PIA Dispatch - Friday, September 11, 2009

Palace dares presidential aspirants to surpass PGMA's economic performance

MANILA, Sept. 11 —Malacanang dares presidential aspirants to equal or even surpass the performance of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, particularly in the economic side.

Deputy Presidential Spokesman for economic affairs Gary Olivar dared this amid criticisms hurled by opposition groups against President Arroyo concerning the decline of the Philippine ranking in the global competitiveness as surveyed by World Economic Forum.

Olivar said that President Arroyo should be praised instead of being criticized for making a strong economy under her administration from 2001 up to 2009 based on the economic surveys conducted.

Olivar said that President Arroyo would leave a legacy wherein the country experienced under her term an interrupted 34 quarters of economic growth.

Olivar said this happened because of Mrs. Arroyo’s economic and educational reforms, climate change programs and strong governance.

He also said that because of the reforms initiated by the President, the global recession experienced by 2/3 of the world did not hurt the Philippines but instead recorded a positive growth.

“This is the gold standard by which we should judge the candidates aspiring to replace the President. Will that candidate build upon her record, maybe even do better than he or will the candidate turn back the clock?” Olivar said.


PGMA seeks global participation to fight climate change

Manila, September 11 —- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday appealed to developed countries to render financial and technological assistance to poor nations in its the global fight against climate change.

President Arroyo said in her message during the closing ceremonies of the three-day United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s International Conference on Green Industry in Asia held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, developed countries should show examples in the United Nation’s target of 25 to 40 percent reduction of gas emission by the year 2020.

The conference is organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

“We call on all developed countries, referred as annex 1 countries in climate change, to table their firm, post Kyoto greenhouse gas targets, taking into account ideals set by the international scientific community, and do this without conditionalities," the President said. She added: "We also call on them to assist developing countries to mitigate and adapt to worsening changes in climate by fulfilling treaty obligations to provide technological and financial support, including support for green industry,” President Macapagal-Arroyo stressed.

She also reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to fight climate change and the country will not compromise the environment for development.

The President also asserted that the Green Philippines Agenda wherein the sustainable economic model has proven that economic development and environmental protection can be achieved simultaneously.

The chief executive also stressed that the country’s contribution in its fight against climate change is the passage of the Renewable Energy Law to conserve energy and to become independent in energy sources.

The government will also distribute five million fluorescent bulbs to the urban areas as part of the SWITCH program or energy conservation.

President Arroyo also urged all sectors to cooperate in fighting global climate change before it becomes too late.


Tourism in RP remains proactive despite A (H1N1)

MANILA, Sept. 11 -- Tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia continue to experience geographically regional or widespread influenza A (H1N1) activity (represented by countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia).

According to the World Health Organization (WH0), despite the scenario within the country’s Southeast Asian neighbors, the tourism in the Philippines remains proactive.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reiterates the statement from the WHO recommending no travel restrictions, acknowledging that preparedness, and not panic, is the key response.

The DOT also echoes the statement from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which recently convened to anticipate the challenges the virus will bring, and ensure that the travel and tourism sectors are prepared.

In the two-day review and preparation exercise on ‘Travel and Tourism under Pandemic Conditions’ in Madrid on Aug. 26-27, it was emphasized that “travel limitations would not limit the spread of A (H1N1) because it is already ‘the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world,’ after a thorough presentation by the WHO.

It was also strongly recommended that the sector “improve with business continuity,” as tourism continues to play an integral role in the country’s economic development. With this underscored, collective support for the industry is necessary.

Tourists coming to the Philippines are assured that all monitoring procedures are being implemented, and coordination with regional tourism offices is maintained to guarantee appropriate action.

The DOT enjoins tourism stakeholders to help strengthen the sector’s readiness by responding positively to the growing concern, and carry on in helping educate travelers on the practical steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Being informed and prepared is always the key. Knowing that the A (H1N1) virus is not an airborne virus but transmitted via water droplets, it is important for travelers to practice necessary precautions through strict personal hygiene, regular hand washing, and etiquette.

For people showing symptoms of influenza before, during or after a trip, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention.


Duque tops latest pulse asia survey among cabinet members

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III topped anew in a survey involving public approval among Cabinet members.

In the Pulse Asia survey conducted in July and August this year, Secretary Duque was given a 51% approval rating by the public.

“This is very flattering considering that I was only doing my job, which is to always make sure that the health of the public is always guarded against all kinds of diseases, whether the emerging or the endemic ones. I have to stress, however, that I am not alone in all these endeavors because behind me is the most committed and tireless health workforce,” Secretary Duque said.

Meanwhile, in the June 2009 Social Weather Stations survey, Secretary Duque also led other Cabinet members with a 51% public satisfaction rating. Following him are former NEDA Secretary Ralph Recto, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, and Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

The SWS survey explained that the high rating of 51% means that about half of Filipinos who are aware of Secretary Duque are satisfied with his performance at the Department of Health. The SWS further said that net-wise, Secretary Duque’s latest rating is the highest since he took office in June 2005.

“I am truly very grateful to the people for the high marks they gave in recent surveys regarding our efforts and capability in addressing health threats and raising public awareness on these threats.

In the most recent Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) report card released this August the leadership of Secretary Duque was recognized anew for his efforts in fighting graft and corruption.

“I am very proud that the PAGC recognized again the DOH as Number One among 109 government agencies in terms of compliance with the requirements of the Integrity Development Action Plan (IDAP) for the first half of the year. We are grateful because we work hard to keep our records clean and graft-free to curb graft problems within the agency,” Secretary Duque.

Secretary Duque said that with a committed, dedicated and steadfast health workforce it is no wonder that the DOH consistently leads in integrity and high approval ratings by the Filipino public.