Dispatch for november 27 , 2013 ( wednesday ) , 8 pia calabarzon pr , 18 weather watch,

Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for November 27 , 2013 ( Wednesday ) , 10 PIA Calabarzon PR , 18 Weather Watch, 16 Reg’l. Watch , 1 OFW Watch, PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 13 Photonews

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued At:

5:00 a.m., 27 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., 27 November 2013

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 27 November 2013

Satellite Image for 4:30 a.m., 27 November 2013

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

Forecast: The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

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

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

GALE WARNING GALE WARNING NO. 20 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 27 November 2013 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

SEABOARD

WEATHER

The seaboards of Northern Luzon Cloudy skies with (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Ilocos light to moderate Norte, Isabela, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, rains La Union and Pangasinan )

WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS)

SEA CONDITION

WAVE HEIGHTS (meters)

(52 - 63) / (28 - 34)

Rough to very rough

3.4 to 4.5

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

against big waves.

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

1. Weather Watch PAGASA: This November, comet ISON will pass very close to the bright star Spica and the planet Saturn, both in the constellation Virgo. These bright objects might help you find the comet. There has been some mention that Comet ISON could become a daylight object. Comet ISON will appear close to the sun on the sky‟s dome (only 4.4° north of the sun on November 28). Although the comet will be bright, it‟s likely that only experts who know how to look near the sun, while blocking the sun‟s glare, will see it.

2. Weather Watch about an hour ago PIA-6/ILOILO: The 301st Phil. Army Brigade here has now a total of 59 trucks being used in relief operations here and other parts of Panay, on top of four helicopters from the Philippine Airforce.

3. Weather Watch about an hour ago REGION-8: DILG Director Pedro NOval requested DSWD to device a mechanism that can be used for monitoring of packs delivered to mayors and barangay chair. This way, the PIA can also inform how many have been distributed to how many recipients.

4. Weather Watch bout an hour ago REGION-8: DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman called on PIA to inform the public as to when and where the relief goods will be distributed in every barangay in Tacloban. She also called on OCD to coordinate closely with Tacloban DRRMC to make the schedule that will be announced by PIA.

5. Weather Watch 3 hours ago PIA-8: As per latest data (Nov. 26) from RDRRMC-8, a total of 5,179 casualties have been recorded in Eastern Visayas due to Typhoon Yolanda.

6. Weather Watch 14 hours ago PIA-3/ZAMBALES: The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department has already received more than P220,000 in cash and in kind donations coming from various locators and investors in the freeport for Yolanda victims. Meanwhile, Subic Bay Development and Management Corporation chair Theodore Huang donated P4.5M, while Subic Bay Freeport investor Moon Kang donated P200,000 worth of rice to DSWD also for Yolanda survivors.

7. Weather Watch PIA-8: Smart Communications, together with team Apl De Ap, has turned over to DepEd-8 a number of cellphone units to be used by school heads in coordinating for 'Yolanda' related activities. PIA-8 Regional Dir. Olive Tiu and Team Mindanao also joined in launching the "libreng tawag", a humanitarian program of Smart telecom which allows victims of Yolanda to call and communicate with their loved ones using Smart services for free.

8. Weather Watch 17 hours ago PIA-NCR: Nanawagan ang Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWDNCR) sa mga may sasakyan na nagnanais makatulong sa ating mga kababayang biktima ng super typhoon Yolanda. Nangangailangan sila ng mga volunteers para sa Oplan Hatid. Mangyari lamang na kontakin si Mr. Joel Pangilinanan sa # 09294000875 at pakisabi ng tipo at seating capacity ng inyong sasakyan.

9. 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/

10. Weather Watch 18 hours ago PIA-8: DTI Region 8 officer-in-charge Stanley Tabiando in an interview over PIA's Power FM in Tacloban City said that their agency will conduct a DISKWENTO KARAVAN on Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 8AM to 5PM at the RTR Plaza in Tacloban City. Discount of 10% up to 15% will be given to those who want to avail.

11. Weather Watch 18 hours ago PIA-6/CAPIZ: A total of 311 residents in Cuartero, Capiz, who were victims both of typhoon and flood in the area due to super typhoon Yolanda, availed of the medical services of the British-Canadian Emergency Response Team last Nov. 23. Aside from the medical mission, the team likewise conducted clearing of fallen trees in the Poblacion and at Cuartero Central School.

12. Weather Watch 19 hours ago PIA-8: Team Mindanao cluster Team Leader and PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga, in an interview with 104.3MHz PBS-Radyo ng Bayan, said the Mindanao team was sent to Tacloban City to provide communication support to the government's relief efforts.

13. Weather Watch 19 hours ago PIA-6/ANTIQUE: The manager of the Antique Electric Cooperative, Engr. Ludovico Lim issued an appeal to the consumers to help in conserving energy due to limited supply of electricity and due to the damage wrought by typhoon Yolanda. The consumers were advised to refrain from using unnecessary appliances and equipments that consume large amount of electricity, in order to avoid rotating brownouts.

14. Weather Watch 19 hours ago PIA-10/LANAO DEL NORTE: A 20-man team composed of engineers, laborers, operators, and drivers, equipped with tools, power supply generator and dump truck from the DPWH-Lanao del Norte 2nd Engineering District were sent to Tacloban to conduct clearing operations in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda. It's

one of the three DPWH X contingent teams sent from North Mindanao, according to Mocamadali P. Pundogar, Chief, Admin. Section, DPWH LNED 2.

15. Weather Watch

20 hours ago PIA-8: ( #YolandaPH as of Nov. 26, 9:00AM) DILG Region 8 data revealed that there are already 5,179 cadavers recovered (3,736-identified and 1,443-unidentified).

16. Weather Watch 22 hours ago PAGASA Thunderstorm Advisory 1 NCR_PRSD Issued at 1:25 PM, 26 November 2013 Thunderstorm affecting #Bulacan(Meycauyan, Obando, Marilao) whichc may persist with in 2 hours.

Isolated thunderstorm is expected over #MetroManila within an hour.

All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong winds, lightning and possible flashfloods. Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch

November 27 , 2013 ( Wednesday ) CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

PIA

: : : : :

as of 6:00-7:00 AM

Sunny Sunny Sunny Fair Weather Sunny

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The city government of Lucena launched 'Bonifacio @ 150' exhibit at SM City Lucena coinciding with 150th birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio. The exhibit runs until Nov. 30.

2. PIA Regional Watch

20 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Namahagi ang pamahalaang lungsod ng Tanauan ng mga pananim sa mga magsasaka mula sa Brgy.Balele, Luyos at Maria Paz na layong makatulong sa mga magsasaka ng lungsod upang mapataas ang antas ng kanilang pamumuhay at maparami ang kanilang kita.

3. PIA Regional Watch路

PIA-4A/QUEZON: DSWD-4A in collaboration with the LGU of Lucban will be holding 'SEA-K 3rd general assembly' at Orenas resort, barangay Tinamnan, Lucban, Quezon tommorow at 9:00am. Highlights include reporting of activities of ten SEA-k federations and election of new set of officers of each SEA-k federation. SEA-k federations in Lucban which is composed of unemployed/poor individuals were organized to assist them by giving livelihood programs/projects from the DSWD.

4 . PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagsagawa ng pagsasanay sa paggawa ng hamon ang Provincial Agriculture's Office sa kanilang tanggapan sa Brgy. Bolbok, lungsod ng Batangas ngayong araw. Layunin nito na maturuan ang mga miyembro ng Rural Improvement Clubs ng lalawigan para sa karagdagang pagkikitaan at hanapbuhay.

5. PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/LAGUNA: "Money Matters for Kids" exhibit will be staged today, November 26 up to December 6, 2013, at the Student Unin Bldg., UP, Los Banos, Laguna. The exhibit aims to reach more children and rear them to become disciplined savers, conscious spenders and smart consumers at an early stage.

6. PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: Thirty rice farmers of Sariaya, Quezon yesterday graduated the farmers field school on rice production held at barangay Mangala 1, Sariaya, Quezon. This is part of the participatory plant breeding program of the Department of Agriculture-Region 4A in partnership with the provincial agriculture office which aims to increase rice production/income of the farmers.

7. PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pinangunahan ni Governor Vilma Santos-Recto ang panunumpa ng mga opisyal ng Batangas Coastal Resources Management Corporation na layong tumulong sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at likas na yaman ng lalawigan ng Batangas.

8. PIA Regional Watch 23 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinasagawa ngayon ang ikalawang ecological summit na may temang 'State of the Philippine Environment Kilos Kabayan para sa Kalikasan.Layon nitong patuloy na maisulong ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan upang malabanan ang climate change.

1. PIA OFW Watch November 22 PIA-6/ILOILO: OWWA-6 said that 90 percent of OFWs in Western Visayas found to be positive of HIV leading to AIDS usually do not report and seek medical assistance from OWWA due to stigma and community unacceptability. Reynold Pigar of OWWA said his office is willing to help them but what the returned OFWs want are business capital assistance and not medical help.

A. QUEZON

1. Tagalog news: Business opportunities forum idinaos para sa mga kooperatiba BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY Tuesday 26th of November 2013

LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Nov. 26 (PIA) --Nagdaos kamakailan ng business opportunities forum ang panlalawigang tanggapan ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at ang Quezon Federation and Union of Cooperatives (QFUC) na dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng 93 kooperatiba sa lalawigan ng Quezon.

Sinabi ni Pablito Budoy ng DTI-Quezon na layunin ng pagtitipon na ng mabigyan ng mga kaalaman ang mga kooperatiba upang sila ay magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan sa darating na taon (2014).

Binanggit ni Budoy na ang mga negosyo na maaaring paglagakan ng puhunan ng mg

kooperatiba ay ang pagtatanim ng kawayan, rubber tree, kape na bibilhin ng Nestle Philippines, pangasius, stingless bee para sa produksyon ng honeybee, coco coir production at kalakip nito ay ang pagpaparami ng vitiber, gayundin ang pagbebenta ng raw materials para sa Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines.

Ang DTI-Quezon, ayon kay Budoy, ay magbibigay ng technical assistance sa mga interesadong magnegosyo.

"Hindi lamang ang kooperatiba ang magnenegosyo, maaari ding magnegosyo ang mga miyembro ng kooperatiba na pahihiramin ng puhunan ng kooperatiba," sabi ni Budoy.

Kaugnay nito, ang mga magtatagumpay na kooperatiba ay maaaring humiling sa DTIQuezon ng pasilidad na kakailanganin upang mapabilis ang kanilang produksyon. Sa ilalim ng Shared Services Facility (SSF), ang DTI ay nagpapahiram ng mga kagamitan ng walang kabayaran ngunit maaari itong bawiin kung ito ay pababayaan o hindi gagamitin.

Ang Tagkawayan Agos ng Pag-asa multi-purpose cooperative ay isa sa mga nakatanggap ng SSF. Sa pamagitan nito, may 250 kilogramo ng dalanghita ang nakakatas nila sa kulang kulang na 2 oras, hindi katulad noong wala pa silang SSF na inaabot ng buong maghapon.

Marami pang ibang napagkalooban ng SSF na may kabuuang halaga na mahigit pa sa P20 milyon. Ilan dito ay para sa meat at fish processing, buri products manufacturing, coco coir village decorticating, virgin coconut oil processing, dairy processing, dalanghita processing at bamboo processing.

Naging bahagi rin sa forum ang pagbibigay ng updates ni Cooperative Developmtn Authority regional director Salvador Valeroso at Bureau of Internal Revenue officer Marlon Cabance. (RMO, PIA-Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=701385023073#sthash.JMeOiL7K.dpuf

2. PGAD-Quezon receives 7 awards for GREAT women project

BY: JOSELITO M. GIRON Tuesday 26th of November 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 26 (PIA) –The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) have recognized the provincial gender and development (GAD) office of the provincial government with seven awards in the recent national women economic empowerment (WEE) forum held at Mandaluyong City recently.

PGAD provincial head Ofelia Palayan, said the recognition was in line with the successful implementation of Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation (GREAT) of women project in the province.

In April 2008, the PCW identified Quezon among with other seven provinces as partners and beneficiaries of GREAT women project with the purpose of promoting women‟s economic empowerment (WEE).

“As it ended on August 2013, the GREAT women project have benefited thousands of rural women for being more productive and becoming partners in countryside development”, Palayan added.

Among the home-based enterprises most women in the province engaged are making „suman‟, „atsara‟, vinegar, coco-jam, cookies, cassava chips, soap, bags, slippers and other decorative products made of dried leaves.

The GREAT women project was first implemented in the towns of Real, Infanta, General Nakar and then to the municipalities of Calauag, Mauban, Lopez, and Lucena City. Today, the project is also being implemented in additional 11towns in the province. (JMG, PIA-Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=691384913314#sthash.B2IEAwWA.dpuf

3. DILG implements construction of water

supply system in 3 Quezon towns BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY Tuesday 26th of November 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 26 (PIA) --The provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here is currently implementing the construction of water supply system projects in the towns of Pitogo, Calauag and Real through its “bottom-up planning and budgeting program.

DILG-Quezon provincial director Enrico Damot said the program aims to provide the residents in said areas enough supply of potable water by building water supply system in selected barangays.

“These projects are in line with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) of the national government specifically on poverty alleviation,” Damot said

With project cost of P6.7 million, the construction of water supply system is ongoing at: barangay Maaliw, Pitogo; barangay Anahawan, Calauag and barangays Llavac and Tignoan in Real.

The construction of water system is the priority project identified by civil society organizations (CSO) in 2011 for said municipalities. The CSO formulated a plan and submitted to the local poverty reduction action team (LPRAT), then submitted the plan to the PRPRAT and sent the proposed project/ plan to concerned agencies for budgeting and implementation.

Earlier, the DILG conducted civil society assembly last October 2013 and LPRAT orientation workshop from November 1-14, 2013 in the 40 local government units in the province as part of the „bottom-up planning and budgeting program” aimed to identify priority projects and formulate workplan for implementation next year. (RMO, PIA-Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=701385002123#sthash.udIniIlu.dpuf

4. Quezon Province observes 18-day campaign to end violence against women BY: JOSELITO M. GIRON Tuesday 26th of November 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 27 (PIA) --An 18-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW) has been launched by the provincial gender and development (PGAD) office under the provincial government last Nov. 25 and ends December 12.

PGAD provincial head Ofelia Palayan, said the campaign will be highlighted by a covenant signing among media personalities, police officers, national and local government agencies and other advocates of VAW.

The campaign according to Palayan, aims to: increase support and commitment of duty holders particularly the government agencies, at the national and local level, in eliminating violence against women and children; to sustain and improve policies, laws and mechanisms addressing VAW; and to forge partnerships among stakeholders in addressing VAW.

“With the theme “End VAW now! It‟s our duty!”, the media has a big role in rolling-out the importance of having a functional mechanism in every local government units that will supervise and implement programs and projects related to gender and development”, Palayan said.

She added the functionality of the provincial committee against trafficking-violence against women and children, its members has a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of gender-based violence and the provisions of VAW laws.

It can be recalled that since 2002, the Philippine government has been actively joining the 16-day of activism against gender-based violence that is being observed globally.

In 2006, through Presidential Proclamation 1172, the Philippine campaign was extended to 18 days, to include December 12 which is known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Day.

This year, the country's commitment to the observance was strengthened as President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Republic Act 10398 declaring November 25 of every year as the “National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.” The law also raises the standard by which this campaign is observed by mandating key agencies to undertake activities designed to raise public awareness on VAW. (PIA-Quezon with report from PGAD-Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=691385433415#sthash.VtMh3yjg.dpuf

5. ILO-IPEC recognizes gov’t agencies’ contribution on the elimination of child labor BY: RUEL M. ORINDAY Tuesday 26th of November 2013

TAYABAS CITY, Quezon, Nov. 26 (PIA) --The International Program for Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC) recently awarded certificates of appreciation to government agencies that supported their programs on the elimination child labor cases in the province of Quezon for the past three years.

The awardees are Quezon Police Provincial Office; Department of Education (DepEd)Quezon and Lucena City; Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Quezon; Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the provincial government of Quezon.

Cecille Colarina, provincial coordinator of ILO-IPEC in Quezon province who led the awarding of certificates thanked the national and local government agencies and the volunteers for extending profound and valuable contribution in the implementation of ILO‟s project.

“Over the period of three years, IPEC helped organize and reactivate provincial child labor committees, built the capacity of provincial and local stakeholders and identified

direct implementing partners and through them delivered services to beneficiaries that ultimately led to withdrawal and prevention of children from child labor,� Colarina said.

The passage of legislations prohibiting child labor and providing services for child labor and their families as well as inclusion of child labor program in local development plans and annual development plans setting an enabling environment for child labor initiatives are some of the good practices of ILO-IPEC at the provincial and local level.

IPEC, according to Colarina, has been granted a three-month no-cost extension. Thus instead of ending on September 30, the programme will close on December 31, 2013.

Prior to the closure, several phase-over activities are being undertaken to ensure that the roles of the government and other local partners are expanding based on institutionalized mechanisms at this point that IPEC is closing out.

ILO-IPEC programme has operated also in other three demonstration sites for areabased services in child labour elimination namely: Masbate, Bukidnon and Northern Samar with the goal of identifying successful models of interventions to withdraw and prevent children from child labor. (RMO/ PIA-Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=701384408652#sthash.9twOAX31.dpuf

B. CAVITE

1. DTI confers Bagwis Award to business establishments in Cavite BY: RUEL B. FRANCISCO Wednesday 27th of November 2013

TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Nov. 27 (PIA) --The provincial office of the

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded recently the Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence to three SM Supermarkets (Bacoor, Dasmariñas and Rosario) for their best practices in upholding the rights of consumers.

DTI provincial director Noly Guevara congratulated the management team of SM Supermarkets for their excellent service like the setting-up of consumer help desk that provide assistance and immediate solutions of complaints of customers/consumers.

This year, this is the second time DTI-Cavite awarded the Gold Bagwis Seal of Excellence to business establishments. Last June 22, same seal was presented to Hyundai Dasmariñas and the Bagwis Silver Seal of Excellence to two branches of Savemore supermarkets in Tagaytay, Mendez and Salitran, Dasmariñas.

DTI‟s Certified Establishment Program (Bagwis Awards) aims to promote and foster the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest marketplace through voluntary self-regulation and service excellence.

The DTI provincial office is again encouraging other business establishments to join, apply and submit documentary requirements to their office located at the 2nd Floor, Government Center Building, Capitol Compound, Trece Martires City or call the following numbers: (046) 419-1028/419-0011. (RBF, PIA-Cavite/DTI-Cavite) - See more at: http://r04a.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671383892665#sthash.Wsz5lBcs.dpuf

2. JobStart program to benefit Cavite young workers BY: RUEL B. FRANCISCO Wednesday 27th of November 2013

GEN. TRIAS, Cavite, Nov. 27 (PIA) --One hundred young workers will soon receive a full-cycle employment facilitation services through the JobStart Philippines program.

A joint project of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Canadian International Development Agency

(CIDA), the program aims to foster the ability of the youth in finding employment and provide adequate knowledge and experience.

The program will offer services in mentoring, career guidance and employment coaching, technical training, and on-the-job learning experience in private companies.

To fully implement the program, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was forged between the local government, DOLE Region IV-A, and the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE). Mayor Antonio “Ony� Ferrer, DOLE Region 4A regional director Maria Zenaida Angara-Campita and Bureau of Local Employment director Dominique Tutay signed the MOU. The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is one of the offices chosen to lead the implementation of the program in the municipality.

Under the MOU, DOLE will provide technical support to develop tools for capturing and disseminating Labor Market Information (LMI) about jobs, skills in demand, and wages and benefits. They will produce three manuals for the local PESO on how to assess job readiness; to serve as job coach/adviser; and conduct job research.

The BLE through the program implementation unit will deploy a team of training and internship officers to the municipal PESO. The team will use random experimental design to select qualified applicants who will receive technical and life skills training and work experience.

Students from six high schools in General Trias, including Governor Ferrer Memorial National High School (Main and Buenavista Annex), Fiat Lux Academe, Claremont School, Centennial Academy and Thomas Aquinas School witnessed the MOU signing. (RBF, PIA-Cavite/DOLE-Cavite) - See more at: http://r04a.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671384411320#sthash.jQqXIHol.dpuf

C. LAGUNA

1. DTI warns public on toxic processed

products Tuesday 26th of November 2013

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Nov. 26 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warns the public on processed food products that contain toxic coloring ingredients.

As indicated in advisories sent on November 12 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the DTI‟s Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection (BTRCP), non-permissible colorants were used on „icing candy‟ from Cebu Crown Grocery, „red gulaman‟ from Carbon Public Market, and „shrimp paste‟ labeled 7C's from Robinson's Grocery in Talisay, Cebu and were tested positive for Rhodamine B and for further confirmatory tests for Sudan II.

Both Rhodamine B and Sudan II are non-permissible colorants.

Rhodamine B has been shown to be carcinogenic while industrial grade Sudan II dye is also toxic, carcinogenic, and likely contain other toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic.

Also found positive for the presence of toxic non-permissible colorants such as Orange II and Metanil Yellow are chili powder, cheese powder, tumeric powder, paprika powder, atsuete powder, kasubha powder (Jam's Kasubha, Sure Buy Casubha, Fat and Thin Spices and Condiments, Kowann, Kasubha U, Kasuba), red gulaman, dried shrimp (7C's Hipon), fish tapa, fish cracker and snack foods, sugar coated fennel, seasoning mix, spices and blends, which are the subject food products under FDA Advisory No. 2013-049

The DTI along with the FDA strongly advises consumers to buy only from legitimate and reputable exporters, manufacturers, and outlets complying with local requirements, and to check labels to make sure food products do not contain toxic ingredients.

DTI as well alerts consumers to be vigilant against hazardous products and processes including unsafe food products that put at risk the health of consumers.

Since some of the adulterated food products are manufactured in the NCR, it is highly possible that same products are offered for sale in nearby regions such as Calabarzon.

Manufacturers of the 3 adulterated products shall be liable for the penalties specified in the FDA Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9711) and the Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394)

For more inquiry and more information, kindly email the FDA at info@fda.gov.ph (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631385441643#sthash.EeiKMbXq.dpuf

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: Produkto ng mga kooperatiba, tampok sa CARP Calabarzon trade fair BY: BHABY DE CASTRO Wednesday 27th of November 2013

LUNGSOD NG LIPA, Batangas, Nob 27 (PIA) –Naging tampok ang mga produkto ng may 33 exhibitors na karamihan ay kabilang sa mga kooperatiba mula sa ibaâ€&#x;t ibang lugar sa Calabarzon sa idinaos na Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Calabarzon Trade Fair sa Robinsons Place noong Nobyembre 15.

Sinabi ni Ruel Gonzales, provincial director ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Batangas, na ito ang ikatlong taong isinagawa nila ang naturang trade fair.

“Sa pamamagitan nito naipapakita sa mga tao ang iba't-ibang produkto na ginagawa sa iba't-ibang lugar sa Calabarzon. Isang mabisang paraan din ito upang mas lalong makilala ang mga produktong ito lalo na at ang lokasyon ay matataong lugar tulad ng mga mall,� wika ni Gonzales.

Sinabi naman ni DTI Quezon Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara, na taon na ang binilang ng mga samahang ito na binibigyang ayuda ng kanilang tanggapan.

Nagsimula ang mga ito sa maliit hanggang sa lumaki ang kanilang samahan dahilan sa pagtutulungan ng ilang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DTI, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) at Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

Dagdag pa ni Alcantara na patuloy ang kanilang ahensya sa pagdebelop ng mga bagong grupo o samahan upang makapagbigay ng hanapbuhay o pagkikitaan partikular sa mga lugar na maraming produkto maaaring pakinabangan.

Ang DTI ang isa sa mga ahensyang nagbibigay ng technical know how para sa mga samahang nagnanais magtayo ng kanilang negosyo. Kamakailan lamang ay nagkaloob ito ng shared services facilities sa ilang kooperatiba sa lalawigan ng Batangas.

Ayon sa DTI, ang mga hakbang na ito ang tugon ng kanilang tanggapan sa pagsusulong ng administrasyong Aquino ng pagpapabuti ng pamumuhay at pagwaksi sa kahirapang nararanasan ng mga Pilipino. (PIA-Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631385513058#sthash.AASM36zG.dpuf

2. Tagalog news: Batangas PPO, pinangunahan ang pagtatanim ng may 200 puno sa Camp Miguel Malvar BY: MAMERTA P. DE CASTRO Wednesday 27th of November 2013

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Nob 27 (PIA) --Pinangunahan ng mga tauhan ng Batangas Police Provincial Office (BPPO) ang pagtatanim ng mga puno ng mahogany at fire tree sa loob ng Camp Miguel Malvar kamakailan.

Sinabi ni Capt. Dwight Fonte, BPPO provincial information officer, na nasa 200 puno ng mahogany at fire tree ang itinanim nila sa loob ng kampo upang mapalitan ang mga punong natumba.

“Ang proyektong ito ay bahagi ng pagtugon sa programang Pulis Makakalikasan project na isinusulong ng pamunuan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at layon din nitong ipakita sa maliit na paraan ang kontribusyon ng mga kapulisan sa pangangalaga ng kapaligiran at kalikasan,” sabi ni Fonte.

Ang Pulis Makakalikasan project ay programa ng PNP alinsunod sa National Greening Program (NGP) na isinusulong ng administrasyon Aquino na naglalayong makapagtanim ng 1.5 bilyong puno mula 2011 hanggang 2016 upang mahadlangan ang epekto ng climate change.

Bahagi din ng adbokasiya ng NGP ang pagtatakda sa lahat ng empleyado ng pamahalaan kabilang ang kapulisan na magtanim ng 10 puno sa isang taon at isasagawa sa loob ng anim na taon. (PIA-Batangas) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681384412098#sthash.DU24YaFU.dpuf

E. RIZAL

26 NOVEMBER 2013.

Government focuses on building temporary shelters for typhoon victims President Aquino has declared 2013-2022 as Philippine decade of ‘Make the Right Real’ for persons with

disabilities Transfer of affected families to temporary bunkhouses signals transition to early recovery and reconstruction for ‘Yolanda’ affected families, Coloma says Fumigation starts in evacuation centers in Tacloban President Aquino remains committed to leading the nation towards equitable progress DSWD to set up repacking hubs in ‘Yolanda’-hit areas in Visayas Department of Trade and Industry to launch longer diskwento Caravan on Wednesday in Tacloban

Government focuses on building temporary shelters for typhoon victims

(TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The government is now focusing on how to provide temporary shelters for the people displaced and left homeless by super typhoon "Yolanda" here and other provinces in the Visayas.

During the regular inter-agency meeting here Tuesday, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said the government has already reached all the areas affected by the disaster and has provided their basic needs such as food, water and other non-food items.

"The next challenge is really roof over the heads and that's where we are focusing now," Soliman said.

Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Rolando De Asis said, as of Monday, the government already started constructing 116 units of bunkhouses.

"One unit of bunkhouses can accommodate about 24 families. There is one common bathroom, one cooking area," he said.

The DPWH has built 21 units of bunkhouses in Leyte, 26 in Western Samar, 69 in Eastern Samar, and 10 units in Tacloban City.

These provinces were among the areas badly hit by Yolanda, the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines, which left at least 5,000 dead.

Soliman said the government will prioritize those families who have pregnant mothers, children, senior citizens and persons with disability.

The families will be identified by the City Social Welfare and Development with the help of the DSWD national team.

Soliman said that while the bunkhouses would last for only two months, the government is also preparing for the construction of permanent shelters for the calamity victims.

She said President Benigno S. Aquino III will be presiding a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to discuss the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in damaged areas.

The design and resiliency of the houses are beIng considered in the rebuilding and reconstruction being planned. PND (jb) TOP

President Aquino has declared 2013-2022 as Philippine decade of „Make the Right Real‟ for persons with disabilities

In support of the 3rd Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the period of 2013-2022 as the Philippine Decade of "Make the Right Real" for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The Chief Executive issued the directive by virtue of Proclamation No. 688 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on November 22, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday.

Proclamation No. 125 (series 1993) and Proclamation No. 240 (series 2002) proclaimed the nationwide observance in the Philippines of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities in 1993-2002 and 2003-2012, respectively.

The High-Level Intergovernment Meeting on the Final Review of the Implementation of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Disabled Persons, 2003-2012 was held at Incheon, Republic of Korea from October 29 to November 2, 2012.

In the said meeting, the participants, which included the Philippine delegation, adopted the Ministerial Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022, and the Incheon Strategy to "Make the Right Real" for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific (Incheon Strategy).

During the National Council on Disability Affairs' regional consultation, the observance of a third decade of PWDs for the period of 2013-2022 was recommended to build on the gains towards disability-inclusive development.

The President directed the National Council on Disability Affairs to lead all disability-related efforts by formulating and issuing a comprehensive National Plan of Action for Decade which translates the objectives of Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, Republic Act Nos. 7277, 9442, 10070 and 10524, and other disability-related laws, programs and policies into concrete programs, activities and projects.

The President also enjoined all departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government and local government units (LGUs) to implement plans, programs and activities geared towards the development of PWDs in accordance with the Incheon Strategy.

The National Council on Disability Affairs shall carry out the President's directive in consultation with the private sector, civil society and LGUs. The funds necessary for the implementation of the provisions shall be sourced from the appropriations of concerned government agencies. PND (js) TOP

Transfer of affected families to temporary bunkhouses signals transition to early recovery and reconstruction for „Yolanda‟ affected families, Coloma says

The transfer of affected families from tents and evacuation centers to temporary bunkhouses signals the transition from relief to early recovery and reconstruction for typhoon-affected communities, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.

In response to the directive of President Benigno S. Aquino III, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began the construction of bunkhouses in identified sites in Tacloban, Palo, and Ormoc in Leyte, and Basey and Marabut in Samar over the weekend, Coloma said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Coloma said The construction of bunkhouses in Guiuan, Hernani, and Borongan began Monday, the Communications Secretary said.

"At least 2,400 families will be resettled in this first phase. In coordination with the local governments, DPWH has begun site preparation in identified resettlement areas to facilitate transfer to the bunkhouses to be completed," Coloma said.

The DPWH is also preparing sufficient stocks of construction materials such as coco lumber, wooden frames, and GI sheet roofing for distribution to thousands of affected families whose houses were partially damaged, so they may return to their homes as soon as possible, Coloma stressed.

"As the people of Leyte and Samar begin to resettle and rebuild their homes, they are now being mobilized to participate in the reconstruction efforts under the cash-for-work or food-for-work programs," Coloma said.

"Additionally, DOLE is prepared to roll out an emergency employment program, involving up to 12,500 jobs whereby workers may conduct clearing and cleaning activities," he said. PND (js) TOP

Fumigation starts in evacuation centers in Tacloban

(TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The Philippine government on Tuesday assisted the Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defense Forces (JDR-SDF) Units in conducting fumigation at the Tacloban City Convention Center, which has temporarily housed hundreds of evacuees of typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (international name Haiyan).

About fifteen men of Japan Self-Defense Forces sanitized the entire evacuation center, visited each and every room designed to prevent the spread of diseases in the aftermath of the deadly typhoon.

Department of Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Rosell-Ubial, who also assisted the defense teams, said this will be the start of the fumigation in various evacuation centers and hospitals here.

"They will go around the city, in all evacuation centers, hospitals and other populated areas," Ubial said.

She said while there is still no reported cases of dengue yet, she reminded the evacuees to remain vigilant and to maintain cleanliness in their respective temporary shelters.

"Always protect yourself. Use mosquito nets and always clean your surroundings to protect you from diseases," she added.

She noted that the top five most common ailments and cases recorded in this city are upper respiratory tract infection, wounds, acute water diarrhea, hypertension and fever.

Ubial, meanwhile, noted that the chemicals used in fumigation are non- toxic and safe.

In an interview with Hirochika Namekawa, deputy director development assistance policy planning division of Japan's International Cooperation Bureau, he said the fumigation is just one of the assistance being given by Japan to the Philippines since the typhoon struck.

Aside from epidemic prevention, Japan has also been helping in transporting relief supplies and conducting medical relief activities.

More than 100 personnel of special defense forces of Japan has been deployed to the Philippines in addition to Japan's transport assistance such as three CH-47 transport helicopters, three UH-1 utility helicopters, transport vessel "Osumi", escort vessel "Ise", supple vessel "Towada", two KC-767 air tanker, seven C-130 transport aircrafts and U-4 utility support aircraft.

Japan has granted the Philippines a total of US$52.1 million in financial and humanitarian assistance. PND (jb) TOP

President Aquino remains committed to leading the nation towards equitable progress President Benigno S. Aquino III remains committed to leading the nation towards equitable progress regardless of the survey ratings, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

"The President has always maintained that he will always do right by the people and fulfill his sworn mandate regardless of the survey ratings," Coloma said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday following reports that President Aquino III‘s satisfaction rating dropped to 49 percent in the latest Social Weather Stations survey.

"So the President and the administration remain focused on achieving our priority programs in the Philippine Development Plan," the Communications Secretary said.

Based on the September 20 to 23 polls conducted by the SWS, the President‘s net rating was pegged at 49 percent – with 68 percent expressing satisfaction over his performance while 19 percent declaring their dissatisfaction.

"Kung ang tinutukoy ninyo ay ‗yung third quarter ratings nila, makailang beses na po tinugunan ‗yan. Siguro po ang mas relevant na dapat hintayin ay ang kanilang fourth quarter ratings," Coloma said.

The President continues to implement reforms in pursuing the government's goals that are anchored on attaining inclusive growth and restoring public confidence in government institutions.

"The record would show that, for the past three years, the President has maintained a consistently high performance approval and trust ratings. So we are reasonably confident that in time the people will understand what government is doing and will be able to assess fairly the performance of their President and government," he said. PND (js) TOP

DSWD to set up repacking hubs in „Yolanda‟-hit areas in Visayas (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will be setting up more repacking hubs in the Visayas to improve efficiency in delivering basic services to typhoon ―Yolanda‖ (Haiyan) victims.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman, at a regular inter-agency meeting Tuesday, said the government will no longer be repacking relief goods in Manila and will be opening hubs in areas hit by the typhoon such as Catbalogan, Ormoc and Tacloban.

"Ang tingin namin, kaya na natin dito. Hindi na po kailangang manggaling ng Maynila...Dito na mag-rerepack," she said.

"Catbalogan to serve the Eastern Samar side, Ormoc to serve the Western Leyte side, and Tacloban to serve the Eastern Leyte side and Tacloban City," she explained.

The DSWD also has a repacking center in Cebu which provides relief goods to Ormoc.

Soliman stressed the need to speed up the distribution of relief goods in Tacloban noting that there are still reports of bottleneck in warehouses and typhoon victims allegedly have yet to receive relief goods.

Transportation Secretary Emilio Jun Abaya is tasked to ensure the faster mobilization of relief goods in repacking hubs in Visayas.

Soliman said she requested 16 more trucks from DOTC to transport non-food items such tents, hygiene kits, and step-up sanitary toilets, provided by various foreign donors.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Cheche Cabrera reported that the DSWD has delivered 1,611,489 food packs to 273,783 displaced families.

The agency has also provided 197,984 liters of water and 61,900 pieces of canned goods and high energy biscuits to affected families. PND (jb) TOP

Department of Trade and Industry to launch longer diskwento Caravan on Wednesday in Tacloban (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be launching another Diskwento Caravan on Wednesday here, which offers basic goods at a lower price.

DTI OIC Regional Director Stanley Tabiando said the caravan will no longer be a one-day event but it will run until the businesses in Tacloban return to normal.

"We are happy to announce that tomorrow, Wednesday, there will be a Diskwento Caravan at RTR Plaza," Tabiando said.

Aside from the basic commodities and products initially available in the caravan, it will also now be offering bread and construction materials for Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) victims.

The caravan will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Security will be provided for the caravan to ensure peace and order.

"We will have 20 container vans [that's why] we are looking for more cemented areas where we can hold these caravans," Tabiando said.

As part of the normalization, City Administrator John Tecson Lim reported that several drug stores and more restaurants have opened since the typhoon hit.

About 12 banks have also resumed its operations but only limited to over-the-counter transactions.

East West Bank and Union Bank were among the latest banks to resume operations.

Lim also reported the resumption of operations of five radio stations including Radyo ng Bayan.

"Everything is going back to normal," he said.

The government is targeting to restore power here by December 24. Lim said 100 additional personnel coming from the Energy department in Luzon and Mindanao will be coming to Tacloban to ensure restoration of power as soon as possible.

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, meanwhile, met with several businessmen here to hear their concerns, which the

official intended to bring up during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday to be presided over by President Benigno Aquino III. Purisima was joined by Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares and Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman. PND (jb) TOP

26 NOBYEMBRE 2013 Pansamantalang tutuluyan ng mga biktima ng bagyo, sinimulan nang itayo ng pamahalaan Idineklara ni Aquino ang 2013-2022 na dekada ng „Make the Right Real‟ para sa mga taong may kapansanan Hudyat ng maagang pagbangon at rekostruksiyon ang paglipat sa mga „bunkhouses‟ ng mga pamilyang napinsala ng Yolanda Sinimulan na ang „fumigation sa evacuation centers‟ sa Tacloban Patuloy ang paninindigan ng Pangulong Aquino na magawang laganap na kaunlaran sa bansa Maglalagay ang DSWD ng „repacking hubs‟ sa Kabisayaan

Pansamantalang tutuluyan ng mga biktima ng bagyo, sinimulan nang itayo ng pamahalaan

(LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Nakatuon na ang lahat ng pagsisikap ng pamahalaan sa kasalukuyan kung paano mabibigyan ng pansamantalang tutuluyan ang mga taong nawalan ng tahanan dahil sa napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda sa lungsod na ito at sa iba pang mga lalawigan ng Kabisayaan.

Sa regular na pulong ng inter-agency rito Martes, inihayag ni Kalihim Corazon Soliman ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran na naabot nang lahat ng pamahalaan ang mga pook na sinalanta ng kalamidad at namigay na ng mga pangunahing kailangang tulad ng pagkain, tubig at iba pang pangangailangan. ―Ang susunod na haharapin ay ang matutuluyan nila at iyan ang aming pinagtutuunan ng pansin,‖ sabi ni Soliman.

Inihayag ni Pampurok na Direktor Rolando de Asis ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan na Lunes pa sinimulan ng pamahalaan ang pagtatayo ng 116 yunit ng bunkhouses. ―Mga 24 na pamilya ang maaaring manirahan sa isang yunit ng bunkhouses na ito. May isang palikuran at isang kusina o lutuan,‖ sabi ni Direktor De Asis.

Gagawa ang DPWH ng 21 yunit ng bunkhouses sa Leyte, 26 sa Kanlurang Samar, 69 sa Silangang Samar at 10 yunit naman sa Lungsod ng Tacloban na mga lalawigan na malubhang sinalanta ng Yolanda, pinakamalakas na bagyong humagupit sa Pilipinas na nag-iwan ng mahigit na 5,000 patay.

Sinabi ni Soliman na uunahin ng pamahalaan ang mga pamilyang may mga inang nagdadalang tao, may mga bata, mga nakatatanda (senior citizens) at mga taong may kapansanan.

Ang mga pamilyang uunahing patirahin sa bunkhouses ay tutukuyin ng Panglungsod na Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran sa tulong ng DSWD national team.

Ipinaliwanag ni Soliman na bagaman dalawang buwan lamang tatagal ang pagtuloy sa bunkhouses, inihahanda naman ng pamahalaan ang pagpapatayo ng mga permanenteng tirahan ng mga biktima ng kalamidad.

Inihayag din ni Soliman na pupulungin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Gabinete sa Miyerkoles upang masinsinang talakayin ang rehabilitasyon at rekostruksiyon sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo.

Ang desenyo at tibay ng mga itatayong bahay ay masusing isinasalaang-alang kaugnay ng binabalak na pagtatayo ng mga tahanan ng biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

Idineklara ni Aquino ang 2013-2022 na dekada ng „Make the Right Realâ€&#x; para sa mga taong may kapansanan Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang 2013-2020 bilang Dekada ng Pilipinas para sa Make the Right Real ukol sa mga taong may kapansanan (PWD) bilang suporta sa Ika-tatlong Dekada ng Asian and Pacific Decade of persons with disabilities.

Ginawa ng Pangulo ang kautusan sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 688 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Nobyembre 22, ayon kay Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Officed sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes.

Itinakda ng Proklamasyon Blg. 125 (taong 1993) at Prokalamasyon Blg. 240 (taong 2002) ang pambansang pagdiriwang sa Pilipinas ng Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities para sa 1993-2002 at 2003-2012.

Ang High-Level Inter-government Meeting ay ginanap sa Pagrebisa ng Pagpapatupad ng Asyano at Pasipiko sa Dekada ng mga Taong May Kapansanan 2003-2012 ay idinaos sa Incheon, Republiika ng Korea noong Oktubre 29-Nobyembre 22, 2012.

Sa nasabing pulong na nilahukan ng delegasyong Pilipino ay pinagtibay ang Ministerial Declaration on the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2012-2022 at ang Istratehiyang Icheon na Make the Right Real para sa mga Taong May Kapansanan sa Asya at Pasipiko.

Pinagtibay sa sangguniang panrehiyon ng National Council on Disability Affairs na idaos ang ikatlong dekada ng PWD sa 2013-2022 na ang pakay ay higit na mapabuti ang kalagayan ng mga may kapansanan.

Inatasan ng Pangulo ang National Council on Disability Affairs na pangunahan ang lahat ng hakbang tungo sa kagalingan ng may kapansanan sa pamamagitan ng pagbalangkas at paglalabas ng malawakang Natonal Plan of Action for decade na magsasakatuparan ng mga layunin ng Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, Batas ng Republika Blg. 7277, 9442, 10070 at 10524 at iba pang mga batas na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan mga programa at patakaran upang maging makabuluhang mga programa at proyekto.

Nanawagan ang Pangulo sa lahat ng kagawaran, mga ahensiya at sangay ng pamahalaang pambansa at mga lokal na pamahalaan na ipatupad ang mga balak, programa at gawaing tungo sa kapakanan ng mga may kapansanan ayon sa Incheon Strategy.

Isasagawa ng National Council on Disability Affairs ang mga kautusan ng Pangulo matapos sumangguni sa pribadong sektor, LGUs at civil society.

Lahat ng kaukulang pondong kailangan sa pagpapatupad ng mga tadhanain na ito ay kukunin sa nakalaang pondo ng kinauukulang sangay ng pamahalaan. PND (js/zaf)

TOP Hudyat ng maagang pagbangon at rekostruksiyon ang paglipat sa mga „bunkhouses‟ ng mga pamilyang napinsala ng Yolanda Ang paglipat sa mga pansamantalang bunkhouses ng mga pamilyang nakatuloy sa mga tolda at evacuation centers ay naghuhudyat ng maagang rekostruksiyon para sa mga pook na nasalantang lubha ng bagyong Yolanda.

Ito ang binigyang diin ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes kaugnay ng utos ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan na simulan na agad ang pagtatayo ng mga bunkhouses sa mga itinakdang lugar sa Tacloban, Palo at Ormoc sa Leyte, at sa Basey at Marabut sa Samat.

Sinabi ni Coloma na Lunes sinimulan ang pagtatayo ng bunkhouses sa Guiuan, Hernani at Borongan. ―Hindi bababa sa 2,400 pamilya ang ililipat sa unang mayayaring bunkhouses. Kakaugnayin ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa bagay na ito. Sinimulan na ng DPWH ang paghahanda para matukoy ang mga resettlement areas para mapabilis ang paglilipat sa sandaling matapos ang bunkhouses,‖ pahayag pa ni Coloma. ―Inihahanda rin ng DPWH ang sapat na gamit sa kostruksiyon na gaya ng coco lumber, mga yerong pambubong at iba pa para maipamahagi naman sa mga pamilyang magkukumpuni ng mga hindi gaanong nasira nilang bahay para makauwi na sila sa kanilang mga tahanan sa lalong madaling panahon,‖ sabi ni Coloma.

Idinugtong ni Coloma na habang nagsisimula nang gawin ng mga taga-Leyte at Samar ang kanilang mga bahay, hinihikayat din silang tumulong sa rekostruksiyon sa ilalim ng mga programang cash-for-work o food for work ng pamahalaan. ―Bukod dito, nakahanda ang Kagawaran ng Paggawa na magsagawa ng emergency employment program na makapagbibigay ng 12,500 hanapbuhay sa mga manggagawang maglilinis at maghahawan,‖ dugtong pa ng Kalihim ng PCOO. PND (js/zaf) TOP

Sinimulan na ang „fumigation sa evacuation centers‟ sa Tacloban (LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Katuwang ang pamahalaang Pilipino Martes ng Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defense Forces (JDR-SDF) Units na nagsasagawa ng fumigation sa Tacloban City Convention Center na pansamantalang tinuluyan ng mga lumikas na tao dahil sa bagyong Yolanda.

May labinlimang tauhan ng Japan Self-Defense Forces ang naglinis nang husto sa evacuation center at nagbomba ng gamot sa bawa‘t kuwarto upang maiwasan ang paglaganap ng anop mang karamdamang bunga ng mapaminsalang bagyo.

Sinabi ni Katulong na Kalihim Paulyn Rosell-Ubial ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan na kaagapay rin ng defense teams na ito ay pasimula pa lamang ng malawakang fumigation sa mga pagamutan at mga evacuation centers dito.

Ang buong lungsod, sabi ni Ubial, at matataong pook ay pupuntahan nila para hindi magkaroon ng madaling makawang mga sakit. Idinugtong niya na bagaman wala pa namang kaso ng dengue rito, pinapag-iingat ang mga mamamayan at inatasang panatilihing malinis na lagi ang kanilang kapaligiran. ―Mag-ingat kayong lagi. Magkulambu at linisin ang paligid ninho para hindi magkasakit,‖ payo pa ni Ubial.

Niliwanag din ni Ubial na ang ginamit na pambomba rito ay non-toxic at ligtas. Sinabi rin niya na ang karaniwang sakit dito

ay upper respiratory track infection, sugat, acute water diarrhea, mataas na presyon at lagnat.

Samantala, sa panayam kay Hirochika Namekawa, deputy director for development assistance ng International Cooperation Bureau ng Hapon, sinabi nito na isa lamang sa tulong na ibinibigay ng bansa nila sa Pilipinas ang pagbobomba laban sa lamok sapul nang bagyuhin nang malakas ang Pilipinas.

Katulong din ang Hapon sa programa laman sa epidemya, gayundin sa paghahakot ng mga tulong sa mga binagyo at panggagamot sa mga mamamayan dito.

Mahigit na 100 ang tauhan ng ―special defense forces‖ ng Hapon na nakatalaga sa Pilipinas, bukod pa sa tatlong CH-47 transport helicopters, 3 UH-1 utility helicopters, transport vessel ―Osumi,‖ escort vessel ―Ise‖, supple vessel ―Towada,‖ 2 KC-767 air tanker, 7 C-130 transport aircrafts at U-4 utility support aircraft.

Binigyan ng Hapon ang Pilipinas ng kabuuang US$2.1 milyon na tulong na pinansiyal. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

Patuloy ang paninindigan ng Pangulong Aquino na magawang laganap na kaunlaran sa bansa

Patuloy na naninidigan ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na maihatid ang bansa sa laganap na kasaganaan ano man ang sabihin ng survey ratings, sang-ayon kay Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ―Laging bukambibig ng Pangulo na gagawin niya ang tama para sa taong bayan at tutuparin ang sinumpaan niyang tungkulin ano man ang sabihin ng survey ratings,‖ wika ni Coloma sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes pagkatapos ng mga ulat na bumaba ang satisfaction rating ng Pangulong Aquino sa 49 porsiyento buhat sa pinakahuling Social Weather Station survey. ―Nananatiling nakatuon ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon sa pagsasagawa ng ating mga programang dapat ipatupad alinsunod sa Philippine Development Plan,‖ dagdag ni Coloma.

Batay sa polls noong Setyembre 20-23 na isinagawa ng SWS, ang net rating ng Panguoo ay 49 porsiyento—na 68 porsiyento ang nagpahayag ng kasiyahan sa pagtupad niya sa tungkulin habang 19 porsiyento naman ang nagpahayag na hindi nasisiyahan. ―Kung ang tinutukoy ninyo ay ang third quarter ratings nila, makailang beses na po tinugon iyan. Siguro po ang mas mahalagang dapat naring hintayin ay ang kanilang fourth quarter ratings, ― dugtong ni Coloma.

Patuloy na ipinatutupad ng Pangulo ang mga reporma sa pagtataguyod ng hangarin ng pamahalaan na nakatuon sa pagtatamo ng laganap na pagsulong at panunumbalik ng tiuwala ng taong bayan sa mga istitusyon ng pamahalaan. ―Makikita sa rekord na sa nakalipas na tatlong taon, napanatili ng Pangulo ang mataas na performance approval and trust ratings. Dahil dito, nagtitiwala din kami na mauunawaan ng taong bayan kung ano ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan at matataya nila nang wasto ang ginagawa ng kanilang Pangulo at ng pamahalaan,‖ pagbibigay-diin ni Coloma. PND (js/zaf) TOP

Maglalagay ang DSWD ng „repacking hubs‟ sa Kabisayaan (LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Maglalagay ang Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran (DSWD) ng dagdag na repacking hubs sa Kabisayaan upang mabilis na maipadala sa mga biktima ng napakalakas na bagyong ―Yolanda.‖ Sa pulong ng inter-agency Martes dito, sinabi ni Kalihim Corazon Soliman na hindi magsasagawa ng repacking relief goods sa Maynila at sa halip, magbubukas sila ng hubs sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo na tulad ng Ormoc, Catbalogan at Tacloban. ―Ang tingin namin, kaya na natin dito. Hindi na po kailangang manggaling sa Maynila. Dito na gagawin ang paglalagay sa mga supot ng ipamimigay na tulong,‖ wika ni Soliman. ―Ang Catbalogan ay para sa Silangang Samar, sa Ormoc ay para sa Kanlurang Leyte, at ang Tacloban naman ay sa Silangang Leyte at sa Tacloban, ― paliwanag ng Kalihim.

Mayroon ding repacking center ang DSWD sa Sebu para sa tulong sa Ormoc.

Binigyang diin ni Soliman na kailangang pabilisin ang paghahatid ng tulong sa Tacloban sa liwanag ng mga ulat na punuan ang mga bodega rito at maaaring tumagal-tagal pa ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga tagarito na isa sa pinakamalubhang napinsala ni Yolanda.

Si Kalihim Emilio Jun Abaya ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon ang inatasang tiyaking mabilis na maipadadala ang mga tulong sa taong bayan buhat sa repacking hubs sa Kabisayaan.

Labing-anim pang trak ang hiniling ni Soliman buhat sa DOTC para maghatid ng mga tolda, step-up sanitary toilets at hygiene kits na galing sa mga nagpadalang dayuhan.

Hanggang ika-6:00 ng hapon ng Lunes, nakapagpadala na ang DSWD, ayon kay Katulong na Kalihim Cheche Cabrera ng DSWD, ng 1,611,489 food packs sa 2273,783 pamilyang nagsilikas.

Nakapagbigay na rin ang DSWD ng197,984 litrong tubig na maiinom at 61,900 de lata at high energy biscuits sa mga pamilyang sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Joint Graduation of Major Services Pre-Entry Officers‟ Courses AFP Theater, Camp Aquinaldo, Quezon City 25 November 2013 Magandang umaga po. Maupo ho tayong lahat.

Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Secretary Sonny Coloma; Chief of Staff Emmanuel Bautista; Service Commanders; Lt. General Lauro Catalino de la Cruz; Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes; Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano; graduates of the Major Services Preentry Officers Courses; family and friends of the graduates; fellow workers in government; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat.

Pasensiya na ho kayo, talagang una, napapag-isip noong panahon nang nag-graduate ako—grade school, high school— college, ‗yun po kakaibang panahon: tatay ko ho hindi naka-attend ng lahat ng graduation na ‗yan. At napakaseryoso po ng lahat ng mukha natin itong araw na ‗to, pati nung pamilya n‘yo. Sabi ko kay Secretary Gazmin: ‗Pag nakita ‗yung litrato mo ng PMA, naka-tiger look ka. Natapos mo ‗yung service, naka-tiger look ka pa rin na commanding general ka ng army.

Naging Secretary of National Defense ka, naka-tiger look ka pa rin. Kaya sabi ko, bakit kaya napakaseryoso naman masyado ang tao dito, mukhang may karatula sa labas na nakalagay, ―Bawal ngumiti.‖ [Laughter] Tanda ko kasi, graduation dapat masaya. Kwentuhan ko muna kayo ng ating sariling karanasan. C.A.T. lang naman ho. Mayroon hong mga kaklase namin noong kami ay third year, nag-training. Tapos nag-training, sila nahirang na mga core officials namin.

At talagang malaking pahirap sa kanila sa loob ng isang taon, noong junior year. Kaya naman kung minsan, napapag-isip kami: ‗Yung pinapagawa ba samin may tinuturo o binabawian lang kami? Dahil noong nag-umpisa ho–sabagay ngayon, di naman masyadong problema ‗yon–pero noong nag-umpisa ho kami siyempre longhair pa ho ang uso nang kaunti noon eh.

Sabi nila, ―Pagupit kayo, one by two.‖ Susunod na linggo, naging two by three, naging three by four, naging four by five, naging five by six, talaga hong inuunti-unti pa. So mayroon ho kami isang kaklase, sabi niya, ―Nauubos ‗yung allowance ko itong paunti-unting ito.‖ So ginawa ho niya, pinatanggal na niya lahat. So, lumabas ho ‗yong lahat ng opisyal namin, longhair, siya hindi. Sabi sa kanya ng mga opisyal, ―Hindi ka yata marunong sumunod. Dapat mayroon tayong unity of purpose. Kaya next week, kailangang kasing haba ng buhok mo ang buhok namin.‖ [Laughter] Siya ho pinapahaba, kaming lahat pinaiiksian.

Bilang Commander-in-Chief, alam ko ang bigat at lawak ng tungkuling nakaatang sa propesyong inyong pinasukan. Bilang mga kawal ng bayan, hindi kayo puwedeng mawala sa eksena sa panahon ng pangangailangan at mga di-inaasahang pangyayari. Kapag may bakbakan, nariyan kayo‘t handang sumalag ng bala, mailayo lang sa peligro ang kapwa Pilipino.

Sa panahon ng sakuna, kayo rin ang inaasahang pumronta. Sa kasagsagan man ng lindol o sa gitna ng humahagupit na bagyo, agad rumeresponde ang mga kawal ng bayan: hindi nagpapatinag, at taas-noong tumutugon sa tawag ng tungkulin.

Kamakailan nga lang po ay humagupit si Yolanda: ang pinakamalakas na bagyong naitala sa ating kasaysayan. Wala pong katumbas na salita ang kabuuang pinsalang idinulot nito. Bukod sa winasak na mga kabahayan, imprastraktura‘t mga gusali, higit na nakakapanlumo ang libu-libong buhay na inangkin ng bagyong Yolanda. Sa ganitong mga panahon ng trahedya, mahalagang kayong mga kawal ang magsilbing haligi ng katatagan at sandigan ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi kayo maaaring magpadaig sa anumang kalungkutan; hindi kayo maaaring magpakita ng anumang anyo ng kahinaan.

Alam nating hindi ito madali, subalit sa mukha ng trahedya, nariyan kayo‘t rumesponde upang kumalinga, at paghugutan ng lakas at pag-asa ng mga biktima. Kasama ang mga pulis, bumbero, gayundin ang mga volunteers, kayo ang humukay sa putikan upang mabigyan ng mas marangal na pagkakahimlay ang mga nasawi. Kayo ang kumalinga sa mga biktimang kailangang lapatan ng pangunang lunas. Kayo ang pumasan sa saku-sakong bigas na kailangang maihatid sa mga apektadong bayan. Kayo ang katuwang ng mga pamilyang naghahanap ng kakapitan, upang gabayan silang muling tumayo sa sariling mga paa, at umahon mula sa nagdaang trahedya. Kaya naman taos-puso tayong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng kasapi ng ating unipormadong hanay na talaga naman pong hindi umaatras sa mga dumarating na delubyo.

Buong bayan po ang nagpupugay sa inyong sipag at propesyunalismo.

Sa pagpasok po ng 140 nating graduates sa serbisyo sa araw na ito, siguradong lalakas pa ang puwersa ng ating mga kawal na handang humarap sa anumang banta o hamon. At ngayon pa lang, nagpapasalamat na ako sa kahandaan ninyong tumaya at maglingkod sa kapwa at bandila. Sa totoo lang, napakarami ng propesyong puwede ninyong pagpilian, lalo‘t lumalawak na ang mga pagkakataon sa bansa dulot ng ating mga reporma. Puwede kayong pumasok sa pribadong sektor, at lumagay sa tahimik na pamumuhay. Pero pinili ninyong maging kasapi ng Sandatahang Lakas. Samakatuwid, isinantabi ninyo ang pansariling interes para sa kapakanan ng kalakhang lipunan. Kaya naman hindi rin tayo nag-aatubiling hirangin at bigyan ng karapat-dapat na pagkilala ang mga kawal nating buong husay at katapatang naglilingkod sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Saan man nagtapos na akademya, ay may pantay na oportunidad na umangat sa ranggo at kilalanin ang katangi-tanging ambag sa serbisyo.

Kung tutuusin, mapalad kayo dahil nasa panahon kayong may nagaganap na makabuluhang transpormasyon sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Higit pa sa isinusulong na modernisasyon sa inyong mga kagamitan, at sa pagpapaunlad ng inyong mga kasanayan, mayroon na kayong gobyernong lubos na kumakalinga sa inyong kapakanan.

Sa inyong pagtatapos, humahakbang na rin kayo patungo sa realidad. At ngayon pa lang, sinasabi ko sa inyo: Hindi madali ang rutang inyong tatahakin. Minsan, may mga balitang magtatanim ng pagdududa sa inyong isipan, at susubuking balewalain ang mga pagsusumikap ng estado. Umaasa akong hindi kayo mawawalan ng loob; umaasa akong hindi kayo mauubusan ng puso. Army man, Navy, o Air Force, kompiyansa akong isasabuhay ninyo ang inyong sinumpaang tungkulin. Sa bawat pagkakataon, patunayan ninyong karapat-dapat kayong maging bahagi ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas; buong tapang na humaharap sa anumang pagsubok. At para sa ating mga bagong opisyal ngayong umaga: buong bayan ang nananalig sa inyong serbisyo‘t katapatan; huwag na huwag ninyo silang bibiguin. Taumbayan ang lagi ninyong panigan; paglingkuran natin sila nang may dangal, prinsipyo at pananagutan.

Maraming salamat po, magandang umaga po sa lahat.

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ONLINE NEWS 26 NOVEMBER 2013

“Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” 2nd raffle draw High demand expectations drive Phl imports growth in September 2013 DTI brings Diskwento Caravan to typhoon-hit Tacloban City "Money matters for kids" exhibit goes to Laguna Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Province of Tarlac seal partnership through Credit Surety Fund program IACAT calls calamity-stricken LGUs to guard against human traffickers OWWA RWO3 holds First Stakeholders Conference on Reintegration Program Tacloban, on its way to recovery – Sec. Dinky Construction of bunkhouses starts National Government debt decreased to P5,610 billion as of end September 2013 Gov‟t trains prosecutors, police investigators on int‟l humanitarian law UN Emergency Relief Coordinator praises strength and resilience of Filipino people, announces increase in amount of ap humanitarian assistance Swiss travel industry expresses overwhelming support for Philippine tourism PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna) to pay their obligations October 2013 Special Professional Licensure Board Examination for Certified Public Accountants results released (Middl “Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko” 2nd raffle draw Source: http://www.nhmfc.gov.ph More than 11, 000 current housing loan borrowers of the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) will get a chance to win cash prizes at the second raffle draw of the Bahay Ko, Pananagutan Ko Raffle Program.

On December 5, 2013 eight (8) winners will be drawn via electronic raffle. A total of Php1 Million will be given away to the lucky borrowers. The grand prize winner will receive P350,000; the second and third place winners will receive P250,000 and P150,000 respectively, while five (5) winners will each receive P50,000 consolation prize. Awarding of prizes will be held on December 20, 2013, coinciding with NHMFC‘s 36th Anniversary.

All raffle prizes shall be applied to the outstanding balance of the borrower. Only prizes that go beyond the outstanding balance and result to full payment of the loan with excess payments shall be reimbursed to the borrower in cash, net of 20% winners tax based on the Commission on Audit (COA) Rules and Regulations.

The program is open to all borrowers classified as current (zero arrears) for each month of the year. For every six (6) months that a borrower remains current, he shall be entitled to one raffle coupon. This means that a maximum of two raffle coupons may be earned by an updated borrower within the year.

Computer-generated raffle entries shall be assigned to all eligible borrowers after cut-off date of the program, which is March and September of the year.

The ―Bahay Ko Pananagutan Ko‖ Rewards and Incentives Program aims to encourage borrowers to pay early and maintain their housing loans in current status without restructuring their loan obligations.

Last year, eight (8) updated borrowers were awarded their cash prizes during the agency‘s 35th Anniversary. |TOP| High demand expectations drive Phl imports growth in September 2013 Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph MANILA – Increased overseas buying of raw materials and intermediate goods, capital goods and consumer goods supported the 7.2-percent growth of total Philippine merchandise imports in September 2013, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

―The rise of importation in September 2013 mirrored the buoyant outlook of firms on the volume of business activities for the third and fourth quarters of the year. This is in anticipation of the increase in demand during the holiday season,‖ said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

Thus, the value of imports increased to US$5.7 billion in September 2013 from US$5.3 billion in the same period last year.

Raw materials and intermediate goods, which comprised 42 percent of total imports, grew to US$2.4 billion (21.9%) year-onyear in September 2013.

Higher payments for semi-processed raw materials (26.5%), particularly the rise in imports of materials and accessories for the manufacture of electrical equipment (96.5%) fueled this growth. ―Increasing export orders received by the members of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines may have boosted the import performance of the said commodity, in line with positive global expectations for the electronics industry in the second half of 2013,‖ the Cabinet official said.

Also, imports of capital goods rose to US$1.6 billion in September 2013, higher by 20.8 percent from the same period last year.

This growth was due to the higher import bill of aircraft, ships and boats (1,554.8%), power generating and specialized machines (14.2%) and land transportation equipment (2.5%) for the period. ―The higher value of imported aircraft, ships and boats was partly attributed to the arrival of new Airbus A330-300 of Cebu Pacific Air as part of the company‘s growing fleet,‖ said Balisacan, who is NEDA Director-General.

As for imported consumer goods, the value of spending increased by 2.0 percent year-on-year to US$663.2 million in September 2013 due to robust purchases of durable items (7.8%). ―This corroborates the results of the latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas‘ Consumer Expectations Survey indicating that consumers generally perceived the third quarter of 2013 as a favorable time to buy durable items,‖ he said.

Meanwhile, the United States of America was the top source of Philippine merchandise imports in September 2013 with an 11.8-percent (US$675.1 million) share.

Second is the People‘s Republic of China with an 11.5-percent share (US$657.6 million) followed by Taiwan (8.0%), Japan (8.0%), Singapore (7.2%), Thailand (6.1%), South Korea (5.9%), France (5.7%), Germany (5.5%), and Saudi Arabia (5.2%). |TOP| DTI brings Diskwento Caravan to typhoon-hit Tacloban City Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) held the latest leg of the Diskwento Caravan in typhoon –hit Tacloban City on Friday, November 22, with the goal to make supply of affordable basic necessities available to the affected communities.

DTI Secretary Gregory Domingo joined the Diskwento Caravan conducted in RTR Plaza, Tacloban City. ―We are bringing Diskwento Caravan to Tacloban City to help the typhoon victims by making basic necessities accessible to them, and to replenish the local supply of goods in devastated areas,‖ Secretary Domingo said.

According to DTI Region 7 Director Asteria Caberte, about six companies, namely Gardenia, Purefoods, Nestle, Dranix Inc., Unilever, and Century Canning Corp. participated the Diskwento Caravan in which basic items such as bread, canned goods, processed meat, coffee, milk, detergent bar, soaps cooking oil, and instant noodles were sold at very affordable discounted prices.

Director Caberte reported that the supply for Diskwento Caravan came from Cebu and were transported via Roll-on Roll-off (RORO) boat.

She also noted the positive response from the residents who were satisfied with DTI‘s initiative to bring supplies to their area.

DTI is targeting to conduct Diskwento Caravan again in Tacloban City and another one in Borongan, Eastern Samar next week. Additional basic necessities and prime commodities such as essential medicines, rice, and construction materials will be offered in the succeeding caravans in response to the demand of affected communities.

Since last week, DTI already conducted Diskwento Caravan in six cities located in Samar and Leyte: Ormoc City, Leyte (November 14); Maasin City, Leyte (November 18); Baybay City, Leyte and Calbayog City, Samar (November 19); Catbalogan City, Samar (November 20), and Tacloban City (November 22). |TOP| "Money matters for kids" exhibit goes to Laguna

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will open its second Money Matters for Kids (MMK) Exhibit for the year 2013 on 26 November at the Sunken Lobbies of the Student Union Building, University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) College, Laguna following a successful exhibit at Gateway Mall in Araneta Center, Quezon City on 2-17 August.

Dr. Johnny Noe E. Ravalo, BSP Assistant Governor, will deliver the program‘s opening remarks and lead the ribbon cutting ceremony. Officers from the BSP, UPLB, and Department of Education Calamba and Sta. Cruz will join Dr. Ravalo.

Students of Lopez Elementary School, Los Baños will be the first to view the interactive exhibit which features, among other things, a make-believe bank where children can play the roles of bank managers and tellers; a mock-up Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that introduces kids to the concept of ATM accounts, deposits, and withdrawals; a grocery shop that teaches them how to budget and to differentiate between needs and wants; and an ultraviolet light that highlights the security features of peso bills and teaches children to distinguish between genuine and fake banknotes. It will be open for the public to view and experience from 26 November to 6 December.

The MMK Exhibit, spearheaded by the BSP‘s Financial Consumer Affairs Group, is a component of the BSP‘s integrated Economic and Financial Learning Program. Also a travelling exhibit, it is scheduled to go to different cities and municipalities across the country with the goal of reaching more children and rearing them to become disciplined savers, conscious spenders, and smart consumers at an early age. |TOP| Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Province of Tarlac seal partnership through Credit Surety Fund program Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Tarlac Credit Surety Fund (TCSF) will formally be launched today at The Aquino Center, Luisita Industrial Park Road, San Miguel, Tarlac City. This affair will be spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Tarlac and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), in collaboration with the donor institutions and participating cooperatives.

TCSF is a surety fund established to help cooperatives and their micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) members obtain collateral-free loans from banks. The surety fund is the pooled cash contributions of participating cooperatives, local government unit and other partner institutions.

Tarlac Provincial Governor Victor A. Yap and BSP Monetary Board Member Felipe M. Medalla will lead the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement ushering the creation of TCSF as the 29th Credit Surety Fund (CSF) in the country.

Thirteen (13) cooperatives in the province have joined the TCSF with an aggregate contribution of P5.750 million. This amount was equally matched by the Provincial Government of Tarlac as its counterpart contribution. The Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines have also expressed strong support to the CSF Program with their contribution pledges to augment the fund.

The CSF program serves as an alternative lending window for MSMEs in the province and businessmen are expected to take advantage of this credit enhancement scheme which has received wide acceptance from various stakeholders since 2008.

The CSF program also integrates a training component to build up the capabilities of participating cooperatives in the areas of business plan preparation, credit appraisal, risk management and accounting. The BSP Monetary Board has agreed to allow banks to rediscount loans granted under the CSF program to ensure that small businessmen will benefit more from this credit facility. |TOP| IACAT calls calamity-stricken LGUs to guard against human traffickers Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) urged local government units of calamity-ravaged areas to protect their constituents from human traffickers taking advantage of the resulting economic hardships in their areas.

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, Chairperson of IACAT, said that the poverty, hunger, deaths and economic collapse in these areas make calamity survivors vulnerable and exposed to syndicates engaged in trafficking, promising high paying jobs but end up in sweat shops or brothels.

De Lima also encouraged local government officials to be vigilant in guarding the displaced and vulnerable from people dangling false hopes of fast cash and new employment, locally and abroad.

"Threats to those who have lost their spouses and those who have lost their parents from the onslaught of Yolanda are imminent," as she further stated that special attention should be given to children who have been recently orphaned and protect them from child trafficking organizations.

Cases of domestic trafficking have been recorded from the general Visayas area, which was severely hit by Typhoon

Yolanda's rage. The deplorable situation of these areas triggers the natural response of individuals to escape and find better areas to settle on.

"The challenge for LGU officials lay on implementing identity checks on the individuals exiting these areas, especially those adults with children in tow," De Lima claimed.

Typhoon Yolanda (International Name: Haiyan), considered as one of the strongest storms to have made landfall in the Philippines left a trail of devastation. With winds gusting up to more than 270km/h, thousands of Filipinos have been displaced and majority rendered homeless.

"As we rebuild from the ruins left by that massive storm, we must stay cautious against dodgy characters lurking and seeking to exploit the vulnerabilities of those who survived Yolanda," De Lima concluded. |TOP| OWWA RWO3 holds First Stakeholders Conference on Reintegration Program Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph The two-day seminar-workshop dubbed Central Luzon Reintegration-EDT-IT Stakeholders Conference invited the grantees, beneficiaries, concerned groups and co-implementers of reintegration programs and services from the partner-government agencies and private sector to evaluate the agency‘s efforts and obtain inputs to effectively assist the OFWs and their families‘ return to normalcy in the society through its programs and services.

Among the thrusts of the conference were to restudy the social preparation aspect of the Reintegration Program and to develop interventions to assist the program beneficiaries. In establishing common understanding of the needs of OFWs/returnees intending to engage in business, the presence of government agencies, LGUs, non-government organizations and private sectors would help harmonize and organize the programs, services and efforts of each in providing and implementing livelihood-related services to OFWs alongside each entity‘s commitment in implementing the convergent programs and/or services for OFWs. Furthermore, the conference also stressed the importance of current information/computer technology in all phases of business/livelihood undertakings from business planning to implementation.

Representatives from the following national and local government offices/units and non-government sectors were present during the conference: Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Department of Labor and Employment Department of Agriculture (DA) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Public Employment Service Offices Provincial Cooperative and Entrepreneurial Development Offices State Universities and Colleges with extension programs on entrepreneurship Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino, Inc. (KAMPI) Private sector partners Successful OFW entrepreneurs and those experiencing difficulty in their respective entrepreneurial endeavours.

OWWA RWO3 Director Ma. Lourdes V. Reyes called on the active participation of each representative. She also took the opportunity to present OWWA‘s Reintegration Program for OFWs and OFW returnees intending to engage in business.

OFW entrepreneurs -- Bernardo Calilung of Tarlac, Rogelio Balagtas and Myrna Yabut of Pampanga, all beneficiaries of OWWA‘s 2-Billion Reintegration Program who are now running their own businesses courtesy of the loan -- shared their insights during the seminar. They shared their needs, difficulties, adversities and best practices encountered in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Representatives of partner-entities presented their programs and/or services relative to OFW livelihood and/or business opportunities. They were Mylene Evangelista (DOLE-Regional Office 3), Judith Angeles (DTI-RO3), Charito Libut (DA RO3), Rolando Santos (LBP), Nida Duco (PESO Tarlac), Marvi dela Cruz (PCEDO Tarlac), Linda Mae A. Fernandez (TCA), and Dr. Felicisima E. Tungol (BPSU Orani Campus).

The workshop served as venue to determine the gaps of the Reintegration Program and to develop interventions and strategies which may be adopted in ensuring the viability and expanded reach of the program in the Region. |TOP|

Tacloban, on its way to recovery – Sec. Dinky Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Tacloban City – It is slowly becoming ―business as usual‖ in the city, according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman.

Secretary Soliman, who has not left the Visayas since day one of the disaster operations on November 9, observed that some big grocery stores, bakeries, water refilling and gasoline stations, hardware, vulcanizing shops, and banks have already resumed operations.

She also added that buses and public utility vehicles have started to ply major thoroughfares.

The Secretary recalled that a day after the typhoon, people were wandering aimlessly on the streets. ―Today, we can see residents still on the streets but are now cleaning their surroundings,‖ she said citing her observations.

Positive Attitude Secretary Soliman also shared that attitude plays an important role in rebuilding their lives.

She referred to the evacuees who somehow forgot their predicament as they were glued on the Pacquiao-Rios boxing match being projected in two big screen projectors set up by the Philippine Navy and SKYcable. ―Attitude is important. The people should derive inspiration from people with strong fighting spirit. There is still hope here in Tacloban,‖ the Secretary said.

Leonardo Abobo, Jr., a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program whose family survived the typhoon, possesses such positive attitude.

Recuperating from a recent operation, Leonardo has expressed his readiness to reconstruct their house and start a livelihood.

Children are coping, too Children, too, are somehow slowly getting over their traumatic experience.

At the Sto. Niño SPED Center, one of the 37 temporary shelters here, cousins John Mike Sera and Anthony Alo enjoy riding the swing.

This is the exact opposite of how they were a few days after the typhoon.

Their mothers recounted how their children became quiet for sometime and would cry upon seeing rain or water.

In an interview with the two boys, John and Anthony enthusiastically shared how they survived the frightening typhoon.

Anthony narrated how he tightly held his brother to keep him safe. ―S‘yempre unahon ko nak bugto. Importante kinabuhi nak bugto kaysa han ak mga kalapati (Of course I had to protect my younger brother. His life was more important to me than my pet doves),‖ Anthony said.

The children are now back to being young and hopeful. They said they wanted to be soldiers someday so they could help other people.

Cash-for-Work To complement this return to normalcy of the residents, DSWD is now implementing the Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program for the clearing operations.

CFW is an intervention for disaster victims where they are given cash in exchange of doing community work such as clearing roads and canals of debris.

Secretary Soliman emphasized that it would also help victims if they have some cash now especially that life here is slowly getting back to normal. ―With their cash, they can now buy the food they want and the things they need,‖ Secretary Soliman pointed out. |TOP| Construction of bunkhouses starts Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph The Department of Public Works and Highways has started the construction of bunkhouses in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte

as temporary shelter for families affected by typhoon Yolanda.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that works are on-going for the construction of bunkhouse units in four (4) sites in Tacloban City, Palo (Leyte), and Basey and Marabut (Samar).

Activities are on-going with footings ready for pouring for the construction of initial bunkhouse units in Barangay Abucay, Tacloban City which will benefit some 240 families.

Footing excavation has also started for the four (4) bunkhouse units at the Government Center area in Baras, Palo, Leyte while seven (7) similar projects are on mobilization stage with the contractors‘ awaiting arrival of construction materials and additional manpower to hasten work in the shortest possible time to benefit a total of 2,400 families.

As more sites for construction of bunkhouse projects are identified, authorized and certified by the concerned local government units (LGUs), DPWH conducts immediate verification, and if determine feasible, directs partner contractors to mobilize and commence work, said Singson. DPWH designed a temporary bunkhouse made of coco lumber wooden frames, GI sheet roofing, plywood walls and flooring, and cement footing. A bunkhouse with a common toilet/wash area and kitchen will be composed of 24 units with an area of about 8.64 square meters per unit to accommodate a family of five (5) members.

In Samar, about 240 families will benefit the temporary shelter being constructed at the 2-hectares Basey First Housing Area in Sitio Bangon, Basey, Samar as the contractor starts working for the construction of 10 bunkhouses.

Other sites with secured LGU authorization, verified by DPWH, and contractors‘ on the progress of mobilization includes two (2) hectares area for 960 families in Barangay Amambucale, Marabut, Samar; two (2) hectares area for 960 families in Barangay Pago, Tanauan, Leyte; and five (5) hectares shelter area in Barangays San Roque and Olot, Tolosa, Leyte which will benefit about 2,400 families. |TOP| Gov‟t trains prosecutors, police investigators on int‟l humanitarian law Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila —Investigators from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Caraga received training on Republic Act (RA) 9851, also known as the Philippine Act on Crimes against International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Genocide, and other Crimes against Humanity last 14 November in Surigao City.

The training was meant to deepen the law enforcers‘ understanding of the law and its importance in the context of armed conflict, and encourage greater police-prosecutor cooperation in building strong cases for effective prosecution under RA 9851. It was conducted by the Government Monitoring Committee on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (GPH-MC on CARHRIHL) in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police‘s Human Rights Affairs Office.

Atty. Jaime C.N. Arroyo, secretariat head of the GPH-MC said, ―This piece of legislation can serve as a very effective tool against impunity by punishing the violations that tend to occur in the local armed conflicts that continue to rage in several provinces across the country.‖ He added, ―This was best exemplified in the harrowing events in Zamboanga City last September where civilians were used as human shields. The time has come to send the message to violators of IHL that the government does not tolerate such atrocities and intends to bring them all to justice. And it is our local law enforcers and prosecutors who can most effectively wield this law against the violators.‖ Specific war crimes in a non-international armed conflict (NIAC) include, willful killing, torture, hostage-taking, attacking civilian persons and objects, using weapons that cause undue suffering, and misusing official uniforms and distinctive emblems of humanitarian groups to name a few.

Police, prosecutor enthusiasm For the police investigators and prosecutors, the training was a welcome enhancement in their efforts to prosecute HR violations under the rubric of IHL. Surigao del Norte Associate Prosecution Atty. Ligaya Berango, a workshop participant, remarked that it will be easier to prosecute organized armed groups under RA 9851. ―This new law is a breakthrough in our judicial system. The law corrects many deficiencies in our laws, such as under the Revised Penal Code for rebellion. This law for me is very important considering that we have a lot of cases of rebellion.‖ Another participant, SPO1 Cheryl Q. Saldo is pleased and encouraged that under RA 9851, both state and non-state armed groups are equally accountable for HR-IHL violations, and that no special treatment is accorded to any particular perpetrator ―unlike before when it would be ‗all right‘ na lang,‖ Saldo said, alluding to the seemingly preferential treatment accorded to armed rebel groups in HR-IHL discussion.

Strengthening commitments RA 9851, enacted in 2009, is the local iteration of the 1998 Rome Statute which the Philippines ratified in 2011. It sets penalties for war crimes, acts of genocide, or other crimes against humanity. War crimes may include those that take place in

international and non-international armed conflicts, such as those between the forces of the government and armed non-state actors. The Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Atty. Herminia T. Angeles, Senior State Counsel of the DOJ who lectured on the Rome Statute, noted that the Philippines is answerable to the ICC if it is ―unwilling or unable to investigate and prosecute crimes…such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.‖ ―The local prosecutors…play a very vital role in the determination of the ICC, whether the state has the capacity to conduct investigation and prosecution on its own, hence the relevance of the Rome Statute in this training,‖ she added.

Violations against certain provisions in the CARHRIHL are now punishable under RA 9851 and other recently-enacted laws, the Anti-Enforced Disappearance Act (RA 10353) and the Anti-Torture Act (RA 9745).

Signed in 1998 by the Government and the National Democratic Front, the political arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People‘s Army, CARHRIHL is the first and only major agreement reached by both parties in 22 years of on-and-off negotiations. CARHRIHL upholds principles of human rights and international humanitarian law in the context of armed conflict. |TOP| UN Emergency Relief Coordinator praises strength and resilience of Filipino people, announces increase in amount of appeal for humanitarian assistance Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 26 November 2013 - Fresh from her visit to the Philippines, United Nations (UN) Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos briefed foreign Missions to the UN of the ongoing emergency relief efforts being coordinated in the Philippines by the UN, as a consequence of the effects of super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) which hit the country two weeks ago.

Saying that ―a massive disaster like this requires a massive response,‖ Ms. Amos emphasized how ―the international community has demonstrated great solidarity with the people of the Philippines‖ and thanked countries for the assistance which has helped the United Nation and humanitarian organizations provide vital supplies, logistics teams and equipment.

Praising the strength and resilience of the Filipino people, she mentioned how she had seen and heard ―harrowing tales of desperate need and profound loss‖ but also how she heard reports of ―immense bravery and heart-warming compassion.‖ Ms. Amos further stated how she had seen for herself the quick actions taken after the typhoon by the Philippine Government, Philippine Red Cross and other national and provincial agencies, with the support of the international community.

Confirming that ―the Philippines has one of the best disaster management systems in the world‖, she nevertheless clarified that ―the sheer scale of this typhoon and the storm surge which accompanied it in some places would have tested any country.‖ She mentioned how the Philippines had suffered up to four calamities in the previous three months, including the major earthquake in Bohol which preceded Typhoon Haiyan, but praised the excellent civil-military cooperation in the relief efforts which was ―a good example of best practices‖ during this type of emergencies.

In closing, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator further announced that the humanitarian appeal previously launched in the amount of US$301 million had been raised to US$348 million, due to the work that still needed to be undertaken, and hoped for the continued generous response of donors around the world.

Representatives from the US, Australia, Italy, France, Russia, Israel, Japan, China, Sweden, Ireland and the European Union took turns in thanking Ms. Amos for the work being undertaken, and reiterated their deep sadness over what happened in the Philippines, while joining in the praise for the resilience of the Filipino people and acknowledging the efforts being undertaken

by Philippine authorities and agencies in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. They pledged their continued support for these efforts and hoped that the current crisis would serve as a lesson to the world on the need for increased disaster preparedness and response to climate change.

Speaking for the Philippine Mission, Deputy Permanent Representative Eduardo A. de Vega thanked Ms. Amos and the international community for their support for the Filipino people, saying that ―While we are overwhelmed by the magnitude of this disaster, we are similarly overwhelmed by the incredible solidarity demonstrated by the international community for our people.‖ He briefed Missions on the Aquino Administration‘s relief and rehabilitation plans centered on rebuilding infrastructure, restoring social services, and assisting the affected population, including small-scale farmers and fisherman, in restoring their livelihood activities. Quoting from famous American author and humanitarian Helen Keller, Mr. de Vega stated that ―although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of suffering‖ and declared that ―thanks to the help of the international community, the Filipino people with our known resilience will recover from this tragedy.‖ |TOP| Swiss travel industry expresses overwhelming support for Philippine tourism

Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 25 November 2013 - At the Asia Workshop 2013, an annual tourism event in Switzerland, participants and guests expressed overwhelming support for the recovery of the tourism industry in the Philippines.

The one-day event held at the Swissötel in Zurich last November 18 and participated in by travel service providers and travel agencies in Switzerland and abroad, was aimed to promote travel to Asia by providing a wide range of information on the products and services available in this region.

The country in focus during this event - or so-called ―host country‖ - was the Philippines.

As host country, the Philippines was given the opportunity to present to the participants, comprising an audience of more than 500 people, the country of 7,107 islands, its culture, its nature, and the activies it can offer to visiting travelers.

As the event took place at the height of the ongoing relief operations following typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), questions and discussions centered on the level of destruction in central Philippines, the status of rehabilitation efforts and the plight of the Philippine tourism.

Team Philippines took the occasion to inform the workshop participants, including the Swiss media, that relief efforts are in full-swing, that only a small portion of the central Philippines has been affected by the typhoon and majority of tourist areas are still open, and most of all, that we will be able to rebuild what has been lost, even surpassing what has been.

The team was able to give a different perspective to the slogan ―It‘s more fun in the Philippines‖ – emphasizing that ―fun‖ is not just enjoyment or merriment, but ―feeling good‖ when you express solidarity with those in difficulty.

Expressions of support for and solidarity with the Philippines was continuous all throughout the event, with travel agencies and associations giving re-assurance that they are standing by the Philippines and will actively promote country as a travel destination.

Philippine participation in this Asia Workshop was led by the Philippine Tourism Office in Frankfurt with the full support of the Philippine Embassy in Berne. |TOP| PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna) to pay their obligations Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Rural Bank of Alaminos (Laguna), reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC representatives.

In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of the Rural Bank of Alaminos to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL – RURAL BANK OF ALAMINOS with Reference Number 373-0949-00013. The Receiver cautioned borrowers that it has discontinued the engagement of the bank‘s collectors. PDIC has not engaged any person to collect the loans of the bank. To ensure proper recording of payments made by borrowers, it further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments.

The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of Alaminos under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1875 dated November 14, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on November 15, 2013. Upon takeover, all bank records were gathered, verified and validated.

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.

Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC – Loans Management Department I at (02) 841-4760 or 8414992. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph. |TOP| October 2013 Special Professional Licensure Board Examination for Certified Public Accountants results released (Middle East) Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 37 out of 150 passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination given by the Board of Accountancy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Jeddah and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in Doha, Qatar last October 2013.

The members of the Board of Accountancy are Eugene T. Mateo, Chairman; Rufo R. Mendoza, Vice Chairman; Luis A. Cañete and Jose S. Tayag, Jr., Members.

|TOP|

Last Updated:

26 NOVEMBER 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

Please click on thumbnails to magnify

Workers from first Bukidnon Electric Cooperatives (FIBECO) repair power lines damaged by super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City (November 26). (Photo by Exequiel Supera PCOO NIB)

Residents of Tacloban City work as one in cleaning streets ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda.

(Photo by Exequiel Supera PCOO NIB)

A store owner in Tacloban Citry opens shop before dawn Monday, two weeks after super typhoon Yolanda hit this city. Businesses have started to reopen as residents recover from the tragedy.

(Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo) Dr. Sun Tao, the director of the Chinese naval ship Ark Peace, demonstrates the capabilities of the vessel to treat patients who have various medical conditions. The vessel was sent to the Visayas to help residents injured by super typhoon Yolanda. (Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo) Brunei, Philippine and ASEAN officials take part in the ceremonial turnover of food items from Brunei for victims of super typhoon Yolanda at the Tacloban City port on Monday. (Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo) The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy's newly commissioned vessel, delivers construction materials to help residents affected by super typhoon Yolanda rebuild their homes. The vessel is anchored off Tacloban City. (Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo) People clamber aboard a passenger jeep in Tacloban City Monday, two weeks after super typhoon Yolanda hit. Everyday life is slowly returning to normal in the city. (Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo)

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar is anchored off Tacloban City. It brought relief items for residents affected by super typhoon Yolanda. (Exequiel Supera/NIB Photo)

President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Joint Graduation of the Major Services Pre-Entry Officer Courses at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (November 25, 2013). In photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during the Joint Graduation of the Major Services Pre-Entry Officer Courses at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (November 25, 2013). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Probationary Ensign Vanessa Katrina Tulang, PN during the Joint Graduation of the Major Services Pre-Entry Officer Courses at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (November 25, 2013). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presents the Presidential Saber Award and diploma to Probationary 2nd Lieutenant Kristyl May Beatingo, PAF during the Joint Graduation of the Major Services Pre-Entry Officer Courses at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (November 25, 2013). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Presidential Saber Award to Probationary 2nd Lieutenant Mary Jean Cabillete, PA during the Joint Graduation of the Major Services Pre-Entry Officer Courses at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (November 25, 2013). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!