Dispatch for november 18 , 2013 ( monday ) , 3 pia calabarzon prs , 19 weather watch,

Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for November 18 , 2013 ( Monday ) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 19 Weather Watch, 1 Reg’l. Watch , OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 23 Online News , 14 Photonews

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued At:

5:00 a.m., 18 November 2013

Valid Beginning:

5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 November 2013

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 18 November 2013

Satellite Image for 5:30 a.m., 18 November 2013

Synopsis: Tail-end of a cold front affecting Northern Luzon.

Forecast: Cagayan Valley and the Province of Aurora will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. The Regions of Cordillera and Ilocos will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with 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 Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.

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

1. Weather Watch 44 minutes ago near Quezon City DZRH: Dadaong na sa Tacloban City anumang oras mula ngayon ang BRP Dagupan. Sakay ng naturang barko ang engineering brigade ng Marine at Navy na gagawa naman ng isang multi-purpose hall para may

matulugan ang mga nasalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Bukod dito ay dala rin ng barko ang mga relief goods para sa mga nasalanta.

2. Weather Watch 54 minutes ago PAGASA: Thunderstorm is more likely to develop over Metro Manila within the next 12 hours. All are advised to monitor for updates

3. Weather Watch about an hour ago near Quezon City The site that lists all foreign aid to the Philippines is now online. Check it out! http://www.gov.ph/faith/

Foreign Aid Transparency Hub www.gov.ph Foreign Aid Transparency Hub

4. Weather Watch

5. Weather Watch 2 hours ago [Photo] Pres. Aquino leads distribution of food packs to Guiuan, Samar residents - Read more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/13-13-regional/25349-pnoy-distribution-food-packs-guiuan-samar #YolandaPH #reliefPH [02]

6. Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac on GMA: -Diyan po sa Region 8, stable na po ang situation. Established na po ang peace and order.

-Sa port ng Matnog sa Sorsogon, nakikiusap po kami sa mga pupunta roon na makipag-ugnayan upang tiyak na mabibigyan gn security ang lahat ng relief caravan.

-Coordination lang po ang aming hinihingi upang maihatid sila ng ligtas papunta sa Tacloban at iba pang affected areas.

-Mas maayos na po at mas mabilis ang relief distribution ngayon.

-Sa ating mga kapulisan, all accounted na po. Hindi pa kami nag-de-declare ng casualties. Sa ngayon mga nasa 30 pulis ang nawawala.

AFP-PAO chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on GMA: -May 2 sundalo po tayong namatay at ilan pa ang sugatan. Nasa mahigit 1,000 mga sundalo na nakatalaga sa Visayas, affected po talaga noong bagyo kaya medyo nahirapan tayo.

-Ang mission ng AFP ngayon is humanitarian assistance. However, hindi natin kinakalimutan ang ating mandate na security operations.

-Nagdagdag tayo ng ating mga kasundaluhan sa areas na sinalanta ng bagyo.

7. Weather Watch 3 hours ago near Quezon City PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma on ABS-CBN: -Wala pang definite (itatagal ni PNoy sa Tacloban) pero tinitiyak ng Pangulo na tututkan talaga niya ng husto ang relief ops.

-Malaking bagay ang presensya ng Pangulo para maitaas ang morale ng ating mga kababayan.

-Wala namang pagdaramdam at tinatanggap ng pamahalaan ang mga puna at panukala sa pagpapahusay ng sistema.

-Paninisi sa LGUs: Ang Pangulo ay nagpahayag lang ang pagtawag pansin sa lokal na pamahalaan. Nakafocus ang Pangulo sa trabahong dapat gawin at tinatawagan niya ng pansin (ang lokal na pamahalaan) para bumilis at humusay ang pagkilos.

-Malaking tulong rin na na-project tayo sa global headlines. Balanse rin naman dahil may napukaw ang damdamin at may tumutuligsa pero tinatanggap naman po natin basta constructive criticism.

-Mayroong mga air drop (ng relief goods) lalo sa ilang lugar sa Samar. Pero yung tulong ng ating mga kaibigan sa ibang bansa ay malaking tulong sa pagpapabilis ng daloy ng relief goods.

-Sa araw an ito ay maglulunsad ang ating pamahalaan ng Financial Aid Information Transparency Hub o FAITH para mapanatili ang pagtitiwala ng mga tumutulong sa atin na magiging maayos ang paggamit ng pondo. Ito ang tutugon sa lahat ng katanungan at magbibigay ng impormasyon sa mga pondong natanggap natin.

-Habang nag-uusap tayo at inilalatag na ng pamahalaan natin ang relokasyon at rehabilitasyon. Inihahanda na po ang possible relocation sites.

-Tinitingnan naman po natin kung ano ang mga aral na mapupulot dito ng ating pamahalaan para sa susunod.

-Pagsusuot ni PNoy ng dilaw: Wala naman pong politika, pagbigyan na po natin. Siguro po ay iyon ay personal iyan rather than a political statement.

8. Weather Watch 4 hours ago PIA-NCR: Ipinatutupad na ngayon ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ang "Food for Work" sa mga biktima ng nasalantang lugar ni bagyong Yolanda.

9. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City DOE Sec. Jericho Petilla on DZMM: Re: Gasoline prices, supply -‘Yung P250 na discounted at P300 na full price ‘yang bentahan na iyan ay bote-bote ‘yan.

-Nangyayari ito kapag ang mga gas station natin ay sarado.

-Maraming pump station na nasira at ‘yung mga naayos naman ay contaminated ang kanilang pump station.

-Ang supply ng gasoline at krudo sa lahat ng areas na tinamaan ng bagyo, enough po. Ang problema natin ay ‘yung dispensing natin.

-Ang mahaba talagang pila ay ang mga water can.

-Ang ginagawa natin dito kasi may suspetsa ko dito ibebenta ng tingi-tingi. Hindi ko naman sila mapigilan kasi ang dami nila. Ang sabi ko sige kung water can ang dala mo o galon-galon ay hanggang P500 ka lang.

-Hindi ka naman makabenta ng tingi-tingi malapit sa gas station.

-I have to admit na may mga areas tayo na ang gas station natin doon na hindi pa nagbubukas kasi may sira.

-Ang titignan namin isang area dito sa Leyte ay lalagyan namin ng mobile na gas station na pag-aari ng oil company.

-We’re trying to make sure na walang areas na maghihirap silang kumuha ng krudo o gasoline.

-Normal price po iyan (gasolina), ‘yun ang sinisiguro natin na walang magte-take advantage dito.

Re: Electricity -Tina-target po namin ay December 24 magkaka-ilaw ang Visayas.

-Pagdating sa households depende po kung ang bahay ninyo ay pwede ng kabitan (ng kuryente).

10. Weather Watch Philippines's photo.

5 hours ago Mga hakbang sa paggawa ng ligtas na inuming tubig, ayon sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan: #YolandaPH Basahin sa govph: http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/paano-gumawa-ng-ligtas-na-inuming-tubig/

11. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino on GMA: -May mga tauhan po tayo sa Basey, Westeen Samar gayundin sa Hernani at Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Meron din po tayo sa Palo at dito sa Tacloban sa Leyte.

-Sa ngayon po, ang MMDA ang in-charge sa clearing dito sa Tacloban City.

-Tuloy-tuloy po ang pakikipag-ugnayan natin sa LGUs sa Metro Manila para sa ating adopt-a-town program.

12. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City DILG Sec. Mar Roxas on DZIQ: -Kahapon tinignan ng Pangulo kung paano pumapasok ang mga relief dito sa Tacloban.

-May 4 na sirang dump truck na nakita ang Pangulo, pinahanap niya ang may-ari at hingan ng pahintulot na maipaayos para magamit ng DPWH. -Sa Matnog, Sorsogon, nakapila nga doon ang mga truck na may dalang relief, kaya pinadagdagan ng Pangulo ang mga barge na tumatawid doon.

-Ang mga truck ng DPWH, MMDA, Metro Mayors na ipinadala dito ang ginagamit sa clearing operations.

-Yung food for work program ay inumpisahan na ng DSWD. -Ang mga balita ay sa Tacloban lang nagsisimula pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi natututukan ang iba pang nasalantang lugar.

-May 23 helicopters ang US na nag-e-air drop sa iba pang affected areas.

-Maingat na yung truck na ginagamit sa debris ay hindi magagamit sa relief goods.

-Mga 480,000 food packs na ang naipamahagi.

13. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman on DZMM: -Ngayong araw, may 4 na chopper ng US na atin pong gagamitin, so papadalhan po natin sila (Marikani, Guiuan sa Eastern Samar) ng relief goods.

-Dalawa hanggang tatlong araw (tatagal ang binibigay na relief goods).

-Siguro pagkatapos ng linggong ito mas marami-raming halaga (ibibigay na relief) gaya ng ginawa namin sa Bohol na bahagi na rin ng early recovery kaya may food for work at cash for work na kasama ang programang iyan, katuwang ang mga LGU. -Ang marami pong umaalis ay dinadala nila ang mga bata at matatanda sa kanilang mga kamag-anakan para mabigyan ng amenities kasi wala pa ring ilaw at tubig doon.

-Sa ngayon po sa aming monitoring sa lahat naman po na dumadating (Metro Manila) ay may napupuntahan.

-‗Yung ready for distribution (relief mula sa ibang bansa) ay dini-distribute na po.

-Mayroon po kasing nagbibigay ng karton-karton na canned goods at sako-sakong bigas kaya ‗yun po ang nire-repack.

-Sa ngayon hindi ko pa namo-monitor na mayroon pong dumating na Indonesian goods.

-‗Yun pong naglalagay ng mga ganyang kwento (pagre-repack ng Indonesian goods) na hindi naman beripikado sana po ay tigilan na nila. Papaimbestigahan ko po iyan.

-Sa ganitong panahon ang kailangan po sana ay ang pag-iisip na magkaisa at magtulungan hindi po magsiraan.

-Sa lahat po ng bumabatikos, ang akin pong pakiusap ay samahan ninyo ang inyong pagbatikos ng mungkahi kung paano pa mapapaayos kasi hindi po makakatulong iyan sa mga taong kumikilos.

-Ang DOH at kami ang nagtutulungan sa psycho-social.

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14. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City ABS-CBN: Ayon kay Sec. Ricky Carandang, bukas ang plano ng gobyerno na simulan ang pagbubukas ng mga bangko sa mga lugar na napinsala ng bagyong Yolanda partikular sa Tacloban. Ito ay para masiguro na tuloy-tuloy ang credit system sa nasabing lugar para sa muling pagbangon ng ekonomiya roon. Partikular na tinukoy ang pagbubukas ng Landbank doon.

16. Weather Watch 4 hours ago near Quezon City GMA: Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagdagsa ng mga tao sa Tacloban Airport. Tatlong C130 ang dumating ngayong umaga. Papaalis na ang isa papuntang Cebu. Mas mahaba naman ang pila ng mga taong gustong pumunta sa Maynila.

18 Weather Watch 16 hours ago PIA/NDRRMC: TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva said, Cebu repacking hub has already downloaded 34,725 relief packs to affected areas and there are 103,500 relief packs still available in the center, half of it is ready for transport to Tacloban tomorrow morning.

19 . Weather Watch 21 hours ago DZMM: Nag-iikot na si Pangulong Noynoy Aquino sa Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Linggo ng umaga, dumating ang Pangulo kasama sina House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, PMS Sec. Julia Abad at PAGCOR Chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr. Sinalubong siya roon ng iba pang miyembro ng gabinete kabilang si DILG Sec. Mar Roxas saka dumalo sa isang press conference na pinangunahan ng mga lokal na opisyal.Unang idinetalye ni Guiuan Mayor Christopher Gonzales ang kanilang naging paghahanda sa Bagyong Yolanda.Sa kabila anya ng matinding pinsalang idinulot ng bagyo, agad na umayuda ang lokal na pamahalaan sa mga sinalanta. Pinuri naman ito ni PNoy, at sinabing umaasa siyang patuloy na makakatuwang ang mga lokal opisyal sa muling pagbangon ng Guiuan.Pagtiyak niya, nakatutok ang gobyerno sa kung paano maibabalik sa maayos na kondisyon ang mga residente sa lalong madaling panahon. Aniya, "May resources ang pamahalaan... Marami ang tumutulong sa atin."

Pinamamadali ni PNoy ang pagbabalik ng suplay ng kuryente sa bayan bagama't una nang tinayang aabutin ito ng dalawa hanggang tatlong buwan. Nais na rin niyang makapaglikha ng trabaho para sa mga apektadong kababayan.

Bago matapos ang press conference, ipinaalala ng Pangulo na: "'Yung pagdating ng natural disasters, dasal ho ang katapat niyan. Pero mahalaga na magawa natin ang lahat ng pwedeng gawin." Sa ngayon, nag-iikot pa si PNoy sa bayan. Nakatakda rin itong bumisita sa mga residenteng sinalanta para personal na mamahagi ng relief goods.

Weather Watch

November 18 , 2013 ( Monday )

as of 6:00-7:00 AM

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

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch November 15 PIA-4A/RIZAL: DOLE-4A Regional Director Zenaida Angara-Campita recently stated that eight Rizal municipalities are set to receive Bottom Up Budgeting support from DOLE 4A in contrast to 2013 where only Taytay and Cardona have been given funds to augment their local livelihood projects.

A. QUEZON

1. Quezon sets up bio-control lab to control coco scale insects BY: JOSELITO M. GIRON Thursday 14th of November 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 14 (PIA) --The provincial government of Quezon has established a bio-control laboratory at the office of the provincial agriculture (OPA) in barangay Talipan, Pagbilao town.

Provincial agriculturist Roberto Gajo, said the lab will breed ‗coccinelid‘ beetle, an insect species that will be utilized in fighting the ‗coco-scale‘ insects. ―The ‗coccinelid beetle‘ will be released in the infected barangays to stop affecting coconut trees and other fruit bearing trees like lanzones and mangosteen.‖ Quezon governor David Suarez instructed the OPA to devise necessary measure to control the infestation so as not to disrupt the ‗Serbisyong Suarez sa Agrikultura‘ program.

Earlier, the OPA held training of trainers on coco-scale insect attended by designated trainers from the 39 municipal agriculture offices in the province.

Gajo hopes that through these efforts, the coco-scale insect infestation may no longer pose a threat to coconut trees and other fruit bearing trees in the province.

The most affected towns of coco-scale insect infestation are the towns of Mauban, Sampaloc, Lucban and Tayabas City. (PIA-Quezon)

B. CAVITE

CSC bestows Level II-accreditation to Cavite prov’l gov’t, LGUs and GOCCs Thursday 14th of November 2013

Trece Martires City, Cavite, Nov. 14 (PIA) – The Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a certificate of revalidation- Level II-Accredited Status to the provincial government, nine Local Government Units (LGUs) and four Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) for excellence in human resource management program.

The certificate of revalidation was granted to the province for passing the Level II Revalidation Assessment conducted by CSC Regional Office No. 4 in May 2012 and continued to be compliant in the requirements for Level II-Accredited Status in the reassessment held February 2013.

Aside from the provincial government, the recipients are the towns of Alfonso, Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, Indang, Magallanes, Mendez, Naic, Noveleta, and Cavite City while the GOCCs are the General E. Aguinaldo Water District, Silang Water District, Tagaytay City Water District and Trece Martires City Water District.

The Level II-Accredited Status is subject to terms and conditions set by the CSC‘s Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) that aims to inculcate meritocracy and excellence in the public service human resource management through a program of reward.

CSC Cavite field office director II Charity F. Arevalo, explained through powerpoint presentation the requirements for level II accreditation during the program held Nov. 12 at the ceremonial hall of the provincial capitol. (Ruel Francisco, PIACavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA

1. ATI prepares farmers as organic agriculture champions

BY: CARLO P. GONZAGA Thursday 14th of November 2013

LOS BANOS, Laguna, Nov. 14 (PIA) --The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is readying the organic farmers as their partner in promoting organic agriculture (OA) in the region.

In the recent seminar on communication advocacies for organic agriculture champions held Nov. 7-9, 2013 at Mountain Lake Ecoresort, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, four organic agriculture practicing farmers from Calabarzon region participated in the activity.

The organic farmers were: Lucio Gurango from Infanta, Quezon; Enrique Magpantay from Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas; Brian Belen from San Pablo City, Laguna; and Jaime Javier from Baras, Rizal. Along with participants from Region IV B and III, the Calabarzon delegation share their insights and commitment to the promotion of OA.

ATI Region 12 organized the activity.

Earlier, the first batch of the OA champion farmers and advocates from the Northern Mindanao group comprising Regions 9, 10 and Caraga attended the same activity last Oct. 8-10, 2013 at Costales Nature Farms, barangay Gagalot in Majayjay town.

Farmers, agricultural extension workers and local executives from the three regions listened to the best farm practices of 2012 Gawad Saka Awardee for Organic Agriculture, Ronald Costales. The discussion was supplemented with a farm tour and hands-on activities in his farm and a series of workshops on how to advocate OA and their commitments to OA practices.

Two more batches are scheduled this November for Visayas group and the rest of Mindanao. (CPG, PIA4A with report from Roland V. Maningas, ATI4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631384399634#sthash.7bTvOusg.dpuf

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

President Aquino calls on citizenry to help Yolanda typhoon victims to alleviate their suffering Palace appeals for vigilance vs those repacking relief goods

President Aquino speeds up recovery and reconstruction efforts to restore normalcy in regions hardest-hit by super typhoon 'Yolanda'

17 NOVEMBER 2013.

Tacloban City, Leyte thanks Aquino Administration for helping them recover from devastation Department of Social Welfare and Development Starts its food work program in Tacloban City President Aquino declares November 2013 as ‘Civil Engineering Month’ President Aquino speeds up recovery and reconstruction efforts to restore normalcy in regions hardesthit by super typhoon 'Yolanda' Department of Labor and Employment sets up information assistance center in Paranaque City Palace assures sustained assistance for Yolanda Victims Palace says no major economic impact from super typhoon Yolanda Aquino government welcomes plan of international community to implement ‘Adopt-a-Community' program United Nation-initiated action plan to help Ph received $72-M in aid Yolanda-affected coops may seek help from ERC, NEA on power bills Palace welcomes CNN anchor's praise for characteristic strength of Filipinos Palace: System in place to identify 'Yolanda' fatalities Asian Development Bank official lauds Filipino nation for showing resilience following Yolanda's destruction Tacloban City, Leyte thanks Aquino Administration for helping them recover from devastation TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Provincial Governor Dominic Petilla expressed his profound gratitude to the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III for helping the province rebuild and rehabilitate after the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" last week. ―In behalf also of the people of the province of Leyte, pasalamat din kami sa inyo, sa ating mga national agencies—sa Pangulo, sa mga pangulo rin ng mga ibang bansa na so far nagpadala ng teams nila dito. It has started to normalize dito sa province,‖ Petilla said in a meeting with different government agencies on Sunday at the Leyte Sports complex. ―It‘s very easy now to start rebuilding, to start lahat ng mga operations na gagawin pa natin. And it may not be perfect, parang tulad ng naririnig natin sa ibang sources, na it may not be perfect pero ‗iyan ang nandiyan naaasahan, magtulungan tayo,‖ he said.

The provincial government of Leyte will always support the initiatives of the Aquino administration through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Petilla said.

Tacloban City, through its City Administrator lawyer John Tecson Lim said, the city administration, thanked the national

government as well for assisting Tacloban City recover from the devastation of typhoon Yolanda. ―The city government of Tacloban and the entire city and its people truly appreciate the great effort of the national government that has been given,‖ Lim said.

Although there are some commitments that the city administration may have not met, Lim said it would continue to coordinate with the national government. ―Follow the leadership of the national government, particularly ‗yung sa mga efforts na ginagawa ninyo. I would just like to take this opportunity also to say that we already are looking into the recovery process,‖ he said.

The city is looking to building a safer and stronger city with the help of experts and modern technology, according to Lim. City officials will have preliminary meetings with Architect Palafox next week hoping that Tacloban will get up from the devastation and prevent such large-scale destructions in the future, Lim said. PND (as) TOP Department of Social Welfare and Development Starts its food work program in Tacloban City (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The Department of Social Welfare and Development has already started its ―Food-for-Work‖ program in the City of Tacloban, which was one of the hard-hit areas by super typhoon "Yolanda" last week.

DSWD Secretary Corazon ―Dinky‖ Soliman issued the statement during a meeting with the concerned government agencies involved in the relief and recovery efforts in Tacloban. ―We‘ve also started the food-for-work in conjunction with the City of Tacloban, and that means we will be able to cleanup a significant portion of the astrodome, which is the biggest evacuation center so far,‖ she said.

Secretary Soliman said that her agency will continue to do the said program for the rest of the coming days. She said that they have already designated three hubs—Tacloban, Guiuan, and Ormoc—for the distribution of the relief goods.

She said that so far, the government has distributed a total of 430,435 food and rice packs, as well as water and high-energy biscuits, to the areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

The DSWD secretary said that in Tacloban alone, they have served a total of 114 out of 138 barangays in the city. ―We still have to serve 24, which we will do today,‖ she added.

In Leyte, Soliman said, the government has reached all 40 municipalities. ―And that means in Leyte, we have served all. And in Eastern Samar, we have served nine municipalities,‖ she said.

She pointed out that they have already started providing tents and tarpaulins for the evacuations centers. In addition to the tents, she said that the agency will also be bringing in other non-food items within the day. PND (co) TOP President Aquino declares November 2013 as ‘Civil Engineering Month’ President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared November 2013 as "Civil Engineering Month" to underscore the need to focus national attention on the importance of the civil engineering profession and highlight its role in nation building.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 680 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on November 5.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc. (PICE) is an organization composed of more than 74,000 registered civil engineer-members in 96 chapters and some 39,668 civil engineering student-members in 179 student chapters throughout the country.

President Aquino called on all civil engineers and students to give the observance of the ―Civil Engineering Month‖ their full support.

The history of civil engineering as a profession dates back to 1920 when the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) was founded by a group of civil engineers mostly in government. In 1937, a group of civil engineers from the private sector organized the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE).

Realizing that the two organizations shared the same objectives of raising the standards of the profession, encouraging research and engineering knowledge and technology, fostering fellowship among their members, and promoting interrelation with other technological and scientific societies, the PSCE and PACE merged in 1972 to form what is now known as the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers. PND (js) TOP President Aquino speeds up recovery and reconstruction efforts to restore normalcy in regions hardest-hit by super

typhoon 'Yolanda' The Aquino government is speeding up the recovery and reconstruction efforts to restore normalcy in regions hit by super typhoon "Yolanda" (internationally known as Haiyan) and maintains its conservative stance for the country's economy, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said on Sunday.

In an interview aired over government-run radio station DzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Coloma said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan projected that the country‘s economic performance would not be affected much with the destruction caused by Yolanda.

"Ayon po kay Secretary Arsenio Balisacan ng National Economic and Development Authority, hindi naman po inaasahang malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa ating GDP growth sa taong ito, sapagkat nasa buwan na po tayo ng Nobyembre at nakatapos na po tayo ng 10 sa 12 buwan ng isang taon," Coloma said.

"Yun naman pong populasyon ng Eastern Visayas region ay 4.5 percent po ng kabuuang populasyon ng bansa, at ang kanila pong kontribusyon sa ating gross domestic product ay 2.2 percent—‗yan po ang kanilang regional contribution. Kaya kung tatayahin po ay maaaring less than one percent ng GDP ang apektado," Coloma said.

The Economic Development Cluster of the Cabinet earlier formed an interagency task force to craft the action plan, focusing on the immediate and near-term actions needed to rebuild facilities, restore social services and revive economic activities in regions hit by Typhoon Yolanda.

"Gayunpaman ay tinututukan po ito nang husto, sapagkat maaaring ang pangmatagalang epekto nito ay mararamdaman sa darating na taon, kaya ito po ang tututukan ng ating pamahalaan," Coloma said. PND (js) TOP Department of Labor and Employment sets up information assistance center in Paranaque City The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set up information assistance center to answer queries from the public on the on-going relief and recovery efforts in the wake of the destruction wrought by super typhoon Yolanda, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said on Sunday.

In an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Coloma said President Benigno S. Aquino III directed Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz to set-up a 24/7 information assistance center (IAC) to accept calls from the public regarding the on-going relief and recovery efforts.

"Para sa lahat po ng mga gustong mag-volunteer at magbigay ng donasyon, nag-set up na po sina Secretary Baldoz ng 24/7 Information Assistance Center (IAC) on donations and volunteers," Coloma said.

The IAC is located at the Fourth Floor of Cargohaus in Brgy. Vitalez, NAIA Complex, Paranaque City, Coloma said.

"At simula po ‗nung makalawa ay nagsimula na silang tumanggap ng mga inquiries para maging maayos ang pagdaloy ng mga donasyon at ang partisipasyon ng mga volunteer na nais tumulong sa kasalukuyang relief operations," Coloma said.

The information assistance is a call center with telephone number 459-2131, Coloma said.

"At doon naman po sa DOLE call center hotline: 527-8000. At muli po, nananawagan po tayo sa ating mga kababayan para po sa pagkakaisa ng lahat at pag-aambag. Kung meron po tayong maitutulong, ito po ay most welcome ng ating pamahalaan," the Communication Secretary said.

"Katulad po ng sinabi ng ating Pangulo, ang pangunahing inaasahan sa pagbangon at pagsasaayos ay ang mga local governments at handa naman pong tumulong ang ating pambansang pamahalaan. At nananalig po tayo na dahil sa pagkilos ng lahat ng mga mamamayan at pagmamalasakit sa ating mga kababayan, mapapabilis po ang pagbangon at pagbabagongtatag ng mga apektadong kabuhayan," he said. PND (js) TOP Palace assures sustained assistance for Yolanda Victims Malacanang on Sunday reassured victims of super typhoon "Yolanda" the government will sustain its assistance to them.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said this was the order of no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III. "Tinitiyak po ng ating Pangulo at ng ating pamahalaan na magiging sustained... tuloy-tuloy po ang paghahatid sa kanila ng pagkain at kagyat na pagtulong hanggang makabangon po sila at mag-umpisa nang makabalik sa normal nilang mga buhay (The President and our government assure sustained assistance to those affected by Yolanda.

We will continue to deliver food and relief items to help them recover)," Coloma said over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He said Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson reported the Greater Leyte Water District has resumed service and is supplying water to Leyte, including Tacloban.

He also said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has deployed engineers and workers to clear affected areas of trash and debris.

Coloma added local governments in Metro Manila had adopted many of the affected towns.

For its part, the Bureau of Immigration has loosened visa and work permit requirements for volunteers from abroad who want to help in relief efforts.

Meanwhile, the Communications Secretary lauded relief workers for their sacrifices, saying they serve as an inspiration to others.

"Ang kanilang kasipagan at pagmamalasakit ay nagsisilbing huwaran at ispirasyon sa ating mga kababayang nagkakaisa sa pagpupunyagi at pananalangin hinggil sa pagbangon at pagbabagong-tatag ng mga nasalantang pamayanan (Their hard work is an example and inspiration to others as the victims recover)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Palace says no major economic impact from super typhoon Yolanda Malacanang on Sunday said the destruction brought by super typhoon Yolanda should not cause any major impact on the economy.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said socioeconomic planning secretary Arsenio Balisacan pointed out that the impact will not be that great on the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

"Ayon kay Secretary Balisacan, hindi naman po inaasahang malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa ating GDP growth sa taong ito, sapagkat nasa buwan na po tayo ng Nobyembre at nakatapos na po tayo ng 10 sa 12 buwan ng isang taon," he said on government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He noted the population of Eastern Visayas is 4.5 percent of the country's population, contributing 2.2 percent to the Gross Domestic Product.

However, the Communications Secretary stressed this does not mean the government can afford to neglect the region.

"Gayunpaman ay tinututukan po ito nang husto, sapagkat maaaring ang pangmatagalang epekto nito ay mararamdaman sa darating na taon, kaya ito po ang tututukan ng ating pamahalaan (We will still take care of the region because Yolanda's effects will be felt there for some time)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Aquino government welcomes plan of international community to implement ‘Adopt-a-Community' program The Aquino government welcomed the plan of the international community to implement 'Adopt-a-Community" program to restore normalcy in regions hit by super typhoon "Yolanda" (internationally known as Haiyan), Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said on Sunday.

"Welcome din po ang mga inisyatibang ‗yan, lalong-lalo na kung makikipag-ugnayan sa ating mga local government units (LGUs), sapagkat mahalaga po ‗yan doon sa maayos na pagsasagawa ng mga programang pang-kalinga, Coloma said in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The international community is eyeing an "Adopt-a-Community" scheme to help communities in Leyte, Samar and other areas to recover in the wake of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Yolanda.

Coloma encouraged the international community to coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) which is also eyeing to implement "Adopt-a-City/Town" program for typhoon-ravaged communities.

"Ang mga alkalde ng lahat ng 17 lungsod sa Metro Manila ay naglunsad ng programang "Adopt an LGU" na naglalayong tulungan at bigyang agapay ng bawat LGU ang mga bayang nasalanta bilang paghahanda sa rehabilitasyon at pagbabagong-tatag ng mga nasalantang pamayanan," the Communications Secretary said.

The project entails Metro Manila cities "adopting" two or more localities affected by Yolanda. Last November 14, the 17 local government officials of the Metro Manila identified which localities were most in need of "adoption."

"Maaari rin po ‗yang pangasiwaan ng ating Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, meron din po tayong League of Municipalities, League of Cities, at meron pang League of Vice Mayors," Coloma said.

"Masinsin naman po ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating mga lokal na ehekutibo at lokal na pamahalaan. Wala pong dahilan kung bakit hindi po mapapaigting ‗yan, lalong-lalo na sa kasalukuyang panahon ng kalamidad," he said. PND (js) TOP

United Nation-initiated action plan to help Ph received $72-M in aid TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) said its financial tracking services have so far received $72 million worth of projects under the Haiyan Action Plan for the rebuilding and reconstruction of typhoon-hit areas.

Following the massive devastation brought about by super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (international name Haiyan), the UN initiated a campaign of raising $301 million in aid package to help the Philippines deal with one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in the world.

UN OCHA estimates that 12.9 million people have been affected by the super typhoon in areas covering nine regions, namely Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga.

Yolanda has also displaced around 1.9 million people and damaged 285,993 houses, the UN agency said.

Matthew Cochrane, the spokesperson for the UN OCHA, noted the Philippine government is one of the most prepared countries in the Asian region in terms of coordinating relief and recovery efforts especially in the aftermath of Yolanda that destroyed most parts of the Visayas region last week. ―The government is a very important part for the United Nations, and as you know, it‘s one of the better prepared governments in the region and around the world,‖ Cochrane said in an interview Saturday.

Cochrane praised the Philippine government for the role it played during the typhoon response and in other disasters. The coordination has been good and strong and the sharing of information between the UN and local authorities is also very good, he said. ―Our role in the community in the international community is to support the government. This is the government‘s response.

We are not here to run the show. We are here to support the show,‖ he said. ―We will be here as long as our assistance is needed. It‘s very important that the international community has answered the call of the Philippine government. We have come to provide the support that we can and people don‘t need to worry,‖ he added.

It is coordinating with more than 20 international organizations helping in the relief and rehabilitation campaign.

Food, water, medical care and sanitation are the priorities of relief organizations, and UN organizations are helping to care for the sick and the injured and provide shelter.

Cochrane also underscored the need for the UN agencies to focus on education and communication. PND (as) TOP Yolanda-affected coops may seek help from ERC, NEA on power bills Electric cooperatives affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda may seek help from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and National Electrification Administration (NEA), Malacanang said Sunday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said the ERC can authorize added capital expenditures for electric cooperatives.

"Maaari rin pong mabigyan ng pautang ng National Electrification Administration ang mga hihiling na electric power cooperatives sa mas mababang interes at mas mahabang panahon para maging magaan para sa mga mamamayan (They can also seek help from the NEA for lower interest rates and longer loan payment times. This should mean lower power rates for consumers)," he said on government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

But Coloma also clarified a planned rate increase by the Manila Electric Co. would not affect areas hit by Yolanda.

He said Eastern Visayas, one of the worst-hit areas, is not under Meralco's coverage area.

"Pero linawin lang po natin, ‗yun pong Meralco rate increase wala pong epekto sa Eastern Visayas, sa Zamboanga, at sa Bohol, at sa Cebu dahil hindi naman po sakop ng franchise area nila ang mga nasabing lugar (Let me clarify the Meralco rate hike has no effect on the Visayas or Mindanao because that is not in their franchise area)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Palace welcomes CNN anchor's praise for characteristic strength of Filipinos Malacanang on Sunday welcomed the tribute that CNN anchor Anderson Cooper paid to Filipinos affected by super typhoon "Yolanda."

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said it was indeed good that Cooper

thanked Filipinos for showing others how to live.

"Ikinalulugod po natin ang patuloy na pagpapahayag ng suporta ng iba‘t ibang mga indibidwal, grupo, at bansa dahil malaki po ang maitutulong nito sa pagpapaangat ng ating morale, ‗yun pong public morale, lalo po doon sa mga nandoon mismo sa calamity areas (We welcome the show if support from various parties. It lifts our public morale, particularly that of the people in calamity areas)," he said on government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He also echoed President Benigno Aquino III's call to media to help lift the morale of people especially at this time.

Coloma said Filipinos especially need something to perk up their spirits.

"Kailangan po natin ngayon ang katatagan ng kalooban para po mas maging mabilis ang pagbabagong-tatag ng ating mga nasalantang pamayanan (What we need is strength so we can continue helping affected areas)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Palace: System in place to identify 'Yolanda' fatalities Malacanang on Sunday assured the public a system is now in place to identify the fatalities left by super typhoon "Yolanda."

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr. said such a system was outlined by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

"Susundin ‗yung protocol hinggil diyan. At isa sa mga natalakay kahapon ‗yung, sa halip na naka-expose ang mga cadaver at saka ‗yung mga body bag sa tabi ng lansangan, pansamantala munang ilalagay ang mga ito sa mga mabababang libingan para ma-facilitate ang pag-a-identify ‗pag hahantong na po sa yugtong ‗yon (We will follow the protocol for identifying the dead. But we may temporarily bury the remains in a shallow grave instead of leaving them on the street)," he said on government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

He also said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin took up other measures to address the matter.

Citing information from the Department of Health, he said there has been progress on the issue.

Yolanda left more than 3,000 dead after it ravaged Visayas and Southern Luzon.

"Nakapaglibing na po ng maraming nasawi dahil sa kalamidad. Nasa ayos naman po ang kalagayan ng mga body bags na inihahanda sa mga appropriate burial sites. Kaya sa ngayon po ay naisaayos na ang programa ng pagpapalibing sa mga nasawi (Many have buried their dead and body bags have been properly placed in appropriate burial sites. We are ironing out details for burying the dead)," he said. PND (jl) TOP Asian Development Bank official lauds Filipino nation for showing resilience following Yolanda's destruction An official of the Asian Development Bank lauded the Aquino government for its relief and rehabilitation efforts following the massive destruction brought by super typhoon "Yolanda" (internationally known as Haiyan).

In an interview aired over CNN, Rajat M. Nag, Managing Director General of the ADB, commended the government and the entire Filipino nation for showing incredible strength and resilience despite the massive devastation wrought by the world's worst typhoon to hit this year.

"Look, I live here and I know how it feels like from Atlanta, but they did the best they could. This is difficult. This is the worst storm ever and, from some reports, worst ever on the planet. And this is a country coping with it," Nag said.

"Warnings were given. Storm surge warnings were given. But, look, this is a very difficult part of the country—the poorest part of the country. But I would say, under the circumstances, the government did all they could. They are doing all they can," he said.

"I think the international community now really must give, rally behind the government, and support. There will be enough time later for post-mortems," he said.

Last Friday, the ADB expressed its commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III to provide $23 million in grants to the Philippines to address immediate needs for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

During the courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace's Music Room on Friday, ADB President Takehiko Nakao relayed the ADB's commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III. Nakao told the Chief Executive that the ADB stands ready to provide a $500 million emergency loan to help reconstruct communities devastated by Typhoon Yolanda, also known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) noted the Philippine government is one of

the most prepared countries in the Asian region in terms of coordinating relief and recovery efforts especially in the aftermath of Yolanda that destroyed most parts of the Visayas region last week.

Matthew Cochrane, the spokesperson for the UN OCHA, praised the Philippine government for the role it played during the typhoon response and in other disasters. The coordination has been good and strong and the sharing of information between the UN and local authorities is also very good, he said. PND (js) TOP

16 NOVEMBER 2013.

Palace calls for simple Christmas celebration in wake of Yolanda devastation Palace supports peace panel’s call for humanitarian ceasefire Government irons out relief delivery schedules, routes for Yolanda-affected areas Palace exec: Yolanda a reminder to international community to beef up disaster preparedness Palace reassures Tacloban folk of continued relief, services Government reaching more typhoon-ravaged towns to deliver assistance Establishing major supply routes necessary for quicker relief operations, says official Govt to volunteers: Self-containment necessary for smoother operation EU praises PH coordination efforts in Yolanda’s aftermath Palace calls for simple Christmas celebration in wake of Yolanda devastation

Malacañang on Saturday urged the public to keep this year‘s Christmas simple, in solidarity with those affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said some government agencies have decided to donate to Yolanda‘s victims the funds that would have been spent for a Christmas party. ―Sa atin, importante ang essence ng celebration sama-sama tayo kahit sa opisina o tabi-tabi sa mesa, happy na tayo (For us, what is important is the essence of the season, that we be together even inside our own offices),‖ she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Yolanda, one of the most powerful cyclones in recent history, battered Visayas and Southern Luzon earlier this month.

Some companies had canceled plans for a Christmas party this year, and instead will donate the funds to be spent for the party to aid Yolanda‘s victims.

Valte said government agencies have similarly responded to this in past years. ―Alam ko may mga ahensya nag-declare quietly and internally ido-donate na lamang nila ang kanilang pang-Christmas party sa mga nasalanta ng Yolanda. (I know there are some agencies that internally declared they would donate their Christmas party expenses to victims of Yolanda),‖ she said. PND (jl) TOP Palace supports peace panel’s call for humanitarian ceasefire Malacañang on Saturday backed the call of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process for a humanitarian ceasefire with communist rebels, for the sake of helping victims of super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace fully supports such a call to the communist New People‘s Army. ―Suportado natin ang panawagan ng OPAPP (We fully support the call of the OPAPP),‖ she said.

On Friday, the OPAPP called on the NPA to effect an indefinite ceasefire for the sake of Yolanda victims.

The OPAPP said the government ―needs all the help it can get,‖ even after the global community has responded generously. ―We call on all Filipinos to set aside the politics and ideologies that have divided us, and with arms linked kapit-bisig, together surmount this crisis,‖ it said.

It particularly urged the Communist Party of the Philippines to extend a humanitarian ceasefire ―indefinitely and nationwide,‖ and join the rest of the country in mobilizing resources to help those affected. ―Our armed forces and police have changed their mode of operations from armed resistance to unarmed resistance, rescue, relief and rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected areas. We invite our brothers and sisters in the New People‘s Army to do the same by participating in this national effort,‖ it said. PND (jl) TOP Government irons out relief delivery schedules, routes for Yolanda-affected areas Government teams involved in delivering relief items and services to Leyte communities affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) have drawn up schedules and routes to make sure residents there get the needed aid, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said some 80 personnels of the Department of Social Welfare and Development had been deployed to distribute food, with help from village officials. ―To make certain that all affected towns are provided relief goods everyday, the government teams on the ground established a delivery schedule that specifies which town should be reached for a particular round of relief operation,‖ she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Also, she said 14 hospitals are now operational throughout Leyte, including seven in Tacloban City.

So far, she said the remains of 392 people have been buried.

Valte said there are presently 20 local and national responder teams and 21 international humanitarian groups operating in affected areas.

An emergency humanitarian radio system called the First Response Radio (FRR) was set up to provide updated information on relief and other operations at 98.7 MHz. Meanwhile, Valte said the government is exploring alternate routes in Matnog, Sorsogon to deliver relief items to the affected areas. ―Meron nang ibang route, ine-explore natin. We‘re hoping they continue to work to decongest the bottleneck sa Matnog (There are some routes being explored. We‘re hoping they continue to work to decongest the bottleneck),‖ she said. PND (jl) TOP Palace exec: Yolanda a reminder to international community to beef up disaster preparedness The destruction brought by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) should be a reminder to the international community to beef up disaster preparedness, Malacañang said Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Yolanda has prompted other countries to pay attention to the importance of disaster risk reduction. ―Because of the super typhoon, other countries are paying attention on the importance of disaster risk reduction and mitigation should be,‖ she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

The Philippines had suffered extensive damage, particularly in the Visayas and Southern Luzon, after Yolanda battered the country earlier this month.

The extent of the destruction brought by Yolanda had prompted the international community to send aid to the Philippines. ―Patuloy ang pagdating ng pakikiramay sa atin ng ating kapitbahay at kalapit na bansa. Patuloy tayong nagpapasalamat for all the aid and assistance, pati volunteers (Sympathy from our neighbors continue to pour in and we are grateful for all the aid and assistance),‖ Valte said. PND (jl) TOP Palace reassures Tacloban folk of continued relief, services Malacañang on Saturday reassured residents of Tacloban City, one of the areas hit hardest by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan), of continued relief and other forms of assistance in the coming weeks.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said construction of bunkhouses for those displaced by Yolanda will start next week. ―Next week, sisimulan ang construction ng bunkhouses para sa ating evacuees (Next week we will start constructing bunkhouses for the evacuees). We are doing to do more and more as each day passes for them,‖ she said on state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

She also said there will be an assessment soon of the evacuees‘ needs.

Valte said the government wants to give them the option of returning to their homes or going somewhere else.

But for now, she said the important thing is to provide relief for those affected, along with trauma counseling and stress debriefing. ―At this time, they will continue to be assisted by the government,‖ she said. PND (jl) TOP Government reaching more typhoon-ravaged towns to deliver assistance (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The government reported that it is reaching more and more typhoon-affected communities to deliver relief goods after clearing the roads and as more relief items and trucks come in, according to one government official in charge with government disaster response.

In an interview here, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas said he relayed a report to the President last night noting that the government‘s Tacloban relief hub sent 1,930 sacks of rice, water and canned goods to 23 towns in Leyte.

Roxas clarified that those are not family food packs usually given by the DSWD but sacks of rice and canned goods coming from the government being distributed to municipalities. Local officials lead the distribution of goods to barangays, he said.

Also yesterday, choppers from the air force and the US military dropped 830 food packs to remote barangays.

In the government‘s Ormoc relief hub, Roxas said that out of 17 towns, the government delivered 11,165 food packs to15 municipalities. ―Ang summary, 38 ng 40 bayan ng Leyte ay nadalhan ng 45,162 food packs. Iyan ang equivalent; converted na lahat iyan into food packs,‖ he said.

The government was able to double the number of Leyte towns being reached by the relief assistance as more and more trucks arrive. ―Noong nagsimula tayo Thursday, tig-30 sacks of rice lang bawat bayan. Kahapon, 60 sacks of rice na,‖ Roxas said.

Workers work overnight to load relief goods and then deliver them early in the morning to different communities. Trucks

could now complete three round trips compared to last week‘s one and a half round trip, he said. ―Iyan ang idea dito na tinatayo natin ‗yung conveyer belt na araw-araw maaasahan nila ito nang sa ganoon ay humupa ang pangamba at alam nila na mararating na sila sa nakatakdang oras. May nakatakdang schedule,‖ he said.

For DSWD‘s operations in Tacloban, Roxas said barangays are organizing to get relief goods from the DSWD. He said out of 138 barangays, 102 barangays arrived at the DSWD center Friday to get assistance.

The DSWD strives to serve all the barangays in Tacloban, he said. PND (as) TOP Establishing major supply routes necessary for quicker relief operations, says official (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The government has been establishing the main supply routes going to Visayas to open the region to outside support following the devastation of typhoon Yolanda last week.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas said the idea is to create major routes through land, air, and sea so that relief goods, personnel, and equipment could come in and help in the ongoing relief and recovery efforts. ―Kailangan ma-establish iyan kasi lahat ng tulong na papasok dito ay manggagaling labas,‖ Roxas said.

In terms of devastation, Roxas said the challenge is not that much in Eastern Samar than in the Tacloban City area. Out of 24 towns, the focus is nine towns south of Borongan in Samar, he said.

Due to long travel time from Tacloban City going to those locations, Roxas said they organized the Guiuan relief hub, adding that the C-130 planes of the Air Force could now land directly there. C-130 planes could also land directly in Ormoc from Cebu or Manila, he reported.

The first two or three days is very important in establishing the main supply routes so that equipment such as trucks, payloaders, and other heavy equipment could reach the disaster areas, Roxas said.

With regards to debris clearing operations, Roxas said he got a report saying the Debris Task Force was able to clear six kilometers of road.

But he said there are still some congestion because the clearing operations concentrates in opening the main supply routes. ―By today, kung ibibiyahe 'yan meron ng two lanes na pwede na kahit malalaking six-by-six trucks magkaharap, medyo okay na. Ibig sabihin, mas mabilis ang pasok dito ng mga supply na dumarating sa airport. At talagang niluluwagan natin ang ating mga main supply routes para nga mas mabilis makapasok dito ang mga tulong,‖ he said.

Roxas also reported that there is congestion in the RO-RO system in Allen and Matnog ports since a lot of vehicles line up to use the barges.

Only four barges operate in those RO-RO ports and cannot accommodate hundreds of vehicles lining up, he said.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya has been looking for other operators so more barges could ferry more vehicles and goods, he said.

The government is also prioritizing vehicles loaded with relief goods and only allows a small number of private vehicles to use the RO-RO. ―Seventy-five percent doon sa relief; 25 doon sa mga pribado at kung may libreng lugar o maluwag pa, saka lang puwede silang magdagdag,‖ he said. PND (as) TOP Govt to volunteers: Self-containment necessary for smoother operation (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The government on Saturday appealed to all the volunteers to be ―self-contained‖ before going here to ensure the smooth and order flow of relief and recovery efforts to the areas affected by super typhoon "Yolanda."

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas made this appeal days after Yolanda devastated parts of Visayas and southern Luzon. ―I think, sa lahat ng mga sumusubaybay dito, alam naman po nila talaga na walang imprastraktura dito,‖ he told members of the media.

―In fact, isa sa mga task force para sa siyudad na ginagawa natin ay ang mag-canvass --- ilang kuwarto rito, ilang kuwarto doon; saan ba may poso..., nang sa ganoon itong mga doktor, itong mga international relief ay may patutunguhan,‖ he added.

Secretary Roxas said that the government is thankful for all the assistance it is getting from various groups.

He emphasized, however, that it is important that the volunteers who are planning to come here in Tacloban are ―selfcontained‖ so as not to cause burden to the ongoing relief and recovery efforts by the government. ―Ang importante dapat self-contained po kayo. Dapat maging self-contained kayo dahil wala ho kayong maaasahan dito.

The normal, regular systems that are present in an urban setting are not available here. So, for all of the relief efforts, ‗yung mga taga-labas, dapat self-contained po,‖ he said. ―Nagpapasalamat kami sa tulong pero sana isipin ito bago dumating nang sa ganoon ay talagang from Day 1, pag-landing pa lang ninyo, nakatutulong na imbis na kailangan pa mag-setup, maghanap ng kung anong pension ang titirhan...,‖ he added. PND (co) TOP EU praises PH coordination efforts in Yolanda’s aftermath (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The European Union (EU) praised the Philippine government‘s initial response to the devastation of super typhoon ―Yolanda,‖ saying Filipino authorities were able to coordinate all efforts coming from here and abroad.

European Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva, who arrived here Saturday, acknowledged the colossal scale of Yolanda‘s devastation in the Visayas region, but noted that the Philippine government was quick to coordinate efforts from different relief and recovery organizations. ―But what I see now is a very significant improvement. The government has set up their own coordination team in place,‖ Georgieva said in an interview at the Leyte Sports Complex.

She said aftermath of the super typhoon was so traumatic because it left an unexpected disturbance and gigantic impact on the region. ―And this is a lesson for all of us to recognize that in a world of more frequent, more devastating disasters, we have to continually strive to improve our capacity to mobilize our best people for the most dangerous location,‖ Georgieva said, adding that the EU had immediately set up a coordination team in the Philippines right after the devastation.

The EU‘s humanitarian team is also in the Philippines to develop quick response strategies when huge disasters strike, she said ―One of the reasons that we are here is because for every disaster of this magnitude, we need to learn on the spot what can be done well and what we can do better,‖ Georgieva said.

The EU has been here in the Philippines supporting the country in relief efforts every year with millions of dollars in contributions.

She also acknowledged that climate change had been affecting every region of the world and the Philippines was not an exception.

According to Georgieva, humanity has to have a mindset of preparedness and prevention and immediate and effective response. PND (as) TOP

Continue preparing food packs for Yolanda-affected victims, President Aquino asks volunteers

15 NOVEMBER 2013.

President Aquino visits repacking station in Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City Continue preparing food packs for Yolanda-affected victims, President Aquino asks volunteers President Aquino thanks volunteers for helping government in its relief missions President Aquino designates four Cabinet Secretaries as coordinators for relief and recovery efforts President Aquino orders website tracking of Yolanda foreign aid Palace says government eyes more production hubs, food-for-work programs Palace assures help for refugees from Yolanda-hit areas Government relief goods reach majority of Leyte, Samar towns affected by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ No attempt to doctor Yolanda casualty figures, Palace reassures Security forces stabilize peace and order in devastated areas, says DILG chief All routes going to Leyte now open, govt says Asian Development Bank extends $23 million in grants and $500 million loan to Philippines for typhoon victims Hyundai donates 50 million to Philippines for "Yolanda" relief and rehabilitation efforts President Aquino visits repacking station in Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited a repacking station in Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City on Thursday night and assured that his government continues to intensify relief operations to attend to at least 1.4 million people affected by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan).

The Chief Executive, who was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and Presidential Communications Operations Office Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma Jr., arrived at the Covered Court of Ateneo de Manila University where

volunteers are repacking relief goods at 6 p.m. Monday.

The President expressed his gratitude to volunteers, mostly composed of Ateneo students and graduates, for their assistance being extended to typhoon victims. The volunteers are helping the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel to speed up the repacking of the food packs.

The President, an alumni of Ateneo de Manila University, explained to the volunteers the procedure on the distribution of relief goods to disaster victims.

"We have to attend to at least 1.4 million people and to feed them daily. And it is not really a simple matter, this is the biggest challenge we have to face," the President said.

The President expressed elation to see volunteers working very hard in repacking the relief goods for the typhoon victims in Leyte, Samar, Palawan and other parts of Visayas region.

"Nobody seems to be getting tired," he said.

The food packs are being shipped to Central Visayas for the families affected by typhoon.

The President stayed for at least 30 minutes before proceeding to three other repacking stations in Metro Manila.

The DSWD targets to produce 2.04 million family food packs within two weeks starting Thursday. Each pack can feed one family for three days.

To facilitate this, the DSWD has set up additional repacking stations around Metro Manila in addition to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC).

The said satellite stations are in De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila; Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City; and, Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Repacking is also being done in Camp Aguinaldo and in Villamor Air Base.

Regional repacking centers in Regions V, VII, X, and CARAGA remain open. PND (js) TOP Continue preparing food packs for Yolanda-affected victims, President Aquino asks volunteers President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday evening exhorted volunteers to continue preparing food packs for families affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

The President visited volunteers preparing food packs at various venues and thanked them for their work, stressing that there is still much to be done.

He said they have to prepare 140,000 food packs a day for 275,000 families affected by Yolanda.

Most of the families there remain isolated since power and communications have yet to be restored, he said.

"Yung problema hong dumagok, yung Yolanda, ang pamilyang apektado ay tinatantya natin sa 275,000 families.

Sinusubukan nating magawa, dahil yung food pack ay good for two days, 140,000 food packs ang production sa limang repacking centers (Yolanda has affected about 275,000 families, and the food packs are good for two days. So we are trying to produce 140,000 food packs)," the President said.

"Kailangan talagang maramdaman ng mga kababayan natin na hindi sila napabayaan para humupa ang tensyon, at hindi maging desperado ang mga tao (We have to make people feel they are not abandoned, so the tension will go down and they will not turn desperate)," he added.

Also, the President said the government is looking for trucks and vessels to transport the supplies to affected areas.

Yolanda left more than 2,000 dead and P4 billion in damage.

Among the repacking centers the President visited were the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, and National Resource Operations Center in Pasay City, and those at the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army headquarters. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino thanks volunteers for helping government in its relief missions President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed gratitude to individuals and company owners who donated their time, effort, and facilities to help the government in its ongoing relief missions for the victims of super typhoon ―Yolanda‖ in Central Visayas.

The Chief Executive took a hastily scheduled visit Thursday evening to various relief operations centers set up in Metro Manila where he made some inspection on the family food packs (containing rice, coffee, canned goods, and noodles) being assembled by volunteer citizens.

In a brief message, President Aquino said he was very grateful for the presence of those who volunteered because it helps accelerate the process of bringing the necessary aid intended for the victims of calamity. ―Ito pong ginagawa ninyo ay malaking tulong, talagang napapabilis 'yung kalinga ng buong Pilipinas, saka 'yung magagawa ng gobyerno. Kung wala kayo talagang babagal ang proseso para maihatid ang tulong na ito,‖ he told people at a cargo area in Barangay Vitalez, Pasay City.

The President said there are about 275,000 families in Central Visayas right now that don‘t have the ability to feed themselves owing to the catastrophic onslaught of super typhoon ‗Yolanda‘ over the weekend. ―Sinusubukan nating magawa, dahil 'yung food pack ay good for two days, 140,000 food packs ang production sa limang repacking centers,‖ he noted.

The President already made an initial visit to Tacloban and Capiz, two of the areas severely destroyed by ‗Yolanda‘, last Sunday but he plans to go back there this weekend to personally oversee the government‘s relief missions. ―Kailangan talagang maramdaman ng mga kababayan natin na hindi sila napabayaan para humupa ang tensyon, at hindi maging desperado ang mga tao,‖ he stressed.

The President, moreover, asked volunteers if they can still encourage more people to help repack the goods to do so because our calamity-stricken countrymen need all the assistance they can get from everyone.

Prior to visiting the cargo area in Pasay City, President Aquino first went to the relief centers in Ateneo de Manila in Quezon City and the National Resource Operations Center of the Department of Social Welfare Development.

He then proceeded to the Philippine Air Force Gym in Villamor Airbase, Pasay City and the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City where relief missions were also being held and participated by volunteers.

President Aquino was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, and Secretary Julia Abad of the Presidential Management Staff during his visits. PND (hcd) TOP President Aquino designates four Cabinet Secretaries as coordinators for relief and recovery efforts President Benigno S. Aquino III issued a memorandum order designating four cabinet secretaries as coordinators for the relief and recovery efforts in connection with the calamity wrought by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In a Memorandum Order No. 60 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on November 14, the Chief Executive designated Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima as the overall coordinator for the preparation of all relief packs/goods prior to their distribution to the affected localities.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Joel J. Villanueva was designated as cocoordinator to assist Purisima in the said activities.

The President named Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio A. Abaya as coordinator for all transportation and other logistical needs in connection with the distribution of relief packs/goods.

He assigned Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz to the Volunteer and Assistance Coordination. The offers of donation and other assistance will be referred by Baldoz to concerned implementing agencies. She will also monitor the actions that are taking place, report the benefits and services delivered to typhoon victims and check on the Call Center Operations through the facilities of Air 21 in NAIA 2 complex.

The President ordered all other departments, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the government to coordinate with and assist the designated officials on any matter relating to their activities.

The MO shall take effect immediately. PND (js) TOP President Aquino orders website tracking of Yolanda foreign aid President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the creation of a website that will track the foreign aid being brought in for

victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), Malacañang said Friday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a media briefing the website could be launched in as little as a week's time.

"The President has given instructions for the creation of a website. In a week's time ila-launch na yan (In a week's time it will be launched)," she said.

She said President Aquino particularly wants the website to display how much of the aid was coursed through government agencies, for transparency purposes.

The President specifically wants the site to display "who are the accountable persons and agencies," and where the aid will be funneled, as well as the status of the aid.

Valte also said the Department of Foreign Affairs has been preparing the matrix on the foreign aid.

In the meantime, Valte said the government continues to take the needed actions to assist those affected by Yolanda.

She said the Philippine National Police is augmenting the Philippine Coast Guard in grouping people boarding ships and leaving affected areas like Tacloban.

This aims to give national and local government officials concerned the means to provide the proper assistance to them, she said. PND (jl) TOP Palace says government eyes more production hubs, food-for-work programs To help in the recovery of residents affected by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), the government is considering setting up more hubs for producing family food packs, Malacañang said Friday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said coordination is being done in the local government units concerned to see where such hubs can be established soonest.

"The airstrip in Borongan, Samar can soon be the fourth hub. So we are looking at others, as we have mentioned previously, we‘re looking at other areas that can be made into hubs to expand the access points from (areas like) Manila and from Cebu," she said at a media briefing.

She pointed out that the government has to sustain 275,000 families in Leyte and in Eastern Samar. This amounts to 1.1 million food packs a week.

Thus, she said the food repacking centers in Manila may have to produce some 140,000 food packs per day.

Meanwhile, Valte said the Department of Education is accounting for teachers in all affected areas, to start a food-for-work program for teachers. PND (jl) TOP Palace assures help for refugees from Yolanda-hit areas Malacañang on Friday reassured residents of areas hit by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) of medical and other forms of assistance once they take flights to Metro Manila.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said this is why the Department of Social Welfare and Development is seeking a stricter monitoring of flight manifests.

"The immediate need for them is relief. Either they are brought to hospitals for medical care, sinasakay sa C-130 at dinadala diretso sa hospital (where) they are administered first aid as soon as we can give it to them. And those who are not injured either go to their families or relief centers kung walang pupuntahan (The immediate need for them is relief. If they are injured, they are brought to hospitals for medical care via C-130 planes. If they are not sick they may go either to their families or to relief centers)," she said at a media briefing.

But she said this may need a strict monitoring system by the DSWD on flight manifests, so the government can track them and determine what help they need.

Many residents of Yolanda-affected areas such as Tacloban City had been taking C-130 flights to Metro Manila in past days.

Yolanda battered much of the Visayas and Southern Luzon last week. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said more than 2,300 had been killed in its wake. PND (jl) TOP Government relief goods reach majority of Leyte, Samar towns affected by super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (TACLOBAN CITY) The government has been able to deliver relief goods to 30 out of 40 towns in Leyte and will do the same today, said Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas.

In an interview after a meeting with government agencies concerned with relief operations at the Leyte Sports Academy, Roxas said that the government‘s priorities right now are food and water delivery, cadaver recovery, the maintainance of law and order, and the restoration of some of the government‘s services.

The secretary also said that the government‘s capability to reach those areas severely affected by typhoon increases as more and more support come in.

In Tacloban, he said that 80 out of 138 barangays were able to receive assistance from the government, while in Eastern Samar, the government has reached one-third of all the affected areas. ―Walo sa dalawamput-apat na bayan ng Samar ang napadalhan na pero we expect that by today, ay lalong dadami ang mabibigyan,‖ Roxas said.

The government has organized a ―systemic‖ approach in relief operations.

Roxas assured that the people in those areas affected by the typhoon could expect continuing flow of relief goods in the coming days.

He also reported that many vehicles intended for logistics operations will reach Leyte and Samar in the next coming days to augment the ongoing relief efforts.

He also said that 10 trucks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are expected to arrive here by lunch time today. There will be an additional 20 trucks coming in and are already on their way here. He said that the AFP is also assembling 20 more trucks to be sent here.

Aside from the trucks, Roxas said that the DOTC is sending a cargo vessel containing five-ton trucks, which could carry heavy load.

He said that there are also payloaders and 20 additional trucks that are coming in from Mindanao. Each truck has the capability to deliver cargo and equipment in different towns affected by typhoon, he added.

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited Tacloban City and Roxas City last Sunday to personally assess the situation and to coordinate the ongoing relief and recovery operations. PND (as) TOP No attempt to doctor Yolanda casualty figures, Palace reassures Malacañang on Friday reassured the public there is no attempt by the government to suppress or fudge the figures on the losses caused by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government has been up front with the public via the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

"There is no attempt to hide or fudge any figures. Any assertion otherwise would just be pure speculation at this point," she said at a media briefing.

She said that as of Wednesday morning, the official toll of the NDRRMC stands at 2,360.

In the meantime, Valte said the Philippine government will base its figures on Yolanda on those provided by the NDRRMC. She also said that President Benigno S. Aquino III remains in constant communication with Cabinet members who are on the ground as well as those helping out from Metro Manila.

Meanwhile, Valte defended government security forces from criticisms questioning their whereabouts when the worst of Yolanda hit the country.

She said the first responders the Philippine Air Force's pilots had been flying C-130s that brought relief goods and

transported residents.

She said police and military troops helped maintain peace and order. PND (jl) TOP Security forces stabilize peace and order in devastated areas, says DILG chief (TACLOBAN CITY) Security forces were able to stabilize typhoon-ravaged areas following reports of isolated looting and other crimes here, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas said Friday.

The PNP sent additional 950 personnel to restore order in Tacloban while the AFP dispatched 1,100 soldiers to also help, Roxas said in an interview after meeting concerned government agencies involved in the relief and recovery efforts. ―Meron pang dagdag na mga parating, pero na-stabilized na ang law and order situation dito,‖ Roxas said.

Roxas also belied reports on the alleged attacks by the communist rebels against troops transporting relief goods. He said no such incident happened.

On the cadaver recovery operations, he said more than 200 remains were already buried. He added that 400 bodies recovered will be buried soon. Of the 434 bodies retrieved, 287 remain unidentified while 147 were identified by their relatives.

Roxas assured that every cadaver is identified through finger printing, taking photographs, and DNA sampling. Identificard Cards found along with the remains are also collected for future verification, he said. All the cadavers will be buried in a mass grave and supervised by the Health department.

With regards to road clearing operations, Roxas said that the DPWH provided the Armed Forces four trucks. In Tacloban City, the MMDA spearheads the clearing operations, he added.

Roxas further said that the government consolidates and integrates its efforts considering the government‘s limited resources.

Tacloban City is among those areas most hit by typhoon Yolanda, which resulted to extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of human lives.

Last Sunday, President Benigno S. Aquino III flew here and to Roxas City to personally assess the situation. The President also coordinated government relief and recovery efforts in devastated areas. PND (as) TOP All routes going to Leyte now open, govt says (TACLOBAN CITY) Relief goods and equipment could now enter Leyte with ease after the government cleared the supply routes connecting the province with Luzon and Mindanao, a government official said on Friday.

In an interview after a meeting with concerned government agencies here, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas said that main supply routes connecting Calbayog, Catbalogan, Santa Rita and San Juanico Bridge, entering Tacloban have been cleared of obstructions.

The Army engineers cleared the roads and also now maintain security in those area, the secretary said.

Roads from Tacloban heading towards the West crossing in Ormoc are also now open. The Maharlika highway connecting Tacloban City and Maasin all the way to Surigao is also passable at this time, he said.

Secretary Roxas said, however, that although supplies and equipment could pass through those routes, some portions remain to be cleared to open them for two-way traffic. The DILG chief also said that while government personnel cleared major roads in Tacloban, obstructions in some of the city‘s inner streets have to be removed. PND (as) TOP Asian Development Bank extends $23 million in grants and $500 million loan to Philippines for typhoon victims The Asian Development Bank (ADB) expressed its commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III to provide $23 million in grants to the Philippines to address immediate needs for the victims of typhoon Yolanda (known internationally as Haiyan).

During the courtesy call at the Malacanang Palace's Music Room on Friday, ADB President Takehiko Nakao relayed the ADB's commitment to President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Nakao told the Chief Executive that the ADB stands ready to provide a $500 million emergency loan to help reconstruct communities devastated by Typhoon Yolanda, also known internationally as Typhoon Haiyan.

Joining Nakao were ADB vice president Stephen Groff; James Nugent, director-general of ADB in Southeast Asia; Neeraj Jain, country director of ADB for the Philippines; and Tomoyuki Saisu, a chief advisor to the ADB president.

Also in attendance were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Mateo Montano. ―We are working in close collaboration with the government and all other international agencies to provide hope and rebuild the lives of more than 11 million people affected by what is being described as one of the Philippines‘ worst ever natural disasters,‖ Nakao said in a statement.

Of the $23 million in grants being provided for immediate relief assistance for affected communities, $3 million will come from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, ADB‘s emergency assistance facility, and $20 million from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, a Trust Fund financed by the Government of Japan.

In addition to the immediate relief assistance, ADB stands ready to provide a $500 million quick-disbursing program loan to help post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction. ADB will work with bilateral and multilateral development partners for timely and effective reconstruction. In this regard, the first coordination meeting was held at ADB today with World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

ADB is also exploring other ways of mobilizing resources including the establishment of an ADB-administered multi-donor trust fund.

ADB has formed the Typhoon Yolanda Response Team, made up of 40 senior staff members from across the Bank with experience in post-disaster situations, to coordinate with the government and development partners. The team will soon be engaged in a comprehensive damage and needs assessment for recovery and rehabilitation. ―ADB will provide full support to the people and the Government of the Philippines together with other development partners to speedily implement both needed relief and reconstruction – especially as the Philippines is our home,‖ Nakao said. PND (js) TOP Hyundai donates 50 million to Philippines for "Yolanda" relief and rehabilitation efforts Korean auto firm Hyundai Motor Group (HMC) and its Philippine distributor Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) provided a total of P50 million in financial assistance to the Philippines to support its recovery efforts in the areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda.

During the turn-over ceremony in Malacanang Palace's Music Room on Friday, President Benigno S. Aquino III received a P25 million cheque donation from HARI chairman emeritus Richard Lee. HARI donated the P25 million to aid the national government's program for relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the communities in the Visayas region.

Hyundai Motor Group also donated P25 million to Philippine Red Cross for the disaster recovery efforts in the Philippines.

Joining Lee were HARI chairman Edward Go, President and Chief Executive Officer Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HMC regional director Kim Hoo Keun, general manager Victor Mhun.

The financial aid signifies Hyundai's solidarity with the Filipino nation to achieve the full and swift recovery of typhoon-hit Leyte, Iloilo, Samar and Cebu.

"We emphatize with our fellow countrymen in this most trying of times, with sincere hope and prayer that will rise above all these....We are confident of the government's resolve to facilitate enabling measures to fast track recovery," Agudo said.

Also in attendance were Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Parisya Taradji. PND (js) TOP

ARCHIVE 2013 15 NOBYEMBRE 2013 Nagtungo ang Pangulong Aquino sa repacking station sa Ateneo de Manila University sa Lungsod ng Quezon Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino na ipagpatuloy ng mga boluntaryo ang paghahanda ng ‘food packs’ para sa mga biktima ng Yolanda Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aaquino ang mga tumutulong sa pamahalaan sa pagsaklolo sa mga biktima ni Yolanda Nagtalaga ng apat na kagawad ng Gabinete ang Pangulo bilang tagapag-ugnay sa ‘relief and recovery efforts’ Iniutos ng Pangulong Aquino ang ‘website tracking’ ng tulong ng mga dayuhan sa mga biktima ng ‘Yolanda’ Balak ng pamahalaan na dagdagan pa ang ‘production hubs, food for work program’ Tiniyak ng Malacanang na tutulungang lahat ang mga biktima ng ‘Yolanda’ Nakararating sa maraming bayan ng Leyte at samar ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa mga napinsala ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’ Walang nagtatangkang ‘duktorin’ ang bilang ng nasawi sa ‘Yolanda’ Pinangangalagaan ng mga alagad ng batas ang katahimikan sa mga nasalantang pook—Puno ng dilg

Nagtungo ang Pangulong Aquino sa repacking station sa Ateneo de Manila University sa Lungsod ng Quezon

Sinadya kagabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang repacking station sa Ateneo de Manila University sa Lungsod ng Quezon at tiniyak na lalong pag-iibayuhin ng kanyang gobyerno ang paghahatid ng tulong sa may 1.4 milyon kataong nasalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda (Haiyan).

Ikaanim ng hapon nang dumating ang Pangulo sa Covered Court ng nasabing pamantasan kung saan ang mga

boluntaryo ay abala sa paglalagay sa mga supot ng relief goods para sa mga biktima ng Yolanda. Kasama ng Pangulo sina Kalihim ng Gabinete Jose Rene Almendras at Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Nagpasalamat ang Pangulo sa mga boluntaryo na karamihan ay mag-aaral at nagtapos sa Ateneo sa pagtulong sa mga biktima ng bagyo. Tinutulungan ng mga boluntaryo ang mga tauhan ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran upang mabilis na maayos ang mga food packs.

Ipinaliwanag ng Pangulo sa mga boluntaryo ang pamimigay ng tulong sa mga biktima ng Yolanda. Sa Ateneo de Manila rin nagtapos ang Pangulong Aquino. ―May 1.4 milyon katao ang kailangan nating tulungan at bigyan ng pagkain araw-araw. Hindi ito isang simpleng bagay lamang. Ito ang pinakamalaking hamong kinakaharap natin,‖ wika ng Pangulo.

Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Pangulo nang makita ang sigasig ng mga boluntaryo sa pag-aayos ng mga tulong na dadalhin sa mga biktima ng bagyo sa Leyte, Samar, Palawan at iba pang bahagi ng rehiyon ng Kabisayaan. ―Mukhang ni isa sa inyo ay hindi napapagod,‖ wika pa ng Pangulo.

May 30 minutong namalagi ang Pangulo sa Ateneo at saka tumuloy sa tatlo pang repacking stations sa Metro Manila.

Hangad ng DSWD na makapaghanda ng 2.4 milyong family food packs sa loob ng dalawang linggo simula kahapon.

Bawa‘t food pack ay para sa tatlong araw na pagkain ng isang pamilya.

Upang maisakatuparan ito, nagdagdag ang DSWD ng repacking stations sa Metro Manila, bukod sa DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC).

Ang iba pang satellite stations ay nasa De la Salle University sa Taft Avenue, Maynila; Ateneo de Manila University sa Katipunan, Lungsod ng Quezon; at Ninoy Aquino Stadium sa Maynila, gayundin sa Kampo Aquinaldo at sa Villamor Air Base.

Patuloy ring bukas ang repacking centers sa mga Rehiyon V, VII, X at CARAGA. PND(js/zaf) TOP Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino na ipagpatuloy ng mga boluntaryo ang paghahanda ng ‘food packs’ para sa mga biktima ng Yolanda Hiniling ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga boluntaryong tumutulong sa pag-aayos ng ―food packs‖ para sa mga pamilyang sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na ipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa mga biktima ng bagyo.

Pinuntahan ng Pangulo ang mga boluntaryong naghahanda ng food packs sa iba-ibang pook ng Metro Manila Huwebes ng gabi.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na 140,000 food packs ang kailangang ipamahagi araw-araw sa 275,000 pamilyang sinalanta ni Yolanda na ang iba ay patuloy na walang koryente at komunikasyon. ―Ang problema pong dumagok na Yolanda ay nakaapekto sa 275,000 pamilya. Sinusubok nating maihanda ang 140,000 food packs para sa dalawang araw na kailangang pagkain ng mga biktima ng bagyo,‖ wika ng Pangulo. ―Kailangan talagang maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na hindi sila pinababayaan para humupa ang tensiyon at hind maging desperado ang mga tao,‖ dugtong pa ng Pangulo.

Ayon sa Pangulo, humahanap pa ng karagdagang mga trak at bapor ang pamahalaan upang maihatid ang mga pagkain sa mga nasalantang pook.

Mahigit na 2,000 ang patay na iniwan ng Yolanda at P4 bilyon naman ang halaga ng pinsala.

Sa mga repacking centers na pinuntahan ng Pangulo kabilang ang nasa Ateneo de Manila University sa Lungsod ng Quezon at ang National Resource Operations Center sa Lungsod ng Pasay, gayundin ang nasa punong himpilan ng Lakas na Panghimpapawid ng Pilipinas at ng Hukbong Katihan. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Aaquino ang mga tumutulong sa pamahalaan sa pagsaklolo sa mga biktima ni Yolanda Pinasalamatan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga tao at may-ari ng mga kompanya na naghandog ng kanilang panahon, pagsisikap at pasilidad upang tulungan ang pamahalaan sa ginagawang relief missions para sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖ na nanalasa sa Gitnang Kabisayaan noong nakaraang linggo.

Pinuntahan ng Pangulo Huwebes ng gabi ang iba-ibang relief operations centers sa Kalakhang Maynila kung saan inaayos ang mga family food packs na may lamang bigas, kape, de lata at noodles.

Sa maikling pananalita niya, nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga taong boluntaryong naghandog ng panahon upang makatulong sa mabilis na pag-aayos ng mga kailangan ng mga biktima ng kalamidad. ―Ito pong ginagawa ninyo ay malaking tulong. Talagang napapabilis nito ang kalinga sa buong Pilipinas at pati ang magagawa ng gobyerno. Kung wala kayo, talagang babagal ang proseso sa paghahatid ng tulong na ito,‖ sabi ng Pangulo sa mga taong nasa cargo area ng Barangay Vitalez sa Lungsod ng Pasay. ―Sinusubok nating magawa ang maagap na pagpapadala ng food packs na para lamang sa dalawang araw na pagkain ng may 275,000 pamilya. May 140,000 food packs ang nagagawa sa limang repacking centers,‖ sabi ng Pangulo.

Sinabi ng Pangulo na may 275,000 pamilya sa Gitnang Kabisayaan sa kasalukuyan na wala sa kalagayan para makakain dahil sa mapamuksang pagsalanta ng super typhoon Yolanda noong nakaraang linggo. Balak niyang bumalik doon upang personal na masubaybayan ang relief mission ng pamahalaan. ―Kailangan talagang maramdaman ng mga kababayan natin na hindi sila pinababayaan para humupa ang tensiyon at nang hindi maging desperado ang mga tao,‖ pagbibigay-diin ng Pangulo.

Hiniling din ng Pangulo sa mga boluntaryo na kung makapagsasama sila ng mga karagdagang mga tao para tumulong sa pag-aayos ng mga ipadadala sa mga biktima ng kalamidad ay lalong mainam sapagka‘t kailangang-kailangan ng mga kababayan natin ang tulong nang lahat.

Bago pumunta ang Pangulo sa cargo area ng Lungsod ng Pasay, nagsadya muna siya sa mga relief centers sa Ateneo de Manila sa Lungsod ng Quezon; sa National Resource Operations Center ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran. Gayundin sa gym ng Lakas na Panghimpapawid ng Pilipinas sa Villamor Air Base sa Lungsod ng Pasay at sa punong tanggapan ng Hukbong Katihan sa Fort Bonifacio, Lungsod ng Taguig.

Kasama ng Pangulo sina Kalihim ng Gabinete Jose Rene Almendras, Kalihim Herminio ―Sonny‖ Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office; Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi, Komisyoner Kim Henares ng Rentas Internas at Kalihim Julia Abad ng Presidential Management Staff. PND (hdc/zaf) TOP Nagtalaga ng apat na kagawad ng Gabinete ang Pangulo bilang tagapag-ugnay sa ‘relief and recovery efforts’

Nagtalaga ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ng apat na kagawad ng Gabinete bilang mga tagapag-ugnay sa pagtulong at pagbabagong tatag kaugnay ng malawak na pinsalang iniwan ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan) noong nakalipas na linggo.

Sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Order No. 60 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. Nobyembre 14, itinalaga ng Pangulo si Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi bilang pangkalahatang tagapag-ugnay sa paghahanda ng lahat ng relief packs/goods bago ipamahagi ang mga ito sa mga napinsalang mga pook.

Si Direktor Heneral Joel Villanueva ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority naman ang itinalagang co-coordinator upang tulungan si Purisima sa mga gawaing nasabi.

Si Kalihim Joseph Emilio Abaya ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon ang hinirang ng Pangulo bilang tagapag-ugnay sa lahat ng kailangang trasportasyon at iba pang logistical needs na may kinalaman sa pamamahagi ng relief packs/goods.

Hinirang naman ng Pangulo si Kalihim Rosalinda Baldoz ng Paggawa at Hanapbuhay sa Volunteer and Assistance Coordination. Lahat ng alok na donasyon at iba pang uri ng tulong ay ipadadala ni Baldoz sa mga kinauukulang tagapagpatupad na ahensiya. Si Baldoz din ang susubaybay sa aksiyong ginawa tungkol sa mga bagay na ito, maguulat ng mga benepisyo at serbisyong ipinagkakaloob sa mga biktima ng bagyo at susubaybay sa Call Center Operations sa pamamagitan ng Air 21 sa NAIA 2 complex.

Inatasan ng Pangulo ang lahat ng kinauukulang mga kagawaran, ahensiya, kawanihan at mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan upang makipag-ugnayan at tumulong sa mga itinalagang pinuno sa ano mang bagay na may kaugnayan sa kanilang mga gawain.

Ang Memorandum Order na ito ay magkakabisa sa lalong madaling panahon. PND TOP Iniutos ng Pangulong Aquino ang ‘website tracking’ ng tulong ng mga dayuhan sa mga biktima ng ‘Yolanda’

Iniutos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang paglikha ng isang website na susubaybay sa mga tulong ng dayuhan para sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda (Haiyan) ayon sa pahayag ng Malacanang Biyernes.

Ang website na ito ay maaaring ilunsad sa loob ng isang linggo, sabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail

Valte sa pulong-balitaan. ―Itinagubilin na ng Pangulo ang paglikha ng isang website. Sa loob ng isang linggo, ilulunsad na iyan,‖ sabi pa ni Valte.

Ayon kay Valte, ibig ng Pangulong Aquino na mailagay sa website na ito kung magkano ang halaga ng tulong na idinaan sa pamamagitan ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan para ito ay malaman nang lahat.

Nais ng Pangulo, sabi ni Valte, na ilagay kung ―sinu-sino ang mananagot na tao at mga ahensiya‖ at kung saan idaan ang tulong na pondo, gayundin ang kalagayan ng tulong na nasabi.

Idinagdag ni Valte na inihahanda na ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang ―matrix‖ ng mga foreign aid.

Samantala, sinabi ni Valte na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa paggawa ng karampatang mga kailangang hakbang upang tulungan ang mga biktima ng Yolanda.

Idinugtong pa ni Valte na ang Pambansang Pulisya ang tumutulong sa Philippine Coast Guard sa pag-aayos ng mga taong sumasakay sa mga bapor upang makaalis sa mga nasalantang pook na gaya ng Lungsod ng Tacloban.

Ang hangarin nito, dagdag pa ni Valte, ay mabigyan ng mga kinauukulang pinunong pambansa at lokal man ng pagkakataong maibigay ang angkop na tulong sa kanila. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Balak ng pamahalaan na dagdagan pa ang ‘production hubs, food for work program’

Sa hangaring matulungan pang mabilis na makapagbagong tatag ang mga taong napinsala ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan), binabalak ng pamahalaan na maglagay pa ng mga karagdagang lugar para sa paghahanda ng family food packs, ayon sa Malacanang.

Sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na nakikipag-ugnayan na sila sa mga lokal na pamahalaan kung saan makapaglalagay nito sa lalong madaling panahon. ―Ang paliparan sa Borongan, Samar ang magiging pang-apat na hub. Naghahanap pa rin ng ibang magagamit at gaya na nang nasabi na namin, gagawin ito para mapabilis at maragdagan ang mga lugar kung saan inaayos ang tulong sa mga biktima ng bagyo,‖ sabi ni Valte sa pulong-balitaan.

Ipinaliwanag ni Valte na ang tinutulungan ng pamahalaan ay 275,000 pamilya sa Leyte at sa Silangang Samar na katumbas ng 1.1 milyong food packs sa isang linggo. Kaya nga ang mga food repacking centers sa Maynila ay gumagawa ng may 140,000 food packs isang araw.

Samantala, sinabi pa ni Valte na ang Kagawaran ng Edukasyon ang bumibilang ng mga guro sa pook na malubhang sinalanta ng bagyo upang masimulan naman ang programang food-for-work ng mga guro. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Tiniyak ng Malacanang na tutulungang lahat ang mga biktima ng ‘Yolanda’

Tiniyak ng Malacanang Biyernes sa mga naninirahan sa lahat ng pook na sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan) ng tulong medikal at iba pang kaukulang tulong sa sandaling makasakay sila sa eroplano patungong Maynila.

Sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na ito ang dahilan kaya nais ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran na mahigpit na subaybayan ang mga flight manifests. (Listahan ng mga sakay ng eroplano.) ―Ang unang-unang kailangan nila ay tulong. Maaaring dalhin sila sa ospital para malapatan ng lunas. Isinasakay sa C130 at dinadalang diretso sa ospital upang malapatan sila agad ng lunas. Ang mga hindi naman sugatan ay makapupunta sa kanilang mga pamilya o sa relief centers kung wala silang pupuntahan,‖ dugtong pa ni Valte.

Idinugtong niya na ito ay nangangailangan ng mahigpit na monitoring system ng DSWD sa flight manifests upang masubaybayan sila ng pamahalaan at matukoy kung anong tulong ang kailangan nila.

Maraming mamamayan sa mga pook na sinalantang mabuti ng bagyong Yolanda, tulad ng Lungsod ng Tacloban, ang sumasakay sa mga eroplanong C-130 patungong Kamaynilaan nitong mga huling araw na nagdaan.

Sinalantang mabuti ng Yolanda ang Kabisayaan at Timog Luzon noong nakaraang linggo. Ayon sa National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council mahigit na 2,300 ang nasawi sa bagyong Yolanda. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Nakararating sa maraming bayan ng Leyte at samar ang tulong ng pamahalaan sa mga napinsala ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’

(LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN) Naparating na ng pamahalaan ang kaukulang tulong sa 30 ng 40 bayan sa Leyte na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda, sabi ni Kalihim Manuel Roxas ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan.

Sa panayam sa Kalihim pagkatapos ng pulong ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na may kaugnayan sa ―relief operations‖ na ginanap sa Leyte Sports Academy sinabi, ni Roxas na ang inuuna ng pamahalaan sa kasalukuyan ay ang paghahatid ng pagkain at tubig, paghanap sa mga bangkay ng nasawi, pagpapanatili ng katahimikan at kaayusang pambayan at panunumbalik ng ilang serbisyo ng pamahalaan.

Sinabi rin ni Roxas na ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan na marating ang mga pook na malayo at malubhang napinsala ng bagyo ay nadaragdagan sapagka‘t dating ng dating ang mga tulong.

Sa Tacloban, wika niya, 80 sa 138 barangay ang nakatanggap na ng tulong buhat sa pamahalaan, samantalang sa Silangang Samar, naabot na ng tulong ang isang katlo (1/3) na ng lahat ng apektadong mga pook. ―Walo sa 24 na bayan ng Samar ang napadalhan na, at inaasahan naming lalo pang darami ang mabibigyan,‖ dagdag ni Roxas.

Tiniyak ng Kalihim sa mga taong nasa pook na apektado ng Yolanda na makaaasa sila sa patuloy na pagdating ng relief goods.

Iniulat din ni Roxas na marami nang sasakyang gamit sa pamamahagi ng tulong sa Leyte at Samar ang darating sa mga susunod na araw.

Ayon kay Roxas, 10 trak ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ang inaasahang darating sa araw na ito, bukod pa sa 20 ibang trak na patungo na rin dito. May 20 pang ibang trak ang AFP na ipadadala rito.

Inihayag din ng Kalihim na magpapadala ang DOTC ng cargo vessel na may sakay na five-ton trucks na panghakot.

Bukod pa rito ang payloaders at 20 dagdag na trak buhat sa Mindanao para makapagdala ng kargamento at mga kagamitan sa iba-ibang bayang apektado ng bagyo, sabi ni Roxas.

Dinalaw ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga Lungsod ng Tacloban at Roxas noong nakaraang Linggo upang personal na makita ang kalagayan doon at mapag-ugnay ang ginagawang pagtulong sa mga biktima. PND(as/zaf) TOP Walang nagtatangkang ‘duktorin’ ang bilang ng nasawi sa ‘Yolanda’

Tiniyak ng Malacanang Biyernes sa madla na walang ano mang tangka ang pamahalaan na sikilin o baguhin ang halaga ng pinsalang nilikha ng bagyong ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan).

Binigyang diin ito ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte at idinugtong na ang pamahalaan ay walang ikinukubli sa taong bayan at ang ulat ay inilalabas ng National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. ―Walang tangkang itago o baguhin ang bilang. Ano mang ganitong palagay ay tunay na ispekulasyon,‖ wika ni Valte sa pulong balitaan.

Idinugtong niya na hanggang Miyerkoles ng umaga, sa opisyal na ulat ng NDRRMC ay umabot na ito sa 2,360.

Samantala, sinabi ni Valte na isinasalig ng pamahalaan ang bilang ng nasawi sa Yolanda sa mga ibinibigay na ulat ng NDRRMC. Idinagdag din niya na ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ay palaging nakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kagawad ng Gabinete na siyang nasa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo, gayundin ang mga nasa Kamaynilaan.

Sinabi niya na ang mga unang tumugon na mga piloto ng Hukbong Panghimpapawid na nagpapalipad ng mga eroplanong C-130 upang maghatid ng relief goods at maghatid ng mga residente.

Puspusan din, sabi ni Valte, ang patuloy na pangangalaga ng pulisya at militar sa katahimikan at kaayusang pambayan sa mga pook na malubhang pininsala ni Yolanda. PND(jl/zaf) TOP Pinangangalagaan ng mga alagad ng batas ang katahimikan sa mga nasalantang pook—Puno ng dilg

(LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN) Napanumbalik ng mga alagad ng batas ang katahimikan at kaayusang pambayan sa mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng bagyong ‗Yolanda‘ makaraan ang ilang report ng mga pagnanakaw at iba pang krimen dito, wika ni Kalihim Manuel Roxas ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan. ―Nagpadala ang Pambansang Pulisya ng karagdagang 950 tauhan nila para mangalaga sa katahimikan at kaayusang pambayan sa lungsod na ito, habang ang Sandatahang Lakas naman ay nagpadala ng 1,100 kawal upang tumulong,‖

sabi pa ni Roxas sa interbyu matapos na pulungin ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na naghahatid ng tulong sa mga biktima. ―May dagdag pa na parating na rin, bagaman maayos na ang kalagayan ng katahimikan at kaayusan dito,‖ dugtong pa ni Roxas.

Pinasinungalingan din ni Roxas ang balita na umano ay pananalakay ng mga rebeldeng komunista sa mga kawal ng pamahalaan na naghahatid ng tulong. Tahasang sinabi ni Roxas na wala itong katotohanan.

Sa cadaver recovery operations naman, sinabi ng Kalihim na mahigit nang 200 ang naipalibing at 400 bangkay pa ang nakuha at ililibing din agad. Sa 434 bangkay na nakuha, 267 pa ang hindi nakikilala samantalang 147 ang kinilala na ng mga kaanak nila.

Tiniyak ni Roxas na bawa‘t bangkay ay kinikilala sa pamamagitan ng finger printing, pagkuha ng larawan, at DNA samplings. Tinipon din ang Identification cards na nakuha sa ilang bangkay para sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga ito. Lahat ng bangkay ay inililibing nang maayos sa mass grave at pinamamahalaan ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan.

Idinagdag pa ni Roxas na tinitipon ng pamahalaan at pinag-uugnay ang lahat ng pagsisikap dahil na rin sa limitadong ―resources‖ ng gobyerno.

Ang lungsod na ito ang isa sa pinakamalubhang iwinasak ng bagyong Yolanda. Malawak ang nasirang ari-arian at maraming buhay ang nasawi.

Noong Linggo, nagsadya rito ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at sa Lungsod ng Roxas upang makita ang kalagayan ng mga sinagasa ni Yolanda. Tuwirang inaalam ng Pangulo ang mga pangyayari at pinangangasiwaan ang pagsisikap na makapaghatid ng tulong at mabilis na makapagbagong tatag ang mga pook na iwinasak ng bagyo.

PND(as/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Statement on Typhoon Yolanda MalacaĂąang Palace 11 November 2013 Nitong Biyernes, humagupit sa malaking bahagi ng Kabisayaan ang Bagyong Yolanda. Isa ito sa pinakamalakas na bagyo sa kasaysayan ng bansa, kung di man ng buong mundo. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga dalubhasa mula sa PAGASA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Phivolcs, at DOST, na kumalap at nagbigay ng tama at detalyadong impormasyon na naging dahilan upang makapaghanda nang maayos ang ating mga kababayan. Ito ang nagbigay-daan para sa iniuulat na mababang casualty count mula sa ilang mga probinsyang dinaanan din ng bagyo, tulad ng Oriental at Occidental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Aklan, at Romblon, kung saan maagang nakapaghanda ang lokal na pamahalaan.

Sa kabila po nito, personal din nating nasaksihan ang matinding pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong ito sa Leyte at Samar. Dito sa kung saan tila naembudo ang mga storm surge ni Yolanda nakita ang pinakamabigat na pinsala, at dito nakatutok ang ating pagbibigay lingap sa mga sandaling ito.

Humihingi rin po tayo ng pang-unawa sa lahat. Sa paghahagupit ni Yolanda, nawalan ng kuryente at komunikasyon sa maraming lugar. Apektado po nito, hindi lamang ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga nais makasigurong ligtas ang kanilang mga kaanak, kundi pati na rin ang koordinasyon ng ating relief efforts. Para mapadala ang pangangailangan, kailangan nating malaman ang kakulangan ng bawat lugar; nahirapan po tayong makuha ang mga datos na ito. May ilang lokal na pamahalaan, sa lakas ng delubyo, na bumigay din po dahil kabilang sa mga nasalanta ang kanilang mga tauhan at opisyal. Isipin po ninyo, bumalik tayo sa situwasyon kung saan pasa-pasa ang impormasyon—walang TV, cellphone, o internet; sarado ang mga tindahan; hindi naging madali ang pag-oorganisa ng relief efforts. Naging ugat po ito ng kaguluhan sa ilang mga lugar.

Dito po‘y papasok ang pambansang pamahalaan. Imbis na dumagdag lamang tayo sa lakas ng mga komunidad, kinailangang manguna ng pambansang gobyerno. Nilinis ng DPWH ang mga kalsadang

binagsakan ng malalaking puno at mga poste ng kuryente ; lahat ng naireport na bara ay nabuksan na. Ayon na rin sa kahilingan ng mga lokal na opisyal, nagpadala tayo ng karagdagang 800 mga sundalo at pulis sa Tacloban upang ibalik ang kaayusan. May tatlong repacking center po tayong naglalabas ng di baba sa 55,000 mga family food pack kada araw; inatasan na po natin si Secretary Abaya ng DOTC upang imando ang pagdadala ng mga relief goods kung saan ito pinakakailangan.

Inuna natin ang pagdadala ng pagkain, tubig, at gamot sa mga pinakaapektadong lugar. Dadaanin po natin sa mga barangay ang pagpapamigay ng mga pangunahing pangangailangang ito; 24,000 family food packs na po ang napamudmod sa Tacloban kahapon, at nakasentro ang pagpapamigay sa walong pinakamalaking barangay doon. Mayroon tayong dalawang water purification facilities, at marami pa ang darating, upang masigurong may maiinom ang ating mga kababayan. Inaayos na natin ang mekanismo para mapalawak ang saklaw ng social housing program ng pamahalaan. Mula po sa ating mga calamity funds, contingency funds, at savings, mayroong 18.7 billion pesos na maaaring gamitin upang ibangon ang mga lugar na pininsala ni Yolanda.

Dumarating na rin po ang tulong mula sa ibang bansa; 22 bansa na po ang nagpanata o nagbigay na ng tulong, kabilang na ang Indonesia, Amerika, Inglatera, bansang Hapon, Singapore, New Zealand, pati na rin po ang Hungary. Tumutulong na rin po sa iba‘t ibang paraan ang pribadong sektor upang ibangon ang mga nasalanta, gaya ng sa pagbabalik ng daloy ng komunikasyon at pati ang pagmimintena ng krudo sa mga apektadong lugar.

Kasabay nito, idinedeklara po natin ang State of national calamity upang mapabilis ang mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan para sa pagsagip, paghahatid ng tulong, at rehabilitasyon ng mga probinsyang sinalanta ni Yolanda. Mahalaga rin ito, hindi lamang para panatilihing kontrolado ang mga presyo ng mga pangunahing produkto at serbisyo na kakailanganin ng ating mga kakabayan, kundi upang maiwasan din ang overpricing at hoarding ng mga mahahalagang bilihin. Inaprubahan din natin ang kabuuang P1.1 billion para pandagdag sa Quick Response Funds ng DSWD at DPWH, para sa agarang pagpapatupad ng mga kinakailangang suporta para sa muling pagbangon ng mga kababayan nating hinagupit nitong trahedya.

Bagaman nakapagtala ng mababang casualty count sa maraming mga probinsyang dinaanan ni Yolanda, sa mga lugar naman na tila naembudo ang bagyong ito, talaga naman pong malaki ang pinsalang nasaksihan natin. Tulad ninyo, gusto ko ring malaman kung paanong maiibsan ang situwasyon sa mga lugar na tulad nito.

Sa mga darating na araw, maaasahan ninyo, lalo pang papaspas ang ayuda. Ang panawagan ko lang po: Ang pagiging kalmado, pagdarasal, pakikisama, at pakikipagtulungan. Siya ang magpapabangon sa atin mula sa sakunang ito.

Maraming salamat po at magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.

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ONLINE NEWS 14 NOVEMBER 2013

16 NOVEMBER 2013 Joint solidarity statement on the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Negotiating Panels PNoy visits DSWD repacking center, thanks volunteers DTI, TESDA train housewives in Jose Dalman, ZDN OFWs docs processing given options MB places Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

Emergency procurement OK'd for Yolanda aid; Procurement board cites need for flexibility in post-disaster procurement DOE to provide gen sets to Yolanda-hit areas DSWD to repack 2 million food packs in 2 weeks DSWD opens more repacking sites OWWA RWO3, PRU LIFE UK teach kids proper way of handling money RWO IV-A trains scholars on leadership, accountability and volunteerism Foreign Portfolio Investments yield net inflows in October Inflation remains benign in Q3 2013 Government creates special Working Group on Philippine eGovernment interoperability framework Government to continue to support Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Services Sector Baldoz sets up 24/7 information assistance center on donations and volunteers for typhoon relief and recovery For Eastern Visayas OFWs affected by Typhoon Yolanda Baldoz assures them of continued services in select POEA offices Relief effort reaches typhoon-ravaged areas via supply routes Government workers affected by Yolanda can avail of emergency leave — CSC Statement of the GPH Peace Panel in Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF on typhoon Yolanda NEDA spearheads 'Yolanda recovery and reconstruction plan' Statement of the DFA Spokesperson on the status of international assistance to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda South Korea to add to Us$5 million donation to Typhoon Victims Joint solidarity statement on the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda, Philippine Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Negotiating Panels Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front Peace Negotiating Panels extend their heartfelt sympathy to and solidarity with the families and communities affected by the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Disasters result in the disruption of peace, the destruction of property, and the lack of order and security. In the same way that natural calamities bring havoc to people and endanger their existence, man-made disasters such as armed violence equally pose tremendous devastation to lives through blatant disregard for life and other human rights.

It is the moral responsibility of everybody to place maximum importance to the protection of life, that is, the right to live in a peaceful and humane society. The destruction from Yolanda and similar natural calamities and from man-made disasters such as wars and armed violence, though from different sources, all point to the same gravity of suffering that halt development and a better future.

Yolanda is a reminder, a call for unity and perseverance of everybody irrespective of status and political stance to face boldly these hardships and work together to mitigate, if not prevent, future disasters. The Parties believe that our people‘s resilience becomes our most potent tool during these challenges. Most especially, the GPH and MILF Panels commit to work together in order to find a just and lasting solution to the armed conflict in Mindanao so that together, we can focus on the even bigger challenges of a changing global environment. |TOP| PNoy visits DSWD repacking center, thanks volunteers Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Pasay City – President Benigno Simeon Aquino III visited the National resource Operations Center (NROC), the main repacking center for relief goods of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), yesterday and personally thanked all the volunteers who are assisting in the repacking of relief goods for Typhoon Yolanda victims.

The President encouraged the volunteers as they ―work double time‖ in repacking 140,000 food packs daily to be immediately sent to the devastated areas. ―We have to send these food packs para maibsan ang hirap at hindi maging desperado ang mga kababayan natin doon sa mga nasalantang lugar (to ease the suffering and desperation of our countrymen in the affected areas),‖ President Aquino stated.

He also emphasized the immense help that the volunteers are contributing to this whole process of aiding the disaster victims. ―Without your help, we will find it hard to feed 1.4 million victims every day.‖

As of 6 am, a total of 15,198 volunteers have shared their time to repack goods at NROC since November 7.

Just yesterday, the volunteers repacked some 86,600 food packs.

DSWD has set up additional satellite repacking hubs in the Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City; Air21 Cargohaus, NAIA Complex, Parañaque City; and, Villamor Airbase, Pasay City.

Repacking is also being done by the Field Offices of DSWD in Regions V, VI, VII and CARAGA For volunteering schedule and donation inquiries, please call (02)459-2131 or (02)527-8000. |TOP| DTI, TESDA train housewives in Jose Dalman, ZDN Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) collaborated in providing a skills development training to twenty women beneficiaries in Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

The participants were trained on hair cutting techniques and in manicure and pedicure by an expert beautician-trainer provided by TESDA. DTI on the other hand provided the starter kits containing the basic tools and materials needed for the hands –on training and which the participants could use later to start a salon business.

The training was part of the services provided to the residents of Jose Dalman during the information caravan cum medical mission to the said municipality on October 24, 2013. It was specifically requested by the residents from DTI and TESDA during the needs assessment survey conducted prior to the caravan.

The info caravan cum medical mission was spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency in partnership with the AFP, PNP and various line agencies of government in Region 9. |TOP| OFWs docs processing given options Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Chairperson of the OWWA Board of Trustees, announced that OFWs residing in Tacloban, Leyte and nearby areas devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, who wish to have their documents processed by the POEA and OWWA, may have the option of processing their papers at OWWA/POEA Legaspi in Region V, Cebu in Region 7, or at the POEA Central Office in Mandaluyong.

The decision of Secretary Baldoz to offer said choices for OFWs to consider the option of having their documents processed in nearby regions, is in connection with the condition of the two government offices in Eastern Visayas, especially in Tacloban, where said offices were reportedly in total wreck due to super typhoon Yolanda. ―We adhere to the principle of prompt service despite the recent calamities that hit the country, this includes the fast processing of documents of OFWs especially the Balik-Manggagawa,‖ the DOLE Secretary said.

The Labor Secretary said that once the OWWA/POEA offices in Tacloban are fully operational, OFWs and their dependents will be able to avail of the regular programs and services offered in the said Region. |TOP| MB places Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna), Inc. under the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1875 dated November 14, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on November 15, 2013.

Rural Bank of Alaminos is a three-unit bank located at #99 Rizal St., Alaminos, Laguna. Its two branches are located in San Pablo, Laguna and in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Latest available records show that as of September 30, 2013, Rural Bank of Alaminos had 2,843 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P115.38 million. A total of 2,819 deposit accounts or 99.16% of the accounts have balances of P500,000 or less and fully covered by deposit insurance. Total insured deposits amounted to P113.02 million or 97.95% of total deposits.

PDIC said that upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00.

The PDIC also announced that it will conduct a Depositors-Borrowers Forum on November 20, 2013 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. Claim Forms will be distributed during the Forum. The schedule and venue of the Forum will be posted in the bank premises and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Forms and the requirements and procedures for filing are likewise available for downloading from the PDIC website.

Depositors may update their addresses with the PDIC representatives at the bank premises or during the Forum using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be furnished by PDIC representatives. Duly accomplished Mailing Address Update Forms should be submitted to PDIC representatives accompanied by a photo-bearing ID with signature of the depositor.

Depositors may update their addresses until November 21, 2013.

Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P15,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims. But depositors who have outstanding obligations with the Rural Bank of Alaminos including co-makers of the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank, regardless of amount, should file deposit insurance claims.

For depositors that need not file deposit insurance claims, PDIC targets to start mailing payments to these depositors at their addresses recorded in the bank by the fourth week of November 2013.

For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC targets to start claims settlement operations for these accounts by the first week of December, 2013. The schedule of the claims settlement operations will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as through the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph.

According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of June 30, 2013 filed by the Rural Bank of Alaminos with the PDIC, the bank is owned by Gregorio A. Fule (14.86%), Francisco A. Fule (14.69%), Conrado A. Fule, Jr. (13.89%), Marcelita F. Magsaysay (13.25%), Romulo A. Fule (6.87%) and Rafael Isidro B. Fule (6.87%). Its President and Chairman is Gregorio A. Fule.

For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC(7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. |TOP| Emergency procurement OK'd for Yolanda aid; Procurement board cites need for flexibility in post-disaster procurement Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph In a bid to speed up the delivery of aid to areas struck by super typhoon Yolanda, the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) has given the go signal for emergency procurement for agencies involved in disaster response activities.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the GPPB‘s move today, following the issuance of Resolution No. 34-2013 by the policy board.

Under the resolution—which was approved on November 14—agencies directly involved in post-Yolanda rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations may now procure goods and services through Negotiated Procurement rather than by Competitive Procurement. ―Competitive bidding, which is the normal course for government procurement, usually takes months to conclude. This is in large part due to the number of bidders involved and the meticulousness of this particular procurement method. It was clear to the GPPB, however, that we do not have the luxury of waiting for a couple of months for us to secure goods and services necessary to Yolanda relief efforts. Negotiated procurement is a more responsive option right now, given the timesensitive nature of post-disaster aid,‖ GPPB Technical Support Office Director Dennis Santiago said.

Through Negotiated Procurement—which may be finalized in a matter of days—the government awards a contract to a contractor with a track record of technical expertise or efficiency in service delivery. This method will allow key implementing agencies—such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of National Defense (DND)—to secure goods or services directly from a supplier that has proven reliable and trustworthy in the implementation of previous projects. ―What‘s key in negotiated procurement is the relationship of trust and accountability between the government and a particular contractor. In the case of DSWD, for example, it may now tap a contractor that the agency has successfully worked with in the past, so that relief goods—such as tinned food and water bottles—are secured from the contractor in the shortest possible time. This will expedite the repacking process for relief goods for survivors and, consequently, hasten the delivery of aid to all Yolanda-stricken areas,‖ Budget and Management Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad said.

According to Resolution No. 34-2013, the awarding of government contracts amounting to less than P500 million will continue to be exempt from GPPB approval.

The resolution also authorizes all agencies involved in post-Yolanda aid to procure goods and infrastructure projects and provide basic services to all typhoon-hit areas through Negotiated Procurement, specifically for contracts with an approved

budget of P500 million or more. This authorization will apply for the duration of the State of National Calamity earlier declared by President Benigno S. Aquino III. Abad stressed that all transactions and projects entered through Negotiated Procurement must be subject to the usual procurement rules under Republic Act No. 9184 (―Government Procurement Reform Act‖), particularly with respect to ensuring transparency and accountability in the procurement process. ―Although the GPPB resolution seeks to expedite the procurement process for the government‘s ongoing relief efforts, all transactions made through negotiated procurement will be governed by the usual procurement rules to ensure full regularity in the provision of goods and services for Yolanda aid activities. ―The resolution that authorizes negotiated procurement, for instance, requires all agencies to submit a monthly list of all transactions made through negotiated procurement to the GPPB-TSO. Measures like this will allow us to ensure complete transparency and accountability in the procurement process, even as we work in the quickest way possible to bring immediate and much-needed relief to all Filipinos affected by Yolanda,‖ Abad said.

The GPPB is composed of the DBM, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), DILG, DND, and Departments of Education, Energy, Finance, Health, Transportation and Communication, Science and Technology, Public Works and Highways, and Trade and Industry. The private sector is also represented in the board through the Philippine Constructors Association. |TOP| DOE to provide gen sets to Yolanda-hit areas Source: http://www.doe.gov.ph (Taguig City) The Department of Energy (DOE) already started the deployment of its power generator sets (gensets) to help the victims in the Typhoon Yolanda-hit areas.

The DOE distributes these gensets in an effort to provide an immediate source of electricity in the affected provinces. Each genset has a capacity of 2 to 3 kilovolts ampere (kva), enough to power lights of about 50 households.

Thirty (30) gensets have already been deployed to Roxas City, Capiz yesterday. An additional 60 small gensets for Leyte province, 30 for Eastern Samar, and 15 for Western Samar are awaiting deployment within this week.

Other power deficient areas targeted for genset deployment in the coming days include Iloilo (10), Masbate (4), Coron, Palawan (5), and Bantayan, Cebu (8).

In addition, the DOE also provided 2 gensets to the Department of Health for continued provision of electricity in their medical operations and facilities amid the devastated areas.

The DOE is in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the loading of the gensets in the C130 plane for transport to the said areas. |TOP| DSWD to repack 2 million food packs in 2 weeks Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Intensifying relief operations for families in typhoon-hit Eastern Visayas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) targets to produce 2.04 million family food packs within two weeks starting today.

To facilitate this, DSWD has set up additional repacking stations around Metro Manila in addition to the DSWD-National Resource Operations Center (NROC).

Said satellite stations are in De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila; Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan, Quezon City; and, Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. Repacking is also being done in Camp Aguinaldo and in Villamor Air Base.

Regional repacking centers in Regions V, VII, X, and CARAGA remain open.

To date, 321,805 food packs have been repacked by volunteers in the satellite hubs. Some 223,649 of said relief packs have already been sent to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, relief operations in affected towns in Eastern Visayas continue with DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman leading the distribution.

Yesterday, the Department has started distributing 40,000 metric tons of high-energy biscuits from the World Food Programme (WFP).

Likewise, 5,692 food packs and 520 rice packs were distributed in affected municipalities in Leyte.

The distribution of additional 2,480 sacks of rice will also be completed today.

Early this morning, eight truckloads containing 7,200 food packs and 7,200 1-litter bottled water were dispatched to serve all affected towns in Leyte.

Some 750 food packs were also distributed at the Astrodome evacuation Center, Sagkahan, Tacloban City. The food packs were donated by Korean Relief Churches, Korea.

Relief goods were also sent via trucks to the towns of Mahaplag, Javier, McArthur, Julita, DUlag, Buraen, Tabontabon, Carigara, Barugo, Tolosa, Tanauan, Tunga, Jaro, AlangAlang, and San Miguel.

Relief items from United Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) composed of 3,010 pieces of hygiene kits, 100 pieces of squatting plates, 100 pans and P traps, 180 pieces of tarpaulin, and nine crates of water tanks arrived in Tacloban this morning.

Secretary Soliman is calling on groups and individuals to provide transportation support especially trucks to ferry relief goods.

Twelve members of the DSWD Motorcycle Riders Group will fly to Tacloban City anytime to assist in relief operations and information gathering.

There are 21 remaining evacuation centers in Tacloban with 6,181 families or 30,907 persons.

Meanwhile, in Western Visayas, which was also affected by Typhoon Yolanda, the DSWD has already provided 38,491 family packs worth P10 million to six provinces in the region.

Iloilo received P5.4 million worth of relief assistance, Capiz got P1.6 million, Aklan with P1.3 million, Antique with P792,130, Negros Occidental received P547,056, and Guimaras got P214,542. |TOP| DSWD opens more repacking sites Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph To speed up the production of family food packs for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has opened satellite repacking centers of relief goods.

Here, the public can volunteer in the repacking.

Aside from the DSWD National Resource Operations Center (NROC) located at Chapel Road, NAIA, Pasay City, the satellite repacking hubs are the following: National Capital Region (NCR) • Ninoy Aquino Stadium Rizal Memorial Sports Complex M. Adriatico Street, Manila Contact persons: Director Honorita Bayudan 0918-387-2061 380-8143 Director Chi Redaja 0917-599-0870 592-6953 Director Mariz Maristela 240-5886 • Ateneo de Manila University (College Covered Courts) Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City Contact person: Johnny Miranda 0916-428-6437 422-2521 • De La Salle University ( North and South Conservatory) 2401 Taft Ave., Manila

Contact Persons: Joseph Rosal of COSCA 525-4267 local 147 Nyca Lofranco 0917-599-0027 592-6110 • Camp Aguinaldo • Villamor Air Base, Multipurpose Hall, Pasay City 853-5128, 853-5003, 853-4944, 853-4995 and 853-5057 Region V • Albay Astrodome Legazpi City, Albay Contact No. : (052) 480-5754 Region VI • DSWD Regional Office MH del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City Contact No.: (033) 300-0526 Region VII • Mactan Air Base, Mactan Island, Cebu Contact Person: Beth Cabalda (032) 232-9507; 0916-4371532 CARAGA • DPWH Area Equipment Service Brgy Luna Surigao City Interested volunteers are encouraged to call/text beforehand for their shifting schedule.

Meanwhile, the schedule for volunteers at DSWD-NROC is already full until November 18. All those interested in volunteering, please call 851-2681/852-8081. |TOP| OWWA RWO3, PRU LIFE UK teach kids proper way of handling money Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph OWWA RWO3, PRU Life UK and the Families of Migrants Association of St. Scholastica‘s Academy, Pampanga (FaMASSAP) want the 279 children of OFWs from St. Scholastica‘s Academy to start handling money wisely while they are young.

Children of OFWs ages 10 to 12 participated in the exciting and fun-filled Financial Literacy activities prepared by Pru Life UK. Few episode of Cha-Ching, Pru Life UK‘s flagship financial literacy for the youth program, were also shown to teach money-smart values.

Cha-Ching is a three-minute musical cartoon featured in Cartoon Network. It introduces the four money management pillars – Earn, Save, Spend, Donate. It is a band composed of six cartoon characters -- Prudence, Zul, Justin, Bobby, Charity, and Pepper. Through this edu-tainment approach, children are provided with opportunities to begin practising financial literacy skills at a young age.

Children enjoyed the activities based on these concepts. They were also thrilled to meet the members of the Cha-Ching band, Zul and Prudence. The kids received Cha-Ching items, such as money box and kit to help them become moneysmart kids.

The activity was the third financial literacy program for kids conducted by the regional welfare office in partnership with Pru Life UK. In April and May, children of OFWs from Bataan and Bulacan participated in the same program held in Abucay, Bataan and Norzagaray, Bulacan. |TOP| RWO IV-A trains scholars on leadership, accountability and volunteerism Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph Forty-five OWWA scholars from Region IV-A received training on enhancement of leadership skills, sense of accountability, volunteerism and camaraderie through peer counselling as part of OWWA‘s Learning Support Mechanism. The two-day activity dubbed ―UP-Shift: Scholars at Work, Leading the Way‖ was held on October 24-25, 2013 at Villa Juliana, Brgy Bucal, Calamba City, Laguna.

RWO IV-A OIC Julia F. Fabian said the scholars under the Education for Development Scholarship Program, Education and Livelihood Assistance Program, and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program were challenged to give due importance on character development and leadership skills enhancement as these are expected from them, as OFW dependents and beneficiaries of OWWA education program.

RWO IV-A in cooperation with the leaders of the Circle of Scholars prepared activities that would help achieve the abovementioned objectives.

Karl I. Baroro, a professor from Colegio de San Juan de Letran- Calamba presented the importance of leadership while Cleve Kevin Robert Arguelles, a former UP Student Regent talked about accountability. Through a song ―Kumilos Na‖ of Kabataan PartyList, he instilled the importance of having sense of accountability to the scholars as a good way to prove their worth. Another young speaker, Ann Resheir Bayugo tackled the importance of peer counselling. Lastly, OWWA scholar Kimani Lester Z. Comia discussed the essentials and benefits of volunteerism, stressing that learning should not stop within the four corners of the classroom and that all learnings gained in school are more enhanced when they integrate in the community and practice their skills and knowledge outside the university.

A fun night awaited the scholars as the region treated them to a Halloween-themed fellowship party to end the activity. |TOP| Foreign Portfolio Investments yield net inflows in October Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Transactions for foreign portfolio investments for the month of October yielded overall net inflows of US$969 million, much higher than the US$683 million recorded in September and US$40 million a year ago. Transactions in PSE-listed securities, Peso GS and Peso time deposits yielded net inflows of US$30 million, US$855 million, and US$84 million respectively.

Registered investments in October slightly declined to US$2.5 billion from the US$2.6 billion last month (or by 4.1 percent) as inflows to PSE-listed shares declined by 28.5 percent (from US$1.8 billion to US$1.3 billion). Year-on-year, however, registered investments rose by 62.3 percent from US$1.5 billion in 2012 due to: (i) the third upgrade of the country‘s credit rating, this time by Moody‘s Investor Service; (ii) improved economic growth outlook for the Philippines by the Asian Development Bank; and (iii) the bill passed in the United States which allowed the reopening of government offices (until 15 January 2014) and increased the US debt ceiling to avert a debt default. Outflows likewise dropped to US$1.5 billion from US$1.9 billion last month.

Investments in October were in PSE-listed securities (52.6 percent), Peso GS (44.0 percent) and Peso time deposits (3.4 percent). For PSE-listed securities, the main beneficiaries were: holding firms, food, beverage and tobacco companies, banks, property firms, and telecommunication companies.

The United Kingdom, Singapore, the United States, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands were the top five (5) investor countries for the month with combined share to total of 81.5 percent. The United States continued to be the main beneficiary of outflows from investments, receiving 78.4 percent of total.

Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is voluntary. It entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment. |TOP| Inflation remains benign in Q3 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The BSP announced today the publication of the 48th issue of the quarterly BSP Inflation Report covering the period July-

September 2013. The full text has been released in electronic format (as a PDF file) on the BSP website. The BSP Inflation Report is published as part of the BSP‘s efforts to improve the transparency of monetary policy under inflation targeting and to convey to the public the thinking and analysis behind the Monetary Board‘s decisions on monetary policy.

The following are the highlights of the Q3 2013 BSP Inflation Report: Headline inflation eases further due to lower prices of non-food items. Year-on-year headline inflation decreased to 2.4 percent in Q3 2013 from 2.7 percent in Q2 2013, bringing the year-to-date (ytd) average inflation rate to 2.8 percent, slightly below the Government‘s inflation target range of 4.0 percent ± 1.0 percentage point for 2013. This was due mainly to slower non-food inflation, owing to lower electricity rates. Inflation for most food items also declined, reflecting adequate domestic supply of corn, meat, fish, milk, fruits, vegetables, and sugar. Similarly, the official measure of core inflation, along with the alternative measures of core inflation measured by the BSP, was lower in Q3 2013 than in the previous quarter, indicating a relative absence of broad-based inflationary pressures. The official core inflation eased to 2.2 percent. The number of CPI components showing inflation rates above the 5.0 percent threshold likewise decreased, accounting for a smaller proportion of the CPI basket.

Domestic demand remains buoyant. Real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7.5 percent in Q2 2013, supported by strong household spending and capital formation on the expenditure side and by solid gains in the services sector on the production side. Indicators of demand also continue to trend higher given generally favorable consumer and business sentiment. Vehicle and energy sales have been firm, while the Purchasing Managers‘ Index (PMI) continues to signal strong new orders and production. Sustained credit growth and ample liquidity are also seen to provide a further boost to domestic demand going forward.

Prospects for global growth continue to be modest amid downside risks. The economic recovery in advanced economies (AEs), particularly in the US and Japan, has strengthened modestly, while economic activity in the euro area continues to stabilize. However, the pace of growth in major emerging markets (EMs), particularly in China, has decelerated due to weaker domestic demand. Consequently, the IMF reduced its global growth projections in October but notes that latest indicators point to somewhat improved prospects in the near term. A further slowdown in emerging and developing economies represents a key downside risk to the global growth outlook. At the same time, tighter financial conditions associated with the eventual exit of the US Federal Reserve from its unconventional monetary policies could have adverse spillovers on EMs. Meanwhile, inflation pressures are seen to remain subdued. The inflation environment in AEs continues to be benign given their sizeable spare capacity, while softer demand in emerging economies should help temper increases in the international prices of commodities.

Uncertainty weighs down on local financial markets. Local financial markets continued to be weighed down by lingering uncertainty over the timing of the anticipated exit from quantitative easing in the US. The decision of the US Federal Reserve to maintain the pace of its asset purchases in September propelled rallies across global financial markets.

However, the impasse among US lawmakers over passing a new fiscal budget and raising the debt ceiling tempered market optimism. In the Philippines, the stock market index retreated, the peso weakened against the US dollar, and spreads on Philippine debt widened, indicating renewed risk aversion. Nonetheless, demand for T-bills remained robust, reflecting strong buying interest from investors as well as ample liquidity in the market. Money supply also continued to expand, buoyed by brisk credit activity.

The BSP maintains its policy settings during the quarter. During its monetary policy meetings on 25 July and 12 September, the Monetary Board (MB) decided to keep its policy interest rates steady based on its assessment of a benign inflation environment, with baseline forecasts broadly in line with the announced inflation targets for 2013-2015. The MB also noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook has shifted slightly toward the upside given more volatile international oil prices. Nonetheless, global economic prospects are seen to remain subdued, tempering pressures on world commodity prices.

Prevailing inflation and output dynamics support the maintenance of current monetary policy settings. Baseline forecasts indicate that inflation will continue to track the lower bound of the inflation target range for 2013. Inflation is also likely to remain within-target in 2014 and 2015. While the risks to the inflation outlook are slightly skewed to the upside, inflation dynamics remain favorable given benign inflation readings and well-anchored inflation expectations. Firm indications of domestic demand suggest that prevailing monetary policy settings remain appropriately calibrated to support noninflationary growth. Moreover, the temporary period of strong liquidity growth is not expected to translate into significant inflationary pressures given the continued improvement in the economy‘s absorptive capacity. Keeping a steady hand on policy levers is also prudent given the challenging global economic environment, as it provides monetary authorities some scope to further evaluate the impact of recent fine-tuning measures in the BSP‘s special deposit account (SDA) facility.

Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor evolving price and output conditions to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with maintaining price and financial stability while supporting sustainable economic growth. The BSP also stands ready to deploy appropriate measures as needed to address pre-emptively any potential misalignments in asset prices.

[On 24 October 2013, the MB decided to maintain the BSP‘s key policy rates at 3.50 percent for the overnight borrowing or RRP facility and 5.50 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and SDAs were also left unchanged accordingly. Reserve requirement ratios were kept steady as well.] |TOP| Government creates special Working Group on Philippine eGovernment interoperability framework Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph

The Department of Science and Technology announced today the creation of a body to fast-track the development of an egovernment framework that will ensure the ―interoperability‖ of systems and allow the smooth exchange of information and services among government agencies.

A special order issued by DOST's Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office) creates a special working group tasked to develop the Philippine eGovernment Interoperability Framework (PeGIF), which will define the egovernment that will be established.

The PeGIF working group – comprised of information and communications technology (ICT) stalwarts from the government, academe and the private sector – will be tasked to develop standards and processes for governing the technical and informational interoperability of government ICT systems.

The PeGIF shall be aligned with the E-Government Master Plan (EGMP), as well as other relevant national plans, frameworks and strategies.

DOST Undersecretary Louis Casambre, executive director of the ICT Office, said ―through this PeGIF, we aim to attain true e-government sooner in the country. Our citizens can expect that queuing for basic government services such as health care and taxes will be faster and forms will no longer be needed to be filled out repeatedly, allowing for citizens to spend more time in what matter most, like earning a living. Likewise, it will also ensure the accomplishment of our goals for good governance, transparency accountability, enhance citizen engagement and effective delivery of public service."

About DOST-ICT Office – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government‘s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity. |TOP| Government to continue to support Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Services Sector Source: http://icto.dost.gov.ph The Philippine Government will continue to support the Health Care Information Management (HIM) Outsourcing Services Sector through training and certification programs to equip the HIM workers with the right skills to do high value work.

Likewise, it will continue to promote the Industry to foreign markets as well as promote employment opportunities to areas outside the IT-Business Process Management (BPM) centers like Metro Manila and Metro Cebu and Bacolod, places called Next Wave Cities.

The HIM industry is the Philippine‘s fastest growing Business Process Management (BPM) sector, growing more than 82% in full time employment and generating around two hundred seventy-seven million US dollars in 2012. The industry is expected to almost double that figure in 2013.

The Healthcare Information Management Outsourcing Services Congress (HIMOSC) held at the Hotel Intercon on Tuesday was attended by professionals in the local HIM and BPM industry and supported by professionals from the private sector and government. ―This Congress could not come at a better time. Developments in one of our biggest markets, the United States, are focused on the successful and effective implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more commonly known in the US as Obamacare.‖ This was mentioned by Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-ICTO) Deputy Executive Director Monchito Ibrahim delivering the keynote speech of Undersecretary Louis Casambre‘s of theDOST-ICTO We will support the continued growth of the ICT industry, including that of the HIM-BPM sector. Our medical coding training and certification program to equip workers with coding skills will be piloted early next year and we are working with TESDA to develop the assessment for this program. Local efforts to increase demand and interest for the country‘s HIM providers have been complemented by the presence and support of the industry in international marketing campaigns and exhibits, most recent of which is the very first HIM-BPM Roadshow held in the US with HIMOAP and the Department of Trade and Industry and its attached agencies such as the Board of Investments and the Foreign Trade Service Corps and the repeat participation in the American Health Information Management Association‘s (or AHIMA) Convention and Exhibit in Atlanta, Georgia.‖ Mr. Ibrahim said.

HIMOAP President Penny Lauchango said that ―In the last two years we are happy to see that the industry had grown four fold, providing full time employment to professionals in 2012. And in the next 4 years the HIM industry is conservatively projected to grow an additional 25% year on year to reach 100,000 full time employees, making 1B USD in revenue‖ At the event it was also revealed by local health care practitioners and the Department of Health that the Industry will soon be adopting an electronic health information management system similar to that in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa of the Department of Health said that ―All the public hospitals have been struggling on what information system to use for health information, what we are trying to do is set the framework for an open, interoperable system that will allow even private hospitals access to patient health care information, similar to what DOST ICT office has done wth the e-health information network‖

About DOST-ICT Office – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government‘s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity. |TOP| Baldoz sets up 24/7 information assistance center on donations and volunteers for typhoon relief and recovery Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Following the instruction of the President, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the set-up of a 24/7 information assistance center at the Fourth Floor of Cargohaus, Brgy. Vitalez, NAIA Complex, Paranaque City to answer queries from the public on the on-going relief and recovery efforts in the wake of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Yolanda.

"The information assistance is a call center with number +632-459-2131," said Baldoz, who also expanded the operation of the DOLE Call Center, increasing its personnel by 12 more staff, to complement the government's information assistance operation in Paranaque City.

"The information assistance number, +632-459-2131, and the DOLE Call Center hotline, +632-527-8000, are now in operation and call center personnel accept calls from the public to provide detailed information on how, where, and what to donate; how and where to volunteer; who to contact for missing relatives; who to contact to request for relief operations in areas not yet reached by the government; and where to check for updates," said Baldoz.

She also said the Labor Communications Office, headed by Director Nicon F. Fameronag, is coordinating information updating for sharing with those involved in relief and recovery. The Labor Communications Office can be reached at 5273000 local 625, or email at laborcommunications@gmail.com or dole_lco@yahoo.com. |TOP| For Eastern Visayas OFWs affected by Typhoon Yolanda Baldoz assures them of continued services in select POEA offices Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday assured overseas Filipino workers in Region 8 who are in the course of processing their working documents when Typhoon Yolanda struck that the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will continue to provide its services in select and identified offices near or around the region. "I have instructed Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac of the POEA to continue providing its services to OFWs from the Samar-Leyte area who, despite the present situation, are keen on pursuing their overseas work, particularly in the processing of their Overseas Employment Certificates," said Baldoz. In other regions, the POEA regional offices continue to operate regularly," said Baldoz. Administrator Cacdac, in a report to the labor and employment chief who is also the chairman of the POEA Governing Board, identified the select offices and focal persons whom they can transact official business with. These are as follows: (1) POEA Main Office/Balik-Manggagawa, BFO Building Ortigas Ave. corner EDSA Mandaluyong City. Contact person: Genevive Aguilar Ardiente, Chief, Balik-Manggagawa, (02) 721-07-85; 09178698474; (2) POEA Regional Center-Cebu, DOLE Bldg. (Formerly Insular Building), Gorondo corner Gen. Maxilom Avenues, Cebu City. Contact person: Evelia M. Durato, Chief, (032) 412-0041 to 42; (032) 412-0040 (Fax); 09175540572; (3) POEA Regional Satellite Office-Legazpi, G/F Unit 102 and 103 ANST Building, Washington Drive, Legazpi City. Contact person: Rex Marcos, Coordinator, (052) 480-0144; 0917554033; (4) POEA-Deputized Office, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Satellite Office-Naga, 3/F Raul Roco Library Bldg., Naga City Hall Complex, Naga City, Camarines Sur. Contact person: Kay Villamor, OWWA Collecting Officer, (054) 473-43-41. |TOP| Relief effort reaches typhoon-ravaged areas via supply routes Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph Relief operations moves at a faster pace with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) able to open all national roads in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) and with works now focus in the clearing of secondary and city roads in Tacloban City. DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that the first objective was to clear primary national roads so that supply lines will have access or the food stuff, relief operations could reach the affected areas. To facilitate the movement of relief goods to devastated areas, goods coming from Bicol to Tacloban may utilize the Matnog RoRo-Allen-CatbalonganSan Juanico route while the Ormoc-Carigara-Palo-Tacloban and Ormoc-Baybay-Abuyog-Dulag-Tolosa-Palo-Tacloban routes are intended supply routes for those coming Cebu to Ormoc and Leyte. For the relief efforts going to Borongan and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Catbalogan-Wright-Taft-San Julian-Borongan-Hernani-Guiuan and Catbalogan-BasayMarabut-Lawaan-Guiuan are the two (2) routes option. Although there are road sections with limited lanes due to badly damaged road sections, DPWH is looking to recover fully within 3-4 days road right of way of national highways. Singson said that 36 of the 138 road sections in Eastern Visayas were earlier affected by the devastating typhoon. DPWH Regional Offices in the National Capital Region, Bicol, Central Visayas, Southern Mindanao (Davao Region), and CARAGA pooled their equipment and manpower resources to support and augment the DPWH Region 8 massive clearing works. Twenty DPWH dump-trucks are immediately deployed in Region 8, 10 of which coming from Region 5 including 5 payloader while

about 248 personnel were also sent as augmentation personnel. Private contractors were also mobilized to assist in the clearing activities. Aside from Region 8, national roads in Region 4-B, 5, 6, and 7 with about 113 road sections affected by the category 5 typhoon are all cleared and passable. |TOP| Government workers affected by Yolanda can avail of emergency leave — CSC Source: http://excell.csc.gov.ph Government workers directly affected by the devastating typhoon Yolanda can avail of a five-day special emergency leave. ―The Civil Service Commission sees the need to provide relief to state workers affected by natural calamities in the form of a special leave with the hope that this would give them respite and ample time to de-stress, recharge, and recover from the usually traumatic experience,‖ said CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III. Last year, the Commission issued CSC Resolution No. 1200289 to give state workers in officially-declared calamity areas the privilege to avail of the special emergency leave for five straight working days or on staggered basis. Said special leave is separate and will not be deducted from the employee‘s leave credits.

The policy definitely covers state workers affected by the recent typhoon Yolanda, which is said to be one of the strongest typhoons on world record to strike the Philippines, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and devastated. ―Considering the tremendous extent of damage to life and property, the special leave may not be enough but it would surely help ease the pain our countrymen are experiencing,‖ Chairman Duque added.

The leave may be used by government workers stranded in affected areas, for urgent repair and clean-up of damaged house, for recovery from disease/illness, or for caring for immediate family members affected by natural calamity.

The special emergency leave may be availed of by affected government employees within 30 days from the first day of calamity declaration by proper government agencies/authorities.

The CSC policy orders heads of offices to take full responsibility in granting special emergency leave and in verifying the employee‘s eligibility to avail of such. In doing so, heads of offices may validate the place of residence of the affected employee based on latest available records, or verify if the place of residence is covered in the declaration of calamity area, among others. |TOP| Statement of the GPH Peace Panel in Talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF on typhoon Yolanda Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph ―Let Us Work Together in Peace‖ Typhoon Yolanda has ruined the lives of millions of our people, and has made a wasteland of vast areas in the Visayas, even as the Philippines is still reeling from a series of catastrophes in the Visayas—Pablo, Sendong, and the earthquake in Bohol, to name the most recent—that have wreaked havoc on the lives, property, and tranquility of our people. Today, in the wake of Yolanda, the most powerful storm in human memory, the entire country and most of the world are engaged in the most massive relief and recovery operations in our history.

We are all doing our share in this effort, as Filipinos and as human beings, with compassion, and in solidarity with our suffering sisters and brothers, their children and elders, and their shattered communities.

The task is massive. Government needs all the help it can get. Indeed, the global community has responded generously.

Many Filipinos have risen to the call to provide all kinds of relief to the victims and their families, and are gearing for the challenge of long-term reconstruction.

Never has our motherland been in such a need for national unity since perhaps the Second World War. United, we shall overcome this tragedy. Divided, we shall fail our people.

We call on all Filipinos to set aside the politics and ideologies that have divided us, and with arms linked kapit-bisig, together surmount this crisis.

We are heartened by the declaration of a ten-day ceasefire in typhoon-affected areas by our brothers and sisters engaged in armed struggle against the government. But the task is huge; it will need more than a token suspension of armed hostilities in a limited area. We therefore urge the Communist Party of the Philippines to extend a humanitarian ceasefire indefinitely and nationwide and join the rest of the country in mobilizing all necessary resources in a human chain of service to our people. We ask them to pick up the tools that give life, help rebuild from destruction, and promote the peace we so badly need in our land.

Our armed forces and police have changed their mode of operations from armed resistance to unarmed resistance, rescue,

relief and rehabilitation in Yolanda-affected areas. We invite our brothers and sisters in the New People‘s Army to do the same by participating in this national effort.

For the sake of our people.

In the name of humanity.

For peace in our beloved Pilipinas. |TOP| NEDA spearheads 'Yolanda recovery and reconstruction plan' Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph MANILA --- Even as relief operations are ongoing, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is spearheading the development of a recovery and reconstruction plan to restore normalcy in regions hit by Typhoon Yolanda and help get the affected local economies back on their feet.

In a meeting yesterday, the Economic Development Cluster of the Cabinet formed an interagency task force to craft the plan, focusing on immediate and near-term actions needed to rebuild facilities, restore social services and revive economic activities. The plan, which will be presented to the President in two to three weeks‘ time, will be implemented immediately following relief operations in affected areas. ―It is important to quickly assess the damage and losses and to determine the right sequence of government actions,‖ said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. He added that the recovery plan will address social and economic impact of the typhoon.

Based on preliminary data on the damage and production losses, NEDA estimates indicate that the fourth quarter 2013 growth could slow down to 4.1 percent but the negative impact of the typhoon may linger in 2014 due to reduced production capacity. The full year GDP growth for 2013 could be reduced by 0.3 to 0.8 percentage point, lowering growth estimates to 6.5 percent to 7 percent. Prior to the onset of calamities, the Philippine economy was expected to grow by 7.3 percent for 2013, after registering a 7.6 percent growth in the first half of the year. ―To ensure that we regain lost ground the soonest, we need to accelerate the implementation of social and economic development projects, particularly in the affected provinces,‖ Balisacan said.

Balisacan said the Yolanda recovery and reconstruction plan aims to speed up government operations to enhance delivery of services in the affected areas; find and develop resettlement sites; and restore public utilities and facilities using upgraded standards. ―These actions must be completed in the shortest possible time, to restore people‘s means of livelihood and revive economic and business activities,‖ Balisacan said.

The plan also aims to assist in the social and psychological recovery of individuals and communities affected. ―It is easier to recover economic losses; it is the social cost that is harder and will take longer to reverse,‖ the NEDA Director General added.

The task force created by the Economic Development Cluster will prepare a detailed master plan, indicating short-term and long-term actions. Immediate actions include assessment of damage to infrastructure and preparation of more resilient design standards for infrastructure projects. These will be used in the rehabilitation and construction of critical infrastructure such as housing, roads and bridges, hospitals, provincial, city and municipal halls, seaports and airports, public markets, water supply and distribution systems, irrigation systems, power, telecommunications as well as other government offices and facilities. |TOP| Statement of the DFA Spokesperson on the status of international assistance to the relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph As of 12:00 p.m. today, we have monitored forty-three (43) international donors that have pledged or have already sent assistance to support the ongoing relief and recovery operations in the areas affected by typhoon Yolanda.

This brings the current estimated value of international assistance to Php 5.4 billion or USD 126.8 million. I wish to reiterate that this amount accounts only for those donations to which the donors assigned a monetary value and that pledges of financial aid have to be processed in accordance with the rules and regulations of the donors before the funds reach the recipients. You might have also noticed that some pledges which were already announced in the media are not reflected in our list. As previously explained, the DFA, as the focal point on international assistance, is focusing on coordinating initial contact with foreign governments and international organizations intending to render humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. We undertake a verification process, which involves getting official notification from the foreign government or international organization before the information is added to the list.

The DFA also receives the requests for diplomatic clearance involving the entry and exit of foreign military, government or government-chartered aircraft and seacraft providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. Once we are notified of travel details and other pertinent information, we relay these either to the DOH, if the vessel carries a medical team and/or medicines, or to the Office of Civil Defense, if it is carrying non-medical goods. Upon landing, the aircraft will be processed by the NDRRMC‘s One-Stop Shop (NDRRMC-OSS) at the airport.

The One-Stop Shops are located at the Bureau of Customs office in NAIA and Mactan Airport. It serves as the hub for all transactions between and among donors, consignee and recipients of arrived foreign donations. The NDRRMC-OSS has personnel from the different government agencies, such as the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, DFA, DND, DOH, DSWD, DepED, DOTC, DA, and DOF, among others.

DOF personnel are there to facilitate the release of requests for exemption from duties and/or taxes for aid received from various governments, international organizations or institutions. I‘m giving you a copy of the list of the documentary requirements for importation of relief goods. If the requirements are incomplete, the concerned organization, institution and/or hospital may coordinate with the representatives concerned, such as representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Health, in the NDRRMC- OSS. Meanwhile, the DFA is receiving heartwarming reports from our Embassies and Consulates about the various initiatives of Filipino communities abroad to help their fellow Filipinos who have been affected by this disaster.

For instance, the Bayanihan Council, the umbrella organization of all Filipino community groups in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) immediately sent relief funds amounting to Php 110,000 to the Philippine Red Cross. Our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, together with the Filipino community in Malaysia, was able to raise around Php 43,000 for donation also to the Philippine Red Cross.

Various Filipino groups in different countries are organizing fund drives and other activities to help uplift the spirit and physical condition of the victims. |TOP| South Korea to add to Us$5 million donation to Typhoon Victims Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 15 November 2013 –The South Korean government, which has pledged US$5 million in comprehensive assistance to aid the survivors and victims of super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), has called for more support for the Philippines, according to reports monitored by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

The amount was decided at a joint private-public meeting on emergency relief operations overseas held by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) November 12 to finalize its comprehensive assistance plan. Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul chaired the meeting, which was attended by the relevant government ministries as well as business and non-government organizations.

In addition to the humanitarian assistance, the Council agreed to dispatch by today, November 15, the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT) composed of 20 medical personnel, 14 paramedics, four staff members of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and two MOFA officials via military aircraft.

The participants to the meeting were: the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the Ministry of Security and Public Administration, the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Korea Coast Guard. The attendees from the private sector included those from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korean Red Cross, the Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation and the Federation of Korean Industries.

On November 14, Prime Minister Chung Hong-won said his government should mobilize additional support, such as official development aid programs, for the typhoon victims at a weekly policy coordination meeting. ―The Philippines is a close ally of South Korea which took part in the Korean War, a home country of mothers of many multicultural families here and a valuable partner for shared growth,‖ Korea‘s head of government said. ―We have to do our best to help the people there to overcome the hardships.‖ Korea hunkered down to consider humanitarian assistance as soon as government work resumed on Monday, November 11, when Deputy Foreign Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs Shin Dong-ik convened an inter-agency meeting on emergency relief for the purpose. On late Monday, an advance interagency team of emergency relief officers was dispatched to Cebu to check on damage to South Korean nationals and to ensure their safety.

MOFA has set up an emergency response headquarters in Cebu, led by a Counselor of the South Korean Embassy in Manila. |TOP|

Last Updated:

17 NOVEMBER 2013

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GUIUAN, Samar) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads distribution of food packs to Guiuan residents and inspects the affected areas after the briefing by the LGUs at the municipal ground Sunday (November 17). (Photo by MARCELINO G. PASCUA)

GUIUAN, Samar) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with local government officials before distribution of food packs and relief goods at the municipal grounds Sunday (November 17). (Photo by MARCELINO G. PASCUA) GUIUAN, Samar) President Benigno S.Aquino III meets with local government officials at the municipal grounds Sunday (November 17). Guiuan Mayor Christopher Gonzales updates the President during the meeting. Also present are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas. (Photo by MARCELINO G. PASCUA) GUIUAN, Samar) President Benigno S.Aquino III shake hands with the members of the U.S. Marine Rescue Mission upon arrival at the Guiaun Airport in Eastern Samar Sunday (November 17) during his visit to affected areas of super typhoon "Yolanda." (Photo by MARCELINO G. PASCUA-PCOO/NIB) GUIUAN, Samar) President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects affected areas in eastern Samar, after meeting with local government officials at the municipal grounds Sunday (November 17). (Photo by MARCELINO G. PASCUA)

DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas leads the briefing before the National and local government held at the Grand Stand in Tacloban City, Saturday (November 16) also in photo is DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman. (Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/NIB/PCOO) DSWD DISTRIBUTION —The Department of Social Welfare and Development leads the distribution food packs and relief in urban area, in Tacloban City, affected by super typhoon Yolanda, Saturday (November 16) Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/NIB/PCOO)

CHOOPER LOADING—Food packs for the victims and other relief goods are loaded into the airforce chopper to be distributed to Santa Fe in Tacloban City, Leyte to the urban area affected by the super typhoon Yolanda, Saturday (November 16) Photo by MARCELINO PASCUA/NIB/PCOO DPHW CLEARING OPERATION—Heavy equipment are being used for the clearing operations works by the Department of Public Works and Highways in the Yolanda hit areas, Saturday (November 16) .(photo by MARCELINO G.PASCUA/PCOONIB

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Takehiko Nakao during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (November 15). Also in photo are ADB vice president Stephen Groff, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Mateo Montano. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Asian Development Bank (ADB) officials, headed by ADB president Takehiko Nakao, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (November 15). (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III takes charge of the vast government relief operations in areas ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda as he visited the relief repacking centers in Metro Manila on Thursday night (November 14, 2013). Day. Also in photo is Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma, Jr. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III takes charge of the vast government relief operations in areas ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda as he visited the relief repacking centers in Metro Manila on Thursday night (November 14, 2013). Day. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Hermnio "Sonny" Coloma, Jr. receives token of appreciation from the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas officials during its 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Thursday (Nov. 14). (NIB Photo/Louie Iglesias) Senate President Franklin Drilon and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma, Jr. lead officials of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) in "kapit-bisig" to show their solidarity to improve the practice of broadcasting to better serve the public during the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas 39th Annual Top Level Management Conference Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga on Thursday (Nov. 14). KBP Chairman Ruperto S. Nicdao Jr (extreme left) and other KBP joins in the photo session. (NIB Photo/Louie Iglesias)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!