Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 5 PRs ( March 9-12 ,2013),Dispatch for March 13 , 2013 (Wednesday),
PNOY 9 Photonews Mar. 12 , 2013 , 6 Weather Watch, 2 Regl.Watch / 8 OFW Watch , Presl. visit , 15 Online News

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

2 minutes ago

THUNDERSTORM INFORMATION:
Issued at 10:00 AM, 13 March 2013 Thunderstorm is less likely to develop in Metro Manila within 12 hours. However, all are still advised to continue monitoring updates.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

3 hours ago Issued at: 5:00 AM 13 March 2013 SYNOPSIS: Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. FORECAST: The whole country will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the east will prevail over the northern and eastern sections of Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to northeast with slight to moderate seas. Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature: 4:10 PM Yesterday --- 34.4 C Minimum Temperature: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 23.2C Maximum Relative Humidity : 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 94 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 4:00 PM Yesterday --- 53 % Low Tide Today : 5:28 AM 0.14 meter High Tide Today : 11:19 AM ..... 0.63 meter Low Tide Today : 5:06 PM 0.10 meter High Tide Today : 11:45 PM ......... 0.76 meter Sunrise Today : 6:04 AM Sunset Today : 6:06 PM

Moonrise Today : 6:45 AM Moonset Today : 7:22 PM Illumination Tomorrow : 5 % For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Weather Watch
12 hours ago

DZBB: Magbubuhos ng pondo ang DA para tulungang makabangon ang mga magsasaka sa Compostela Valley na sinalanta
ng bagyong Pablo. Nasa P41M ang inilabas ng DA para sa rehabilitation assistance sa mga magsasakang nagtatanim ng high value crop sa naturang lalawigan. Karamihan sa mga magsasakang naapektuhan sa Compostela Valley ay pawang nagtatanim ng cacao, saging at kape. Ang P13.125M naman sa inilaang pondo ng DA ay gagamitin para sa pagtatag ng 1,500 ektarya ng plantasyon ng cacao, P3.2M naman ang para rehabilitasyon ng 200 ektarya ng kape.

Weather Watch
13 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Asahan ang magandang panahon sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon. Gayunman, makakaranas ng maulap na
panahon na may maliit na posibilidad ng pag-ulan ang silangang bahagi nito. Samantala, naitala naman kanina ang 34C na temperatura sa Metro Manila. Makakaranas naman ng maulap na panahon ang Samar at Leyte habang maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas. Magkakaroon naman ng maulap na kalangitan ang Surigao habang ang Davao, Dipolog, Cagayan De Oro at General Santos ay magkakaroon ng magandang panahon.

Weather Watch
14 hours ago

GMA-7 resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:

- Kaninang 4:10 ng hapon, pumalo sa 34.4C ang temperatura diyan sa PAGASA Science Garden sa Quezon City pero ang init factor niyan or nararamdamang init ng katawan ng tao ay tinatayang nasa 37-38C. - Posible pang lalong uminit kapag opisyal nang nagsimula ang tag-init lalo na rito sa Metro Manila, magaganap ito sa pag-iral ng huling bugso ng Hanging Amihan ngayong linggo. - Ganito rin ang data ng Weather Central kung saan makikita ang patuloy na mainit na panahon dito sa Metro Manila na kung saan bukas ay inaasahang papalo ng 33C ang temperatura 2:00 ng hapon pero 'yung ating init factor ay 36C. - Sa temperature map ng Weather Central, mainit din ang ilang bahagi ng Luzon gaya sa San Fernando, Pampanga at sa may Batangas na mahigit 32C ang temperature. - Hindi naman masyadong magiging mainit sa malaking bahagi ng Visayas na kung saan dito sa Iloilo na halos may pinakamainit ay nasa 31.4C at dito sa Tacloban na 31.3C. - Mas mainit naman sa Mindanao, lalong-lalo na sa katimugang bahagi tulad sa General Santos City, sa Koronadal hanggang diyan sa may Cotabato City. - Posible pa rin ang mahihinang pag-ulan, lalo na sa may silangang bahagi ng Luzon, diyan sa may Central Visayas at sa may Silangang Mindanao dulot ng hanging galing sa silangan o easterlies. - Sa Vatican kung saan gagawin ang conclave, ang inaasahang temperatura ngayong araw ay 14C hanggang 3:00 ng hapon at inaasahang bababa pagdating ng 8:00 ng gabi at posible rin ang pag-ulan. -

Weather Watch
17 hours ago

GMA News TV: Naitala ang 34 degrees Celsius na temperatura sa PAGASA Science Garden kaninang 3:00 ng hapon.

Weather Watch
3 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Rene Paciente on ABS-CBN:

-

About 3 hours ago CAVITE : LAGUNA : Sunny BATANGAS : RIZAL : Sunny QUEZON : Sunny skies

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

15 hours ago

PIA 4A/BATANGAS:

PIA Regional Watch

Saturday

PIA 4A/BATANGAS :

PIA Regional Watch

Saturday

PIA-4A/BATANGAS:

PIA Regional Watch

Friday

PIA-4A/CAVITE:

PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/QUEZON:
1. ( 18 hours ago )The Quezon Provincial Veterinary office has conducted 'artificial insemination' program in 10 municipalities of the province. The office had successfully conducted artificial insemination to 18 pigs, 27 carabaos and three cows. This will help the development of animal industry in the province. 2. ( 21 hours ago ) The Quezon police provincial office (QPPO) conducted a three day seminar workshop on the investigation of crimes involving women and children last Wednesday at the QPPO, Lucena City.Said seminar that was

participated in by 59 policewomen from different towns/ cities in the province aims to guide the policewomen in the implementation of laws on the protection of women and children against abuse, exploitation and violence.

PIA OFW Watch

PIA OFW Watch

DZRH:
1. (2 hours ago).. Wagi ng apat na medalya ang tatlong kabataang Pinoy na pambatao ng Pilipinas sa gymnastics sa isang international tournament sa USA. 2. (3 hours ago) Laya na ang 14 na Pilipinong kasama sa grupo ng mga marino na binihag ng Somali pirates matapos ang 10 buwan.

PIA OFW Watch

13 hours ago

GMA: Tila nakahinga na ng maluwag ang pamilya ni Joselito Zapanta matapos ma-extend ang palugit para sa pangangalap

ng blood money para sa kanilang anak. Ayon sa ama ni Joselito na si Jesus Zapanta, pilit nilang bubunuin ang mahigit P40M na blood money para makalaya ang kanyang anak. Ang dalawang anak ni Joselito, kahit sa maliit na paraan ay tumutulong sa paglikom ng pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagtatabi ng kanilang baon para maipandagdag sa blood money.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago

ANC: VP Binay said that the Saudi King postponed all executions for three months including the case of OFW Joselito
Zapanta.

PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

DZMM: Tinalakay ni DFA. Asec Raul Hernandez sa press conference ang tatlong isyu kung saan kabilang dito ang
pagpapalaya sa 14 na tripulanteng Pilipino na nabihag ng mga piratang Somali sa karagatang sakop ng Oman. Tinalakay rin ng DFA ang kaso ni Joselito Zapanta at nilinaw na ang extension na hinihiling ngayon ay para sa pagbabayad ng blood money sa nasabing OFW na nahaharap sa parusang kamatayan sa Saudi Arabia. Binanggit din ni Hernandez na nagawa na ng augmentation team ng DFA na makapunta sa may evacuation center sa isang bayan sa Sabah at nai-check na ang mga Pinoy evacuee roon.

PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago

DFA spokesperson Asec. Raul Hernandez on ANC press con:

Re: OFW in Saudi death row - Let me just clarify that the deadline today refers to the day of payment of blood money, not on the day of execution. - Following the appeal of VP Binay, we urge our kababayans to pray that his life will be safe. - The government and the private sector have raised a total of 504,000 (Saudi riyals) or P5.5-M as blood money. - We are extremely grateful with His Majesty and the Saudi government. - There's no word yet from our embassy in Riyadh. - We support what VP Binay is appealing to our kababayans here to save his life.

- President Aquino has written a letter to the King of Saudi Arabia to extend the deadline for the payment of blood money.

PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago DFA spokesperson Asec. Raul Hernandez on ANC press con: Re: Somali pirates release 26 seafarers, including 14 Filipinos - The vessel and crew were released yesterday. All the crew members are in good physical condition. - These are crew members from the vessel that was hijacked by Somali pirates on May 10, 2012 in the coast of Oman. - The crew will undergo a physical checkup. - Nine Filipino seafarers from the two ships are still being held captive by Somali pirates.

PIA OFW Watch

21 hours ago

DZMM: Bubuksan na rin para sa mga Filipino nurses ang Germany. Sa report ng DFA, nakipag-usap na si PHL Ambassador
to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad sa mga opisyal ng Federal Employment Agency International Placement Services para plantsahin ang deployment ng mga Pinoy nurses sa Germany. Tutulak naman sa Pilipinas ang German Minister for Labor para saksihan ang paglagda ng kasunduan sa pagitan ng mga kinatawan ng POEA at ng nasabing placement service sa Germany para sa pagpapadala roon ng mga nurses.

PIA OFW Watch

16 hours ago

ABS-CBN:

PIA OFW Watch

18 hours ago

DZBB:

PIA OFW Watch

DFA spokesman Asec. Raul Hernandez:

PIA Calabarzon 12 PRs ( March 12 ,2013),Dispatch for March 13 , 2013 (Wednesday),

PNOY 9 Photonews Mar. 12 , 2013 , 6 Weather Watch, 2 Regl.Watch / 8 OFW Watch , Presl. visit , 15 Online News

A. QUEZON
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 Edao, 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 Edao, 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)

B. CAVITE
Cavite town celebrates 2013 Womens 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 Womens 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 womens 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 womens 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)

C. LAGUNA
DILG-4A personnel undergo seminar on HIV-AIDS

Tuesday 12th of March 2013 TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Mar 12 (PIA) -- Key personnel of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) underwent a seminar on basic HIV-AIDS dubbed ScalingUp Effective and Sustained Response on HIV-AIDS. The seminar aims to further enhance knowledge and awareness on HIV-AIDS, to strengthen the local AIDS responses through the development of leadership capacities, and provide technical support to target LGUs, as well as to plan future local strategies to mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS in the region. The activity was conceptualized to capacitate and empower DILG officers in the crusade against HIV-AIDS and to help LGUs in the region especially those with high rate of reported HIV cases. The seminar will also promote universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support to achieve the Millennium Development Goals commitment. Regional director Josefina E. Castilla-Go, assistant regional director; Ariel O. Iglesia, Region 4A division chiefs, provincial directors, cluster heads, as well as the HIV-AIDS focal persons from the five provinces attended the event.

According to the National AIDS Registry of the Department of Health (DOH), the epidemic is not just a possibility but a threat. This can be attributed to nine out of 11 reported cases daily nationwide. It may be recalled that at present, Calabarzon ranks second with reference to the number of HIV-AIDS cases throughout the country. Resource speakers included Celestino Ka Tino Ramirez of the Positive Action Foundation, Inc. (PAFI) who discussed The Basic STI, HIV and AIDS or HIV and AIDS 101; Sex and Sexuality; and the Stigma and Discrimination as deterrent to HR infected and affected by HIV-AIDS. He also facilitated a role-playing activity dubbed wildfire exercises for the participants, followed by a sharing of a person living with HIV who is also with PAFI. ther speakers included Dionisio Quinto of Pinoy Plus who shared the Voice of PLHIV, as well as Dr. Joselito Feliciano of the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC) who discussed the Local HIV/AIDS Action, an integral part of good governance and RA 8504. An action planning was also conducted and the outputs were submitted to the

Secretariat. (DILG4A/PIA 4A)

D. BATANGAS
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

12 MARCH 2013.

President Aquino vows to develop countrys coconut industry; rolls out infrastructure and irrigation projects in Quezon province President Aquino opens Philippine Investment Forum 2013 President Aquino pitches Filipino labor to potential investors President Aquino encourages all government agencies and instrumentalities to support and participate in KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013
President Aquino vows to develop countrys coconut industry; rolls out infrastructure and irrigation projects in Quezon province CATANAUAN, Quezon) President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to further develop the countrys coconut industry now that it has become one of our best economic assets given the great demand by other countries of its various byproducts. In his speech during his meeting with local leaders and the community here Monday, President Aquino said his administration will continue to look for more economic opportunities for the province of Quezon especially on its thriving coconut industry. Kung dati sadyang binabalewala ang potensyal ng inyong probinsya, ngayon talagang binibigyang-lakas natin ang inyong

mga industriya upang ang bawat taga-Quezon ay kayang makamit anuman ang kanyang mga pangarap sa buhay, he said. Prior to his visit in Catanauan Central Elementary School where Team PNoy also held one of its campaign sorties in Quezon Province, President Aquino toured a coconut water plantation operated by Peter Paul Philippine Corporations (PPPC) in Candelaria. According to the President, PPPC at present does not only provide jobs for more than 2,000 people but also gives tremendous support to the livelihood of about 2,500 coconut farmers which only underscores the great economic potential behind the coconut industry. President Aquino noted that in 2009, only 484,000 liters were being exported by our country whereas, in 2010, it increased to as much 1.81 million liters and was even pegged at 16 million liters as of 2011. Ano po ang naging susi dito? Pinag-aralan natin kung ano ang lakas ng inyong lalawigan at wala tayong sinayang na panahon upang ang pakinabang ng industriya ng pagniniyog ay umabot sa mga taga-Quezon, the President added. President Aquino also mentioned that the demand was also great for coco coir fiber especially from countries like Japan, China, Germany, and the United States, among others, since it is now being used to prevent soil erosion. Tayo na po mismo ang naubusan ng coco coir. Baka gusto niyo hong paramihin pa ang ating puno ng niyog para matakpan ang kakulangan nito. Hudyat po itong dapat pa talaga nating palaguin ang ating industriya ng niyog, President Aquino said. President Aquino also rolled out several infrastructure and irrigation projects in Quezon including an 82-million peso budget already earmarked to supply water for some 1,100 hectares of rice fields in the towns of Burdeos, Polillo, Infanta, Tiaong, Pagbilao, Tayabas, Mauban, Perez, San Francisco, Ginayangan, and Lucena. The President told the residents of Quezon Province that the almost P15-billion saved by the Department of Public Works and Highways from its budget will be used to fund more road projects in their locality. These include the eight-kilometer Lucena diversion Talao-Talao port road project, the 16 farm-to-market road projects in Calauag, Gumaca, and Tagkawayan, and the 60-kilometer South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) extension project from Batangas to Lucena, that aim to cut travel time for motorists, tourists, and delivery of goods. President Aquino, however, said that the SLEX extension project will take up to 2019 for it to be completed. Turista na po ako pagdating ng panahon na yan. Pero dahil halos lahat po ng biyahe kong sa kalsada dumaan patungo ng Quezon ay napakahaba, talaga hong nanamnamin ko ang biyahe sa SLEX na yan, he stressed. Lahat po ng ito ay alay natin sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon. Patunay ang mga ito na ang linyang kung walang kurap, walang mahirap ay hindi lamang salita kundi may kaakibat na gawa, the President concluded. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino opens Philippine Investment Forum 2013 President Benigno S. Aquino III invited potential investors to consider expanding their respective businesses in the Philippines saying the country is now in a better position to offer more and readily meet their requirements in order for their investments to prosper. The President offered his invitation during his speech formally opening the Philippine Investment Forum 2013 held at the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday. He pointed out that potential investors could partner with the government in investing in three priority sectors: agriculture, which is the source of income for some 12.1-million Filipinos; tourism, which expects some 56-million visitors by 2016; and infrastructure, which will support agriculture and tourism through the development of road networks, ports, and airports that will ensure the safety and efficient passage of tourists and goods all over the country. At the end of the day, we are inviting you to come to the Philippines whether in these three sectors, or in others, because we

know that, here, hard work, innovation, and creativity are rewarded with success, the President said. This is not an empty promise --- you will have the Filipino people and our administration as committed partners he added. The President noted that since he assumed Office in 2010, he had spent the last two years and eight months on weeding out graft and corruption in order to provide a level playing field for all as well as to ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability characterize our actions. Over the past years, we have been doing everything we can to level the playing fieldfrom reforming the judiciary, to streamlining the process of setting up business in the Philippines, to following the proper bidding and procurement processes. We are also investing heavily in our countrymenempowering them to take stock of their lives and to realize their potential, the President said. Joining the President were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Euromoney Institutional Investor Asia CEO Tony Shale. The Philippine Investment Forum 2013 brings together policymakers, business leaders, economists and key overseas investors in painting an overview of the Philippine economy including analysis into all its key sectors. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino pitches Filipino labor to potential investors President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted to potential investors the creativity, dedication, and loyalty of Filipino labor, saying these are the characteristics that firms want in their work force. In his speech keynoting the opening rites of the Philippine Investment Forum 2013 held at the Peninsula Manila on Tuesday, the President cited the business process outsourcing industry in which the Filipino has excelled and has brought to great heights in such a short time. Given the opportunity, they will do the same for you, whatever industry you may be involved in, the President said. He also called on potential investors to partner with the government in expanding their businesses in the country. The investments that you will bring into our country will redound to tens of thousands of jobs for our countrymenmen and women who will be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and meet the needs and wants of their families, the President said. Together, we will be empowering them: giving them greater power to contribute to economic growth and opportunities to uplift their lives and even the lives of their fellow Filipinos. All together, we will be building the success of the industry, the Philippines and the Filipino people, he added. Even if you have come here only with a mind to invest in the Philippines and ride on the resurgence of our economywith your decision to bet on our country, you will be doing so much more --- you will be giving thousands of Filipinos gainful employment that will empower them as consumers thus spurring the growth of both your businesses and the Philippines. And we hope you will take this chance and join us on the straight path to progress, the President said. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino encourages all government agencies and instrumentalities to support and participate in KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013 President Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged all government agencies and instrumentalities to extend their support and participate in the KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 45 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on February 22. The KABISIG Peoples Movement (KABISIG) Program was created by virtue of Proclamation No. 650 (s. 1990) in order to

facilitate, coordinate and monitor the implementation of government programs and projects, as well as to provide linkages between and among the private sector groups and the government agencies. In pursuit of the mandate, KABISIG is conducting the KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013 which has for its theme Kaalaman ng Mamamayan: Kabalikat sa Matuwid na Daan. The project aims to bring together in one venue all government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) and Local Government Units (LGUs), to feature their profiles, service facilities, programs, projects, products and accomplishments. It is also an opportunity that will allow the government to promote public awareness and participation in national development. "In this regard, all heads of departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including GOCCs and LGUs, are hereby encouraged to extend support and participate in the said expo and trade fair, subject to the availability of funds and usual accounting and auditing rules," the President said. The Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately. PND (js) TOP

ARCHIVE 2013 12 MARSO 2013 Pagpapaunlad ng industriya ng niyog, ipinangako ng Pangulong Aquino; naglaan ng pondo para sa patubig at mga imprastraktura sa Quezon Itinampok ng Pangulong Aquino ang sipag at husay ng mga Pilipino sa mga potensiyal na imbestor Hiningi ng Pangulong Aquino sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na tumulong at lumahok sa 'KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013' Pagpapaunlad ng industriya ng niyog, ipinangako ng Pangulong Aquino; naglaan ng pondo para sa patubig at mga imprastraktura sa Quezon

CATANAUAN, Quezon) Ibayo pang pagpapaunlad sa industriya ng niyog na isa sa pangunahing produkto ngayon ng bansa, patubig sa mga lansangan upang lalo pang bumilis ang pagunlad ng lalawigan ng Quezon ang binigyang diin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa pulong niya at ng mga pinunong bayan, mga lider at mamamayan dito Lunes. Sinabi ng Pangulo na patuloy na humahanap ng dagdag na pagmumulan ng kabuhayan ng lalawigan ng Quezon, lalo na sa industriya ng niyog. Kung dati, sadyang binabalewala ang potensiyal ng inyong probinsiya, ngayon, talagang binibigyang lakas natin ang inyong mga industriya upang makamit ng bawat taga-Quezon ang ano mang pangarap nila sa buhay, sabi ng Pangulo. Bago nagtungo sa Catanauan Central Elementary School dito, dumaan ang Pangulo sa coconut water plantation ng Peter Paul Philippine Corporation sa bayan ng Candelaria. Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang PPPC ay hindi lamang nagbigay ng trabaho sa 2,000 katao, kundi nakatulong pa nang malaki sa kabuhayan ng may 2,500 magsasaka ng niyog na nagpatunay ng malaking potensiyal ng industriya ng niyog sa bansa. Binanggit ng Pangulo na noong 2009, mayroong 484,000 litro ng sabaw ng buko ang iniluluwas natin sa ibang bansa, ngunit noong 2010 ay umabot ito sa 1.81 milyong litro at noong 2011 ay umabot ito sa 16 na milyong litro. Ano po ang naging susi nito? Pinag-aralan natin kung ano ang lakas ng inyong lalawigan at wala tayong sinayang na panahon upang ang pakinabang sa industriya ng pagniniyog ay umabot sa mga taga-Quezon, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na malaki rin ang kailangang coco coir fiber, lalo na sa mga bansang Hapon, Tsina, Alemanya at Estados Unidos na ginagamit nila para maiwasan ang pagkatibag ng lupa. Sinabi ng Pangulo na dapat marahil na magtanim pa ng maramintg niyog ang mga tao para matugunan ang pangangailangan dito. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo ang maraming imprastraktura at proyektong patubig sa Quezon na tulad ng P82 milyong nakalaan sa pagpapagawa ng patubig ng 1.100 ektaryang palayan sa mga bayan ng Tayabas, Tiaong , Pagbilaw, Mauban, Perez, San Francisco, Ginayangan at Lucena. Ayon sa Pangulo, ang halos P15 bilyong natipid ng Kagawaran ng Pagawaing Bayan at Pambansang Lansangan sa budget nito ay gagamitin sa pagpapagawa ng 16 na farm-to-market road sa Calauag, Gumaca at Tagkawayan. Kasama rin dito ang walong kilometrong Lucena diversion Talao-Talao port road project at ang 60 kilometrong South Luzon Expressway (SLEZX) extension project buhat sa Batangas hanggang Lucena upang mapabilis ang biyahe sa kapakanan nang lahat, lalo na rin ng mga turista at paghahatid ng mga paninda. Sinabi ng Pangulo na aabutin hanggang 2019 ag paggawa ng SLEX extension project bago matapos kaya idinugtong na turista na po ako pagdating ng panahong iyon. Pero dahil halos lahat po ng biyahe kong sa kalsada dumaraan patungo sa Quezon ay napakatagal kaya talaga hong nanamamin ko ang biyahe sa SLEX na yan. Lahat po nang ito ay alay natin sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon. Patunay ang mga ito na ang linyang kung 'Uwalang kurap, walang mahirap,' ay hindi lamang salita kundi may kaakibat na gawa, pahayag pa ng Pangulo. PND TOP Itinampok ng Pangulong Aquino ang sipag at husay ng mga Pilipino sa mga potensiyal na imbestor

Itinampok ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga potensiyal na imbestor ang pagiging malikhain, masisipag, matitiyaga at katapatan ng manggagawang Pilipino na sinabi niya ay mga katangiang nais ng lahat ng may kompanya na dapat taglayin ng kanilang mga tauhan. Sa talumpati sa pagbubukas ng Philippine Investment Forum 2013 na idinaos sa Manila Peninsula Martes, binanggit ng Pangulong Aquino ang industriya ng business process outsourcing kung saan ang mga Pilipino ay napakahusay at nakarating sa tugatog sa maikling panahon.

Kung pagkakalooban ninyo sila ng pagkakataon, ganito rin ang gagawin nila sa inyo ano man ang inyong industriya, wika ng Pangulo. Hiniling ng Pangulo sa mga potensiyal na imbestor na makibalikateebe sa pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalawak ng kanilang mga negosyo sa bansa. Ang mga puhunang dinadala ninyo sa aming bansa ay magbubunga ng libu-libong trabaho sa aming mga kababayanlalaki at babaing magkakaroon ng pagkakataong mahainan ng pagkain ang kanilang mga hapag, mapag-aral ang kanilang mga anak at matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pamilya, wika pa ng Pangulo. Magkatuwang, bibigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng lakas upang makapag-ambag sa pagunlad ng ekonomya at maiangat ang kanilang kabuhayan at maging ang buhay ng kanilang mga kapuwa Pilipino. Magkakatuwang nating ititindig ang tagumpay ng Industriya, ng Pilipinas at ng sambayanang Pilipino, sabi pa ng Pangulo. Kahit naparito lamang kayo nang nasa isip ang pamumuhunan sa Pilipinas at makiangkas sa pagbalikwas ng aming ekonomyasa inyong pasiyang tumaya sa aming bansa, napakalaki na ng inyong magagawa. Bibigyan ninyo ang libu-libong Pilipino ng maIinam na hanapbuhay upang may magugol sila sa pagbili ng mga kailangan. Ito ang magpapaunlad kapuwa ng inyong mga negosyo sa isang dako at ng Pilipinas sa kabilang dako. Inaasahan naming sasamantalahin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito upang makiisa sa amin sa pagtahak sa tuwid na landas patungo sa kasaganaan, sabi pa ng Pangulo. PND TOP Hiningi ng Pangulong Aquino sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na tumulong at lumahok sa 'KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013' Hinikayat ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang lahat ng mga ahensiya at sangay ng pamahalaan na makiisa at tumulong sa "KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013. Ang kautusan ay ginawa ng Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Circular No. 45 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Pebrero 22. Ang KABISIG Peoples Movement (KABISIG) Program ay nilikha sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 650 (s. 1990) upang mapabilis, mapag-ugnay at subaybayan ang ipatutupad na mga programa at proyekto ng pamahalaan, gayundin ang paguugnay sa mga pangkat ng pribadong sektor at mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan. Upang ipatupad ito, ang KABISIG ay magsasagawa ng KABISIG Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair 2013 na ang paksang-diwa ay Kaunlaran ng Mamamayan: Kabalikat sa Matuwid na Daan. Hangarin ng proyekto na pagsama-samahin ang lahat ng ahensiya at istrumentalidad ng pamahalaan, kasama na ang mga korporasyong pagmamayari at kontrolado ng pamahalaan, gayundin ang mga Lokal na pamahalaan, upang itampok ang kanilang mga gawain, mga pasilidad sa paglilingkod, mga programa, proyekto, produkto at mga nagawa. Pagkakataon din ito upang maipakita ng pamahalaan ang mga nagagawa nito ukol sa pambansang kaunlaran. Dahil dito, lahat ng puno ng mga kagawaran, mga ahensiya at istrumentalidad ng pamahalaang pambansa, kasama ang mga GOCCs at LGUs, ay hinihiling na suportahan at lahukan ang naturang expo and trade fair alinsunod sa pagkakaroon ng pondo at naaayon sa karaniwang tuntunin ng accounting at auditing, sabi pa ng Pangulo. PND TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum 2013 Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City 12 March 2013 Thank you. Good morning. Please sit down. Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; secretaries Cesar Purisima, Ricky Carandang; Mr. Tony Shale; Governor Amado Tetangco; Chairperson Tess Herbosa; President and General Manager Roberto Vergara; former Prime Minister Cesar Virata; distinguished business leaders and members of the business sector; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies and gentlemen: Again, good morning. The last time we met, I shared with you a biblical verse that I believed to be the most apt description of both our countrys condition and our determination to propel it forward: Physician, Heal Thyself. Then, I shared with you the story of the Philippinesa country both patient and physician, one that succeeded in reversing its backwards slide simply through a commitment to good governance. What you see today is a country on the rise, propelled by our determination to change the way things were done in the Philippines and ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability characterize our actions. From day one, we have been making good on this promise. We are making sure that neither power nor money gives anyone an undue advantage, whether in justice or in business. We are making sure that public funds are used to help our countrymen, and that information on expenditures is made available to the public, to help in guarding against corruption. We are giving our bosses, the Filipino people, a government they can trust. This commitment has allowed us to turn the country around in less than three years: if last year, I spoke to you of this turnaroundtoday, allow me to share with you the continuing journey of a country that has even more achievements under its belt. 2012 was an outstanding year for our economy, besting all expectationsincluding our own analystsby growing 6.6 percentone of the highest growth rates in ASEAN. Last year was also a historic year for our stock market, with record highs sometimes coming every day in the trading week. At last count, in the two years and eight months of our administration, we are at 84 record highsand close to breaking 7,000, when last year, we were astounded with breaching 5,000, and not too long ago, 4,000 seemed an impossibility. The performance of our economy, brought about by our prudent fiscal policies, strong external position, macroeconomic stability, and our dedication to reform, has allowed us to reverse a decades worth of decline in our credit ratings. Right now, Standard and Poors, Moodys, and Fitch Ratings have all placed the Philippines at one level below investment grade, even as bond markets are already pricing us at investment grade. The confidence in our economy likewise resonates within the businesses and institutions you lead. After all, the Japan External Trade Organization, or JETROs 2012 Survey of Japanese-Affiliated Companies in Asia and Oceania states that the proportion of profitable firms for the countries in the ASEAN 5 declinedexcept for the Philippines, which, in fact, increased. This places us squarely in the middle, with 71.9 percent of surveyed firms expected a profit. In just a year, we have overtaken Singapore and Malaysia in this regard. As your businesses progress, and as we remain committed to growing the Philippines, there is plenty of reason to believe this upward trend will continue. All of these only set the stage for the next chapterone that we envision will bring us even closer to our goal of lasting, inclusive growth, and I am here to invite you to play an even bigger role in the years to come. There are many opportunities available in our country, but, in particular, I would like to give you an update on the three sectors that remain our priority:

agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Agriculture remains one of our priorities precisely because it is the source of livelihood and employment for so many Filipinos 12.1 million individuals, as of last year. This is why, for this year, we have increased our agriculture budget by 22 percent from 61.4 to 75 billion pesos. This will fund the construction and rehabilitation of farm to market roads, enhance irrigation systems, and provide support services, among others. Weather permitting, we hope to strengthen our position as regards rice self-sufficiency, and regain our footing in the export markets by exporting 100 metric tons of high quality rice in 2013. If there is anyone interested out there in being a part of the rise of the Philippine agricultural sector, our Agribusiness Lands Investment Center (ABLIC) will be more than happy to conduct briefings for you. Tourism is another sector in which we are heavily invested, and for good reasonone only need visit Boracay or the beautiful islands of Palawan, attend Cebus Sinulog Festival, or walk around the walled city of Intramuros to understand the attraction that has kept visitors flocking to the country. From the 4.3 million international tourists who visited the Philippines in 2012, to the 37.5 million Filipinos who traveled around our country in 2011 alone, so many agree: it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. May I also add that 37 broke the original 35-million target for 2016. The new target for domestic tourism is now at 56 million. We want you to join in on the fun. Right now, for example, we expect the number of travelers to the Philippines to spike over the next few years. So, despite the great number of hotel inaugurations Ive attended as President, it appears that we will need an estimated additional 37,000 rooms by 2016. This presents a good opportunity to anyone in the hotel or real estate industryor even for entrepreneurs wanting to try their luck, especially since were offering competitive fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for tourism enterprises. In support of tourism, agriculture, and in fact, the overall viability of the Philippines as an investment destination, we have also been working on constructing, rehabilitating, and enhancing the quality of our infrastructure. Both public and private construction activities expanded in 2012, contributing to the growth of industry and our GDP. To sustain this, we increased the infrastructure budget by 18 percent, from 205.33 billion pesos in 2012, to 242.3 billion in 2013. This will fund the development of our road network, ports, and airports, among others. Even as we are working on this, we also know that harnessing the expertise and resources of the private sector can complement government efforts to get big-ticket projects done. This is why we continue to open some of our biggest infrastructure projects to the participation of the private sector. Again, those of you interested in partnering with us will be happy to know that there are two other major projects that will be rolled out namely: the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, and the NLEXSLEX link connector roadboth of which are meant to cut travel time and enhance connectivity among our cities in Luzon. At the end of the day, we are inviting you to come to the Philippines whether in these three sectors, or in others, because we know that, here, hard work, innovation, and creativity are rewarded with success. This is not an empty promise: you will have the Filipino people and our administration as committed partners. Over the past years, we have been doing everything we can to level the playing fieldfrom reforming the judiciary, to streamlining the process of setting up business in the Philippines, to following the proper bidding and procurement processes. We are also investing heavily in our countrymenempowering them to take stock of their lives and to realize their potential. Among our governments achievements in the past year include the Sin Tax Reform Act and the Responsible Parenthood Law, both of which will help us in our quest to achieve universal healthcare, even as the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro will foster peace and stability in the Philippines. Training programs that meet the need of industries and a roadmap for the development of our state universities and colleges will ensure that our workforce is well-educated and capable of holding gainful employment, as greater access to quality healthcare ensures that they are healthy enough for the physical demands of work. We are determined to see our people succeed. We hope that, in considering our country for your businesses, you share this goal with us as well. Those of you who have long had businesses in the Philippines will understand why I say this. If its simply a matter of how much you pay for labor, perhaps it is true that there are others in the region who may cost lessbut you chose to come here anyway. You know, as well as we do, that, pound for pound, the Filipino worker delivers: he adapts well to any environment, he is creative and hard working, adept in communicating in Englishwhich is especially important as we strive to be even more competitive globally, and he is loyal. To give you just one example: Filipino workers have already brought our BPO industry to great heights, in such a short time. Given the opportunity, they will do the same for you, whatever industry you may be involved in.

The investments that you will bring into our country will redound to tens of thousands of jobs for our countrymenmen and women who will be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and meet the needs and wants of their families. Together, we will be empowering them: giving them greater power to contribute to economic growth and opportunities to uplift their lives and even the lives of their fellow Filipinos. All together, we will be building the success of industry, the Philippines, and the Filipino people. This is what we mean when we speak about inclusive growth. We will never settle for numbers that look good only on paper; for our administration, growth is a narrative that has always depended on the success of its peopleincluding you leaders, who have the capacity and the resources to empower others. This is, in essence, the opportunity you are all given today. Even if you have come here only with a mind to invest in the Philippines and ride on the resurgence of our economywith your decision to bet on our country, you will be doing so much more: you will be giving thousands of Filipinos gainful employment, that will empower them as consumersthus spurring the growth of both your businesses and the Philippines. And we hope you will take this chance and join us on the straight path to progress. Thank you, and good day. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
12 MARCH 2013 DSWD institutes measures to protect programs from politics Another syndicated estafa case filed in relation to Aman scam; Pagadian City Mayor and 11 others charged in Iligan City Court DOF, AIM launch customized Masteral Program for gov't employees PHL Embassy in Warsaw offers support to PHL tour operators German Labour market will open to Filipino nurses BI deports 'chop chop lady' killer DBP opens P5-billion credit facility for education sector TESDA jobs bridging program kicks off in QC PhilHealth Chorale at the DBM Pag-IBIG programs presented in Business Seminar in Nigeria Searching for the Next Philippine Art Maestro Q & A on the Lahad Datu situation PCOO wins Anvil Award of Excellence 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 DSWD institutes measures to protect programs from politics Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph The Department of Social Welfare and Development instituted several measures to safeguard its programs and activities from partisan politics during the synchronized national, local, and ARMM regional elections in May. Foremost of these measures is the Anti-Epal Campaign for the Departments major anti-poverty initiative, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. The Anti-Epal Campaign is an information campaign that aims to insulate the Pantawid Pamilya during the election period. It also aims to intensify communication efforts ensuring that beneficiaries are accurately informed of the selection and delisting processes. The DSWD developed this campaign after receiving feedback from beneficiaries that there are electoral candidates who threaten to delist them from the program if they will not give their support. The campaign focuses on the message that only the DSWD can delist a beneficiary if he or she is not meeting the conditionalities of the program.

Reinforcing the Anti-Epal Campaign is the memorandum of Secretary Dinky Soliman on banning images or pictures of government officials from billboards or tarpaulins used during Pantawid Pamilya and the guidelines on the conduct of activities on Pantawid Pamilya during the 2013 campaign and national and local election period. Secretary Soliman also issued a directive prohibiting the participation of all field personnel in any partisan political activity and mandating the immediate suspension of violators even pending investigation. The prohibited partisan political activities include, but are not limited to: threatening, intimidating or inducing any beneficiary to attend a political activity, endorsement of a political candidate to the beneficiaries, distribution of partisan political literature, and promoting any political candidate while in the performance of official duties. Compliance to COMELEC Resolution In compliance to the Omnibus Election Code and Comelec Resolution No. 9585 on rules and regulations governing ban on public works and release, disbursement and expenditures of public funds, construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrants and similar devises, Secretary Soliman recently issued the Operational Guidelines during Election Period. The guidelines highlight the prohibited activities during the election period and the safeguards adopted by the Department such as: conduct of activities shall be in accordance with guidelines; non-participation of the DSWD in medical missions, forums, and political gatherings organized by a candidate; and not holding trainings for personnel of candidates. The guidelines also list the activities that are not allowed during Department events such as: display of election paraphernalia; featuring names, pictures or logos of candidates in programmes and handouts; distribution of flyers, leaflets and sample ballots; playing of campaign jingles; and political campaigning. Exempted from COMELEC ban The DSWD clarified that its on-going public works, routine and normal expenses, as well as foreign assisted projects (FAPs) are being disclosed in compliance with the regulations although these are exempted from the COMELEC ban. The DSWD explained that the prohibition against the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds for public works during the election period does not apply to ongoing pubic work projects that commenced before the campaign period. The Departments on-going public works are: construction of bunkhouses and temporary shelters in Davao Oriental for typhoon Pablo victims; shelter assistance project in regions X,XI and XII for the victims of recent disasters and areas affected by armed conflict; construction of daycare centers and permanent shelters under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project; construction of permanent shelters, day care centers and livelihood centers in conflict-affected areas in ARMM; and Core Shelter Project and Livelihoood Assistance Program in support of the Mindanao Framework Agreement in Mindanao. On the other hand, the COMELEC ruled that foreign-funded projects fall within the exemption contemplated under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code. The DSWDs major FAPs include the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), Poder Y Prosperidad para del Comunidad, and Emergency Operations Philippines-Assistance to Conflict Affected Areas in Mindanao. Authorization to release funds Meanwhile, the DSWD is requesting authorization from COMELEC to release and disburse public funds for the PAMANA project; the on-going disaster relief, early recovery, and rehabilitation efforts; and possible disaster operations should calamities occur during the election period. The DSWD said that the continuation of the PAMANA project is essential to sustain the peace process in Mindanao as well as to realize the peace and development roadmap of the President. On the release of funds for disaster relief efforts, the DSWD said that given the sheer magnitude of the DSWDs Relief, Early Recovery, and Rehabilitation effort, it would not be cost efficient to transfer its implementation and the funds to the Philippine Red Cross during the election period which may delay project implementation. It added that the Chairman of Red Cross is a candidate in the coming elections. Support The DSWD supports the COMELEC and the general public in ensuring the conduct of free, orderly and honest elections in

2013 and we express our commitment to comply with the regulations in our delivery of much needed social services to the public, Secretary Soliman concluded. |TOP| Another syndicated estafa case filed in relation to Aman scam; Pagadian City Mayor and 11 others charged in Iligan City Court Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph The National Prosecution Service (NPS) today filed an Information before the Regional Trial Court in Iligan City (RTC-Iligan City) charging twelve individuals, including Pagadian City Mayor SAMUEL S. CO, for their alleged participation in the financial fraud scheme perpetrated by Aman Futures Group Phil. Inc. ("AMAN"). The charge arose from a complaint filed by JULIUS M. LABUNOG, on behalf of several other complainants, who claim that they had pooled their money and invested a total of P29,633,000 in Aman between August 22 to September 17, 2010. The Special Panel of Prosecutors - which was created pursuant to Department Order No. 963, precisely to conduct preliminary investigation into the complaints that arose from the alleged widespread financial scam that is believed to have caused damage to thousands of victims in amounts that reportedly have reached hundreds of millions of pesos in total -'found probable cause to charge twelve (12) out of the original thirteen (13) respondents with "swindling or estafa by means of false pretenses or fraudulent acts" (as punished and defined under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code), in relation to Presidential Decree No. 1689, or syndicated estafa. Seven of them, namely, MANUEL K. AMALILIO, FERNANDO R. LUNA, LELIAN LIM GAN, EDUARD L. LIM, WIALNIE L. FUENTES, NAEZELLE M. RODRIGUEZ and LURIX B. LOPEZ are being charged for their acts as incorporators, directors and officers of Aman, which engaged in commodity futures trading, management of funds or investments of any kind knowing that it was not authorized to do so. In their capacity, they knew that they have not obtained authorization from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to engage in such transactions, yet they proceeded to solicit and receive investments from the public, whom they enticed and convinced to part with their money because of their repeated assurances of the legitimacy of their business, their alleged investments in oil trade, and their possession of legal authority to engage in such transactions, including the necessary license, authority and special permit from the government to engage in the trading of future commodities. In the Resolution, the Special Panel emphasized that corporations operate through natural persons - namely, their incorporators, members of the board of directors and officers - and it is the latters' acts and omissions that serve as bases for their own criminal liability. The Panel took special note of the background of the respondents, one of whom was a former "casino runner" of one of the casino financiers at the Waterfront Casino in Cebu City, a former "Wet Market Specialist" for Century Pacific Group-Pacific Meat Company, Inc, and, even respondent Luna, who claimed to be merely the driver and otherwise lackey of Amalilio, admitted that he became learned in the running of an investment business, and that it was he who established the Pagadian City office. Four others, including the wife of Amalilio, ABIGAIL PENDULAS, were also charged in their capacity and for their acts as agents of Aman. The Special Panel found that they represented Aman in transacting with investors and potential investors, introducing them to the company and the whole "investment process" and, most importantly, assuring them of its legitimacy. Pendulas, in particular, was noted to have spoken to unpaid investors and assured them of the legitimacy of Aman as a business entity even at the time when doubts arose and investors were demanding their unpaid investments. As to Respondent Mayor Co, complainants claimed that his act of entering into an agreement with Aman Futures Trading, whereby each investment in Aman will be taxed at 4% by the City of Pagadian, further made it appear to the public that Aman was a legitimate business. In his defense, Mayor Co denied the existence of any such agreement. He claimed that AMan was only charged the amount of P39,790.00, whichwas paid by Aman when it opened its Pagadian City branch, headed by Respondent Luna. Upon such payment, Aman was issued a Certificate of Payment of Business Tax, which Mayor Co claimed "automatically served as a temporary business permit." Notably, such temporary business permit was issued even before Aman completed the submission of all documents required from it by the local government. Aman, in fact, never completed the submission of all necessary documents as it had promised, considering that one of those documents was the secondary license it never obtained from the SEC. Mayor Co denied any irregularity in such procedure, claiming that Pagadian City only followed the example of Cebu City, which

earlier issued a similar temporary permit to the office of Aman Futures in said city. He also denied that 4% business tax was ever levied on each and every investment paid by the complainants. He claimed'that he was also a victim of the scam, just like the complainants. In resolving to charge Mayor Co, the Special Panel held that his bare denial cannot overcome the positive assertions of the complainants, and, thus, the question of whether or not he or the City of Pagaidan benefited from the alleged 4% tax is a question that can be best threshed out in a full-blown trial. For the purposes of determining probable cause, in the meantime, such is found to exist, as it appears that, by his acts, third persons acting in good faith (i.e., complainants herein) relied on the representations about the existence of the agreement as further proof of the legitimacy of Aman's business, and, thus, induced them to part with their money, to their damage and prejudice. Furthermore, the Special Panel also found indications that he acted, not merely as an investor, but also as an agent of Aman, such as the assertion in the Sworn Statement of his one of his co-Respondent, Lelian Gan, that Aman issued a certification dated 25 August 2012, declaring respondent Samuel Co as an "authorized agent" of Athan in online futures trading, as well as his act, using his public office, of offering C3, a public building owned by the Pagadian City government, for rent in favor of Arnan for its operations. Finally, no probable cause was found to exist to charge respondent JORINO LEDESMA for the crime of syndicated estafa, along with the rest, as his only participation, based on the records, is his being a relative of Respondent Dequito and a known "private pilot of respondent Amalilio, who had direct access with Aman..." Complainants admitted that they never met or talked to Ledesma about Aman or any investment. Several of the Respondents, including Mayor Co, have previously been charged with syndicated estafa arising from the alleged fraudulent investment scheme of Aman. The complainants in this case are claiming a total of P44,035,690.00 (i.e., ctual investment plus interest computed at the rate of return promised to them) in damages. |TOP| DOF, AIM launch customized Masteral Program for gov't employees Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph The Department of Finance, in partnership with the Asian Institute Management, launched today the first ever masteral program customized for its employees. The initiative responds to the Philippines various development challenges by cultivating technical and management skill in government officials. The Executive Masters in Development Management Public Finance program is a rigorous 20-month modularized program that combines managerial economics, public finance and budgeting, and statistics for strategic management that graduate students will relate to their official work in the government. We dont want government jobs to be dead-end jobs. We want to make government agencies into learning organizations that are also true meritocracies, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said. AIM president Dr. Steven Dekrey for his part said, The program is designed to enhance skills and capabilities necessary for public finance employees to develop a world view of Asia and beyond. The program will build on concentration courses in budgeting and program analysis, public debt and capital markets, revenue policy and administration, benefit-cost analysis, governmental accounting and financial reporting, and public program evaluation. As compared with other career development opportunities within and for government workers, the program will be renewed every academic year and the curriculum continuously modified to address current challenges. In the past, we have not invested enough to build growth capacity within our institutions. With programs such as this partnership with AIM, we want to align the interests of our people with the interests of the government and the interests of the country. This is a great way to promote good governance and a sure antidote to corruption. added the finance chief. The program will run from April 2013 to December 2014 and is also open to DOFs attached bureaus and agencies, as well as to GFIs or government financial institutions.

|TOP| PHL Embassy in Warsaw offers support to PHL tour operators Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 12 March 2013 Philippine Ambassador to Poland Patricia Ann V. Paez told Manila-based Philippine tour operators on March 06 that they can tap and rely on the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw as their sales and marketing field agent in Poland. The Ambassador offered help in providing information regarding the Polish travel market, in following up with potential partners, and in translating promotional materials into Polish. They also discussed plans to increase awareness about the Philippines in Poland, including through media campaigns and participation in travel fairs, and in organizing several familiarization tours for Polish tour operators to the Philippines. Recognizing that Poland is an emerging source market for the Philippines, the tour operators welcomed the Embassys initiatives and cited concrete ways by which they can work together with the Embassy. The tour operators and sales and marketing officers which Ambassador Paez met with were the following: Ms. Serafina S. Joven, President of Annset Holidays, Inc.; Ms. Marilen P. Sandejas-Yaptangco, President and CEO of Baron Travel Corporation; Mr. Victor Emmanuel P. Ote, General Manager of Constellation Travels, Inc.; Ms. Sonia Lazo, Managing Director of INTAS Destination Travels, Inc.; Mr. Edwin Villanueva, General Manager of Light Miles Travel, Inc.; Ms. Lourdes T. Banzon, Executive Vice President and COO of Sharp Travel Services, Inc.; Mr. Cesar R. Cruz, General Manager of T.R.I.P.S. Travel, Inc.; Mr. Ian Mayer R. Varona of Misibis Bay; Mr. Joey Bernardino, Director for Sales and Marketing of El Nido Resorts; and Ms. Joy Anne C. Denaga, Director of Sales and Marketing of Discovery Shores. |TOP| German Labour market will open to Filipino nurses Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 12 March 2013 Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad met with officials of the Federal Employment Agency, International Placement Services (ZAV) in Bonn on March 08 to discuss the deployment of Filipino nurses to Germany and the upcoming visit of German Minister for Labour and Social Affairs Ursula von der Leyen to the Philippines. Minister von der Leyen will witness the signing of an agreement between the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and ZAV to formalize the arrangement for the deployment. In Bonn, Ambassador Natividad was received by Ms. Monika Varnhagen, Director for the ZAV, and Ms. Annette Tigges-Thies, Head of Division for Labour Migration and Work Permits also at the ZAV. Ms. Varnhagen briefed Ambassador Natividad on Germanys plans to ensure the success of the effort. Through partner agencies like the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH) and CIM (Centrum fr Internationale Migration und Entwicklung), the ZAV will ensure that Filipino nurses will have adequate linguistic and professional preparation, free of charge, prior to entry to Germany. Under the triple win formula, the agencies are responsible for the successful integration of the nurses into the German labour market and in their social environment. Minister von der Leyen will go to Manila for the purpose of witnessing the signing of the agreement and meeting key Philippine officials. Minister von der Leyen supervises the ZAV. Since 2009, she has served as the Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs in Chancellor Angela Merkels cabinet. Prior to that, she also served as Federal Minister of Family Affairs of Chancellor Merkel. The visit of the high-ranking official marks the commitment of the German side to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement. The deployment of Filipino nurses is expected to address the current shortages experienced by German hospitals. Ambassador Natividad also informed the ZAV officials of the readiness of the Philippines to sign the agreement, particularly the POEA which will be responsible for the implementation. It is all systems go for the Triple Win Project. When the agreement is signed, then we have a cooperation framework that enables Filipino nurses to work in Germany, Ambassador Natividad said. She further emphasized that the agreement protects Filipino workers rights.

Under the agreement, Filipino workers may not be employed under working conditions less favorable than those comparable for German workers, Ambassador Natividad stated. The deployment of nurses is part of enhanced labour cooperation discussed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle during the latters official visit to Manila in February this year. The two ministers called for cooperation across the board between the Philippines and Germany as the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. |TOP| BI deports 'chop chop lady' killer Source: http://immigration.gov.ph The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has deported Stephen Mark Whisenhunt, convicted killer of chop chop lady Elsa Castillo, whose body was mutilated after being stabbed to death by her American lover. BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. disclosed that Whisenhunt boarded a Philippine Airlines flight to Los Angeles, California last Feb. 28, or two months after he was released from the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa where he spent 19 years behind bars. We have placed him in our Blacklist so he could no longer return to the Philippines. His involvement in a gruesome crime makes him a very undesirable alien who should not be allowed to re-enter our country, David said. It was learned that although the Pasig City regional trial court had sentenced Whisenhunt to reclusion perpetua in 1993, his jail term was commuted for good conduct while in prison. He was released from the Bilibid prisons last Dec. 27 and was turned over to the BI to facilitate his deportation to the United States. Under the law, foreigners convicted of crimes shall, after service of sentence, be deported to their country of origin and banned from re-entering the Philippines. On Sept. 24, 1993, Castillo was stabbed to death by Whisenhunt inside a condominium in Greenhills, San Juan. Demetrio Ravelo, Whisenhunts driver, testified that the victims body was mutilated after she was stabbed and her body parts were dumped hours later along a road in Bagac, Bataan. Castillo met Whisenhunt when she worked as assistant personnel manager of the Apex Motor Corporation which was managed by the latter. Both were married but were estranged from their spouses. Whisenhunts lawyers have long sought his release from detention, citing alleged errors committed by the Board of Pardons and Parole in computing the exact time he served in prison. The law allows prisoners sentenced to reclusion perpetua to be eligible for commutation of sentence and their release from detention is computed using a formula called good conduct time allowance (GCTA). |TOP| DBP opens P5-billion credit facility for education sector Source: http://www.dbp.ph State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has launched a P5-billion facility that seeks to finance projects that will promote quality and excellent higher education in the country. The Financing for Higher Education (FHE) credit facility will fund various initiatives that will ensure the relevance and responsiveness of education programs and promote good governance in accordance with the thrusts of the education sector as stated in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016. It is a component of the Financing Program for Philippine Education (FPPE), an umbrella program that covers basic education, tertiary education, technical and vocational education and alternative learning systems.

The FHE will be available for 10 years and will support higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. It is offered nationwide, especially in rural and poor provinces and regions. The credit facility will fund projects such as lot acquisition and infrastructure; repair and renovation of classrooms and other school facilities; purchase of furniture and equipment; purchase of supplies and materials like school bags, books and notebooks; and working capital requirements. Maximum loanable amount is up to 90% of the total project cost. For more details, interested parties may call: AVP Leopoldo Resmundo, Jr. or Mgr. Aldwin Christian Yam at telephone numbers 812-5703 and 818-9511/9611 local 2332. |TOP| TESDA jobs bridging program kicks off in QC Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph Jobs came looking for technical vocational graduates at the launch of the Jobs Bridging Program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Quezon City on Monday. The event, dubbed "Hanap Buhay Para sa TESDA Specialista," was the opening salvo of a series of jobs bridging activities to help graduates find employment after finishing their respective courses. "We want tech-voc students to finish their respective courses with optimism because the opportunity for employment is here," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general, said. Around 120 companies brought their personnel to assess the credentials of the applicants for local and overseas jobs. After Quezon City, other TESDA districts in the National Capital Region will hold their respective jobs bridging program on the following schedules and venues: *March 18 at SM Tunasan (MuntiParLasTaPat) *March 20 at Victory Mall-Monumento (CaMaNaVa) *March 21 at SM San Lazaro (Manila) *March 22 at Cuneta Astrodome (Pasay-Makati) *March 25 at Pasig City Sports Center (PaMaMariSan) More jobs bridging events are also lined up not only in the National Capital Region but in the other regions as well. Villanueva then advised the jobseekers to come prepared with documents such as curriculum vitae, birth certificate, and relevant school records. "Most importantly, with the skills they have acquired in training institutions, they should be able to sell themselves to the employers," he said. Villanueva also said graduates should abandon stereotypes about certain jobs, and get into something where they can apply their skills. "For example, it is best to throw out those outdated and distorted notion that jobs for tech-voc graduates are dirty and lowpaying. These days, these types of jobs largely define the country's economic landscape," he added. The program is organized in cooperation with local government units, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Association of Technical-Vocational Schools in NCR, and private firms such as Smart Phils. and PALSCON. |TOP| PhilHealth Chorale at the DBM Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph As part of the kick-off program in commemoration of the International Womens Month with the theme "Kababaihan Gabay sa

Pagtahak sa Matuwid na Daan," the PhilHealth Show Choir under the tutelage of UP Professor Augusto Espino sang a couple of songs at the Flag raising ceremonies held at the Department of Budget and Management in Malacaang, Manila, on March 4, 2013. A feeling of serenity enveloped the Boncodin Hall as the chorale rendered "You raised me up" for the invocation; the Philippine National Anthem, a Filipino favorite and a popular English song that merited loud cheers from the listeners. |TOP| Pag-IBIG programs presented in Business Seminar in Nigeria Source: http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph The Philippine Embassy in Nigeria held the third in a series of business seminars dubbed as Look Better, Develop your Career, last January, to promote financial literacy and to encourage OFWs to avail of the Philippine governments Reintegration Program. One of the highlights of the one day seminar was a video presentation on the programs and services of the Pag-IBIG Fund, complemented by the distribution of the Funds info materials to the participants. Ms. Nadjehaf Mangondaya, the embassys Economic and Information Officer who has been campaigning the Pag-IBIGs programs in Nigeria since 2011, encouraged the participants to register with the Fund. The presentation of Pag-IBIG programs was made part of the seminar through the special request of Mr. John Hernandez, President of the Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA) in Nigeria. Other topics that were discussed in the business seminar included the Philippine governments loan facilities under the Reintegration Program, tips to achieve financial success, tips to be successful in job interviews and distinguishing oneself from the rest while in employment. |TOP| Searching for the Next Philippine Art Maestro Are you ready to become the future of Philippine Art? The much-awaited art and design competition in the country, the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE), once again opens doors of opportunities for the future for young artist and designers this 2013! Who are eligible? For the painting competition, MADE invites Filipino artists ages 18-35 years old who have not held a solo exhibition and professional/practicing Filipino sculptors who have staged at least one solo exhibition for the sculpture competition. Painting Competition: A participant may choose to join one of the two categories: oil based medium on canvas or watermedia on paper. Painting entry should not be smaller than 18 x 24 inches and should not exceed 36 x 48 inches, excluding the frame. Sculpture Competition: For the artpiece: a minimum volumetric size of 1,728 cubic inches and a maximum volumetric size of 13,824 cubic inches excluding the base. The height of the base should not exceed 2 inches. Medium can be one or a combination of: resin, fiberglass, glass, metal, wood, stone (concrete), or fired clay. All artworks should be original and must be left unsigned by the artist for the purpose of anonymity. The competition remains to have an open theme. The deadline of entries for Painting and Sculpture participants in Metro Manila and nearby provinces is April 26-27, 2013. Interested participants in provincial areas may drop off their entry forms in the nearest Metrobank branch in their area on April 23, 2013. MADE will award three artists with a grand prize of P300,000 and one sculptor with a grand prize of P300,000. Winners are also entitled to be recipients of a separate grant for their first solo exhibition, opening more opportunities for the winner. The Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) competition is an art and design competition that has been strengthening

Philippine art and design for 29 years by discovering excellence in art and design. Through MADE, the winners were able to launch their artistic careers and become future masters in their field. Some of the past winners who have succeeded in the contemporary art scene are: Jan Leeroy New, Lynard Paras, Mark Andy Garcia, Ronald Ventura, Anton del Castillo, Elmer Borlongan, Boby Feleo, and Noell El Farol to name a few. Entry forms with full competition and requirement details may be downloaded from the Metrobank Foundation website,www.mbfoundation.org.ph. Interested participants may also contact the MADE Secretariat at (02) 898-8856 or like the MADE (Metrobank Art and Design Excellence) Competition fanpage in Facebook for more details. |TOP| Q & A on the Lahad Datu situation 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 Kirams 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 Governments 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 Governments 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 Presidents policy of caring for the Filipino people wherever they are, the Philippine Government will provide the necessary assistance. 13. What is the Secretarys 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 DFAs 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 Secretarys opinion on Sultan Jamalul Kirams letter to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee? It is Sultan Jamalul Kirams right to appeal to the UN Human Rights Committee. 17. What is the Secretarys opinion on Misuaris 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 DFAs 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 DFAs view on Sultan Jamalul Kirams 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. |TOP| PCOO wins Anvil Award of Excellence Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph QUEZON CITY, March 11 (PIA) -- The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) was awarded the Anvil Award of Excellence at the 48th Anvil Awards held last March 6 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. PCOO Undersecretary George Syliangco received the award together with other PTV officials, namely: Atty. Jennifer JimenoAtienza, head ot PTV Corporate Communications, News Overseeing Officer Ed Finlan, Public Affairs Overseeing Officer Maria Cristina Mariano and New Media Head Dina Libunao. The program, entitled: Pagmumulat ng lingkod-bayan sa mga mamamayan, which covered the events leading up to the death of the late Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, won the Anvil Award of Excellence in the Public Relations Programs category. The award is presented to an outstanding program or tool that surpasses the standards set in a specific category. This year, the Anvil Awards received 387 entries, surpassing their target of 300 entries. The Public Relations Society of the Philippines conducts the Anvil Awards annually. It is a symbol of excellence in public relations in the country, awarded by a distinguished multi-sectoral panel of judges to outstanding public relations programs and tools designed and implemented during the previous year. Vishnu Moran, chief executive officer of Havas Media Asia Pacific, led the board of jurors coming from the public and private sector, academe and the media. (JJOA,PIACentral) |TOP| 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 DPWHs fund for the implementation of its Flood and Management Master Plan under Continuing Appropriations from the 2012 budget. Twelve water pumping stationswhich have been in operation for an average of 34 yearswill 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, were 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. |TOP| 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 victims 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. |TOP|