Dispatch for february 5 , 2014 ( wednesday ) , 2 pia calabarzon pr , 4 weather watch ,

Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for February 5 , 2014 ( Wednesday ) , 2 PIA Calabarzon PR , 4 Weather Watch , 2 Reg’l. Watch , 0 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 14 Online News , 23 Photonews (Feb.)

1. Weather Watch 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast Issued at 5:00 a.m., 05

February 2014 Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 05 February 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 05 February 2014

Satellite Image for 4:32 a.m., 05 February 2014

Synopsis:

Northeast Monsoon affecting extreme Northern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas.

Forecast:

Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan and Calayan group of islands, Apayao and Ilocos Norte will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas.

2. Weather Watch GALE WARNING NO. 03 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon .

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 05 February 2014 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon.

SEABOARD

WEATHER

WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNO TS)

THE NORTHERN SEABOARD OF NORTHERN LUZON (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Northern coast of Cagayan and Northern coast of Ilocos Norte)

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains

(52- 63 /28 34)

SEA CONDITI ON

WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 4.5

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves.

The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.

3. Weather Watch

Tropical Cyclone Update As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

4. Weather Watch Status Update

By Dost_pagasa Gale Warning # 03 For: Strong to Gale Force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon Issued at: 5:00 AM Today, 05 February 2014 Strong to Gale Force winds is expected to affect the Northern Seaboard of Northern Luzon Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are against big waves alerted . The next update will be issued at 5:00 pm Today

.

Weather Watch

February 5 , 2013 ( Wednesday )

as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE : Partly Cloudy LAGUNA : Sunny BATANGAS : Sunny RIZAL : Sunny QUEZON : Fair Weather

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch 19 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: Sa layuning malutas ang problema sa trapiko sa lungsod ng Lucena, ipatutupad na ng Tricycle Franchising and Regulatory Office {TFRO} ang pagbabawal ng pagte-terminal at pamamasada ng mga kolurom na tricycle sa lungsod ng Lucena simula sa Pebrero 17.Ayon sa TFRO, papayagan lamang mag terminal at mamasada yaong may mga prangkisa.

2. PIA Regional Watch Yesterday PIA-4A/CAVITE: The Carmona Persons with Disability Affairs Office sent a total of 52 advocates in the recent annual Angels Walk for autism which was held at the SM Mall of Asia. This year theme " Katuparan ng Pilipinong may Autismo: Isulong Mo, Ngayon Na!" Said celebration aimed in promoting appropriate information about autism as well as accepting and understanding individuals on the autistic spectrum as part of the society.

OFW

Watch

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: 12-day disaster preparedness search and rescue training,isinagawa sa Padre Garcia BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO Tuesday 4th of February 2014

PADRE GARCIA, Batangas, Pebrero 4 (PIA) --Isang 12 araw na pagsasanay para sa disaster preparedness search and rescue ang isinagawa ng lokal na pamahalaan sa bayang ito kamakailan.

Layon ng pagsasanay na maihanda ang lahat lalo na ang mga miyembro ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council(MDRRMC) at magkaroon ng Quick Reaction Team (QRT) sa mga barangay na siyang unang tutugon sa anumang kalamidad na maaaring maranasan.

Ilan sa mga pagsasanay na ibinigay ay ang orientasyon ukol sa kaligtasan, emergency preparedness at disaster control sa panahon ng lindol, bagyo, pagbaha, sunog, chemical spill, vehicular accident extrication,common medical emergencies,trauma emergencies at water rescue.

Sinabi ni Mayor Baham Gutierrez, ang pagsasanay na ito ay napapanahon sapagkat magbibigay ito ng ibayong kaalaman upang malampasan ang anumang uri ng kalamidad na maaaring kaharapin ng kanilang bayan sa hinaharap.

"Hindi na maaaring magtiwala sa panahon ngayon sapagkat malaki na ang epektong dulot ng climate change kung kaya't dapat lamang na maging handa tayo upang maiwasan ang anumang pagkawala ng buhay at ari-arian," ayon sa punong bayan.

Ang aktibidad na ito ay nilahukan ng mga miyembro ng MDDRMC, Philippine National Police, mga kinatawan mula sa 18 barangay gayundin ang mga out-of school youth. (PIA

Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681391414964#sthash.OLQe5nMB.dpuf

2. Tagalog news: Kampanya kontra carnapping,lalong pinalalakas ng PNPBatangas BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO Tuesday 4th of February 2014

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Pebrero 4 (PIA) --Lalong pinalakas ng mga miyembro ng Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) ang kanilang kampanya laban sa carnapping.

Sinabi ni PSupt. Isagani Petizanan, deputy provincial director for operations, na ang carnapping ang isa sa mga tinututukan nilang kung kung saan karamihan ng kaso ay motorsiklong ninanakaw.

"Hindi kami nagpapabaya sa mga ganitong kaso sapagkat maliit man o malaking sasakyan ang nawala ay pinaglaaanan namin ng oras para imbestigahan at solusyunan," wika ni Petizanan.

Kaugnay nito, nagpaalala si Petizanan sa publiko na dapat maging maingat sa pagpaparada ng kanilang mga sasakyan lalo na sa di-matataong lugar upang maiwasan ang paghikayat sa masasamang loob.

Kamakailan, nabigyang solusyon ng Taal Municipal Police Station ang isang kaso ng carnapping kung saan nahuli ang suspek na nagpanggap na isang pulis matapos nitong kontakin ang may-ari ng sasakyan at tangkang ipatubos ito.

"Dapat po tayong mag-ingat sa ating mga nakakausap at nakakasalamuhang tao, hindi po tayo dapat maniwala na kapag nagpakilala sa atin at sinabing pulis ay agad tayo maniniwala. Kinakailangan po nating beripikahin ang totoo upang maiwasan natin

na masangkot sa anumang krimen o gulo," dagdag pa ng opisyal.

Samantala, sinabi ni PSI Dwight Fonte, provincial information officer ng BPPO na ang patuloy na koordinasyon ng publiko sa kapulisan gayundin ang police visibility ang isa sa nakikita nilang pamamaraan upang maiwasan ang mga krimeng tulad ng carnapping.

Dahilan dito, patuloy ang pagbisita ng kapulisan sa mga barangay uapng magkaroon ng dayalogo sa pagitan nito at mga residente. Patuloy din ang information dissemination campaign ng PNP sa mga dapat gawing pag-iingat upang makaiwas ang publiko sa ganitong uri ng krimen. (PIA Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681391414805#sthash.MaoIy8y1.dpuf

E. RIZAL

05 FEBRUARY 2014.

No plans to apologize to Hong Kong, President Aquino tells New York Times President Aquino seeks international help vs China's claims over West Philippine Sea No plans to apologize to Hong Kong, President Aquino tells New York Times President Benigno Aquino III this week reiterated the Philippines' stand not to apologize to Hong Kong over the death of eight Hong Kong tourists in a hostage crisis in Manila in 2010.

The President made his first public response to Hong Kong's latest demand for an apology in an interview published Wednesday on The New York Times.

In the interview, the President was quoted as saying he had no plans to apologize, adding that this could create a legal liability.

He was also quoted as saying in the interview that China had not paid compensation to the families of Filipinos who died in episodes on the mainland.

On Wednesday, the latest sanctions by Hong Kong against Manila took effect - a visa requirement on holders of red and blue official passports.

The move is expected to affect only Philippine government officials and not holders of regular passports.

Hong Kong's demands for an apology stemmed from the August 2010 crisis where a dismissed policeman took a busload of tourists hostage to demand his reinstatement.

The policeman and eight of the tourists were killed in a failed rescue operation. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino seeks international help vs China's claims over West Philippine Sea President Benigno Aquino III this week sought international support in contesting China's claims over the West Philippine Sea, warning of the consequences of "(saying) yes to something we believe is wrong now."

The President, in an interview with The New York Times also cited a lesson from history where the West failed to support Czechoslovakia against Adolf Hitler‘s demands for the Sudetenland in 1938.

"If we say yes to something we believe is wrong now, what guarantee is there that the wrong will not be further exacerbated down the line?..... At what point do you say, ‗Enough is enough?‘ Well, the world has to say it," he said.

"Remember that the Sudetenland was given in an attempt to appease Hitler to prevent World War II," he added.

He maintained in the interview that the Philippines will not give up its territories in the disputed area.

The New York Times described President's Aquino‘s remarks as "among the strongest indications yet of alarm among Asian heads of state about China‘s military buildup and territorial ambitions."

The Philippines is among the Asian countries that have territorial disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

During the interview, the President also said he is optimistic the Philippines and the United States are very close to an agreement that could enhance the Philippines' security. ―We are very optimistic that will happen,‖ he said.

On the other hand, the President expressed reluctance to increase military spending, if that means sacrificing social concerns. ―I‘m not sure if I would be willing to sacrifice social concerns to try to improve the military capabilities,‖ he said. PND (jl) TOP

04 FEBRUARY 2014.

President Aquino: Spirit of bayanihan resides in Filipinos worldwide Philippine Medical Association in Chicago thanks President Aquino for support in medical mission PCOO Assistant Secretary Marfil promoted to Undersecretary Palace reminds Davao City mayor to uphold rule of law Palace: Government troops to fulfill sworn duty to protect people from BIFF President Aquino says government to work with partners in providing sufficient, affordable and potable water for the people Government to tap private sector to upgrade facilities of Orthopedic Center Palace: OES unit now handling complaint vs ERC chief Government working to improve agriculture sector’s performance, says official Aquino government to curb smuggling by bringing smugglers to the bar of justice

President Aquino: Spirit of bayanihan resides in Filipinos worldwide President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday hailed the spirit of bayanihan among Filipinos worldwide, as he welcomed in Malacañan Palace a group of US-based Filipino professionals who conducted medical missions in areas hit by super Typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan).

In his remarks at the courtesy call of the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago, the President said it is this spirit of solidarity that has helped Filipinos overcome the challenges in the country's history.

"The message we sent as one people was clear. The spirit of bayanihan continues to reside within all of us, wherever we may be in the world. It is this spirit that has helped us overcome so many challenges in our history," he said.

He added this same spirit will help the government continue its efforts to "build back better."

The President recalled the PMA of Chicago had for more than a generation come back every year to promote the wellbeing of Filipinos through medical missions.

"This is a reminder to all of us that as was the case during Martial Law and during our family's time in exile, Filipino professionals abroad remain some of the most committed to the advancement of our people and our nation," the President said.

But he said the group's visit this year is particularly timely as the country welcomes all the extra help it can get to help communities affected by Yolanda recover.

"In one of our country's darkest hours, there is unity, there is resilience, there is compassion," he said.

The President updated the delegation on the good news for the country in the last part of 2013, including an economic growth of 6.5 percent near the end of last year, to push the Gross Domestic Product growth to 7.2 percent for the entire 2013.

He said this made the Philippines one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, second only to China.

Also, he said his administration, with the support of the people, streamlined government spending and held erring public officials accountable.

It also fostered a business environment that rewards ingenuity and hard work over a willingness to bend the rules.

Also, the President said his administration focused on social inclusiveness, and boosted the budgets of the concerned agencies.

Because of this, he said about 3.9 million families now receive cash grants on condition that school-age children attend classes, pregnant mothers get regular health checkups, and children are immunized from diseases.

More Filipinos - nearly 77 million - are enrolled in the PhilHealth health insurance program, such that they can walk into hospitals, show their PhilHealth cards and get treatment for free.

"Make no mistake, your association had a significant part in this. Each peso and dollar you gave from your own pocket, each patient you treated in a medical mission, each small effort that you made is part of the accumulation of positivity and inclusiveness that has made our country's turnaround possible," the President said.

He also assured the PMA in Chicago that while there will be more challenges in the future, his administration with the backing of the Filipino people will continue its work. PND (jl) TOP Philippine Medical Association in Chicago thanks President Aquino for support in medical mission Filipino medical professionals based in the United States on Tuesday paid a call on President Benigno Aquino III in Malacañan Palace to thank him for his support in its latest medical mission.

The Philippine Medical Association of Chicago also gave the President an award and a memento for supporting its medical mission in areas including those hit by super Typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan).

Members of the association also hoped to continue visiting the Philippines to help Filipinos who need medical assistance.

"I hope in the near future we will continue to do this because this is our passion, this is our compassion. We love our country and we want to serve our country," the association's president Nida Blankas-Hernaez said during the courtesy

call at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang.

During their stay in the Philippines, delegates of the association held medical missions and disaster relief in areas hit

by Yolanda, including Tacloban and Leyte.

They also helped several people in six towns in Marinduque province, she said.

"With this, we probably helped over 1,000 recipients .... For this mission alone, we had $300,000 spent for this. We had a lot of donations," she said.

"We are so lucky because we were able to serve the Philippines, and we love to come to the Philippines," she added.

PND (jl) TOP PCOO Assistant Secretary Marfil promoted to Undersecretary Malacañang on Tuesday announced the promotion of Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Renato Marfil to the rank of undersecretary.

PCOO Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. announced Marfil's appointment by President Benigno Aquino III at Tuesday's regular media briefing.

"I'm pleased to announce President Aquino has appointed ... Renato M. Marfil as undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office," he said.

"We wish to congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion," he added.

Marfil has been with the Aquino administration since it assumed office in 2010, as assistant secretary for media relations. PND (jl) TOP Palace reminds Davao City mayor to uphold rule of law Malacañang on Tuesday reminded Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to uphold the rule of law even in going after criminals.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said such a policy applies to all government officials, whether at the national or local level.

"All government officials, whether local or national, have the basic responsibility to uphold the rule of law," Coloma said at a media briefing.

Duterte had said at a Senate hearing Monday that he would "gladly" kill a personality linked to rice smuggling, if he entered Davao City.

The mayor had lamented the slow pace of justice in going after rice smuggling.

But Coloma pointed out the Aquino administration is now putting in place systemic reforms to address so-called loopholes in the criminal justice system. PND (jl) TOP Palace: Government troops to fulfill sworn duty to protect people from BIFF Government troops are prepared to fulfill their sworn duty to protect Filipinos from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. gave the assurance amid reports the BIFF may be gearing up for urban warfare.

"Sa lahat na pagkakataon, tungkulin ng pamahalaan na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan sa kanayunan o kalungsuran (At all times, the government has a sworn duty to ensure the safety of Filipinos, whether in the rural or urban areas)," Coloma said at a media briefing.

He said this means the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are prepared to ensure the people's safety as part of fulfilling their duty.

Coloma also said the PNP, AFP and intelligence community continues to keep tabs on the movements of the state's enemies.

He added the government's forces cannot afford to get complacent or to let down their guard at any time.

"The government cannot tolerate threats to national and local security and the lives and security of our people," he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino says government to work with partners in providing sufficient, affordable and potable water for the people President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday the government continues to work hard with the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and concerned authorities to provide sufficient, affordable, and potable water for the people.

"Because water is life, your government works hard with concerned authorities like the LWUA, PAWD, and all water districts across our country to ensure that every Filipino has access to this vital resource," the Chief Executive said in his message to PAWD on the occasion of the 35th National Convention.

"We continue to fulfill this task by enhancing the water service industry, extending it to even the most remote areas, and implementing strategies that make it more accessible to all consumers," the President said.

The PAWD, the national umbrella organization of more than 500 local water districts in the country, is holding the Products and Services Exhibit 2014 on the occasion of its 35th National Convention on February 4 to 6 at the SMX Convention Center, Davao City.

The convention, which has for its theme, ―Water Districts: Addressing Challenges in Water Supply and Sanitation,‖ will give emphasis to the crucial role of water districts in making sure that Filipinos in the countryside have access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities.

"May this convention fuel your association‘s efforts to provide sufficient, affordable, and potable water for our countrymen; may this gathering be a wellspring of fresh, innovative concepts and action plans that will further empower your members as well as the communities and sectors you serve," President Aquino said.

The Philippines keeps its steadfast momentum towards an even more reinvigorated future, the President said.

"Let us all remain vibrant and inspired as we forge ahead, cascading the benefits of inclusive growth to more of our citizens," he said. PND (js) TOP Government to tap private sector to upgrade facilities of Orthopedic Center The government said on Tuesday that it will soon task the private sector to help upgrade the facilities of the Philippine Orthopedic Center in order to expand its scope of coverage and to improve the delivery of universal health care to all Filipinos.

This was announced by Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. in a press briefing in Malacanang.

He said the government was seeking the help of the private sector so that the sale of the hospital would no longer necessary. ―To enlarge the scope and improve the delivery of universal healthcare to all Filipinos, the Department of Health is tapping the support of the private sector in upgrading the facilities of the Philippine Orthopedic Center mindful of its duty to provide affordable and accessible health services to the people, the government will modernize the facilities of the hospital without seeding or selling the hospital to the private sector,‖ Coloma said. ―It will reduce dependence on the national subsidy for its operational needs and move towards an effective and efficient fiscal discipline that will support the hospital‘s operational needs,‖ he added.

Coloma further said the government ―shall protect the welfare of the employees of the Center‖ throughout the duration of the project‘s implementation. ―Government shall protect the welfare of the employees of the Center while implementing this project,‖ Coloma said.

PND (rck) TOP Palace: OES unit now handling complaint vs ERC chief A new division under the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang is now handling an administrative complaint

against Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Zenaida Ducut, the Palace said Tuesday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the Investigative and Adjudicatory Division of the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs is now handling the complaint.

"Natanggap nila ang complaint ng Akbayan, at sinimulna ang pagsiyasat nito (The new office has received the complaint of Akbayan and has started looking into the accusations)," Coloma said at a media briefing.

He said the new unit replaces the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.

The new unit will be under the office of Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Michael Aguinaldo, he added.

Akbayan had asked the Palace to probe Ducut for allegedly abandoning her duty to protect consumers from a power rate hike.

Earlier, Coloma said there is no basis for asking Ducut to resign or take a leave of absence, at least for now. PND (jl) TOP Government working to improve agriculture sector‟s performance, says official Malacanang said it continues to look for ways to develop the country‘s agriculture sector for it to contribute to the national economy, attain food self-sufficiency and eliminate anomalous transactions in rice importations.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the Cabinet Economic Cluster has discussed the agriculture sector several times to find ways on how to improve its performance.

The agriculture sector is lagging behind manufacturing and services, Coloma said, noting that the administration wants it to be at par with other sectors in terms of contributions to the national economy.

For instance in 2013, while the country‘s gross domestic product (GDP) increased to 7.2 percent, the agriculture sector‘s contribution is only at 1.1 percent, way below the services and manufacturing sectors, Coloma said. ―Kaya‘t bahagi iyan ng pangkalahatang pagturing sa buong kontribusyon ng agricultural sector lalong-lalo na‘t ito ay nilalahukan ng pinakamaraming Pilipino na magsasaka at mangingisda,‖ he said.

He also said the sector may need systemic reforms to improve its productivity and contribute to overall economic development of the country and at the same time eliminate corruption in food importations.

And to stop anomalous transactions in rice importations, Coloma said the Department of Agriculture, through the National Food Authority council, decided to stop extending privileges to farmer cooperatives that do not have the capability to import rice.

The Department of Agriculture is also preparing new rice importation procedures to address loopholes in the system that are being exploited by some unscrupulous traders.

With regards to attaining rice self-sufficiency, Coloma said the administration‘s mindset is not about ensuring enough supply of rice in the country but improving the performance of the entire agriculture sector. ―Ang nabubuong pananaw sa Gabinete hinggil dito ay hindi sapat na tingnan lamang iyong rice self-sufficiency kasi iyong rice ay isa lamang sa mga alternatibong produkto sa pagsasaka at maaring sa isang taon o sa iba‘t-ibang lugar, magkaroon ng insentibo ang mga magsasaka na ibang produkto iyong kanilang pagtutuunan ng pansin,‖ he said. PND (as) TOP Aquino government to curb smuggling by bringing smugglers to the bar of justice The Aquino government is actively taking steps to curb smuggling and bring smugglers to the bar of justice, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said on Tuesday.

Since 2010 the government has filed a total of 157 cases under the Run After Tax Evaders and Smugglers program for an average of one case per week, Coloma said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday.

"Following President Aquino‘s directive, the Bureau of Customs led by Commissioner (John Philip) Sevilla has taken steps to promote transparency and openness, simplified transactions, and adopted a systemic approach to plug loopholes and minimize opportunities for graft and corruption," Coloma said.

The Communications Secretary said the specific reform measures include centralized single reference for valuation information, implementation of a single dispute resolution process for valuation, digitization of every single formal transaction, review of the monitoring of Customs bonded warehouses, revamp of the importer accreditation process

and intensified monitoring of sensitive imports.

The President earlier assured the public that his administration remains committed to improve the services of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) by enhancing the anti-smuggling efforts.

The BOC is enhancing its efforts in revenue collection by curbing smuggling activities and to provide quality service to stakeholders with professionalism and integrity, facilitate trade in a secured manner and adapt measures compliant to international best practices and standards. PND (js) TOP

04 PEBRERO 2014 Nasa puso ng mga Pilipino sa buong daigdig ang bayanihan--Malacanang Pinasalamatan ng „Philippine Medical Association‟ ng Chicago ang Pangulong Aquino sa suporta sa kanilang „medical mission‟ Itinaas sa Undersecretary si PCOO Assistant Secretary Marfil Pinaalalahanan ng Palasyo ang alkalde ng Lungsod ng Davao na sundin ang batas sa pagtugis kahit sa mga kriminal Tutuparin ng mga kawal ng pamahalaan ang sinumpaan nilang tungkuling pangalagaan ang taong bayan laban sa BIFF Makikipagtulungan ang pamahalaan sa mga kabalikat nito, sabi ni Aquino, upang mapagkalooban nang sapat, mura at malinis na tubig ang mamamayan Kakatulungin ng gobyerno ang pribadong sektor para mapahusay ang mga pasilidad ng „Orthopedic Center‟ Hawak na ng Tanggapan ng Kalihim tagapagpaganap ang sumbong laban sa puno ng ERC—Malacanang Sinisikap ng gobyerno na mapalakas ang ani sa agrikultura ng bansa Susugpuin ng gobyernong Aquino ang „smuggling‟ sa pag-uusig nang puspusan sa mga „smugglers‟

Nasa puso ng mga Pilipino sa buong daigdig ang bayanihan--Malacanang

Pinuri ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pamamayani ng diwa ng bayanihan sa puso ng mga Pilipino saan mang panig ng daigdig sila naroon nang tanggapin niya sa Malacanang Martes ang grupo ng mga propesyonal na nakabase sa Estados Unidos na nagsagawa ng misyong medikal sa mga pook na sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda.

Sa pakikipag-usap sa naging panauhin niyang Philippine Medical Association of Chicago, binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang diwa ng kapatiran ang nakatulong sa mga Pilipino ang nakatulong upang maharap at makatawid sa mga hamon at pagsubok sa kasaysayan ng bansa. ―Malinaw ang mensahe namin bilang isang lahi. Ang diwa ng bayanihan ang patuloiy na nag-aalab sa puso nating lahat, saan man tayo naroong panig ng daigdig. Dahil sa diwang ito kaya natulungan tayong makaahon sa napakaraming pagsubok at hamon sa ating kasaysayan,‖ dagdag pa ng Pangulo.

Idinugtong niya na ito rin ang diwang nakatulong sa pamahalaan upang ipagpatuloy ang pagsisikap na ―pag-ibayuhin pa ang ating mga gawain.‖ Binanggit ng Pangulo na ang PMA ng Chicago ay mahigit nang isang henerasyong umuuwi rito taun-taon upang alagatain ang kapakanan ng mga Piklipino sa pamamagitan ng mga misyong medikal na ginagawa nila. ―Ito ay paalaala sa ating lahat na noong panahon ng Martial Law na ang pamilya namin ay naka-exile, ang mga Pilipino na nasa ibayong dagat ang nananatiling tapat na nagtataguyod sa pag-unload ng ating mga kababayan at ng bansa natin,‖ pahayag pa ng Pangulo.

Ayon sa Pangulo, napapanahon ang pagdalaw ng grupo ngayong taong ito na sinisikap ng ating bansa na makakuha ng tulong upang ang mga komunidad na biktima ng Yolanda ay makapagbagong tatag sa madaling anahon.

―Sa isa sa pinakamadilim na yugto sa ating bansa, namayani ang pagkakaisa, nanatili ang tatag at tibay ng kalooban, at umiral ang malasakit at pagdadamayan,‖ sabi ng Pangulo.

Ipinaalam ng Pangulo sa delegasyon ng mga duktor ang magandang balita para sa bansa noong huling bahagi ng 2013, kabilang ang pagsulong ng ekonomya na umabot sa 6.5 porsiyento nang magtatapos ang taon, upang iangat ang pagsulong ng Gross Domestic Product sa 7.2 porsiyento sa kabuuan ng taong 2013.

Dahil dito, wika ng Pangulo, ang Pilipinas ay isa sa pinakamabilis na umunlad na bansa sa Asya, pangalawa lamang sa Tsina.

Idinugtong ng Pangulo na ang administrasyon niya, sa tulong ng sambayanan, ay nagging masinop na paggugol at pinapanagot ang mga nagkasalang pinunong bayan.

Isinulong din nito ang business environment na nagbibigay ng gantimpala sa kahusayan at kasipagan sa halip na iangkop ang mga tuntunin.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na nakatuon ang administrasyon sa malaganap na pagtulong at nilakihan pa ang guguling nakalaan sa iba-ibang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan.

Dahil dito, sabi ng Pangulo, may 33.9 milyong pamilya ngayon ang tumatanggap ng salapi sa kondisyong papapasukin sa mga paaralan ang anak nilang nasa edad na para mag-aral, ang mga ina na nagdadalang-tao ay regular na magpapatingin sa mga sentrong pangkalusugan sa kanilang pook at pababakunahan ang mga supling nila laban sa nakahahawang mga sakit.

Kaya naman halos 77 milyon ang nakarehistro sa PhilHealth health insurance program upang kung may karamdaman sila ay magtungo na lamang sa mga pagamutan, ipakita ang kanilang ―PhilHealth cards‖ at magamot nang walang bayad. ―Napakalaki ang naitulong ng inyong samahan sa bagay na ito. Bawa‘t piso at dolar na buhat sa inyong mga lukbutan na ibinigay ninyo, bawa‘t maysakit na inyong nilunasan sa mga misyong medikal ninyo, ang bawa‘t mum,unting pagsisikap na inyong gawin para dumamay at alalayan ang mga kababayan natin ang nagiging daan ng pagsulong ng bansa,‖ pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo.

Tiniyak din ng Pangulo sa PMA ng Chicago na bagaman marami pang mga hamon at pag-subok na kakaharapin sa kinabukasan, puspusang ipagpapatuloy ng kanyang administrasyon, sa tulong ng sambayanan, ang pagsasagawa ng mga bagay na alang-alang sa bayan. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Pinasalamatan ng „Philippine Medical Association‟ ng Chicago ang Pangulong Aquino sa suporta sa kanilang „medical mission‟ Nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Malacanang ang mga manggagamot na Pilipino na nakabase sa Estados Unidos upang magpasalamat sa suporta ng Punong Taga-pagpaganap sa kanilang pinakahuling misyong medikal sa bansa.

Pinagkalooban din ng Philippine Medical Association ng Chicago ang Pangulo ng gawad at ng alaala sa pagtulong sa ginawa nilang misyong medikal sa mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖.

Sinabi ng mg kasapi ng samahan na umaasa silang maipagpapatuloy ang pagdalaw sa Pilipinas upang makatulong sa mga Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong medical. ―Umaasa kami sa hinaharap na panahon, maipagpapatuloy namin ang bagay na ito sapagka‘t ito ang aming mithiin, ang nais naming gawin. Mahal namin ang ating bansa at ibig naming mapaglingkuran ang ating bayan,‖ sabi ni Nida Blankas-Hernaez, pangulo ng samahan, nang makipagkita sila sa Pangulo sa Heroes Hall ng Malacanang Martes.

Sa pamamalagi nila sa Pilipinas, ang mga delegado ng samahan ay nagsagawa ng misyong medikal at pamamahagi ng tulong sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, kabilang ang sa Tacloban at ibang panig ng Leyte.

Sinabi ni Blankas-Hernaez na tumulong din sila sa mga mamamayan ng anim na bayan ng lalawigang Marinduque. ―Humigit-kumulang marahil sa 1,000 katao ang natulungan namin. Sa misyong ito lamang, nakagugol kami ng $300,000. Marami kaming donasyong ipinamigay,‖ dugtong ni Blankas-Hernaez. ―Napakasuwerte namin dahil nakapaglingkod kami sa Pilipinas at gustung-gusto naming magtungo sa Pilipinas,‖ sabi pa ni Blankas-Hernaez. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Itinaas sa Undersecretary si PCOO Assistant Secretary Marfil

Inihayag ng Malacanang Martes ang promosyon ni Assistant Secretary Renato Marfil ng Presidential Communications Operations Office bilang Pangalawang Kalihim (undersecretary).

Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng PCOO ang pagtataas sa tungkulin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kay Marfll sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Martes. ―Kasiyahan kong ibalita na itinalaga ng Pangulong Aquino si Renato M. Marfil bilang pangalawang kalihim ng Presidential Communications Operations Office,‖ wika ni Coloma. ―Binabati namin siya sa talagang karapat-dapat na promosyong ito,‖ dagdag pa ni Coloma.

Si Marfil ay natalagang Assistant Secretary for Media Relations sapul nang maluklok sa tungkulin ang administrasyong Aquino noong 2010. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Pinaalalahanan ng Palasyo ang alkalde ng Lungsod ng Davao na sundin ang batas sa pagtugis kahit sa mga kriminal Pinaalalahanan ng Malacanang Martes si Alkalde Rodrigo Duterte ng Lungsod ng Davao na sundin ang mga batas sa pagtugis kahit sa mga kriminal.

Binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na ang patakarang ito ay para sa lahat ng mga pinunong bayan, maging pambansa o lokal man. ―Lahat ng mga pinuno ng pamahalaan, lokal o nasyonal man, ay may pangunahing pananagutang igalang at sundin ang batas,‖ sabi ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes.

Magugunitang sinabi ni Duterte sa patayi pagdnig ng Senado Lunes na ―magiging kagalakan‖ niyang patayin ang isang taong may kaugnayan sa pagpupuslit ng bigas kung papasok ang mga ito sa Lungsod ng Davao.

Nagpahayag ng pagkalungkot ang alkalde sa mabagal na pagkilos ng katarungan laban sa mga nagpupuslit ng bigas.

Subali‘t binigyang diin ni Coloma na ginagawa na ng administrasyong Aquino ang mgaq kailangang reporma upang matugunan ang tinatawag na loopholes sa criminal justice system.PND (jl/zaf) TOP Tutuparin ng mga kawal ng pamahalaan ang sinumpaan nilang tungkuling pangalagaan ang taong bayan laban sa BIFF Nakahanda ang mga kawal ng pamahalaan na gampanan ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkuling ipagtanggol ang mga Pilipino laban sa Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Freedom Fighters (BIFF), sabi ng Malacanang Martes.

Ito ang tiniyak ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa gitna ng mga ulat na tila mandin naghahanda ang BIFF sa urban warfare. ―Sa lahat ng pagkakataon, tungkulin ng pamahalaan na tiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan sa kanayunan o kalungsuran,‖ sabi ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan.

Sinabi ni Coloma na ang Pambansang Pulisya at ang Lakas na Sandatahan ng Pilipinas ay nakahandang tiyakin ang pangangalaga sa kaligtasan ng taong bayan bilang bahagi ng kanilang tungkulin.

Idinugtong din ni Coloma na ang PNP, AFP at intelligence community ay patuloy na tumutugaygay sa kilos ng mga kalaban ng pamahalaan.

Ayon kay Coloma, hindi maaaring magwalang bahala o hindi manatiling handa ang mga pulis at kawal ng pamahalaan. ―Hindi mapapayagan ng pamahalaan ang banta sa pambansa at lokal na kapanatagan, gayundin ang buhay at kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,‖ sabi pa ni Coloma. PND (jl/zaf) TOP Makikipagtulungan ang pamahalaan sa mga kabalikat nito, sabi ni Aquino, upang mapagkalooban nang sapat, mura at malinis na tubig ang mamamayan Patuloy ang pamahalaan, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Martes na patuoloy na nakikipagtulungan sa Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD), sa Local Water Utilities Administrations (LWUA), gayundin sa kinauukulang mga pinuno ng water district para mabigyan nang sapat, abot-kaya at malinis na tubig ang taong bayan. ―Sapagka‘t ang tubig ay buhay, ibayong pagsisikap ang ginagawa ng inyong pamahalaan sa pakikiisa sa LWUA, PAWD at sa lahat ng mga water districts sa buong bansa para matiyak na bawa‘t Pilipino ay may sapat na mahalagang

yamang ito,‖ sabi ng Pangulo sa mensahe sa PAWD kaugnay ng idaraos na ika-35 Pambansang Kumbensiyon. ―Patuloy namin itong ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasigla sa industriya ng serbisyo sa tubig hanggang sa mga pinakadulong mga pook nang matiyak na lahat ay may sapat na tubig.

Ang PAWD ang pambansang samahan ng mahigit na 500 lokal na water districts na magdaraos ng Products and Services Exhibit 2014 kaugnay ng ika-35 Pambansang Kumbensiyon Pebrero 4-6 sa SMX Convention Center sa Lungsod ng Davao.

Paksang diwa ng kumbensiyon ang Water Districts: Addressing Challenges in Water Supply and Sanitation na magbibigay tingkad sa mahalagang papel ng mga water districts para matiyak na lahat ng Pilipino ay may ligtas na tubig na magagamit at pasilidad sa sanitasyon.

Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagmamalasakit sa tubig nang hindi magkasuliranin ukol dito kahit sa hinaharap na mga panahon. ―Patuloy tayong magsisikap at magiging masigla sa pagtahak natin patungo sa hinaharap nang taglay ang hangaring ang mga biyaya ng malawakang kaunlaran ay pakinabangan nang higit na marami nating kababayan,‖ sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND (js/zaf) TOP Kakatulungin ng gobyerno ang pribadong sektor para mapahusay ang mga pasilidad ng „Orthopedic Center‟

Kakatulungin ng pamahalaan ang pribadong sektor sa madaling panahon upang mapabuti pa ang mga pasilidad ng Philippine Orthopedic Center at nang mapalawak pang lalo at mapabuti ang pagkakaloob ng universal health care sa lahat ng Pilipino.

Inihayag ito ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Martes.

Sinabi ni Coloma na hinihingan ng tulong ng pamahalaan ang pribadong sektor upang hindi na kailanganing ipagbili ang pagamutan para lamang maayos ito. ―Para mapalawak at mapabuti pa ang pagkakaloob ng universal healthcare sa lahat ng Pilipino, hinihingan ng tulong ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang pribadong sektor para sa pagaayos ng Philippine Orthopedic Center nang ang inaalagata ay ang katungkulan ng gobyerno na bigyan ng abot-kaya at serbisyong pangkalusugan ang taong bayan. Gagawin ng pamahalaan na makabago ang mga pagamutam nang hindi ipagbibili ito o isasapribado,‖ paliwanag pa ni Coloma. ―Ang gagawin ay bawasan ang lagi na lamang pag-asa sa national subsidy sa mga kailangan ng ospital para makapaglingkod nang mabisa at higit na mabuti ang palakad sa pananalapi na siyang tutugon sa mga gugol sa operational needs ng mga pagamutan,‖ sabi pa ni Coloma.

Idinugtong pa ni Coloma na pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan ang kapakanan ng mga kawani ng ―Center‖ sa buong panahong ipinatutupad ang proyektp . ‖Pangangalagaan ng pamahalaan ang kapakanan ng mga kawani ng Center habang isinasagawa ang proyekto,‖ dugtong pa ni Coloma. PND (rck/zaf) TOP Hawak na ng Tanggapan ng Kalihim tagapagpaganap ang sumbong laban sa puno ng ERC—Malacanang

Isang bagong dibisyon sa Tanggapan ng Kalihim Tagapagpangap sa Malacanang ang sumbong pampangasiwaan laban kay Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Zenaida Ducut, sabi ng Malacanang Martes.

Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office na ang kaso ay hawak na ng Investigative and Adjudicatory Division ng Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs. ―Natanggap nila ang sumbong ng Akbayan at sinimulan na ang pagsisiyasat dito,‖ sabi ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malakanyang Martes.

Ayon kay Coloma na ang bagong yunit ang ipinalit sa Presidential Anti-Graft Commission.

Ang bagong tanggapang ito ay nasa ilalim ni Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairsa Michael Aguinaldo, sabi ni Coloma.

Hiningi ng Akbayan sa Palasyo na siyasatin si Ducut dahil sa umano ay pagpapabaya sa kanyang tungikulin na pangalagaan ang mga konsumidor sa pagtaas ng halaga ng koryente.

Nasabi na ni Coloma na walang batayang hinging magbitiw sa tungkulin si Ducut o dili kaya ay magbakasyon nang matagal sa mga panahong ito. PND (jl/zaf)

TOP Sinisikap ng gobyerno na mapalakas ang ani sa agrikultura ng bansa

Patuloy na humahanap ng mga paraan ang pamahalaan para mapalakas ang sektor ng pagsasaka sa bansa nang makapag-ambag ito nang malaki sa pambansang ekonomya, magkaroon nang sapat na pagkain at masugpo ang tiwaling mga transaksiyon sa pag-angkat ng bigas.

Inihayag ni Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office Martes na puspusang tinalakay ng Cabinet Economic Cluster ang mga paraan kung paano mapalalakas ang ani.

Napag-iiwan ng manufacturing and services ang sektor ng pagsasaka, sabi ni Coloma, at nais ng administrasyon na makaagapay iito sa ibang sektor sa larangan ng pag-aambag sa pambansang ekonomya.

Ibinigay na halimbawa na noong 2013 na ang Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ay umangat sa 7.2 porsiyento at ang naiambag lamang ng pagsasaka ay 1.1 porsiyento na napakababa kung ihahambing sa sektor ng services and manufacturing, ayon kay Coloma. ―Kaya bahagi iyan ng pangkalahwatang pagturing wsa buong kontribusyon ng sektor agrikultural, dahil ito ay nilalahukan ng pinakamaraming Pilipinong magsasaka at mangingisda,‖ sabi ni Coloma.

Binanggit din ng Kalihim na kailangan marahil ang maayos na reporma para mapabuti ang ani at nang makapag-ambag ito nang malaki sa pangkalahatang kaunlaran ng ekonomya ng bansa, kaalinsabay ng pagsugpo sa katiwalian sa pagangkat ng pagkain.

Para matigil ang katiwalian sa pag-angkat ng bigas, sinabi ni Coloma na ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka, sa pamamagitan ng National Food Authority Council, ipinasiya nang tigilan ang ibinibigay na mga pribilehiyo sa mga kooperatiba ng magsasaka na wala namang kakayahang umangkat ng bigas.

Naghahanda na ngayon ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa panibagong mga tuntunin sa pag-angkat ng bigas nang matapalan ang mga ‗butas‘ sa umiiral na sistemang nasasamantala naman ng mga tiwaling mangangalakal.

Sa kasapatan sa bigas, sinabi ni Coloma na hindi lamang ang pagtiyak nang sapat na bigas sa bansa ang pagtutuunan ng administrasyon kundi ang buong sektor ng pagsasaka. Áng nabubuong pananaw sa Gabinete hinggil dito ay hindi sapat na tingnan lamang ang kasapatan sa bigas. Kasi ang bigas ay isa lamang sa mga produkto ng pagsasaka at maaaring sa isang taon o sa iba-ibang lugar, magkaroon ng insentibo ang mga magsasaka na ibang produkto naman ang pagtuunan nila ng pansin,‖ paliwanag ni Coloma. PND (as/zaf) TOP Susugpuin ng gobyernong Aquino ang „smuggling‟ sa pag-uusig nang puspusan sa mga „smugglers‟

Ginagawa na ng gobyernong Aquino ang mga hakbang upang sugpuin ang ismagling at papanagutin sa mga batas ang mga ismaglers, sang-ayon kay Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. Sapul noong 2010, nakapagharap na ang pamahalaan ng 157 kaso sa ilalim ng Run After Tax Evaders and Smugglers program o isang kaso sa isang linggo, sabi ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Martes. ―Sa tagublin ng Pangulong Aquino, ang Kawanihan ng Aduwana sa pangunguna ni Komisyoner John Philip Sevilla ay gumawa na ng hakbang para isulong ang transparency and openness para masagkaan ang loopholes at mabawasan ang pagkakataon para makagawa ng katiwalian at pagsasamantala,‖ wika ni Coloma.

Sinabi ng Kalihim ng Komunikasyon na ang mga tiyakang reporma ay katulad ng centralized single reference for valuation information, digitization of every single formal transaction, pagtatanod sa mga bodega ng Aduwana, pagbalasa sa akreditasyon ng umaangkat at ibayong pagsubaybay sa maseselang mga inaangkat na bagay.

Tiniyak ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa madla na patuloy ang administrasyon niya sa pagsisikap na mapabuti ang serbisyo ng Kawanihan ng Aduwana sa ibayong pagsisikap na sugpuin ang pagpupuslit.

Sinisikap din ng BOC na mapabuti ang koleksiyon sa pagsugpo sa pagpupuslit at pagpapatupad ng mga tuntuning naalinsunod sa pinakamainam na pamantayan sa daigdig. PND (js/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement between the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. and the Provincial Government of Leyte Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace 05 Feb 2014 The disasters that befell our country in 2013 were a true test of our capacities as a nation. Even before Supertyphoon Yolanda made landfall, many of our resources were already devoted to helping our countrymen recover from the Zamboanga Siege incident and the Bohol Earthquake. So perhaps you can imagine how far it stretched our capacities when Yolanda arrived and affected 44 out of our 81 provinces. In its immediate aftermath, we had to prepare relief goods for those affected by the typhoon—a task that became all the more difficult because Yolanda was more powerful than any storm anyone had ever seen; and it swept away the goods and the resources we had prepositioned. We had to do everything possible to clear the roads and airports in the soonest possible time, so that relief goods could reach survivors. We had to bury dead; we had to make sure that those affected had roofs to sleep under.

The challenge that confronted us was enormous; and it was only through our people‘s resilience and solidarity that we overcame it. It was through the commitment and the hard work of those in government who dealt with relief, recovery, and reconstruction; of those from private entities who conducted relief operations either on their own or shoulder-toshoulder with government; and of those citizens who sacrificed their time in volunteer centers.

Now, a different—but no less formidable—challenge lies ahead of us. As we rebuild the communities affected by Typhoon Yolanda, we must do so in a way that can unshackle us from the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction. This is precisely why we are building back better. Instead of simply rebuilding what was lost, we are building in a way that makes our communities more resilient in the face of disaster; and everyone‘s participation makes this a reality.

As you know, Leyte is part of Region 8—the region most affected by Yolanda. Thus, we really welcome this partnership between FFCCCII Foundation and the Provincial Government of Leyte. I am extremely confident that the 500 housing units and the five barrio schools you will be constructing in Palo will go a long way in our efforts to empower our countrymen to take hold of their destinies once more, especially since you will be working with Governor Dominic Petilla, a member of the next generation of true public servants.

This project of yours comes at the heels of your enormous contributions in the aftermath of Yolanda, where you, your members, and six other organizations distributed more than 50,000 relief packs and provided welding sets, fishing boats, water purifying systems, and medicine, among other resources needed by those who were affected. I am told that, in total, you were able to raise close to P150 million—and this is for relief and rehabilitation operations in the aftermath of Yolanda alone.

All that you have done serves to underscore the compassion that you hold for your fellow Filipinos: You will never hesitate to step in and assist our countrymen in times of need, whether it is through helping them recover after a major disaster, or helping our Department of Education build classrooms, or funding your own volunteer fire brigades.

As President, I made a point to be here today to personally express my gratitude, and the gratitude of your countrymen.

Your actions, and your willingness to respond in times of crisis, have inspired in me the expectation that you will act with the same amount of solidarity, no matter what challenges lie ahead. I thank you for casting your stake on building a society that is compassionate and just; a society where the rich and the poor, the mighty and the needy, the strong and the weak, are equal before the eyes of the law; where those who have the wherewithal to pull their fellow man up do so without question or hesitation. I assure you that what you are doing on the community level, my government has been doing, and will continue to do so, on a national scale. Inclusiveness remains our guiding principle, as we build a regime of opportunities, and empower those who have lost so much to the tragedies that befell our country in the past year.

As we welcome a new year, in both the Gregorian and Lunar calendars, let us never forget the lessons that were taught to us by Yolanda. Let us never forget that our greatest weapon as a people is our solidarity; and that in the face of great challenge, we are called upon to set aside personal interests and come together as one people, in service to our country.

Out of this time of tragedy, an authentic face of bayanihan has emerged through initiatives such as the one we are witnessing today. I am convinced that as long as we all work together, as long as each one of us remains active in the grand task of nation-building, and as long as we never forget to take strength from our benevolent God, who has seen us through all our hardships, then we can weather any storm, and sail our ship of state together further into the light of day.

Again, congratulations, and Kung Hee Fat Choi.

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ONLINE NEWS 04 FEBRUARY 2014 End-Nov infra spending posts double-digit growth; Abad: Quicker, more high-impact disbursements seen in 2014 Off the bus, a conductress finds sure income in small enterprise DOLE pushes for breast-feeding stations in more workplaces DSWD accepts donation of toys, books for poor kids DILG allocates P578-M for potable water supply projects for 2014 DOST execs, workers vow to carry out 8 priorities for 2014-2016 Philippines participates in Milan‟s International Home Show Fuel Wood Project To Be Established In ComVal Phl Ambassador makes Farewell call on French Prime Minister SSS opens “Agaton” calamity relief package Alcala urge farmers to produce other coco products New Chairman for Board of Optometry formally assumes post Honest porter gets scholarship from TESDA VP Binay hopes revocation of VISa-free access not extended to OFWs End-Nov infra spending posts double-digit growth; Abad: Quicker, more high-impact disbursements seen in 2014 Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph In line with the Aquino Administration‘s commitment to steer the country towards economic and inclusive growth, national government expenditures for infrastructure and capital outlay (CO) maintained double-digit growth levels year-on-year, with a 20.5 percent or P37.9 billion increase as of end-November, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today reported.

Likewise, total government disbursements significantly increased to P1.677 trillion for the period year-on-year—9.2 percent or P141.7 billion higher than last year‘s level of P1.535 trillion—despite natural and man-made calamities experienced in the 4thquarter of the year. ―Even with the development challenges posed on our economy by consecutive calamities—and the toll these disasters took on government operations—our disbursements for infrastructure and other capital outlay by endNovember nonetheless posted double-digit growth levels. This is in fact consistent with the year-on-year spending improvements we‘ve made from the beginning of 2013. We‘re continuing that same trend this year, where we ramp up infrastructure and other priority expenditures to sustain our economic momentum and ensure the delivery of improved public services,‖ Budget and Management Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad said. ―It‘s also worth noting that while last year‘s disasters may have affected government spending, we can expect disbursements to move at a faster clip in the succeeding months, especially because we plan to make swifter disbursements for rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in all calamity-affected areas. These efforts will be backed by the validity extension for remaining Calamity and Quick Response Funds, government savings, unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations under the 2013 budget so they can still be used for postdisaster activities this year,‖ Abad added.

At the same time, supplemental appropriations in the amount of P14.6 billion will augment the 2013 Calamity and Quick Response Funds that would repair and reconstruct permanent structures in said areas, among others.

Disbursements by Expense Class, 2012 vs. 2013in billion pesos, unless otherwise indicated JanuaryIncrease/Decre November ase Particulars Am 201 201 oun 2 3 t %

Current Oper.

Exp. PS

1,2 58.

3

1,3 71.

4

49

538

113 .1

9.

0

6.1

.0

41.

9

8.

5

MOOE

22 6.2

254 .2

28.

0

1 2.

4

Subsidy

26.

2

39 .1

1 2.9

4 9.

2

20 0.4

221 .7

21.

3

1 0.

6

282 .3

296 .7

1 4.4

5.

1

Allotment to LGUs

IP

27.

1

21.

8

( 5.4)

( 1 9.

8)

Capital Outlays

248 .6

289 .9

41.

3

1 6.

6

Infra & Other CO

18 5.4

223 .3

37.

9

2 0.

5

TEF

1.2

.7

( 0.5)

( 4 3.

2)

62.

0

65.

9

3.9

6.

3

-

-

(1 2.7)

(4 4.

3)

0 Equity

Cap. Transfers to LGUs

CARP-LO

-

Net Lending

28.

8

-

16.

0

9.

2

TOTAL

1 ,53 5.7

1,6 67.

3

14 1.7

In terms of allotment releases, the DBM has already released a total of P1.912 trillion or 95.3 percent of the total P2.006 trillion obligation for 2013 as of November. This covers 96.8 percent of specific budgets of national government agencies and departments under the 2013 GAA. Significant releases for the month of November include funding support to the National Housing Authorityâ€&#x;s (NHA) housing program for informal settler families (ISFs), pension, terminal leave, retirement gratuity and other benefits of retiring government employees, and Quick Response Funds under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide immediate assistance to typhoon Yolanda-affected areas.

HIGHLIGHTS: Expense Classes as of November 2013

Personnel Services (PS) increased by P41.9 billion or 8.5 percent as of end-November, mainly due to salary adjustments, higher cumulative retirement gratuity and terminal leave claims, grant of the 2012 PerformanceBased Bonus, and payment of Total Administrative Disability (TAD) pension of World War II veterans.

Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MMOE) decreased in year-on-year cumulative growth from 20.7 percent as of October to 12.4 percent or P28 billion as of November. Utilization rates from the DSWD, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of Health (DOH) were observed to be lower compared to the same month in 2012.

Subsidies to GOCCs also fell a few notches in year-on-year growth from a month ago, mainly due to the reprogramming of releases for the price stabilization program of the National Food Authority (NHA).

Nevertheless, GOCC subsidy remains to have the largest percentage growth among all expenditure accounts at 49.2 percent. In particular, critical releases were provided to the NHA and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) for the implementation of social protection programs. |TOP| Off the bus, a conductress finds sure income in small enterprise Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Yolanda Manalo has been a bus conductress for more than 20 years. Before she found her niche in the bus transport industry, she had tried her luck at being an overseas Filipino worker (she worked as household domestic helper for two years), but home and family beckoned so she went back to board a bus again until she met her husband Alex, also a bus conductor.

Sometime in February 2008, Yolanda met a minor accident when she fell while helping an elderly woman alight from her bus in an area in Muñoz, Quezon City. Her bosses at Pascual Liner, Inc., allowed her to rest for three days.

Thereafter, she reported back to work. She didn't undergo any medical or laboratory examination.

In September 2010, another road incident would define Yolanda's fate. A car suddenly overtook her bus along the Trinoma area in Quezon City. A dangerous collision would have happened had the bus driver not immediately stepped on the brakes.

Due to the bus's abrupt stp, Yolanda strongly hit a metal frame. Her right hip was torn. If not for that providential pocket rip, she would have been thrown to the windshield. She felt a searing pain. She got a three days' off, but went back to work as if nothing happened.

However, on 28 August 2011, unbearable pain shooting from her lumbar area sent her to hospital confinement. Her Xray revealed spondylosis. She was prescribed a long rest and medication.

Luckily, Pascual Liner, Inc. gave Yolanda three month's rest, despite prolonged leave from work, in view of her good record, Further, she was able to claim eight months' sickness benefit from the Social Security System and an eight months' permanent partial disability (PPD) employees‘ compensation benefit from the Employees' COmpensation Commission (ECC), an attached agency of the DOLE. However, she could no longer continue to work as bus conductress due to the bodily traumas she experienced. She eventually resigned. She also enrolled under the Employees' Compensation Commission's KaGabay Program.

The KaGabay Program aims to facilitate the provision of free physical restoration services, such as physical/occupational therapy and rehabilitation equipment (prosthesis), as well as of free skills and entrepreneurial training for persons with work-related disabilities.

Under the program, Yolanda--who lives with her husband and three children, aged 24, 14, and 10, in Novaliches, Quezon City--had to take first 16 physical therapy sessions at the PGH, ECC‘s partner hospital. The therapy session was free.

She subsequently attended a training on meat processing, and completed the ECC- funded, four-month long training on ―How to Start Your Own Business Enterprise‖ (SYOBE) conducted by one of ECC‖s partners, the Center for Small Entrepreneurs.

For Yolanda who had no such training because her work limited her to the confines of the bus, it was an eye opener.

She fully appreciated the SYOBE seminar, particularly in the areas of costing, record keeping, fiscal management, and discipline.

She was, after all, in her own right an entrepreneur. Off work, since 1998, she would sell burger, rice, meat viands, and snacks at the Pascual Liner bus terminal to augment her meager salary. After she resigned, she also engaged in direct sales, selling shoes, makeup/cosmetic products, RTWs, and school and company uniforms, even fresh tilapia.

With no regular job, Yolanda used her training under the program to continue her enterprise.

Last year, she joined the Occupationally-Disabled Workers' Cooperative set up by her fellow KaGabay Program

beneficiaries with the assistance of the ECC. She is currently an officer of the cooperative. Together with other members, she busies herself in manning a promising siomai stall at the MMDA bus terminal at the Coastal Mall in Pasay City. The cooperative got the stall upon its strong representation as a marginalized sector.

"Myself and the other officers of the cooperative promise to make the venture a successful enterprise," Yolanda vowed, saying the cooperative has already set its vision of putting up a similar stall in other areas.

Her self-confidence restored, Yolanda expressed gratitude to the ECC for its KaGabay Program, saying those with work-connected disabilities should enrol in the program as a good, measured step towards improving family incomes. |TOP| DOLE pushes for breast-feeding stations in more workplaces Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Millicent Santos, the company nurse of giant courier company, United Parcel Service Landside, is agog these days.

As one of the tireless proponents of breast-feeding, Ms. Santos believes the campaign for the establishment of lactation stations in private sector companies in the region is gaining more adherents. "More and more women workers should come out in the open and join our call for the set-up of breast-feeding stations in their companies. This is not only a boost to good health of both mother and child, but also a boon to productivity and safe working condition," Santos said at the recent Orientation on Workplace Lactation Station organized by the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 jointly with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC). The 40 or so representatives--company nurses, health practitioners, and managers--of some 30 company locators at the Clark Freeport Zone who attended the orientation couldn't agree more. Like Ms. Santos, they, too, appreciate and support the efforts of the DOLE to give more teeth to R.A. 10028, also known as the "Expanded Breast-Feeding Act of 2009, As Amended", and are encouraging other companies to set-up lactation stations in their company premises. Aderans Philippines, Inc., Fontana Leisure Park, Sutherland Global Services, Texas Instruments Philippines, Inc., Clark International Airport Corporation, United Parcel Services, Landside, and Phoenix Semiconductor Philippine Corporation, were among those that sent in their representatives to the orientation. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda DimapilisBaldoz, who has consistently demonstrated support to the modern Filipino working woman, has vowed to intensify the DOLE's advocacy campaign for the set-up of breast-feeding stations in more workplaces in private sector establishments. "We uphold and we will implement more seriously R.A. 10028," she said after the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 Director Raymundo Agravante reported on the success of the orientation. "Breast-feeding is not detrimental to productivity requirements of working mothers; rather, it is the opposite. Breast-feeding boosts morale," Baldoz added, citing research that shows working mothers who have access to lactation facilities tend to be more productive as they feel less guilty--despite being working mothers--about their ability to provide one of the essential needs of their babies. The labor and employment chief also said breast-fed babies are inclined to be more active and healthy, or immune from sickness, so much so that mothers can have less worry and can refrain from absenting themselves from work on account of their children's sickness. During the orientation, implementers discussed the salient features of R.A. 10028. "Many of its most common provisions emphasize the rights of working mothers, such as access to establishments that provide lactation stations," Director Agravante stated. A lactation station, the law provides, must have adequate equipment and facilities, such as a lavatory; refrigeration or cooling station for storing breast milk; electrical outlets for breast pump; a table; and comfortable seats. Under the law, nursing motheremployees shall also be granted break intervals to breast-feed, in addition to their regular time-off for meals. "These break intervals, which shall include the time it takes an employee to get to and from the workplace lactation station, should be counted as compensable, provided it shall not be less than 40 minutes for every eight-hour working period," said Agravante. Other important topics related to R.A. 10028 which were discussed at the orientation were workplace policy on lactation, workplace compliance with the Milk Code, and access to breast-feeding information. CDC Health Services chief Dr. Clemencita Dobles demonstrated proper breast-feeding methods and techniques. The establishment of workplace lactation stations is one of the dimensions of the DOLE's Family Welfare Program, the other dimensions being, to wit: (1) reproductive health/responsible parenthood; (2) education/gender equality; (3) spirituality and value formation; (4) income generation; (5) livelihood and cooperative; (6) medical health care; (7) nutrition; (8) environmental protection; (9) hygiene and sanitation; (10) sports and leisure; (11) housing; and (12) transportation. "The adoption by companies of the Family Welfare Program (FWP) is a viable investment that pays off in terms of increased productivity, work-life balance, and cordial labor-management relations," Baldoz explained. ―In the present and increasingly competitive work environment where the boundaries between work and life are increasingly blurred, companies that embrace FWP as integral part of their human resource development approach create an environment conducive to long-term productivity and retention of their greatest assets--their employees,‖ she said, finally. |TOP| DSWD accepts donation of toys, books for poor kids Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Less fortunate kids in Metro Manila and children-victims of Typhoon Yolanda will be treated with toys and books courtesy of the donation of Jollibee Food Corporation, Inc. to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD-Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Operations Office (DRROO) Director Resty Macuto received recently

the donation of 10 boxes of assorted toys and books from Isabel Rondares of Stratworks, Inc., Jollibee‘s partnercompany for the ‗MaAga ang Pasko‘ project.

DSWD has been one of the recipients of the Jollibee‘s ‗MaAga ang Pasko‘ project, a toy and book collection drive for poor and less fortunate children |TOP| DILG allocates P578-M for potable water supply projects for 2014 Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph MANILA, Philippines The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allocated P578 million for various potable water supply projects under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig (SalinTubig) program for 2014.

SalinTubig provides potable water to poor communities with no or limited access to safe, drinking water as part of the government‘s effort to achieve Goal No. 7, specifically Target 7C of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Target 7.C aims to halve by 2015 the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas said that a total of 54 municipalities have been identified by the DILG and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) as recipients of SalinTubig for 2014.

The program, he explained, is part of government efforts to save families and communities from health risks posed by water-borne diseases. ―Bahagi ito ng programa nating iligtas ang mga pamilya at komunidad sa panganib na dala ng sakit mula sa maruming tubig,‖ Roxas said.

According to Roxas, 64% of these municipalities still do not have a water district and the beneficiaries belong to the poorest of the poor with no access to potable water and with high incidence of water borne-diseases.

Through SalinTubig, the DILG chief hopes to provide potable water supply to more communities in the municipalities identified as project beneficiaries. ―Sa pagsisimula ng taon, inaasahan na magkakaroon ng pagkukunan ng sagana at ligtas na tubig ang mas marami nating kababayan sa malalayong lugar,‖ Roxas said of the project. ―This also partially fulfills our international commitment to reduce the number of Filipinos with no access to potable water supply,‖ he added.

Last year, under the SalinTubig program, some P659 million were allocated by the DILG for water projects that benefitted a total of 64 municipalities. For 2012, P770 million were spent for 80 municipalities.

The project beneficiaries were identified based on three criteria namely.

High poverty incidence per town; Access to potable water is less than 50 per cent of population; High incidence of water-borne diseases.

Through SalinTubig, the DILG will grant subsidy to eligible local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of potable water projects.

Level 1 and Level 2 projects will be implemented by the LGUs, while Level 3 potable water projects will be implemented in coordination with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Level 1 project refers to ―Point Source Supply‖ such as rain and river catchment; treatment facility, spring development, shallow waters as potential source.

Level 2 project, on the other hand, refers to Source Development such as communal wells, spring boxes, deep(er) wells, and construction of basic near-source distribution system i.e. Transmission pipes, communal tap distribution, and for water sourced from surface (river or spring) or ground (drilled).

Qualified LGUs must first pass a certification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and LWUA for aquifer stability and preservation. |TOP| DOST execs, workers vow to carry out 8 priorities for 2014-2016 Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph

With sunny yellow as the Department of Science and Technology‘s (DOST) unifying color on a mild gray Monday morning, the Department‘s workers, officials and executives pledged their commitment to intensify their individual and collective efforts to achieve the ―8 DOST Outcomes‖ on the so-called DOST Commitment Day held yesterday, February 3, 2014 at the DOST Complex in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Said outcomes involve the use of science and technology (S&T) interventions to enhance eight areas, namely agriculture, MSMEs, industry, IT-BPM, government service, healthcare, human resources, and weather and geologic hazards en route to national development for 2014 and beyond.

Clad in yellow shirts and clutching yellow balloons, officials and employees of DOST, its various agencies and advisory bodies, as well as representatives of its regional offices, gathered to pledge their commitment to the Department‘s eight identified outcomes, the first of this kind of event ever held at the Department. ―As traditional industries are transformed and new industries such as nanotechnology are created, we need to ensure that our country be at a position of advantage in the global economy. We have to find our niches in order to compete effectively in high-value added sectors mentioned in the eight major outcomes and reap the many economic benefits this can bring,‖ said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his opening message during the Commitment Day ceremony.

Montejo also reminded everyone to deal more effectively with issues concerning negative responses to science. ―Whether these feelings stem from false premises – for instance, the environment versus technological advance, or from a simple misunderstanding of the impact of scientific advance, we have to do a better job in reminding the general public about the virtues of science,‖ he remarked.

After his speech, DOST directors, employee association presidents, and Sec. Montejo himself formally signed the Declaration of Commitment on a larger than life-sized tarpaulin with the title ―Juan Direction: Our commitment to the 8 DOST Outcomes.‖ Called the ―Wall of Commitment‖, this was installed at the DOST Main Office Quadrangle. All DOST employees and workers are expected to affix their signatures on the tarpaulin to signify their commitment to work hand in hand for the realization of said eight major goals.

The commitment signing was followed by the highlight of the ceremony – the releasing of the yellow balloons on which personal wishes for the Department, the science community, and the country as a whole, were written. Sec. Montejo led the balloon release before the 3,000-strong warm bodies, a number significantly greater compared with ordinary Monday mornings when flag ceremonies are held at the main office.

Representatives from DOST regional offices as well as agencies located in Quezon City and Los Baños, Laguna boosted the group‘s number and upped the tempo for collective commitment as symbolized by affixing their signatures on the so-called ―Wall of Commitment‖ and releasing balloons with their written wishes.

Titled ―Juan Direction,‖ a phrase coined by the DOST community to refer to the concept of the Filipinos‘ single, harmonized journey to progress, the DOST Commitment Day coincided with the weekly 8:00 am flag ceremony for government employees and served as year-starter for the Department‘s activities and projects for 2014. |TOP| Philippines participates in Milan‟s International Home Show Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 04 February 2014- Three Philippine companies participated in HOMI, the international home show for buyers at the Fiera Milano which was held from January 19 to 22. The exhibit welcomed industry players who care about the forms of beauty, taste and style in personal and location-based items.

HOMI is the natural evolution of the famous MACEF international home fair which existed for the past 50 years. The concept of HOMI splits the house in ten ―dimensions‖ (satellites) which represent the visions of living: living habits, home wellness, personal care and fragrances, fashion and jewels, gift and events, garden and outdoor, kid style, home textiles, hobby and work, concept lab.

Philippine participants were Unijel International Trading Inc., G Designare and Alpaz Export Corp. Unijel and Alpaz manufacture fashion accessories and costume jewelries made from local materials such as shells, wood and natural fibers. G Designare manufactures bags of organic textiles aside from fashion accessories. |TOP| Fuel Wood Project To Be Established In ComVal Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) in Davao, Region 11 recently entered into a tri-partite agreement to establish a 50-hectare fuel wood project in Pantukan, Compostela Valley to provide livelihood opportunities to farmer beneficiaries (FBs) and to address concerns on wanton cutting of trees for fuel consumption.

The Fuel Wood Production and Livelihood Project in Agrarian Reform Areas calls for the development of 50 hectares of public lands for fuel wood purposes and other high value commercial crops within the agrarian reform community.

Target sites for development will be the stream and river banks and other public lands.

Under the project, the ARAIBO Agrarian Reform Multi-Purpose Cooperative, will be responsible for the establishment of a nursery where they will raise around 83,350 seedlings of various fuel wood tree species. These will be planted in a 50-hectare area. The cooperative will be paid P3.60 per seedling or around P300,000. To ensure the trees‘ survival, maintenance and protection activities such as weeding, cultivation and seedling replacement for the first two months shall be carried out by the members of the cooperative.

As project partner, DENR shall assist the provincial officers of DAR and DA in the identification of sites, survey and mapping, establishment of the nursery and in the if necessary, on maintenance activities. The DA on the other hand will provide additional seedlings of high-value crops to be given to the ARBs. |TOP| Phl Ambassador makes Farewell call on French Prime Minister Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 04 February 2014 - Ambassador Cristina G. Ortega ends her tour of duty as Philippine Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to France and Monaco on January 31, 2014.

To cap a highly successful tour of two years and four months in France, the Ambassador called on French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on January 30 to bid farewell. She was warmly received by Madame Brigitte Ayrault, wife of the Prime Minister, at the Hôtel Matignon, the official residence and offices of the French head of government.

There was occasion to discuss the many positive developments in Philippines-France bilateral relations during the cordial and substantive meeting. The Ambassador recalled the historic visit of the Prime Minister to the Philippines in October 2012, the first of its kind since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1947. She also noted the renewed interest to strengthen economic exchanges between the two countries as evidenced by the dispatch of business and investment missions. Ministerial- level visits, such as those made by Philippine Foreign Affairs, Finance and Trade and Industry Secretaries, have been undertaken to show that both sides are ready to take the bilateral engagement further.

On the cultural side, Prime Minister Ayrault also expressed great interest in the ―Philippines: Archipelago of Exchanges‖ exhibition held for three months at the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris in 2013. The exhibition, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister himself and Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay, allowed the French and international public to appreciate Philippine culture and history.

Recalling the devastation caused by natural calamities in the Philippines late last year, the Prime Minister voiced the French people‘s solidarity with the victims. Ambassador Ortega, in turn, expressed appreciation for the actions taken by the French government, companies, non-governmental organizations and individuals who extended assistance.

Madame Brigitte Ayrault, who also visited the Philippines in 2012 with the Prime Minister, even spearheaded an initiative that involved the French Red Cross and the national museums to collect donations for typhoon victims.

The Prime Minister also remarked on the very promising future for the Philippines, noting that the country still managed to achieve rapid economic growth despite the calamities.

At the end of the farewell call, Prime Minister Ayrault wished Ambassador Ortega more success even as she departs from Paris and retires from the Philippine Foreign Service. |TOP| SSS opens “Agaton” calamity relief package Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph The Social Security System (SSS) has announced a new Calamity Relief Package that offers preferential terms for salary and house repair loans and the advance release of three-month pensions for members and pensioners affected by Tropical Depression ―Agaton.‖ SSS Vice President May Catherine Ciriaco, Officer-in-Charge of Lending and Asset Management, said all areas declared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) under a state of calamity due to the effects of ―Agaton‖ shall be covered by the assistance package. ―SSS decided to open the availment of our various programs offering relief given the considerable damage to lives and property caused by 'Agaton' in southern Philippines,‖ Ciriaco said. ―The SSS relief package will provide immediate access to funds needed for food, health care and other necessities, while members with damaged homes can have them repaired at affordable loan terms.‖

Declared calamity areas due to ―Agaton‖ include Lanao del Norte and Agusan del Norte provinces and Iligan, Butuan, Bislig and Tagum cities. Municipalities left in a state of calamity were Kapalong, Carmen, Asuncion and New Corella in Davao del Norte; Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental; Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Bunawan, San Francisco, Esperanza, Veruela, Trento, Rosario and Loreto in Agusan del Sur; and Lianga, Tago and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur. Pensioners residing in declared calamity areas may file their application for the three-month advance pensions at any SSS branch on or before April 30, 2014. Partial disability pensioners may apply for advance pension for the remaining months of their benefit, but not to exceed the three-month period.

Ciriaco said pensioners shall submit an accomplished application form duly certified by the Barangay Chairman, or attach to the form a certification of their residence in a declared calamity area from the Barangay Chairman, Department of Social Welfare and Development or NDRRMC. ―If the pensioner's given address, which should be within an area declared in a state of calamity by NDRRMC, is the same as that in our database, the application for advance pension shall be accepted even without any of the required certification,‖ she explained.

Existing borrowers in the declared calamity areas will benefit from the Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), which enables them to renew their salary loans ahead of the allowed schedule under the regular loan guidelines. The SSS will also waive the one-percent service fee charged on salary loan applications, both for new and renewed loans, to further help the affected members.

Ciriaco added that affected members can also avail themselves of the waived processing fee and reduced six percent annual interest rate of the Direct House Repair and Improvement Loans of up to P1 million. In its Situation Report dated January 28, the NDRMMC noted that nearly 2,900 houses were either partially or totally damaged by ―Agaton.‖ ―The deadline of salary loan and SLERP availments under the relief package for 'Agaton' is on April 30, 2014. Eligible borrowers for our special house repair loans have one year from issuance of the corresponding SSS Circular to prepare the requirements and file their applications,‖ she said.x Application forms are available at SSS branches or may be downloaded from the SSS Website. For queries, members and pensioners can contact the SSS Call Center at 920-6446 to 55, or send an email to member_relations@sss.gov.ph. |TOP| Alcala urge farmers to produce other coco products Source: http://www.da.gov.ph The Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), urged Filipino coconut farmers to join the government in resolving and recommending steps for the utilization of the coconut levy fund, during the 2nd National Coconut Farmers‘ Conference held in Quezon City on January 29, 2014.

In his welcome address Secretary Proceso J. Alcala reiterated the agreement made during the 2012 conference and stressed that the coco farmers, then, agreed to maintain the coconut levy as a trust fund and spend only the fund‘s interest earnings.

To effectively use the earnings, Alcala challenged the coco growers to appropriate the fund for projects aimed at developing the coconut industry and raise the income of the small coconut farmers Alcala also encouraged the coco farmers to try non-conventional livelihood. ―Aside from copra and crude coconut oil processing, you may want to try other value-adding processes under the Bukod-Kopra and FRESCO programs which produce virgin coconut oil and coconut skimmed milk,‖ the Agri Chief announced.

Bukod-Kopra is a strategy that uses other resources in the coconut farms while FRESCO is a non-copra industry which uses fresh mature coconut as raw material for interlinked processes that produce a variety of by-products.

The Secretary challenged the coco farmers to create programs and form groups that will oversee the establishment of village level coconut processing plants as part of the planned agro-industrial hubs.

He also asked them to help identify strategic areas where farmers‘ associations can partner with local government units and non-government organizations in the construction and operation of processing plants as well as marketing of coco products. ―Even as coconut oil remains to be one of the country‘s major export commodities we need to deviate from it and produce high value products. This is the change that our hubs want to initiate,‖ Alcala said.

The 2nd National Coconut Farmers‘ Conference was organized by the Coconut Industry Reform COIR Movement led

by Ka Oscar Santos, in collaboration with the PCA and the Project Management Office for the Coconut Integrated

Development Roadmap led by Ed dela Torre.

The coco farmers‘ conference served as a venue for consultations on the collaboration between coconut farmer groups from thirty three provinces all over the country, the DA-PCA and the Project Management Office in crafting measures to uplift the livelihood of coconut farmers and promote the local coconut industry. |TOP| New Chairman for Board of Optometry formally assumes post Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph Manila, February 4, 2014 – Dr. Maria Elizabeth B. Valconcha, who was recently appointed as member of the Board of Optometry, formally took her oath as Chairman of the Board of Optometry before the Professional Regulation Commission on February 3 at the PRC Conference Room in Manila.

The oath of the new Chairman of the Board of Optometry was administered by PRC Commissioner Jennifer JardinManalili and witnessed by members of the Board of Optometry.

Dr. Elizabeth Valconcha, earned her degree in Doctor of Optometry at the Centro Escolar University and ranked sixth place in the Optometrist Licensure Exam on March 1980. Dr. Valconcha served as National President of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO) from 2009-2011.

The Professional Regulatory Board of Optometry is composed of Dr. Valconcha as chairman and members Dr. Teresita R. Yambot, Dr. Mary Rose S. Paredes, and Dr. Vivian S. Sarabia. |TOP| Honest porter gets scholarship from TESDA Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph His good deed has made him reap accolades and rewards, the latest of which were scholarships for technicalvocational training.

On February 4, Jony Villon received scholarship vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in a special ceremony that feted him for returning $4,800 (around P218,000) to its rightful owner.

The 41-year-old Villon, a porter working at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), found the money left on a baggage pushcart last week, and immediately returned it to the owner.

"The money could have brought him material things, but not peace of mind," said Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general.

"Jony Villon showed us that no matter what problems we face in life, we should not resort to dishonesty. He should inspire all of us," he said.

With the scholarship vouchers, Villanueva said that Villion and several members of his family could avail of TESDA's free training in any program of their choice under the agency‘s Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP).

TESDA and its network of public and private institutions offer various courses that Villon could enrol in to learn new skills that would provide him other opportunities to earn additional income, Villanueva added.

"The rewards of quality education are life changing. It could unlock fresh opportunities for employment that could help improve lives of families," he said.

Villon's good deed also helped paint a positive image of porters and pushcart retrievers, Villanueva said.

"We often see them as people in the airports hounding passengers for tips. Jony Villon proved that they are a lot better than that," he said.

According to reports, Villon found the money in an envelope left by Jovy Escarpio in a baggage pushcart. Escarpio, who came home from Europe, was asked by a fellow worker to hand the money to his wife, Cristina Alcaraz.

Escarpio was quoted as saying that he took out the envelope from his bag and placed it in the pushcart, and forgot about it.

Villon has received financial help from people who were touched by his honesty. |TOP| VP Binay hopes revocation of VISa-free access not extended to OFWs

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Sunday expressed hope that Hong Kong‘s declaration that it will remove visa-free access for dignitaries and government officials from the Philippines will not eventually extend to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

"I hope not. That would be saddening, I tell you," Binay told reporters in Dipolog City.

The Vice President also said that he will reiterate his appeal to the Hong Kong government to reconsider their decision.

He added, however, that he lamented the fact that the decision was made in light of the Philippine government‘s refusal to apologize for the Manila hostage crisis which killed eight Hong Kong tourists in 2010. Seven others were wounded.

Binay made his first appeal to Hong Kong authorities a week ago upon receiving news of the declaration that starting February 5, Filipino officials and diplomats will no longer be able to enter Hongkong without visa.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying had announced the "first phase of sanctions" against the Philippines, saying that the government would consider more in efforts to secure an apology from the Philippine government. ―It will definitely hurt our OFWs financially because they will need to pay for the visa. The payment will be deducted from the money they should be sending their families,‖ Binay said then.

The Vice President also hoped for an amicable settlement of the ongoing dispute. |TOP|

Last Updated:

04 FEBRUARY 2014

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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 04). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the courtesy call of the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 04). Also in photo are PMAC president Nida Blankas-Hernaez, MD and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago, headed by its president Nida Blankas-Hernaez, MD, for a group photo souvenir during the group’s courtesy call at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 04). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial turnover of 66,813 Accomplished Classrooms at the Carmona National High School in A.B. Rosario Street, Barangay 8, Carmona, Cavite on Monday (February 03). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a replica of a school building from CNHS students during the ceremonial turnover of 66,813 Accomplished Classrooms at the Carmona National High School (CNHS) in A.B. Rosario Street, Barangay 8, Carmona, Cavite on Monday (February 03). Also in photo is Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

(Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a replica of a school building from CNHS students during the ceremonial turnover of 66,813 Accomplished Classrooms at the Carmona National High School (CNHS) in A.B. Rosario Street, Barangay 8, Carmona, Cavite on Monday (February 03). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the facilities of newly constructed school buildings during the ceremonial turnover of 66,813 Accomplished Classrooms at the Carmona National High School in A.B. Rosario Street, Barangay 8, Carmona, Cavite on Monday (February 03). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 114th anniversary celebration of the Manila Bulletin at its main office in Intramuros, Manila Sunday (February 2). In photo with the President are Gen. Proceso Almando, VP for Administration (L) and Dr. Emilio Yap III (R), President for Advertising. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacananag Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 114th anniversary celebration of the Manila Bulletin as Guest of Honor, at its main office in Intramuros, Manila Sunday (February 2).

In photo with the President are Manila Bulletin Chairman Emilio Yap and former president Fidel Ramos. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacananag Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 114th anniversary celebration of the Manila Bulletin as Guest of Honor at its main office in Intramuros, Manila Sunday (February 2).

(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacananag Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the full cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo are Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the full cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo are Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the full cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo are Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the full cabinet meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo are Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges token with Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal a replica of the Bangsamo Transition Commission Official Seal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace on Thursday(January 30). (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges token with Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo is Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal a replica of the Bangsamo Transition Commission Official Seal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday(January 30). Also in photo are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal a replica of the Bangsamo Transition Commission Official Seal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday(January 30). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the Transition Commission, headed by chairman Mohagher Iqbal, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr., Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Transition Commission chairman Mohagher Iqbal during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Abdul Ghafar Tenku Mohamed during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (January 30). Also in photo is Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

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