Aquino exhorts OFWs to continue to instill bayanihan spirit and help victims of calamities
President Benigno S. Aquino III has urged all Filipino individuals and organizations abroad to continue to instill their “bayanihan” spirit by donating to the Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), a program that provides assistance to the victims of natural calamities.
Speaking before the awardees of the 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall on Tuesday night, the Chief Executive said the donations of overseas Filipino workers is needed to help rehabilitate and build a better future for the families and communities affected by the calamities.
The President recalled that in 2009, the DSWD received a total of $91,000 of cash donations from various overseas Filipino communities and organizations, while this year (2010), it raised $23,000.
“I want to encourage (all of you) more of these donations,” he said even as he assured them that under his stewardship all donations and assistance that the government would receive will surely go directly at the doorsteps of the intended beneficiaries.
He also told them that the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) is authorized to issue clearances, under Memorandum Order No. 36, to the Bureau of Customs that will grant duty and tax-free privileges to donations and importations intended for calamity victims.
“In short, a procedure to exempt taxes on overseas donations exists. We have the capacity to get these donations through the administrative maze, and to the right people – the victims of calamities,” the President said.
“I know how hard you, and others like you, work to build a better future for your families and communities. And I know I’ve just asked you to do even more. But I want to assure you that your government is also doing everything it can to bring about a Philippines that is more fair, more just, and more prosperous,” he stressed.
As part of the state obligation, the President noted, the national government has strengthened the country’s basic educational system and improved health services intended to help the marginalized sector.
He said that the budget for education in 2011 increased by 16 percent or P271.67 billion while for rural health facilities and for immunization for indigent families were also increased to P7.14 billion from P2.46 billion, respectively.
According to the President, the Conditional Cash Transfer program was also increased in the 2011 budget to P21 billion in order to provide the impetus needed in the reform agenda which is designed to significantly improve the lives of the poorest of the poor.
“If we all do our part, I have no doubt that together we can leave a legacy for our country that we can all be proud of. When I leave office in less than six years, we will be able to say that we left the Philippines in a much better state than we found it,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino cites deserving achievers among overseas Filipino this year
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Presidential Awards to 13 overseas Filipino individuals, seven organizations, three foreigners and one foreign group for their continued compassion, diligence and hard work, and efforts to help promote and uplift the image of the Philippines here and abroad.
The Chief Executive urged the recipients of 2010 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) to “remain united and keep the light of our country’s resurgence burning brightly, enough for the entire world to witness.”
“I congratulate [tonight's awardees], not just for your awards, but also for your spirit of bayanihan. May you continue to wield the flaming torches of excellence, dedication and nationalism,” the President said after the awarding rites of Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino, Kaanib ng Bayan, Banaag and Pamana ng Pilipino awards to this year’s recipient of PAFIOO.
This year’s awardees came from the United States, Hong Kong, South Korea, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Australia, Germany and Canada
The President said that this year’s recipients of PAFIOO are testaments to the enduring spirit of Bayanihan because of their compassion, diligence and hard work to promote Filipinos, here and abroad.
“As we celebrate the Month of Overseas Filipinos and the International Migrants’ Day, it is my fervent hope that you continue your dedicated service and efforts toward the advancement and improvement of the lives of Filipinos,” he noted.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, world-renowned fashion designer Ramon Felix “Rafe” Totengco said that it is essential for all Filipinos working and currently living abroad to maintain and expand “our excellent educational and vocational systems because we are preparing the future citizens of the world.”
“Live and let live is our motto. I trust that your Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III will do everything in his power to advance the excellence the Philippines has exported to the world,” Totengco said.
Aside from Totengco, the recipients of Pamana ng Pilipino Awards are Lilac L. Caña (Canada), Angelito David, Fred De Asis, Bernard Randy Gener, and Lilibeth Navarro (all based in the United States)
Among the Banaag awardees are the Computer Society of Filipinos International (COMSOFIL) based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Congress of Visayan Organizations (COVO) in USA; Federation of Filipino Communities in Israel; Dr. Emely Abagat based in South Korea; George Gange and Sindaw Kinding both based now in USA; Marilyn Kasimieh of the United Arab Emirates; Sister Lucia Olalia in South Korea and Evangeline Ybo in Jordan.
The Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) awardees are Teresita Alarcon (USA), Ruth Martinez (Australia), North Central Virginia Association of Philippine Physicians (USA), Philippine-American Association of Connecticut (USA), and Philippine-German Community Oberberge e.V.
The Kaanib ng Bayan awardees are Caritas Lebanon Migrants Center (Lebanon), Phoebe Lam Bik Che and Sunny Lam Kai Chor (both from Hongkong), and Simha Salpeter (Israel).
The PAFIOO is a biennial awards system institutionalized through Executive Order No. 498 which was signed by the late former President Corazon C. Aquino, in recognition to the outstanding achievements and significant contributions of Filipino individuals and organizations that advances the cause of Filipino communities overseas.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), being the Awards Secretariat, has received 110 nominations from 23 countries. The nominees underwent screening of three different committees with representatives from government agencies, media, academe, religious and business sectors. (PCOO)
Aquino cites indomitable and unrelenting spirit of Mangyans
MAGSAYSAY, Occidental Mindoro: President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Mangyan’s indomitable and unrelenting spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve their life-long dream to finally call the land they till and live their very own.
In his speech keynoting the awarding of 18,616 hectares of provincial land to some 824 family members of the Hanunuo, Gubatnon and Ratagnon (HAGURA) tribes at the municipal gymnasium here Wednesday, the Chief Executive lauded the Mangyans’ perseverance saying, “kayo ang nagsisilbing haligi sa pagpapanatili ng ating kulturang Pilipino (you serve as the foundation of our Filipino culture).”
“Your unrelenting struggle despite the numerous obstacles represents the basic trait of Filipinos which is why the Mangyans have earned my utmost respect,” the President said.
The President likened the Mangyans struggle to own their land to the country’s quest to unchain itself from the shackles of corruption.
He noted that with the help of government reforms and ordinary citizens, the fight against corruption remains on course.
“In giving back to you the right to your ancestral domain, we hope you will continue to strengthen the rich cultural heritage of your forefathers,” said the President.
“For as long as you follow the right path, we shall make sure that your land is ably protected, as well as your indigenous culture,” the President said. (PCOO)
Palace assures the safety of churchgoers for Simbang Gabi
With Christmas just 10 days away and the traditional Simbang Gabi to begin Thursday at 4 a.m. Malacanang assured church goers Wednesday that police precincts will be manned by two desk officers while foot patrols will be around churches to ensure the safety of church goers.
The National Capital Regional Command of the Philippine National Police had earlier announced that all precincts will be on alert beginning tonight for the anticipated Simbang Gabi masses.
Simbang Gabi starts on Dec. 16 with masses at 4 or 5 a.m. Most Catholics have made it their commitment to complete all nine dawn masses for thanksgiving or for special intentions. (PCOO)
Palace bares more appointments
Malacañang on Wednesday announced the appointment of newspaper columnist Jarius Bondoc as member of Philippine Commission on Good Government (PCGG) along with Roberto M. Lara, Andres Bautista, Richard Roger Amurao and Gerard Mosquera, all members of Independent Realty Corporation (IRC), a sequestered company.
Their appointments signed last Dec. 2, was announced by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte.
Also appointed were Ranulfo Ocampo (representing private distribution utilities), Rosario Ventura (representing renewable energy developers), Jaime Pe Benito Jr.(representing electric cooperatives), Francisco del Rosario Jr. (representing government financial institutions) and Mark Q. Dia (representing non government organizations) and Ernesto Pantangco (representing electricity suppliers), as members of the National Renewable Energy Board of the Department of Energy. All their appointments are on a co-terminus basis.
Engr. Ramon Allado was named chairman of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board for a term of three years along with Engr. Victorino Lahoz and Farouk Maracambon Sr., both members of PCAB for terms of one and two years, respectively.
Norberto Nazareno was named chairman of the Board of Directors for six years of the Philippine National Railway while Dante Sollano Delima, was appointed Director III (vice Clarito M. Barron) of the Bureau of Plant Industry under the Department of Agriculture. (PCOO)
Aquino inaugurates New Calapan City Public Market
CALAPAN City, Oriental Mindoro: President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday cited the perseverance and determination shown by locals here in the pursuit of progress which he said could be replicated nationwide.
In his message during the inauguration of the New Calapan City Public Market here, the President commended the locals for facing up to the challenges and showing unity in such trials.
“Tunay na sagisag ang gusaling ito sa kasipagan at katatagan ng mga Mindorenos. Ilang beses man tinupok ng apoy ang inyong naipatayong pamilihan, hindi kayo nagpatinag. Bumangon kayo at muling nagsumikap”, the President said.
From the old public market which was burned to ashes for the third time in May of 2008, the 200 million-new public market was built not just as a state-of-the-art edifice, but more over, as a significant structure symbolizing progress and testament to the resiliency and strength of an entire city.
The Chief Executive expressed confidence that the realization of the newest initiative by the local government will uplift the lives of Mindorenos.
“Sa bagong public market na ito, nagtitiwala akong uunlad pa ang malusog nang ekonomiya ng Oriental Mindoro… marami pa ang turistang dadayo sa inyong magandang bayan na labis ang pagkatakam sa inyong masasarap na prutas”, he said.
The almost 9,000 square meter, two-storey building, funded by the Land Bank of the Philippines in coordination with the local government of Oriental Mindoro, boasts of modern design, and complete and modern amenities unheard of in the region and even in the entire country. Its construction started in July, 2009.
Benefiting almost a thousand market vendors, the new center of trade has escalators and elevators complementing a bustling and robust local economy of this city. (PCOO)
Early budget approval elates Palace
Malacanang on Wednesday expressed elation over Congress’s early approval of the P1.64 trillion 2011 national budget.
“It came earlier than expected. It is the first time that the budget will be signed before the start of the new year,” Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang.
The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified the proposed P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011 on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
With the recent developments, Valte said the 2011 budget will be signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III before the year ends.
Valte said the early approval of the budget means that the government can embark on its infrastructure and social projects as early as the first quarter of 2011.
The 2011 spending plan will be the first budget since the 1999 national budget that is signed into law before the fiscal year starts.
An additional P300 to 400 million was allocated to the Senate and another P590 million reportedly to the House of Representatives, restoring their respective budget in the 2010 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The President earlier slashed the congressional allocations as part of his administration's initiative to save on finances.
Another P200 million was added to the budget of the Office of the Vice President as priority development assistance fund. Vice President Jejomar Binay's annual budget was earlier cut from P195 million to P177 million.
The amount for maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE) for state colleges and universities (SUCs) were restored to its 2010 appropriations—between P110 to 140 million. However, there will still be no budgetary allocation for capital outlay.
Among the biggest increases in the education sector is a realignment of P750 million to hire 5,000 new teachers.
The P83 million budget for the Truth Commission, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, has also been retained pending the appeal of the executive branch.
Budget for the purchase of contraceptives of the Department of Health meanwhile was slashed from P932 million to less than half of the total amount.
Cuts were also made to the Office of the Health Secretary, whose allocations were reduced by P200 million, along with the budget of the Philippine National Police, which was slashed by P60 million.
The conditional cash transfer program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development amounting to P21.9 billion passed through the bicameral committee without cuts.
The 2011 budget, called the “Reform Budget,” mirrors the President’s commitment to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said.
In his budget message, the President stressed that the spending plan was crafted after a thorough review of the government’s programs and projects, and after he and the Cabinet have arrived at priorities to address critical gaps in social services for the poorest of the poor.
“The 2011 National Budget focuses funds where they are most needed and where these will yield the most benefits. We have redesigned the budget to ensure that every centavo will be put to good use,” he said, noting that the budgetary increase from 2010 is only 6.8 percent.
The President said that the 2011 budget is anchored on these basic governance principles: transparency and accountability to make government productive; bias in allocating resources for the poor and the vulnerable; fiscal responsibility to reduce debt; public-private partnerships to spur growth despite lack of funds; and zero-based budgeting to prioritize activities with impact. (PCOO)
Gov’t, CBCP officials agree on RH bill information campaign
Malacanang and church officials have agreed to provide the public full information on all methods of family planning under the Reproductive Health bill now pending at the country’s legislature.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said this was agreed upon when government officials and representatives of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) met at the Pope Pious Center in Manila on Wednesday morning.
Among those present during the meeting were Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Abad, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.
In a media briefing in Malacanang, Lacierda said it was agreed that the government will embark on a comprehensive information campaign on both natural and artificial family planning methods.
“They have accepted that the government is pursuing both natural family planning and artificial family planning methods,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda said the information drive, which must be universally accepted, will include the benefits and possible risk particularly of artificial family planning approach.
Lacierda said government will also not enforce on any individual to violate his conscience but provide an informed choice on the family planning method he or she may prefer.
Lacierda said the government will get all the views of stakeholders including church officials who recognize that any move of the legislative is independent from that of the executive branch.
For the information campaign, Lacierda said a technical working group will be created composed of medical experts and government officials. Under this, Lacierda said the CBCP may provide inputs including their concern on the perceived risk on the use of artificial family planning.
“The agreement is to provide the rightful information to the public, Lacierda said. (PCOO)
