World Bank, Asian Development Bank to extend loans for Mindanao rehabilitation
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Assistance from foreign countries are pouring in after the country was hit by devastating Typhoon Sendong with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank making pledges to lend additional money for the Philippines, President Aquino said on Tuesday.
In his speech before the evacuees in Cagayan de Oro City during his visit on Tuesday, the President said the ADB committed $3-million loan for the Philippines that could be used for the rehabilitation of typhoon-affected areas.
He added that the World Bank also pledged to release a $500-million loan with low interest rate in case the government need more funds for disaster-response.
The President said ADB’s loan is a previous offer after the Philippines invested in the bank in the past. He said the payoff is for the country to avail of the money intended for natural disasters.
Aside from this pool of funds that can be accessed by the government, President Aquino said the country still has a P1.17 billion calamity fund, as well as other funds that can still be tapped. But he said using the other sources of money will depend on the recommendation of his economic team.
Besides monetary offers, there are assistance being offered by the US, Japan, China, Russia, Spain and many other countries, he said.
“Taus-pusong pasasalamat po ang ipinararating natin sa mga kaibigan ng bansang Pilipinas at ng mga Pilipino. Wala pong duda babangon ang Cagayan de Oro at ang Iligan at ang iba pang tinamaan ni Sendong,” he said.
With all the assistance being extended, the President noted that government will have to assess the recent initiatives to determine what is needed.
The President visited Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Dumaguete City on Tuesday to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also led the distribution of relief assistance to evacuees in those areas.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) more than 900 people were killed in the flashfloods in Region 10 brought about by Typhoon Sendong. Scores of people were also missing, the agency said. (PCOO)
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Aquino creates task force to investigate deadly flashflood in Mindanao
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III said he created a task force that will investigate the devastating flashfloods that killed more than 800 people in Region 10 and identity those accountable and prevent it from happening again.
“Nagbuo na tayo ng isang task force mula sa kinatawan ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), at pati nang Mindanao Development Authority,” the President said in a speech in Cagayan de Oro City when he visited the evacuees there on Tuesday.
“Sila po ang mag-iimbestiga sa lahat, kasama ang pagbibigay ng lunas at tugon sa ating mga katanungan para hindi na maulit ang trahedyang ito. Kailngang malaman kung saan nagkulang, kung sino ang may pagkukulang at kung paano ito dapat panagutan,” he added.
At the same time, the President said he expects the newly appointed governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to curb illegal logging in the region that causes flashfloods and disasters.
“Inaasahan ko rin na buong loob na ipatutupad ng bagong itinalagang ARMM OIC governor na si Mujib Hataman ang iniaatas kong total log ban on natural forests na ang ulat po sa akin ay walang habas na nilalabag ng mga illegal loggers sa kanya pong rehiyon,” he noted.
The President said he wants the fact finding team to come up with a report soon so his administration can take action. He told reporters that he would be displeased if the investigation takes more than three months.
The investigation will focus on Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Dumaguete City, the President said, adding that other areas will likewise be included.
Asked about the need to seriously look into illegal mining and illegal logging and amending the existing laws, the President said the rights of businesses must be respected.
He said logging concessioners has the right to harvest the trees that they planted and the government can’t easily stop their operations.
“Hindi natin puwedeng sabihin, bigla na lang ‘Oops, sa gobyerno yan, sa tao na yan.’ Parang inagaw mo yung kanilang ari-arian at hindi puwede yun. Ngayon ang natuklasan natin, dito sa Iligan at nakikita n’yo doon sa baybaying-dagat nila, napakaraming troso at paniwala nga po nanggaling po ito sa Lanao,” he said.
This is the reason why he instructed the new ARMM Governor Mujib Hataman to investigate illegal logging in the region, the President said adding that he wondered why it appeared that the total log ban wasn’t being implemented in the ARMM. (PCOO)
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Aquino announces P1.17-billion calamity fund for 'Sendong' victims
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Tuesday here that the government is ready to release P1.17-billion for the victims of typhoon “Sendong” that battered Northern Mindanao and parts of the Visayas region last week.
The President made the announcement while he was briefed by local government officials of Negros Oriental led by Governor Roel Degamo on the destruction wrought by Sendong to his province at the Dumaguete City airport.
The President said the fund would be distributed to the provinces worst hit by the typhoon.
“We have P1.17-billion in the Calamity Fund but there are several areas that will be drawing on that: Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, your province, portions of Iloilo and also a portion of Ilocos Norte (that was hit by the North Easterly monsoon),” the President said.
“We will pare down what you exactly need at this point in time. We’ll discuss it with you and then we will draw on that fund,” he added.
The President told the local officials to present their various requests in a formal letter so that the release of the funds can be “fast tracked.”
“So as soon as we get back to Manila, I will talk to Budget Secretary Butch Abad to see if we can fast track this,” the President said. (PCOO)
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Gov’t working to address water shortage in Sendong-affected areas -- President Aquino
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III assured residents on Tuesday that the government is working doubly hard to getting potable water running through their taps again after Typhoon Sendong devastated water districts here and in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities in Mindanao last week.
The President gave this assurance during a dialogue with local government executives of Negros Oriental on the effects of Sendong to their province.
He said although fixing the water problem will “take us a little more time,” Public Works Secretary and Water Czar Rogelio Singson was on top of consolidating and addressing this issue expeditiously.
“Just to give you an idea, when its (water concern) irrigation, it’s a Department of Agriculture issue, if its potable water, it’s for the LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration), if it (concerns) protecting the watershed, its DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). So with all the government agencies involved in the water situation, talagang napaka-complex,” the President said.
“So, (Public Works) Secretary (Rogelio) Singson will marry all of these concerns so that there is a cohesive water policy for the entire country,” he added. (PCOO)
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Aquino confident PH can still mitigate effects of climate change
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that the Philippines could still lessen the disastrous effects of climate change in the country as long as the Filipino people band together and to collectively protect themselves and the environment.
In a briefing with local officials here on the damages wrought by Typhoon Sendong, the President said it was time to “start preparing.”
“We can still further mitigate the effects of global climate change and disaster but we have to really pull together,” the President stressed.
“Now is the time, while it is still sunny to start preparing, start conditioning our people, start fine-tuning all of the processes (to achieve) the ultimate goal of no casualties,” the President said.
“We’ve put in the infrastructure that is less prone to being damaged by all of these calamities and that takes planning, dissemination of information and research,” he added. (PCOO)
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Aquino leads AFP Day in Quezon City
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the government’s unwavering support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) not only in terms of equipment modernization but also in providing their much-deserved benefits to buttress their efforts in defending the country and the Filipino people.
Speaking before the officers and members of the 126,053-strong men and women of the AFP, led by their newly-installed Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa during the celebration of the 76th AFP Day at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, President Aquino said that while there may be many trials along the way, the AFP is slowly but surely gaining grounds towards a better and more capable defense force anchored on righteousness and sincere service to the people.
“Mulat po tayong ang isang pangkat na inatasang magtanggol ng ating bansa ay karapat-dapat na bigyang suporta at pagkalooban ng sapat na kagamitan upang mas epektibo nilang matupad ang kanilang tungkulin. Hindi man natin ura-uradang mareresolba ang lahat ng problema, unti-unti na nating dinadagdagan at pinauunlad ang inyong mga kagamitan upang lalo pa ninyong maipamalas at maipagmalaki ang kahusayan at kagitingan ng sundalong Pilipino,” the President said as he acknowledged the needs of every soldier that are being looked into by the government.
“Maliban sa modernisasyon, puspusan din ang pagtutok ng ating administrasyon sa paghahatid ng inyong mga karapat-dapat na benepisyo: Mula sa pagkalinga sa inyong kalusugan, hanggang sa paglinang sa inyong mga kasanayan; mula sa de-kalidad na edukasyon ng inyong supling, hanggang sa pabahay para sa inyong mag-anak; pursigido ang gobyernong arugain kayo at ang inyong pamilya,” he stressed.
The Chief Executive expressed high hopes that the AFP will continue to focus on their duties and responsibilities to maintain peace and order in the country.
“Sa darating pong kapaskuhan at pagsalubong natin sa bagong taon, alam kong mananatiling mapagmatyag at tutok sa serbisyo ang ating mga sundalo. Hindi man ganap na makakapagbakasyon ang ating mga kawal sa mga araw na ito, alam ko pong nagkakaisa tayo sa nais patunguhan ng ating mga sakripisyo; ito ang araw-araw na pagbabakasyon ng bansa mula sa kaguluhan, katiwalian at kahirapan,” he said.
The President also assured that the government will remain adamant in effecting reforms in the AFP to make sure that their funds will be used only in serving the needs of every Filipino soldier.
“Isinasaayos na po natin ang sistema sa pamamalakad at transaksyon sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Hindi na po natin papayagan ang pagpapakasasa ng iilan sa pondong dapat ay dumidiretso sa kapakanan ng mga sundalo. Sagrado ang pondong inilalaan ng ating mga kababayan, kung kaya’t hindi natin ito gagamitin sa maling paraan,” the President said.
The President thanked the AFP personnel for their full support in the government’s programs aimed at uplifting and protecting the lives of the people as he cited the AFP’s important role in the search and rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in times of calamities.
“Nito nga pong mga nakalipas na araw, muli na naman pong pinatunayan ng ating kasundaluhan ang kanilang dedikasyon at pananagutan sa katungkulan. Sa pagbisita natin sa Cagayan de Oro, Iligan at Dumaguete, saksi tayo sa kalunos-lunos na resulta ng biglaang dami at lakas ng buhos ng ulan sa Silangang Visayas at sa Mindanao,” President Aquino noted.
“Katuwang ang ating Sandatahang Lakas, pinangunahan at patuloy nating isinasagawa ang mga operasyon at paghahatid ng tulong sa mga nasalantang lugar… kasama ang sambayanan, taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong wagas na pagsasakripisyo para sa kapwa-Pilipino,” he said.
Also present during the event were former president Fidel Ramos, Defense Secretary Voltare Gazmin and other officials of the AFP’s major commands.
Anchored on the theme: “Bayanihan, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran,” this year’s AFP Day celebration was highlighted by the awarding of 14 of AFP’s deserving personnel who contributed to the advancement and promotion of the armed force’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino was given full military honors by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets.
The 14 awardees coming from both the military and civilian workforce were given AFP medals, they are Cpl Isagani Zamora (PN/Marines); BGen. Nestor Anonuevo; 1Lt Guy Ray Madrid (PA); Cpl Abraham Parreno (PA); MGen. Francisco Cruz Jr.; Col Oscar Lactao (PA); RAdm Edgardo Tamayo; Ret. Col Bradley Turner of the United States Marine Corps; Cafgu Active Auxillary Eddie Castro; SSg Jeffrey Feria (PAF); 1st Class Cadet LtCol Charles Anthony Catabras; 1st Class Cadet Col Jenith Brene Corpis; Raniel Sacramento, civilian employee from the PAF; and Nelson Canovas, civilian employee from the PN. (PCOO)
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Aquino to join Christmas celebration for street children at Cuneta Astrodome
President Benigno S. Aquino III will spread the cheer and joy of the season with Filipino street children and indigenous peoples at the Pasko ng Batang Pinoy that will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Thursday, December 22.
The President, who will be joined by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, will address the 1,500 participants and their families who are expected to attend the event.
The Pasko ng Batang Pinoy Project is organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the local government units and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) of the National Capital Region.
The program aims to provide homeless street families with social preparation modules to prepare them for possible permanent shelter supported with access to income-generating opportunities; livelihood assistance and opportunities through the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program; educational assistance for street children and alternative education to other members of the family; and health and nutrition services and other support interventions through LGUs and partner NGOs.
The DSWD said, this will help in the agency’s advocacy of achieving “zero” street children, street families and Bajaws in 10 priority areas in Metro Manila.
DSWD Ambassadress of Children’s Rights and Welfare, Ms. Venus Raj will facilitate the fun games while child stars will provide entertainment to the children. (PCOO)
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Aquino launches P10-billion housing program for Metro Manila informal settlers
President Benigno S. Aquino III led Wednesday the groundbreaking of a housing project in Pasay City intended for the relocation of informal settlers residing in the city’s danger areas.
The Pasay City housing project is part of the P10-billion housing program launched by the Aquino administration for the National Capital Region to give decent housing to poor urban dwellers.
“Ang groundbreaking pong ito ay isang konkretong hakbang sa pagsusumikap nating maisakatuparan ang ating mga pangarap. Isa itong patunay na nasa tamang landas ang ating tinatahak. Alinsunod po sa ating shelter program para sa informal settler families, ito ay para sa mga housing units na ipatatayo sa Lungsod ng Pasay, Quezon at Maynila,” the President said.
People will be moved from danger areas in the cities of Metro Manila and will be given in-city houses as well as the option to go back to the provinces under the government’s Balik-Probinsya program.
As the President led the event in Pasay City, similar events were being held in Manila and Quezon City to jumpstart the construction of the housing projects there.
The President has recently organized an inter-agency technical working group on informal settlers with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the lead agency.
According to DILG, Pasay City, Manila and Quezon City were selected because of their ready shelter program and their willingness to undertake in-city housing projects.
The DILG said more than 19,000 families living in danger zones in those three cities will benefit from the P10 million housing fund initially released by the budget department under President Aquino’s disbursement accelerated program.
During the event, the President thanked Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto and the entire city government for working hard to achieve the housing projects for informal settlers of Pasay City.
Pasay City has the third largest number of informal settlers in Metro Manila. Quezon City and Manila also have a big number of poor urban dwellers that’s why they were also prioritized for the launch of the housing project.
Despite the gargantuan task to solve the problem of informal settlers, the President said his government will continue to work with its non-government organizations (NGO) partners to find solutions.
“Oras po na matapos ang proyektong ito at maipatayo ang mga gusali at bahay totoong bagong umaga na ang naghinihintay sa mga boss natin sa Quezon City, Maynila at dito po sa Pasay,” he said.
The President also appealed to the people to strengthen the spirit of Bayanihan to help their fellowmen in need.
“Alalahanin po natin na bilang mga Pilipino ay nasa ilalim lamang tayo ng iisang bubong. Patuloy nawa tayong magkapit-kamay at magtulong-tulong sa iisang direksyon kung saan naghihintay ang kinabukasang mas matiwasay at mas maunlad,” the President said.
Aside from the initial P10 billion released this year, the government will be allocating P50 billion each year until 2016 for housing projects in Metro Manila, the DILG said. (PCOO)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: Assistance from foreign countries are pouring in after the country was hit by devastating Typhoon Sendong with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank making pledges to lend additional money for the Philippines, President Aquino said on Tuesday.
In his speech before the evacuees in Cagayan de Oro City during his visit on Tuesday, the President said the ADB committed $3-million loan for the Philippines that could be used for the rehabilitation of typhoon-affected areas.
He added that the World Bank also pledged to release a $500-million loan with low interest rate in case the government need more funds for disaster-response.
The President said ADB’s loan is a previous offer after the Philippines invested in the bank in the past. He said the payoff is for the country to avail of the money intended for natural disasters.
Aside from this pool of funds that can be accessed by the government, President Aquino said the country still has a P1.17 billion calamity fund, as well as other funds that can still be tapped. But he said using the other sources of money will depend on the recommendation of his economic team.
Besides monetary offers, there are assistance being offered by the US, Japan, China, Russia, Spain and many other countries, he said.
“Taus-pusong pasasalamat po ang ipinararating natin sa mga kaibigan ng bansang Pilipinas at ng mga Pilipino. Wala pong duda babangon ang Cagayan de Oro at ang Iligan at ang iba pang tinamaan ni Sendong,” he said.
With all the assistance being extended, the President noted that government will have to assess the recent initiatives to determine what is needed.
The President visited Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Dumaguete City on Tuesday to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also led the distribution of relief assistance to evacuees in those areas.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) more than 900 people were killed in the flashfloods in Region 10 brought about by Typhoon Sendong. Scores of people were also missing, the agency said. (PCOO)
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Aquino creates task force to investigate deadly flashflood in Mindanao
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III said he created a task force that will investigate the devastating flashfloods that killed more than 800 people in Region 10 and identity those accountable and prevent it from happening again.
“Nagbuo na tayo ng isang task force mula sa kinatawan ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), at pati nang Mindanao Development Authority,” the President said in a speech in Cagayan de Oro City when he visited the evacuees there on Tuesday.
“Sila po ang mag-iimbestiga sa lahat, kasama ang pagbibigay ng lunas at tugon sa ating mga katanungan para hindi na maulit ang trahedyang ito. Kailngang malaman kung saan nagkulang, kung sino ang may pagkukulang at kung paano ito dapat panagutan,” he added.
At the same time, the President said he expects the newly appointed governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to curb illegal logging in the region that causes flashfloods and disasters.
“Inaasahan ko rin na buong loob na ipatutupad ng bagong itinalagang ARMM OIC governor na si Mujib Hataman ang iniaatas kong total log ban on natural forests na ang ulat po sa akin ay walang habas na nilalabag ng mga illegal loggers sa kanya pong rehiyon,” he noted.
The President said he wants the fact finding team to come up with a report soon so his administration can take action. He told reporters that he would be displeased if the investigation takes more than three months.
The investigation will focus on Cagayan de Oro, Iligan City and Dumaguete City, the President said, adding that other areas will likewise be included.
Asked about the need to seriously look into illegal mining and illegal logging and amending the existing laws, the President said the rights of businesses must be respected.
He said logging concessioners has the right to harvest the trees that they planted and the government can’t easily stop their operations.
“Hindi natin puwedeng sabihin, bigla na lang ‘Oops, sa gobyerno yan, sa tao na yan.’ Parang inagaw mo yung kanilang ari-arian at hindi puwede yun. Ngayon ang natuklasan natin, dito sa Iligan at nakikita n’yo doon sa baybaying-dagat nila, napakaraming troso at paniwala nga po nanggaling po ito sa Lanao,” he said.
This is the reason why he instructed the new ARMM Governor Mujib Hataman to investigate illegal logging in the region, the President said adding that he wondered why it appeared that the total log ban wasn’t being implemented in the ARMM. (PCOO)
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Aquino announces P1.17-billion calamity fund for 'Sendong' victims
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III announced on Tuesday here that the government is ready to release P1.17-billion for the victims of typhoon “Sendong” that battered Northern Mindanao and parts of the Visayas region last week.
The President made the announcement while he was briefed by local government officials of Negros Oriental led by Governor Roel Degamo on the destruction wrought by Sendong to his province at the Dumaguete City airport.
The President said the fund would be distributed to the provinces worst hit by the typhoon.
“We have P1.17-billion in the Calamity Fund but there are several areas that will be drawing on that: Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, your province, portions of Iloilo and also a portion of Ilocos Norte (that was hit by the North Easterly monsoon),” the President said.
“We will pare down what you exactly need at this point in time. We’ll discuss it with you and then we will draw on that fund,” he added.
The President told the local officials to present their various requests in a formal letter so that the release of the funds can be “fast tracked.”
“So as soon as we get back to Manila, I will talk to Budget Secretary Butch Abad to see if we can fast track this,” the President said. (PCOO)
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Gov’t working to address water shortage in Sendong-affected areas -- President Aquino
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III assured residents on Tuesday that the government is working doubly hard to getting potable water running through their taps again after Typhoon Sendong devastated water districts here and in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities in Mindanao last week.
The President gave this assurance during a dialogue with local government executives of Negros Oriental on the effects of Sendong to their province.
He said although fixing the water problem will “take us a little more time,” Public Works Secretary and Water Czar Rogelio Singson was on top of consolidating and addressing this issue expeditiously.
“Just to give you an idea, when its (water concern) irrigation, it’s a Department of Agriculture issue, if its potable water, it’s for the LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration), if it (concerns) protecting the watershed, its DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). So with all the government agencies involved in the water situation, talagang napaka-complex,” the President said.
“So, (Public Works) Secretary (Rogelio) Singson will marry all of these concerns so that there is a cohesive water policy for the entire country,” he added. (PCOO)
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Aquino confident PH can still mitigate effects of climate change
DUMAGUETE CITY: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that the Philippines could still lessen the disastrous effects of climate change in the country as long as the Filipino people band together and to collectively protect themselves and the environment.
In a briefing with local officials here on the damages wrought by Typhoon Sendong, the President said it was time to “start preparing.”
“We can still further mitigate the effects of global climate change and disaster but we have to really pull together,” the President stressed.
“Now is the time, while it is still sunny to start preparing, start conditioning our people, start fine-tuning all of the processes (to achieve) the ultimate goal of no casualties,” the President said.
“We’ve put in the infrastructure that is less prone to being damaged by all of these calamities and that takes planning, dissemination of information and research,” he added. (PCOO)
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Aquino leads AFP Day in Quezon City
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the government’s unwavering support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) not only in terms of equipment modernization but also in providing their much-deserved benefits to buttress their efforts in defending the country and the Filipino people.
Speaking before the officers and members of the 126,053-strong men and women of the AFP, led by their newly-installed Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa during the celebration of the 76th AFP Day at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Wednesday, President Aquino said that while there may be many trials along the way, the AFP is slowly but surely gaining grounds towards a better and more capable defense force anchored on righteousness and sincere service to the people.
“Mulat po tayong ang isang pangkat na inatasang magtanggol ng ating bansa ay karapat-dapat na bigyang suporta at pagkalooban ng sapat na kagamitan upang mas epektibo nilang matupad ang kanilang tungkulin. Hindi man natin ura-uradang mareresolba ang lahat ng problema, unti-unti na nating dinadagdagan at pinauunlad ang inyong mga kagamitan upang lalo pa ninyong maipamalas at maipagmalaki ang kahusayan at kagitingan ng sundalong Pilipino,” the President said as he acknowledged the needs of every soldier that are being looked into by the government.
“Maliban sa modernisasyon, puspusan din ang pagtutok ng ating administrasyon sa paghahatid ng inyong mga karapat-dapat na benepisyo: Mula sa pagkalinga sa inyong kalusugan, hanggang sa paglinang sa inyong mga kasanayan; mula sa de-kalidad na edukasyon ng inyong supling, hanggang sa pabahay para sa inyong mag-anak; pursigido ang gobyernong arugain kayo at ang inyong pamilya,” he stressed.
The Chief Executive expressed high hopes that the AFP will continue to focus on their duties and responsibilities to maintain peace and order in the country.
“Sa darating pong kapaskuhan at pagsalubong natin sa bagong taon, alam kong mananatiling mapagmatyag at tutok sa serbisyo ang ating mga sundalo. Hindi man ganap na makakapagbakasyon ang ating mga kawal sa mga araw na ito, alam ko pong nagkakaisa tayo sa nais patunguhan ng ating mga sakripisyo; ito ang araw-araw na pagbabakasyon ng bansa mula sa kaguluhan, katiwalian at kahirapan,” he said.
The President also assured that the government will remain adamant in effecting reforms in the AFP to make sure that their funds will be used only in serving the needs of every Filipino soldier.
“Isinasaayos na po natin ang sistema sa pamamalakad at transaksyon sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Hindi na po natin papayagan ang pagpapakasasa ng iilan sa pondong dapat ay dumidiretso sa kapakanan ng mga sundalo. Sagrado ang pondong inilalaan ng ating mga kababayan, kung kaya’t hindi natin ito gagamitin sa maling paraan,” the President said.
The President thanked the AFP personnel for their full support in the government’s programs aimed at uplifting and protecting the lives of the people as he cited the AFP’s important role in the search and rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in times of calamities.
“Nito nga pong mga nakalipas na araw, muli na naman pong pinatunayan ng ating kasundaluhan ang kanilang dedikasyon at pananagutan sa katungkulan. Sa pagbisita natin sa Cagayan de Oro, Iligan at Dumaguete, saksi tayo sa kalunos-lunos na resulta ng biglaang dami at lakas ng buhos ng ulan sa Silangang Visayas at sa Mindanao,” President Aquino noted.
“Katuwang ang ating Sandatahang Lakas, pinangunahan at patuloy nating isinasagawa ang mga operasyon at paghahatid ng tulong sa mga nasalantang lugar… kasama ang sambayanan, taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa inyong wagas na pagsasakripisyo para sa kapwa-Pilipino,” he said.
Also present during the event were former president Fidel Ramos, Defense Secretary Voltare Gazmin and other officials of the AFP’s major commands.
Anchored on the theme: “Bayanihan, Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran,” this year’s AFP Day celebration was highlighted by the awarding of 14 of AFP’s deserving personnel who contributed to the advancement and promotion of the armed force’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino was given full military honors by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets.
The 14 awardees coming from both the military and civilian workforce were given AFP medals, they are Cpl Isagani Zamora (PN/Marines); BGen. Nestor Anonuevo; 1Lt Guy Ray Madrid (PA); Cpl Abraham Parreno (PA); MGen. Francisco Cruz Jr.; Col Oscar Lactao (PA); RAdm Edgardo Tamayo; Ret. Col Bradley Turner of the United States Marine Corps; Cafgu Active Auxillary Eddie Castro; SSg Jeffrey Feria (PAF); 1st Class Cadet LtCol Charles Anthony Catabras; 1st Class Cadet Col Jenith Brene Corpis; Raniel Sacramento, civilian employee from the PAF; and Nelson Canovas, civilian employee from the PN. (PCOO)
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Aquino to join Christmas celebration for street children at Cuneta Astrodome
President Benigno S. Aquino III will spread the cheer and joy of the season with Filipino street children and indigenous peoples at the Pasko ng Batang Pinoy that will be held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on Thursday, December 22.
The President, who will be joined by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman, will address the 1,500 participants and their families who are expected to attend the event.
The Pasko ng Batang Pinoy Project is organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in partnership with the local government units and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) of the National Capital Region.
The program aims to provide homeless street families with social preparation modules to prepare them for possible permanent shelter supported with access to income-generating opportunities; livelihood assistance and opportunities through the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program; educational assistance for street children and alternative education to other members of the family; and health and nutrition services and other support interventions through LGUs and partner NGOs.
The DSWD said, this will help in the agency’s advocacy of achieving “zero” street children, street families and Bajaws in 10 priority areas in Metro Manila.
DSWD Ambassadress of Children’s Rights and Welfare, Ms. Venus Raj will facilitate the fun games while child stars will provide entertainment to the children. (PCOO)
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Aquino launches P10-billion housing program for Metro Manila informal settlers
President Benigno S. Aquino III led Wednesday the groundbreaking of a housing project in Pasay City intended for the relocation of informal settlers residing in the city’s danger areas.
The Pasay City housing project is part of the P10-billion housing program launched by the Aquino administration for the National Capital Region to give decent housing to poor urban dwellers.
“Ang groundbreaking pong ito ay isang konkretong hakbang sa pagsusumikap nating maisakatuparan ang ating mga pangarap. Isa itong patunay na nasa tamang landas ang ating tinatahak. Alinsunod po sa ating shelter program para sa informal settler families, ito ay para sa mga housing units na ipatatayo sa Lungsod ng Pasay, Quezon at Maynila,” the President said.
People will be moved from danger areas in the cities of Metro Manila and will be given in-city houses as well as the option to go back to the provinces under the government’s Balik-Probinsya program.
As the President led the event in Pasay City, similar events were being held in Manila and Quezon City to jumpstart the construction of the housing projects there.
The President has recently organized an inter-agency technical working group on informal settlers with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the lead agency.
According to DILG, Pasay City, Manila and Quezon City were selected because of their ready shelter program and their willingness to undertake in-city housing projects.
The DILG said more than 19,000 families living in danger zones in those three cities will benefit from the P10 million housing fund initially released by the budget department under President Aquino’s disbursement accelerated program.
During the event, the President thanked Pasay City Mayor Antonino Calixto and the entire city government for working hard to achieve the housing projects for informal settlers of Pasay City.
Pasay City has the third largest number of informal settlers in Metro Manila. Quezon City and Manila also have a big number of poor urban dwellers that’s why they were also prioritized for the launch of the housing project.
Despite the gargantuan task to solve the problem of informal settlers, the President said his government will continue to work with its non-government organizations (NGO) partners to find solutions.
“Oras po na matapos ang proyektong ito at maipatayo ang mga gusali at bahay totoong bagong umaga na ang naghinihintay sa mga boss natin sa Quezon City, Maynila at dito po sa Pasay,” he said.
The President also appealed to the people to strengthen the spirit of Bayanihan to help their fellowmen in need.
“Alalahanin po natin na bilang mga Pilipino ay nasa ilalim lamang tayo ng iisang bubong. Patuloy nawa tayong magkapit-kamay at magtulong-tulong sa iisang direksyon kung saan naghihintay ang kinabukasang mas matiwasay at mas maunlad,” the President said.
Aside from the initial P10 billion released this year, the government will be allocating P50 billion each year until 2016 for housing projects in Metro Manila, the DILG said. (PCOO)
