Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 20 , 2013 Thursday, 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 10 Weather Watch,
8 Regional Watch , 20 OFW Watch ,1 PNOY Speech, 16 Online News , 4 Photonews

Weather Watch
17 minutes ago 1. PAGASA Weather Bulletin No. 1 for Tropical Depression "FABIAN" Issued at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, 20 June 2013 The low pressure area (LPA) West of Batangas has developed into a tropical depression and was named "FABIAN" . Location of Center: (as of 11:00 a.m.)290 km West of Iba, Zambales; Coordinates: 15.2N, 117.0E Strength: Maximum winds of 55 kph near the center Movement: North Northwest at 11 kph Forecast Positions/Outlook: Friday morning: 770 350 km West of Sinait, Ilocos Norte Saturday morning: 410 km Northwest of Laoag City or outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

No Public Storm Warning Signals Raised Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 - 15 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression. Tropical Depression "FABIAN" has no direct effect to any part of the country. However, it will enhance the Southwest Monsoon which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over the western section of Luzon particularly Palawan. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and the next update will be incorporated in the 24-hour weather forecast to be issued at 5 pm today.

Weather Watch
24 minutes ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. PANAHON.TV: PAGASA said the LPA west of Batangas has developed into Tropical Depression "Fabian".

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

43 minutes ago 3. Thunderstorm Advisory No. 02 (Final) Issued at 10:54 AM 20 June 2013 All thunderstorm warnings are terminated. However, all are still advised to keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 4. DZMM: Nagbabala ang mga eksperto na posibleng dumanas pa ng malakas at mapinsalang bagyo at patuloy ding titindi ang init ng panahon sa mga bansang nasa Southeast Asia kabilang ang Pilipinas batay sa pag-aaral ng Post Dam Institute for Climate Impact Reasearch and Climate Analytics na ginawa para sa World Bank. Ayon sa report, madadagdagan pa ng 4 degrees Celsius ang temperature sa Timog-Silangang Asya na posibleng magdulot ng heatwave.

Weather Watch
5 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 5. ABS-CBN: Balik na ngayon sa normal ang biyahe patungong Puerto Galera matapos itong kanselahin dahil sa malakas na hangin at ulan gayundin ang malalakas na alon. Sa Western Pangasinan ay pinagbawalan rin ang paglaot ng mga mangingisda dahil sa gale warning.

Weather Watch
5 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 6. PAGASA weather forecaster Gener Quitlong on GMA:

-Napanatili ng Tropical Storm "Emong" ang lakas nito habang patuloy na papalayo matapos makalabas na ng PAR. -Kaninang 4AM, huling namataan ang sentro ng bagyo sa layong 570km hilagang-silangan ng Basco, Batanes. -Taglay pa rin nito ang lakas ng hangin na 75kph malapit sa gitna at pagbugso na umaabot sa 90kph. -Inaasahang kikilos ito pahilaga sa bilis na 22kph. -Samantala, isang LPA ang namataan sa layong 450km kanluran ng Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas. Sakaling maging bagyo ito ay tatawaging "Fabian." -Ang Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA at Bicol Region ay makakaranas ng mga pag-ulan na dulot ng habagat. -Ang Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA at ang nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon ay magkakaroon ng maulap na papawirin na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog. -Ang natitirang bahagi ng Mindanao ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

5 hours ago 7. 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00AM 20 June 2013 SYNOPSIS: At 4:00 am today, the center of Tropical Storm Emong was estimated based on all available data at 570 km northeast of Basco, Batanes (25.5N, 124.8E) {outside of...See More

Weather Watch
5 hours ago 8. PAGASA-DOST: Tropical Cyclone Alert: Tropical Storm Emong Issued at 05:00 AM, 20 June 2013

Tropical Storm Emong has maintained its strength as it moves away from the country and is now out of the Phil. Area of Responsibility (PAR). Location of eye/center: At 04:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Storm EMONG was estimated based on all available data at 570 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (25.5N, 124.8E). Strength: Maximum winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph Movement: Forecast to move North at 22 kph. Forecast Positions: Tropical Storm Emong is expected to be at 770 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes outside of the Phil. Area of Responsibility this afternoon. Estimated rainfall amount within the 600 km diameter of the Tropical Storm is from 5 15 mm per hour (moderate heavy). Tropical Storm EMONG is not expected to make landfall to any part of the country. However, it will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas and light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms over the rest of the country. Fishermen specially those using small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the Northern and Eastern Seaboards of Luzon and Western Seaboard of Southern Luzon due to big waves generated by Tropical Storm EMONG. Meanwhile, The Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated based on all available data at 450 km West of Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas (14.5N, 116.5E) With this development this is the final bulletin on this weather disturbance.

Weather Watch
14 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 9. GMA: Aminado ang mga forecaster ng PAGASA na hindi 100% na eksakto ang inilalabas nilang rainfall at thunderstorm advisories kaya naman nagsusumikap sila para mapabuti ito. Kabilang sa mga ginagawa ng PAGASA ang pagbuo ng isang technical working group.

Weather Watch
15 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 10. ABS-CBN: Isang low pressure area ang namataan ng PAGASA 550km west ng San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Sa oras na maging bagyo ay tatawagin itong bagyong "Fabian." Sa kabila nito, hindi ito sasanib kay Tropical Storm "Emong" na palabas na ng bansa. Si "Emong" ay huling namataan sa 370km northeast ng Basco, Batanes na may lakas na 75kph malapit sa gitna at pagbugso na 90kph. Ang parehong weather disturbance na ito ay makakapag-igting sa Hanging Habagat na makakapagdulot ng malakas na pag-ulan.

Weather Watch

June 20 , 2013 (Thursday)

as of 8 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Cloudy and Drizzling Sunny Fair Weather Fair Weather Mostly Cloudy

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. PIA-4A/RIZAL: Rizal Governor Jun Ynares, Guronasyon Foundation President Gilberto Duavit and University of Rizal System President Marita Canapi recently inaugurated a new three storey and 12 classroom building at the URS Montalban Campus complete with new computers and speech laboratories to equip both students and instructors in information technology and language proficiency.

PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. PIA-4A/QUEZON: The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines {NGCP} is scheduled to turnover 10 sets of personal computers to barangay hall of barangay Matiuna, Tayabas City on June 25. Nelson Bautista of NGCP- south luzon said this project aims to help the barangay with its documentation and to foster stronger relations with the government unit hosting

NGCP facilities.NGCP heads and the local officials of Tayabas City are expected to attend the turn over ceremony.

PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 3. PIA-4A/QUEZON: The city social welfare and development office (CSWDO) will implement project that will control and stop street children in Brgy. Dalahican, Lucena City in using 'rugby' and other solvent ingredients. The project includes seminar, sports activities, personal consultation and spiritual teaching.

PIA Regional Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 4. PIA 4A/LAGUNA: The City Government of Calamba in Laguna ushers in the celebration of the 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal today, June 19, 2013, led by Mayor and Congressman-elect Joaquin M. Chipeco,with wreath laying activities at The Plaza, Rizal Shrine and other locations jn the city. Gracing the activities are Senator-elect Cynthia Villar, NHCP Exec. Dir. Ludovico Badoy and Congressman and Mayor-elect Justin Chipeco among others.

PIA Regional Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 5. PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Senator-elect Cynthia Villar stated that Rizal gave so much importance to education and it is through education that our countrymen will be freed from the bondage of poverty. Villar is the guest of honor and speaker in this year's 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our national hero, held in Calamba City.

PIA Regional Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 6. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsagawa ang Cuenca Municipal social welfare and development office ng forum on financial literacy para sa mga OFW at kapamilya nito. Layon nitong maisulong ang tamang kaalaman upang huwag masayang ang perang padala ng mga OFW sa kanilang pamilya.

PIA Regional Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 7. PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang simpleng pag-aalay ng bulaklak ang isinagawa ng mga opisyal at miyembro ng Knights of Columbus sa rebulto ni Dr. Jose Rizal sa Plaza Mabini,lungsod ng Batangas.Ito ay bilang paggunita sa kaarawan ng pambansang bayani.

PIA Regional Watch

22 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

8. PIA-4A/QUEZON: At least 26 wanted persons facing various criminal offenses in different courts of Quezon Province have been arrested by police authorities on the first week of June 2013. Arrest of said criminals is due to the intensified campaign against wanted persons by the PNP.

PIA OFW Watch

about an hour ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez on ANC: Re: Sex-for-fly scheme in Middle East -Sec. Del Rosario has instructed our ambassadors in Kuwait, Jordan and Damascus to come home to shed light to this alleged abuse. -Jordan government wants POLO-OIC Jordan Mario Antonio to be recalled: This has come to our knowledge just about 2 weeks ago. The allegation is he was asked to be recalled by Jordan government because of his rude behavior but according to OWWA it was because he was too aggressive in protecting our Pinoys in Jordan. -The instruction was for them to come home as soon as possible. They should be back this weekend or next week. - The other POLO officer in Jordan who was allegedly involved in prostitution ring and this sex-for-fly scheme has been suspended. -All of us are mandated to perform our jobs very well. We have to show the high-level of professionalism standard, serving our OFWs and we are hoping that everyone in DFA is committed to that standard. That is why we are surprised, disappointed and disturbed that allegedly this is happening in our post. -We have not received any forms of complaints yet from alleged victims. We are asking them to come and file complaints,that is very important for us. We are trying to collect and find facts to begin the investigation, to bring justice to this case. We must also be sure that we do not do injustice to the people involved here. - (testimony of DZMM source alias "Michelle", alleged victim of sex-for-fly scheme) If this is true hearing this now, it is very saddening and disappointing. She should come out and file a complaint through DFA and DoLE. If she comes out and file a complaint, she will be protected. They can still return to their work in other countries. - For our case in Damascus, our Embassy has already done a fact-findin activity. We had already made an action against alias "Kim". He was already reprimanded. -We would like to stop this immediately. Re: Pinoy Peacekeepers in Golan Heights - We are seeing that security and safety situation there is at stake. - The government wants to review our participation in UNDF in Golan Heights. We have sent assessment team there to see how is the security situation and what security measure could we adopt to make sure the security of our peacekeepers. They will come back this weekend.

PIA OFW Watch

2 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. ANC: DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario said they are still assessing the situation in Golan Heights after US and UN warned maximum volatility in the area if PHL government withdraws its peacekeeper. Del Rosario said they are still studying whether they will pullout Pinoy peacekeepers there.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 3. Migrante Middle East Regional Coordinator John Leonard Monterona on DZIQ: Re: Sex-for-fly scheme -1998 may mga biktima nang nagrereklamo, pero umuurong sila sa paghahain ng reklamo kapag nakatanggap na ng threat. - Kahapon dalawang OFW ang tumawag sa amin at sinabi na biktima sila sa Bahay Kalinga sa Riyadh. -Willing silang mag-testify pag uwi nila dito sa Pilipinas, nasa Tent City sila ngayon sa Jeddah. -Tatanungin muna sila kung may pambayad na sila ng ticket, penalties, etc. tapos aalukin sila ng modus. -Ang bayad ay 500 to 1000 Saudi Riyals kapag pumayag sila. -Sa Jordan, itinuro talaga si Mario Antonio na nagbebenta siya talaga ng ticket sa mga OFWs na dapat ay libre.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 4. Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on DZIQ: Re: Sex-for-fly scheme -Maganda ang kinalabasan ng meeting kahapon with Sec. Albert Del Rosario. -Sinabi ng DFA na talagang pupursigihin nila ito. -Hopefully investigation will expand beyond the three officials. -Humihingi kami ng Presidential commission to investigate kasi dapat pumasok ang Malacaang. -Kasi baka magkaroon ng white wash kapag from DoLE or OWWA lamang ang mag-imbestiga.

PIA OFW Watch

5 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 5. DZBB: Kinalampag ng mga senador ang DFA at OWWA para apurahin ang repatriation ng mga problemadong OFW sa Middle East. Sinabi nina Sens. Sotto at Pia Cayetano ang agad na repatriation sa bansa ang maglilitas sa mga OFW mula sa pagdurusa at ilang tiwaling diplomat at official.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 6. GMA: Nakatakda umanong humarap ngayong araw sa DFA si assistant labor attache in Amman Mario Antonio para magsumite ng kaniyang pahayag hinggil sa kinasasangkutang "sex-for-fly" scandal. Maliban dito, magtutungo na rin ng Kuwait at Jordan ang binuong hiwalay na investigating team ng DoLE para mangalap nang karagdagang ebidensiya hinggil sa nabunyag na eskandalo.

PIA OFW Watch

5 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 7. ABS-CBN: Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang PHL Embassy sa Washington at PHL Consulate sa New York kaugnay sa imbestigasyon sa pang-aabuso umano sa mga undocumented OFW na nagtatrabaho sa 7-11 stores sa New York at Virginia.

PIA OFW Watch

15 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 8. Eric Josson, Chairperson, Migrante Middle East on DZMM: Re: Sex for Flight -15 years na po ako dito sa Saudi Arabia. -Tungkol po sa balitang sex for fly umano ng mga opisyal ng embahada sa mga babaeng OFW dito, totoo po ito. -Sa akin mismo ay may lumapit sa akin at nagreklamo, nagsumbong. Mga 1 month ago lang. -Isang buwan daw siya sa Bahay Kalinga dahil sa tagal dumating ng ticket niya. -Noong lumapit daw siya sa isang opisyal sinabi daw nito na may isang opisyal ng agency sa Saudi na gusto siyang dalin sa bahay. -Hindi po pumayag ang ating kababayan dahil sa takot. May indecent proposal daw. Kapalit ay pakikipagsiping sa kanya. -May mga may-ari ng agency na papunta dito Riyadh at sinasabi nga na may nakakursunada doon sa OFW. -'Yong POLO officer ang nagsabi sa babae na kursunada siya ng may-ari ng agency. -Nang hindi mapapayag 'yong babae, sabi daw ng POLO officer kung ayaw niya sa taga-agency, siya na lang dahil gusto din niya 'yong babae. -Mabuti naman po at hindi pumayag 'yong kababayan natin. -Nakauwi na siya diyan sa Pilipinas. -Mayroon pang mga mga ganitong experience pero dahil sa takot nila hindi sila nagsasalita. -Kadalasan ng sumbong sa akin taga POLO ang nambubugaw.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 9. GMA: Pinauuwi na ng DFA ang ilang opisyal ng mga embahada ng ating bansa sa Kuwait, Jordan at Syria para pagpaliwanagin sila sa umano'y pakikipagtalik sa ilang OFW kapalit ng kanilang tulong na mapauwi ang mga ito ng Pilipinas. Ayon kay DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario, nais niya na may managot kung mapatunayang may nagkasala at mapanatili ang integridad ng DFA.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 10. Rep. Walden Bello on DZMM: Re: Sex for fly -'Yong ebidensiya namin galing mismo sa DOLE at sa DFA. -We are very confident. With respect kay Mr. Antonio at Mr. Marquez 'yong sa Kuwait very clear ang evidence. -Pero may mga hawak kaming ebidensiya. Very clear ang evidence of the wrong doings of these 2 people. -Being official ng DFA sa Damascus who exploited about 5 OFWs. -Si Mr. Antonio, labor assistant attach sa Jordan. -Dahil sa gawaing ito ni Mr. Antonio, ang Jordan government pinapauwi na ito o pinababalik na sa Pilipinas dahil sa pangbubugaw na ginagawa nito sa mga OFW. Raket niya ito. -Mayroon ng mga OFW na nagsumbong pero kailangan lang we really need to get them to step forward & sign an affidavit. -The best thing for this guy is to shot up at hintayin na lang ang imbestigasyon. -Kailangan ng matuldukan itong gawaaing ito. Matagal na palang ginagawa ito. -Consistent ang complaint sa kanya (Mr.Antonio) kahit pa sa ibang embahada niyang pinaglingkuran ginagawa na niya itong pambubugaw sa mga OFW. -When we investigated sex for flight, natuklasan namin na more wider prostitution. -Kaya as soon as we heard this, na sabi $1000 a night para sa isang OFW. -Sa evidence namin, half ng $1000 napupunta kay Mr. Antonio at half sa OFW. -Ang alam lang namin distressed ang mga OFW na ito.

-Ang ebidensiya namin ay oral evidence that will be provided by DOLE & DFA maging written evidence na na-provide din nila. Like affidavit with respect to instances sa sexual abuse sa Syria. -Ang ginagawa ko ngayon is precisely to tell people to step forward to us & we will assure them protection.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 11. DZRH: Sa press conference sa Malacaang, sinabi ni Sec. Ricky Carandang na hindi kokonsintehin ng Aquino administration ang mga labor official sa Kuwait, Jordan at Syria na sangkot sa pambubugaw sa ilang OFWs o kaya'y pakikipagsex kapalit ng tiket pauwi ng Pilipinas. Aniya, kailangan munang ma-establish kung totoo ang nasabing reklamo dahil sa ngayon ay wala pang inihaharap na kaso laban sa mga labor official.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 12. DZRH: Nalulungkot si DFA Sec. del Rosario sa alegasyong ini-exploit ng mga opisyal ng embahada ang nagigipit na mga OFW sa Middle East. Aniya, personal niyang pangungunahan ang imbestigasyon sa napaulat na reklamo ng ilang OFWs na umuwi galling sa Kuwait, Jordan at Syria. Ito ang dahilan kung kaya nakipagpulong ito kay AKBAYAN Rep. Walden Bello sa Kamara. Gusto aniya niyang malaman ang mga detalye kaugnay sa sex for flight at siguruhing tama ang impormasyon nito.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 13. DZMM: Sa press briefing na ginanap sa tanggapan ng DFA, sinabi ni Sec. Albert Del Rosario na bibigyan nila ng proteksyon ang mga lalantad na biktima ng sinasabing 'sex for fly' ng mga babaeng OFW sa Middle East upang maumpisahan na ang imbestigasyon. Aminado rin si Del Rosario na lubhang nalulungkot siya sa naturang isyu dahil naapektuhan na ang kredibilidad ng embahada sa ibang bansa. May apela din ang Kalihim sa media na huwag i-sensationalize ang isyu dahil hindi pa naman napapatunayan ang nasabing alegasyon.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 14. DZRH: Sa ginawang briefing sa DFA, binanggit ni DFA Sec. Del Rosario na ang mga taong sangkot sa sex for flight scheme ay kanilang ipapatawag para isailalim sa imbestigasyon, habang lahat ng akusasyon laban sa mga ito ay mananatili pa lamang na hearsay dahil wala pang formal na complaint na ipinapadala ang mga taong sangkot o iyong mga naging biktima umano.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 15. DZRH: Inihayag ni CBCP Episcopal Commission Chairperson on Migrant Bishop Precioso Cantillas na nakakalungkot ang pananamantala sa kahinaan ng mga OFW. Hindi aniya makatao na gawain ang nabanggit na sex repatriaton ng mga sinasabing opisyal ng POLO sa mga OFW dahil sa halip na tulungang makauwi sa bansa ay inabuso pa ang mga ito. Tiwala siya na magkakaroon ng resulta ang imbestigasyon ng DoLE at OWWA sa insidente para parusahan ang mga opiyal na nasa likod

ng pang-aabuso.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines DZRH: Iginiit ni Sen. Sotto na dapat makasuhan at maikulong ang mga embassy personnel na mapapatunayang sangkot sa sex for flight scheme sa Kuwait, Syria at Jordan. Hindi aniya sapat ang pagkondena sa mga ito, kungdi ang mabigat na parusa dahil bukod sa pagsasamantala ay ginigipit pa ng mga ito ang kawawang OFWs na dapat nilang tulungan. Ayon naman kay Sen. Legarda, hindi dapat tino-tolerate ang mga ganitong gawain at dapat managot sa batas ang mga sangkot na opisyal.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 18. DZBB: Gusto ni DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario na personal na tutukan ang imbestigasyon kaugnay sa isyu na ilang opisyal ng embahada at konsulada sa Middle East ang humihirit ng sexual favors sa mga distressed OFW kapalit ng libreng ticket pauwi ng bansa. Umapela naman ang kalihim sa media na huwag i-sensationalize o palalain ang isyu dahil ang mga report ay hindi pa kumpirmado.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 19. DZMM: Hindi kukunsintihin ng Malacaang ang umanoy pangbubugaw ng ilang opisyal ng Philippine Overseas Labor Office sa Jordan sa mga babaeng OFW. Sinabi ni Sec.Ricky Carandang na dapat managot ang naturang mga opisyal kung mapapatunayan ang kanilang kabalbalan. Ipinapaubaya naman ng Palasyo kay DFA Sec. Albert del Rosario kung anong aksyon ang gagawin laban sa naturang mga opisyal.

PIA OFW Watch

Yesterday 20. DFA Asec. Raul Hernandez on DZBB: Re: Pag-rescue sa mga tripolanteng Pinoy sa India -May 14 na Filipinos, 12 Russians at sa ngayon bine-verify pa natin. -Wala pang report na nakakarating sa amin.

A. QUEZON
1. TESDA launches mobile training in Lucena City
By Ruel M. Orinday Wednesday 19th of June 2013 LUCENA CITY, Quezon, June 19 (PIA) -- The provincial office of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) will launch today a mobile training at the city hall annex building, this city. Tesda Sec. Joel Villanueva is expected to lead the launching of the mobile training along with Rep. Irvin Alcala and Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala. Engr. Racy Gesmundo of Tesda-Quezon said the mobile training aims to give skills training for the community, especially the Tesda scholarship trainees who were identified by Tesda-Quezon in coordination with the city government. Gesmundo added the training program also aims to increase the awareness on the Tesda programs, services, projects and to produce skilled workers/out-of-school youths for employment in the area. About 90 Tesda scholarship trainees will participate in the different trainings like computer hardware and servicing, food and beverage services (NC II) and bartending (NC II). The Tesda scholars, after completing the one month training, will become Tesda specialistas. (CPG/RMO/PIAQuezon)

2. Provincial gov't honors LGUs with high profile programs in gender mainstreaming
By Joselito M. Giron Wednesday 19th of June 2013 LUCENA CITY, Quezon, June 19 (PIA) The municipal gender and development councils (MGADCs) of Lopez and Quezon won major awards as outstanding local government units (LGUs) with high profile programs in gender mainstreaming. Provincial gender and development (PGAD) chief Ofelia Palayan, said the provincial government of Quezon is known for its comprehensive programs and projects on gender equality and women empowerment. One of the visions of Quezon Gov. David Suarez is to empower the women economically and to protect them from violence and harassment so that they could have a good living conditions, Palayan said. To realize this vision, Palayan said the provincial government has implemented Gender-Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation (GREAT) women project (GWP) thru the Philippine Commission of Women (PCW) in the GWP is a governance and capacity development project that aims to promote and support a gender-responsive enabling environment for women's economic empowerment, particularly those in microenterprises. On the other side, the organization of Men Opposed to Violence against women Everywhere (MOVE) in many towns in the province will help to lessen or eliminate violence incidence among women.

Other winners in the annual search are Tayabas City (city/1st class municipality category), Sampaloc, Quezon (5th class municipality category) bagged as 1st runners-up; the towns of Mauban and Real (1st class municipality category) tied as 2nd runner-up. The town of Macalelon received Hall of Fame award. Special awards are given to Tayabas City-GAD champion on health and policies; Mauban, Quezon-GAD champion on facilities and womens economic empowerment (WEE); Real, Quezon -GAD champion on WEE and best nongovernment organizations involvement; Gumaca, Quezon-Most functional organization and Pagbilao, Quezonspecial award for best advocate on womens health. (PIA-Quezon)

3. CENRO to hold massive tree planting activity

By Joselito M. Giron Wednesday 19th of June 2013 LUCENA CITY, Quezon, June 19 (PIA) --The Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) will conduct massive tree planting activity this year, in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government. CENRO Pagbilao officer Edmundo Esteban, said they are targeting 71,590 hectares of upland, forest land and mangrove areas in the 12 towns of the province. "We will intensify tree planting in the 3rd and 4th quarters of the year because it is the best time to plant trees, thus we are encouraging other groups and organizations to support and participate in the activity, Esteban said. Esteban added they will plant endemic plant species like narra, molave apitong and fruit bearing trees like liputi and mabolo in upland and forest lands. The mangrove areas in the towns of Pagbilao, Agdangan and Padre Burgos are among the best mangrove sites in the country, according to Esteban. The 12 towns selected as planting sites are the municipalities of Agdangan, Dolores, Sariaya, Tiaong, Candelaria, San Antonio, Pagbilao, Lucban, Mauban, Sampaloc, Lucena City and Tayabas City. (CPG/JMG/PIA4A-Quezon)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA
Tagalog news: High value tree seedlings, ipinamahagi sa mga magsasaka sa lungsod

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Thursday 20th of June 2013 LUNSOD NG CALAMBA, Laguna, Hunyo 20 (PIA) -- May 1,475 high value tree seedlings ang ipinamahagi kamakailan ng city agriculture office sa 283 magsasaka mula sa 10 barangay sa lungsod. Sinabi ni Severino Caraan, supervising agriculturist na ang mga tree seedlings na kinabibilangan ng 400 kalamansi, 500 mangga at 575 kape ay mula sa nursery ng Laguna provincial agriculture office. Hiniling ng mga magsasaka ang aming tulong upang magkaroon sila ng pantanim na tinatawag na high value trees na kapag namunga ay makakadagdag sa kanilang kinikita maliban sa mga dati ng itinatanim nila tulad ng gulay, palay at iba pa, ayon kay Caraan. Ayon naman kina Myra Reyes, senior agriculturist at Marino Mendoza, agriculturist I, hindi nagtatapos sa pamimigay ng mga pantanim na puno ang kanilang tungkulin kundi maging sa pagsubaybay upang matiyak na mabubuhay ang mga punong itinanim. Maliban sa mga magsasaka, namahagi rin ang city agriculture office ng 35 guyabano seedlings para sa Barangay Laguerta, 10 papaya seedlings para sa vegetable at tree garden ng Calamba city health office bilang bahagi ng kanilang programang pang-nutrisyon at sa Barangay Camaligan na pinagkalooban ng 39 na tree seedlings ng mangga, 31 bayabas at 15 atis. Samantala, lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga magsasakang benepisyaryo ng pamimigay ng mga tree seedlings na magagamit nila sa inter-cropping sa kanilang bukid at sa backyard gardening. (CPG, PIA4A at ulat mula sa Calamba city agriculture office)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL
Tagalog news: Antipolo CDRRMO pinangunahan ang Disaster Preparedness Week
Thursday 20th of June 2013

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, RIZAL, Hunyo 20 -- Nanguna sa pagsasagawa ng mga pagsasanay ang Antipolo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) noong Disaster Preparedness Week ngayong Hunyo. Nakapagbigay ang tanggapan ng mga seminar tungkol sa tamang pamamaraan at paghahanda sa tuwing may darating na sakuna o trahedya gaya ng lindol, bagyo, pagbaha at sunog. Isinagawa ang nasabing pagsasanay sa mga tanggapan ng Our Lady of Fatima University, De La Salle Antipolo, San Antonio Parish, Barangay Mambugan. Dumalo rin sa aktibidad ang non-government organization na Guardians.

"Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga tanggapang sumusuporta sa amin sapagkat sila na mismo ang sumasagot sa mga kinakailangang gamit para sa pagsasanay. Ang Antipolo CDRRMO naman ang nagsasagawa ng seminars at nagbibigay ng tamang kaalaman sa kanila," ayon kay Antipolo City DRRM Officer Joey Marco Ayon sa CDRRMO, bagamat sa kakulangan ng budget ng opisina ay patuloy pa rin ang mga pagsasanay na isinasagawa nito upang mabigyan ng sapat na kahandaan at kakayanan ang mga mamamayan ng Antipolo. Bukod sa mga pagsasanay at drill nakapagsagawa rin ang CDRRMO ng Information Education Campaign (IEC) sa ibat ibang panig ng lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pamamahagi ng IEC materials na naglalaman ng mga kaalaman hinggil sa paghahanda sa sakuna o trahedya na nagmula sa national government. (Antipolo PIO)

19 JUNE 2013.

1. President Aquino opens Global Development Conference 2. Aquino says Global Development Conference provide specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions to global problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education and corruption 3. President Aquino declares June 21 as special non-working day in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur in celebration of 44th Charter Day 4. Aquino administration orders local government units to prevent relocated informal settlers from returning to danger zones 5. Government says it has three-pronged approach to address flooding 6. Palace says it wont tolerate sexual abuses on Mid-East OFWs 7. Aquino government pays tribute to Rizal in commemoration of 152nd birth anniversary
President Aquino opens Global Development Conference

President Benigno S. Aquino III was the Guest of Honor and keynote speaker during the formal opening ceremony of the Global Development Networks (GDN) 14th Annual Global Development Conference held at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Wednesday. The GDN is an international organization that builds research capacity and supports researchers in developing and transitioning countries to generate and share high quality applied social science research to inform policymakers in advancing social and economic development. In his speech, the President said the Philippines hosting, the first Southeast Asian country to do so, of ththel oval Development Conference was being done at an appropriate time since it coincided with the 152nd birth anniversary of the countrys national hero Jose Rizal, whom the President said had taken a hands -on approach to development. We hold this Global Development Conference in our country at an appropriate time. Today is the 152nd birth anniversary of our national hero, Jose Rizal, who was largely responsible for steering our nation down the path of equality and, subsequently, development, the President said. Few people know that during his exile in Dapitan, Rizal took a hands -on approach to development. He established a school and started a medical practice, effectively taking the role of community-builder in a far-flung area of the Philippines, he added. Aside from the three-day conference with its theme Inequality, Social Protection, and Inclusive Growth, the GDN also features an annual search for the Outstanding Research for Development which was won for the Philippines in 2011 by University of Santo Tomas Professors Alvin Ang and Jeremiah Opiniano in Bogota, Colombia. The two professors won the 2011 contest with their resear ch proposal titled Remittance Investment Climate Analysis for Rural Hometowns (Ricart): Piloting a Tool to Determine where Overseas Filipinos from Two Rural Hometowns can Best Invest their Money.

The teachers said they wanted to test the tool, Ricart, on how remittances by overseas Filipinos to two fourth-class rural municipalities can be best directed for investment and development finance. The President cited the GDNs annual competition which show that despite the continuance of human desire to empower, the problems that confront us have changed since Rizals era. More than a century after Rizals death, people all around the world continue to share that human desire to empower, as evidenced by your presence here. May I note in particular how Alvin Ang and Jeremiah Opiniano won the annual competition for outstanding research for development in 2011. This is the first and only time the Philippines has won this competition, the President said. As your annual competition within this conference shows, the problems that confront us have changed since Rizals era. Countries the world over have found themselves beset by social unrest unrest that roots from a prevalent public perception that the peoples voice is not being heard. This global flux has brough t about significant social and economic consequences for the entire worldand it pushes us to evolve the way we think from the way we approach development to the way we go about solving our problems. And this is precisely why we find ourselves here today, he added. PND (rck) TOP Aquino says Global Development Conference provide specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions to global problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education and corruption President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that the holding of the Global Development Networks (GDN) Annual Global Development Conference provides policymakers with specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions to the global problems of poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education and corruption. Keynoting the GDNs 14th Annual GDC held at the Asian Development Bank main office in Mandaluyong City, the President said the GDC puts more solidity to the analysis of the problem, and has helped government provide interventions where it matters and do the most good. We have long heard that the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging there is a problem. But perhaps we can build on that idea: The first step to solving any problem should be identifying the correct problem, otherwise any solution would be directionless, and therefore ineffective, the President said. This conference helps us do just that. It puts more solidity to the analysis o f the problem, which will hopefully redound to more specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions, he added. He stressed that it was incumbent of governments to ensure inclusive growth for its people in order to empower them to maximize opportunities that come their way. For most of the developing world, the overarching problems can be summed up in a few words: Poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education, corruption. These are not unique to any one country or people each of us have seen or experienced them and their effects, the President said. All these problems combine to deprive people of hope, initiative, and opportunities. And while no one can guarantee outcomes, I believe it is incumbent upon government to provide meaningful opportunities to individuals, and an environment conducive to empowering our fellow citizens to seek out and maximize opportunities that come their way. We cannot have a society where a few flourish, and the rest must make do-with crumbs. We must have inclusive growth, he said. The President highlighted the Philippines efforts at achieving inclusive growth through its social and infrastructure programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that provides financial assistance to families that keep their children in school and consult with healthcare personnel; and close the classroom gap that will allow more children to attend school. He pointed out that the next phase of continued interventions include mass housing, job creation, tourism and agriculiture. The next three years will see continued interventions on the poorest of the poor but also, a focus on the vulnerable but emerging sectors of society, all made possible by prudent public finance policies and honesty in public administration: by continuing efforts to build mass housing on site and not in far-flung areas; by creating durable jobs in industry, tourism and agriculture, the President said. This is what our government has chosen to do. The difficulty is that while the problems may be u niversal, the solutions are not. Each region, each country, each city and town has its own realityand the solutions we come up with must be tailored fit to local conditions. This means that our solutions may not be the best for your own communities, and we must study their effects and how to maximize positive interventions in a specific and thorough manner, he concluded. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino declares June 21 as special non-working day in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur in celebration of 44th Charter Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 21, which falls on a Friday, as a special (non-working day) in Pagadian City in the province of Zamboanga del Sur in celebration of its 44th Charter Day. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 603 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on June 14, to give the people of Pagadian City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. Pagadian became a chartered city through Republic Act 5478. The city is currently the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Sur. PND (js) TOP Aquino administration orders local government units to prevent relocated informal settlers from returning to danger zones

The Aquino administration directed the local government units (LGUs) to prevent relocated informal settlers living in the waterways from returning to danger zones or face sanctions, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said on Wednesday. Singson said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that local government officials are mandated by law to ensure that no settlers will live in the waterways and other dangers zones. The DPWH and other concerned government agencies reiterated their commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III to clear eight major waterways in Metro Manila of some 19,440 informal settlers within this year. The eight priority waterways are San Juan River, Pasig River, Tullahan River, Maricaban Creek, Manggahan Floodway, Estero Tripa de Gallina, Estero de Maypajo and Estero de Sunog Apog. "Ang sistema kasi dito, inuuna mo iyong nasa bukana ng Manila Bay at saka ng Pasig River, para maganda iyong daloy. Kasi kung maguumpisa ka sa upstream hindi din makakalabas sa main bodies of water. So inuna naming ang San Juan River, Maricaban, Tullahan River, at iyong nabanggit ko kanina Estero Sunog Apog, Estero Maypajo ang mga palabas na ng Manila Bay at Pasig River. These have to be cleared immediately. Tapos paakyat kami upstream," Singson said. "We will work on the first 20,000 families, in fact, we have started. May mga voluntary resettlements na. There are ongoing programs and we have to follow and give notices to these communities. That responsibility is being undertaken by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas and merong team na kasama ang Department of Social Welfare and Development at ang National Housing Authority," Singson said. The government is adopting a near-site or even on-site relocation policy for informal settlers residing along the waterways of Metro Manila. Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang, for his part, said concerned government agencies are ensuring safe and permanent housing sites and livelihood programs for families living in the so-called danger zones. "Out of that 100,000, there is about 60,000 families living in waterways in and around Metro Manila. Of the 60,000, about 20,000 live in what they call priority waterways. Iyon ang pinakaimportante na kailangan ma-clear. Its actually 19,440 families," Carandang said. "So you have to talk to them, you have to get them to buy into the idea, iyong tinatawag na social acceptability. Admittedly, that takes some time. Kapag pumayag na sila, we have to build the houses. We dont want a situation where you build a house, lilipat sila doon tapos after a few months babalik sila. So you have to think about what are they going to do for livelihood that will make them stay there," Carandang noted. The government is already developing a prototype project for this near or on-site relocation program. "In 2012, despite the constraints that Secretary Singson mentioned, the NHA built 18,000 houses for families living near esteros. They plan to build almost double that this year," Carandang said. PND (js) TOP Government says it has three-pronged approach to address flooding

The government said it is already working on a master plan containing a three-pronged approach to solve the annual flooding and traffic congestion problems particularly in Metro Manila in the long term. In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson said the master plan will cover a total area of over 4,000 square kilometers and involve about 17 million people. Among the areas covered will be Metro Manila, parts of Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon, and the whole catchment basin of Laguna Lake, Singson said. For the first time after years of neglect, the Aquino administration adopted a master plan for flood control which is already embedded in the NEDA program, he said.

The plan will involve the removal of 20,000 informal settlers living along waterways, drainage system improvement and upgrading of pumping stations especially in Metro Manila, the official said. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and National Housing Authority (NHA) have already identified eight major waterways that need to be cleared and fund is now available to carry out the project. Pinag-usapan ito kahapon with President Aquino, at may timetable na, may schedule na sila Secretary Manuel Roxas to implement dahil ang funding is already there. So the funding is not an issue. We just need time to be able to implement all of these major projects that we are undertaking, he said. Singson said there must be an aggressive clean up drive for Metro Manilas waterways because they were so blocked that waters coming from Sierra Madre cant go down with ease to Manila Bay and Pasig River . The MMDA said it started cleaning esteros and waterways last May but hasnt penetrated 55 percent of blocked areas due to the presence of informal settlers. To upgrade the drainage systems based on the master plan, construction works are ongoing in Metro Manila, the MMDA said. There are 26 drainage systems being upgraded in the City of Manila, 13 in Quezon City, and two in EDSA. Constructions are also ongoing in Pasay City and Paranaque City, he noted. According to Singson, the biggest project of the DPWH is the construction of the Blumentritt box culvert or water tunnel to address metro flooding. The Blumentritt culvert will run from Dapitan to Tondo in Manila with a span of 2.6 kilometers. The box culvert has a width of 3.6 meters and height of 2.7 meter, Singson said. But since the drainage system will be 2.6 kilometers long, he appealed to the public to be patient before everyone could feel its effect. It will take the DPWH 12 months to construct, he said. The improvement of pumping stations will be managed by the MMDA and it already has the money to upgrade 12 major pumping stations in Metro Manila, Singson said. Singson further said that there is also non-infrastructure or non-structural measures to be implemented to address flooding, he said. Among these include Project NOAH that involve resettlement, flood drills, and an enhanced information system. Because Project NOAH was already able to do a flood modeling system, it could predict flooding in Pasig and Marikina Rivers, the official said. PND (as) TOP Palace says it wont tolerate sexual abuses on Mid-East OFWs

Malacanang said it would not tolerate the alleged sex-for-repatriation scam in the Middle East especially if th e practice is proven to be true. Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) said the Palace is leaving it to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario to handle the issue. He said Secretary del Rosario was meeting Wednesday afternoon with Rep. Walden Bello who made the accusation on abuses committed by Philippine Embassy staffs. Based on that discussion, Malacanang will take appropriate action, Carandang said. Lets let DFA establish the facts first and if these reports are true, then, certainly, we will not tolerate that, Carandang said. Malacanang called on overseas Filipino workers who have been victims of an alleged scam in the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to come forward to file appropriate complaints to hold the perpetrators accountable. On Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Foreign Affairs has stepped in and has already instructed the Head of the Embassy in Kuwait and act on this Reports of the alleged sex-for-repatriation practice of officials and personnel in the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait surfaced this week when an unidentified female OFW, who was part of a group of 46 housemaids deported from the Kuwaiti Deportation Center, complained about sexual demands of an embassy official in exchange for her repatriation. PND (as) TOP Aquino government pays tribute to Rizal in commemoration of 152nd birth anniversary

The Aquino government is paying tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, through the social media, in commemoration of the 152nd birth anniversary of the country's national hero .

"June 19, 2013 is the 152nd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Today, the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) pays tribute to his life, works, and achievements through an online commemoration in the Presidential Museum and Library website, and its attached social media accounts in Facebook and Tumblr," PCDSPO Secretary Ramon Carandang said in a statement during the regular briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday. "We encourage all to participate in this observance by using the hashtag: #Rizal152. This page features the continuation of PCDSPOs digital colorization project, with three new archival photographs digitally rendered in color," Carandang said. "Also featured is Rizals celebrated toast to the painters Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccin Hidalgo, published in the original Spanish and in the English translation, with a recording by Audie Gemora," he said. Born on June 19, 1861, Jos Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda became the most prominent Filipino nationalist for advocating reforms through peaceful means rather than by violent revolution in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. Rizal was the seventh of eleven children and belonged to a wealthy family in the town of Calamba, Laguna. He attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila and graduated Bachelor of Arts. He took up medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas. Rizal traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid and earned the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He also enrolled at the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Aside from being conversant in at least 10 languages, Rizal was a poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist. His most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. As a prominent political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina in 1892, a civic organization that subsequently led to the organization of the Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan led by Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. Rizals execution on December 30, 1896 made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution. PND (js) TOP

19 HUNYO 2013 1. Binuksan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Global Development Conference 2. Tiyakan at higit na mabisang mga lunas sa problema ng daigdig sa kahirapan, gutom, kawalang trabaho, edukasyon at katiwalian ang nagiging bunga ng Global Development Conference, ayon sa Pangulong Aquino 3. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na special non-working day ang Hunyo 21 sa Lungsod ng Pagadian sa Zamboanga del Sur 4. Inatasan ng gobyernong Aquino ang mga pinunong lokal na tiyaking hindi na makababalik sa danger zones ang mga inilipat na iskuwater

5 Tatsulok ang panukala ng pamahalaan para lunasan ang pagbaha 6 Hindi kukunsintihin ang 'sexual abuses' umano sa mga OFWs sa Gitnang Silangan
Binuksan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Global Development Conference

Naging panauhing pandangal at mananalumpati ang Pangulong Benigno S.Aquino III sa pagsisimula ng 14th Annual Global Development Conference ng Global Development Network na idinaos sa Asian Development Bank Headquarters sa Lungsod ng Mandaluyong Miyerkoles. Ang GLobal Development Network ay pandaigdig na samahang lumilikha ng kakayahan sa pananaliksik at nagtataguyod ng pananaliksik sa umuunlad at nagbabagong mga bansa upang magkaroon at maghati sa mataas na kalidad ng applied social science research para sa kaalaman ng mga tagabalangkas ng patakaran at pagsusulong ng kaunlarang panlipunan at pangkabuhayan. Sinabi ng Pangulo sa talumpati niya na ang Pilipinas ang kauna-unahang bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya na nagpunung-

abala sa Global Development Conference at natapat pa sa ika-152 kaarawan ng pambansang bayaning si Dr. Jose Rizal. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na iilang tao marahil ang nakababatid na nang nakatapon si Dr. Rizal sa Dapitan, ginawa niya ang tuwirang pagsusulong ng kaunlaran nang magtayo siya ng paaralan at naging manggamot bilang malasakit sa isang ilang at malayong pook sa Pilipinas. Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang ginawa ni Dr. Rizal na pagsisikap na madala ang bansa patungo sa pagkakapantay-pantay na hahantong sa kaunlaran. Bukod sa tatlong araw na kapulungang may paksang-diwang Inequaity, Social Protection and Inclusive Growth, itinatampok din ng GDN ang taunang pagtuklas ng Outstanding Research for Development na napanalunan ng Pilipinas noong 2011 sa pamamagitan nina Propesor Alvin Ang ng Pamantasan ng Santo Tomas at Jeremiah Opiniano ng Bogota, Colombia. Nagtagumpay sa paligsahan noong 2011 ang dalawang propesor dahil sa mungkahi nilang pananaliksik na may pamagat na Remittance Investment Climate Analysis for Rural Home-towns (RICART): Piloting a Tool to Determine where Overseas Filipinos from Two Rural Hometowns can Invest Their Money. Ipinaliwanag ng dalawang guro na ibig nilang gamitin ang RICART kung paanong ang perang padala ng mga nasa ibayong dagat na Pilipino sa dalawang fourth class na malayong bayan para magamit sa pamumuhunan at panustos sa kaunlaran. Pinuri ng Pangulo ang taunang paligsahan ng GDN na nagpakitang sa kabila ng patuloy na hangarin ng mga tao na makaahon sa kinasadlakang kapalaran, malaki na ang ipinagbago ng mga suliraning ating kinakaharap kaysa noong panahon ni Rizal. Mahigit nang isang daang taon buhat nang mamatay si Rizal. Lahat ng tao sa buong mundo ay patuloy pa ring magkakatulad ang layuning magka-isa tulad ng inyong pagdalo rito. Ipahintulot ninyong banggitin ko kung paanong sina Alvin Ang at Jeremiah Opiniano ay nagwagi sa taunang paligsahan para sa namumukod-tanging pananaliksik para sa kaunlaran noong 2011. Ito ang kauna-unahan at tanging pagkakataong nagwagi ang Pilipinas sa paligsahang ito, wika pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Tulad nang ipinamamalas ng inyong taunang paligsahan na makakita sa kapulungang ito, nagbago na ang mga suliraning kinakaharap natin sapul nang panahon ni Rizal. Namulat ang mga bansa sa buong daigdig na ang malaki nilang suliranin ay ang maligalig na lipunanligalig na nag-ugat dahil sa karaniwang palagay ng madla na hindi dinirinig ang tinig ng taong bayan. Ang palagay na ito ng daigdig ay nagbunga ng mahahalagang pangyayaring panlipunan at pangkabuhayan sa buong mundoat ito ang nagtutulak sa atin para baguhin ang ating iniiisipsa kung paano haharapin ang pag-unlad sa paraang malulutas natin ang ating mga suliranin. At ito nga ang dahilan kung bakit narito tayo ngayong araw na ito, sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (rck/zaf) TOP

Tiyakan at higit na mabisang mga lunas sa problema ng daigdig sa kahirapan, gutom, kawalang trabaho, edukasyon at katiwalian ang nagiging bunga ng Global Development Conference, ayon sa Pangulong Aquino

Ang taunang Global Development Conference ng Global Development Networks (GDN) ay nagkakaloob sa mga tagabalangkas ng patakaran ng tiyakan, higit na mabisa at makabuluhang mga lunas pandaigdig sa suliranin ukol sa karalitaan, gutom, kawalang hanapbuhay, kakapusan ng edukasyon at katiwalian. Ito ang binigyang diin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa talumpati sa 14th Annual Global Development Conference na idinaos sa punong tanggapan ng Asian Development Bank sa Lungsod ng Mandaluyong Miyerkoles. Sinabi ng Pangulo na nagawa ng Global Development Conference na magkaisa sa pagsusuri sa suliranin at makatulong sa pamahalaan sa paggawa ng karampatang hakbang kung saan ito kailangan at kung paano ang pinakamabuting gawin. Matagal na nating alam na unang hakbang sa paglutas sa isang suliranin ay amining may suliranin nga. Marahil, kailangang and ideyang ito. Ang unang hakbang sa paglutas ng ano mang suliranin ay tukuyin ang tunay na suliranin, sapagkat kung hindi ito gagwawin, malamang na magkalihis-lihis at hind maging mabisa, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na sagutin ng mga pamahalaan na tiyakin ang laganap na pag-unlad para sa kanilang mamamayan upang magkaroon sila ng kapangyarihang samantalahin ang mga pagkakataong dumarating. Para sa karamihan ng umuunlad na daigdig, ang mga pangunahing suliranin ay mangangahulugan ng ilang salita lamang: karalitaan, gutom, kawalang trabaho, kakapusan ng edukasyon, katiwalian. Hindi na bago ang mga ito sa alinmang bansa o mamamayanbawat isa sa atin ay nakakita na o nakaranas na ng mga ito at kung ano ang ibinubunga nito, sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino.

Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na ang mga problemang ito ang magkakasamang nagkakait sa taong bayan ng pag-asa, punyagi at pagkakataon. Bagaman walang makatitiyak ng magiging bunga, naniniwala akong katungkulan ng pamahalaan na magkaloob sa mga tao ng makabuluhang mga pagkakataon at ng isang kapaligirang magiging daan ng pagkilos ng kapuwa natin mamamayan upang hanapin at gamitin ang lahat ng pagkakataong darating sa kanila. Hindi tayo dapat magkaroon ng lipunang kung saan mangilan-ngilan lamang ang uunlad at ang higit na marami ay magtitiyagang mamulot ng mumo para kainin. Kailangan natin ang malawakang pag-unlad, dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Inilahad ng Pangulo ang mga pagsisikap ng Pilipinas para makamtan ang malawakang pag-unlad sa tulong ng mga programang panlipunan at imprastrakturang tulad ng Programang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino (4Ps) na nagkakaloob ng tulong pinansiyal sa mga pamilya nang hindi patitigilin sa pag-aaral ang mga anak nila, patitingnan sa mga duktor at magtatayo ng dagdag na paaralan upang higit na maraming bata ang makapag-aral. Ipinabatid ng Pangulo na ang susunod na yugto ng programang ito ay ang patuloy na tulong na tulad ng maramihang pabahay, paglikha ng trabaho, turismo at pagsasaka. Sa susunod na tatlong taon ay itutuloy pa rin ang tulong sa pinakamahihirap at magtutuon din ng pansin sa ibang sumisipot na sektor ng lipunan sa tulong ng maingat na paggugol ng salapi ng bayan at katapatan sa pamamahala para ang mga pabahay ay hindi sa malalayo at ilang na mga pook, sa paglikha ng mga trabahong kapaki-pakinabang sa mga industriya, turismo at pagsasaka, dagdag ng Pangulo. Ito ang minarapat gawin ng aming pamahalaan. Ang hirap, habang ang mga problema ay pan-daigdig, ang mga lunas ay hindi. Bawat rehiyon, bawat bansa, bawat lungsod at bayan ay may kanya -kanyang suliraninat ang mga lunas na dapat gawin ay kailangang angkop sa mga lokal na kalagayan. Ang ibig sabihin, maaaring ang lunas ay hindi siyang pinakamabuti sa inyong mga komunidad, at dapat na puspusang pag-aralan ang magiging epekto nito at kung paano magagawa nang naaayon sa isang tiyakan at maayos na paraan, pahayag pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (rck/zaf) TOP

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na special non-working day ang Hunyo 21 sa Lungsod ng Pagadian sa Zamboanga del Sur

Idienkalara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Hunyo 21, natapat sa araw ng Biyernes, bilang special non-working day sa Lungsod ng Pagadian sa lalawigan ng Zamboanga del Sur dahil sa pagsapit ng 44th Charter Day ng lungsod. Inilagda ng Pangulo ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 603 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N, Ochoa Jr. noong Hunyo 14 upang mabigyan nang lubos na pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Pagadian na maipagdiwang at madaluhan ang mga seremonyang kaugnay ng anibersaryo ng lungsod. Ang Pagadian ay naging lungsod sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Republika 5478. Ang Lungsod ng Pagadian ang kapitolyo ng Zamboanga del Sur. PND TOP

Inatasan ng gobyernong Aquino ang mga pinunong lokal na tiyaking hindi na makababalik sa danger zones ang mga inilipat na iskuwater

Inatasan ng administrasyong Aquino ang mga lokal na pamahalaan (LGUs) na huwag nang payagang makabalik pa sa mga tabing ilog o estero man ang mga inilipat na mga iskuwater kung ayaw nilang malapatan ng parusa. Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Rogelio Singson ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles at idinugtong na pananagutan ng mga lokal na pinuno na tiyaking walang sino mang magtatayo ng bahay sa mga estero o pampang ng mga ilog at sapa, gayundin sa mapapanganib na pook. Inulit ng DPWH at ang iba pang kinauukulang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang pangako nila sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na aalisin ang may 19,440 informal settlerts sa walong daanan ng tubig sa Metro Manila. Ang walong ito ay ang Ilog ng San Juan, Ilog Pasig, Ilog ng Tulyahan, Maricaban Creek, Manggahan Floodway, Estero Tripa de Gallina, Estero ng Maypaho at Estero ng Sunog Apog. Ang sistema kasi rito, inuuna mo ang nasa bukana ng Look ng Maynila at ng Ilog Pasig para gumanda ang daloy ng tubig.

Kasi, kung mag-uumpisa ka sa dakong itaas, hindi rin makaka-agos nang mabilis ang tubig sa mga ilog. Kaya inuuna namin ang Ilog ng San Juan, Maricaban, Tulyahan, at ang nabanggit ko kanina na Estero ng Sunog Apog at Estero Maypaho na ang tubig ay sa Ilog Pasig at Look ng Maynila umaagos. Kaya ang mga ito ang ating uunahing linisin. Pagkatapos, papasok na kami sa looban, paliwanag ni Singson. Uunahin namin ang 20,000 pamilya. Ang totoo nga, nakapagsimula na kami. May mga voluntary resettlements na. May mga ginagawa nang programa at bibigyan namin ng patalastas ang mga komunidad. Ang bagay na ito ay sagutin ni Kalihim Manuel Roxas ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan. Mayroon kaming pangkat na kasama ang Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran, gayundin ang National Housing Authority, dugtong ni Singson. Ang pamahalaan ay may mga itinakda nang paglilipatan ng mga informal settlers na aalisin sa lahat ng daang tubig at pampang ng mga ilog, sapa at estero. Tiniyak naman ni Kalihim Ramon Carandang ng Presidential Commjunications Development and Strategic Planning Office na ang mga kinauukulang ahensiya ng pamahalaan ay siyang titiyak na ligtas at palagian ang housing sites, gayundin ang programang pangkabuhayan ng mga pamilyang naninirahan sa tinatawag na danger zones. Tinatayang sa 100,000, aabot sa 60,000 pamilya ang nakatira sa mga daang tubig sa loob at palibot ng Metro Manila . Sa 60,000 na ito, may 20,000 ang mismong sa estero nakatira ang kailangang unahing maialis. Sa kabuuan ito ay may mga 19,440 na pamilya, paliwanag ni Carandang. Kailangang kausapin sila at pagpaliwanagan para pumayag. Hindi madali itong gawin. Kapag p umayag na sila, ipagpapagawa natin ng mga bahay. Ayaw naman naming magtatayo ng bahay, lilipat sila roon at pagkaraan ng ilang buwan, babalik uli sila sa pinanggalingang daang tubig. Kaya nga kailangang may pagkakakitaan sila sa paglilipatan upang mawili sila roon, dugtong pa ni Carandang. Inihahanda na ng pamahalaan ang gagawing prototype project na malapit o nasa on -site relocation. Noong 2012, sa kabila ng mga binanggit ni Kalihim Singson, nagpagawa ang NHA ng 18,000 bahay para sa mga pamilyang nakatira sa gilid ng mga estero. Balak nilang doblehin ang bilang na iyan para sa taong ito, wika ni Carandang. PND (js/zaf) TOP

Tatsulok ang panukala ng pamahalaan para lunasan ang pagbaha

Ginagawa na ng pamahalaan ang master plan na may tatsulok na susunding paraan upang malunasan ang problema sa palaging pagbaha at matinding trapiko, lalo na sa Metro Manila. Inihayag ni Kalihim Rogelio Singson ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan na ang master plan ay sasakop sa kabuuang 4,000 square kilometres kung saan may halos 17 milyong kataong naninirahan. Sa mga pook na saklaw nito ay kabilang ang Metro Manila, mga bahagi ng Bulacan, Rizal, Quezon at ang buong catchment basin ng Lawa ng Laguna, ayon kay Singson. Idinugtong ni Singson na sa unang pagkakataon sa loob ng maraming taon ng pagpapabaya, ang administrasyong Aquino ngayon ang bumalangkas ng master plan for flood control na kasama sa programa ng NEDA. Sa panukalang nasabi, aalisin ang mga informal settlers na naninirahan sa mga daang tubig, pag-aayos ng daluyan ng tubig at ng mga pumping stations, lalo na sa Metro Manila, sabi ni Singson. Tinukoy na ng Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), National Housing Authority (NHA) at ng Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan (DILG) ang walong pangunahing daang tubig na dapat linisin at may pondo nang gagamitin para ito maisakatuparan. Pinag-usapan ito kahapon namin at ng Pangulong Aquino. May timetable na at may iskedyul sila ni Kalihim Manuel Roxas para isagawa ito dahil mayroon nang pondo para dito. Ang kailangan lamang namin ay panahon para magawa nang lahat ang mahalagang proyektong ito, wika pa ng Kalihim. Binigyang diin ni Singson na kailangan ang totohanang paglilinis sa mga daang tubig sa Metro Manila na bumaba na rin dahil sa banlik na nanggagaling sa kabundukan ng Sierra Madre kaya hindi makaagos nang mabilis patungo sa Ilog Pasig at sa Look ng Maynila. Sinabi ng MMDA na sinimulan na nilang linisin ang mga estero at daang tubig noon pang Mayo, subalit hindi nila mapasok ang 55 porsiyento ng baradong bahagi dahil may mga nakatira roon na informal settlers. Ipinaliwanag ng MMDA na upang maayos ang drainage system alinsunod sa master plan, nagsimula na ang kostruksiyon sa Metro Manila. Sa kasalukuyan ay nililinis at inaayos ang 26 na drainage system sa Maynila, 13 sa Lungsod ng Quezon, at dalawa sa EDSA. May kostruksiyon na ring ginagawa sa Lungsod ng Pasay at Lungsod ng Paranaque.

Ayon kay Singson, ang pinakamalaking proyekto ng DPWH ay ang kostruksiyon ng Blumentritt box culvert o water tunnel (daang tubig) para maiwasan ang pagbaha sa kalungsuran. Ang culvert ng Blumentritt ay may habang 2.6 kioometro at ito ay buhat sa Dapitan hanggang sa Tundo, Maynila at may lapad na 3.6 metro at taas na 2.7 metro. Nanawagan si Singson sa madla na unawain sana at dagdagan ang pasensiya dahil 2.6 kilometro ang haba ng daluyang ito ng tubig at mga 12 buwan bago ito matapos. Idinagdag ni Singson na ang pag-aayos ng pumping stations ay pamamahalaan ng MMDA at mayroon na itong pondo para maayos na mabuti ang 12 pangunahing pumping stations.

Sinabi pa ni Singson na mayroon ding mga hakbang na non-infrasatructure o non-structural na isasagawa para maiwasan ang pagbaha. Kabilang dito ang Project NOAH na magkakaroon ng resettlement, flood drills at pinag-ibayong information system o pagpapatalastas sa taong bayan. Ayon kay Singson, yamang ang Project NOAH ay nakagawa na ng flood modelling system, maaari na nitong mataya kung aahon ang tubig sa Ilog Pasig at Ilog Marikina. PND (as/zaf) TOP Hindi kukunsintihin ang 'sexual abuses' umano sa mga OFWs sa Gitnang Silangan

Hindi kukunsintihin ng Malacanang ang umano ay sex-for-repatriation scam sa Gitnang Silangan, ito ang tiniyak ni Kalihim Ramon Carandang ng Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. Binigyang diin ni Carandang na ipinauubaya ng Malacanang kay Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang isyung ito. Ayon kay Carandang, mag-uusap sina Kalihim Del Rosario at Kint. Walden Bello na siyang nagparatang na pagmamalabis umano ng mga tauhan ng Embahadang Pilipino at gagawin ng Malacanang ang karampatang hakbang salig sa pag-uusap ng dalawa. Hayaan nating tipunin muna ng DFA ang mga ulat at kung ang mga report na ito ay totoo, hindi kailanman ito kukunsintihin, wika ni Carandang. Nanawagan ang Malacanang sa overseas Filipino workers na maaaring naging biktima ng umano ay sex scam sa Embahadang Pilipino sa Kuwait na lumantad at magharap ng kaukulang kaso para mapanagot ang may kagagawan nito. Martes nang ihayag ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na pumasok na ang Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas sa alingasngas na ito at inatasang gawin ng Puno ng Embahadang Pilipino sa Kuwait ang karampatang hakbang. Ang mga ulat ng umano ay sex-for-repatriation scam ng mga pinuno at nang Embahadang Pilipino sa Kuwait ay kumalat nang isang hindi nagpakilalang babaing OFW na kabilang sa 46 kawaksi sa bahay na pinauwi buhat sa Kuwaiti Deportation Center, ang nagsumbong umano tungkol sa iniuutos na pakikipagtalik ng isang pinuno ng embahada kapalit ng pagpapauwi sa kanya. PND (as/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III Speech at the opening ceremony of the Global Development Networks 14th Annual Global Development Conference Asian Development Bank Headquarters, Manila 19 June 2013 We hold this Global Development Conference in our country at an appropriate time. This is the 152nd birth anniversary of our national hero, Jose Rizal, who was largely responsible for steering our nation down the path of equality and, subsequently, development. Few people know that during his exile in Dapitan in Southern Philippines, Rizal took a hands-on approach to development. He established a school and started a medical practice, effectively taking the role of community-builder in a far-flung area of the Philippines. More than a century after Rizals death, people all around the world continue to share that human desire to emp ower, as evidenced by your presence here. May I note in particular how Alvin Ang and Jeremiah Opiniano won the annual competition for Outstanding Research for Development in 2011. This is, I understand, the first and only time the Philippines has won this competition. For that, I thank you. As your annual competition within this conference shows, the problems that confront us, however, have changed since Rizals era. Countries the world over have found themselves beset by social unrestunrest that roots from a prevalent public perception that the peoples voice is not being heard. This global flux has brought about significant social and economic consequences for the entire world and it pushes us to evolve the way we thinkfrom the way we approach development to the way we go about solving our problems. And this is precisely why we find ourselves here today. We have long heard that the first step in solving a problem is acknowledging that there is a problem. But perhaps we

can even build on this idea: The first step to solving any problem should be identifying the correct problem, otherwise any solution would be directionless, and therefore ineffective. This conference helps us do just that. It puts more solidity to the analysis of the problem, which will hopefully redound to more specific, more effective, and more strategic solutions. For most of the developing world, the overarching problems can be summed up in a few words: poverty, hunger, unemployment, lack of education, corruption. These are not unique to any one country or peopleeach of us have seen or experienced them and their effects. All these problems combined to deprive people of hope, initiative, and opportunities and while no one can guarantee outcomes. I believe, it is incumbent upon government to provide meaningful opportunities to individuals and an environment conducive to empowering our fellow citizens to seek out and maximize opportunities that come their way. We cannot have a society where a few flourish and the rest just make do with crumbs. We must have inclusive growth. This is nothing less than a fair deal, a running start, for all with interventions by the government where it matters and can do the most good. In the first three years of our term, we focused resources on our Conditional Cash Transfer Program. Stay in school, see the doctor, be our partners in health and learning, and we will lend you a helping hand. We close the gap in classrooms and raised our budgets for education, from the primary all the way to the tertiary level. The next three years will see continued interventions in the poorest of the poor but also a focus on the vulnerable but emerging sectors of society all made possible by prudent public finance policies and honesty in public administration by continuing efforts to build mass housing on site and not in far flung areas by creating durable jobs in industry, tourism and agriculture. This is what our government has chosen to do. The difficulty is that while the problems may be universal, the solutions are not. Each region, each country, each city, and town has its own realityand the solutions we come up with must be tailor fit to local conditions. This means that our solutions might not be the best for your own communities, and we must study their effects and how to maximize positive interventions in a specific and thorough manner. For example, our country has more than adequate coconuts to harvestand hundreds of thousands of coconut farmers who could potentially benefit from growth in the sector. We likewise heard of a growing market for coco-water worldwide. So what we did was: We made the effort to connect our farmers to consumers from all around the world. The result: From 2009 to 2011, the value of our coco-water exports increased from 370,000 dollars to 15.1 million dollars an increase of almost four thousand percent. From correctly reading local conditions, we were able to turn coco-water, which used to be a mere waste product, into an engine of empowerment. Another former waste product we have taken advantage of is coconut coir, which is extracted from coconut husk. We found that we could effectively use the material to strengthen our roads and prevent erosion, which is why our Department of Public Works and Highways has been using it in its projectsand this, may I add, has been such a success that we find ourselves with the shortage of this product due to massive exporting of the same. So, through approaching the problem in the context of its immediate environment, and with a dash of local ingenuity, we turned literal waste products into vibrant industries. In this case, the broad solutions may strike us as common sense solutions: Identify our competitive advantages, build on them, and try to move up the value chain. But the true question of development hinges largely on a thorough knowledge of the local condition. It hinges on finding each regions coco -wateran untapped opportunity for growth, empowerment, and synchronicity. The studies we are sharing today root from a profound idea: that while it feels, at times, that the specific research we conduct is dwarfed by the enormity of the worlds troubles, all our work combined can form a constellation of knowledge that arms human civilization with the tools to combat inequality and to pursue growth that is truly inclusive. Our continuing educationour acknowledgment that we do not know everything yetmakes certain that we will not become obsolete nor irrelevant. And perhaps that is the most resounding message of this conference: that we remain in pursuit of more knowledgethat we are saying yes to that natural human desire to get better. I am hopeful that in the span of this conference, we can hold a truly free exchange of ideas as regards development, so that we may advance the way we approach our worlds most pressing problems. I encourage you all to speak with one another and, above that, to listen, all for the sake of bequeathing coming generations a world better than we found it. I thank you for listening and I bid you all a good day. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
19 JUNE 2013
Myanmar officials visit PH to learn DSWD program NSCB launches new online article StatFocus Roxas: gas system check at Global City is mandatory P51-B Energy projects to supply 600 MW in Luzon and Mindanao DTI conveys PHLs improved business climate to Nordic bizmen Education sector begins drafting K-12 IRR DENR holds First National Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment System DAR: Deadlock on LUisita audit won't affect land distribution sked Phl to host 1st BIMP-EAGA agribusiness meet June 2013 Radiologic and X-ray Technologist Licensure Examinations results released in two (2) days PDIC starts paying small depositors of Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan 3 weeks after closure

Baldoz enunciates Philippine support to ILO's vision of decent work and social protection to vulnerable workers Baldoz orders investigation on alleged sex-for-fly modus operandi in Kuwait DSWD lauds ratification of amended bill on juvenile law Rural and Coop Banks post 11.57 percent NPL ratio at end-2012 Ph supports more development partnerships with MICs for inclusive growth

Myanmar officials visit PH to learn DSWD program Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Manila Government representatives of Myanmar were in the Philippines from June 10 to 14, 2013 to study the community driven development (CDD) strategy being implemented by the DSWD for its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. The learning visit, which was organized through the partnership of the DSWD and the World Bank, aimed to provide the Myanmar delegates the opportunity to learn about the implementation and impact of Kalahi-CIDSS, as their country is presently preparing for the implementation of CDD. CDD is a poverty alleviation strategy that puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to have active control in deciding which sub-projects will be implemented in their communities. The goal of Kalahi-CIDSS is to train people who are capable of mobilizing themselves into an empowered citizenry who actively push for the development of their communities. Aside from the orientation on the Kalahi-CIDSS systems and processes, the delegation, accompanied by representatives of the DSWD and the World Bank, also visited municipalities in Eastern and Western Samar to learn firsthand the impact of the program on the beneficiaries. The delegates had a one-on-one discussion with the project beneficiaries and stakeholders. DSWD Undersecretary Mateo Montao thanked the Myanmar delegates for choosing the Philippines as their area of study. Addressing them, he said, We hope you get the most out of this visit so you can apply it in Myanmar. Speaking on behalf of the Myanmar delegation, His Excellency Major General Zaw Winn, the Deputy Minister of Border Affairs, said that he hoped to model the implementation of CDD on Kalahi-CIDSS. He said CDD can introduce changes for rural development. He further thanked the DSWD and the World Bank for organizing the learning visit, saying, I hope this w ill provide the opportunity to strengthen the ties between Myanmar and the Philippines. Kalahi-CIDSS National Project Manager Edgar Pato said that the ten-year experience of Kalahi-CIDSS taught the program implementers that CDD is not a one size fits all strategy, as certain situations will require adjustments in the program design to better respond to the needs of the communities. As such, Myanmar will be able to make changes in the method of implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS to better fit their own countrys needs. The DSWD is presently preparing for the launching and implementation of the National Community Driven Development Program (NCDDP), the scaling up of CDD into a national strategy for poverty alleviation. According to Undersecretary Montao, the President recognizes the strength of CDD and has directed for its adaption as a national strategy for development. From the 364 municipalities under Kalahi-CIDSS, NCDDP will be covering 900 municipalities in 15 regions across the country. |TOP| NSCB launches new online article StatFocus Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) is launching a new monthly online article titled StatFocus starting June 20, 2013. StatFocus, which will be released every third Thursday of the month, is the newest addition to NSCBs regular online articles which include Beyond the Numbers released every first Friday of the month and Sexy Statistics released every last Friday of the month. Unlike the other two online articles that feature statistics on general interest topics, StatFocus will primarily discuss

methodologies and processes behind these statistics which were developed by the various NSCB inter-agency committees (IACs) and technical committees (TCs). These committees are expert groups established to resolve statistical issues and problems arising from the production, dissemination and use of statistics through resolutions for approval of the NSCB Executive Board. At present, there are 7 TCs and 13 IACs (details can be accessed at http://www.nscb.gov.ph/aboutus/committees/). Through this new article, the NSCB hopes to increase public appreciation of the provenance of official statistics, the way they are collected, why they are collected, and why they are necessary in policymaking. |TOP| Roxas: gas system check at Global City is mandatory Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Manila, Philippines Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, following a meeting with developers and stakeholders, said on Thursday/June 13 the checking of the piped-in gas system in the entire Global City is mandatory for 12 residential buildings, 258 establishments and at least 2,600 units using piped-in gas. Three days after an inter-agency task force determined that a gas leak caused the explosion at Two Serendra, Roxas said a set of guidelines will be issued by the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Taguig City local government unit covering what he calls a self-check in all identified establishments to ensure the safety of the equipment that ar e presently being used. Ang sistema na gagawin natin ay self-check, Roxas told a media briefing, as he warned those who refuse to cooperate that the government will take action to shut down the gas system in their buildings. He asked building representatives to convey the seriousness of government in completing the review of the gas system and asked for their cooperation. Kung hindi kayo makikipag-cooperate, ang gobyerno mismo ang magpapatay ng gas na papasok sa inyong building, Roxas said, stressing that a thorough review of the gas system can be implemented without a law because it is mandated by the Fire Code. Mas makakabuti na magtulungan tayo na gawin natin ito keysa ilagay natin sa alangin ang inyong mga building, ang inyong mga unit at ang inyong mga kapitbahay, he said. Roxas said the checking of the entire gas system could be done by the end of July. Gusto nating marating yung kalagayan na nakakasiguro tayo sa abot ng ating makakaya na yung gas system in place sa bawat gusali na kinalalagyan ninyo ay nasa safe condition, at kung may pipirma ay may mananagot, he said. Stressing the checklist will be detailed, Roxas said one requirement would be that the gas-pipe system has a detector connected to an automatic shutoff system. If buildings using the gas system are found to have glitches, gas supply will be cut off in the building, unit or area depending on the gravity of the situation, Roxas said. There will be two checks involvedone for the entire building and another for the end-user. He said this kind of selfcheck will be recurring and involves everyone in determining the safety of the units and the building. This is the minimum compliance we expect, that in each of your buildings mayroon kayong safety checks na gagawin, he said. May mananagot kung may pagkukulang, he said. Although Roxas anticipate some problems in the initial implementation of this plan, he said this was the best way to ensure public safety. |TOP| P51-B Energy projects to supply 600 MW in Luzon and Mindanao Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Board of Investments (BOI) recently approved the projects of San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation (SMCPC) and SMC Consolidated Power Corporation as new operators of 300 megawatts (MW) each of coal-fired power plants located in Davao del Sur and Bataan respectively.

SMCPC is constructing the P25.84-B Coal-Fired Power Project at Barangay Culaman, Malita, Davao del Sur. Commercial operation is expected to start by December 2015. The project is expected to employ 214 personnel. The project will augment the power requirements in Mindanao. According to the Department of Energys (DOE) Power Development Plan 2010 to 2030, peak demand for electricity in Mindanao is expected to increase at an average annual growth rate of 4.2% until 2030. The DOE projects that power consumption in Mindanao will require an additional capacity of 550 MW on top of committed power projects by 2018. SMC Consolidated Power Corporation is also constructing another P25.5-B 300 MW Coal-Fired Power Project at Barangay Lamao, Limay, Bataan. The Bataan plant contributes to the energy sufficiency goals for Luzon island. By 2014, the country is already in need of an additional 1,050 MW, according to the DOE. The SMCCPC plant in Bataan will start operations in 2016 and will employ at least 214 people. Both projects will import coal either from Indonesia or Australia during the commissioning and start-up operation. Coal samples from these countries have higher heating values compared to the local supply. The firm however will eventually utilize local coal coming from the Daguma coal mines which is owned by their affiliate San Miguel Energy Corporation (SMEC). The activities are qualified in the preferred activities under the Energy sector category of the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP). The BOI is the lead agency tasked to implement the IPP under the provision of the E.O. 226. The IPP identifies priority sectors that can avail of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. |TOP| DTI conveys PHLs improved business climate to Nordic bizmen Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official recently urged Nordic businessmen to spread the good news about the Philippines improved business climate and be partners in the countrys economic progress. The investment climate in the Philippines is exhilarating and very promising. The investment upgrade from Standard and Poors, Fitch and the Japan Credit Rating Agency has given the country a better external profile, making it more appealing to foreign investors and affirms that the Philippines is indeed open for business, backed strong economic growth and government finances, political stability, and resilience to external shocks as key drivers, DTI Undersecretary Ponciano C. Manalo Jr. said in his key note speech during Nordic Ambassadors luncheon panel discussion on the Nordic-Philippine trade and investment opportunities. This luncheon was an occasion to present the business opportunities between the Philippines and the Nordic countries and to interact with key decision-makers in the government and private sector. The Nordic Business Council was one of the very first business councils that I met since I joined the Department of Trade and Industry early this year. As a newcomer to government, I am very pleased at your Councils efforts, enthusiasm and success in inviting Nordic businesses to enquire and consider the Philippines as their investment destination, Manalo said. The Nordic Business Council Philippines (NBCP) is a Philippine registered non-stock, non-profit organization that promotes and facilitates trade, commerce, industry, and investment between the Philippines and the Nordic countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Baltic countries, specifically Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. I would like to congratulate Tieto and Sonion for choosing the Philippines as your investment locations in Asia and for putting your confidence in the Filipino worker. I am confident that you will become an inspiration for other Nordic companies such that they will also experience the business opportunity that the Philippines presents, Manalo said. Tieto is the largest Nordic information technology (IT) services company providing full life-cycle services for the private and public sectors. Sonion is a global company involved in developing, manufacturing and marketing microacoustic and micromechanical solutions for customers that manufacture hearing instruments, and in-ear earphones. Manalo mentioned the wide range of opportunities highlighted in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), which prioritizes preferred economic activities that are eligible for incentives. These include agriculture, agribusiness and fisheries, creative industries and knowledge-based services, hospital and medical services projects, infrastructure including the public private partnership (PPP) projects, motor vehicles, research and development, and shipbuilding projects. We at the DTI and the Board of Investments are at your disposal offering investment briefings, business matching, advisory services, relocation advise, visa assistance, airport assistance, expat familiarization and tips on tourist destinations in the country as among the many services that we can extend to your visiting business dele gation, Manalo said. Manalo also noted that investment pledges registered with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) surged to

P74B or nearly a 90-%increase in the first four months of 2013 compared to the same period last year. Also, new economic zones are being developed in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Central Luzon and at the same time existing ones are being expanded to accommodate new companies. He also cited the favourable IMD World Competitiveness Report, wherein Philippines moved up in the latest World Competitiveness Report to No. 38 in 2013, up five notches from 2012. The country is now ranked 11th in Asia Pacific, up from 13th place in 2011 and has overtaken India and Indonesia in the competitiveness scale. The IMD Competitiveness Report reviews four major factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. Our goal is to move to the top third group by 2016. This 2013 report now places the Philippines in the middle third of the list and on the way to achieving our goals, Manalo said. The improving competitiveness of the Philippines has made the country a preferred investment site. Our natural pool of talents and culturally adaptable human resources position the country as an advantageous value-for-money destination for investments in Asia. We place high-value on education, enabling our labor force with world-renowned technical competency and English proficiency, Manalo said. He also noted the recent unprecedented gross domestic product (GDP) growth is attributed to the vitality of the construction sector 45.6% from government-led projects and 30.7% from private construction. In the first quarter of 2013, Philippines GDP grew by 7.8%the highest quarterly growth rate posted under the Aquino Administration, and the highest in a non-presidential election year since 1988. The Philippines outperformed all Asian economies including China (7.7%), Indonesia (6.0%) and Malaysia (4.1%). The better news is that this growth was heavily influenced b y the 47.7-% growth in capital formation, indicating a substantial flow of inputs used for establishing new business investments. The private sector played a major role in the surge in investments in the country, reflecting the continued confidence of the business community in the economic progression of the Philippines, Manalo added. We firmly believe that by pushing for efficient and more transparent business practices, we will gain your trust and attract more investments, which would then open more doors of opportunity for many of our countrymen, ultimately uplifting our entire nation, Manalo said. |TOP| Education sector begins drafting K-12 IRR Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph PASIG CITY, June 19, 2013 Agencies handling education services met at the Department of Education (DepEd) Wednesday to begin drafting the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Enhanced Basic Education Act signed by the president last May. The program, which adds two more years of senior high school among other enhancements, aims to improve the quality of education to keep up with international standards. According to the law we have 90 days (from June 8) to finish this, explains DepEd Undersecretary Al berto Muyot, drafting committee chair, adding that the various subcommittees need to consult other stakeholders as well. The committee will also be conducting public consultations, We will go around Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and NCR sometime August and we will try to incorporate inputs from everyone involved. Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC reiterated the K-12 proponents desire to always seek consensus and not to dismiss even our harshest critics. The committee, which includes the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as co-chairs, was split into various sub-committees to focus on specific aspects of the law such as curriculum, teacher training, and career guidance, among others. It is auspicious that we are officially starting on the IRR on Jose Rizals birthday. He is the epitome of someone who is fully Filipino yet a true citizen of the world, says Luistro, adding that students going through the entire K -12 Program will experience a rediscovery what it is to be Filipino. The committee intends to finish the final IRR before September 6, 2013. |TOP| DENR holds First National Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment System

Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is holding the first ever national convention on the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS) on June 19-21, 2013, at the Manila Hotel. Expected to participate in the 3-day gathering are representatives from the private sector, national and local government, academe, non-government and peoples organizations participating in the 3-day gathering. Environmental Impact Assessment or EIA is the process of predicting the likely environmental effects of implementing a project and designing appropriate preventive mitigating and enhancement measures as an input to decision-making. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing environmental impacts when deciding whether or not to proceed with a project. The EIA convention is part of the 35th anniversary of the PEISS, which was established in 1978 through Presidential Decree No. 1586. The law provides for a comprehensive and encompassing planning tool that ensures a balanced and healthy ecology and social dimension in the midst of intensive economic development. Organized by the DENRs Environmental Management Bureau and the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Region 4-A Chapter, the convention aims to promote a common understanding and appreciation of the PEISS among its various stakeholders from the private sector, national and local governments, academe, and non-government and peoples organizations. Topics that will be discussed include the achievements, significant developments, and improvements in the system. Among the invited international speakers are Dr. Peter King of the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network and Mr. Richard Morgan, former president and member of the board of directors of the International Association for Impact Assessment. The convention will also highlight experiences and insights on good EIA practices by different sectors as well as the gaps and challenges in the implementation of the PEISS. |TOP| DAR: Deadlock on LUisita audit won't affect land distribution sked Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) today maintained that the scheduled distribution of land to qualified farmworker-beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita will push through in the middle of the year despite the deadlock on the special audit process in the sugar estate. The DAR, at the same time, described as baseless and unfounded the allegations that it has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to include two new parties in the special audit of Hacienda Luisita Inc. ( HLI) and the Centenary Holdings Inc. (CHI). DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Anthony Parungao today explained that the process of land distribution in Hacienda Luisita is distinct and separate from the special purpose audit of pertinent financial records of Hacienda Luisita, Inc. and Centennary Holdings, Inc. There is no truth to allegations by a farmers group in Hacienda Luisita that the impasse on the special purpose audit is delaying the land distribution schedule in the sugar estate, Parungao s aid. He was referring to the allegations by Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Asyenda Luisita (AMBALA) that the DARs Urgent Motion filed with the Supreme Court last month was intended to delay the scheduled land distribution in Hacienda Luisita. Parungao stressed that the DAR, through the Office of the Solicitor General, filed last May 27 the Urgent Motion with the Supreme Court to clarify various issues arising from the special purpose audit ordered by the latter of the pertinent financial records of Hacienda Luisita, Inc. (HLI) and Centennary Holdings, Inc. (CHI). The DARs move was prompted by the recent impasse in the process to select a reputable accounting firm to conduct the said special audit, and the disagreement among the parties in the Hacienda Luisita case on which firm should be selected, after a vote on 17 May 2013 was conducted on a motion to disqualify two of the three interested accounting firms. DAR officials maintained that the special audit on HLI and CHI, with respect to the gross proceeds arising from the conversion of two lots with an area of 500 hectares and the expropriation of a portion for SCTEX, cannot proceed unless all the parties involved in the case have agreed on the accounting firm that will undertake this task.

The Supreme Court, in its Order last year, had stated that: The DAR is ordered to engage the services of a reputable accounting firm approved by the parties to audit the books of HLI and Centennary Holdings, Inc. to determine if the P1,330,511,500 proceeds of the sale of the three aforementioned lots were actually used or spent for legitimate corporate expenses. Any unspent or unused balance and any disallowed expenditures, as determined by the audit, shall be distributed to the 6,296 original FWBs (farmworker-beneficiaries). Based on the High Courts ruling, Parungao explained that DARs role in the audit process is limited to facilitating the process that will lead to the engagement of the services of an accounting firm acceptable to and approved by all the parties involved in the Hacienda Luisita case. The parties concerned, he pointed out, include Hacienda Luisita, Inc. and the various farmers organizations representing the farmworkers of the countrys biggest sugar estate. He also said that the plain meaning of the language of the Supreme Courts directive is that all of the parties to the cases should agree on the accounting firm to be selected. Going to the Supreme Court, therefore, was the DARs effort to move the process forward, he added. In particular, the DAR sought clarification on whether the phrase approved by the parties meant unanimity or a mere majority vote, whether HLI can be excluded from the process, whether the DARs role is limited to facilitating the process of selection on account of which it has no authority to decide or act on motions submitted by any of the parties, as well as on the nature and extent of the audit activity and period. DAR officials lamented that despite a series of meetings and consultations as a result of which a comprehensive selection criteria and a timetable were already approved and adopted, the parties concerned could not agree on what accounting firm the DAR should engage to audit the pertinent financial records of HLI and CHI. Parungao rued the missed opportunity arising from the failure to follow the process, as he pointed out that an accounting firm would have been already been selected last May 31 had all the parties simply decided to implement what was previously agreed upon by them. We are only following the Supreme Courts directive to let all the parties be involved in the selection of the accounting firm. If the Supreme Court will rule that HLI is excluded from the selection process, we will oblige, Parungao also said. We welcome the move of AMBALA to file their comment on our Motion before the Supreme Court as this confirms the long-held DAR position that only the Supreme Court can resolve issues regarding the execution of its decision, he added. Pending the Supreme Courts action on DARs Urgent Motion and AMBALAs comment, Parungao said the DAR will push through with its activities related to land distribution in Hacienda Luisita. The DAR, he noted, has just finished finalizing the mechanics of allocating farm lots for more than 6,000 farmworkers who qualified as beneficiaries in the countrys biggest sugar estate. Prior to this, the DAR had wrapped up the most contentious stages in land distribution process which include identification of qualified beneficiaries, segregation survey, and subdivision survey. The Land Bank of the Philippines, for its part, has finished its valuation work on the bulk of the farm lots to be distributed. The process of valuation will be completed once the remaining titles generated by the Register of Deeds were submitted to the bank. The DAR has finished almost 90 percent of its job as far as land distribution is concerned. All that is left to complete the process are technical matters such as lot allocation, generation of land titles and Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs), and the actual distribution of land, Parungao said. We are confident of distributing the land to qualified beneficiaries in the middle of the year, as scheduled, he added. Parungao also belied AMBALAs allegation that DAR has asked the Supreme Court to include the Luisita Industrial Park Corp. (Lipco) and the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), in the special audit. Nowhere in our pleading before the Supreme Court can you find DARs request to include new parties in the spec ial audit. Such accusation from AMBALA is baseless and unfounded, Parungao stressed. We find it unfortunate that MBALA appears to have been misinformed about this matter, he added. |TOP| Phl to host 1st BIMP-EAGA agribusiness meet

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

The Philippines will host the 1st Agribusiness cluster meeting of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), on June 18 to 20, 2013 at Hotel Centro, in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. About 100 delegates are expected to attend the BIMP-EAGA agribusiness cluster and discuss mutual cooperation to transform the sub-region into a food basket or producer and exporter of various farm, fishery and processed food products for ASEAN, and the rest of Asia and the world. The meeting will be chaired by the Philippines through Agriculture Undersecretary for field operations Joel S. Rudinas, representing Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who will attend the 38th biennial conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy, June 15 to 22, 2013. Rudinas said BIMP-EAGA delegates will discuss joint initiatives to ensure the sub-regions long-term food security, optimize sustainable production of farm and fishery products, promote sustainable livelihood, and increase economic opportunities of small farmers and fisherfolk. Among the priority projects that the cluster will tackle include: joint venture on production of hybrid rice seeds; harmonization of seaweed good aquaculture practices standards, and export development; information exchange through a web-enabled Food Security Information Management System (FSIMS); and conduct of the 2nd BIMP-EAGA and Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle Agriculture Conference in 2014. The other projects are: strengthening of smallholder coconutbased industries; Sulu Celebes Sea sustainable fisheries management project; and establishment of BIMP-EAGA food, agribusiness and logistics corridor. The BIMP-EAGA sub-regional cooperation initiative was established as a key strategy of the four ASEAN countries to address the social and economic development of their less developed and more remote territories by increasing production, trade, and tourism through public-private partnerships and joint venture investments. (DA Information Service) Reference: DA Undersecretary Joel Rudinas - 09202496530 |TOP| June 2013 Radiologic and X-ray Technologist Licensure Examinations results released in two (2) days Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 637 out of 1,122 passed the Radiologic Technologist Licensure Examination and 31 out of 138 passed the X-Ray Technologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Radiologic Technology in the cities of Manila, Davao and Iloilo this June 2013. The members of the Board of Radiologic Technology are Wilhelmina M. Gana, Chairman; Cecilia S. Mananghaya, Dr. Orestes P. Monzon, Mr. Bayani C. San Juan and Mr. Zaldy M. Ambon, Members. The results were released in two (2) working days after the last day of examinations. Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be on June 27 & 28, 2013. Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of metered documentary stamps and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession and to pay the Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2013-2016 for RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST; Initial Registration Fee of P450 and Annual Registration Fee of P420 for 2013-2016 for X-RAY TECHNOLOGIST. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. The date and venue for the oathtaking ceremony of the new successful examinees in the said examination WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER. |TOP| PDIC starts paying small depositors of Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan 3 weeks after closure Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced that it has started mailing the payments for all valid deposit accounts with balances of P15,000 and below maintained with the closed Cooperative Rural Bank of Bulacan (CRBB) on June 14, 2013, three weeks after the banks closure on May 23, 2013. Under the automatic payment scheme, depositors who have deposits with balances of P15,000 and below, who have no outstanding loans or obligations with CRBB; and who have complete and updated addresses in the banks records or

have updated their addresses through the PDIC Mailing Address Update Forms are not required to file their deposit insurance claims. The waiver of the requisite filing of claim is aimed at providing convenience to small depositors. It is also a means to protect and service small depositors by providing them immediate access to their deposit insurance. Payments to depositors will be dispatched via registered mail through the Philippine Postal Corporation. Payments are in the form of postal money orders, which may be encashed either with the local postal office or with the nearest branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines. Total payments dispatched amounted to P14.5 million. Out of the 36,537 accounts with balances of P15,000 and below, 11,215 accounts are covered by the automatic payment scheme. The balance of 69% or 25,322 accounts are required to file their claims. A total of 18,821 accounts or 66% of these accounts include those of depositors with borrowings, mostly microfinance loans. The remaining 8,501 accounts or 33% include those of depositors with incomplete addresses in bank records as of date of closure or with document deficiencies. PDIC shall announce the schedule of claims settlement operations thru notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as thru PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888PDIC (7342). |TOP| Baldoz enunciates Philippine support to ILO's vision of decent work and social protection to vulnerable workers Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

On the eve of ILO's centenary Baldoz enunciates Philippine support to ILO's vision of decent work and social protection to vulnerable workers Geneva--To an audience composed mainly of leaders from the International Labor Organizations member states, trade unions, employers, and civil society organizations, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday delivered here a statement in the 102nd ILO Conference with a pledge of Philippine support to the ILOs decent work agenda, saying the country recognizes decent work as a very important element of any development strategy. The Aquino III administration recognizes decent work as primordial to any development strategy predicated on inclusive growth to improve the quality of life of our people. We reaffirm our support to the ILO as it engages the tripartite constituents in building a future of decent work under a regime of social justice and soci al cohesion, Baldoz said. Baldoz also boldly challenged the ILO "to continuously review the relevance of international standards to the fast changing world of work and to equip its constituents with capacities to easily adjust and adapt and make decent work a distinct reality in every workplace." Apprising the ILO on the reforms undertaken by the Philippines in order to promote, achieve, and maintain decent work for Filipino workers, Baldoz said that "achieving sustainable and inclusive growth that generates decent jobs remains to be the priority concern that ILOs tripartite constituents must confront as they look toward the centenary of ILO's global leadership in the 21st century world of work." Each speaker in the ILO conference, as stated in the rules, is allowed only five minutes to deliver his statement, and Baldoz succinctly delivered her statement within the allotted time. She spoke candidly about the persistent problems of unemployment and underemployment the Philippines despite a growing economy. "The 7.8 percent economic growth rate of the Philippines has been preceded by an improvement in the global competitiveness and the achievement of first grade investment rating. The positive growth, however, continues to present a formidable challenge to the persistent problems of unemployment and underemployment," she said, but hastened to add that "there are good indicators that the quality of jobs and the country's decent work profile are improving." She cited that the ratio of the self-employed and unpaid family workers to total employment is narrowing; that wage and salary and full time employment is expanding; and that mean hours of work is increasing. In her statement, Baldoz lauded the country's tripartite partners for their broad participation in policy and decisionmaking processes, describing it as "unprecedented, propelled by the recent law strengthening tripartism and social dialogue.""The tripartite partners continue to respond to challenges with a combination of reforms that help create a positive climate for investment and improve the employment situation," she said.

"Industry roadmaps for growth are being crafted to mainstream employment as central to development strategy of inclusive growth," she added. She particularly mentioned the passage of a law institutionalizing the Single Entry Approach for fair, speedy, and inexpensive labor justice. The SEnA mandates a 30-day conciliation of all labor cases, making arbitration as a last resort. She highlighted the progress in the Philippines's efforts to protect workers' wages and benefits through a mix of developmental and regulatory approaches, such as the hiring of 600 labor law compliance officers who will implement a new labor law compliance system that will benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises. With technical assistance from the ILO and an additional budget of P286 million, the new system covers joint assessment of compliance to general labor standards, safety and health, child labor, freedom of association, collective bargaining, and maritime labor regulations using real-time data captured and transmitted from the field using an electronic checklist stored in mobile devices and gadgets, she added. Baldoz also reported that the Philippines has ratified ILO Convention 189 and enacted a national law, the Batas Kasambahay, that fully recognizes the basic rights and benefits of household service workers. "Just recently, we have concluded with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a bilateral agreement including a standard employment contract that embodies universally-accepted terms and conditions of employment of household service workers. Similar agreements with other countries in the region are under negotiation," she said. "We have already taken concrete steps in securing decent and productive work for its workers. The implementation of the Kindergarten Education Act, the Enhanced Basic Education Act, and the Philippines Qualifications Framework addresses the deficiencies in the countrys education and training system, while the pursuit for a na tionally-defined social protection floor (SPF) has been addressed using the ILO Recommendation on SPF," she explained. Baldoz admitted that the country still needs to address challenges posed by climate change, social protection for those at risk, and linking migration with development, among others. |TOP| Baldoz orders investigation on alleged sex-for-fly modus operandi in Kuwait Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Geneva--Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday ordered the creation of an investigation team that will conduct an investigation on the alleged sex -for-fly activities at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuwait by issuing Administrative Order No. 239, Series of 2013. "I am resolved to get into the bottom of any accusation of wrongdoing against our people to uphold their credibility and integrity, whether or not the allegations are malicious or with basis," Baldoz said. The investigative team that Baldoz ordered to investigate the allegation is composed of Atty. Leah Fortuna of the Office of the Secretary as the Chairperson, Atty. Ophelia Almenario of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Atty. Rosemarie G. Duquez of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The teams main task involves gathering and validate information and pertinent documents, interview the concerned OFWs, interest groups, and POLO/Embassy officials, and if the allegations were proven as facts, assist in the filing of appropriate charges against erring individuals. The labor and employment chief, who is here in Geneva for the 102 International Labor Conference, was alerted of newspaper reports about the alleged sex-for-fly activities at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuwait and immediately directed the POLO to submit a report. The DOLE does not condone any inappropriate act of any of its official and personnel, most especially if it involves the performance of their official duties. Integrity and sincerity in public service are among the core values that we in the DOLE have sworn to uphold and abide by in everything we do, Baldoz said. The report on the alleged sex for-fly practice of officials and personnel in the POLO in Kuwait surfaced when an unidentified female OFW who was part of a group of 46 HSWs deported from the Kuwaiti Deportation Center supposedly sought the help of radio station DZRH and aired a complaint that an "embassy official" allegedly demanded a sexual favor to facilitate her repatriation. Labor Attache to Kuwait David Des Dicang reported that when this report came out, the Philippine Embassy, through Consul General Raul Dado created an investigation team that included Dicang. "After our investigation, we found out that only one of the 46 HSWs deported came from the Filipino Workers Resource Center. It would serve the interest of justice if the media names the complainant and the officials complained about," Dicang said. Baldoz warned that she will file charges against any DOLE official or employee who will be proven to have violated their oath as public servants, whether they are in the Philippines or abroad. She also called on the victims and those who may have information on the modus operandi to get in touch with the investigating team at telephone numbers (02) 527-3000 local 705, (02) 5511560, (02) 551-6641, (02) 722-1144, (02) 722-1155. "We take this kind of allegations very seriously," she said, adding that measures to deal with allegations of wrongdoing are well-established in the DOLE. We believe that for us to be able to protect the rights and welfare of every Filipino worker here and abroad, it is a must that we keep ourselves clean; that we keep the Department graft- and corruption-free, she finally said. |TOP| DSWD lauds ratification of amended bill on juvenile law Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomes the ratification, by the Senate and House of Representatives, of the amendments of RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act retaining the minimum age of criminal liability of children to 15 years old. The amended bill seeks to strengthen the implementation of the existing law. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that with the ratification of RA 9344 we can now pursue and intensify the efforts of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council of ensuring restorative justice focussed on welfare and the rights of children. Together with other children advocates, we hail our legislators for their propr iety not to amend the age of criminal responsibility despite clamor from some sectors. This is really our stand and we are glad that they recognized our position that children in conflict with the law are victims, too, Secretary Soliman added. If enacted into law, those who use children to aid them in criminal acts will face the maximum punishment for the crime committed by the children. Likewise, children aged 12 to 15 who commit heinous crimes or repeatedly violate the law will be subjected to a community-based intervention program. Moreover, the amended bill provides that if the child failed to comply with the conditions of the rehabilitation center like Bahay Pag-asa or a duly licensed facility, the child would be returned to the committing court for the imposition of the penalty upon reaching 18 years of age. Another vital provision of the bill is the creation of Regional Juvenile Justice Welfare Councils (RRJWC) and attaching of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council to the DSWD. Secretary Soliman said that the JJWC/DSWD hoped to establish more Bahay Pag-asa in different parts of the country, especially in areas where there is high incidence of children in conflict with the law. Bahay Pag-asa seeks to provide Intensive Juvenile Justice Welfare Services to CICL. It is managed by local government units to address the growing needs of children needing protection and rehabilitation. |TOP| Rural and Coop Banks post 11.57 percent NPL ratio at end-2012 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The combined non-performing loans (NPLs) of rural and cooperative banks represented 11.57 percent of their total loan portfolio (TLP) of Php 127.47 billion at end-2012. Although the ratio is higher than the 10.14 percent figure as of December 2011, the banks loan loss reserve s for NPLs rose significantly to 61.74 percent at the end of last year from 53.26 percent in June 2012. An increase in loan loss provisioning indicates heightened prudence against credit losses. Rural and cooperative bank loans represent 2.74 percent and 0.30 percent, respectively, of the Philippine banking systems TLP at the end of last year. Rural banks (RB) alone posted a 10.65 percent NPL ratio at end-2012, higher than 10.32 percent figure as of December 2011. RBs loan loss reserves for NPLs, however, jumped to 59.47 percent at the end of last year from 50.98 percent in June 2012. Cooperative banks, meanwhile, registered a 19.84 percent NPL ratio last December. This figure is more than twice their 9.49 percent NPL ratio six months earlier. The increase, however, was largely due to fortuitous events such as typhoons Gener, Habagat and Helen. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to proactively monitor the NPLs of the various segments of the banking sector to ensure that credit underwriting standards remain high in a low interest rate environment. Industry figures indicate that RBs and cooperative banks continue to take proactive steps in maintaining the level of their NPL as well as coverage ratios. |TOP| Ph supports more development partnerships with MICs for inclusive growth Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph MANILA Lessons and best practices from other middle-income countries (MICs) can help the Philippines improve its poverty reduction and infrastructure programs towards inclusive growth, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The variety of experiences of the MICs in dealing with inequality offers a rare opportunity for learning lessons and sharing best practices toward scaling up of programs and activities that will help achieve inclusive growth, both nationally and globally, said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan during the High -Level Conference of Middle-Income Countries in San Jose, Costa Rica on June 12, 2013. He noted that in the past two decades, substantial poverty reduction was achieved in developing countries brought about by the comparatively rapid economic growth in MICs, particularly in Asia. For inclusive growth and prosperity, the MICs need to play a more active and unified r ole in forging a much improved environment for international trade, finance, and technology. The improvement is particularly crucial in the area of market access, especially for exports of developing countries, and access to technology, said Balisacan. However, he pointed out that the connection between growth and poverty reduction varies quite enormously between regions of the world, between countries within a region, and between geographic areas and population groups within a country. This opportunity for systematically-expanding knowledge and best practices needs to be enhanced within the MICs, said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. He identified India's recent experience with the use of new technology to properly identify the deserving poor from the population, which reduced the leakage of program benefits to the non-poor This shows that targeting programs to the poor need not be fiscally prohibitive, the Cabinet official said. Similarly, he noted the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) schemes pioneered in Latin America, such as Brazil's Bolsa Familia and Mexico's Oportunidades, have helped those countries virtually won their war against acute poverty. In Southeast Asia, informed by the Latin American experiences, the Philippines has e mbarked on a large-scale CCT program to complement its newly acquired status as one of the fastest growing Asian countries today. We hope to reap the same benefits from this program like what the Latin American countries have done, said Balisacan. Furthermore, he identified public-private partnerships (PPPs) of having the potential of augmenting the public sector's fiscal resources and for efficiently managing facilities that have traditionally been reserved to the public sector. If structured properly, PPPs can be an effective instrument for inclusive business. Here is an area where the experiences of a number of MICs, such as Malaysia, may prove useful for designing the policy and legal framework for PPPs and up-scaling it in resource-scarce developing countries, Balisacan explained. Also, he stressed that he potential for MICs to shape the global environment for trade is much stronger now than ever before in the history of modern commerce. But cooperation-and-collaboration is the name of the game. There is much to be gained, for instance, from the deepening of South-South partnerships in trade, finance, and technology and innovations, said Balisacan. The High-Level Conference of MICs, held from June 10 to 14, 2013, was hosted by the Government of Costa Rica and co-organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). |TOP|

Last Updated:

19 JUNE 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Executive Council members, headed by its chairman Jerzy Pruski, during the courtesy call at the Presidents Hall Receiving Area of the Malacaan Palace on Wednesday (June 19). The IADI was formed in May 2002 to enhance the effectiveness of deposit insurance systems by promoting guidance and international cooperation. (Photo by:Lauro Montellano Jr / Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III shake hands with Global Development network Chairman of the Board of Directors L. Alan Winters during the opening ceremony of the Global Development Networks (GDN) 14th Annual Global Development Conference at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (June 19). In photo are from left, ADB president Takehiko Nakao,National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan,GDN president Pierre Jacquet. GDN is an international organization that builds research capacity in development globally. It supports researchers in developing and transition countries to generate and share high quality applied social science research to inform policymaking and advance social and economic development. (Photo by:Benhur Arcayan / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the opening ceremony of the Global Development Networks (GDN) 14th Annual Global Development Conference at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (June 19). GDN is an international organization that builds research capacity in development globally. It supports researchers in developing and transition countries to generate and share high quality applied social science research to inform policymaking and advance social and economic development. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan /Malacaang Photo Bureau/ (Photo by:Rey Baniquet /PCOO- Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the Global Development Networks (GDN) 14th Annual Global Development Conference at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (June 19,). GDN is an international organization that builds research capacity in development globally. It supports researchers in developing and transition countries to generate and share high quality applied social science research to inform policymaking and advance social and economic development. (Photo by:Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Malacaang Photo Bureau/ Rey Banoqiet /PCOO- Malacaang Photo Bureau)

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