Amendment of the Local Government Code of 1991 and LMP’s position on the reduction of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of LGU’s.

The LMP intends to scale up, broaden and strengthen linkages with different government agencies, non-government organizations, private sectors, and funding institutions, among others.

Extensive networking with institutional partners fortifies the LMP’s capacity to expand its programs and advocacies with all the municipalities, thus, efficiently and effectively spreading the beneficial programs.

National leaders, various institutions and stakeholders are expected to participate in this milestone event.


PGMA to award P2.19 M in cash to top farmers, fishers and agri groups

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will give a total of P2.19 million in cash awards to outstanding 2008 farmers/fisherfolks and five agri groups on Wednesday during a program to be held at the Manila Hotel.
Twelves outstanding farmers and fisherfolks and five outstanding farm and fishing groups won in the annual contest sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Outstanding Individual Achievers in the Gawad Saka 2008, who will each receive P120,000 and a Presidential Citation and Trophy are Claudio Agcaoili of Vintar, Ilocos Norte as this year’s Outstanding Rice Farmer; Edilberto Bitacura of Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur as the Outstanding Corn Farmer;

Preciosa Maturan of Bayawan City in Negors Oriental as the Outstanding Sugarcane Farmer; Benjamin Lao of Bansalan, Davao del Sur as the Outstanding Coconut Farmer; Ricardo Tolentino of Laoag City as the Outstanding High-Value Cash Crop Farmer; Juboken Agri-Enterprises Inc. of Camalig Albay as the Outstanding Agri-Entrepreneur;

Renato Alfaro of Cauayan City, Isabela as the Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Culture); Restituto Del Rosario of Morong, Bataan as the Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Capture); Annie Sitjar of Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur as the Outstanding Small Animal Raiser; Rosita Naje of Castilla, Sorsogon as the Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk;

Ireneo Espartero and family of Dujali of Davao del Norte as the Outstanding Farmer/Fisherfolk Family; and Louella Rowena de Jesus of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit as the Outstanding Agricultural Scientist.

The Outstanding Organization Achievers that will each receive a P150,000 Project Grant, Presidential Trophy and Citation are the Mandaya Tribal Youth Organization of Monkayo, Compostela Valley as the Outstanding Young Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization; Barucboc Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Quezon, Isabela as the Outstanding Rural Improvement Club;

Tupi Integrated Agricultural Cooperative of Tupi, South Cotabato as the Outstanding City/Municipal Agricultural Fishery Council; and, Camarines Norte Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) as the Outstanding PAFC.

The Gawad Saka Awards is an annual search for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries who represent the various stakeholders of the community --farmers, fisherfolk, farm communities, scientists and organizations, as well as DA and local government employees.

The project aims to give due recognition to individuals and institutions whose exemplary accomplishments in their respective fields of endeavor and contribution to the country’s agricultural development are deemed worthy of emulation.


PGMA opens Busuanga's 'holiday airport'

BUSUANGA, Palawan -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially opened today the newly-rehabilitated Busuanga Airport here in time for the expected influx of tourists to this Central Philippines for tourist haven during the Christmas holidays.

In her speech keynoting the event, the President expressed elation that tourist traffic to Palawan had tripled since the Busuanga Airport's rehabilitation project was launched in 2007.

"Tamang tama ang pagbukas nitong airport para sa Christmas holidays kasi ayon kay (Transportation) Secretary Larry Mendoza, punung-puno na raw, three times bigger ang (tourist) traffic dito sa Coron and Busanga mula noong nagsimula ang pag-ayos ng airport na ito at by the end of the year, baka maabot na ang full capacity ng airport," she said.

The President had announced the upgrading of the Busuanga Airport in her 2006 State of the Nation Address (SONA) as she underscores the huge potential of the airport to Palawan's economic and tourism programs.

In response to the President's call, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) put up $3 million for the project, with the Philippine government raising P60 million as counterpart fund.

The upgrading project involves the concreting of the airport’s macadam runway, rehabilitation of the existing runway, provision of a stopway, expansion/concreting of the apron, construction of a new passenger terminal, renovation of the passenger terminal, completion of the administration building and the improvement of the fire-fighting building.

The upgrading project also involves the construction of a new parking area, improvement of drainage system, rehabilitation of perimeter fence, provision of fire-fighting and rescue vehicles, and training of Philippine personnel on airport planning and design.

The safety of aircraft operation will also be enhanced in accordance with international civil aviation standards and best practices.

The Busuanga airport serves as a jump-off point to the nearby Calamian Group of Islands and the rest of Palawan, two of the country's major tourist destinations.



PGMA renews call for national unity

BUSUANGA, Palawan – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo renewed today her call for national unity and for Filipinos to set aside personal and political differences in the spirit of the Christmas season.
“Let’s cast our sight on the positive things that, together, we can do to improve the lives of the Filipino people,” she said.

The President made the exhortation in her speech during the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Busuanga Airport here.

"Itong ka-Paskuhan, dapat magka-sama-sama ang ating taong bayan upang ipagdiwang ang pananampalataya at pamilya. Dapat magkaisa ang ating mga komunidad at isangtabi ang mga personal na banggaan at alitan sa politika," the President said.

"Dapat talaga ituon ang ating paningin sa mga positibong bagay na kaya nating gawin sama-sama upang maibayo ang ating mga buhay," she added.

She pointed out that a united Filipino people can achieve great things for themselves and, especially, for the less privileged. For her part, the President vowed to work unceasingly to ensure that people gain easy access to the social services offered by the government.

"Titiyakin nating matiyaga ang pamahalaan sa paghatid ng mga serbisyo sa taongbayan. Mahalagang pinagsisilbihan kayo ng pamahalaan at naibibigay sa inyo ang mga nararapat na serbisyo," the President said.

"Ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan ang lahat sa abot ng kakayahan upang mag-lagay ng pagkain sa bawat mesa at protektahan ang inyong kita mula sa mataas na presyo ng bilihin at mataas na inflation," she added.

She stressed that the government will continue to invest heavily in health, education and social services to ensure that the basic needs of the people are adequately served.

The President also called on Filipinos to take time out during the Christmas season to ponder on how blessed they are as a people, and count the numerous blessings they have received despite the turmoil besetting the global economy.

"Habang papalapit ang ka-Paskuhan, dapat nating bilangin ang ating mga grasya at higit na pag-asa at kumpyansa harapin ang kinabukasan," the President said.

"Sabi nga ng mga dalubhasa, in a very stormy sea of global economic uncertainty, the Philippine economy is a relative island of calm," she added.


PGMA cites tourism as catalyst for economic development

BUSUANGA, Palawan – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited today the tourism sector as the single industry that has spurred so much economic development and has provided jobs and livelihood opportunities for countless Filipinos.

In her speech keynoting the inauguration of the newly rehabilitated Busuanga Airport here, the President noted that big-ticket investors have taken notice of the huge potential of the country's tourist spots and have started investing accordingly.

She said well-known hoteliers and restaurateurs Station One of Boracay Island and Banyan Tree from Phuket, Thailand have began building their respective resorts in Palawan, particularly in the Calamian Group of Islands and in Busuanga.

"Kaya kasama sa mga importanteng pamumuhunan na naglilikha ng maraming trabaho ang turismo," the President said, adding, "Nararapat na pambansang prioridad ang turismo dahil sa epekto nito sa panglipunang kaunlaran."

She extolled tourism as a "Big Tent Industry" that provides jobs and livelihood opportunities to both skilled and unskilled labor.

"Maglilikha ito ng trabaho saan man may potential ang turismo di lamang sa siyudad, at bawat dayuhang bisita ay lumilikha ng isang trabaho," the President said.

"At dahil personal ang serbisyo, hindi napapalitan ng makina ang tao kaya makakabigay ng katiyakan sa trabaho. Yun ang kabutihan ng turismo," she added.

The President pointed out that her administration had been aware of the enormous potential of the Philippines' tourism industry. During her first-ever State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2001, she vowed that her government will give more attention to this industry.

Later in her 2006 SONA, she included the construction and upgrade of numerous roads, ports and airports to spur further growth of the tourism industry, particularly in the Central Visayas.

"Malaki ang lamang natin sa mga magagandang natural na tanawin sa ating bansa at sa likas na kabaitan ng ating taong bayan," the President said.

"Sinabi natin, gagawin natin ang mga kalsada at mga facilidad upang makaabot ang mga turista sa mga magagandang tanawin at yan ang ipinagdidiwang natin ngayon," she added.


Palace Statement
THRU: Deputy Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo
RE: Congressmen joining PGMA’s APEC trip

The number of lawmakers who shall be joining the President is yet to be confirmed.

It has been customary for lawmakers to join the President on her trips abroad; it allows for better understanding and cooperation among nations, not only on the executive level but also on the legislative.

The official party of the President shall comply with all laws attending to traveling officials; other parties, including businessmen, who may accompany the President will do so using their private funds.

We assure the public that official trips of the President are for advancing the interest of the people and the nation for they provide opportunities for closer ties with our global neighbors, as well as for better economic activities and investment in our shores.

The APEC Leaders’ Meeting is a crucial gathering of world leaders which provides an opportunity for the President to advance her pro-poor program in an international level.


Statement of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza

The leadership in the Senate is determined by the collective decision of the members of this august body whose judgment the Executive department fully respects.

We leave it to them to decide on this important matter.

We congratulate the new Senate president, Juan Ponce Enrile.

The whole nation will definitely benefit from his wealth of experience and proven competence.

At the same time, we thank Senator Manuel Villar for his outstanding service to the nation during his stint as Senate president.


ASEAN Charter Enters into Force Next Month

New York, 14 November 2008==Thailand delivered the tenth and final instrument of ratification of the ASEAN Charter when Ambassador Don Pramudwinai, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Thailand to the United Nations, deposited the document with Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, at the Thai Mission here on early Friday, 14 November.

“This is certainly an occasion to celebrate for the 570 million people of ASEAN,” said a beaming Secretary-General, upon receiving the Thai document.

"This means that when the ASEAN Leaders gather at their annual Summit in mid December, the ASEAN Charter will have come into force," Dr Surin told reporters.

Two days earlier, on 12 November, Philippines deposited its instrument of ratification of the ASEAN Charter and a day later on 13 November, Indonesia deposited its instrument of ratification.

The ASEAN Leaders signed the ASEAN Charter last November at the 13th ASEAN Summit. They urged their member states to fully ratify it by the end of 2008. All member states have now responded to their call.

When they meet again in Chiang Mai , Thailand for their 14th ASEAN Summit on 15-18 December, they will celebrate not only the full ratification of the ASEAN Charter but also the entering into force of the new basic law of ASEAN. It will be a rules-based and people-oriented organisation with its own legal personality.


USAID Assistance Sought to solve Sulu's Waste and Flood Problems

ICC, Pagadian, Jolo, Sulu, Nov. 17 - In an effort to support Sulu's local government program with respect to Solid Waste Management and flood control in Jolo, the Philippine and US military arranged a meeting with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Environmental Governance (EcoGov) for technical and financial support.

A meeting, which was attended by the representatives of the military's Joint Task Force Comet and Task Force-Sulu's Civil Affairs Team, EcoGov of the USAID, municipal government units of Jolo, Indanan, and Patikul headed by their Provincial Government through the Area Coordinating Center, was held at Garden Orchid, Zamboanga City on Friday.

In behalf of Gov Sakur Tan, Provincial ACC Executive Director Falzur Abdulla said that the Provincial Government appreciates and welcomes any support and help from the military and USAID to back their ongoing efforts.

The garbage problem stemmed from the refuse dumped in Tugas Barangay, the site used by the Jolo municipality and several private organizations. The garbage is now piled on the side of the road blocking all access to a majority of the landfill area. The road block caused by garbage, if not immediately addressed, worries Patikul municipality.

For this reason, the municipal governments of Jolo, Indanan, and Patikul sought for technical assistance to improve the dump site. Manual labor and funds are available, however outside resourcing in obtaining heavy equipment and technical advice and expertise in sustaining waste management measures, is greatly needed.

Moreover, the flood problem was also discussed. Sulu Provincial Engineer Ben Akalal explained the causes of flood. According to him, the frequent flooding in the province premier town is brought about by the rapid urbanization.

"The poor awareness of local and barangay officials and concerned agencies to enforce proper maintenance of garbage/drainage system and proper zoning policies, greatly affect the existing canals, waterways, esteros, drainage and outlets especially in coastal barangays," states Engr Akalal.

He suggested and recommended for the following: the creation of Flood Crisis Council; conduct of clean-up operation of drainage system and reactivation of all condemned oulets; de-clogging of waterways, canals, and esteros; construction and rehabilitation of drainage pipelines; enforcement of local measures and ordinances related to solid waste management; information drive on solid waste management; and the integration of cleanliness campaign within the context of Islam.

"Solid waste management is just one of the keys in solving the flood problems in Jolo," he said.

Among the things agreed during the meeting: the sending of an ECOGOV Engineer to Sulu to assist in the assessment of needs of the program; involvement of the education sector and other concerned stakeholders in educating the community on waste management; production/development of materials on good practices; and participation of the religious sector in the promotion of cleanliness in accordance to Islamic teachings.

The meeting started with the introduction and goals/agenda by Task Force Sulu Civil Affairs Team Leader MAJ Arnel David. Becky Paz of the ECOGOV, USAID Program presented the ECOGOV capabilities, stressing on technical assistance on Solid Waste Management.

Also present were Ed Lim and Floreen Bartulaba of ECOGOV, USAID Program; Ben Akalal, Sulu Provincial ACC Engineer; Jake, Sulu Provincial ACC Staff; Brian Alawi, Jolo Municipal Planning and Development Office; Adzhar Sabtula, Jolo MPDO Staff; Luvisminda Hayudini, Patikul Municipal Planning and Development Office; Patarasa Tahil, Indanan Municipal Planning and Development Office; Jainab Abdulmajid, Task Force Sulu Cultural Advisor; MAJ Bradley Wallace, JSOTF-P Civil Affairs Company Commander; LT Jennie Dow, JSOTF-P Civil Military Operations Planner; MAJ Kurt Soholt, JSOTF-P Information Operations Chief; Dan Ruiz, NAVFAC Engineer; and PFC Ann Abrigo, JTF Comet.

Meanwhile, JTF Comet Commander Maj Gen Juancho M Sabban previously explained the importance and relation of clean environment to security.

"Areas mounted with garbage are convenient to bombers. It is where they can hide explosives from view. However, with a clean surrounding, it's difficult for them to plant bombs because it can easily be detected," he said. (42CRU, 4CRG, CRSAFP/PIA-BASULTA)


Lanao rehabilitation pushed

ICC, Iligan City (16 November). Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed the military today to hasten the return to normalcy of the communities affected by the August 18 atrocities caused by the lawless MILF group of Macapaar alias Bravo.

Secretary Teodoro who was on a surprise visit of the evacuation centers at the Municipalities of Munai and Poona Piagapo in Lanao del Norte was accompanied by the Army commanders in the area to check on the conditions of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) on instructions of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As the trip was unannounced moreso on a Sunday, local leaders were noticeably not around. Teodoro took time to find out the concerns of the IDPs which ranged from lack of medicines, dismal road conditions, inadequate schools, lack of water systems, and security assurances during military operations. He promised to elevate these for action by the concerned agencies.

In responding to the concerns on the reported retaliation of “ilagas” (a local militia), the defense secretary was widely cheered by local Musim folks when he declared he would similarly run after groups that threaten their safety whether they be Christians or Muslims in the same manner the military is now hunting down Bravo. Rido (armed settlement of feuds) will not be tolerated, he adds.

Maj Gen Nehemias Pajarito, the 1st Division Commander, subsequently instructed Col Benito de Leon, the 104th Infantry Brigade Commander charged of Lanao del Norte, to help the IDPs to resettle in their respective residences, and to provide the necessary security arrangements.

Pajarito also urged the local people to report the presence of lawless groups so the military and police can take action. He stresses that this is important to ensure their safety and the restoration of peace in their communities. The division commander also ordered his subordinates to extend security and assistance to agencies particularly those involved in developmental projects.

Meanwhile, De Leon reported that the communities in the province is now secured from the lawless MILF groups noting the absence of any atrocity for quite sometime as well as the successful conduct of special events and the smooth trips of visiting dignitaries.

Last week despite threat reports, he says, President Arroyo even flew direct from her overseas trip to effectively inspect a road project in Nunungan, a hinterland municipality of the province.

All these indicate that development projects to rehabilitate Lanao del Norte can now take a full swing, he concludes.