Prime Minister Gusmao of Timor-Leste visits Fort
Bonifacio Global City
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão of the
Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and his ministers visited the Fort Bonifacio
Global City in Taguig Ciy on Saturday night to get inputs and ideas in
achieving a stable business environment in Timor-Leste.
Gusmão, who arrived in Manila on Thursday
morning for a 4-day official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation of
President Benigno S. Aquino III, was welcomed by the representatives from the
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Fort Bonifacio
Development Corporation (FBDC) at the Mind Museum in Fort Bonifacio Global
City.
Gusmão was accompanied by State and Foreign
Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Luis Guterres, Education Minister Bendito
Freitas, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, Public
Works and Highways Minister Gastão Francisco de Sousa and Tourism Minister
Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, when the Prime Minister arrived at the museum at 6 p.m.
Saturday.
The Timor-Leste delegation was briefed about the
Fort Bonifacio Global City (formerly known as Fort Bonifacio), a highly
urbanized district in Taguig City. The Fort Bonifacio Global City has
experienced robust commercial growth in recent years through the sale of
military land by the BCDA. The entire Fort Bonifacio district used to be a part
of the main Philippine Army camp in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.
After the briefing, Gusmão and his ministers
then toured the Fort Bonifacio Global City.
Early Saturday morning, Gusmão sent his
ministers to Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales to explore ways to encourage
greater collaboration between the Philippines and Timor-Leste on tourism and
business sectors. The five ministers from Timor-Leste met with the officials of
the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in
Olongapo City in Zambales.
SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V.
Garcia briefed the ministers about the operations of the authority which is the
operating and implementing arm of the Philippine government for the development
of the 262 square mile (670 square kilometer) former US Naval facility in Subic
Bay into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and
investment center to generate employment opportunities.
The SBMA continues to attract local and foreign
investments for the socio-economic benefit of nearby local communities, as well
as Central Luzon and the rest of the country.
The SBMA officials told the ministers that the
SBMA remains committed to sustaining an investment-friendly and stable business
environment in the freeport. They also told the delegation that the authority
continues to assist investors in setting up their businesses by providing
quality services.
The foreign ministers asked Garcia to further
elaborate on how the SBMA managed to promote environmental protection despite
the rapid business development in the freeport. Garcia presented to the
ministers the strategies and mechanisms to protect the environment.
For their part, the Timorese ministers commended
the SBMA for successfully pursuing the development of the Freeport not only as
an investment site but also as a tourism destination.
Garcia reiterated the Philippine government's
commitment to extend assistance to Timor-Leste in its bid to enhance the
state's eco-tourism while Guterres thanked the SBMA for sharing its expierience
and expertise. PND (js)
Myanmar asking country's assistance to improve
its agriculture sector, bureaucracy
Myanmar is asking the Philippines to help
improve its agriculture sector as well as in building its bureaucracy,
President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.
During an interview with the Philippine media
Friday at the sidelines of his participation to the 22nd World Economic Forum
on East Asia in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, President Aquino said Myanmar President
Thein Sein asked the Philippines to help their agriculture, energy sectors, and
reorganize its bureaucracy.
“Merong invitation ‘yung bureaucracy nila na
ibi-build-up. NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority], I understand,
will be inviting their counterparts to undertake trainings in the Philippines
with regards to this. Pero ang concentration ni President Thein Sein was
agriculture,” the President said.
The Myanmar leader also thanked the Philippines
for allowing its students to be trained in agricultural institutes in the
Philippines, the President said.
President Aquino said he’s glad that the
Philippines was able to help Myanmar in this area, and the country appears to
be excelling in palay production because the Philippines now sources its rice
imports from that fellow Southeast Asian country.
“Pinuri ko naman sila... nag-aral kayo sa amin,
siguro may ma-impart kami sa inyo. Mukhang natuto kayo nang mahusay dahil
nag-i-import na kami sa inyo ng bigas. I think the biggest component of our
trade with Myanmar currently is rice,” he said.
The President noted that his Myanmar trip is
also seen to boost economic cooperation with Myanmar.
There are three Philippine companies that are
already doing their businesses in Myanmar, according to the President.
Philex mining is working or talking with its partners
in Myanmar for possible copper mining operations in that country, adding that
Maynilad is also engaging in water distribution and management. Meralco is also
eyeing electric distribution in Myanmar. PND (as)
President Aquino says Myanmar could attain
development through cooperation
Cooperation among major players in Myanmar will
be the key towards attaining a prosperous and stable country, President Benigno
S. Aquino III said on Friday.
During an interview with the Philippine media
delegation at the sidelines of the President’s attendance to the 22nd World
Economic Forum on East Asia in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the President said the
good thing is that opposing forces in Myanmar appears to be working towards a
common goal.
The President, who met Myanmar’s democracy
leader Madame Aung San Suu Kyi, said he sees in her the struggles of his
parents in restoring democracy in the Philippines.
“You have two groups who were dramatically
opposed to each other, but the key to Myanmar’s prosperity and stability, and
the enhancement for the entire region needs a certain amount of cooperation
between the two factions,” the President noted.
“So when you look at President Thein Sein, and
you look at Madame Aung San Suu Kyi, they are from the focal point of at trying
to achieve that unity of purpose in advancing the cause for Myanmar. So ‘yung
difficulties in achieving that, napag-usapan rin ‘yon,” he added.
The President said he also had the opportunity
to talk to the speaker of Myanmar’s parliament, who has a good working
relationship with Madame Aung San Suu Kyi.
Myanmar President Thein Sein, the speaker of the
parliament, and Madame Aung San Suu Kyi have long-standing invitations to come
to the Philippines, the President said.
After Suu Kyi was released from her house arrest
a few years back, the President said he had the opportunity to talk to her on
the phone and invited her to visit the Philippines. He said that he reiterated
his invitation during their meeting.
Suu Kyi wished to come to the country soon, but
the President said that with the upcoming election in Myanmar, her trip may be
delayed.
“Their elections are not that far off. Ang focus
nila ngayon is to really deliver more before the next elections. That might, I
assume, will put a lot of burden on her time,” he said.
The President arrived Saturday morning in Manila
after attending the WEF in Myanmar. PND (as)
Aquino administration elated over inclusion of
country's three beaches in CNN's list of best 100 beaches in the world
The Aquino administration expressed elation over
the inclusion of three beaches in the Philippines in the international news
organization CNN's list of the best 100 beaches in the world, a Palace official
said on Sunday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
said in an interview aired over government-run radio dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on
Sunday that the Palau Island in Cagayan Valley, El Nido in Palawan, and Puka
beach in Boracay have been recognized as among the 100 best in the world.
A survey on the CNN travel website listed Palau
on No. 10, the only Southeast Asian beach that landed in the Top 10. Palau
Island was cited for "its glorious white sand, volcanic rocks and blue
green water."
The Atlanta-based cable news channel said divers
who visited Palau enjoy the sighting of white corals and rich marine species.
El Nido beach captured the 14th spot for
"its powder-fine sand, gin-clear water, stunning views of karst limestone
formations, lagoons and prehistoric caves."
El Nido’s surrounding waters contain more than
50 species of corals and endangered turtles, the CNN said.
In 84th spot was Puka beach, the second longest
beach in Boracay Island. Puka Beach was cited for its puka shells which are
being made into jewelry accessories and ornaments.
Last Thursday, the Department of Tourism said
foreign visitor arrivals during the first four months of 2013 reached 1,649,458
million, or a 10.12 percent increase from the same period in 2012. PND (js)
Aquino to lead 115th Independence Day
celebration at Liwasang Bonifacio
President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the
celebration of the Philippine's 115th Independence Day at the Liwasang
Bonifacio in the city of Manila on Wednesday.
"Ang Independence Day celebration po natin
ay tatanghalin sa Liwasang Bonifacio bilang tribute na rin po kay Andres
Bonifacio on his sesquicentennial also this year," Deputy Presidential
Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over government-run dzRB
Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.
The country celebrates the Independence Day each
year to raise awareness among the Filipinos that freedom is the most precious
right of every citizen.
The holiday commemorates the Declaration of
Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Filipino
revolutionary forces from Spanish colonization.
Independence Day was officially observed on July
4 until the Republic Act No. 4166 that designated June 12 as the country's
Independence Day was signed by the late President Diosdado Macapagal on August
4, 1964.
The Palace earlier called on Filipinos to
display the Philippine flag at their respective home, offices, schools, public
buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning
May 28, in celebration of National Flag Day, until June 12, in preparation for
the Independence Day.
In commemoration of this year's annual
observance of Flag Days, Valte said the Presidential Communications Development
and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) is publishing a series of features on
the development of the flag, the country’s coat of arms, as well as other
historical flags of the Philippines on the Presidential Museum and Library
website.
"Sa June 10 ay ilalabas po ng PCDSPO at ng
Presidential Museum and Library ang third part po, Part III ng kanilang infographics
on the flag," Valte said.
"At para doon po sa mga hindi nakakaalam,
ise-celebrate na po ang sesquicentennial ng Malacañang on Tuesday, on June 11.
Kasi ang Palasyo po ang naging official residence ng Chief Executive after the
great earthquake of June 6, 1863. Ang PhilPost will be issuing a new stamp to
mark the Malacañang sesquicentennial," she added. PND (js)
Former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. cited as
inspiration of the people of Timor Leste's struggle for independence
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s father, the
former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., was cited by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay
Rala Xanana Gusmao as an inspiration from where his people drew strength and
courage in its struggle for independence.
Gusmao gave the citation in an interview at the
Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City on Sunday.
We had to have very many examples (in order) to
say (that our struggle for independence) was moving on. He (former Senator
Benigno Aquino, Jr.) was an inspiration for us. His blood gave us hope and
(the) fighting spirit (to go on with our struggle for independence), “ Gusmao
said.
“…we cannot give up. We have to play our role in
this movement. That is why we were psychologically, politically and morally
prepared in ourselves by following his (former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.)
deeds,” he added.
Relations between East Timor and the Philippines
became strong when the Philippines became actively involved in the United
Nations peacekeeping forces in East Timor during its move towards independence.
When several nations recognized East Timor's
sovereignty, the Philippines began official diplomatic relations between the
two governments with the establishment of an embassy in Dili and East Timor
established its embassy in Manila.
The Philippines has maintained strong ties with
the newly born independent country sending peacekeepers to the country since
1999 amid its struggle for independence from Indonesia. PND (rck)
Philippines seen as Timor-Leste's client for
fossil fuels
The Philippines may soon become one of
Timor-Leste’s client for oil and its by-products after reports showed vast
offshore oil and gas fields in the Timor Sea have led to the formation of a
petroleum and gas fund worth an estimated $11.7billion.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana
Gusmao, who is on a four-day Official Visit to the Philippines, said in a press
conference at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City on Sunday, said that
once these fuel sources have been tapped, Timor Leste will consider supplying
the Philippines with oil.
“It will happen,” Gusmao said noting that this
arrangement would be beneficial for both countries.
“What we need is to sell our oil,” he added.
Timor-Leste’s oil company recently signed up for
a 24 percent stake in its first joint venture with Italian and Japanese
partners to explore an area 240km from Dili and 500km from Darwin.
It is East Timor's first direct participation in
developing resources in the Joint Petroleum Development Area it shares with
Australia. PND (rck)
Malacanang says P13.25 billion world class
communication, navigation, surveillance system for aviation fully in place by
November 2015
The P13.25-billion world-class communication,
navigation and surveillance system for aviation will be fully in place by
November 2015, a Palace official said on Sunday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
said in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan on Sunday that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
assured that the aviation system will be in place before President Benigno S.
Aquino III steps down from office.
"Nilalayon po nitong sistemang ito na
magkaroon tayo ng increased security and airport capacity while cutting flight
delays," Valte said.
The DOTC has signed an amended contract with the
joint venture between Sumitomo Corp. of Japan and Thales Australia Ltd. for the
Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM)
Systems Development Project Package – I.
The CNS/ATM system was conceptualized to replace
the existing air traffic control systems, navigation, communication and
surveillance equipment in the country which are all aging and falling short of
the required numbers.
Under the amended contract, the Sumitomo-Thales
joint venture would immediately restart the construction of an air traffic
management building and the supply of various components such as automation
equipment and terminal radars, to enable the use of the satellite
technology-based system. PND (js)
GOCC remittances will be used for infrastructure
projects, rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoons
The P27.89-billion remitted by the 38
Government-Owned and–Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to the national government
will be utilized for infrastructure projects, as well as the rehabilitation of
areas devastated by typhoons in recent years, a Palace official said on Sunday.
"Magagamit naman po ito sa mas marami pang
infrastructure projects, kasama na po dito ang rehabilitation ng mga
typhoon-hit areas across the country," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB
Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.
Aside from infrastructure projects, the
P27.89-billion funds representing the dividend contributions and other forms of
remittances from 38 GOCCs will be used for the government’s various social
programs such as providing education, healthcare, food and livelihood for the
Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector.
Last June 3, the 38 GOCCs turned over
P27.89-billion dividends and other forms of remittances to the national coffers
out of their operations in 2012 in simple ceremonies marking the GOCC Dividend
Day in Malacañang Palace.
Under the Republic Act No. 7656, all GOCCs are
required to "declare and remit at least 50% of their annual net earnings
as cash, stock or property dividends to the National Government.
In 2011, President Aquino signed Republic Act
10149 or the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) Governance Act
of 2011 that seeks to reform the operations of state-owned enterprises and to
curb the perceived abuses particularly on excessive bonuses and allowances of
its officials.
Upon the enactment of GOCC Governance Act of
2011, the GOCCs had remitted P29-billion for 2010 and P19.2-billion for 2011.
The P28-billion dividends and other forms of
remittances from the 2012 operations surpassed the collections made the
previous year with eight GOCCs belonging to the elite circle of the so-called
"Billionaire's Club," namely the Philippine Reclamation Authority,
Philippine Ports Authority, Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities
Management Corporation, Bases Conversion Development Authority, Development
Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, each remitted at
least P1-billion. PND (js)
Malacanang says Aquino government confident that
country's bilateral relations with China remains strong despite territorial
disputes
The Aquino government expressed strong belief
that its multifaceted bilateral relations with the People's Republic of China
(PROC) remains strong despite of territorial disputes on the West Philippine
Sea, a Palace official said on Sunday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
said in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng
Bayan on Sunday that both the Philippines and PROC remain committed at
enhancing their bilateral relations in various fields.
"Our relationship with our neighbor is
multifaceted. There are other facets of that relationship that we continue to
develop, and that we continue to move forward," Valte said.
"Let's not make the maritime disputes be
the whole of our relationship but, rather, just a part of it," Valte said.
The Aquino administration remains steadfast in
using diplomatic solutions in resolving the maritime disputes in the West
Philippine Sea, Valte said.
"And, again, allow us to reiterate that we
have taken a deliberate policy of avoiding or responding to any provocative
action or statement that may be presented to us in the course of this
dispute," Valte noted.
She also reiterated that the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is helping Filipino fishermen who were affected by
the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
"Nagpunta po doon ang administrador ng BFAR
at inikot ang mga barangay, kinausap ang mga mangingisda, ‘yung mga small
fisherfolk natin, at nakipag-dayalogo sa kanila kung ano ang mga pwede nating
itulong," she said.
"As the BFAR has said earlier, meron po
silang mga in-identify na iba pang fishing areas in the West Philippine Sea
that can be an alternative for our small fishermen, at ‘yung iba naman binigyan
na po nila ng assistance, at dinamihan po nila ang mga agri-Pinoy payao natin
para hindi na po kailangang lumayo doon sa may Bajo de Masinloc," Valte
stressed. PND (js)
