Wednesday 29 August 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, August 27, 2012


Aquino leads National Heroes Day rites at Libingan ng mga Bayani

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the nation in commemorating the National Heroes Day in ceremonies held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday.

In keeping with this year’s theme: “Pilipinong Tapat, Magiting at Makabayan: Ikaw ang Bayani sa Tuwid na Daan,” the President paid homage to the known, un-sung and modern-day heroes by honoring their patriotism and valor, which he said, has been a shining example of selflessness and love for country worth emulating by all Filipinos.

“Taun-taon, nagbubuklod tayo upang gunitain ang kadakilaan ng mga bayaning Pilipino; hindi lamang ang mga ninuno nating napatayuan ng monumento, hindi lamang ang mga bidang nakalimbag sa aralin at libro; kundi maging ang mga indibidwal na wala mang pangalang nakaukit sa tanso, ay nakiambag upang makamit natin ang kalayaan, kapayapaan, at kaunlarang tinatamasa natin sa kasalukuyan,” the President said.

“Iniaalay din natin ang okasyong ito sa mga bayaning nabigo man sa laban ay nanindigan pa rin sa katuwiran, at binigyan tayo ng magandang halimbawa upang gawin ang tama. Dahil higit sa anumang bagay, sinusukat ang ating tagumpay hindi sa yaman, sa dami ng medalya o sa katanyagan, kundi sa ating prinsipyo, at sa halaga ng ating nagawa para maiangat ang ating kapwa,” he added.

The President pointed out though that not all heroes are those who bravely fought and died for our motherland in the historic battles and are now etched in history books but also those who have given their time selflessly in the name of service.

“Pero napatunayan din nating hinuhubog ang bayani hindi lang sa husay sa pakikidigma, pagharap sa bala o sa pagdidilig ng sariling dugo sa lupang sinilangan. Maipapamalas din ito sa pagsasantabi ng sariling interes, at sa paggawa ng tama nang walang hinahangad na kapalit o pagkilala,” the President said.

He noted that the Filipino citizenry have witnessed the heroism and valor of these modern-day heroes who were instrumental in helping our fellow Filipinos affected by the torrential rains brought about by typhoon Gener and the southwest monsoon recently.

“Nasaksihan natin ang ganitong kabayanihan sa marami nating kababayan–pulis, sundalo, kawani ng gobyerno, pati na karaniwang Pilipino–nang humagupit si Gener at ang Habagat na nagdulot ng malawakang baha sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Luzon,” the President said.

“Libu-libo ang rumesponde upang saklolohan ang sinalanta ng kalamidad. Hindi man alam ang pangalan o hindi man kaanu-ano ang tinulungan, isinugal nila ang buhay upang magmalasakit sa nangangailangan,” he stressed.

The President called on all Filipinos to emulate these modern-day heroes for the Filipino bayanihan spirit will continue for generations to come.

“Maliit man o malaki, sikat man o hindi, mayroon kang maiaambag—at sa ngalan ng bayan at kapwa, kailangan mong gawin ang iyong magagawa,” the President said.

“Ang mabuti mong halimbawa, manganganak pa ng mas maraming bayani; ang nag-iisa, dadami, upang tuluyan nating makamit ang ating mga hangarim,” he said.

Celebrated every last Monday of August as provided for by Republic Act No. 9492 and reinforced through Proclamation No. 295 signed by President Aquino in December 2011, National Heroes Day commemorates the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the fight for the country’s liberation from Spain by Filipino revolutionaries led by Gat. Andres Bonifacio 116 years ago. (rck)


Aquino confident new Chief Justice will renew Filipino people's trust and belief in the judicial system

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that the Filipino people’s trust and belief in the judicial system will be renewed and further strengthened with the appointment of new Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at the Supreme Court.

The Chief Executive expressed his thoughts in his speech keynoting the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday.

Sereno, the youngest and first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed by President Aquino on August 16 and took her oath of office before him last Saturday, August 25 in Malacañang.

“Umaasa akong titimbangin mo ang iyong hatol at pasya upang manumbalik ang kompiyansa ng taumbayan sa institusyong iyong pamumunuan,” the President said.

“Ang atas sa iyo ng taumbayan: pairalin ang patas na sistemang pangkatarungan; wala dapat itong kilingan, mayaman man o mahirap, karaniwang Pilipino man o nasa kapangyarihan,” he added.

The President assured Chief Justice Sereno of his administration as well as the people’s support in dispensing her job as chief magistrate of the highest court of the land.

“Sa ating bagong Punong Mahistrado--- Huwag kang mawalan ng loob sakaling dumagsa ang mga pagsubok na kailangan mong pasanin; makakaasa kang kasangga mo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” the President said. (rck)


 Aquino declares September 1 as special non-working day in Cotabato in celebration of it's 98th Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared September 1, which falls on a Saturday, as a special (non-working) day in the province of Cotabato in celebration of its 98th Foundation Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 449 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Aug. 9, to give the people of Cotabato the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

On September 1, 1914, Cotabato became a province by virtue of the Philippine Commission Act No. 2408. (js)


Aquino confers the Philippine Legion of Honor (posthumous) on the late DILG Secretary Robredo Tuesday

President Benigno S. Aquino III will confer on Tuesday the Philippine Legion of Honor with the Rank of Chief Commander (posthumous) on Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash off the coast of Masbate on August 18.

The Philippine Legion of Honor is considered the highest award the President can bestow on an individual without the need for approval of Congress.

Secretary Robredo is being conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor for his achievement as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and as Mayor of Naga City, according to Bulletin No. 11 released by the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial of the late DILG Secretary.

On Monday, the casket bearing the remains of the late Secretary Robredo was brought to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia from Naga City Hall. The funeral cortege went around Naga City en route to the Basilica where the Philippine National Police (PNP) rendered arrival honors.

The public viewing and vigil will continue until 5 p.m. when a Pontifical High Mass is officiated by His Excellency Leonardo Zamora Legazpi, O.P., Archbishop of Nueva Caceres. After the mass, the public viewing and vigil will resume, until 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 28.

After the Concelebrated Requiem Mass, the President will confer on Secretary Robredo the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of Chief Commander.

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad will read the citation during the conferment ceremonies. The insignia will be presented by President Aquino to Lawyer Leni Robredo, widow of the late Secretary.

"The President will deliver a eulogy for Secretary Robredo, after which the casket will be brought out of the Basilica by casket bearers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), accompanied by members of the Cabinet as designated honorary pallbearers of the family," the bulletin said.

After the conferment ceremonies, Secretary Robredo’s remains will be transported to the Funeraria Imperial for the state funeral.

The bulletin said the departure honors and a 19-gun salute will be rendered by the AFP while the national anthem is played at the Basilica.

"The casket will be loaded onto the hearse, after which the funeral cortege will proceed to the Funeraria Imperial. A PNP band and four platoons (from the PNP and the three service branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) will accompany the funeral cortege, preceding the hearse. Alongside the hearse will be the members of the Cabinet on foot serving as the Honorary Pallbearers," the bulletin said

"Following the hearse will be the President, Mrs. Robredo, and her children; followed by the late Secretary’s brother and sister; with other relatives, government officials, and other attendees.

The distance to be covered by the funeral cortege is 750 meters, with an estimated marching time of 40 minutes," the bulletin said.

At the crematorium, a three-volley salute will be rendered by the PNP. It will be followed by the playing of Taps rendered by the AFP.

Following the playing of Taps, the National Flag will be taken off the casket and folded by the PNP-AFP casket bearers, and handed over to the President. The President shall then present the folded National Flag to Lawyer Leni Robredo, marking the conclusion of the State Funeral. (js)