Tuesday 8 November 2011

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, November 7, 2011

Malacañang lauds young Filipino math wizards

Malacañang lauded on Monday Filipino students who bested other contestants in an international math competition held in China recently.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda extended Malacañang’s congratulations to Farrell Eldrian Wu who, together with six other elementary school students, topped the primary division individual contests of the 2011 World Mathematics Team Championship held in Beijing, China from November 2 to 6.

“…Farrel Eldrian Wu, a Grade 6 student from Taguig, won a gold medal and ranked first in the primary division individual contests of the 2011 World Mathematics Team Championship held in Beijing, China,” Lacierda said in a statement released on Monday.

“Farrel, along with other elementary school students Clyde Wesley Ang, Miguel Lorenzo Ildesa, Andrea Jaba, Sedrick Scott Keh and John Aries Ceazar Hingan, composing Philippines Team 1, placed second over-all in the team contest,” he added.

Lacierda said the Filipino math wizards mastery of the highly competitive contest was “proof” that Filipinos could “compete against the best and the brightest on the world stage.” (PCOO)

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Aquino congratulates Ruais for winning first runner up in 2011 Miss World beauty pageant

President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates on Monday to Miss Philippines candidate Gwendoline Ruais who was crowned first runner up in the just concluded 2011 Miss World beauty pageant held at Earls Court Two in London, United Kingdom.

In his official Twitter account (@PresidentNoy), President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his congratulations to the 21-year old Filipino-French, Ruais, who was chosen among the other Filipinas that vied to represent the country in this year’s annual Miss World competition.

“Congratulations to Ms. Gwendoline Ruais! First runner-up in the 2011 Miss World beauty pageant held at Earls Court, London on Sunday,” tweeted the President.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, in a statement sent to Palace reporters, also greeted Ruais along with Filipino math whiz kids who placed second in a mathematics competition was held in Beijing, China.

“Miss Philippines-World Gwendoline Ruais placed first-runner up at the 2011 Miss World Pageant held in London, United Kingdom. We extend our congratulations to our Pinoy math whiz kids and Miss Philippines for once again proving that we Filipinos are capable of competing against the best and the brightest on the world stage,” Lacierda said.

Venezuela’s Ivian Sarcos was crowned as the 61st Miss World while Puerto Rico’s Amanda Perez placed second runner up behind Ruais in the said beauty pageant where some 113 candidates from different countries participated. (PCOO)

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Aquino to keynote 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference

President Benigno S. Aquino III will keynote the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference that will be held at the Aquino Center of Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac on Tuesday (November 8).

Joining the President for the event will be Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Tarlac Governor Victor Yap, Tarlac 2nd District Representative Susan Yap-Sulit and Tarlac City Mayor Gelacio Manalang.

The conference, which was first convened through the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) with the Organic Producers and Traders Association (OPTA), provides a venue for stakeholders to promote and trade their products and services to potential clients.

It also hopes to banner the accomplishments and give updates on organic agriculture in the country, specifically in Region 3 and serve as platform for the different key players to discuss current and emerging issues confronting the sector.

The President will also bestow the Gawad Saka Outstanding Organic Farmer Award to Benjamin Lao, president of Lao Integrated Farms, Inc. who has been involved in organic farming, particularly in coconut farming since 1998.

Lao has more than 30 hectares of coconut plantation under his care and he manages close to 100 coconut harvesters and 35 regular farm and production staff during peak season. (PCOO)

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Aquino government joins Muslim Filipinos in observance of Eidul Adha

The Aquino government joins all Muslim Filipinos in the observance of Eidul Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), one of the most revered festivals of the Islamic community.

In his message, President Benigno S. Aquino III said the solemn dedication of the Muslim Filipinos to strengthen their faith further reinforces Islam’s ideals of peace, solidarity, and modesty.

"Your earnest conviction for your beliefs and steadfast fulfillment of your religious obligations in an increasingly changing world serve as an inspiration to your countrymen," he stressed.

"As a reflection of a tale about unconditional trust, Eidul Adha reminds Muslim Filipinos that sacrifice is a test of one’s principles amid the challenges and complexities of life. This occasion also imparts the lesson of courage, motivating a believer to be more accepting of the trials along the way of his enlightenment,” President Aquino said.

The Chief Executive expressed high hopes that the celebration of Eidul Adha brings forth serenity among Muslim Filpinos and their respective communities, and further unite a nation that is now treading the straight path toward lasting amity and equitable progress.

"I am hopeful that you will remain committed in helping us create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos,” he said.

The Chief Executive has declared November 7 as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eidul Adha.

He issued Proclamation No. 276 on October 20, 2011 based on Republic Act. No.9849. The said republic act provides "that Eidul Adha shall be celebrated as a regular holiday"

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) recommended that the observance of Eidul Adha be on November 7 and the Eidul Adha prayer be held on November 6.

The Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice is observed after the Hajj -- the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

A duty of each Muslim, as described in the Five Pillars of Islam, is to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime, unless they are prevented by finances or ill health.

It is the second of the two major Muslim holy days. The other is Eid-ul-Fitr which follows Ramadan. (PCOO)