Aquino launches housing program for AFP and PNP personnel
BRGY. BATIA, Bocaue, Bulacan: President Benigno S. Aquino III launched the first tranche of housing units representing his promise to provide 20,000 homes for the valiant men and women in uniform here on Monday.
The President, together with Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chair Jejomar Binay, led the ceremonial opening of the Bocaue Hills Housing Project here that aims to provide an initial 4,000 low-cost housing units to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
To be built at a cost of P140,000 per housing unit, qualified members of the AFP and the PNP who avail of the housing project will only have to shell out P200 a month for the first five years of amortization.
The remaining 30 years of payment will be computed with a compounded interest method to produce equally affordable amortization ranging from P400 to P800 only.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President said that with this project, the men and women of the AFP and PNP will not have to worry about having to pay rent which could reach up to P3,000 in Metro Manila.
“Hindi na kakabug-kabog ang dibdib ninyo sa pag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng panustos sa upa; hindi na ninyo kailangang kabahan sa kaligtasan ng inyong pamilya,” the President said.
“Matatapalan na natin ang tagas sa naipupundar ninyong suweldo dahil sa binabayarang upa dati sa Metro Manila na humigit kumulang sa tatlong libo kada buwan,” he added.
After his speech, the President took a brief tour of two model housing units and expressed satisfaction at what could be made out of the units for it to be liveable.
“The first two units are demo units of what you can do with the basic structure and they are impressive,|” the President said.
“To be honest, if you are going to be paying P200 for that, I think you will be satisfied,” he added.
The President signed Administrative Order No. 9 last April 11 ordering the National Housing Authority to formulate, implement and manage housing projects for 20,000 military and police personnel.
In response, the NHA has embarked on a massive house-building program with other housing sites located in San Jose del Monte and Norzagaray in Bulacan; Baras and Rodriguez in Rizal; Calamba, Laguna and Trece Martires and General Trias in Cavite.
The housing agency said it will complete building the 21,800 housing units promised by the President by November 2011. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to work harder to provide benefits for men and women in uniform
BRGY. BATIA, Bocaue, Bulacan – Cognizant of their sacrifices to serve and protect the country and its people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said that he could do no less than his best to provide the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police with the rewards and benefits they require.
In his speech keynoting the nationwide launch of the AFP and PNP housing program here Monday, the President said it is time to address the inequalities brought about by corruption in order to end the pain and suffering being experienced by the people.
“Alam ko kung gaano katindi ang mga sakripisyong inyong pinagdadaanan. Tinutungo ninyo ang mga liblib na lugar at nananatili doon sa matagal na panahong hindi kapiling ang pamilya. Marahil may mga kaibigan o kasama kayo sa serbisyo na nagbuwis na ng buhay. Araw-araw rin ninyong kinakaharap ang peligrong ito. Mulat ako na hindi kailanman matutumbasan ng materyal na bagay ang mga naibigay, at patuloy ninyong ibinibigay, sa ating bansa,” the President said.
“Ang tanging konsuwelong maibibigay ko sa inyo ay ang magtrabaho rin nang mabuti para maibigay sa inyo ang mga benepisyong marapat naman ninyong makuha. Tama na ang pagtitiis at paghihinagpis ng mga nangangailangan. Sa isinusulong nating matuwid na paggugol ng pera ng bayan at ng pananagutan sa ating paglilingkod-bayan, maganda na ang kinahihinatnan ng ating mga programang pangkaunlaran,” he added.
He said that through an intricate spending program, reforms in the AFP and the PNP have been implemented as part of the modernization program of the said agencies.
“Winawakasan na natin ang katiwalian sa inyong tanggapan sa pamamagitan ng maigting na auditing at mas maayos na procurement planning na nagbubunga ng mas maayos na serbisyo,” the President said.
These reforms, the President said, include the P2-billion Modernization Program of PNP for 2011 – Modernization Plan and Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) that has helped provide vehicles, arms and ammunition, and safety equipment for the PNP.
“Naipagkaloob na natin ang mga bagong sasakyan, armas at gamit pangkaligtasan sa inyong hanay tulad ng halos limandaang tactical vest, ballistic shield units, at tig-isang lote para sa inyong surveillance and technical equipment at data warehouse,” the President said.
For the AFP, the President said that reforms include doubling their combat pay and the purchase of vehicles and equipment such as Hamilton Class Weather High Endurance Cutter from the United States that has improved our patrolling of our coastlines as well as safeguarding the oil platforms and oil explorations at the Palawan and Sulu Sea.
“Idagdag pa po rito ang nakumpleto at napasakamay na rin nating mga watercrafts at Night Fighting Systems ng ating Navy at Army. Gayundin po ang dagdag na Coast Watch System at Hydrographic Equipment ng Navy. Ang mga gamit na ito ay para sa mas epektibong pagtatanod sa ating pambansang teritoryo; at ang iba pang makabagong armas at kagamitan na inilaan para sa mas maayos na serbisyo-publiko ng AFP,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino honors Gawad Saka 2010 awardees
President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded fourteen individuals and eight other organizations as this year’s awardees of “Gawad Saka 2010” for their sacrifices and great contributions to feed the nation.
Each of the individual awardees who are outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries each received a P100,000 check, a presidential citation and a trophy while the awardees of various organizations received a check worth P150,000 each, a presidential trophy and a citation from the President simple rites on Monday at Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall.
“Kaya naman sa ngalan ng bawat Filipino taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat. Ang mga parangal sa inyo ngayong araw na ito ay hindi sasapat sa mga ibinigay ninyo para sa inyong komunidad. Salamat sa pag-aambag ninyo tungo sa kaunlaran at makabuluhang pagbabago sa ating bansa,” the President said.
In his speech, the President said the Gawad Saka 2010 awarding ceremony is a simple gesture of the government in exchange for the contribution of the awardees in the field of agriculture and fisheries.
“Kapag may itinanim may aanihin. Sa araw na ito pinapatotohanan natin ang kasabihang ito, binibigyan parangal natin ang 14 na masisipag at mahuhusay na magsasaka at mangingisdang Filipino. Kasama na ang 8 namumukod-tanging mga organisasyon pang-agrikultura at pangingisda,” he said.
The President assured the farmers and fisher folks that his administration will continue to provide assistance and projects based on their needs such as the construction of irrigation canals, farm-to-market roads, modern farm and fishery equipment, as well as help in marketing of their produce.
In addition, the President announced that in the soonest possible time the government will introduce the geographic information system (GIS) that would serve as a national registry system or census for both the farmers and fisher folks which will be set up in the province of Quezon (Luzon), Leyte (Visayas) and Bukidnon (Mindanao).
The 14 individual awardees who received checks, presidential trophies and citations from the President were Efren Millare of San Juan, Abra, as outstanding rice farmer (integrated); Michael Lumas-I of Tabuk, Kalinga as outstanding rice farmer (hybrid); Jose F. Lorenzo of Tupi, South Cotabato as outstanding corn farmer; Catalino V. Ordinario Jr. of Antiquera, Bohol, as outstanding coconut farmer; Florencia B. Cabauatan of Piat, Cagayan as outstanding sugarcane farmer; Edita A. Dacuycuy of Burgos, Ilocos Norte as outstanding high value crops farmer; Eduarda V. Ayo of Capuy, Sorsogon City as outstanding agri-entrepreneur; Ambrosio Acosta of La Trinidad, Benguet as outstanding organic farmer; Rodrigo L. Basallo of Calaanan, Cagayan De Oro City as outstanding fisherfolk (fish culture category); Ramon B. Grimaldo of Atimonan, Quezon as outstanding fisherfolk (fish capture category); Leonora D. Jukni of Pagadian City as outstanding large animal raiser; Hanani Nietes of Naawan, Misamis Oriental as outstanding small animal raiser; Elnard S. Ympal of San Juan, Siquijor as outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk; Abias Rosalita and family of Valencia City, Bukidnon as outstanding farmer/fisherfolk family.
The 18 organizations awarded by the President include the following: Catuiguing Palayamanan 4 H Working Youth Club of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte as outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk organization; Sinamar Norte Ric of San Mateo, Isabela as outstanding rural improvement club (RIC); Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO) of Diffun, Quirino as outstanding small farmer/fisherfolk organization; Dingras Ilocos Norte MAFC as outstanding city/Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC); Quezon PAFC of Quezon Province as outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC); San Miguel Catanduanes of Catanduanes province as outstanding barangay food terminal (local government unit operated); Tiwi MFARMC of Tiwi, Albay as outstanding fisheries and aquatic resources management; council (FARMC) and San Quintin Abra Federated RIC Inc. of Villa Mercedes, San Quintin, Abra as outstanding barangay food terminal (non-LGU operated). (PCOO)
Aquino receives defense chief of China
China's defense chief, General Liang Guanglie paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III Monday at Malacanang as part of his five-day visit to the country which is aimed at boosting defense cooperation between China and the Philippines.
Liang was accompanied by the staff and officers from the Chinese Embassy during his call on the President. Also present were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban.
In an earlier statement, Liang expressed hope that his visit to the country would enhance understanding, build mutual trust, expand common ground, promote cooperation, and push for continued advancement of both China and Philippines, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
On Sunday, President Aquino said Liang’s visit is aimed at working hand-in-hand with China to diffuse tensions brought about by incidents that magnify the territorial dispute between the two nations and with other countries over islands in the South China Sea.
“There have been many incidents that occurred in Reed Bank and the disputed portion of Spratlys so we have been proposing for a long time now if we can proceed with a code of conduct there. Let’s talk instead of these incidents happening in the area,” the President earlier said.
Aside from the Philippines, the nations with claims over the Spratlys chain of islands, reefs, atolls and sand bars are China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. (PCOO)
BRGY. BATIA, Bocaue, Bulacan: President Benigno S. Aquino III launched the first tranche of housing units representing his promise to provide 20,000 homes for the valiant men and women in uniform here on Monday.
The President, together with Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chair Jejomar Binay, led the ceremonial opening of the Bocaue Hills Housing Project here that aims to provide an initial 4,000 low-cost housing units to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
To be built at a cost of P140,000 per housing unit, qualified members of the AFP and the PNP who avail of the housing project will only have to shell out P200 a month for the first five years of amortization.
The remaining 30 years of payment will be computed with a compounded interest method to produce equally affordable amortization ranging from P400 to P800 only.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President said that with this project, the men and women of the AFP and PNP will not have to worry about having to pay rent which could reach up to P3,000 in Metro Manila.
“Hindi na kakabug-kabog ang dibdib ninyo sa pag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng panustos sa upa; hindi na ninyo kailangang kabahan sa kaligtasan ng inyong pamilya,” the President said.
“Matatapalan na natin ang tagas sa naipupundar ninyong suweldo dahil sa binabayarang upa dati sa Metro Manila na humigit kumulang sa tatlong libo kada buwan,” he added.
After his speech, the President took a brief tour of two model housing units and expressed satisfaction at what could be made out of the units for it to be liveable.
“The first two units are demo units of what you can do with the basic structure and they are impressive,|” the President said.
“To be honest, if you are going to be paying P200 for that, I think you will be satisfied,” he added.
The President signed Administrative Order No. 9 last April 11 ordering the National Housing Authority to formulate, implement and manage housing projects for 20,000 military and police personnel.
In response, the NHA has embarked on a massive house-building program with other housing sites located in San Jose del Monte and Norzagaray in Bulacan; Baras and Rodriguez in Rizal; Calamba, Laguna and Trece Martires and General Trias in Cavite.
The housing agency said it will complete building the 21,800 housing units promised by the President by November 2011. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to work harder to provide benefits for men and women in uniform
BRGY. BATIA, Bocaue, Bulacan – Cognizant of their sacrifices to serve and protect the country and its people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said that he could do no less than his best to provide the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police with the rewards and benefits they require.
In his speech keynoting the nationwide launch of the AFP and PNP housing program here Monday, the President said it is time to address the inequalities brought about by corruption in order to end the pain and suffering being experienced by the people.
“Alam ko kung gaano katindi ang mga sakripisyong inyong pinagdadaanan. Tinutungo ninyo ang mga liblib na lugar at nananatili doon sa matagal na panahong hindi kapiling ang pamilya. Marahil may mga kaibigan o kasama kayo sa serbisyo na nagbuwis na ng buhay. Araw-araw rin ninyong kinakaharap ang peligrong ito. Mulat ako na hindi kailanman matutumbasan ng materyal na bagay ang mga naibigay, at patuloy ninyong ibinibigay, sa ating bansa,” the President said.
“Ang tanging konsuwelong maibibigay ko sa inyo ay ang magtrabaho rin nang mabuti para maibigay sa inyo ang mga benepisyong marapat naman ninyong makuha. Tama na ang pagtitiis at paghihinagpis ng mga nangangailangan. Sa isinusulong nating matuwid na paggugol ng pera ng bayan at ng pananagutan sa ating paglilingkod-bayan, maganda na ang kinahihinatnan ng ating mga programang pangkaunlaran,” he added.
He said that through an intricate spending program, reforms in the AFP and the PNP have been implemented as part of the modernization program of the said agencies.
“Winawakasan na natin ang katiwalian sa inyong tanggapan sa pamamagitan ng maigting na auditing at mas maayos na procurement planning na nagbubunga ng mas maayos na serbisyo,” the President said.
These reforms, the President said, include the P2-billion Modernization Program of PNP for 2011 – Modernization Plan and Capability Enhancement Program (CEP) that has helped provide vehicles, arms and ammunition, and safety equipment for the PNP.
“Naipagkaloob na natin ang mga bagong sasakyan, armas at gamit pangkaligtasan sa inyong hanay tulad ng halos limandaang tactical vest, ballistic shield units, at tig-isang lote para sa inyong surveillance and technical equipment at data warehouse,” the President said.
For the AFP, the President said that reforms include doubling their combat pay and the purchase of vehicles and equipment such as Hamilton Class Weather High Endurance Cutter from the United States that has improved our patrolling of our coastlines as well as safeguarding the oil platforms and oil explorations at the Palawan and Sulu Sea.
“Idagdag pa po rito ang nakumpleto at napasakamay na rin nating mga watercrafts at Night Fighting Systems ng ating Navy at Army. Gayundin po ang dagdag na Coast Watch System at Hydrographic Equipment ng Navy. Ang mga gamit na ito ay para sa mas epektibong pagtatanod sa ating pambansang teritoryo; at ang iba pang makabagong armas at kagamitan na inilaan para sa mas maayos na serbisyo-publiko ng AFP,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino honors Gawad Saka 2010 awardees
President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded fourteen individuals and eight other organizations as this year’s awardees of “Gawad Saka 2010” for their sacrifices and great contributions to feed the nation.
Each of the individual awardees who are outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries each received a P100,000 check, a presidential citation and a trophy while the awardees of various organizations received a check worth P150,000 each, a presidential trophy and a citation from the President simple rites on Monday at Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall.
“Kaya naman sa ngalan ng bawat Filipino taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat. Ang mga parangal sa inyo ngayong araw na ito ay hindi sasapat sa mga ibinigay ninyo para sa inyong komunidad. Salamat sa pag-aambag ninyo tungo sa kaunlaran at makabuluhang pagbabago sa ating bansa,” the President said.
In his speech, the President said the Gawad Saka 2010 awarding ceremony is a simple gesture of the government in exchange for the contribution of the awardees in the field of agriculture and fisheries.
“Kapag may itinanim may aanihin. Sa araw na ito pinapatotohanan natin ang kasabihang ito, binibigyan parangal natin ang 14 na masisipag at mahuhusay na magsasaka at mangingisdang Filipino. Kasama na ang 8 namumukod-tanging mga organisasyon pang-agrikultura at pangingisda,” he said.
The President assured the farmers and fisher folks that his administration will continue to provide assistance and projects based on their needs such as the construction of irrigation canals, farm-to-market roads, modern farm and fishery equipment, as well as help in marketing of their produce.
In addition, the President announced that in the soonest possible time the government will introduce the geographic information system (GIS) that would serve as a national registry system or census for both the farmers and fisher folks which will be set up in the province of Quezon (Luzon), Leyte (Visayas) and Bukidnon (Mindanao).
The 14 individual awardees who received checks, presidential trophies and citations from the President were Efren Millare of San Juan, Abra, as outstanding rice farmer (integrated); Michael Lumas-I of Tabuk, Kalinga as outstanding rice farmer (hybrid); Jose F. Lorenzo of Tupi, South Cotabato as outstanding corn farmer; Catalino V. Ordinario Jr. of Antiquera, Bohol, as outstanding coconut farmer; Florencia B. Cabauatan of Piat, Cagayan as outstanding sugarcane farmer; Edita A. Dacuycuy of Burgos, Ilocos Norte as outstanding high value crops farmer; Eduarda V. Ayo of Capuy, Sorsogon City as outstanding agri-entrepreneur; Ambrosio Acosta of La Trinidad, Benguet as outstanding organic farmer; Rodrigo L. Basallo of Calaanan, Cagayan De Oro City as outstanding fisherfolk (fish culture category); Ramon B. Grimaldo of Atimonan, Quezon as outstanding fisherfolk (fish capture category); Leonora D. Jukni of Pagadian City as outstanding large animal raiser; Hanani Nietes of Naawan, Misamis Oriental as outstanding small animal raiser; Elnard S. Ympal of San Juan, Siquijor as outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk; Abias Rosalita and family of Valencia City, Bukidnon as outstanding farmer/fisherfolk family.
The 18 organizations awarded by the President include the following: Catuiguing Palayamanan 4 H Working Youth Club of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte as outstanding young farmer/fisherfolk organization; Sinamar Norte Ric of San Mateo, Isabela as outstanding rural improvement club (RIC); Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO) of Diffun, Quirino as outstanding small farmer/fisherfolk organization; Dingras Ilocos Norte MAFC as outstanding city/Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC); Quezon PAFC of Quezon Province as outstanding Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC); San Miguel Catanduanes of Catanduanes province as outstanding barangay food terminal (local government unit operated); Tiwi MFARMC of Tiwi, Albay as outstanding fisheries and aquatic resources management; council (FARMC) and San Quintin Abra Federated RIC Inc. of Villa Mercedes, San Quintin, Abra as outstanding barangay food terminal (non-LGU operated). (PCOO)
Aquino receives defense chief of China
China's defense chief, General Liang Guanglie paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III Monday at Malacanang as part of his five-day visit to the country which is aimed at boosting defense cooperation between China and the Philippines.
Liang was accompanied by the staff and officers from the Chinese Embassy during his call on the President. Also present were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Oban.
In an earlier statement, Liang expressed hope that his visit to the country would enhance understanding, build mutual trust, expand common ground, promote cooperation, and push for continued advancement of both China and Philippines, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
On Sunday, President Aquino said Liang’s visit is aimed at working hand-in-hand with China to diffuse tensions brought about by incidents that magnify the territorial dispute between the two nations and with other countries over islands in the South China Sea.
“There have been many incidents that occurred in Reed Bank and the disputed portion of Spratlys so we have been proposing for a long time now if we can proceed with a code of conduct there. Let’s talk instead of these incidents happening in the area,” the President earlier said.
Aside from the Philippines, the nations with claims over the Spratlys chain of islands, reefs, atolls and sand bars are China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. (PCOO)
