Aquino to visit Kingdom of Thailand on May 26-27
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will fly here on Thursday for a 2-day (May 26-27) official visit upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Department of Foreign Affairs said the official visit of the President is aimed to further strengthen the Philippines deep and strong bilateral ties with Thailand.
“The visit aims to further strengthen the Philippines’ deep and strong bilateral relations with Thailand, as well as cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in order to help build a secure and prosperous Asean community by 2015,” the DFA said in a statement.
During the visit, President Aquino and PM Abhisit is set to discuss important issues including combating drug trafficking, agriculture cooperation, cooperation in regional and multilateral forums and most importantly explore ways to further strengthen bilateral ties of the two nations.
It is also expected that the President will take the opportunity to present his administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program to PM Abhisit and the Thai business community.
Dating back to 1949, bilateral relations between the Philippines and Thailand are among the most robust and stable in the Asian region.
The DFA noted that the two countries have regular exchanges of high-level government visits, healthy trade and investment environments that have encouraged major Philippine and Thai companies to invest in each other’s countries, and friendly people-to-people interactions that have promoted closer social and cultural understanding between and among their citizens.
He will then also meet the Filipinos living and working here in Thailand to personally thank them for their hard work and ability to participate in the Kingdom's economic growth and development. (PCOO)
Aquino all set for bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be attending to a busy schedule as he embarks on a 2-day state visit to the Kingdom of Thailand on May 26 to 27, which aims to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, President Aquino will depart for Bangkok via Philippine Airlines flight PR730 on Thursday, May 26. The President and his delegation are expected to arrive at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport past noon where they will be welcomed by Thai officials led by Deputy Prime Minister H. E. Trairong Suwannakhiri, Chief Protocol Officer of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bansarn Bunnag, and other Thai government officials.
Also expected to be part of the welcoming party are Philippine officials led by Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Linglingay Lacanlale, Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Teresa Taguiang and Defense and Armed Forces Attache Col. Manuel Gonzales.
Topping the line up of activities of the President is a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Vejjajiva where the two leaders are expected to discuss several issues that include combating drug trafficking, agricultural support, cooperation in regional and multilateral forums and exploring ways to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Right after the event, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference to share and discuss with the members of the local and international media the issues they have tackled and agreed upon.
An official dinner at the Outer Santi Maitri Building will be hosted by Prime Minister Vejjajiva in honor of President Aquino.
The Chief Executive will also be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics by the Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading public universities. The conferment will be led by university president Vudtechai Kapilakanchana.
Now a national research university after being endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education of Thailand, Kasetsart University is envisioned to become “the world’s leading research academic institutions in agriculture, food, technology and innovation.”
The President will also pay a visit to His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduljadej at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkoknoi, Bangkok where he will sign the well wishing book for the King’s speedy recovery.
Touted as the world’s longest-ruling monarch, the 82-year old king’s health has substantially improved but Queen Sirikit reportedly said that he still needed further treatment.
King Bhumibol, Thailand's sole unifying figure through decades of on-off political upheaval, has been receiving physical rehabilitation at the Siriraj Hospital since September last year for fatigue and lung inflammation.
President Aquino will also be meeting with the Filipino community in Thailand. Data shows that as of December 2010, there are at least 14,910 Filipinos residing and working in Thailand as english teachers, musicians, corporate executives and administrative and technical staff of the United Nations agencies and other international organizations.
Following his meeting with the Filipino community, the President will leave for Manila ending his 2-day official visit to the country. (PCOO)
Aquino meets with top Thai business execs during his 2-day state visit to Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will be meeting with top Thai business groups as part of the agenda of his 2-day state visit here on May 26 to 27 aimed at further strengthening the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The President is scheduled to meet with Thai key business executives of prominent business companies that include the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Siam Cement Group (SCG), and Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) Public Company Limited.
First to meet with the President are leaders of the CP group led by its chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dhanin Chearavanont, president and CEO of CP Foods PLC Adirek Sripratak and senior vice president CP Foods PLC Pinij Kungvankij.
Following the CP group, the Chief Executive will be meeting with Siam Cement Group (SCG) president and CEO Kan Trakulhoon, SCG vice president for finance and investment Chaovalit Ekabut, vice president for corporate administration Aree Chavalitcheewingul, SCG Paper president Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG Building Materials president Pichit Maipoom and corporate planning director Bunn Ksemsup.
President Aquino will also be meeting with PTT Public Company Limited president Prasert Bunsumpun, executive vice president Chavalit Punthong and senior vice president Sarun Rungkasiri.
Founded in 1921 by the Chia brothers, the CP Group is currently one of Asia’s leading conglomerates, with businesses and affiliates operating within the agribusiness, retail and telecommunications markets. It currently employs over 250,000 people. In the year 2009, CP group’s sales were recorded at 18 billion US dollars.
SCG, Thailand’s top company for the third consecutive year from the Asian Wall Street Journal was established nearly 100 years ago following a Royal Decree of His Majesty King Rama VI, as a means to eliminate reliance on imports of cement, as well as taking fuller advantage of the natural resources available in the country.
On the other hand, the PTT was established on December 29, 1978 where the period of the second world crisis of petroleum shortages. Since its establishment, PTT played an important role in solving the second world oil problem.
President Aquino will be arriving at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Thursday, May 26 where he and his delegation will be welcomed by both Thai and Filipino officials. (PCOO)
Government prepared for ‘Typhoon Chedeng’
Malacanang made assurances Wednesday that the government can handle the incoming Typhoon Chedeng although President Benigno Aquino III will be leaving for Thailand Thursday morning for a state visit there.
In a press conference at the Palace on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President will monitor the conditions in the country while abroad by using modern technology and communications equipment.
The President’s spokesman also said the President employed similar method before when a powerful earthquake hit Japan followed by a devastating tsunami. He said the President will use similar ways of coordinating with leading government agencies in charge of handling disasters.
The President wants to make sure that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) have prepositioned goods and equipment that will be needed in affected areas, Lacierda said.
At the same time, Lacierda said the President has talked to the NDRRMC and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) to ensure that the agencies do their jobs well with regard to the typhoon.
“With respect to the NDRRMC as much as possible we want to maintain zero-casualty. Preparations are being done right now,” he said.
“We are confident there was enough time for our local officials or public officials as well as citizens to be informed of the typhoons. The local government officials have enough time to prepare so we hope we have a zero-casualty,” he added.
Lacierda also appealed to the people living in the typhoon path to monitor regular news bulletins and coordinate with local officials in their respective areas and heed calls for evacuations if it is necessary.
“We would like to ask the citizens to cooperate with our local officials. We appeal to people in the affected areas to coordinate with our local officials if they are adviced to evacuate,” Lacierda said.
Asked by reporters who will assume command in possible rescue and relief operations, Lacierda said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo and Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman will be there to work and coordinate with local officials.
Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration cited a possible scenario where Chedeng would be moving west to Samar and Bicol, then to Metro Manila. (PCOO)
‘Display Philippine flag in celebration of National Flag Day’ - Palace
Malacanang called on Filipinos on Wednesday to display the Philippine flag at home, offices, schools, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning May 28, in celebration of National Flag Day, until June 12, 2011 in preparation for Independence Day.
In a regular news briefing at Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippines will celebrate its Flag Days beginning May 28 to June 12, 2011 to commemorate the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898 when the first Philippine flag was first hoisted at Teatro Caviteno.
“This period commemorates the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898 when the national flag was first unfurled in an uprising led by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Imus, Cavite and culminates on June 12 when the Philippine flag was waved in full view of the world following the formal proclamation of independence in Kawit, Cavite,” Lacierda read his prepared statement.
Lacierda further stated: “The elements of our flag date to the revolutionary era but its present format was codified in 1936 under the Philippine Commonwealth Government.”
He said citizens are encouraged to reverently and proudly display our national colors in their residences, places of work, institutions of learning, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas.
“The time has come to finally, fully reclaim our national pride,” said Lacierda, adding that our flag may be a symbol that unites us as a people moving towards progress.
He said “It is time we recognize this truth, and utilize it to finally build a nation that every Filipino deserves.”
The Filipinos are encouraged to observe the National Flag Day in accordance to Section 26 of the Republic Act No. 8491 otherwise known as “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which orders all offices and public venues to display replicas of the flag.
In case the flag is not hoisted on a pole, it can be displayed hanging in a vertical position with the sun and stars on top and such that the blue field points to the east if the road is heading south or north, or pointing to north if the road is heading east or west, as prescribed by law.
Our flag of royal blue, red and white underwent a lot of studies from 1892 until the one sewn by Marcela Agoncillo.
Often, the flag is displayed with the blue field on top to signify peace and independence, while the red field is displayed during war, which means that the flag is also a “war ensign.”
Reversal of the flag to have the red over the blue field happened in three events: during the 1896 Revolution, World War II, and 1986 Edsa Revolution.
Under RA 8491, the flag must be permanently hoisted all year-round in front of the following government offices: Malacañang Palace, Congress of the Philippines building, Supreme Court, the Rizal Monument in Manila, Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Musoleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion, all international ports of entry and all other places designated by the National Historical Institute.
After the National Flag Day and Philippine Independence Day, the flag must also be displayed during the National Heroes Day in August, Bonifacio Day on November 30 and Rizal Day on December 30. (PCOO)
Aquino to meet with Filipino community in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will meet with thousands belonging to the Filipino community during his 2-day official visit here.
The Chief Executive, who is on his first visit here upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is expected to brief the members of the Filipino community on the positive developments of his administration since he assumed office in June 2010 during their meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel here.
During their meeting, the President is also expected to thank the Filipinos in Thailand for their hard work as well as the government and people of Thailand for giving the Filipino workers the opportunity to participate in the kingdom's economic progress and development
Based on the volume of applicants for passport and consular ID, the Philippine Embassy estimates that there are about 14,000 Filipinos all over Thailand divided into three categories, namely, regular, irregular and transient.
Also based on Commission on Filipinos Overseas figures as of 2010, the breakdown of Filipinos in Thailand is as follows: permanent migrants account for 3,o59, temporary migrants 8,251, and 3,600 are irregular or undocumented, for a grand total of 14,910.
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will fly here on Thursday for a 2-day (May 26-27) official visit upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Department of Foreign Affairs said the official visit of the President is aimed to further strengthen the Philippines deep and strong bilateral ties with Thailand.
“The visit aims to further strengthen the Philippines’ deep and strong bilateral relations with Thailand, as well as cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in order to help build a secure and prosperous Asean community by 2015,” the DFA said in a statement.
During the visit, President Aquino and PM Abhisit is set to discuss important issues including combating drug trafficking, agriculture cooperation, cooperation in regional and multilateral forums and most importantly explore ways to further strengthen bilateral ties of the two nations.
It is also expected that the President will take the opportunity to present his administration’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program to PM Abhisit and the Thai business community.
Dating back to 1949, bilateral relations between the Philippines and Thailand are among the most robust and stable in the Asian region.
The DFA noted that the two countries have regular exchanges of high-level government visits, healthy trade and investment environments that have encouraged major Philippine and Thai companies to invest in each other’s countries, and friendly people-to-people interactions that have promoted closer social and cultural understanding between and among their citizens.
He will then also meet the Filipinos living and working here in Thailand to personally thank them for their hard work and ability to participate in the Kingdom's economic growth and development. (PCOO)
Aquino all set for bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be attending to a busy schedule as he embarks on a 2-day state visit to the Kingdom of Thailand on May 26 to 27, which aims to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, President Aquino will depart for Bangkok via Philippine Airlines flight PR730 on Thursday, May 26. The President and his delegation are expected to arrive at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport past noon where they will be welcomed by Thai officials led by Deputy Prime Minister H. E. Trairong Suwannakhiri, Chief Protocol Officer of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bansarn Bunnag, and other Thai government officials.
Also expected to be part of the welcoming party are Philippine officials led by Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Linglingay Lacanlale, Philippine Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Teresa Taguiang and Defense and Armed Forces Attache Col. Manuel Gonzales.
Topping the line up of activities of the President is a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Vejjajiva where the two leaders are expected to discuss several issues that include combating drug trafficking, agricultural support, cooperation in regional and multilateral forums and exploring ways to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Right after the event, the two leaders will hold a joint press conference to share and discuss with the members of the local and international media the issues they have tackled and agreed upon.
An official dinner at the Outer Santi Maitri Building will be hosted by Prime Minister Vejjajiva in honor of President Aquino.
The Chief Executive will also be conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics by the Kasetsart University, one of Thailand’s leading public universities. The conferment will be led by university president Vudtechai Kapilakanchana.
Now a national research university after being endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education of Thailand, Kasetsart University is envisioned to become “the world’s leading research academic institutions in agriculture, food, technology and innovation.”
The President will also pay a visit to His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduljadej at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkoknoi, Bangkok where he will sign the well wishing book for the King’s speedy recovery.
Touted as the world’s longest-ruling monarch, the 82-year old king’s health has substantially improved but Queen Sirikit reportedly said that he still needed further treatment.
King Bhumibol, Thailand's sole unifying figure through decades of on-off political upheaval, has been receiving physical rehabilitation at the Siriraj Hospital since September last year for fatigue and lung inflammation.
President Aquino will also be meeting with the Filipino community in Thailand. Data shows that as of December 2010, there are at least 14,910 Filipinos residing and working in Thailand as english teachers, musicians, corporate executives and administrative and technical staff of the United Nations agencies and other international organizations.
Following his meeting with the Filipino community, the President will leave for Manila ending his 2-day official visit to the country. (PCOO)
Aquino meets with top Thai business execs during his 2-day state visit to Thailand
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will be meeting with top Thai business groups as part of the agenda of his 2-day state visit here on May 26 to 27 aimed at further strengthening the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries.
The President is scheduled to meet with Thai key business executives of prominent business companies that include the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, Siam Cement Group (SCG), and Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) Public Company Limited.
First to meet with the President are leaders of the CP group led by its chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dhanin Chearavanont, president and CEO of CP Foods PLC Adirek Sripratak and senior vice president CP Foods PLC Pinij Kungvankij.
Following the CP group, the Chief Executive will be meeting with Siam Cement Group (SCG) president and CEO Kan Trakulhoon, SCG vice president for finance and investment Chaovalit Ekabut, vice president for corporate administration Aree Chavalitcheewingul, SCG Paper president Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG Building Materials president Pichit Maipoom and corporate planning director Bunn Ksemsup.
President Aquino will also be meeting with PTT Public Company Limited president Prasert Bunsumpun, executive vice president Chavalit Punthong and senior vice president Sarun Rungkasiri.
Founded in 1921 by the Chia brothers, the CP Group is currently one of Asia’s leading conglomerates, with businesses and affiliates operating within the agribusiness, retail and telecommunications markets. It currently employs over 250,000 people. In the year 2009, CP group’s sales were recorded at 18 billion US dollars.
SCG, Thailand’s top company for the third consecutive year from the Asian Wall Street Journal was established nearly 100 years ago following a Royal Decree of His Majesty King Rama VI, as a means to eliminate reliance on imports of cement, as well as taking fuller advantage of the natural resources available in the country.
On the other hand, the PTT was established on December 29, 1978 where the period of the second world crisis of petroleum shortages. Since its establishment, PTT played an important role in solving the second world oil problem.
President Aquino will be arriving at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on Thursday, May 26 where he and his delegation will be welcomed by both Thai and Filipino officials. (PCOO)
Government prepared for ‘Typhoon Chedeng’
Malacanang made assurances Wednesday that the government can handle the incoming Typhoon Chedeng although President Benigno Aquino III will be leaving for Thailand Thursday morning for a state visit there.
In a press conference at the Palace on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the President will monitor the conditions in the country while abroad by using modern technology and communications equipment.
The President’s spokesman also said the President employed similar method before when a powerful earthquake hit Japan followed by a devastating tsunami. He said the President will use similar ways of coordinating with leading government agencies in charge of handling disasters.
The President wants to make sure that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) have prepositioned goods and equipment that will be needed in affected areas, Lacierda said.
At the same time, Lacierda said the President has talked to the NDRRMC and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) to ensure that the agencies do their jobs well with regard to the typhoon.
“With respect to the NDRRMC as much as possible we want to maintain zero-casualty. Preparations are being done right now,” he said.
“We are confident there was enough time for our local officials or public officials as well as citizens to be informed of the typhoons. The local government officials have enough time to prepare so we hope we have a zero-casualty,” he added.
Lacierda also appealed to the people living in the typhoon path to monitor regular news bulletins and coordinate with local officials in their respective areas and heed calls for evacuations if it is necessary.
“We would like to ask the citizens to cooperate with our local officials. We appeal to people in the affected areas to coordinate with our local officials if they are adviced to evacuate,” Lacierda said.
Asked by reporters who will assume command in possible rescue and relief operations, Lacierda said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo and Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman will be there to work and coordinate with local officials.
Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration cited a possible scenario where Chedeng would be moving west to Samar and Bicol, then to Metro Manila. (PCOO)
‘Display Philippine flag in celebration of National Flag Day’ - Palace
Malacanang called on Filipinos on Wednesday to display the Philippine flag at home, offices, schools, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning May 28, in celebration of National Flag Day, until June 12, 2011 in preparation for Independence Day.
In a regular news briefing at Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Philippines will celebrate its Flag Days beginning May 28 to June 12, 2011 to commemorate the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898 when the first Philippine flag was first hoisted at Teatro Caviteno.
“This period commemorates the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898 when the national flag was first unfurled in an uprising led by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Imus, Cavite and culminates on June 12 when the Philippine flag was waved in full view of the world following the formal proclamation of independence in Kawit, Cavite,” Lacierda read his prepared statement.
Lacierda further stated: “The elements of our flag date to the revolutionary era but its present format was codified in 1936 under the Philippine Commonwealth Government.”
He said citizens are encouraged to reverently and proudly display our national colors in their residences, places of work, institutions of learning, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas.
“The time has come to finally, fully reclaim our national pride,” said Lacierda, adding that our flag may be a symbol that unites us as a people moving towards progress.
He said “It is time we recognize this truth, and utilize it to finally build a nation that every Filipino deserves.”
The Filipinos are encouraged to observe the National Flag Day in accordance to Section 26 of the Republic Act No. 8491 otherwise known as “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which orders all offices and public venues to display replicas of the flag.
In case the flag is not hoisted on a pole, it can be displayed hanging in a vertical position with the sun and stars on top and such that the blue field points to the east if the road is heading south or north, or pointing to north if the road is heading east or west, as prescribed by law.
Our flag of royal blue, red and white underwent a lot of studies from 1892 until the one sewn by Marcela Agoncillo.
Often, the flag is displayed with the blue field on top to signify peace and independence, while the red field is displayed during war, which means that the flag is also a “war ensign.”
Reversal of the flag to have the red over the blue field happened in three events: during the 1896 Revolution, World War II, and 1986 Edsa Revolution.
Under RA 8491, the flag must be permanently hoisted all year-round in front of the following government offices: Malacañang Palace, Congress of the Philippines building, Supreme Court, the Rizal Monument in Manila, Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Musoleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion, all international ports of entry and all other places designated by the National Historical Institute.
After the National Flag Day and Philippine Independence Day, the flag must also be displayed during the National Heroes Day in August, Bonifacio Day on November 30 and Rizal Day on December 30. (PCOO)
Aquino to meet with Filipino community in Bangkok
BANGKOK, Thailand: President Benigno S. Aquino III will meet with thousands belonging to the Filipino community during his 2-day official visit here.
The Chief Executive, who is on his first visit here upon the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is expected to brief the members of the Filipino community on the positive developments of his administration since he assumed office in June 2010 during their meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel here.
During their meeting, the President is also expected to thank the Filipinos in Thailand for their hard work as well as the government and people of Thailand for giving the Filipino workers the opportunity to participate in the kingdom's economic progress and development
Based on the volume of applicants for passport and consular ID, the Philippine Embassy estimates that there are about 14,000 Filipinos all over Thailand divided into three categories, namely, regular, irregular and transient.
Also based on Commission on Filipinos Overseas figures as of 2010, the breakdown of Filipinos in Thailand is as follows: permanent migrants account for 3,o59, temporary migrants 8,251, and 3,600 are irregular or undocumented, for a grand total of 14,910.
The three major Filipino organizations in Thailand all operate in Bangkok, the main capital city. These are the Association of Filipinos in Thailand with chapters in Chang Mai in the north, and Pattaya in the south; the United Filipinos in Thailand; and the Philippine Ladies Group Foundation.
The President's official visit here aims to further cement the Philippines' deep and strong relations with the Kingdom of Thailand as well as its cooperation with the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to help build a secure and prosperous ASEAN Community by 2015. (PCOO)
