PGMA to assess progress of construction of Sta. Lucia High School building in Pasig City
Almost a year after she broke ground for the new Sta. Lucia High School building in Pasig City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returns to the site tomorrow (Monday) to assess the progress of the construction of the project.
It may be recalled that President Arroyo broke ground and laid the time-capsule for the four-storey,16-classroom school building for the 3,989-strong student population of Sta. Lucia High School on Feb. 2, 2008.
The school building is part of the 10,000 classrooms that the President promised to build when she addressed the First Biennial Education Congress on Jan. 31, 2008. She said the structure would be completed in 2009.
The P37-million construction cost of the school building was sourced from the 2007 and 2008 General Appropriations Acts. The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2009.
The President will be welcomed at the school campus by Sta. Lucia High School Principal Virginia Membrebe, Sta. Lucia Barangay Chairman Johnny Ilagan, DepEd Undersecretary Ramon Bacani, and Public Works Undersecretary Ramon Aquino.
Membrebe expressed elation over the President's scheduled visit, saying she and the whole teacher-student population of Sta. Lucia are "overwhelmed" by the prospect of again having the President as their guest.
"We feel very important that the President has time to visit us despite the uncompleted school building," Membrebe said.
Based on the project profile submitted by the DPWH, only 10 percent of the school building remains unfinished.
Membrebe said that once the project is completed, the entire student population will immediately hold classes in the new school building.
"When the school building is completed, students will only have to come to school in the morning and go home in the afternoon as night classes will cease. This will translate to a more efficient teacher-student learning process as classes will be held during normal working hours," she said.
The school principal added that she expects the number of student-enrollees to increase next school year as more students from nearby towns, particularly Cainta, will find the learning atmosphere in Sta. Lucia High School more conducive with the addition of the new school building.
President takes govt-church program for marginalized sector to Pasig Monday
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo takes to Pasig City tomorrow (Monday) the government-church undertaking to extend livelihood, scholarships and other social services to the marginalized residents of Barangay Rosario.
The pro-poor program, which was crafted in partnership with the Church, was launched by the President during a visit to the Don Bosco Parish in Barrio Magsaysay in Tondo, Manila last Jan. 16.
The President will be welcomed by Msgr. Cesar Pagulayan, Sto. Rosario de Pasig parish priest; Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton Pascual, Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio, Pasig Lone District Representative Roman Romulo, Sto. Rosario Barangay Chairman Aquilino dela Cruz Jr., and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Deputy Director-General Roger Peyuan.
Upon her arrival in Barangay Rosario, the President will preside over a feeding program for malnourished children in the barangay. She will also award Pangulong Gloria Scholarship and Livelihood Program Microfinance Assistance Membership certificates to poor but deserving residents.
The President will take a brief tour of the different stalls in the parish selling different livelihood products and the Bigasan sa Parokya projects. She is also expected to see for herself the medical and dental mission under the Office of the President administer to the medical and dental needs of the poor in the area.
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Romonde lauded this afternoon the cooperation between church and government in the pro-poor program, saying the common effort showed the unity between the two Filipino institutions in helping the poor.
"Because nagkaka-isa ang pamahalaan at simbahan sa pagbigay ng preferential options sa mga mahihirap, nagkaka-sundo ang karamihan ng mga Obispo at ng ating Pangulo sa layuning i-angat ang kabuhayan ng mga mahihirap ay magtutulungan ang pamahalaan at ang simbahan," Remonde said in a radio interview.
He added that the government-church program forms part of the many pro-poor collaborative projects of the government and other "faith-based" organizations such as the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT), micro-finance livelihood and housing, which are designed for the welfare of the marginalized and highly vulnerable sector of society, the poorest of the poor.
"Itong mga programang ito ay lalong pina-iigting ng simbahan at pamahalaan lalo na sa hinaharap nating krisis ekonomiya pang-daigdigan sa ngayon," Remonde said.
Govt looking for new job opportunities here and abroad for Filipino workers
Malacañang said today the government is stepping up the search for new job opportunities here and abroad for Filipino workers to mitigate the impact of the global economic meltdown on the country’s workforce.
Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde said in an interview this afternoon over Radyo ng Bayan that tapping job markets abroad is a priority item of the agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo when she attends the 2009 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland late this month.
On Feb. 1, Remonde will replace Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza who will assume the post of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
“As always, the President is doing everything that she can for our countrymen and country, especially in view of the possible dislocation of workers here and abroad,” said Remonde.
He explained that the President had long anticipated the world economic debacle, and had laid down policies and programs to address its possible adverse effects on the Philippines.
“Na-anticipate na ng Pangulo yan so she has laid down policies and programs .. to address them,” Remonde.
As an initial move, the President called for the immediate employment in the country of the jobless and out-of-school youth under the administration’s Emergency Livelihood Employment Program.
Cabinet secretaries have been assigned to oversee the implementation of the employment program in specific regions of the country.
“Bawat isang miyembro ng Cabinet, naka-assign sa isang probinsya… (Each member of the Cabinet is assigned to a province, or region…) to help and assist our countrymen in this time of crisis,” Remonde explained.
The PMS chief said that aside from expanding local employment opportunities through such government projects as the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, irrigation systems, school buildings and hospitals, the President is also looking for job openings for Filipinos workers in “new job markets abroad.”
The President is doing this “with the end in view of improving the livelihood of poor Filipinos),” he added.
Remonde pointed out that through the administration’s efforts, displaced Filipino workers here and abroad are expected to find new jobs.
The 5,000 Filipino expatriate workers displaced in Taiwan, for instance, could easily find jobs in the Middle East where 50,000 jobs are waiting for them, said Remonde.
Additionally, President Arroyo had instructed the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to set aside adequate funds to be loaned out to dislocated expatriate workers as emergency capital for livelihood projects pending their re-deployment to foreign countries, he said.
“Karamihan diyan (dislocated expatriate workers), ma-redeploy sa ibang bansa. This is the reason why the President had also visited the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia within the past two years to create new overseas job markets,” Remonde added.
The PMS chief explained that the government is now consolidating the funding requirement of the emergency employment projects being implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other executive departments.
“Our President is doing everything that she can for the good of our country and our people while the opposition is doing their best to attack the President. She does not mind as it is part of democracy,” said Remonde.
PAO achievement report bolsters PGMA’s agenda for social justice and human rights
A total of 81,966 inmates have been acquitted and released from jail nationwide by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), further bolstering President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s agenda for social justice and respect for human rights.
In her executive summary of the PAO 2008 Accomplishment Report submitted recently to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta said that out of the 4,839,888 prisoners assisted by PAO, 81,966 of them were acquitted and released.
It will be recalled that Malacañang had earlier cited the PAO for its role in upholding human rights, notably that of women and children in conflict with the law (CICL).
About 30,035 cases of inmates have been provisionally dismissed and 12,830 cases were permanently dismissed.
Of the 80,698 cases involving women clients, the report said about 24,994 were terminated in favor of them.
Of the 17,665 CICL cases, 4,942 terminated cases were favorable to minor offenders. There were 7,378 terminated cases involving CICLs, courtesy of PAO.
Out of the 199,113 terminated criminal cases, 147,583 or about 74 percent favorable dispositions were obtained by PAO through indigent clients.
An average of 4,614 clients are assisted by each PAO lawyer who handles an average of 636 cases.
A total of 9,818 inmates were released through the national jail and decongestion program; while the PAO’s free legal, medical, optical and dental mission had a total of 24,434 beneficiaries.
Among the cases with national significance which Acosta personally handled were the 74 civil cases filed against Sulpicio Lines executives in Manila and Cebu relative to the MV Princess of the Stars maritime tragedy, and legal assistance to 72-year old Elena de La Paz in the murder of her friend showbiz icon Nida Blanca, the hearings for the 130 MILF suspected beheaders of 10 Marines, release by petition for Habeas Corpus of six babies detained at the Chinese General Hospital for unpaid hospital bills, and the release from jail of convicted priest killer Norberto Manero Jr.
PAO lawyers are also reaping the fruits of the PAO law or Republic Act 9406 which Acosta helped craft. It took effect on April 15, 2007 after President Arroyo signed it on March 23 of the same year.
The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for RA 9406 were inked by Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr and Acosta last July 14, 2008 to further enhance the dictum of equal access to justice of the oppressed and the poor.
PGMA to honor outstanding PNP officers and support units
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will present awards to outstanding officers and support units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during its 18th anniversary celebration on Monday (Jan. 26).
The President, as the guest of honor and speaker during the occasion, will deliver a message on Monday morning at the PNP multi-purpose center in Camp Crame, Quezon City where the ceremony will be held.
Among those who will welcome the President are top officials led by Interior and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno and PNP Director- General Jesus Versoza.
Leading the awardees is rookie cop PO1 Carl Marc Jopillo who will receive the coveted Medalya ng Katapangan award for his bravery and heroism in defending the Libertad, Negros Oriental municipal police station against heavily armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Nov. 2.
To be posthumously awarded is PO2 Allan Ruiz for making the ultimate sacrifice during an encounter with a notorious gang leader in Compostela Valley last Dec. 12.
The Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Asal would be received by Barangay Captain Anastacio delos Santos for single-handedly defending his family and community against 10 NPAs who attacked his residence in Cagayan last Dec. 15.
The President would also bestow the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod to P/Chief Supt. Luisito Palmera and PO2 Jay Macutay for their commendable and invaluable service in the conduct of the search, rescue and retrieval operations in the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars and M/B Maejan last Dec. 14.
The Medalya ng Katangi-tanging Gawa goes to P/Chief Supt. Arturo Cacdac, P/Chief Supt. Constante Azares, and Sr. Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag.
Others who performed best in 2008 are the PNP Headquarters Support Unit as Best National Administrative Support Unit; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as Best National Operational Support Unit; Quezon City Police District as Best NCRPO District Police Office; Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office as Best Provincial Police Office of the Year; Davao City Police Office as Best City Police Office of the Year; Pagadian City Police Station as Best City Police Station of the Year; Marikina City Police Station as Best NCRPO City Police Station of the Year; Ayungon Municipal Police Station in Negros Oriental as Best Municipal Police Station of the Year;
Regional Mobile Group-Cordillera as Best Regional Mobile Group of the Year; 201st Provincial Mobile Group Cagayan as Best Provincial Mobile Group of the Year; Police Regional Office 3 as Best Police Regional Office Women and Children Protection Center of the Year; Davao del Norte PPO as Best Police Provincial Office Women and Children Protection Center of the Year; Legazpi City Police Station as Best Urban Women and Children Protection Center of the Year; and Cabiao Municipal Police Station in Nueva Ecija as Best Rural Women and Children Protection Center of the Year.
Last Sept. 22, the President appointed Verzosa as the chief of the 125,000-strong police organization with marching orders to free streets of crime and help bring lasting peace in Mindanao.
Versoza said the PNP has initiated reforms and improved its capabilities to better address the needs of its personnel and respond to the concerns of the community.
For 2008, Versoza reported that the PNP ranked as the 6th best performing government agency and achieved a high 49 percent approval rating, according to various surveys.
The PNP was established on Dec. 13, 1990 through Republic Act No. 6975 and was activated on Jan. 29, 1991 under a reorganized Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Foremost among the PNP’s missions are to enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community.
PGMA to assess progress of construction of Sta. Lucia High School building in Pasig City
Almost a year after she broke ground for the new Sta. Lucia High School building in Pasig City, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo returns to the site tomorrow (Monday) to assess the progress of the project.
It may be recalled that President Arroyo broke ground and laid the time-capsule for the four-storey,16-classroom school building for the 3,989-strong student population of Sta. Lucia High School on Feb. 2, 2008.
The school building is part of the 10,000 classrooms that the President promised to build when she addressed the First Biennial Education Congress on Jan. 31, 2008. She said the structure would be completed in 2009.
The P37-million construction cost of the school building was sourced from the 2007 and 2008 General Appropriations Acts. The project is scheduled to be completed in March 2009.
The President will be welcomed at the school campus by Sta. Lucia High School Principal Virginia Membrebe, Sta. Lucia Barangay Chairman Johnny Ilagan, DepEd Undersecretary Ramon Bacani, and Public Works Undersecretary Ramon Aquino.
Membrebe expressed elation over the President's scheduled visit, saying she and the whole teacher-student population of Sta. Lucia are "overwhelmed" by the prospect of again having the President as their guest.
"We feel very important that the President has time to visit us despite the uncompleted school building," Membrebe said.
Based on the project profile submitted by the DPWH, only 10 percent of the school building remains unfinished.
Membrebe said that once the project is completed, the entire student population will immediately hold classes in the new school building.
"When the school building is completed, students will only have to come to school in th morning and go home in the afternoon as night classes will cease. This will translate to a more efficient teacher-student learning process as classes will be held during normal working hours," she said.
The school principal added that she expects the number of student-enrollees to increase next school year as more students from nearby towns, particularly Cainta, will find the learning atmosphere in Sta. Lucia High School more conducive with the addition of the new school building.
Dureza bewails opposition's 'militarization' tag on PGMA govt
Their loyalty to the country, patriotism and talent have been tested under rigorous conditions, it’s unfair of administration critics to sneer at former high-ranking military and police officers who join the civilian government.
Thus, said Press Secretary Jesus Dureza in response to charges by certain opposition leaders that the government is being “militarized” with the appointment of retired generals to key government posts.
The new round of “militarization” claims stemmed from the forthcoming appointment of former Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr. as chief of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), former Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Avelino Razon as Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process, and retired Vice Admiral Tirso Danga as director of the National Printing Office (NSO).
Esperon will replace PMS Director-General Cerge Remonde, who will assume the post of press secretary vice Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, who will be named Chief Presidential Legal Adviser starting Feb. 1.
Razon will replace Esperon as Presidential Assistant for the Peace Process.
In defending President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to appoint retired generals to top government posts, Dureza said that the former high-ranking armed forces and police officers have already "transitioned into civilian life" after officially retiring from the service.
“They have served their country well as soldiers, people should not begrudge them for their willingness to continue serving the nation but in their civilian life,” Dureza said, referring to the retired generals.
"Huwag naman nating (maliitin) yung kanilang (appointed retired generals’) kakayahan sa sinasabing militarisasyon dahil after they have retired from the service (AFP and PNP), they have already shifted and transitioned into civilian life and yung talent na nakuha nila while in the service, kailangan siguro nating mai-harness din," Dureza said.
"They are actually patriots. They have done their share kaya ‘wag naman siguro ipagkait ng iba na yung talent, loyalty and patriotism ng mga kasundaluhan natin, na makapag-serbisyo naman sila sa bansa through their President," he added.
Dureza said he did not see the logic of the opposition's criticism of President Arroyo’s appointing former generals to her Cabinet when the people voted one to the Presidency not so long ago.
"Let's not take it against the military, yung sinasabing militarization, dahil we had a military president who was chosen by the people – si FVR," Dureza said, referring to former President Fidel V. Ramos who was elected President in 1992.
He added that some senators and congressmen have also come from the ranks of the military.
Sen. Rodolfo Biazon and Panfilo Lacson, to mention only two, were former chief of staff of the AFP, and chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), respectively, before being elected as senators.
Sunday, 25 January 2009
PIA Dispatch - Friday, January 23, 2009
PGMA leads govt-church assistance program for the poor in Tondo visit
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today visited Tondo for the second time this month to lead the ongoing government-church program to assist poor families in Metro Manila with livelihood projects, scholarships and other social services.
Barely a week after she launched the pro-poor program Jan. 16 at the Don Bosco Tondo parish, the President motored this morning to the Baseco Compound for the continuing poverty-alleviation project.
Arriving at the Baseco Compound, the President was warmly welcomed by some 2,000 residents, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, 5th District Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Baseco Barangay Chairman Kristo Hispano, Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual, and Fr. Asis Bajao, parish priest of the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila; and Technical Education and Skills Development, (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco.
At the covered court of Baseco, the President led the feeding program for malnourished children and the awarding of certificates of scholarship and microfinance assistance to the poorest families living in the compound.
The President also witnessed the ongoing medical and dental services for the poor residents in the area.
After the feeding activity, the President walked some 200 meters to inspect the newly completely Baseco playground and the new day-care center in the area.
The President had pointed out that with the benefits generated by her economic reforms, it’s time the government increased investments in infrastructure and human resource development, and stepped up its social service programs for the poor.
In Metro Manila alone, more than 120,000 poor families have benefited from the assistance program being carried out jointly by the government and the Catholic church.
The President has ordered the implementation of development projects at the Baseco Compound, formerly a densely-populated slum area, in partnership with the city government and Gawad Kalinga Foundation.
Through her efforts, Baseco Compound has been turned into a clean, thriving community with medium-rise dwellings.
Fr. Pascual said the President and Caritas Manila will next conduct the continuing government-church social development program in Pasig City.
PGMA launches national program to help global effort to curb warming
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today launched the government’s ambitious 14-pronged national program on sustainable development as the Philippines’ contribution to the worldwide campaign to curb global warming.
The salient objectives of the program is the reduction of solid waste generation by 50 percent in six months to two years, the establishment of a rainwater collection system, reduction of fossil fuel consumption, massive information and education campaign on effects of climate change and promotion of chemical-free farming.
The President motored to Malacañang’s Material Recovery Facility (MFR) at the foot of Nagtahan Bridge this morning for the project launch. The five-year-old MRF is the first government-initiated facility of its kind in the City of Manila.
She was met by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose Atienza, Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change (PACC) Heherson Alvarez, Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance Ching Vargas and local barangay officials.
Officials of the Office of the President’s Engineering Office, which manages the facility, briefed the President on the process of composting the wastes from the Palace, the Office of the President, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound and the barangays around Malacañang.
The process includes the collection, segregation, shredding, mixing, re-shredding, and the weeklong “cooking” of the mixture of leaves, saw dust, food waste, soil conditioner and organic fertilizer.
The President then distributed the compost in plastic bags to some 200 residents who lined up to get the organic fertilizer. Engr. Edgardo Torres, head of the OP Engineering Office, reported to the President that his office sometimes runs out of compost because of the big demand for compost from residents in the area for urban agriculture. The facility produces some 200 liters of compost daily.
The MRF has been composting Malacañang’s dry wastes, including the fallen leaves of trees within the Palace complex, since the celebration of Philippine Earth Day on April 22, 2002.
The MRF was created under Executive Order 774 (EO), which the President signed last Dec. 26.
In issuing the EO, the President pointed out that “climate change is already impacting adversely on the world” and that it will “have catastrophic effects if immediate and sufficient action to curb industrial emissions and forest loss in not taken.”
“While our country’s emissions remain much lower in per capita terms than those of industrialized nations, our country’s recent growth and development have been accompanied by a rise in damaging emissions from fossil fuels,” she added.
The EO, which reorganized the PTFCC, mandates the creation of the following 14 task groups (TGs) and their main functions to work from all fronts to ensure the “CPR” – conservation, protection and restoration -- of Philippine natural resources.
These task groups and their functions are:
• Task Group on Solid Waste Management (DENR, DOH, MWSS) – reduce solid waste generation by 50 percent within six months to two years; identify and regenerate forest lands and protected areas.
• Task Group on Watershed Protection (DENR, CHED, NAPOCOR, SUCs, DOST) – undertake survey and mapping of protected areas and watersheds; conduct massive reforestation; mobilize the youth for inventory of flora and fauna; clear and restore all waterways.
• Task Group on Rainwater Conservation (DPWH, UAP) – establish rainwater collection system.
• Task Group on Water Recycling (NWRO, LWUA, DTI) – recover and treat used water.
• Task Group on Atmospheric Activities (DOST, PAGASA) – transform PAGASA into world class facility; attract the best Filipino scientists; develop local capability in weather sciences.
• Task Group on Fossil Fuels (DOTC, DPWH, DILG, OPACC, DBM) – reduce consumption on fossil fuels; reform transport sector, to include walking, cycling, and other human-powered vehicles; conduct consultations, mass media social marketing and mobilization campaign.
• Task Group on Information (PIA) – mobilize government media to inform the public on climate change and enjoin them on individual responsibilities.
• Task Group on Fisheries (DA, DILG) – audit implementation of Fisheries Code; conduct massive information and education campaign for coastal LGUs; identify and declare fish sanctuaries.
• Task Group on Agriculture (DA) – identify and delineate agricultural lands; promote chemical-free farming; utilize all public open spaces for sustainable urban farming.
• Task Group on Education (DepEd) – incorporate climate change component in the Science curriculum in all levels by school year 2009;
• Task Group on Foreign Affairs (DFA, DOJ) – coordinate with other island nations on climate change initiatives.
• Task Group on Renewable Energy (DOE) – implement Renewable Energy Law with urgency.
• Task Group on CPR Economics (NEDA, DTI, DOF, BOI, DOT) – promote CPR economics; formulate CPR Economics Action Plan and Investment Priorities Plan; develop program on restorative CPR eco-tourism; promote traditional medicines.
• Task Group on Outdoor and Rooftop Structures (DPWH) - shut off neon/billboard lights by 9 p.m.; remove illegal structures/billboards; provide incentives for owners of urban roof gardens.
PGMA orders DPWH to speed up construction of Nasugbu-Ternate Road, 300-meter long tunnel
NASUGBU, Batangas - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct round the clock work on the Ternate-Nasugbu Road Project with 300-meter tunnel that will connect the two coastal towns.
The President issued the directive to Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. during her visit to Barangay Papaya here for the groundbreaking of the tourism and agricultural road project to boost the world-class beach resorts in the two towns of Batangas and Cavite provinces.
“Sa mga magtatrabaho sa Ternate-Nasugbu Road at gagawa ng tunnel, good luck sa inyong lahat at 24/7 ang trabaho natin dito,” the President said in her brief message at the groundbreaking site.
Immediately after she landed at the Pico De Loro Cove, the President motored to the foot of Pico De Cero Mountain and led the lowering of the time capsule to signal the start the concreting of the remaining 6-km rough road, and construction of the 300 meter tunnel that will connect the towns of Nasugbu in Batangas and Ternate in Cavite to Metro Manila, which is approximately.
Assisting the President in the groundbreaking were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Batangas 1st District Representative Aileen Ermita-Buhain, Public Works Undersecretary Ramon Aquino, Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon, and Ternate Mayor Adelardo Lindo.
In his welcome remarks, Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon thanked the President for her strong commitment to pursue the Ternate-Nasugbu Road Project.
The 60-kilometer road project will connect the two coastal towns of Ternate in Cavite and Nasugbu in Batangas.
He said the road was the pet project of then Batangas Representative and now Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in the closing years of the term of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
The initial cost of the projects was placed at P745,180,799.98. It will cut across the agricultural land, scenic uninhabited forest of Maragondon Mountain and coastal areas within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas.
The two-lane road project will pass through the forested Pico De Cero Mountain into Nasugbu. When completed, the all-weather road is expected to boost economic activity in the towns of Ternate and Nasugbu and revive the glory of the world-class beach resorts in the area like Puerto Azul and Cablayne in Ternate.
It will also help enhance the living conditions of the thousand of residents through livelihood opportunities by providing fast and convenient transport of their local agricultural and marine products to commercial markets.
The DPWH said that the scope of the project includes the following: concreting/improvement of existing gravel road from Km. 94+112 to Km. 95+731 (1.619 km) including the construction of two bridges, namely; Sinalam and Kaysabong bridges; construction of new road from Km. 96+034 to Km. 99+991 (3.858 km.) including the construction of two bridges namely; Patungan and Tabe II; and thcde construction of Kaybiang tunnel from Km. 95+731 to Km. 96+034.
CHR to lead conference on integrity, human rights
MANILA (PNA) - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other stakeholders concerned will discuss in Manila next week issues, best practices and tools for enhancing compliance with integrity programs and human rights protection.
This aims to help promote ethical and rights-based sustainable development nationwide.
"Let's help build a better Philippines," CHR chairperson Leila de Lima said.
The CHR, Business for Integrity and Stability of Our Nation (BISYON 2020) and Transparency International Philippines are partnering to hold, under the auspices of United Nations Development Programme, discussions on the matter during the First Integrity and Human Rights Conference on January 27 and 28.
CHR said BISYON representatives, general and corporate counsels, compliance and ethics officers, finance and internal audit directors, corporate governance and legal compliance directors, heads of local and national government units as well as non-government organizations, media practitioners and civil society groups will attend this event.
Among the topics for discussion are governance, anti-corruption measures, human rights, integrity in peace and order, corporate governance and the banking sector's compliance standards.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Ricardo Saludo is scheduled to talk on code of ethics in government while De Lima will give the keynote address during the event's opening.
Aside from promoting human rights, CHR believes the conference will help hike public awareness about integrated and global compliance with integrity programs.
"This gathering of the country's stakeholders involved in integrity practices in business, public service and civil society, in corporate governance and safeguarding human rights, will create the value of ethical leadership and human rights-based vision towards sustainable enterprises and communities," De Lima said. (PNA)
DOLE to help OFWs affected by new UAE immigration laws
MANILA (PNA) – Due to the new immigration laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has revealed a plan to set up a Filipino Help Desk in Oman to assist the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their working papers.
The assistance center will be placed at the Al-Buraimi border in the Sultanate of Oman to help the OFWs seeking new reentry visas as required by the new UAE immigration laws or new employment in other Middle East countries.
DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque said on Friday that the Help Desk will gather the skills and abilities of the stranded OFWs to facilitate their search for employment in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Roque said he received report from Muscat-based labor attaché Romeo Young that problems affecting the Filipinos at Al-Buraimi began to crop up when the UAE changed its laws regarding the acquisition of reentry visas in July last year.
”The issuance of new reentry visas in UAE now takes from the usual 3-5 days to 30 days or one month. In case the visa is not released within the 30-day period, the applicant can wait for a maximum period of another 30 days upon payment of 100 dirhams,” Roque said.
Roque said the number of Filipinos staying at Al-Buraimi, an oasis town in northeastern Oman, increased each day and even reached thousands at one point in the third quarter of 2008.
”The turnover of Filipinos staying in several hotels at Al-Buraimi has been constant and fast as soon as they get hold of their reentry visas to UAE. There were also Filipinos who chose to be repatriated to the Philippines,” Roque noted.
As of Jan. 11, 2009, at least 782 Filipinos were staying at Buraimi, Bagwan, Jawhara, and Al Saleem Hotels in the Al-Buraimi border. An Omani hotel manager had good words for their Filipino guests saying “they are good and clean.” (PNA)
DepEd, UP conduct resources survey to improve education performance
Quezon City -- The Department of Education has contracted the University of the Philippines to conduct a Basic Education Resources Survey (BERS) which the department can use to formulate appropriate policies to attain its Education For All goals.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said the BERS will enable DepEd to enhance its database and develop better processes for allocating and utilizing basic education resources.
"This study is integral in making sure we can forge ahead with our plans in making access to quality education for all a reality," Lapus added.
The BERS project won by the University of the Philippines' Engineering and Research Development Foundation Inc. runs from January-June 2009. It will be on a nationwide scale using stratified random sampling and triangulation.
By linking performance with resources, DepEd will be able to formulate sound policies to attain the goals set forth in the Philippine Education For All Plan 2015.
Lapus stressed that BERS Project is expected to come up with policy recommendations and relevant standards and practices which could further improve resource management and allocation system in DepEd.
The research study is comprised of three sections: basic education resources section, client satisfaction section and BEIS data analysis section.
The basic education resources section covers staffing data, financing Alternative Learning Systems and pre-school education and utilization of physical assets, facilities and equipment.
The research will also have analysis of progress in terms of EFA targets.
The research eyes some 10,200 respondents which include LGU officials, school staff, students, public and private teachers, parents and pre-school and literacy service providers. (DepEd)
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today visited Tondo for the second time this month to lead the ongoing government-church program to assist poor families in Metro Manila with livelihood projects, scholarships and other social services.
Barely a week after she launched the pro-poor program Jan. 16 at the Don Bosco Tondo parish, the President motored this morning to the Baseco Compound for the continuing poverty-alleviation project.
Arriving at the Baseco Compound, the President was warmly welcomed by some 2,000 residents, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, 5th District Rep. Amado Bagatsing, Baseco Barangay Chairman Kristo Hispano, Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton Pascual, and Fr. Asis Bajao, parish priest of the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila; and Technical Education and Skills Development, (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco.
At the covered court of Baseco, the President led the feeding program for malnourished children and the awarding of certificates of scholarship and microfinance assistance to the poorest families living in the compound.
The President also witnessed the ongoing medical and dental services for the poor residents in the area.
After the feeding activity, the President walked some 200 meters to inspect the newly completely Baseco playground and the new day-care center in the area.
The President had pointed out that with the benefits generated by her economic reforms, it’s time the government increased investments in infrastructure and human resource development, and stepped up its social service programs for the poor.
In Metro Manila alone, more than 120,000 poor families have benefited from the assistance program being carried out jointly by the government and the Catholic church.
The President has ordered the implementation of development projects at the Baseco Compound, formerly a densely-populated slum area, in partnership with the city government and Gawad Kalinga Foundation.
Through her efforts, Baseco Compound has been turned into a clean, thriving community with medium-rise dwellings.
Fr. Pascual said the President and Caritas Manila will next conduct the continuing government-church social development program in Pasig City.
PGMA launches national program to help global effort to curb warming
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today launched the government’s ambitious 14-pronged national program on sustainable development as the Philippines’ contribution to the worldwide campaign to curb global warming.
The salient objectives of the program is the reduction of solid waste generation by 50 percent in six months to two years, the establishment of a rainwater collection system, reduction of fossil fuel consumption, massive information and education campaign on effects of climate change and promotion of chemical-free farming.
The President motored to Malacañang’s Material Recovery Facility (MFR) at the foot of Nagtahan Bridge this morning for the project launch. The five-year-old MRF is the first government-initiated facility of its kind in the City of Manila.
She was met by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose Atienza, Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change (PACC) Heherson Alvarez, Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance Ching Vargas and local barangay officials.
Officials of the Office of the President’s Engineering Office, which manages the facility, briefed the President on the process of composting the wastes from the Palace, the Office of the President, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound and the barangays around Malacañang.
The process includes the collection, segregation, shredding, mixing, re-shredding, and the weeklong “cooking” of the mixture of leaves, saw dust, food waste, soil conditioner and organic fertilizer.
The President then distributed the compost in plastic bags to some 200 residents who lined up to get the organic fertilizer. Engr. Edgardo Torres, head of the OP Engineering Office, reported to the President that his office sometimes runs out of compost because of the big demand for compost from residents in the area for urban agriculture. The facility produces some 200 liters of compost daily.
The MRF has been composting Malacañang’s dry wastes, including the fallen leaves of trees within the Palace complex, since the celebration of Philippine Earth Day on April 22, 2002.
The MRF was created under Executive Order 774 (EO), which the President signed last Dec. 26.
In issuing the EO, the President pointed out that “climate change is already impacting adversely on the world” and that it will “have catastrophic effects if immediate and sufficient action to curb industrial emissions and forest loss in not taken.”
“While our country’s emissions remain much lower in per capita terms than those of industrialized nations, our country’s recent growth and development have been accompanied by a rise in damaging emissions from fossil fuels,” she added.
The EO, which reorganized the PTFCC, mandates the creation of the following 14 task groups (TGs) and their main functions to work from all fronts to ensure the “CPR” – conservation, protection and restoration -- of Philippine natural resources.
These task groups and their functions are:
• Task Group on Solid Waste Management (DENR, DOH, MWSS) – reduce solid waste generation by 50 percent within six months to two years; identify and regenerate forest lands and protected areas.
• Task Group on Watershed Protection (DENR, CHED, NAPOCOR, SUCs, DOST) – undertake survey and mapping of protected areas and watersheds; conduct massive reforestation; mobilize the youth for inventory of flora and fauna; clear and restore all waterways.
• Task Group on Rainwater Conservation (DPWH, UAP) – establish rainwater collection system.
• Task Group on Water Recycling (NWRO, LWUA, DTI) – recover and treat used water.
• Task Group on Atmospheric Activities (DOST, PAGASA) – transform PAGASA into world class facility; attract the best Filipino scientists; develop local capability in weather sciences.
• Task Group on Fossil Fuels (DOTC, DPWH, DILG, OPACC, DBM) – reduce consumption on fossil fuels; reform transport sector, to include walking, cycling, and other human-powered vehicles; conduct consultations, mass media social marketing and mobilization campaign.
• Task Group on Information (PIA) – mobilize government media to inform the public on climate change and enjoin them on individual responsibilities.
• Task Group on Fisheries (DA, DILG) – audit implementation of Fisheries Code; conduct massive information and education campaign for coastal LGUs; identify and declare fish sanctuaries.
• Task Group on Agriculture (DA) – identify and delineate agricultural lands; promote chemical-free farming; utilize all public open spaces for sustainable urban farming.
• Task Group on Education (DepEd) – incorporate climate change component in the Science curriculum in all levels by school year 2009;
• Task Group on Foreign Affairs (DFA, DOJ) – coordinate with other island nations on climate change initiatives.
• Task Group on Renewable Energy (DOE) – implement Renewable Energy Law with urgency.
• Task Group on CPR Economics (NEDA, DTI, DOF, BOI, DOT) – promote CPR economics; formulate CPR Economics Action Plan and Investment Priorities Plan; develop program on restorative CPR eco-tourism; promote traditional medicines.
• Task Group on Outdoor and Rooftop Structures (DPWH) - shut off neon/billboard lights by 9 p.m.; remove illegal structures/billboards; provide incentives for owners of urban roof gardens.
PGMA orders DPWH to speed up construction of Nasugbu-Ternate Road, 300-meter long tunnel
NASUGBU, Batangas - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct round the clock work on the Ternate-Nasugbu Road Project with 300-meter tunnel that will connect the two coastal towns.
The President issued the directive to Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. during her visit to Barangay Papaya here for the groundbreaking of the tourism and agricultural road project to boost the world-class beach resorts in the two towns of Batangas and Cavite provinces.
“Sa mga magtatrabaho sa Ternate-Nasugbu Road at gagawa ng tunnel, good luck sa inyong lahat at 24/7 ang trabaho natin dito,” the President said in her brief message at the groundbreaking site.
Immediately after she landed at the Pico De Loro Cove, the President motored to the foot of Pico De Cero Mountain and led the lowering of the time capsule to signal the start the concreting of the remaining 6-km rough road, and construction of the 300 meter tunnel that will connect the towns of Nasugbu in Batangas and Ternate in Cavite to Metro Manila, which is approximately.
Assisting the President in the groundbreaking were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Batangas 1st District Representative Aileen Ermita-Buhain, Public Works Undersecretary Ramon Aquino, Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon, and Ternate Mayor Adelardo Lindo.
In his welcome remarks, Nasugbu Mayor Antonio Barcelon thanked the President for her strong commitment to pursue the Ternate-Nasugbu Road Project.
The 60-kilometer road project will connect the two coastal towns of Ternate in Cavite and Nasugbu in Batangas.
He said the road was the pet project of then Batangas Representative and now Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in the closing years of the term of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
The initial cost of the projects was placed at P745,180,799.98. It will cut across the agricultural land, scenic uninhabited forest of Maragondon Mountain and coastal areas within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas.
The two-lane road project will pass through the forested Pico De Cero Mountain into Nasugbu. When completed, the all-weather road is expected to boost economic activity in the towns of Ternate and Nasugbu and revive the glory of the world-class beach resorts in the area like Puerto Azul and Cablayne in Ternate.
It will also help enhance the living conditions of the thousand of residents through livelihood opportunities by providing fast and convenient transport of their local agricultural and marine products to commercial markets.
The DPWH said that the scope of the project includes the following: concreting/improvement of existing gravel road from Km. 94+112 to Km. 95+731 (1.619 km) including the construction of two bridges, namely; Sinalam and Kaysabong bridges; construction of new road from Km. 96+034 to Km. 99+991 (3.858 km.) including the construction of two bridges namely; Patungan and Tabe II; and thcde construction of Kaybiang tunnel from Km. 95+731 to Km. 96+034.
CHR to lead conference on integrity, human rights
MANILA (PNA) - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other stakeholders concerned will discuss in Manila next week issues, best practices and tools for enhancing compliance with integrity programs and human rights protection.
This aims to help promote ethical and rights-based sustainable development nationwide.
"Let's help build a better Philippines," CHR chairperson Leila de Lima said.
The CHR, Business for Integrity and Stability of Our Nation (BISYON 2020) and Transparency International Philippines are partnering to hold, under the auspices of United Nations Development Programme, discussions on the matter during the First Integrity and Human Rights Conference on January 27 and 28.
CHR said BISYON representatives, general and corporate counsels, compliance and ethics officers, finance and internal audit directors, corporate governance and legal compliance directors, heads of local and national government units as well as non-government organizations, media practitioners and civil society groups will attend this event.
Among the topics for discussion are governance, anti-corruption measures, human rights, integrity in peace and order, corporate governance and the banking sector's compliance standards.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Ricardo Saludo is scheduled to talk on code of ethics in government while De Lima will give the keynote address during the event's opening.
Aside from promoting human rights, CHR believes the conference will help hike public awareness about integrated and global compliance with integrity programs.
"This gathering of the country's stakeholders involved in integrity practices in business, public service and civil society, in corporate governance and safeguarding human rights, will create the value of ethical leadership and human rights-based vision towards sustainable enterprises and communities," De Lima said. (PNA)
DOLE to help OFWs affected by new UAE immigration laws
MANILA (PNA) – Due to the new immigration laws of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has revealed a plan to set up a Filipino Help Desk in Oman to assist the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with their working papers.
The assistance center will be placed at the Al-Buraimi border in the Sultanate of Oman to help the OFWs seeking new reentry visas as required by the new UAE immigration laws or new employment in other Middle East countries.
DOLE Secretary Marianito Roque said on Friday that the Help Desk will gather the skills and abilities of the stranded OFWs to facilitate their search for employment in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in Oman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Roque said he received report from Muscat-based labor attaché Romeo Young that problems affecting the Filipinos at Al-Buraimi began to crop up when the UAE changed its laws regarding the acquisition of reentry visas in July last year.
”The issuance of new reentry visas in UAE now takes from the usual 3-5 days to 30 days or one month. In case the visa is not released within the 30-day period, the applicant can wait for a maximum period of another 30 days upon payment of 100 dirhams,” Roque said.
Roque said the number of Filipinos staying at Al-Buraimi, an oasis town in northeastern Oman, increased each day and even reached thousands at one point in the third quarter of 2008.
”The turnover of Filipinos staying in several hotels at Al-Buraimi has been constant and fast as soon as they get hold of their reentry visas to UAE. There were also Filipinos who chose to be repatriated to the Philippines,” Roque noted.
As of Jan. 11, 2009, at least 782 Filipinos were staying at Buraimi, Bagwan, Jawhara, and Al Saleem Hotels in the Al-Buraimi border. An Omani hotel manager had good words for their Filipino guests saying “they are good and clean.” (PNA)
DepEd, UP conduct resources survey to improve education performance
Quezon City -- The Department of Education has contracted the University of the Philippines to conduct a Basic Education Resources Survey (BERS) which the department can use to formulate appropriate policies to attain its Education For All goals.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said the BERS will enable DepEd to enhance its database and develop better processes for allocating and utilizing basic education resources.
"This study is integral in making sure we can forge ahead with our plans in making access to quality education for all a reality," Lapus added.
The BERS project won by the University of the Philippines' Engineering and Research Development Foundation Inc. runs from January-June 2009. It will be on a nationwide scale using stratified random sampling and triangulation.
By linking performance with resources, DepEd will be able to formulate sound policies to attain the goals set forth in the Philippine Education For All Plan 2015.
Lapus stressed that BERS Project is expected to come up with policy recommendations and relevant standards and practices which could further improve resource management and allocation system in DepEd.
The research study is comprised of three sections: basic education resources section, client satisfaction section and BEIS data analysis section.
The basic education resources section covers staffing data, financing Alternative Learning Systems and pre-school education and utilization of physical assets, facilities and equipment.
The research will also have analysis of progress in terms of EFA targets.
The research eyes some 10,200 respondents which include LGU officials, school staff, students, public and private teachers, parents and pre-school and literacy service providers. (DepEd)
Thursday, 22 January 2009
PIA Dispatch - Thursday, January 22, 2009
Economic zones earn P445B in export earnings, generate 177,000 jobs in 2008
GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite – The country’ s economic zones turned in a total of P443 billion in export revenues and generate 177,000 jobs last year.
This is the combined figure reported by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Board of Investments (BOI) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her visit to the Gateway Business Park here this afternoon.
PEZA Director-General Lilia De Lima and Board of Investments (BOI) Governor Francis Ferrer, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Lito Atienza and Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza were among those who welcomed the President at the Gateway Business Park in Barangay Javalera here.
Also present were locators and investors led by Gateway Proper Holdings, Inc. (GPHI) chairman Geronimo delos Reyes Jr., and GPHI president Jaime Hidalgo.
In an interview, De Lima and Ferrer said the figure came from 894 investments and new projects approved by BOI and PEZA last year.
In their first meeting held last week, PEZA and BOI approved P7.965 billion worth of new investments, a 117-percent increase compared to the P3.66-billion figure for the same period last year, De Lima said.
Although De Lima and Ferrer admitted that there is a slowdown in the manufacturing industry, they said the closure of the Intel Corporation facility here would not affect most of its workers.
Intel Corp. announced today that it is cutting production at two US silicon wafer facilities and closing three overseas facilities -- two in Penang, Malaysia, and the third here at the Gateway Business Park which exports micro processors and electronic integrated circuits.
Intel said the plant shutdowns will be carried out before the end of the year.
In a news release, Intel said some of its workers could be offered positions at other facilities.
De Lima and Ferrer said majority of Intel’s workers here would be absorbed by its sister company, Newmonix, which had bought more than half of Intel’s facility here.
De Lima and Ferrer also said that Newmonix would be closing down its facility in Pudong, China and relocate here in the Philippines.
“That is the good news,” they said.
The President directed the two officials to continue assisting relocators and investors, including Filipino workers who might be retrenched, by way of the government’s jobs matching, training and retraining programs.
Ferrer said that based on experience at economic zones, the electronics industry makes a strong rebound after a slowdown.
The Gateway Business Park, Cavite’s premier industrial facility, employs some 16,000 workers and contributed at least $6 billion worth of exports last year.
Earlier, the President led the continuing government-church social development program at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church just outside the gates of the business park.
She also led the feeding program for school children and distributed scholarships and training certificates through the Archdiocese of Imus.
The President also witnessed the medical and dental mission at work here, and the establishment of Bigasan ng Parokya outlets. The Bigasan sells low-priced basic commodities such as NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo.
Among those who welcomed the President at the Guadalupe church were parish priest Fr. Cornelio Matanguihan, Diocese of Imus Social Action Center Dir. Fr. Alain Manalo, Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi, 2nd District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, 3rd District Rep Jesus Crispin Remulla, and General Trias Mayor Luis Ferrer IV.
The President has been leading the continuing provision of scholarships, trainings, livelihood and other social services for the poor families to ease the plight of the most vulnerable sectors of society in the midst of the global crisis.
PGMA inaugurates RP-Korea special health project for Caviteños
TRECE MARTIREZ CITY, Cavite – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened today the two-storey medical arts building of the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital (GEAMH), a special health project for the Cavitenos aimed at strengthening further the 60-year old ties between the Philippines and Korea.
Fresh from her civic and social works development activities at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and working luncheon with the top executives of the investor locators at the Gateway Business Park in General Trias town, the President motored here to lead the endorsement and formal inauguration of the medical arts building of the GEAMH under the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital (KPFH) Project Phase II.
Upon her arrival, the President cut the ribbon and unveiled the project marker of the newly-constructed $5.2 million two-storey medical arts building adjacent to the KPFH which the President inaugurated in August 2002.
Assisting the President in the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the marker were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) president Park Dae-Won, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joongkyung, Cavite Governor Ireneo Maliksi, Cavite 2nd District Representative Elpidio Barzaga, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla and Trece Martirez City Mayor Virgilio De Sagun
In his welcome remarks, Governor Maliksi said the opening of the medical arts building of the GEAMH is part of the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital Phase II project.
He said the hospital project is the manifestation of the national government efforts thru the intercession of the President in helping the provincial government of Cavite to improve its health program.
He reported to the President that since 2002, the Korean government through KOICA has already given US$3.8 million for the construction of 100-bed capacity mother-and-child hospital and an extension clinic in Bacao, General Trias near Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) Rosario (Cavite).
He said the Phase I of the hospital project was made in response to the need for additional medical facilities in the province. For the past five years, the bed occupancy rate of the KPFH project increased from 39.63% to 73.72% in 2007.
Maliksi also told the President that in 2007 KOICA provided another grant of US$1.4 million for the Phase II project, which is the construction of the medical arts building, improvement of the existing hospital equipments and facilities, continuous training of the medical personnel and the dispatch of Korean health volunteer to look after medical needs of Koreans residing in Cavite.
During the endorsement and inaugural rites program, the President witnessed the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signifying the mutual cooperation and friendship between KOICA and provincial government of Cavite.
The MOA also envisioned to reduce poverty and improved the quality of health services of the residents, especially the poor families of Cavite.
Among the signatories in the 4-page agreement are the following: Governor Maliksi, provincial health officer Ma. Vilma V. Diez, MD, MHA, for the Philippine side, and Korean International Cooperation Agency president Eun Hong Lee and KOICA resident representative to the Philippines Kim In, for the Korean side.
Dureza’s request for lighter load to devote more time to his ailing wife triggered Cabinet shift – Ermita
It was the request of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza for a lighter load that triggered the latest Cabinet shift that served the double purpose of filling the vacancy earlier left by the Palace Counsel.
This was made clear today (Thursday, Jan. 22) by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in an interview over DZRH where he stressed, thus: “Iyon ang nag-trigger – yung kay Dureza.”
Ermita recounted that “itong si Secretary Dureza, nagsabi sa akin na medyo dahil nga sa katayuan ng kanyang maybahay ay gusto niyang magsabi kay Presidente (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) kung maaring siya mabigyan ng isang posisyon na hindi kasing bigat ng ginagawa sa OPS (Office of the Press Secretary) na kung saan, maya’t maya, lagi siyang kasama ni Pangulo pag sa biyahe, lalo na local at international.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Salutillo-Dureza, who is based in Davao, is battling a kidney ailment.
“Sabi ko sa kanya (Secretary Dureza), siguro naman ay iyan ay papakinggan ng Pangulo. Nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na makausap si Pangulo -- kaya nasabi sa akin ni Presidente na, o sige, magaling naman na abugado si Jess (Dureza), at iyan naman ay placer sa Bar examination.
“Sabi niya (President Arroyo), ibigay natin iyong slot na na-vacate ni Serge Apostol – at siyempre pagka nag-ganyan (vacated post), ang iisipin naman, sino ang papalit?” added Ermita.
Dureza -- who placed #10th in the 1973 Bar Exams, scoring 100 percent in Criminal Law – is taking over Apostol’s vacated post as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel on Feb. 1.
As for Dureza’s replacement – Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde – Ermita said:
“Kita naman natin, si Secretary Cerge Remonde naman ay isang media man… kaya ipinilagay sa akin ni Pangulo si Cerge.
“Si Cerge naman, out of patriotic zeal, sabi niya, kung ano ang sabi ni Pangulo, kung saan ako makakatulong, okay lang.”
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon, who is presently the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP), will take over Remonde at the PMA helm; while newly retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon Jr. will take over Esperon as PAPP
RP contributes to ASEAN’s continued humanitarian effort in Myanmar
The ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance received a US $ 50,000-donation from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday.
The Fund is used for relief and recovery activities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in cyclone-hit Myanmar.
Dr. Anish Roy, special representative of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, received the contribution on behalf of Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The contribution from the Philippine government is to support ASEAN’s continued effort and leadership role in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for its continued support, which enables ASEAN to reinforce our assistance and commitment to the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis,” said Dr. Roy.
Contributions made to the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance have been utilized to help people recover their livelihoods through community-based early recovery projects in the cyclone-affected areas as well as in disaster risk management and other Nargis-related activities. (PNA)
PGMA inaugurates 6 bridges in Cavite
President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo led the unveiling of the marker for the Mabacao Bridge in Maragondon, Cavite to mark the inauguration on Thursday of six bridges in different parts of the province.
The six bridges are the 88-lineal-meter steel I-beam girder Mabacao Bridge in Maragondon; the 26-meter H-beam girder Salitran Bridge and the 25-meter pre-stressed concrete deck girder Piela Bridge, both in Dasmarinas; the Catmon Bridge and Lipa Bridge, both 21 meters in length and reinforced concrete girder-type, and the 27-meter pre-stressed concrete deck girder Pajo Bridge in Alfonso.
The bridges were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-President's Bridge Program through the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD), a foreign-assisted project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The newly-completed bridges are part of the 64 bridges under Contract Package lll project.
President Arroyo was joined in the inaugural ceremony by DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Undersecretary Ramon P. Aquino, Region IV-A Director Bonifacio Seguit and President's Bridge Program Executive Director Emil K. Sadain
Ebdane presented to the President the project profile of the newly-completed bridges in Cavite in the presence of local officials, including Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Maragondon Mayor Monte Andaman. (PNA)
CHR fears drop in school attendance and enrollment due to random drug testing
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned about a possible drop in school attendance and enrollment if government pursues its planned random drug testing for students.
"The danger could be that students who are users of illegal drugs will neither attend school nor enroll simply to avoid being part of the sampling," CHR Chairperson Leila de Lima said.
If this happens, she fears the testing itself will hamper learning and promoting children's right to education.
"Does this not make random drug testing counter-productive for don't we aspire that our children remain in school instead of being impelled to be out of it?" she asked.
CHR, the independent body tasked with promoting human rights nationwide, called for assessing the random drug testing's effectiveness in fighting the illegal drug menace and its repercussions on the youth before the government implements it.
"Minor students have the right to invoke and demand fulfillment of their right to education, obliging government to respect the child's right to education as a constituent function," she noted.
She also believes studying the plan is in order, saying it's still unclear how government will protect the integrity of confidential random testing if private schools will conduct this activity.
"Implications abound necessitating standards to be strategized, validated and adapted," she said.
The CHR has sought postponement of the planned random testing, noting government has not even assessed the effectiveness and viability of such activity which it also conducted between 2003 and 2005.
To help address the illegal drug menace, the CHR reiterated its call for multi-sectoral consultations on the matter, up to the grassroots level, so the best strategies to fight illegal drug trade and use can be identified.
De Lima also said government must popularize drug dependents' voluntary submission to authorities tasked with helping them recover and start life anew.
"Explore the possibility of assessing the current status of drug use among the youth through other modalities like conduct of confidential key informant interviews," she added.
She noted that even the Department of Health used an interview-based independent study as reference for the random drug testing report it presented to the Dangerous Drugs Board. (PNA)
Peace talks take two to tango, reminds GRP`s Seguis
It takes two to (dance the) tango, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis reiterated today as he prepares to leave for Kuala Lumpur next week to personally convey to Malaysian authorities the Philippine government`s decision to resume stalled peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He was originally scheduled to depart last week but the trip was postponed.
Malaysia remains the central facilitator of the talks, which were abruptly scuttled last August after the MILF began attacking civilians in Mindanao based on what they claimed was government`s reneging on a supposed agreement for a distinct Bangsamoro homeland. Close to 800 Muslims and Christians died in the incursions and millions of pesos worth of property was lost and destroyed.
As in past conversations with the press, Seguis referred to the tango, a Latin dance genre where execution is perfected if the performing pair jibe with their steps, in response to the MILF`s declarations that it would not get back to the negotiating table unless they are assured first of a homeland.
``I always say it takes two to tango,`` Seguis said when reminded that the MILF remains at ``conditional resumption.``
Peace is not a one-sided affair, he added.
The homeland issue was contained in a so-called Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was to have been signed last August in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed among others by no less than the Malaysian foreign minister, the Asia regional representative of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the U.S. Ambassador in Manila.
But just before the fanfare-filled event, the case was questioned by Mindanao-based critics before the Philippine Supreme Court, which eventually declared that a ``juridical entity (homeland)`` for Philippine Muslims in Mindanao is unconstitutional.
Seguis said that as GRP chair, he is going to Malaysia duty-bound ``to do what it is supposed to do`` and claimed that he is not aware what the moves are of his MILF counterpart. The mechanism is that the parties would inform the facilitator (Malaysia), he reminded.
The Philippines News Agency (PNA) tried reaching some MILF officials for its moves, but failed.
While Malaysia remains the facilitator of the GRP-MILF talks, the issue of whether or not Kuala Lumpur would rejoin the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the talks has not been resolved as of date.
It looks like Brunei -- a long-time IMT member along with Libya, and much later, Japan -- would act as IMT head. In this case, they would have to send in more members to the IMT. At various times in the past six years of the IMT existence, Malaysia would have at least 20 volunteers, culled from the various armed services of its defense ministry.
When Malaysia`s tour of the IMT expired last November, its foreign ministry immediately announced non-renewal of its participation and released an official statement to the press, without first informing the DFA. (PNA)
RP exports to India seen to rise with the implementation of ASEAN-India FTA
NEW DELHI (PNA) -- Philippine exports to India, particularly agro-processed products, manufacturing and information technology services, are expected to increase tremendously with the implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This was bared in an interview here by Dr. Amit Mitra, secretary-general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, at the sidelines of the ongoing First Delhi Dialogue on Regional Security and Cooperation.
Mitra said an FTA with India means getting market access to the trillion-dollar Indian economy.
He said Philippine products can enter the huge Indian market once the FTA between the two regions is enforced.
Such agreement is scheduled to be signed during the ASEAN Summit by the end of next month in Thailand.
"(The) Philippines as a country can access a huge market -- India -- which today, we are missing that opportunity because our trade is very low relative to our potentials. So when there is an FTA, trade will develop,” he stressed.
Philippine-processed foods have real advantage in India, Mitra said, noting: “We need processed foods, vegetables; the Indian middle class is beginning to eat that.”
Philippine manufacturing products and IT services have also great potential of penetrating the Indian market, he added.
”You are very rich in agro-processed products, you have special niche area in manufacturing and you are very good in IT in certain niche. You can engage with us in these three areas immediately,” Mitra advised.
He said the industrial sectors in the Subic Special Economic Zone could export to India.
Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics of India indicated India’s imports from the Philippines rose by 48.98 percent to $ 181.92 million in 2004-2005 from just $ 122.11 million in 2003-2004.
Major Philippine exports to India were machinery and mechanical appliances; iron and steel; electrical machinery and equipment and parts; pearls, precious or semiprecious stones; paper and paperboard; copper and articles; auto parts; plastic and articles; organic chemicals; and animal fodder.
Other ASEAN countries to benefit from an FTA with India are Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, LAO PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia. (PNA)
Senate ratifies P1.415-trillion 2009 national budget
The Senate ratified on Thursday morning the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed P1.415-trillion national budget or General Appropriations Act of 2009.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Benigno Aquino III objected to the report when it was presented on the floor for ratification.
The House of Representatives earlier ratified the proposed 2009 national budget on Wednesday night.
After the Senate's ratification of the 2009 GAA, it will be transmitted to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for signing into law.
Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, presented on the floor the bicameral committee report containing a P50-billion economic stimulus package.
Sen. Lacson objected to what he called "insertion" of the stimulus package fund in the 2009 budget and threatened to question it before the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said 15 senators were present during Wednesday’s session which was suspended until this morning.
”It (the 2009 budget) is now ratified, next is the signature of the President,” Sen. Zubiri told Senate reporters after the Upper Chamber ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed 2009 General Appropriations Act. (PNA)
Setting a Course of Action for ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Jakarta
ASEAN,Sec-22 January 2009- The Meeting of the Ad-hoc Task Force on ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), comprising experts from the ASEAN Member States, gathered at the ASEAN Secretariat on 20-22 January 2009 to work on a regional strategy to facilitate the implementation of ASEAN GAP for fresh fruit and vegetables.
ASEAN GAP is a collection of principles to apply for on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products, while taking into account economic, social and environmental sustainability. Developed in 2007 under the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program, ASEAN GAP is a voluntary standard for good agriculture practices for fresh fruit and vegetables. It consists of four modules, namely, food safety, environmental management, worker health, safety and welfare, and produce quality.
Speaking at the Meeting, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Mr S. Pushpanathan said, “ASEAN GAP has been identified as an important measure guided by the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint to facilitate greater intra-regional and international trade. It is a flagship initiative to enhance the competitiveness of food and agriculture sectors and to better position ASEAN food and agriculture products in the global market and trade.”
“The challenges now lie in promoting the awareness and implementation of ASEAN GAP, strengthening national GAP programmes, raising recognition of ASEAN GAP at major world markets, and engaging the private sector to adopt and further develop ASEAN GAP,” he added.
To address these challenges, the Meeting concluded with a strategic plan and project proposals on sustaining the development of and enhancing ASEAN GAP, which will be submitted to the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops for endorsement in June 2009. The plan identified initial activities to be launched in 2009, which are to raise awareness of ASEAN GAP, benchmark national GAP with ASEAN GAP and enhance private sector engagement.
GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite – The country’ s economic zones turned in a total of P443 billion in export revenues and generate 177,000 jobs last year.
This is the combined figure reported by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the Board of Investments (BOI) to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her visit to the Gateway Business Park here this afternoon.
PEZA Director-General Lilia De Lima and Board of Investments (BOI) Governor Francis Ferrer, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Lito Atienza and Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza were among those who welcomed the President at the Gateway Business Park in Barangay Javalera here.
Also present were locators and investors led by Gateway Proper Holdings, Inc. (GPHI) chairman Geronimo delos Reyes Jr., and GPHI president Jaime Hidalgo.
In an interview, De Lima and Ferrer said the figure came from 894 investments and new projects approved by BOI and PEZA last year.
In their first meeting held last week, PEZA and BOI approved P7.965 billion worth of new investments, a 117-percent increase compared to the P3.66-billion figure for the same period last year, De Lima said.
Although De Lima and Ferrer admitted that there is a slowdown in the manufacturing industry, they said the closure of the Intel Corporation facility here would not affect most of its workers.
Intel Corp. announced today that it is cutting production at two US silicon wafer facilities and closing three overseas facilities -- two in Penang, Malaysia, and the third here at the Gateway Business Park which exports micro processors and electronic integrated circuits.
Intel said the plant shutdowns will be carried out before the end of the year.
In a news release, Intel said some of its workers could be offered positions at other facilities.
De Lima and Ferrer said majority of Intel’s workers here would be absorbed by its sister company, Newmonix, which had bought more than half of Intel’s facility here.
De Lima and Ferrer also said that Newmonix would be closing down its facility in Pudong, China and relocate here in the Philippines.
“That is the good news,” they said.
The President directed the two officials to continue assisting relocators and investors, including Filipino workers who might be retrenched, by way of the government’s jobs matching, training and retraining programs.
Ferrer said that based on experience at economic zones, the electronics industry makes a strong rebound after a slowdown.
The Gateway Business Park, Cavite’s premier industrial facility, employs some 16,000 workers and contributed at least $6 billion worth of exports last year.
Earlier, the President led the continuing government-church social development program at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church just outside the gates of the business park.
She also led the feeding program for school children and distributed scholarships and training certificates through the Archdiocese of Imus.
The President also witnessed the medical and dental mission at work here, and the establishment of Bigasan ng Parokya outlets. The Bigasan sells low-priced basic commodities such as NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo.
Among those who welcomed the President at the Guadalupe church were parish priest Fr. Cornelio Matanguihan, Diocese of Imus Social Action Center Dir. Fr. Alain Manalo, Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi, 2nd District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, 3rd District Rep Jesus Crispin Remulla, and General Trias Mayor Luis Ferrer IV.
The President has been leading the continuing provision of scholarships, trainings, livelihood and other social services for the poor families to ease the plight of the most vulnerable sectors of society in the midst of the global crisis.
PGMA inaugurates RP-Korea special health project for Caviteños
TRECE MARTIREZ CITY, Cavite – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo opened today the two-storey medical arts building of the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital (GEAMH), a special health project for the Cavitenos aimed at strengthening further the 60-year old ties between the Philippines and Korea.
Fresh from her civic and social works development activities at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and working luncheon with the top executives of the investor locators at the Gateway Business Park in General Trias town, the President motored here to lead the endorsement and formal inauguration of the medical arts building of the GEAMH under the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital (KPFH) Project Phase II.
Upon her arrival, the President cut the ribbon and unveiled the project marker of the newly-constructed $5.2 million two-storey medical arts building adjacent to the KPFH which the President inaugurated in August 2002.
Assisting the President in the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the marker were Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) president Park Dae-Won, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joongkyung, Cavite Governor Ireneo Maliksi, Cavite 2nd District Representative Elpidio Barzaga, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla and Trece Martirez City Mayor Virgilio De Sagun
In his welcome remarks, Governor Maliksi said the opening of the medical arts building of the GEAMH is part of the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital Phase II project.
He said the hospital project is the manifestation of the national government efforts thru the intercession of the President in helping the provincial government of Cavite to improve its health program.
He reported to the President that since 2002, the Korean government through KOICA has already given US$3.8 million for the construction of 100-bed capacity mother-and-child hospital and an extension clinic in Bacao, General Trias near Export Processing Zone Authority (EPZA) Rosario (Cavite).
He said the Phase I of the hospital project was made in response to the need for additional medical facilities in the province. For the past five years, the bed occupancy rate of the KPFH project increased from 39.63% to 73.72% in 2007.
Maliksi also told the President that in 2007 KOICA provided another grant of US$1.4 million for the Phase II project, which is the construction of the medical arts building, improvement of the existing hospital equipments and facilities, continuous training of the medical personnel and the dispatch of Korean health volunteer to look after medical needs of Koreans residing in Cavite.
During the endorsement and inaugural rites program, the President witnessed the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signifying the mutual cooperation and friendship between KOICA and provincial government of Cavite.
The MOA also envisioned to reduce poverty and improved the quality of health services of the residents, especially the poor families of Cavite.
Among the signatories in the 4-page agreement are the following: Governor Maliksi, provincial health officer Ma. Vilma V. Diez, MD, MHA, for the Philippine side, and Korean International Cooperation Agency president Eun Hong Lee and KOICA resident representative to the Philippines Kim In, for the Korean side.
Dureza’s request for lighter load to devote more time to his ailing wife triggered Cabinet shift – Ermita
It was the request of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza for a lighter load that triggered the latest Cabinet shift that served the double purpose of filling the vacancy earlier left by the Palace Counsel.
This was made clear today (Thursday, Jan. 22) by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita in an interview over DZRH where he stressed, thus: “Iyon ang nag-trigger – yung kay Dureza.”
Ermita recounted that “itong si Secretary Dureza, nagsabi sa akin na medyo dahil nga sa katayuan ng kanyang maybahay ay gusto niyang magsabi kay Presidente (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) kung maaring siya mabigyan ng isang posisyon na hindi kasing bigat ng ginagawa sa OPS (Office of the Press Secretary) na kung saan, maya’t maya, lagi siyang kasama ni Pangulo pag sa biyahe, lalo na local at international.”
Mrs. Elizabeth Salutillo-Dureza, who is based in Davao, is battling a kidney ailment.
“Sabi ko sa kanya (Secretary Dureza), siguro naman ay iyan ay papakinggan ng Pangulo. Nagkaroon siya ng pagkakataon na makausap si Pangulo -- kaya nasabi sa akin ni Presidente na, o sige, magaling naman na abugado si Jess (Dureza), at iyan naman ay placer sa Bar examination.
“Sabi niya (President Arroyo), ibigay natin iyong slot na na-vacate ni Serge Apostol – at siyempre pagka nag-ganyan (vacated post), ang iisipin naman, sino ang papalit?” added Ermita.
Dureza -- who placed #10th in the 1973 Bar Exams, scoring 100 percent in Criminal Law – is taking over Apostol’s vacated post as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel on Feb. 1.
As for Dureza’s replacement – Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde – Ermita said:
“Kita naman natin, si Secretary Cerge Remonde naman ay isang media man… kaya ipinilagay sa akin ni Pangulo si Cerge.
“Si Cerge naman, out of patriotic zeal, sabi niya, kung ano ang sabi ni Pangulo, kung saan ako makakatulong, okay lang.”
Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon, who is presently the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (PAPP), will take over Remonde at the PMA helm; while newly retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon Jr. will take over Esperon as PAPP
RP contributes to ASEAN’s continued humanitarian effort in Myanmar
The ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance received a US $ 50,000-donation from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through the Philippine Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar on Thursday.
The Fund is used for relief and recovery activities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in cyclone-hit Myanmar.
Dr. Anish Roy, special representative of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, received the contribution on behalf of Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The contribution from the Philippine government is to support ASEAN’s continued effort and leadership role in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for its continued support, which enables ASEAN to reinforce our assistance and commitment to the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis,” said Dr. Roy.
Contributions made to the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance have been utilized to help people recover their livelihoods through community-based early recovery projects in the cyclone-affected areas as well as in disaster risk management and other Nargis-related activities. (PNA)
PGMA inaugurates 6 bridges in Cavite
President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo led the unveiling of the marker for the Mabacao Bridge in Maragondon, Cavite to mark the inauguration on Thursday of six bridges in different parts of the province.
The six bridges are the 88-lineal-meter steel I-beam girder Mabacao Bridge in Maragondon; the 26-meter H-beam girder Salitran Bridge and the 25-meter pre-stressed concrete deck girder Piela Bridge, both in Dasmarinas; the Catmon Bridge and Lipa Bridge, both 21 meters in length and reinforced concrete girder-type, and the 27-meter pre-stressed concrete deck girder Pajo Bridge in Alfonso.
The bridges were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-President's Bridge Program through the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD), a foreign-assisted project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The newly-completed bridges are part of the 64 bridges under Contract Package lll project.
President Arroyo was joined in the inaugural ceremony by DPWH Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr., Undersecretary Ramon P. Aquino, Region IV-A Director Bonifacio Seguit and President's Bridge Program Executive Director Emil K. Sadain
Ebdane presented to the President the project profile of the newly-completed bridges in Cavite in the presence of local officials, including Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla and Maragondon Mayor Monte Andaman. (PNA)
CHR fears drop in school attendance and enrollment due to random drug testing
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) warned about a possible drop in school attendance and enrollment if government pursues its planned random drug testing for students.
"The danger could be that students who are users of illegal drugs will neither attend school nor enroll simply to avoid being part of the sampling," CHR Chairperson Leila de Lima said.
If this happens, she fears the testing itself will hamper learning and promoting children's right to education.
"Does this not make random drug testing counter-productive for don't we aspire that our children remain in school instead of being impelled to be out of it?" she asked.
CHR, the independent body tasked with promoting human rights nationwide, called for assessing the random drug testing's effectiveness in fighting the illegal drug menace and its repercussions on the youth before the government implements it.
"Minor students have the right to invoke and demand fulfillment of their right to education, obliging government to respect the child's right to education as a constituent function," she noted.
She also believes studying the plan is in order, saying it's still unclear how government will protect the integrity of confidential random testing if private schools will conduct this activity.
"Implications abound necessitating standards to be strategized, validated and adapted," she said.
The CHR has sought postponement of the planned random testing, noting government has not even assessed the effectiveness and viability of such activity which it also conducted between 2003 and 2005.
To help address the illegal drug menace, the CHR reiterated its call for multi-sectoral consultations on the matter, up to the grassroots level, so the best strategies to fight illegal drug trade and use can be identified.
De Lima also said government must popularize drug dependents' voluntary submission to authorities tasked with helping them recover and start life anew.
"Explore the possibility of assessing the current status of drug use among the youth through other modalities like conduct of confidential key informant interviews," she added.
She noted that even the Department of Health used an interview-based independent study as reference for the random drug testing report it presented to the Dangerous Drugs Board. (PNA)
Peace talks take two to tango, reminds GRP`s Seguis
It takes two to (dance the) tango, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis reiterated today as he prepares to leave for Kuala Lumpur next week to personally convey to Malaysian authorities the Philippine government`s decision to resume stalled peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He was originally scheduled to depart last week but the trip was postponed.
Malaysia remains the central facilitator of the talks, which were abruptly scuttled last August after the MILF began attacking civilians in Mindanao based on what they claimed was government`s reneging on a supposed agreement for a distinct Bangsamoro homeland. Close to 800 Muslims and Christians died in the incursions and millions of pesos worth of property was lost and destroyed.
As in past conversations with the press, Seguis referred to the tango, a Latin dance genre where execution is perfected if the performing pair jibe with their steps, in response to the MILF`s declarations that it would not get back to the negotiating table unless they are assured first of a homeland.
``I always say it takes two to tango,`` Seguis said when reminded that the MILF remains at ``conditional resumption.``
Peace is not a one-sided affair, he added.
The homeland issue was contained in a so-called Memorandum of Agreement on the Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) that was to have been signed last August in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed among others by no less than the Malaysian foreign minister, the Asia regional representative of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the U.S. Ambassador in Manila.
But just before the fanfare-filled event, the case was questioned by Mindanao-based critics before the Philippine Supreme Court, which eventually declared that a ``juridical entity (homeland)`` for Philippine Muslims in Mindanao is unconstitutional.
Seguis said that as GRP chair, he is going to Malaysia duty-bound ``to do what it is supposed to do`` and claimed that he is not aware what the moves are of his MILF counterpart. The mechanism is that the parties would inform the facilitator (Malaysia), he reminded.
The Philippines News Agency (PNA) tried reaching some MILF officials for its moves, but failed.
While Malaysia remains the facilitator of the GRP-MILF talks, the issue of whether or not Kuala Lumpur would rejoin the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the talks has not been resolved as of date.
It looks like Brunei -- a long-time IMT member along with Libya, and much later, Japan -- would act as IMT head. In this case, they would have to send in more members to the IMT. At various times in the past six years of the IMT existence, Malaysia would have at least 20 volunteers, culled from the various armed services of its defense ministry.
When Malaysia`s tour of the IMT expired last November, its foreign ministry immediately announced non-renewal of its participation and released an official statement to the press, without first informing the DFA. (PNA)
RP exports to India seen to rise with the implementation of ASEAN-India FTA
NEW DELHI (PNA) -- Philippine exports to India, particularly agro-processed products, manufacturing and information technology services, are expected to increase tremendously with the implementation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This was bared in an interview here by Dr. Amit Mitra, secretary-general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, at the sidelines of the ongoing First Delhi Dialogue on Regional Security and Cooperation.
Mitra said an FTA with India means getting market access to the trillion-dollar Indian economy.
He said Philippine products can enter the huge Indian market once the FTA between the two regions is enforced.
Such agreement is scheduled to be signed during the ASEAN Summit by the end of next month in Thailand.
"(The) Philippines as a country can access a huge market -- India -- which today, we are missing that opportunity because our trade is very low relative to our potentials. So when there is an FTA, trade will develop,” he stressed.
Philippine-processed foods have real advantage in India, Mitra said, noting: “We need processed foods, vegetables; the Indian middle class is beginning to eat that.”
Philippine manufacturing products and IT services have also great potential of penetrating the Indian market, he added.
”You are very rich in agro-processed products, you have special niche area in manufacturing and you are very good in IT in certain niche. You can engage with us in these three areas immediately,” Mitra advised.
He said the industrial sectors in the Subic Special Economic Zone could export to India.
Data from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics of India indicated India’s imports from the Philippines rose by 48.98 percent to $ 181.92 million in 2004-2005 from just $ 122.11 million in 2003-2004.
Major Philippine exports to India were machinery and mechanical appliances; iron and steel; electrical machinery and equipment and parts; pearls, precious or semiprecious stones; paper and paperboard; copper and articles; auto parts; plastic and articles; organic chemicals; and animal fodder.
Other ASEAN countries to benefit from an FTA with India are Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, LAO PDR, Myanmar and Cambodia. (PNA)
Senate ratifies P1.415-trillion 2009 national budget
The Senate ratified on Thursday morning the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed P1.415-trillion national budget or General Appropriations Act of 2009.
Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Benigno Aquino III objected to the report when it was presented on the floor for ratification.
The House of Representatives earlier ratified the proposed 2009 national budget on Wednesday night.
After the Senate's ratification of the 2009 GAA, it will be transmitted to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for signing into law.
Sen. Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee, presented on the floor the bicameral committee report containing a P50-billion economic stimulus package.
Sen. Lacson objected to what he called "insertion" of the stimulus package fund in the 2009 budget and threatened to question it before the Supreme Court.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said 15 senators were present during Wednesday’s session which was suspended until this morning.
”It (the 2009 budget) is now ratified, next is the signature of the President,” Sen. Zubiri told Senate reporters after the Upper Chamber ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the proposed 2009 General Appropriations Act. (PNA)
Setting a Course of Action for ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Jakarta
ASEAN,Sec-22 January 2009- The Meeting of the Ad-hoc Task Force on ASEAN Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), comprising experts from the ASEAN Member States, gathered at the ASEAN Secretariat on 20-22 January 2009 to work on a regional strategy to facilitate the implementation of ASEAN GAP for fresh fruit and vegetables.
ASEAN GAP is a collection of principles to apply for on-farm production and post-production processes, resulting in safe and healthy food and non-food agricultural products, while taking into account economic, social and environmental sustainability. Developed in 2007 under the ASEAN-Australia Development Cooperation Program, ASEAN GAP is a voluntary standard for good agriculture practices for fresh fruit and vegetables. It consists of four modules, namely, food safety, environmental management, worker health, safety and welfare, and produce quality.
Speaking at the Meeting, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Mr S. Pushpanathan said, “ASEAN GAP has been identified as an important measure guided by the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint to facilitate greater intra-regional and international trade. It is a flagship initiative to enhance the competitiveness of food and agriculture sectors and to better position ASEAN food and agriculture products in the global market and trade.”
“The challenges now lie in promoting the awareness and implementation of ASEAN GAP, strengthening national GAP programmes, raising recognition of ASEAN GAP at major world markets, and engaging the private sector to adopt and further develop ASEAN GAP,” he added.
To address these challenges, the Meeting concluded with a strategic plan and project proposals on sustaining the development of and enhancing ASEAN GAP, which will be submitted to the ASEAN Sectoral Working Group on Crops for endorsement in June 2009. The plan identified initial activities to be launched in 2009, which are to raise awareness of ASEAN GAP, benchmark national GAP with ASEAN GAP and enhance private sector engagement.
PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, January 21, 2009
State, Church to assist flashflood victims resume their normal lives – PGMA
CAGAYAN DE ORO -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to extend all possible assistance to the flashflood victims in this city so they can go back to their normal lives.
“The church and state are in close collaboration to uplift the lives of the poor,'' the President said to a cheering crowd of some 1,000 flashflood victims who trooped to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish church, where the President personally supervised the delivery of basic social services to the city's flashflood victims.
The government and the church have recently teamed up to ensure the delivery of the basic needs to the less fortunate all over the country. The Cagayan de Oro event was the first of this continuing government-church collaboration to uplift the lives of the poor carried out outside Metro Manila.
The government assistance program was launched last Friday in Don Bosco, Tondo and similar activities were conducted in Malibay, Pasay City and Project 7 in Quezon City this week.
Upon arrival at Mt. Carmel Parish church in Cagayan de Oro City, the President led the feeding program for 100 school children, ages 6 to 10, of the West City Central Elementary School whose families were displaced by the recent flooding.
The children were served chicken noodle soup with carrots, fruit juice drinks and vitamin A-fortified pandesal.
After the feeding activity, the President led the distribution of 2,000 family packs to the flashflood victims who were pre-identified by the parish.
The President also awarded TESDA scholarship certificates to out-of-school-youth to enable them to undergo job training activities.
''Let us pray for one another,'' the President said as she expressed her sympathy to the flood victims.
A medical mission spearheaded by the Office of the President-People's Government Mobile Action Team offered free medical services to residents of the sick in the community.
Northern Mindanao stands to benefit from PGMA's P815-M road project in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -The farming communities in the five provinces and two cities in Region 10 or Northern Mindanao stand to greatly benefit from the P815-M Cagayan de Oro 3rd Bridge and Access Road project, a priority infrastructure project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Northern Mindanao whose economy is mainly agricultural-based is composed of the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
The President, who arrived here this morning, inspected the Puntod-Kauswagan section of the said P815-million road project.
She was given a briefing on the progress done on the project by Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10 Director Jerome de la Rosa and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula.
The road project, when completed will be the alternate route entry in the west and east. It is also expected to reduce vehicular traffic especially along the major highway leading to the Port of Cagayan de Oro, thereby enhancing socio-economic activities in the area.
Thus, agricultural produce from Northern Mindanao, and nearby provinces, can now be transported much faster and more efficient to the Visayas and even Luzon.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has so far accomplished 89.46 percent of the programmed works for the bridge project that links the city port road in barangay Puntod to the national highway in Opol, Misamis Oriental.
The project involves the construction of a 352-linear-meter long, four-lane pre-stressed concrete bridge with 11 spans; and the concreting of 8.46 kilometers of a four-lane road pavement along the coastal route.
Statement of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza
I feel greatly privileged and honored to be chosen by Her Excellency the President as her Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
Being the President’s legal adviser will bring me new challenges and fresh work perspectives. This will be an enriching experience for me.
My stint as Press Secretary for seven months allowed me to revisit my first career as a journalist. It gave me a chance to work closely with my former colleagues in the media as well as new media acquaintances along the way. I thank the different units of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) and the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) for the support they have given me as Press Secretary.
As Palace Lawyer, I will be working in a field where I have also devoted many of my fruitful years – as law practitioner and in the government. In this new assignment, I will continue to connect with the press and the public.
I thank Her Excellency, the President , for her trust and confidence.
PGMA follows up her directives on rehab of infra projects damaged by floods
CAGAYAN de ORO CITY - Two weeks after she presided over the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCCs) of Regions 10 and 13 in Mambajao, Camiguin, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is back in this city to follow-up her directives on the immediate rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure facilities and the relocation of the flood victims, specifically in Region 10 or Northern Mindanao.
''What has been done?'' the President asked officials of RDCC-10.
She also reiterated her order to rehabilitate damaged government infrastructure facilities, reforest denuded areas and relocate the displaced flood victims.
''We must now go for massive reforestation,'' the President said.
She said that Secretary Romulo Neri, who is in-charge of emergency employment for Region 10, will be arriving this afternoon to discuss plans for the employment of indigenous people in the reforestation program.
The President also followed up her directive for the relocation of residents in flood-prone areas, especially Isla de Oro and Isla Bacsan in this city.
She instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct skills training for the affected families.
She also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately start the dredging of the heavily-silted Mandulog River and the mouth of the Cagayan de Oro River.
''Our priority is dredging of the mouth of Cagayan de Oro River and relocation,'' she said.
The President underscored the need for a geological hazard assessment of the relocation sites.
During the meeting, the President was informed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) had already started distributing rice and corn seeds to farmers whose crops were damaged by the floods.
The DA has also allocated some P10 million for the repair of damaged irrigation facilities.
After Cagayan de Oro, the President proceeded to Surigao City to preside over another RDCC meeting.
PGMA names Dureza as Presidential Legal Counsel; Remonde as Press Secretary
Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza is moving on to become the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel while Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Cerge Remonde will become Press Secretary.
This Cabinet “shifting” to take effect on Feb. 1 was announced by Executive Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Eduardo Ermita in his weekly press conference with the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) this afternoon (Jan. 21).
To replace Remonde as PMS head is Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr.; and to take over him as PAPP is retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon, presently the deputy national security adviser.
The outgoing press secretary and incoming palace lawyer – who had requested President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a lighter assignment in the meantime as his wife, the former Elizabeth Salutillo, battles a debilitating kidney ailment – thanked the President for “her trust and confidence.”
Dureza, who studied Law at the Ateneo de Davao Law School, placed 10th in the 1973 Philippine Bar Exams, scoring 100 percent in Criminal Law. Thus, he has “very good credentials as Presidential Legal Counsel,” said Ermita.
In his statement, Dureza said, “I feel greatly privileged and honored to be chosen by Her Excellency the President as her Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.”
“Being the President’s legal adviser will bring me new challenges and fresh work perspectives. This will be an enriching experience for me,” said Dureza who added that “as Palace Lawyer, I will be working in a field where I have also devoted many of my fruitful years – as law practitioner and in the government.”
“In this new assignment, I will continue to connect with the press and the public,” said Dureza, pointing out that his stint as Press Secretary for seven months “allowed me to revisit my first career as a journalist.”
“It gave me a chance to work closely with my former colleagues in the media as well as new media acquaintances along the way. I thank the different units of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) and the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) for the support they have given me as Press Secretary.”
Remonde, who will take over Dureza, was a former six-term chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and is also “angkop na angkop” as OPS head, said Ermita.
Meanwhile, Ermita revealed Esperon recommended his Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1974 “classmate” Razon to take his place, as both the Armed Forces and the PNP are “deeply involved in peace and security.”
'Strong economy' remains PGMA's top priority
Roxas City - Maintaining the "strong growing economy" remains the highest priority of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
This is the reason why the government is planning ahead for better days ahead while preparing for the worse of crisis.
President Arroyo said that her administration has worked fervently- even before the crisis took root - to cushion the blow to the Filipino people.
The President said that "maintaining a strong growing economy" is of highest priority to her administration in order to eradicate the decades-long problem of poverty in the country and ensure that safety nets are in place for the most vulnerable sector-- the poorest of the poor.
As a result of the successful implementation of the Arroyo administration's financial reforms and sound fiscal management, the country has avoided the full brunt of the economic downturn to the Philippine economy.
She revealed that because of the tough economic reforms and sound fiscal management since 2001, the Philippine economy has posted an uninterrupted
President Arroyo revealed that said uninterrupted growth has cut down the rate of poverty in the country and raised the annual average of new employment.
"With the revenues from the expanded value-added tax and alcohol and tobacco excise tax, we have been able to expand access to healthcare as never before," she said, adding that health insurance now covers 74 percent of the population, public hospitals are being upgraded, and the poor can buy their essential medicines at half the price of year 2000.
The President also said that "our social services now include a 10-billion-peso budget for targeted cash payments to the poorest of the poor, conditioned on their children going to school."
Earlier, the Philippines received favorable assessments from Fitch ratings agency, Credit Suisse, Bank of New York Mellon, JP Morgan, and Standard and Poor's on the country's ability to weather the global downturn. (PIA)
OFW remittances to grow further in 2009
Financial analysts expect overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances to continue its modest growth this year due to higher deployments despite fears the global financial crisis would lead to smaller money transfers.
Sun Life chief investment officer Michael Manuel said continued high remittances of OFWs would also temper the economic slow down in the country. There are at least 8 million Filipinos working abroad.
“The robust flow of dollars is attributed to higher demand for Filipino skills and talent abroad,” Manuel said.
Besides boosting consumer spending, remittances increase the Philippines’ foreign exchange reserves, further strengthening the country’s capacity to pay for debt and cover import costs such as oil and raw materials used for exports.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that major sources of remittances were from US, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
OFW remittances in November went up by 10.5 percent.
The data also indicated that in October 2008 alone, OFW remittances reached USD1.4 billion—the highest monthly inflow recorded since 1989. It brought the 10-month remittance figure to USD13.7 billion, 15.5 percent higher than the inflows for the same period in 2007.
Meanwhile, preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration indicated that the number of Filipinos deployed overseas grew by more than 26 percent to 1.005 million in November last year compared with 798,731 in 2007.
Newly hired Filipinos were mostly deployed to the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait; and Taiwan and Hong Kong in Asia.
Some analysts, however, said the adverse effects of the global credit crunch might be felt in 2010 due to slower deployment of Filipino workers abroad in the second half of this year. (PNA)
BFAD, health officials monitoring Aklan stores for recalled peanut butter
Kalibo, Aklan - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) here are currently monitoring grocery stores for recalled peanut butter.
The monitoring of stores here is being conducted in the wake of BFAD Advisory No. 2009-001 which was received by the DOH here through Food and Drug Regulation Officer II Mabel Concepcion from the DOH and BFAD Central Office about the immediate recall of selected brands of peanut butter and Peanut Butter and Peanut Paste-containing products from the United States of America.
The advisory contained a list of certain brands of peanut butter and other peanut paste-containing products that were reportedly recalled or withdrawn from the USA market because of possible risk of Salmonella contamination.
According to the DOH and BFAD, this came after the company Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter paste for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries and private label food companies reportedly announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because of potential Salmonella contamination.
Listed in the advisory are products like King Nut peanut butter with lot codes beginning with "8"; Peanut Corporation of America peanut butter and peanut paste products with lot numbers affected; Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers, and select snack-size of Famous Amos Peanut butter cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter cookies of Kellogg Company.
Also listed are Hy-Vee Inc. products made in its bakery departments, select ice cream products of Perry's Ice Cream containing peanut butter; various candies containing peanut butter of South Blend Chocolate Company, and Little Debbie Peanut butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers of McKee Foods Corporation.
With this current health concern, the DOH and BFAD are advising consumers not to eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them; and postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.
Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised by the DOH to consult their health care providers.
For distributors, importers and retailers, the DOH advised them to stop importing and selling recalled products.
For Aklanons who are fund peanut butter, Concepcion advised them to be vigilant and be aware of the brands of recalled peanut butter, and to notify authorities of the presence in grocery stores if they see such items.
Concepcion also called on consumers that instead of buying imported peanut butter, they should buy our Philippine-produced brands.
"This way, we show our patriotism and at the same time help our local producers and businessmen," Concepcion said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines contributes to ASEAN’s continued humanitarian effort in Myanmar
Yangon, 21 January 2009--The ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance received a US$50,000-donation from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through the Embassy of the Philippines in Yangon , Myanmar today. The Fund is used for ASEAN’s relief and recovery activities in cyclone-hit Myanmar .
Dr Anish Roy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, received the contribution on behalf of Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The contribution from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is to support ASEAN’s continued effort and leadership role in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar .
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for its continued support, which enables ASEAN to reinforce our assistance and commitment to the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis,” said Dr Roy.
Contributions made to the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance have been utilised to help people recover their livelihoods through community-based early recovery projects in the cyclone-affected areas as well as in disaster risk management and other Nargis-related activities.
The United Kingdom Appoints Ambassador to ASEAN
ASEAN Secretariat, 20 January 2009--The United Kingdom has appointed Martin Hatfull as its first Ambassador to ASEAN.
Welcoming news of the appointment, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, said, “We thank the UK for this significant gesture which underscores the importance that the UK attaches to ASEAN. We look forward to working with Ambassador Hatfull to build closer ties bilaterally and to further strengthen our relationship with the European Union, which the UK is a member of.”
With the appointment of Ambassador Hatfull, the UK became the first member state of the European Union to appoint its Ambassador to ASEAN. The European Union has established dialogue relations with ASEAN since 1972.
Ambassador Hatfull is concurrently the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Indonesia .
Under the ASEAN Charter, non-ASEAN Member States and relevant inter-governmental organisations may appoint Ambassadors to ASEAN.
Passage of P1.4-trillion 2009 national budget
The P1.4-trillion national budget for 2009 is expected to pass muster at the bicameral conference committee this week and would most likely be ready for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s signing into law in two weeks.
This was disclosed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during his weekly media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang.
At a dinner with House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate Finance Committee chair Sen. Edgardo Angara last night, he was assured of the passage of the budget bill at the bicameral conference committee level this week, Ermita said.
“They assured me that barring any untoward incident, they (bicam) can pass, if not today, by Friday, the budget measure,” said Ermita, referring to Angara and Nograles.
Once approved by the bicameral conference committee, the budget proposal goes to both Houses of Congress for third and final reading.
“So let us watch out for the announcement coming from the Senate,” Ermita added.
After the passage of the budget proposal by the Senate and House of Representatives, the measure will then be sent to Malacanang for signing by the President.
“It could very well be towards the end of the month when the enrolled budget is sent to the palace for signature of the President,” Ermita said.
The government is pushing for the immediate passage of the P1.4-trillion 2009 budget which provides funding for programs designed to mitigate the possible adverse effects of the global crisis on the Philippines.
Palace statement on the swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States Thru: Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo
The President finds President Obama’s inaugural address profoundly moving and inspiring. His words deeply resonate with the President’s dream for the nation and the world -- to celebrate and welcome hope, to allow peace and cooperation to reign and to triumph over the economic and diplomatic challenges that we face.
We are two nations blessed with two leaders bound by the same vision and ideology.
We will continue to strive to make our people proud, to champion our cause and give Filipinos the government they deserve.
Dinagat Islanders get P1M for repair of their seawall and water system
TUBAJON, Dinagat Islands (Off Northern Surigao) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today gave a P1-million check to this municipality for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of its seawall and water system which was damaged when a storm struck this island last Jan. 10.
The President handed the check to Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib during her visit here this afternoon.
A storm struck the municipality of Tubajon last Jan. 10 while most of the residents were at home sleeping.
Luib, in an interview, said the storm surge brought thousands of gallons of sea water into their town and immediately overwhelmed and inundated their seawall and water system.
A total of 872 families here were affected by the storm which also affected the nearby towns of Libgo and Loreto.
Prior to her awarding of the check-donation, the President, who arrived here at around 1:30 p.m., was given a briefing by Luib on the devastation wrought by the storm.
He said P5 million would be needed to rebuild the damaged portion of the seawall while P500,000 is needed to repair the water system.
The President then led the initial distribution of food packs to some 1,300 families from the nine barangays of Tubajon and nearby municipalities which were affected by the storm.
Luib thanked the President for taking the time to empathize with his provincemates who are still suffering from the effects of the storm surge.
The donation, he said, would go a long way in alleviating their plight.
PGMA to DILG, DDB & PDEA: Update listing of known drug lords
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to continue updating the list of known drug lords, monitor their activities, pinpoint drug havens including trafficking of suspected personalities or drug lords.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President reminded the three government agencies at yesterday’s (Tuesday) Cabinet meeting on their commitment to put a stop to the trade and use of illegal drugs.
Ermita said the President gave the instructions to DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, DDB Chairman Vicente Sotto III and PDEA Director- General Dionisio Santiago Jr.
The President also instructed the DILG to ensure that local government units (LGUs) are updated in the government’s drive against illegal drugs, Ermita said.
Ermita added that this is because of a report that a few local government executives (LGEs), members of the police and employees of the judiciary are allegedly in cahoots and even “tipping off some of the pushers and even the drug lords whenever search warrants are issued.”
“So, the Secretary of local governments was told to remind them to be attuned to the policy of the administration to be on hand in the fight against drug abuse,” Ermita said.
The President also instructed to intensify intelligence work, citing its importance to put a stop to illegal drug activities, Ermita said.
“The President said, ‘Take a look at it very closely to prevent these people from continuing with their illegal activities,’” said Ermita.
Aside from posting undercover agents in suspected places, Ermita said the President also called for the acquisition and training of drug-sniffing dogs.
The President also ordered the Solicitor General to relentlessly pursue drug-related cases to make the anti-illegal drug campaign more effective and successful, Ermita said.
PGMA orders immediate repair of irrigation facilities in Caraga Region damaged by flooding
SURIGAO CITY—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of the irrigation facilities in the CARAGA region to ensure the steady supply of rice and other agricultural products in the areas.
The President issued the directive following reports on the heavy damage to agriculture caused by the massive flooding in the region over the weekend.
“The restoration of the agriculture facilities, particularly the irrigation system is urgent. It would be better if we can accelerate the repair and rehabilitation efforts of the irrigation system, considering that the Agusan del Sur is one of the major rice producers in the country,” the President told during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Region 13 meeting at the Surigao City Airport here.
Data from the RDCC-Caraga Region as of Jan. 21 showed that damage to irrigation system was estimated at P62-million with Agusan del Sur as badly hit, amounting to P37-million.
“If you could do it by March, it would be better,” the President said, in reference to the immediate repair of the irrigation facilities.
Democratico Grana, regional director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said some P42-million is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of the region’s irrigation facilities.
To hasten the rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Executive asked NIA to apply labor intensive methods by tapping the services of the local people and the purchasing of materials within the areas.
The President also ordered the agriculture department to immediately distribute the 8,500 bags of certified seeds to farmers as replenishment to crops damaged by floods.
RDCC-Caraga Region data further showed that total damage to agriculture in the whole region was estimated at P145,302,287, broken down as follows: Agusan del Sur, P79,892,377; Agusan del Norte, P27,237,660; Surigao del Norte, P22,197,250; Surigao del Sur, P12,929,000 and Dinagat Province, P3,046,000.
PGMA cites DPWH for job well done in Surigao
SURIGAO CITY - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local executives for the immediate restoration of major national highways in the Caraga region that were heavily affected by the recent massive flooding in the areas.
“Very good. Nice to hear that,” the President said after being informed about the quick clearing, backfiling and declogging operations on the 362.98- kilometer highway that were impassable last week as a result of floods and landslides brought by prolonged heavy rainfall in the region.
“All the roads and bridges are now passable,” RDCC-13 chairman Police Supt. Jaime Eloreta Milla said as he briefed the President on the flood situation during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) at the Surigao City airport here.
“Since we don’t have any problems on the major roads, I am asking you to re-assess the extent of damage on the secondary roads,” the Chief Executive said.
Continuous heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front resulted to the damage in the region’s infrastructures estimated at P460, 853,200.
RDCC-Caraga region report showed that Agusan del Sur was worst hit, with damage amounting to P42,767,200. This was followed by Agusan del Norte, P39,310,000; Dinagat Province, P14,596,600; Surigao del Norte, P13,905,690; Surigao del Sur, P2,960,000.
Report from Department of Public Works and Highways, on the other, showed that the amount of damage to region’s roads and bridges is estimated at P348,123,710.
PGMA in Gen. Trias, Cavite Thursday for continuing gov’t-church social dev’t program
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in General Trias, Cavite on Thursday to lead the continuing government-church social development program for the poor and to visit the Gateway Business Park, Cavite’s premier industrial facility.
The Gateway Business Park, located in Barangay Javalera, employs some 16,000 workers and contributed at least $6 billion worth of exports last year.
At the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the President will lead the feeding program for street children, and hand over certificates of commitment for the state-church activity through the Archdiocese of Imus.
The President will also witness the medical & dental mission, and the establishment of ‘Bigasan ng Parokya’ outlets which sell low-priced basic commodities such as the NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo.
On hand to assist the President are parish priest Fr. Cornelio Matanguihan, Diocese of Imus Social Action Center director Fr. Alain Manalo, Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi, 2nd District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla, and General Trias Mayor Luis Ferrer IV.
The President has been leading the continuing provision of scholarships, trainings, livelihood and other social services for the country’s poor families to ease the plight of the most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly in the light of the projected persistence of the global crisis this year.
Afterwards, the President will proceed and host lunch at the Gateway Business Park for locators and investors led by Gateway Proper Holdings, Inc. (GPHI) chairman Geronimo delos Reyes Jr., and GPHI president Jaime Hidalgo.
Expected to accompany the President to the Cavite events are Environment Secretary Jose Lito Atienza, Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) Director-General Lilia de Lima, and Board of Investments (BOI) governor Francis Ferrer.
The President will later inaugurate the P90-million Mabacao Bridge in Barangay Tulay, Maragondon, Cavite; and the Medical Arts Building of the Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martirez City.
PGMA visit 'answered prayer' for Tubajon mayor and constituents
TUBAJON, Dinagat Islands – For Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to his municipality this afternoon (Jan. 21) was an "answered prayer" to his plea for assistance for his constituents suffering from the effects of a storm surge that hit their town last January 10.
"My constituents and I are honored that our President chose to visit us in our time of need. Her visit is the answer to our prayers for assistance from this ordeal," Luib said in an interview before the arrival of the President here.
A storm surge -- or an offshore rise in water level brought by the non-stop rains in the region -- struck here last January 10, a Saturday, and destroyed the municipality's seawall and water system.
Since then, the residents have been living in fear of another storm surge strike and without potable water.
Concerned that the municipality of Tubajon and its residents have been left defenseless by the damaged seawall and are now open to disease outbreaks due to lack of clean water, President Arroyo gave a P1-million check to Luib with instructions that repair and rehabilitation work be immediately done on vital infrastructures.
Upon receiving the check, Luib thanked God for the President's "gift" and said, "Binigay ito ng Diyos kasi alam Niya na kailangan namin ang pag-bisita ng Presidente."
"Pinaka-malayo kami sa Malacañang na halos hindi kami maka-abot sa Malacañang; pero ito, dinalaw kami ni Presidente Arroyo," Luib said, still in shock and awe at the event unfolding before his eyes.
"I repeat -- I thank God and I thank the President for coming here para makita niya ang real situation ng bayan ko and the real situation ng mga tao," Luib added.
CAGAYAN DE ORO -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo vowed today to extend all possible assistance to the flashflood victims in this city so they can go back to their normal lives.
“The church and state are in close collaboration to uplift the lives of the poor,'' the President said to a cheering crowd of some 1,000 flashflood victims who trooped to the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish church, where the President personally supervised the delivery of basic social services to the city's flashflood victims.
The government and the church have recently teamed up to ensure the delivery of the basic needs to the less fortunate all over the country. The Cagayan de Oro event was the first of this continuing government-church collaboration to uplift the lives of the poor carried out outside Metro Manila.
The government assistance program was launched last Friday in Don Bosco, Tondo and similar activities were conducted in Malibay, Pasay City and Project 7 in Quezon City this week.
Upon arrival at Mt. Carmel Parish church in Cagayan de Oro City, the President led the feeding program for 100 school children, ages 6 to 10, of the West City Central Elementary School whose families were displaced by the recent flooding.
The children were served chicken noodle soup with carrots, fruit juice drinks and vitamin A-fortified pandesal.
After the feeding activity, the President led the distribution of 2,000 family packs to the flashflood victims who were pre-identified by the parish.
The President also awarded TESDA scholarship certificates to out-of-school-youth to enable them to undergo job training activities.
''Let us pray for one another,'' the President said as she expressed her sympathy to the flood victims.
A medical mission spearheaded by the Office of the President-People's Government Mobile Action Team offered free medical services to residents of the sick in the community.
Northern Mindanao stands to benefit from PGMA's P815-M road project in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -The farming communities in the five provinces and two cities in Region 10 or Northern Mindanao stand to greatly benefit from the P815-M Cagayan de Oro 3rd Bridge and Access Road project, a priority infrastructure project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Northern Mindanao whose economy is mainly agricultural-based is composed of the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
The President, who arrived here this morning, inspected the Puntod-Kauswagan section of the said P815-million road project.
She was given a briefing on the progress done on the project by Department of Public Works and Highways Region 10 Director Jerome de la Rosa and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula.
The road project, when completed will be the alternate route entry in the west and east. It is also expected to reduce vehicular traffic especially along the major highway leading to the Port of Cagayan de Oro, thereby enhancing socio-economic activities in the area.
Thus, agricultural produce from Northern Mindanao, and nearby provinces, can now be transported much faster and more efficient to the Visayas and even Luzon.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has so far accomplished 89.46 percent of the programmed works for the bridge project that links the city port road in barangay Puntod to the national highway in Opol, Misamis Oriental.
The project involves the construction of a 352-linear-meter long, four-lane pre-stressed concrete bridge with 11 spans; and the concreting of 8.46 kilometers of a four-lane road pavement along the coastal route.
Statement of Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza
I feel greatly privileged and honored to be chosen by Her Excellency the President as her Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
Being the President’s legal adviser will bring me new challenges and fresh work perspectives. This will be an enriching experience for me.
My stint as Press Secretary for seven months allowed me to revisit my first career as a journalist. It gave me a chance to work closely with my former colleagues in the media as well as new media acquaintances along the way. I thank the different units of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) and the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) for the support they have given me as Press Secretary.
As Palace Lawyer, I will be working in a field where I have also devoted many of my fruitful years – as law practitioner and in the government. In this new assignment, I will continue to connect with the press and the public.
I thank Her Excellency, the President , for her trust and confidence.
PGMA follows up her directives on rehab of infra projects damaged by floods
CAGAYAN de ORO CITY - Two weeks after she presided over the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCCs) of Regions 10 and 13 in Mambajao, Camiguin, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is back in this city to follow-up her directives on the immediate rehabilitation of flood-damaged infrastructure facilities and the relocation of the flood victims, specifically in Region 10 or Northern Mindanao.
''What has been done?'' the President asked officials of RDCC-10.
She also reiterated her order to rehabilitate damaged government infrastructure facilities, reforest denuded areas and relocate the displaced flood victims.
''We must now go for massive reforestation,'' the President said.
She said that Secretary Romulo Neri, who is in-charge of emergency employment for Region 10, will be arriving this afternoon to discuss plans for the employment of indigenous people in the reforestation program.
The President also followed up her directive for the relocation of residents in flood-prone areas, especially Isla de Oro and Isla Bacsan in this city.
She instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to conduct skills training for the affected families.
She also directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to immediately start the dredging of the heavily-silted Mandulog River and the mouth of the Cagayan de Oro River.
''Our priority is dredging of the mouth of Cagayan de Oro River and relocation,'' she said.
The President underscored the need for a geological hazard assessment of the relocation sites.
During the meeting, the President was informed that the Department of Agriculture (DA) had already started distributing rice and corn seeds to farmers whose crops were damaged by the floods.
The DA has also allocated some P10 million for the repair of damaged irrigation facilities.
After Cagayan de Oro, the President proceeded to Surigao City to preside over another RDCC meeting.
PGMA names Dureza as Presidential Legal Counsel; Remonde as Press Secretary
Press Secretary Jesus G. Dureza is moving on to become the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel while Presidential Management Staff (PMS) head Cerge Remonde will become Press Secretary.
This Cabinet “shifting” to take effect on Feb. 1 was announced by Executive Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesman Eduardo Ermita in his weekly press conference with the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) this afternoon (Jan. 21).
To replace Remonde as PMS head is Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process Hermogenes Esperon Jr.; and to take over him as PAPP is retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon, presently the deputy national security adviser.
The outgoing press secretary and incoming palace lawyer – who had requested President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a lighter assignment in the meantime as his wife, the former Elizabeth Salutillo, battles a debilitating kidney ailment – thanked the President for “her trust and confidence.”
Dureza, who studied Law at the Ateneo de Davao Law School, placed 10th in the 1973 Philippine Bar Exams, scoring 100 percent in Criminal Law. Thus, he has “very good credentials as Presidential Legal Counsel,” said Ermita.
In his statement, Dureza said, “I feel greatly privileged and honored to be chosen by Her Excellency the President as her Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.”
“Being the President’s legal adviser will bring me new challenges and fresh work perspectives. This will be an enriching experience for me,” said Dureza who added that “as Palace Lawyer, I will be working in a field where I have also devoted many of my fruitful years – as law practitioner and in the government.”
“In this new assignment, I will continue to connect with the press and the public,” said Dureza, pointing out that his stint as Press Secretary for seven months “allowed me to revisit my first career as a journalist.”
“It gave me a chance to work closely with my former colleagues in the media as well as new media acquaintances along the way. I thank the different units of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) and the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) for the support they have given me as Press Secretary.”
Remonde, who will take over Dureza, was a former six-term chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and is also “angkop na angkop” as OPS head, said Ermita.
Meanwhile, Ermita revealed Esperon recommended his Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1974 “classmate” Razon to take his place, as both the Armed Forces and the PNP are “deeply involved in peace and security.”
'Strong economy' remains PGMA's top priority
Roxas City - Maintaining the "strong growing economy" remains the highest priority of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
This is the reason why the government is planning ahead for better days ahead while preparing for the worse of crisis.
President Arroyo said that her administration has worked fervently- even before the crisis took root - to cushion the blow to the Filipino people.
The President said that "maintaining a strong growing economy" is of highest priority to her administration in order to eradicate the decades-long problem of poverty in the country and ensure that safety nets are in place for the most vulnerable sector-- the poorest of the poor.
As a result of the successful implementation of the Arroyo administration's financial reforms and sound fiscal management, the country has avoided the full brunt of the economic downturn to the Philippine economy.
She revealed that because of the tough economic reforms and sound fiscal management since 2001, the Philippine economy has posted an uninterrupted
President Arroyo revealed that said uninterrupted growth has cut down the rate of poverty in the country and raised the annual average of new employment.
"With the revenues from the expanded value-added tax and alcohol and tobacco excise tax, we have been able to expand access to healthcare as never before," she said, adding that health insurance now covers 74 percent of the population, public hospitals are being upgraded, and the poor can buy their essential medicines at half the price of year 2000.
The President also said that "our social services now include a 10-billion-peso budget for targeted cash payments to the poorest of the poor, conditioned on their children going to school."
Earlier, the Philippines received favorable assessments from Fitch ratings agency, Credit Suisse, Bank of New York Mellon, JP Morgan, and Standard and Poor's on the country's ability to weather the global downturn. (PIA)
OFW remittances to grow further in 2009
Financial analysts expect overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances to continue its modest growth this year due to higher deployments despite fears the global financial crisis would lead to smaller money transfers.
Sun Life chief investment officer Michael Manuel said continued high remittances of OFWs would also temper the economic slow down in the country. There are at least 8 million Filipinos working abroad.
“The robust flow of dollars is attributed to higher demand for Filipino skills and talent abroad,” Manuel said.
Besides boosting consumer spending, remittances increase the Philippines’ foreign exchange reserves, further strengthening the country’s capacity to pay for debt and cover import costs such as oil and raw materials used for exports.
Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas show that major sources of remittances were from US, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong.
OFW remittances in November went up by 10.5 percent.
The data also indicated that in October 2008 alone, OFW remittances reached USD1.4 billion—the highest monthly inflow recorded since 1989. It brought the 10-month remittance figure to USD13.7 billion, 15.5 percent higher than the inflows for the same period in 2007.
Meanwhile, preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration indicated that the number of Filipinos deployed overseas grew by more than 26 percent to 1.005 million in November last year compared with 798,731 in 2007.
Newly hired Filipinos were mostly deployed to the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait; and Taiwan and Hong Kong in Asia.
Some analysts, however, said the adverse effects of the global credit crunch might be felt in 2010 due to slower deployment of Filipino workers abroad in the second half of this year. (PNA)
BFAD, health officials monitoring Aklan stores for recalled peanut butter
Kalibo, Aklan - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) here are currently monitoring grocery stores for recalled peanut butter.
The monitoring of stores here is being conducted in the wake of BFAD Advisory No. 2009-001 which was received by the DOH here through Food and Drug Regulation Officer II Mabel Concepcion from the DOH and BFAD Central Office about the immediate recall of selected brands of peanut butter and Peanut Butter and Peanut Paste-containing products from the United States of America.
The advisory contained a list of certain brands of peanut butter and other peanut paste-containing products that were reportedly recalled or withdrawn from the USA market because of possible risk of Salmonella contamination.
According to the DOH and BFAD, this came after the company Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), a peanut processing company and maker of peanut butter paste for bulk distribution to institutions, food service industries and private label food companies reportedly announced a voluntary recall of peanut butter produced in its Blakely, Georgia processing facility because of potential Salmonella contamination.
Listed in the advisory are products like King Nut peanut butter with lot codes beginning with "8"; Peanut Corporation of America peanut butter and peanut paste products with lot numbers affected; Austin and Keebler branded peanut butter sandwich crackers, and select snack-size of Famous Amos Peanut butter cookies and Keebler Soft Batch Homestyle Peanut Butter cookies of Kellogg Company.
Also listed are Hy-Vee Inc. products made in its bakery departments, select ice cream products of Perry's Ice Cream containing peanut butter; various candies containing peanut butter of South Blend Chocolate Company, and Little Debbie Peanut butter Toasty and Peanut Butter Cheese Sandwich Crackers of McKee Foods Corporation.
With this current health concern, the DOH and BFAD are advising consumers not to eat products that have been recalled and throw them away in a manner that prevents others from eating them; and postpone eating other peanut butter containing products (such as cookies, crackers, cereal, candy and ice cream) until information becomes available about whether that product may be affected.
Persons who think they may have become ill from eating peanut butter are advised by the DOH to consult their health care providers.
For distributors, importers and retailers, the DOH advised them to stop importing and selling recalled products.
For Aklanons who are fund peanut butter, Concepcion advised them to be vigilant and be aware of the brands of recalled peanut butter, and to notify authorities of the presence in grocery stores if they see such items.
Concepcion also called on consumers that instead of buying imported peanut butter, they should buy our Philippine-produced brands.
"This way, we show our patriotism and at the same time help our local producers and businessmen," Concepcion said. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines contributes to ASEAN’s continued humanitarian effort in Myanmar
Yangon, 21 January 2009--The ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance received a US$50,000-donation from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines through the Embassy of the Philippines in Yangon , Myanmar today. The Fund is used for ASEAN’s relief and recovery activities in cyclone-hit Myanmar .
Dr Anish Roy, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of ASEAN, received the contribution on behalf of Dr Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN.
The contribution from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines is to support ASEAN’s continued effort and leadership role in humanitarian assistance in Myanmar .
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for its continued support, which enables ASEAN to reinforce our assistance and commitment to the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Nargis,” said Dr Roy.
Contributions made to the ASEAN Cooperation Fund for Disaster Assistance have been utilised to help people recover their livelihoods through community-based early recovery projects in the cyclone-affected areas as well as in disaster risk management and other Nargis-related activities.
The United Kingdom Appoints Ambassador to ASEAN
ASEAN Secretariat, 20 January 2009--The United Kingdom has appointed Martin Hatfull as its first Ambassador to ASEAN.
Welcoming news of the appointment, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, said, “We thank the UK for this significant gesture which underscores the importance that the UK attaches to ASEAN. We look forward to working with Ambassador Hatfull to build closer ties bilaterally and to further strengthen our relationship with the European Union, which the UK is a member of.”
With the appointment of Ambassador Hatfull, the UK became the first member state of the European Union to appoint its Ambassador to ASEAN. The European Union has established dialogue relations with ASEAN since 1972.
Ambassador Hatfull is concurrently the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the Republic of Indonesia .
Under the ASEAN Charter, non-ASEAN Member States and relevant inter-governmental organisations may appoint Ambassadors to ASEAN.
Passage of P1.4-trillion 2009 national budget
The P1.4-trillion national budget for 2009 is expected to pass muster at the bicameral conference committee this week and would most likely be ready for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s signing into law in two weeks.
This was disclosed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during his weekly media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang.
At a dinner with House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate Finance Committee chair Sen. Edgardo Angara last night, he was assured of the passage of the budget bill at the bicameral conference committee level this week, Ermita said.
“They assured me that barring any untoward incident, they (bicam) can pass, if not today, by Friday, the budget measure,” said Ermita, referring to Angara and Nograles.
Once approved by the bicameral conference committee, the budget proposal goes to both Houses of Congress for third and final reading.
“So let us watch out for the announcement coming from the Senate,” Ermita added.
After the passage of the budget proposal by the Senate and House of Representatives, the measure will then be sent to Malacanang for signing by the President.
“It could very well be towards the end of the month when the enrolled budget is sent to the palace for signature of the President,” Ermita said.
The government is pushing for the immediate passage of the P1.4-trillion 2009 budget which provides funding for programs designed to mitigate the possible adverse effects of the global crisis on the Philippines.
Palace statement on the swearing-in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States Thru: Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo
The President finds President Obama’s inaugural address profoundly moving and inspiring. His words deeply resonate with the President’s dream for the nation and the world -- to celebrate and welcome hope, to allow peace and cooperation to reign and to triumph over the economic and diplomatic challenges that we face.
We are two nations blessed with two leaders bound by the same vision and ideology.
We will continue to strive to make our people proud, to champion our cause and give Filipinos the government they deserve.
Dinagat Islanders get P1M for repair of their seawall and water system
TUBAJON, Dinagat Islands (Off Northern Surigao) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today gave a P1-million check to this municipality for the immediate repair and rehabilitation of its seawall and water system which was damaged when a storm struck this island last Jan. 10.
The President handed the check to Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib during her visit here this afternoon.
A storm struck the municipality of Tubajon last Jan. 10 while most of the residents were at home sleeping.
Luib, in an interview, said the storm surge brought thousands of gallons of sea water into their town and immediately overwhelmed and inundated their seawall and water system.
A total of 872 families here were affected by the storm which also affected the nearby towns of Libgo and Loreto.
Prior to her awarding of the check-donation, the President, who arrived here at around 1:30 p.m., was given a briefing by Luib on the devastation wrought by the storm.
He said P5 million would be needed to rebuild the damaged portion of the seawall while P500,000 is needed to repair the water system.
The President then led the initial distribution of food packs to some 1,300 families from the nine barangays of Tubajon and nearby municipalities which were affected by the storm.
Luib thanked the President for taking the time to empathize with his provincemates who are still suffering from the effects of the storm surge.
The donation, he said, would go a long way in alleviating their plight.
PGMA to DILG, DDB & PDEA: Update listing of known drug lords
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG), Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to continue updating the list of known drug lords, monitor their activities, pinpoint drug havens including trafficking of suspected personalities or drug lords.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the President reminded the three government agencies at yesterday’s (Tuesday) Cabinet meeting on their commitment to put a stop to the trade and use of illegal drugs.
Ermita said the President gave the instructions to DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, DDB Chairman Vicente Sotto III and PDEA Director- General Dionisio Santiago Jr.
The President also instructed the DILG to ensure that local government units (LGUs) are updated in the government’s drive against illegal drugs, Ermita said.
Ermita added that this is because of a report that a few local government executives (LGEs), members of the police and employees of the judiciary are allegedly in cahoots and even “tipping off some of the pushers and even the drug lords whenever search warrants are issued.”
“So, the Secretary of local governments was told to remind them to be attuned to the policy of the administration to be on hand in the fight against drug abuse,” Ermita said.
The President also instructed to intensify intelligence work, citing its importance to put a stop to illegal drug activities, Ermita said.
“The President said, ‘Take a look at it very closely to prevent these people from continuing with their illegal activities,’” said Ermita.
Aside from posting undercover agents in suspected places, Ermita said the President also called for the acquisition and training of drug-sniffing dogs.
The President also ordered the Solicitor General to relentlessly pursue drug-related cases to make the anti-illegal drug campaign more effective and successful, Ermita said.
PGMA orders immediate repair of irrigation facilities in Caraga Region damaged by flooding
SURIGAO CITY—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered to accelerate the repair and rehabilitation of the irrigation facilities in the CARAGA region to ensure the steady supply of rice and other agricultural products in the areas.
The President issued the directive following reports on the heavy damage to agriculture caused by the massive flooding in the region over the weekend.
“The restoration of the agriculture facilities, particularly the irrigation system is urgent. It would be better if we can accelerate the repair and rehabilitation efforts of the irrigation system, considering that the Agusan del Sur is one of the major rice producers in the country,” the President told during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Region 13 meeting at the Surigao City Airport here.
Data from the RDCC-Caraga Region as of Jan. 21 showed that damage to irrigation system was estimated at P62-million with Agusan del Sur as badly hit, amounting to P37-million.
“If you could do it by March, it would be better,” the President said, in reference to the immediate repair of the irrigation facilities.
Democratico Grana, regional director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said some P42-million is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of the region’s irrigation facilities.
To hasten the rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Executive asked NIA to apply labor intensive methods by tapping the services of the local people and the purchasing of materials within the areas.
The President also ordered the agriculture department to immediately distribute the 8,500 bags of certified seeds to farmers as replenishment to crops damaged by floods.
RDCC-Caraga Region data further showed that total damage to agriculture in the whole region was estimated at P145,302,287, broken down as follows: Agusan del Sur, P79,892,377; Agusan del Norte, P27,237,660; Surigao del Norte, P22,197,250; Surigao del Sur, P12,929,000 and Dinagat Province, P3,046,000.
PGMA cites DPWH for job well done in Surigao
SURIGAO CITY - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today lauded the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the local executives for the immediate restoration of major national highways in the Caraga region that were heavily affected by the recent massive flooding in the areas.
“Very good. Nice to hear that,” the President said after being informed about the quick clearing, backfiling and declogging operations on the 362.98- kilometer highway that were impassable last week as a result of floods and landslides brought by prolonged heavy rainfall in the region.
“All the roads and bridges are now passable,” RDCC-13 chairman Police Supt. Jaime Eloreta Milla said as he briefed the President on the flood situation during the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) at the Surigao City airport here.
“Since we don’t have any problems on the major roads, I am asking you to re-assess the extent of damage on the secondary roads,” the Chief Executive said.
Continuous heavy rains due to the tail-end of a cold front resulted to the damage in the region’s infrastructures estimated at P460, 853,200.
RDCC-Caraga region report showed that Agusan del Sur was worst hit, with damage amounting to P42,767,200. This was followed by Agusan del Norte, P39,310,000; Dinagat Province, P14,596,600; Surigao del Norte, P13,905,690; Surigao del Sur, P2,960,000.
Report from Department of Public Works and Highways, on the other, showed that the amount of damage to region’s roads and bridges is estimated at P348,123,710.
PGMA in Gen. Trias, Cavite Thursday for continuing gov’t-church social dev’t program
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be in General Trias, Cavite on Thursday to lead the continuing government-church social development program for the poor and to visit the Gateway Business Park, Cavite’s premier industrial facility.
The Gateway Business Park, located in Barangay Javalera, employs some 16,000 workers and contributed at least $6 billion worth of exports last year.
At the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, the President will lead the feeding program for street children, and hand over certificates of commitment for the state-church activity through the Archdiocese of Imus.
The President will also witness the medical & dental mission, and the establishment of ‘Bigasan ng Parokya’ outlets which sell low-priced basic commodities such as the NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo.
On hand to assist the President are parish priest Fr. Cornelio Matanguihan, Diocese of Imus Social Action Center director Fr. Alain Manalo, Cavite Gov. Erineo Maliksi, 2nd District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga, 3rd District Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla, and General Trias Mayor Luis Ferrer IV.
The President has been leading the continuing provision of scholarships, trainings, livelihood and other social services for the country’s poor families to ease the plight of the most vulnerable sectors of society, particularly in the light of the projected persistence of the global crisis this year.
Afterwards, the President will proceed and host lunch at the Gateway Business Park for locators and investors led by Gateway Proper Holdings, Inc. (GPHI) chairman Geronimo delos Reyes Jr., and GPHI president Jaime Hidalgo.
Expected to accompany the President to the Cavite events are Environment Secretary Jose Lito Atienza, Philippine Export Zone Authority (PEZA) Director-General Lilia de Lima, and Board of Investments (BOI) governor Francis Ferrer.
The President will later inaugurate the P90-million Mabacao Bridge in Barangay Tulay, Maragondon, Cavite; and the Medical Arts Building of the Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece Martirez City.
PGMA visit 'answered prayer' for Tubajon mayor and constituents
TUBAJON, Dinagat Islands – For Tubajon Mayor Ronaldo Luib, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's visit to his municipality this afternoon (Jan. 21) was an "answered prayer" to his plea for assistance for his constituents suffering from the effects of a storm surge that hit their town last January 10.
"My constituents and I are honored that our President chose to visit us in our time of need. Her visit is the answer to our prayers for assistance from this ordeal," Luib said in an interview before the arrival of the President here.
A storm surge -- or an offshore rise in water level brought by the non-stop rains in the region -- struck here last January 10, a Saturday, and destroyed the municipality's seawall and water system.
Since then, the residents have been living in fear of another storm surge strike and without potable water.
Concerned that the municipality of Tubajon and its residents have been left defenseless by the damaged seawall and are now open to disease outbreaks due to lack of clean water, President Arroyo gave a P1-million check to Luib with instructions that repair and rehabilitation work be immediately done on vital infrastructures.
Upon receiving the check, Luib thanked God for the President's "gift" and said, "Binigay ito ng Diyos kasi alam Niya na kailangan namin ang pag-bisita ng Presidente."
"Pinaka-malayo kami sa Malacañang na halos hindi kami maka-abot sa Malacañang; pero ito, dinalaw kami ni Presidente Arroyo," Luib said, still in shock and awe at the event unfolding before his eyes.
"I repeat -- I thank God and I thank the President for coming here para makita niya ang real situation ng bayan ko and the real situation ng mga tao," Luib added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
