Dispatch for november 28 , 2013 ( thursday ) , 10 pia calabarzon pr , 18 weather watch,

Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for November 28 , 2013 ( Thursday ) , 10 PIA Calabarzon PR , 19 Weather Watch, 19 Reg’l. Watch , 1 OFW Watch, PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 5 Photonews

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued At:

5:00 a.m., 28 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., 28 November 2013

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 November 2013

Satellite Image for 4:30 a.m., 28 November 2013

Synopsis: Tail-end of a cold front affecting Northern and Central Luzon. Trough of a Low Pressure Area affecting Mindanao.

Forecast: Central Visayas And Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms.

Metro Manila and the regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with rains. 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 northeast to north 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. 22 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon.

Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 28 November 2013 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Northern Luzon.

SEABOARD

WEATHER

The seaboards of Northern Luzon Partly cloudy to (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Ilocos cloudy skies with 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 DBM Sec. Butch Abad on DZMM: Re: Rehabilitation for typhoon stricken areas -Yung pangkalahatang budget ay hindi pa nabubuo pero ang napagkasunduan kung ano yung mga kailangan.

-Una continuing relief operation, restoration of utilities, rehabilitation of hospitals.

-Yung pangmatagalan, sinabi ng NEDA na kailangan matiyak ang data para realistic ang estimate.

-Itong pangmadalian, ito ay para hindi matigil ang dating ng pagkain habang wala pang trabaho ang mga tao at pati na rin ang cash for work program.

-Yung Tacloban City Airport, sabi ng Pangulo symbolic kasi nai-restore natin kaagad, bibigyan ng pansin yan para maibalik ang terminal at maging operational.

-Kailangan isipin ng mga tao karamihan sa mga ito pledges, may mga nagpadala ng relief assistance pero maliit lamang na bahagi ng pledges.

-Ang ADB nangako ng $24M at next year bibigyan daw tayo ng concessional loan pati ang World Bank.

-Mamayang hapon magkakaroon kami ng pulong sa mga bilateral at multilateral para mapag-usapan kung paano papakinabangan ang mga foreign pledges.

-Ang United Nations ipinapaalam sa DFA na tutulong sila dito pero ang tulong nila napupunta sa mga UN agencies at hindi napupunta sa gobyerno.

-Ang Australia may AusAid at ang Estados Unidos may USAID. -Kung mapasa yung supplementary budget na balanse ng second semester PDAF, papasok tayo ng bagong taon na may carry over budget tayong P30B. -Kung pumasok na yung mga hanapbuhay o cash for work baka mabawasan na yung kailangan nating bigyan ng relief.

3. Weather Watch 2 hours ago DTI Sec. Gregory Domingo on DZMM: -Yung ating price freeze na tinatawag, apat na departamento ang nag-e-enforce.

-Sa mga baboy at bigas ay sa DA ‘yan, sasabihin namin ang inyong concern agad.

-Sa gamot naman po ang DOH at sa LPG at petroleum ay DOE. -Mino-monitor namin ang basic commodities like instant noodles, tubig, tinapay.

-Marami kaming ginagawa for the past two weeks. In fact, marami na akong nakausap na manufacturer ng pagkain para maitulak silang mag-supply sa mga lugar na ‘yun.

-Pati mga manufacturer ng GI sheet kinausap ko kasi malaki ang demand niyan sa rehabilitation at rebuilding.

-Nagpapatuloy din ang ating mga Diskwento Caravan para sa mga non-relief items.

-Usually kapag may nahuli (overpricing) kami binibigyan namin ng notice of violation ‘yan at so far ay nakapag-issue na kami ng mga 30.

-Nag-meeting kami ng team ko kahapon at nagsabi ako na magpapadala pa kami ng mga tao doon para mahuli ang mga violators.

-Ang penalty is P5,000-P1M, depende sa gravity ng violation.

-Ang gusto ni Presidente, kapag may nahuli taasan ng penalty dahil sa sitwasyong ito dapat talaga daw strict ang enforcement.

4. Weather Watch 3 hours ago DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman on DZRH: -Sa relief operations sa Tacloban at Samar, nakapamigay na ng 2,008,856 food packs and rice packs at 244,000 boxes of water.

-Kaya 6 kilos of rice ang una nating ipinalabas mula Nov. 9 kasi mas mabilis i-repack ang 6 kilos.

-Simula December 15, 20 kilos na ang ibibigay na bigas.

-I-text ang Tacloban hub ng DSWD, 0920-946-3766 para sa mga may reklamo sa relief goods.

-Ngayong Disyembre, lahat ng nangangailangan ng relief ay ating bibigyan.

-Simula Enero sa susunod na taon, yung mga pamilyang may kakayahan ng magsimula ulit, hindi na namin bibigyan.

-Bahagi po iyan ng 'normalization' para sila naman ang makapili ng makakain nila. Hindi puro canned goods lang.

-Kung 'yan (i-extend ang pamamahagi ng relief hanggang Pebrero) po ang hinihingi ni Leyte Gov. Petilla, hindi po magiging problema 'yan.

-Talagang maganda may ibang makain naman sila. Kaya kino-consider namin yung dried fish.

-Sa kasalukuyan po, ang iniimplementa namin (sa cash for work) ay minimum wage.

- Ang repacking ay pinag-usapan na namin ni Sec. Cesar Purisima na namamahala sa Manila hub at Sec. Joel Villanueva sa Cebu hub.

5. Weather Watch 3 hours ago Effects of #YolandaPH as of 28 November 2013, 6AM. http://tinyurl.com/p7n8esb | via @NDRRMC_OpCen Dead - 5,560 Injured - 26,236 Missing - 1,757 Damage - P24.5B

6. Weather Watch 14 hours ago DTI Sec. Gregory Domingo on ANC: Re: Supply of goods in typhoon-hit areas -Our goal is to provide the availability of goods.

-We get willing companies who would like to offer their products with a lower price.

-We organized only the caravan. The government is not profiting from discount caravan.

-Many of these companies already made their donations directly.

-DSWD, DoLE and few other agencies already started their cash-for-work program. On our side, we are proposing several programs. In fact, we have a meeting today and there will be a meeting on Friday.

-We are also planning that while the supply of goods is problematic, we will establish a diskwento depot.

7. Weather Watch 14 hours ago ABS-CBN: Nakiisa ang mga international artist sa compilation na "Songs for the Philippines" upang mag-raise ng malaking halaga para sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda. Tampok ang 39 hits sa nasabing compilation na maaaring ma-download sa iTunes.

8. Weather Watch 14 hours ago GMA: Nasa may P10B ang pinsala ng bagyong Yolanda. Dahil dito inaprubahan na ng NFA ang pag-aangkat ng bigas para paghandaan ang mga darating pang bagyo. Patuloy ring nagsusuplay ng bigas ang NFA sa gobyerno simula pa lamang noong nagkaroon ng stand off sa Zamboanga, at lindol sa Bohol. Dadaan sa bidding ang pag-import ng bigas at ito ay magiging precautionary stock lamang kung sakaling magkaroon ng bagyo.

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 15 hours ago ABS-CBN: Namataan ang isang LPA sa labas ng PAR at ang buntot nito ay magdadala ng pag-ulan sa Mindanao. Maliit naman ang posibilidad na maging bagyo ang LPA habang magdadala naman ng makulimlim na panahon na may pag-ulan ang tail-end of a cold front lalo na sa Luzon. Asahan ang maulap na panahon na may pag-ulan sa Northern Luzon at bahagi ng Central Luzon habang manaka-naka naman ang tinatayang pag-ulan sa Metro Manila. Maulap naman sa Samar at Leyte habang mahihinang pag-ulan ang inaasahan sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas. Maulap din ang panahon na may pag-ulan sa Surigao, Cagayan de Oro at Dipolog.

11. Weather Watch 15 hours ago DZRH: Pinakilos na ng Malaca単ang ang LTO at LTFRB para hulihin at parusahan ang mga driver at operator ng mga pampublikong sasakyan na nagsasamantala sa sitwasyon sa Tacloban at iba pang lugar na napinsala ng bagyong Yolanda.

Ginawa ni PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma ang pahayag matapos atasan ni PNoy ang naturang mga ahensya at PNP Highway Patrol Group sa sobrang taas ng singil sa pamasahe ng mga pampublikong sasakyan.

12. Weather Watch 15 hours ago GMA: Hindi pa malinaw kung kailan muli magbubukas ang malalaking establisyimento sa Tacloban City sa Leyte. Ito ay matapos hatawin ng malakas na bagyo ang lungsod. Ang DTI naman nagsabi ng handa silang tumulong sa mga taong gustong magtayo ng maliit na negosyo. Sa ikalawang ronda ng DTI Diskwento Caravan ay ipinaliwanag nito sa mga tao kung bakit nila ibinebenta ang mga dala nilang basic commodities imbes na ipamigay na lamang tulad ng batikos sa kanila. Bukod sa basic goods at nagbebenta na rin ang Diskwento Caravan ng ilang kagamitan para sa pagkumpuni ng mga bahay.

13. Weather Watch 15 hours ago ABS-CBN: Balik-eskwela na ang mga estudyante sa Tacloban City sa Lunes. Gayunman, inaalam pa ng lokal na pamahalaan kung anong mga eskwelahan ang kaya nang magbukas. Nabatid na marami pa ang kailangan ayusin sa mga eskwelahan. Nakatakda namang sumailalim sa stress debriefing ang mga guro sa Tacloban bukas.

14. Weather Watch 16 hours ago PIA-8: PIA Team is now at the Tacloban Astrodome evacuation center, showing a comedy film to entertain the families at the Tent City. At the same time, the Team is providing free cellphone charging and tutorials on how to make their cellphones as FM radio monitors.

15. Weather Watch 18 hours ago PIA-8: PIA, Radyo ng Bayan and private media representatives were toured at the Ark Peace, a large hospital ship of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Navy docked two hours away from Cancabato Bay. Patients that needs surgical procedures are transported to this state of the art hospital. Already, at least six patients from hospitals in Tacloban have been transferred there.

16. Weather Watch 18 hours ago DZBB: Iniutos na ni PNoy ang pagpapalabas ng P38.9B para matulungan ang mga lugar at pamilyang naapektuhan ng bagyong Yolanda. Ito ang iniulat ni DBM Sec Abad sa pagdinig ng House Appropriations Committee kanina. Aniya, gagamitin ang pondo sa relief rehabilitation at restoration ng nasirang utilities. Sa kabila nito ay sinabi ni Abad na hahanapan pa nila kung saan puwedeng kunin ang pondo.

17. Weather Watch 19 hours ago DZBB: Nagpatuloy ang WHO at UNICEF sa pagbibigay ng bakuna sa mga bata sa mga evacuation center sa Tacloban City.

Katuwang ng mga ito ang pwersa mula sa Japan at Philippine Army. Target na mabakunahan ang may 30,000 bata mula limang taong gulang pababa sa iba’t ibang evacuation area sa mga lugar na sinalanta ng bagyo. Kahapon ay nagsagawa din ng fumigation kontra lamok ang Japan Self Defence Forces sa paligid ng Tacloban City Convention Center.

18. Weather Watch 20 hours ago DZBB: "Ang dapat gawin at kayang gawin ngayon na." Ito umano ang mariing direktiba ni PNoy sa kanyang mga Gabinete matapos ang pagpupulong na ginawa sa Malacañang. Ayon kay Presidential Spokesman Lacierda, tatlong yugto ang naging sentro ng pulong. Una ay ang pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga apektadong lugar, pagpapalawak sa mga inisyatibo at programa sa medium term at ang full recovery at pang matagalang rehabilitasyon. Inaprubahan na rin umano in principle ng Pangulo ang rehabilitation plan na ipinrisenta ng NEDA subalit humihingi pa ito ng mas espisipikong detalye bago ito aprubahan ng tuluyan.

19. Weather Watch 20 hours ago DZRH: Binigyang diin ni PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma na ipinag-utos ni PNoy ang pagpapatuloy ng Diskwento Caravan” ng DTI sa mga nasalantang lugar ng super typhoon Yolanda upang muling mapasigla at maibalik ang commercial activities sa

calamity areas. Aniya, nakipagtulungan sa DTI ang mga pribadong consumer groups, manufactures at distributors para sa isinagawang Diskwento Caravan sa mga apektadong lugar sa Eastern Visayas.

Weather Watch

November 28 , 2013 ( Thursday ) CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

PIA

: : : : :

as of 6:00-7:00 AM

Sunny Sunny Fair Weather Sunny Fair Weather

Regional Watch

1. PIA Regional Watch

56 minutes ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Pormal na pinasinayaan ang two-storey six classroom school building sa Brgy.Poblacion 6 sa lungsod ng Tanauan ngayong araw.Layon ng proyekto na matugunan ang

pangangailangan ng mga mag-aaral sa kakulangan ng silid aralan sa naturang barangay.

2. PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Provincial Child Labor Committee along with international labor organization (ILO)representatives from Manila and Geneva will be holding a meeting at DOLE-Quezon provincial office in Lucena City on December 2. This aims to discuss the final evaluation of the International Labor Organization-International Program for Elimination of Child labor (ILO-IPEC) action programs of the four implementing agencies in Quezon in line with the elimination of child labor cases in the province.

3. PIA Regional Watch路

2 hours ago PIA-4A/LAGUNA: DTI-Laguna launches today, November 28, Diskwento Caravan cum Christmas Bazaar at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Santa Cruz, Laguna. The two-day activity offers prime and basic commodities at discounted or factory prices.

4 . PIA Regional Watch 5 hours ago PIA-4A/CAVITE: The DENR-CALABARZON launched a 3-day environmental campaign (started yesterday, November 27 until November 29) with regards to Manila Bay rehabilitation aimed to encourage all sectors in the province to share responsibility, restoration, and preservation of Manila Bay to which the local gov't. units share the responsibility in the management and improvement of the environment within their territorial jurisdiction.

5. PIA Regional Watch 19 hours ago PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Elementary schools that were selected in six towns and a city in the 3rd district of Laguna will be the recipients of computer sets donated by Laguna 3rd Rep. Sol Aragones. The donation

aims to upgrade school facilities and raise the teaching standards of the schools.

6. PIA Regional Watch 20 hours ago PIA4A/LAGUNA: The city government of San Pablo has ordered the sprucing up of Andres Bonifacio's monument here in the city in preparation for the city's homage and commemorative activities on the hero's 150th birth anniversary on November 30.

7. PIA Regional Watch 23 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) IV-A will intensify their schools campaign through forum and symposium about the bad effects of illegal drugs to the human health.

According to Maryann Lorenzo, public information officer of PDEA, they also active in the implementation of 'supply reduction program' in order to control drug pushing and drug courier.

8. PIA Regional Watch 23 hours ago PIA-4A/RIZAL: Magkakaroon ng isang pilgrimage o pagdadala ng Mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno sa siyudad ng Antipolo nitong Disyembre kung saan inaasahang dumagsa ang mga lokal na deboto. Isasagawa ang misa ng pagtanggap sa Antipolo Cathedral sa umaga ng Disyembre 2 at misa ng pamamaalam sa umaga ng Disyembre 3.

9. PIA Regional Watch 23 hours ago PIA-4A/CAVITE: The local government of Carmona announces the 4th mega job fair for local and overseas employment on December 10 at the Carmona town plaza. At least 30 companies are expected to participate in the said fair which will offer opportunities like production operators, customer service representatives and others.

Interested job seekers may pre-register at Carmona PESO at the 1st floor of the municipal hall.

10. PIA Regional Watch

23 hours ago PIA-4A/CAVITE: The local government of Noveleta joined hands with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the establishment of marine turtle nursery in Barangay San Rafael 3 aimed to instill awareness in the community on how to protect and conserve the marine turtles which is considered endangered.

11. PIA Regional Watch Yesterday PIA-4A/QUEZON: More than 100 SEA-k members from 10 SEA-k federation of Lucban, Quezon are currently attending its 3rd SEA-k general assembly at Orenas resort, Lucban, Quezon. The assembly aims to discuss accomplishment of ten SEA-k organizations specifically on livelihood projects implementation and other programs of DSWD-4A for SEA-k beneficiaries.

A. QUEZON

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B. CAVITE

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C. LAGUNA

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D. BATANGAS

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E. RIZAL

27 NOVEMBER 2013.

Tacloban City residents take advantage of Diskwento Caravan Government conducts dental, medical missions in Tacloban More hospitals open in Tacloban City President Aquino approves Yolanda recovery, rehab plan 'in principle' Tacloban continues to recover after typhoon 'Yolanda,' more businesses reopen

Tacloban City residents take advantage of Diskwento Caravan (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Enduring the scorching sun, thousands of typhoon victims lined up as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) again organized a Diskwento Caravan Wednesday.

Eight trucks coming from Cebu City arrived here loaded with basic commodities such as bread, canned goods, water, hygiene products, laundry detergents, among others.

The caravan, for the first time, also offered hardware materials such as light bulbs, nails, and GI sheets to help typhoon Yolanda victims in rebuilding their houses.

Price of GI sheets varies depending on sizes. They are being sold at P170 (8 ft.); P210 (10 ft.) and P250 (12 ft.).

DTI representative from Biliran Ronald Napales said the prices of GI sheets are much cheaper than those being sold outside Tacloban City.

"In Dulag I heard that GI sheets are being sold at 500 pesos," he said.

Products being sold at the caravan are 5 percent cheaper than the market price.

The caravan, with various private companies participating, was held at the RTR Plaza from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It was organized by the DTI to help typhoon victims by selling basic goods at low prices.

DTI OIC Regional Director Stanley Tabiando said they are looking for other areas to hold longer caravans that will help the people here until the resumption of business

establishments. PND (jb) TOP

Government conducts dental, medical missions in Tacloban (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Ensuring the health of typhoon victims housed in evacuation centers, the Philippine Army alongside the Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defense Forces (JDRSDF) Units held dental and medical missions here Wednesday.

"We have started the dental and medical mission at 9 a.m.," said AFP Major Luther Punzalan of the 8th Infantry Division.

Punzalan said they are offering extraction and consultation services for the evacuees who are temporarily housed at Tacloban City Convention Center.

The AFP dental team assisted at least 27 patients as of 11a.m. There were also doctors treating evacuees with ailments and minor wounds. The government earlier assured enough supply of medicines to assist typhoon victims.

Punzalan said they will be visiting other 31 evacuation centers in Tacloban to give free medical and dental aid to affected families.

The Japan Disaster Relief Forces, meanwhile, offered free immunization for measles, oral polio, and vitamins and health supplements for the evacuees.

Tetsuro Amano, minister and deputy chief of the Mission Consul General, said they have deployed four doctors to administer the vaccination.

Amano said they are expecting more than 200 evacuees who will avail of the free medical services.

"We give vaccinations to children ages 5 months old up to 6 years old," he said.

This activity was in coordination with the World Health Organization, United Nations and the Department of Health. PND (jb) TOP

More hospitals open in Tacloban City (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) Three weeks after super typhoon "Yolanda" ravaged this city, eight hospitals are now fully operational and are ready to treat various medical conditions.

DOH Assistant Secretary Paulyn Rosell-Ubial said of the eight hospitals, five are tertiary level, which offers operation services; and three primary level hospitals that accept outpatients but do not perform operations.

The five tertiary-level hospitals are: Eastern Visayas Medical Center, RTR Medical Center,

St. Paul's Hospital, Bethany Hospital and field hospitals of the Australians located near the airport.

The three primary-level hospitals, meanwhile, are the Mother of Mercy Hospital, Tacloban Doctors Hospital and Tacloban City Hospital.

For those patients who need major operations with sophisticated facilities, the DOH refers them to the Chinese hospital ship "Peace Ark", which arrived in the country last Sunday.

"Now, we don't need to airlift patients to Cebu and Manila if they need major operations," Ubial said.

She noted medical practitioners and specialists from St. Lukes Hospital, Makati Medical Center and DOH hospitals in Manila have volunteered in some hospitals here to render medical aid to typhoon victims.

As of the latest report, Ubial said there were two persons who died due to neonatal tetanus.

"As much as possible, we refer all pregnant mothers to give birth in hospitals to avoid recorded two neonatal tetanus due to unsterile conditions," she said.

The two pregnant women allegedly gave birth in a market place while the other in a house.

"I hope we can work together to move our pregnant women to safer facilities," Ubial said.

Ubial also said that they have referred other tetanus cases outside Tacloban – two in Cebu and two in Manila.

She also reported one person who died due to leptospirosis and 13 other suspected cases.

Aside from tetanus, the DOH is also keeping tab on dengue cases.

"Tacloban is endemic to dengue. Since January to August, there are 3,000 reported dengue cases in Tacloban but now we have no reported case yet that's why we are wary of it," said Ubial.

The DOH has 12 fogging machines designed to kill adult mosquitoes. Three machines will be used in Tacloban and nine in Leyte.

The DOH also launched mass vaccination on measles here and in Leyte.

Ubial said the DOH medical teams are also ready to visit remote islands to distribute medicines and provide medical aid to typhoon victims. PND (jb) TOP

President Aquino approves Yolanda recovery, rehab plan 'in principle'

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday approved in principle a three-phase plan by the Cabinet for the recovery and rehabilitation of residents affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan).

This was after the President called in the Cabinet for a meeting on the matter, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

"The plan has three phases: to provide immediate assistance to affected areas, expand initiatives and programs in the medium term, and reach full recovery and rehabilitation in the long term," Lacierda said in a statement.

He also said the President instructed the Cabinet to act soonest on what can be done. “Dapat gawin, kayang gawin, ngayon na,� he quoted the President as saying.

Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan presented the Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan during the meeting, he added.

But the President also asked Balisacan and other Cabinet members concerned to give more specific details, Lacierda said.

He added that the Cabinet will again meet with President Aquino on Friday to present further refinements to the said plan, including the immediate actions to be taken. PND (jl) TOP

Tacloban continues to recover after typhoon 'Yolanda,' more businesses reopen (TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte) More establishments, banks, restaurants and gasoline stations are now re-opening here three weeks following the wrought of super typhoon "Yolanda."

City administrator John Tecson Lim, during an inter-agency meeting, said the city is gradually getting back on its feet with more and more businesses resuming operations each day.

Lim gave credit to Landbank, which brought in four mobile ATMs to provide faster banking services to typhoon victims. One of the mobile ATMs is stationed in Tacloban City Hall.

Lim also noted that while grocery stores have yet to reopen, there are several small sarisari stores and satellite markets opening to cater to the needs of affected families.

"Marami nang sari-sari stores na nakabukas which is a very very good sign," he said.

Lim reminded the people to remain vigilant against overpricing noting that it is punishable by law.

"Kung meron ho kayong napansin na presyo na masyadong mataas, it is also provided for by law in the Disaster Risk Management Law...The increasing of prices during times of

calamities is an illegal act that may be duly prosecuted upon. So please report it to us," he said.

Six out of the 26 gasoline stations here have resumed operations, he added.

He also announced the reopening of Detti Panis Salon along Burgos Street for those who want to avail of haircuts and other beauty services.

Several hardware shops and auto-repair shops have also resumed operations such as Hyundai Tacloban Service; RRC Tire Master and Leyte Home Depot, one of the biggest hardware shops in Tacloban.

Courier and remittance centers that have reopened include Cebuana Lhuillier along Del Pilar and Marasbaras in front of Robinsons; Palawan Express along Real Street open; and USSC Service Center in Sto Nino. These remittances centers are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hotels that are now operational include: Welcome Home Pensione, Asia Stars Hotel, Grand D' Manor, Hotel Alejandro, Hotel Consuelo, Hotel Lorenza, Layrico Hotel, Leyte Park Hotel, Luxury Suites, Primrose Hotel, among others.

"Most of the hotels reopened but with limited capacity due to damage in some of the rooms," Lim said. PND (jb) TOP

ARCHIVE 2013 27 NOBYEMBRE 2013 Dinagsa ng mga taga-Tacloban ang 'Diskwento Caravan' Nagsagawa ang gobyerno ng dental, medical missions sa Tacloban Walong ospital na ang bukas sa Lungsod ng Tacloban Pinagtibay na ng Pangulong Aquino ang pagbabagong tatag sa mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng bagyong 'Yolanda'

Dinagsa ng mga taga-Tacloban ang 'Diskwento Caravan' (LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Hindi inalintana ng libu-libong biktima ng bagyo ang matinding sikat ng Araw nang pumila sila upang makabili ng murang paninda sa "Diskwento Caravan" ng Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya dito Miyerkoles.

Walong trak na galing sa Lungsod ng Cebu ang dumating dito na puno ng mga pangunahing bilihing tulad ng tinapay, de lata, tubig, sabong panlaba, hygiene products at iba pa.

Sa unang pagkakataon din ang Diskwento Caravan ay may dala ring mga GI sheets, pako at mga bumbilya. Ang halaga ng GI sheets ay depende sa sukat nito na: 8 talampakan—tigP170; 10 talampakan—tig-P210 at 12 talampakan—tig-P250.

Sinabi ni Ronald Napales, kinatawan ng DTI sa Biliran na ang halaga ng GI sheets o yero ay mababa kaysa sa ipinagbibili sa labas ng lungsod na ito.

“Sa Dulag, ayon sa balita ko, P500 ang bentahan ng bawa’t GI sheets,” sabi pa ni Napales.

Ang mga paninda sa caravan ay limang porsiyento ang baba kaysa sa merkado, “ dugtong pa ni Napales.

Ang Caravan ay ginanap sa Plaza RTR mula ika-8:00 hanggang ika-5:00 ng hapon at iba-ibang kompanyang pribado ang kalahok dito.

Idinaos ito ng DTI para tulungan ang mga sinalanta ng bagyo sa pamamagitan ng mga pangunahing kailangang higit na mababa ang halaga kaysa sa pamilihan.

Inihayag din ni Stanley Tablando, OIC Regional Director ng DTI na naghahanap pa sila ng ibang lugar upang pagdausan ng caravan upang matulungan ang taong bayan na makabili ng mga pangangailangan sa mababang halaga hanggang hindi pa nanunumbalik nang lubusan ang negosyo sa mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

Nagsagawa ang gobyerno ng dental, medical missions sa Tacloban (LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Nagsagawa rito Miyerkoles ng dental and medical missions ang Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas, katuwang ang Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defense Force (JDR-SDF) Units sa mga biktima ng bagyong "Yolanda" na kinukupkop sa mga evacuation centers sa lungsod na ito.

“Mula ika-9:00 ng umaga sinimulan ang dental and medical mission,” sabi ni AFP Major Luther Punzalan ng 8th Infantry Division.

Sinabi ni Punzalan na may mga evacuees na binunutan ng ngipin ng mga dentista at mayroon namang nilapatan ng lunas ng mga duktor na nagsadya sa Tacloban City Convention Center kung saan nakatuloy ang mga biktima ng bagyo. Tiniyak ng pamahalaan na may sapat na gamot para tulungan ang mga may karamdaman o sugat.

Sinabi ni Major Punzalan na sasadyain nila ang 31 pang ibang evacuation centers para malapatan ng lunas ang sino mang dapat gamutin.

Samantala, ang Japan Disaster Relief Force ay nagbigay ng libreng bakuna sa tigdas, oral polio at namahagi rin ng bitamina at health supplements sa mga evacuees.

Ayon kay Tetsuro Amano, ministro at deputy chief of Mission Consul General ng Hapon, apat na duktor ang nagbakuna ng gamot laban sa tigdas.

Sinabi ni Amano na inaasahan nilang mahigit na 200 evacuees ang mapagkakalooban nila ng libreng serbisyong medikal.

“Ang binabakunahan namin ay ang mga batang mula sa limang buwan hanggang anim na taong gulang,” paliwanag ni Amano.

Ang pagbabakuna at libreng panggagamot ay ginawa sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa World Health Organization ng Bansang Magkakaanib at sa Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ng Pilipinas. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

Walong ospital na ang bukas sa Lungsod ng Tacloban (LUNGSOD NG TACLOBAN, Leyte) Walong ospital na ang bukas sa lungsod na ito upang lapatan ng lunas ang mga maysakit na dapat lunasan, tatlong linggo makaraang wasakin ng napakalakas na bagyong "Yolanda."

Sinabi ni Katulong na Kalihim Paulyn Rosell-Ubial na sa walong ospital na nagbukas na, lima ang tertiary level kung saan maaaring magsagawa ng operasyohn at tatlo ang primary level na outpatients ang tinatanggap, nguni’t hindi maaari ang operasyon.

Ang limang tertiary-level na ospital ay ang Eastern Visayas Medical Center, RTR Medical C Cente, St. Paul’s Hospital, Bethany Hospital at field hospitals ng mga Australiano na matatagpuan sa may paliparan.

Ang tatlong primary-level na pagamutan ay ang Mother of Mercy Hospital, Tacloban Doctors Hospital at Tacloban City Hospital.

Ang mga pasyenteng kailangan ang maselang operasyon ay dinadala sa Peace Ark na bapor na ospital ng mga Intsik na noong Linggo dumating sa bansa.

Inihayag din ni Ubial na hindi na sila kailangang magsugod ng pasyente sa Cebu o sa Maynila kung kailangan ang operasyon dahil sa mga nabuksang tertiary hospitals.

Binigyang diin ni Ubial na sinisikap nilang sa mga ospital magluwal ng sanggol ang mga buntis upang maiwasan ang ano mang katulad ng natalang dalawang sanggol na namatay dahil sa neonatal tetanus. Ang isa rito ay sa palengke ipinanganak at ang isa ay sa bahay.

Ayon kay Ubial, naipadala nila sa Cebu ang dalawang may kaso ng tetano at ang dalawa pa ay sa Maynila naman isinugod.

Iniulat din niyang isang tao ang namatay sa leptospirosis at 13 pang iba ang nakaratay na ang hinala ay dahil din sa sakit na ito.

Binabantayan din ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang mga kaso ng dengue rito. Sinasabi sa mga ulat na mula noong Agosto, may 3,000 kaso na ng dengue ang naireport sa kanila.

May 12 makinang pambomba ng gamot laban sa dengue ang ginagamit dito upang mapatay ang mga lamok na pinagmumulan ng nasabing sakit. Siyam na makinang pambomba ng gamot para mapatay ang lamok ang ginagamit sa ibang panig ng Leyte.

Bukod dito, nagsagawa rin ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ng maramihang pagbabakuna sa mga bata laban sa tigdas sa buong Leyte.

Idinagdag pa ni Ubial na ang mga manggagamot ng DOH ay pupunta sa malalayong pulo at baranggay upang mamigay ng gamot at manggamot sa mga biktima ng bagyo. PND (jb/zaf) TOP

Pinagtibay na ng Pangulong Aquino ang pagbabagong tatag sa mga pook na malubhang sinalanta ng bagyong 'Yolanda' Pinagtibay na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang tatsulok na plano ng Gabinete upang mabilis na makabangon at magbagong tatag ang mga mamamayang apektado ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na pumuti ng buhay at nag-iwan ng malawakang pinsala sa ari-arian sa Kabisayaan at Timog Luson.

Ito ang inihayag ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda matapos pulungin ng Pangulo ang Gabinete Miyerkoles.

“Ang panukala ay hati sa tatlong yugto. Una, puspusang pagtulong sa lahat ng pook na nasalanta, pagsisikap na makagawa agad ng karampatang hakbang para makaahon sa problema ang mga apektado ng bagyo at pangatlo ay ang totohanang pagbabagong tatag at rehabilitasyon,” sabi ni Lacierda sa isang pahayag na inilabas Miyerkoles.

Sinabi ni Lacierda na inatasan ng Pangulo ang Gabinete na gawin sa madaling panahon ang mga maaari nang gawin.

“Dapat gawin, kayang gawin, ngayon na,” mahigpit na bilin ng Pangulo sa mga kagawad ng Gabinete ayon kay Lacierda.

Sa pulong na ito ng Gabinete, iniharap ni Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan ang “Yolanda Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan.”

Idinagdag ni Lacierda na inatasan ng Pangulo si Balisacan at ang kinauukulang kagawad ng Gabinete na magbigay ng mga detalya tungkol sa nasabing plano.

Sinabi pa ni Lacierda na pupulungin uli ng Pangulo ang Gabinete sa Biyernes upang makita ang mga mahahalagang bahagi ng nasabing plano, kasama na ang mga maaaring gawin agad.

PND (jl/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.

[HOME]

ONLINE NEWS 27 NOVEMBER 2013

Infra spending posts 33.9% Y-0-Y spike as of end-Sept; Abad: Q4 upswing may be aided by relief and rehab Labor standards and occupational health and safety matter even in times of calamity--Baldoz In Pangasinan, poultry dressing plant to employ 100 workers displaced by Typhoon Yolanda Region IV-A peace and order council (RPOC) reorganization meeting held Aquino administration's first airport PPP bid out tomorrow Phl Ambassador presents credentials to Zambian President PHL Consulate General in Vancouver conducts consular outreach in Edmonton, Alberta PRC warns public anew against fixers PRC extends deadline of applications of repeaters for the January 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers LANDBANK extends $27M term loan to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority SWS results a wake up call for all gov't officials - VP Binay PhilHealth Tacloban and Ormoc offices now open to serve; issues policy on fortuitous events “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 Infra spending posts 33.9% Y-0-Y spike as of end-Sept; Abad: Q4 upswing may be aided by relief and rehab Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced today that expenditures for infrastructure and capital outlay continued to track significant year-on-year growth, with a 33.9-percent increase for the expense class recorded as of September this year. This is in line with the Aquino Administration‘s continued commitment towards rapid, sustainable and inclusive growth under its Economic Development Agenda.

Infrastructure spending maintained the double-digit growth through the first nine months of the year by reaching P183 billion as compared to last year‘s P136 billion. In addition, total government disbursements by the end of September rose to P1.368 trillion, which is a significant improvement of 11.8 percent from its P1.223 trillion turnout for the same period last year. ―Our continued drive for efficient public spending, particularly for infrastructure and capital outlay, has shown consistent year-on-year improvements over the last three quarters. We are looking to further boost our investments to this end and minimize infrastructure gaps by the end of the year to facilitate greater economic expansion—one that is inclusive and brings tangible benefits for all Filipinos,‖ DBM Secretary Florencio ―Butch‖ Abad said.

The spending performance for infrastructure and capital outlays as of September is mainly attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways‘ (DPWH) much-improved infrastructure program for the year. Aside from the implementation of flood control and drainage projects, P1.6 billion was also released to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the rehabilitation of pumping stations designed to mitigate flooding in Metro Manila. Budgetary releases were also recorded for farm-to-market roads and irrigation projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Other notable obligational authorities issued in September include requirements for terminal leave and retirement gratuity; special shares of LGUs from the proceeds of national wealth; customs, duties and taxes; and the creation of new positions together with the filling-up of unfilled positions, among others. ‖Together with implementing agencies, we‘re facilitating the swift and efficient management of government disbursements so public expenditures can sustain their present momentum. The goal, of course, is to post a strong finish in the 4th quarter of the year. ―Despite the devastation caused by the recent spate of calamities, we want to assure the public that the DBM is still committed to strengthen our expenditures so that the economy does not take a significant hit, even with the operational setbacks that disasters tend to bring. The vigor of the Aquino administration‘s relief and rehabilitation operations, at least, should help ease government spending along,‖ Abad said. ―We are now looking at available funds from this year‘s budget that can be utilized for urgent requirements like the restoration of basic services, which will then be shortly followed by the provision of shelter services and the restoration of livelihood and employment, among many others,‖ he added.

As of September, the DBM has already released P1.840 trillion of the total P2.006 trillion budget for the year. This 91.8 percent obligation rate reflects a faster budget execution rate when compared to the 87.3 percent seen over the same period last year.

Disbursements by Expense Class, 2012 vs. 2013 in billion pesos, unless otherwise indicated January-September Particulars 2012 2013 Current Oper. Exp. 1,010.9 1,127.6 PS 386.7 424.3 MOOE 174.8 211.0 Subsidy 18.5 35.4 Allotment to LGUs 164.0 181.4 IP 245.2 258.1 TEF 21.8 17.4 Capital Outlays 189.9 238.0 Infra & Other CO 136.4 182.6 Equity 0.9 0.6 Cap. Transfers to LGUs 52.7 54.8 CARP-LO Net Lending 22.0 (2.2) TOTAL 1,222.9 1,367.8

Increase/Decrease Amount 116.7 37.7 36.2 16.9 17.4 12.8 (4.3) 48.0 46.2 (0.3) 2.1 (19.8) 144.9

% 11.5 9.7 20.7 91.7 10.6 5.2 (19.8) 25.3 33.9 (35.4) 4.1 (90.0) 11.8

DISBURSEMENTS BY EXPENSE CLASS, AS OF SEPTEMBER 2013 Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) continued to expand by more than 20 percent year-onyear—bringing disbursements for this expense class to P211 billion—due to higher allocations for the Department of Social Welfare and Development‘s (DSWD) social protection programs, which include the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program and the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program.

Personnel Services slightly increased by 9.7 percent or P37.7 billion to P424 billion as of September, as the implementation of the last tranche of the Salary Standardization Law III, release of claims for retirement gratuity and terminal leave benefits, and release for the grant of the 2012 Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) continued.

Subsidy to GOCCs rose by P16.9 billion or 91.7 percent from last year‘s outturn because of the much earlier

release of premiums this year for indigent beneficiaries of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) and the release of cash requirements for the resettlement program and AFP/PNP housing project of the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Interest Payments climbed to P12.8 billion—up by 5.2 percent year-on-year—due to the servicing of domestic debt, specifically for the payment of semi-annual interest on fixed rate treasury bonds and quarterly interest on retail treasury bonds. Nevertheless, percentage share of IP in total disbursements as of September this year is still lower at 18.9 percent from 2012‘s 20.1 percent ratio. |TOP| Labor standards and occupational health and safety matter even in times of calamity--Baldoz Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said compliance with general labor standards and occupational safety and health standards matter even in times of calamity and she reminded employers, humanitarian, and relief and welfare organizations implementing emergency employment, or 'cash-forwork' programs in disaster-stricken communities, to comply with Philippine labor laws.

"Please don't make our workers victims twice. Pay them the correct wages and ensure their safety and health," said Baldoz, noting that the government's emergency employment program pays workers P260 per day in Eastern Visayas, P297 per day in Central Visayas, and P287 in Western Visayas on top of social security benefits, such as group insurance. The DOLE also ensures that worker-beneficiaries are also given personal protective gear, such as working gloves, boots, and helmets.

She reminded employers that national government agencies, specifically the DOLE and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, have a standing agreement that worker-beneficiaries under the emergency employment program, or cash-for-work, are to be paid the minimum wages prevailing in the area, including a minimum work duration of 15 days.

Baldoz issued the call for compliance with labor and OSH standards as the DOLE's emergency employment in Eastern Visayas as of 25 November continues to pick up momentum.

Citing an update report from DOLE Undersecretary Rebecca Chato who is the top official supervising DOLE operation in Region 8, Baldoz said the total number of workers in the program now stands at 9,225 covering 294 barangays in two cities and 11 municipalities in the region.

In Tacloban City, 590 workers in 25 barangays are enrolled, while in Ormoc City, 1,140 workers in 38 barangays have started actual work.

The municipalities in Leyte where the program has begun are Alang-Alang (1,140 workers in 38 barangays); Jaro (180 workers in 6 barangays); and Sta. Fe (600 workers in 20 barangays).

In (Western) Samar, only the town of Basey is enrolled, with 450 workers in 15 barangays.

In Eastern Samar, 900 workers in 10 barangays are enrolled in the town of Lawaan; Balangiga (390 workers in 13 barangays); Mercedes (480 workers in 16 barangays); Salcedo (1,230 workers in 41 barangays); Guian (835 workers in 29 barangays); Quinapondan (750 workers in 25 barangays); and Giporlos (540 workers in 18 barangays).

Undersecretary Chato also reported that the DOLE is currently conducting an initial list-up of workers in the town of Gen. McArthur in Eastern Samar, and in the towns of Palo, Leyte, and Burauen, Leyte.

"All in all, 779 barangays with a total population of 20,370 are covered, with 448 barangays with total population of 14,365 have been oriented on the program," she said. |TOP| In Pangasinan, poultry dressing plant to employ 100 workers displaced by Typhoon Yolanda Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended a large poultry dressing plant in San Jacinto, Pangasinan after it has pledged to the DOLE, through its Regional Office No. 1, to hire 100 workers from Samar and Leyte who were displaced by Typhoon Yolanda. ―We are heartened by this display of compassion and demonstration of corporate social responsibility by one of our private sector partners, the San Vicente Dressing Plant Corporation,: said Baldoz, who was informed of the pledge by DOLE Regional Office No. 1 regional Director Grace Ursua. San Vicente Dressing Plant Corporation is an ISO-certified company and a Class AA poultry dressing facility accredited by the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture. It is a contracted toll plant for San Miguel Foods, Inc.‘s and meat business and a supplier of chicken products to big companies in Luzon. It is one of the companies belonging to the Kenwood Holdings Group. In her report, Director

Ursua said to Secretary Baldoz that Kenwood Holdings has tied up with DOLE Regional Office No. 1 to hire 100 qualified and able to workers who are victims of Typhoon Yolanda from Samar and Leyte provinces. ―On its own, Kenwood Holding is embarking on a corporate social responsibility project ―Tulong Trabaho sa Mga Biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda‖ in San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan to provide employment opportunities with a long-term impact to the typhoon victims as a means of helping them rebuild their lives,‖said Ursua. Kenwood Holding will hire truck drivers and helpers, office personnel, checkers, quality control technicians, processing crew, cashiers and maintenance mechanics for its San Vicente Dressing Plant located in Barangay San Vicente, San Jacinto, Pangasinan. ―We have conceptualized this project in view of the necessities and needs of the calamity victims and our company would like to humbly share its contribution in addressing their tragic plight,‖ said George Li, Kenwood Holdings owner and general manager. Those who will be hired will be paid the prevailing minimum wage rate in Pangasinan where they are deployed and other statutory mandatory wage-related benefits. They will also be provided with quarters/housing; uniforms and extra clothing; medical assistance, if necessary; and meal subsistence until the first salary is received. Ursua further reported that the DOLE Regional Office No. 1 and the human resource management team of Kenwood Holdings are already coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for the identification and location of possible applicants. ―The regional office and the Kenwood Holdings representatives will conduct recruitment and selection at identified relocation sites. Those who will be hired will be brought by the company for free from the relocation site to their workplaces. The company will induct and orient the successful applicants,‖ she said. To be qualified for the job vacancies, the worker-applicants must be duly certified by the DSWD or NDRRMC as victims of typhoon Yolanda; they should be 18 years old and above; and must meet the educational requirements needed for the job. Other documentary requirements include valid IDs, 2x2 picture, birth certificate issued by the NSO, NBI clearance and other available credentials such as training certificates, diploma, and transcript of records. |TOP| Region IV-A peace and order council (RPOC) reorganization meeting held Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph With the mandate of ensuring peace and order, the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) of the CALABARZON Region (Region IV-A) convened last October 25, 2013 at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila to discuss the reorganization as well the preparations for the 2013 Barangay Election.

This was attended by 29 members with former Rizal Governor and now Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro A. Ynares, Jr. presiding being the interim RPOC Chair. Local Chief Executives (LCEs) who joined Mayor Ynares were Laguna Governor E.R. Ejercito; Catanauan, Quezon Mayor Ramon A. Orfanel, LMP President of Quezon; and Pagsanjan, Laguna Mayor Girlie Javier Ejercito, LMP President Laguna. Gov. David C. Suarez of Quezon, Gov. Vilma SantosRecto of Batangas, and Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla, Jr. of Cavite on the other hand sent their representatives.

In attendance also are the other Regional Directors and representatives from various National Government Agencies (NGAs) in the region including PCSupt. Jesus T. Gatchalian of the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO4A) CALABARZON; and Maj. Gen. Nonito Alfredo T. Peralta, Jr. of the AFP‘s 2nd ID who presented their accomplishments. Invited as guest was Atty. Juanito Icaro, Regional Election Director of COMELEC Region IV. The PRO4A presented the peace and order situation in the region, primarily the crime rate and volume, including their plans, programs, and accomplishment. These also include the PNP‘s preparation for the 2013 barangay election. On the other hand, the AFP presented the status of internal security operations in the region as well as their accomplishments, plans, and programs.

The AFP‘s report was followed by the presentation of the COMELEC focusing on various concerns specifically the 2013 Barangay election. Presented also by the COMELEC are the election timeline, as well as the prohibited acts.

Various questions were also raised particularly on the prohibition of hiring personnel and disbursement of funds which were properly addressed by Atty. Icaro.

For its part, DILG IV-A presented the status of implementation of PAMANA projects in Region IV-A, particularly in the six LGUs of Quezon Province. In relation to PAMANA, Mayor Orfanel inquired about the role of the LGUs in implementing the projects under the PAMANA including the Bottom-Up Planning and Budgeting (BuPB). His inquiry was later on addressed by the representative from the Department of Agriculture. The issues and concerns raised during the meeting prompted Mayor Ynares to request additional data for discussion for the next RPOC meeting. |TOP| Aquino administration's first airport PPP bid out tomorrow Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph Major Local Conglomerates, Renowned Foreign Airport Operators Vie for DOTC‘s Mactan-Cebu International Airport Project Manila, Philippines – Bid submissions for the Department of Transportation and Communications‘ (DOTC)

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Project are all set tomorrow, 28 November 2013, making it the first airport to be bid out under President Benigno S. Aquino III‘s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

With the country‘s transportation modernization efforts getting a shot in the arm following last week‘s go-ahead of 5 crucial transport infrastructure projects by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, the MCIA Project is expected to net the highest number of PPP bidders yet, having seven (7) pre-qualified groups led by top Philippine conglomerates partnered with renowned airport operators from around the world. ―We know that the world is watching. This is the acid test for our PPP program. The higher the turnout, the more credibility it will mean for our projects,‖ said DOTC spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal.

The 7 bidders pre-qualified last May are: AAA Airport Partners led by the Ayala and Aboitiz companies; the Filinvest-CAI Airport consortium; the Lopez groups‘ First Philippine Airports; the GMR Infrastructure and Megawide consortium; the MPIC-JGS Airport consortium led by the companies of Manuel V. Pangilinan and John Gokongwei; SM‘s Premier Airport Group; and the San Miguel-Incheon Airport consortium.

The roster of foreign airport operators includes ADC & HAS of Houston Airport, Malaysia Airports Berhad, and those from Singapore‘s Changi Airport, South Korea‘s Incheon Airport, France‘s Aeroports de Lyon, Switzerland‘s Zurich Airport, India‘s Delhi Airports.

Several key improvements to the project‘s terms were approved by the NEDA Board, making it more attractive to bidders and encouraging more competitive proposals. These include extending the concession period from twenty (20) years to twenty five (25) years, including the operation of the apron or aircraft parking area in the project scope, and imposing a twenty five (25)-year ban on the operation of competing airports within the province of Cebu apart from the Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

The MCIA Project will modernize the country‘s second-largest aviation hub with the construction of a new worldclass international passenger terminal building (PTB) having an 8-million annual passenger design capacity. It will also renovate the existing PTB, which has been operating at over-capacity with 6.7 million passengers going through the structure in 2012. |TOP| Phl Ambassador presents credentials to Zambian President Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 26 November 2013 — Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that he presented his Letter of Credence and the Letter of Recall of his predecessor to H. E. President Michael Chilufya Sata of the Republic of Zambia on November 07 in Zambia‘s capital, Lusaka.

Ambassador Vingno, who was accompanied by his wife Mme. Yoko Ramos-Vingno, conveyed to President Sata the warm greetings of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the hope that the warm relations between Zambia and the Philippines will grow stronger through the establishment of new proposed agreements such as on bilateral cooperation and trade.

During their trip to Lusaka, Ambassador and Madame Vingno also met with members of the Filipino community there, who are composed of professionals and skilled workers such as engineers and medical personnel. |TOP| PHL Consulate General in Vancouver conducts consular outreach in Edmonton, Alberta Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 26 November 2013 - The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver conducted a successful Consular Outreach Program to service Filipinos in Edmonton, Alberta from November 15 to 17.

The members of the Consular team that conducted the program included Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, Consul Melanie Diano, Ms. Magdalena Sosa, Ms. Alicia Bautista, Mr. Jandy Zulita and Mr. Edwin Villalon.

On November 14, the Filipino community of Edmonton, Alberta gathered to host a welcome dinner for Consul General Neil Ferrer on his assumption as the new Philippine Consul General in Vancouver, who has jurisdiction over Alberta province. Highlights of the dinner included, special guest, Ms. Rhonda Schwab‘s announcement that the Canadian Red Cross has offered donations worth $7million as relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Another special guest, Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk of Alberta announced that the Philippines will receive a matching grant from the Alberta government. The total amount CA$500,000 was later confirmed by Alberta Premier Alison Redford on November 18.

Also at the dinner was the crew of Balitang Canada who interviewed Congen Ferrer on the situation of the provinces affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Consul General echoed on-going Government relief operations and expressed his appreciation to Canada‘s commitments to help the victims of the typhoon.

On November 15, Consul General Ferrer, Consul Diano and Honorary Consul General Esmeralda Agbulos met with Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk at the Parliament Building in Alberta to discuss the operational details of the program by the Government of Alberta to help the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) by matching donations that Albertans make to the Canadian Red Cross. Also discussed was a fund raising campaign on November 24 wherein various Albertan stakeholders will be invited to make donations.

The warm meeting concluded with assurances from the Deputy Premier to Consul General Ferrer that his office will coordinate with Honorary Consul General Agbulos to make this a successful campaign. Honorary Consul General Agbulos will file a report on this matter at a later date.

On November 16, Consul General Ferrer met with Calgary-based Filipino community members and owner of Mabuhay News to discuss their relief efforts in Calgary which they called Operation Pagbangon which will be held on December 01. He also met with Mr. Dick B. Wong, Vice President of NutraPonics, an Alberta based company dedicated to the development and commercialization of an intensive food crop production system that address the growing global demand for safe, economical, sustainable, high-value nutritional products. The Nutraponics system is an advancement on aquaponics, a food production method that combines aquaculture, hydroponics and organic water treatment to create an optimized environment for plant growth.

Consul General Ferrer later met with the members of the Philippine Business Society of Edmonton led by Mr. Celso Andrade, the owner of Sunfreight Company in Edmonton, and informed them of the various services that the Consulate is providing to our Kababayans in Canada. He encouraged the members of the Society to work hand in hand with the Philippine Consulate to facilitate and support on-going and future business activities between the Philippines and Alberta.

Edmonton is home to an estimated 40,000 Filipino and Filipino-Canadians. |TOP| PRC warns public anew against fixers Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph Manila, November 27, 2013 -- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) today cautioned applicants, prospective takers of various licensure examinations including registered professionals and members of their families against fixers out to prey on unsuspecting victims.

According to the PRC, the modus operandi of these fixers is to pose or introduce themselves as PRC officials or employees and to assure the examinee or members of their families that they can guarantee the examinee to pass the board examination in exchange for a certain amount of money. Meetings with the examinees or their families where the money is to be paid to the fixers are then conducted in a restaurant or other place outside of PRC premises.

Recently, an individual introducing himself as a PRC official offered to facilitate the processing of the renewal of the licenses of two Mechanical Engineers. The two professionals, sensing fraud, sought the legal assistance of the PRC-Davao Regional Office.

Other than the PRC mobile services (PRC on-wheels) and the PRC I.D. Renewal Center at the Malls, the Commission stressed that official transactions are done at all PRC Offices (Central, Regional and Satellite) and with authorized PRC personnel ONLY. To verify the identity of a PRC official whose name may have been used by these fixers, the public is advised to check from the directory of PRC officials HERE. PRC said that in waging war against fixers, syndicates and fake professionals, it is continuously networking with other government agencies for a more coordinated effort to combat their fraudulent activities. It is also asking PRC clients and the general public to help in this effort by reporting questionable transactions to the Commission.

For inquiry, assistance or any information regarding suspicious individuals and transactions, the public is encouraged to call the PRC‘s Hotline: (02)310-0026 or e-mail queries or reports to mediarelations_prc@yahoo.com. |TOP| PRC extends deadline of applications of repeaters for the January 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers Source: http://www.prc.gov.ph Manila, November 27, 2013 – The Professional Regulation Commission announces the extension of the deadline for the filing of applications of REPEATERS for the January 26, 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) from November 29, 2013 to DECEMBER 6, 2013.

The PRC and the Board for Professional Teachers decided to extend the deadline for the filing of applications to

allow prospective examinees to secure the necessary requirements including those who failed in the September 2013 LET. The January 2014 Licensure Examination for Teachers will be held simultaneously in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tuguegarao, Pagadian, Zamboanga and Hong Kong. |TOP| LANDBANK extends $27M term loan to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Source: https://www.landbank.com LANDBANK recently approved a US$27 million term loan for the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which will be used to refinance and take-out part of SBMA‘s existing foreign loans.

A top dollar depositor of the LANDBANK Subic Branch, the SBMA plays a major role in promoting tourism and enabling industrial, commercial, and investment growth in the Subic-Clark region, which in turn generates employment and contributes significantly to the country‘s economic growth.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and LANDBANK Senior Vice President for Corporate Banking Edward John T. Reyes signed the loan agreement. Also present during the loan signing were SBMA Legal Services head Von Rodriguez, OIC/Finance deputy administrator Paulette Yee, Financial Control & Analysis manager Antonietta Sanqui, SBMA Board of Directors Ramon Sesdoyro, Al Siapno, Philip Camara, and Bien Benitez; LANDBANK‘s Public Sector Account Officer Esperanza Martinez, and Subic Branch Assistant Vice President Sylvia Lim. (Photo shows Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia and LANDBANK SVP for Corporate Banking Edward John T. Reyes during the agreement signing for SBMA‘s $27 million term loan. ) |TOP| SWS results a wake up call for all gov't officials - VP Binay Source: http://ovp.gov.ph Vice President Jejomar C. Binay remains grateful for his "very good" satisfaction ratings in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, and acknowledged the people‘s high expectations of government officials.

He said the survey should be seen as a "wake up call" for top government officials whose rating all declined.

"We cannot really have a 100% accurate survey but I have no issue with the SWS result. If we have shortcomings, then it‘s a wake up call," he said.

The survey conducted from September 20 to 23 showed that 78 percent of the respondents were satisfied with Binay‘s performance, while 10 percent were dissatisfied.

This brings the Vice President‘s net satisfaction rating to ―very good‖ (+69) which is seven points below the +76 (83 percent satisfied, 7 percent dissatisfied) or ―excellent‖ rating he received in June.

"The ratings for all the top government officials went down," he said, referring to the drop in the ratings of President Aquino, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, and Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno.

Binay posted the highest among the country‘s top officials in the SWS survey.

Binay also said he believes the satisfaction ratings of President Aquino directly affects the ratings of those in the executive department. ―If you look at the previous surveys, you will notice that if the ratings of the President drop, our ratings also drop.

This is because it reflects on the executive department," he said.

According to SWS, Binay received seven ―excellent‖ and six ―very good‖ ratings in 13 surveys since September 2010.

Net satisfaction ratings are classified by SWS as follows: +70 and above, ―excellent‖; +50 to +69, ―very good‖; +30 to +49, ―good‖; +10 to +29, ―moderate‖; +9 to -9, ―neutral‖; -10 to -29, ―poor‖; -30 to -49, ―bad‖; -50 to -69, ―very bad‖; and -70 and below, ―execrable.‖ The latest round of SWS nationwide survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos. |TOP|

PhilHealth Tacloban and Ormoc offices now open to serve; issues policy on fortuitous events Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph In just two weeks after Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in Eastern Visayas, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that its local health insurance offices in the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc are now up and running to serve the health insurance needs of members and non-members alike.

PhilHealth fulfilled its promise to open the two leading offices Monday, November 25, after suffering from heavy damage from strong winds and storm surges.

"We are back in operation in these two major cities for the benefit of our members and partners, thanks to our resilient and dedicated team in Region VIII" PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla said.

PhilHealth earlier assured the public that at least seven of their local health insurance offices and service desks in Southern Leyte, Samar and Biliran are still up and running despite the severe damage and very unusual situation that their employees are in.

"These offices can perform membership registration and verification concerns (without online inquiry due to power outage) and receiving of benefit claims and premium contributions, except for the service desks" Padilla said, adding that members and partners can contact their Yolanda Action Center at (02) 441-7425 to 26 for PhilHealth‘s disaster recovery, rehabilitation and support efforts in the area.

The PhilHealth Chief also said that to institutionalize their response during fortuitous events of such magnitude, PhilHealth has issued a policy that will serve as their template of response to ensure continuing health care benefits during such "acts of God".

In its Circular 34, s-2013 dated November 15, 2013, PhilHealth will pay claims of members and non-members and accredited and non-accredited hospitals and professionals during such events.

"We will even extend filing period for claims to 120 days from date of discharge, make exemptions to the less than 24-hour confinement rule, and even reimbursement for destroyed claims" Padilla stressed.

The Circular also allows for extension of deadline of premium payments and/or existing coverage as prescribed by PhilHealth, among other. |TOP| “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-on-year 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 Rollon 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|

Last Updated:

27 NOVEMBER 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

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The Philippine Army alongside the Japan Disaster Relief-Self Defance Force Units hold dental and medical missions in Tacloban City, Leyte, Wednesday (November 27). (Photo by Bong Manabat NIB PHOTO)

Thousands of typhoon victims line up as the Departmetn of Trade and Industry organizes a Diskwento Caravan in Tacloban City, Leyte Wednesday (November 27). (Photo by Bong Manabat NIB PHOTO)

President Benigno S. Aquino lll presides over a Cabinet Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malaca単an Palace on Wednesday (November 27). The meeting with the members of his Cabinet was held days after super typhoon Yolanda hit the major cities of the Visayan region. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malaca単ang Photo Bureau)

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 Supe

Thank You and God Bless !!!!