President Aquino declares September 26 as
special non-working day in Naval, Biliran in celebration of its 153rd
Foundation Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
September 26, which falls on a Thursday, as a special (non-working day) in the
municipality of Naval in the province of Biliran in celebration of its 153rd
Foundation Day.
The Chief Executive issued the declaration
through Proclamation No. 645 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
on August 22 to give the people of Naval the full opportunity to celebrate and
participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
In 1860, Naval, once named Bagasumbol, became an
independent parish. Bagasumbol was later renamed Naval.
The Naval parish was eventually recognized as an
independent town. Naval is the capital municipality of Biliran. PND (js)
President Aquino cites Occupational Health
Nurses Association of the Philippines for its contribution to the country’s
campaign for inclusive health programs
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the
Occupational Health Nurses Association of the Philippines Inc. (OHNAP) for its
contribution in advancing the diverse components of medical care and bolstering
the country's campaign for inclusive health programs.
"Our nation now forges ahead in its
momentum of progress. The reforms we have aspired for are in full swing; the
future we envisioned is now within our reach," the Chief Executive said in
his message to OHNAP on the occasion of its 63rd Founding Anniversary and the
44th Annual Convention.
Founded in 1950, OHNAP is a non-stock,
non-profit professional organization of nurses working in the industrial,
agricultural, commercial, educational, service (hotel & restaurant),
government and non government institutions.
"May this gathering help us sustain our
trajectory of growth, as it renews our professionals’ commitment to integrity,
excellence, and capacity-building. Your members appreciate our industries from
distinct vantages; let this occasion galvanize them to unite as one
organization, advancing the diverse components of medical care and bolstering
our campaign for inclusive health programs," the President said.
The President hopes that the association will be
able to provide more initiatives that steer our countrymen towards rejuvenation
and wellness.
"In this time of resurgence, our country
needs the continued dedication and resolve of its people; let us remain
persistent in driving our empowerment as agents of revitalization," he
said. PND (js)
Palace to Zamboanga hostage-takers: Cooperate or
face full force of the law
The government issued an ultimatum to the
alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) holding many
hostages in Zamboanga City saying the government is ready to use the full force
of the law to end the ongoing standoff and armed men must cooperate
immediately.
In a statement on Thursday, Presidential
Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the government is prepared to exercise
its resolve by using force.
“While the government is exhausting all avenues
for a peaceful resolution to the situation, let it be clear to those defying us
that they should not entertain the illusion that the state will hesitate to use
its forces to protect our people,” Lacierda said.
“Instead, it is time for you to cooperate to
resolve this situation peacefully at the soonest possible time,” he added.
The government, through its security forces, is
always ready to repel any similar attacks as new violence erupted in Basilan,
which was contained by the military.
Lacierda said around 150 members of the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) took
advantage of the ongoing crisis in Zamboanga City and tried to attack Lamitan
City but was halted by the military.
After a two hour firefight, the BIFF and the ASG
withdrew and the armed forces is currently conducting hot pursuit operations.
Lacierda also assured the people of Zamboanga
City that the government is working to protect their welfare and that basic
needs are being sent to the conflict area. The Palace has also asked the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilpinas (BSP) to ensure sufficient supplies of currency.
The Palace official also asked the cooperation
of the people of Zamboanga City by not inflaming the present situation and by
refraining from misinforming other people through misleading text messages.
Instead, Lacierda asked them to listen to legitimate updates from the
government.
The local government of Zamboanga City has
performed well in handling the situation, Lacierda said, as he appealed to
local officials not to politicize the ongoing crisis.
These groups have been opposing the peace
process in Mindanao and wanting to create chaos to derail the signing of the
final peace pact.
Prior to the hostage crisis in Zamboanga City,
some groups launched bombing attacks in Cagayan de Oro City and other areas in
Mindanao. PND (as)
