PIA Dispatch - Friday, April 8, 2011

Aquino leads celebration of 'Araw ng Kagitingan'

President Benigno Aquino III leads the 69th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) Saturday at the Dambana ng Kagitingan in Pilar, Bataan.

The President will be given full military honors with a 21-gun salute by the military followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Colonnade. The President will be accompanied by US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura during the ceremony.

After Thomas and Katsura have their own speeches, the President delivers his message during the commemoration.

With the theme “Beterano: Huwaran ng Lahing Pilipino,” this year’s celebration is one of the events organized by the defense department for Filipino veterans who fought during the World War II.

Around 2,000 guests composed of war veterans, students, local officials and members of the diplomatic corps and teachers are expected to attend Saturday’s event.

In 1987, the late president Corazon Aquino, the mother of the current President, issued Executive Order 23, declaring April 9 of every year a regular holiday for the observance of Araw ng Kagitingan.

In 1989, she issued Proclamation 466 designating April 9 to 11 of each year as Philippine Veterans Week in recognition of the gallantry of Filipino war veterans.

The defense department, along with other government agencies and non-government organizations organize series of events during the period to promote, preserve and recognize the heroic deeds of Filipino veterans.

Aside from the high profile guests, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Gen. Ernesto Carolina are also expected to attend the event. (PCOO)


Aquino bares plans for comprehensive mapping system

ROSALES, Pangasinan: President Benigno S. Aquino III bared plans to come up with a project concerning the creation of a comprehensive three dimensional (3D) map of the whole country that will help concerned government agencies in their efforts to avert possible damage to lives and properties in times of calamities.

In his keynote speech during the inauguration of the Improved Agno River Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) and Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC), here, President Aquino said that studies are underway for the proposed creation of the one-billion peso 3D mapping system of the Philippines that will give a broader geographical view for various government agencies on the different parts of the country that will eventually assist them in flood forecasting and damage assessment for a more effective approach in times of calamities.

“Sa mapping system na ito, mas lalawak ang pagtanaw natin sa bawat sulok ng bansa, na magpapalakas sa kakayahan nating malaman ang mga lugar na maaaring datnan ng baha. Malaking tulong din ito upang mabigyan tayo ng karagdagang oras para matulungan ang ating mga kababayang babahain,” he said.

The Chief Executive noted that the Philippines is a geo-hazard area with 66 provinces on threat especially in times of calamities, which justifies the said allocation to ensure averting possible devastating effects of various types of calamities.

President Aquino stressed that the project aims to protect and save lives of the people including their properties and livelihood.

The President commended the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and its leadership and untiring efforts in developing programs for the benefit of the country and the people. (PCOO)


Aquino underscores gov’t initiative in pushing programs that will protect and save lives

ROSALES, Pangasinan: President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the government’s strengthened initiatives in pushing for programs that will protect and save not only lives of the Filipino people but also the their properties and livelihood.

In keynoting the inauguration of the Improved Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning System (FFWS) and the New Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (FFWC) at the Agno Flood Control Compound, Barangay Tumana here, the President noted the importance of access to information and preparedness especially in times of distress as experienced by the Filipino people in the past adding this could also save time and funding that could be allotted to other possible problems that calamities may cause.

“Ang kaligtasan ay nagsisimula sa tamang kaalaman at sa puspusang kahandaan. Kapag may tamang kaalaman, mas mababatid natin kung paano haharapin ang paparating na kalamidad,” the President said, adding that “sa pagiging handa, binabawasan natin ang bantang peligro…Hindi na po natin hihintayin pang may nagdurusa bago tayo kumilos.”

The Chief Executive assured that the government is exerting necessary efforts to secure the lives of every Filipino as well as protecting its mandate to effect progress to the nation.

“Ang pinagtatagumpayan natin ngayon—ang pagpapasinaya sa pinaunlad na Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning System at ang bagong Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center ay mga patunay at matitibay na halimbawa sa matatag nating paninindigan na pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng taumbayan,” President Aquino said.

The President said that the opening of the new flood monitoring facility is a victory for the Filipinos who will benefit on the said project.

The Chief Executive also expressed gratitude to the government of Japan for assisting such project. He said that the inauguration of the project is timely in celebration of the 55 years of cooperation between the Philippines and Japan and the 43rd Anniversary of Japan’s technical assistance for the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“Let me take this opportunity to thank the Japanese Government for their enduring partnership with our country. More than a neighbor, you are a brother to the Filipinos…I thank you in behalf of every Filipino,” the President said.

Upon his arrival the President was welcomed by key local government officials led by Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. and Rosales Mayor Ricardo Revita.

Also in attendance were Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura, Mr. Norio Matsuda of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Department of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) acting Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando.

The Agno River Flood Forecasting and Warning System was established under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Government of Japan in 1983. Equipped with a network of eight rainfall and seven water level gauging stations, the Agno River FFWS was instrumental in mitigating the loss of lives and damage to properties in the flood plains of the provinces of Pangasinan and Tarlac through the issuance of flood bulletins and advisories.

In 2007, the improvement of FFWS in Pampanga and Agno River basins was among the first three projects to be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Phase 1 of the project covers the Pampanga River FFWS which was completed in March of 2009 while the Phase 2 covering the Agno River FFWS commenced in April 2010 and was completed in March of this year. (PCOO)


Palace transfers NCDA to DSWD

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Friday announced the transfer of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) from the Office of the President (OP) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to better serve people with disabilities (PWDs).

According to Ochoa, Executive Order No. 33, which President Benigno Aquino III signed on April 5, highlights the administration’s commitment to promote and protect the rights and welfare of PWDs.

The Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

“We recognize that majority of the PWDs live in poverty and are faced with many challenges that require concerted efforts of government agencies and civil society, both in the local and national scale, in order to be addressed,” Ochoa noted.

“Given its mandate, the DSWD can provide the institutional support to the NCDA in order for it to carry its purpose more successfully,” he added.

EO 33 designates the secretary of the DSWD as ex-officio chairman of the NCDA.

Presidential Decree No. 1509, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1761, created the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons. It was later renamed National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP), an agency attached to the DSWD by virtue of EO 123 issued in 1987.

The NCWDP was tasked to formulate policies and coordinate the activities of all agencies, whether public or private, concerning disability issues and concerns as well as monitor the implementation of national laws and international commitments.

EO 232, which was also issued in 1987, provided for the structural and functional reorganization of the council toward a more effective and efficient delivery of services to PWDs.

From DSWD, the NCWDP was placed under the OP in 2007 by virtue of EO 676 in a bid to strengthen the programs of the government for the PWDs.

In 2008, however, EO 709 renamed NCWDP to NCDA and redefined its functions and organizational structure in line with the government’s international commitments and national laws.

Ochoa also said the transfer of NCDA to DSWD was part of the administration’s thrust to streamline the agencies attached to the OP.

“The streamlining of attached agencies is to ensure that each agency has defined set of functions and obligation in accordance with law,” the Executive Secretary explained. (PCOO)


Palace allays fears over liberalization of aviation industry

Malacanang allayed fears of the local airliners opposing the issuance of executive orders that pave the way for a liberalized aviation industry in the country saying the policy benefits the economy as a whole.

Local carrier owners have voiced their concern over the lack of reciprocity of international carriers over the move of the Philippine government to open up its aviation industry to foreign players.

In an interview over dzXL RMN radio Friday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang said the new government policy boosts tourism and the economy in general.

“If more tourists came to the Philippines of course it will lift the economy. And if you’re going to restrict the entry of foreign airlines in our country there will be limitations,” Carandang said.

Carandang compared the Philippine tourism industry to its Asean neighbors saying countries that have liberalized their aviation industries, have more vibrant tourism industries as well.

Based on recent estimate, Carandang said the Philippines only had three million tourist arrivals in 2010, way below the arrivals posted by Thailand and Malaysia. These countries recorded 10 million or even up to 20 million tourists for the same period.

While defending the government aviation policy, he said the Aquino administration will not allow unfair competition that cripples the operations of local airlines.
“For open skies there is no cabotage there. For instance, a carrier flies from Davao to Manila, foreign carriers will not be allowed, as It is reserved for the locals,” he said.

Cabotage or cabotage traffic refers to the right of a carrier to transport passengers and goods between two or more points within the Philippines.

With regards to reciprocity of other countries, Carandang said local airlines are having discussions with several countries like Japan, South Korea and Singapore to gain access to those destinations.

Like Cebu Pacific, it is talking with Japan. Japanese authorities say there’s restriction because of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) Category 2 rating on the Philippine aviation industry. But once it’s is resolved, local airlines will have easy access to those markets.

In 2008, the FAA had downgraded the Philippine aviation sector’s rating, citing policies that are below international standards and a lack of qualified safety personnel.

President Benigno S. Aquino III issued last month EO 28 that reorganized the Philippine air negotiating panel as well as EO 29 that authorized the Civil Aeronautics Board and the Philippine Air Panels to pursue a more aggressively liberalization policy.

The President said there’s a need to spur competition in the country’s aviation industry by encouraging more carriers to fly to the Philippines for the greater benefit of the travelers. (PCOO)


Aquino opens sanitary landfill in Pangasinan

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan: President Benigno S. Aquino III inaugurated on Friday the newly-completed revolutionary sanitary landfill system designed to address waste problem within the city and neighboring municipalities.

In a speech, the President said the completion of the first sanitary landfill in the province of Pangasinan and second to Ilocos Region, is the alternative solution to finally resolve the worsening waste disposal in Urdaneta.

He said the landfill is designed to protect the environment and health of the residents.

“Ipinapakita natin na ang sanitary landfill na ito ay maaring sumunod sa agos na walang idinudulot na masama sa ating kalikasan at sa kalusugan ng taumbayan,” he said commending Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV for responding to his call to resolve waste disposal in city and help protect the environment.

Aside from addressing the garbage problem, the President noted that the landfill will definitely help provide additional livelihood to the people residing in the area.

“Ang mahigit P200 million pondo na ilalaan dito (sa sanitary landfill) ay hindi mapupunta sa wala at ito ay malaking tulong para sa malinis na kinabukasan ng inyong lalawigan. Ito ang sinasabi nating reporma kung seryoso talaga ang mga pinuno na maghatid ng kaunlaran walang imposible sa atin. Mantakin ninyo basura na maghahatid pa ng kabuhayan,” the President said.

The President together with Pangaasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr., Urdaneta City Mayor Amadeo Gregorio Perez IV, and other local officials, inspected the 6-hectare sanitary engineered landfill designed to accommodate Urdaneta’s solid waste, as well and neighboring municipalities for the next 10-12 years. It sits on an 18-hectare city property in Sitio Calegu in Barangay Catablan.

Project components consist of an impermeable HDPE liner over compacted clay, two layers of geosynthetic membrane, gravel filter layer, HDPE leachate collection and transfer piping system, pumping station, leachate treatment pond, weighbridge with support truck scale house, wheel wash facility, storm pond to control silt migration, groundwater monitoring wells, and an administrative building with appropriate parking area. (PCOO)