PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, December 10, 2008

A hero’s welcome for Pacquiao in Malacañang

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was accorded a hero’s welcome in Malacañang this morning when he paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Pacquiao presented the Chief Executive a replica of a boxing belt while the President presented him a carrot cake with white icing, decorated with a red boxing glove and a green boxing belt, with the letters “ World’s #1 Pound for Pound Fighter’’ on it and baked by Malacañang’s bakers.

‘’You are an inspiration to the Filipino people,” the President said.

The President and Pacquiao then together recalled that victorious day when the so-called “underdog’ in the ‘’Dream Match” prevailed over De la Hoya.

The President, visibly happy over Pacquiao’s latest victory, gamely recalled every round and punch the “Kamao ng Bayan” delivered on the ‘‘Golden Boy,’ ‘ especially on the 7th and 8th rounds where Pacquiao cornered De la Hoya with several punches with the latter unable to return any punch.

The President, who was obviously glued on the television set watching the boxing match last Sunday, said Pacquiao’s discipline, speed and grit won him the match.

For Pacquiao, it was his “belief and trust in God” and his confidence that won him the match with De la Hoya.

On Saturday [Sunday in Manila], Pacquiao defeated "Golden Boy" Oscar dela Hoya via a technical knockout in the eighth round of their much-hyped bout in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is the first Asian to win major titles in four different weight divisions. Among these are the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight, International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight, WBC Super Featherweight, and WBC Lightweight world titles.


PGMA honors Filipino expats, organizations overseas exemplifying Filipino excellence

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led today the conferment of the 2008 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas to 31 distinguished Filipino and foreign organizations in recognition of their assistance to national development efforts, advancing the cause of Filipino communities abroad, and for excelling in their fields of expertise or profession. The simple conferment ceremonies were held at the Rizal Hall in Malacanang.

The biennial Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas, which was institutionalized in Dec. 1991 through Executive Order 498, is aimed at recognizing dedicated service and efforts for the advancement and improvement of the lives of Filipinos, particularly the marginalized sector, in the Philippines and abroad.

The awards are also given to Filipinos who have excelled in their respective professions.

The awards marked the opening of the celebration of the Month of Overseas Filipinos and the International Migrants’ Day.

Since its inception, the awards have been conferred to 283 Filipinos and foreign individuals and private organizations overseas.

The presidential awards are divided into four categories: the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award, Kaanib ng Bayan Award, Banaag Award, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award.

Four Filipino individuals and organizations joined today 33 earlier recipients of the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Award (LKPA) for their exceptional contribution to Philippine progress and development as well as their commitment to serve the Filipino people that reflected not only on themselves but on the indomitable spirit of Bayanihan.

The President, assisted by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, presented the LKPA to the Association of Philippine Physicians of America of New York for its efforts in maintaining the quality of the medical profession, especially of Filipino medical practitioners in the US, and extending continuous assistance to the motherland.

The other LKPA recipients were Tobias Enverga Jr., for his patriotism and love for fellow Filipinos through continuous delivery of assistance and support by spearheading fund–raising campaigns for project that benefits his kababayans;

The Filipino Women’s Association United Kingdom (UK) for uplifting the image of Filipino women in the United Kingdom, at the same time advancing the cause of the underprivileged sectors in the Philippines; and,

Stitching Kapatiran of the Netherlands for making more Filipinos self-sufficient through worthwhile income-generating projects.

The recipients of the Kaanib ng Bayan Award were three foreign organizations and one individual who have shown exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

They are the Catholic Medical Mission Board (New York) for its humanitarian efforts for the poorest of the poor of developing countries around the world, especially in the Philippines;

The Children’s Chance Connecticut for the insight and generosity of the organization and its founder in providing the best medical assistance to children with deformities in the Philippines; Laurence Ligier (France) for her dedication to uplift the lives of neglected and abused children in the Visayas region; and the Heetens Helpgood Center Philippines (The Netherlands) for the altruism and dedication of its members in extending assistance to rural communities in the country.

The 16 recipients of the Banaag Awards were Alexander Asuncion (Riyadh), Patricia Bernabe (New York), Angeles Carandang (Chicago), Mary Aida Casambre (Hong Kong), Esperanza Derpo (Abuja), Lamberto Garcia (Seoul), Eleanor Ho (Taipei), Joseph Magdalena (Riyadh), Santiago Muzones Jr. (New York), Dr. Antonio Noblejas (Wellington), Lilian Overs (Toronto), Adelina Philipsen (The Hague), Filipino Korean Spouses Association (Seoul), Philippine Community Council of New South Wales (Sydney), Philippine Nurses Association of America (New York), and the United Filipino Council of Hawaii (Honolulu).

The Banaag Award is given to Filipinos whose contributions have significantly benefited a sector or community in the Philippines, or advanced the cause of overseas Filipino communities.

Seven individuals, who gave the best of their lives to their calling, were the recipients of the ‘Pamana ng Pilipino’ Award.

They are Amelita Besa and Romeo Dorotan (New York), for their exceptional abilities and talent which led to the establishment of Cendrillon, a Filipino restaurant icon in the US, and the publication of a world renowned book on Philippine food;

Bayani de Leon (New York) for his genius and artistry as a distinguished composer, musician, and educator, who has exerted tremendous influence in raising awareness and appreciation of traditional and contemporary Philippine music in the US;

Carlos Esguerra (New York) for his excellent photographic skills in advancing Filipino artistry and talent worldwide; Federico Hizon (Singapore) for his achievement for being the first Filipino male anchor of the British Broadcasting Corporation World in Singapore;

Libertito Pelayo (New York) for his impressive achievements in the field of journalism; Dr. Teresita Ramos (Honolulu) for instituting a bachelor’s degree program in Philippine Literature and Language in the University of Hawaii in Manoa; and And, Engr. Nilo Villarin ( Washington) for his noteworthy inventions in the fields of aviation and computer.


PGMA appoints Pasig RTC Judge Quiroz to Sandiganbayan post

In a move to further strengthen the government’s campaign against graft and corruption, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has appointed another distinguished regional trial court judge to the Sandiganbayan.

The President appointed last Dec. 5 Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 156 Presiding Judge Alex de Leon Quiroz as Associate Justice of the anti-graft court.

Quiroz, an alumnus of the Manuel Luis Quezon University law school, became a member of the bar in 1983, and since then rose from the ranks in a brilliant career he carved in the country’s judicial system.

The 2004 Crusade Against Crime and Violence choice for the Most Outstanding Regional Trial Court Judge, started as a special counsel at the Office of the City Fiscal of Manila, where he served as a Trial Fiscal of RTC and Metropolitan Trial Court in 1985, before he joined the Office of the Secretary-General of the House of Representatives as Legislative Staff Officer IV in 1987 to 1988.

He then joined the Office of the Solicitor General in 1988, before his appointment as Metro Trial Court Judge of the Pasig MTC Branch 69, in 1992 to 2001.

Quiroz was then appointed to his present position at the Pasig RTC prior to his appointment to the Sandiganbayan.

Quiroz, 51, is married to Manila Bulletin reporter Evelyn, whom he has two sons, Jose Emilio and Jose Resurreccion, and a daughter, Maria Amelia.


PGMA fetes 10 top female cops as world marks 60th anniv of U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today awarded this year’s outstanding policewomen in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations (UN) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) on Dec. 10, 1948.

The President awarded the Philippine National Police (PNP) “Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Gawa” to each of the 10 winners who were chosen by the Zonta Club of Paseo de Roxas Foundation Inc.

The Ten Outstanding Police Women of the Philippines (TOPWP) are: PSINSP Flor E. Mirasol of the Camarines Norte Provincial Police Office (PPO); PSINSP Lourdes S. Banzuelo of the Iloilo City Police Office; SPO 1 Rosalinda B. Dimaculangan of the Padre Garcia Municipal Police Station (MPS); SP02 Flordeluz E. Esguerra of the Anti-Trafficking Desk of the Mercedes MPO in Region 5; P03 Manuela P. Cueto of the Tool MPS in Regfion 4-A; P02 Sheila Mae A. Sangrines, chief of the Complaint & Investigation Section of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6; P02 Sherill G. Ybanez of the General Santos City Police Station (PR0-12); PCINSP Rowena Cecilia C. Acosta, chief of the Personnel Services Section, Morale and Welfare Division, DPRM; SP02 Merle M. Glemao of the PRO- ARMM; P03 Mariel O. Rodil of the Colapan City Police Office (PRO-4B).

Assisting the President in awarding the top female cops were Zonta’s Mary Lynn Domondon, Zonta’s Georgitta Puyat, Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno, PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa, and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Aside from the PNP medal, the TOPWP also received Zonta ‘Kabalikat’ trophies, cash prizes from the Zonta Club and certificates of gun ownership from the ARMSCOR.

In her speech after the awarding, the President said she “incorporated into this (Human Rights) event” the recognition for the outstanding female cops “to highlight the commitment of the police in human rights.”

The UN-UDHR celebration was kicked off by the presentation of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Leila de Lima about the needs and accomplishments so far of the CHR; plus a speech by an official of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).


PGMA inaugurates AMOR Village

ANAO, Tarlac -- In line with the government’s commitment to protect and promote the welfare of all Filipino children, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday led the inauguration of the multi-million Accelerating Minors Opportunity for Recovery (AMOR) Village here.

In her speech, the President described the newly inaugurated village as “such a wonderful Christmas gift to the needy children,” adding that the name AMOR befits the village because “ it expresses the commitment of its sponsors to love and nurture the children under their care.”

“It reminds us that the spirit of Christmas is all about love for others,” she said.

In time for the celebration of the anniversary of the UN declaration on Human Rights today (Wednesday), the President called on the nation to focus its joint efforts on strengthening and empowering the human rights of the Filipino children.

The Chief Executive cited the four categories embodied in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Children: survival, development, protection and participation.

“AMOR Village and similar other children’s shelters assist government in looking after the mental health and emotional rehabilitation of handicapped children, those who were abandoned, and victims of domestic abuse. These are the neediest ones. They should always receive our preferential attention and care,” she said.

Upon her arrival at 4:50 p.m. here with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, Tarlac 1st District Rep. Monica Prieto-Teodoro and Anao Mayor Edgar Felipe, the

President cut the ceremonial ribbon to signal the opening of the village.

Following the ribbon cutting-ceremony, the President also unveiled the marker of the village, touted as a world-class facility for children with special needs who were abandoned, abused and neglected by their families.

She also inspected the facilities of the village, which include nine buildings, library, playground, bicycle lane, fishpond and other recreational amenities.

She likewise witnessed the turnover of the AMOR village to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through Secretary Esperanza Cabral for the maintenance and operation of its facilities.

The village will be managed and run by the DSWD-Region III in collaboration with the Tarlac provincial government.

It will primarily serve abandoned, abused and neglected children, ages one month to 16 years old.

A 30-man staff will run the center, which houses 50 children at present.

The village will offer services in the areas of social, home life, education, health, psychological/psychiatric, recreation/sports.

It will also provide livelihood skills development, functional literacy and spiritual/religious activities.


Palace eyes infra spending spree with P100-billion infusion in ‘09

Malacanang is working out the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) proposal for a P100-billion funding for infrastructure projects next year to pump prime the economy in the face of the deepening global financial debacle.

Briefing the Malacanang Press Corps this afternoon, Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said the proposed financial stimulus was discussed by the Cabinet at its meeting in the Palace earlier in the day.

Under the PCCI plan, the financial package will be put up by the government and private sectors on a 50-50 percent sharing.

On the government side, the allocation will come from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and Government financial institutions (GFIs), including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Dureza said.

The proposal calls for the private sector to put up 50 percent of the total package, or P50 billion.

The infrastructure spending strategy was the first topic discussed during the Cabinet’s NEDA cluster meeting, Dureza said, adding that the “specifics (of the proposal) are now being worked out by government agencies led by the National Development Corporation (NDC).

The NDC is chaired by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila.

The proposed P100 billion fund, which will “make use of the liquidity of the private sector and the GOCCs,” will be lent out to interested local government units (LGUs), Dureza said.

Two infrastructure projects are now in the pipeline for funding, and LGUs are being invited to propose their infrastructure projects to be funded out of the proposed P100-billion allocation.


PGMA will not abandon displaced OFWs

MANILA, Dec. 11 (PNA)—Government assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) displaced by the economic recession that has gripped mainly the developed economies “shall not be breached,” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has assured their families.

The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)has also assured that it is coordinating with related agencies to facilitate the smooth return of those laid off from their jobs in such major labor-receiving destinations as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the United States.

“Assistance to the Filipino workers who work in other countries who need the help of our government is a policy that we shall not breach. Never did we turn our backs to do everything we can to help our expatriate Filipino workers who experience sufferings,” she said in Malacanang during a meeting with OFWs.

This is her full statement on the issue as released by the DFA from the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns, Rafael Seguis.

“Assistance to the Filipino workers who work in other countries who need the help of our government is a policy that we shall not breach. Never did we turn our backs to do everything we can to help our expatriate Filipino workers who experience sufferings.

“Your contribution to our country is so important that is why it is proper to give you full support without hesitation. While we quickly respond to your immediate needs, we work for bigger policies with wider coverage to help our modern-day heroes.

“The DOLE and the OWWA will lead the implementation of this payback program of the government for our expatriate Filipino workers. The first part of this program is the establishment of the Expatriate Livelihood Support Fund worth 250 million pesos from the OWWA and if need be to be supported by government agencies that will lend money. The expatriate Filipino workers who lost their jobs will receive from these funds loans to start up a business, to continue education or learning of skills, or as starting capital for any livelihood activity.

“The second part of this reciprocity program is the support that the government shall extend fully to assist the returning Filipino workers to find lucrative employment. Two policies are involved in this part:

“First, the creation of jobs in the country which will provide good earnings.
“Second, the continuous search for newer markets abroad for our workers, including jobs on ships.”

“And for our returning expatriate Filipino workers who want to transfer to other countries where their skills are needed, I order - aside from Bulgaria which has 1,000 jobs available immediately in their hotel and restaurant industry - I issued an Administrative Order for the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to implement a marketing blitz to widen the market for Filipino expatriates.” (PNA)