Aquino declares January 26 as special non-working day in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
President Benigno S. Aquino has declared January 26, 2012 as a special non-working day in the city of Cadiz in Negros Occidental in celebration of the 44th Dinagsa Festival of the city.
In Proclamation No. 311 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Jan. 9, 2012, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of Cadiz, Negros Occidental the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
Cadiz City celebrates its own version of Ati-atihan, the Dinagsa Festival. ”Dinagsa” (local dialect) means – to flock.
The festival involves street dancing and merry-making to the beat of drums. Participants wearing colorful and creative costumes dance in the street of the city. They paint their whole body with black to depict the color of the first people in the country, the aetas.
At present, many participants of the street dancing smear each other with brightly colored paint. (PCOO)
.
Aquino receives more than a billion US dollars government shares from Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project
President Benigno S. Aquino III received more than a billion US dollar on behalf of the Philippine government from its shares in the Malampaya Gas-to-Power project, which is considered as one of the largest and most significant industrial endeavors in the country’s history.
During the symbolic handover of the Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power project’s revenue contribution to the National Government for the year 2011, President Aquino accepted a mock check containing the exact amount of One Billion One Hundred Thirty Four Million Six Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand and One Hundred Fifty Seven US Dollars ($1,134,669,157) from Edgar Chua, Shell Philippines Country Manager.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who witnessed the turnover event said that the amount was part of the government’s share from the Malampaya project, a joint venture by the government headed by his department and the private sector.
He added that the share is given annually from the total earnings of the project.
“Joint venture po kasi ang project so may share po ang gobyerno and it is given every year. Yung 1.1 billion dollars is the total for 2011,” Almendras said adding that the amount will go directly to the Malampaya fund that is being managed by the Department of Finance (DoF).
“That goes to the Malampaya fund po… iba po ang accounting nun, iba po ang treatment dun ng Bureau of Treasury,” Almendras noted.
He expressed high hopes that the government will be receiving the same amount in the coming years if the price and quantity of produce will be stabilized.
Almendras added that the government’s shares will decrease if it will reinvest in Phases 2 and 3 of the project.
“Hopefully, the supply will continue so that’s the same amount of shares and if the price stays as it is that should be the quantity that we should be getting,” Almendras said.
“The only time that it will go down is when we reinvest, kasi di ba we have to invest for the Malampaya Phase 2 and Phase 3…. This is still the original contract and not the extension yet, there’s a Phase 2 and 3 which will require us to invest so that we can get more gas and prolong the supply of gas because we need gas as much as we can," he added.
Also present during the event were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Philippine National Oil Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gemiliano Lopez, Shell Philippines managing director Sebastian Quinones Jr. and Shell Philippines assistant manager Sabino Santos.
The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project is a joint undertaking of the Philippine national government and the private sector. The project is spearheaded by the Department of Energy, developed and operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) on behalf of joint venture partners Chevron Malampaya LLC and the PNOC Exploration Corporation. (PCOO)
.
US vows wider access for Philippine bananas
American officials assured the Philippine government of more banana imports following the ongoing sanctions against Iran which drastically affected Filipino banana farmers, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.
In an interview in Malacanang on Friday, the President told reporters that among his discussions with visiting US legislators were the impact of the recent Iran sanction to the Philippine banana industry.
The President said 30 percent of the country’s total banana exports go to Iran.
“Pag nagkaroon ng mga financial transactions na pinahirapan ang Iran apektado kaagad tayo. So ipinarating natin itong view point na ito sa American congressional delegation at pinangakuan tayong tutulungan tayo doon para may access na dagdag raw sa Amerika para hindi mahirapan ang ating mga kapatid na nasa pagtatanim ng saging,” the President said.
The President met earlier this week with US Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte in Malacanang. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Aside from banana imports, the US and the Philippines also agreed for a stronger military cooperation following the visit of the four American senators.
In a media briefing also this week, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the American senators told Filipino officials about the increased American military involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. This will also mean more military exercises with the American allies in Asia-Pacific area including the Philippines.
Lacierda clarified, however, that the US is not establishing any bases in the Philippines.
Lacierda said the Philippines also asked for a second Hamilton class cutter, a request that the US senators vowed to support. The first Hamilton class cutter arrived in the Philippines last August. It is now commissioned by the Philippine Navy to protect the country’s waters.
Prior to the visit of McCain’s group this week, President Aquino also met with several members of the US House of Representatives who also arrived in the country. The visiting US congressmen commended the reform agenda of the Aquino government. (PCOO)
.
Aquino cites loss of trust and confidence as reason for dismissal of National Bureau of Investigation Director Gatdula
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited loss of trust and confidence as the reason which led to the dismissal from office of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula saying that the personalities being considered for the vacated position are now being evaluated.
In an ambush interview following the ceremonial switch-on for the “Project Heart and Soul: Household Electrification Assistance Through Renewable Technology and Social Preparation for the Upliftment of Lives” at Malacanang Palace on Friday, President Aquino underscored the importance of the people’s trust on heads of principal agencies of the government.
“The head of the principal agencies will be a person who has our trust and confidence. The trust is no longer there,” the President said.
He added that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who has direct supervision over the country’s lead investigation agency, has already appointed an Officer-in-Charge for the bureau until a new director has been selected.
“Merong OIC na itinalaga. Well, una muna si Secretary of Justice mismo ang tumawag sa NBI, bine-vet niya ngayon ’yung candidates to replace Director Gatdula,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also belied reports that Gatdula was deprived of due process. He said that the sacked NBI chief failed to follow instructions from his superiors.
“Preliminary investigation has already been completed. Ang punto po nito, doon sa investigation na ginawa, there were several occasions when he was informed either by the media or the secretary of Justice herself and others of the question on Ohara being detained at the NBI. ‘Yung she’s a foreigner ‘no para bang kung ang main issue muna ay illegal entry then the proper venue is the Bureau of Immigration,” the President said.
“May orders to transfer the person to the Bureau of Immigration that was not carried out. That to me is insubordination…” the President noted.
Gatdula was sacked after being involved in the alleged kidnap and extortion of a 32-year-old Japanese woman, Noriyo Ohara, in October 2011.
A DoJ panel recommended the filing of charges against Gatdula and several others who were implicated in the alleged kidnapping and extortion of Ohara. (PCOO)
.
Malacanang says Aquino government committed to push reform agenda, cites SWS survey
The Aquino administration remains committed to the pursuit of justice on all fronts, inclusive growth and equitable progress following the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which shows the number of families that consider themselves poor has declined to 45%.
"Today the Social Weather Stations released the results of its survey on self-rated poverty, which says the number of families that consider themselves poor has declined to 45%, thus far the lowest under this administration," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Friday.
While the Aquino government welcomes the results of the survey, Lacierda said, the present administration will not let up in its reform agenda.
"We remain firm in the belief that good governance is the root cause of positive results in our economic and human development efforts," Lacierda said.
"Among these efforts are this morning’s ceremonial switch-on of the Heart and Soul Project and the Household Electrification Program, which President Aquino led. It brings us closer to our goal of giving electricity to 90 percent of households currently without electricity by 2017," he noted.
Lacierda stressed that both endeavors also prioritize the electrification of off-grid households through the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources adding that the potential of such projects can only be fully realized if they are handled with integrity. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads ceremonial switch on electrification project in Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the Filipino people of the government’s sincerity in effecting reforms that would lead to uplifting their lives as he stressed that such change can actually be felt and are not just for mere publicity.
In his message during the ceremonial switch on for the “Project Heart and Soul: Household Electrification Assistance Through Renewable Technology and Social Preparation for the Upliftment of Lives” at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace, Friday, the President said that the people should be confident that they will really feel the effects of reforms being implemented by the government apart from its various pro-people developmental projects.
“At the bottom line is principle and honor; No one can fool the people. Filipinos should be confident that when we say we have brought light to peoples’ homes, it is truly the case; that when we say we are working with partners, we actually have people like those in the Department of Energy (DOE) and Team Energy on the ground, making a tangible impact on peoples’ lives,” the President said.
“Sa madaling salita po, at ito po ang pinaka-importante: Unang-una, hindi namin kayo bobolahin talaga, kung ano yung totoong nangyayari sasabihin namin sa inyo. Pangalawa, sasabihin namin sa inyo ang plano kung paano natin matutugunan ang lahat ng kakulangan ng ating bansa. Pangatlo po, ipapaliwanag kung paano natin maaabot iyong mga hinahabol natin sa mga darating na mga araw, sa mga darating na buwan, at sa mga darating na taon,” he added.
The Chief Executive also said that the event being undertaken aptly reflects the Aquino government’s target of achieving inclusive growth for the people.
“I believe today’s ceremony most accurately reflects our administration’s goal of inclusive growth. As our economy grows, our priority is to allow ordinary people to feel the benefits of national development and access to electricity is one of those benefits. It is one of the most basic things that should be afforded every and all citizens,” the President said.
He expressed confidence of hitting these targets as long as there is continuous support from the Filipinos.
“We are not afraid to set ambitious targets, because we know we can achieve them: we want ninety percent of all unenergized households to have access to electricity by 2017. We know that in achieving this, there will be challenges along the way; but with the help of people who share our vision, we know that we will prevail,” President Aquino noted.
“Dulo po niyan, pipilitin natin na pag umangat ang Pilipinas talagang buong Pilipinas at lahat ng Pilipino umaangat. Sa tulong po niyo mangyayari po iyon,” he added.
The Aquino government, through the DOE, and Team Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI) have successfully completed the electrification of some 3,400 homes in off-grid areas in one of the remotest places in the country using solar energy.
The event marked the 100 per cent electrification of barangays in the remote Polilio Islands of Quezon Province. Such public-private-partnership (PPP) project benefitted the over 3,000 households from the Municipalities of Burdeos, Patnanungan and Panukalan.
Project Heart and Soul, using stand-alone solar home systems, is funded by the government through the DOE which aims to attain a 90 per cent sitio household electrification in the country by the year 2017.
For this year, the PPP project targets to energize an additional 2,151 households in 12 barangays in the previously mentioned municipalities to fully saturate the electrification of households. This is the first time in the Philippines that all households of a barangay are provided electricity through renewable energy. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads Philippine Quality Award conferment ceremonies
President Benigno S. Aquino III led Friday the conferment of this year’s awardees of the Philippine Quality Award in Malacanang noting the reform in government and good corporate governance in the country.
“Today's gathering, however, aims to recognize more than individual success. It celebrates organizational excellence, which can only be attained in environments in which individual talent and drive are amplified through teamwork, in an atmosphere of trust,” the President said in his speech during the awarding ceremony.
“Since 1997, the Philippine Quality Awards has given due recognition to organizations—both public and private—that have consistently demonstrated the highest quality in their work, and have constantly pursued excellence in business,” he added.
The chief executive said the awards become possible because everyone recognizes the value of good corporate governance for the private sector. Success is easier for companies whose employees and managers are morally upright, competent, and responsible, he added.
“A company riddled with corruption will find it difficult to sustain its success. A company whose systems are stuck in antiquity will find it difficult to innovate. And a company that cannot adopt a winning attitude is doomed to fail,” he said.
The President also said he is pleased to see recipients from the government sector, which changes the public perception about the country’s government agencies. This means that the reforms that he initiated have been taking effect.
“I hope to see more of us—from the national line agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations—become part of the roster of awardees. May you serve as role models to both private and government institutions,” he said.
“As recipients of the highest award for organizational excellence, your mission now is to become agents of change— encouraging and inspiring other organizations to strive for excellence and to make sure that no one gets left behind in the quest for improvement.”
The recipients of the PQA’s Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management were Automotive Airconditioning Technology Philippines Inc. (Laguna) and NYK-TDG EBusiness Corp. (Taguig City).
For the PQA’s Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management, the awardees were the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region 9 and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (Taguig City), which is also under DOST. (PCOO)
.
California organization presents 14-millionth reused book to President Aquino
Books for the Barrios Inc., a California-based, not-for-profit, public-benefit corporation, presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III Friday in Malacanang the fourteen-millionth children’s book shared by California’s youth to Filipino children.
According to the corporation, Friday’s event is a “pure gesture of solidarity between our peoples, as we work together to promote peace and protect the environment through literacy opportunity for all.”
Books for the Barrios, founded in 1990, intends to provide environmental protection through books-reuse service to the state and the general public for educational purposes.
This is accomplished by engaging California schoolchildren in a comprehensive global green action program that becomes the model in the country.
California youth rescued from destruction over 5,000 tons of high-quality learning materials gathered from their homes and schools. These books were given to the children of developing nations around the world such as the Philippines.
Currently, there are over 100,000 American students who volunteered to achieve this record and help poor kids in nations like the Philippines.
The Philippine partners in government and the private sector have instituted comprehensive programs to work with Books for the Barrios to promote reforestation projects led by schoolchildren as part of their special Tree Raising Environment Education (TREE) ongoing curriculum.
Also, 43 California public school teachers volunteered over a course of a decade to create a National Education Development Program for the Philippines training 8,000 instructor delegates in advanced professional techniques.
As a result, the pro-environment program transformed 57 most disadvantaged public elementary schools in poverty stricken areas into world-class model green academies. At the same time, functional libraries have been placed in 14,000 deprived and underserved public schools.
Representing the organizations during the book presentation with the President were Nancy Stowe Harrington, the president and executive director of Books for the Barrios and her husband Dan Joseph Harrington, the chairman.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro was also present during the event. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino has declared January 26, 2012 as a special non-working day in the city of Cadiz in Negros Occidental in celebration of the 44th Dinagsa Festival of the city.
In Proclamation No. 311 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Jan. 9, 2012, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of Cadiz, Negros Occidental the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
Cadiz City celebrates its own version of Ati-atihan, the Dinagsa Festival. ”Dinagsa” (local dialect) means – to flock.
The festival involves street dancing and merry-making to the beat of drums. Participants wearing colorful and creative costumes dance in the street of the city. They paint their whole body with black to depict the color of the first people in the country, the aetas.
At present, many participants of the street dancing smear each other with brightly colored paint. (PCOO)
.
Aquino receives more than a billion US dollars government shares from Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project
President Benigno S. Aquino III received more than a billion US dollar on behalf of the Philippine government from its shares in the Malampaya Gas-to-Power project, which is considered as one of the largest and most significant industrial endeavors in the country’s history.
During the symbolic handover of the Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power project’s revenue contribution to the National Government for the year 2011, President Aquino accepted a mock check containing the exact amount of One Billion One Hundred Thirty Four Million Six Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand and One Hundred Fifty Seven US Dollars ($1,134,669,157) from Edgar Chua, Shell Philippines Country Manager.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, who witnessed the turnover event said that the amount was part of the government’s share from the Malampaya project, a joint venture by the government headed by his department and the private sector.
He added that the share is given annually from the total earnings of the project.
“Joint venture po kasi ang project so may share po ang gobyerno and it is given every year. Yung 1.1 billion dollars is the total for 2011,” Almendras said adding that the amount will go directly to the Malampaya fund that is being managed by the Department of Finance (DoF).
“That goes to the Malampaya fund po… iba po ang accounting nun, iba po ang treatment dun ng Bureau of Treasury,” Almendras noted.
He expressed high hopes that the government will be receiving the same amount in the coming years if the price and quantity of produce will be stabilized.
Almendras added that the government’s shares will decrease if it will reinvest in Phases 2 and 3 of the project.
“Hopefully, the supply will continue so that’s the same amount of shares and if the price stays as it is that should be the quantity that we should be getting,” Almendras said.
“The only time that it will go down is when we reinvest, kasi di ba we have to invest for the Malampaya Phase 2 and Phase 3…. This is still the original contract and not the extension yet, there’s a Phase 2 and 3 which will require us to invest so that we can get more gas and prolong the supply of gas because we need gas as much as we can," he added.
Also present during the event were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Philippine National Oil Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gemiliano Lopez, Shell Philippines managing director Sebastian Quinones Jr. and Shell Philippines assistant manager Sabino Santos.
The Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project is a joint undertaking of the Philippine national government and the private sector. The project is spearheaded by the Department of Energy, developed and operated by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) on behalf of joint venture partners Chevron Malampaya LLC and the PNOC Exploration Corporation. (PCOO)
.
US vows wider access for Philippine bananas
American officials assured the Philippine government of more banana imports following the ongoing sanctions against Iran which drastically affected Filipino banana farmers, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.
In an interview in Malacanang on Friday, the President told reporters that among his discussions with visiting US legislators were the impact of the recent Iran sanction to the Philippine banana industry.
The President said 30 percent of the country’s total banana exports go to Iran.
“Pag nagkaroon ng mga financial transactions na pinahirapan ang Iran apektado kaagad tayo. So ipinarating natin itong view point na ito sa American congressional delegation at pinangakuan tayong tutulungan tayo doon para may access na dagdag raw sa Amerika para hindi mahirapan ang ating mga kapatid na nasa pagtatanim ng saging,” the President said.
The President met earlier this week with US Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte in Malacanang. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Aside from banana imports, the US and the Philippines also agreed for a stronger military cooperation following the visit of the four American senators.
In a media briefing also this week, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the American senators told Filipino officials about the increased American military involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. This will also mean more military exercises with the American allies in Asia-Pacific area including the Philippines.
Lacierda clarified, however, that the US is not establishing any bases in the Philippines.
Lacierda said the Philippines also asked for a second Hamilton class cutter, a request that the US senators vowed to support. The first Hamilton class cutter arrived in the Philippines last August. It is now commissioned by the Philippine Navy to protect the country’s waters.
Prior to the visit of McCain’s group this week, President Aquino also met with several members of the US House of Representatives who also arrived in the country. The visiting US congressmen commended the reform agenda of the Aquino government. (PCOO)
.
Aquino cites loss of trust and confidence as reason for dismissal of National Bureau of Investigation Director Gatdula
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited loss of trust and confidence as the reason which led to the dismissal from office of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Magtanggol Gatdula saying that the personalities being considered for the vacated position are now being evaluated.
In an ambush interview following the ceremonial switch-on for the “Project Heart and Soul: Household Electrification Assistance Through Renewable Technology and Social Preparation for the Upliftment of Lives” at Malacanang Palace on Friday, President Aquino underscored the importance of the people’s trust on heads of principal agencies of the government.
“The head of the principal agencies will be a person who has our trust and confidence. The trust is no longer there,” the President said.
He added that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who has direct supervision over the country’s lead investigation agency, has already appointed an Officer-in-Charge for the bureau until a new director has been selected.
“Merong OIC na itinalaga. Well, una muna si Secretary of Justice mismo ang tumawag sa NBI, bine-vet niya ngayon ’yung candidates to replace Director Gatdula,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also belied reports that Gatdula was deprived of due process. He said that the sacked NBI chief failed to follow instructions from his superiors.
“Preliminary investigation has already been completed. Ang punto po nito, doon sa investigation na ginawa, there were several occasions when he was informed either by the media or the secretary of Justice herself and others of the question on Ohara being detained at the NBI. ‘Yung she’s a foreigner ‘no para bang kung ang main issue muna ay illegal entry then the proper venue is the Bureau of Immigration,” the President said.
“May orders to transfer the person to the Bureau of Immigration that was not carried out. That to me is insubordination…” the President noted.
Gatdula was sacked after being involved in the alleged kidnap and extortion of a 32-year-old Japanese woman, Noriyo Ohara, in October 2011.
A DoJ panel recommended the filing of charges against Gatdula and several others who were implicated in the alleged kidnapping and extortion of Ohara. (PCOO)
.
Malacanang says Aquino government committed to push reform agenda, cites SWS survey
The Aquino administration remains committed to the pursuit of justice on all fronts, inclusive growth and equitable progress following the latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which shows the number of families that consider themselves poor has declined to 45%.
"Today the Social Weather Stations released the results of its survey on self-rated poverty, which says the number of families that consider themselves poor has declined to 45%, thus far the lowest under this administration," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Friday.
While the Aquino government welcomes the results of the survey, Lacierda said, the present administration will not let up in its reform agenda.
"We remain firm in the belief that good governance is the root cause of positive results in our economic and human development efforts," Lacierda said.
"Among these efforts are this morning’s ceremonial switch-on of the Heart and Soul Project and the Household Electrification Program, which President Aquino led. It brings us closer to our goal of giving electricity to 90 percent of households currently without electricity by 2017," he noted.
Lacierda stressed that both endeavors also prioritize the electrification of off-grid households through the use of sustainable and renewable energy sources adding that the potential of such projects can only be fully realized if they are handled with integrity. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads ceremonial switch on electrification project in Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the Filipino people of the government’s sincerity in effecting reforms that would lead to uplifting their lives as he stressed that such change can actually be felt and are not just for mere publicity.
In his message during the ceremonial switch on for the “Project Heart and Soul: Household Electrification Assistance Through Renewable Technology and Social Preparation for the Upliftment of Lives” at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace, Friday, the President said that the people should be confident that they will really feel the effects of reforms being implemented by the government apart from its various pro-people developmental projects.
“At the bottom line is principle and honor; No one can fool the people. Filipinos should be confident that when we say we have brought light to peoples’ homes, it is truly the case; that when we say we are working with partners, we actually have people like those in the Department of Energy (DOE) and Team Energy on the ground, making a tangible impact on peoples’ lives,” the President said.
“Sa madaling salita po, at ito po ang pinaka-importante: Unang-una, hindi namin kayo bobolahin talaga, kung ano yung totoong nangyayari sasabihin namin sa inyo. Pangalawa, sasabihin namin sa inyo ang plano kung paano natin matutugunan ang lahat ng kakulangan ng ating bansa. Pangatlo po, ipapaliwanag kung paano natin maaabot iyong mga hinahabol natin sa mga darating na mga araw, sa mga darating na buwan, at sa mga darating na taon,” he added.
The Chief Executive also said that the event being undertaken aptly reflects the Aquino government’s target of achieving inclusive growth for the people.
“I believe today’s ceremony most accurately reflects our administration’s goal of inclusive growth. As our economy grows, our priority is to allow ordinary people to feel the benefits of national development and access to electricity is one of those benefits. It is one of the most basic things that should be afforded every and all citizens,” the President said.
He expressed confidence of hitting these targets as long as there is continuous support from the Filipinos.
“We are not afraid to set ambitious targets, because we know we can achieve them: we want ninety percent of all unenergized households to have access to electricity by 2017. We know that in achieving this, there will be challenges along the way; but with the help of people who share our vision, we know that we will prevail,” President Aquino noted.
“Dulo po niyan, pipilitin natin na pag umangat ang Pilipinas talagang buong Pilipinas at lahat ng Pilipino umaangat. Sa tulong po niyo mangyayari po iyon,” he added.
The Aquino government, through the DOE, and Team Energy Foundation Inc. (TEFI) have successfully completed the electrification of some 3,400 homes in off-grid areas in one of the remotest places in the country using solar energy.
The event marked the 100 per cent electrification of barangays in the remote Polilio Islands of Quezon Province. Such public-private-partnership (PPP) project benefitted the over 3,000 households from the Municipalities of Burdeos, Patnanungan and Panukalan.
Project Heart and Soul, using stand-alone solar home systems, is funded by the government through the DOE which aims to attain a 90 per cent sitio household electrification in the country by the year 2017.
For this year, the PPP project targets to energize an additional 2,151 households in 12 barangays in the previously mentioned municipalities to fully saturate the electrification of households. This is the first time in the Philippines that all households of a barangay are provided electricity through renewable energy. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads Philippine Quality Award conferment ceremonies
President Benigno S. Aquino III led Friday the conferment of this year’s awardees of the Philippine Quality Award in Malacanang noting the reform in government and good corporate governance in the country.
“Today's gathering, however, aims to recognize more than individual success. It celebrates organizational excellence, which can only be attained in environments in which individual talent and drive are amplified through teamwork, in an atmosphere of trust,” the President said in his speech during the awarding ceremony.
“Since 1997, the Philippine Quality Awards has given due recognition to organizations—both public and private—that have consistently demonstrated the highest quality in their work, and have constantly pursued excellence in business,” he added.
The chief executive said the awards become possible because everyone recognizes the value of good corporate governance for the private sector. Success is easier for companies whose employees and managers are morally upright, competent, and responsible, he added.
“A company riddled with corruption will find it difficult to sustain its success. A company whose systems are stuck in antiquity will find it difficult to innovate. And a company that cannot adopt a winning attitude is doomed to fail,” he said.
The President also said he is pleased to see recipients from the government sector, which changes the public perception about the country’s government agencies. This means that the reforms that he initiated have been taking effect.
“I hope to see more of us—from the national line agencies, local government units, and government-owned and controlled corporations—become part of the roster of awardees. May you serve as role models to both private and government institutions,” he said.
“As recipients of the highest award for organizational excellence, your mission now is to become agents of change— encouraging and inspiring other organizations to strive for excellence and to make sure that no one gets left behind in the quest for improvement.”
The recipients of the PQA’s Recognition for Proficiency in Quality Management were Automotive Airconditioning Technology Philippines Inc. (Laguna) and NYK-TDG EBusiness Corp. (Taguig City).
For the PQA’s Recognition for Commitment to Quality Management, the awardees were the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Region 9 and the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (Taguig City), which is also under DOST. (PCOO)
.
California organization presents 14-millionth reused book to President Aquino
Books for the Barrios Inc., a California-based, not-for-profit, public-benefit corporation, presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III Friday in Malacanang the fourteen-millionth children’s book shared by California’s youth to Filipino children.
According to the corporation, Friday’s event is a “pure gesture of solidarity between our peoples, as we work together to promote peace and protect the environment through literacy opportunity for all.”
Books for the Barrios, founded in 1990, intends to provide environmental protection through books-reuse service to the state and the general public for educational purposes.
This is accomplished by engaging California schoolchildren in a comprehensive global green action program that becomes the model in the country.
California youth rescued from destruction over 5,000 tons of high-quality learning materials gathered from their homes and schools. These books were given to the children of developing nations around the world such as the Philippines.
Currently, there are over 100,000 American students who volunteered to achieve this record and help poor kids in nations like the Philippines.
The Philippine partners in government and the private sector have instituted comprehensive programs to work with Books for the Barrios to promote reforestation projects led by schoolchildren as part of their special Tree Raising Environment Education (TREE) ongoing curriculum.
Also, 43 California public school teachers volunteered over a course of a decade to create a National Education Development Program for the Philippines training 8,000 instructor delegates in advanced professional techniques.
As a result, the pro-environment program transformed 57 most disadvantaged public elementary schools in poverty stricken areas into world-class model green academies. At the same time, functional libraries have been placed in 14,000 deprived and underserved public schools.
Representing the organizations during the book presentation with the President were Nancy Stowe Harrington, the president and executive director of Books for the Barrios and her husband Dan Joseph Harrington, the chairman.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro was also present during the event. (PCOO)
