PIA Dispatch - Monday, May 4, 2009

PGMA assures government will look after OFWs’ welfare wherever they are 

Government assured that it will do its best to protect Overseas Filipino Workers’ welfare.

At the Sheraton Hotel in Damascus Sunday night, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told Syria-based OFWs that government looks after their interests by strengthening diplomatic relations with Middle East countries.

Supporting expatriates who might be displaced due to the global economic crisis, she said, is another way of serving OFWs.

“One reason why our government has a strong diplomatic presence in the region, including now with the Philippine Embassy in Damascus, is to ensure that our Filipino workers are supported in every way possible,” the President said, “And the most important in these economic interests, first and foremost, is looking out for the well-being of thousands of our Philippine expatriates, 17,000 of them, who live and work in this country and who deserve the constant care and attention of your government.”  

The President said the government launched the P1-billion Filipino Overseas Livelihood Support Fund wherein workers displaced by the global economic crisis can avail loans for livelihood projects and job training.

In her dialogue with Syrian President Bashir Al Assad on Monday, both heads of states agreed to strengthen political consultations as well as put up a joint Filipino – Syrian Business Council. 

The council shall be a forum where issues on trade will be tackled.

Labor Sec. Marianito Roque said the Philippine government will put up a welfare center in Syria that will: 

• address the problems of OFWs, especially domestic workers who encounter problems such as immigration concerns and abusive employers; 

• assist OFWs with problems arising expired work permits due to restrictions imposed by Egyptian laws on the entry of foreign domestic workers; 
• look after Filipino workers here as there is no labor agreement between the Philippines and Egypt.


PGMA cites crucial role of Syria in Mindanao peace and development 

Damascus, Syria -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has cited the crucial role that Syria plays in bringing lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

Speaking before the Filipino community at the Sheraton Hotel here on Sunday evening, the President cited Syria – the current chair of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) -- as one of the influential nations in the Arab world. 

The President and her official delegation arrived in Damascus from Cairo at 6:40 p.m. Sunday. Damascus enjoys the historical distinction as the oldest city in the world.

The President was welcomed at the Damascus International Airport by Vice Foreign Minister Ahmad Arnos and Honorable Mission Minister Diala Haj Aref. 

“Peace is always an essential element of our commitment to the nation, particularly when it comes to bringing peace and stability to Southern Philippines. To achieve lasting peace in Mindanao will require the collective efforts of the Philippine Government and friends and allies around the world. That is why this state visit to Syria is so important,” the President said.

The Philippine delegation includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, members of the House of Representatives and businessmen. 

The President said Syria is hosting this month the 36th Islamic Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here.

“That is how important Syria is to the OIC,” the President said.

The Philippines is bidding for an observer status in the influential OIC as part of its efforts to get back on track the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“Our government has been working hard to reach a peace agreement in Mindanao. A vital ingredient is the vital role that Muslim nations will play in bringing peace and investing in reconstruction,” the President said. 

To attain peace and progress in Mindanao, the President said the Philippine government has been enlisting the support of Muslim nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as other OIC-member states.

The Philippines is also forging closer ties with other OIC-member states. 

“We welcome this trip in order to forge stronger relations with Syria, make progress on Mindanao and build on vital economic interests,” the President said.

Influenza A-free Philippines to lead ASEAN Bangkok meet 

Health Ministers from the Association of South-East Asian Nations will be holding a meeting in Thailand to discuss responses and prevention of H1N1 locally known as Mexican Swine Flu. 

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will head the meeting in Bangkok from May 7 – 8 to asses and review the local and global threats of H1N1.

Aside from comparing notes, ASEAN members are expected to explore strategies, measures and actions to address the H1N1 problem. 

The Bangkok meeting is expected to generate consensus and political commitment among ASEAN Health Ministers on policies to address H1N1 threats. 

One expected outcome of the Bangkok meeting is a policy statement on enhancing collaboration among ASEAN Health Ministers in dealing with the H1N1 threat as well as reinforcing efforts to contain the spread of the new virus. 

Joining the meeting are representatives from the World Health Organization, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 

Meanwhile, the Philippines remains free from H1N1.

National Epidemiology Center Chief Eric Tayag clarified that the two cases detected were not H1N1 infections.

The first patient, a 15-year old girl from Switzerland, was diagnosed with a regular human influenza virus while the second patient was an adult man from California, USA who has community-acquired pneumonia. 

Both patients were tested at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in accordance with the protocol set up by the Department of Heath. 

DOH activated the surveillance systems in major airports and seaports right after World Health Organization raised the alarm. 

Every passenger coming in will be thermal screened for fever and other symptoms of H1N1 infections. 

Apart from RITM, the Lung Center of the Philippines and San Lazaro Hospital will be doing the H1N1 virus typing on patients who would demonstrate possible signs of infections.  

As for Filipinos abroad who might have the Influenza A virus, Malacanang assured that they will not be barred from coming home.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo expressed confidence that government is prepared and has resources to deal the persons with H1N1 virus.

Government tightens preventive measures against the dreaded H1N1 virus:

• To prevent the spread of misinformation about the H1N1 that could spark panic, the government would carry out a comprehensive information campaign about the virus and how to avoid it;
• Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alert to all its member states, the DOH immediately stepped up its surveillance and biosecurity measures in all international and local airports to prevent the entry of the virus; 
• All DOH Regional Health Offices and local government units are to look out for influenza outbreaks, influenza-like illness (ILI) and /or atypical pneumonia in their areas of jurisdiction and to immediately report such cases to the National Epidemiology Center and/or the Health Emergency Management Staff. (DOH HOTLINE: 7111001 / 7111002)
• DOH Referral Hospitals have also been primed to ready their facilities to receive patients confirmed or suspected to have been infected with the novel swine flu virus; 
• Sufficient number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the antiviral drug, Oseltamivir, are available and will be given to high-risk exposure groups which include frontline health workers and surveillance teams at the national and local levels; 
• As a precaution, the DOH recommends the following:
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
2. Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
3. Avoid close contact with sick people.
4. If sick, self-monitor and stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
5. Consult your doctor immediately should signs and symptoms of flu persist.  


Except for Canada, DA lifts ban on all imported pork 

Imported pork products, except those coming from Canada, are now allowed to enter the Philippines

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Monday that he gave orders to the Bureau of Animal Industry to lift the suspension on meat product importations since there is no outbreak of swine influenza. 

Yap explained that the ban remains for Canada because of reported incidents of human to swine transmission which are under verification.

He ordered last week the suspension of importation of meat products from Mexico, Canada and United States following reports of human to human infection. 

Yap, along with the National Disaster Coordinating Council, has been telling the public the consumption of local pork is safe and would not cause Influenza A infection. 

To be safe, hog raisers advised consumers to make sure that their pork meals are cooked inside and out.

New typhoon threatens North and Central Luzon as Dante moves out of RP

A new storm is emerging from the South China Seas, threatening North and Central Luzon. 

If it doesn’t changes its path, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Operations and Services Officer – in – Charge Nathaniel Cruz said Monday that Typhoon Emong could cause heavy rains over Zambales, Bataan, Pangasinan, La Union and Ilocos Region by Wednesday.  

Although Emong will not pass through Mega Manila all the way to Western Visayas, Cruz said the new typhoon may strengthen Habagat (South Western Monsoon) having gustiness and maximum winds of more than 100 kilometers per hour each. 

This means, Emong could bring in rains in the National Capital Region and the parts of the Visayas.

PAGASA said Typhoon Emong hasn’t entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of its forecast Monday night. 

As for Typhoon Dante, PAGASA estimated it at 470 kilometer per hour based on satellite and surface data Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 120 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness up to 150 kilometers per hour as of 2 pm Monday.

It is forecasted that Dante will move east north east at 15 kilometer per hour. 

For its part, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) warned fishing boats and smaller seacrafts plying the Northern Luzon seaboard not to go out due to Typhoon Dante and the surge of strong northeasternly wind associated with high pressure area in Eastern Japan. 

Bigger ships are alerted against strong waves. 

According to NDCC, Typhoon Crising’s heavy rains caused landslides and floodings in Region V.

Damages in the Region were made worst when Typhoon Dante came in. 

Based on initial assessment of the departments of Agriculture, Public Works and Highways and Health, the cost of damages to agriculture and infrastructure in Region V was more than Php148 Million. 

Fifteen out of the 20 casualties in the aftermath of Typhoon, mostly landslide victims were from Hubo, Magallanes, Sorsorgon.

NDCC has facilitated around 4,100 sacks of rice for Provincial Disasters Coordinating Councils in Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. 

Likewise the Departments of Social Welfare and Development and Health provided food packs for families in Catanduanes and Sorsogon.

DPWH regional offices and local governments are working overtime to clear up roads and bridges in Sorsogon and Catanduanes that were made impassable due to re-curring landslides.

Palace prepares a National Day of Celebration for Pacman

A victory parade awaits Pacman when he comes home on Friday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo announced that the Office of the President’s Appointments Office is arranging the details of the festive homecoming and the courtesy call of Manny Pacquiao to the President.

Fajardo praised Pacquiao’s team for their efforts to help the People’s Champ achieve victory over Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton. 

Pacquiao stunned the world Sunday when he knocked out the Hitman on the second round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Before his historic fall, Hatton kissed the canvass twice in the first round. 

But Mega Manila is not the only one gearing up for the Pacman’s return.

General Santos City is keeping up the tradition of giving red carpet treatment to Pacquaio every time he comes home after a successful campaign overseas.

Last Sunday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo congratulated Pacquiao for a victory “that should inspire all Filipinos.”

“Manny Pacquiao continued to train and learn with great discipline to clinch the victory that has now, according to world boxing commentators, made him the greatest fighter ever,” the President said during her meeting with representatives of Filipino community in Syria,”as Manny Pacquiao taught us, discipline, tenacity, focus and pride in being a Filipino are vital to our success.” 

Meanwhile, the best pound for pound fighter is the new crime buster.

The Philippine National Police gave Pacquiao a new moniker because criminal incidents went almost zero while the new International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight belt holder traded punches with Hitman Hatton. 

Kris says President Aquino is well after operation 

The colon operation of former President Corazon Aquino’s went smoothly, relatives assured Monday. 

In an interview with her mother-station, TV game show host Kris Aquino admitted that Mrs. Aquino went through a complicated process at the Makati Medical Center.  

The operation involved the removal a cancerous part of the colon which would keep the former president in hospital for a few more days. 

Nonetheless, Kris said doctors were positive that her mother would be on her feet soon.

She also thanked all those who have prayed hard for the recovery of President Aquino.