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)