President Aquino declares October 4 as special
non-working day in Siquijor in celebration of its 'Dilaab Festival'
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
October 4, which falls on a Thursday, as a special (non-working) day in the
municipality of Siquijor, province of Siquijor, in celebration of the
"Dilaab Festival".
The Chief Executive issued the declaration
through Proclamation No. 471 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
on September 13 to give the people of Siquijor the full opportunity to
celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
"Dilaab" suggests the distinct
hospitality that the Siquijodnons are popularly known for.
"Dilaab Festival," which gives due
recognition to the natural assets of Siquijor, also honors the town’s patron
saint, St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his being a lover of nature.
PND (js)
President Aquino leads ceremonial switch-on of
the Sitio Electrification Program in Region 8
ISABEL, Leyte: President Benigno S. Aquino III
led the ceremonial switch-on of the Sitio Electrification Program in Region 8
on Wednesday highlighting the importance of energizing the remote areas in the
country to spur development.
“Batid natin ang kahalagahan ng kuryente sa
komunidad upang makausad at lalo pang umunlad. Kaya naman huwag natin itong
sayangin, huwag nating balewalain,” the President said following the project's
switch-on ceremony here.
“Sa programa nating ito, wala tayong ibang
hangad kundi ang handugan ng pagkakataon ang mas nangangailangan.”
The Department of Energy and the National
Electrification Administration worked together in carrying out the
electrification project in the country. Under the Sitio Electrification
Program, the government started energizing 2,395 sitios since October 2011
until July 2012, the President said.
The government hopes to bring power to 4,487
sitios before the year ends, he added.
In Region 8, the President reported that his
administration was able to connect 192 sitios to the grid. Another 184 sitios
will be added this October, he noted as he expressed his gratitude to the local
leaders of Leyte, the Leyte Electric Cooperative, including the local
communities for the success of the program.
The President, however, said that some sitios
can’t be energized in an instant, particularly those that are too far or too
small to be connected to the main grid.
“Gayumpaman, patuloy po nating gagawin ang lahat
ng ating makakaya sa tamang paraan upang tugunan ito. Hindi tayo
magdadalawang-isip na maghatid ng tulong, lalo pa’t positibo ang balik nito sa
mas nakakaraming Pilipino,” he said.
With more and more communities having
electricity, industries such as coconut water production could further develop,
the President said. He pointed out that tourism could also be promoted with
more barangays being connected to the main power lines.
Among those present during the ceremonial
switch-on were Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory
Domingo, Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona, Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez,
Governor Jericho Petilla, and Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda PND
(as/1:58pm)
President Aquino orders National Historical Commission
to lead the organization of program of activities in commemoration of 150th
birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on Nov. 30 next year
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the
chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to
spearhead the organization and implementation of the program of activities in
commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio on November 30
next year.
The Chief Executive issued the directive by
virtue of Administrative Order (AO) No. 27 signed by Executive Secretary
Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on August 2, 2012.
November 30, 2013 marks the 150th birth
anniversary of Andres Bonifacio, founder of Katipunan and leader of the
Philippine Revolution for Independence.
President Aquino directed the chair of the NHCP
to take the lead in the organization and implementation of the program of
activities, beginning with the countdown activities on November 30, 2012 until
November 30, 2013.
The NHCP shall convene an inter-agency task
force to plan, coordinate and implement effectively all programs, projects and
activities related to this milestone event, the President said in the AO.
The Chief Executive has enjoined all
departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, national government agencies (NGAs),
local government units (LGUs) and government-owned and -controlled corporations
(GOCCs) to give full support, assistance and cooperation to the chair of the
NHCP in the exercise of responsibilities under AO No. 27.
"The NHCP shall utilize the budget of P10-M
from the Fiscal Year 2013 NHCP budget allocated for the event," the AO
said.
The AO said participating NGAs, LGUs and GOCCs
are authorized to use part of their respective savings to defray the expenses
for the activities commemorating this milestone event.
The AO shall take effect immediately. PND (js)
President Aquino says government is developing
infrastructures in Leyte to boost agriculture and tourism
ISABEL, Leyte: The government has poured huge
investment to build major infrastructures of Leyte province to further develop
its tourism and agriculture sectors, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on
Wednesday.
In his speech following the ceremonial switch-on
of the Sitio Electrification Program in Region 8, the President acknowledged
Leyte’s potential in producing coconut water and its tourism sector.
To ensure the influx of more tourists in the
province, the government allotted P2.6 billion starting 2011 to 2012 to develop
the major infrastructures in the province, such as roads, bridges and airport,
the President said.
The President said that among the projects in
the pipe line include the Albuera-Burauen road project, the construction of the
Balagnon bridge, the rehabilitation of Tacloban and Maasin airport, the Chief
Executive reported, adding that the airport project could start this December.
He noted that his administration is confident in
releasing more allocation to Leyte knowing that its local leaders will spend
their budget more prudently for projects needed by the province.
Building more infrastructures in the province,
according to the President, will help Leyte develop its coconut water
production, he said.
“Mula Enero hanggang Hunyo ng taong ito, nasa 10
milyong litro na po ang nailuwas nating coconut water; mas mataas ng 101
porsyento sa kaparehong panahon noong 2011. Kaya naman kumpiyansa tayong lalago
pa ito sa susunod na mga buwan,” the President said, explaining the country’s
coconut water export.
On tourism, the President said, Leyte posted
365,000 arrivals last year, with the bulk of visitors going to Eastern Visayas.
He said that good food, the improved peace and order situation, beautiful
sceneries have boosted Leyte’s tourism figures.
Joining the President during the Leyte event
were Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo,
Sen. Teofisto "TG" Guingona III, Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy
Torres-Gomez, Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla,and Presidential spokesman Edwin
Lacierda. PND (as/2:27pm)
Aquino to mining investors: ‘We’ll not change
rules in the middle of the game’
Mining investors can expect implementation of
balance and fair rules in the sector, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on
Wednesday, assuring them that his administration will not change rules in the
middle of the game.
In his speech during the inauguration of the
processing and refining facility of the Philippine Associated Smelting and
Refining Corp. (PASAR) here, the President said industries, including mining,
can only prosper with a clear, rules-based system.
He said his administration crafted Executive
Order 79 to set rules that are balanced, fair, and beneficial to all
stakeholders.
“Rules where profit is possible for the
companies, for the government, and, most importantly, for the Filipino people,
all while allowing us to preserve our environment,” he said noting his
government created a policy acceptable to all stakeholders.
“At the end of the day, we assure you --- the
rules will be clear. Our administration will not drop our investors in the
middle of a maze of moving walls. Let me assure you that through the level
playing field we are instituting, success will come to anyone who pursues it
the tried-and-tested way --- with patience, integrity, hard work, and
innovation.”
Currently, the chief executive said his
administration is finalizing the Implementing Rules and Regulations for EO 79,
removing the ambiguities that made it difficult for mining investors to enter
mining.
But the President reminded mining investors that
the country’s minerals are properties of the Filipino people and they must
receive fair compensation from companies that profit from these resources, so
the government can fund projects that directly benefit them.
Aside from inaugurating PASAR’s smelting and
refining facility, the President also led Wednesday the ceremonial switch-on of
an electrification project here in Leyte.
He was joined by Trade Sec. Gregory Domingo,
Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz, Energy Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Sen. Teofisto
Guingona III, PASAR Chair Angel Veloso Jr., and PASAR President and CEO David
Halley, and Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla, Rep. Lucy
Torres-Gomez, and Mayor Saturnino Medina were also present. PND (as/4:07pm)
Aquino inaugurates Philippine Associated
Smelting and Refining Corp's newly- rehabilitated environmental facility
ISABEL, Leyte: President Benigno S. Aquino III
led Wednesday the inauguration of the Philippine Associated Smelting and
Refining Corp.’s (PASAR) newly-rehabilitated environmental facility jumpstarting
the company’s copper-smelting operations.
“PASAR is going about their business the right
way. You recognize that supporting your community, and receiving support from
your community, is the clearest path towards growth,” the President said in his
speech following the inauguration.
“You know that the rising tide of Philippine
socioeconomic resurgence must lift all boats. This is what we mean by inclusive
growth—only together can our nation move forward; only by not leaving anyone
behind can we unleash the full potential of our country,” he noted, adding that
he hopes to work with other companies like PASAR that share the
administration’s ideas, values, and aspirations.
The President also extended his gratitude to
PASAR for continuing its operations in the Philippines and trusting the talents
of its Filipino work force.
He also encouraged the company to consider
putting more investments in the Philippines.
During his trip to the United Kingdom, the
President said, he was informed that PASAR is considering expanding its
operations in the country, particularly its plan to pour in another $500 to 600
million.
PASAR’s planned expansion is a win-win situation
for all, the President continued, stressing that the expansion of its smelting
plant, the construction, as well as its operation could generate 3,000 jobs for
Filipinos.
The construction of PASAR’s 200-megawatt
clean-coal power plant, worth $300 million, which is targeted to be operational
by 2016, could also help the country’s energy sector particularly in Leyte, the
President said.
PASAR, which has been operating in the
Philippines since 1983, ceased its smelting operation early this year after its
mist electrostatic precipitators were destroyed by fire.
Most electrostatic precipitators are key
components of the plant’s anti-pollution control system and continuing
operations despite fire damage that may compromise environmental safety.
PASAR is the only copper smelter and refinery in
the country. Its principal shareholder is Glencore International Plc, a
Switzerland-based company.
Among the company’s major copper markets include
China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Southeast Asia. The company has an annual
copper concentrates processing capacity of 720,000 metric tons. Its refinery
plant, on the other hand, has a capacity to process 215,000 metric tons per
year of electrolytic copper cathodes.
Copper is used in applications ranging from
building constructions and industrial equipment to transportation, electronics
and other hi-tech products.
Also present during PASAR’s inauguration were
Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Labor and Employment Secretary
Rosalinda Baldoz, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Senator Teofisto
Guingona III, PASAR chair Angel Veloso Jr., and PASAR president and CEO David
Halley, and Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Rep. Lucy
Torres-Gomez, and Mayor Saturnino Medina also attended the event. PND
(as/3:12pm)
Aquino underscores role of structural engineers
in securing a better future for the people
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the
contributions of structural engineers in helping the government to secure the foundations
of a better future for all Filipinos.
"Infrastructure development is among our
primary strategies in government, as we work towards our goal of securing
equitable progress," the Chief Executive said in his message to the
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) on the occasion
of its 51st Anniversary on Wednesday.
Established in 1961, ASEP has been a partner of
the government in its commitment to the protection of life and property by
promoting responsible structural engineering through various undertakings, such
as effective programs for disaster risk reduction and management and continuing
professional development.
"Your sector counts among our most
important allies, ensuring that our buildings adhere to safety standards and
meet the demands of usability and functionality," President Aquino said.
"With you overseeing the various aspects of
the construction process, our people will feel safe and secure, confident in
accomplishing their respective roles in national development. We look forward
to the many initiatives of your sector, wielding your talents as you contribute
to our communal task of nation-building," he said. PND (js)
President Aquino says Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program coverage in Bohol at 99.66 percent
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol: President Benigno S.
Aquino III said on Wednesday that his administration’s pro-poor program the
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has been so successful in its
implementation here that it now provides conditional cash grants to 99.66
percent of all families who have availed of the program.
In his speech at the awarding of the province of
Bohol’s outstanding barangay officials, the President said that 46,202 out of
46,357 families have availed of the 4Ps and are now enjoying its benefits and
are slowly rising from the mire of poverty and despair to stand on their own.
“Sa bagong kabanatang ito ng ating kasaysayan,
walang maiiwan: patuloy ang pagkalinga natin sa kanila, sa pamamagitan ng
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. May 46,202 na pamilyang benepisyaryo ang
natulungan natin mula sa Bohol, mula sa target nating 46,357,” the President
said.
“Ibig pong sabihin, 99.66 na porsyento na ang
naaabot ng ating Conditional Cash Transfer: 46,202 na pamilya ang naisalba mula
sa kumunoy ng kahirapan,” he added.
The 4Ps is a human development program of the
national government that invests in the health and education of poor
households, particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.
Patterned after the conditional cash transfer
scheme implemented in other developing countries, the Pantawid Pamilya provides
cash grants to beneficiaries provided that they may comply with the set of
conditions required by the program. PND (rck)
President Aquino leads awarding ceremonies for
outstanding barangay officials of Bohol
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – President Benigno S.
Aquino III led awarding ceremonies for the outstanding barangay officials and
Lupong Tagapamayapa (peace committee) of the province of Bohol in ceremonies
held at the Bohol Wisdom School here on Wednesday.
The awarding was held in connection with the
province’s commemoration of its 1st Barangay Day, an event aimed at honoring,
appreciating and recognizing the invaluable contributions of local servants to
nation building within their respective barangays.
This year’s awards had six categories, namely,
Punong Barangay, Barangay Kagawad, Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer,
Sanggunihang Kabataan Chairman and Outstanding Lupong Tagapamayapa (Committee
on Peace and Order).
For Punong Barangay, the winners are: Amado
Samijon (Baragay Bentig, Calape) and Alan Mangmang (Bgy. Sangcilan, Dauis);
Barangay Kagawad: Leonor Samijon (Bgy. Bentig, Calape) and Nicolas Gamao (Bgy.
Proper, Balilihan); Barangay Secretary: Marie Mirason (Bgy. Lajog, Clarin) and
Ignacia Baquial (Bgy. Bentig, Calape);
Barangay Treasurer: Marithel Patac (Bgy. Boctol,
Balilihan) and Esmeralda Halawig; SK Chairman: Charlene Maliza (Bgy. Zamora,
Bilar) and Mark Jason Rosales (Bgy. Bentig, Calape); and Lupong Tagapamayapa:
Bgy. Sto. Nino, Talibon, Bohol and Bgy. Songculan, Dauis, Bohol.
In his speech, the President lauded this year’s
winners saying they represented the best a Filipino public servant can be.
“Ngayong araw ng barangay, kinikilala natin ang
pinaka-matatayog na halimbawa ng Boholanong nakikiambag sa pag-angat ng ating
bansa. Sila ang mga nanunungkulan nang may sipag at integridad para sa
kapakanan ng kanilang nasasakupan--- ang ating Outstanding Barangay Officials
of the Year at ang mga huwarang Lupong Tagapamayapa,” the President said.
“Sa araw-araw, kayo ang pangunahing
tagapag-ingat ng tiwala ng ating mga mamamayan; kayo ang direktang tumutugon sa
kanilang mga hinaing at pangangailangan. Mula sa pagpapatupad sa mga proyekto
ng lokal na pamahalaan, hanggang sa paghahatid ng mga pangunahing serbisyo sa
publiko, maging ang pag-areglo sa mga alitan sa inyong komunidad, kayo ang
sumasalo. At bawat araw, humaharap din kayo sa isang sangandaan: ang piliing
magbulag-bulagan para sa sariling interes, o ang makiambag para sa tama at
matuwid na pagseserbisyo sa bansa,” he added.
He expressed his heartfelt thanks for their good
deeds and vowed to throw all out government support for the successful
completion of their tasks which he hoped would inspire others to emulate.
“Sa ngalan ng bawat Pilipinong inyong
kinalinga’t tinulungan, taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa ating mahuhusay na
barangay officials at Lupong Tagapamayapa. Hindi po kailanman sasapat ang
parangal o ang pabuyang iginawad sa inyo ngayon, para tapatan ang ibinuhos
ninyong sipag at dedikasyon sa inyong trabaho,” the President said.
“Makakaasa kayong patuloy na maghahanap ng
paraan ang administrasyong ito upang kilalanin at suklian ang inyong
pagsusumikap, at nang lalo pang maitindig ang dangal ng mga naglilingkod sa
gobyerno,” he added. PND (rck)
President Aquino says infrastructure projects to
boost tourism in Bohol
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol - President Benigno S.
Aquino III said on Wednesday that a slew of infrastructure projects including the
construction of a new world-class airport will boost the province of Bohol’s
attractiveness as one of the world’s top tourist destinations.
He said the P7.4-billion New Bohol Airport that
will be put up in Panglao had already been approved by the National Economic
Development Authority (NEDA) Board last September 4.
With this development, the President said he
hopes the airport, which will begin construction in November next year, will be
completed by the end of his term in 2016 and will hasten the province’s rise as
a premiere tourist attraction.
“Alam nating turismo ang isa sa mga pangunahin
ninyong industriya. Sino ba naman ang hindi makakakilala sa Chocolate Hills at
tarsiers ng Bohol? Kaya dagdagan pa natin ang magandang balita: inaprubahan na
noong ika-4 ng Setyembre ng NEDA Board ang New Bohol Airport na itatayo sa
Panglao,” the President said.
“Ang inilaan po natin para sa proyektong ito ay
7.4 billion pesos. Inaasahan nating magsisimula ang paunang konstruksyon sa
Nobyembre ng susunod na taon. At bago matapos ang aking termino sa 2016,
mayroon na kayong bago at modernong paliparan,” he added.
The President pointed out that several
infrastructure projects: the Antequera–San Isidro–Libertad Road and the
P138-million Sagbayan–Danao National Road, all located in the province, will
ease the travel of goods and ensure the safety of the people in and around the
province thereby spurring further economic growth.
“Oras na makumpleto ang mga proyektong ito,
magiging ligtas ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga kababayan, at bibilis ang pagluwas
ng kalakal sa inyong lugar. Ang dating nangangarap lamang makaalis sa laylayan
ng lipunan, ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataong umangat sa buhay, sa pamamagitan ng
napipintong pagsigla ng ekonomiya sa kanilang mga komunidad,” the President
said. PND (rck)
