Aquino invites Brunei to invest in RP
HANOI (via PLDT and Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III has invited the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam through its Sultan Yang Dipertuan Negara Hassanal Bolkiah to invest in the Philippines under the Aquino administration’s public-private partnership program (PPP).
In an interview, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said President Aquino issued the invite during the two leader’s bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit being held here Thursday.
Carandang said the meeting, which he described as “a very casual discussion” was held at one of the numerous conference halls of the Melia Hotel here.
“The President invited Sultan Bolkiah and the Brunei Investment Agency to attend the public-private partnership conference in Manila next month,” Carandang said, adding the sultanate expressed its willingness to participate by sending a representative to the conference.
The PPP program was created through President Aquino’s issuance of Executive Order Number 8 transferring the Build-Operate-Transfer Center under the helm of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in a bid to hasten the implementation of public-private partnership programs.
The center, which was named Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines, aims to accelerate the financing, construction and operation of key government infrastructure projects.
The center is expected to extend assistance to all local government units and other government instrumentalities in the implementation of projects, provide advisory services in project preparation and development, recommend policies with regard to program implementation, monitor all projects and programs, and manage and administer the revolving fund to be called the Project Development and Monitoring Facility. (PCOO)
Summit adopts master plan for ASEAN Community
HANOI (via PLDT-SMART): The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted on Thursday a master plan on connectivity that aims to realize an ASEAN Community by 2015.
The document was adopted during the Leaders Retreat at the 17th ASEAN Summit being held at the National Convention Center here.
A fact sheet released by the ASEAN Secretariat stated that the Master Plan identifies key strategies and actions to enhance the connection of the region in three dimensions: physical, institutional, and people-to-people connectivity. Priority projects to be carried out were also detailed.
A better connected region, the document noted, is key to achieve the ASEAN Community, as it reinforces the centrality of ASEAN, accelerates the community building process and integration efforts, and intensifies its relations with external partners.
The concept of ASEAN Connectivity was initially debated on by the ASEAN Leaders at the 15th ASEAN Summit in October 2009 in Thailand.
It was observed then that ASEAN had great potential to physically anchor itself as the transportation, information and communications technology, and tourism hub of this region.
The Leaders noted that enhanced connectivity between ASEAN Member States will encourage competitive growth; facilitate economies of integrated production networks; enhance intra-regional trade; and attract investments.
The improved linkages will promote deeper ties among ASEAN peoples, foster a sense of shared cultural and historical bonds, and as a result, intensify and strengthen ASEAN Community building efforts.
ASEAN Connectivity will also benefit the country when improved domestic linkages generate economic development that is supported by infrastructure and communications networks as well as the movement of people, goods, and services.
Strategies in enhancing physical connectivity include the completion of hard infrastructure projects such as the ASEAN Highway Network and the Singapore Kunming Rail Link.
Institutional connectivity, meanwhile, comprises improvements to soft infrastructure such as strengthening institutional arrangements to liberalize the movements of goods, services and skilled professionals across the borders.
Strategies to intensify people-to-people interactions will be implemented through culture, education, and tourism initiatives.
The participation and support of ASEAN Dialogue Partners, multilateral development banks and the private sector in achieving ASEAN Connectivity is crucial as the Leaders recognized that significant financial resources and human capital will be required to implement the Master Plan.
According to a 2009 ADB and Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) paper, “Between 2010 and 2020, Asia needs approximately$ 8 trillion in overall national infrastructure in addition to $290 billion that Asia needs to spend on specific regional infrastructure projects in transport and energy that are in the pipeline.”
In another working paper, ADBI said that ASEAN countries will require infrastructure investments amounting to $ 596 billion for the period 2006-2015, with an average investment of $60 billion per year. (PCOO)
President Aquino joins international call for Aung San Suu Kyi release
HANOI (via PLDT and Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino has joined the international community in calling for the immediate release of detained Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said Thursday.
In a press conference, Carandang said the President made his position on the issue known during a bilateral meeting with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein at the sidelines of the 17th ASEAN Summit being held here.
“The President joined calls from the international community for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi,” Carandang said.
Carandang pointed out that PM Thein made no firm commitment on the release of Suu Kyi but said legal processes would take their course.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate, could be released from house arrest after their Nov. 7 elections when her detention period expires on November 13.
Last year, Suu Kyi was about to be freed from six years of house arrest but was sentenced to spend another 18 months when the military junta said she violated the terms of her house arrest after American John Yettaw swam onto her property uninvited.
Carandang said the release of Aung San Suu Kyi will be a clear indication that the government of Myanmar is taking serious steps on its roadmap of democracy. (PCOO)
Coloma urges women to join drive on gender equality
The Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) today urged all women from academe, mass media, civil society and government agencies to join in the forthcoming launch of the 18-day campaign on gender equality and a call to eliminate violence against women.
In a radio interview this morning, Presidential Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma said that from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), which is under the Office of the President, will launch the drive to promote women’s rights.
The objective of the campaign, he said is to expand the awareness of all women in the academe, members of the fourth estate, government and private employees, and non-governmental organizations on the protection of their legitimate rights, and prevent violence against women in all parts of the country.
The campaign, according to Coloma, is in line with the directives of President Benigno S. Aquino III for PCOO and the PCW to spearhead in the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women and the promotion of gender equality.
He added that on Nov. 25, the gender equality campaign will start at the University Belt and neighboring schools, colleges and universities at the vicinity of Malacanang.
Also Friday morning, the PCOO sponsored a gender equality training and seminar to the women members of the Malacanang Press Corps.
Coloma pointed out that the training is aimed at educating women members of the MPC on their legitimate rights and their capability disseminate information on how to respect the rights of the women.
Recently, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had urged all nations to unite in order to end violence on women. He also tasked all UN agencies and offices to galvanize action across the UN system to prevent and punish violence of all forms against women. (PCOO)
Two ASEAN declarations get RP support
HANOI (via PLDT-SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday expressed the Philippines’ support to the adoption of the Hanoi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children, and the ASEAN Leaders Statement on Human Resources and Skills Development for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth.
“The Hanoi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children fosters cooperation to improve the condition of women and children and to promote and engage their participation in ASEAN Community Building which we deem important,” the President said in a statement during the Leaders’ Retreat at the National Convention Center here.
The Declaration, according to President Aquino emphasizes ASEAN’s resolve and commitment to achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and combat infectious diseases.
The Chief Executive also expressed the Philippines support to the Leaders’ Statement on Human Resources and Skills Development, saying that such “fosters technical cooperation and capacity building, promotes public-private sector cooperation, enhances the quality and skills of workers in the ASEAN and promotes lifelong learning.”
The Philippines, according to President Aquino will continue to collaborate with the private sector and the academe to address the challenges of labor mismatch and that the skills of workers should match the demands of industries so as to sustain economic growth and development.
The ASEAN leaders adopted the “Hanoi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children” and “The ASEAN Leaders Statement on Human Rights and Skills Development for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth “ during the Leaders’ Retreat on Thursday.
In “The Hanoi Declaration on the Enhancement of Welfare and Development of ASEAN Women and Children” the Leaders recognize that women and children account for more than half of ASEAN population and the need to continue to tap on the strength of these groups as well as to empower those who are in vulnerable situations.
The Leaders also recognized the importance of human resources and skills development in raising productivity and accelerating economic recovery and sustainable growth.
They agreed to foster technical cooperation and capacity-building activities in ASEAN; enhance the quality and skills of workers in all ASEAN Member States; and promote lifelong learning. (PCOO)
Aquino reaffirms support to ASEAN rights body
HANOI (via PLDT and Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III has reaffirmed his administration’s support to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for its advances in promoting and protecting human rights and the fundamental freedom of the people of the region.
In his speech at the ASEAN Leader’s Retreat Thursday, the President reiterated his support to the commission which was laundered in October last year during the 15th ASEAN Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand.
“The Philippines is proud of the ongoing advances achieved by ASEAN’s youngest institution, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR). We reaffirm our commitment to support the AICHR“ the President told the nine other heads of state and government that comprise the ASEAN.
The first official meeting of the AICHR was held from 28 March to 1 April 2010 in Jakarta, followed by the second official meeting from 28 June to 2 July in Hanoi, with an additional meeting held from 20-24 September 2010 in Kuala Lumpur.
During these meetings AICHR discussed its Annual and Five Year Workplans and its Rules of Procedure. During the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, held in Hanoi from 19-20 July, foreign ministers approved AICHR’s programmes and activities for 2010-2011 together with the indicative budget for that period. (PCOO)
Aquino hopeful ASEAN declaration on migrant workers to be implemented soon
HANOI (via PLDT and Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III has expressed hope that the implementing rules and regulations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers will soon be drafted and promulgated to ensure that the welfare of all workers overseas will be given utmost priority and concern.
In a speech at the ASEAN Leader’s Retreat Thursday, the President said the immediate promulgation and implementation of said Declaration would give cognizance to the invaluable contribution of migrant workers to their respective country’s economies.
“The Philippines continues to recognize the contribution of migrant workers to the economies of both receiving and sending states. It is committed to work for the promotion and protection of the rights of migrant workers and their families,” the President said.
“I look forward to the resumption of the drafting of the instrument to implement the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in due time. This is in line with the 2nd Global Forum for Migration and Development (GFMD) hosted by the Philippines two years ago to promote the rights of migrant workers and improve their welfare,” he added.
The ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers was signed by ASEAN member-country Heads of State/Government during the 12th ASEAN Summit on 13 January 2007 in Cebu, Philippines. (PCOO)
Aquino calls for diplomacy in resolving territorial disputes
HANOI (via PLDT and Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday called for diplomacy in resolving territorial disputes in the South China sea, saying maintaining peace and stability in the area was of paramount concern to the Philippines.
The President issued his call during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leader’s Retreat Thursday.
“Maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is of paramount concern to the Philippines,” the President said.
“Let us focus on collaborative diplomatic processes to resolve territorial disputes through sustained consultations and dialogue amongst ourselves and with China,” he added.
He said the country is renewing its commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea signed by ASEAN states and China “as a basic fundamental pillar of cooperation in the South China Sea.”
“We aspire to transform this area into a zone of peace, cooperation, friendship and freedom,” he added. (PCOO)
Aquino orders crafting of national security strategy for 2010-2016
President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the crafting of a national security policy (NSP) and national security strategy (NSS) for 2010-2016 to guide all national security efforts on both public and private sectors towards the attainment of national security goals and objectives.
In issuing Memorandum Order No. 6, the President cited the need to translate the vision of the Aquino administration towards a more secure and progressive Filipino nation.
He said there is a need to ensure that the country’s national security policy and strategy for 2010-2016 is responsive and complementary to the country’s development goals and objectives.
The President tasked the National Security Adviser and the National Security Council Director General to spearhead the formulation of the NSP and NSS for 2010-2016 to coordinate with all concerned departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the government including government owned and controlled corporations and regional offices.
The NSP, according to him, must focus on: governance; delivery of basic services; economic reconstruction and sustainable development and security sector reform.
The NSP must be submitted to the National Security Cabinet group for coordination and integration at the national and regional levels and subsequently to the cabinet on or before Nov. 30 this year and the NSS on or before April 30 next year.
All department agencies and GOCCs shall consider the said documents for their respective plans and programs with national security dimension and draw inputs from their regional offices considering development strategies and local security needs.
To make the security agenda complimentary to their development objectives, all agencies, government corporations and their regional development bodies shall henceforth prepare and formulate their respective security-related programs closely linked to their development plans.
“All sectors of society, both government and non government, are enjoined to participate in these national endeavor in order to arrive at a national consensus on our development objectives and national security priorities,” the President said.
The NSA/NSC-Director General shall issue guidelines necessary to ensure effective compliance of this directive. (PCOO)
Aquino supports expansion of East Asia Summit to include US, Russia
HANOI (via PLDT-SMART): The Philippines fully supports expanding the East Asia Summit (EAS) to include the Russian Federation and the US.
President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his statement at the Leaders’ Summit of the 17th ASEAN Summit here, noted that Russia has long wanted to be part of the EAS, and US interest in the forum is a direct result of the re-engagement policy of the US in Asia.
“These are positive developments for our region,” he stressed.
The President said ASEAN must use its community building goals as the basis for engaging new partners in the EAS as well as safeguard the EAS process through agenda-setting and by building on the good work done in the priority areas of cooperation.
He also suggested that all leaders must participate in the forum on an annual basis.
“The Philippines looks forward to an expanded East Asia Summit that acknowledges the centrality of ASEAN as a crucial building block of the regional architecture,” the President said.
The ASEAN have agreed to invite the United States and Russia to the key regional dialogue on issues ranging from security to trade and the environment as this will deepen engagement with Washington and Moscow by expanding the 16-nation EAS.
The EAS currently comprises the 10 ASEAN states plus Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
ts leaders hold an annual meeting that coincides with the yearly ASEAN summit. (PCOO)
RP joins calls for conclusion of Doha talks
HANOI (via PLDT-SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III has joined calls for a balanced conclusion of the Doha Round of trade negotiations.
The President issued his call during the Leaders’ Retreat on Thursday during the 17th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the National Convention Center here.
At the same time, the Chief Executive welcomed the regular participation of the ASEAN Chair in G20 Summits which has ”provided ASEAN with an opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of the international financial and monetary system.”
The President expressed optimism that the G20 Seoul Summit in November will come up with new perspectives on how to meet the needs of the developing world.
The Doha Development Round or Doha Development Agenda is the current trade-negotiation round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) which commenced in November 2001, with the objective of lowering trade barriers around the world to allow countries to increase trade globally.
Talks were stalled in 2008, over a divide on major issues such as agriculture, industrial tariffs and non-tariffs barriers, services, and trade remedies. The most significant differences are between developed nations led by the European Union (EU), the United States (USA), and Japan and the major developing countries led and represented mainly by China, Brazil, India, and South Africa.
As to the issue on food and energy security, environment and disaster management, the President noted that climate change is a serious problem that affects all nations, especially vulnerable developing countries.
He said that following the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Joint Response to Climate Change at the 16th ASEAN Summit, the Philippines conducted its First Manila Roundtable Discussion with civil society based in the Philippines on the ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) to further strengthen efforts and undertake concrete actions to respond to climate change.
“We recognize the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management’s sustained efforts to complete the Standard Operating Procedures for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response particularly on the ‘facilitation and utilization of military assets and capacities,” the President said.
He assured that the Philippines is prepared to more actively engage ASEAN member states in finding a creative solution to the funding provision in the agreement to establish the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management to enable it to be fully operational in 2011. (PCOO)
