PIA Dispatch - Sunday, December 7, 2008

PGMA extends 'profound congratulations' to Pacquiao on one-sided win over Dela Hoya

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today extended her “profound congratulations” to Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for his one-sided victory over highly-fancied boxing idol Oscar dela Hoya of Mexico.

The multi-titled boxer from General Santos City won by technical knockout (TKO) over Dela Hoya at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at noon today, Sunday (Saturday evening in the US) after the Mexican failed to answer the bell for the ninth round of the scheduled 12-round fight which was drummed up as the “dream match.”

“His (Pacquiao’s) boxing feat is testament to the spirit of the Filipino – our resiliency and strength to face the challenges that come our way,” the President said in a palace statement issued through Deputy Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo.

“Pacquiao has proven once again: Magaling ang Pinoy at bayani ang Pinoy!” the President added.

The President also congratulated “Team Pacquiao,” stressing that “their commitment to face the challenge of a tough fight has proven that teamwork is a big boost to a collective effort to win a fight.”

“Filipinos everywhere around the world cheered for Manny who emerged victorious and once again gave glory to our country,” the President said as she called on the nation to “work together as Team Philippines to face the challenges of the world economic downturn.”


PGMA inaugurates Ospital ng Guiguinto tomorrow

MANILA – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo underscores anew her administration’s goal to provide efficient health and social services when she travels to Guiguinto, Bulacan to inaugurate the Ospital ng Guiguinto tomorrow (Monday).

The President will be welcomed by Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza and Guiguinto Mayor Isagani Pascual upon her arrival at 2 p.m. to lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hospital’s main entrance.

Afterwards, the President will unveil the project marker at the hospital lobby. She will be assisted by Bulacan second district Rep. Pedro Pancho, Department of Health (DOH) Region 3 Director Rio Magpantay; C/Supt. Leon Nilo dela Cruz, Bulacan provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) commander M/Gen. Isagani Cachuela.

The President will then inspect the hospital’s main facilities before ending her brief visit with an interaction with local officials, along with the American and Korean investors who have put up a food terminal along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

President Arroyo may opt to join a gift-giving program for the more than 3,000 beneficiaries outside the two-storey hospital sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the municipality of Guiguinto.

Formerly named Bulacan Maternity and Children Hospital, the edifice with a composite floor area of 2,356 square meters was built 20 years ago through the financial aid agreement between Bulacan province and USAID.

After some time, however, the hospital, which is located at Bliss Compound in Barangay Tabe, ceased operation, reducing it to a “white elephant.”

Determined to upgrade the health services for its constituents, the Guiguinto local government decided to refurbish the hospital which remained “structurally safe and sound” despite two decades of marginal utilization.

Of the P15.4 million used to rehabilitate the building, P10 million came from the national government, P4 million from the Guiguinto LGU, and P1 million from Bulacan provincial administration. Last year, the Guiguinto LGU signed a usufruct agreement with the Bulacan provincial government to operate and manage the hospital for the benefit of Guiguinto residents and those of the neighboring municipalities.

Mayor Pascual said Guiguinto will allocate 20 percent of its internal revenue allotment (IRA) for the purchase of equipment and other hospital requirements.


PGMA to honor Filipinos with exceptional achievements, humanitarian efforts

MANILA, Dec. 7 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to honor on Wednesday (December 10) some 31 individuals who will receive the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and other Organizations Overseas to be held at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang

In his article "Speaking Out," former Palace Spokesman and Monetary Board Member Ignacio Bunye said the honorees will come from all over the world -- Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

"President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo calls our modern day heroes 'expatriates' or 'expats' as a testimony to their significant role and vast contribution to the economy as well as their rising status in the global labor community," he said.

"Indeed, our overseas Filipinos have been our source of pride, the bright flame of hope burning persistently amid this trying time of crisis affecting the whole world," he added.

Bunye noted that while some eight million Filipino workers abroad "have been doing us proud simply by working hard to support their families back home (and in the process, helping keep our economy afloat), a significant number of them have taken their newfound roles even a step further."

He cited Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante Ang for saying that while the movement of natural persons can be a bane or a boon, "the advantages outweigh the disadvantages."

"These advantages, particularly in the case of our Overseas Filipinos, become all the more significant given their contribution to Philippine progress and prosperity," he added.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. also describes the continuous stream of remittances -- reaching US$ 12.3 billion as of September, up 17.1 percent year-on-year -- as "a source of strength for the economy amid the challenging external environment."

Bunye said it is just right to give recognition to these individuals for "exemplifying Filipino excellence through their exceptional achievements and humanitarian efforts."

The Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Other Organizations Overseas, which was institutionalized by President Corazon Aquino in 1991 through Executive Order No. 498, is a biennial search for overseas-based organizations and individuals who have dedicated their work in the service and improvement of the lives of Filipinos, especially the marginalized, in the Philippines and abroad.

According to CFO executive director Jennifer Gonzales, the awards consist of four different categories -- Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL), Kaanib ng Bayan, Banaag and Pamana ng Pilipino.

Bunye said it was an honor for him to personally know Mr. Libertito 'Bert' Pelayo, one of the recipients of the Pamana ng Pilipino, for consistently pursuing his profession with excellence and distinction.

"Bert is the founding publisher and editor of The Filipino Reporter, listed as the only Filipino-American weekly newspaper in the 'Working Press of the Nation,' and the only ethnic newspaper belonging to the New York Press Club as regular member," he said.

First published more than three decades ago, "The Filipino Reporter" has attained faithful followers in the Filipino-American community. It was awarded a Presidential Citation by President Arroyo in 2002 for "its high standards of journalism and responsible reportage."

"Through the Filipino Reporter, Bert was able to mobilize the Filipino-American community to assist his poor kababayans in the Philippines," said Bunye.

Pelayo was also able to raise funds for the World Trade Center Relief Fund, which financially helped surviving families of Filipino victims of 9/11 and the typhoon victims of Bicol in 2006.
He also supported the construction of several artesian wells in select poor barangays in Aklan in 2006.

Pelayo also serves as advocate for distressed Filipinos by providing legal and financial assistance especially to undocumented Filipino migrants.

"I have known Bert since my younger days as a news reporter fresh from college, covering the defense beat. I knew even then that Bert would go places, and make his mark anywhere he would be. I am happy to know that he will be among those who would be recognized on Wednesday," said Bunye.

"Leaving home is truly one of the biggest sacrifices one can make. Leaving your country, and everything important to you, entails a whole lot of other things. It means starting anew, adjusting to a foreign culture, proving your worth in an unfamiliar land. Our expatriates have certainly done all this and more. And for their achievement, they deserve to be up there with the other great Filipinos whom we have honored throughout history," he said. (PNA)


Yap calls for more biotech advances

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has called on Filipino researchers, scientists and research and development (R&D) advocates to continue partnering with the government in sustaining higher yields along with the incomes of farmers, fisherfolk and other agricultural stakeholders.

In a speech during the recent celebration of the 4th National Biotechnology Week, Yap further said the DA is ready to funnel a chunk of its regular budget into various researches and other studies for the development of biotechnology, in line with the DA’s mission of attaining food sufficiency and security for the country.

Yap urged participants to the “Investor’s Forum on Agricultural Biotechnologies”—held at the Institute of Small Scale Industries at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City—to continue making advances in cutting edge products that are marketable both here and abroad.

He also called for safe ways to develop the technology to help expand harvest, and increase yield and income of Filipino farmers nationwide.

Citing projects that are set to be implemented under the FIELDS program, which was launched by President Arroyo during the DA-hosted National Food Summit last April, Yap invited the biotech researchers and investors present in the forum to take part in the said undertakings.

FIELDS stands for Fertilizer, Irrigation and other rural infrastructure, Education and extension work, Loans, Dryers and other postharvest facilities, and Seeds.

“There is more work to be done, I will help you market biotech, you just have to find your place in the table, find out what your part is in FIELDS,” Yap said.

The National Biotechnology Week took place on November 23-29, and is in keeping with Proclamation No. 1414, which underscored “the policy of Government to promote safe and responsible use of modem biotechnology and its products as one of the several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, sustainable and safe environment, and industry development. “

Earlier, Yap said the DA is pushing the speedy commercialization of new and emerging technologies in the agriculture and fisheries sector by pouring more funds into extension work and research and development (R&D) in order to help realize President Arroyo’s State of the Nation (SONA) commitments on food security and higher incomes in the countryside.

“Technology commercialization is very critical because if we want to use agriculture to develop our rural sector and to increase the incomes of our countrymen, we cannot stay in primary agriculture,” said Yap “Technology commercialization is going to increase productivities and efficiencies, it’s going to add value to our agriculture; it’s going to add incomes to our farmers.”

Besides focusing on R&D and extension work to push technology commercialization, Yap said the government should also pay attention to market research, which was why upon his return to the DA in 2006, one of the very first things he did was to establish agricultural trade desk offices for this purpose.

The establishment of these trade desk offices, he pointed out, has helped increase the volume and sales of Philippine agricultural exports in the last two years.

Market research should play an active role in making Philippine agriculture globally competitive, he said, considering that the government should be aware of what the country’s regional competitors are doing to promote and sell their products.

Capital is the fourth indispensable element of technology commercialization, because most budding Filipino entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector require financial aid to move ahead, he said.

Yap cited as an example Lito Arenas, who used to be a mango picker but has risen to become one of the country’s major suppliers of mangoes for export because he was able to set up his own washing facility through financial assistance from the DA-administered Agricultural Competitiveness and Enhancement Fund (ACEF), the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research and GMA-High Value Commercial Crops. (DA-PRESS OFFICE)


DILG seeking extra P24-M fund for PNP mandatory training

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is asking Congress for an additional P24 million on top of its proposed P61.66 billion budget for 2009 to avoid the disruption of the mandatory training and career advancement of police officers up for promotion next year.

The request by DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, which was coursed through Sen. Edgardo Angara, was made during the plenary debates of the proposed 2009 DILG budget in the Senate.

Angara, who defended on the floor the DILG’s budget plan for 2009, said that the additional fund request was necessary for leasing facilities that will be used by the Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) for its temporary transfer on Feb. 4 next year from its location in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig to an educational institution in Laguna.

The PPSC, an attached agency of the DILG, provides for the training, human resource development and continuing education of personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

This college provides training each year to about 27,000 police personnel nationwide, about 4,000 of whom are trained in its facility in Fort Bonifacio.

Among the courses it offers is the Officers Senior Executive Course, which is a mandatory requirement for third-level PNP officers up for promotion to the next higher ranks.

Puno explained that adelay in the transfer of the PPSC from Fort Bonifacio to a temporary facility pending the completion of its new building in Silang, Cavite would disrupt its operations and set back the promotions of PNP officers next year.

A similar observation was made by Sen. Benigno Aquino III, who chairs the Senate committee on local government, during the plenary debates on the DILG budget.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a former DILG chief and lead author of the Local Government Code, supported the DILG’s request, saying that he would propose necessary amendments to source the P24 million additional funding for the PPSC to ensure the smooth flow of its operations next year.

He pointed that “if the functioning of the PPSC is delayed even for a few months, then this will have serious repercussions on the promotions of officers within the PNP, which could lead to demoralization among its ranks.”

The PPSC was asked to transfer by Feb. 4 to a new location only last month, or long after the DILG had already presented its proposed budget for 2009 to Congress.

The PPSC sits on a property owned by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which plan to put up a high-rise building on the site next year.

The DILG, Puno said, has already found a new location for the PPSC in Silang, Cavite, but the construction of its facilities has yet to be completed.

In the meantime, the PPSC is planning to temporarily transfer to the St. James Academy in Calamba, Laguna by February, but it has no budget to lease the building and its facilities, which requires P2 million a month or P24 million for one year.

The DILG is seeking congressional approval of its Malacañang-proposed budget for 2009 amounting to P61.66 billion to sustain its ongoing initiatives on enhancing local autonomy, improving the crime solution efficiency rate, and modernizing the country’s jail management and fire protection services.

Puno said the Department’s 2009 budget proposal covers allocations for the 10% salary hike of DILG employees; creation of 3,000 new positions in the PNP, another 500 in the BJMP, and 500 more in the BFP; increased benefits for the PNP; and adjustments in the subsistence allowance and hazard pay of uniformed personnel.

In terms of agency, the DILG has proposed appropriations for the Office of the Secretary totaling P1.84 billion; for the BFP, P6.58 billion; BJMP, P4.16 billion; Local Government Academy (LGA), P84.06 million; Napolcom, P1.07 billion; PPSC, P865.78 million, and PNP, P47.05 billion.

Next year’s budget plan is P8.42 billion or 16% higher than the 2008 budget of P53.24 billion.

The DILG has allotted P50.2 billion for personal services under its proposed 2009 budget; P364.92 million for maintenance and other operating expenses, and P3.46 billion for capital outlay, Puno said.

Puno said the proposed capital outlay will be used for the acquisition of 100 new fire trucks and other firefighting gear and equipment for the BFP; and construction of new jail facilities and offices; procurement of prisoners’ vans, gas masks and firearms for the BJMP.

The bulk of the proposed capital outlay of P2.1 billion will go to the PNP for the construction of 14 new police stations and four engineering offices; and acquisition of more anti-terrorism gear and equipment, communications equipment, and other facilities.


Council spearheads Int'l Anti-Corruption Day; launches UN Convention vs Corruption

Manila -- The Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council which is the consultative and coordinating body of the National Anti-Corruption Program of Action, is spearheading the celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the launching of the First United Nations Convention Against Corruption on December 9, 2008 at Ultra, Pasig City.

This is pursuant to Presidential Memorandum Circular No. 167 dated October 22, 2008, directing all Cabinet Members and their Attached Agencies and Heads of Government Owned and Controlled Corporations to Actively Participate and Give Full Support in the Celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day and the Launching of the 1st United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

The said activities are aimed at instilling greater consciousness and understanding on the country's corruption problem, and at encouraging sustained cooperation and popular support to the government's comprehensive anti-corruption program in order to improve the international perception on the country.

To commemorate these events, the Department of Interior and Local Government, is enjoining all City and Municipal Mayors in Metro Manila to send their delegates to the said undertakings, wearing any white T-shirts.

On the other hand, all Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors outside of Metro Manila are also enjoined to actively participate and give full support to the activities through the display of streamers in public buildings.

The Local Government Executives are also encourage to lead in the recitation of the Multi-Sectoral Anti Corruption Prayer during the Monday's flag-raising ceremonies prior to the said events.

In the Memorandum Circular No. 2008-169 issued by DILG Secretary Puno on November 18, 2008, the DILG Regional Directors were directed to ensure the widest dissemination and compliance of the directive.

Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council Prayer

Local government executives and heads of government offices have been mandated to recite the following Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council Prayer during the Monday Flag-Raising Ceremonies prior to the International Anti-Corruption Day and the launching of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption:

Pambansang Panalangin Sa Pagsasakatuparan ng Panata ng Multi-Sectoral Anti-Corruption Council at ng Lipunan sa Puri at Kabanalan ng Lahing Pilipino.

O Mahabagin at Mapagpalang Diyos
Sa mga Sandaling itoIniaalay namin ang aming mga sarili
Bilang mga pinuno at mamamayan ng bayan

Patnubayan po Ninyo ang bawat hakbang namin,
Hakbang sa landasin ng kasapi sa MSACC
Pagkalooban po Ninyo kamiNg sapat na lakas na maisakatuparan
Panata namin at ng Sanlipunan
Sa Puri at Kabanalan ng Lahing Pilipino

Ipadama po Ninyo sa bawat sektor
Na nakikiisa, bumubuo
Sa Pambansang Panalangin na ito
Ang maningning na biyaya
Ng pambansang pagbabago at pagbubuo

Idinadalanagin namin ang lahat ng ito
Upang itanghal ang mithiin
Sa Minumutyang Pilipinas
Isang Bayang Banal
Isang dambana ng Bayan
Na ang mga Namumuno ay namamahala
Dahil namamahala ayon sa Inyong Kalooban
At ang mga Mamamayan ay
Isinasabuhay ang Inyong Kagustuhan
Pagpalain Mo po Kami Aming Panginoon.

Amen.



Special task force on drug prevention formed

MANILA (PNA) -- A federation of 61 non-government organizations (NGOs) nationwide gave its full cooperation and support to the implementation of the Article IV, Section 41-44 (paragraph b), which states that a Special Unit or Task Force from existing school personnel, student leaders and PTA officials shall be organized in every school and trained to assist in the apprehension or arrest of violators of Article II of the Act within their areas of Jurisdiction.

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 states the participation of the family, students, teachers and school authorities in the enforcement of the Act.

Basically, the task force function is to participate actively in drug abuse prevention programs and training activities initiated by government organizations (GOs) and NGOs in the community and as part of their services/co-curricular activities.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim lauded the creation of a Special Task Force Group "for being the government’s partner in ensuring that the students’ and school authorities’ are protected from the drug menace; and, for your goal to help our institutions remain drug-free.

"Around 700 members of the NGOs inducted by the mayor, solemnly pledged that they will fruitfully discharge to the best of their abilities, their duties being supporters and defenders of the city government of Manila, obey the laws, legal orders, and decrees promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Republic Act of the Philippines.

Retired Judge Doroteo Cañeba, Consultant to the City Mayor of Manila, stated: "the Special Unit or Task Force was put up in all schools to assist in the detection and apprehension of violators of the Dangerous Act of 2002 within the school premises."

Moreover, Dr. Ma. Luisa Quinoñes, School Division Superintendent, also said: "the creation of the Special Unit or Task Force was in accordance with the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Act or Republic Act 9165."

Balikatan People’s Alliance chairman Louie B. Balbago pointed out that this provision of Law should be implemented in schools and require cooperation from CHED, DepEd and Tesda; and must be supported by local government units (LGUs), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Mayor Lim thanked the school principals, local government leaders, and barangay officials for their presence and encouraged them to continue their solidarity in the campaign against illegal drugs to bring about a Drug-Free Manila. (PNA)