PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, November 19, 2008

PGMA awards P1.8M to PUVs cooperatives

It was an early Christmas for some 200,000 spouses and members of the immediate families of member-drivers/conductors of 10 Metro Manila transport cooperatives when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo awarded this morning a total of P1.8 million as capital assistance for them to set up small businesses.

The President, assisted by Presidential Management Staff Head Cerge Remonde and Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, led the awarding of eight checks worth P150,000 each and two checks worth P300,000 each at the official launching this morning of Project DRIVE or “Dagdag Regular Income Via Entrepreneurship” at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang.

The Kamias Transport Service Cooperative, Pangkabuhayan Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Metro San Jose Transport Cooperative, Good Concept Transport Service Cooperative, Commonwealth Transport Service and Development Cooperative, Original Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cazanova Transport Service Cooperative and GNAT Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative each received a P150,000 check.

The GMA Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative and GSIS Village Transport Service Cooperative each received a P300,000 check due to their large membership.

The “no interest, no collateral” capital assistance program that stands to benefit some 510,000 target beneficiaries nationwide is part of the government’s microfinancing program that has so far benefited some 6.7 million small and medium enterprises and created some 2.4 million new jobs.

The microfinance program is one of the programs being implemented by the Arroyo administration to eradicate poverty through entrepreneurship and improve the lives of the people.

Project DRIVE was the offshoot of the President’s pronouncement during the forum on Alternative Fuels for Public Transport Group held last July 16, 2008, where she announced the release of P500 million from VAT revenues to extend livelihood projects to wives and immediate family members of drivers and conductors of PUVs in response to the high price of oil.

The project entails the provision of no interest, no collateral capital assistance to target beneficiaries that will be adopting the Self Employment Assistance – Kaunlaran (SEA-K) scheme of the DSWD.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) was tasked to be responsible for the pre-identification of the beneficiaries while the Philippine Postal Savings Bank will be the fund manager of the program, and the Presidential Management Staff as the oversight office for project DRIVE.

The capital assistance ranges from a minimum of P5,000 for individual or a maximum of P150,000 for an association with 30 members.


PGMA to visit the fishing capital of Misamis Occidental to distribute gov’t assistance

BALIANGAO, Misamis Occidental – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit another fifth-class municipality in Mindanao tomorrow (Thursday) to lead various national government agencies in bringing basic social services directly to indigent residents here.

Immediately after her one-on-one interview over radio station DXOC in Ozamiz City, the President will fly to this fishing capital of Misamis Occidental, to personally lead the medical and dental missions of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) under the Peoples Government Mobile Action (PGMA) and Serbisyo Muna program; and to distribute livelihood assistance to the farmers and fishermen.

Upon her arrival at the Baliangao School of Fisheries in Barangay Misom here, the President will be welcomed by Misamis Occidental Governor Loreto Leo Ocampos, Baliangao Mayor Haneya Theresa Yap-Chiong, Misamis Occidental 1st District Rep. Marina Clarete, Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director Supt. Leanilo Cabug, Baliangao School of Fisheries Principal Lolita Daque, and Misom Bargy. Captain Ernesto Ambalong.

After spearheading the medical and dental mission, the President will distribute 1,237 access cards and cash cards to selected elderly and qualified beneficiaries of Baliangao.

The access cards were part of the ongoing project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) while the cash cards are under the Tulong kay Lolo’t-Lola program.

She will also turn-over 10 bags of hybrid rice seeds, 20 bags of certified rice seeds and 10 bags of hybrid corn seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the leaders of the farmers organizations of Baliangao.

The President will likewise distribute 10,000 Tilapia fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to the leaders of fishermen groups, 43 land patents under the Handog Titulo Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and 22 certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAS) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).


PGMA mobilizes AFP, PNP as kidnapping cases in Mindanao continue to rise

Angered over the mounting kidnapping for ransom cases in Mindanao by members of the Abu Sayaf group and rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in (MILF), President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after the perpetrators “at all costs.”

In a statement read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita at the start of his weekly press conference in Malacañang this morning, Ermita said the President also ordered local government units (LGUs) in the affected areas to closely coordinate and assist law enforcers in carrying out her directive.

"Angered over latest reports of the rise in kidnappings for ransom in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi and in some parts of the Zamboanga provinces including Zamboanga City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to launch more vigorous and broader pursuit operations against kidnappers in the area," Ermita said.

"With local government units ably assisting the military and police forces, the President is determined to put a stop to these incidences and contain and neutralize the perpetrators at all costs, all of whom have been identified as either members of the terrorist Abu Sayaf Group or rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front," he added.

Ermita said the President has also directed the military and police agencies to provide her with regular updates on "the status and gains of these operations even as she also directed that bounties and rewards be put on the heads of the leaders of these kidnapping groups to facilitate the gathering of more intelligence inputs on the ground."

He, however, stressed that "even as intensified efforts against these kidnappings have become necessary, the President reminds everyone of the paramount need to, at all times, adhere to the universal respect to the human rights of all."

"The President wants our law enforcers to prove that the strong adherence and dedication to our values as a civilized society are what gives us the moral ascendancy over those who harm our helpless and peace loving citizens," Ermita said.

He pointed out that according to the military, 56 people were kidnapped in 26 incidents in the south since January this year. Of the 56, 36 were either released through negotiations or rescued, nine were killed, while 11 remain captives.

He also noted that P45.92 million in ransom has been paid to the captors, who have been identified as members of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf and rogue elements of the MILF.


RP among Asian nations with good potential for stock market investment -Credit Suisse

The Philippines is among the four countries in Asia that has good potential for stock market investment.

Switzerland-based Credit Suisse, in its global market equity report, cited the Philippines as one of its recommended markets in emerging Asia, alongside China and Thailand. The report excludes Japan as an emerging market in Asia.

Likewise, Credit Suisse said share prices in emerging markets in Asia have cheaper valuations and offer stronger returns on equity investments.

The financial company recommended 30 stocks wherein eight are PSE-listed firms, namely, Philippine Bank of Communications (PBC), Union Bank of the Philippines (UBP), Energy Development Corp. (EDC), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (MBT), Globe Telecoms, Inc. (GLO), Manila Electric Company (MER) and Megaworld Corporation (MEG).

The same report pointed that markets in Asia are attractive investment destinations than the markets in Europe because of low macroeconomic risk, high exports, high domestic sales and current account surplus.

In measuring macroeconomic risk, Credit Suisse considered the following factors: current account balance, loan-to-deposit ratio, level of external debt, level of leverage and net commodity exports.

The Philippines ranked 2nd with a reading of 46, following Singapore’s score of 39. Low scores indicate less risk.

The country posted a surplus in its current account balance with a ratio of 3.0 percent to GDP.

This means that when a country's current account balance is positive (also known as running a surplus), the country is a net lender to the rest of the world.

However, when a country's current account balance is negative (also known as running a deficit), the country is a net borrower from the rest of the world.

The country’s loan-to-deposit ratio is one of the lowest at 61 percent, next only to China’s 60 percent, making the Philippines well-leveraged among its peers in Asia.

This ratio measures the amount of a bank's loans divided by the amount of its deposits at any given time. A higher ratio means more costs for banks as it generally needs to rely more on borrowed funds.

Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) president and chief executive officer Francis Lim said the Credit Suisse report is a further testament that the local stock market and Philippine economy have the necessary elements to be resilient amidst the global financial crisis.

“We at the PSE are delighted that a reputable financial company such as Credit Suisse has taken notice of the many opportunities in our stock market. This is a recognition of our market’s potential and encourages us to intensify our efforts in promoting stock market awareness among the public,” he said. (PNA)


PGMA to bat for early resumption of Doha talks at APEC leaders meeting in Peru

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will renew her call for the early resumption of the Doha Development Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) when she attends the 16th Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) on Nov. 22-23 in Lima, Peru.

This was revealed today by Trade Secretary Peter Favila, one of the five-member presidential party attending the APEC forum. The four others are Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, and two other Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials.

The President leaves for Peru tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 20).

Favila recalled that the President had also batted for the resumption of the Doha Round during the Asia-Pacific Economic Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing last month.

“We are now finalizing our respective positions on several issues that are in the agenda of the APEC, foremost of which is the President’s own announcement at the ASEM in Beijing that she wants to see the early resumption of the Doha Talks,” said Favila.

“We received reports that the gaps that had existed among major economies (about WTO Doha Round provisions) now seem to be narrowing, and probably in response to the call by various leaders that we need to focus our energies and efforts in bringing a conclusion to the (economic provisions of the) WTO,” he added.

The WTO’s Doha Development Round was concluded in Doha, Qatar in Nov. 2001, with the Doha Declaration providing the mandate “for negotiations on a range of subjects and other work (including) those on agriculture and services, which began in early 2000.”

“In Doha, Ministers also approved a linked decision on implementation — problems developing countries face in implementing the current WTO agreements,” according to the WTO’s website.

Favila discussed the President’s APEC trip during the weekly press briefing of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita this afternoon in Malacanang.

For his part, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President will be staying in Peru for one and a half days, and then might proceed to Colombia for a one-day visit.

“The President is going there (Peru) to attend the APEC . . . They will discuss matters affecting the region – the financial crisis, human security initiatives, food and energy security, and climate change,” Ermita said.

He said the Peru “meeting will be a follow-up of what happened in Australia -- definitely, the economic status and financial crisis, as it affects the Asia-Pacific (region), will be discussed.”

The last APEC meeting was held on Sept. 8-9 in Sydney, Australia.

“She will stay there (Peru) for one-and-a-half days or two days,” he added.

The Executive Secretary also said that contrary to “initial rumors” that 40 congressmen were joining the President’s trip to the APEC, “mukhang walo na lang yata eh.”


PGMA thanks municipal mayors for being national government’s partners in development

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recognized today the important role local executives have in supporting the national government’s (NG) efforts to improve the lives of the people, especially the poor.

In her keynote address at the 18th League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) General Assembly at the Manila Hotel, the President stressed that the local executives “play a big part” in ensuring food security, peace and security, better health and education for the people.

She thanked them for staying “focused on your jobs” of delivering the basic needs of the people and for “not (being) affected by the noise prematurely generated by the 2010 elections.”

“Thank you for realizing that effective governance is not a popularity contest. And thank you for understanding that the people deserve from their leaders to deliver …and because you stood and delivered.”

The President also noted that the theme of the LMP Assembly which is “LMP Working on Local Solutions to National and Global Issues on Food Security, Climate Change, Local Economic Development and Peace and Security,” is very timely as the world continues to face the challenges of higher food prices, global warming and security.

The President said as the local executives discuss the theme of their assembly, “We continue to tackle hunger… High prices has put more pressures on the people …as public servants, our main concern is for the people, particularly the poor.’

She said the national government has responded immediately to see to it that food reach the tables of the poor with the help of the local government units that ensured that subsidized rice reached the real targets---the poor.

‘‘Local government units play a big part in the effective distribution of subsidized rice,” she stressed.

And, since a great part of agricultural tasks are devolved, the President said the local governments also have a great role to play in government’s goal to achieve rice sufficiency in the next five years.

”Food security in your jurisdiction must be addressed by local executives,” she stressed adding, “thank you for recognizing that responsibility.”

And while ensuring that the people do not go hungry, the President also noted that the local executives did not put in the backseat concerns on the environment and on peace and security.

She also noted the lead role the local government units have in the government’s new paradigm of peace negotiations which is the conduct of dialogues with the communities and the major stakeholders and no longer with the armed groups.

The President also took note of the efforts of LGUs in her jobs generation program and their support to her goal to break the cycle of sending Filipinos abroad to work.

And, while she noted the big contribution of the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in creating new jobs, the Presidents ordered the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)- Commission to conduct a technical study on the resources needed by each province to be ICT-enable.

The President also vowed to certify as urgent the LMP-recommended measures that “greatly affects the full growth and development of local governments” once these have been passed the committee level.

These include the Land Administration Reform Act, the Free Patent Amendment Bill, and the proposed amendments to the Local Government Code.


PGMA to address Bishops-Ulama General Assembly in Jolo tomorrow

JOLO, Sulu – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is expected to underscore her administration’s commitment to peace and economic development in Mindanao during the 35th Bishops-Ulama General Assembly today at the Notre Dame of Jolo College here just hours before leaving for Peru to attend the 16th Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) on Nov. 22-23.

The President is scheduled to arrive at 2:30 p.m., with Gov. Abdusakur Tan of Sulu leading the local government officials in welcoming the Chief Executive at the Jolo, Sulu Airport.

Other members of welcoming party include ARMM Vice Gov. Asaruddin Adiong, Sulu Vice Gov. Nur-Anna Sahidulla, Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin and other top officials of different municipalities of the province.

From the airport, the President and her party that also include Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nassir Pangandaman and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Esperon will proceed the venue of the event where she will be welcomed by the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) officials headed by Davao Diocese Archbishop Fernando Capalla and NDJC president Fr. Emmanuel Sison.

Before delivering her speech, the President will be briefed by Diocese of Jolo and Bongao Bishop Angelito Lampon on the output of the two-day activity held at the Bishop Ben De Jesus Hall of the NDJC.

National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales will introduce the President who will address the more than 70 religious leaders attending the BUC General Assembly hosted by Sulu province.

The BUC is composed of 24 Catholic bishops who are also members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), 26 Ulama and Ustadz belonging to the Ulama League of the Philippines (ULP) and 18 Protestants bishops and pastors who are members of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines.

Officials of the Pangtagbo, a confederation of the 18 Indigenous Peoples of Mindanao, and bishops of the Philippine Conference of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), are also attending the affair as observers.

The Conference is a yearly activity that started in 1996 after the signing of the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in September of that year.

It was formed with Archbishop Capalla, Dr. Mahid Mutilan, president of the ULP; and Bishop Hilario M. Gomez Jr., bishop emeritus of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), as co-convenors.

The objective of the BUC is to support the on-going peace process in Mindanao through the promotion of mutual knowledge and understanding, acquaintance and friendship as well as reconciliation through repentance and forgiveness as indispensable elements of the culture and justice and peace of total development and authentic progress.

The BUC used to meet three times a year but since last year, it is now being held twice a year. The last general assembly was held in Davao City in April this year.

Since 1996, the Conference has established major projects such as the Mindanao Week of Peace, annual region wide event involving all sectors of society and all line-agencies of the government in Mindanao.

Other major achievements of the BUC include the Tripartite Youth Peace Camp, the Imam-Priests-Pastors Forum (IPPF), and, the BUC-Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police Forum for Peace which was recently organized to promote healthy and constructive dialogues with the peace officers throughout Mindanao.


Army foils a rido in Lanao

ICC, Iligan City (18 November). An army patrol in search of the MILF groups responsible for the havoc in Lanao del Norte encountered an armed group believed to be preparing to launch a reprisal attack at Salvador town of Lanao del Norte.

Col Benito de Leon, the 104th Infantry Brigade Commander, reported that at 1:30 p.m. today, troops belonging to the 35th Infantry Battalion dispatched to check the presence of armed elements at Sitio Bayabao of Salvador town got engaged in a skirmish with a group of about 20.

While no casualties were accounted in the firefight, this resulted in the capture of eight individuals suspected to be associated with the MILF, the recovery of a shotgun, caliber 30 ammunitions, handheld radios, military packs, and uniforms.

The army commander disclosed that initial investigations showed the group to be linked with a prominent MILF leader who intended to do a “rido” (armed settlement of family feuds) in exacting revenge with another prominent political personality in the area.

Lanao had been known for the practice of ridos. Just last week, series of such incidents occurred in the nearby municipality of Magsaysay. This prompted the Army to deploy forces in the area to deter the recurrence of violence.

Dialogues with the populace where also undertaken by the military and the local government executives in an attempt to stop rido.

Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during his visit over the weekend also issued instructions to the military to similarly treat as criminals those who undertake the practice of rido.

Teodoro reminded the public that the courts are the only acceptable and lawful institutions for the settlement of disputes to ensure peace and order in a civilized society.


Task Force 211 Sends Team of Investigators to Mindanao, Pushes for Immediate Resolution of Radioman Slay Case

Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor, the Chairman of Task Force 211, ordered for an immediate and thorough investigation of the killing of radio commentator Aristeo Padrigao on Monday in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

Blancaflor mobilized the Task Force’s law enforcement components a few hours after the incident, and sent a team the following day (Tuesday) to Gingoog to oversee and expedite the investigation of the case.
Blancaflor said “The Task Force is working 24/7 on this case. The members of this Task Force are dedicated and committed to their work, and are passionate public servants. Please be assured that we are giving it our all.”

The RP government was criticized for the growing number of media killings in the country and for its alleged failure to prevent further killings.

“Prevention is everyone’s concern, and I appeal to everybody to help us in this battle”, Blancaflor stressed.. He added that the Task Force can use a little help from the media and civil society.

“The problem is when they receive death threats, they do not report these threats to the proper authorities. Incidents could have been prevented if they cooperated with us”, Blancaflor added.

Task Force 211 was instrumental in the early resolution of three media killings this year. The cases of mediamen Dennis Cuesta. Martin Roxas, and Bert Sison were resolved by the Task Force in an average of 9 and a half days.

Task Force 211 invites the public to view its website, taskforce211.com.ph, where the details and status of all other extralegal and media killings and political violence cases are declared.

Blancaflor invites the public to peruse these cases. “We welcome the support of the media, civil society, sectoral organizations, political groups, religious sector, and practically anyone who cares to end extra-legal killings and political violence in our country”, he says. -LLB


Biotechnology offers sustainable solutions, says expert

SEARCA BIC - Food security, affordable energy, access to water, climate change and pollution, and healthcare – are among the pressing crises that need to be addressed globally. One emerging technology that strives to address these areas and offers sustainable solutions for the future, is biotechnology.

Dr. Benigno Peczon, member of the Board of Advisers of the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines, said in a recent convention of the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas – Southern Tagalog Chapter (KKP-ST), that biotechnology offers a lot of things. Biotechnology is not only a tool to develop genetically improved crop varieties but it is also being used to increase yields and augment food production to help end global famine and hunger. Industrial use of biological systems for waste water treatment such as bioremediation are now being used. Likewise, the advances of biotechnology are applied in healthcare industry for the development of vaccines, industrial enzymes and testing kits for cancer treatment.

"Biotechnology is the science of the future. It has a huge potential in food and energy area," said Dr. Peczon. Agricultural science and technology, including the indispensable tools of biotechnology, will be critical to meeting the growing demands for food, feed, fiber and fuel. At present, scientists are developing crops that can withstand marginal environmental conditions, such as drought and saline soils. Biofuels technology for greener environment are currently being developed and commercialized to contend with the looming energy crisis.

Dr. Peczon, who presented a lecture during the KKP-ST annual convention with the theme – "CHEMBIZ: Let's Go Business with Chemistry', has also called on future Filipino chemists to explore other fields related to chemistry such as the diverse scientific discipline of biotechnology. He encouraged entrepreneurship among Filipino chemists in advancing chemical science in the biochemical industry, especially during this time of crises.

This year's KKP-ST convention was sponsored by the Philippine Council for Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development (PCASTRD) and the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (SEARCA BIC). (Rochella B. Lapitan, SEARCA BIC)


RP economy is on a solid footing, BSP says in Iloilo Forum

Iloilo City (PIA)- The country’s economy is on a solid footing, according to Ms. Amy Doreen S. Cruz of the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Department of Economic Research during a forum held in Iloilo City last week.

In her audiovisual presentation and discussion held at the West Visayas State University, this City, Cruz said that there are still challenges ahead because “there is a lot of volatility in the international market, and we are not immune to the global economic slowdown”.

She said that the situation could impact on the Philippine economy. However, she said, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has undergone a lot of structural reforms, specially in the financial sector.

“Those reforms covered capital build up of banks, as well as enhanced risk management practices,” Cruz said.

She told the participants to the Public Information Campaign on the Role of the BSP in the Philippine Economy that the country’s resilience to the economic slowdown is attributed to the country’s solid macro-economic fundamentals; stable external payments position; dividends from structural reform, including financial sector reforms; and better information disclosure.

She said that the BSP’s policy thrusts, among others are: to nurture a sound monitoring policy environment responsive to changes in economic conditions; support external sector policies that will help insulate the economy against global risk; and to maintain a strong banking system and vibrant capital market.

She also said that the total assets of the entire banking system as of August 2008 was recorded at P5.4 trillion. (PIA 6/T.Villavert)