Aquino is looking for replacement of Lee as
ambassador to the People's Republic of China
President Benigno S. Aquino III said that the
next ambassador to the People's Republic of China (PROC) must understand the
cultural nuances and system of China and must have vast connections with the
Chinese people to assist him and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in
responding to the critical situation in the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).
The Chief Executive announced the criteria in an
interview in Malacanang following the request of Domingo Lee, Philippine
ambassador to PROC, that his nomination be withdrawn considering the
government's efforts to pursue a peaceful settlement of the Panatag Shoal
issue.
President Aquino said he may appoint a career
diplomat or an outsider as the new nominee for the post of ambassador to China.
"Iba kasi ‘yung criteria. Hindi naman basically just career—somebody who
understands the nuances of Chinese culture, how their system works, has
developed contacts left and right to be able to reach the opinion makers and
those whose opinions really matter," he said.
The President is doing his best to be able to
choose the right person for the post due to the situation in the West
Philippine Sea to avoid future economic blocks to the country's progress.
President Aquino disclosed that Foreign
Secretary Albert del Rosario has already recommended one person to replace Lee.
"Iyung pinakita sa akin, ang impression ko ang bata. Pero very gifted daw,
very impressed ang ating Secretary of Foreign Affairs and I’m supposed to be
interviewing him. Nagpapahanap pa tayo ng iba. Inutusan natin ang search
committee, and other groups to give the nominees," he said. (PCOO)
Aquino says Philippines will maintain presence
in Scarborough Shoal
President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday
that the Philippines will maintain its presence in the Panatag Shoal
(Scarborough Shoal).
"The Philippine Coast Guard will maintain
its presence. We believe this is our waters, therefore our vessels have the
right to be in our waters," the Chief Executive said during an interview
in Malacanang on Monday.
The Chief Executive said Vice Admiral Edmund
Tan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, reported to him that so far there
was no untoward incident in the Panatag Shoal. "Ang report ng Coast Guard
commandant ay wala naman issue so far. Wala namang untoward incident," he
said.
President Aquino even showed a map to the media
to highlight his point that the Panatag Shoal is indeed under the territorial
jurisdiction of the Philippines.
As to the military exercise between China and
Russia, the President said he believed that it has no bearing in the Panatag
Shoal issue.
The Aquino administration remains committed to
the ongoing consultations with the People's Republic of China (PROC) toward a
peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Philippine's Panatag Shoal (Scarborough
Shoal) situation.
President Aquino expressed hope that the dispute
will be settled through peaceful, diplomatic and legal means.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said
Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippine territory and part of
the Municipality of Masinloc, Province of Zambales. It is located 124 nautical
miles west of Zambales and is within the 200 nautical-mile Exclusive Economic
Zone and the Philippine Continental Shelf. (PCOO)
Aquino says K to 12 basic education program
improves learning experience of students
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally
launched the Department of Education’s Kindergarten to Year 12 (K to 12) basic
education program in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Tuesday.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President
said that this day marks a historical occasion where Filipino students are
provided an opportunity to learn and absorb lessons learned in school better.
“Simula sa araw na ito, mabibigyan na natin ang
kabataan ng mas magandang pagkakataon upang matuto at makasagap ng kaalaman,”
the President said.
“Nagtitipon po tayo upang ilunsad ang isang
programang magbabago sa sistema ng edukasyon ng bansa, ang K to 12 Basic
Education program,” he added.
The central feature of the K to 12 Program is
the upgrading of the basic education curriculum to ensure that learners acquire
the relevant knowledge and skills they will need to become productive members
of society. It seeks to introduce relevant skills development courses and
special interest subjects that will suit the personality, strengths and career
direction of students.
The President said that with its formal launch,
the K to 12 education program will give students a solid education background
which they can use to improve their lives.
“Upang mailabas ang natatanging husay ng
mag-aaral, bibigyan natin ng sapat na panahong matutuhan ng mga kabataan ang
mga konsepto at kakayahan, ang mga tamang kilos at kaugalian,” the President
said.
“Ang gusto natin, magkaroon ng matibay na
pondasyon sa edukasyon ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino,” he
added.
He underscored the importance of this education
program which he called an “investment” to our most valuable asset: the
Filipino people.
“Naninindigan pa rin tayo sa ipinangako nating
pagbabago sa edukasyon; ang gawin itong sentral na estratehiya sa pamumuhunan
sa pinakamahalaga nating yaman -- ang mamamayang Pilipino,” the President said.
“Sa K to 12 tiwala tayo na mabibigyan ng lakas
si Juan dela Cruz na mapaunlad di lang ang kanyang sarili at pamilya kundi
maging ang buong bansa,” he added.
“Sa araw na ito, humahakbang tayo pasulong sa
pagkakamit ng pagbabago sa ating sistemang pang-edukasyon,” the President said.
(PCOO)
