President Aquino urges Ilongos to vote for
candidates who could help him achieve government reforms
DUMANGAS, ILOILO) President Benigno S. Aquino
III called on the residents of Iloilo to vote for candidates who can help his
program of eliminating corruption, reforming the bureacracy and sustaining the
country’s economic growth.
In his speech during a meeting with local
leaders and the community held at the Narciso Monfort Gymnasium, here on
Thursday, the Chief Executive underscored the need for national and local
leaders in ensuring that the reforms he started would continue.
"Bilang ating mga Boss, nasa mamamayan ang
kapangyarihang italaga sa puwesto ang mga karapat-dapat na pinuno, upang
pabilisin pa ang tinatamasa nating reporma," the President said.
Anchored on the principle of "Tuwid na
Daan," the President noted that his government was able to put in place
policies and programs that are geared towards inclusive growth.
"Hunyo nung nakaraang taon, nang nagtungo
tayo dito sa Iloilo para dumalo sa kauna-unahang International River Summit sa
ating bansa kung saan tinalakay ang tungkulin natin sa pag-aaruga ng mga ilog
at ang paglinang nito upang tugunan ang ating mga pangangailangan," he
said.
"Kanina (Thursday) naman po, galing tayo sa
kapitolyo para sa groundbreaking ng Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP)
II – ang pinakamalaking dam sa labas ng Luzon, na magsu-supply ng taunang
patubig sa tatlumpu’t isang libong ektaryang lupaing agricultural," he
said.
The President said that the project is designed
to help boost the country's agriculture and energy sectors.
He also said major reforms have been carried out
in education, public works, healthcare, electrification, among others.
"Ongoing na po ang pagpapagawa natin ng
Iloilo Circumferential Road. Pagdating ng Disyembre 2014, makakahinga na mula
sa siksikan ng mga sasakyan ang mga motoristang manggagaling sa Leganes,
hanggang sa Villa Arevalo, kung saan po ang dating apatnapu’t limang minuto na
biyahe ay lalakbayin na lang ng labinlimang minuto," he noted.
"Kakabit ng circumferential road na ito,
patapos na rin po ang Metro Iloilo Radial Road, na magsisimula sa Barangay
Tacas, Jaro hanggang sa Barangay Inagdangan, Zarraga. Ngayong Pebrero, tiyak na
luluwag at mas magiging maaliwalas na ang daloy ng trapiko sa kahabaan ng
Iloilo-Roxas Road," he said.
With the help of the people and the private
sector, the President expressed optimism that the government would be able to
sustain the country's growth momentum. PND (js)
President Aquino vows to close classroom
shortage by end of 2013
PAVIA, ILOILO) President Benigno S. Aquino III
assured that the government is fast-tracking the construction of school
classrooms to ensure that there would be no classroom shortage by the end of
2013.
In his speech during a meeting with local
leaders and the community held at the Pavia Plaza, Poblacion, here, on
Thursday, the Chief Executive said that the institutionalization of educational
reforms remain his administration’s top priority in order to improve the
country's educational system.
"Dati po may 66,800 na kakulangan sa
silid-aralan. Ngayon, may sapat na po tayong mesa, upuan, aklat para sa ating
mga estudyante. At bago po matapos ang taong ito tapos na rin ang classroom
shortage ng bansa," the President said.
He said the government would continue to
implement programs such as the improvement of public schools' infrastructure,
equipment, facilities, among others.
The President noted that the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) launched several initiatives with the
aim of providing more jobs and employment opportunities for the TESDA
graduates.
"Ngayon po ay may halos 481,000 na
indibidwal ang pinapanday ng training-for-work scholarship program," he
said.
He said that the government remains committed to
strengthen the country's fiscal position, intensify investments in
infrastructure and enhance the business, agriculture and tourism sectors.
The President thanked the people of Iloilo who
affirm his administration’s commitment to tread the straight and righteous path
in transforming the Philippines into a progressive nation.
"Kayong mga Ilonggong nagtiwala sa tuwid na
daan ang isa sa mga nauna sa pagpunta natin sa tuwid na daan," he said.
The President, likewise, reiterated his
administration's commitment to strengthen its efforts in ensuring that the
benefits of the country's growth are both equitable and inclusive. PND (js)
Coloma to speak at opening of World Summit on
Information Society Review in Paris on February 25
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. will speak before the opening of the World Summit
on the Information Society (WSIS) Review on February 25 in Paris where
representatives from the United Nation member countries are expected to
formalize the adoption of media and information literacy as a single and
unified concept.
Coloma will join ministers from other UN member
countries in the three-day event to be held at the headquarters of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris.
The global event would open on Feb. 25 and would end on Feb. 27.
“It is timely that this global event coincides
with our own celebration of the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power
Revolution,” Coloma said.
He pointed out that one of the significant gains
from the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986 was the restoration of the
freedom of the press in the country. “The Philippines has the most robust and
expansive environment for the exercise of press freedom in the entire Asian
region,” he said.
Coloma noted that the UNESCO’s concept of
knowledge societies is consistent with the information policy enunciated by then
President Corazon C. Aquino. “She believed that a well-informed citizenry will
be able to make sound decisions that will empower and enable them to
participate in shaping a better future for themselves, their families and
communities, and their country,” Coloma said.
He will also preside over a plenary forum on
media and information literacy and multi-lingualism on February 27. This event
is under the auspices of UNESCO’s Information for All (IFAP) programme in which
the Philippines is currently serving a two-year term as Vice Chairman of its
governing bureau.
Coloma will join the meeting of the IFAP bureau
on February 28 to present a progress report on initiatives and programs taken
to promote media information and literacy.
A key initiative is to formalize the adoption of
media and information literacy as a single and unified concept, a departure
from the previous stance to consider the two concepts separately, Coloma said.
“With the emergence of social media as the
fastest-growing and most widely used channels for information dissemination, it
is essential to promote a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the
dynamics and behavior of media institutions and personalities,” Coloma said.
Ten years ago, the UNESCO launched the concept
of “knowledge societies” with the purpose of enabling the people to develop
“capabilities in acquiring information that empowers them to enhance their
livelihood and contribute to the development” of their countries. PND (js)
ES Ochoa asks gov’t employees to participate in
EDSA anniversary celebrations
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. has
asked government personnel to actively take part in a series of activities
lined up for the 27th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution next
week.
In Memorandum Circular No. 44, Ochoa encouraged
state employees to extend their full support to the initiatives and programs
for the annual celebration scheduled on February 25.
“I urge my fellow civil servants, including those
in government-owned and -controlled corporations as well as local government
units, to engage in the activities prepared to commemorate the 27th EDSA People
Power anniversary,” said Ochoa, who chairs the EDSA People Power Commission
(EPPC).
“Through these events, we will be able to recall
the unity displayed by our country and rekindle the virtues that our people
showed during that period of bloodless revolution at EDSA,” the Executive
Secretary added.
Among the activities being planned under the
memorandum are the Salubungan of the military and civilians to highlight how
both can work together to achieve a common goal, opening up of military camps
and police offices to the public to celebrate their role in the success of the
People Power Revolution, and People Power parades in various localities to
showcase the festivity of the occasion.
Ochoa also urged local government units to hold
their own activities to commemorate the spirit of the EDSA revolution and
support project-oriented celebrations spearheaded by the EPPC provincial
councils.
The memorandum, signed on February 19, 2013,
takes effect immediately.
“The EDSA event demonstrates how we care and
share as a people, as it likewise proves that Filipinos are capable of great
courage in moments of overwhelming adversity,” Ochoa said.
Executive Order No. 17 issued in 2010 mandates
the EPPC to initiate activities and programs to promote awareness of the
principles and values that the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution represents, as
well as coordinate the national celebration of the event.
Palace calls on Filipinos to participate in 27th
anniversary of EDSA People Power
MALACANANG has called on the public to go out
and participate in the country’s celebration of the 27th anniversary of the
EDSA People Power Revolution this year.
In line with the annual commemoration of the
historic bloodless revolution, the EDSA People Power Commission has prepared
several activities from February 23 to 25 including the simultaneous
re-enactment of “Salubungan” and a fun run along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue
(EDSA) on February 24.
President Benigno Aquino III is scheduled to
lead the celebration on Monday by gracing the flag-raising ceremony at the
People Power Monument on EDSA in Quezon City.
He is also expected to sign the Human Rights
Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013, which is the state’s official
recognition of the atrocities committed by the Marcos administration against
its own people.
The “Salubungan," which is the dramatic
turning point of the 1986 People Power Revolution where nuns, priests and
ordinary civilians stopped military tanks and convinced soldiers to put a halt
to the Marcos dictatorial regime, will be held simultaneously in Manila, Virac,
Dumaguete and Zamboanga on February 25.
In the afternoon of February 25, Malacanang will
open its doors to children from various orphanages to the Kalayaan grounds from
1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The program includes storytelling activities that impart
Filipino values.
Meanwhile, the fun run will be facilitated by
the EDSA Commission in cooperation with the Association of Philippine Medical
Colleges Student Network-NCR on February 24. Thirteen medical schools are
expected to participate in the race which aims to promote responsibility, patriotism
and good governance.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos will also
participate in the celebration as he will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in
Taguig City on February 23 (Saturday).
Businessmen, government officials, religious
representatives and volunteers are expected to join the simultaneous
celebrations of this year’s EDSA celebration which has for its theme “Pilipinas
Natin, Abot-tanaw na!”
“Approaching the midpoint of the Aquino
administration, EDSA 27 will be an opportune time for all Filipinos to gather
together as an expression of unity and support behind the unprecedented
political, legislative and economic gains of President Benigno S. Aquino III,”
the EDSA commission said in a statement.
The Presidential Communications Development and
Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) also has its share in the commemoration of
the EDSA People Power Revolution as it will feature various memories of the
historical event.
“To commemorate the 27th Anniversary of the 1986
EDSA People Power Revolution, the Presidential Communications Development and
Strategic Planning Office pays tribute to the thousands of Filipinos who showed
unity and courage in freeing themselves from the shackles of a dictatorial
government,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
She said the PCDSPO will feature the “other
EDSAs” such as the main roads of Baguio, Iloilo, and Davao – “which contributed
in their own way to overthrow an oppressive regime and restore democracy.”
“To support this, and through an exclusive
partnership with renowned Filipino filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, we are making
available online a portion of his film, "Why is Yellow the Middle of the
Rainbow?" featuring the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, and
simultaneous uprisings in key landmarks of Baguio City,” Valte said.
“In continuation of its project “The Present
Past,” PCDSPO has superimposed the iconic map used by President Ferdinand E.
Marcos and General Fabian Ver to plan out their attack on Camp Crame and Camp
Aguinaldo onto a current aerial photograph of the area. This map was drawn on a
blackboard and remains on display in the Presidential Museum and Library,” she
added.
Liner notes on the music of the People Power
Revolution will also be published in the website of the PCDSPO outlining
several tunes embodying the spirit of the times.
PCDSPO will also be tweeting the events of the
1986 EDSA People Power Revolution as they happened, based on the compiled
timeline of Angela Stuart Santiago, said Valte.
She asked the public to follow the hashtag:
#EDSA27.
“We enjoin the public to be one with us in
remembering and reliving those four days of the revolution that shaped our
nation,” she said. PND (jb)
President Aquino attends 40th anniversary of
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, Rizal
CAINTA, Rizal: President Benigno S. Aquino III
attended Friday the 40th anniversary of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. vowing to
support the organization dedicated to assist Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
In his message during the event, the President
said the inauguration of new facilities built with the assistance of foreign
donors will open the door for PWDs to contribute to society.
“Ito na nga po siguro ang pinakamagandang
pagkakataon upang ihayag natin ang pagkilala sa organisasyong ito—mula sa ilaw
ng Tahanang Walang Hagdanan na si Sister Valeriana Baerts, sa inyong mga
mapagmalasakit na kawani’t kasapi, noon, hanggang sa kasalukuyan, at sa mga
volunteers na walang-sawang nakiisa sa inyong adbokasiya: maraming marami pong
salamat salamat sa inyong lahat,” the President said.
“Makakaasa naman po kayong patuloy na
magsusumikap ang pamahalaan upang higit pang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng sektor
ng PWDs, at masuportahan ang mahigit-kumulang isa’t kalahating milyong
Pilipinong may kapansanan sa buong bansa,” he added.
One of the supports being extended by the
government to PWDs include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Of the 3.8
million household beneficiaries covered by the program this January, more than
193,800 households have a member belonging to the PWDs sector, the chief
executive said.
There are vocational rehabilitation centers
training PWDs in different parts of the country, he said. Two centers are located
in the National Capital Region (NCR) one center each for Regions 1, 7, and 9.
The President reported that in 2012, around 741
PWDs received assistance from the government. In Region 9 alone, with the help
of local governments, the government was able to employ PWDs who graduated from
different training centers.
Like normal individuals, the President said PWDs
are part of the entire society that contribute to the nation’s overall
development and progress.
The awarding of PWD achievers was one of the
highlights of Friday’s event witnessed by the President. The awardees include
Adeline Dumapong (Kiangan, Ifugao), Rex Bernardo (Daet, Camarines Norte),
Domingo Literal (Pilar, Sorsogon), Dr. Enrique Ampo (Cagayan de Oro City), and
Edward delos Santos (La Trinidad, Benguet). Engr. Felix Gonzales Sr. of
Malolos, Bulacan also received an award posthumously.
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc., a non-profit and
non-government organization, was founded by Sister Valeriana Baerts, a Belgian
missionary assigned as a volunteer nurse in the Philippines. Tahanang Walang
Hagdanan was realized on February 21, 1973.
Located in Cainta, Rizal, the center was
organized to uplift the living conditions of the orthopedically handicapped
persons. The Tahanang Walang Hagdanan is a rehabilitation and skills training
location with sheltered workshops that help PWDs coming from different parts of
the country. PND (as)
President Aquino welcomes visiting Timor-Leste
Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guterres in Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed
Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Jose Luis Guterres as part of the continuing
efforts to boost the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and the
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Malacanang Palace on Friday.
Guterres paid a courtesy call on the Chief
Executive at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace. He was accompanied by
Ambassador Juvencio de Jesus Martins, Ambassador of Timor-Leste to the
Philippines.
Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to Timor-Leste Ma. Aileen
Bugarin, and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
Guterres arrived on Thursday for a two-day
official visit in the Philippines.
In a statement, del Rosario said Minister Guterres’s
official visit is a strong indication of the interest of both the Philippines
and Timor-Leste to enhance bilateral relations, specifically in the areas of
technical cooperation, human resource development and education.
Guterres held bilateral talks with Foreign
Affairs Secretary del Rosario. In January 2007, when he was Deputy Prime
Minister of Timor-Leste, Guterres visited the Philippines as a delegate to the
12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Cebu City.
The Philippines has maintained strong ties with
the young sovereign state, sending peacekeepers to the country since 1999. PND
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