Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon

5 PRs ( March 25, 2013),Dispatch for March 26 , 2013 (Tuesday),

PCOO 6 Photonews March 25, 2013, 12 Weather Watch, 8 Regl.Watch , 3 OFW Watch, Pres.Aquinos Speech,21 Online News

Weather Watch 15 hours ago PAGASA SPECIAL WEATHER OUTLOOK FOR THE HOLY WEEK (March 2531, 2013) The diffused tail-end of a cold front, a low pressure area (LPA) and the easterlies are expected to be the dominant weather systems to affect the country during the Holy Week.

The diffused tail-end of a cold front will bring occasional light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Quezon province today until tomorrow morning. Thereafter (March 26-27), generally good weather condition associated with warm and humid temperature is expected throughout the country aside from isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. On the afternoon of Maundy Thursday (March 28), a low pressure area is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) but will still have no direct effect on any part of the country. So on, Maundy Thursday up to Good Friday (March 28-29), the whole country will still experience generally good weather with isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. On Black Saturday (March 30), the expected approach of the LPA over Southeastern Mindanao in the morning and its eventual landfall in the evening will bring light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms over the whole of Mindanao becoming moderate to heavy rains over the regions of CARAGA and DAVAO. The LPA will then move towards Central Visayas crossing the area on Easter Sunday (March 31) and is expected to bring light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao becoming moderate to heavy rains over Western Visayas. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be generally slight to moderate except during thunderstorms throughout the outlook period with the exception of the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon which will have moderate to rough seas today and tomorrow (March 25-26). The LPA, as of recent analysis with the aid of all available forecasting tools, has a slim chance of developing into a tropical cyclone. This outlook will be updated as soon as significant changes in the weather occur. For more information, please contact the forecaster-on-duty in the following telephone numbers: 927-1541/926-4258.

Weather Watch

12 hours ago GMA-7 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras: - 'Yung patuloy na pag-iral ng easterlies at 'yung mainit na panahon ang sanhi ng mga biglaang thunderstorms dito sa Metro Manila. - Kaya nga po posible pa ring magka-thunderstorm sa mga susunod na araw. - Base po sa datos ng Weather Central, bukas, kahit bababa na ang tsansang umulan dito sa Metro Manila, mananatili pa ring maalinsangan ang panahon, lalo na sa tanghali kung saan inaasahan 'yung init factor natin sa 35 degrees Celsius. - Sa iba pang panig ng Luzon, magiging maaliwalas ang panahon pero may tsansa rin ng isolated rains. - Ang dulong Hilagang Luzon naman, posibleng ulanin ng mahina hanggang katamtaman dahil po yan sa diffused tail-end of a cold front, ayon sa PAGASA. - Nakakaapekto ang easterlies sa silangang bahagi ng Visayas kaya po asahan na ang mga pag-ulan lalo na sa mga probinsya ng Samar at Leyte, kasama na rin ang Negros Oriental. - Apektado rin ng easterlies ang malaking bahagi ng Mindanao, katulad sa Surigao, Cagayan De Oro hanggang sa may General Santos City. - Base naman sa special weather outlook ng PAGASA para sa Holy Week, makakaasa ng maayos na panahon ang malaking bahagi ng bansa, simula bukas pagsapit ng tanghali hanggang sa Miyerkules Santo. Pero sa Huwebes Santo posibleng may mabuong LPA sa loob ng PAR diyan sa may silangan ng Mindanao pero wala pa raw itong magiging epekto sa lagay ng ating panahon.

Weather Watch 13 hours ago GMA: May mga pabugsu-bugsong pag-ulan sa Baguio City. Sa kabila nito ay handa na ang Baguio City sa pagdagsa ng mga turista doon. Ang mga awtoridad naman ay nakakalat na rin sa lungsod para magbigay ayuda sa mga daragsang turista roon. Ang mga hotel at transient house doon ay fully-booked na rin kaya sa katabing La Trinidad, Benguet dumarayo ang ilan para makahanap ng tutuluyan.

Weather Watch 13 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Tinatayang magdadala ng maulap na panahon sa Luzon at sa silangang bahagi ng bansa ang diffused tail-end of a cold front at easterlies. Asahan ang maulap na panahon na may pag-ulan sa Tuguegarao, Aurora at Quezon habang ang Metro Manila naman ay may 50% chance of rain bukas, 50% pagdating ng Miyerkules habang 70% naman pagdating ng Huwebes. Asahan naman ang mahinang pag-ulan sa Samar at Leyte habang mas maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas. Tinataya namang magiging maulap ang panahon sa Surigao, Davao at Gensan habang magandang panahon naman ang inaaasahan sa natitirang bahagi ng Mindanao.

Weather Watch 13 hours ago ABS-CBN: Inilikas ang tinatayang 20 pamilya sa Upper Nawasa, Brgy. Commonwealth, Quezon City kagabi matapos umabot sa lagpas tao ang baha roon kasunod ng pag-ulan. Isinisi naman ng mga residente ang biglaang pagbaha sa basurang bumabara umano sa may sapa roon. Humupa naman ang baha kinalaunan pero posibleng maulit pa raw ito hangga't hindi nawawala ang mga bumabarang basura.

Weather Watch 14 hours ago GMA: Nagpaalala ang lokal na gobyerno ng Maynila na hindi ligtas ang maligo sa Manila Bay. Sa kabila nito, hindi ito inalintana ng mga bata at kababayang naiinitan at tumuloy pa rin sa paliligo roon kahit marumi ang tubig. Paalala ng Manila City Health Office, may ordinansa nang umiiral na nagbabawal para sa paliligo roon dahil sa maruming tubig.

Weather Watch 16 hours ago DZMM: Niyanig ng magnitude na 5.2 na lindol ang Sarangani, Davao del Sur

ngayon-ngayon lamang. Tectonic ang origin nito. Sa dagat naganap kayat wala namang naitalang pinsala. Hindi rin naglabas ng tsunami warning ang PHIVOLCS.

Weather Watch 16 hours ago DZBB: Sa mga oras na ito ay patuloy ang mahinang pag-ulan sa bahagi ng Padre Faura sa Maynila. May ilang minuto ring umulan ng malakas doon. Sa ngayon ay nananatiling makulimlim ang kalangitan doon na indikasyon na maari pang magtagal ang pag-ulang nararansan sa nasabing lugar.

Weather Watch 17 hours ago DZRH: Nagbabala ang PAGASA sa mga kababayan na palaginag maghanda sa biglaang pag-ulan kahit pa panahon ng tag-init. Ayon kay PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio, malaki ang posibilidad na umulan sa hapon at gabi dahil sa matinding init ng panahon na makapagdudulot ng thunderstorm na magdadala ng pag-ulan na minsa'y may kalakasan. Posible aniyang ulanin ang Semana Santa.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status. 19 hours ago Thunderstorm Advisory No. 3 Issued at: 1:40PM /03252013 Thunderstorm is expected to affect SJDM, Rizal, Caloocan, Quezon City and Paranaque within the next 2 to 3 hours. All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains,strong gusty winds, lightning and possible flash floods. Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch 21 hours ago PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura on DZBB: Re: Weather system update -Isolated lang po yan na pag-ulan (nangyaring pag-ulan kagabi). Mga localize thunderstorms kapag Easterlies. -May thunderstorm watch po tayo ngayon araw kaya asahan ang pag-ulan. -34 Degree Celsius po kahapon ang temperatura sa Metro Manila. -Opo may hale storm sa thunderstorm.

Weather Watch 22 hours ago 24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5:00a.m. of March 25, 2013 SYNOPSIS: Diffused tail-end of a cold front affecting extreme Northern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the Eastern sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. FORECAST: Cagayan Valley and the Province of Aurora and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon. Light to moderate winds blowing from the East to Southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and coming from the East to Northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate. >> NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch
3 hours ago

CAVITE : Sunny LAGUNA : Sunny BATANGAS : Fair weather RIZAL : Sunny QUEZON : Sunny

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch about an hour ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Patuloy ang pagdagsa ng mga pasahero sa Batangas Port. May itinalaga namang passenger assistance desk upang doon ilapit ng mga byahero ang anumang concern nila sa pagbyahe.

PIA Regional Watch 13 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nakahanda ang pamunuan ng Startolway sa pagdagsa ng mga biyahero ngayong Semana Santa. Magdadagdag din sila ng mga tauhan sa mga tollgate na magbibigay ng assistance sa mga motoristang dadaan dito.

PIA Regional Watch 16 hours ago PIA-4A/RIZAL: Nagsagawa kamakailan ng orientation sa Rizal Provincial Agrarian Reform Office upang maisagawa sa mga agrarian reform beneficiaries ng probinsya ang Agricultural Insurance Program ng Department of Agrarian Reform. Layunin ng programang magkaroon ng seguridad ang mga magsasaka para sa kanilang mga pananim sa pamamagitan ng insurance.

PIA Regional Watch 17 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinagawa ang groundbreaking ng itatayong World Sanctuary, mas kilala sa tawag na Montemaria sa Brgy.Pagkilatan, Batangas City. Ang naturang lugar ay magsisilbing isang religious community at inaasahang magpapataas ng antas ng turismo sa lungsod lalo na kapag natapos ang konstruksyon ng Mother of All Asia Shrine na umaabot sa 80 meters.

PIA Regional Watch 18 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon distributed farm equipment such as hand tractors, multi-tillers, push type weeders, knapsack sprayers and double pass rice mill to ARB small owner cultivators and agricultural leases and Panukulan credit cooperative of barangay San Juan, Panukulan, Quezon last March 19-20. This aims to increase rice production of said farmer's associations.

PIA Regional Watch 18 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial government of Quezon will construct 'salabat' (ginger tea) processing center in Dolores, Quezon to serve as venue in ginger tea production. The center will help increase the income of families and will promote ginger tea as One Town-One Product (OTOP).

PIA Regional Watch 18 hours ago PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The Calamba Football JMC Cup was recently held at the sprawling Rizal Plaza in Calamba City. The event aims to elevate the development of local football not only in the city and the province of Laguna but also throughout the country in support of the Philippine Football Federation's Kasibulan Program.

PIA Regional Watch 18 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) distributed one unit of six-wheeler truck, four units of grass cutters and two units of coffee dehauler through its DAR-Access Program to Pinagdanlayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The equipments will help the members of cooperative to uplift their livelihood.

PIA OFW Watch

PIA OFW Watch

DZMM: Nilinaw ng DOLE na ang deployment ng mga manggagawa sa Iraq ay

magsisimula lamang sa sandaling matapos ang bilateral agreement sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng nasabing bansa at matukoy ang tinatawag na restricted zones. 16 hours ago

 PIA OFW Watch

DZMM: Hiniling ni Sen. Bongbong Marcos na palakasin ang crackdown laban sa

mga illegal recruiter at mga fly-by-night manning agencies matapos ang pagaalis ng ban sa pagpapadala ng mga Filipino worker sa Iraq at Yemen. Nanawagan ito sa POEA na isapubliko ang mga recruitment agency na blacklisted na sa pagkuha ng mga manggagawa. Humiling din ito sa POEA na maglabas ng malinaw na guidelines sa deployment ng mga OFW. 16 hours ago

PIA OFW Watch

GMA: Nasa 500 Pinoy nurses at medical personnel ang papayagan ng Germany
na magtrabaho sa kanila. Bukod sa malaking sahod ay bibigyan din ng katulad ng benepisyo ng Germany tulad ng three- month working visa at pabahay ang mga magtatrabahong nurse roon. Ikinatuwa naman ng mga Pinoy nurse ang nasabing ulat. March 21 at 5:33am

A. QUEZON
1. Tagalog news: Police visibility mas pa-iigtingin pa ngayong bakasyon

By Ruel M. Orinday

Saturday 23rd of March 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Marso 23 (PIA) --Mas paiigtingin ngayon ang gagawing pagbabantay ng Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni PSSupt Dionardo B Carlos sa mga matataong lugar sa Quezon sa darating na bakasyon kung saan inaasahan ang pagdagsa ng mga tao sa mga tourist spots ng Quezon at iba pang mga lugar na dinarayo kapag bakasyon. Bilang paghahanda, noong ika-20 ng Marso 2013, ipinatawag PD Carlos ang ilang hepe ng kapulisan, kabilang ang Lucban, Dolores, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Pagbilao, Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez, Unisan, Padre Burgos, Agdangan, General Luna, Catanauan, Tayabas, Lungsod ng Lucena at Company Commander ng Quezon Police Public Safety Company (QPPSC) upang maging handa at mas paghusayin ang pagbabantay sa mga lasangan, tourist spots, dalampasigan, pamilihan at ilang mga lugar kung saan dumarayo ang maraming tao. Kabilang sa mga paalala ni PD Carlos ay ang pagsigurado ng mabilis na paglalakbay ng mga byahero na dadaan sa Maharlika Highway kung saan nagbigay siya ng ilang panukala o suhestyon upang mas gumaan ang daloy ng trapiko. Ilan sa mga direktiba ni PD Carlos sa mga hepe ng Quezon ay ang pagtatalaga ng sapat na bilang ng mga pulis sa Public Assistance Centers (PAC), Motorist Asssitance Centers (MAC), ang pagpapatrolya at pagbuo ng isang checkpoint lalo na sa mga lugar kung saan mataas ang insidente ng krimen, ang paglalagay ng tourist police sa mga dalampasigan at ilang lugar na dinarayo ng mga turista gayundin ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga katuwang na ahensya gaya ng Bureau of Fire, ilang Non Government Organizations at ilang managers ng commercial establishments upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga tao sa kani-kanilang lugar. Isa rin sa kanyang binigyang pansin ay ang pagtatalaga ng pina-igting na police visibility sa mga simbahan, daungan, plaza, terminals at ilang tourist destinations at ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga tricycle, jeepney at bus draybers upang mapanatili ang kaayusan sa lansangan. Hinihikayat din niya ang mamamayan na maging alisto at ipagbigay alam ang alinmang kaganapan o katauhan na kahinahinala sa kani-kanilang lugar at ipagbigay alam lamang sa pinakamalapit na istasyon ng pulisya. (RMO- PIAQuezon / may ulat mula sa QPPO)

B. CAVITE
1. Cavite, Korean university to set up e-medical records of

Korea-Phl hospital
By Ruel B. Francisco Monday 25th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 25 (PIA) -- The provincial government and a Korean university recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) for the establishment of electronic medical records (EMR) of the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital (KPFH) located at the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital Compound in Barangay Luciano. The KPFH earlier submitted a proposal for its computerization to the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as part of post project grant. The Korean government approved the project proposal made by the KPFH through KOICA and Dongyang University. Governor Juanito Jonvic" Remulla and Dongyang University President Choi Sung Hae signed the agreement for the computerization grant of the provincial hospital which was held at the ceremonial hall inside the provincial capitol building last March 20. It was witnessed by provincial health officers and key officers and staff of the said university. Among the responsibilities of the provincial government thru PHO and KPFH are to assist the Korean team expert to the selection of solution and provide other necessary data applicable in the setting up of EMR in the hospital. Likewise the latter will assign an Information Technology (IT) manager with two IT staff and a program coordinator to oversee the project including an office for the Korean team expert during the duration of the project. On the other hand, Dongyang University will provide the necessary technical assistance in the selection of solution applicable to the hospital needs and set up They will also provide a team of expert who will work the project, monitor the project implementation and coordinate accordingly for smooth implementation of the project. The Korean government continuously supports health projects of the province wherein three major projects were approved such as the establishment of the following: the KPFH in 2002, the Medical Arts Building in 2008, and the Cavite Collaboration Center for Public Health on March 22, 2012. All these are located in the General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital compound. (RF-PIA 4A,

Cavite)

C. LAGUNA
1. Spirit of volunteerism, very much alive in Laguna

By Alan C. Ortillano Monday 25th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in this part of the province as thousands of volunteers signed up for the Bayani Challenge 2013 after its launching at the Santa Rosa City Hall on Saturday, March 23. With the theme Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan, the five-day activity aims to test the courage, endurance and love for country of volunteers around the nation as they all voluntarily offer their services for free to build homes, refurbish schools, conduct educations sessions for children, tree planting, cleanup drives and health missions. Bayani Challenge activities in Santa Rosa City include house build, disaster lecture, health missions in GK Village; school build (repainting of school building and armchairs ) at Pulong Sta. Cruz Elementary School; river clean-up in Sitio Tabing Ilog all in Brgy. Pulong Sta. Cruz; painting of pedestrian lanes at the City Plaza, and market area among others. Forty eight housing units in GK Village are expected to be constructed by the volunteers in the duration of the event. The area is an 8,800 square-meter land donated by the city government of Santa Rosa headed by Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas to Gawad Kalinga Foudation. Poorest of the poor residents who once squatted on this area and have now become GK volunteers themselves, will benefit from the housing projects. All in all, 158 units will have already been completed by May 2013.

Mr. Budoy Oquinena, GK Area coordinator for Southern Tagalog said the event is history in the making one as it is the biggest volunteerism event to date, involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers from various sites and provinces around the nation, working as one in fighting poverty by building healthy, humane and nurturing communities. Bayani Challenge is a multi-sectoral partnership spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin, the flagship volunteer program of the Presidential Communications Operations Office. (CPG/ACO, PIA-Laguna)

D. BATANGAS
1. Tagalog news: Buwan ng Kababaihan, ipinagdiwang sa lalawigan ng Batangas By Mamerta P. De Castro Saturday 23rd of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGOSD NG BATANGAS, Marso 23 (PIA) --Pinangunahan ni Governor Vilma Santos Recto ang pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Kababaihan na may temang Kababaihan, Kaagapay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan kasama ang mga kinatawan mula sa Provincial Womens Coordinating Council (PWCC), Kalipunan ng Lipi ng Pilipina (KALIPI) at iba pang samahan mula sa ibat ibang bayan sa Provincial Auditorium noong March 20, 2013. Sa kanyang mensahe ay ipinahayag ng Gobernadora ang kanyang pagsaludo sa mga samahang pangkababaihan at ang kanyang pakikiisa sa pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng mga babae. Binigyang diin ng Gobernadora na dapat respetuhin at kilalanin ang galing ng mga kababaihan. Upang mabigyan ng kalinawan ay ginanap ang Forum on RA 10354 or An Act Providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health na siyang tinalakay ni Atty. Geraldine Marie B. Martinez- Member, GSIS Board of Trustees. Sinagot din niya ang ilang mga katanungan upang mas malinawan ng mga kababaihan ang isyu sa Reproductive Health. Pagkatapos nito ay tinalakay naman ni Mr. Jerome A. Alcantara - Consultant, International Labor Organization (ILO) ang RA 10361 o ang Domestic Workers Act na siyang naglalayong mabigyan ng benepisyo ang mga kasambahay. Ayon kay Jocelyn Montalbo,Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, ang mga usaping ito ang maiinit na pinagtatalakayan ngayon saan mang panig ng bansa kung kaya't ito ang naisip nilang maging bahagi sa pagdiriwang ng buwan ng mga kababaihan.

Aniya, sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga talakayan ay mabibigyan ng kasagutan ang mga katanungan ng publiko bukod pa sa tamang kaalamang matututunan dito kaugnay ng dalawang nabanggit na bagong batas. Ang pagdiriwang ay dinaluhan ng iba't-ibang mga samahan ng kababaihan mula sa apat na distrito ng lalawigan. (Elfie Estrella C. Ilustre - PIO-Batangas/PIA-Batangas)

E. RIZAL
1. Tanay inaugurates new municipal hall

By Gideon Gapayao Monday 25th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- Tanay municipal employees have a new home in the New Tanay Municipal Hall inaugurated on March 22. The Tanay LGU prioritized the construction of the new municipal hall fitting for the town which is renowned for its tourist spots and at the same time to give better services to its constituents. The structural design was done through the help of the engineers of the Rizal Provincial Government while the funds used for the construction of the said hall came from a loan from the LandBank of the Philippines. The new municipal hall was built on the grounds of the former municipal hall which also has a replica behind the new hall. The replica was erected to serve as a library or museum. A north building beside the completed town hall is currently under construction and aims to house various local government agencies and field offices. Municipal employees have moved into the new municipal hall from their temporary base of operations near the local market area starting March 25. The inauguration was attended by local government officials and local employees headed by Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco, Vice Mayor Jaime Vista, department heads and provincial line government agencies and guests such as Rizal 2nd District Congressman Isidro Rodriguez Jr., Former Rizal Governor Rebecca Nini Ynares.

A mass and blessing officiated by local priests of Tanay also took place during the inauguration and a fireworks display followed through later in the evening. (CPG/GG/PIA-4A)

Coinciding with the inauguration of the hospital, the conduct of various free medical services such as cataract screening, digital rectal exam, breast exam, breast ultrasound, pap smear, anti-pneumonia vaccination for senior citizens, ECG examination, prostate screening, free eyeglasses distribution and other services will be provided to the constituents. We will continue to give the best services we can provide to our constituents, Rizal Gov. Jun Ynares remarked. (PIO/CPG/GG-PIA 4A)

2.

Rizal PDRRMC gears for Lakbay Alalay

By Gideon Gapayao Monday 25th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis ANTIPOLO CITY, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The Rizal Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) with key government agencies and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) are all set for this years Lenten season "Lakbay Alalay". According to the PDRRMC, they have engaged in a series of meetings with the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), PRC and other government offices for its full implementation. Lakbay Alalay will begin on Wednesday, March 27 which will involve a traffic rerouting scheme in heavily affected areas as LDRRMCs, in coordination with PNP, AFP, PRC and NGOs, will be putting up booths in strategic locations. Around 3 million people are expected to visit the Antipolo Cathedral for the traditional pilgrimage while thousands of devotees are also anticipated to flock Regina Rica, Tanay, Rizal. As such, the PNP and AFP are currently requesting for augmentations from higher authorities to prepare for the influx of devotees. (Rizal-PDRRMC/CPG/GG/PIA-4A)

3. Cardona, emergency response teams prepared for Lenten season

By Gideon Gapayao Monday 25th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis ANTIPOLO CITY, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- The Cardona municipal government and local law enforcers are geared up for the influx of devotees for the upcoming Lenten season. Cardona Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Erwin Dionisio said the LGU has already coordinated with the local Philippine National police and Bureau of Fire Protection offices and barangay officials to participate in the upcoming Lakbay Alalay operations for Holy Week. In line with this, Cardona Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will be deployed throughout the town in order to assist devotees 24/7 starting March 27. CERTs are also prepared to guide lost travellers and administer first aid treatment for those who will experience headaches, fatigue and high blood pressure. The local BFP and PNP will also be on heightened alert to ensure fast response and law enforcement. The MDRRMO is anticipating 5,000 to 10,000 devotees to pass or visit the Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine in the town. (Cardona MDRRMO/CPG/GG/PIA-4A)

25 MARCH 2013.

President Aquino declares April 2 as special non-working day in Bulacan in Commemoration of the 225th birth anniversary of Francisco Balagtas Baltazar We have a long way to go towards getting Philippines off American and European aviation watchlists, President Aquino tells Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines President Aquino orders Social Cabinet Cluster to 'draw up a substitute measure' that Congress may use to pass Magna Carta for the Poor Aquino cites late boxing champion "Flash" Elorde for his passion and dedication in achieving boxing excellence
President Aquino declares April 2 as special non-working day in Bulacan in Commemoration of the 225th birth anniversary of Francisco Balagtas Baltazar President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 2, which falls on a Tuesday as a special non-working day in the province of Bulacan in commemoration of the 225th birth anniversary of prominent poet and orator Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar. The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 560 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa

Jr. on March 13, to give the people of Bulacan the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion. Known by his pen name Balagtas, Baltazar has been described as the Prince of Tagalog Poets." Baltazar was born in Panginay, Bigaa (now Balagtas), Bulacan on April 2, 1788. He was the youngest of the four children of Juan Baltazar, a blacksmith, and Juana de la Cruz. He worked as a helper in Tondo to support his studies where he met Jose de la Cruz, a prominent poet whose penchant for fighting cocks as payment for his literary works earned him the sobriquet Huseng Sisiw. The popular Filipino debate form Balagtasan was named after Balagtas. He was recognized by the Pahayagang Kastilyano (Spanish publication) and became the front cover for two weeks. Baltazar is widely considered as the Tagalog equivalent of William Shakespeare for his impact on Filipino literature. The famous epic, Florante at Laura, is regarded as his defining work. In 1840, he moved to Bataan where he met Juana Tiambeng who eventually became his wife. He died on February 20, 1862. PND (js) TOP We have a long way to go towards getting Philippines off American and European aviation watchlists, President Aquino tells Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Saying that the country still had a long way to go towards improving and meeting global standards on aviation safety, President Benigno S. Aquino III extolled officers and employees of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to join government efforts and work doubly hard for the Philippines to get off the watch lists of the United States of America and the European Union. The President issued his marching orders during the 5th Anniversary of CAAP held at the agencys main office in Pasay City on Monday. But while I am here today to congratulate you for a job well done, and for celebrating your fifth anniversary, I would also like to remind you that the job is not yet over. In the coming days, weeks, and months, all of us will be working towards getting our country off the watch lists of the United States and the European Union, the President said. He lauded the CAAPs efforts to comply with global safety standards which include: a Civil Aviation Safety Oversight Reporting and Tracking System, the Minimum Required Annual Inspection for all air operators, revalidation of the Air Operators Certificate of five international operators and several other air taxi operators and domestic air operators, and the Certificate Management Department to help our local carriers, such as the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, to meet the standards of other countries and help them expand their routes. He said though that these programs which were implemented under the stewardship of CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss III, have allowed the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to lift the Significant Safety Concerns (SSC) it previously issued to the Philippines and have resulted towards the fact that it is now more safe to fly in the Philippines. This took the effort of each person who works for this agency, and I extend my gratitude to all of you for your work, the President said. So today I also give you my marching orders: Lets get this done. We have the momentum; we have the right people and have put the right systems in place. It is time for us to usher in a golden age not just for Philippine aviationnot just for Philippine tourismbut for our entire country, he added. The CAAP was created on March 4, 2008 through Republic Act 9497 renaming the Air Transport Office as Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and mandating it to perform the following ---inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities and; determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. Joining the President were Hotchkiss III, Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya and CAAP Deputy Director General John Andrews. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino orders Social Cabinet Cluster to 'draw up a substitute measure' that Congress may use to pass Magna Carta for the Poor President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the Social Cabinet Cluster (Human Development and Poverty Alleviation) to draw up a substitute measure that will be submitted to Congress which it may use as reference towards drafting a Magna Carta for the Poor. In an interview after keynoting the 5th Anniversary of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in Pasay City on Monday, the President said he wanted a substitute measure formed after he vetoed a previously drafted Charter for the Poor citing the improbability of the government meeting its demands. Under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), a multilateral treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 1966, the Philippines, as a signatory, joins 160 other countries in committing to work towards the granting of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR) to individuals, including labor rights and the right to health, the right to education, and the right to an adequate standard of living.

The President cited Section 4 of the ICESCR which gave the poor the right to immediately demand the enjoyment of which is an essential step towards poverty alleviation: a) the right of food; b) the right to employment and livelihood; c) the right to quality education; d) the right to shelter; and e) the right to basic health services and medicine. He noted as an example the provision of providing shelter which he said is around five million social housing units that will cost P2.320-trillion which is the entire budget for this year of about P2-trillion. So, ang buod niyan, isa pa lang doon sa limang karapatan hindi na kayang punuin ng budget. Ngayon, yung budget natin... ang pwede lang i-program off the P2-trillion is roughly about P600-billion. Wala pa yung right to food, wala pa yung right to work, wala pa yung right to health, wala pa yung right to education, the President said. So, ang corrective action natin dito, dinirect (direct) natin ang social cluster to draw up a substitute measure that we will give to the next Congress and, hopefully, that they will act upon with haste, he added. PND (rck) TOP Aquino cites late boxing champion "Flash" Elorde for his passion and dedication in achieving boxing excellence President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the late boxing champion Gabriel Flash Elorde for demonstrating his passion and dedication in achieving excellence in boxing. "Solidarity gives us fortitude and confidence as a people. The late pugilist Gabriel Flash Elorde exemplified these and other strengths. His passion and dedication qualified him as a true winner; he stood as a rallying symbol for the talent of our sportsmen and enlivened his milieu," the Chief Executive in his message on the occasion of the 13th Annual Gabriel Flash Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions on Monday. Reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire will receive the Flash Elorde Memorial Belt during the awarding ceremonies on Monday night at the Sofitel Hotel. Other boxers who will be honored in the annual affair are WBO and WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria, IBF light-fly champion John Riel Casimero, WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes and former WBC flyweight title holder Sonny Boy Jaro. "This event commemorates him (Elorde) and honors the skill, discipline, and professionalism that enable our champions to represent the best in the Filipino fighter. Our boxers today continue to exhibit both the power and compassion that make them the pride of the Philippines," the President said. "Let this occasion renew your vigor to compete in earnest, with your hearts beating in unison for love of family, friends, and countrymen. We stand united under the banner of integrity that has empowered us to move forward as a nation," he added. President Aquino called on the country's athletes to remain united with the government in pursuing their shared mission of equitable progress. "For the 13th straight year we are giving recognition to our outstanding boxers and the people who are responsible for the development of boxing in the Philippine," Liza Elorde, daughter-in-law of the great Gabriel Flash Elorde and wife of boxing promoter Johnny Elorde, said in a statement. PND (js) TOP

ARCHIVE 2013 25 MARSO 2013 Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 2 na special non-working day sa Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ni 'Balagtas' Matatagalan pa bago maalis ang Pilipinas sa aviation watch lists ng Amerika at ng Europa, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa CAAP Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Social Cabinet Cluster na maghanda ng magagamit ng Kongreso para ipalit sa pagtitibaying Magna Carta para sa mga maralita Pinapurihan ni Aquino ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Flash Elorde sa sigasig at pagsisikap nitong matangi sa lalong tangi sa boksing

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 2 na special non-working day sa Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ni 'Balagtas' Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino iii ang Abril 2, natapat sa araw ng Martes, bilang special non-working day sa lalawigan ng Bulacan upang ipagdiwang ang ika-225 kaarawan ng Ama ng Panitikang Pilipino at makatang Francisco Balagtas Baltazar. Inilagda ng Pangulong Aquino ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 560 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Marso 13 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Bulakan na maipagdiwang nang angkop ang Araw ni Balagtas. Isinilang si Baltazar sa Panginay, Bigaa (Balagtas na ngayon) sa lalawigan ng Bulacan noong Abril 2, 1788. Bunso siya sa apat na anak nina Juan Baltazar, isang panday, at ni Juana de la Cruz. Binatilyo si Balagtas nang lumuwas sa Maynila at maging katulong sa Tundo para makapag-aral. Mahilig siya sa pagtula at nakilala si Jose de la Cruz, tanyag nang makatang mahilig manghingi ng manok bilang bayad sa mga nagpapaayos sa kanya ng tula kaya binansagan siyang Huseng Sisiw. Walang manok na panregalo si Balagtas kaya nagsarili siya ng pagsusulat. Bilang parangal at pagkilala kay Balagtas, ang pagtatalo sa pamamagitan ng tula ay tinawag na "Balagtasan." Ang husay ni Balagtas ay kinilala ng Pahayagang Kastilyano at dalawang linggong naging pabalat ng nasabing babasahin. Si Balagtas ang itinuturing na William Shakespeare ng Panitikang Pilipino at ang kanyang walang kamatayang akdang Florante at Laura na halos 200 na taon ang nakalilipas nang sulatin niya ay naisalin sa iba-ibang wika, kabilang ang Ingles. Ang mga aral sa Florante at Laura ay patuloy na angkop sa kasalukuyan at hindi nililipasan ng panahon. Buhat sa Tundo, lumipat siya sa Beata, Pandacan, Maynila ang purok ng sining, kalinangan at panitikan sa Maynila nang panahon ng mga Kastila. Ipinakulong si Balagtas sa Pandacan at nang makalaya ay nagtungo sa Bataan at doon nakaisang puso niya si Juana Tiambeng. Pebrero 28, 1862 nang bawian ng buhay si Balagtas. PND TOP Matatagalan pa bago maalis ang Pilipinas sa aviation watch lists ng Amerika at ng Europa, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa CAAP Hiningi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga pinuno at tauhan ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) na pag-ibayuhin ang kanilang pagsisikap para mapahusay at matugunan ang itinakdang pandaigdig na pamantayan sa aviation safety upang maalis na ang Pilipinas sa watch lists ng Estados Unidos at ng European Union. Ito ang naging mahigpit na tagubilin ng Pangulo sa CAAP sa talumpati niya kaugnay ng ika-5 anibersaryo ng ahensiya sa punong tanggapan ito sa Lungsod ng Pasay Lunes. Ibig ko kayong batiin sa inyong mahusay na pagtupad sa tungkulin, gayundin sa anibersaryo ng inyong tanggapan. Gayunpaman, ibig kong ipaalaala sa inyong lahat na hindi pa tapos ang inyong gawain. Sa hinaharap na mga araw, linggo at buwan, dapat magsikap ang bawat isa sa inyo upang ang bansa natin ay matanggal sa watch lists ng Estados Unidos at ng European Union, wika ng Pangulo Pinapurihan ng Pangulo ang pagsisikap ng CAAP na umalinsunod sa global safety standards na katulad ng: Civil Association Safety Oversight Reporting and Tracking System, Minimum Required Annual Inspection ng lahat ng air operators, rebalidasyon ng lahat ng Air Operators Certificate ng limang international operators, gayundin ng mga taxi operators at domestic air operators at ang Certificate Management Department para tulungan ang mga lokal na eroplanong tulad ng Philippine Airlines at Cebu Pacific na tugunan ang pamantayan ng ibang bansa at alalayan silang mapalawak ang kanilang mga ruta. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na bagaman ang mga programang ipinatupad sa pamumuno ni Direktor Heneral William Hotchkiss III ng CAAP ay naging daan upang tanggapin ng Intenational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ang Significant Safety Concerns

na ibinigay sa Pilipinas na naging daan tungo sa katotohanang sa kasalukuyan ay talagang higit nang ligtas lumipad sa Pilipinas. Ito ay bunga ng pagsisikap ng bawat isa sa inyo na ubus-kayang naglingkod sa ahensiyang ito kaya pinasasalamatan ko kayong lahat sa inyong paglilingkod, sabi ng Pangulo. Dahil dito, ngayong araw na ito, ang aking tagubilin sa inyo: Tapusin natin ito. Maganda na ang sinimulan natin, kasama natin ang mga tamang tao at nailagay na natin sa akmang lugar ang sistema. Ito na ang pagkakataon upang tulutan nating pumasok ang ginintuang yugto, hindi lamang para sa aviation o sa turismo ng Pilipinas, kundi higit sa lahat, para sa ating buong bansa, mariing wika ng Pangulo. Nilikha ng Batas ng Republika 9497 ang CAAP na dating Air Tramsport Office bilang Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines na may saguting -ispeksiyunin at itala ang lahat ng eroplanong pagmamay-ari at ginagamit sa Pilipinas at lahat ng pasilidad, gayundin ang pagpapatupad ng mga batas na may kinalaman sa trasportasyong panghimpapawid, mamahala at mangalaga sa mga pambansang paliparan, air navigational at iba pang pasilidad at tukuyin ang halagang dapat nilang bayaran sa operasyon ng public air utility facilities. Bukod sa Pangulo dumalo sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng CAAP sina Hotchkiss III, Kalihim Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya at John Andrews, Deputy Director General ng CAAP. PND TOP Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Social Cabinet Cluster na maghanda ng magagamit ng Kongreso para ipalit sa pagtitibaying Magna Carta para sa mga maralita Inatasan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Social Cabinet Cluster (Human Development and Poverty Alleviation) na bumalangkas ng pamalit na panukala na ihaharap sa Kongreso na maaari nitong gamiting saligan tungo sa pagbalangkas ng Magna Carta for the Poor. Sa panayam matapos magsalita sa ika-5 anibersaryo ng Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) sa Lungsod ng Pasay Lunes, sinabi ng Pangulo na gusto niya ang pamalit na panukala matapos na hindi niya pagtibayin ng unang balangkas ng Charter for the Poor na ayon sa kanya ay mahihirapan ang pamahalaan na ipatupad ang mga tadhanain. Sa ilalim ng International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, isang kasunduang pinagtibay ng General Assembly ng United Nations noong Disyembre 16. 1966 kung saan ang Pilipinas ay isa sa 160 bansang lumagda at nangakong pagkakalooban ng karapatang pangkabuhayan, panlipunan at kultura ang mga tao, kabilang ang karapatan sa paggawa at karapatan sa kalusugan, karapatan sa edukasyon at karapatang magkaroon nang sapat na pamantayan ng pamumuhay. Binanggit ng Pangulo ang Seksiyon 4 ng ICESCR na nagbigay sa mga dukha ng karapatang hingin agad na tamasahin ang mahalagang hakbang upang mapawi ang karalitaan\: a) karapatan sa pagkain; b) karapatang magkatrabaho at ikabubuhay; k) karapatan sa mataas na uri ng edukasyon; d) karapatan sa tahanan; at e) karapatan sa mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan at mga gamot. Tinukoy ng Pangulo na ang pagkakaloob ng bahay na ayon sa kanya ay aabutin ng limang milyong social housing units ay magkakahalaga ng kabuuang P2.320 trilyon na siyang kabuuang budget ng bansa sa taong ito na aabot sa P2-trilyon. Kaya bukod diyan, isa pa lamang sa limang karapatang hindi kayang paglaanan ng pondo ng ating budget. Ngayon, sa ating P2 trilyong budget, mga P600 bilyon lamang ang maaaring ilaan sa nasabing programa. Wala pa ang karapatan sa pagkain, wala pa rin ang karapatan sa trabaho, wala ang karapatan sa kalusugan, wala ang karapatan sa edukasyon, pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo. Kaya ang hakbang natin para rito ay atasan ang social cluster na bumalangkas ng pamalit na panukalang ihaharap sa susunod na Kongreso at sana naman, mabilis nila itong pagtibayin, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. PND TOP Pinapurihan ni Aquino ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Flash Elorde sa sigasig at pagsisikap nitong matangi sa lalong tangi sa boksing Pinapurihan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang yumaong kampeon sa boksing na si Gabriel Flash Elorde sa ipinamalas na sigasig at pagsisikap upang maging tangi sa lalong tangi sa larangan ng boksing. Ang pagkakaisang dahilan ng tibay ng loob at tiwala natin bilang lahi. Ito ang mga katangian ng yumaong boksingerong si Gabriel Flash Elorde na tinambalan pa ng tatag ng kalooban at pagsisikap kaya niya natamo ang tagumpay; nanatili siyang sagisag na bumigkis sa ating mga sportsmen at nagbigay sa kanya ng ibayong lakas, sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang mensahe sa 13th Annual Gabriel Flash Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions Lunes. Tinanggap ni Nonito Donaire, kasalukuyang super-bantamweight champion ng World Boxing Organization (WBO) ang Flash Elorde Memorial Belt sa seremonyang ginanap Lunes sa Sofitel Hotel. Ang iba pang boksingerong pinarangalan sa taunang pagtitipon ay sina WBO at WBA flyweight king Brian Viloria; John Riel Casimiro kampeon ng IBF flyweight; WBO light-flyweight titlist Donnie Nietes at Sonny Boy Jaro, dating may hawak ng titulong WBC flyweight. Ang pagtitipong ito ang gumugunita kay Elorde at nagpaparangal sa kanyang pambihirang husay, disiplina at propesyonalismo na ginamit ng ating mga kampeon upang ipamalas ang walang katulad at galing ng kampeong Pilipino.

Ipinagpapatuloy ngayon ng ating mga boksingero ang pagpapamalas ng galing, kakayahan at malasakit kaya sila ay nananatiling karangalan ng Pilipinas, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Sa pagkakataong ito, muli nating bigyang sigla ang inyong lakas na makipaglaban sa matapat na paraan nang ang puso ay nagkakaisa ang tibok sa pagmamahal sa pamilya, mga kaibigan at mga kababayan. Nagkakaisa tayo sa lilim ng bandila ng karangalang nagbigay sa atin ng lakas upang humakbang na papasulong bilang isang bansa,dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga atleta ng bansa na manatiling kabalikat ng pamahalaan sa pagsisikap na ipagpatuloy ang nagkakaisang mithiing makamtan ang laganap na kasaganaan sa bansa. Sa loob ng 13 taong singkad, kinikilala natin ang ating nga namumukod-tanging boksingero at ang mga taong kabalikat nila sa pagpapaunlad ng boksing sa Pilipinas sabi ni Liza Elorde, manugang ng dakilang Gabriel Flash Elorde at maybahay ng boxing promoter. PND TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 29th Biennial Convention of the FFCCCII Mall of Asia, Pasay City 22 March 2013 Thank you. Good afternoon. Please sit down. Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; secretaries Mar Roxas, Leila de Lima, Edwin Lacierda, Joel Villanueva; Senator Frank Drilon; Commissioner Kim Henares; Mr. Tan ChingMr. Tan Ching, I think, deserves a round of applause. Your very able president was the one who convinced me that despite the fact that I went to Cavite this morning, then the Army anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, somehow we found a mutually agreeable time for me to be able to be present here with you. Thank you again. I think we did say best presidents. You are soon to be, and Im sad to noteone of the best past presidents in a little while. [Laughter and applause] But Im sure youll be one of the best advisers after that. Mayor Alfredo Lim; honorable members of the House: Cong. Zenaida Angping and Rep. David Kho; officials and members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat You know, I have noticed that we have seen a lot of each other over the past few yearsthis will be our fifth date, in a manner of speaking. Given the number of times I have met you, I have actually picked up a few useful phrases or phrases that I find useful from time to time, and I hope I pronounce it correctly: like Gua ai cha hakaw kap masachi. [Laughter and applause] I will tell Secretary Roxas what that means later, and, something youve heard from me many times before, To sha din long tsong [Thank you]. If, by accident, I said those things right, it is because I have been practicing; if it is wrong, I just want to inform all of you that my teachers are Secretary Edwin Lacierda and Commissioner Kim Henares. [Laughter] But I still want to apologizeespecially since Her Excellency Ambassador Ma Keqing is here today. On this note, I would like to again express our sincerest congratulations on the election of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. I have every confidence that, under President Xis leadership, the Chinese people will continue to realize their goals of peace, prosperity, and happiness for all, and that the relations between our two countries will remain largely, if not totally positive, as they have been in the past. Since you have never been shy about giving back to your country and your countrymen, I have also never been shy about thanking you, and practicing my skills at the same time: truly, to sha din long tsong; xie xie ni men. Mr. Tan Ching has already done such a good job of reminding us of everything you have been up to, and you really have been doing so much: from medical missions, to scholarships and building classrooms, to volunteer fire brigades, to assistance for victims of calamitieslike, most recently, the millions of pesos you gave for the victims of Typhoon Pablo through DILG. In fact, as I hear it, you have been especially efficient in constructing, is this correctover 1,500 classrooms in partnership with Senator Frank Drilon since 2002. And managedand this you really have to be admiredto keep costs even lower than the cost of classrooms completed by government contractors. Again, our congratulations and our thanks. We are sure that these are the same kinds of efficiencies you bring to your own businesses, which contribute to your robust bottom lineand I hope

that this, in turn, will reflect on the taxes you pay from now on. While we are here today, I hope that you will allow me to bring up a more sensitive topic, and I mean this with all due respect in fact, this came from a report from Commissioner Kim Henares that was, to say the least, a bit disconcerting. These are the facts as we understand them. Based on your own 2011-2013 directory, I understand that your federation includes 207 firms and organizations as members. Of this 207, I am told, only 105 have a Tax Identification Number. I wonder what happened to the others. I wonder what happened to the others. Of these 105 firms, only 54 filed tax returns. To make matters worse, 38 firms and organizations actually filed returns with zero tax due. This means that only 16 out of the 207or only around eight percentof your member-organizations paid taxes. The 6.6 growth did not seem to affect your members. Now, there are also 552 of you who are individual members. And of this number, 424 of you have Tax Identification Numbers. It is interesting to note that of that number 185, or almost 44 percent, filed income tax returns. Of those that filed tax returns, at least only 14 filed returns with zero tax due. What this means is 354 out of 552 membersor 64 percent of youdid not pay taxes for the same reasons: no TIN, no tax due, or nothing filed at all. In fact, of those who filed and paid income taxes, a lot of you paid less than 100 thousand pesos. There were some who paid less than one thousand pesos in taxes. I have to be sad to say I was shocked, to say the least, when I learned this, because that would mean that you are making even less than what I receive every month. And, can this be correct? The stockholders of your companiessome of whom must receive glowing reports of your earningsmust be surprised by this as well. In fact, they would probably be even more disturbed than I am right now. After all, is it not true that earnings should imply a corresponding tax? After hearing of this strange news, would they not be worried about their investment? More than that, however, this was truly unexpected news, especially since you have always been so willing to give generously to our countrymen. In terms of actively reaching out to our countrymen, your contributions have always been clear. But perhaps it is time to ask ourselves: am I contributing in the right waynot just through corporate social responsibility, but also through my personal obligationsthrough contributions to the policies that have helped us build our success? Gone are the days when your taxes disappeared into the pockets of an unscrupulous few, or when bending the rules may have been the only way for otherwise honest companies to keep operating. Things have changed. Two years ago, when I first met you, I told you that you have a national government that you can count on for supportand I meant that. We are continuing to remove hindrances to the success of the Filipino people, the Chinese-Filipino community included: from weeding out corruption in government, to empowering our people through health, education, and social services, to enhancing transportation and infrastructure, to maintaining stability and order by advocating peaceful solutions to conflict. Aside from being your civic duty, paying taxes fits into our strategy of empowering the Filipino people. The money you pay to government now also goes to classrooms, teachers, textbooks, healthcare, food, disaster relief, and other initiatives that ensure that our people are given the opportunity to live dignified lives. When they are healthy, when they do not lack for education, when they are secure in the knowledge that they are cared for by the statethese same people will constitute a workforce that is more productive and can definitely spur the growth of your very own companies. So you see: the taxes you pay are not lost in some black hole. They redound to real, concrete benefits for businessmen like yourselves, and for the rest of our people. If these were empty promises, I do not think that the Philippines would be experiencing the success it has today: unprecedented economic growth in 2012, increased competitiveness as an investment destination, and the confidence of the global community. You and your enterprises have certainly benefited from all these achievements. Let me be clear: we are all for your success. You pave the way for the success of others. The Filipinos, or your fellow Filipinos, that you employ, are empowered to earn decent livelihoods and make life better for themselves, their families, and the greater society as a whole. I believe that the success of any business can only be truly sustainable when it is free from unnecessary, avoidable risks and threatswhen it takes place only because of your hard work, creativity, and ability to adapt to the needs of your consumers. So, let me share with you some friendly and practical advice, and I have just learned this, so again, forgive me if I make any mistakes: hui sin pa la tyo seh. [Please pay correct taxes]. I hope I said that correctly. [Laughter and applause] Today, I am appealing to you to correct the situation and fulfill your civic duty. There is still time. After April 15, you will have to deal with Commissioner Kim Henares herself and with Secretary Leila de Lima at her back. [Laughter] Again, please bear that in mind: April 15. You have already shown your solidarity with us by doing your part to uplift Filipinos; and our government has done the same, by leveling the playing field, weeding out corruption, and ensuring a just, honest, and stable environment. But true, complete solidarity requires reciprocityand today, I am only asking you to make good on your federations commitment to tread the straight path with us and live it out in your individual lives. We will continue to keep our promise to you. Should there still be some in public office who want to continue taking advantage of their position, and consequently, taking advantage of you, then you can always call our fearless Commissioner Kim Henares, and that person or persons will be dealt with. Allow me to reiterate: back in 2011, I told you that you can count on usthat we in government will do everything in our power to see you thrive. This is a promise we have kept and continue to keep. So far, the majority of our efforts have been aligned we have seen the wisdom of empowering the Filipino people by meeting their most basic, and at the same time, most urgent needs. Collectively, we have done so muchand we can still do more. This is why that I hope that your support for our administrations programs still remainthat today will stand as an affirmation of the partnership that has already yielded so much benefit for our countrymen. In this way, we can align the rest of our efforts, and walk the straight path together. Xie xie ni men, and may you have a fruitful convention. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
January infra spending jumps by 43.1% Y-0-Y' Total Y-0-Y disbursements climb by 11% to P157.9-B Abad: No budget cut for SUCs; Allocation for state universities, colleges up by 44% BIR, BOC revenues continue double-digit growth Debt ratios remain at comfortable levels in 2012 DILG-NCR holds convergence rally for ISFs DOE Statement DOST-NRCP honors excellent Filipino researchers NEDA cites Phl performance in HDI, progress in the MDGs among other ASEAN countries Prague Film Fest Exhibits Filipino Films, honors Director Brillante Mendoza PHL Consul General in Hawaii receives new American Samoa Government Director DOTC launches Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Kwaresma 2013 Paje warns public of scam involving forest lands BI men on Holy Week alert Hybrid Rice Producers unite for rice self-sufficiency Phl eyes onion exports, sends trial shipment to Japan PH reaps awards at Routes Asia 2013 Former BIR employee nabbed for extort try Bangladesh tech-voc executives complete TESDA training PDIC to pay depositors of the closed La Consolacion Rural Bank (Laguna) starting March 26 VP Binay calls on Filipino Chinese businessmen to help create jobs PIDS and IMF top officials share insights on inclusive economic growth January infra spending jumps by 43.1% Y-0-Y' Total Y-0-Y disbursements climb by 11% to P157.9-B Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported that spending for infrastructure and capital outlay in January rose by 43.1 percent to P16.4 billion, outperforming the P11.5 billion spent in the same period last year. This, together with improved spending on agency maintenance and operations, helped drive total disbursements for the month to P157.9 billion. This is P15.6 billion or 11 percent higher than the P142.3 billion in disbursements posted in January 2012. Net of interest payments, disbursements for January also improved by 12 percent, taking off from the 6.2 percent growth in 2012. Already, were seeing a remarkable improvement in our expenditure performance, with infrastructure and capital outlay investments leading the way. Were also intent on expanding the capabilities of our departments and agencies, beginning with increased spending for their banner socio-economic programs, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. According to DBM, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) went up by 48.9 percent or P9.8 billion in January this year, due largely to the frontloading of cash grants for beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer program. Table 1: Disbursements by Expense Class, 2012 vs. 2013 in billion pesos, unless otherwise indicated Particulars Current Oper. Exp. PS MOOE Subsidy Allotment to LGUs IP TEF Capital Outlays Infra & Other CO Equity Cap. Transfers to LGUs CARP-LO Net Lending TOTAL January 2012 124.9 36.0 20.0 0.4 18.2 50.3 0.0 16.1 11.5 4.6 1.2 142.3 Increase/Decrease Amount 21.0 4.8 9.8 (0.2) 1.9 4.6 0.1 5.8 4.9 0.1 0.7 (11.2) 15.6

2013 146.0 40.8 29.8 0.2 20.2 54.8 0.2 21.9 16.4 0.1 5.4 (9.9) 157.9

% 16.8 13.4 48.9 (44.0) 10.6 9.1 378.1 35.7 43.1 #DIV/0! 15.6 (897.3) 11.0

Abad noted that key budget reform measures helped improve the governments disbursement performance as early as January. The one-year validity of appropriations and the disaggregation of lump-sum funds pushed department and agencies to

Last Updated:

25 MARCH 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 5th Anniversary celebration of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. (Photo by: Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacaang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 5th Anniversary celebration of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. In photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacaang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the 5th Anniversary celebration of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. In photo are Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and CAAP director general Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacaang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director general Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III upon arrival for the CAAP 5th Anniversary celebration at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. In photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) 5th Anniversary at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. (Photo by: Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacaang Photo Bureau).

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) 5th Anniversary at the CAAP Covered Court in Old MIA Road, Pasay City on Monday (March 25). With the theme: The Future is in the Skies. CAAP is mandated to perform the following: inspection and registration of all aircrafts owned and operated in the Philippines and all facilities as well as for the enforcement of laws governing air transportation; operate and maintain national airports, air navigational and other similar facilities; and determine the charges and rates for the operation of public air utility facilities. In photo is Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacaang Photo Bureau).