Aquino swears in Fr. Villarin as President of Ateneo
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday sworn in the new president of the Ateneo de Manila University during the investiture rites held at the university’s Henry Lee Irwin Theater in Quezon City.
President Aquino administered on the oath of office of Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” T. Villarin, SJ as the 30th president of Ateneo de Manila. Villarin succeeded Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ.
During his speech at the investiture rites, the President lauded the election of Villarin as university president, whom he even called as a “Man for Others.” Villarin started his first term on June 1.
“Ang pagtatalaga ng pinakamataas na katungkulan sa Ateneo de Manila kay Father Jett ay isang malaking hakbang para sa muling pagbibigay- buhay sa tradisyon, at pagpapatingkad sa kultura ng ating Alma mater,” he said.
President Aquino is an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1981.
“Kapag sinabi kong tradisyon, ito ang tatak ng husay at talino, tapang at kabayanihan na humubog kay Jose Rizal daangtaon na ang nakaraan. Kapag sinabi kong kultura, ito ang di-nagmamaliw na dedikasyon sa pagkakawang-gawa, at ang patuloy na pangunguna ng mga Atenista sa pagkalinga sa mga biktima ng pang-aabuso o sa mga sinasalanta ng sakuna,” he said.
President Aquino also said that with Villarin as the university‘s president, Ateneo will be more active in its role in building the nation.
“Sa pagpasok ni Father Jett Villarin bilang Pangulo ng ating pamantasan, tiyak na lalo pang magiging aktibo ang mga Atenista para makilahok sa paghuhubog ng ating bayan,” he said.
Villarin served as president of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. He was awarded National Outstanding Young Scientist in 2000 by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
In 2001, he edited a book titled “Disturbing Climate,” which was conferred the National Book Award for Sciences by the Manila Critics Circle, the National Book Development Board, and in 2002 by NAST.
He was also part of the International Panel on Climate Change, a team of climate scientists that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize together with former US Vice President Al Gore.
The new university president is also lead reviewer of the UN Convention on Climate Change and a member of the advisory board for Climate Change Commission.
“Sa kaniyang mga adbokasiya para sa kalikasan, sa kaniyang talino na hindi niya kailanman man ipinagdamot sa lipunan, talagang alam ni Father Jett kung ano ang kahulugan ng pagiging Man for Others… at kung ano ang papel na kailangang gampanan ng Atenista sa bansang ito,” President Aquino said.
“Ito nga ang inaasahan nating gagabay sa kaniya sa pagtitimon ng Ateneo de Manila sa mga darating na mga taon: na may obligasyon tayo bilang mga Atenista na pangalagaan, arugain at pagyamanin, hindi lamang ang ating mga sarili o ang ating pamantasan, kundi higit sa lahat, ang ating kapwa Pilipino, at ang ating Inang bayan,” he added.(PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday sworn in the new president of the Ateneo de Manila University during the investiture rites held at the university’s Henry Lee Irwin Theater in Quezon City.
President Aquino administered on the oath of office of Fr. Jose Ramon “Jett” T. Villarin, SJ as the 30th president of Ateneo de Manila. Villarin succeeded Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ.
During his speech at the investiture rites, the President lauded the election of Villarin as university president, whom he even called as a “Man for Others.” Villarin started his first term on June 1.
“Ang pagtatalaga ng pinakamataas na katungkulan sa Ateneo de Manila kay Father Jett ay isang malaking hakbang para sa muling pagbibigay- buhay sa tradisyon, at pagpapatingkad sa kultura ng ating Alma mater,” he said.
President Aquino is an alumnus of Ateneo de Manila. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1981.
“Kapag sinabi kong tradisyon, ito ang tatak ng husay at talino, tapang at kabayanihan na humubog kay Jose Rizal daangtaon na ang nakaraan. Kapag sinabi kong kultura, ito ang di-nagmamaliw na dedikasyon sa pagkakawang-gawa, at ang patuloy na pangunguna ng mga Atenista sa pagkalinga sa mga biktima ng pang-aabuso o sa mga sinasalanta ng sakuna,” he said.
President Aquino also said that with Villarin as the university‘s president, Ateneo will be more active in its role in building the nation.
“Sa pagpasok ni Father Jett Villarin bilang Pangulo ng ating pamantasan, tiyak na lalo pang magiging aktibo ang mga Atenista para makilahok sa paghuhubog ng ating bayan,” he said.
Villarin served as president of Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan. He was awarded National Outstanding Young Scientist in 2000 by the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST).
In 2001, he edited a book titled “Disturbing Climate,” which was conferred the National Book Award for Sciences by the Manila Critics Circle, the National Book Development Board, and in 2002 by NAST.
He was also part of the International Panel on Climate Change, a team of climate scientists that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize together with former US Vice President Al Gore.
The new university president is also lead reviewer of the UN Convention on Climate Change and a member of the advisory board for Climate Change Commission.
“Sa kaniyang mga adbokasiya para sa kalikasan, sa kaniyang talino na hindi niya kailanman man ipinagdamot sa lipunan, talagang alam ni Father Jett kung ano ang kahulugan ng pagiging Man for Others… at kung ano ang papel na kailangang gampanan ng Atenista sa bansang ito,” President Aquino said.
“Ito nga ang inaasahan nating gagabay sa kaniya sa pagtitimon ng Ateneo de Manila sa mga darating na mga taon: na may obligasyon tayo bilang mga Atenista na pangalagaan, arugain at pagyamanin, hindi lamang ang ating mga sarili o ang ating pamantasan, kundi higit sa lahat, ang ating kapwa Pilipino, at ang ating Inang bayan,” he added.(PCOO)
Aquino orders preparation for Philippine hosting of Asia-Europe Meeting in November
President Benigno S. Aquino III has tasked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to organize and implement activities in connection with the Philippine hosting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference set on November 10 to 11 this year.
President Aquino signed the Administrative Order No. 19 on September 6, mandating the DFA and DOE to organize and carry out the activities in connection with the Philippine hosting of ASEM Conference on the Harmonization of Biofuels Standards and Application to Vehicle Technologies on November 10 to 11.
In signing the AO, the President noted that during the 6th ASEM summit held in Helsinki, Finland, in September 2006, the Philippine initiative on biofuels, “Harmonization of Biofuels Standards and Application to Vehicle Technologies,” was accepted by ASEM leaders.
“The Philippines is a leading proponent on the issue of energy and security,” the AO stated. “In order to push the initiative forward, the Philippines shall host the ASEM Conference on the Harmonization of Biofuels Standards and Application to Vehicle Technologies on November 10 to 11, 2011.”
Under AO 19, the DFA and DOE will create an Executive Committee to be headed by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs department and the Secretary of Energy department, or their duly designated representatives.
“The Executive Committee shall closely coordinate the integrated assistance by obtaining technical, financial and administrative support from other relevant agencies and local government units where the conference and other related activities will be held,” the AO stated.
The Executive Committee is tasked to “formulate a work program and budget plan for the hosting of the conference and other related activities; implement the work program, and supervise and monitor all activities.”
It is also tasked to “call upon any official, agent employee, agency or instrumentality of the government for any assistance that may be necessary to ensure the success of the Philippine hosting of the conference and its related activities.”
The Executive Committee will also “engage the support, assistance and cooperation of international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and private sector and entities in the preparations and conduct of the conference.”
The administrative order will take effect immediately.(PCOO)
Aquino creates organizing committee in preparation for International Exposition in Korea next year
President Benigno S. Aquino III has created an organizing committee in preparation for the Philippine’s participation in the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 (Expo 2012).
Administrative Order No. 18, that was signed on September 6, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., underscored the importance of the country’s participation in the said event in promoting the country as a leading dive site and center of marine biodiversity in the world.
The Expo 2012 will have as theme “The Living Ocean and Coast: Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities.” It will be held from May 12 to August 12, 2012 in Yeosu, Korea.
The country’s participation in the Expo 2012 aims to further enhance the promotion of the Philippines and sustain its presence in Korea.
The President said the event will bring trade and tourism benefits as well as goodwill to the country.
“It will also enhance the efforts of both the government and private sectors in addressing various concerns and issues on achieving a sustainable balance between development and preservation of our marine environment (ocean and coasts),” President Aquino said.
The Philippine Organizing Committee will be headed by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The required funding of P70.3 million will be charged against available resources for calendar years 2011 and 2012 from the DOT, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).(PCOO)
Aquino urges new PNP chief to take his responsibilities as a ‘personal advocacy’
President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take his responsibilities as a personal advocacy as he expressed full trust and confidence on the new PNP chief’s competence to carry on the reform programs implemented by his predecessor.
In his speech during the PNP’s Change of Command Ceremonies at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City, Friday President Aquino noted the dedication and diligence of the new PNP chief, Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome, in pursuing the ideals of his predecessor, Director General Raul Bacalzo, as the foundation of change in the country’s police force.
“Kay Heneral Bartolome, hinihikayat kitang ituring na personal na advokasiya ang mas masigasig pang pagtugis sa mga kidnapper, carnapper at iba pang masasamang elemento ng ating lipunan,” President Aquino said.
“Nananalig ako sampu ng sambayanang Pilipino, sa iyong kakayahan na ipagpatuloy ang sinimulan ni Heneral Bacalzo na palaganapin ang propesyonalismo, integridad at kagitingan sa buong hanay ng kapulisan…huwag na huwag mong bibiguin ang ating mga boss,” the President added.
The Chief Executive also bared the government’s efforts to upgrade the capabilities of the country’s security forces in terms of equipment, artillery and other resources that will boost their morale to effectively perform their duties.
“Malinaw po ang nais nating mangyari sa kapulisan at kasundaluhan, sa abot ng ating makakaya, itinataas natin ang kaledad ng kanilang kakayahan, armas at iba pang pangangailangan… dahil batid nating susi ito para magampanan nila ang kanilang mga tungkulin sa pinaka-epektibong paraan,” President Aquino said.
The 54-year-old Bartolome was the 17th to be appointed chief of the 140,000-strong national police force. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Mapitagan Class of 1980, he served most of his junior years as a field operator in Central Mindanao.
Fresh from the Academy as a young Lieutenant, Bartolome saw action as Platoon Leader with the 54th Philippine Constabulary (PC) Batallion in Maguindanao and with the 441st PC Company in Lanao del Norte from 1980 to 1982, and later as Executive Officer of the 457th PC Company in North Cotabato, Intelligence and Operations Officer of the Cotabato Metrodiscom until 1984.
For two years in a row, 1983 and 1984, Bartolome was chosen PC Junior Officer of the year in Central Mindanao and PC Junior Officer of the Year (nationwide) in 1985.
In all his 11 years of combat duty in Mindanao, Bartolome earned ten Military Merit Medals, seven Military Commendations Medals, 17 Medalya ng Kagalingan, a Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, two Medalya ng Kadakilaan for heroism, the Mindanao-Sulu Campaign Medal and the Anti-Dissident Campaign Medal.
He served as PNP Spokesperson and publicist to three Chiefs of the PNP from 1999 to 2001 before assuming other staff assignments the next four years.
Bartolome was born in Gerona, Tarlac on March 16, 1957, he is married to pathologist Dr. Noemia Bartolome of the Department of Health, a union blessed with two children, Nicar Noemi and Nicanor III. (PCOO)
Aquino to meet transport sector amid rising oil prices
President Benigno Aquino III wants to meet the transport sector to know their concerns in the midst of continuous increase in petroleum prices, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on Friday.
“The aim of the meeting is … for the President to hear their concerns,” Valte told the media in a briefing in Malacanang on Friday.
Valte said the Department of Energy is the lead coordinator for the meeting and the Palace is waiting for the details and confirmation of the date of the meeting.
Proponents want the meeting to take place next week just before the President embarks on trips to US and Japan, Valte said adding the DOE is already checking the President’s schedule.
Valte said that the transport sector may also raise the issue of their fare increase, as the group has requested.
Valte also noted the success of the Pantawid Pasada program saying that the transport sector didn’t ask for additional fare before the recent oil price increases.(PCOO)
Aquino orders fiscal agencies to automate
President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the Commission on Audit (COA), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Finance (DoF) to automate their financial management systems in order to improve financial control and accountability on public funds.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday that Executive Order No. 55, which the President signed on September 6, aims to direct the integration and automation of all government financial management systems to make them more effective.
“This directive reflects the importance the President accords to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance,” Ochoa explained.
He stressed that the creation of a government integrated financial management information systems (GIFMIS) provides for a more transparent and effective way of monitoring the disbursement and appropriation of public funds.
“This integrated system will, among others, allow greater financial management and control at the oversight and agency levels, ensure stricter compliance of the budget to appropriation laws, significantly improve Treasury cash management, and facilitate keeping of general accounts of government and management reporting at various levels of government,” Ochoa pointed out.
The Executive Secretary said the creation of the GIFMIS paves way for the generation of vital information on any and all aspects of government financial transactions, which can be made accessible to the public through the internet.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was entered into by and among the key oversight agencies of the government namely, the COA, DBM, DoF and the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), which created the Steering Committee on Cooperation to Foster the Development of the GIFMIS and to implement the Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms Roadmap.
“The PFM Committee has already been directed to devise a five-year plan for the development and implementation of an integrated financial management information system that links national government agencies with the COA, DBM and BTr to enable the generation of comprehensive, accurate, reliable and timely consolidated financial status reports for the oversight and the implementing agencies,” Ochoa said.
The presidential issuance, according to Ochoa, also tasks the PFM team to achieve within the term of the current administration the completion and installation of the following:
• a GIFMIS which shall enable real-time, online accounting, monitoring and control of obligations and disbursements and their direct links to cash management;
• a Treasury Single Account (TSA) that provides BTr a more effective way of cash management and rationalizing agency bank accounts;
• an efficient budget release system with predictable and streamlined allotment and cash release programs throughout the year to support the operations of implementing agencies based on reliable cash forecasting and programming by DBM and BTr;
• regular in-year reporting system on the status of budget execution and timely year-end audit reporting of agency financial and physical operations, which will be used in the budget preparation process, the Congressional debate on agency budgets and performance, and the public’s participation in the budget process; and
• systematic recording and reporting of all liabilities of government entities, including real and contingent liabilities, to enable the national government to manage its financial exposure. (PCOO)
