Sunday 26 May 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Saturday, May 25, 2013

Govt to continue pushing rules-based approach in resolving new tension in West Philippine Sea

The Philippine government will stick to using diplomatic solution in resolving the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea with the renewed tensions in the Ayungin Shoal, a Palace official said on Saturday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the current maritime tensions can lead to conflict in the disputed areas particularly with the armed patrols of China.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday that the government will adhere to a rules-based approach in finding a peaceful solution to the problem.

“We’ve not changed our stance, if you notice in the disputes, in the maritime disputes that we’ve had in the past years, and it’s deliberate,” Valte said.

“We’ve chosen not to respond to provocative statements and provocative actions that may not be productive for the path that we’ve chosen to take. So deliberate ‘yung choices natin, na mapayapa ang ating pagdadaanan dito.”

Asked if there’s a need for the President to convene the National Security Council or a full Cabinet meeting because of the Chinese incursions, Valte said the Aquino administration feels that there is no need for such a meeting at this time.

Given the capacity and capability of the country to deal with the problem, Valte said the President is firm in continuing to deal with the issue given the limited resources that the Philippines has at present.

“Ang sabi ng Pangulo is that so far, we’re dealing with it on the level that is effective for us,” he said.

To address the problem of Filipino fishermen affected by the tension, Valte said they are asking the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) about any possible assistance the government can extend to the fishermen.

“In-assure naman tayo ng BFAR na una daw tinutulungan nilang maghanap ng iba pang lugar na puwede pangisdaan; at pangalawa, existing pa rin ‘yung mga payao na sinet up (set up) natin. Malapit ito sa pampang, para naman hindi sila kailangang lumabas at lumayo palaot,” she said. PND (as)


Government ready for school opening, says Palace

Malacanang made an assurance Saturday that government agencies have already made the necessary preparations for the school opening next month.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Philippine National Police is ready to ensure peace and order as children go back to school this June.

The Department of Trade and Industry has also launched a caravan that will sell cheap and safe school supplies, Valte said.

Valte is encouraging the public to avail of the DTI’s offering by knowing the caravan schedule. Usually, the DTI sells the supplies near the municipal building or in public places, she said.

Valte also told the parents to report public schools asking for fees during enrolments, noting a DepEd guideline prohibiting the collection of such fees from students.

“Mahigpit pong pinagbabawal ‘yan ng DepEd sa mga public school kahit tawagin nila itong mga voluntary collections. Meron lang mga bagay na binibigyan ng pahintulot ang DepEd pagdating sa mga kakaunting babayarin sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan,” she said.

The national government is also coordinating with local government units in the inspection of dormitories to make sure that owners comply with the new building code, the Palace official said.

Last week, the Palace appealed to colleges and universities to go slow in increasing their tuition fees asking them to impose adjustments based on consultations with different stakeholders. PND (as)


Aquino wants sustainable rehabilitation of Typhoon Pablo victims in Mindanao

President Benigno S. Aquino III wants to make sure that assistance is extended to the victims of Typhoon Pablo as he met Task Force Pablo on Friday.

The meeting had several highlights, according to Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The President wanted to validate further the magnitude of the damage and the problems confronting the two provinces devastated by Typhoon Pablo last December.

“Pinapasigurado ng Pangulo na nakita na natin lahat ng dapat tulungan at lahat naman ng mga areas na kailangan ng alalay ng national government,” Valte said.

Of course, patuloy ang pakikipagtulungan natin doon sa dalawang pamahalaang lokal, doon sa dalawang probinsya para sa assistance natin,” she added, noting the government has already shifted from relief operations to providing assistance in rebuilding and rehabilitation.

Among the hard hit areas include Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley.

Among the immediate challenges to the government is providing decent shelter for the survivors, food supplies and livelihood. The government is also concerned about the number of school buildings damaged by the typhoon.

Aside from these major thrusts, the President also wanted to know the impact of the government assistance to other priorities of government particularly with the ongoing programs.

“At ang mahigpit na bilin po ng Pangulo ay kailangan masigurado po natin na ‘yung rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts natin ay sustainable,” she said.

“So apart from lending assistance when it comes to the housing and to the shelters that are needed, pinapatiyak ng Pangulo na kailangan sustainable, at kaagapay nito ‘yung mga livelihood training at pagtulong at paghanap ng ibang puwedeng maging pangkabuhayan doon sa mga lugar na iyon,” she added. PND (as)