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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
.
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)
