Wednesday 29 February 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Aquino swears in officers of MTRCB, other gov’t agencies

President Benigno S. Aquino III swore in the officers of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) and other government agencies in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

Chairperson Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, vice-chairperson Emmanuel Borlaza and the 23 Board Members of the MTRCB were sworn in by the President at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.

Officers of various government agencies who also took their oaths before the President were: Mark Dennis Derecho and Jo Paulo Espiritu; Head Executive Assistant and Director III respectively, of the Presidential Communications and Operations Office;

Efren Fernandez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Defense; Constante Caluya, Register of Deeds III of the Land Registration Authority; Ophelia Agawin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;

Pedro Mendiola, Jr., Rogelio Elveña, and Geoffrey Gacula as Acting Members of the Board of Directors representing the Tobacco Traders of the National Tobacco Administration. (PCOO)

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Aquino leads premier screening of National Geographic Channel’s ‘Inside Malacanang’

President Benigno S. Aquino III attended the premier screening of the National Geographic Channel’s “Inside Malacanang”, a documentary that will take the viewers a visual tour of the official residence of the country’s leader.

In his brief message before the screening of the documentary on Tuesday at Malacanang Palace, the President said that while he has the privilege to work at the Malacanang Palace, he has never forgotten that his occupancy in his official home is limited. He called the Malacanang Palace as the “palace of the people.”

“More than anything else, this documentary will open up the Palace not only to Filipinos, but also to the whole world. Apart from telling you more about the history of the Palace, it will also give you a look into the lives of the other people who work here---the pilot and maintenance team of the presidential airlift wing, the Presidential Security Group and others who work very closely with me,” the President said.

The Chief Executive also expressed his gratitude to the dedicated men and women working at the Palace saying that those people contributed a lot in achieving much for the past 20 months of his administration.

The presidency, he noted, is not about one person but a collective effort of the people to achieve whatever objective is being pursued. Every public servant must think that his bosses are the Filipino people, and work for them efficiently and honestly.

“Let this documentary symbolize that the halls of power are not exclusive to elected officials---every single one of us can take part. This is the pathway that we must take to make certain that all of us are involved and that no one is left behind,” the President said.

“Inside Malacanang” also examines and breaks long-held myths and beliefs about the President’s entourage. The documentary also features the daily routines of the chief of the Presidential Security Group, the close in security of the President, the presidential photographer, and the presidential tester.

Producers, who worked for more than a year to make the documentary, hope that with the showing of the documentary, Filipinos would appreciate the Office of the President and the people who run it every day.

Made by an all-Filipino production team, producers also wanted to show the world-class talent of Filipinos in producing long-form documentaries.

“Inside Malacanang” will be shown over National Geographic Channel on March 18 at 9 p.m.

The National Geographic Channel International (NGCI), owned by the National Geographic Television (NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, contributes to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its different channels.

The National Geographic Television is available in more than 315 million homes in 166 countries and 34 languages. (PCOO)

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Aquino declares March 10 as special non-working day in Bukidnon in celebration of it's 95th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared March 10, which falls on a Saturday, as a special non-working day in the province of Bukidnon in celebration of it’s 95th Foundation Day.

In Proclamation No. 346 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 28, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of Bukidnon the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Before the Spaniards colonized Misamis province, settlers from the Visayas had already established themselves there. As the migrants kept coming, the tribes who originally inhabited the area were driven inland toward the rugged and mountainous territory. They were eventually called Bukidnons, meaning "people of the mountains," from which the place derived its name.

Bukidnon was officially created by virtue of Act 2711 (Revised Administrative Code of 1917) issued on March 10, 1917.

Meanwhile, the province of Bukidnon started the celebration of it's Kaamulan, an annual cultural festival on February 16 to culminate on March 10. (PCOO)

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Govt conducts wider consultations to adopt better mining policy, Ochoa says

The Aquino government is still conducting more consultations with the mining industry to make sure that a proposed mining policy remains consistent with the laws to protect the people and the environment, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.

This month, businessmen in Mindanao expressed their apprehension over the mining policy of the Aquino administration which they say could drive away vital investments in the country.

It was reported that the government was drafting an executive order (EO) governing mining activities in the country.

Ochoa’s statement on the proposed mining policies follows in full:

“We are aware that there is much concern regarding government policies currently being studied to address the various mining issues in the country.”

“Due to the weighty issues involved and the significant impact the mining industry has on the welfare of our people and the environment, we are at present conducting additional consultations with industry stakeholders so we can adopt directives that take into consideration the interests of all those affected by the mining industry—especially the communities directly affected by mining operations—consistent with existing laws, regulations and strict environmental standards.”

“The new mining policies will be issued after we obtain the necessary input from the sectors involved and after a thorough and exhaustive assessment of the impact of these directives.” (PCOO)

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Malacanang vows proposed sin tax law to provide competition among players in tobacco industry

Malacanang assured that the proposed sin tax law is designed to provide competition among all players in the tobacco industry.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, in response to the issue raised by some lawmakers that the proposed measure will weaken the tobacco industry.

Lacierda pointed out that the proposed amendment to the structure of sin taxes collection will remove the barriers to competition.

"The sin tax reform pack is part of the LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council), explained Lacierda. The sin tax provides competition, right now the tobacco industry is controlled by one major player and it controls over 90 percent of the tobacco industry and it's Philip Morris."

Lacierda said the present rules have created practically a monopoly where one company has been able to control a market share of more than 90 percent.

"The sin tax reform will provide competition among the other players. In fact, that would increase the productivity or purchasing power of the tobacco industry," he said.

Aside from removing a monopoly in the tobacco industry, the proposed measure aims to rationalize the collection of sin taxes in the country to get more revenues for the government.

"We want to index the sin taxes to inflation. There are a number of reforms that we want to do," Lacierda said.

The government expects to earn P60 billion a year from the rationalization of taxes on alcohol and tobacco products. Without such a bill, the finance department estimates that government will lose P2 billion to P2.4 billion a year by 2013. (PCOO)

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Aquino invited to attend Saint Pedro Calungsod’s canonization in Rome

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has invited President Benigno S. Aquino III to attend the canonization of the Filipino saint San Pedro Calungsod in Italy this October.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and CBCP President Jose Palma said they talked to President Aquino Wednesday in Casa Roces in Malacanang Complex telling him it would be a joy to the whole nation if he could go to Rome for the canonization and to the national thanksgiving in Cebu this November.

Asked by reporters if the President accepted the invitation, Vidal said the President could have a hard time attending the canonization because it might mean also a state visit and may take time.

While the President didn’t make any assurance, Vidal said the President promised to look at his future schedules and will see if he can adjust his travel plans. He added that the Catholic Church would be very happy if the President could attend the canonization as well as the support that he could extend.

With regards to the thanksgiving mass to be held in November in Cebu, Vidal said, “The Filipino people would be grateful to God through the Mass that will be celebrated in the grounds of Cebu.”

Also during the same press conference, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that Calungsod’s canonizationis a significant thing for the Catholic Church and also for the Philippines because the country now has a second Filipino saint.

Lacierda said the President already made a commitment to CBCP to attend the national thanksgiving in Cebu but he noted however that the schedule in Rome is another matter.

“So it’s pretty hard to fix the schedule. We already have a schedule for the visits of the President abroad. So more or less that was set already or agreed upon, so he will have to look into it,” he said.
But Lacierda clarified that the Palace is not favoring any religious group and has always been in touch with other denominations like the Iglesia ni Cristo, protestants and evangelicals.

Calungsod was born in Cebu, a diocese that covered the Panay Islands and Mindanao as well as the Pacific island of Guam.

A lay catechist, Calungsod died in Guam while trying to defend his fellow mission worker, Jesuit priest and now Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, on April 2, 1672. Calungsod was 17 years old when he died.

Pope John Paul II beatified Calungsod on March 5, 2000, along with 43 other martyrs in ceremonies held at St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

The country’s first saint is Lorenzo Ruiz, a parish scribe and former altar boy born in Manila, who was martyred in Japan in 1637. He was elevated to sainthood in 1987. (PCOO)

PIA News Dispatch - Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Aquino lauds private education association for partnering with government in implementing reforms

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) for joining the administration’s efforts in implementing reforms in government.

The COCOPEA is holding its 4th National Congress at the Quadricentennial Pavillion of the University of Santo Tomas from February 28 to 29 to discuss and examine the current reform initiatives in Philippine education, scrutinize the legislative agenda of the 15th Congress; and identify priority issues and challenges of these reforms.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Joel Villanueva will represent government to this two-day event.

In his speech keynoting the event, the President said this 4th National Congress of the COCOPEA was in line with his administration’s “major theme” to get everyone involved in implementing changes in government.

“First of all, a major theme of our administration is the idea of getting all stakeholders involved in the process of crafting the reforms,” the President said.

“So, I assume you will have no problem in dealing with both Brother Armin and Patty Licuanan who are both long time educators,” he added.

Since he assumed office in 2010, President Aquino has been leading the war on corruption in government by implementing reforms to weed out its source. (PCOO)

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Aquino remains committed to providing education for all

President Benigno S. Aquino III remains committed to providing all Filipinos with the opportunity to learn and become educated individuals so that they may “reach the fullest of their potential.”

In his speech keynoting the 4th National Congress of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Tuesday, the President said it was his dream to be able to give all Filipinos a chance to study the same way his parents accorded him the opportunity to learn.

He cited his father, the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., for having inculcated in him the importance of education early in life.

“He (the late Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.) said ‘Today you may be famous but tomorrow you may be nothing, today you may be rich, tomorrow you may be poor… but once you have imbibed from the fountain of knowledge, that is yours forever regardless of whatever happens’,” the President said.

“My parents gave me the opportunity to face up to the challenges that may come my way so I would like to give the same opportunity to each and every Filipino so that they will reach the fullest of their potential,’ he added. (PCOO)

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Classroom shortage to be resolved nationwide by 2013 – Aquino says

The government will be able to eliminate the perennial problem of classroom shortage by 2013, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.

The President told participants attending the 4th National Congress of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) that this would be possible through the reforms that will be implemented throughout the bureaucracy and investment programs such as the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program.

He said that upon assuming office in 2010, the Department of Education had reported that there was a shortage of 66,800 classrooms for students to use.

Since then, the DepED has been steadily bringing down that number by building 15,000 classrooms in 2011 with 35,000 more this year.

He noted that the DepED was confident it would bridge the classroom gap next year.

“Therefore, by 2013, there will be further 15,000 (classrooms) that will come clearly from the public private partnership program plus the other donations plus other sources, will eliminate the shortage of 66,800 classrooms roughly in the third year of our administration,” the President said. (PCOO)

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Aquino underscores reports indicating the country is primary investment destination in the region

The P1.995-trillion earnings of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and the favorable outlook of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) show that the Philippines is the “primary investment destination” in the region, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.


The President said reports prepared by PEZA Director General Lilia De Lima and officials of JETRO showed that the country had earned its title of top investment destination.

“PEZA Director General Lilia De Lima came to me and she basically gave me a report of what PEZA has accomplished from the time it was created in 1995 up to 2011: the contribution of investors under PEZA to the national economy has reached the figure by the end of 2011 at P1.995-trillion,” the President said in his speech keynoting the 4th National Congress of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA).

He added that 22 percent or P413-billion of the total PEZA earnings since 1995 was earned by PEZA in the last 18 months since he assumed office in 2010.

JETRO, the President said, had conducted a survey on the problems encountered by countries in the region in doing business with each other and found the Philippines as having the least.

“Among the results, when it comes to the availability and cost of land to set up their factories, the least problematic is the Philippines among our neighboring countries. When it comes to retention of employees, we have the highest (rating). When it comes to the quantity and quality of labor that can be hired, again, we have the least problems in our country,” he stressed.

“Basically the report was saying the Philippines is the least problematic of our neighboring competitive countries and therefore there is an assurance that we are looked upon as the primary investment destination,” the President concluded. (PCOO)

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Aquino extols local artists for showing innate talent and unique genius of Filipinos to the world

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the country’s local artists for showing the innate talent and unique genius of the Filipinos to the world as he encouraged them to continue inspiring the people through their art and master pieces.

In his message delivered by Undersecretary for Special Concerns Frederick Michael Musngi of the Office of the Executive Secretary during the Ani ng Dangal Awards 2012 and the closing ceremony of the Philippine Arts Festival at the Heroes Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, President Aquino said that the artists deserve the recognition and accolade of their countrymen for sharing excellence to the world through their craft.

“Your paintings and voices, cameras and choreography have appealed to our countrymen and audiences in other countries and this is what you have shown to the rest of the world, the unique genius and empowered spirit of the Filipino artist at any stage, at any age, for these, you truly deserve the praise and support of the entire nation,” the President said.

“I am hopeful that, like the previous awardees of the Ani ng Dangal Awards, you will continue to pursue excellence in your respective fields and that you will continue to inspire our countrymen through your craft, through your art…may your unwavering dedication to your art continue to inspire others and make our country proud,” he said.

The Chief Executive also commended the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for its continuous efforts to promote the Filipino talent and skills.

“I would like to congratulate the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for its consistent efforts in recognizing exceptional Filipino artists and their talents through the Ani ng Dangal Awards, this yearly celebration of our creative genius does not only recognize the talents of our countrymen but it also raises our artists’ level of pride in their cultural identity and strengthens their commitment to the nation,” he stressed.

According to the President, this award ceremony is certainly a fitting end to the month of hard work of the NCCA has put in toward organizing the Philippine Arts Festival, the country’s grandest and longest gathering of artists and cultural workers held this month.

President Aquino also expressed profound gratitude to the commission for showcasing the Filipinos’ art that has brought pride to the country.

“To the NCCA, my deepest thanks for your work in sustaining and promoting Philippine arts and culture. I feel very privileged indeed to be standing in a room full of Filipinos who have exceptional talents and creativity whether in dance, film, the visual arts, music and perhaps even in combination of all of these… has brought great pride to our country,” the President said.

Also present were National Artists Ildefonso Santos, Abdulmari Asia Imao, NCCA Youth Ambassador Dingdong Dantes and other NCCA officials.

The Ani ng Dangal Award honors the exceptional accomplishments of Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to Philippine culture and arts the previous year. The artists include dancers and singers, literary writers, film directors and performers, architects, visual artists and designers, including multi-disciplinary artists. (PCOO)

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Aquino lauds Iglesia ni Cristo for its contribution to nation building

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) to its contribution nation building as the religious group conducts its Grand Evangelical Mission at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Tuesday.

At the personal level, the President thanked the INC for supporting him when he ran for public office in 2007 and in the 2010 presidential elections.

“So for that, also, thank you. Like any other Filipino, we are really endeavoring to provide each and everyone all the opportunity towards personal advancement regardless of faith, regardless of political beliefs,” the President said in an interview following his attendance at the National Congress on the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations event at the University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday.

The Iglesia ni Cristo marks on Tuesday’s event at the Quirino Grandstand the start of the group’s centennial celebration in 2014, the President said.

“That will be a very major event in their calendar and these are activities geared towards maximizing their 2014 centennial celebration, the President noted.

While there are people giving political dimension to the INC’s gathering, the President said, the official communication of INC said this is part of its religious obligations and faith.

INC said in a statement that the assembly was part of the group’s campaign for the intensive propagation of God’s words, led by INC’s executive minister Eduardo Manalo. (PCOO)

Monday 27 February 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, February 27, 2012

Aquino vows government's commitment to improve the country's water management system, urges concerned agencies to come up with master plan

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed the government’s commitment to employ the best programs and policies in the water sector in efforts to improve the delivery of basic needs and services to the Filipino people as he urged the concerned inter-agency committee to immediately come up with a master plan for the efficient management of the utility.

In his speech during the “Water Loss 2012 Conference and Exhibit” at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Monday, the President bared the various strategic initiatives of the government to improve water management. He noted the use of scientific methods and various consultations to formulate an effective plan.

“In October of 2011… after consultations with my Cabinet, I signed an Executive Order creating an inter-agency committee on the water sector headed by no less than the Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary. The committee is tasked to design and recommend a master plan for our water sector which I am told they are finalizing right now… to Secretary and water czar Babes Singson and everyone else involved, I look forward to seeing your proposal on my desk hopefully before the end of the Lenten season,” the President said.

“We want to integrate our management of water resources from planning to developing and finally, to implementing programs. We want a totally scientific process, we want accurate data and solid analysis because only through these can we make the right decisions… Another crucial principle is in play here today as we consult with stake holders, we want to talk to people like you and we want to hear what civil society has to say so that we can craft policies that give birth to real-life solutions,” he added.

The Chief Executive encouraged everyone to take part in making the country’s water systems more efficient to ensure sufficient supply of water for the people.

“The government alone cannot improve the water sector totally… we need to engage stakeholders who are ready and willing to make our water systems in this country more efficient,” the President said.

Water Loss 2012 is intended to present and discuss the latest developments, strategies, techniques and applications of international best practices in Non-Revenue Water Management.

The Conference is the sixth event in a series of International Water Association water loss reduction specialty conferences, following the successful "Water Loss 2010" that was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil in June 2010.

Organized by the International Water Association and co-hosted by Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water) and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), the event involves water loss experts from 30 countries to discuss and present technical papers of the latest trends, developments, strategies, techniques and applications of international best practices in Non-Revenue Water management.

Also present at the conference were Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, Manila Water Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Maynilad Water Chairman Manuel Pangilinan and International Water Association-Water Loss Specialist group chairman Timothy Waldron. (PCOO)

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Aquino declares March 8 as special non-working day in Compostela Valley

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared March 8, 2012 which falls on a Thursday, as a special non-working day in the province of Compostela Valley in celebration of its 14th Foundation Day and the 5th Bulawan Festival.

In Proclamation No. 332 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 9, the President issued the declaration to give the people of Compostela Valley the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

The province of Compostela Valley used to be part of Davao del Norte until it was made independent in 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8470. The law was subsequently ratified through a plebiscite conducted in the 22 municipalities of the province.

On the other hand, Bulawan Festival is a way of expressing their thanksgiving for a peaceful governance, plentiful harvest, prolific resources and promising future ahead. (PCOO)

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Malacañang says Comelec has started implementing measures to remove ghost voters in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has started taking steps to purge the voters’ lists in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to ensure fraud-free elections in 2013, a Palace official said.

During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Comelec started implementing measures to remove ghost voters in the ARMM.

"Di ba ang mahalaga po dito sa ARMM, apart from introducing the reforms in governance, is also electoral reforms. Nililinis talaga iyong listahan ng botante kasi alam natin dito sa ARMM may mga ghost voters, and that’s what chairman Sixto S. Brillantes Jr. is doing," he added.

On June 30, 2011, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the bill postponing last year's ARMM elections and for voting to be synchronized with the national and local elections in 2013.

Republic Act 10153 mandates that the next ARMM elections for the regional governor, vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly shall be held simultaneously with the midterm elections on the second Monday of May 2013.

Succeeding regular elections in the ARMM will be held on the same date every three years. (PCOO)

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Aquino underscores importance of kindergarten education in child's school and adult life

President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of kindergarten in a child’s life, saying this “first step” in the education process would better prepare him for the next levels of schooling and thus provide him vast opportunities to improve his life.


In his speech during the formal presentation of the Kindergarten Education Act in Malacañang on Monday, the President said that it is imperative that a child undertake a year of kindergarten as it is at this point in a child’s life where his mind is at its most active.

He added that all children from age five will now enjoy the benefits of kindergarten with the passage of this law.

“Ngayon po, sa pagsasabatas natin ng Kindergarten Law, tinitiyak na nating hindi malalampasan ang napakahalagang hakbang na ito. Bahagi na po ng ating basic education curricula, o ng ating K to 12 Program, ang Kindergarten,” the President said.

“Ibig-sabihin, lahat ng mga mag-aaral sa mga pampublikong paaralan, simula sa darating na School Year 2012-2013, ay kailangan nang dumaan sa preschool bilang panimula ng kanilang pormal na pag-aaral,” he added.

He stressed that the government’s advocacy to provide education for all remains a top priority of his administration, as this will provide the people’s ability to improve their lives.

“Kaya naman, asahan po ninyo: patuloy na maglalatag ang pamahalaan ng makabuluhang reporma upang higit na maiangat ang antas ng edukasyon sa bansa. Katuwang ang DepEd, patuloy nating isusulong ang mga hakbang sa pagsasakatuparan ng K to 12 program,” the President said.

Republic Act No. 10157, otherwise known as “An Act Institutionalizing the Kindergarten Education into the Basic Education System and Appointing Funds Thereof,” makes kindergarten an integral part of the basic education system of the country.

Beginning school year 2012 to 2013, kindergarten education shall apply to the elementary school system being the first stage of compulsory and mandatory formal education. (PCOO)

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Aquino to keynote Congress of Private Educational Associations


President Benigno S. Aquino III will keynote the 4th National Congress of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) that will be held at the Quadricentennial Pavillion of the University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday, February 28.


The President will be joined by Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Higher Education Secretary Patricia Licuanan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Joel Villanueva and COCOPEA chairperson Jose Paulo Campos.

COCOPEA is comprised of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ACSCU), Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP), Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU), Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU) and the Technical-Vocational School Associations of the Philippines (TEVSAPHIL).

This year’s congress with its theme “Reforming Philippine Education: Issues, Challenges and Solutions,” aims to examine current reform initiatives in Philippine education, scrutinize the legislative agenda of the 15th Congress, and identify priority issues and challenges of these reforms.

Participants also hope to develop actions and strategies to effectively respond to these priority issues and challenges. (PCOO)


PIA News Dispatch - Sunday, February 26, 2012

Aquino to formally announce enactment of Kindergarten Law

President Benigno S. Aquino III will formally announce the enactment of Republic Act No. 10157, otherwise known as the Kindergarten Education Law, in ceremonies to be held in Malacañang on Monday.

The President will make the announcement by presiding over the Presentation of Signed Documents of the Kindergarten Law that will be led by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Education Secretary Armin Luistro at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace.

Republic Act 10157 “An Act Institutionalizing the Kindergarten Education into the Basic Education system and Appropriating Funds Therefore” provides for a free and compulsory kindergarten education beginning school year 2012-2013.

The law, which was signed by the President last January 20, underscores the importance of Kindergarten education “to the academic and technical development of the Filipino child for it is the period when the young mind’s absorptive capacity for learning is at its sharpest.”

Under the law, children aged five will be required to take up a year in Kindergarten in preparation for entry to Grade 1.

This, the Department of Education said, will improve a child’s performance in grade school and stem the incidences of early dropout. (PCOO)

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Military and Police beneficiaries of housing program laud Aquino

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite
: Beneficiaries of the Aquino government’s housing program for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel expressed their profound thanks and sincere gratitude to President Benigno S. Aquino III and the various concerned agencies of the government for the opportunity given them to have their own housing units, which provided them and their respective families a decent and better standard of living.

The men and women soldiers and policemen who were recipients of the housing units echoed their sentiments of gratitude and appreciation to the President during the “symbolic turnover of the 1,500 Houses for the AFP and PNP personnel in Ciudad Adelina 2, Barangay Luciano, here on Friday.

Staff Sergeant Edwin Gumela, who has served the country for 27 years under the Philippine Army, said that the housing program of the Aquino administration not only boosts their morale but significantly serves as a huge support especially for him who is residing in Mindanao.

“Para sa akin ay talagang napakalaking tulong nito lalo na ako taga Mindanao pa ako, bibisita na lamang ako doon sa Mindanao at dito na ako titira,” Gumela said.

The 53-year-old liaison officer from the 1st Infantry Division in Fort Bonifacio further said that through his newly-acquired housing unit he can now save a lot of money that can be used for the needs of his family.

“Noong araw nangungupahan ako sa Malibay, Pasay City… noong una ang bayad ko 2,800 pesos lang tapos pataas na ng pataas hanggang naging 3,900 na depende pa sa konsumo ng tubig at kuryente, kaya nga dito na talaga ako titira,” Gumela said.

“Napakalaking bagay nito, nagpapasalamat ako sa mahal nating Pangulo at binigyan kami ng ganitong opportunity, at least malaking tulong para sa amin ito… sa aming lahat na mga kawal na Pilipino,” he added.

Senior Police Officer 1 Rey Sarcon, for his part, thanked the Chief Executive for the housing project saying that instead of allocating a large part of his salary to pay their house rental, he could now give more for his wife and children.

“Ako po ay natutuwa kasi po sa ngayon ay nabigyan kami ng bahay… may mauuwian na po at may permanenteng bahay na di katulad ng dati na nagre-renta lang po kami,” Sarcon said.

“Ang apartment po nasa seven thousand po na malaking kabawasan sa kinikita namin… so instead na magbabayad pa ng renta ay makadadagdag na po yun sa panggastos para sa araw-araw na pangangailangan at sa pag-aaral ng mga bata… at may maitatago pa sa bangko,” he added.

Sarcon who is assigned to the Makati Police, is now on his tenth year of service.

SPO1 Sarcon’s wife, Maritess echoed her husband’s sentiments of thanking President Aquino whom, she said, gave them an opportunity to have an investment for the future of their three daughters.

“Salamat po kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino para po dito sa pino-provide niyang bahay para sa PNP at sundalo… makaka-save na kami at ito ay talagang malaking tulong,” Mrs. Sarcon added.

The turnover ceremony was part of the series of events that were lined up for the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

It commemorates the collaboration between civilian and military forces during the non-violent revolt of the Filipinos against dictatorship in 1986.

The housing program was being implemented under Administrative Order 9 “Directing the National Housing Authority to Formulate, Implement and Manage a Housing Program for the Military and Police Personnel”, which was issued on April 11, last year.

In the first five years, beneficiaries need only pay P200 a month for a standard row house that will gradually increase to P809.53 during the 26th to the 30th year allowing them to use and allot more of their income for the other needs of their families including education, health, and other similar concerns. (PCOO)

PIA News Dispatch - Saturday, February 25, 2012

Aquino urges continued vigilance and concern in nurturing the fruits of People Power Revolution

President Benigno S. Aquino III said that the people’s peaceful revolt for the sake of the nation as shown to the world two decades ago in the Edsa People Power Revolution must not falter as he urged the generation of today to take their part in battling the modern day challenges to free the country from poverty, hunger, lack of economic opportunities and injustice.

In his speech during the 26th anniversary celebration at the People Power Monument, White Plains Edsa, Saturday, President Aquino stressed the need to nurture the fruits reaped from the peaceful revolution of the Filipino people 26 years ago to topple down a dictator.

“Ang rebolusyon sa Edsa ang nagsilbing lunsaran sa kung saan natin gustong tumungo bilang isang bayan, at hanggang sa kasalukuyan hindi pa rin tapos ang rebolusyong ito… kalayaan mula sa gutom, kalayaan mula sa kahirapan, kalayaan sa walang pagkakataong umasenso… kalayaan mula sa kawalan ng katarungan, ito ang ipinaglalaban natin ngayon,” the President said.

“Maliwanag po na ang himala sa Edsa ay mapupunta sa wala kung hindi natin ito pagyayamanin at paka-iingatan,” he added.

The President underscored the need for the people’s continued vigilance and concern for the country and fellow Filipinos.

“Kung hindi ka kikilos, sino pa? Kung hindi ngayon, kalian pa? Kumilos na tayo ngayon bago pa mahuli ang lahat, kumilos na tayo ngayon upang mapabilis natin ang pag-iwan sa dilim ng nakalipas… kumilos na tayo ngayon upang sa lalong madaling panahon, matanglawan ang ating lahi ng mas maliwanag na bukas,” the President noted.

“Kung gusto mong manatili ang lumang sistema sige, magbingi-bingihan ka, magbulag-bulagan ka, huwag kang magsalita, huwag kang makilahok… pero kung sang-ayon kang may mali sa dinatnan nating sistema at kailangan itong ituwid… tara na! pumalag tayo, makilahok tayo, itama natin ito,” he said.

The Chief Executive added that everyone is obliged to take care of the democracy that has been won through the efforts of those who rallied in Edsa that ended the decades-long of oppression.

“Obligasyon natin alagaan ang ginintuang butil ng demokrasya na ipinunla ng milyon-milyong Pilipinong nag-martsa sa Edsa… hindi ito lalago kung ito ay binabale-wala, hindi ito uusbong kung wala ditong nag-aaruga… sakripisyo, katapatan at dedikasyon, ito ang idilig natin upang yumabong ang diwa ng demokrasya… pagkakaisa, malasakit at pagmamahal sa bansa, ito ang ibuhos natin upang maging mabunga ang pamana ng Edsa… panahon na natin ito, Edsa natin ito, tara na mga Pilipino,” President Aquino said.

Also present during the celebration were Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, former president Fidel V. Ramos, former president Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Vicente Sotto III, Senator Gregorio Honasan, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Others present were members of the cabinet led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and the Commissioners and members of the Edsa People Power Commission, among others.

Upon his arrival, the President was accorded full military honors and welcomed by Vice President Binay, Senate President Enrile and Speaker Belmonte.

A pledge was written in a commitment wall by the members of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) chaired by Mindoro Oriental Governor Aurelio “Boy” Umali, the business sector, religious sector and the civic sector.

The President also witnessed an actual “Salubungan” rite involving the military, non-government organizations, and groups representative of the religious, business, youth, government and basic sectors.

Anchored on this year’s theme: “Ano ang iyong Taya Para sa Pilipinas Natin?” the Filipino nation celebrates the 26th year of the bloodless and peaceful revolt known as the Edsa People Power Revolution, which catapulted a dictator from several years of control and power. (PCOO)

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Aquino leads wreath-laying ceremony for former President Corazon Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III led Saturday the wreath-laying ceremony for his mother, the late president Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino as part of the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

President Cory Aquino’s monument, erected through the initiatives of the City of Manila, is located at Padre Burgos St. corner Bonifacio Drive at Rizal Park. Her statue stands beside her husband’s monument, the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

The statue of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin, which was also honored Saturday by local officials of Manila, is also located in the area.

In the historical marker dedicated for the former leader, it says the City of Manila erected the statue to enliven the spirit of democracy in the country that President Cory Aquino championed. The monument was inaugurated January 25, 2010.

President Cory Aquino, the 11th president of the country, also became the Time Magazine “Woman of the Year” in 1986 following her rise to power. She was also a Ramon Magsaysay award recipient in 1988.

Aquino, who is also the first woman president of the Philippines, was propelled to the country’s highest office following the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986.

A devout Roman Catholic, Aquino led the restoration of democracy and changed the country's Constitution during her six-year term in office.

Even after stepping down from power, she remained in the public eye and continued to speak out on political issues.

The former president passed away on August 1, 2009, after battling colon cancer for more than a year. (PCOO)

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President Aquino says ‘fight for change is everyone’s responsibility’

President Benigno S. Aquino III reminded Filipinos Saturday that the fight for reform doesn’t rely solely on the ideals championed by his parents, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. and former President Corazon Aquino, but also for all citizens.

The President led Saturday the wreath-laying ceremony for his parents at the Rizal Park following the events at the Edsa People Power monument as part of the celebration for the 26th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

“Tandaan na lamang po natin: ang trabaho sa pagkamit ng pagbabago ay trabaho ng bawat Pilipino—hindi lamang po ni Ninoy at ni Cory Aquino. Ngayong ganap na tayong malaya, ngayong natatanglawan na tayo ng liwanag ng demokrasya, samantalahin na po natin ito: muli nating pag-alaban ang diwa ng EDSA at ipamalas ang bayanihan, tungo sa isang mas maliwanag na kinabukasan,” the President said in his speech during the event.

The President also said that even after 26 years, after the Edsa people power revolt, the fight for change and reform doesn’t stop and must continue.

For instance, he noted the past decade as one marred by corruption and abuses that his administration is trying to correct. Under his good and honest leadership, the chief executive said he believes the country could become a nation free of corruption and poverty.

He particularly mentioned his administration’s thrust in reforming the country’s justice system, in which he said could be achieved with the help of the people. The country’s chief justice is currently facing impeachment proceedings at the Senate.

“Buo po ang loob ko na kaya nating mapagtagumpayan ang labang ito, na kaya nating makamit ang inaasam nating pagbabago. Anuman pong bigat ang pasanin natin sa ating balikat, hindi po tayo titiklop o magpapatinag,” he said.

“Hangga’t may ngiti tayong naihahatid kay Juan dela Cruz, hindi po tayo mauubusan ng dahilan upang suklian din ng ngiti ang ating paglilingkod sa bayan.”

The President led Saturday the 26th anniversary celebration of the Edsa People Power starting with a flag-raising ceremony at Edsa People Power monument that was followed by a wreath-laying event at the Rizal Park in Manila. (PCOO)

PIA News Dispatch - Friday, February 24, 2012

Aquino govt remains committed to promises of Edsa Revolution, says Palace spokesperson

The Aquino administration remains committed to the promises of the Edsa People Power Revolution calling on the people not to forget the legacy of the bloodless revolt in February 1986 that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

“As we remember the historic events of People Power, so too must we remember the promise of Edsa – the promise of true democracy, of a government that renders meaningful public service, and of a country in which power lies in the hands of the common citizen,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Friday.

To fulfill the promises of Edsa, Valte said the administration continues to work to achieve inclusive growth and ensure an effective justice system for all. The reforms put in place by the Aquino government have already yielded results and it will continue to work to weed out corruption, Valte said.

She said the government will remain focus on improving public access to social services, quality health and education, and other opportunities for advancement.

“As we continue to work for the benefit of the Filipino people, we call on our countrymen, especially the youth, never to forget the legacy that People Power has given us. Out of the dark days of Martial Law, where greed and abusive power ruled, the world witnessed the extraordinary solidarity, courage and conviction of the Filipino people that led to the peaceful ousting of a dictator and the reclaiming of a nation’s democracy,” she said.

She also called on Filipinos to become part of strengthening the country’s democracy and ensure that the country continues to progress and achieve the vision of a Philippines in which no one is left behind.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead Saturday morning the 26th Anniversary Celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Edsa.

The President is also scheduled to unveil the statue of Jaime Cardinal Sin in Manila, one of the major figures during the Edsa Revolution in February 1986.

The theme for this year’s celebration will be “Ano ang iyong Taya Para sa Pilipinas Natin.” (PCOO)

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Aquino: Country benefiting from lower interest rates for debt servicing

President Benigno S. Aquino III said Friday that he’s not contemplating much on the prospects of getting another ratings upgrade adding to pay for much lower interest for the country’s debts as a result of previous upgrades is already interesting for the Philippines.

In a housing project launching in Cavite on Friday, the President was asked by reporters about his thoughts regarding comments made by some analysts who say the Philippines has been under rated.

The President said it is more important for him that the upgrades given to the Philippines last year financially helped the country address its problems. The Philippines is lucky to have those upgrades while European countries get rating downgrades from rating agencies because of sluggish economies, he said.

“Napantayan na natin yung pagtingin ng mga namumuhunan o yung financial institutions na hindi tayo kasing risky noong dati,” the President said. “Mas importante sa akin dito may positive na effect na bumababa yung kailangan nating bayarang interest kapag tayo ay nangangailangang umutang.”

The chief executive acknowledged the country’s need to borrow as it operates in a decreasing deficit in relation to its gross domestic product (GDP). Because of the lower interests for its debts, the government was able to save and use the savings for government programs that benefit the people, he said.

In December last year, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (S&P) revised its rating outlook on the Philippines to positive from stable. S&P affirmed the foreign currency ‘BB’ long-term and ‘B’ short-term sovereign credit ratings for the country.

S&P also affirmed the local currency ‘BB+’ long-term and ‘B’ short-term sovereign credit ratings.

In July last year, S&P upgraded the Philippines’ credit rating to BB amid “strong external liquidity and signs of improving growth prospects.”

Prior to S&P’s upgrade, Moody’s Investors Service upgraded in June 2011 the Philippine government’s foreign and local currency long-term bond ratings from Ba3 to Ba2, with a stable outlook. (PCOO)

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Aquino says govt serious in modernizing police, military

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite
: President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the various developmental programs of the Aquino administration for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) focusing on the upgrade of their skills and equipment to further ensure better service to the Filipino people.

In his speech during the symbolic turnover of 1,500 Houses for the AFP and PNP personnel in Ciudad Adelina 2, Barangay Luciano, here, Friday, President Aquino expressed the seriousness of the government to effect the military and police upgrades as vividly represented by the 28 billion pesos budget allocation for the program that has almost reached the total budget allotted by the past administrations for the past 15 years.

“Ikinalulugod ko po na ibalita sa inyo na naihatid na ang iba pang serbisyo sa inyong hanay… sa ating liderato labing-walong proyekto sa ilalim ng ating AFP modernization program ang matagumpay na nating naisakatuparan. Sa nakalipas na isang taon at walong buwan, nakapag-laan na tayo ng mahigit dalawampu’t walong bilyong piso na malapit nang pantayan ang 33 bilyon pisong pondo na ipinagkaloob ng lahat ng nakaraang mga administrasyon sa loob ng labing limang taon sa nasabing programa,” the President said.

“Through our efforts, we have delivered 28 billion in roughly about 17 months… hindi man natin matutugunan ng ora-orada ang mga kakulangan sa inyong hanay, makaaasa kayong tuloy-tuloy na ang pagpapaunlad natin sa inyong kakayahan at mga kagamitan,” he added.

The Chief Executive said that four of the eight brand new helicopters have been acquired by the government for the Philippine Airforce.

“Lumanding na sa bansa ang apat na brand new combat utility helicopters para sa Philippine Airforce at parating na ang apat pa, isama na rin natin dito ang makabagong armas at ibayo pang pagsasanay sa inyong hanay” the President noted.

For the PNP, he said, a significant number of patrol vehicles have been purchased apart from the advanced and high-caliber firearms.

“Sa hanay naman ng kapulisan, napasakamay na ninyo nitong nakaraang taon ang mahigit 140 patrol jeeps, 100 patrol utility vehicles, 180 motorcycle units pati na ang mga de-kalibreng armas… nitong 2011 din dumalo sa mga kursong pampublikong kaligtasan ang 500 police commissioned officers at 13,000 non-commissioned officers upang malinang ang kanilang galling, motibasyon at pagpapahalaga sa tungkulin,” President Aquino said.

Also in attendance were other officials of the government led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Chito Cruz, Cavite Vice Governor Recto Catimbuhan, Trece Martires Mayor Melandres de Sagun and Edsa People Power Commission (EPPC) Commissioners Cesar Sarino and Milagros Kilayko. (PCOO)

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Palace welcomes rising business confidence

Malacanang has attributed the results of the Business Expectations Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showing continued improvement in business sentiment to the improved partnership between the government and the business sector, a Palace official said on Friday.

"We welcome the results of the Business Expectations Survey of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas that showed continued improvement in business sentiment for three consecutive quarters now," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement issued on Friday.

Valte said that gains have been achieved from the improved partnership between the government and the business. "This is a continuing affirmation from the business sector of our government’s efforts to curb corruption, strengthen our fiscal position, and ensure the country is on track to achieve equitable and inclusive growth for all," she said.

According to the latest survey, the Confidence Index rose from 38.7% in the fourth quarter of last year to 40.5% in the first quarter of this year.

The respondents cited several factors for their continued confidence, namely; increased public spending, business expansion arising from steady investment flows, sound macroeconomic fundamentals and political stability, and possible further credit upgrades for the Philippines.

Moreover, bullish sentiment for the next quarter rose significantly to 55.4 percent from 36.1 percent in the previous quarter.

Valte said the Department of Budget and Management also reported on Thursday that 85% of infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways have already been bidded out as of February 15 this year. (PCOO)

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Aquino declares February 28 as special non-working day in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 28 which fall on a Tuesday as a special non-working day in the city of Tangub in the province of Misamis Occidental in celebration of the 44th Charter Anniversary of the city.

In Proclamation No. 345 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 23, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occassion with the appropriate ceremonies.

Since Tangub was created as a city in June 17, 1967, the people and city administration has observed an eleven-day affair, that starts on February 18 and ends on February 28 every year.

However, the most remembered day is February 28, the City Charter Anniversary day.

The first settlers of Tangub were the ethnic Subanos or Suban-ons who lived near the rivers and planted crops on burnt forest clearings known as kaingin. The name of the place was derived from the Subano word Tangkob meaning a bamboo basket used for storing rice. (PCOO)

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President Aquino renews commitment to help coffee, cocoa growers

President Benigno S. Aquino III renewed his commitment to help the agriculture sector particularly those in the coffee production industry.

During a housing project turn over ceremony in Cavite on Friday, the President said his administration is committed to assist the country’s farmers in improving their lives through the help of different government agencies.

Ito ang pagkakataon para mabigyan ng mas mahusay na kabuhayan ang ating mga kababayan na nagsasaka ng kape. At nakalaan ho ang lahat ng departamento ng gobyerno para tugunan ang bawat mamamayan na maabot lahat ng oportunidad,” the President said in an interview by the media in Trece Martires, Cavite.

“So umasa po kayo, matagal ko na pong kinausap si Secretary Alcala tungkol dito at may kumpiyansa po ako na puspusan yung kanilang ginagawa na para tulungan hindi lang po Cavite kundi pati sa iba’t-ibang lugar pa, lahat ng magsasaka kasama na po yung nagkakape,” he added.

At the start of his administration, the President said he talked to officials of Nestle Philippines, who said the company uses 80 percent imported coffee to produce coffee products. The Philippines only supplies 20 percent of Nestle’s demand, the President said.

So the government’s goal is to reverse the figure, he said, noting they target to fill the 80-percent that Nestle needs and help local coffee growers. He added that at least two other countries expressed their interests in sourcing coffee from the Philippines.

Among the support being extended to coffee, as well as cocoa farmers are training, provision of seeds and financial assistance such as loan packages, the President said. The government is already addressing red tape in the bureaucracy so that farmers would have easier access to government loans, he said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) have been assisting farmers in producing organic fertilizer and effectively control pest and diseases that affect coffee and cocoa to produce high quality products, the chief executive said. (PCOO)

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Aquino leads turnover of housing projects to military, police beneficiaries in Cavite

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite
: President Benigno S. Aquino III assured to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) the continuous and unwavering support from the Aquino administration through various programs aimed to develop their skills and uplift the standards of their living as he bared the construction and distribution of over 30,000 more housing units to their personnel.

In his speech during the symbolic turnover of 1,500 Houses for the AFP and PNP personnel in Ciudad Adelina 2, Barangay Luciano, here, Friday, President Aquino gave the assurance saying that part of the “good news” is the inclusion of personnel from other security and safety forces of the government such as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCorr) to the second phase of the housing project across the country.

“Sa pangunguna ng Department of Budget and Management at iba’t-ibang ahensya ng atin pamahalaan, tuloy-tuloy ang programang ito ng ating administrasyon, balita ko po nakakasa na ang plano ng NHA na magpatayo ng 31,200 housing units pa para sa ikalawang yugto ng ating programa,” the President said.

“Dagdag sa ‘good news’ kabilang na sa makikinabang dito ang mga kawani ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection at Bureau of Corrections na matagal nang nakalimutan bigyang pansin, nakaaabot na rin ito katulad ng ating ipinangako… sa Visayas at Mindanao,” he added.

The President noted the significant development in the country under the Aquino government in terms of the people’s trust and confidence not only locally but also in the rest of the world.

“Iba na nga po ang Pilipinas ngayon kung ikukumpara sa dinatnan nating kalagayan nito, sa halip na pagdurusa, namamayani na ang liwanag ng pag asa sa bansa… sa halip na pagdududa napapasa-kamay na natin ang kumpiyansa ng mundo sa kakayahan nating umasenso,” President Aquino said.

The Chief Executive also urged the people to continuously cooperate with the government and take their part in efforts to effect reforms towards a new, developed and progressive nation.

“Walang dudang isinasa-buhay natin ang diwa ng People Power ngunit sa mga nangyayari at nababalitaan natin sa ating bansa, malinaw na hindi pa tapos ang laban na inumpisahan sa Edsa noong 1986. Kailangan ko ang tulong ninyo upang tapusin ang laban na ito,” the President said.

“Kasama ang sambayanan, itinutuwid na natin ang maling sistema sa ating lipunan, isipin na lang po natin ang pagdating ng panahon kung kailan ipamamana na natin sa susunod na henerasyon ang Pilipinas na talaga naman ibang-iba sa atin pong dinatnan. Ganap ang ating magiging kasiyahan dahil kasama tayo sa pagsasakatuparan ng pagbabagong ito, tuloy-tuloy na po tayo sa tagumpay, sa inyo pong tulong,” he further noted.

Also present during the event were other officials led by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager Chito Cruz, Cavite Vice Governor Recto Catimbuhan, Trece Martires Mayor Melandres de Sagun and Commissioners Cesar Sarino and Milagros Kilayko of the Edsa People Power Commission.

The turnover ceremony was part of the series of events that were lined up for the 26th Anniversary Celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution.

It commemorates the collaboration between civilian and military forces during the non-violent revolt of the Filipinos against dictatorship in 1986.

The housing program was being implemented under Administrative Order 9 “Directing the National Housing Authority to Formulate, Implement and Manage a Housing Program for the Military and Police Personnel”, which was issued on April 11, last year.

In the first five years, beneficiaries need only pay P200 a month for a standard row house that will gradually increase to P809.53 during the 26th to the 30th year allowing them to use and allot more of their income for the other needs of their families including education, health, and other similar concerns.

At present, a total of 21,400 houses were turned over to the beneficiaries. Other venues of the project apart from Cavite include Bulacan, Laguna and Baras in Rizal Province. (PCOO)

Thursday 23 February 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Thursday, February 23, 2012

Education system must produce patriotic, pro-reform Filipinos – Coloma says

A relevant educational system should produce Filipinos who have willingness to become part of the country’s march towards reform and progress, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a message during a book launching ceremony in Makati City.

Coloma was one of the attendees to the book launching of former Education Secretary Mona Valisno on Wednesday at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City.

Valisno’s book, which assesses the country’s educational system in the past several decades, is entitled: “The Nation’s Journey to Greatness: Looking Beyond Five Decades of Philippine Education.”

“As we celebrate the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in a few days it may be good to remind ourselves that we all have a stake in the future of our country. If the education system is truly relevant it should produce Filipinos who are not only talented or gifted but are willing to participate and contribute to the progress of our country,” Coloma said.

“Kailangan po nating tumaya sa kinabukasan ng ating Inang Bayan. Kailangan po nating tumaya sa Pilipinas Natin,” he said.

Valisno’s book has shared a wealth of knowledge and experience on the significant developments that shaped and gave substance to Philippine education, the PCOO Chief.

He acknowledged that the country hasn’t achieved its goal of making the Philippines globally competitive because of the weaknesses in the educational system.

This is the reason why the Department of Education (DepEd) has been vigorously implementing the educational reforms highlighted by the K+12 program noting that aside from Myanmar, the Philippines is the only Asean country that hasn’t implemented the 12-year basic education program.

Coloma however stressed that despite the weaknesses of the education system in the country, the Philippines can still be proud of the global Filipinos who are truly world-class, earning compensations more than the country’s national per capita average.

He likewise said that President Aquino is proud of the local products of the Philippines, for instance the Coach production facility in his home province of Tarlac, even inviting investors to put their money in the province.

The President also boasts of the modular production facility of the AG&P in Batangas that supplies assembled parts intended for oil rigs and refineries, Coloma said adding that it manifests the ingenuity, professionalism and dedication of the Filipino work force.

“This just goes to show that if we implement honest to goodness educational reforms such as those proposed by Dr. Valisno in her book, then our country and people can attain even greater heights, excellence and economic prosperity,” he said.

Aside from all these, Coloma said that Filipinos also have to have faith in themselves to achieve greatness in the future.

The book written by Valisno is a comprehensive assessment on the reforms, successes and weaknesses of the Philippine education through five decades and five presidents; from President Ferdinand Marcos to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It also offers recommendation and action plans to be carried out to reform the education system.

Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the scholarship fund of poor but deserving students to be managed by the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE).

Valisno, a seasoned and multi-awarded educator, started as a classroom teacher and rose from the ranks to become the secretary of education. Her contributions and experience in the field had been recognized locally and abroad. (PCOO)

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Aquino to lead turn-over of housing units for military personnel in Trece Martirez, Cavite

President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to turn over on Friday thousands of housing units to military personnel under the Aquino government’s initiatives to address the primary housing needs of low-salaried men in uniform and making it one of the highlights of the 26th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25.

As part of the series of events lined up for the EDSA celebration on Saturday, President Aquino will be going to Trece Martires in Cavite to lead the ceremonies for the distribution of some 21,000 housing units to military personnel serving as a symbolic act to commemorate the collaboration between civilian and military forces during the non-violent revolt of the Filipinos against the dictatorship in 1986.

The housing program was being implemented under Administrative Order 9 “Directing the National Housing Authority to Formulate, Implement and Manage a Housing Program for the Military and Police Personnel”, which was issued on April 11, last year.

The project will not only benefit military and police personnel in Luzon but also those who are in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Chief Executive has previously distributed a considerable number of housing units and Certificates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELA) to beneficiaries from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal, Cavite and Sultan Kudarat.

The amortization schedule of the housing program provides for staggered payments over 30 years.

In the first five years, beneficiaries need only pay P200 a month for a standard row house that will gradually increase to P809.53 during the 26th to the 30th year allowing them to use and allot more of their income for the other needs of their families including education, health, and other similar basic concerns.

During the event, the President will also be having a “Skype” (online) conversation with Commissioner Ogie Alcasid and the volunteers engaged in building the housing units intended for the “Sendong” victims in Cagayan de Oro City.

Other activities that will likewise take place on Friday as part of the EDSA celebration include the “Edsa Service Day,” where members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) will be doing acts of public service around Metro Manila encouraging volunteerism and highlighting the importance of service for others.

The scouts will be directing traffic and help the people cross the streets, among others.

A musical concert will also be held in Cagayan de Oro City featuring OPM and local artists to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteers in rebuilding the city after being hit by typhoon “Sendong’ late last year.

Military camps and police headquarters will also be open to the public on February 24 until February 25. Free entrance will be given to the public for the museums inside the camps. (PCOO)

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Malacanang says arraignment of Arroyo brings Filipinos one step closer towards attaining closure to controversies hounding the country during previous administration

Malacanang said the arraignment of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Thursday in connection with the electoral sabotage charges brings the Filipinos one step closer towards attaining closure to the many controversies that have hounded our country during the previous administration.

In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda assured the public that it is the goal of the Aquino government to give Arroyo a day in court under a fair and impartial system of justice.

"At this time of reckoning, it is incumbent upon all of us to remain vigilant and observe this process as it unfolds. We must remain mindful of how in the past there were those who moved heaven and earth to prevent this day from arriving," Lacierda said.


Lacierda stressed that accountability escapes no one under the present administration.

"This is the very foundation of the rule of law: The scales of Justice should tip towards no one; her blindfold must continue to shield the system from being susceptible to the temptations of pandering to those with power and influence," he said.

The Pasay City Regional Trial Court branch 112 set on Thursday Arroyo's arraignment in connection with the electoral sabotage charges filed against the former president by the Commission on Elections for allegedly manipulating the 2007 senatorial elections in Maguindanao. (PCOO)

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Aquino leads 26th Edsa People Power Revolution Anniversary Celebration Saturday

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead Saturday morning the 26th Anniversary Celebration of the Edsa People Power Revolution at the People Power Monument in Edsa that will include flag-raising ceremony and Salubungan.

Representatives from different sectors of society will offer their commitments during the program.

After the events in Edsa, the President will proceed to Rizal Park in Manila to attend the unveiling of the statue of Jaime Cardinal Sin, one of the major figures during the Edsa Revolution in February 1986.

The Edsa anniversary celebration will be capped with a concert in Iligan City featuring original Pilipino music (OPM) artists who volunteered to perform for the benefit of the victims of the Typhoon Sendong.

They will also honor volunteers coming from different parts of the country who assisted communities affected by the typhoon.

According to the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the Aquino government wants to strengthen the spirit of volunteerism among Filipinos, the driving force in the peaceful revolt in 1986.

The Edsa People Power Commission has lined up several activities in 26 different venues all over the country for the celebration that will focus on volunteerism, unity and concern in achieving national progress.

The theme for this year’s celebration will be “Ano ang iyong Taya Para sa Pilipinas Natin.”

The Filipino nation celebrates Saturday, February 25, the 26th year of the bloodless revolt known as the Edsa People Power Revolution that toppled the dictatorship for former strongman president Ferdinand Marcos. (PCOO)

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Malacanang elated over forthcoming canonization of second Filipino Saint

Malacañang expressed elation over the scheduled canonization of another Filipino faithful who dedicated and offered his life in serving others and for the propagation of God’s gospel saying that the event serves as proof of the Filipinos’ spirituality and piousness.

In a regular media briefing in Malacanang on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod as the country’s second saint gives honor to the Filipinos as a Catholic nation.

“As Catholics we are very proud and very blessed to have another Filipino Saint and this is going to be our second Filipino saint,” Lacierda said.

He further said that Vatican’s declaration of Blessed Calungsod to sainthood shows the bravery of the Filipino people.

“This is an honor for the Filipinos and it also showcases the bravery of the Filipino spirit, Christian spirit in the light of persecution,” Lacierda noted.

Following the approval of Pope Benedict XVI, the Vatican has recently announced the canonization of the 17th century Visayan martyr Calungsod which is slated on October 21 of this year, making him the second Filipino saint after San Lorenzo Ruiz who was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 18, 1987.

Born in 1655 in Cebu, the lay cathecist Calungsod died in Guam while trying to defend his fellow mission worker, Jesuit priest and now Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. Calungsod died at the age of 17.

They were attacked by natives using spear and machete. After being killed, their bodies were tied together and thrown into the sea.

Blessed Calungsod was beatified by Pope John Paul II in the year 2000 and since then, Cebuanos have been offering prayers for his intercession. (PCOO)

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Aquino government assures contingency measures to keep Filipinos in Syria safe

The Aquino government assured that contingency measures are being implemented to keep overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino citizens safe in light of the continuing political tension in Syria, a Palace official said on Thursday.

During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continue to appeal to Filipinos to heed the government's offer for voluntarily repatriation.

The Philippine government had mapped out repatriation plans to ensure the safe transport of Filipinos trapped in the so-called danger zones in Syria back to the country.

"The DFA has been very proactive in their stance. They have requested the citizens to voluntarily repatriate themselves. So the DFA continues to do that in all areas where there are OFWs, they have made it a strong point to urge them to repatriate," he said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario had already deployed to Syria a Rapid Response Team composed of the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to help out in the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in conflict areas especially in Homs, a city in Western Syria.

The DFA raised crisis alert level 4 in Syria on December 22, and have enjoined Filipinos in the country to go home in light of the escalating tensions there. Under crisis alert level 4, mandatory repatriation at Philippine government's expense will be implemented.

The Philippine Embassy continues to closely monitor developments in the country. (PCOO)

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Aquino appoints Sempio-Diy as Associate Justice of Court Appeals

President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Quezon City regional trial court Judge Maria Elisa Sempio-Diy as the new Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA).

Sempio-Diy replaces Bienvenido Reyes who was appointed to the Supreme Court, according to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday.

"Judge Maria Elisa Sempio-Diy is the daughter of the family law expert, former Court of Appeals Justice Alicia Sempio-Diy. She is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila with an AB Psychology degree in 1986 and her Bachelor of Laws Degree from San Beda College, she ranked third in the graduating class," Lacierda said.

Sempio-Diy served as Quezon City RTC Judge from 2005 until her appointment to the Court of Appeals (CA).

"And before that, she was an MTC Judge in Quezon City from 2001 to 2005," Lacierda said.

Lacierda also announced the appointment of Carmelo Santiago as member of the Board of Directors representing the foreign Investors in the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority or APECO.

Santiago's term will end on June 16, 2014. (PCOO)


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Govt carries out short, long-term plans to address unemployment

The government has been carrying out both short and long-term strategies to address the unemployment in the country particularly matching workers with skills needed in the job market, a Palace official said.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the long-term strategy is the implementation of the K+12 program or Kindergarten plus 12 years.

The Department of Education’s K+12 program aims to make basic education sufficient enough so that anyone who graduates can be gainfully employed and have a productive life.

On the other hand, the short-term plans include providing skills training to people by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Lacierda said.

“That’s why we have TESDA, after you graduate from high school, you can go and avail of the scholarship provided by TESDA,” he said.

Lacierda said President Aquino always emphasizes the problem on job mismatches in the country and once it is solved more people can join the labor force.

“That’s the reason why we need to address that mismatch between skills and jobs. That’s being addressed now,” Lacierda said.

The labor department has been implementing several initiatives this year such as the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) to employ 1.2 million jobseekers in 2012.

PESOs play an important role in the pursuit of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s 22-point labor and employment agenda the overarching goal of investing on the country’s top resource and human resource to make the country competitive.

It also responds to the goals of President Aquino’s social contract with the Filipino people and the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016, as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.

The plan envisions inclusive growth that massively creates local jobs, sustains real economy enterprises, produces decent work outcomes, and empowers the people to defeat poverty. (PCOO)

PIA News Dispatch - Wednesday, February 22, 2012

President Aquino inducts new officers of Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas

President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted into office the new officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines) in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Wednesday.

The President inducted officers of the KBP Board of Directors and the 2011 KBP Standards Authority at the President’s Hall of Malacañang.

The KBP Board who took their oaths of office before the President were: Herman Basbaño, chairman; Butch Canoy, vice chair; Ruperto Nicdao, Jr., president; Francis Cardona, executive vice president; Joselito Yabut, corporate secretary; Erwin Galang, Rosario Bartolome and Philip Rama as directors.

The 2011 KBP Standards Authority, who were also sworn in by the President, were: Rafael V. Barreiro, Noel C. Galvez, Orly L. Pangcog, George M. Salabao, Msgr. Rufino B. Suplido, Carlo M. Diño, Fr. Ilde T. Dimaano, Waldemar M. Tarray, and Wilhelm Dabu Soriano.

Joining the President were Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma,Jr., Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang and National Telecommunications Commissioner Gamaliel Cordova. (PCOO)

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Aquino declares March 2012-2013 as centennial year of National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the period from March 7, 2012 to March 6, 2013 as the centennial year of National Artist for Dance Francisca Reyes Aquino.

The Chief Executive issued Proclamation No. 282 on November 8, this year, with the directive to enjoin the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to lead in the celebration of the centennial birthday of the national artist. Aquino was born on March 9, 1899 in Lolomboy, Bocaue, Bulacan.

The category of National Artist was created under Proclamation No. 1001 signed in 1972.

"Preeminent achievements that have enhanced the cultural heritage of the Filipino people deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our government in pursuit of its policy of preserving and developing the Filipino culture and a national identity," President Aquino said.

He said that "the works and achievements of Aquino are reflective of this preeminent excellence and of the national genius that contributed to the national heritage of the Philippines and the world."

Acknowledged as the Folk Dance Pioneer, Aquino began her research on folk dances in the 1920's making trips to remote barrios in Central and Northern Luzon. Her research on the unrecorded forms of local celebration, ritual and sport resulted into a 1926 thesis titled "Philippine Folk Dances and Games," and arranged specifically for use by teachers and playground instructors in public and private schools.

In the 1940's, she served as supervisor of physical education at the Bureau of Education that distributed her work and adapted the teaching of folk dancing as a medium of making young Filipinos aware of their cultural heritage.

In 1954, she received the Republic Award of Merit given by the late President Ramon Magsaysay for "outstanding contribution toward the advancement of Filipino culture", one among the many awards and recognition given to her.

Her books include the Philippine National Dances (1946); Gymnastics for Girls (1947); Fundamental Dance Steps and Music (1948); Foreign Folk Dances (1949); Dances for all Occasion (1950); Playground Demonstration (1951); and Philippine Folk Dances, Volumes I to VI. (PCOO)

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Aquino receives lead actor and production staff of Hollywood action movie ‘The Bourne Legacy’

President Benigno S. Aquino III received the lead actor and production team of the Hollywood action thriller “The Bourne Legacy” who expressed gratitude to the Filipino people for the warm hospitality accorded them during their stay while shooting the international film in the country.

In a courtesy call to President Aquino at the President’s Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner thanked the Filipinos for the warm welcome saying that the film’s cast and crew were happy for having choosen the Philippines as location for their movie.

He was accompanied by executive producer Patrick Crowley, executive production manager Daniel Stillman and Philippine producer and EVP of Philippines Film Studios Inc. Lope Juban Jr.

Also present were other government officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino and Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang.

“It was a very cordial and happy meeting… the President got to talk to them about the future of the Philippines which they are very interested in now, kasi na-in love sila sa Pilipinas, so they got a short history and civics lesson from the President,” Jimenez said.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino, for his part, said that the film’s production shoot has created several job opportunities for the Filipinos apart from promoting the country’s innate beauty as a perfect tourist destination.

“Nagpasalamat and they shared their experiences (dito) sa Pilipinas and yung pangakong magiging maganda ang kalalabasan nito sa pelikula. May mga nabigyan pangsamantala ng trabaho, hopefully, maganda ang promotion nito (film) sa bansa natin,” Tolentino said.

The 40-year old Renner has six more shooting days for the film before leaving the country. He is scheduled to shoot some scenes on Wednesday at the Jones Bridge in Manila.

The cast and crew arrived in Manila last month for the filming of the latest installment in the popular "Bourne" series based on the spy novels of Robert Ludlum.

Among the locations that were included in the scenes of the film are Navotas fish port, Marikina City, Palawan, Boracay, Intramuros, San Andres market in Malate, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Ayala Avenue, Nagtahan and the Pasay-Taft Rotonda, among others.

In the film, Renner plays the role of new CIA agent Aaron Cross.

Recently, Renner also co-starred with one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actor Tom Cruise in the film "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" before shooting "The Bourne Legacy" with Rachel Weisz and Edward Norton. (PCOO)

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Creditor status in IMF signifies strong confidence for Philippine financial system, says Palace

Malacanang welcomed the recent recognition of the Philippines after it became one of the creditor nations in the 180-nation International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“We welcome that recognition from a debtor nation to a creditor nation. That’s a big jump. We’re certainly proud of the recognition by the international financial community of the significant steps that we have taken in improving our financial system. And that’s an indication of the recognition of the international financial community,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“We have received several upgrades in the past year and these are all indication of the international community’s confidence on the Aquino administration and on the Philippines,” he added.

The Philippines is looking forward to become an active participant in assisting other nations in distress under the IMF. The country has made available $163.8 million in special drawing rights or SDRs under a currency exchange mechanism known among members as the Financial Transactions Plan or FTP.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that with the continued membership of the Philippines with the FTP, it could become part of a new borrowing scheme called the new arrangements to borrow or NAB facility of the IMF. The facility seeks to help distressed countries or institutions.

The Philippines had been a Financial Transactions Plan participant since 2010, funding the loans and repayment operations of the IMF by using the foreign exchange resources of its financially strong members to help weak nations.

The Philippines holds a creditor or reserve position in the IMF through its participation in the FTP, making it a net lender rather than net borrower.

According to the BSP the participation of the Philippines to the FTP contributed to international efforts to mitigate the spillover effects of Europe’s sovereign debt crisis by enhancing global financial safety nets. (PCOO)

Tuesday 21 February 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Aquino vows commitment to Filipino citizenry – to curb corruption, realize inclusive growth and give people a government truly accountable to them

In an effort to achieve his administration's commitment with the Filipino citizenry, President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to curb corruption, realize an inclusive growth for everyone, and give the people a government which is truly accountable to them.

In his message during the opening ceremony of the Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, the President reaffirmed the continuous efforts being pursued by the government in realizing his campaign promise to the people as embodied in the blueprint of his reform agenda.

“From the beginning of my campaign, I have maintained that the job of the President is composed of three things. The first is the efficient allocation of resources – that as a country with a sizable debt and limited resources, we must be able to utilize these resources to the maximum benefit of our people,” the President said.

“The second is to make certain that, as we walk the path to progress, no one is left behind… I believe it is the government’s job to promote inclusive growth and the third is the bedrock on which the first two are built on -- the idea that by curbing corruption we can reduce poverty. Or in simpler terms, the idea that tens of millions of Filipinos voted for in the May 2010 elections -- Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap,” he added.

According to the President, these are the core strategies for changing the status quo. "A status quo where taxpayers can look forward to a government that delivers, where the government build bridges and roads that actually exist, where Filipinos who work hard are rewarded justly and where public servants truly regard the people as their bosses," he explained.

The Chief Executive also expressed high hopes that the participants in the workshop would be able to considerably help the government in fulfilling its vision of a country that is really free from the grip of corruption.

“I am hopeful that, through the ideas we share and generate today, we can build even more on our successes. Let us take this opportunity to learn from each other and ultimately fulfill the dream we share with our people -- that of a Philippines free from the grip of corruption, free to prosper under the broad light of day,” President Aquino stressed.

“Rest assured, if we stay true to our peoples’ cherished idea of honest, transparent governance, then, surely, more progress awaits us in the future,” he said.

Professor Robert Klitgaard, known as “the world’s leading expert on corruption” conducted the workshop, which was attended by several members of the cabinet.

Klitgaard has advised many governments on economic strategy and institutional reform, and his consulting work and research have taken him to more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Professor Klitgaard is a University Professor at Claremont Graduate University, where he served as the President from 2005 to 2009.

He previously served as Dean of the Pardee RAND Graduate School, where he was also the Ford Distinguished Professor of International Development and Security. He has been a Professor of Economics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban; Lester Crown Professor of Economics at Yale’s School of Management; and Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he also served as Special Assistant to Harvard President Derek Bok.

Among those who attended the workshop were Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, among others. (PCOO)

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Aquino stresses need to implement reforms in country’s judicial system

President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed the need to implement reforms in the judicial branch of government to fully realize and achieve efforts to restore accountability among public officials as part of his reform agenda as specifically cited in the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom by the Heritage Foundation.

Speaking before the participants during the opening ceremony of the Cabinet Workshop on Anti-Corruption Strategies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Tuesday, President Aquino reiterated the necessary improvement in the country’s judicial system to ensure the fair dispensation of justice to everyone.

“We want our judiciary to dispense justice blindly, as it should… and perhaps this explains our fight to restore integrity to the judiciary, which has made headlines everywhere. No one should doubt that our justice system is a major battleground for reform,” the President said.

“In the 2012 Index of Economic Reform released by the Heritage Foundation, it shows that while the Philippines has made progress in terms of fighting corruption, the problem of judicial inefficiency and susceptibility to outside pressures remains a serious concern,” he stressed.

The Chief Executive said that the success in fighting corruption requires a real sense of accountability among public servants.

“We cannot sustainably fight corruption unless we introduce a sense of accountability – a sense that, if you commit a crime, you will be punished… we want to send a stern yet simple message --- justice evades no one. There are no exceptions in our campaign against corruption,” President Aquino said.


The Index of Economic Freedom is an annual guide published by The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation.

For over a decade, The Wall Street Journal and The Heritage Foundation, Washington's preeminent think tank, have tracked the march of economic freedom around the world with the influential Index of Economic Freedom.

Since 1995, the Index has brought Economist Adam Smith's theories about liberty, prosperity and economic freedom to life by creating 10 benchmarks that gauge the economic success of 184 countries around the world.

In its 2012 Index of Economic Freedom, the Heritage Foundation noted the lingering institutional challenges which require commitment to reform in the Philippine economy. It acknowledged the country’s progress while citing the inefficiency in the judiciary.

“Despite the challenging global economic environment, the Philippine economy has been on a steady path of economic expansion,” the Index results read.

“There are lingering institutional challenges that will require deeper commitment to reform. Despite some progress, corruption continues to undermine prospects for long-term economic development. The inefficient judiciary, which remains susceptible to political interference, does not provide effective protection for property rights or strong and transparent enforcement of the law,” it further said. (PCOO)

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Aquino deputizes AFP and PNP to assist Comelec in ensuring orderly plebiscite in Valenzuela City

President Benigno S. Aquino III has deputized the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring the conduct of an honest, orderly and free plebiscite to ratify the division of Barangay Canumay in Valenzuela City.

By virtue of Memorandum Order Number 31, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 16, 2012, the President directed the law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government to be on watch and perform their duties during the pursuance of the said democratic activity in Valenzuela City on March 3.

The Memorandum Order was issued upon the request of the Comelec for the concurrence of the President in the deputation of law enforcement agencies during the plebiscite aimed at ratifying the division of Barangay Canumay West and Barangay Canumay East.

Section 2 (4), Article IX-C of the Constitution prescribes that the Comelec, with the concurrence of the President, is empowered to deputize law enforcement agencies during such activities. (PCOO)

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Aquino deputizes AFP and PNP to assist Comelec in ensuring orderly and credible elections for Mayor in Siruma, Camarines Sur

President Benigno S. Aquino III has deputized the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring the conduct of a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections for the position of Mayor in Siruma, Camarines Sur on March 10, 2012.

By virtue of Memorandum Order Number 32, signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 16, the President directed the law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government to be on watch and perform their duties during the political exercise to elect a new local chief executive for the Municipality of Siruma, particularly in the Precinct Numbers 11A, 12A, 13A, and 14A.

The Memorandum Order was issued upon the request of the Comelec for the concurrence of the President in the deputation of law enforcement agencies during the mayoralty polls.

The political exercise was being pursued following the Comelec’s issuance of SPC No. 10-002 on May 19, 2011 which annuls the proclamation of then incumbent Mayor Sandy Ondis and ordering the holding of a special election in Barangay Butawanan of the said municipality.

The said issuance was made after 247 uncounted ballots pertaining to the previously mentioned precincts disappeared.

Section 2 (4), Article IX-C of the Constitution prescribes that the Comelec, with the concurrence of the President, is empowered to deputize law enforcement agencies during such activities. (PCOO)

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Aquino declares August as history month

To enable Filipinos to properly observe and reflect on the major events in our nation’s history, President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the month of August, and every August thereafter, as History Month.

In issuing Proclamation No. 339, which he signed on February 16, 2012, the President repealed Proclamation No. 1304 (s.1974) that set the observance of History Week from September 15 to 21.

“Whereas there is a need to transfer the observance of History Week from 15 to 21 September to the whole month of August and rename the occasion as History Month to emphasize the most significant turning points in Philippine History,” the Proclamation read.

The President cited the need to extend the observance of our nation’s history from a week to a whole month “given the richness and diversity of our nation’s history” as well as the fact that “major events occurred in the month of August which concludes with National Heroes Day on 30 August.” (PCOO)

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Aquino declares 2012 as Reserved Officers Training Course Centennial Year

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared 2012 as the Reserved Officers Training Course (ROTC) Centennial Year marking the 100th year establishment of the military training program which began at the University of the Philippines in Manila in 1912.

The President’s declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 340 which he signed and issued on February 16.

He cited the importance of ROTC saying the program has produced graduates and cadets who have made significant contributions as peacekeepers and volunteers as well as protectors of the country’s freedom and democracy.

In declaring 2012 as ROTC Centennial Year, the President has also designated March of every year thereafter as ROTC Month. (PCOO)