Aquino declares the month of May of every year
as electrical safety month
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the
month of May of every year as Electrical Safety Month to increase public
awareness on electrical safety and educate the people on the safe use of
electrical appliances and gadgets.
The Chief Executive issued the declaration in
Proclamation No. 193 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. on
June 27, to “amplify and reinforce the consciousness of the public on
electrical safety.”
The President said that many lives and
properties are lost due to fires and electrocution.
“The main reason for the occurrence of fires and
electrocution from electrical causes is not faulty wiring but ignorance in the
use of electrical appliances and gadgets such as overloading of electrical
outlets and the use of counterfeit electrical products such as circuit
breakers, power strips, extension cords, batteries and holiday lights that can
cause fires, explosions, shocks, and electrocutions,” he said.
He pointed out that the economic losses brought
about by fires contribute to reduced productivity and therefore affect the
country’s economy.
He further said that the Bureau of Product
Standards (BPS) which is under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
serves as the National Standards Body of the Philippines, with the mandate to
develop, promulgate, implement and coordinate standardization activities
regarding electrical products.
According to the President, the Institute of
Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines, Inc. (IIEE) has entered
into an agreement with the Singapore-based International Copper
Association-Southeast Asia (ICA-SEA), a non-profit organization, to conduct
electrical safety awareness campaign in the country.
“The agreement also aims to provide the
opportunity to share best practices and help establish good standard in
electrical system in the Philippines,” he added.
The President, likewise, directed the IIEE and
BPS to conduct programs and activities on electrical safety throughout the year
subject to the approval of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council (NDRRMC). (PCOO)
Aquino says government focused on projects that
save lives, livelihood and uplift standard of living of Filipinos
BATO, Catanduanes: President Benigno S. Aquino
III said that the government is firm and focused in creating more projects that
will not only save lives and livelihood but also uplift the standards of living
of the Filipino people.
In his speech during the inauguration Wednesday
of the Solong and Hitoma 1 Hydroelectric Power Plants and the Philippine
Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) new
radar tower station in Barangay Buenavista, here, the President said that the
government is tirelessly exerting efforts to improve the disaster response
capabilities of concerned government agencies to protect the lives of the
people.
“Our country is hit by at least 20 to 24 storms
each and every year, the Bicol region alone has been hit by 38 storms in the
past 31 years, that’s nearly twice a year and these days natural calamities are
only becoming frequent and more severe… the five most damaging typhoons in our
country have long hit us within the last five years causing billions of pesos
in damages,” the President stressed.
“This is precisely why we have been working
tirelessly to improve our disaster response capabilities so that we will and
can minimize all of these damages. Our people’s lives and livelihoods are at
stake here and it is the government’s responsibility to do everything in its
power to be ready for these natural disasters. We must continue focusing more
of our resources into creating a system that will better warn us and our people
about possible typhoons,” the President said. The President assured the people
that his administration is readier than ever to respond to these threats and to
help our people recover if not avoid potential damages.
Apart from improving the government’s weather
forecasting and management capabilities, the Chief Executive also cited the
country’s abundant resources that could be used in providing renewable sources
of energy.
”While this Doppler radar enhances our ability
to deal with nature’s fury, we are also here to take advantage of nature’s
bounty by clicking on the Solong and Hitoma 1 mini-hydro power plants, we are
harnessing the power of nature. We will be using the river currents that go
through this island to provide power to the people of Catanduanes,” he said.
“What we are doing here today is not just
protecting our people from the wrath of nature… it is about taking advantage of
nature to move the country upwards. These projects are clear signs that your
government is doing everything it can to make sure that this new era of
optimism, growth and confidence will not leave anyone behind,” he said.
The President added that these efforts will
eventually lead to better days and brighter future for the people.
“By harnessing the nurturing power of nature and
by dealing with nature’s fury, we can be sure that better days await the people
of Catanduanes. We are allowing them once again to be very optimistic about
their futures… the renewed optimism is here, not just in Catanduanes, not just
within the country but around the world,” he noted.
Also present during the event were Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo, Energy Secretary Jose
Rene Almendras, PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando, Catanduanes Governor
Joseph “Boboy” Cua and Catanduanes Representative Cesar Sarmiento, among
others. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to achieve country’s economic
progress to ensure benefits for Filipinos
BATO, Catanduanes: President Benigno S. Aquino
III said that the government will continue its efforts to achieve more economic
progress and address corruption that will result to significant improvement in
the lives of the Filipino citizenry.
In his speech during the inauguration of the
Solong and Hitoma 1 Hydroelectric Power Plants and the Philippine Atmospheric
Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) new radar tower
station in Barangay Buenavista, here, Wednesday, President Aquino cited the
considerable increase of confidence the country has earned globally resulting
from the government’s incessant desire to effect inclusive growth and
development for all.
“Many people the world over believe that our
country is finally on the path towards fulfilling its potential and we fully
intend to match their expectations… not just by focusing on the economy but by
making sure that the benefits of economic growth reaches all the Filipinos,”
the President said.
“Our efforts to restore the true spirit of
public service has sealed and resulted financial rewards that have made these
worthwhile projects possible… it is this determination and sincerity to address
corruption that has gained renown internationally and that will translate into
significant improvements in the lives of our people,” he added.
He also urged the Filipinos to preserve the
spirit of Bayanihan (cooperation) and support the government in its initiatives
towards the straight and righteous path to progress.
“Rest assured, we will not stop here… with a
government revitalized by the spirit of true public service, with the people
that are once again ready to fight for their future we can and we will do even
more to make sure that indeed no one is left behind on the straight path to
progress. In the true spirit of Bayanihan, the Filipino people will progress
together,” he said.
Among those in attendance to witness the event
were some members of the Cabinet and local officials that include Science and
Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras,
PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando, Catanduanes Governor Joseph “Boboy”
Cua and Catanduanes Representative Cesar Sarmiento, among others. (PCOO)
.
Aquino hopes to export high-grade rice next
year; bares allotment to improve agriculture harvest
BATO, Catanduanes: President Benigno S. Aquino
III expressed confidence that the country will be exporting high-grade variety
of rice by next year as he bared the millions of pesos worth of government
allotment to further improve the agricultural yield of farmers, here.
In an ambush interview following the
inauguration of the Solong and Hitoma 1 Hydroelectric Power Plants and the
Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration’s
(PAGASA) New Radar Tower Station in Barangay Buenavista, here, on Wednesday,
President Aquino said that a better irrigation system and the government’s
certified seed program are some of the important components to further improve
the country’s agricultural harvest.
The Chief Executive said that the Department of
Agriculture (DA) has already allotted 52 million pesos for the developmental
agriculture programs of the Province of Catanduanes’.
“Dito ho sa Catanduanes mismo, mayroong
allotment po ang Department of Agriculture for 2012 na P52-million for
agriculture, fishery, infrastructure, and livelihood projects and farm
equipment and inputs para makadagdag sa agrikultura po ninyo,” President Aquino
noted.
The funds, the President said, will be broken
down and spent into several tranches to ensure that various agricultural needs
will be addressed.
“Of that total amount, 30-million of P52-million
will be used to complete the communal irrigation system in Bañaga, Bato. 91
hectares, 185 farm families. Pinapa-fast track po ni Secretary Alcala ang
initial P15-million of that P30-million]to be spent this year and the balance
to be spent by next year,” he said.
The President also said that apart from this,
the National Irrigation Authority has also allotted P42,803,000 for the
rehabilitation of irrigation systems in 15 municipalities in the area.
The certified palay seed production program is
part of DA's Agri-Pinoy Rice program, which covers trainings and updating of
seed growers on palay seed production technologies with emphasis on palay
morphology, cultural management practices, postharvest technologies, economics
and sustainability of palay seed production. (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes Washington-based
organization’s report ranking Philippines highest in press freedom Southeast
Asia
Malacanang welcomed the report released by the
Washington-based advocacy organization Freedom House ranking the Philippines
the highest in press freedom among its neighbors in Southeast Asia in 2012.
"The improved rankings of the Philippines
represents a recognition of the Philippine government’s initiatives to
strengthen press freedom," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said
in a statement read by Presidential Communications Development and Strategic
Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang during the regular press briefing in
Malacanang on Wednesday.
Among its neighbors in Southeast Asia, the
Philippines ranked highest in press freedom with a rating of 42, representing a
four-point increase from last year’s rating of 46, according to the
organization in its Freedom of the Press Report 2012.
The Freedom House cited the reduction in
violence against journalists, attempts by government to address impunity, and
expanded diversity of media ownership as the reasons for our country’s gains.
The Washington-based advocacy organization also
reported that the global ranking of the Philippines improved by five
notches—from 93rd in 2011 to 88th this year.
"The Philippines has been highlighted as
one of “several key countries” where positive changes in Press Freedom have
been seen," the report said.
The Freedom House said the ratings are based on
assessments of the legal, political, and economic environments for media in
each country, with a scale representing 0 as “most free” to 100 as “least
free.”
"With a country rating of 42, we
acknowledge that more needs to be done to further improve the country’s rating
which is still considered “partly free,” Lacierda said.
The Freedom House conducts research and advocacy
on democracy, political freedom and human rights. It supports democratic
change, monitors freedom, and advocates for democracy and human rights around
the world. It also supports nonviolent civic initiatives in societies where
freedom is denied or under threat and stands in opposition to ideas and forces
that challenge the right of all people to be free. (PCOO)
Palace welcomes latest peace efforts in
restarting talks with leftist rebels
The Aquino government welcomed the recent
development in reviving the peace discussions with communist rebels, clarifying
however that the government proposal is aimed at starting a forum and not
forging an alliance with the leftist group.
Recently, government chief negotiator Alex
Padilla said that the Aquino administration is open to an alliance with the
Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF)
stressing that the alliance is not tantamount to a coalition or a power sharing
scheme.
“Ang ginagawa ng peace panel ay isang mekanismo
para yung mga concerns ng kaliwa, para mailabas at mapag-usapan. So it is more
of a forum where their concerns and their proposed solutions to issues can be
discussed and vetted and aired,” Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential
Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said in a
press conference on Wednesday.
“We believe this is a positive step in the sense
that---it shows the Philippine government is willing to listen to their
perspective, to their concerns to the extent that it helps create goodwill for
the peace process, we welcome this development,” he added.
Peace discussions between the government and the
rebels were suspended in November, when the Philippine government rejected
demands to free several guerrilla members being held in government prisons. (PCOO)
Palace expects benefits from hosting Asian
Development Bank’s 45th annual meeting
Malacanang expressed confidence that the 45th
annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors in the
Philippines will portray the positive image of the country to the world that
could result to more improved local economic environment.
In a press conference in Malacanang on
Wednesday, Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications
Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said they will take
advantage of the Manila gathering for the benefit of the country.
Most of the people coming for the meeting are
government officials, he said, noting there is a sizable international business
contingent who could informally interact with their Filipino counterparts.
“Number one, as Manila being the venue, we get
to highlight the gains that we have seen in this country over the last two
years. Number two, there will be chances for interaction between policy makers
in different parts of the world,” Carandang said. “There will also be chances
for our business community to interact with their counterparts from different
parts of Asia,” he added.
Carandang added that the government is hoping
that all of this will lead to a more positive image of the Philippines overseas
and hopefully also, more business deals that will help our economy move forward
and create more jobs.
Observing the global developments today,
Carandang said there are demands all over from Europe to Africa, to North
America for discussions about inclusive growth making the ADB meeting very
significant.
“So we hope also that the fact that it is being
hosted by the Philippines after several decades is a recognition of where the
Philippines has gone over the last two years in terms of trying to get the
economy started, renewing democratic values and basically getting the country
on a positive footing,” he said.
Over 4,000 delegates consisting of ministers and
senior government officials, business leaders, finance experts, and civil
society representatives gather at the Philippine International Convention Center
on Wednesday for the 45th annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors.
The Philippines had hosted this yearly meeting,
including the first one in 1968. The ADB meeting was last held in the country
in June 2003. (PCOO)
Aquino inaugurates Doppler radar station,
hydro-power plants in Catanduanes
BATO, Catanduanes: President Benigno S. Aquino
III inaugurated Wednesday the Solong and Hitoma 1 Hydroelectric Power Plants
and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s
(Pagasa) new radar tower station here.
Upon his arrival, the President unveiled the
marker of the new radar station and had a briefing on the two projects put up
in the province.
“By harnessing the nurturing power of nature and
by dealing with nature’s fury, we can be sure that better days await the people
of Catanduanes,” the President said in his message following the inauguration
rites.
“We are allowing them once again to be very
optimistic about their futures… the renewed optimism is here, not just in
Catanduanes, not just within the country but around the world,” he said.
The Solong and Hitoma 1 mini-hydro plants are
the first ever to be developed by a private entity—Sunwest Water and
Electricity Inc. in the small island grids covered by the special power
utilities groups (SPUG) of the National Power Corp.
If developed further for additional hydropower
capacity, Catanduanes will be the first island grid in the country to source
most of its power needs from a renewable source.
The hydro-electric plants use run-of-river
method that doesn’t cause any inundation that affects nearby communities. The
system only requires diversion of weir.
Once operational, the Solong and Hitoma 1 plants
will relieve consumers outside Catanduanes of at least P100 million in
subsidies for bunker and diesel-based power generation.
Meanwhile, the Virac (Bato) radar station, the
first of three Doppler radar stations being put up in Luzon using Japanese
technology, aims to effectively mitigate the devastation caused by tropical
cyclones and other severe weather phenomena.
It will also enhance the capability of
PAGASA-DOST to monitor tropical cyclones, especially those coming from the
Pacific Ocean, thereby protecting lives and properties.
The new radar system will also enable PAGASA to
conduct more extensive monitoring of severe weather conditions and its
associated hazards such as intense rainfall, destructive winds and transmit
information real-time for a more efficient processing and analysis.
Heavy rainfall, which triggers flooding and
landslides, could easily be detected by PAGASA using the new weather tool. (PCOO)
