Aquino declares Feb 3 as special non-working day in Cabanatuan City in commemoration of its 62nd Foundation Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 3 (Friday) as a special non-working day in the city of Cabanatuan in commemoration of its 62nd Foundation Day.
In Proclamation 327 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 31, 2012, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of Cabanatuan City the opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
The city will mark the event with the theme Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Hangaring Umunlad ang Cabanatuan. Mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara said the theme expresses the collective aspiration of the Cabanatueños to move forward to real progress and prosperity for the benefit of the city’s great majority.
The City of Cabanatuan is considered the commercial, industrial and educational hub of the province of Nueva Ecija.
Cabanatuan was founded as Barrio of Gapan in 1750 and became a municipality of Nueva Ecija in 1780. It became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 526 which was approved in 1950.
Cabanatuan is the site of the historical Plaza Lucero and the Cabanatuan Cathedral, where General Antonio Luna was ambushed on his way to Palanan.
During World War II, the occupying Japanese built Cabanatuan Prison Camp, where many American soldiers were imprisoned, some of whom were forced to endure the infamous "Bataan Death March".
In January, 1945 elements of the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Battalion marched 30 miles behind enemy lines to rescue the prisoners in what became known as the “Raid at Cabanatuan.” (PCOO)
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Aquino leads 25th Anniversary rites of the Philippine Information Agency
President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed the importance of cooperation in the formulation of solutions to the challenges rather than being part of the problem as he urged them to continue supporting the government’s various efforts to effect reforms towards achieving sustainable progress and development in the country.
In his speech during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at its main office at the Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, the President cited the relevance of proper information handling and dissemination.
“Muli't muli po nating ididiin ang halaga ng ating pagkakaisa sa pakikibahagi sa solusyon, sa halip na dumagdag pa sa problema. Kakambal ng isinusulong nating katarungan sa lahat ng antas ng pamamahala ang pagtataguyod ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran sa ating bansa,” the President said.
“Patuloy po nating palaganapin ang liwanag ng pagbabago, at patibayin pa ang ating pagkakapit-bisig tungo sa pagkakamit ng tunay na kasaganahan sa ating bayan,” he added.
The President acknowledged the PIA’s role in efforts to ferret out the truth for the benefit of the country and the Filipino people.
“Ito (PIA) ang magiging kasangga natin sa paglalabas ng katotohanan hindi paminsan-minsan kundi palagian… at iyon po ang inaasahan natin sa kanila… na talagang mabibigyan ang ating mga kababayan ng tunay at tamang impormasyon sa tamang oras para naman po maka-desisyon ang ating mga mamamayan ng tama parati,” President Aquino said.
He added that through the PIA, significant data are made known to the people, eventually making them equipped to decide on matters of national interest.
The Chief Executive also expressed high hopes that the launching of PIA’s newest technological tools in information management would lead to a better and more intelligent citizenry.
“Iyan po ang palagay kong buod ng inyong mandato, hindi po magpa-pogi kanino man, kundi para tulungan na mabigyan ng kakayahan at kapangyarihan ang ating mga mamamayan maka-desisyon ng tama sa lahat po ng panahon. Inaasahan ko po na iyan ang mangyayari sa inyong mga bagong pamamaraan,” the President said.
During the event, President Aquino led in launching the agency’s new website, text blast system and art gallery.
Witnessing the simple ceremonies are cabinet officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Environment and Natural resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanuevaa and Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales.
Also in attendance were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, PIA Director General Jose Fabia and Philippine Broadcasting Service Director Tito Cruz, among others.
President Aquino also witnessed the turn over of the symbolic discs by Fabia to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III. The discs contain PIA’s collection, which were handed over to the Presidential Museum and Library under the PCDSPO.
The New PIA Website (www.pia.gov.ph) is the new face of the Agency in the online microcosm. It is a vast improvement from the previous website as it incorporates an interactive feature allowing real-time feedback mechanism while providing access to timely news and photos around the country, updates on government programs and projects, official pronouncements, and links to other government portals.
The PIA Text Blast is a Public-Private Partnership project of the PIA and the National Telecommunications Commission with the major telecom companies. It serves as a platform for sending free short messaging system (SMS) on vital government information to mobile phone users nationwide.
Among the SMS that will be sent for free include Presidential pronouncements, information on people’s health, updates on government programs, services and news advisories.
The PIA Art Gallery provides a venue for budding artists to showcase their outstanding works of art and at the same time, inspire others to promote Filipino culture through different art forms. (PCOO)
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Creation of Philippine Information Agency is a milestone in country’s new concept of governance, says Coloma
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. considers the creation of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as a milestone showing the country’s new concept of governance where communication is utilized in pushing for the well-being and development of the Filipino people.
In an ambush interview during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Information Agency at the its main office at the Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, Secretary Coloma said that the PIA’s establishment, through Executive Order No. 100 issued December 24, 1986 in accordance with the revolutionary legislative powers of then President Corazon C. Aquino under the 1986 Freedom Constitution, is one of the significant fruits of the Edsa People Power revolution.
He said that the Agency will never again be used as a propaganda tool by the government as practiced prior to its inception.
“The PIA was established by an Executive Order, which is a law that was enacted when President Corazon Aquino had legislative powers and it is a very significant milestone because it is a fruit of the Edsa People Power revolution, that we now have a new concept of communication and a new concept of governance that communication will never again be used as a propaganda tool but used for the well-being and for the development of our people… that is the significance of the milestone that we are observing today,” Coloma said.
“Binabati ko po lahat ng mga kasapi ng organisasyon ng PIA, mga kawani, mga opisyal, regional directors, staff directors, at lahat ng mga stakeholders natin, kabilang na ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sapagkat ito pong PIA ay nag-e-exist para makapaglingkod sa ating mga mamamayan, para sa mga government agencies at para sa kapakanan ng buong Sambayanang Pilipino,” Coloma noted.
Upon its creation, the PIA was envisioned to provide a free flow of accurate, timely and relevant information that will assist the people in decision-making and identification of opportunities to improve the quality of life. It also enables the citizenry to participate meaningfully in the democratic processes.
Its tasks include the establishment and maintenance of selected regional/provincial information centers on community needs for use in planning communications programs and provide basic information of government and on areas of particular interests to the community it serves.
The PIA is also mandated to perform the following provision of technical assistance to other government agencies on the communication component of their programs; initiate the planning and implement the information programs of national scope; assessment of information needs of the people through opinion polls and surveys to be used to systematically obtain the public's needs and views on government programs, and to plan information programs; lead in the conduct of research studies for policy formulation and the evaluation of information program effectiveness; and the upgrading of skills of government information officers, rural broadcasters, communicators, journalists and other communications personnel through training services and/or consultancy, among others. (PCOO)
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Aquino lays out plans to help transport sector cope with fuel price increases
President Benigno S. Aquino III detailed Wednesday plans of the administration to help the transport sector cope with the effect of the continuing fuel price increases part of which is to work out a 30-day buffer supply of petroleum products.
The President said he has asked for an update on the movement of fuel prices from the Department of Energy (DOE) adding that while there are recent increases in prices these adjustments are minimal compared to last year prices.
“Yung sinisigurado natin na mayroon tayong nasa 24 days (buffer stock), kung hindi ako nagkakamali. We’re targeting that instead of just 24 and a half days there is a 30-day buffer supply. That’s number one,” the President told reporters in an interview during the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) 25th anniversary celebration on Wednesday in Quezon City.
The government is also continuing the Pantawid Pasada program that helps the transport sector cope with the increases in fuel prices.
“Ang Pantawid Pasada program, there’s still an allocation of roughly something like about P200 million plus remaining balance. In short, we don’t need a new funding for it. Puwede pa nating gamitin yung dati para ma-service yung roughly about 60 percent,” the President said.
The government can still provide two cycles of Pantawid Pasada without increasing the funding, the President said. The government has enough money after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reviewed the list of legitimate franchised holders who are entitled for government support.
The chief executive said his administration is also working out to create a mechanism that could directly link drivers and transport operators to manufacturers and suppliers so they can get cheaper materials and spare parts for their vehicles.
“Maraming schemes pero yung pinaka-workable, kakausapin natin yung mga manufacturers, magbubukas ng mga factory outlets diretso na sa kanila, bawas yung profit ng middleman, para mabawasan yung gastos nila sa kanilang mga pagpapatakbo ng mga sasakyan,” he said.
There are also loans available to transport cooperatives planning to set up their own gasoline stations. The President said the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) can give up to P10-million per gasoline station.
According to the President, this scheme is now being implemented in Baguio City, saying that part of the program is training in the downstream improvement of the energy sector.
The President also issued a warning against the illegal bus operators to abide by the law. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 3 (Friday) as a special non-working day in the city of Cabanatuan in commemoration of its 62nd Foundation Day.
In Proclamation 327 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 31, 2012, President Aquino issued the declaration to give the people of Cabanatuan City the opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
The city will mark the event with the theme Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Hangaring Umunlad ang Cabanatuan. Mayor Julius Cesar "Jay" Vergara said the theme expresses the collective aspiration of the Cabanatueños to move forward to real progress and prosperity for the benefit of the city’s great majority.
The City of Cabanatuan is considered the commercial, industrial and educational hub of the province of Nueva Ecija.
Cabanatuan was founded as Barrio of Gapan in 1750 and became a municipality of Nueva Ecija in 1780. It became a city by virtue of Republic Act No. 526 which was approved in 1950.
Cabanatuan is the site of the historical Plaza Lucero and the Cabanatuan Cathedral, where General Antonio Luna was ambushed on his way to Palanan.
During World War II, the occupying Japanese built Cabanatuan Prison Camp, where many American soldiers were imprisoned, some of whom were forced to endure the infamous "Bataan Death March".
In January, 1945 elements of the U.S. Army 6th Ranger Battalion marched 30 miles behind enemy lines to rescue the prisoners in what became known as the “Raid at Cabanatuan.” (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads 25th Anniversary rites of the Philippine Information Agency
President Benigno S. Aquino III stressed the importance of cooperation in the formulation of solutions to the challenges rather than being part of the problem as he urged them to continue supporting the government’s various efforts to effect reforms towards achieving sustainable progress and development in the country.
In his speech during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) at its main office at the Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, the President cited the relevance of proper information handling and dissemination.
“Muli't muli po nating ididiin ang halaga ng ating pagkakaisa sa pakikibahagi sa solusyon, sa halip na dumagdag pa sa problema. Kakambal ng isinusulong nating katarungan sa lahat ng antas ng pamamahala ang pagtataguyod ng pangmatagalang kaunlaran sa ating bansa,” the President said.
“Patuloy po nating palaganapin ang liwanag ng pagbabago, at patibayin pa ang ating pagkakapit-bisig tungo sa pagkakamit ng tunay na kasaganahan sa ating bayan,” he added.
The President acknowledged the PIA’s role in efforts to ferret out the truth for the benefit of the country and the Filipino people.
“Ito (PIA) ang magiging kasangga natin sa paglalabas ng katotohanan hindi paminsan-minsan kundi palagian… at iyon po ang inaasahan natin sa kanila… na talagang mabibigyan ang ating mga kababayan ng tunay at tamang impormasyon sa tamang oras para naman po maka-desisyon ang ating mga mamamayan ng tama parati,” President Aquino said.
He added that through the PIA, significant data are made known to the people, eventually making them equipped to decide on matters of national interest.
The Chief Executive also expressed high hopes that the launching of PIA’s newest technological tools in information management would lead to a better and more intelligent citizenry.
“Iyan po ang palagay kong buod ng inyong mandato, hindi po magpa-pogi kanino man, kundi para tulungan na mabigyan ng kakayahan at kapangyarihan ang ating mga mamamayan maka-desisyon ng tama sa lahat po ng panahon. Inaasahan ko po na iyan ang mangyayari sa inyong mga bagong pamamaraan,” the President said.
During the event, President Aquino led in launching the agency’s new website, text blast system and art gallery.
Witnessing the simple ceremonies are cabinet officials led by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr., Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Environment and Natural resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Joel Villanuevaa and Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales.
Also in attendance were Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, PIA Director General Jose Fabia and Philippine Broadcasting Service Director Tito Cruz, among others.
President Aquino also witnessed the turn over of the symbolic discs by Fabia to Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III. The discs contain PIA’s collection, which were handed over to the Presidential Museum and Library under the PCDSPO.
The New PIA Website (www.pia.gov.ph) is the new face of the Agency in the online microcosm. It is a vast improvement from the previous website as it incorporates an interactive feature allowing real-time feedback mechanism while providing access to timely news and photos around the country, updates on government programs and projects, official pronouncements, and links to other government portals.
The PIA Text Blast is a Public-Private Partnership project of the PIA and the National Telecommunications Commission with the major telecom companies. It serves as a platform for sending free short messaging system (SMS) on vital government information to mobile phone users nationwide.
Among the SMS that will be sent for free include Presidential pronouncements, information on people’s health, updates on government programs, services and news advisories.
The PIA Art Gallery provides a venue for budding artists to showcase their outstanding works of art and at the same time, inspire others to promote Filipino culture through different art forms. (PCOO)
.
Creation of Philippine Information Agency is a milestone in country’s new concept of governance, says Coloma
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” B. Coloma Jr. considers the creation of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as a milestone showing the country’s new concept of governance where communication is utilized in pushing for the well-being and development of the Filipino people.
In an ambush interview during the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Information Agency at the its main office at the Visayas Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday, Secretary Coloma said that the PIA’s establishment, through Executive Order No. 100 issued December 24, 1986 in accordance with the revolutionary legislative powers of then President Corazon C. Aquino under the 1986 Freedom Constitution, is one of the significant fruits of the Edsa People Power revolution.
He said that the Agency will never again be used as a propaganda tool by the government as practiced prior to its inception.
“The PIA was established by an Executive Order, which is a law that was enacted when President Corazon Aquino had legislative powers and it is a very significant milestone because it is a fruit of the Edsa People Power revolution, that we now have a new concept of communication and a new concept of governance that communication will never again be used as a propaganda tool but used for the well-being and for the development of our people… that is the significance of the milestone that we are observing today,” Coloma said.
“Binabati ko po lahat ng mga kasapi ng organisasyon ng PIA, mga kawani, mga opisyal, regional directors, staff directors, at lahat ng mga stakeholders natin, kabilang na ang iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan sapagkat ito pong PIA ay nag-e-exist para makapaglingkod sa ating mga mamamayan, para sa mga government agencies at para sa kapakanan ng buong Sambayanang Pilipino,” Coloma noted.
Upon its creation, the PIA was envisioned to provide a free flow of accurate, timely and relevant information that will assist the people in decision-making and identification of opportunities to improve the quality of life. It also enables the citizenry to participate meaningfully in the democratic processes.
Its tasks include the establishment and maintenance of selected regional/provincial information centers on community needs for use in planning communications programs and provide basic information of government and on areas of particular interests to the community it serves.
The PIA is also mandated to perform the following provision of technical assistance to other government agencies on the communication component of their programs; initiate the planning and implement the information programs of national scope; assessment of information needs of the people through opinion polls and surveys to be used to systematically obtain the public's needs and views on government programs, and to plan information programs; lead in the conduct of research studies for policy formulation and the evaluation of information program effectiveness; and the upgrading of skills of government information officers, rural broadcasters, communicators, journalists and other communications personnel through training services and/or consultancy, among others. (PCOO)
.
Aquino lays out plans to help transport sector cope with fuel price increases
President Benigno S. Aquino III detailed Wednesday plans of the administration to help the transport sector cope with the effect of the continuing fuel price increases part of which is to work out a 30-day buffer supply of petroleum products.
The President said he has asked for an update on the movement of fuel prices from the Department of Energy (DOE) adding that while there are recent increases in prices these adjustments are minimal compared to last year prices.
“Yung sinisigurado natin na mayroon tayong nasa 24 days (buffer stock), kung hindi ako nagkakamali. We’re targeting that instead of just 24 and a half days there is a 30-day buffer supply. That’s number one,” the President told reporters in an interview during the Philippine Information Agency’s (PIA) 25th anniversary celebration on Wednesday in Quezon City.
The government is also continuing the Pantawid Pasada program that helps the transport sector cope with the increases in fuel prices.
“Ang Pantawid Pasada program, there’s still an allocation of roughly something like about P200 million plus remaining balance. In short, we don’t need a new funding for it. Puwede pa nating gamitin yung dati para ma-service yung roughly about 60 percent,” the President said.
The government can still provide two cycles of Pantawid Pasada without increasing the funding, the President said. The government has enough money after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reviewed the list of legitimate franchised holders who are entitled for government support.
The chief executive said his administration is also working out to create a mechanism that could directly link drivers and transport operators to manufacturers and suppliers so they can get cheaper materials and spare parts for their vehicles.
“Maraming schemes pero yung pinaka-workable, kakausapin natin yung mga manufacturers, magbubukas ng mga factory outlets diretso na sa kanila, bawas yung profit ng middleman, para mabawasan yung gastos nila sa kanilang mga pagpapatakbo ng mga sasakyan,” he said.
There are also loans available to transport cooperatives planning to set up their own gasoline stations. The President said the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB) can give up to P10-million per gasoline station.
According to the President, this scheme is now being implemented in Baguio City, saying that part of the program is training in the downstream improvement of the energy sector.
The President also issued a warning against the illegal bus operators to abide by the law. (PCOO)
