Monday 10 June 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, June 10, 2013



Prime Minister Gusmao ends official visit to the Philippines, flies back to Timor Leste

Timor Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao ended his Official Visit to the Philippines by flying back to Timor Leste Sunday night.

Gusmao boarded a commercial Philippine Air Line flight PR537 bound for Bali, Indonesia at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at 8:55 p.m.

He was accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group and seen off by members of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Cabinet led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Prior to his departure, Gusmao met with former President and Mayor-elect of the City of Manila Joseph Estrada and former Speaker of the House Jose De Venecia, Jr. who called on Gusmao at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Pasay City.

Gusmao, who arrived early morning of June 7 met with President Aquino who hosted a luncheon for the visiting Head of State in his honor.

The two leaders had an expanded bilateral meeting and also witnessed the signing of agreements between the two countries on tie ups on foreign affairs, education, and infrastructure development. PND (rck)


President Aquino welcomes non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed to the Philippines 12 new non-resident ambassadors from various countries who called on him to present their respective letters of credentials in Malacanang on Monday.

The non-resident ambassadors who met with the President prior to beginning their tours of duties were: Their Excellencies Demiye Zuher Moh’d Haddad of Jordan; Saul Aran Castellon of the Nicaragua; Carlo Victor Boungou of Gabon; Dr. Alba Florio Legnani of Uruguay; Marlene Villela De Talbott of Honduras; Nicolai Ruge of Denmark;

Mohamane Elhadji Bania Tourne of Mali; Joven Jovanovic of Serbia; Youngor Sevelee Telemoda of Liberia; Brigadier Reuben Ngwenya of Malawi; Hussain Shibab of Maldives; and Matti Pullinen of Finland.

In his short message delivered after personally receiving the letter of credential of each ambassador, the President warmly welcomed the envoys, saying their presence signified “our shared commitment” to further strengthening the relations between our countries.

“I welcome all of you to the Philippines, a country that is today experiencing a great revitalization,” the President said.

“Your presence here today signifies our shared commitment to fostering even more peaceful and productive relations between our nations. Relations that we know will contribute to establishing a more secure and more stable international environment consequently redounding to the mutual growth and prosperity of our peoples,” he added.

The President invited each ambassador to take time from their busy schedules to explore and discover the warmth and beauty of the Philippines.

“And as we continue to explore ways to strengthen the foundations of positive engagement between our countries, it is my hope that you will also take the time to discover the beauty and the warmth the Philippines has to offer,” the President said. PND (rck)


President Aquino signs law declaring the province of Kalinga as Tourism Development Area

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed a law declaring the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA) in a bid to boost the country's tourism industry.

The Chief Executive signed on May 17 Republic Act No. 10561 otherwise known as the “An Act Declaring the Province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Region as a Tourism Development Area (TDA)”.

The Act was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on February 4 and February 5, 2013, respectively.

President Aquino said it is the policy of the State to promote a tourism industry that is ecologically sustainable, responsible, participative, culturally sensitive, economically viable and equitable for local communities.

Kalinga was declared as TDA because the province is "endowed with natural beauty, rivers, lake and mountain resources, and historical and cultural significance."

Foreign and local tourists will enjoy their visit to the municipality of Tinglayan, with its natural formation of mountain ranges and the natural beauty of Palan-ah Falls and Hot Springs.

The rainforest of Mt. Binaratan in the municipality of Tanudan is now considered a potential site for trekking.

The visitors may enjoy the sighting of the subterranean rivers and caves in the municipality of Balbalan, the Aguinaldo Hill and mountain lakes in the municipality of Pinukpuk.

The President also mentioned the potential site for white water rafting along the Chico River starting in Tinglayan down to Lubuagan, Pasil and Tabuk City, as well as its historical sites, same in Guina-ang Village in the municipality of Pasil, the Padharao Lake! the Elephant Hill and the man-made lagoon in the municipality of Rizal.

The province shall be accorded priority development by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and shall be subject to the rules and regulations governing tourism zones.

"The Tourism Development Plan of the Province of Kalinga shall be incorporated in the DOT’s overall National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9593, otherwise known as the “National Tourism Act of 2009 and be jointly implemented with the local government and the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga taking into consideration Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 and its implementing rules and regulations," the President said.

The DOT, in coordination with the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority and other concerned agencies of the government, shall delineate well defined geographic areas within the TDA and coordinate the integrated development of these areas for the optimum use of natural assets and attractions, as well as existing facilities.

The President directed the establishment of the Kalinga Tourism Development Trust Fund for purposes of financing projects that will enhance tourism in the province of Kalinga.

"The trust fund shall be administered by an administrator under the Provincial Tourism Council of Kalinga. Income shall be derived from fees from visitors/tourists, other resources from the province, proceeds from the registration and lease of multiple-use areas, including tourism concessions, fees, proceeds and contributions from industries and facilities directly benefiting the province," he said.

The Kalinga Tourism Development Trust Fund may be augmented by grants and donations, endowment from various sources, domestic or foreign entities and individuals, for purposes related to their functions.

"The Secretary of the DOT shall include in the Department’s program the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act and/or internally generated funds of the DOT," he said.

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. PND (js)


Palace to launch online commemoration activities marking 150th Year Anniversary of Malacanang Palace

Malacanang will launch on Tuesday an online commemorative effort marking the 150th Year Anniversary of Malacanang Palace, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Malacanang, Lacierda read from a prepared statement by the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office outlining the various activities lined up for the occasion.

Among these include: the posting of the “timeline on the history of MalacaƱan Palace from both an institutional and architectural perspective,” the “posting of colorized archival photographs of Palace vistas and significant events such as the visit of Edward, Prince of Wales,” and the uploading of an “animated architectural evolution of the Palace.

Lacierda said the online marker will be made available at the Presidential Museum and Library (PML) website.

He called on the public to visit the website and join Filipino people in commemorating the sesquicentennial of Malacanang Palace.

“We enjoin the public to take part in this commemoration by visiting the PML website and its other social media sites (tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph & facebook.com/malacanang) or by booking a visit to experience firsthand the history and heritage of this great house which belongs to the Filipino people,” Lacierda said. PND (rck)


President Aquino leads mass oath-taking of AFP officers in MalacaƱang

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the mass oath-taking of the 49 newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a simple ceremony in Malacanang Palace on Monday.

The Chief Executive was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin and the AFP high-ranking officials when he inducted the AFP generals at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Palace.

Among those who took their oath before the President at the Heroes Hall include: General Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP Chief of Staff; Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado, Philippine Military Academy Superintendent; Lt. Gen. Alan Luga, AFP Vice Chief of Staff; Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Command; Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, commander of the Central Command; Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, commander of the South Luzon Command; Rear Admiral Jaime Bernardino, commander of the Naval Education and Training Command; Major Gen. Leo Cresente Ferrer, Senior Military Adviser for the Government of the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Panel; Rear Admiral Philip Cacayan, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, AFP; and Major Gen. Benito Antonio de Leon, commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Philippine Army (PA).

The President also inducted into office Maj. Gen. Danilo Servando, commander of the Army Support Command; Maj. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry Division, PA; Maj. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commander of the 3rd Air Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF); Rear Admiral Jesus Millan, Chief of Naval Staff, Philippine Navy; Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano, commander of the Naval Sea Systems and Support Command; Maj. Gen. Richard Siga-An, Air Force Inspector General, PAF;

Maj. Gen. Crisologo Nayve; DCS for CEIS, J6, AFP; Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, commander of the 6ID, PA; Maj. Gen. John Bonafos, commander of Special Operations Command; Brigadier Gen Felix Castro, ADC, 9ID, Philippine Army.

Also sworn in were Brig. Gen. Jet Velarmino, CS, PA; Maj. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, commander of the AFP Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command; Brig. Gen. Romeo Labador; commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, PA; Commodore Nodolfo Tejada, commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, PN; Brig Gen. William Turalde, commander of the ARC, PAF; Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, ADC, 4ID, PA; Brig. Gen Conrado Parra Jr, Wing Commander of the 570th CTW, PAF; Brig. Gen. Luis Vinoya, chairman of the PA BAC2; Brig. Gen. Dante Costes, commander of CEISSA AFP; Brig. Gen. Bobby Calleja, commander of 203rd Infantry Division, PA.

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Posadas, Chief of ODR, DND; Brig. Gen. Orlando de Leon, Commander of the 2MBDE, PMC; Commodore George Catameo, AJ9, AFP; Brig. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar Jr., Wing Commander 15th Strick Wing, PAF; Brig. Gen Ademar Tomaro, Commander, 602nd, INF BDE, PA; Brig. Gen. Quirino Calonzo, commander of the AFPRESCOM; Commodore Antonio Habulan Jr. commander, NFEM, PN; Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of 302nd INF BDE, PA; Brig. Gen. Marian Aleido, TJAG, AFP; Brig. Gen. Wilfredo Bonilla, AIA, PIA

Brig. Gen. Romeo Gan, ADC, 6ID, PA; Brig. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, ADC, LAD, PA; Commodore Joel dela Cruz, commander, SERVFOR, PF, PN; Commodore Franco Sebastian Pan, DC, SOLCOM, AFP; Commodore Ronald Joseph Mercado, Commander, ACF, PF, PN; Brig. Gen. John G. Estoesta, DC, 3AD, PAF, Brig. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, chief of AFPCC, Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Castillo, AFIA, PAF and Brig. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of 701st INF Brigade, PA. PND (js)