PIA Dispatch - Monday, December 1, 2008

PGMA formula in achieving sustainable and equitable growth up in CGI Asia Meeting in HK

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will share with other Asian nations and the rest of the world the Philippine government's efforts in achieving sustainable and equitable growth in the midst of a global economic slowdown and rising food prices at the 1st Clinton Global Initiative (CGI)-Asia Meeting that will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday (Dec. 2 & 3) at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.

The President, who is expected to arrive in Hong Kong tonight, is one of the two Asian heads of state participating at the opening plenary session of the CGI Asia Meeting that has for its theme ''Balancing Growth, Sustainability, and Equity.''

The other Asian leader is Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Also participating in the opening session of the CGI Asia are former US President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation; member of the House of Councilors of Japan Yoriko Kawaguchi, and Victor Fung, chairman of the Li & Fung Group.

President Arroyo will discuss the need for new models of sustainable development that balance growth with responsible management of resources and reductions in income gaps, specifically between rural and urban areas in fast-growing economies.

The President and the four other participants in the opening plenary session will also examine ways how emerging economies are achieving sustainable and equitable growth, and come up with priorities on how countries and regions must balance to strengthen equity and stability in the context of growth and globalization.

Like the CGI Annual Meeting in New York, which the President also attended last year, the Hong Kong meeting will focus on such areas as education, energy and climate change, and public health.

The CGI Asia meeting is the first in a series of CGI forums to be held in different regions in the world.

The meeting will draw the most influential leaders from government, business and non-profit sectors.

Among the distinguished attendees are former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, celebrated entertainer and philanthropist Jet Li (founder of One Foundation) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Rajendra Pachauri.

In his announcement on Oct. 15 on the holding of the GCI Hong Kong meeting, Clinton said that ''Asia's role as a catalyst for growth in today's global economy has enabled its leaders to address challenges at the local, regional and international levels.''
He added that the Hong Kong forum, which was modelled after the successful CGI that has produced nearly 1,200 commitments, valued at $46 billion and have impacted 200 million lives in 150 countries, will be an ''opportunity to devise innovative solutions that draw upon the unique expertise and resources of the region.''

The CGI was established by the former US president in 2005, and is a non-partisan catalyst for action that brings together global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing issues.


Top Filipino inventors call on PGMA in Malacanang

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo received today in Malacanang three top Filipino inventors who brought prestige, honor and glory to the country by winning top honors in the recent inventor’s competitions held here and abroad.

Filipino inventors Rolando Dela Cruz, Antonio Mateo and Aquilino Tubigan called on the President at Malacañang Palace’s Music Room this afternoon to explain to the Chief Executive their individual inventions.

Science and Technology Secretary Estrella Alabastro, who joined the President during the inventors’ call said the trio are well-known for their contributions in medicine, construction and telecommunications.

“The President wanted to recognize our inventors who got awards from international competitions,” Alabastro said.

“The President received them and congratulated them on their (respective) awards, and they told her a little bit about what their inventions were,” she added.

Multi-awarded Filipino inventor Rolando dela Cruz received the World Intellectual Property Office gold medal for his invention “DeBCC,” a cream developed from cashew nut extracts mixed with other common Philippine herbs, that treats basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer generally caused by frequent exposure to sunlight.

Basal cell carcinoma usually affects the face, ears, scalp, neck, shoulders, and back.

The prestigious award was given at the closing ceremonies of the National Inventors Week, an annual activity of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), that gives support to Filipino inventors by bringing together in one venue their inventions/innovations for the public to appreciate and investors' possible commercialization.

Dr. Antonio Mateo, a certified engineer, educator and inventor, won ded the 2008 Gold Merit Award by the Invention and New Product Exposition (INPEX) for his “Improved Flaring Tools for Flexible Piping System.”

His improved flaring tools have provided water distributing companies a surefire way to improve the delivery of water to customers and prevent water system leakages.

Aside from this invention, Mateo is also recognized for inventing the “Super Wheelchair” which doubles as bed and bathroom and is designed to provide mobility and a cleaning facility for bedridden people.

“It’s a convertible wheelchair with a cushioned toilet bowl as chair. It is also equipped with a shower which can be connected to a faucet; a seatbelt, and a mini-table which doubles as a head rest,” Mateo explained.

Aquilino Tubigan was given the 2008 Jury Awards, also by INPEX, for his “I-Charj Coin Operated Cell Phone Charger” which provides “dying” cell phone batteries a nifty gadget that charges a mobile phone’s battery for a fee.

By inserting a P5 coin into the “I-Charj’s” coin-slot, the customer can charge his or her cell phone battery for 10 minutes. The machine can charge the battery of all cell phone models.

Alabastro said that the President expressed amazement at the innovativeness and timeliness of the trio’s inventions.

She added that the President instructed her and the DoST to take notice of the plight of all Filipino inventors and support them 100 percent of the way.

“She (President Arroyo) committed that she will, by instructing us (DoST), to attend to the needs of the inventors and whatever additional support she can provide, she will see what she can do to augment this support through her social fund,” Alabastro said.


PGMA names DFA Usec Rafael Seguis as chair of gov't panel to resume peace talks with MILF

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has named Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis as the chairman of the government panel that will resume peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Seguis’ designation, together with other members of the new GRP panel, was already signed by the President.

“The other members are still being validated. Hopefully by next week, we could have the full panel to resume talks with MILF,” Ermita told reporters during the Christmas party with members of the Malacanang Press Corps at the Palace Heroes Hall.

Ermita said the reasons why they have not fully reconstituted the panel is that they still have to sit back from the people who have been in the consultations with the stakeholders.

Seguis, who is currently the DFA undersecretary for Special Concerns, will head the new government negotiating panel with the MILF following the dissolution of the one which was headed by retired general Rodolfo Garcia.

Seguis has served as Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia, East Timor, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq and to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

“So he is very qualified to the job. And the President has thought of tapping him in this important role. I would say that probably 90 percent of the meeting of the Islamic conference of foreign ministers have been attended by Undersecretary Seguis,” Ermita said.

Ermita said the MILF welcomed the appointment of Seguis who has long served in the foreign service since the Marcos regime.

“We are glad to hear from our contacts that the MILF is glad and satisfied with the choice of the President of Seguis as the new chairman of the GRP panel,” he said.

He added that he heard over the radio this morning that the MILF leadership is prepared to sit down and resume talks with the GRP panel.

Also, he said, the MILF leadership is not totally averse to resume talks within the context of the DDR—disarmament, disbarment and rehabilitation—provided “it is not really outright surrender of their firearms.”

He expressed hope that the peace talks would resume within this month which is a “very good Christmas for all the people of Mindanao.”

He also said that the lawless MILF elements led by Commander Bravo would still be accounted for their criminal acts.

“They have committed criminal acts and they have to be accounted for in accordance with our laws and that is a very important thing and the other side knows that,” he added.


Filipinos will have last say on proposed Charter amendments thru plebiscite, says Dureza

The Filipino people will have the last say on whether to ratify or throw out any proposal to amend the Constitution, Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza said today.

In an interview over DzBB, Dureza branded as pure misconception claims that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo intends to extend her term beyond 2010 via Charter Change (Cha-Cha).

“Klarong-klaro naman ang position ng Palasyo diyan. That is all now in Congress. Hayaan natin, proseso iyan doon, " Dureza said

It should be remembered, he said, that Congress can only propose amendments to the Constitution, adding that the “ultimate decision on any proposed changes is up to the people who will ratify or reject the proposal in a plebiscite.”

“Wala pong intensiyon ang Pangulo na she will stay in that office (Presidency) beyond the Constitutional term which is 2010,” he added.

“At saka, eventually… ang ultimate decision niyan ay sa taong-bayan. Huwag nating kalimutan… na ang Kongreso will only propose amendments to the Constitution – ang magde-desisyon niyan, ang magra-ratify niyan or reject niyan in a plebiscite -- that will have to be done by the sovereign people in the exercise of the ultimate sovereign power,” Dureza explained.

“Ang Palasyo ay hindi nakikialam doon sa trabaho ng another co-equal branch which is Congress. Kaya unfair naman sabihin sa Kongreso na sila’y hawak ni ganito, hawak ni ganyan,” Dureza said in response to the interviewer’s comment that “alam naman natin na kahit nasa kamay ito ng Kongreso, ang Kongreso naman ay hawak ng mga nakakarami na kaalyado ng Malakanyang.”

“You know, that institution (Congress) has its own internal strength; it has its own function. So, ipaubaya na natin sa institusyon na ‘yan ang kanilang trabaho habang ang Palasyo ay nakatutok din dito sa focus ng ating Pangulo, for governance up to 2010,” Dureza said.

Is Malacanang not concerned that a Bangkok scenario, referring to the demonstrations in the Thai capital, might happen in the Philippines if the Cha-Cha movement pushes through?

“Well, alam mo ang prosesong sinusunod natin ay legal at iyong Constitutional, so iyon dapat ang susundin natin -- ang proseso na ayon sa batas at hindi mga extra legal na mga measures. Kasi may stability ang bansa pag meron tayong rule of law at doon tayo sumusunod sa batas, at ito iyong pinapairal ng batas at ano iyong pinapairal ng ating Saligang Batas,” Dureza said.


ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Enters into Force

Jakarta, 1 December 2008 - The ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Agreement entered into force today*, after the Agreement was signed by the ASEAN Member States and Japan on 14 April 2008.

Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN said, “I am very pleased with this development as it will benefit Japanese investors that are operating in ASEAN countries and ASEAN supporting industries.” He added, “The AJCEP will enable more goods and services to reach ASEAN and Japanese consumers at lower prices through tariff reductions, thereby contributing to their standard of living.”

To coincide with this day, the first AJCEP Joint Committee Meeting was held at the ASEAN Secretariat. Co-chairing the meeting were Ramon Vicente T. Kabigting, Assistant Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry from the Philippines and Jun Yokota, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from Japan . At the meeting, officials from ASEAN Member States and Japan discussed issues relating to the entry into force and implementation of the AJCEP Agreement.

The AJCEP Agreement entered into force today for Singapore , Lao PDR, Myanmar , Viet Nam and Japan . These countries have notified the other signatory States of the completion of their legal procedures necessary for entry into force of the Agreement by 31 October 2008.

Dr Surin encouraged the rest of the ASEAN Member States to expedite their domestic procedures so as to complete the ASEAN-Japan economic and trade integration from which all will benefit. “The entry into force of the AJCEP Agreement is a significant development given the financial and economic turmoil unfolding in the global economic system. It will provide a strong impetus for further invigoration of trade and investment in the region,” he said.

Dr Surin also said, “This is another feather in the cap for the strong ASEAN-Japan dialogue relations”. ” East Asia is now building its own economic community block by block. This trade agreement with Japan constitutes one such block for the envisaged East Asian community,” he added.


Building Knowledge and Friendship through the ASEAN Schools Tour

Olongapo City, 28 November 2008 - The ASEAN Schools Tour made its sixth stop today in Olongapoo City , Philippines . Over 700 students from 38 elementary and secondary schools in the province of Zambales participated in the event at the host school - Olongapo City National High School .

The ASEAN Schools Tour capped three days of fun-filled educational activities that included a Cultural Exhibit on the ten ASEAN member countries; Search for Little Mr Ambassador and Ms Ambassadress; Poster Making; Editorial Cartooning; Essay Writing; and Net Surfing Contest. The ASEAN Quiz was a fitting end that saw 10 teams competing with enthusiastic support and cheering from their classmates and teachers.

Olongapo City Mayor James L. Gordon Jr graced the event along with the head of the ASEAN Secretariat team, Mr. Honorio R. Vitasa, Cluster Director, Bureau for Economic Integration and Finance, and representatives from the Departments of Education and Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.

Next stop of the ASEAN Schools Tour – Da Nang , Viet Nam !