Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 24 , 2013 Monday, 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 9 Weather Watch,
4 Regional Watch , 7 OFW Watch ,2 PNOY Speech, 15 Online News , 2 Photonews

Weather Watch
4 hours ago 1. 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00AM 24 June 2013 SYNOPSIS: Weak Southwest monsoon affecting the western sections of Northern Luzon. Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Mindanao. FORECAST: The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, Western and Central Visayas , Zamboanga peninsula and SOCCSKSARGEN will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Northern Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the East to Southeast over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas.

Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature : 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 32.9 C Minimum Temperature : 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.6 C Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 98 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 62 % High Tide Today : 9:53 AM 1.46 meter Low Tide Today : 6:22 PM .. -0.16 meter Sunrise Today : 5:29 AM Sunset Today : 6:28 PM Moonrise Today: 7:17 PM Moonset Tomorrow: 7:07 AM llumination Today : 99 %

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. GMA: Suspendido ang klase sa lahat ng public at private schools sa Brgy. Dampalit sa Malabon City ngayong araw dahil sa pagbaha na hindi pa humuhupa at inaasahang magpapatuloy at tataas pa dahil sa posibleng high tide mamaya. Samantala, suspendido rin ang klase sa lahat ng public at private schools mula elementary hanggang high school sa Obando, Bulacan ngayong araw hanggang bukas dahil sa high tide. [pia-aa]

Weather Watch
13 hours ago 3. DZMM: Isang dambuhalang sinkhole ang hinihinalang nabuo malapit sa isang beach resort sa Candelaria, Zambales matapos magkabitak-bitak at bumagsak sa dagat ang mga buhangin sa dalampasigan. Labis na ikinagulat ng mga taga-Barangay Uacon ang unti-unting pagbitak at pagguho ng buhangin sa beach resort bandang 4:30 noong Sabado ng hapon. Sa lakas ng alon, mabilis na natibag ang buhangin at nilamon ng dagat.

Weather Watch
21 hours ago 4. DZMM: Niyanig ng sunod-sunod na lindol ang bayan ng Limbuhan, Masbate. Sa tala ng PHIVOLCS nasa magnitude 3.5 na lindol ang unang naramdaman sa lugar, alas-4:41 Linggo ng madaling araw. Tectonic ang origin ng lindol at may lalim na 22 kilometro. Bandang 4:47am muling niyanig ang Limbuhan. Magnitude 3.3 naman ito at may lalim na 6 km. Alas- 4:51 ng madaling araw, tinamaan naman ng magnitude 4.0 na lindol ang lugar at may lalim namang 4 km. Pinakahuling lindol sa Limbuhan, Masbate ang magnitude 3.6 na naganap, alas-5:41 ng madaling araw. 19 km naman ang lalim nito. Pawang tectonic at wala namang inaasahang pinsala matapos ang mga pagyanig.

Weather Watch
22 hours ago 5. DZMM: Walang namataang bagyo o sama ng panahon ang PAGASA sa Pilipinas. Makakaasa ng mas magandang panahon bukas.

Weather Watch
22 hours ago 6. DoST Sec. Mario Montejo on DZMM: Re: PAGASA brain drain -Around 10% ang umalis sa PAGASA noong isang taon. I dont know if you can call it a brain drain. -Now, mga lima na iyong umalis. May nagtapos na scholars ng PAGASA ng mga 15 last November. -May training tayong ginawa for one year and 22 naman ang natapos doon. Ibig sabihin ay may dagdag tayong 37 (weather forecasters). -Aside from meteorologists we will be hiring hydrologist din. -May tatlo tayong pinagkukunan we offer MS in Atmospheric Physics, we offer training in PAGASA on metrology and hydrology. -Wala tayo talagang problema. We dont know how can we determine exodus. Too strong a word yung exodus sa pag-alis ng isa naming administrator. -We dont know where is it coming from (highlight on Servandos resignation) -Continuous program ang ginagawa natin sa PAGASA.

Weather Watch
Yesterday 7. INQUIRER: Sen Legarda in her Inquirer column said the heavy and excessive rainfall we are experiencing is part of what climate scientists call the new norm. She said, this means the Philippines is experiencing weather extremes that are mor widespread and harder to predict.

Weather Watch
Yesterday 8. INQUIRER: A 2013 World Bank report showed that 74 per cent of the Philippines population are vulnerable to the impact of natural hazards. The Philippines recorded 2,630 disaster-related deaths in 2012, a global record for that year.

Weather Watch

Yesterday 9. PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio on DZMM: -Walang namamataang sama ng panahon sa loob ng PAR at tanging ang southwest monsoon o Habagat ang nagpapaulan sa ilang bahagi ng bansa lalo na sa kanlurang bahagi. -Sa Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon, mahina hanggang sa katamtamang lakas ng pag-ulan ang posibleng maranasan lalo na sa hapon o gabi. -Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagya hanggang maulap ang kalangitan na may pulo-pulong pagulan o pagkulog-pagkidlat.

Weather Watch

June 24 , 2013 ( Monday )

as of 9 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Sunny Sunny
Fair Weather

Cloudy Sunny

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

Saturday PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang bloodletting activity ang magkatuwang na itinaguyod ng Phil. National Red Cross Batangas at ABSCBN Southern tagalog ngayong araw. Layon nitong makalikom ng dugo na maaaring pakinabangan ng mga nangangailangang maysakit sa lalawigan at mga kalapit probinsya.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday 2. PIA- 4A/QUEZON: The Lucena city disaster risk reduction and management council will conduct repair and maintenance of the drainage system in Lucena city. This is one of the programs of the Lucena DRRMC from July to December 2013 which aims to prevent floodings in the city specially in low lying barangays.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 3. PIA-4A/RIZAL: A total of 1920 students from Rizal province benefitted from the Rizal Provincial Police Office's "Isang Pulis, Isang Lapis" which distributed basic schools donated by the local police. School supplies given include pens, pencils, crayons, paper and notebooks.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 4. PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Lucena City disaster risk reduction and management council conducts re-organization and planning of the council's program at Luisa and Daughter restaurant, Lucena City. This is in preparation for the rainy season or any calamity that may occur in the city this year.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on DZRH: Re: Sex for flight investigation -Yung imbestigasyon ng DFA ay nagsimula na at may mga hakbang na silang gagawin. -Nakausap ko si Sec. Albert Del Rosario at lahat ng head of post ng Middle East kahapon ay inimbita ako doon, may mga 37 opisyales ng DFA at ibinahagi na rin ang mga measures na gagawin nila, ire-release nila at ibibigay sa Presidente, by Tuesday pero may mga certain recommendations for recall, dismissal at punishment na ia-announce ni Sec. Del Rosario sa mga opisyales sa Middle East. -Ang karamihan nito ay mga konektado sa Filipino overseas labor officers. -Yung mga detalye niyan iiwan na natin kay secretary. -Sa Kongreso, nasa recess kami ngayon at July 22 magsisimula ang Kongreso pero habang hindi pa nagsisimula yung mga OFW na hindi pa handing mag lodged ng complaint sa DFA o DoLE ay inimbita namin na pumunta sa opisina namin para makuhanan namin ng affidavit. -Pag nabigay na yung affidavit nila ay ibabahagi namin ito sa DFA at DoLE. -Pag umpisa ng Kongreso ay tiyak na magkakaroon ng isa ring House investigation in aide of legislation. -Yung hinihingi namin ngayon kasi may mga informants kami sa DoLE na worried sila nab aka hindi fair yung investigation pa gang DoLE leadership ang gumawa nito kaya humihingi kami ng isang presidential task force or commission para sila mag imbestiga para yung mga whistle-blowers ay mas komportable sila magsalita pag nakikita nilang independent panel made of respective individuals ang kinakausap nila. -Yun an gaming request na aming ipinahayag na sa ating Presidente. -Nakatutok rin kami, (DFAs investigation) talaga hong si Sec. Del Rosario inimbita kami para malaman namin every step na ginagawa nila. -Ang masasabi ko lang yung isang accused sa sex for fly na si Mr. Tony Villafuerte mula sa Riyadh ay malakas ang recommendation ng DFA sa DoLE na matanggal na at maiuwi sa Pilipinas. -Meron pang isang opisyal doon na sex offender, connected din sa DoLE at pinapauwi na rin sa recommendation ng DFA. -Sa parte ng DFA wala (white wash) mukha namang desidido ang ating secretary for foreign affairs, kasi nung a day after kami naglabas ng datos, nilapitan na tayo ni Sec. Del Rosario para magsimula yung imbestigasyon nila at todo todo na yung ginawa nila para makibahagi ang mga ambassador. -Ang sabi sa akin ni Sec. Del Rosario by Tuesday or middle of this week ay magkakaroon na sila ng preliminary report na ibibigay sa Presidente. -13 individuals ang for immediate recall, immediate dismissal. -Ang alam ko lang very clearly yung dalawang opisyales sa Riyadh ipapatanggal kaagad. -Meron na kaming tatlo na lumantad at nagbe-verify pa kami na lumantad daw kahapon at this week we are expecting mga four to five more within the next few days to come at kukunin namin ang disposition nila sa opisina namin. -Ayon kay Sec. Del Rosario ito lamang ang unahg hakbang nila at marami pa raw silang gagawin.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. GMA: Nasa mahigit 300 Pinoy ang inilikas sa Calgary, Canada dahil sa pagbaha. Ayon kay DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez, maayos naman na ang lagay ng mga Pinoy roon na patuloy na tinutulungan ng embahada.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 3. DZMM: Sisimulan agad ng DFA ang imbestigasyon ng umano ay sex for flight scheme sa mga distressed OFW sa Middle East countries pag-uwi ng mga Labor Attache official upang mabigyang linaw ang iskandalo na nilantad ni Rep Walden Bello.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 4 . DZMM: Isang distressed OFW ang lumantad at sinabing tinangka siyang ibugaw ng labor attach sa Saudi para lamang makauwi pero tinanggihan daw niya ito. Ani alyas Angel, nang malaman ng labor attach na siya ay ginahasa ng kanyang amo ay panay pambabastos ang tinamo nito sa opisyales. Napilitan daw siyang umalis sa Bahay Kalinga na kanyang tinuluyan dahil natakot siyang maging biktima ng pambubugaw.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 5. GMA: DFA said about 6,000 OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines soon as a July 3 deadline for illegal migrant workers to correct their status in the kingdom draws near. The DFA said the Philippine consulate in Jeddah was "able to process the travel document (TD) applications of 4,910 OFWs, who represent 81.8% of the estimated 6,000 OFWs expected to seek repatriation."

PIA OFW Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 6. DZBB: Nagpalabas na ang Philippine Embassy ng abiso para sa mga Pilipino sa Singapore kasunod ng matinding usok doon. Sa website ng Philippine Embassy ay inaabisuhan ang mga Pinoy sa Singapore na iwasan ang paglabas sa lansangan at ugaliing nakasara ang pintuan at bintana ng kanilang tahanan. Pinapayuhan din ang mga Pinoy na siguraduhing maayos ang filtration system ng kanilang air conditioning unit at magpatingin na sa doktor kung nahihirapang huminga. Ang usok sa Singapore ay mula sa nasusunog na kagubatan sa Indonesia at sinasabing bibilang ng araw bago ito tuluyang mawala.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 7. ABS-CBN: Pumapasok pa rin ang mga Pinoy sa Singapore sa kabila ng makakapal na usok na bumabalot doon dulot ng forest fires sa bansang Indonesia. Kanina ay tumaas sa 400 ang pollutant index doon mula sa 371 na naitala kahapon. Sa tantiya ng pamahalaan ng Indonesia, posibleng tumagal ng isang buwan bago matapos ang iligal na pagkakaingin doon.

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE
Cavite Blood Council holds strategic planning to ensure sufficient blood supply
By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 21st of June 2013

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, June 21 (PIA) --The Provincial Health Office-Cavite Blood Council (PHO-CBC) is currently conducting a 3-day Strategic Planning Workshop aimed to ensure that enough supply of blood in the province are readily available especially in times of emergency. The three-day workshop that ends today is expected to pave the way for the full implementation of the Provincial Voluntary Blood Donation Program (PVBDP) in the province. Health officials and staff, provincial department heads including leaders of several non-government organizations (NGOs) in the province participated in the planning stage and formulating various programs to ensure the success of the PVBDP. During the 13th anniversary of the Cavite Blood Council last February 27 of this year, almost 900 bags of blood (450 cc each) were collected by the PHO-CBC from volunteers around the province including one at the Lyceum Cabrini in Laguna province last February 12. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)

C. LAGUNA
1.

Laguna commemorates Rizal's 152nd birth anniversary

By Alan C. Ortillano Friday 21st of June 2013 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, June 21 (PIA) --The people of Calamba and the whole province of Laguna commemorated

on Wednesday, June 19, the 152nd birth anniversary of their revered townmate and national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The city government of Calamba led by Mayor and Congressman-elect Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. spearheaded the celebration themed Rizalismo: Gabay ng Kabataan, Inspirasyon ng Mamamayan sa Magandang Kinabukasan with pre-celebration activities such as Rizal Henyo, Rizal Comic Strip and Animation Contest, Relief On-the-Spot Painting Contest, Rizal Leadership Forum, Saranggolahan ni Lolo Pepe kite flying contest, CalamBIKE, Sulat para kay Lolo Pepe writing contest, Rizal, The Movie film showing, Mga kuwento ni Lolo Pepe storytelling activity. Simultaneous early morning wreath-laying activities on various Rizal monuments in the city marked Dr. Rizals birth anniversary celebration. Other activities held at the Rizal Shrine include flag-raising ceremony, early morning prayers and program and an afternoon parade participated in by the provincial government officials and employees, sociocivic organizations among others. Senator-elect Cynthia A. Villar, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Exec. Director Ludovico Badoy and Congressman and Mayor-elect Justin Chipeco graced the event. (AC Ortillano, PIA-Laguna)

2. 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
1. Rizal athletes recognized at 112th Araw ng Lalawigan
Friday 21st of June 2013
ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, June 21 (PIA) --Outstanding Rizal province athletes in the recently concluded 2013 Southern Tagalog Collegiate Athletic Association (STCAA) and 2013 Palarong Pambansa held at various sports venue in the country were given recognition and incentives during the Araw ng Lalawigan celebration. Local athletes hauled a total of 27 golds, 7 silvers and 3 bronzes from various individual and team sports discipline, giving the province the much coveted back to back title of Overall Champion in the STCAA meet. The top ten medalists Josefina Baloboy (athletics), Mark Andrew Orcena (arnis), Mary Allin Aldeguer (arnis), Jubaille Reyes (rhythmic gymnastics) Mica Cabadu (athletics), Kim Cahilig (womens artistic gymnastics), Flodeliza Alferez (rhythmic gymnastics), Twinkle Siena Napoles (rhythmic gymnastics), Jessa Mae Jaromay (athletics) and Jose Mari Sebastian Arcilla (swimming) were personally greeted by Rizal Governor Jun Ynares and handed out cash incentives by the provincial government. The medalists came from public and private elementary and secondary schools in the province and were recognized during the 112th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal celebrations last June 11. The whole delegation of the province were also honored with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution citing outstanding sports prowess, decorum and the showcased of true Rizaleo spirit in various sports discipline. Meanwhile, twelve differently-abled athletes from Rizal province also bagged 20 medals in different sport events during the conclusion of the 2nd Philippine Association Para National Games for Differently-Abled held at the Laguna sports complex where over 500 athletes show their wares. In recognition for the honor the para-athletes gave to the province, citations were given to the athletes. We are truly grateful for the honor all these athletes gave to the province. Rest assured that the provincial government will continue to support them in all means possible in their future sports competitions, said Gov. Ynares. (Rizal PIO)

2. 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)

23 JUNE 2013.

1. Malacanang assures alleged 'sex-for-fly' scandal will get fair investigation 2. Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to review their families' disaster preparedness plans
Malacanang assures alleged 'sex-for-fly' scandal will get fair investigation

Malacanang assured on Sunday that the probe into an alleged scandal concerning embassy officials abroad preying on the plight of distressed overseas Filipino workers will be fair. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte vowed in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, that any official found culpable for said offense would be dealt with according to the law. So the initial actions are already ongoing. As you all know, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has already met with the victims who have come forward, and we assure everybody that the investigations will be fair and that the investigations will take into consideration all the evidence or the testimonies that will be submitted to it, Valte said. And if, at the end of it, there is a finding that there is a culpability then the persons who are found to be liable will be held so, she added. On Saturday, Valte said the government was ready to extend assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who reportedly fell victim to a sex-for-fly scheme allegedly arranged by embassy personnel in the Middle East. The Palace official also assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be fair and straightforward and everything will be based on the evidence presented. PND (rck) TOP Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to review their families' disaster preparedness plans

As the Philippines braces for the rainy season, Malacanang is reiterating its call for Filipinos to review their respective families disaster preparedness plans in order to prevent any mishap or casualty befalling them. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the call in a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday. We encourage everybody since nasa rainy season na po tayo, to review your familys own disaster preparedness, Valte said. She said Filipino families should heed the call of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to stock up on essential goods and regularly conduct family disaster drills in order to prepare and protect ourselves for any eventuality that may happen. I-replenish na po natin yung m ga emergency supplies na kailangan natin, na dapat nasa ating bahay, at magkaroon na rin tayo ng ating mga family drill para masanay ang ating mga kapamilya at mga kasama kung ano ang dapat nating gawin in cases of typhoon, of floods, of an earthquake, and any other calamities that we may

come across this coming year, Valte said. So we encourage everybody to do just that, she added. PND (rck) TOP

22 JUNE 2013.

Government to assist victims of sex-for-fly scheme, says Palace Government wants Filipino families to be prepared for emergencies
Government to assist victims of sex-for-fly scheme, says Palace

Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that the government is ready to extend assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who reportedly fell victim to a sex-for-fly scheme allegedly arranged by embassy personnel in the Middle East. As the government starts its investigation, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Foreign Affairs has already contacted OFWs who are willing to come forward and join the investigation. Nakipag-ugnayan na ang DFA sa kanila. I understand that they have already met with Secretary del Rosario and handa naman tayong mag-provide kung anong assistance ang kanilang kailangan relative to the investigation that is on-going, Valte said. Of course, sinabi ni Secretary del Rosario sa kanila na ang mga identities nila siyempre, will remain confidential until such time na kailangan na silang iharap doon sa kanilang mga inaakusahan. The DFA has already invited its consuls general and ambassadors in the Middle East to come home to take part in the inquiry. The Palace official also assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be fair and straightforward and everything will be based on evidence presented. At kung makita, base doon sa ebidensya, na talagang dapat merong maparusahan or meron may sala ay hindi tayo mag-aatubiling ibaba ang karampatang parusa sa kanila, she said. Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello disclosed last week the alleged sex-for-fly scheme in the Middle East victimizing distressed OFWs. The legislator urged President Aquino to form a presidential investigating committee to look into the allegations. The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the DFA are conducting separate probes into the said allegations. PND (as) TOP Government wants Filipino families to be prepared for emergencies

Malacanang asked Filipino families to take a look at their disaster preparedness plan so that they can respond well to emergencies particularly as the typhoon season starts. In a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the current thrust of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is to carry out an aggressive information campaign to notify families about important preparedness plan. We appeal to, at least to the families who are listening, to the individuals who are listening, to review your familys disaster preparedness plan, kung kumpleto ang mga emergency kits ninyo sa bahay para hindi tayo nagugulat kapag nagkakaroon ng sakuna, Valte said.

Going into the rainy season, this will be very important. We appeal to everybody to review your familys own emergency plan para lagi tayong handa, she added. In an interview last week, Valte said the government continues to adhere with its zero-casualty policy as the typhoons start to enter the country. Valte said the President has instructed government agencies to prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable during times of calamities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the NDRRMC have been coordinating with one another to prepare for the onset of the typhoon season, Valte said. They are working on pro-active measures or protocols that will be followed whenever a typhoon enters the Philippine area of responsibility, she added. PND (as) TOP

21 JUNE 2013.

1. President Aquino signs two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and San Mateo, Rizal 2. President Aquino acknowledges role of Professional Regulation Commission in bureaucratic reforms 3. President Aquino signs laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga 4. Government to redouble efforts in fight against human trafficking, says Palace 5. Aquino signs National Health Insurance Act of 2013 to provide Filipinos health care insurance coverage
President Aquino signs two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and San Mateo, Rizal

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court (RTC) in the city of Malaybalay in Bukidnon and San Mateo in Rizal in a bid to unclog court dockets and speed up the dispensation of justice. The Chief Executive signed on June 11 Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10602 otherwise known as "An Act Creating Four (4) Additional Branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Tenth Judicial Region to be stationed at the city of Malaybalay, province of Bukidnon, further amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, as amended, and appropriating funds therefor". This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3026 and House Bill No. 5341, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on September 17, 2012 and February 5, 2013, respectively. President Aquino, likewise, signed on June 11 R.A. No. 10603 otherwise known as "An Act Creating Two (2) Additional Branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Fourth Judicial Region to be stationed at the municipality of San Mateo, province of Rizal, further amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, as amended, and appropriating funds therefor" This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3042 and House Bill No. 6856, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on September 17, 2012 and February 6, 2013, respectively. Both laws mandate the Supreme Court to assign the respective branch numbers for the newly created branches. Under the new laws, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department

of Justice, shall immediately include in the Courts program the implementation of this Act. The funding shall likewise be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Under the laws, the funds necessary for the operation of the newly-created courts shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of its personnel. Both Acts shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP President Aquino acknowledges role of Professional Regulation Commission in bureaucratic reforms

President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledged the contribution of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in spearheading bureaucratic reforms and has considered the commission as a front liner in the fight against graft and corruption. In his message during the commissions 40th anniversary celebration at the Manila Hotel Thursday, the President said integrity and professionalism were the major ingredients in good governance. The people trust public servants who are honest and professional, he said, adding that this is the reason why his administration carries out an inclusive governmental reform and continuous fight against graft. Nasa frontline ng agendang ito ang Professional Regulation Commission. Napakahalaga ng papel at responsibilidad ninyo sa pagpapatibay sa kakayahan ng ating mga propesyunal. Hindi lang kayo nagbibigay ng pagsusulit o nagkakaloob ng lisenyat sertipiko; nagsisiguro sa mahusay na pagtugon ng ating mga propesyunal sa kanilang tungkulin, at paggamit nito a yon sa kanilang kakayahan at katwiran, the President said. The PRC can serve as an effective agent for social change because instead of being reactive, the commission could be proactive in assisting students select their professions. The commission is not new to controversies, he said. The PRC has faced numerous allegations such as exam leakages and corruption. But the President said the PRC must not let these menace overcome the regulatory body. Pero hindi po tayo magpapatalo sa iilang naghahari-harian sa burukrasya; hindi natin sila hahayaang patuloy na makapaminsala sa ating kapwa. Walang sinuman ang lisensyadong manloko. Papatunayan nating hindi mabubura ng ilang hudas sa sistema ang dangal at mandatong itinindig ng PRC sa loob ng apatnapung taong pagl ilingkod, the President said. Batid po nating habang pinapaunlad at pinapatibay ang kakayahan ng ahensya, lumalaki rin ang inyong ambag sa agenda natin ng malawakang reporma. The PRC must shun bribery and must set and observe a high standard of service to the people, the President said. Giving professionals the licenses they deserve will make them more competitive, and productive members of society, he added. The public will also have more protection against malpractice if the PRC grant licenses to qualified professionals such as engineers and doctors because only those who have passed the examination will get the certification, the President said. At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to the commission for participating in the governme nts jobs and skills matching agenda aimed at creating more jobs especially among the ordinary people. He also acknowledged the PRCs Career Guidance and Advocacy that assists students in choosing their future careers. The PRC was created as a national government agency by Presidential Decree No. 223 on June 22, 1973, by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Prior to that issuance, the commission was previously called the Office of the Board of Examiners created by Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The PRC became operational on January 4, 1974 with the assumption into office of the first set of appointed Commissioners and Associate Commissioners. PND (as) TOP President Aquino signs laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga. The Chief Executive signed on June 11 Republic Act No. 10604 otherwise known as "An Act converting the Iloilo State College of Fisheries in the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, province of Iloilo into a state university to be known as the Iloilo State University of Science and Technology, with campuses in the municipalities of San Enrique,

Dingle and Dumangas, and integrating therewith the Barotac Nuevo Polytechnic Institute in the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, all located in the province of iloilo and appropriating funds therefor." This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 6, 2013, respectively. "The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current years appropriations of the ISCOF, except the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act," RA 1060ISCOF4 said. The President likewise, signed R.A. No. 10605 otherwise known as "An Act converting the Pampanga Agricultural College in the municipality of Magalang, province of Pampanga into a state university to be known as the Pampanga State Agricultural University and appropriating funds therefor." This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 6, 2013, respectively. "The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current years appropriations of the PAC except the sums needed for the continued operation of the existing high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act." R.A. 10605 said. Under the new Acts, the University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in fisheries technology, arts and sciences, education, industrial technology, engineering, aquaculture, seaweed farming and other related fields of study and as may be relevant to national development. It shall also undertake research, extension services and production activities in support of the development of the Province of Iloilo and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Both Acts shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP Government to redouble efforts in fight against human trafficking, says Palace

The Philippine government will focus more on strong areas to finally stop human trafficking following the report of the US State Department recently that has also retained the country at Tier 2 ranking. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the State Department mentioned inadequacies in the governments fight against human trafficking there are also some positive observations. Among the gains of the Philippine government is the increase in the number of prosecutors handling human trafficking cases in the country, she said. The year before the reporting year, it was 57; ngayon tinaasan na to 98, so isa 'yan sa mga magagandang observations. We intend to exert more efforts on the positive areas and to likewise address the recommendations that were raised, Valte said. There are ten recommendations spelled out by the US State Department and the Interagency Council Against Trafficking intends to act on all of it, she added. In its 2013 Trafficking in Persons report, the US Department of State maintained the country's Tier 2 status owing to inefficiencies in the justice system and complicity of law enforcers in curbing trafficking in persons. Being in Tier 2 means failure to fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking as provided by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, but are making significant efforts to achieve those standards. Having this ranking means the government sustained its levels of funding for the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking last year and has been continuing its efforts to implement anti-trafficking laws and policies. PND (as) TOP Aquino signs National Health Insurance Act of 2013 to provide Filipinos health care insurance coverage

President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a bill amending the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 in a bid to ensure that all Filipinos, especially the indigents and persons with disabilities, will get health care insurance coverage, a Palace official said on Friday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive signed on June 19 Republic Act 10606 or "An Act Amending Republic Act 7875 otherwise

known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, as Amended and for Other Purposes." The Act is also known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013. Republic Act 10606, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2849 and House Bill No. 6048, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013. The law mandates the State to provide comprehensive health care services to all Filipinos through a socialized health insurance program that will prioritize the health care needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and children and provide free health care services to indigents. The new law provides that all citizens of the Philippines shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). The program shall ensure sustainability of coverage and continuous enhancement of the quality of services to people. The Program shall be compulsory in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide, notwithstanding the existence of Local government unit-based health insurance programs. Under the law, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and other agencies including non-governmental organizations and other national government agencies shall ensure that members in localities shall have access to quality and cost-effective health care services. Any accredited health care provider who commits a violation, abuse, unethical practice or fraudulent act which tends to undermine or defeat the objectives of this program shall be punished with a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 or suspension of accreditation from three months to the whole term of accreditation, or both, at the discretion of the PHIC. Any member who commits any violation of this Act independently or in connivance with the health care provider for purposes of wrongfully claiming NHIP benefits or entitlement shall be punished with a fine of not less than P5,000 or suspension from availment of NHIP benefits for not less than three months but not more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the PHIC. Any employer who fails or refuses to register employees, regardless of their employment status, or to deduct contributions from the employee's compensation or remit the same to the PHIC shall be punished with a fine of not less than P5,000 multiplied by the total number of employees of the firm. Any employer or any officer authorized to collect contributions under this Act who, after collecting or deducting the monthly contributions from his employee's compensation, fails to remit the said contributions to the PHIC within 30 days from the date they become due shall be presumed to have misappropriated such contributions. The law creates a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to conduct a regular review of the NHIP which shall entail a systematic evaluation of the program's performance, impact or accomplishments with respect to its objectives or goals. The committee will be composed of five members from the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Senate President and the House Speaker, respectively. The National Economic and Development Authority, in coordination with the National Statistics Office and the National Institutes of Health of the University of the Philippines shall undertake studies to validate the accomplishments of the Program. The PHIC, in coordination with the DOH, shall craft implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act. The Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least 2 newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP

21 HUNYO 2013 Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang 2 batas na lumikha ng karagdagang mga sangay ng RTC sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon at sa san Mateo, Rizal Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Aquino ang sagutin ng Professional Regulation Commission sa reporma sa burukrasya Pag-iibayuhin ng gobyerno ang pagsugpo sa human trafficking ---Palasyo

Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang 2 batas na lumikha ng karagdagang mga sangay ng RTC sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon at sa san Mateo, Rizal

Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang dalawang batas na lumilikha ng mga dagdag na Regional Trial Court (RTC) sa Lungsod ng Malaybalay sa Bukidnon at sa San Mateo, Rizal na nagsusog sa Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 na kilala bilang The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980. Hunyo 11 nang lagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 10602 na lumikha ng apat na karagdagang mga sangay ng Regional Trial Court sa Tenth Judicial Region sa Lungsod ng Malaybalay, Bukidnon at ang Batas ng Republika Blg. 10603 na lumikha ng dala-wang dagdag na mga sangay ng Regional Trial Court sa Fourth Judicial Region sa bayan ng San Mateo, lalawigan ng Rizal. Sa pamamagitan ng mga Batas na ito, ang Kataastaasang Hukuman ay magtatalaga ng mga hukom sa mga bagong likhang sangay na nasabi at isasama agad ang kaukulang pondo ng Hukuman sa taunang General Appropriations Act ang mga gugulin para sa mga bagong likhang mga Regional Trial Court. Magkakabisa ang Batas na ito 15 araw matapos malathala sa Official Gazette o sa dalawang malaganap na pahayagan. PND TOP

Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Aquino ang sagutin ng Professional Regulation Commission sa reporma sa burukrasya

Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang malaking tulong ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) sa pangunguna sa pagsasagawa ng mga reporma sa burukrasya at sa pagsupil sa katiwalian at pagsasamantala. Sa talumpati kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-4 taon ng PRC na idinaos sa Manila Hotel Huwebes, binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang karangalan at propesyonalismo ay mahalagang sangkap ng mabuting pamamahala. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na kailangang may tiwala ang taong bayan sa mga lingkod ng bayan na matatapat at mga propesyonal at ito ang dahilan kaya ang kanyang administrasyon ay matagumpay na nakagagawa ng mga reporma sa pamahalaan at patuloy ang pagbaka sa katiwalian. Nasa unang hanay ng larangan ng adyendang ito ang Professional Regulation C ommission. Napakahalaga ng papel at responsibilidad ninyo sa pagpapatibay sa kakayahan ng ating mga propesyonal. Hindi lamang kayo nagbibigay ng pagsusulit o nagkakaloob ng lisensiya at sertipiko, nagsisiguro sa mahusay na pagtugon ng ating mga propesyonal sa kanilang tungkulin at paggamit nito ayon sa kanilang kakayahan at katuwiran,paliwanag ng Pangulo. Ang PRC ay makatutulong nang malaki tungo sa pagbabago ng lipunan dahil sa masigsaig nilang pagsisikap na gabayan ang mga mag-aaral sa pagpili ng kanilang propesyon, sabi ng Pangulo. Naharap na ang PRC sa mga pagsubok at kontrobersiya na tulad ng exam leakages at katiwalian, datapuwat hindi dapat tulutan ng PRC na makasira ang salot na ito sa kanilang tanggapan, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Ngunit hindi po tayo magpapatalo sa iilang naghahari-harian sa burukrasya. Hindi natin sila pababayaang patuloy na makapaminsala sa ating kapuwa. Walang sino man ang lisensiyadong manloko. Patutunayan nating hindi mabubura ng iilang hudas sa sistema ang dangal at mandating itinindig ng PRC sa loob ng apatnapung taong paglilingkod, wika ng Pangulo. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na habang pinauunlad at pinatitibay ang kakayahan ng ahensiya, lumalaki rin ang ambag nito sa adyenda ng malawakang reporma ng pamahalaan. Binigyang diin pa ng Pangulo na dapat sagkaan ng PRC ang lagayan at kailangang magtakda at umalinsunod sa mataas na pamantayan ng paglilingkod sa sambayanan. Ang pagkakaloob sa mga propesyonal ng lisensiyang karapat-dapat sa kanila ay magiging daan upang maging higit silang nasa kalagayang maging kapaki-pakinabang na bahagi ng lipunan, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na higit na mapangangalagaan ang taong bayan sa malpractice kung pagkakalooban ng PRC ng lisensiya ang mga karapat-dapat na propesyonal na tulad ng mga inhinyero at duktor sapagkat tanging ang mga nakapasa lamang sa pagsusulit ang makakukuha ng sertipikasyon. Nagpasalamat din ang Pangulo sa komisyon sa pakikiisa sa pamahalaan sa jobs and skills matching agenda na ang pakay ay makalikha ng karagdagang trabaho lalo na sa hanay ng mga karaniwang mamamayan. Pinuri rin ng

Pangulo ang Career Guidance and Advocacy ng PRC na tumutulong sa mga mag-aaral sa pamimili ng kursong kanilang pag-aaralan. Ang PRC ay nilikha bilang ahensiya ng pamahalaang pambansa sa pamamagitan ng Presidential Decree No. 223 noong Hunyo 22, 1973 ng yumaong Pangulong Ferdinand E Marcos. Ang Komisyon ay dating kilala bilang Office of the Board of Examiners na nilikha sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 546 noong Hunyo 17, 1950 sa ilalim ng Komisyon ng Serbisyo Sibil. Ang PRC ay nagpasimula ng operasyon noong Enero 4, 1974 pagkatapos manumpa sa tungkulin ang mga kaunaunahang itinalagang Komisyoner at Katulong na Komisyoner. PND TOP

Pag-iibayuhin ng gobyerno ang pagsugpo sa human trafficking ---Palasyo

Pag-iibayuhin ng pamahalaang Pilipino ang pagsisikap na mawakasan na ang human trafficking sa liwanag ng report ng US State Deprtment na nanatili ang bansa sa Tier 2 ranking. Sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes na bagaman isinaad sa report ng State Department ang ilang kakulangan pa sa digma ng pamahalaan laban sa human trafficking, may mga positibong obserbasyon namang bagay na tinukoy. Sa mga nagawa ng pamahalaang Pilipino ay ang pagdaragdag ng mga tagausig na humahawak ng mga usapin ng human trafficking sa bansa, sabi ni Valte. Noong taon bago ang taon ng pag-uulat, ito ay 57. Ngayon itinaas na ito sa 98 kaya iyan ay kasama rin sa magagandang obserbasyon. Pagbubutihin pa natin ang pagsisikap sa mga positibong larangan at nang matugunan ang mga rekomendasyong binanggit, dagdag pa ni Valte. Sampu ang rekomendasyong binanggit ng US State Department at ng Interagency Council Against Trafficking at ito ay gagawan natin ng kaukulang mga hakbang, wika ni Valte. Pinapanatili ng US Department of State ang bansa sa Tier 2 status sa 2013 Trafficking in Persons report dahil sa pagkukulang ng justice system at hindi lubusang masugpo ng mga alagad ng batas ang trafficking in persons.

Ang Tier 2 ay nangangahulugang nabigong umalinsunod sa minimum standards upang masawata ang pinakamatinding uri ng trafficking na nakasaad sa Traffiking Victims Protection Act ng 2000, gayunman, puspusang pagsisikap ang ginagawa upang maabot ang mga pamantayang ito. Ang ranggong ito ay nangangahulugang napanatili ng pamahalaan ang levels of funding para sa Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking noong nakaraang taon at wala pa ring patlang ang pagsisikap na maipatupad nang totohanan ang mga batas at patakarang may kaugnayan sa anti-trafficking. PND TOP

ONLINE NEWS
20 JUNE 2013
1. Philippines, Thailand Hold Bilateral Talks 2. Philippines Shares Lessons and Ideas on Transparency at Pre-G8 Meeting, Purisima Proposes Adoption of Global Convention on Tax Identification Numbers 3. It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex -for-fly allegations--Baldoz 4. DTI to boost investments in Mindanao 5. DENR destroys huge stockpile of illegal ivory 6. Over 32,000 OFW Flexi-fund members get SSS annual incentive benefits 7. Robust current account drives higher BOP surplus in Q1 2013 8. OFW recruiter in HK offers bogus Canada jobs

9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

P29.6-M SSF funds now ready for release in Central Visayas Palarong Pambansa medalists to play in Vietnam ASEAN Schools Games GPH, MILF to resume formal talks in July DOST launches dengue alert website DFA personnel corps donates to Pablo victims through Ateneo de Davaos continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts 14. PHL Consulate General in Jeddah assists 15,200 OFWs in six weeks 15. Alcala reports RP progress in hunger fight

Philippines, Thailand Hold Bilateral Talks Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 21 June 2013 - The Philippines hosted the 5th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Thailand on June 20 to 21. The JCBC is a bilateral mechanism established on 24 March 1992 to facilitate cooperation and consultation between the Philippines and Thailand on a wide array of issues of bilateral and regional concern. The 5th JCBC Ministerial Meeting on June 21 was presided by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is also on an official visit to the Philippines. This was preceded on June 20 by the JCBC Senior Officials Meeting, which was co -chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia and Thai Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The two sides provided updates on the political and economic developments in their respective countries. Among the topics discussed were trade and investment, technical cooperation, education, tourism and transportation, law enforcement and legal cooperation, taxation, energy, defense and labour. Philippine and Thai officials likewise exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the West Philippine Sea issue and the current regional architecture. The 5th JCBC also witnessed the signing of three agreements: 1) the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, which would help facilitate economic activities between the Philippines and Thailand; 2) the Joint Statement for the Establishment of an Energy Forum, which would further advance cooperation in the energy sector; and 3) the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Cooperation between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) which would promote cooperation and develop collaboration on trade and investment between Philippine and Thai companies. In his closing remarks, Secretary del Rosario thanked Foreign Minister Surapong and the members of the Philippine and Thai delegations for the success of the 5th JCBC. I hope we can build on this positive momentum and actively work together in realizing our commitments Thailand remains a close friend and ally of the Philippines, the Secretary stated. Thailand will host the next meeting of the JCBC in 2015. END |TOP| Philippines Shares Lessons and Ideas on Transparency at Pre-G8 Meeting, Purisima Proposes Adoption of Global Convention on Tax Identification Numbers Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph During the lead-up to the G8 Summit presided over by the United Kingdom, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima represented the Philippines at the G8 Pre-Summit meeting in London entitled Open for Growth: Trade, Tax and Transparency. The meeting, held last June 15 and chaired by United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron, saw discussion from more than 200 government leaders, business people and representatives from non-profit groups on improving transparency and corporate governance, reducing tax avoidance, and creating fairer and more beneficial international trade. During the meeting, Purisima shared the experience of the Philippines in achieving economic growth through good governance, and outlined a proposal for a worldwide registry and convention on unique global Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Unique identifiers in the form of global TINs would enable international monitoring of transactions by tax authorities, who often lose oversight capability as financial actors move across countries and utilize mechanisms such as shell corporations to avoid tax. At this meeting of global leaders, it is imperative that the G8 lead the global com munity in declaring a war against corruption, smuggling, and tax evasion. It is high time that we explore the creation of a global system of Tax Identification Numbers that will help us curb tax evasion and smuggling on an international level, Purisima sa id. According to the World Bank as well as the Tax Justice Network, an NGO that advocates for global tax transparency, yearly losses to corruption, smuggling, and tax evasion combined are estimated between $4.5 trillion and $5 trillion a figure greater than the increase in Gross World Product in 2012. Purisima cited that this amount could and should be reclaimed by countries towards infrastructure, education, and other basic needs. Purisima noted that a system of global TINs, once adopted, should assign every individual a unique global TIN, coded by country, similar to what is reflected in telephone numbers. He also stressed the importance of global TINs being required as a form of passport for international trade and investment to ensure that transact ions are

legitimate and verified by the appropriate tax authorities. According to Purisima, the global TIN scheme would be supported by a central registry maintained by the IMF or a similar multilateral organization, which participating countries would be able to access. Additionally, he stressed that international cooperation on trade should be linked to adopting the global TIN system. Once the global TIN scheme is implemented, it should be made a feature of free trade agreements signed between countries to ensure that free trade is fair trade as well. It is important that we give teeth to the international agenda against tax evasion with measures like this, the finance chief added. The Pre-G8 meeting set the stage for the G8 Summit held in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland. The G8, standing for the Group of Eight Summit, presents an avenue for the worlds eight wealthiest countries to discuss items of international concern. |TOP| It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex -for-fly allegations--Baldoz Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex-for-fly allegations--Baldoz "It is the DOLE--through the investigating committee that I have created--that is getting to the bottom of the sex-forfly allegations." This is the emphatic statement of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday after she received an update report on the status of the investigation she ordered on the allegations. Baldoz, who is in Milan together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for the Agribusiness Investment Forum for the National Reintegration Program for OFWs, said the DOLE has an understanding with the Department of Foreign Affairs that the parallel investigation the two agencies are doing will be thorough and complete. "There is such a thing as due process, and we would like to abide by it. The allegations came public on 12 June. On 13 June, I issued Administrative Order No. 239, Series of 2013, creating a team that will investigate the allegations. But until now, there has not been a single person who had filed a formal complaint against the DOLE personnel named in the allegations that continues to play out in the media," said Baldoz. "The facts are that Welfare Officer Mario Antonio, who was assigned in Jordan, is already in the Philippines when the allegations came out and has been required by the investigating committee to submit his explanation. On the other hand, Blas Marquez, the local-hire employee in POLO Kuwait, has already been suspended on 14 June; and the investigating panel has identified and contacted three OFWs who have said they have no knowledge of the allegations," explained Baldoz. The head of the DOLE investigating panel, Atty. Leah Fortuna, has reported to Baldoz that the team has identified the three who were part of the 48 alleged victims, but they said they have no personal knowledge of or information on the allegations. She said the investigating panel is looking for the remaining OFWs through the DOLE, POEA, and OWWA regional offices. "It is our people who are being accused in the media, but isn't it ironic that it is us who are looking out for complainants?" asked Baldoz, as she appealed for cooperation so that the investigating team, whose main task involves gathering information and pertinent documents and to interview the concerned OFWs, can conclude its work fast. Baldoz also expressed appreciation over the concern of some members of Congress for the fast resolution of the matter, including Rep. Walden Bello and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and she appealed to them to provide the DOLE any information available to them to fast-track the work of the investigation team. "We are determined to get into the bottom of this issue as 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, particularly those mandated to protect our OFWs. 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 reiterated. |TOP| DTI to boost investments in Mindanao Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Regional Operations Development Group (RODG) and in partnership with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is organizing an investment conference to improve investments in the countryside, mainly in Mindanao. This conference will be conducted to move forward the collaborative efforts in developin g and promoting industry clusters nationwide. Likewise, it intends to make the most of the private sectors parallel initiatives in boosting investments in the country, particularly in Mindanao, DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said. Dubbed as Investing in Priority Industry Clusters for SMEs: A Conference, this conference will be held from June 25-6, 2013 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premiere in Davao City. With the theme Industry clustering towards inclusive growth, it aims to promote awareness on the countrys cluster-based industrial development strategy, which was developed through the National Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (NICCEP). The NICCEP is a three-year project funded by JICA in cooperation with DTI and in coordination with other

government agencies and private sector organizations to develop industry clusters nationwide. This project aims to help increase the contribution of selected priority industry clusters to the national economy, mainly in terms of job creation, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development, investment generation, export growth, and above all poverty alleviation. Through industry clustering and provision of shared service facilities (SSF), we are developing and mobilizing productive and efficient MSMEs to be innovative and globally-competitive and significant contributors to the governments goal of inclusive growth and employment generation, Domingo said. He noted that a series of capacity building interventions, promotion of industry clustering, and formulation of action plans for the priority industry clusters were done nationwide through the NICCEP last year and early this year. He added the NICCEP will be complemented by the SSF program, which intends to provide 800 SSFs within the year. These SSFs are common service facilities and production centers that provide MSMEs access to necessary equipment and technology in certain production processes. In line with the NICCEPs first year of implementation, this conference aims to p romote investment and trade opportunities in priority industry clusters to foreign and local investors and businessmen, Domingo said. In 2012, investments of foreign and Filipino nationals approved by the investment promotion agencies (IPAs) in 2012 totalled P697.6B, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) data. Investment pledges from Filipino nationals stood at P408.56B which accounted for 58.6% of the total approved investments in 2012. Total approved foreign investments for 2012 reached P289.1B worth of investment pledges or 12% higher than the previous years record level of P258.2B. For 2012, IPA-approved foreign and local ventures are anticipated to create 146,616 jobs. Out of these expected jobs, 111,087 jobs or 75.8% would come from projects with foreign interest, according to NSCB data. We expect that the conference will attract actual sizable investments to the selected industry clusters. With the various development efforts done to support these industry clusters, we envision the countryside, particularly Mindanao, to achieve economic growth through the expansion of its industries, inflow of investments and generation of employment, DTI Undersecretary Merly M. Cruz said. This conference intends to promote the country as a viable investment destination for local and foreign businesses in the following sectors: agri-business, information and communications technology (ICT), support to tourism, health and wellness, and manufacturing, particularly fresh and processed tropical fruits, processed food, rubber, coconut, aqua-marine, and poultry. In 2012, manufacturing remained the top industry to gain P203.8B worth of investment pledges or 29.2%, according to the National Statistical Coordination (NSCB) data. Manufacturing is followed by electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply and real estate activities with investment pledges amounting to P156.8B and P120B contributing to 22.5 and 17.2 % of total approved investments, respectively. In showcasing the countrys investment and business opportunities in these sectors, we are optimistic to pursue viable projects through strategic alliances among government agencies and units, potential investors and business partners, and other development partners to accelerate growth of businesses in the countryside, Cruz said. She added that the conference will be held in Davao as a strategic effort to capitalize on the synergy and convergence of the various stakeholders in the area and contribute to economic growth nationwide, with focus on Mindanao. |TOP| DENR destroys huge stockpile of illegal ivory Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) destroyed on Friday at least five tons of smuggled elephant tusks using a road roller, making the Philippines the first country in Asia to conduct physical destruction of massive ivory stockpiles in support of global efforts to stamp out illegal wildlife trade. Addressing a crowd of over 200 people that include foreign dignitaries and anti-ivory trade advocates, DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the governments decision to crush the ivory tusks was a reaffirmation of the countrys commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Enda ngered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). This act is a strong statement to the rest of the world that the Philippines is serious and will not tolerate illegal wildlife trade, the environment chief said. The Geneva-based CITES is an international treaty developed in 1973 to regulate commercial trade in certain wildlife species, including the critically endangered elephants. During the Conference of Parties of CITES held in Bangkok, Thailand last March, the Philippines was included as one of eight countries of priority of concerns as regard illegal ivory trade, particularly its role as a trade route and transit country for elephant tusks. The other seven are Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, which are considered as major sources of ivory in illicit trade; China and Thailand as destinations of illegal ivory; and Hong Kong, Malaysia and Vietnam as trade routes and transit countries. Paje explained that despite the high price of raw ivory in the black market, the government had no choice but to

destroy them as a strong indignation for the killing of hundreds of elephants by poachers who were after their precious tusks. The Philippines will not be a party to the massacre and we refuse to be a conduit to this cycle of killing, Paje said. He said that the so-called white gold had to be destroyed to curtail the risk that it will be stolen and sold on the black market. We value living elephants with tusks intact than ivories from elephants that were killed for their tusks, Paje stressed. Since 1996, more than 12 tons of illegally-traded ivory had been confiscated in separate occasions by various law enforcement agencies like the Bureau of Customs, the National Bureau of Investigation and the DENR-National Capital Region. Of the total, about six tons had been turned over to the DENRs custody, through the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), which is the countrys designated CITES Management Authority for terrestrial resources pursuant to Republic Act No. 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. Aside from the five tons that were crushed, the DENR has set aside 30 carefully selected pieces of elephant tusks from the stockpile to be used for educational and research purposes. According to PAWB Director Theresa Mundita Lim, two samples from each of the eight shipments, or a total of 16 pieces, will be used for the training of law enforcement operatives, six for the National Museum, and eight for the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education. At least 334 pieces of tusks originating from Kenya, Uganda and Zambia were not also included in the destruction as they are being used as evidence in legal cases pending in local courts. Some 106 pieces of tusks will be returned to Kenya upon clearance by the courts. Paje assured the international community that the countrys fight against illegal ivory trade would not stop with the destruction of its illegal ivory stock, saying it was only the beginning of an intensified effort to curb wildlife poaching. The Department has organized the Philippine Operations Group on Ivory to ensure that ivory smuggling into the country is properly investigated. We will pursue the prosecution of law violators in order to break the illegal ivory trade chain, Paje said. He said criminal complaints had already been filed against individuals who were involved in the illegal shipment, and that the courts had issued corresponding arrest warrants. The destruction of elephant tusks was witnessed by Economic Officer Heath Bailey, representing US Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr., Director Bonaventure Ebayi of the Nairobi-based Lusaka Agreement Task Force, Assistant Director Ibrahim Lubia and Senior Scientist Solomon Kyalo of Kenya Wildlife Service, Atty. Chrisgel Ryan Ang Cruz of the ASEAN-Wildlife Enforcement Network, Atty. Bryan Christy of the National Geographic Society, Brian Gonzales of FREELAND Foundation and Danielle Tedesco of USAID Regional Environment Office. Also present were National Museum Director Jeremy Barns, Bureau of Domestic Trade Director Marievic Bonoan, Deputy Administrator Roberto Villanueva of the Office for Transportation Security, lawyer Gilmorie Fe Pacamara of the Department of Justice, Executive Director Godofredo Villapando, Jr. of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Conservation-International-Philippines Director Ricky Nuez, Tanggol Kalikasan executive director Ma. Generosa Mislang and representatives from National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Customs, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, Crocodylus Porosus Philippines, Inc., Haribon Foundation and other cause-oriented groups. |TOP| Over 32,000 OFW Flexi-fund members get SSS annual incentive benefits Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph More than 32,000 qualified overseas Filipino workers with active accounts at the Social Security Systems (SSS) provident fund for OFW-members earned additional income totaling P12.54 million in the form of annual incentives for 2012. This is triple the amount of guaranteed earnings on their Flexi-fund savings from last year. SSS Senior Vice President and International Operations Division Head Judy Frances See said nine out of every ten SSS Flexi-fund members qualified for the first-ever release of the annual incentive benefit (AIB), which is based on OFW-members personal Flexi-fund equity posted as of end of the applicable year. "Flexi-fund members with no full early withdrawal claims or benefits filed in 2012 qualified for the AIB. They do not need to file an application for availment because the SSS automatically posts the AIB amount to their Flexi-fund accounts," she said. "The more Flexi-fund savings a member has, the higher the AIB amount will be. For 2012, the member with the biggest Flexi-fund equity received an AIB amount of P106,498." See cited that the total AIB is taken from the Flexi-funds actual investment income at the end of the year minus the total guaranteed earnings already credited to the accounts of Flexi-fund members. The SSS approved higher interest rates as basis for Flexi-fund guaranteed earnings effective July 2012. The prevailing low-interest environment encouraged SSS to revise the programs policies last year to help OFW members earn higher from their Flexi-fund savings. Previously, the computation of guaranteed earnings was solely

based on the 91-day T-bill rate, with no incentive benefits. "Under the enhanced Flexi-fund program, earnings are now based on whichever is higher between the 91-day T-bill rate and the average rate of SSS short-term peso placements. The rates are adjusted every quarter to keep the program aligned with current market conditions," See said. The Flexi-fund program is open to all OFW-members paying SSS premiums at the maximum monthly salary credit. Any amount, not less than P200, paid in excess of the required maximum SSS contribution is automatically credited as Flexi-fund savings. Members equity has grown to over P330 million at present since the Flexi-fund was launched in July 2001. OFWmembers can get their Flexi-fund savings as monthly pension to supplement their benefits for retirement, disability and death under the regular SSS program. "Early withdrawal of Flexi-fund equity is also allowed anytime. However, we introduced the AIB to motivate them to continue saving for the future, instead of withdrawing their account, so that they can enjoy the fruits of their hard work even until retirement," See said. OFW-members can now check their Flexi-fund account, including the amount of their AIB, through the "My.SSS" portal of the SSS website. Members enrolled at the website can also view online their other SSS records, such as contribution and loan payments. |TOP| Robust current account drives higher BOP surplus in Q1 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The countrys external payments position in Q1 2013 sustained the surplus recorded since 2005 on the back of strong current account. For the first three months of 2013, the balance of payments (BOP) position surplus rose by 23.5 percent to US$1.5 billionequivalent to 2.4 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP)from US$1.2 billion in the comparable period a year ago. Robust performance of the current account underpinned the continued strength of the BOP position in Q1 2013. For the January-March 2013 period, the current accountin surplus since 2003surged by more than eightfold compared to the same period in 2012 due to improved external demand for Philippine-made goods from the countrys major trading partners which showed signs of economic recovery, continued growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, and sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas. Meanwhile, the Philippines continued to be a net recipient of funds from the rest of the world as the financial account recorded net inflows of investments from non-residents in Q1 2013. In particular, direct investments continued to post net inflows, albeit lower relative to the comparable period a year ago. Moreover, portfolio investments recorded higher net inflows amid sustained investor confidence over the countrys favorable economic prospects. On the other ha nd, net receipts in the capital account decreased moderately as capital transfers to the National Government declined during the period. The sustained BOP surplus allowed the accumulation of higher gross international reserves (GIR) of US$84 billion as of end-March 2013, expanding by 10.3 percent (US$7.8 billion) from the year-ago level of US$76.1 billion. At this level, reserves could sufficiently cover 11.9 months worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It was also equivalent to 9.9 times the countrys short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6.3 times based on residual maturity. First Quarter 2013 Developments Current Account. The current account recorded a surplus of US$3.4 billion (equivalent to 5.3 percent of GDP) in Q1 2013, rising by more than eightfold compared to the US$393 million surplus in the same period a year ago. This appreciable uptrend was mainly due to higher net receipts in the secondary income and services accounts, combined with the reduced deficit in trade-in-goods and the lower net payments of primary income. The trade-in-goods deficit in Q1 2013 narrowed by 42.9 percent to US$2.7 billion compared to the US$4.8 billion deficit registered in the same quarter a year ago. The continued improvement in the trade-in-goods deficit was a result of the 7.9 percent expansion in goods exports and the contraction in goods imports by 8.2 percent. The growth in exports of goods from US$10.3 billion in the same quarter in 2012 to US$11.2 billion was supported by strengthening external demand in the countrys major trading partners, following encouraging signs of economic recovery in the U.S. and Japan and the fairly robust growth in emerging countries. Higher shipments were noted across all major commodity groups. Net services receipts totaled US$1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2013, higher than the US$1.5 billion net receipts posted in the comparable quarter a year ago. The 18.8 percent increment was due mainly to increased net receipts registered in telecommunications, computer, information, travel, and personal, cultural, and recreational services along with decreased net payments in transport services (particularly due to lower outlays for freight as a result of lower imports of goods), charges for the use of intellectual property, insurance and pension, financial, and government goods and services. In particular, net receipts in technical, trade-related, and other business services, which comprised the bulk of BPO-related transactions, continued to boost the performance of the services account, with net receipts amounting to US$2 billion. Net payments in the primary income account of US$103 million in Q1 2013 were lower compared to US$657 million recorded in Q1 2012. The considerable reduction in the net payments in primary income (by 84.3 percent) stemmed mainly from lower net outlays in investment income together with higher net earnings of resident overseas Filipinos (OF) workers which rose by 5.7 percent to reach US$1.6 billion. In particular, net dividends to foreign direct and portfolio investors declined by 28.2 percent and 23.9 percent, respectively. Also contributing to the improvement in the net payments in the primary income account were lower net interest payments on portfolio investments (by 3.4

percent) and other investments (by 51 percent). As a result of the decline in global interest rates, net interest payments by the National Government (NG), and by private and public corporations on bonds issued abroad declined by 6.8 percent and 38.5 percent, respectively. Similarly, net interest payments on foreign loans contracted by 30.6 percent and 51.1 percent, respectively. Net receipts in the secondary income account expanded by 3.5 percent to reach US$4.5 billion compared to the year-ago level of US$4.3 billion. This was due to the 4.2 percent uptrend in personal transfers to US$4.2 billion during the quarter. Comprising about 98 percent of personal transfers, non-resident OF workers remittances climbed by 3.4 percent from the level in Q1 2012 to reach US$4.1 billion. The expanding operations of remittance service providers across the globe facilitated a broader capture of remittances through the formal channels. Capital Account. The capital account registered US$23 million net receipts in Q1 2013, slightly lower than the US$25 million posted in the same quarter a year ago. This developed as net receipts arising from capital transfers to the NG declined during the period. Financial Account. The financial account yielded net borrowings (net inflows) by residents of US$1.5 billion in Q1 2013, lower by 69.1 percent than the US$4.8 billion recorded in the same period in 2012. This developed as residents net incurrence of liabilities (US$2.2 billion) exceeded their net acquisition of financial asset s (US$721 million). In particular, direct investments registered lower net borrowing reflecting renewed concerns over the weak recovery in the eurozone following the financial difficulties faced by Cyprus. Meanwhile, net borrowing in the portfolio investment account increased in Q1 2013 compared to the same period last year on the back of sustained investor confidence over the countrys favorable economic prospects. Other investments reversed to net lending in Q1 2013 from a net borrowing position in Q1 2012. The direct investment account posted US$814 million net borrowings by residents from the rest of the world in Q1 2013, lower by 9.4 percent than the level recorded in Q1 2012. The lower net borrowing was driven mainly by the 8.5 percent decline in residents net incurrence of liabilities (or net inflows of foreign direct investments). In particular, non-residents net equity capital investments during the quarter reached US$729 million, lower by 22.2 percent than the Q1 2012 level. On a gross basis, equity capital placements were sourced primarily from Mexico, Japan, Malaysia and the U.S. and channeled to the following sectors: a) manufacturing; b) water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; c) financial and insurance activities; d) arts, entertainment and recreation; and e) real estate. Net borrowings in the portfolio investment account reached US$3.1 billion in January-March 2013, more than double the US$1.2 billion posted in the same period last year. In particular, residents net withdrawal of financial assets yielded US$771 million, a reversal of the US$786 million net acquisition of financial assets in Q1 2012. Meanwhile, residents net incurrence of liabilities reached US$2.4 billion during the quarter, higher by 15.6 perc ent. The other investment account registered net lending (net outflows, i.e., net acquisition of financial assets are greater than net incurrence of liabilities) by residents to the rest of the world amounting to US$2.4 billion in Q1 2013, a turnaround from the US$2.6 billion net borrowing recorded in the same quarter last year. |TOP| OFW recruiter in HK offers bogus Canada jobs Source: http://www.poea.gov.ph A warning to all overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong: The Canada jobs offered by Yamsuan and Associates Overseas Employment Services Ltd./Pacific Management Services Ltd. are non-existent! Citing a report from DFAs Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA), POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said Yamsuan and Associates has been posting ads in English newspapers in Hong Kong specifically targeting household service workers for supposed jobs in Canada. The advertisement says the agency can help them find work in Canada and invites them to an orientation in its office, according to OUMWA. According to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, Yamsuan and Associates is owned and operated by a Filipino known only as Mr. Yamsuan and had Filipinos in its staff. Yamsuan has listed its Hong Kong address as 9th Floor, 4-6 Morrison Hill Road, Wanchai. The OUMWA said at least 44 of the alleged victims of Yamsuan and Associates have filed complaints at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong. The complainants said Yamsuan charged them placement fees ranging from approximately US$100 to US$300 for a job in Canada. When the promised jobs did not materialize, the applicants trooped to Yamsuans office, only to find it vacated and non -operational. The Consulate General urged other victims of Yamsuan and Associates Ltd./Pacific Management Services Ltd. to come forward and file their statements with the Hong Kong police. Cacdac advised applicants to be more vigilant and discerning in dealing with recruitment firms. Scammers with tempting job offers are out there, waiting to pound on unsuspecting applicants who are willing to part with their hard-earned money for a chance to work overseas, Cacdac said. |TOP| P29.6-M SSF funds now ready for release in Central Visayas Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Small business enterprises and cooperatives in Central Visayas will soon be able to avail of the benefits of Shared Service Facilities (SSFs) as SSF funds have been readied for release.

Out of the P29.6M given to Region 7, P7.7M have been set aside for Bohol province. According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Asteria Caberte, there are several SSFs that have been approved for funding in Bohol such as food processing facilities in Carmen, Anda, Balilihan, Maribojoc and Sevilla; Calamay production facilities in Jagna and Alburquerque; fine jewelry facility in Dauis; meat processing facility in Catigbian; Raffia Competitiveness and Productivity Enhancement facilities in Tubigon, Danao, Inabanga, and Catigbian; and processing facilities for ginger based-products in Loboc. To be launched in July this year are Bohols shared facilities for ginger -based products and meat processing facilities. Also to be launched within the same month are Siquijors Food Processing and Labelling Center, Enhancement of the Community-based Larena Wood Craft Industry, and SSF for Bayong Production, Caberte added. Caberte said that a total of P29.584-M funds have been approved by the government for the establishment of SSF meant to benefit some 2,719 entrepreneurs and to generate 2,452 jobs in Central Visayas. Shared Service Facility (SSF) is DTIs flagship program that aims to improve the quality and productivity of microenterprises and SMEs by addressing the gaps and bottlenecks in the value chain of priority industry clusters through the provision of processing equipment for the common use of the microenterprises and SMEs. |TOP| Palarong Pambansa medalists to play in Vietnam ASEAN Schools Games Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph PASIG CITY The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is sending 115 selected athletes who won gold, silver, and bronze in the 2013 Palarong Pambansa to the 5th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games in Hanoi, Vietnam from June 22 to 30, 2013. We wish our athletes good luck and remind them that they are not only competitors but our ambassadors of goodwill, said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC adding that the event is an incentive for them and a chance for international exposure as well. Luistro also expressed his appreciation to the PSC for actively supporting student athletes. We will continue to work together to enhance the promotion and development of sports in the country with the hope of producing more world-class athletes. The 5th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) will be participated in by over 1,500 athletes and coaches from the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The events are track and field, sepaktakraw, swimming, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, table tennis, volleyball and pencaksilat. Organized under the auspices of the ASEAN Schools Sports Council (ASSC), an apolitical regional sports organization that promotes sports amongst member countries, the ASG aims to enhance friendship among students around the region. It also seeks to promote ASEAN solidarity among the youth through school sports and provide opportunities for school athletes to engage in cultural exchange. The Philippines will host the 6th ASG next year. |TOP| GPH, MILF to resume formal talks in July Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Oslo, Norway Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer today confirmed that the next round of formal exploratory talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will resume in July. The panel chairs have already agreed on a date early next month to fur ther discuss the annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization, said Ferrer who met informally with MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal in this Norwegian capital. Coronel-Ferrer, together with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, attended the Oslo Forum 2013 organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue last June 18 and 19. Iqbal, Malaysian Third-Party Facilitator Tengku Datu Abdul Ghafar Tengku bin Mohamed, MILF peace panel member Maulana Alonto and MILF consultant Raissa Jajurie were also present in the event. The forum provided a venue for senior third-party conflict mediators and other key peace process actors to share experiences, identify challenges, and reflect on their own and others peace process practices. According to Coronel-Ferrer, she also handed over to her counterpart the governments full proposals on the wealth sharing annex for the MILF to study and consider. Both panels are completing the remaining annexes on wealth sharing, power sharing, and normalization that, together with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, will comprise the GPH-MILF comprehensive agreement. The annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities (TAM) was already signed by the parties in February. Ferrer and Deles are also attending the two-day High-level Seminar on Gender and Inclusive Mediation Processes which began yesterday, also in Oslo. The seminar intends to generate more consultative processes by promoti ng womens effective participation and building inclusive, gender -sensitive mediation capacity at international, regional

and national levels. It was organized by the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, Crisis Management Initiative, and the Peace Research Institute Oslo. Due diligence on remaining issues In a radio interview, GPH panel member Senen Bacani expressed optimism that a comprehensive agreement will be signed in a month or two. He said that there are only a few remaining issues on the annexes but added that these are the most difficult issues hence the need for due diligence so that when the comprehensive agreement will finally be signed, it will pass legal and constitutional scrutiny. Bacani also said that they want to make sure that the comprehensive agreement will not follow the fate of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain which was declared unconstitutional in 2008. The panel member added that the GPH continues its consultations with the House of Representatives and the Senate including the newly-elected legislators to ensure that they are updated on the peace negotiations and garner support among the legislators. Konting pasensya na lang po dahil natagalan lang ng konti dito sa due diligence work, wala po kasi kam ing control sa mga schedule ng iba-ibang tao. Inaasahan ko po na baka isa o dalawang buwan na lang matapos na natin itong comprehensive agreement (We need a little patience and understanding for these delays as we have no control over the schedules of other people, but I am very hopeful that we will finish this comprehensive agreement in a month or two), Bacani stated. What is important is that we continue to be committed to settle these issues, and once and for all complete the comprehensive agreement so that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission can also start drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law, he added. |TOP| DOST launches dengue alert website Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launched a website that provides information on mosquito population per community, a move that will help curb dengue cases in the country. Through the website, health workers can monitor possible dengue sites and recommend interventions to local government officials. Called the Dengue Vector Surveillance website, the site carries information on mosquito population nationwide, as well as dengue incidence and other mosquito-related facts. Vector refers to an organism, in this case the Aedes aegypti mosquito, that carries disease-causing microorganisms such as the dengue virus from one host to another. The launch, held June 20, 2013 at the La Breza Hotel in Quezon City, was on livestream at www.science.ph. Before the launch, Science Secretary Mario Montejo, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, and Health Secretary Enrique Ona will install Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) Traps at the Kamuning Elementary School to formally set off the interagency collaborative anti-dengue program which includes the said website, among others. Dengue mosquito population map Developed by DOST- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), the dengue alert website features a map with red and white balloons. Red balloons in dicate alert which means that the population density of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in a certain area is too much and interventions are needed promptly. Meanwhile, white balloons dotting certain areas mean that the population of the dengue-carrying mosquito is too sparse, or none at all, to cause any dengue incident. Mosquito population is monitored by schools where OL Traps are installed. The OL trap, developed by DOSTIndustrial Technology Development Institute, is a simple, affordable, and efficient tool for controlling mosquito population. An OL trap kit consists of a black container, a lawanit paddle where mosquitoes lay their eggs, and a pack of pellets used to make a solution that kills the eggs and larvae of mosquitoes. The school-based monitors check on the traps weekly and report to DOST the number of traps that contain mosquito eggs and larvae. The monitors used to do their weekly reports manually by tediously filling up forms. But now the monitors just text their reports which are then automatically encoded to the website. Navigating the dengue alert website There are two ways to find out the mosquito density in an area through the website. One way is to hover the mouse over the map and locate the area manually. A balloon will pop out with the name and address of the school, along with dengue status and recommended interventions. Clicking on the school name would yield the line graph showing the indices or population densityon certain dates. A quick glance on the line direction would show the rise and fall of mosquito population over a certain period. This highly visual indicator can be easily understood, especially by common folks and community leaders, and be used as basis for appropriate action. Another way is to click on the navigation window with the exact location (region and city) and duration. Through the weekly updates, public health workers can check out trends and recommend actions to be taken by policy makers and community leaders. This function puts the country one step ahead of the dengue menace, the peak season of which occurs during the rainy months. Way forward Aside from the text-based reporting, the dengue alert website is now being designed to integrate with the Program NOAH platform. This means that a visit to the NOAH website will not only give location-specific information on weather and flood but also on dengue alert and status. Further, the information on the website is already printable and can thus be mass-produced for various purposes.

DOST developed the monitoring map project in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Health, and Department of Interior and local government units. It can be accessed at http://oltrap.pchrd.dost.gov.ph. |TOP| DFA personnel corps donates to Pablo victims through Ateneo de Davaos continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 20 June 2013 The Department of Foreign Affairs Personnel Corps, through Ms. Marivic Reyes of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services (OPAS), turned over the cash donation of Php 52,025.00 to officials of Ateneo de Davao Universitys relief operations program for typhoon stricken families of Typhoon Pablo, on June 10 at the Office of the President, Ateneo de Davao. Receiving the donation were Ms. Semia Pacete-Truan, Ms. Ma. Theresa Ancheta, Chair of the University Community Engagement and Advocacy Council (UCEAC), Atty. Romeo T. Cabarde Jr., and Assistant to the President of Ateneo de Davao University Mr. Jeremy Eliab. The turnover was arranged by DFA Regional Consular Office-Davaos Officer-in-Charge Flora Bacosa. Six months after the typhoon wrought devastation in many parts of Mindanao, hundreds of families in the Compostella Valley region of Davao Oriental are still in dire need of assistance. Ateneo de Davaos Relief Operations have focused on relief goods distributions, medical missions, psychosocial debriefing, distribution of school supplies and installations of solar panels. OPAS received voluntary cash donations from its personnel in the home office and Foreign Service Posts around the world. |TOP| PHL Consulate General in Jeddah assists 15,200 OFWs in six weeks Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 20 June 2013 - With two weeks to go before the 3 July deadline for illegal expatriates to either get repatriated or have their work status rectified in Saudi Arabia, the Consulate released its latest figures showing the vital services that it had extended to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the past six weeks. The services, which primarily included processing of passport renewals and replacements of lost passports, as well as, processing of travel documents, were extended to OFWs in an expedited manner to enable them to meet the deadline set by the Saudi Ministries of Labor and Interior. During the period, May 02 to June 16, the Consular Section of the Consulate processed 4,154 passport renewals and 6,137 lost passport replacements, or a total of 10,291 that already represents about 93.55% of the estimated 11,000 OFWs who would like to transfer to new sponsors/employers. 8,576 or 83% of the passports processed have already arrived from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Home Office in Manila, and, thus far, 5,500 of these have been released to their owners on a daily (Saturday to Thursday) basis. With a new passport, an OFW can already go to the Jawazat (Passport Directorate) or the Labor Office, and complete the correction of their work status after complying with the additional requirements of Saudi authorities. On the other hand, the Assistance-to-Nationals Section was able to process the travel document (TD) applications of 4,910 OFWs, who represent 81.8% of the estimated 6,000 OFWs expected to seek repatriation. Three thousand, six hundred two (3,602) TDs had been released to their owners, while 1,006 remain unclaimed. Three hundred two (302) are pending processing and 144 are newly-filed. With a TD, an OFW can already proceed to the Wafidin (immigration office) and undergo numbering, fingerprinting and clearing which are the Saudi requirements for the issuance of exit visa by the Jawazat. The Consulates delivery of the said services was carried out by the officers and staff of the Consulate and its attached services, volunteer spouses, augmentation personnel from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and DFA Manila, who worked according to a special schedule that ran for seven days-a-week, 10 hours per day. At one time, personnel shifts had to be organized and required to toil till 1 oclock in the morning just to meet the increased demand in the processing of passports in the face of scorching summer heat during the day. |TOP| Alcala reports RP progress in hunger fight Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala reported the developments achieved by the Philippines in its campaign to stop hunger and poverty on the second day of the weeklong Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference, which kicked-off on June 15, 2013 in Rome, Italy. The Agri chief emphasized that the Department of Agriculture is one with FAO in its mission to lessen and even eradicate the incidence of hunger and malnutrition caused by insufficient food supply. For the past three years, we have pursued our Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), centered on rice production, Alcala accounted. This is so we can feed our people, and eventually the world, he added. FSSP is anchored on improving farm production and enabling Filipino farmers to compete with their foreign counterparts.

Under the program, priority will be given to rice as the main staple of Filipinos. However, the Department has included in their promotion the consumption and production of other staples which include white corn, cassava, sweet potato and bananas to relieve the pressure on rice, he said. Alcala added that by doing so, the Filipino consumers will be aware of other food options and lessen dependence on rice. To achieve the goals of the program, President Benigno S. Aquino III even signed a Proclamation declaring 2013 as the National Year of Rice. The NYR proclamation aims to intensify efforts of the government through the DA to attain rice self-sufficiency after 2013. The proclamation will all the more reinforce current efforts of DA in partnership with farmers groups, local government units and the private sector to provide needed infrastructure, technical, marketing and institutional support to successfully attain the rice sufficiency target. The Philippine government continues to pursue efforts to meet the increasing food demands of the local population. As such, the development of new and existing agricultural infrastructures has taken the front seat. Alcala emphasized that such initiatives will definitely increase and improve farmers productivity. My government has invested heavily in these strategic agricultural infrastructures for the past three years. Today, the Philippines is practically self sufficient in rice and corn, he said. Following this very positive outcome, the Philippines has started exporting fancy and aromatic rice to Dubai and Hongkong this year. On two separate occasions, the Philippines through the efforts of DA, the private sector and rice farmers, shipped a combined total of 50 metric tons of organic black rice and Jasponica aromatic rice was shipped to Dubai and Hongkong. After around 40 years, we have exported the first shipment of fancy rice varieties, Alcala happily announced. The DA Secretary also reported to the FAO body that the Philippine government has taken a proactive stance on the effects of climate change by developing rice varieties that are saline tolerant, drought resistant, submersible, nutritious and delicious at the same time. (oda rodriguez/AFIS) |TOP|

Last Updated:

21 JUNE 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the Professional Regulation Commissions (PRCs) 40th Founding Anniversary and Professional Regulation Week at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Thursday (June 20). It has for its theme: PRC C.A.R.E.S. for National-Building and Global Competitiveness. PRC CARES aims to facilitate employment-generation, manpower development and social protection in the professional sector for nation building and global competitiveness. PRC has been at the forefront of raising the global competitiveness of the regulated professions in preparation for the Philippines commitments on the mobility of services with the forthcoming establishment of the ASEAN Economic community in 2015. (Photo by: Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Professional Regulation Commissions (PRCs) 40th Founding Anniversary and Professional Regulation Week at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Thursday (June 20). It has for its theme: PRC C.A.R.E.S. for NationalBuilding and Global Competitiveness. PRC CARES aims to facilitate employment-generation, manpower development and social protection in the professional sector for nation building and global competitiveness. PRC has been at the forefront of raising the global competitiveness of the regulated professions in preparation for the Philippines commitments on the mobility of services with the forthcoming establishment of the ASEAN Economic community in 2015. (Photo by: Gil Nartea/ Robert Vias/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

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