Monday 9 April 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, April 9, 2012

Aquino declares April 25 as special non-working day in Isabela, Basilan

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 25 as a special (non-working) day in the city of Isabela, province of Basilan, in celebration of its 11th Foundation Day.

In Proclamation No. 352, which was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on March 13, 2012, the Chief Executive issued the declaration to give the people of Isabela the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with fitting ceremonies.

On March 5, 2001 Republic Act No. 9023 otherwise known as "An Act Converting the Municipality of Isabela, Province of Basilan into a component city to be known as the City of Isabela" was signed by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Then on April 25, 2001, Isabelenos ratified the new status of Isabela. (PCOO)

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President Aquino leads Commemoration of 70th Araw ng Kagitingan in Bataan

PILAR, Bataan:
President Benigno S. Aquino cited the unrelenting support of the government to the Filipino veterans who fought for the country’s liberty and sovereignty several decades ago as he underscored the importance of cooperation among nations to attain global peace, progress and development.

In his speech during the 70th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan here on Monday, the Chief Executive said that war veterans and their respective beneficiaries can now easily avail of medical assistance from the additional almost 600 hospitals across the country that were recently accredited by the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC).

“Kung hindi pa po ninyo nababalitaan, hayaan ninyo na ako na ang maghatid ng good news para sa inyo… ito pong ika-31 ng Marso mas madali nang makatatanggap ng benepisyong pangkalusugan ang ating mga beterano. Limangdaan siyamnapu’t siyam (599) na ospital po sa buong bansa ang na-accredit ng Veterans Memorial Medical Center bilang regional o provincial extensions,” the President said.

“Lumawak na rin po ang mga serbisyong maaaring i-subsidize ng VMMC… pati po operasyon sa katarata, coronary andiogram at cardiac bypass kasali na,” he added.

The President also assured the veterans present during the occasion of the on-time and exact delivery of veterans’ pension after the implementation by the government of the direct remittance servicing system and the cleansing of the pensioners’ list.

“Dahil rin po sa ipinapatupad na direct remittance pension servicing system, mas mabilis at mas husto nang matatanggap ng mga beterano ang kanilang pensiyon, nilinis na rin po ang mga talaan ng mga pensiyonado nating kababayan upang masigurong ang pera ay nakararating sa dapat nitong hantungan… iyan po ang ilan sa mga paraan upang kilalanin natin ang kagitingan ng ating mga beterano na ginugunita natin sa araw na ito,” the President said stressing the undeniable benefits of unity and cooperation among nations.

“Ngayon nabubuhay na tayo ng mapayapa at natutuhan ang aral ng kasaysayan... walang maidudulot ang karahasan, hindi matatamo ang kaunlaran kung hindi makikipag-ugnayan sa mga karatig bansa, nasa interes ng lahat ang pakikipagtulungan,” he added.

After the arrival honors accorded him, President Aquino proceeded to the Colonade Area for the Wreath Laying Ceremony where he offered flowers in honor of the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country and people, seven decades ago.

Present during the event that was anchored on this year’s theme: “Beterano Tagasulong ng Tunay at Walang Humpay na Pagbabago," were former president Fidel V. Ramos, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett and other local officials.

Also in attendance were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Jesse Dellosa, Philippine Airforce Commanding General Maj. Gen. Lauro dela Cruz, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Philippine National Police Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome and Navy Flag Officer In Command Rear Admiral Alexander Pama.

This year’s theme exemplifies the role of the veterans, who, despite having significantly contributed already to the attainment of freedom, peace and democracy, continue to do more for the country in various capacities.

Prior to his message, the President spearheaded the awarding of the winners of the Oratorical, Painting and Essay Writing Contests that were held in line with this year's celebration. (PCOO)

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Phl, Qatar to sign agreements during State Visit of Emir

The Republic of the Philippines and the State of Qatar will sign several agreements during the State Visit to the Philippines of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar on Tuesday, April 10.

In a statement released on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the agreements that will be signed in the areas of labor, tourism, agriculture, trade and investments, will further enhance the relations between the two countries

"His Highness the Emir's visit affirms the advancement of political and economic ties between the Philippines and Qatar. We are looking forward to discussing ways to achieve more positive growth in the realm of trade and investment and increasing opportunities for our Filipino workers," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

MalacaƱang is rolling out the red carpet and pulling out all the stops for the Emir’s visit, his first to the country, and is ready to accord him and his delegation the traditional Filipino hospitality and warm welcome.

A State Dinner will be held in honor of His Highness, the Emir as well as full military honors and 21-gun salute upon his arrival in MalacaƱang.

The Emir’s visit marks the vibrant and dynamic partnership between the Philippines and Qatar that have spanned for 31 years.

The State of Qatar is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is the richest country in terms of GDP per capital. Qatar is host to an estimated 175,000 overseas Filipino workers. (PCOO)