Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 10 PRs (Mar. 8-9 ,2013),Dispatch for March 12 , 2013 (Tuesday),

7 Weather Watch, , 13 Reg’l.Watch / 5 OFW Watch , 15 Online News

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

PIA-NCR: Hot weather will last till June according to PAGASA, adding that it is due to the easterlies, or winds from the

east, already affecting the western part of Luzon and Visayas.

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

DZRH: Asahan ang mainit na panahon sa silangang bahagi ng Luzon at Visayas dahil sa epekto ng easterlies o mainit na

hangin mula naman sa silangan. Samantala, bahagyang lumakas ang northeast monsoon o amihan na siyang magbibigay ng

maulap na papawirin na may kasamang kalat-kalat na pag-ulan sa Cagayan Valley, Bicol region, CARAGA at mga lalawigan ng

Aurora at Quezon. Ang Metro Manila ay makakaranas naman ng maalinsangang lagay ng panahon na may bahagyang pag-

ambon sa dakong hapon at gabi. Ang araw ay nagpakita kaninang 6:05 ng umaga at lulubog mamayang 6:06 mamayang gabi.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

14 hours ago

PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada on DZBB:

- Patuloy na umiiral ang easterlies na nakakaapekto sa silangang bahagi ng bansa.

- Ang Cagayan Valley, Aurora at Quezon pati na rin ang Bicol region at Eastern Visayas ay makakaranas ng maulap na

kalangitan na mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan.

- Ang Metro Manila at ang natitirang bahagi ng bansa ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap na panahon na may pulu-pulong

pag-ulan pero hindi ito magtatagal.

- Wala naman pong nakikitang sama ng panahon mabubuo malapit sa bansa.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada on DZBB:

- Patuloy na umiiral ang easterlies na nakakaapekto sa silangang bahagi ng bansa.

- Ang Cagayan Valley, Aurora at Quezon pati na rin ang Bicol region at Eastern Visayas ay makakaranas ng maulap na

kalangitan na mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan.

- Ang Metro Manila at ang natitirang bahagi ng bansa ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap na panahon na may pulu-pulong

pag-ulan pero hindi ito magtatagal.

- Wala naman pong nakikitang sama ng panahon mabubuo malapit sa bansa.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

GMA-7 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:

- Patuloy pa ring umiiral ang easterlies sa malaking bahagi ng bansa.

- Asahan na ang mas mainit na panahon sa mga susunod na araw subalit hindi pa maaaring ideklara ang pagbubukas ng

summer season dahil sa easterlies na magdadala ng mahinang pag-ulan at ang muling paglakas ng hanging amihan.

- Asahan ang mahinang pag-ulan sa silangang bahagi ng Luzon kabilang na ang Cagayan Valley at ang mga lalawigan ng

Aurora at Quezon.

- May maliit na tsansa namang umulan sa Metro Manila.

- Magiging bahagyang maulap naman sa na may mahinang pag-ulan sa Visayas, lalo na sa silangang bahagi nito dahil sa

easterlies.

- Uulanin din ang Mindanao lalo na hilagang bahagi nito sa dahil sa easterlies.

-

Weather Watch

15 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Tinatayang magdadala ng mainit na panahon sa bansa ang easterly wind. Kanina naman ay naitala sa Metro

Manila ang temperaturang 33.3 degree Celsius. Samantala, bukas ay asahan ang maulap na panahon na may kaunting pag-

ulan sa Tuguegarao, Aurora, Quezon, Naga at Legazpi habang maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Luzon.

Mayroon namang 30% chance of rain ang Metro Manila bukas. Asahan naman ang maulap na panahon na may kaunting pag-

ulan sa Samar at Leyte habang maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas. Posibleng makaranas ng

maulap na panahon na may kaunting pag-ulan ang Surigao habang magiging maganda ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng

Mindanao.

Weather Watch

23 hours ago

DZBB: PAGASA weather forecaster Alvin Pura on DZBB:

-Sa ngayon ay wala pa tayong official declaration na summer season na o tag-init na. Subalit yung ating HPA sa may North

Pacific ay medyo dominante na. Sa ngayon may Easterlies pa rin tayo na siyang nakakaapekto sa atin na siyang nagdadala ng

mainit at maalinsangan na weather.

-Yung lowest temperature natin kanina, umaabot lang sa 23.3 degrees Celsius, medyo mainit po o mas mainit sa mga

nakaraang buwan.

-Yung mga pag-ulan natin mga isolated rainshower or thunderstorm.

-Sa ngayon inaasahan natin na within this week or next week ay maaari tayong magdeklara ng summer season. Yung ridge ng

HPA ay malawak na ang naaapektuhan.

-This coming Friday, may inaasahan pa tayong pagpaparamdam ng northeasterly na hangin subalit inaasahan din natin na

early Monday ay maaari din itong mawala gayundin sa weekend.

-Sa ngayon po ay makakaasa tayo ng mas mainit na panahon lalo na this coming few days dahil sa Easterlies.

3 hours ago

BATANGAS : Fair Weather

CAVITE :

LAGUNA :

QUEZON : Sunny

RIZAL : Fair Weather

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA:

1. . Saturday

The City Government of San Pablo got a Silver Grade based on the Anti-Red Tape Act-Report Card Survey (ARTA-RCS)

conducted by DILG Field Officers in compliance with the requirements of the Seal of Good Housekeeping for LGUs. The city

government got the highest score of 97.31% (Excellent) in the ARTA-RCS 2012 among the four cities in Laguna

PIA Regional Watch

2 hours ago

PIA 4A/RIZAL .:

1. DOST Rizal started holding trainings for public school teachers on the operation of PCOS machines. According to DOST

Rizal Provincial Director Fernando Ablaza, the agency is funded by COMELEC for the one-month training which aims to equip

teachers on the proper use of the equipment in line with the upcoming elections.

2. Nagsasagawa ang Pamahalaang Bayan ng Jalajala, Rizal ng mga training ng paggawa ng paper charcoal o mga panggatong

na gawa sa recycled na papel. Layunin ng pamahalaang magkaroon ng alternatibong paggamit ang mga mamamayan sa mga

papel na basura. 2 hours ago

3. Nagsasagawa ang Pamahalaang Bayan ng Jalajala, Rizal ng mga training ng paggawa ng paper charcoal o mga panggatong

na gawa sa recycled na papel. Layunin ng pamahalaang magkaroon ng alternatibong paggamit ang mga mamamayan sa mga

papel na basura. 17 hours ago

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/QUEZON:

1. Quezon governor led the inauguration of the newly completed farm to market road projects in barangays Talipan, Bigo

and Aniato in Pagbilao, Quezon last week. Said projects of the provincial gov't would help the farmers in transporting their

agricultural products from farm to the market. According to the local residents, it will encourage also investors to establish

their business in the said barangays.2 hours ago

2. Ayon kay Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang talumpati, na nasa kamay ng mamamayan ng Quezon ang patuloy na pag-unlad ng

Quezon. Ayon sa kanya, malapit nang masolusyunan ang 66,800 kakulangan sa silid aralan, binanggit niya ang ibat ibang

nagawa ng kanyang administrayon gaya ng pagdami ng rice production, pagpayabong ng industriya ng niyog, pagpapagawa

ng mga diversion roads at farm to market roads at ang pangkalahatang pangkalusugan at pagpalawak ng coverage ng 4Ps. 18

hours ago

3. The President reiterated not to believe to politicians that are saying that they can be removed as beneficiaries of Pantawid

Pamilya. The President said the DSWD chose the benifiaciaries through the NHTS. 18 hours ago

4.. According to President Aquino, our country might be exporting rice before the year end and hope to go back in Quezon in

coming years not as a President but as a tourist in the beautiful beaches. 18 hours ago

5. In his speech , President Aquino said, "hindi ako magsasawang sabihin sa inyo na kayo ang boss ko." 18 hours ago

6. After President Aquino's speech, he grants the photo op with the local candidates from the 2nd and 3rd districts of

Quezon. After this, the President left Catanauan, Quezon at around 12:30pm. He then proceeded to Gumaca,Quezon.

22 hours ago

7. Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged the residents of Quezon Province to develop the coconut industry thru the joint

effort of the government and the people. The President said that the coconut industry is one of the prime source of income

of most farmers in the province. He also said that programs like electrification of barangays, irrigation system and farm to

market roads are among the projects that will be implemented in the province. 23 hours ago

8. President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at Catanauan Central School, Catanauan, Quezon at exactly 11:40 am today. The

President was received by Quezon Vice Gov. Vicente Alcala, Atty. Shiela de Leon, Liberal Party's Quezon 3rd district

congressional candidate and almost 5,000 persons composed of local officials, teachers, local residents and candidates from

the various elective positions from the 2nd and 3rd districts of Quezon Province. 23 hours ago

9. Nakatakdang bumisita ngayon araw na ito sa ganap na alas dies ng umaga si Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino lll sa coco water

plant station sa Candelaria,Quezon.Makakasama ng pangulo sa kanyang pagbisita ng mga pasilidad ng nasabing planta sina

Kalihim Mar Roxas ng DILG at iba pang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan. Ipapaliwanag ni G. Pavon,pangalawang pangulo ng Peter

Paul Corp. kung ano ang coco water plant. Yesterday

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE:

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/BATANGAS:

1. . 21 hours ago

PIA OFW Watch

PIA OFW Watch

DZMM:

1. Nabigo ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na makalikom ng kabuoang P44-M na blood money para sa OFW na si Joselito

Zapanta na nahaharap sa bitay sa Saudi Arabia. P10-M pa lamang ang nalikom ng pamahalaan at ng pribadong ector kaya

posibleng gawin ang pagbitay anumang oras matapos ang deadline… 3 hours ago

2. Tiniyak ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas na ginagawa nito ang lahat ng posibleng paraan upang hindi matuloy ang pagbitay

sa OFW na si Joselito Zapanta na nasa death row sa Saudi Arabia. Sinabi ni VP Jejomar Binay na sa ikatlong pagkakataon ay

humihingi muli ng extension ang gobyerno. … 22 hours ago

3. AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos on DZMM:

Re: Update sa mga Pinoy peacekeepers

-Tayo ay nagpapasalamat doon sa mga tumulong (sa pagpapalaya sa mga peacekeepers).

-Sa ngayon po itong 21 peacekeepers ay nandoon pa po sa Jordan.

-Mayroon po kaming na-receive na information kaninang madaling araw na natapos na po ang kanilang security debriefing

pati ang kanilang medical checkup at hinihintay na lang po na maayos lahat ng documentation at sila po ay, they will be

transported back sa kanilang headquarters.

-Magkakaroon lagi ng review and assessment ang ating authorities… YESTERDAY

PIA OFW Watch

16 hours ago

ABS-CBN:

1. Nasa maayos nang kalagayan ang 21 Pinoy peacekeepers matapos silang palayain ng Syrian rebels noong Sabado sa

Jordan. Aalamin naman ng UN kung magpapatuloy pa ang tropang Pinoy sa kanilang tour of duties doon.

2. ukas na ang deadline para sa pagbabayad ng blood money kay OFW Joselito Zapanta na nasa death row sa Saudi Arabia.

Gayunman, kulang pa rin ang nalikom na pondo ng Pilipinas para sa blood money. Dahil dito, humiling ng extension ang

Pilipinas sa Saudi Arabia para sa pagbabayad ng blood money.

PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

DZBB:

Muling nanawagan si VP Binay sa pamahalaan ng Saudi Arabia na palawigin pa ang deadline nito para makabayad ng blood

money ang Pinoy na nakatakdang bitayin doon bukas. Aniya, naiparating na umano ng pamahalaan ang kanilang hiling sa

Philippine Embassy sa Jeddah at sa pamilya ng Sudanese national na napatay ng Pinoy na si Joselito Zapanta. Kailangan pa

umano ng dagdag na palugit para sa pagbabayad ng blood money dahil kakaunti pa lang ang perang hawak ni Zapanta.

Tinatayang nasa P10M pa lang ang nalikom na pera ng pamilya ni Zapanta at nangangailangan pa sila ng dagdag na salapi

para mabuo ang nasa P44M na blood money para rito.

PIA OFW Watch

GMA-7:

PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

PIA OFW Watch

DZRH:

PIA OFW Watch

ANC:

PIA OFW Watch

DFA spokesman Asec. Raul Hernandez:

PIA Calabarzon 10 PRs (Mar. 8-9 ,2013),Dispatch for March 12 , 2013 (Tuesday), 7 Weather Watch, , 13 Reg’l.Watch / 5 OFW Watch , 15 Online News

A. QUEZON

1. Tagalog news: P14M pondo, inilaang pambili ng gamot para sa Quezon Medical

Center By Joselito M. Giron Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, March 8 (PIA) -- Naglaan ang pamahalaang panglalawigan ng Quezon ng halagang P14 milyon pondo

upang maging sapat ang suplay ng gamot sa Quezon Medical Center (QMC).

Ayon kay provincial administrator Rommel Edaṅo, binigyan ng prayoridad ni Quezon Gov. David Suarez na magkaroon ng sapat na supply

ng gamot sa nabanggit na pagamutan.

Maaalala na nitong mga nagdaang araw nakaranas ang mga pasyente ng QMC ang kakulangan sa gamot dahil sa umaabot sa halos tatlong

doble ang ipinapasok na pasyente dito kaysa sa total bed capacity nito na nagiging sanhi ng maagang pagkaubos ng supply na gamot.

Ayon din kay Edaṅo, bukod sa sapat na gamot ay magkakaroon din ng dalawang bagong ambulansya ang ospital upang mas lalo pa nitong

mapagsilbihan ang mga mamamayan ng lalawigan lalo na sa pagsundo at paghahatid ng mga pasyente sa QMC.

Sinabi naman ni provincial health officer Dr. Agripino Tullas, may halos P56 milyon financial assistance ang ibinigay noong 2010, P100

milyon noong 2011, P260 milyon noong 2012 at P61 milyong alokasyong pondo naman para sa taong 2013 mula sa health facilities

enhancement program ng Department of Health.

Ang mga nasabing tulong mula sa DOH ay ginagamit upang madagdagan ang pondong inilalaan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa QMC,

district hospitals at Rural Health Unit sa mga programa nito sa kalusugan ng mga mamamayan at pati na rin pagsasaayos ng mga pasilidad

nito. (CPG/JMG-PIA4A Quezon, Quezon-PIO)

2. Tagalog news: Mag-aaral sa Lucena, libre sa internet access sa city cybrary

By Ruel M. Orinday Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Marso 8 (PIA) -- Malaking tulong at malaki din ang matitipid ng isang estudyante sa lungsod na ito na

nangangailangang magsagawa ng research online sa libreng computer internet access na ipinagkakaloob ng city library.

Sinabi ni Ivy Rose Delaro, hepe ng city library, laging bukas ang cybrary ng kanilang opisina kung saan mayroon silang 14 na computer

units na libreng maaaring gamitin ng mga nagnanais na mag-research online.

Idinagdag pa niya na maaaring mag-avail ng libreng computer internet access ang sinumang interesadong mag-aaral basta maibigay ang

mga requirements na hihingin ng kanilang opisina para mapagkalooban ng internet card na para sa 35 sessions o isang oras kada araw.

Kaugnay nito, hiniling ng City Library na madagdagan ang espasyo sa kanilang opisina upang ma-accommodate ang patuloy na tumataas

na bilang ng mga estudyante na nagtutungo doon para magresearch.

Sa kabuuan ay umaabot sa 200 hanggang 250 researchers na karamihan ay mga estudyante araw-araw ang nagtutungo sa City Library.

Ang City Library ay nasa direktang superbisyon ng Mayor’s office at technical supervision ng National Library of the Philippines at bukas

ito para sa lahat mula alas 8 ng umaga hanggang alas 6 ng gabi para maipagkaloob ang tatlong basic services ng nasabing opisina.

(CPG/RMO-PIA4A Quezon at ulat mula sa PIO Lucena)

B. CAVITE

1. Cavite town celebrates 2013 Women’s Month

Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis GENERAL MARIANO ALVAREZ, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) -- Hundreds of women gathered yesterday in Barangay Poblacion 1, Congressional

Road to celebrate the 2013 Women’s Month with the theme: “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.”

The local government showed their gratitude to the women for their important role in the development, protection and preservation of

natural and economic development of the municipality.

Likewise, local officials led by Mayor Leonisa Joana “Ona” B. Virata acknowledged the achievements and valuable contribution made by

women and the importance of women’s rights to the local government.

The ceremony started at around 8 in the morning followed by a series of events and symposium on the rights of women on Republic Act

9262 and Reproductive Health Law.

The Philippines Commission on Women said this year's theme “underscores women’s leadership role and participation in governance to

enhance gender perspective in upholding good governance. It highlights the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and

institutions that support women and to widen the arena for their participation. It is also aligned with Section 11 (Participation and

Representation) and Section 29 (Peace and Development) of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710). (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/GMA PIO)

2. Provincial ICT to update website

By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) --The Provincial Information and Communications Technology (PICT) is requesting each office

and department to provide articles and pictures to update the current website.

In a letter address to all offices and departments, Mr. Camille Lauren V. Del Rosario, Head, Provincial ICT Office said there will be an

allocated page for each office/department where they post their numerous activities, announcements, achievements, plans and

programs.

It is one of the objectives of the provincial government to constantly relay important and updated information to the citizens, investors,

and to other stakeholders and the Provincial ICT uses the Cavite official website to establish communication aimed to be informative and

interactive.

Ms. Del Rosario likewise requested that submission of articles and pictures to be published if possible will be 2 days after the event at the

latest. On the other hand, special events that each office/department wants to be covered, Del Rosario urged them to inform the ICT at

least two weeks before the scheduled date. Each office/department can also email their inputs at post.cavitewebsite@cavite.gov.ph

Finally, each office/department was requested to appoint two personnel who can directly and constantly contact for this undertaking at

the Provincial ICT. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD/PICT)

3. Carmona receives P5M for “Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” award

By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis CARMONA, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) --The local government has received P5 million worth of Performance Challenge Fund from the

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) after being adjudged as the 2012 Regional and National Winner of the prestigious

“Gawad Pamana ng Lahi” – Municipal level.

The PCF is “an incentive fund to local government units in the form of counterpart funding to high-impact capital investment projects in

the Annual Investment Program (AIP) and funded out of the 20 percent Local Development Fund consistent with national goals and

priorities. It shall seek to rationalize national government intergovernmental transfers to LGUs, and encourage alignment of local

development initiatives with national government development agenda and priorities.”

The Performance Challenge Fund won by the local government shall be used for various high impact programs and projects to further

advance the development of the municipality.

In a letter addressed to Mayor Loyola, Ms. Josefina E. Castilla-Go, DILG Regional Director congratulated the local government for their

exemplary achievement which indicates the high degree of commitment and dedication in achieving the goal to become one of the best

municipalities not only in Region IV-A, but also in the whole country.

Likewise, Castilla-Go said award “really deserved all the admiration, commendations, success and accolades. As your partners in local

governance, we are honored for this great success and indeed, this achievement of being the Best Performing Municipality in the country

will make a lasting impact to your municipality and to your constituents as well.”

The Gawad Pamana ng Lahi (GPL) is an award concept given by the DILG to provinces, cities, and municipalities who exhibited exemplary

performance in administrative, environmental, social, and economic governance.

It is drawn from the database of the on-line Local Governance Performance Management System (LGPMS), Seal of Good Housekeeping

(SGH), International Organization or National Government Agency-bestowed Award(s), and acknowledged innovation/s. (Ruel Francisco,

PIA-Cavite/Carmona PIO)

4. Cooperative office conducts seminar for Cavite MSMEs By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) --Fifty-five entrepreneurs from the province’s Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

have attended a seminar on Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants conducted by the Provincial Cooperative, Livelihood and

Entrepreneurial Development Office (PCLEDO).

The seminar is the first developmental training provided by PCLEDO for Cavite MSMEs.

Mr. Raegan L. Capuno, Chairman of the Accountancy Department at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities in Tabnauan,

Batangas facilitated the said training.

Participants learned numerous methods and techniques plus lectures which focused on the following: (a) definition of a business, its

forms, purposes and activities; (b) importance of accounting and its role in making informed decisions to improve the business and

increase profits; (c) the accounting equation and how it was affected by simple transactions; (d) types and uses of various financial

records and how to prepare them; (e) identification and preparation of basic financial statements; and (f) financial statements and how to

use them for decision making.

PCLEDO offers programs and services like Cooperative Fora/Seminars/Training, Orientation on Newly Registered Coops, Strengthening of

Cooperatives (MAS), Coop Data Banking, and Financial Assistance to Cooperatives, Promotion, Advocacy and Marketing, Project/Proposal

Development and Fund Sourcing.

There are three PCLEDO divisions to carry out numerous programs and projects to assist cooperatives and MSMEs in the province. These

are the Cooperative, Livelihood and Entrepreneurial divisions. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PCLEDO/PICAD)

5. Cavite gov't sucessfully undergoes first surveillance audit for ISO By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 8 (PIA) -- The first surveillance audit on several offices of the provincial government has been

conducted by the Anglo Japanese American Registrar (AJA). This activity aims to ensure that the latter is adhering to relevant ISO

standards and requirements given to the province last year.

It was the first surveillance audit of the provincial government since its certification (ISO 9001-2008) on the third of March last year and

the first ISO certified provincial government in the Philippines.

AJA Registrars is a uniquely independent third party registrar (certification body) operating from a global network of offices providing

registration and training services at a local level. It operates across a diverse range of industrial and commercial sectors. Their clients are

equally diverse and they include single site operators ranging from 1 to 20,000 employees to multi-site, multi-national companies, the

largest of which has in excess of 1250 sites.

Mr. Paul Bagatsing, AJA Vice President and AJA Audit Operations Manager Gilmore Rivera carried out a one-day surveillance audit on ISO

certified offices.

Bagatsing was able to talk with Governor Jonvic Remulla and was pleased with his commitment to the Quality Management System

(QMS).

On the other hand, Rivera audited the Provincial Assessor’s Office against ISO 901-2008 clauses. These clauses are primarily concerned

with the review of customer requirement and customers’ communication, review of service realization, checking provision of resources

and competence of personnel and objectives concerning operations department.

Other offices audited are the treasury (under Provincial Treasurer’s Office), workplace improvement and maintenance (General Services

Office), internal quality audit and document control (a process under Cavite Quality Management Office) and training (Human Resources

Management Office).

The provincial government of Cavite is yet to receive the official audit findings from AJA (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA

1. Webinar on food safety hits ground running

Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

LOS BANOS, Laguna, March 8 (PIA) -- Initially transporting its first of a series of seminars over the Web in November 2011, the Food Safety

"Webinar" Series hit the ground running.

Coined from the words Web and seminar, the Webinar started with only 15 online viewers. Now, there are more than 300 after just six

episodes.

DOST IV-A Regional Director Alexander R. Madrigal opened this new learning tool for food science students who cannot afford expensive

and long-distance training courses.

Now, Webinar is being patronized by everyone who is interested to continually learn. It is widely-available and easily accessible, because

it follows a video on demand distribution (VOD) mode but is Web transported through Real-time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). Here

participants are required to register online in order to be eligible for a certificate of participation. But, they can repeatedly log on to

http:/region4a.dost.gov.ph/food-safety-webinar/ to view re-runs.

During live Web transporting, online viewers may join discussion of issues and concerns with the speaker and other participants through

the Internet application Chat.

Some 20 representatives of various public and private institutions attended the first seminar. However, its organizing team, called the

Food Safety Inter-Agency Program (FSIAP), actually consists of 11 member agencies. These are the regional offices in Calabarzon on

science and technology, trade and industry, health, fisheries and aquatic resources, and agriculture. The Philippine Food and Drug

Administration, National Meat Inspection Service, DOST-Technology Resource Center, and DAP complete the group.

Based on recent viewership results, DOST IV-A may increase its server capacity. With the Regional Office transporting Webcast, even

when it streams the same content, it is projecting a need for an Internet bandwidth of 8Mbps.

When reached, this means that DOST IV-A will be able to offer Webinar with online discussions facilitated aurally and visually such as

through video conferencing. (AMGuevarra, DOST IV-A S&T Media Service/PIA4A)

2. Tagalog news: 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry, isasagawa ng NSO

ngayong Abril 2013 By Alan C. Ortillano Saturday 9th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Mar 9 (PIA) --Pinaghahandaan na ngayon ng National Statistics Office (NSO) ang paglikom ng datos na

naaukol sa kalakalan ng bansa na tinatawag na 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (2012 CPBI).

Sisimulan ang pamamahagi ng questionnaires ng mga tauhan nito sa ika-1 ng Abril 2013.

Ang CPBI ay isa sa mandato ng NSO na naglalayong makakuha at makaipon ng impormasyon buhat sa gawaing pangkabuhayan ng bansa.

Pinakamahalagang aalamin ay ang estadistika ng ari-arian buhat sa operasyon ng Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME).

Ang CPBI ay makapagbibigay din ng mahalagang impormasyon na siya namang sukatan ng pagtaya sa kalagayan ng pagbebenta o

pagbibigay ng serbisyong pangkalakalan.

Ang tama at napapanahong impormasyon ng negosyo ay magsisilbing batayan ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor upang masuri ang

estraktura ng industriya at mataya ang kalagayan ng kalakalan; makapagsagawa ng epektibong plano at matatag na desisyon para sa

kalakalan at makapagbalangkas at makapag-monitor ng mga polisiya tungo sa pagkakamit ng katatagan sa gawaing pangkabuhayan.

Ang operasyon ng CPBI ay nangangailangan ng pangmalawakang pangangalap ng impormasyon buhat sa mga piling establisyemento at

enterprises sa pamamagitan ng personal interview o paggamit ng self-addressed questionnaires.

Ang mga respondents ay hinihikayat na sumagot sa pamamagitan ng web-based questionnaires na mabubuksan sa

www.census.gov.ph/itsd.

Ang mga respondents naman ay makakaasa na mananatiling lihim ang datos na kanilang ibinigay sa NSO at hindi ito gagamitin sa

anumang bagay na nauukol sa buwis o pagiimbestiga ayon sa ilalim ng batas ng Section 4 ng Commonwealth Act 591.

Ang batas ring ito ay nagsasaad ng kautusan sa respondents na kailangan nilang sagutan nang totoo at isumite ang questionnaire ayon sa

itinakdang panahon ng NSO.

Pangungunahan ni Provincial Statistics Officer (PSO) Magdalena T. Serqueña ang pagsasanay sa mga tauhan ng NSO-Laguna upang maging

maayos at mabilis na maipamahagi at maibalik ang questionnaires ng CPBI sa mga piling establisyemento sa buong lalawigan ng Laguna.

Hinihingi din ni PSO Serqueña ang pakikiisa ng mga may-ari o pinuno ng bawat bahay-kalakalan sa gawaing ito upang mabilis na maitala

ang mga datos na kinakailangan sa mga susunod pang pag-aaral na nauukol sa pangangalakal. (NSO-Laguna/PIA-Laguna)

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: DPWH District I, kabilang sa nanguna sa "quality control in project

implementation" By Mamerta P. De Castro Friday 8th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Marso 8 (PIA) -- Isa ang Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) 1st district engineering office (DEO)

sa binigyang parangal sa taunang pagtasa kaugnay ng quality control performance in project implementation para sa taong 2012.

Nasa ika-apat na puwesto ang Batangas I DEO kung saan may 20 proyekto ang sumailalim sa assessment at nakapagtala ito ng 94.18

puntos. Mas higit na mataas ng walong puwesto kumpara noong 2011 na nasa ika-12 puwesto.

Sinabi ni Engr. Rosauro Adapon, na ang rating na ito ay taunang ginagawa ng kanilang tanggapan kung saan binibigyang komendasyon ang

mga engineering offices na nagpapakita ng kahusayan sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto sa kanilang mga nasasakupan.

Aniya, kabilang sa mga konsiderasyong tinitingnan ay ang maayos na dokumentasyon at kalidad ng mga proyektong ipinatutupad sa

bawat tanggapan ng DPWH.

Nagagalak din ang kanilang tanggapan sapagkat isang malaking karangalan na natamo nila ang naturang puwesto sapagkat dati ay hindi

sila nakaabot kahit sa Top 10 subalit ngayon ay pumasok pa sila sa Top 5.

Isang patunay ito na ang sama samang pagtutulungan ng kanilang mga empleyado at pagpupursigi ay matibay na katunayan ng kanilang

tagumpay.

Bunsod nito, lalo pang hinikayat ni Adapon ang lahat na makibahagi at patuloy na magbigay ng serbisyo sa kapakinabangan ng mga

Batangueno.

Kaugnay din nito,nanguna naman ang Region IVA sa taunang rating na isinagawa para sa mga rehiyon kung saan may 310 proyekto ang

pinagbasehan at nagtamo ito ng 92.45 puntos. (PIA-Batangas)

E. RIZAL

11 MARCH 2013.

President Aquino visits coco water plantation in Candelaria, Quezon

President Aquino assures that government's infrastructure projects in Quezon province are now in place

President Aquino visits coco water plantation in Candelaria, Quezon

(CANDELARIA, Quezon) President Benigno S. Aquino III visited on Monday the coconut water plantation of the Peter Paul Philippine Corporation (PPPC) as part of his administration's goal to accelerate the growth of the coconut industry. Upon his arrival at the plantation located in Barangay Pahinga Norte, the Chief Executive was welcomed by PPPC President Joey Quimson and other PPPC officials. He was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Representative Irvin Alcala of the Quezon 2nd District The President toured the coconut water plantation that provide the continuous supply of fresh premium coconuts year round. The 13-hectare property is located about 100 kilometers south of the city of Manila. The President‘s visit to the PPPC is designed to help highlight the importance of the collaboration between the government and the business sector in boosting the country's coconut production. During his visit, the President was briefed on the PPPC's operations, and an update on the collaboration between the government, through the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, and the PPPC to accelerate the growth of the coconut industry. The PPPC, likewise, briefed the President on the various initiatives and programs aimed at improving the productivity to cope with the rising global demand for coconut products. The President, for his part, expressed his administration's support for the integrated development of the coconut industry. The government's efforts to promote coco water exports resulted in 823 percent increase - from 1.81 million liters worth $1.84 million in 2010 to 16.75 million liters worth $15.11 million in 2011. It also resulted in the 39.15 percent increase in the quantity of coco coir exports from 4.43 million kilograms (net) worth $974,586 in 2010 to 6.16 million kg (net) worth $2.01 million in 2011. At present, the Philippines is one of the major exporters of coco water. Meanwhile, coconut water exports from the Philippines posted an 81-percent increase in volume for the first semester of 2012, increasing from 5.662 million liters to 10.249 million liters for the same period in 2011. The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also reported $11.8 million in earnings, which is a 100.54-percent increase from the previous year‘s $5.57 million. Emerging markets for coconut water consumption accounted for almost 7 percent of export volumes.

The PPPC was established in Candelaria, Quezon on June 29, 1946 - just a couple of days before the Philippines gained independence from American rule. In 1962, majority interest in the company was sold to the Filipino group. The company has established production facilities to produce other coconut products, such as coconut milk and cream, coconut water, virgin coconut oil, coconut flour/fiber, copra, copra cake, coconut oil, paring cake, paring oil, and other residual products, thus consolidating its strengths in the creation of an integrated coconut processing plant. Today, the PPPC operates the largest single production facility of desiccated coconut in the world, with a rated capacity of 22,000 metric tons per year. Quimson said the PPPC remains committed to the utilization of its core competencies as a premier producer of desiccated coconut, and the enhancement of its other coconut-based products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut flour/ fiber, coconut milk and cream and other specialty products. Peter Paul's products are seen in all major markets such as North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and maintains a substantial share in each of these markets. PND (js)

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President Aquino assures that government's infrastructure projects in Quezon province are now in place

GUMACA, Quezon) President Benigno S. Aquino III assured on Monday that the government‘s infrastructure projects, including the Lucena Diversion Palau-Palau Port Road, are now in place to further expand the agriculture, commerce and tourism industries in the province. In his message during a meeting with local leaders and the community held at the Gumaca National High School Covered Court located on Bonifacio Street in Mabini here, the Chief Executive said his administration continues to invest in the much-needed initiatives and programs to boost the province's various industries. "Nakahilera na po ang mga proyekto nating pangimprastraktura na siyang magtatahi o magpapaaliwalas sa mga industriyang pangturismo at komersyo," the President said. "Isang halimbawa po sa mga ipinapatayo nating daan ay ang Lucena Diversion Palau-Palau Port Road, sa byaheng Dalahican mula at patungong Pagbilao, Palau-Palau Port 7,000 motorista po ang makikinabang dahil magiging 20 minuto nalang ang dating 45 minutong travel time," he stressed. The government started working on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Extension project to reduce the travel time in Southern Luzon, Aquino stressed. "Ngayon palang din po nakalatag na ang ating pangmatagalang plano sa pagpapabilis ng transportasyon dito sa Quezon patungo sa ibang karatig na lalawigan," he said. "Sa pamamagitan ng SLEX Extension na magkokonekta sa inyong probinsya at sa Laguna, kasama na po ang Maharlika Highway, oras na makumpleto po ito ang byaheng Sto. Batangas at Lucena Quezon na ngayon ay inaabot ng apat na oras ay itinatayang magiging isang oras na lang," he said. Anchored on the principle of "Tuwid na Daan," the President noted that his government was able to build on the gains of the anti-corruption campaign and reduce poverty. He noted that the various government programs to boost the agriculture industry resulted in the creation of jobs for the people. "Ang mabibiyayaan po ng mga proyektong ito mahigit 1,100 lupain para sa mga magsasaka natin sa mga munisipalidad niyo rito sa Quezon. Sa huli po nakatuon ang mga inisyatiba natin sa halaga at pakinabang ng mga ito, kay Juan at Juana dela Cruz," he said. He said the government started implementing programs to boost the coconut industry, including the coco water trade. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to effectively provide the people of various social services such as health, education among others. "Nariyan din po ang ating mga serbisyong panlipunan upang masuportahan ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Sa katunayan, ang mga benepisyaryong kabahayan pong kabilang sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program sa buong bansa mula nitong katapusan ng Pebrero ay umabot na sa mahigit 3.8 million households ang bilang. Mahigit 91, 302 rito sa bilang na ito ang mga pamilyang mula sa Quezon," he said. With its beautiful beaches and hospitable locals, Gumaca is expected to attract more tourists. The President also called on the people of the province to rise to the challenge of revitalization. He underscored the importance of the collaboration between the public and private sectors towards a productive and self-sufficient nation. PND (js)

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10 MARCH 2013.

President Aquino cites contribution of Presidential Security Group to national development

President Aquino elated over release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Syria

President Aquino cites contribution of Presidential Security Group to national development

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked the members of Presidential Security Group (PSG) that served the administration of his mother, the late President Corazon C. Aquino, as he recognizes the group‘s contribution to national development. ―Gagamitin ko na rin po ang pagkakataong ito upang ipaabot ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat sa pagbabantay ninyo sa aming pamilya at sa pakikibalikat ninyo sa pagsisikap naming magdala ng pagbabago sa ating bansa,‖ the President said in his message during the PSG Reunion circa 1986 to 1992 at Camp Aquinaldo Saturday night. ―Alam ko pong mahihiya kayong iangat ang sariling bangko at sasabihin ninyong ginagawa lang ninyo ang inyong tungkulin. Pero ang totoo po, hanggang sa ngayon, tinatanaw naming pamilya ang napakalalim na utang na loob dahil sa mga sakripisyong dinaanan ninyo noong mga panahong ‗yon.‖ During the birth of the PSG after the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, the President said it was also the dawn of the promises of new democracy in the country, giving the momentum for the country‘s progress. ―At habang may PSG masisiguro nating hindi matitisod, hindi malilihis; tuloy-tuloy ang arangkada ng mga plano‘t paninindigan natin upang sa wakas ay mapitas na ang bunga ng mga pangarap na ipinunla ng taumbayan noong 1986,‖ he said. The PSG then overcame so many adversities given its meager resources, manpower and capability, the President said. Personnel providing security to the former president have to operate using unconventional techniques to be effective, the President stressed. According to the President, during the coup d‘etat in 1987, the PSG defended the Palace grounds with antiquated equipment, mainly by using World War II era weapons adding that despite the odds, they were able to perform their duties well in defending the Aquino family and the country‘s democracy. The PSG‘s years of facing adversities and challenges made it a stronger, dependable and formidable organization today, the President said. ―Binigay sa atin itong mga eksperyensang ito, lalo tayong tumibay, lalo tayong humusay, lalo tayong gumaling dahil nga may mahalaga kayong bahagi para sa pagsasaayos ng bansang ito,‖ he said. The organization is also well-respected because it also produced leaders in the military. Many of the officers from the PSG rose to later become chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND), chief of the Philippine National Police and many other positions. Many officials of the PSG also became members of the civilian government and some are serving as local executives and leaders. The group providing security to the President was originally organized by President Emilio Aguinaldo after he was elected president in 1897. The then Department of War, the forerunner of the Department of National Defense, set up the El Cuerpo dela Guardia Presidencial or the Corps of Presidential Guards. It became the Malacanang Guards during the time of President Manuel L. Quezon. During the presidency of Sergio Osmena it was called Presidential Guards Battalion. And during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay it was changed to Presidential Security Force.

When Ferdinand Marcos assumed power, the Presidential Security Agency was expanded to the Presidential Security Command. President Corazon Aquino disbanded the Presidential Security Command in 1986 and replaced it with a leaner PSG with then Army Col. Voltaire T. Gazmin as its chief. Gazmin is the current secretary of the DND under the present Aquino administration. PND (as)

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President Aquino elated over release of 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Syria

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed elation over news relayed to him on Sunday that the 21 Filipino peacekeepers abducted in Syria four days ago have been released, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said. In a news briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Valte said the Philippine officials are now in close coordination with their counterparts in the United Nations over the next steps to take for the freed hostages. ―We received the news, I think, early this morning today and now we are very happy to note that our peacekeepers have been released, they're safe and I think they are now still in Jordan when they were handed over in the Syria-Jordan border, Valte said. ―Na-update naman ang Pangulo tungkol sa pagka-release sa ating 21 Filipino peacekeepers at talaga pong natuwa naman po ang Pangulo. Of course he was very happy to receive the news,‖ she added. Valte said the President was very concerned with the plight of the 21 Filipino peacekeepers and was relieved upon learning that they had been released. ―…of course he was very concerned and he welcomes the news; maganda naman pong balita po ito,‖ Valte said. ―As to kung uuwi po sila or will they have to complete their tour of duty, our people are in close coordination with the UN as to what will happen next to them,‖ she said. PND (rck)

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09 MARCH 2013.

Govt sees tourist influx with developments in tourism, aviation sectors

Appointing women in government empowers them, Palace says

Govt sees tourist influx with developments in tourism, aviation sectors

Malacanang expects tourist arrivals to surge with the recent development in the country‘s aviation and tourism sectors. Interviewed over state-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the signing of the law exempting foreign air and shipping carriers from paying the common carriers tax would be a boost to the country‘s tourism industry. This is in addition to the travel and tourism competiveness report of the World Economic Forum ranking the Philippines from 92 to 94 and then to 82, Valte said.

The International Civil Aviation Organization‘s (ICAO) validating mission also lifted significant safety concerns in the Philippine commercial aviation industry. Explaining the government‘s position on the tax exemptions of international carriers from paying the common carriers tax, Valte said the government earns less than one percent of the nation‘s budget from the revenues collected from this tax. ―But on the other hand, because you have given the international carriers exemption, then when we forego that particular portion of revenue, which is less than one percent of the budget anyway, magkakaroon ng multiplier effect; kasi ma-i-encourage sila lumipad dito sa ating bansa so that means more flights, it means more tourists will be coming in,‖ she said. More tourists arriving the country is a way of creating jobs for Filipinos, she added. ―Alam naman natin that the tourism industry is one of our drivers. Patuloy ang pagdating ng mga turista dito at nagkakaroon ng multiplier effect sa job generation natin.‖ Following ICAO‘s positive assessment on the Philippine aviation industry, Valte said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been continuously working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union to remove the country from the blacklist. If the CAAP succeeded in delisting the country from Category 2 status, Philippine carriers could start direct flights to US and European destinations, she said. To prepare the country for the influx of more tourists, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) continues to rehabilitate old airports or construct new airports, Valte said. The Aquino administration targets to achieve 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016. Last year, the Department of Tourism launched the ―It‘s More Fun in the Philippines‖ campaign slogan to attract more tourists to come to the country. PND (as)

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Appointing women in government empowers them, Palace says

As the country observes the International Women‘s Month, the Palace said it hopes President Benigno S. Aquino III‘s appointment of women in key positions in government would empower Filipino women and make them role models worthy of emulation. In a radio interview Saturday over dzRb Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson cited several studies that found more and more Filipino women are now holding positions of responsibility and authority in the society. This is contrary to some observations saying Filipino women are being abused and that there is a need for them to be more assertive of their rights. When President Aquino took office in the 2010, Valte said more Filipino women were given positions of responsibility and authority in the government. Among them include Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Supreme Court Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, she noted. ―Umaasa din tayo that this will also serve as a model for other women to also fight for their empowerment,‖ she said. ―Kasi kahit sa private sector, lumalabas that there are more women in the board room. Marami nang mga nagiging babaeng CEO [chief executive officer]. We hope that this trend continues,‖ continued Valte. Responding to the criticism of a women‘s advocacy group that said Filipino women haven‘t benefited from economic growth in the country, Valte said more women have been receiving assistance from the government‘s conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. ―Mas magandang makausap natin ang mga nanay na kasama sa Pantawid Pamilya Program, dahil ang mga nanay ang mga nagtataguyod sa kanilang mga pamilya,‖ she said. Housewives are the ones giving positive feedbacks on the benefits of the CCT on their families, Valte added. PND (as)

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ARCHIVE 2013

11 MARSO 2013

Nagtungo ang Pangulong Aquino sa coconut water plantation sa Quezon

Nagtungo ang Pangulong Aquino sa coconut water plantation sa Quezon

(CANDELARIA, Quezon) Nagtungo ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa coconut water plantation ng Peter Paul Philippine Corporation (PPPC) sa baranggay Pahinga Norte sa bayang ito Lunes kaugnay ng programa ng gobyerno na pasiglahing lalo ang industriya ng niyog. Ang Pangulo ay sinalubong ng mga pinuno ng korporasyon sa pangunguna ni Joey Quimson, pangulo ng PPPC. Kasama ng Pangulo sina Kalihim Proceso Alcala ng Pagsasaka, Kalihim Gregory Domingo ng Kalakal at Industriya at Kinatawan Irvin Alcala ng Ika-2 Purok ng Quezon. Niligid ng Pangulo ang pagawaang ito na pinagmumulan ng sabaw ng buko na patuloy na ipinagbibili maging sa ibang bansa sa loob ng isang taon. Ang coconut water plantation ay nasa 13 ektaryang lupain na 100 kilometro ang layo sa lungsod ng Maynila. Nagtungo rito ang Pangulo upang bigyang halaga ang pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at ng sektor ng negosyo upang lalong lumaki ang produksiyon ng niyog. Ipinaalam sa Pangulo ng mga pinuno ng PPPC ang mga programa ng kanilang kompanya upang matugunan ang pandaigdig na pangangailangan sa mga produktong buhat sa niyog. Binigyang diin naman ng Pangulo ang pakay ng administrasyon niya na puspusang tulungan ang industriya ng niyog upang mapasagana ang maaaning niyog. Dahil sa tulong ng pamahalaan, ang sabaw ng niyog na iniluluwas sa ibang bansa ay umabot na sa 6.16 milyong litro na nagkakahalaga ng $15.11 milyon noong 2011 buhat sa 1.81 milyong litro na $1.81 milyon ang halaga noong 2010 Naging daan din ito para maging 6.16 milyong kilo na $2.01 milyon noong 2011 ang coco coir na naipagbili ng Pilipinas sa ibang bansa buhat sa 4.43 milyong kilo na halagang $974,586 noon 2010. Nangunguna ang Pilipinas sa bansang nagluluwas ng sabaw ng niyog na umabot na sa 10.249 milyong litro sa kalahatian pa lamang ng 2012.. Iniulat din ng Philippine Coconut Authority ang kinitang $11.8 milyon na 100.54 porsiyento ang inilaki kaysa noong 2011. Itinayo ang PPPC dito sa Candelaria noong Hunyo 29, 1946, ilang araw bago binigyang kalayaan ng pamahalaang Amerikano ang Pilipinas noong Hulyo 4, 1946. Iba-ibang produktong buhat sa niyog ang ginagawa rito gaya ng gata ng niyog, sabaw ng niyog, virgin coconut oil, paring cake, paring oil, copra cake, coconut flour/fiber, langis ng niyog at iba pa kaya itinayo nila ang integrated coconut processing plant. Sa kasalukuyan, ang PPPC ang pinakamalaking pagawaan ng desicated coconut sa mundo na umaabot sa 22,000 metrika tonelada isang taon. Ang mga produkto ng Peter Paul ay nasa mga pangunahing pamilihan ng Hilaga at Timog Amerika, Europa, Gitnang Silangan at Asya. PND

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ARCHIVE 2013

08 MARSO 2013

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Marso 18 na 'special non-working day' sa Masbate upang ipagdiwang ang ika-112 Anibersaryo ng Lalawigan

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Marso 18 na 'special non-working day' sa Masbate upang ipagdiwang ang ika-112 Anibersaryo ng Lalawigan

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Marso 18, na natapat sa araw ng Lunes, bilang special non-working day sa lalawigan ng Masbate dahil sa pagsapit ng ika-112 Araw ng Pagkatatag ng nasabing lalawigan. Ang deklarasyon ng Pangulong Aquino ay ginawa sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 547 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Pebrero 8 upang bigyan nang lubos na pagkakataon ang mamamayan ng Masbate na makalahok sa mga pagdiriwang na kaugnay ng anibersaryo ng nabanggit na lalawigan. Noong Marso 18, 1901 itinatag ang Masbate na lalawigan sa pamamagitan ng Batas Blg. 105 ng Philippine Commission. PND

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ONLINE NEWS 11 MARCH 2013

DBM pumps P1.6-B into Metro Manila Flood Control; Abad: Fund release to prepare Metro Manila for rainy season

Gov't renews appeal for OFW Zapanta as deadline for blood monay payment ends March 12

BSP rediscount rates for March 2013

Foreign Direct Investments in 2012 Hit US$2 billion

Relief continuously given to Tawi-Tawi and Sulu – DSWD

Roxas mobilizes PNP intelligence units in anti-crime drive

Deles cites enhanced role of women in PH peace process

NEDA calls for greater LGU compliance on Solid Waste Management

DFA Statement on the reported violation of human rights of Filipinos in Sabah

Philippine Pavilion at 2010 World Expo to be reconstructed in Fujian

ICAO delists Philippines From tally Of member states with unresolved SSCs

DENR offers college scholarship to kids of environmental heroes

Statement of the Department of Tourism on the rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax

288 Filipino deportees from Malaysia, „not run aways‟ – DSWD

Q & A on the Lahad Datu situation, Friday, 08 March 2013 19:45

DBM pumps P1.6-B into Metro Manila Flood Control; Abad: Fund release to prepare Metro Manila for rainy season

Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P1.59 billion to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the rehabilitation of water pumping stations to mitigate perennial flooding in Metro Manila and surrounding areas, as earlier approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board. ―The Administration is taking concrete steps in reducing the flooding risk in Metro Manila and nearby provinces through the

rehabilitation of our aging pumping stations. The recently approved funds will allow us to enhance the capacity of our pumping facilities and upgrade them as needed, well before the rainy season,‖ DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. The release was sourced from DPWH‘s fund for the implementation of its Flood and Management Master Plan under Continuing Appropriations from the 2012 budget. Twelve water pumping stations—which have been in operation for an average of 34 years—will receive much-needed repairs, including upgrades of pumps, engines, generators, floodgates, auxiliaries and other electrical components. ―Inefficient pumping stations only undermine our flood-control efforts, so that even light or moderate rain showers can cause flooding in greater parts of Metro Manila. By now, we‘re all too familiar with the consequences of inadequate flood control systems, including traffic jams, health hazards, and damaged property. This year, we are seriously investing in infrastructure upgrades for our flood-control strategy, as well as encouraging implementing agencies to execute their anti-flooding interventions as early as the summer season,‖ Abad added. Based on the shortlist submitted by the MMDA, the pumping stations to undergo rehabilitation are as follows: Libertad Pumping Station Quiapo Pumping Station Tripa De Galina Pumping Station Pandacan Pumping Station Valencia Pumping Station Binondo Pumping Station Aviles Pumping Station Paco Pumping Station Makati Pumping Station Sta. Clara Pumping Station Balete Pumping Station Arroceros Pumping Station The DBM also confirmed that P1.07 billion more has been allocated to other high-impact flood control interventions, such as the procurement of additional flood control equipment, upgrading of earth dikes, widening and deepening of rivers and the construction of additional pumping stations, all of which are subject to the approval of the NEDA board.

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Gov't renews appeal for OFW Zapanta as deadline for blood monay payment ends March 12

Source: http://ovp.gov.ph

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay today said the Philippine government is exerting all efforts to push back the deadline for the blood money payment of Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Joselito Zapanta, which ends Tuesday, March 12. Binay, who is the Presidential Adviser for OFW concerns, said Philippine embassy officials in Jeddah have made appeals to Saudi authorities, and to the family of the Sudanese national who was killed by Zapanta in 2009. ―Sa nakaraang mga buwan, walang tigil ang ating embahada sa paghahanap ng mga paraan upang muling ma-extend ang deadline sa pagbayayad ng blood money at kung maaari ay muling maibaba ang halagang hinihingi,‖ Binay said during a press conference Monday at the Coconut Palace. ―Sa ngayon ay hindi pa namin maaaring sabihin ang lahat ng mga hakbang na ginagawa dahil ito ay sensitibo, pero tinitiyak ko na ginagawa ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng kaya nitong gawin upang mailigtas si Joselito,‖ he added. Meanwhile, the Vice President also asked for prayers for Zapanta and his family, who left Saturday for Saudi Arabia. ―Hinihiling nila na sana ay mag-alay ng dasal ang ating mga kababayan para kay Joselito. Katulad nila, umaasa pa rin ako na mabibigyang lunas ang kanyang kalagayan,‖ Binay said. Zapanta was given a reprieve of four months in November last year to raise the blood money. The victim‘s family also agreed to reduce his blood money from P55 million to P44 million after meeting with Saudi officials in Riyadh. Both President Benigno Aquino III and Binay also appealed to Saudi King Abdullah for his intervention. The Vice President has been asking the public to help raise funds for Zapanta in recent months.

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BSP rediscount rates for March 2013

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The BSP announced today the rediscount rates applicable on loan availments by banking institutions for March 2013. For loans under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the BSP Peso Rediscount Rate is set at 3.50 percent p.a. for all maturities effective 29 October 2012, in line with the Monetary Board policy decision to reduce policy rates during its 25 October 2012 meeting. The Peso Rediscount Rate is based on the applicable BSP overnight reverse repurchase rate per Circular No. 679 dated 01 February 2010.

Meanwhile, for loans under the Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF), the rates for the month of March are as follows: Dollar 0.20370 percent p.a. Yen 0.12571 percent p.a. The EDYRF rediscount rates are based on the respective London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 28 February 2013. Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, total availments of commercial, thrift and rural banks amounted to P8,102 million for the period 01 January to 28 February 2013, 75 percent higher than the P4,630 million total in the same period last year. Of the availments for the month, 86.3 percent went to commercial credits, 1.7 percent to agricultural and industrial credits, and 12.0 percent to other credits consisting of CAPEX (6.6 percent), other services (5.3 percent) and permanent working capital (0.1 percent). Under the EDYRF, aggregate dollar availments of seven commercial banks for the period 01 January to 28 February 2013 amounted to US$34.3 million and benefitted 20 exporters. This represents a 72.4 percent increase in availments compared to the US$19.9 million grants for the same period last year. On the other hand, there was no Yen-denominated availment under the EDYRF for the period 01 January to 28 February 2013.

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Foreign Direct Investments in 2012 Hit US$2 billion

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

Foreign direct investments (FDI) in 2012 rose to US$2 billion, higher by 9.8 percent than the previous year‘s (revised) level of US$1.9 billion.1 The country continued to benefit from strong foreign investors‘ confidence in the resilience of the domestic economy, given strong economic growth amid low and stable inflation, as well as a strong external payments dynamics. 2 By FDI component, net equity capital placements—which more than doubled to reach US$1.3 billion from US$558 million in the same period in 2011—accounted for the bulk of FDI for 2012. On a gross basis, equity capital placements summed up to US$1.6 billion, an increase of 60.1 percent from the year-ago level of US$1 billion. The bulk of these equity capital inflows came from the U.S., Australia, the Netherlands, Japan and the British Virgin Islands. Recipients of these equity investments were the manufacturing, real estate, wholesale and retail trade, and financial and insurance sectors. Reinvested earnings likewise rose by 7.9 percent to reach US$1.1 billion in 2012 as foreign investors opted to retain a portion of their corporate earnings with their local enterprises. Meanwhile, the other capital account—consisting largely of intercompany borrowing/lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/affiliates in the Philippines—reversed to a net outflow of US$373 million from a US$311 million net inflow in the same period a year ago. This developed on account of: 1) intercompany loan repayments of local firms to their foreign direct investors; and 2) extension of trade credits by local firms to their affiliates abroad. In December 2012, FDI posted net inflows of US$20 million, a turnaround from the US$28 million net outflows posted in the comparable period in 2011. Gross placements of equity capital aggregated US$105 million during the month, higher by 11.7 percent compared to the US$94 million inflows posted in December 2011. The bulk of investments coming from the U.S., Japan and the Netherlands were channeled mainly to real estate; financial and insurance activities; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; manufacturing, and wholesale and retail trade sectors. In addition, reinvested earnings for December 2012 amounted to US$85 million. However, the other capital account recorded a net outflow of US$158 million mainly due to intercompany loan repayments to foreign direct investors abroad. --------- 1 The preliminary FDI level in 2011 was US$1.3 billion. Revisions were made to reflect : a) late reports; b) post-audit adjustments; and c) final/audited data from administrative records. 2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, in contrast to investment data from other government sources which have different coverage. For instance, the BSP‘s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. FDI could be in the form of equity capital, reinvested earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold. In addition, investments could include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Lastly, the BSP‘s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs‘ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals.

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Relief continuously given to Tawi-Tawi and Sulu – DSWD

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

In an effort to ensure that the needs of our fellowmen and women, who are currently in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu, are given sufficient supply of food and other necessities, amidst the instability in Sabah, Malaysia, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with DSWD ARMM and the Department of Agriculture, has sent a total of 1000 sacks of rice and 1,500 food packs to Jolo, Sulu and another 1000 sacks of rice and 1500 food packs to Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi. In addition to this, 500 food packs have also been sent to Basilan.

―The food packs, which include rice, noodles, and canned goods, have also been shipped through a naval vessel from Bonggao, Tawi-Tawi to Taganak, Turtle Island. It takes 8 hours of travel given that the waves are high during these times. These food packs will be for approximately 512 individuals who went to Turtle Island, Tawi-Tawi from Sandakan. Mayor Tang of Taganak is coordinating with Secretary Soliman during the weekend. Furthermore, there were 432 displaced individuals from Sabah, who have been processed by social workers from DSWD-ARMM since March 8, 2012.The services extended to them include counseling, stress debriefing and provision of food packs. Requests for Sustainable livelihood assistance are also being facilitated for the displaced families. The 432 had gone back to their respective towns. A total of PhP500,000 pesos has been downloaded to DSWD in Tawi-Tawi to secure that there is enough funds to support relief assistance. ―Patuloy po ang pakikipagtulungan at pakikipag-isap namin sa Regional Government of ARMM, WESTMINCOM, maging ang DILG-ARMM, para siguraduhin na sapat at natutugunan ang pangangailangnan ng ating mga kababayan sa Tawi-Tawi at Sulu. Patuloy rin po ang pagmomonitor at assessment ng supply, lalo na ng pagkain, sa mga lugar na ito.‖ Secretary Soliman concluded.

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Roxas mobilizes PNP intelligence units in anti-crime drive

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Manila, Philippines Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the mobilization of all intelligence units of the Philippine National Police as part of the government‘s intensified campaign against criminality that targets organized crime groups, criminal gangs, illegal gambling, wanted persons, loose firearms and private armed groups. Roxas, in his order to PNP Director General Alan Purisima and Director for Intelligence Cipriano Querol Jr., said all available manpower and resources of the national police must be fielded to neutralize illegal activities throughout the country and put criminals behind bars. ―Kailangang tugisin natin ang mga kriminal na ito, sino man sila at nasaan man sila,‖ Roxas said in issuing his marching orders. ―Walang puwang sa ating lipunan ang mga illegal na gawain at tungkulin nating pangalagaan ang ating mga mamamayan sa lahat ng oras.‖ In response to Roxas‘ directive, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the PNP‘s main investigation arm, reported that it has arrested a total of 317 persons filed 94 cases in court, and confiscated at least 31 firearms since the intensified anti-crime drive was launched last month. Roxas said even the Office for Internal Security, a PNP group assigned to his office at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, has also been ordered to take part in the anti-crime drive in an effort to maximize all available police manpower. He said the Special Project Unit under Chief Insp. Ferjen Torred raided suspected video karera operations in the cities of Las Pinas, Paranaque and Malabon during the first week of March and confiscated 23 video karera machines. For his part, Chief Supt. Francsco Uyami Jr., the CIDG director, said his men also carried out 100 operations against illegal gambling, arresting 263 persons and filing 73 cases against suspected bet collectors and personnel of illegal games like jueteng, horseracing bookies and video karera, as well as ―Swertres‖ and ―Last Two Digits‖ which have replaced the notorious jueteng in many areas in the country. More significantly, the CIDG reported 11 operations against organized crime groups and criminal gangs, arresting 26 persons and confiscating five assorted firearms. Six cases have been filed in court. Its campaign against loose firearms, on the other hand, yielded 26 assorted high-powered and low-powered guns, as well as explosives and ammunition, leading to the arrest of 13 persons and the filing of two cases. The CIDG also said it has arrested 18 wanted persons, including 13 who were wanted for heinous and major crimes, and filed 13 cases in various courts nationwide. Two persons suspected of involvement in human trafficking were also arrested and charged in court while six trafficking victims were rescued in two separate operations. ―Simula pa lamang ito ng ating pinaigting na kampanya laban sa mga kriminal. Sa mga darating na mga araw ay lalo pang titindi ang ating mga operasyon, at tututukan natin ang resulta ng mga pagkilos ng lahat ng PNP operating units ukol dito,‖ Roxas said.

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Deles cites enhanced role of women in PH peace process

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles stressed the Philippine government's significant headways in enhancing women‘s roles in the peace process. ―In the past couple of years, the Philippine government has achieved great strides in ensuring women‘s presence on our peace tables – in what has been referred to as Track 1 of the peace-making process,‖ she said in a statement delivered recently during the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.Deles joined the Commission‘s round table which adopted the theme, ―Elimination and Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).‖ Attending the event were high-level representatives from 98 member states of

the UN. Deles stressed that the Philippines is a country faced with internal armed conflict on several fronts for the past decades. ―We are very interested in sharing experiences and lessons learned on women empowerment and participation across countries facing internal armed conflict, which has had a major impact on making women‘s lives more difficult, including the aggravation of violence against women and girls.‖ She relayed the efforts and achievements of the Philippine government in enhancing women‘s participation in the peace process. ―Specifically on our peace table with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which has been fighting a four decade rebellion against the Philippine government, women have been on the front line of our peace-making work. In the last three years, our national peace office which has oversight over five peace tables has been led by a woman – myself,‖ she said. Deles went on to discuss that women are currently taking important roles on the peace tables. She said that the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel is headed by a woman, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and joined by a Bangsamoro woman Undersecretary Yasmin Busran-Lao. Other bodies, such as the Secretariat, Legal Panel, and Technical Working Groups on the Annexes are headed by and composed mostly of women. The peace adviser added that three out of seven members designated by the government in the Transition Commission (TransCom) are women. The TransCom is a body mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be certified as urgent by the President and submitted to Congress for passage before it undergoes a plebiscite. Once ratified, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be abolished and the new Bangsamoro region will be established. ―We already see the difference that has been made by the strong women‘s presence on the peace table,‖ said Deles. She added that, in fact, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed by the GPH and the MILF in October 2012 has a section that promotes the basic rights of women to ―meaningful political participation and protection from all forms of violence.‖ In another section, the FAB underscored that women should not be excluded or disadvantaged in the normalization phase which includes the ―economic facilitation for return to normal life‖. Deles also related that the Philippine government‘s socio-economic program for combatants and communities ―deliberately targets the inclusion of women and girls‖ such that under its education component, college scholarships were awarded mostly to female high school graduates. ―In evacuation sites for families internally displaced by armed conflict on natural disasters, our Department of Social Welfare is setting up women friendly spaces including the provisions of separate toilets and private spaces, trauma healing and therapeutic play time for children,‖ she added. Deles, a staunch advocate of women‘s rights, said that the government is also undertaking the localization the Philippine National Action Plan on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 – a landmark resolution that acknowledges women‘s capacity to make decisions on women, peace and security issues. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is a policy-making body of the UN Economic and Social Council, dedicated exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. Every year, representatives of member states gather at the UN headquarters to evaluate the progress on gender equality and formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and women's empowerment worldwide.

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NEDA calls for greater LGU compliance on Solid Waste Management

Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph

MANILA—The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is calling for greater participation of Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) in improving waste disposal through the formulation of their respective Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plans. ‖Low compliance rate among LGUs in creating their own SWM Plans is a major issue that hampers the establishment of a suitable and sustainable SWM system in Metro Manila,‖ Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said. He cited the latest Socioeconomic Report (SER): 2010-2012 recently released by NEDA, which states that only nine (52.94%) out of the 16 cities and one municipality that comprise Metro Manila have submitted complete SWM plans. At the national level, only 414 LGUs have completed their SWM Plans as of May 2012. This is only 25.71 percent of the 1,610 cities and municipalities nationwide. Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General, said high upfront capital costs limit financial capacity of LGUs to invest in SWM projects, such as development of waste disposal site and establishment of materials recycling facilities, among others. ―The inadequate financial capacity of LGUs and the perceived low willingness of LGU constituents to pay for SWM services are main reasons we scored low in achieving the objectives of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (ESWMA) and Philippine Development Plan (PDP): 2011-2016,‖ Balisacan said. The PDP 2011-2016 envisions to achieve by 2016, with 2010 data as baseline, a 50-percent increase in solid waste diversion rate from waste disposal facilities through reusing, recycling and composting, and other resource recovery activities.

The diversion rate measures how much solid waste is redirected from disposal to recycling. In 2011, the SER said the diversion rate of solid waste in Metro Manila was only at 34 percent or approximately 2,850 tons per day out of 8,400 tons per day total waste generated. This is a slight improvement from the 33-percent baseline as of 2010. The lack of SWM plans of LGUs has made them more dependent on facilities from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in managing their increasing volume of solid wastes from residents and business establishments in their respective communities, outstripping the imposed volume limit of waste disposal at MMDA landfills. The SER is an assessment of the first two years of the Aquino administration in relation to the targets and strategies set in the PDP 2011-2016. This can be viewed at http://www.neda.gov.ph/econreports_dbs/SER/SER2010-2012new.pdf.

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DFA Statement on the reported violation of human rights of Filipinos in Sabah

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/

The Department of Foreign Affairs views with grave concern the alleged rounding up of community members of Suluk/Tausug descent in Lahad Datu and other areas in Sabah and the alleged violations of human rights reported in the media by some Filipinos who arrived in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi from Sabah. The Department is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other relevant agencies to document these reports so that appropriate actions could be taken. The Department urges the Malaysian government to take steps to clarify these alleged incidents. The Department continues to call on the Malaysian Government to give our Philippine Embassy officials and the Philippine humanitarian/consular team dispatched to Lahad Datu and nearby areas full access to the Filipinos being held ―in several locations in Sabah but outside the ‗Ops Daulat‘ area,‖ as announced by the Malaysian Inspector General of the Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar on 08 March 2013, to enable them to fulfill their mission which is to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos who have been affected by the incident. We reiterate our call on the Malaysian Government to give humane treatment to the Filipinos under their custody. The allegations are alarming and should be properly and immediately addressed by concerned authorities.

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Philippine Pavilion at 2010 World Expo to be reconstructed in Fujian

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

11 March 2013 - The Philippine Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai will be reconstructed in Xiamen, Fujian Province as part of the Philippines‘ trade and investment and tourism promotion effort. The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) signed an agreement with China‘s Longquan Group last March 05 granting the latter with exclusive rights to reconstruct the Philippine Pavilion in China. The agreement was signed by Tourism Undersecretary Daniel G. Corpuz and Mr. Chen Jiaquan, Chairman of the Longquan Group in a signing ceremony held at the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai. The Longquan Group is a big real estate company in China. It is developing a large commercial complex in Xiamen that will house shopping malls, hotels and apartments, and an exhibition center. The centerpiece of the complex is a theme park featuring the Philippine Pavilion as well as those of Canada, Australia, Turkey, Israel and Morocco. It will take from about six months to one year to reconstruct the Philippine Pavilion. Once completed, the Philippine Pavilion can be used to host trade exhibits, provide space for shops selling Philippine-made merchandise, and as venue for cultural performances, which are all aimed at eliciting greater interest in the Philippines among traders, business people, investors and tourists from southern China.

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ICAO delists Philippines From tally Of member states with unresolved SSCs

Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has officially delisted the Philippines from its tally of member states with unresolved Significant Safety Concerns (SSCs), according to the DOTC. In an electronic bulletin issued by the ICAO Council on 7 March 2013, the ICAO Council formally stated that the [Philippine] State has implemented corrective actions in accordance with the mechanism approved by the Council to resolve two SSCs – the issuance of air operator certificates and the aircraft registration process – and that as a result, these SSCs have been lifted. According to the DOTC, the resolution of these SSCs has major implications for the economy. "It not only strengthens our

efforts to meet international safety standards for the aviation sector, it also boosts the government's tourism goals." The resolution to remove the country from ICAO‘s list of countries with unresolved SSCs follows the exit briefing held between the ICAO‘s Coordinated Validation Missions (ICVM) Team and officials of the CAAP and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on 22 February 2013, where the ICVM Team expressed great satisfaction with CAAP's efforts to comply with international safety standards. After the exit briefing, the ICAO ICVM team recommended to the ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada the lifting of the SSCs it previously raised with respect to the Philippines. "This development provides more motivation for CAAP to continue on the long road towards achieving Category 1 status and lifting the European Union ban on Philippine flights," added the DOTC. Efforts for corrective actions began early last year, when former DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas instructed CAAP to vigorously pursue the reforms needed to boost the country's economy, improve air transport safety, and achieve tourism goals.

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DENR offers college scholarship to kids of environmental heroes

Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is offering a generous scholarship package to children of ―fallen heroes of the environment‖ or workers of the agency who died in the line of duty. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje recently signed DENR Memorandum Circular No. 2013-02, which outlines the general guidelines for the scholarship program that aims to help send kids of slain environment workers to college. ―This is our way of recognizing the service and contribution of our fellow workers who died while protecting the environment,‖ Paje said. ―We came up with this scholarship program because apart from believing in the value of education, we know that it‘s every parent‘s dream to see his child secure a college diploma so we want to fulfill that dream in behalf of our environmental heroes who have gone ahead of us,‖ he added. DENR data showed that more than 60 of its workers have died while performing their duties since the agency was established in 1987, including ―Bayani ng Kalikasan‖ awardee Melania Dirain, a 46-year-old forestry specialist who was shot and killed in her office in Sanchez Mira town in Cagayan on Feb. 7, 2012. Paje said one of the two children of Dirain may avail of the scholarship program. The environment chief said the DENR scholarship package will help scholars cope up with the demands of a college education. Under the guidelines, the scholarship award covers the recipient‘s full tuition in any state university within the country, monthly living allowance of P5,000, book and internet allowances and other school supplies worth P3,500 per semester, among others. A scholar may opt to enroll in a private academic institution of his choice provided that he will shoulder the excess in the total cost of the tuition and other school fees for every semester, where the actual fees are based on the prevailing rate at the University of the Philippines. Paje said recipients of the scholarship grant are required to only take up courses ―relevant to the DENR‘s strategic thrusts, plans and priority programs‖ such as environmental science, forestry, geodetic engineering, geology, mining engineering, chemical engineering, ocean and marine science, and taxonomy. Other perks that scholars may enjoy include thesis allowance amounting to P10,000; reimbursable amount of up to P10,000 for graduation expenses, including diploma fee, yearbook, toga rental, graduation picture and other relevant expenses; and two paid round-trip tickets per year to allow the scholars to return to their hometown during semestral breaks. Under the terms, a scholar is required to maintain a weighted average of 2.75 or its equivalent to remain in the program. Scholars will enter into an agreement with the DENR that places them under a service-obligation contract, which calls for a year of government service in the department for every school year of enrolment after graduation. The scholar-recipient may also work at any national and government institutions, including state universities and colleges.

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Statement of the Department of Tourism on the rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax

Source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the President‘s signing into law the rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax (CCT) that was imposed on international air carriers. This will certainly help improve and enhance the country‘s competitiveness in the international travel arena. May this enhancement serve as an invitation to international air carriers, especially those covering long-haul routes, to make the Philippines a part of their primary route offering to the world and one of their major and exciting destinations. This is just one of the reform measures being undertaken by the Aquino Administration

and the DOT, in coordination with other agencies, in improving market access and connectivity to the Philippines towards the achievement of 10 million foreign visitor arrivals by 2016. We would like to thank the Senate and House of Representatives for championing this important piece of legislation.

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288 Filipino deportees from Malaysia, „not run aways‟ – DSWD

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified that the arrival of 288 Filipino deportees from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on March 4, 2013 has nothing to do with the Lahad Datu, Sabah incident. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said that they were deported by the Malaysian authorities because they lack or have no legal documents while working in Malaysia. The deportees are being assisted through the DSWD Processing Center for Displaced Persons (PCPD) in Mampang, Zamboanga City. Mary Ann (not her real name), was a salon employee in Malaysia. She stated that she has no plans of going back to Malaysia but hopes to find work here in the Philippines and start anew. She revealed that it was not an easy time at the detention center where she stayed for almost two months. Intake records show that average stay in detention centers in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is four (4) months with some detained for nine (9) months while others stayed for as brief as one month. Secretary Soliman said that of the 288 deportees, 71 are from Tawi-tawi, 56 from Sulu, and 86 are from Basilan, while the others are from the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula and neighboring areas of Region IX. Of these, 215 deportees have already returned to their hometowns, as of March 5. ―Our processing center in Zamboanga City regularly assists deportees who arrive through a local passenger boat (MV Mary Joy) plying the Zamboanga-Sandakan-Zamboanga route. Upon arrival, they are immediately given medical attention by the DOH personnel and ferry them to our center,‖ Secretary Soliman said. The PCDP, a facility established by DSWD in July 2005, serves as a temporary shelter for deported and displaced Filipinos while awaiting for their return to their places of origin. Since 2005, the center has served 65,200 individuals. While at the center, deportees were given food, medical assistance, counselling, referral services, transportation assistance and other interventions by the DSWD. From January 2013 to date, the DSWD has disbursed P658,922.50 for the operational expenses of the center. Secretary Soliman also stated that the DSWD developed a reintegration program for deportees to ensure that they can properly relate with their families. ―The DSWD closely works with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to provide the deportees with skills trainings, livelihood and capital assistance as well as job matching,‖ the Secretary added. From 1996 to December 2012, DSWD has catered to 118,913 Filipino deportees with P83,560,487.05 worth of assistance to these vulnerable group. ###

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Q & A on the Lahad Datu situation, Friday, 08 March 2013 19:45

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

1.What transpired in the discussions between Secretary del Rosario and the Malaysian officials? The Secretary, in pursuing a peaceful resolution, has been in contact on a daily basis with the Foreign Minister and other officials of Malaysia. The trip to Malaysia is consistent with that effort. During this particular trip, the Secretary continued seeking the exercise of maximum tolerance to avert further loss of lives. The Secretary also followed up on the Philippines‘ requests for a full briefing on the situation, for clearance for the Philippine Navy ship to proceed to Lahad Datu and for humanitarian and consular services to be made available to the Filipinos in Lahad Datu. While in Malaysia, the Secretary likewise sought the consideration for women and other civilians not involved in the hostilities to be able to exit the area of conflict. The Secretary was also specifically tasked by the President to explore avenues to end the standoff that is acceptable to all parties. 2.Was the Secretary able to achieve his objectives? The abovementioned requests are still being considered in light of the security environment. 3.What avenues did the Philippine Government explore domestically for a peaceful resolution to save lives? From the outset of this conflict, the Philippine Government has been pursuing options which could lead to a peaceful resolution where no lives would be lost. Sultan Jamalul Kiram‘s group was well aware of this as they were directly involved. These options, which involve the peaceful withdrawal of the Kiram group from Lahad Datu in order to ensure that lives are not compromised, were relentlessly pursued on a 24/7 basis. Unfortunately, some of these plans did not merit acceptance by all

parties and those that did could not be implemented in time. The Philippine Government‘s constructive efforts were overtaken by events that were beyond its control. With the peaceful withdrawal, the President initially offered that no charges would be filed and that an avenue for discussion would be made available. 4.What avenues did the Secretary explore with the Malaysian officials? The Secretary worked with the Malaysian officials in ensuring that maximum restraint was exercised for the first two weeks. Until hostilities erupted, Malaysia agreed on a peaceful withdrawal where no charges would be filed. Even as hostilities had begun, the Secretary was still exploring the option of peaceful withdrawal. 5.What avenues did the Secretary explore with the Malaysians during this trip to end the standoff? In meeting with the Foreign and Defense Ministers, the Secretary again pursued the possibility of allowing for an unconditional surrender of the group to avert further loss of lives and allow them to return to their respective homes and families. Negotiations for this remain in progress. 6.Despite our request for maximum tolerance, why were airstrikes and ground operations still conducted? This is a question that can best be answered by the Malaysians. 7.Is it true that the Secretary agreed with the Malaysian authorities‟ labelling the Filipino group as “terrorist”? According to Ambassador Malaya who was present at the meeting, the report is out of context and the Secretary did not label the Filipino group as ―terrorist.‖ In Semporna, there were alleged acts of terrorism. As reported by the Malaysian Foreign Minister, after the police forces were lured into an ambush and killed, their bodies were brutally mutilated and desecrated. If indeed these atrocities were committed as reported to him, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister both agreed that these were, at the very least, terroristic acts. 8.Will this affect the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro? It should not affect the peace process with the MILF. 9.How many casualties were there from the latest assault? We do not have information on the number of casualties from the latest assault. 10. Is the standoff over? According to the Malaysian Foreign Minister, as of noontime of 5 March, actions by the Malaysian security forces are ongoing. 11. What is the Philippine Government‟s plan to avert further loss of lives? The Philippine Government will continue to explore all possible channels in an effort to achieve the objective of minimizing the loss of life and bringing the matter to an expeditious conclusion. 12. If the members of the Kiram group are criminally charged by the Malaysian authorities, would the Philippine Government assist them and how? Consistent with the President‘s policy of caring for the Filipino people wherever they are, the Philippine Government will provide the necessary assistance. 13. What is the Secretary‟s comment on the news that thousands of Tausugs are now sailing to Sabah? There is a close cooperation between the Philippine and Malaysian navies to jointly enforce a blockade for such an eventuality. 14. What is the DFA‟s position on the Sabah claim? The DFA has been named a member of the team tasked to undertake the necessary study on the Sabah claim. 15. On the issue of the “missing” letter, what does the DFA know about it? On the issue of the missing letter written by Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram to the President days before the President took his oath in June 2010, that letter has been found with the DFA. The Secretary is taking full responsibility for the oversight. 16. What is the Secretary‟s opinion on Sultan Jamalul Kiram‟s letter to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee? It is Sultan Jamalul Kiram‘s right to appeal to the UN Human Rights Committee. 17. What is the Secretary‟s opinion on Misuari‟s suggestion to involve the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)?

It is a domestic issue and is therefore outside the purview of the OIC. 18. Is the Philippine Government reinforcing the security of the Malaysian Embassy in Manila and the Malaysian Consulate-General in Davao City? Yes. The Philippine Government has provided appropriate security to these diplomatic establishments in accordance with the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and on Consular Relations. 19. In light of the advisory issued by the Malaysian Embassy in Manila for Malaysian citizens in the Philippines to exercise additional precaution, is the DFA planning on issuing a similar advisory for Filipinos in Malaysia? For now, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur has issued an appeal to Filipinos in Sabah to remain calm and abide by the guidelines issued by local authorities. 20. With everything that has happened, how would the Secretary describe Philippines-Malaysia relations? The relationship remains strong and both countries continue to exert efforts for enhancement of their bilateral relations. The Secretary believes that a close cooperation between the two countries is necessary for dealing with the challenges presented by the current issue. 21. How does the situation in Lahad Datu affect the 800,000 Filipinos in Sabah? All concerned agencies of the Philippine Government are taking proactive steps to assist Filipinos in Sabah who are being negatively affected by the violence there. The Philippine mission in Malaysia, composed of representatives from the DFA, DOLE and DSWD, is closely coordinating with the Malaysian Government in order to ensure that the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers and communities are protected. The DFA, particularly our Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, has a contingency plan in place to quickly extend consular and humanitarian assistance to the affected Filipinos. Meanwhile, DOLE has activated an inter-agency Task Force Malaysia to coordinate and monitor the assistance to returnees at the one-stop centers in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. 22. What is the DFA‟s view on the statement issued by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon? The DFA welcomes the statement. This is consistent with our call for a peaceful resolution of the situation. 23. What is the DFA‟s view on Sultan Jamalul Kiram‟s call for a unilateral ceasefire? A ceasefire will only work if it is accepted by the other party. In this case, Malaysia has not accepted it.

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