Fellow ASEAN leaders at the 14th ASEAN Summit in Thailand welcomed the proposals made by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Two of these proposals include the creation of an US$120-B equity fund which ASEAN member-countries could tap to solve liquidity issues and the formation of an ASEAN Economic Community based on agreements in the 12th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu.
The President scored anew when members of the Brunei, India, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) supported two more proposals from her.
These proposals are the widening of the Philippines ’ fishing area to include waters in East Asia and the adoption of the Roll-On, Roll-Off transport system in BIMP-EAGA territories.
Other agreements that ASEAN members have made include stronger regional coordination and greater support for efforts that will boost global trade and preserve jobs.
They have also agreed to have an ASEAN Human Rights Body inaugurated at the 15th ASEAN Summit, strengthen cooperation to address climate change, food and energy security, develop an regional disaster response system and enhance efforts to attain the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Mga panukala ni PGMA, tanggap ng mga miyembro ng ASEAN
Pasado sa mga miyembro ng ASEAN ang mga panukalang isinulong ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo sa nakaraang 14th ASEAN Summit.
Dalawa sa mga panukala ng Pangulo ay ang paglikha ng isang equity fund na nagkakahalaga ng US$120-Billion at ang pagbuo ng isang ASEAN Economic Community.
Nilalayon ng equity fund na tulungan ang mga bansang nagkaproblema sa kanilang pananalapi bunga ng global recession samantala ang pagtatatag ng isang ASEAN Economic Community ay napagkasunduan pa noong ika-12 ASEAN Summit sa Cebu.
Naka-iskor pa ang Pangulo nang tanggapin naman ng mga miyembro ng Brunei, India, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) ang dalawa pa niyang mga panukala.
Ang mga ito ay may kinalaman sa pagpapalawak ng fishing area ng Pilipinas sa katubigan ng Silangang Asya at ang pagtatatag ng Roll-on, Roll off transport system sa mga teritoryo ng BIMP-EAGA.
Samantala, kabilang sa mga napagkasunduan ng mga miyembro ng ASEAN ay ang pagkakaroon ng matatag na koordinasyon at pagsuporta sa mga hakbangin na magpapalakas ng kalakalan at mangangalaga ng mga hanapbuhay sa rehiyon.
Nagkasundo rin ang mga miyembro na pasinayaan ang ASEAN Human Rights Body inaugurated sa susunod na summit, palakasin ang kooperasyon sa pagresolba sa climate change at seguridad sa pagkain at enerhiya, magbuo ng isang pang-rehiyong disaster response system at pag-ibayuhin ang mga hakbang para maabot ang United Nations Millennium Development Goals. #
ASEAN economic ministers laud RP programs to deflect effects of global recession
Hua Hin, Thailand – Economic ministers of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) lauded today the programs and projects being carried out by the Philippine government to minimize the impact of the global recession on Filipinos and the Philippine economy, Philippine Trade Secretary Peter Favila said today.
Favila, who represented the Philippines to the economic ministers’ meeting at the start of the 14th ASEAN Summit at the Dusit Hotel here this afternoon, said that his “colleagues” in ASEAN “appreciated” the programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to counter the effects of the economic meltdown sweeping the world.
“My colleagues (in ASEAN) appreciate these programs we are currently undertaking such as the stimulus package and (increasing infrastructure) spending,” Favila said.
He added that the ministers’ expressed “hope that the major markets of ASEAN: the United States, Europe and Japan will recover soon” from the global financial crisis.
Favila said that he also took the time during the ministers’ meeting to showcase the other programs of President Arroyo to address the economic slowdown such as: strengthening MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprise) and creating “emergency employment and livelihood” for Filipinos, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who were displaced as a result of the financial crisis.
Favila also mentioned a recommendation of ASEAN Secretary General Surin
Pitsuwan who called for ASEAN member economies to focus more on “intra-ASEAN movements of goods” especially with Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Favila agreed with Pitsuwan’s recommendation because of the economic favorability of the said countries.
Favila said he concurred with Pitsuwan’s recommendation saying, “the Philippines should do business with ASEAN members such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam until the consumption pattern of the country’s major trading partners will turn for the better,” Favila said.
PGMA very satisfied with ASEAN Summit outcome, says Remonde
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is "very satisfied" with the outcome of the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders summit as she was able to realize her wish for an ASEAN Economic Community.
This was revealed by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in an interview with Radyo ng Bayan's "Pilipinas" program this afternoon (Sunday, March 1) before enplaning back to Manila from Thailand where he joined the President's lean official delegation to the ASEAN summit.
Remonde, who had earlier described the summit proceedings and discussions as "cordial and very relaxed," said: “Ang atin pong mahal na Pangulo na si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ay very satisfied sa outcome ng summit dahil sa kanyang mga adhikain na i-push yung ASEAN economic community, at kung paano maisusulong po dito sa summit na ito…"
He added that the President was also heartened by the respect shown her by her fellow ASEAN leaders as a senior leader of the ASEAN, and also for being the one and only female country leader in the entire region.
Remonde described as "magandang development" the creation of the "ASEAN Business Awards" by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council "to recognize ASEAN companies for exemplary performance."
Another welcome development, according to Remonde, was the formation of the ASEAN Retail Chain which will showcase the cultural products of ASEAN member nations as produced by their respective micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The retail chain, he added, hopes "to provide a venue to display ASEAN products" and be a cultural center for ASEAN.
It is "also meant to facilitate (the trade) of ASEAN products" as the region’s “response to the current economic crisis."
The main product of the retail chain will be agricultural commodities, said Remonde, who also announced the creation of an ad-hoc inter-sectoral committee to “totally address the (worldwide) economic crisis."
The committee will be composed of country representatives from the trade and industry, and finance sectors, the central bank, and capital market authorities.
Remonde added that a major sidelight of the ASEAN Summit, which ended at noon today, was the decision of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) member nations to "discuss future directions (and) develop trade facilitation" across their borders.
Remonde said the BIMP-EAGA group recognizes the sub-region's potential to become the food basket of the ASEAN, thus the decision to "strengthen cooperation to strengthen the sub-region."
As for the Philippine initiatives during the ASEAN summit, Remonde said one was the creation of a fisheries consortium, "magandang balita lalo na sa ating mga kababayan sa General Santos."
A Philippine initiative that will soon be adopted by other ASEAN nations, Remonde added, is the roll-on, roll-off (RO-RO) transport network which now connects the archipelago's islands and hastens the movement not only of people but also of goods.
RO-ROs will thus connect the Philippines to Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, for starters.
The President is calling on the private sector to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the enhanced cooperation among ASEAN members, Remonde said.
He added that President Arroyo "stood out as usual sa kanyang liderato sa Pilipinas at sa kanyang leadership sa ASEAN" which just concluded a "napaka-tagumpay" na summit.
PGMA jubilant over approval by fellow ASEAN leaders of her pet proposals
Hua Hin, Thailand (via PLDT) – Philippine President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo was in “high spirits” after her “pet projects” were approved for implementation during the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said today.
“The President is happy and satisfied with the outcome of the 14th ASEAN Summit. Yung mga pangunahing adhikain niya ay maluwag na tinanggap ng mga fellow leaders ng ASEAN Summit that is why she is in very high spirits,” Remonde told reporters this morning at the Hilton Hotel here.
Among the notable proposals the President presented at the Summit, Remonde said, were the creation of an equity fund which ASEAN member-countries could tap into to address liquidity problems they may experience amid the global crisis, and the establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) as agreed by the leaders during the 12th ASEAN Summit held in Cebu, Philippines.
“She (President Arroyo) has every reason to be (jubilant) because dalawang bagay ang gusto niyang itulak (at the Summit): isa yung equity fund or the $120-billion ASEAN equity fund that was approved by the Ministerial group and the President’s push for the ASEAN Economic Community,” Remonde said.
Aside from this, the President was also able to secure the BIMP-EAGA’s approval of her proposal to widen the Philippines’ fishing area to include waters in East Asia, and the adoption of the Roll-On, Roll-Off transportsystem in the sub-regional group’s respective countries.
The President held a meeting with the BIMP-EAGA composed of Brunei, India, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asia Growth Area sub-group members at the sidelines of the 14th ASEAN Summit being held here from Feb. 27 to March 1.
Remonde said the adoption by BIMP-EAGA of the President’s proposals was a “significant breakthrough” in the sub-region’s vision to achieve a “common ASEAN economic community.”
“So, I think this has been so far a most fruitful meeting. At this point, the leaders are having their retreat and towards noon, they will formally sign the joint declaration for the 14th ASEAN Summit,” Remonde said.
the President was also able to secure the BIMP-EAGA’s approval of her proposal to widen the Philippines’ fishing area to include waters in East Asia, and the adoption of the Roll-On, Roll-Off transportsystem in the sub-regional group’s respective countries.
BIMP-EAGA member nations adopt PGMA's bid to expand RP's fishing grounds
Hua Hin, Thailand (via PLDT) -- Member countries belonging to the regional sub-group composed of Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have agreed to adopt President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s twin proposals to widen the Philippine fishing grounds, and the implementation of a roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) nautical highway type of transport system in their respective countries,
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said last night.
Speaking to reporters covering the Presidents attendance at the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit being held here from Feb. 28 to March 1, Remonde said the BIMP-EAGA adoption of the President’s proposals was a significant breakthrough in the sub-region’s vision to adopt a common ASEAN economic community.
“I think a significant breakthrough was made here during the BIMP-EAGA Summit which is one of the major sidelines of the ASEAN Summit meeting,” Remonde said.
A fishing consortium, as proposed by President Arroyo, will, in effect, lead to the expansion of the Philippines fishing grounds within the BIMP-EAGA region, he added.
Citing the significance of the proposal, Remonde pointed out that it will greatly boost the Philippine fishing sector, particularly the tuna industry, and lead to a sharp increase in income for Filipino fishermen since they would be allowed to fish way beyond the Philippine territorial boundaries.
On the other hand, the adoption by the BIMP-EAGA countries of the Roll-On, Roll-Off Nautical Highway will enable them to further enhance the seamless flow of goods and services within their respective territories.
In the Philippines, the Ro-Ro system is part of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) -- an efficient mix of roads and seaports that the various business sectors utilize to transport their goods and services at much lesser cost than air transport.
Through the SRNH, manufacturers have been able to lower the prices of their products, thanks to the relatively low cost of transporting their goods.
“So ito yung napakalaking developments sa BIMP-EAGA which is very much in line with the objectives of ASEAN of achieving a common ASEAN economic community,” Remonde said.
PGMA asks government agencies, private sectors to preserve jobs, industries
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo urged government and private labor sectors to work together to preserve employment and aid industries to survive the global recession.
During the Jobs Forum on Overseas Employment at the Malacanang, the President said both sectors must join hands to prevent global crisis become a Philippine Crisis.
She also underscored the role of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in job matching by helping displaced workers learn new trades and skills that land them with new jobs or gain alternate livelihood.
The President also took note of the 500,000 jobs abroad as reported by the Department of Labor and Employment.
Meanwhile, the Board of Investments is looking into incentives for distressed companies in selected industries in exchange for keeping laborers in payroll or avoiding reduced working hours.
All they have to do is to prove that they are losing money because of bad market conditions.
That is the gist of the first classification of the new section in the drafted 2009 Investment Priority Plan that will be submitted to the President.
Industries that could be eligible in the proposed tax incentive would include Business Process Outsourcing, logistics and tourism.
The rest of the classifications are as follows: (1) those that will retain investment and increase jobs; (2) those that will increase investments and retain jobs; and (3) those that will increase investment and increase jobs. #
Pangulong Arroyo, hinikayat ang pribado at pampublikong sektor na protektahan ang mga trabaho at industriya
Hinimok ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ang mga sangay ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor na magtulungan para mapangalagaan ang mga trabaho at industriya.
Sa Jobs Forum on Overseas Employment sa Malakanyang, sinabi ng Pangulo na kailangang magkapit bisig ang dalawang sektor para hind maging Krisis ng Pilipinas ang pandaigdigang krisis.
Binigyang diin din ng Pangulo na ang mahalagang papel ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority sa pagpapa-pares-pares ng mga trabaho at manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo sa mga nawalan ng hanapbuhay ng mga panibagong kaalaman at kakayahan.
Ikinasiya din ng Pangulo ang balita ng Department of Labor and Employment na mayroon 500,000 trabaho sa ibayong dagat na pwedeng punan ng mga Pilipino.
Samantala, pinag-aaralan ng Board of Investments ang paggawad ng insentibo para sa mga kumpanyang nagdarahop sa ilang piling industriya kapalit ng pagpapanatili ng mga trabaho o kaya ay maiwasan ang pagbabawas sa oras ng trabaho.
Ang tanging kailangan nilang gawin ay patunayan na lulugi sila dahil sa masamang kalagayan ng merkado.
Ito ang buod ng unang klasipikasyon ng bagong seksyon sa panukalang 2009 Investment Priority Plan na isusumite sa Pangulo.
Kabilang sa mga kumpanyang maaring makinabang sa panukala ay ang mga kumpanyang nasa Business Process Outsourcing, nasa logistics at nasa turismo.
Ang iba pang mga klasipikasyon ay ang sumusunod: (1) ang mga kumpanyang mapapanatili ng kanilang investment at magdaragdag ng trabaho; (2) ang mga kumpanyang magdaragdag ng investments at mapanatili ng mga trabaho; (3) ang mga kumpanyang magdaragdag ng investments at trabaho. #
PGMA: Labor skills must respond to demands of industry
With over 500,000 overseas jobs presently available for Filipinos, despite the retrenchment by industries worldwide in the light of the deepening economic meltdown, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today stressed the need to further enhance skills retraining for Filipinos to respond to the needs of industries.
In her message at the Jobs Forum on Overseas Employment held at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanang this morning the President said for every Filipino who lost his/her job overseas, there are 100 jobs waiting for him/her.
“The challenge is to match jobs with skills,” the President stressed and ordered the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to intensify its training and retraining of workers in skills that are responsive to the demands and requirements of industries.
President Arroyo noted that during her tenure, TESDA’s budget has been increased to P2 billion, and if there is a need to add more funds for workers’ training, the government will allot more.
She called for the next rounds of Jobs Forum to focus on overseas employment and directed that labor attaches and welfare officers from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, to be present so ”the voices of those hurt (by the economic crisis) are inputted into the Forum so opportunities for and benefits of overseas employment for Filipinos are enhanced.
The forum, participated in by both private sector and government representatives discussed ways on how to further expand the frontiers of the global market for Filipino workers despite the worldwide economic crisis that has affected many countries employing thousands of Filipinos.
The President said that the Grant Thornton business survey report that many Philippine companies will hire more people and raise salaries despite the global economic slowdown.
This trend, Chief Executive said, is the fruit of the “bitter pill” Filipinos swallowed to improve the country’s fiscal standing, through tough fiscal reforms that resulted to increased tax revenue collection, effective crackdown on smugglers and lower foreign debt.
“I have often said in recent months that we were lucky to be less battered than others during the initial surge of the global economic crisis. This is so because we have worked hard to be lucky,” the President said, adding that there is a need for everyone to work together to be able to breeze through this present crisis.
“The message is: Let us join hands against the global crisis. Let us join hands now to prevent the world crisis to become a Filipino crisis. Let us join hands now to make sure stay on track soon towards sustainable growth,” she concluded.
Badawi assures PGMA of Malaysia's continued support for Mindanao talks
Hua Hin, Thailand (via PLDT) Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has assured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Malaysia’s continued support for the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said here today.
Speaking to reporters covering President Arroyo’s attendance at the 14th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, Gonzales said the President asked for Malaysia’s support for the resumption of the Mindanao talks during the bilateral meeting between the two leaders at the sidelines of the Summit.
“Hiniling lang naman ng Pangulo ang patuloy na pagtulong ng Malaysia sa atin sa peace talks at gusto ng Presidente natin na magsimula na uli ang paguusap kaya hiniling ng Presidente sa Malaysia na kung pwede, gumawa na ng mga hakbang para muling magkita ang dalawang panel,” Gonzales said.
He added that the Malaysian Prime Minister responded favorably to President Arroyo’s request.
“Ang sabi ni Badawi, Malaysia is always ready to help so they will help.
They will try to facilitate (the resumption of peace talks), They will help in making sure the two panels will meet,” Gonzales said.
He said no timetable was set for the resumption of the peace talks, but “I am assuming (it will be done) as soon as possible.”
Joining the President during the bilateral talks with Badawi were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and GRP chief negotiator Rafael Seguis and Gonzales.
On the Malaysian side, Prime Minister Badawi was accompanied by Malaysian Foreign Minister Rais Yatim and Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi.
Government emergency program produce jobs, livelihood
Investments in irrigation and farm-to-market road programs generate employment in the countryside.
The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) reported that more than 43,000 workers and 580 households found jobs and livelihood opportunities last January through Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).
CLEEP, NAPC Secretary Domingo Panganiban explained, aimed at securing food supply while improving irrigation, farm-to-market roads and other agricultural infrastructures.
Funding for the projects comes from savings in the 2008 national budget and local government resources.
With the success of the CLEEP, government is encouraged to sink in Php 9 – billion into the program that will not only triplicate the employment generation but to encourage private investments come in as well.
Emergency program ng pamahalaan, lumikha ng mga bagong kabuhayan, trabaho
Nagbunga na ang pamumuhuhan ng pamahalaan sa mga proyektong pang-irigasyon at farm-to market road.
Iniulat ng National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) na mahigit sa 43,000 manggagawa at mga 580 pamilya ang nagkaroon ng hanapbuhay noong Enero sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).
Ayon kay NAPC Secretary Domingo Panganiban, nilalayon ng CLEEP na tiyakin ang suplay ng pagkain habang pinalalago nito ang mga imprastraktura sa agrikultura tulad ng farm-to-market roads at irigasyon.
Ang natipid na pondo ng pambansang badyet ng 2008 at sa resources ng mga pamahalaang lokal ang pinanggalingan ng pondo ng CLEEP.
Dahil sa tagumpay ng CLEEP, sinabi ng NAPC na ginanahan ang pamahalaan na mamuhunan pa ng Php 9-Billion sa programa hindi lamang para triplehin ang bilang ng mga malilikhang hanap-buhay kundi para mahikayat na rin ang pribadong sektor na mamuhunan din.
Sa pagtaya ng NAPC, aabot sa 220,000 manggagawa sa buong bansa ang makikinabang sa panibagong pamumuhunan ng pamahalaan. #
Palace says filing of impeachment complaint against Ombudsman Gutierrez is part of democratic processes
Malacanang said today that it can’t do anything if an impeachment complaint is filed against Ombudsman Merciditas Gutierrez because it’s part of democratic processes.
The impeachment case was filed against her by Kilos Bayan, headed by former Senate President Jovito Salonga, for allegedly sitting on the case involving road improvement project funded by the World Bank. The Black and White Movement has expressed its support to the filing of the impeachment case.
Remonde said that although the filing of an impeachment case is part of the democratic process, he, however warned the public on the possibility that the case was filed to pressure the Ombudsman to act on the graft case in the manner that the Salonga group wants.
Remonde stressed that the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body and the President can’t act on the case despite the pressure to remove Gutierrez from office.
Gutierrez has a fixed term and can only be removed from office through impeachment. Malacanang said today that it can’t do anything if an impeachment complaint is filed against Ombudsman Merciditas Gutierrez because it’s part of democratic processes.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that although the Ombudsman has a fixed term, the impeachment is a good opportunity for her to defend herself.
The impeachment case was filed against her by Kilos Bayan, headed by former Senate President Jovito Salonga, for allegedly sitting on the case involving road improvement project funded by the World Bank. The Black and White Movement has expressed its support to the filing of the impeachment case.
Remonde said that although the filing of an impeachment case is part of the democratic process, he, however warned the public on the possibility that the case was filed to pressure the Ombudsman to act on the graft case in the manner that the Salonga group wants.
Remonde stressed that the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body and the President can’t act on the case despite the pressure to remove Gutierrez from office.
Gutierrez has a fixed term and can only be removed from office through impeachment.
South Luzon Expressway draws positive feedback from traders and ordinary travelers
Manila – The 99 percent construction completion of the Toll Road 1, a 1.20-kilometer, P1.463-billion Alabang Viaduct of the South Luzon Expressway Extension (SLEX) Project which is being closely monitored by the Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB) Super Region, has created positive response from travelers to the south.
"The Alabang Viaduct's schedule was finished well ahead of time. Only the finishing touches need to be put up by March, instead of December this year," said businessman Hayden Boyle who owns a wine shop in Alabang.
For Boyle, travel has become faster, safer and smoother in the idyllic business hub of Alabang after its extensive road rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion.
"There's an increased traffic capacity at SLEX now up to Batangas, Laguna and Cavite. It is now easier to drive to the southern provinces, especially at night and during holidays," said Senen Dimacali, a fishing farm entrepreneur who prefers commuting daily to Alabang to sell his catch.
For Jaime Dimaculangan, having "nice roads and highway" during this difficult time saves him time and money as he rides public utility vehicles to and from his work place at a TV repair shop near the Alabang shopping mall.
”Renting a place in the Metropolis is expensive, so I go home to Batangas daily. At least, with no traffic snarls on the road, I can reach Alabang with enough time to rest or exercise a little bit,” said the health-conscious Dimaculangan.
Others, like nurse Susan Reyes says well-maintained, concrete, flood-free and well-lighted streets plus fine infrastructure make a great come-on to local and foreign business and investors looking for less-crowded and less expensive places to place their money and resources.
”Just take at Singapore, it is a small country but it’s progressive because of the presence of good telecommunications system, roads and bridges and excellent infrastructure. We can even do better with our talented, English-speaking, skilled workers,” Reyes said.
Toll Road 2 stretches from the Alabang Viaduct to Calamba, Laguna with a length of 28.53 kms. It is also nearing completion inasmuch as it is already 80 percent done.
Built at the cost of P3.732 billion, its rehabilitation, upgrading and expansion commenced in October 2006 and will be fully operational by the second or third week of March, according to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Ramon Aquino.
Toll Road 3 which traverses Calamba, Laguna to Sto. Tomas, Batangas with a stretch of 7.50 kms. meant the construction of a four-lane toll road to connect SLEX and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Phase 2.
The P2.51 billion STAR Phase 2 involves the construction of a 19.74–km road that will cut the travel time from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Batangas City by 40 minutes.
Started in February 2006 and targeted to be finished in December 2009, there was some delay when 98.86 hectares of land had to be acquired for the conclusion of the project. Toll Road 1’s status is currently at 13.98 percent.
Still, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. is positive that the full stretch of the P7.483 billion and 37.23-km SLEX project’s December deadline will be met even much earlier, judging from the other segment’s shortened time frame.
The entire SLEX’s traffic capacity badly needed expansion, the reason for the Extension Project consisting of the three segments of Alabang Viaduct, Alabang to Calamba and Calamba to Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
This will support the economic activities in the Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (CALABARZON) area and the Strong Nautical Highway as it would form part of the seamless expressway connecting Metro Manila and the International Port of Batangas.
SLEX cannot be separated with other projects like the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 2 covering 6.88 kms from Bicutan to Alabang. The complete Skyway includes the Buendia to Balintawak (Northern Luzon Expressway), which must be completed by 2015.
Grandolfo reigns first international kite boarding competition
Daet, Camarines Norte — Italian kite boarder Andrea Grandolfo won the recently concluded First Daet International Kite Boarding Competition held in Bagasbas Beach, here on February 5-8, 2009.
Grandolfo bagged the grand prize of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000) plus trophy of the Bordercross Competition. The race started in Vinzons, Camarines Norte and passed the border of Talisay and ended in Bagasbas Beach. Next to him are Ken Nacor of the Philippines and Frederick Soupast of Belgium.
The First Daet International Kite Boarding Competition also featured the Freestyle Competition. Winners under male category are: First - Ken Nacor of the Philippines, second - Taner Aykurt of Turkey and third - Duque delos Santos of the Philippines. Under female category are: First - Anna Simlund of Sweden, second - Kathrin Borgwardt of Germany and Lorena Neumann of Spain.
The event was attended by foreign and local tourists from Belgium, USA, Alaska, Italy, Turkey, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France, Sweden, Astonia, and the Philippines. They commended the great support of the local government unit of Daet thru Mayor Tito S. Sarion to the event as well as Mr. Mike Gambriel for inviting and organizing the competition. They now consider Bagasbas Beach as the new kite boarding haven in the Philippines and show their willingness to come back by the end of the year for another competition.
Last quarter of 2007, an American and German national set up a kite boarding school in Bagasbas Beach after they have discovered the potential of the area as kite surfing destination. Because of the advanced technology, he featured Bagasbas Beach in his website as an alternative site for the extreme sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Bagasbas Beach is now considered as a good location for water sports adventure. Friendly waves that usually an all-year found is an ideal site for those who want to learn wave surfing. The beach has been listed as one of the ten best surfing destinations in the Philippines. It has long and wide expanse of fine gray sand and the break’s sandy bottom and generally uncrowded lineups combine to make a comfortable session for surfers of any level. During windy season from October-March, kite surfers can go island hopping on the nearby towns of Basud, Vinzons, Talisay and Mercedes using only kite boards.
Organizers of the event are: the Local Government Unit of Daet with the support of Bagasbas Beach Development Council, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group (Bicol), Mikes-Kites Kite Surfing School and Camarines Norte Pineapple Festival Development Foundation Incorporated. (MPA-MIO/PIA 5)
Buhi-Malinao road completed
Province of Camarines Sur — Consistent with the SONA commitment of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on infrastructure programs and development, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Camarines Sur 4th Engineering District has intensified efforts on opening new roads that would spur progress in the locality.
“Just recently, we have completed the road opening of Camarines Sur-Albay Diversion Road,” said Eng’r. Nestor Gomabao, OIC-Assistant District Engineer of the said district during a broadcast interview.
“Last year, we have also finished the opening of Buhi-Malinao Road or the proposed Gov. Felix O. Alfelor, Sr. Highway,” he added.
This 34.76-kms. road forms part of the 66 kms road network that cuts across three congressional districts and connects the provinces of Camarines Sur (2nd and 4th districts) and Albay (1st district).
The entire road network starts at Hanawan, Ocampo, Camarines Sur passing through barangays Burokbusoc and Sagrada, all of Buhi, Camarines Sur up to the municipality of Malinao in Albay.
The new road will provide an alternate route of Maharlika Highway going to the port City of Tabaco, Albay and will open a new gateway to the island province of Catanduanes further integrating it into the mainstream of development.
“This road will definitely help prolong the preservation of the existing main thoroughfares and will also shorten travel time to and from Manila by more than 30 minutes,” said DPWH Bicol regional director Orlando Roces during one of his random visits in DPWH project sites. (DPWH/PIA 5)
Four LGUs of Sorsgoon are nominees to the 2009 Philippine Wetlands Conservation Awards
Sorsogon City — Four local government units (LGUs) in this province were nominated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office here to the 2009 Philippine Wetlands Conservation Awards.
Invitation were sent by the DENR-PENRO chief Oscar Dominguez to Sorsogon City mayor Leovic Dioneda, mayors Benito Doma, Helen Rose de Castro and Olivia M. Bermillo of Prieto Diaz, Bulan and Castilla towns, respectively.
Dominguez said LGUs were invited to the said nominations due to its exemplary contributions in the wise use of their wetlands.
Wetlands, as defined during the Ramsar Convention, refer to areas of marsh, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial., permanent or temporary, with water that is static, flowing, fresh, brackish or salty, including areas of marine, which depth at low tide does not exceed six meters.
Included in the criteria, he said, were the significant contributions of LGUs in wetland conservation, education and public awareness, conservation policies, community empowerment, wise use and/or restoration and rehabilitation of their respective wetlands.
“It is also a must that nominated LGUs have sustainable wetland activities, provide conservation linkages and partnership and must have clearly demonstrated efforts toward Integrated Coastal Management,” he said.
Dominguez further said that the Philippine Wetlands Conservation Awards is part of World Wetlands celebration this year, wherein, World Wetlands will give Incentive Awards in recognition of the significant contributions not only of the local government units but also of individuals and people’s organizations on the wise use of the country’s wetlands. (PIA 5)
Camarines Sur-Albay diversion road completed
Legazpi City — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol has completed their road opening project along the territory of Camarines Sur and Albay provinces.
Engr. Amy Fajardo, OIC District Engineer of the 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) in Camarines Sur said “This road opening project traverses through the three municipalities of Bula, Balatan and Bato, all of this province.”
An initial funding of P250 million for 13 road projects along the total road stretch of 15.940 kms. was infused on this proposed highway.
“Of this appropriation, we have opened 11.450 kms. of the proposed highway leaving only 4.490 kms., at intermittent sections, to be cleared,” she explained.
Fajardo noted “this road segment will soon connect the 2nd District of Camarines Sur to the 3rd district of Albay passing through the 4th District of Camarines Sur. Thus, will likewise serve as an alternative route to and from Manila via Maharlika Highway, cutting travel time by about an hour.”
The project intends to provide additional road network to connect the coastal towns located on the western seaboard of Camarines Sur, thereby spurring tourism potential in the area. It will also provide a faster and more convenient way to transport marine and agricultural products from the far-flung barangays to its prospective market.
“Camarines Sur-Albay Diversionn road is part of the priority project of the present administration through Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, dubbed as Pan Philippine Highway,” said Bicol regional director Orlando Roces.
“This is designed to widen the reach of opportunity and progress through better road accessibility in the countryside,” he concluded. (DPWH/PIA 5)
BGPF-EDC heightens environment conservation program
Sorsogon City — The Bacman Geothermal Production Field (BGPF) has launched over the weekend its wildlife conservation program and spearheaded a tree planting activity in the geothermal complex manifesting the company’s commitment to preserve the ecosystem as a good corporate citizen.
Miss Earth 2008, Karla Paula Henry, along with other beauties, graced the launching activities and took time planting trees at the geothermal complex in Bacon district here.
BGPF Resident Manager Buddy Virata said “as an energy company, we are working with communities not just to produce clean and renewable energy, but also to proactively safeguard and nurture nature’s bounty.”
“We have reforested and we continue to plant more trees all over the geothermal sites,” he added.
As of 2008, Energy Development Corporation has already reforested a total of 9,928 hectares in its five geothermal sites in Leyte, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Bicol and North Cotabato.
“Here in BGPF, we are proud that we have maintained a contiguous forest cover that has become the habitat of the giant fruit bat,” Virata said, referring to the golden-crowned flying fox, a giant fruit bat found only in the Philippines.
After planting trees, Virata led the guests to the deer and wild boar breeding farm for the launching of the company’s wildlife conservation program.
BGPF has been declared a Wildlife Sanctuary since 2006. A “No Hunting” policy is being implemented in the area as part of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Campaign of the company. It has a wildlife refuge and rehabilitation center and several conservation projects under the technical supervision of DENR-Region V.
It has also received recognition from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its outstanding environmental programs.
The guests, also including Provincial Environment and Natural Resources-LGU Sorsogon officer Engr. Maribeeth Fruto and PIA Sorsogon ICM Irma Guhit, visited as well the company’s butterfly garden and mangrove plantation.
Established last year, the Bacman butterfly garden not only serves as a tourist attraction but also promotes the protection and preservation of butterflies.
The 25-hectare geothermal reservation, owned and operated by EDC, is a certified ecotourism destination by the Department of Tourism (DOT) since 2005. (BGPF-EDC/PIA5)
DENR monitors birds in wetland areas to keep bicol bird flu free
Legazpi City — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has continuously monitored wetland areas in the Bicol region as part of the government efforts to keep the Philippine bird-flu free.
In a report to DENR regional executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada, Regional Technical Director Felix Mendoza of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS), said 20 wetland areas in Bicol were monitored as of December 2008.
“The areas are Cabusao Wetland Area, Lake Bato, Lake Buhi, Lake Baao, Belen, Calabanga and Purong, Magarao in Camarines Sur;Manguisoc Wetland Area and Mambalita Wetland Area in Camarines Norte; Wetland areas in Buga, Libon, Oas and Polangui in Albay; Malawmanwan Island; Prieto Diaz Wetland area and Pilar Egret Bowl in Sorsogon; and Panganiban and Agoho Point in San Andres, Catanduanes and Chico Wildlife Sanctuary, Nano Wildlife Sanctuary and Formosa Mangrove Forest Reserve in Masbate,” Mendoza said.
He said that among the vital information gathered during the monitoring activities were the species of water birds visiting the wetland areas, a head count of their population, the time or period of the year the wildbirds visit the wetland sites, and observation of unusual behavior of migratory birds, such as largescale and unexplained death.
Mendoza also reported that an Asian Waterbird census was conducted first half of January last year in selected wetland areas in the region. The said census is an annual activity conducted by DENR, together with some conservation non-government organizations.
A regional, provincial and municipal avian influenza task force were organized in the regions. The Regional Avian Influenza Task Force is headed by the Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), with DENR, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as members. The Provincial Avian Influenza Task Force is chaired by the provincial governor, while the municipal mayor heads the Municipal Al Task Force.
The concerned support services assists the LGU officials in the various activities of Al Task Forces such as information dissemination, surveillance, and the procedure to follow in case of a bird-flu outbreak.
As per information, the Avian flu or bird flu (H5N1) is a very contagious disease caused by viruses that normally infect only birds. But the virus has since mutated and is now causing infections or even death to poultry and human.
Ever since chickens started dying in Asia in 2003, the outbreak has become the most severe ever seen. Over 100 million chickens have died or been culled in 13 countries. No longer confined to poultry, the virus is appearing in ducks and other migratory birds that have flown on their usual flight paths from Asia through Russia to Europe, or from Asia over Alaska and into Canada and America.
The H5N1 that has killed so much poultry in Asia has also killed people in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia. Thailand and China, who’ve close contact with chickens and roosters about 142 people have become clinically ill with avian influenza, and 74 have died.
The Philippines remains bird flue-free. But this should not make us complacent, the concerned authorities say, as everyone is asked to cooperate in the campaign against the bird flu. (DENR/PIA 5)
28 Contractors Participated in DPWH Jobs Fair in Palawan
A total of twenty-eight contractors participated in the Department of Public Works & Highways’ Jobs Fair for Construction recently. The DPWH Jobs Fair was held simultaneously nationwide in support of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s employment generation program through implementation of major infrastructure projects in 2009 in the face of the global economic crisis.
About 500 job seekers registered and 45 of whom were employed right away by the participating contractors which opened opportunities for engineers, clerks, heavy equipment operators, and laborers. Some applicants are scheduled for further interviews and tests to gauge their skills in the operation of heavy equipment.
Officials of the three engineering districts in Palawan opened the booths for the Jobs Fair and assisted in the referrals and its overall conduct. The activity ran smoothly and was accepting applicants for registration even after the close of the fair. The three engineering districts are located in Puerto Princesa City under DE Danilo Alagao, Roxas for the 1st Engineering District under DE Nestor dela Cruz, and Narra for the 2nd Engineering District under OIC Rudy Angulo.
The twenty-eight participating contractors in the Jobs Fair are constructing various projects in varying stages for the national government particularly those under the SONA, pump-priming projects for DPWH programs and other infrastructure projects under congressional initiatives.
The biggest projects are airport and road projects included in the SONA for Central Philippines under the Super Regions. The completion dates of these infrastructures are to be fast-tracked necessitating hiring of laborers and office & technical staff. These include 65 km Taytay- Roxas Road Project, 106.7 km Puerto Princesa City to Abo-Abo Road Project, and the 110 km Abo-Abo to Rio Tuba Road Project.
To strengthen tourism development, the following airports are also being developed under the Super Regions: upgrading of the Busuanga Airport, construction of the San Vicente secondary airport, and the upgrading into an international airport of the Puerto Princesa City Airport. (PIA 4B-Palawan)
PGMA to inaugurate BPO facility
Iloilo City - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be in Panay Island, tomorrow, March 3, 2009 to inaugurate the largest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) facility in Iloilo City.
Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Dr. Raul Banas, in a radio interview, said that the President’s visit to Iloilo will give emphasis to the help given by the BPO industry in the job generation effort of the government by providing employment opportunities to Ilonggos despite the global economic slowdown.
Set to be inaugurated is the Tele Tech Iloilo Delivery Center located at the 3rd Level of SM City Iloilo that houses 746 production seats in a sprawling 8,083 square meter lay-out that includes state-of-the-art equipment and first-class amenities. Currently, it employs more than 1,600 workers.
“The people of Iloilo are proud of the fact that their city now ranks third in the list of next wave BPO destinations in the country. We witness this excellence everyday on our operations floor from the more than 1,600 employees at our site,” said Tele Tech Executive Vice-President for Asia Maulik Parekh in a press report.
Since the start of Tele Tech’s operations in the country in 2002, it has rapidly grown in size to more than 23,000 employees working out of 12 delivery centers all over the Luzon and Visayas regions, making the company the largest foreign employer in the country today.
“We’ve been in operations here in Iloilo for a little over a year and we are confident that the city through the leadership of its local government will continue to support the growth that we expect in the coming years,” said Parekh, adding that ”the company remains bullish on its prospect this year.”
The Philippine operation, said Parekh is the fastest growing in the Tele Tech network.
Globally, Tele Tech has a workforce of over 60,000 employees and more than 80 delivery centers operating in 17 countries.
Parekh will lead the company’s executives who will join the President in the inauguration today.
The President will also hold a cabinet meeting in Boracay Island. (PIA 6 - Iloilo)
Macapagal-Durano Fish Port boosts livelihood of fishermen in Northern Cebu
Cebu City – Cutting costs on transport expenses means a lot to fishermen in northern Cebu as this indicates more daily savings as the day’s catch are now delivered to the Macapagal-Durano Fish Port located in Danao City instead of in ‘Pasil’ in Cebu City, the province’s fish trading center.
The Macapagal-Durano Fish Port is the first of its kind in the province with a pier deck to accommodate big fishing vessels and a market hall for as many as eight fish brokers during peak hours of trading.
Strategically, the fish port is located beside the city’s commercial port which serves as the pier for the President’s roll-on roll-off (RORO) project.
Danao City Mayor Ramonito Durano III said the P86.4M fish port will now serve as a drop-off point for fish catch in the Visayas for distribution in Cebu and will now compete with the one in Pasil.
The fish port will also cater to fisherfolk, fish broekers and dealers from the various areas in Cebu and the Visayas, this is learned.
Fishermen from as far as Bantayan Island , the tip of northern Cebu , and San Remegio can now unload their fish catch at the port. Previously, fishermen in the north used to sell their fish in Pasil, where they need to pay for transport costs to deliver their catch to Cebu City. Danao City is 23 kilometers away from Cebu City.
With the fish port, the Danao City Government will now be able to provide people better public services and more decent livelihood and work in a “cleaner, healthier and safer” environment, Durano claimed.
The facility stands as a strong edifice of friendship and industry that both men epitomized, according to Durano.
Durano expressed gratitude to President Arroyo for her financial assistance of P40M sourced from the President’s Social Fund for the construction of the fish port. In 2004, President Arroyo also led the groundbreaking of the dish port project.
The fish port has a total project cost of P86.5M with funding sources taken from the PSF, the Philippine Fisheries and Development Authority with P35.4M while the local government of Danao City had a counterpart funding of P11M.
Completed on September 15, this year, the 9,000 square meter fish port involved the reclamation and roadworks, the construction of pier deck and the Bagsakan Building with utilities and site development.
The fish port is seen to boost livelihood not only for the fishermen but fish vendors as well as the covered roof top of the fish port will soon house the “Tinap-anan” vendors of Danao City where they will be given each a stall at a very affordable rent of P20/day or P600 a month to cover the city’s operational expenses, according to Durano.
Currently, there are eight regional fish ports in the country. (PIA 7-Cebu)
Super region projects boost tourism in Siquijor
Super regions projects in Siquijor province helped boost the island’s tourism industry.
Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. said in one of his speeches, saying that with the ports development in Siquijor, a dramatic increase in the number of tourist arrivals in the province has been noted in the past years.
“In 2006, we had 20,421 walk-in tourists coming to Siquijor. In 2007, we had 74, 192 or a 363 per cent increase. For the past six months between January to June of this year (2008), we had 37,918 tourists coming over. Very easily our projections for this year will surpass the number of arrivals in the past year. These figures exclude the arrivals by boat that dock in the municipality of Larena, or the diving safaris that are packaged by tour operators in the region who make are trooping to the various diving spots of our seas", Fua once cited in his state of the Province last year.
Fua also stressed that ports development helps perk up economic activity of the island and is seen to open up windows for investment opportunities.
He attributed this development to the super region projects, particularly the ports development that with its complete facilities, are now ready to cater more tourists and investors.
Siquijor was a recipient of a P65 million package from the Philippine Ports Authority to rehabilitate the Siquijor port as part of the super region projects spelled out by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her State of the Nation Address (SONA). The project had already been completed in 2007.
Siquijor town, as Mayor Richard Quezon reported in his State of the Town Address (SOTA), also successfully completed last year the partial construction of their Baywalk funded by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in the amount of 5 million pesos and allocated P3,300,000 for the construction of the permanent bleacher in Siquijor port.
The Arroyo administration’s Medium Term Development Plan (2004-2010) stated that the tourism sector’s primary importance in poverty alleviation lies in its potential to generate millions of jobs for various groups of people. (PIA-7)
Siquijor all set for One Visayas Expo
The province of Siqujor is all set for the One Visayas exhibit in Cebu come March 1 to 8, 2009 at the Cebu International Convention Center.
Guv. Fua will lead Siquijor delegation composed of key provincial officials, tourism officers, artists and craftsmen, furniture makers, food entrepreneurs and some operators of tourism establishments.
The exposition will bring together the Visayas provinces in a week-long series of exhibits and exhibitions dubbed ONE VISAYAS, an event that hopes to foster ties that binds the three regions (6, 7 & 8).
In her address before the gathering of top local and international investors during the “Philippine Economic Briefing” at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City, the President said that the economic and fiscal reforms instituted by her administration have shielded the country from the wave of challenges since last year, such as the huge spike in food, fuel and rice prices, and now, global financial crisis.
Because of these reforms, the President said the Philippines registered an 8 percent GNP (gross national product) growth rate in 2007.
With the country’s sound fiscal management and prudent monetary policies, the President said she remains hopeful that the continued partnership with the private sector and the resiliency of the Filipino people would help insulate the country from the continuing global financial crisis. (PIA-7)
South Korean aid funds PGMA’s P2.5-B Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project
Tacloban City - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s Samar Pacific Coastal Road project will be funded with South Korean aid in the amount of P2.5 Billion, RDC Chair and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento announced during the Regional Development Council of Eastern Visayas meeting held on February 13.
Mayor Sarmiento said that the said project is one of the two projects which were approved by the National Economic and Development Authority that would be funded with South Korean aid, even as the Arroyo government is pump priming the economy through infrastructure development in order to insulate the Filipinos especially the poor from the impact of the current global economic crisis.
Of the total P2.5 Billion project cost, about P1.6 billion will come from South Korea’s EDCF and P900 million from the Philippine Government.
The Samar coastal road project which connects Northern Samar to Eastern Samar, is aimed at supporting development of potential agricultural lands and fishing grounds of the provinces of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar and easing the movement of goods and services.
The proposed road will stretch 108.4 kilometers and go through the towns of Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig in Northern Samar, and Arteche and San Policarpio in Eastern Samar.
Upon the instructions of President Arroyo, P500 million has been earmarked this year to continue work on the coastal road project, which has been fast-tracked starting last year to address areas that badly need good roads.
Although the road project is set for implementation from 2010 to 2013, the Department of Public Works and Highways has so far spent P287 million on it.
The other project approved by NEDA is the P3.5 Billion upgrading of the airport in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. (PIA 8)
