Wednesday 29 April 2009

PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Bank deposit insurance coverage reaches P500,000

The insurance coverage for bank deposits has been raised.

During the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Investors’ Recognition Day held Wednesday at the World Trade Center, Pasay City, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 3591 that increases by 100 percent the insurance coverage provided by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

With a half a-million peso insurance, depositors are expected to use the banks to protect their money from the impact of the global slowdown.

The signing was attended by the principal authors and sponsors led Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and representatives Jaime Lopez of Manila, Matt Defensor of Manila, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez of Leyte and Jose Carlos Lacson of Negros Occidental.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Bangko Sentral Governor Amado Tetangco Jr. and PDIC President Jose Nograles were also present in the event.

Meanwhile, The President presented awards to 25 PEZA locators that have contributed in the job creation drive, industrial peace promotion and community services.

This year’s winners for the Outstanding Exporters Awards were the Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Corporation, American Power Conversion Corp. BV, Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp., Panasonic Communications Philippines Corp., Accenture Incorporated, and Convergy’s Philippines Services Corporation.

Locators that were awarded as outstanding employers were Toshiba Information Equipment (Philippines) Incorporated, Nidec Philippines Corporation, Epson Precision (Philippines) Incorporated, Teletech Customer Care Management Philippines Inc., Convergy’s Philippines Services Corporation, Sitel Philippines Corporation, Faremo International Incorporated, and House Research and Development Pte., Ltd.

For the Outstanding Community Project Awards, the winner were Analog Devices General Trias Inc., Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corp., Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corp., Samsung Electronics Philippines Manufacturing Corp., Teletech Customer Care Management Philippines Inc., Sunpower Philippines Manufacturing Ltd., Hitec RCD Philippines Inc., and EMS Components Assembly Inc.

For the outstanding environmental performers, the winners were Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Philippines Corp.; Rohm Electronics Philippines Inc.; Nikko Metals Philippines Inc.; and AGC Flat Glass Philippines Inc. 

Locator that were three-time winners in various categories were listed in the Hall of Fame. 

The Hall of Famers were Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corp. (Outstanding Exporter), Nidec Philippines Corp. (Outstanding Exporter), NXP Semiconductors Philippines Inc. (Outstanding Community Project), Ford Motor Company Philippines Inc. (Outstanding Community Project), Ford Motor Company Philippines Inc. (Outstanding Environment Performer), and First Philippine Industrial Park (Outstanding Environment Performer).


Exporters to get P1-billion support fund from government 

Government is expediting the release of a billion peso support fund for the export sector.

“I have instructed Secretary Favila to work with the PMS, DBM and DOT a final evaluation of the various proposals with the intent of releasing the fund soonest,” President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said during the 30th National Conference of Employers (NCE) at Manila Hotel.

The president said the fund, which would come from the economic resiliency fund, will help exporters survive the global financial glut.

More than 50,000 local workers were displaced in the export sector and the fund Is expected to help them find new livelihood.


No Mexican Swine flu in the Philippines 
 
The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) assured that the swine influenza that has affected Mexico, US and Canada hasn’t broken through the country. 

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap reiterated Tuesday that there is no swine influenza outbreak in the Philippines and eating pork is safe.  

“Consuming meat products continuously to be a safe activity, we’re calling this (virus strain) the Mexican Swine Influenza,” said Yap referring to the local term the NDCC has adopted as the more appropriate reference to the influenza strain (Swine Flu) believed to have originated from farm hogs in Mexico.

Yap added that the Animal Health Organization based in Paris has found no evidence that the influenza virus is transmitted by food. 

Instead, as reported by Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, there are indications that the virus jumped from one person to another. 

“This is new strain (Mexican Swine influenza) is described from cases and deaths from Mexico and several other areas in the United States has not identified previously from animals or humans. The occurrence of illness and the absence of definite pig exposure among the first cases strongly suggested human to human transmission,” said Villaverde.  

Being a new strain, there is no vaccine for the Mexican Swine Influenza.

The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert to Phase 4 but government is not worried. 

“Even though there’s a world-wide declaration of a Phase-4 event, the Philippines is classified as a non-affected country,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chair Gilbert Teodoro said, “But be that as it may, we have take all necessary steps to maintain if not improve our readiness to meet a theoretical pandemic should it affect the Philippines. The Department of Health will issue bulletins from time to time regarding the Mexican Swine Flu.”

Affected countries will have to rapidly contain the illness by preventing those with fever or under febrile conditions from leaving the country while those non-affected must heighten its surveillance, hospital and clinical care, logistics which will include medicines and supply, public information and advocacy.  

Yap has ordered the temporary suspension of all hog and pork imports from afflicted areas and has mobilized concerned offices under the Department of Agriculture.

“I have ordered the Bureau of Quarantine to heightened alert in all airports and seaports to ensure that hand-carried meat products are thoroughly screened to prevent the entry of products from afflicted zones and the National Meat Inspection Service to monitor meat establishments and slaughter houses, inter-province movements of live hogs and products to ensure proper safety certification.”

Yap added that even the measures implemented during the height of the Reston Virus infections in Pandi, Bulacan are still operational. 

DOH, as reported previously by Secretary Francisco Duque III, activated its surveillance mechanism particularly screening of inbound passengers in international seaports and airports since last week following the WHO announcement that the influenza strain has developed into a public health emergency of international concern.  

Villaverde said passengers under “feverish condition” will be isolated and treated to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the San Lazaro Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines.

The signs and symptoms of the influenza in Humans include: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. 

“We have already conducted orientation on the interim guidelines and we are establishing the mechanism wherein we can organize our field hospitals and other emergency operation center,” said Villaverde, “with our experience in the Avian Influenza, for which we remained zero-case, we are quite assured that our readiness is in placed. Also, our experience with SARS triggered most of our preparation now. We are in that stage of readiness. Also, more recently, the Reston Virus. We have conducted some exercises and so many scenarios that will make our health workers and health managers more able to respond to this condition.” 

To reduce the risks of infection, DOH has proposed several ways including avoiding places described as afflicted areas; and covering mouth and nose with tissues or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.

DA orders surveillance of farm handlers vs Mexican swine flu

Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has directed the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to step up its surveillance work by closely monitoring the health conditions of animal handlers and other people in close contact with swine farms as a way to detect the possible presence of the novel multi-strain virus that is now causing illness and even death among humans in certain parts of the world.

Yap issued this directive following a Tuesday meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) at Camp Aguinaldo in which it was established that the so-called swine influenza problem now buffeting Mexico, the United States and Canada is no longer an animal health issue but a human health problem.

Hence, he said, the DA will play a supporting role from hereon to the Department of Health (DOH), which is in charge of crafting and implementing a national preparedness and response program against any possible human disease outbreak in the country, such as the “Mexican swine flu” outbreak in Mexico, US and Canada. 

Yap said that the BAI will have to report at once to the DOH any illness exhibited by animal handlers and other people in close contact with swine farms.
He said that he has also directed the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) to likewise step up its surveillance work with focus on monitoring movements of hogs and pork products and preventing the entry of sick pigs or “double dead” meat in the human food chain.  

As declared by the World Organisation for Animal Health or Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the new illness could be called a “North American influenza” because it has human, avian and swine virus characteristics, and had been initially described as swine flu only because hogs happened to be the “mixing vessel” capable of combining all three virus strains into the new, deadlier virus.  

The secretary said that keeping tabs with people in close contact with hogs is just a precautionary measure, given that the real swine flu is an ordinary illness that affects swine and from which most hogs recover after a few days of illness, and that this ordinary swine influenza is entirely different from the novel strain that has downed an increasing number of people in Mexico, the US and Canada.

He noted that the OIE has called for urgent scientific research into this novel strain, given that not one of the affected people have had contact with sick pigs and that there has been no outbreak of swine flu among pigs in the affected countries.

Yap reiterated, meanwhile, that it is safe to eat properly cooked pork as the OIE itself declared there is no evidence that the new virus could be transmitted through food.

The DA chief said on Tuesday that the temporary suspension of pork imports from the afflicted zones in Mexico , the United States and Canada will stay pending further scientific evidence that will categorically rule out this disease as coming from swine.
 
Yap said the government will maintain this policy as a precautionary measure despite the latest pronouncement by the OIE that “there is no evidence that this virus is transmitted by food” and that it is “not justified to name this disease swine influenza” as it is not technically the SI virus but a multi-strain one “which includes in its characteristics swine, avian and human virus components.”
 
In the absence of any animal disease outbreak in the three countries concerned, the OIE said in its latest official statement that it would be better to call this illness as the “North American influenza” even as it added that “urgent scientific research must be started in order to know the susceptibility of animals to this new virus.”
 
Also on Tuesday, Yap had a meeting at his Quezon City office with hog industry leaders, namely, Renato Eleria, Eliseo Yu and Arceo Alfonso from the National Federation of Hog Farmers’ Inc. (NFHFI); Dr. Leo Obviar, president of Philippine Swine Producers Association (PSPA): and Dr. Wilfredo Resoso, president of the Philippine College of Swine Practitioners (PCSP).
 
These groups represent, among others, Foremost Farms, Robina, Monterrey , Holiday Hills and RS Farm.
 
Director Davinio Catbagan of the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said the Philippines does not import any pork product from Mexico but imports about 50,000 metric tons (MT) from the US and Canada.
 
He said that the said 50,000 MT will now be sourced domestically, most likely from Mindanao, and from about 10 countries that are free of this virus.
 
Catbagan said the BAI will coordinate with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other airport and seaport authorities to stop the entry of pork products that were shipped out from the three countries following the onset of the human infections.
 
The DA and BAI said on Monday they were mounting yet another slew of measures topped by more stringent biosecurity and border control steps to prevent a domestic outbreak of swine influenza (SI) in response to the laboratory-confirmed cases of human infections in Mexico and the US.
 
Last weekend, Yap directed BAI “to measure and to strengthen the monitoring of all the ports to prevent the entry of any hogs/pork from Mexico and the US” and to “augment existing quarantine checkpoints to further prevent movement of sick pigs.” 
 
Yap had also ordered the BAI “to lift the restriction in the use of SI vaccine and encourage hog farmers to regularly vaccinate their pigs against SI as the vaccine will be readily available.”
 

RP, Brunei seal agricultural cooperation deal
  
Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two Southeast Asian countries, particularly in the fields of agriculture and farm-related trade and investments. 
 
This MOU was forged by the Department of Agriculture, on behalf of the Philippines, and the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, on behalf of Brunei Darussalam, during the third day of DA Secretary Arthur Yap’s April 25-27 official trip to Brunei. 
 
Yap’s April 25-27 trip serves as a follow-up to the visit of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, to the Philippines last January and subsequently the DA chief’s first visit to Brunei on March 3-4 2009 with DA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Philippine Rice Research Institute Executive Director Ronilo A. Beronio, and Dr. Justino R. Arboleda, CEO of Coco Technologies Corporation. 
 
During the January visit of the Sultan of Brunei to Manila, he and President Arroyo affirmed their commitment to further deepen and expand the friendly relations between Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan as well as work closer in addressing regional and global challenges. 
 
The agreement was signed on Monday by Yap and Pehin Yahya at the Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei Darussalam. 
 
“This MOU provides for a general framework for bilateral cooperation in the field of agriculture for the purpose of fostering sectoral development and with a view of enhancing agri-related trade and investment between the Philippines and Brunei,” Yap said.
 
Accompanying Yap during his trip were Mr. Marriz Agbon, President of the Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corporation, and Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio, Executive Director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute. 
 
Under the MOU, both signatory-countries committed to strengthen cooperation in the areas of plant science, crops technology, vegetable and fruit preservation, biotechnology, post-harvest technology, livestock, organic agriculture, irrigation and water resources and Halal industry.
 
Both parties aim to bolster bilateral cooperation in these farm-based areas through the following:
 
1. Exchange of scientific or technical materials and information in agriculture;
2. Exchange of professionals, scientists, technical experts and trainees;
3. Conduct of studies related to areas of mutual interest;
4. Organization of training workshops, seminars and conference in areas of mutual interest;
5. Conduct of promotional and facilitation activities including agricultural products trade fairs and special exhibitions;
6. Cooperation in the areas of food and commercial sectors and food industries, technology transfer and innovation, implementation of activities related to trading in agricultural products through meetings, seminars and other methods considered appropriate; and
7. Cooperation in other related areas to be identified and jointly decided upon by the Parties, such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures relating to the import or export of agricultural products.
 
Manila and Bandar Seri Begawan agreed under the MOU to encourage private sector initiatives and partnerships in the said areas.
 
The two parties will create a joint committee composed of an equal number of designated representatives from both sides to oversee the implementation of the MOU.
 
This joint panel will meet once a year or every two years, with the venue to be mutually decided upon by the two parties, to study and formulate detailed programs for cooperation in the areas of agriculture and review the progress of the MOU’s implementation. 
 
The committee is required under the MOU to submit a joint report to the DA secretary and the minister of the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources.
 
This MOU was given provisional effectivity upon its signing last Monday, and will continue to have effect for a period of five years, with a possible extension of another five years, subject to the mutual agreement of both parties. 
 
Possible investment areas that Yap and other agriculture executives had proposed to Brunei officials and business leaders are in the palay and corn, high-value commercial crops, poultry, marine and Halal subsectors.
 
Meeting with Yap during his April 25-27 visit was his counterpart, HE Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Industry and Primary Resources of Brunei Darussalam. 
 
A highlight of Yap ’s trip was his joining His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on 27 April 2009 at the Launching Ceremony of Paddy Planting Towards Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Rice Production in Brunei Darussalam, for which the Philippine Rice Research Institute is maintaining a techno-demonstration plot. It was a historic event since it was the first time the monarch personally planted rice in Brunei to clearly bring home the point of food security to his people. 
 
Last February, the DA dispatched a five-man team to Bandar Seri Begawan composed of experts from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to assess Brunei’s potential for rice self-sufficiency in response to the Brunei Government’s request for Philippine technical assistance to help achieve Brunei’s food security goals. 
 
These areas of investment, Yap said, include rice research and development; agribusiness estates in Mindanao ; corn production and processing; production of high-value commercial crops such as pineapple, banana and mango; marine zone development; poultry farm development and the Halal food industry.  
 
Manila had earlier held discussions with Bandar Seri Begawan on viable investment opportunities in the domestic Halal sector, particularly in Mindanao, which has a comparative edge over other countries in the region because it is free of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and the avian influenza (AI) or bird flu virus. 

Tuesday 28 April 2009

PIA Dispatch - Tuesday, April 28, 2009

PGMA acts on growing concerns of residents on demolition of their houses along Metro rivers

Tacloban City —President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today ordered the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address the growing concerns of the residents affected by the Supreme Court ruling ordering the demolition of structures built along waterways in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. 

The President issued the directive after the presentation of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) on the waterways-related demolition and eviction during the joint NEDA-NAPC Cabinet Group Meeting at the VIP lounge of the Tacloban airport here. 

The Chief Executive asked the MMDA to explain to the residents the agency’s implementation of the High Court’s decision ordering it to lead the dismantling and removal of all structures along Pasig-Marikina-San Juan Rivers; Paranaque-Zapote-Las Pinas Rivers; Navotas-Malabon-Tullahan-Tenejeros Rivers and connecting waterways and esteros in Metro Manila as a way to clean up Manila Bay. 

Likewise, the President directed the DPWH to convene the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) recommended by PCUP and local government units (LGUs) to assist it in carrying out the order to residents near the Meycauayan-Marilao-Obando rivers in Bulacan; Talisay in Bataan river; Imus in Cavite river; Laguna de Bay and other rivers connecting waterways and esteros that discharge waste water into the Manila Bay. 

The Court’s decision, handed down in December 2008, directed the MMDA and DPWH to immediately act and discharge their duties to effect the cleanup, restoration and preservation of the water quality of Manila Bay. 

These two agencies specifically ordered to dismantle “structures, constructions and encroachments” along the rivers and tributaries that flow into the bay. 

PGMA stresses importance of sports to develop youth

Tacloban City, Leyte – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today stressed the importance of sports as an effective tool to develop the youth for nation building as she opened the 2009 Palarong Pambansa at the Leyte Sports Development Center here.

“Sports develop our youth, not only in health but in character, discipline, self-confidence, courage to win and teamwork and these are the qualities that we want to develop in our students who are in training in sports,” President Arroyo said in her short message during the formal opening Tuesday (April 28) of the weeklong multi-sports event. 

The President also emphasized that the Palarong Pambansa is part of a comprehensive program of the government to help the country in facing the immediate challenges arising from the world economic meltdown. 

“The same kind of traits is not only important in confronting the immediate challenges but also in the progress of our nation for the good of our youth,” she said. 

President Arroyo also took time to inform the more than 20,000 crowd -- including athletes and officials that witnessed the colorful opening rites -- that the government is serious in investing more in infrastructure projects. 

”Our investments in the infrastructures like the roads, airports and ports that you used in coming here, and as well as our investment in human capital including education, health and sports, these will support the programs of our country,” the President stressed. 

In keeping with the Palaro’s theme, “Unity, Peace and Progress,” the President challenged local and sports leaders coming from the country’s 17 regions to work together to achieve progress. 

“Working together as one nation and people, I am confident that we will not only survive but prosper in this time of global crisis. 

President Arroyo acknowledged the presence of Vice President Noli de Castro, and congratulated the local government headed by Gov. Jericho Carlos Petilla for hosting the Palaro.

It is the first time in 26 years the province of Leyte to host the prestigious meet since 1983, the height of the rivalry between Palaro products Elma Muros and Lydia de Vega. 

The President delighted the huge crowd when she greeted them in the local dialect, “Maupay na aga ha iyo nga tanan (Good morning to all of you)”; and drew thunderous applause when she officially declared the Palaro open. 

“I hope this Palaro 2009 will display the teamwork of our students for the show of our unity as one nation and, in this spirit, I now declare the Palarong Pambansa open,” the President declared. 

The President was accompanied to the stage by Secretary Jesli Lapus of the Department of Education (DepEd) which conducts the annual multi-sports event participated in by more than 10,000 athletes and officials from the country’s 17 regions. 

Aside from Petilla, other local officials who joined the President include Rep. Martin Romualdez of Leyte’s first district and mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princesa City which hosted the 2008 Palaro meet. 

The Leyte province has spent P70 million to refurbish the Leyte Sports Development Center and 18 other venues throughout the province. 

Among the calendared sports disciplines for the weeklong sports meet include athletics, archery, arnis (secondary only), badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing (secondary only), chess, football, gymnastics, sepak-takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis, taekwondo and volleyball. 

Powerhouse National Capital Region (NCR) is the reigning overall champion both in the elementary and secondary divisions, but last year’s second placer Western Visayas is hoping to end the Big City’s sports supremacy. 

Completing the list of sports delegations from the regions are Southern Tagalog, CALABARZON, Central Visayas, Central Luzon Region, Northern Mindanao, Ilocos Region, Southern Tagalog, MIMAROPA, Davao Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, CARAGA, Cotabato Region, Cagayan Valley and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 

The games resume on Wednesday (April 29) with 21 gold medals at stake, including 16 in the swimming competition. Aside from time trials, five golds are up for grabs in Athletics. 

Leyte gets new economic zone

Tacloban City – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed 300,408 square meters of land in Barangay Montebello in Kananga as a special economic zone, giving another major boost to Leyte’s business and economic development. 

The President’s proclamation was announced by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde at a press briefing following the out-of-town Cabinet meeting held at the VIP Lounge of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.

The President arrived here for a series of official engagements, including the formal opening of the 2009 Palarong Pambansa. 

“I am very happy to announce the good news for the people of the province of Leyte this issuance of presidential proclamation, creating and designating two parcels of land as special economic zone,” Remonde said. 

Last year, Leyte was chosen as the most business-friendly province by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). 

Gov. Jericho Carlos Petilla described the PICC award as a good indicator that his province is taking the right direction in business promotion and encouraging businessmen to invest in Leyte. 

According to the Leyte Chronicle, a local newspaper, Leyte´s nomination for the PCCI recognition was made following the province´s formulation and implementation of the Leyte Business and Investment Code and the institutionalization of the Leyte Provincial Business Month every October. 

The provincial administration was also cited for its efforts to promote the province as an Information Technology (IT) destination through the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s (PEZA) declaration of the Leyte ICT Park and the launching of the Technology Business Incubator (TBI).

No Mexican Swine flu in the Philippines 

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) assured that the swine influenza that has affected Mexico, US and Canada hasn’t broken through the country. 

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap reiterated Tuesday that there is no swine influenza outbreak in the Philippines and eating pork is safe.  

“Consuming meat products continuously to be a safe activity, we’re calling this (virus strain) the Mexican Swine Influenza,” said Yap referring to the local term the NDCC has adopted as the more appropriate reference to the influenza strain (Swine Flu) believed to have originated from farm hogs in Mexico.

Yap added that the Animal Health Organization based in Paris has found no evidence that the influenza virus is transmitted by food. 

Instead, as reported by Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, there are indications that the virus jumped from one person to another. 

“This is new strain (Mexican Swine influenza) is described from cases and deaths from Mexico and several other areas in the United States has not identified previously from animals or humans. The occurrence of illness and the absence of definite pig exposure among the first cases strongly suggested human to human transmission,” said Villaverde.  

Being a new strain, there is no vaccine for the Mexican Swine Influenza.

The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert to Phase 4 but government is not worried. 

“Even though there’s a world-wide declaration of a Phase-4 event, the Philippines is classified as a non-affected country,” Defense Secretary and NDCC chair Gilbert Teodoro said, “But be that as it may, we have take all necessary steps to maintain if not improve our readiness to meet a theoretical pandemic should it affect the Philippines. The Department of Health will issue bulletins from time to time regarding the Mexican Swine Flu.”

Affected countries will have to rapidly contain the illness by preventing those with fever or under febrile conditions from leaving the country while those non-affected must heighten its surveillance, hospital and clinical care, logistics which will include medicines and supply, public information and advocacy.  

Yap has ordered the temporary suspension of all hog and pork imports from afflicted areas and has mobilized concerned offices under the Department of Agriculture.

“I have ordered the Bureau of Quarantine to heightened alert in all airports and seaports to ensure that hand-carried meat products are thoroughly screened to prevent the entry of products from afflicted zones and the National Meat Inspection Service to monitor meat establishments and slaughter houses, inter-province movements of live hogs and products to ensure proper safety certification.”

Yap added that even the measures implemented during the height of the Reston Virus infections in Pandi, Bulacan are still operational. 

DOH, as reported previously by Secretary Francisco Duque III, activated its surveillance mechanism particularly screening of inbound passengers in international seaports and airports since last week following the WHO announcement that the influenza strain has developed into a public health emergency of international concern.  

Villaverde said passengers under “feverish condition” will be isolated and treated to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the San Lazaro Hospital and the Lung Center of the Philippines.

The signs and symptoms of the influenza in Humans include: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and nausea/vomiting and diarrhea. 

“We have already conducted orientation on the interim guidelines and we are establishing the mechanism wherein we can organize our field hospitals and other emergency operation center,” said Villaverde, “with our experience in the Avian Influenza, for which we remained zero-case, we are quite assured that our readiness is in placed. Also, our experience with SARS triggered most of our preparation now. We are in that stage of readiness. Also, more recently, the Reston Virus. We have conducted some exercises and so many scenarios that will make our health workers and health managers more able to respond to this condition.” 

To reduce the risks of infection, DOH has proposed several ways including avoiding places described as afflicted areas; and covering mouth and nose with tissues or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.

RP eyes China’s huge market for its exports to mitigate impact of global recession

Tacloban City —The government will explore opportunities arising from China’s huge market as a way to mitigate the impact of the present global economic crisis on the Filipinos. 

Rolando Tungpalan, deputy director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said during a media briefing here today (April 28, Tuesday) that the joint NEDA-NAPC Cabinet Group meeting focused on how the Philippines could take advantage of China’s huge market which "has picked up very strongly despite the global economic recession." 

With the World Bank’s forecast that the pickup in China will strongly support growth in the rest of Asia by raising demand for commodities and products, the government will actively promote Philippines exports to China and Chinese investments in the Philippines. 

“China has demonstrated that it has a huge market and that it is prepared to assist partner countries, including the Philippines like in providing loans and investments,” Tungpalan said. 

Likewise, the government shall tap Chinese official development assistance (ODA) for community infrastructure projects, particularly for waterless barangays. 

Based on the Global Recession Impact Monitor (GRIM) presentation, China’s stimulus package is seen to be working, with its stock market rising by 47 percent in April, and its car sales hitting a monthly record last March. 

China is reaching out to the rest of world to provide loans and investments. It is also making a push to lock up energy reserves across the globe by offering much-needed credit to governments, the latest being a $10 billion oil-for-loan deal with Kazakhstan. 

In pursuit of strengthening ASEAN-China cooperation, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has proposed various plans and programs that include a US$10-billion China-ASEAN Fund on Investment Cooperation which will be set up to accelerate the construction of infrastructure in the region to improve connectivity. 

China will set up a US$15-billion credit fund for cooperation projects, and provide US$5 million for the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund. It also wants to beef up financial ties with ASEAN members, Japan and South Korea. 

In the next five years, China will also offer 2,000 government scholarships and 200 Master of Public Administration (MPA) scholarship grants to developing economies of East Asia. 

Sunday 26 April 2009

PIA Dispatch - Friday, April 24, 2009

PGMA lauds Laguna firms that provide subsidies to their displaced workers 

Calamba City – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded Friday companies who look after the welfare of their displaced employees by paying them cash subsidies despite the difficulties brought by the global economic crisis.

The President expressed her appreciation during the launching of the enhanced price and supply monitoring project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at the Yazaki Torres Manufacturing Inc. gymnasium here on Friday morning.

Among those present were more than 500 newly-designated DTI price monitors led by DTI Secretary Peter Favila and Undersecretary Merly Cruz. 

Also present were Calamba City Mayor Joaquin Chipeco, 2nd District Rep. Justin Chipeco, 3rd District Rep. Ivy Arago, Tanauan City Mayor Sonia Torres Aquino and Yazaki Torres president and CEO Feliciano Torres.

The President lauded companies such as the Yazaki Torres for practicing corporate social responsibility by providing subsidies to displaced workers.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Torres informed the President that his company subsidizes 25 percent of the income of their workers who are “on vacation” as a result of reduced order in their automotive parts and supplies.

Torres said they support government agencies who continue to provide emergency employment hoping that these agencies also find ways to help companies reeling from the global crisis cope up with expenses and become more competitive.

Instead of conducting lay-offs, the President called on companies to follow suit by following the suggestion of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to pay half the minimum wage of their employees for their training with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) so that they become more competitive.


DTI improves CLEEP in CALABARZON

Government will help CALABARZON cope up with the financial slump.

Launched on Friday by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Enhanced Price and Supply Monitoring project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will strengthen the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in the region where the number of displaced workers is significantly high. 

“Yan pong CLEEP natin…dalawang bagay po ang matutumbok na ito…hindi lang po emergency employment kundi patuloy na pagmomonitor natin sa presyo ng bilihin sa merkado,” said Deputy Presidential Spokersperson Lorelie Fajardo.  

The monitoring project will help ensure products in the region will be safe, high quality and reasonably-priced.

It will also hire displaced workers as price monitors to be deployed in Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Quezon and Rizal for the next six months.

Each price monitor will receive Php 5,082 monthly allowance.

Apart from watching prices, the monitors will be helping business establishments to comply with the Price Tag and Labeling laws, Product Standard Law and other trade laws.

In Laguna, DTI will hire at least 500 for the next three months.

To date, more than 527 displaced workers were trained on how to put their own businesses under the CLEEP in Laguna. 

Ninety-seven entrepreneurs have applied for loans worth P855,000 with the Small Business Corporation while 180 applied for loans with the Postal Bank.


Church leaders join call for caring for the environment 

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has found strong allies in Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales and Infanta (Quezon) Bishop Julio Labayen in her campaign to preserve the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

A recipient of the Fr. Neri Satur Awards for Environmental Heroism, Archbishop Rosales said in a video message that the Philippines is very rich in natural resources but these resources are being depleted faster by the wanton neglect and abuse by the people, particularly loggers who destroy the forests.

He reminded Filipinos that forests purify the air and prevent floods.

The archbishop’s video message was played during the concelebrated Earth Day mass held at the NBN Studia A in Quezon City Friday morning which was officiated by Bishop Labayen.

Rosales is awarded for establishing ecology desks in parishes and using the pulpit in staunchly protecting the environment.

Rosales extolled Fr. Neri Satur, after whom the environmental awards for 2009 was named, as a hero and a martyr. At a very young age, he spent two years, three months and two days doing his priestly duties and exposing the violations of the forests by loggers.

Bishop Labayen, whose program, Adopt a Mountain in Infanta Quezon, won for him an environmental heroism award for climate change mitigation, said in his sermon that “earth was given to us all to be our source of livelihood.” 

“But we are destroying Earth through logging, removing the indigenous people and wildlife from their natural habitat and violating our women of their rights and potentials,” Labayen lamented.

“The Earth mass is a mass for life. Let us now stand united for life because God gave it to us,” Labayen added, as he acknowledged the presence of guests from Spain and made the “Earth call” a global call as well.

At the offertory, gifts of potted plants and tree saplings and paintings about the environment were given, among other offerings, from the public.

The Earth mass was attended by officials of government, led by Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who represented President Arroyo; churchmen, indigenous people, the awardees and local and foreign guests.

Aside from Cardinal Rosales and Bishop Labayen, the other awardees were: Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin L. San Pedro for the public market with best solid and water waste management program; principal Elvira M. Camacho of the Talavera National High School of Nueva Ecija for its mini hydro power invention; Dr. Schultz GTZ-German Technical Cooperation for its green energy initiatives; 

Atty. Dumlao of Northwind Power Development Corporation for its green wind energy power; Green Architecture Movement/United Architects of the Philippines represented by Architect Amado de Jesus for its green building sector; the Green Renewable Independent Power Producers Inc. represented by Project Director Yvonne Castro for electric jeepney for the transport sector; Bensan Industries for its zero waste recycling of machine oil for transport represented by its president, Engr. Benjamin Santos;

Arts Association of the Philippines for environmental arts education for visual arts; Joey Ayala and Bagong Lumads for eco-cultural communications through music; Kidlat Tahimik for film documentation for indigenous peoples; and special citations for media and culture to: Filipino rap music king Francis Magalona (posthumous award received by his wife) and Timmy Cruz (eco friendly artists) who also rendered a musical piece on Sumusumpa Ako; Richard Gutierrez of GMA7 and Kim Atienza of ABS-CBN for being eco friendly hosts; Angelo Palmones of DZMM for Takbo Para sa Kalikasan and Clement Bautista of DZRH for environmental reporting.

Near the end of the program an interpretative dance was performed with musical accompaniment from the composition and song of Francis Magalona entitled Basura.


Palace respects IMF projection, will strive for slower but positive growth 

The International Monetary Fund’s failure to see the country’s economic fundamentals maybe the reason for its dismal economic projections, a ranking Malacanang official said Friday.  

“We respect the opinion of the International Monetary Fund that the Philippines will reportedly have a zero growth rate this year. Clearly the views of the global financial intermediaries like the Fund mattered a lot to all of us. Especially now that they have been entrusted with the disbursing of the trillion dollars stimulus funds committed by G-20 at its last conference,” said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said  

“Even the most pessimistic or cynical will have to agree that the possibility of a zero growth for our country will still be even better than the negative growth already being registered by many other countries especially those in the West,” Remonde said, “after all, zero growth also means zero recession. And recession is what all of us is afraid of.”  

Remonde said the sound fundamentals that helped the country to grow in the midst of global slowdown include overseas workers’ remittances which supported domestic consumer demands, a financial sector shielded from the sub-prime crisis that caused the recession, fiscal reserves that funded stimulus programs and ample monetary space that enabled the Bangko Sentral to perform its duties. 

“We can live with the IMF’s zero growth outlook as no more than just a worst case scenario,” Remonde said. 

Remonde said NEDA’s number rates this year are better ranging from 3. 1 percent to 3.7 percent. 

He believed NEDA can justify its data which can stand as an alternative forecast to the IMF’s zero growth outlook for the Philippines. 


Palace: government never abandoned Nicole

Malacanang disputed insinuations that government has not done anything to support the complainant on Subic Rape Case.

“To say the government has been remise on its duties is unfair,” Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said, “there was conviction at the regional trial court. Of course, this went through the Department of Justice. The prosecution and the conviction at the RTC levels are works of government.” 

Remonde said government did what it has to do and followed the principles of due process.

“The courts have spoken and we have to respect the decision,” said Remonde, “we have to rely on our judicial system. If they (critics) are not contented with the decision of the Court of Appeals, they can do whatever they wanted to do within our legal system.”  

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice called on the public to respect the decision of the Court of Appeals.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales said the court strictly adhered to judicial process and government did everything to prosecute Smith.  

Before leaving for the United States, Nicole retracted her statements against Smith citing her doubts about the details of the supposed rape.


Marine acquitted of rape may still face martial court

Lance Corporal Daniel Smith is now free but may not evade charges in a military court like his comrades did, an interior and local government executive said Friday.

“His (Smith) legal ordeal may not be over yet since he may still have to deal with the court martial," DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus said who previously headed an inspection team tasked to oversee Smith’s custody. 

Smith was with fellow marines Lance corporals Keith Silkwood and Dominic Duplantis and Staff Sargent Chad Carpentier when the supposed rape of Suzette Nicolas otherwise known as Nicole took place onboard a van in Subic Bay Free Port in 2005.

Silkwood, Duplantis and Carpentier were discharged from the marine service following their acquittal at the Makati Regional Trial Court in December 2006. 

The four soldiers were members of the 31st US Marine Expeditionary Force based in Okinawa, Japan. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed Friday that Smith left the country after the Court of Appeals (CA) Special 11th Division reversed the decision of Makati RTC convicting him of rape with a sentence of 40 years imprisonment. 

On Thursday, CA ordered the release of Smith after finding no evidence that the marine coerced, threatened or intimidated Nicole when they met in bar in Subic Bay.

Palace hopes for peaceful resolution on the Sulu Hostage Crisis

Malacanang assured the government is still on top of the situation of the Sulu Hostage Crisis.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde got word from Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Sulu Governor Abdul Sakur Tan that government forces are still pursuing the safe recovery of the last ICRC worker, Eugenio Vagni, held hostaged in Sulu.

“Both have expressed optimism to me that Vagni is safe and that the government forces are right now on top of the situation, and they are optimistic that there will be a peaceful outcome of the crisis, “ said Remonde.

Remonde added that the communication line between the Abu Sayyaf and local negotiators remained open where the Ulamas are participating well.


Comelec proclaimed new party lists groups

The House of Representatives has now 55 party list groups.

The Commission on Elections has proclaimed on Friday the new sectoral groups in accordance with the Supreme Court (SC) ruling that party lists shall constitute 20 percent of the total number of the representatives which in turn satisfies a constitutional provision.

The new sectoral groups in Congress are the following: Aba-Ako, Abakada, ABS, ANAD, Ang Kasangga, AT, Bantay, Banat, 1-Utak, Kabataan, Kakusa, Senior Citizens, TUCP, Uni-Mad and VFP. 

Some existing party-list groups have earned an additional representation: Akbayan, Abono, Agap, Anak Mindanao or Amin, Anakpawis, An Waray, Alagad, A Teacher, ARC, Bayan Muna, Butil and Coop Natco.

PhilHEALTH to serve DSWD indigent clients

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) signed Friday a memorandum of agreement that will provide PhilHealth cards to DSWD clients. The ceremony was held at the DSWD building, Batasan Hills, Quezon City.

The MOA was signed by DSWD Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral and Mr. Ernesto V. Beltran, PhilHealth Senior Vice-President for Operations. 

With the remarkable increase every year in the number of clients requesting for medical assistance from the DSWD-Crisis Intervention Units, Secretary Cabral initiated the tie-up with PhilHealth. The partnership will help clients pay for the medical expenses, hospitalization and medicines for themselves and their dependents through the PhilHealth card.  

The DSWD, through its Crisis Intervention Units (CIUs) in its 16 Field Offices provides assistance to individuals and families in emergency and crisis situations needing financial, medical and related concerns. 

Of the 61,871 clients served by the CIUs at the Central Office and 16 Field Offices, there were 26,304 clients who sought medical assistance from January to September 31, 2008. 

The tie-up project will be implemented nationwide using the Indigent Sponsorship Program (ISP) of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) which serves the health insurance of the indigent sector. It is a tool by which the State envisions to provide Medicare to the indigent population.

The DSWD and PhilHealth will co-sponsor the payment of P1,200.00 which will provide medical insurance to the beneficiary for one year, renewable every year and subject to re-assessment.  

The insurance covers hospitalization and outpatient benefits from Philhealth accredited hospitals, lying-in clinics and Rural Health Units. 

Qualified for the program are: CIU clients who are non-PhilHealth members of any local government unit, other government or private health insurance programs and Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years of age. 

The DSWD will initially identify 1,000 indigent household-beneficiaries for the project.

Thursday 23 April 2009

PIA Dispatch - Thursday, April 23, 2009

Palace will respect CA's ruling acquiting Smith 

Malacanang accepted the Court of Appeals ruling that overturned a lower court's decision convicting a US marine for raping a woman in Subic Bay Freeport in 2005.

“We will respect its verdict,” said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde. 

Associate Justice Monina Arevalo- Zena of the Special 11th Division ordered Thursday the immediate release of US Marine Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith after the CA found no evidence to prove that he used force, threat and intimidation to force himself into the victim, Suzette Nicolas, also known as Nicole. 

“What we see was the spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode with both parties carried away by their passions and stirred up by the urgency of the moment caused probably by alcoholic drinks, " the CA ruling said in a document that is 71 pages long. 

In March 22, Nicole has withdrawn her complaint because she had doubts whether the rape took place or not.

She left for the Unites States while Smith is under custody of the US Embassy in Manila.


PGMA gives Antique typhoon victims new lease on life 

Valderrama, Antique - In less than a year after Typhoon “Frank” devastated this municipality, local residents are well on their way to rebuilding their future, as government intensifies efforts to bring back normalcy to people’s lives here. 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today (April 23) visited this municipality to lead the distribution of various government assistance to help typhoon victims recover from the devastation wrought by “Frank.” 

The Chief Executive personally awarded certificates of occupancy to 89 families whose houses were destroyed by the typhoon that hit Antique in June last year. 

Under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shelter assistance program, the 89 displaced families will be transferred to a new relocation site in Barangay Borocboroc. 

Last August, the government released roughly P4.5 million to develop the four-hectare Borocboroc relocation site for the typhoon victims. Each shelter costs P50,000. 

“Congratulations. You now have a new home,” the President told the typhoon victims during the ceremonies held at the Valderrama Central Elementary School. 

For 34-year-old Jonathan Canja and his family, the new shelter means a safe and comfortable abode. 

“In the new house that was given to us by the government, I know that our lives will go on,” said Canja. 

For 73-year-old Lucia Eto, the emotional and physical pressures caused by homelessness are over.

“I am thankful to the President. We now have a new home which we can proudly call our own,” Eto said. 

For Rufino Ynion and his family, their new shelter is the best gift they have received from the government. 

“With this (house), we can now look forward to a more secure future,” Ynion said. 

In addition to the new houses, a new school building was also built at the Borocboroc relocation site, Valderrama Mayor Mary Joyce Roquero said. 

To help the 89 families with their daily needs, the President also distributed cash subsidies amounting to P179,600 through the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 

The 89 beneficiaries were among the 622 poor families in this municipality given cash grants totaling P1.213 million. 

Other 4Ps beneficiaries are from Barangays Bunsod, P148,800 (75 beneficiaries); Cansilayan, P83,800 (43 beneficiaries); Lublub, P235,000 (124 beneficiaries); Manlacbo, P243,000 (128 beneficiaries), and Pandanan, P322,600 (163 beneficiaries). 

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a poverty-reduction strategy that provide grants to extremely-poor households for their health, nutrition and education needs, particularly children aged 0-14 years. 

The cash subsidies distributed by the President was the second tranche of cash grants for the province of P20,307,700 for 10,510 beneficiaries in 173 barangays . 

The P20.3 million allocation brings to P44,315,700 the total cash grants to Antique province. During the last quarter of 2008, the government released P24 million in cash grants to Antique. 

Antiquenos expressed their gratitude to the President for visiting the province and for the her assistance to the typhoon victims. 

“We welcomed you (the President) with great affection and gratitude. We feel so honored to be part of your provincial sorties,” Antique Gov. Salvacion Perez said. 

Perez cited the Arroyo administration for fast-paced development of Antique province. 

For his part, Rep. Exequiel Javier expressed his deep gratitude to the President for the attention she has given to the development of Antique. 

“No President has done so much for the upliftment of the lives of our people, except President Arroyo” Javier said. 

IMF forecast of RP zero growth is negated by current realities, Golez says 

Malacañang disputed today the forecast of zero growth of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) saying the projection is negated by current realities like increased remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in February, more job deployments overseas and adjustments in the budgetary deficit to pump prime the economy.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Golez said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) based its projections on assumptions of a zero growth on a) remittances by overseas Filipino workers declining by 7.5 percent; b) exports dropping by 20 percent and c) imports would drop by 18 percent. 

He said these projections are “well below the estimates of a flat growth because February numbers showed a 4.9 percent growth in OFW remittances, so, that alone would negate what the IMF projected.”

Second, there is a continuing deployment of OFWs, which means that OFW remittances will further increase, he said.

Golez said the original budgetary deficit target of P177 billion was revised upward to P199 billion and this will contribute largely to stimulate the economy. This means, he explained, that the government foresees a favorable growth situation.

Additionally every campaign season perks up the economy and “we are headed for a campaign season.”

The economic resiliency package (ERP) being implemented by the government to help the country weather the current global economic crisis has been noticed by the IMF itself when it said that the “Philippines is in a good position to weather the storm due to its strong fiscal track record.” “So in the middle of a crisis we are in a better position,” Golez said.

The IMF’s projection is way below the World Bank projection of 1.9 percent growth and the Asian Development Bank’s 2.5 percent, Golez said. 

Palace tells NDCC, Sulu LGU to prepare food/medicines 

Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthny Golez said today that he has not yet received any report on the possible evacuation of civilians from areas where Italian Eugeno Vagni is reportedly being held hostage by his Abu Sayyaf kidnappers.

But Golez, who is also the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), pointed out that if it becomes necessary, civilians in the conflict area would be taken to safe havens. 

Golez was responding to reports of a possible military operation to rescue Vagni, the last of the three kidnapped workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) still being held by Abu Sayayaf bandits in Sulu.

But he said that the local government unit (LGU) in the area and the NDCC have been instructed to stock up on food and medicines to support any relief operations.
.
Such preparations are standard contingency procedures that the NDCC always undertake -- not necessarily for the evacuation of civilians from areas of conflict, he said.

Golez added that the local crisis committee (LCC) in Sulu and NDCC have identified five sites as possible evacuation centers. 

On whether the Philippines will allow the Italian government to assist the government in Vagni’s rescue, Golez said “although the best and most appropriate agency or group to answer that will be the local crisis management committee (LCMC) there is a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines that they are the ones doing the rescue mission. So it is not necessary to seek the help of the Italian government.”

He pointed out that whatever the LCMC recommends in connection with the ongoing hostage crisis in Sulu will be followed by everyone, as concurred by National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in a recent press conference with the LCMC.

As far as the Sulu hostage crisis is concerned, Golez said the Palace wants the secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and DND to be the source of all information on the matter.

“Normally, the local government and the local DCC would give us a report whenever there is going to be movement of troops but I have not seen any report yet,” Golez said.

Based on the contingency planning, the different government agencies responsible for taking care of internally displaced people (IDPs) are already doing their mandate to stockpile and to make sure that medicines and food will be available anytime these are needed, he said.

On the increased conflict in Cotabato and Maguindanao, Golez said there are SOPs on providing security and relief to IDPs in the areas of armed conflict. 


WTF names RP as Asia's most well-liked travel destination 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed elation over the accolade heaped on the Philippines as the most popular and well-liked travel destination in Asia in this year’s World Travel Fair held in Shanghai, China.

The citation for the Philippines was made after a public vote and an evaluation process by professional jurors from the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and the VNU Exhibitors Europe.

“In spite of the global financial crisis, things continue going our way,” the President said as she cited some very encouraging developments that have raised the Filipinos’ optimism about the future of the country.

These recent developments, she said, include the continued decline in self-rated poverty and the downward trend in poverty incidence as attested by the latest SWS surveys; the gains in the fight against graft and corruption as shown by the results of the PERC surveys which brought the Philippines from number one to number six; the stable outlook for the Philippine economy as expressed by Moody’s; and the hopeful business community outlook as evaluated by the well-respected Grant Thornton consulting firm.

“This unprecedented accolade given by the WTF is another special feather in our cap that places us over and above other tourism sites in the region, perhaps in the rest of the world,” the President said.

President Arroyo noted that the country’s competitive tour pricing, remarkable progress in transportation and tourism facilities, and the Filipinos’ innate friendliness and hospitality are some of the major factors that made the Philippines a most desired tourist destination and a haven for tourism investment.

“It is payback time for our efforts at creating a most inviting tourism industry and a resilient economy,” she added.

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in China’s outbound travel industry, recording a 74-percent month-on-month growth rate in visa issuances for February this year.

Chinese travelers rank the country’s beaches and heritage sites high, as proven by the various recognitions they have awarded to the Philippines’ tourist spots. 


Noli warns public of land scams

Estafadores and professional squatters are back from the grave.

Housing authorities warned the public Thursday about groups selling properties with fake titles.

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) clarified that documents such as Titulo de Proprieda (4136) or Original Certificate of Title (OCT) 01-4 are no longer used in land registration.

The Vice President revealed that some of these groups are requiring their target victims to join associations before they can buy properties under prices lower than current market values. 

Reports say the lands being offered by land scam syndicates are located in Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

ARMM beefing up its health services 

Local authorities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are looking forward to better health services and improved hospital facilities.

ARMM signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) Thursday with the Department of Health for the implementation of Health Investment Plan (HIP) similar to the FOURmula One program used by the department.

FOURmula One is DOH's roadmap for realizing health sector reforms.

The HIP details the program, projects and activities, as well the working relationships of ARMM and DOH to solve the regions' problem on Malnutrition, Infant and mother mortality.  

Wednesday 22 April 2009

PIA Dispatch - Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Palace supports moves to bring about relief from oil price increases

Malacanang is urging the Department of Energy to reinforce their oil price monitoring.

The palace was reacting to recent assessment of the National Economic and Development Authority that diesel is overpriced by one peso while unleaded should not go beyond Php 33. 

“We will find out, from the Department of Energy, what future steps it’s gonna take,” said Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, “if they (the oil firms) go beyond the limit, then it’s only proper for DOE to take them to task.”

Ermita told reporters in the briefing Wednesday that Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes reassured him that he is “wide awake” and keeping tabs on the situation in the oil sector. 

As for calls for changes in the Oil Deregulation Law, Ermita said that Malacanang will stand behind any move to review it. 

“Anything that will help alleviate the ill effects of rising prices of oil on the citizens, the palace will always support,” said Ermita, “we will see how we can get support from our allies in Congress.” 


More party-lists in Congress, more room for representation

Disadvantaged sectors would benefit from a Supreme Court ruling that allows more party-list groups in Congress, a Malacanang official said Wednesday.

Citing his experience a former congressman of Batangas, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said there are sectors who felt their concerns were not addressed by their representatives. 

Such sectors would come from the ranks of children, women, disabled and even labor.

“There will be wider participation in addressing the problems that our citizens have as far their aspirations are concerned,” said Ermita.
 
The Supreme Court raised Tuesday the number of party-list slots in the House of Representatives from 22 to 55.

Membership of the House of Representatives has risen from 238 to 270 with 19 new party-lists groups occupying 33 additional seats.


Palace orders SEC to hasten action on Legacy

Malacañang today directed the Securities and Exchange Commission to act with dispatch on the case against bankrupt Legacy Holdings and to make sure that all who have contributions in it, especially the police and Armed Forces, will be paid back to prevent destabilization.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said during his regular Wednesday press conference at the New Executive Building, that he has given instructions to the SEC chairman and another SEC member to speed up payments to the contributors of Legacy, particularly the police and Armed Forces, to prevent any disturbance as a result of their demoralization over losing their hard-earned earnings invested into the company.

Earlier, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile asked Malacañang to make sure that policemen and army personnel who have poured their “hard earned money” into Legacy be paid at once otherwise they might create disturbance from their demoralization over losing these funds.

Last Tuesday, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Palace has ordered the SEC and other authorities concerned to fasttrack payments of these contributions to Legacy.

On whether Malacañang has also stepped into the case of Prudential Life, a pre need company that the SEC ordered closed, Ermita said he is not very knowledgeable about Prudential Life and will just get full report about the issue from SEC.


DOLE, POEA working on measures for seafarer safety 

Labor agencies are ironing-out measures that will ensure safety for seafarers. 

In an interview with Radyo ng Bayan, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Ed Malaya said government has made responses to reduce the risks the seafarers are facing.

“May short term response po tayo, medium term response tayo na nire-require ng DOLE, ng POEA na yung mga barko na dadaan sa Gulf of Aden dapat doon lang sa security corridor, far away from the Somali coast (We have short and medium term responses such as the DOLE and POEA requirements to ships passing the Gulf of Aden to use the security corridor, far away from the Somali coast),” said Malaya.  

He said concerned labor offices are now consolidating current policies with the proposed measures for seafarer safety to prevent new hostage incidents in the high seas.

“Matagal na tayong nagkaroon ng travel ban to Somalia. Mayroon din po tayong interim ban on the deployment of Filipino seafarers that would be plying the Gulf of Aden. Yung detalye nito ay wino-workout ng DOLE at ng POEA (We have a travel ban to Somalia for some time now. We also have an interim ban on the deployment of Filipino seafarers that would be plying the Gulf of Aden. DOLE and POEA are now working on these details),” said Malaya.

But the most important cure to Somali piracy, Malaya said, is the African country’s return to normalcy. 

“Kailangan manubalik doon (Somalia) economic development and peace and order (economic development and peace and order must return to Somalia),” said Malaya.


DFA celebrates the freedom of the MT Stolt Strength crew  

The release of the MT Stolt Strength crew last Tuesday is a great day for seafaring communities, a ranking Foreign Affairs official said Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ed Malaya said the freedom of the 23 crew members of MT Stolt Strength is very significant to the Philippine government.

One of the reasons Malaya cited is that MT Stolt Strength is virtually an extension of the Philippines because it is a flag carrier that carries all-Filipino crew. 

The captured crew of MT Stolt Strength is the biggest number of abducted Filipino seafarers in recent history, having been in captivity for 163 days.

With the release of the MT Stolt Strength crew, Malaya said the number of Filipino seafarers has gone down to 85 in seven vessels.  

He thanked the Sagana Shipping Lines, Sikap Manning and the families of the MT Stolt Strength crew for their patience and the cooperation during the delicate and difficult negotiations for the crew’s release.

Malaya revealed the relatives of the victims were requested to tame their statements to media because pirates were monitoring the news coming from the Philippines. 

He said pirates were using the information to gain advantage in the negotiations. 


PGMA urges public to preserve environment  

The President wanted more people involved in environmental protection.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is reminding the public to be more conscious of the environment and should adopt ways to prevent its deterioration. 

Among the ways Ermita mentioned were proper waste disposal, river preservation and protection of waterways. 

Malacanang, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the global warming and climate change and the 17 task groups under the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change, organized a weeklong observance to promote environmental protection consciousness from April 19 to 25.

Last Monday, the Office of the Press Secretary last Monday launched a mini-version of the President’s carbon cutting coalition in Malacanang to encourage palace people to become examples of environmental champions.  

Part of the week-long observance themed “Earth Survival, Climate Change Solutions” is the “Panata ng Bayan” (Vow of the Nation) to be held in Quezon City this Friday.

Meanwhile, schoolchildren in the provinces are actively participating in environmental protection activities.

In Lucena City, high school students joined fingerprinting competition and the film showing organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
   

Visayas RDCs to hold summit on climate change
   
Tacloban City (April 22) – In answer to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s call for the adoption of necessary measures to mitigate the impact of climate change and global warming, the Regional Development Committees in the Visayas will conduct a Climate Change Summit from May 11 to 12, 2009. 
   
Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council Chairman and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento said the summit will address the global warming issue.

The summit, to be held in the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City, is the second major activity the three Visayas RDCs are conducting in the spirit of One Visayas. 

The first was the successful conduct of arts and culture fair which was held in Cebu last March. 
   
Mayor Sarmiento said the President was invited to the summit. 
   
Among the luminaries participating in the summit are DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. who is scheduled to talk about the Climate Change Initiatives in the Philippines. 
   
Fr. Jet Villarin and Ms. Tony Loyzaga will present the overview of climate change, its consequences and impacts with focus on the Visayas Region while Dr. Julian Amador of the Environmental Management Bureau will present the GHG inventory of the Philippines. 
   
In the afternoon, the participants will be broken into seven island groupings: Negros, Panay, Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Bohol and Small Islands. 
   
The focus questions include the major concerns of the respective islands; the current practices that have great impact on climate change (health, business, environment, social); and the specific mitigation and adaptation measures that can be taken (policy, programs, projects). 
   
Other topics during the Summit are the Climate Change resiliency tools for LGUs; the opportunities for Carbon finance; and the legal aspects of climate change. 
   
The highlights of the Summit are the covenant signing, presentation of the commitment and the action plans to the President and the keynote address of Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (PIA - 8)