PIA Dispatch - Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Aquino confers Order of Lakandula on outgoing PCG Commander Tamayo

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of Lakandula with the Rank of Commander on outgoing Philippine Coast Guard Commander Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo in ceremonies held at the PCG headquarters in Manila Tuesday.

The awarding ceremonies were held simultaneous with Tamayo’s retirement and turnover of command of the PCG to his successor Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag.

In his speech keynoting the event, the President hailed Tamayo for his exemplary performance as PCG Commander as well as for his having improved the image of the PCG through his leadership which has developed a whole new dimension to maritime safety administration.

“This ceremonial Change of Command is our way of looking back at the numerous triumphs of the Philippine Coast Guard under the auspices of Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo as we look forward to the PCG’s continuation of its culture of decent and honest service under the administration of Admiral Ramon Liwag,” the President said.

“Wala naman po sigurong magdududa na mataas ang reputasyon at tinitingala ngayon ang imahe ng PCG. Naniniwala akong nagbukal ang ganitong kompiyansa ng publiko sa inyo dahil sa sipag at katapatan ng inyong Commander na si Admiral Willy Tamayo,” he added.

He said he joined the members of the PCG in saluting Tamayo for his dedication in putting the interest of the nation first instead of his own.

“In your three years of being Commander, you not only improved the infrastructure of the PCG but you were also instrumental in raising the morals and confidence of the men and women of the Philippine Coast Guard through stable logistics support which helped provide their much needed equipment to perform their duties,” the President said.

“Humayo ka man at lisanin ang PCG, tiwala akong mananatili ang mga prinsipyo, dangal at paninindigan na iyong pinasimulan,” he added.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines. It is an order of political and civic merit, awarded in memory of Lakandula’s dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of one’s people. (PCOO)


Aquino to incoming PCG Commander Liwag: Remain steadfast in the face of temptations

President Benigno S. Aquino III formally installed Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag as the new Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander replacing former Commander Wilfredo Tamayo in Change of Command ceremonies held at the PCG headquartes in Manila Tuesday.

In his speech, the President expressed utmost confidence in the new PCG Commander to continue the reforms started by his predecessor but gently reminded him to remain steadfast in the face of temptations.

“Tiwala akong sa karanasan at husay sa serbisyo ni Vice-Admiral RamonLiwag, pamumunuan niya ang PCG nang may katulad na dedikasyon at sakripisyo ni Admiral Tamayo, at maihahatid din niya sa mas maunlad na daungan ang buong PCG,” the President said.

“Ang hamon ko sa iyo, Admiral Liwag -- Huwag kang magpapahila sa tukso ng panlalamang. Naitalaga ka upang maglingkod ng marangal sa iyong mga Boss; huwag mo silang bibiguin,” he added.

Before becoming the PCG’s newest Commander, Liwag was Vice Commandant for Operations of the PCG, the next Officer in Command responsible in handling all operational matters pertaining to the organization.

He is happily married and a loving husband to Maria Fe Liwag nee Genabe of Oriental Mindoro. They are blessed with a lovely daughter Paula Rose. (PCOO)


Ochoa asks DENR to conduct an inventory of the country’s natural resources

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an inventory of the country’s available natural resources in order to help the government strike a balance between mining and protecting the environment.

In an interview in Palawan over the weekend, Ochoa said he met recently with DENR Secretary Ramon Paje to discuss the matter in order to determine the value and potential of the natural resources, as well as aid the government in setting out priorities in terms of preserving and rehabilitating these.

“In mining we have to look at the big picture... It is important for the public to be aware of and understand the economic value of the country’s natural resources and their potential so they can also help us to balance mining and environmental protection,” Ochoa explained.

It is in these two areas that the Aquino Administration is striving in order to achieve a balance in the utilization of mineral deposits and preserving the natural resources.

“Mining is a very good industry, but we should also be very careful in order to protect our environment. We need to implement a balance here,” he said.

Ochoa also made a pitch to the public to become allies of the government in seeing the strict and full enforcement of environmental laws in their communities against small-mining activities, which are beyond the jurisdiction of the DENR.

“We should handle the issue of small-scale mining with regard to enforcement of environmental standards and protection,” Ochoa said.

“The public should be more vigilant. It is a matter of law enforcement and all we need to do is enforce strictly and fully the requirements before anyone can go into mining,” he added. (PCOO)


Aquino gov’t is all set to ensure safety and security during Holy Week

The Aquino government is all set to carry-out the contingency plans to ensure the safety of the Filipino people and tourists alike during the Holy Week.

Top officials of various government agencies led by Executive Director Benito Ramos of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRC) on Tuesday briefed President Benigno S. Aquino III on their ongoing preparations for the Lenten Season.

Ramos said the government agency-members are ready to implement their respective tasks and missions to protect Filipinos and tourists as well as to secure churches, places of worships, vital installations, airport, seaports, bus terminals, embassies, tourist spots, malls, commercial establishments and other public places.

Ramos presented to President Aquino the specific tasking, coordinating instructions and structure of each contingency plan of various government agency-members of the NDRRC.

Officials and representatives of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Health (DOH) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), attended the cluster meeting at Malacanang and likewise presented their respective security and action plans to the President.

“The Lent may pose potential public safety and order due to accidents,” Ramos told the President, adding that they farmed measures to address such concerns.

The President expressed concern about the matter involving roadworthiness of public and private vehicles after being told that fatal accidents had occurred during the past Holy Weeks. Close to five to six millions of Filipinos are expected to travel by land, air and sea this Lenten season.

“Safety is our primary concern to motoring public as they travel through land, sea or air,” Ramos said.

Ramos further said that “Fire safety and prevention should be part of public awareness all throughout the season and natural disasters may complicate the situation in the event of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or weather disturbances.”

During the meeting, Ramos stressed that the NDRRC activated its operation centers effective April 16 to monitor the various NDRRC member-agencies and manage the events during the Holy Week.

The MMDA has already enforced its contingency plans through its Metro Alalay Semana Santa (M.A.S.S) 2011, according to Ramos, stressing that it aims to attain an accident and hazard free Lenten for the public, especially those going to the provinces.

He said the PNP has also issued a memorandum to its concerned personnel to manage critical areas and choke points and to increase the visibility and overt acts of terrorism.

Ramos said that the AFP acts a supportive role to the PNP, notably in maintaining peace and order “The security coverage includes places of worships, vital installations and tourist spots,” he added.

The PCG has already started implementing its Oplan Mahal Na Araw 2011, established public assistance centers in anticipation of the influx of sea going passengers. (PCOO)


Aquino convenes gov’t agencies to ensure safety and security during Holy Week

The Aquino government has tapped the various concerned agencies to ensure public safety and security in efforts to maintain peace and order as the nation commemorates the Holy Week.

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday convened various agencies in Malacañang, where he was briefed regarding the government’s preparations in maintaining peace and order in the country during the Lenten Season. Contingency measures were presented by officials of various concerned agencies.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino for his part presented the agency’s actions that will continue to secure the public especially those traveling to their respective provinces to spend the holiday.

“In Oplan Mass, there is operational convergence in terms of achieving one main mission for all the agencies present here and that is the safety of the general public during the observance of the Lenten season,” Tolentino said.

He said that “Oplan Mass” was implemented last April 15 and will run until the 25th of this month.

Under the security program, the agency will be deploying 1,900 elements of the MMDA which started last Monday. A “No day off, No absent” policy was issued by the MMDA chief especially on Holy Thursday, Black Saturday, Easter Sunday and the Monday after Easter.

Tolentino said that they are anticipating some 180 thousand vehicles traversing the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) starting from noon of Holy Wednesday until lunch time of the following day while 70 thousand vehicles are expected to traverse the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) during the same period.

The MMDA has already lifted the number coding starting Tuesday until Good Friday.

Tolentino said that while the Makati City local government will not be lifting the said traffic management scheme, it will not have an overall effect considering that the number coding in Makati will just apply within the city’s Central Business District (CBD).

“Those utilizing the NLEx, SLEx exit points which are presently manned by MMDA personnel will be utilizing EDSA, C5, as well as Roxas Boulevard and President Osmeña highway… we are also utilizing the newly-constructed C6 for hose going to the province of Rizal”, Tolentino said.

The MMDA will also be conducting an outreach program aimed at assisting the pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage from Ortigas to Antipolo on Holy Thursday. It will also deploy a 20-man team to Tagaytay City to man the major intersection points in the said area.

Starting Wednesday, the MMDA will be implementing the “nose in, nose out” policy for the bus terminals especially those holding stations along the major thoroughfares like Edsa to avert hampering the flow of traffic in the area.

At least 300 MMDA personnel will also be deployed for the annual Black Nazarene procession in Manila on Good Friday as well as the pilgrimage to the Novaliches Grotto.

The MMDA Metrobase will act as the central base of the 17 local government units to facilitate the reports of their respective traffic bureau chiefs concerning certain events that would necessitate immediate response.

Tolentino noted that they have instituted command posts in the NLEx and SLEx starting last Monday. Also, the agency has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the two water concessionaires to refrain from conducting re-blocking and digging activities except during the Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Also, the MMDA has coordinated with the PNP’s National Capital Regional Office (NCRPO) Command for police visibility especially at the bus terminals.

The MMDA chief assured that they are prepared in anticipation of the influx of people from the provinces on Easter Sunday.

“We expect the volume of returnees coming from the provinces to enter SLEx and NLEx by lunchtime of Sunday and we will be likewise prepared”, Tolentino said.

“We have five teams who will cover the entire Metro Manila on a 24-hour, three-shift basis patrol…we are likewise now deployed near ports as well as the three airports including the domestic terminal”, he said.

The MMDA Road Emergency group will be providing medical and ambulance services to victims of accidents at the major transport instillations.

MMDA data show that last year, around 994 accidents from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday were recorded, seven of which were fatal and 321 non-fatal.

Also in attendance during the security briefing include officials from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Philippine National Police (PNP). (PCOO)


Aquino cites Philippine Coast Guard services

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday for its ever-reliable and time tested commitment to serve the people in times of crisis or otherwise.

In his speech at the Change of Command ceremonies marking the formal turnover of the PCG command from Commander Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo to his Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag, the President noted that aside from securing the country from the unwanted and unknown, the PCG has also been an advocate in promoting a pollution-free environment.

“Kung paglilingkod lang naman po ang pag-uusapan, subok na po ng panahon ang wagas na serbisyo ng PCG. Bukod sa paninigurong walang nakakapasok na masasamang elemento tulad ng droga, piniratang gamit at anumang bagay na banta sa seguridad ng ating bansa, tinitiyak din ng PCG na malinis at ligtas sa polusyon ang ating teritoryong pandagat,” the President said.

That is why, the President added, he has tasked the PCG to undertake and man offshore drilling and oil exploration in the Western portion of the country.

“Katuwang namin kayo sa pagtuklas ng mga potensyal na pagmumulan ng karagdagang enerhiya para sa mga Pilipino,” the President said.

Aside from this, the President lauded the PCG for signing a Memorandum of Agreement between themselves and concerned fishermen to ensure their safety during the conduct of PCG operations within their jurisdictions as well as during calamities.

“Kapuripuri din ang inyong Disaster Management Preparedness System, kung saan nagtalaga kayo ng mga response group mula sa iba’t ibang Coast Guard districts sa bansa. Kapansin-pansin po ang resulta nito, lalo na noong kasagsagan ng bagyong Juan,” the President said.

“Kahit pagkalakas-lakas pa ng hangin at ulan; patuloy man ang pagtaas ng tubig-baha, mabilis pa rin kayong rumesponde upang ilayo ang mga kababayan natin sa tiyak na kapahamakan. Maging ang mga matigas ang ulo na ayaw umalis sa lugar nila, binalik-balikan pa rin ninyo upang hikayating lumayo sa peligrosong lugar,” he added.

He pointed out that the combined efforts of the PCG, the Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have brought down the number of casualties during calamities.

This combined effort with the PCG at the helm, the President added, was also instrumental in the seizure of 72.5 bricks of high grade cocaine worth some P360-million in 2010 while its anti-crime program; “Zero Casualty and Zero Maritime Accident” brought down the incidence of transnational crimes due to the presence of Sea Marshals in commercial ship voyages.

“Dahilan ito upang bumaba ang bilang ng mga transnational crimes sa ating bansa,” the President said. (PCOO)


PNP adapts master plan for safety and security during the Lenten season

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has adapted a master plan to carry out its plan for the Lenten season and summer vacation to ensure the safety and security of between five to six million people moving in and out of metro Manila this week.

The PNP told President Benigno Aquino III in a briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday that the police organization, in coordination with local government units, military and civil society organizations, is carrying out its master plan for the Lenten season.

Among the police concerns include traffic conditions, accidents in major thoroughfares, and possible criminal activities as lawless elements are expected to seize the opportunity to take advantage of the situation.

More personnel will be deployed to areas with a large concentration of people. At the same time, the PNP has established help desks and assistance centers at terminals, airports, seaports, churches and tourist destinations in the country.

PNP officials told the President that their major focus will be Baguio City and Sto Tomas, Batangas in Luzon, Cebu and Bacolod in the Visayas.

The police expects a large number of people to go to Baguio City as more tourists visits the place and more resident arrive for annual homecoming. In the south Luzon region however, the PNP is closely monitoring the Sto Tomas area, the crossing to Quezon, Bicol and Batangas.

The sky police will also be deployed starting Thursday to Sunday, according to the PNP. It is also sending bus Marshalls in selected areas in the country although this is not a general policy.

The PNP also told the President that it will intensify intelligence gathering this week to ensure security.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also reported to the President during the same briefing that it is coordinating with the PNP to boost security in the country during the Lenten season.

The AFP said it supports the PNP in guarding populated areas, providing road security as well as monitoring sea ports, terminals, beach resorts and other public places.

For “target hardening” in Metro Manila, the Armed Forces said the National Capital Regional Command (NCRCOM) has provided personnel augmentation to the police consisting of five officers and 125 enlisted personnel. The military will also intensify its intelligence gathering activities.

Among the major concerns of the military includes possible retaliatory attacks by the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah after government forces arrested or killed some of its members. It is also watching mass protest by militant organization in preparation for the National Democratic Front (NDF) anniversary and the Labor Day celebration next month.

The Armed forces has also deployed an additional platoon at the Batangas port and Mindoro area, military officials told the President adding more boats will also be deployed to secure El Nido in Palawan, Boracay in Aklan and Panglao beach resorts in Bohol.

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) also intensifies security in its jurisdiction by establishing check points and strict monitoring of terminals and the city metropolis.

On the other hand, the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), which covers the critical areas of Sulu and Basilan will intensify its security and combat operations to secure Christian villages and churches in Isabela, Lamitan, Sumisip. Security is also being beefed in Zamboanga City. (PCOO)


Aquino orders NDRRC to ensure safety of caretakers near Taal Volcano

President Benigno Aquino III instructed on Tuesday the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRC) to ensure that over 1,000 caretakers of fish cages and ducks who remain near the restive Taal Volcano can be safely evacuated in the event that it erupts.

During a cluster meeting at Malacanang, the Chief Executive expressed concern over the safety of over 1,000 caretakers as he asked the NDRRC, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP) to brief him of the system, the facility and the available resources on how to proceed with the evacuation of the said people.

While residents have already been evacuated from the place which was already declared as off-limit to residents, NDRRC Executive Director Benito Ramos said there were still some 1,007 caretakers who were left behind.

The President wants that the system and the available facility are in place as the volcano continues to show heightened activity. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the volcano is under alert level 2 and there were six volcanic eruptions that were monitored for the past 24 hours.

Ramos assured the readiness of concerned government agencies to respond to the needs of the caretakers who can be evacuated within 30 minutes from eruption.

“There are 5,000 people in the island and majority was already evacuated, only the caretakers were left behind. The evacuation centers are ready and the concerned government agencies’ personnel are on stand-by,” Ramos said, adding that there are a lot of bancas from fish cages’ operators and government agencies that are on stand-by.

“Number one, everybody should be apprised of the expectation here. It must be made very, very clear that there is really imminent danger (of the volcanic eruption),” President Aquino said.

As the seismic activities get stronger, Malacanang earlier urged all residents near Taal Volcano to follow the directives of the Phivolcs for them to evacuate to a safer place. (PCOO)