Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for August 7 , 2013 Wednesday , 7 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 7 Weather Watch,

1 Regional Watch , 2 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 18 Online News , 9 Photonews

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers

927-1335 and 927-2877.

1. Weather Watch

4 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Magkakaroon ng paunti-utning ulan sa Metro Manila ngayong araw lalo na sa hapon. Sa QC ay

may 60% ang tiyansa ng pag-ulan sa hapon, gayundin sa Malabon, Manila at Pasig. Mas malakas na ulan

naman ang asahan sa Mindanao at Eastern Visayas dala ng ITCZ.

2. Weather Watch

5 hours ago

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued at: 5:00AM 07August 2013

SYNOPSIS: Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao.

FORECAST: Mindanao and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and

thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated

rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the southwest to southeast will prevail over the

western section of Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Light to moderate

winds coming from the east to southeast over the rest of Luzon and of Visayas and from the east to

northeast over Mindanao with slight to moderate seas.

Over METRO MANILA:

Maximum Temperature : 4:00 PM Yesterday --- 27.9 C

Minimum Temperature : 6:45 AM Yesterday --- 24.4 C

Maximum Relative Humidity : 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 96 %

Minimum Relative Humidity : 3:00 PM Yesterday --- 75 %

High Tide Today : 10:03 AM .. 1.24 Meter Low Tide Today : 5:59 PM .. 0.15 Meter High Tide Tomorrow : 10:43 AM .. 1.22 Meter Low Tide Tomorrow : 6:22 PM .. 0.19 Meter

Sunrise Today : 5:40 AM

Sunset Today : 6:23 PM

Moonrise Today : 5:43 AM

Moonset Today : 6:28 PM

Illumination Tomorrow : 0%

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone numbers

927-1335 and 927-2877.

3. Weather Watch

14 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar on DZBB:

- Although lumabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Kiko ay napag-ibayo nito ang Southwest Monsoon kaya

naman ang ilang bahagi ng bansa ay makakaranas pa rin ng mga pag-ulan.

- Ang Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, CAR, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA,

CALABARZON, Western Visayas at Zamboanga Peninsula - asahan pa rin sa mga nabanggit na lugar ang

mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.

- Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging maaliwalas ang panahon ngunit mayroon pa ring mga

localized thunderstorm pagdating ng hapon o gabi.

For more information and queries, log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or please call at telephone

numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877.

4. Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

5 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran on DZMM:

-Magandang panahon na ang aasahan sa bahagi ng Luzon at Visayas ngayong araw.

-Paglabas ng bagyong Kiko, humina na ang nagpapaulang Habagat o Southwest Monsoon.

-Mababa na rin ang tsansang magkaroon ng ulan sa Metro Manila na tatagal hanggang Agosto 11, Linggo.

-Ngunit muling naging aktibo ang ITCZ na magpapaulan sa buong Mindanao at silangang bahagi ng

Visayas.

-Makakaasa tayo ng light to moderate rains dahil sa ITCZ. Pero nag-e-expect pa rin tayo na magkaroon ng

mga flashfloods dahil ilang araw nang umuulan.

-Wala pa namang namamataang LPA sa bansa sa ngayon ngunit hindi inaalis ang posibilidad ng

pagkakaroon ng sama ng panahon dahil sa ITCZ.

5. Weather Watch

16 hours ago

GMA: Nakalabas na ng PAR kaninang umaga ang bagyong Kiko kaya ang hanging Habagat na lamang ang

magdadala ng mga pag-ulan, lalo na sa kanlurang bahagi ng bansa. Tinataya naman na magiging

makulimlim sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon bukas habang inaasahan ang mga pag-ambon sa Metro Manila,

lalo na sa hapon o gabi. Mahihina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan din ang inaasahan sa Visayas bukas

pero posibleng makaranas ng mas malakas na pag-ulan ang kanlurang bahagi nito. Hindi naman kalakasan

ang inaasahang pag-ulan sa Mindanao.

6. Weather Watch

16 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Lumabas na kaninang madaling araw ang bagyong Kiko. Sa ngayon ay tanging ang mahing habagat na

lamang ang nakakaapekto sa bansa, partikular sa western section ng Luzon. Asahan ang maulap na panahon sa

malaking bahagi ng Luzon, kasama ang Metro Manila. Asahan naman ang magandang panahon sa Samar at Leyte at

iba pang bahagi ng Visayas habang magiging maulan naman sa western section nito. Magkakaroon naman ng

mahinang pag-ulan sa Mindanao.

7. Weather Watch

19 hours ago

DZMM: Isa ang patay at 500 pamilya ang apektado sa flash flood sa Iloilo. Ayon sa pagtala ng MDRRMC ng bayan ng

Banate, umabot sa 12 barangay ang nalubog sa baha kung saan limang barangay ang matinding naapektuhan. Pinag-

aaralan na lokal na pamahalaan ng bayan ng Banate ang pagdeklara ng state of calamity sa limang barangay.

Weather Watch

August 7 , 2013 ( Wednesday ) as of 8 :00 AM

CAVITE : Sunny LAGUNA : Sunny BATANGAS : Fair Weather RIZAL : Partly cloudy

QUEZON : Partly cloudy

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Mahigit 700 katao mula sa lungsod ng Batangas ang hinihinalang may chikungunya. Kaugnay

nito nagpaalala ang mga kawani ng city health office na kaagad magpakonsulta sa doktor kapag nakaramdam ng

mga sintomas nito

1. PIA OFW Watch

6 minutes ago near Quezon City, Philippines

GMA News: Efforts are underway to repatriate at least 21 Filipino seafarers stranded for months

aboard a cargo ship off Malta. POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac cited information reaching him the 21

seafarers, crew of the MV Ladybug, are "safe and in good condition." He however did not indicate any

timetable for the repatriation.

2. PIA OFW Watch

16 hours ago

DZMM: Dahil sa banta ng terorismo ikinasa na ng DFA sa alert level 1 sa mga Pilipino sa Yemen at

Saudi Arabia. Ayon kay Asec. Raul Hernandez, inatasan na ng DFA ang embahada ng bansa sa Riyadh

na silang may hurisdiksyon sa Yemen na i-monitor ang sitwasyon doon at patuloy na makipag-ugnayan

sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa Yemen.

A. QUEZON

1. PGAD office holds training/workshop on result-based management

framework

By Joselito M. Giron

Monday 5th of August 2013

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LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Aug. 5 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Quezon thru the provincial gender

and development (PGAD) office is conducting a trainers training workshop on the result-based

management (RBM) framework starting today, August 5 -7 at Queen Margarette Hotel, Brgy. Domoit,

this city.

PGAD provincial head Ofelia Palayan, said the training is part of capacity development activity for

municipal budget officers (MBOs), municipal planning and development officers (MPDOs) and gender

and development (GAD) focal persons in the 39 towns and two cities of the province in order to ensure

gender-responsive governance.

To assure that all municipalities and cities in the province will implement programs and projects with

GAD perspective, Quezon Gov. David Suarez has strengthened the implementation of Executive Order

No. 2 directing all city/municipal mayors and in-charge of planning and budgeting to mainstream GAD in

their local plans and budget," Palayan said.

Aside from this, the PGAD council will conduct monitoring and evaluation of the plans, programs and

activities (PPAs) of the municipalities to determine the level of GAD PPAs implementation and to

encourage the municipal mayors to create or reactivate the municipal gender and development

councils. (PIA-Quezon)

2. 45 farmers train on capacity building

Tuesday 6th of August 2013

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LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Aug 6 (PIA) -- Forty five farmers from the six project areas in the Bondoc

Peninsula (BonPen) recently attended a training on capacity building.

The training was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Quezon provincial

office in cooperation with the office of the provincial agriculture for farmers implementing the

comprehensive corn project under the Farmers Productivity Enhancement Program (FPEP).

Labor and employment officer Raymond Ramos said the training aims to organize farmer co-operators

into registered rural workers associations and enable each group on the basics of organizational

development.

The six project areas are the municipalities of Catanauan, Mulanay, San Francisco, San Andres, San

Narciso, and Buenavista. (CPG/PIA 4A with report from Edwin T Hernandez Sr. LEO)

3. NCCA holds 'Salabat at Sining' media forum

By Ruel M. Orinday

Tuesday 6th of August 2013

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LUCENA CITY, Quezon, August 6 (PIA) --The public affairs and information office of the National

Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) held a media forum called "Salabat at Sining" in this city on

August 1.

NCCA deputy executive director Marlene Ruth S. Sanchez said the forum aims to encourage culture and

art groups, academic institutions, local arts organizations, non-government organizations involved in

culture and arts and others to submit project proposals for the NCAA grants program for 2014.

Proposals submitted through electronic mail (email) are accepted provided that all project documents

are complete with scanned signature of the official proponent/ head of the organization/ LGU, Sanchez

said.

Accomplished project proposals must be submitted to Marichu G. Tellano, chief of policy, plan and

formulation and programming division, 5th floor NCCA, 633 General Luna St. Intramuros Manila with

tel. no. (63-2) 527-2192 with email: info@ncca.gov.ph

Through the national endowment fund for culture and the arts, the NCAA grants program provides

support to individuals and organizations in fields that are aligned with the Philippine culture and arts

and in accordance with the defined priorities of each of the national committees.

The NCCA provides funds for projects for the promotion, development and conservation of Philippine

culture and arts, and it continuously encourage collaborative efforts which provides significant

contribution to the realization of the mandate of the NCCA.

Each year, the NCCA board of commission in coordination with four sub-commissions, defines its thrust

and priorities anchored with the following major programs for 2013-2016; program for cultural

education, cultural diplomacy, conservation of cultural heritage, culture and development and program

for artistic excellence and creativity.

Deadline for submission of proposals is on August 30. (NCCA/RMO/PIA 4A, Quezon)

4. Quezon LGUs, disaster officers attend summit on climate change

By Joselito M. Giron

Tuesday 6th of August 2013

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LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Aug. 6 (PIA) -- Thirty municipal disaster risk reduction and management

(MDRRM) officers including local chief executives from Quezon province will attend the Regional

Summit on disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation slated August 6-7 at

Heritage Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City.

Dr. Henry Buzar, PDRRMC officer, said the municipal mayors will be asked for their commitment to put

disaster risk reduction and management including climate change adaptation at the forefront of their

plans to protect the disaster-prone municipalities.

The municipal mayors will understand just how important that a community with knowledge in

disaster preparedness and have sufficient rescue equipment can save many lives in times of calamity,

Buzar said.

This summit will provide a forum for Calabarzons mayors, policy makers, planners, academe and

development experts to discuss issues and challenges facing the region with regard to disaster risk

reduction.

After the conference, the MDRRM officers will conduct re-echo seminar to barangays officials to ensure

that existing policies and institutional mechanisms for disaster risk reduction and management and

climate change adaptation will be integrated in their barangay plan.

The regional summit is hosted by the Calabarzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Council and the Office of Civil Defense 4-A in partnership with the departments of Science and

Technology, Interior and Local Government, Social Welfare and Development, Environment and Natural

Resources, and the National Economic and Development Authority. (PIA 4A, Quezon)

B. CAVITE

1. Deserving college studes from 3 Cavite towns get financial

assistance

By Ruel B. Francisco

Tuesday 6th of August 2013

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TRECE MARTIRES CIY, Cavite, Aug 6 (PIA) -- A total of 1,100 less fortunate but deserving college

students from three municipalities received educational financial assistance of P1,500 each for the

first semester of school year 2013-14 from Cavite Representative Roy M. Loyola.

The distribution was done on two occasions: on July 14 at the Milagrosa Elementary School where

400 college students from Carmona received their educational financial assistance and the other was

held simultaneously at the Silang West Elementary School and at the Perpetual Help-GMA campus

July 21 with 1,100 college students from Silang and Gen. Mariano Alvarez benefiting from said

program.

The program has been running since 2011 primarily for deserving college students residing within the

fifth district of the province which comprise the towns to Carmona, Silang, and General Mariano

Alvarez (CarSiGMA).

College student-beneficiaries from Carmona acknowledged and thanked Loyola for the scholarship

program which is a big help in pursuing their dreams.

Likewise, families of the less-fortunate but deserving college students from CarSiGMA were very

grateful to the congressman for the assistance. (RF/PIA-Cavite/Carmona PIO)

2. Cavite provl govt distributes scholarship assistance

By Ruel B. Francisco

Monday 5th of August 2013

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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, August 5 (PIA) -- To the family whose earnings are not sufficient to put

their children to school, the provincial government recently distributed scholarship assistance worth

P5,145,000 for 1,029 qualified students last July 27.

At present, a total of P42,695,000 were distributed to more than 5,000 students (provincial

government scholars) in three years under the leadership of Governor Jonvic Remulla with the

assistance of Mr. Alvin Mojica, Chairman of the Provincial Scholarship Program.

In 2012, the provincial government scholarship assistance for the first semester reached Php

5,550,000.00 for 1,110 students and another 9 million pesos for 1,800 students on the second

semester. It was in this year that students who qualified for the program got their scholarship

assistance via Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) transaction.

The provincial government is working hard and hoping to increase the budget allocation so they can

accommodate the increasing number of students who will be qualified for the educational

scholarship assistance program in the next couple years. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: Babasahin kaugnay ng road safety, inilunsad at

ipinamahagi sa lungsod ng Batangas

By Mamerta P. De Castro

Monday 5th of August 2013

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Agosto 5 (PIA) -- Inilunsad ng Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC)

ang isang information and education material sa pamamagitan ng isang komiks na pinamagatang

"Ang paglalakbay nina Roadey at Safey."

Layunin nitong maturuan ang mga bata kung papaano magiging ligtas at makakaiwas sa aksidente o

sakuna sa kalsada.

Sa mensaheng ipinaabot ni Batangas Mayor Eddie Dimacuha, binati niya ang pamunuan ng Shell sa

paglulunsad ng proyekto na malaki aniya ang maitutulong sa kaligtasan ng mga kabataan.

Labintatlong paaralan sa lungsod ang pagkakalooban ng 100 kopya ng komiks ng PSPC upang mabasa

ng mga mag-aaral dito. Nagkaroon din ng isang comedy skit na halaw sa nasabing komiks at

ginampanan ng BSU IS Cultural Guild.

Ang pamamahagi ng nasabing komiks ay bahagi ng Road Safety Camp project ng PSPC para sa mga

mag-aaral sa elementarya at sekondarya mula sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa lungsod.

Dito ay binibigyan sila ng libreng pagsasanay tungkol sa pag-iwas sa mga road accidents na syang

pangatlo sa listahan ng dahilan ng kamatayan.

Ito ay ginaganap tuwing Mayo bilang bahagi ng Batangas Road Safety for Children Program ng PSPC

upang mapangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng mga bata na siyang malimit biktima ng sakuna sa kalsada.

Dumalo sa nabanggit na okasyon ang mga ahensyang katuwang ng PSPC sa pagtataguyod ng

naturang proyekto kagaya ng Transportation Development and Regulatory Office (TDRO) sa Batangas

City, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Education at ang PNP-Highway Patrol Group ng

Batangas.

Pagkatapos ng launching ay nagsagawa ng re-echo seminar ang mga road safety mentors kung saan

tinalakay sa bawat booth ang mga paksa kagaya ng Road Signs and Signals, Commuter/Passenger

Safety, Bike and Motorcycle Safety, General Road Conduct, Basic First Aid, Basic Concepts in

Defensive Driving, Batangas City Traffic Rules and Regulations at Vehicle Permits and Licensing.

Sunod namang proyekto ng PSPSC ang pagkakaroon ng handbook tungkol pa rin sa road safety at ang

pagdedeklara ng Road Safety Day sa lahat ng mga paaralan sa lungsod ng Batangas. (Ronna Endaya

Contreras, PIO Batangas City)

E. RIZAL

1. Tagalog news: Malnutrisyon, pinagtuunan ng pansin sa Antipolo

City

By Gideon Gapayao

Tuesday 6th of August 2013

LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Agosto 6 (PIA) --Bilang pakikibahagi sa pagdiriwang ng Nutrition Month,

mahigit 1,000 mag-aaral mula sa Sumilang Elementary School ang nabiyayaan sa ginanap na 1st

Regional Nutrition Service Caravan kung saan pinagtuunan ang malnutrisyon.

Ito ay pinangunahan ng Regional Development Council (RDC) at ng National Nutrition Council (NNC)

ng Rehiyon IV-A Calabarzon sa pakikipagtulungan ng pamahalaang panglungsod ng Antipolo at ng

pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Rizal.

Ayon kay Mayor Jun Ynares, napapanahon ang nasabing aktibidad dahil isa sa prayoridad ng kanyang

administrasyon ang pagresolba sa malnutrisyon sa lungsod. Sa kasalukuyan, ang lungsod ng Antipolo

ang isa sa may pinakamataas na kaso ng malnutrisyon sa buong rehiyon ng Calabarzon.

Inaamin ko na hanggang sa kasalukuyan, ang dumaraming kaso ng malnutrisyon ay nakaka-bahala.

Patuloy ko pa ring tinitingnan ang sanhi nito at nagsasagawa ng muling pag-aaral sa programang pang-

nutrisyon ng siyudad upang matugunan ito. Kailangan ng mga kaukulang pagtatama at pagbabago sa

programang ito, ayon kay Mayor Ynares.

Ang mga mag-aaral sa elementarya at day care ay nakinabang sa ibat ibang aktibidad ng nutrition

caravan tulad ng medical at dental mission, nutrition assessment at counseling, mga lecture, film

showing, information campaign, deworming at iba pa.

Higit pa rito, ang mga pamilya, lalo na ang mga magulang ay nagpahayag ng suporta sa nasabing

programa sa pangakong kanilang lubos na pangangalagaan ang kalusugan ng kanilang mga anak sa

pamamagitan ng pagpapakain sa kanila ng gulay at mga bungang-kahoy.

Samantala, namahagi naman ng seedlings at food packs ang City Environment and Natural Resources

Office sa mga benepisyaryo ng Food-For-Work program, na naglalayong hikayatin ang mga pamilya

na maging self-sufficient sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanim.

Bilang pagtatapos ng nutrition caravan, isang ceremonial tree planting ang isinagawa ng mga kawani

ng RDC, NNC at pamahalaang lungsod ng Antipolo na pinangungunahan ni Mayor Ynares. Sa tagumpay

ng nasabing programa, tiwala si Mayor Jun Ynares na ang kanyang adminstrasyon ay makatutugon sa

lumalaking insidente ng malnutrisyon sa mga kabataan ng lungsod. (CPG/GG-Rizal PIO)

2. Antipolo City offices temporarily relocated

By Gideon Gapayao

Monday 5th of August 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, August 5 (PIA) --Antipolo city government offices will be relocated to three

venues starting Monday, August 5 due to the renovation of the city hall.

According to the LGU the Ynares Center Multi Purpose Rooms, Gender and Development Center along

Sumulong Park and Lores Building 2nd Floor at M.L. Quezon St., Antipolo City will house the offices in

order to resume their respective functions.

The Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Administrator, City Councilors offices together with several departments

such as the Treasurers Office, Assessors Office, Business Processing and Licensing Office, Human

Resources Management Office, Budget Office, Accounting Office, General Services Office and others

can be located at the Ynares Center.

Some offices located at the GAD Center are the Public Employment Services Office, City Social Welfare

Office, Veterans Office, Local Civil Registrar, Tourism Office, Veterinary Office, Agriculture Office, and

City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office among others.

Meanwhile offices such as the City Library, Commission on Audit, Commission on Elections,

Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Agrarian Reform as well as

national government agencies are housed at the Lores Building. (GG-PIA4A with reports from Antipolo

PIO)

06 AUGUST 2013.

1. President Aquino to keynote opening ceremonies of Livestock 2013 Wednesday

2. President Aquino declares August 30 as special non-working day in Mandaue City in the

province of Cebu

3. Aquino leads welcome ceremony for new warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz

4. Aquino meets security cluster, sees arrest of Cotabato bombers soon

1. President Aquino to keynote opening ceremonies of Livestock 2013 Wednesday

President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of Livestock 2013 that will be held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Wednesday, August 7. Dubbed as the Philippines No.1 Trade Event for Livestock Nutrition, Animal Health and Production and Meat Industry, Livestock Philippines 2013 will bring in over 500 key decision-makers including integrators, farmers, feed millers, manufacturers and traders of feed ingredients, additives, supplements and premixes, meat and meat products processors, farm equipment fabricators and suppliers, slaughterhouse operators, veterinarians, veterinary drugs and products manufacturers, and other industry stakeholders from across the country as well as other neighboring countries. It will provide a platform to showcase state-of-the-art technology, equipment and machineries deemed to improve production efficiency for those in the livestock industry. With the theme "Food Security through Feeds Safety," Livestock Philippines 2013 will focus on providing solutions to the continuing challenges faced by the Livestock and Poultry Feeds Manufacturers, Traders of traditional and alternative Feed Ingredients, Additives, Supplements and Pre-mixes, and the Livestock and Poultry Producers and Raisers, in general, which is, to nourish food-animals with safe quality feeds and fulfill the vision of feeding the world with wholesome food of animal origin. Joining the President will be Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Assistant Secretary for Livestock Davinio Catbagan. PND (rck)

TOP

2. President Aquino declares August 30 as special non-working day in Mandaue City in the province of Cebu

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared August 30, which falls on a Friday, as a special (non-working) day in the city of Mandaue in the province of Cebu, in celebration of its 44th Charter Day. The Chief Executive issued the declaration, through Proclamation No. 628 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on July 30 to give the people of Mandaue City the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. Mandaue became a chartered city on August 30, 1969 by virtue of Republic Act No. 5519. It is one of the highly urbanized cities in the central Visayas region. PND (js)

TOP

3. Aquino leads welcome ceremony for new warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: President Benigno S. Aquino III led Tuesday the welcome rites for BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the countrys second Hamilton-class cutter that arrived from the United States last week.

In his message during the welcome ceremony, the President challenged the members of the Philippines Navy to live

by the spirit of Commodore Ramon Alcarazs bravery in the fight against Japanese invaders during World War II.

Kaya naman ang hamon ko sa buong Hukbong Dagat at sa mga kawal na sasampa sa barkong ito: Isabuhay ninyo ang katapangan at pananagutan ng mga Pilipinong hindi nag-atubiling mag-alay ng dugot pawis para sa kapakanan ng kanilang kapwa at bandila, the President said.

The arrival of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the Philippiness first Hamilton-class cutter, has improved the Navys ability to guard the countrys boarder and defend its sovereignty.

With the BRP Ramon Alcaraz augmenting the Philippiness naval fleet, the country could widen and speed up its patrols in its exclusive economic zone, the President said.

The new ship could help the government fight crimes, heighten its ability to conduct search and rescue operations, and protect its maritime resources, he added.

Since assuming office, the President said his administration focused on improving the militarys ability to do its duty by modernizing its equipment and giving its personnel proper training.

In the last three years of his administration, the President said the government spent P27.62 billion for the AFP Modernization Program. This figure surpassed the expenditure of the previous administration with only P26.2 billion spent in more than nine years.

Noong nakaraang taon, nilagdaan na rin natin ang Revised AFP Modernization Act, na nagpatibay sa labinlimang taong ekstensiyon ng programa, kaakibat ang paglalaan ng P75 bilyong pondo sa unang limang taon ng implementasyon nito, he said.

Aside from enhancing their capability, the government also has programs to improve the lives of ordinary soldiers that include giving them decent housing and livelihood, having in mind that by helping soldiers, they could focus more in doing their duties.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the US government for helping the Philippines strengthen its military. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz was turned over to the Philippine government through the Excess Defense Articles program.

Among those who joined the President Tuesday were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, US Ambassador Harry Thomas, General Emmanuel Bautista, Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rodolfo Isorena and Subic freeport local officials.

The warship was named after Ramon Alcaraz, a member of the Philippine Navy who fought alongside the US forces during the World War II.

Alcaraz, who was part of the offshore patrol of the Philippine Navy, shot down three low-flying Japanese planes off Bataan in January 1942.

He went to the US after leaving the Navy and became part of several movements advocating equity and justice for Filipino war veterans. Although living in the US, Alcaraz never forgot his roots and love of country. He died on June 25, 2009, in Orange County, California. PND (as)

TOP

4. Aquino meets security cluster, sees arrest of Cotabato bombers soon

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: President Benigno S. Aquino III said he is meeting Tuesday afternoon the Cabinet Security cluster to discuss the bombing in Cotabato City that killed eight people.

In an interview with the media here, the President mentioned the limitations of the military and the police but he said he believes authorities could bring the perpetrators to justice soon.

At this time, he said the police has suspects who have been the objects of the government concern for a very long time. He said however that authorities at this point are not sure whether these suspects were the ones who carried out the Cotabato City attack.

Authorities are encountering difficulties in going after the suspects because of the limited manpower, he said. Despite the rapid increase in the countrys population, the number of the members of the police has not changed since the mid-80s, according to the President.

At the same time, the President said there are groups who want to derail the ongoing peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Huwag nating kalimutan na meron talagang mga ilang sektor na ayaw magpatuloy yung ating peace process. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayo parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para ma-prevent lahat ito, he said.

Talagang ang mga terrorist by their nature, iilan lang sila, tagong-tago. Pero palagay ko mahahanap rin natin sila in

the near future.

The government has been negotiating peace with the MILF and has signed the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace last year. Both sides are in the final stages of the talks and have agreed on sensitive points such as wealth sharing.

Asked if he thinks that the recent Mindanao attacks have something to do with the global alert issued by the US against Al Qaeda, he said he has not seen any indicators that thats the case.

He said investigators are not ruling out all angles and their inquiry includes terrorism, political, and criminal groups.

A powerful bomb apparently rigged to a vehicle exploded in Cotabato City on Monday afternoon, killing at least eight people and injuring some 30 others, including policemen.

The bomb exploded as a bulletproof SUV, carrying the Cotabato City administrator, was passing by.

The city administrator wasnt hurt, but two of her police bodyguards in a security van were killed, officials said. It was unclear if the administrator was the target of the attack. PND (as)

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06 AUGUST 2013.

1. Panauhin ang Pangulong Aquino sa pagbubukas ng Livestock 2013

2. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Agosto 30 na ika-44 taon ng Lungsod ng Mandaue sa lalawigan ng Cebu

3. Pinangunahan ni Aquino ang pagsalubong sa bagong pandigmang BRP Ramon Alcaraz

4. Pinulong ni Aquino ang security cluster, nagpahayag ng pag-asa na madarakip ang nagpasabog ng bomba sa Lungsod ng Cotabato

1. Panauhin ang Pangulong Aquino sa pagbubukas ng Livestock 2013

Panauhing pandangal at mananalumpati ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa pagbubukas ng Livestock 2013 na nakatakdang ganapin sa SMX Convention Center sa Lungsod ng Pasay Miyerkoles, Agosto 7. Dadalo sa kapulungang ito ang mahigit na 500 kinatawan ng mga magsasaka, integrators, feed millers, meat and meat products processors, farm equipment fabricators and suppliers, may-ari ng mga katayan ng hayop, beterinaryo gumagawa ng veterinary drugs and products at iba pang may kaugnayan sa industriyang ito sa buong bansa at mga kalapit-bansa man. Tinaguriang No. 1 Trade Event for Livestock Nutrition, Annual Health and Production and Meat Industrry ang Livestock Philippines na magiging daan upang matalakay nang puspusan ang stateof-the-art technology and equipment upang mapabuti pang lalo ang produksiyon ng mga nasa larangan ng livestock industry. Paksang-diwa ng kapulungan ang Food Security Through Feeds Safety, ang Livestock Philippines 2013 ay magtutuon ng pansin sa paglulunas sa mga suliraning kinakaharap ng Livestock and Poultry Feeds Manufacturers, gayundin ng mangangalakal ng tradisyunal at alternative Feed Ingredients, Additives, Supplements and Pre-mixes, at Livestock and Poultry Producers and Raisers na ang pakay ay magkaroon nang ligtas, mataas na uri at angkop na pagkain ang mga alagang hayop na para sa pagkain. Makakasama ng Pangulo sa pagtitipong ito sina Kalihim Proceso Alcala ng Pagsasaka at Assistant Secretary for Livestock Davinio Catbagan. PND (rck/zaf)

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2. Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino na pista opisyal ang Agosto 30 na ika-44 taon ng Lungsod ng Mandaue sa lalawigan ng Cebu

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Agosto 30, natapat sa araw ng Biyernes, bilang pista opisyal (special non-working day) sa Lungsod ng Mandaue sa lalawigan ng Cebu bilang pagdiriwang ng ika-44 Taon ng naturang lungsod.

Ang deklarasyon ay ginawa ng Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 628 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Hulyo 30, upang bigyan nang lubos na pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Mandaue na ipagdiwang nang angkop at lahukan ang mga seremonyang kaugnay ng anibersaryo ng naulit na lungsod. Naging lungsod ang Mandaue noong Agosto 30, 1969 sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Republika Bilang 5519. Isa ang Mandaue sa pinakamaunlad na lungsod sa rehiyon ng Gitnang Kabisayaan. PND (js)

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3. Pinangunahan ni Aquino ang pagsalubong sa bagong pandigmang BRP Ramon Alcaraz

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT) Pinangunahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang seremonya ng pagsalubong sa BRP Ramon Alcaraz, ang ikalawang barkong Hamilton-class cutter ng bansa na dumating buhat sa Estados Unidos noong nakaraang linggo. Hinamon ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga tauhan ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas na mamuhay nang naaalinsunod sa simulain at katapangan ni Komodor Ramon Alcaraz sa pakikibaka sa mga manlulupig na Hapones noong Ika-2 Digmaang Pandaigdig. Kaya naman ang hamon ko ss Hukbong Dagat at sa mga kawal na sasampa sa barkong ito: Isabuhay ninyo ang katapangan at pananagutan ng mga Pilipinong hindi nag-atubiling mag-alay ng dugo at pawis para sa kapakanan ng kanilang kapuwa at bandila, sabi ng Pangulo. Bumuti ang kakayahan ng Hukbong Dagat na bantayan at ipagtanggol ang mga hanggahan ng bansa nang dumating ang BRP Gregorio del Pilar, ang kauna-unahang Hamilton-class cutter ng Pilipinas. Ngayong may BRP Ramon Alcaraz na nadagdag sa Lakas-Pandagat ng Pilipinas, lalong mapag-iibayo at mapabibilis ng bansa ang pagpapatrulya sa ating exclusive economic zone, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Makatutulong ang bagong bapor na ito sa pagbaka ng pamahalaan sa mga krimen, gayundin sa magiging ibayong kakayahan militar na magsagawa ng search and rescue operations at pangalagaan ang ating mga yamang dagat, dagdag ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na sapul nang manungkulan siya, itinuon ng administrasyon niya ang pansin sa pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng militar na gampanan ang sagutin at tungkulin nito sa pamamagitan ng mga makabagong kagamitan at angkop na pagsasanay sa mga tauhan ng Hukbo. Binanggit ng Pangulo na sa nakaraang tatlong taon ng administrasyon niya, gumugol ang pamahalaan ng P27.62 bilyon para sa AFP Modernization Program. Ang halagang ito ay higit na malaki sa ginugol ng nakaraang administrasyon na umabot lamang sa P26.2 bilyon sa loob ng mahigit na siyam na taon nitong pagkaluklok sa tungkulin. Noong nakaraang taon, nilagdaan na rin natin ang Revised AFP Modernization Act na nagpatibay sa 15 taong ekstensiyon ng programa, kaakibat ang paglalaan ng P75 bilyong pondo sa unang limang taon ng pagpapatupad nito, pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo. Bukod sa pagpapalakas ng kaakayahan ng Hukbong Sandatahan, sinabi ng Pangulo na ang pamahalaan ay may mga programa pa rin upang mapabuti ang buhay ng mga karaniwang kawal. Kabilang dito ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga disenteng pabahay at kabuhayan nang ang nasa isip, sa pagtulong sa mga kawal, higit nilang maitutuon ang kanilang panahon sa pagsasagawa ng kanilang mga tungkulin. Nagpasalamat din ang Pangulo sa pamahalaan ng Estados Unidos sa pagtulong sa Pilipinas upang mapalakas ang militar nito. Ang BRP Ramon Alcaraz ay ipinagkaloob sa pamahalaang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng Excess Defense Articles program. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagdalo sa seremonya rito sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Bansa, Embahador Harry Thomas ng Estados Unidos, Heneral Emmanuel Bautista, Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Komandant Rodolfo Isorena ng Philippine Coast Guard, gayundin ang mga lokal na pinuno rito. Ang bapor pandigma ay isinunod ang pangalan kay Ramon Alcaraz, isang tauhan ng Lakas na Pandagat ng Pilipinas na buong giting na nakipaglabang kaagapay ng mga kawal-Amerikano noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Kabilang si Alcaraz sa offshore patrol ng Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas. Binaril niya at napabagsak ang tatlong eroplanong Hapones na mababa ang lipad sa may baybayin ng Bataan noong Enero 1942. Pagkatapos magretiro sa Hukbong Dagat, si Alcaraz ay nagtungo sa Estados Unidos at naging kaisa sa maraming kilusang nagtataguyod ng pantay at makatarungang pagtingin sa mga Pilipinong beterano ng digmaan. Bagaman nanirahan siya sa Estados Unidos, hindi kailanman nakalimutan ni Alcaraz ang kanyang pinagmulan at ang pag-ibig sa sariling bayan. Binawian ng buhay si Alcaraz noong Hunyo 25, 2009 sa Orange County, California. PND (as/zaf)

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4. Pinulong ni Aquino ang security cluster, nagpahayag ng pag-asa na madarakip ang nagpasabog ng bomba sa Lungsod ng Cotabato

SUBIC BAY FREEPORTPupulungin ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Cabinet Security cluster Martes ng hapon tungkol sa pambobomba sa Lungsod ng Cotabato na ikinasawi ng walo katao at ipinagkasugat ng 30 iba pa. Sa panayam ng media rito, binigyang diin ng Pangulo na naniniwala siyang hindi maglalaon at madarakip ng mga alagad ng batas ang may kagagawan ng pambobombang nasabi. Sinabi ng Pangulo na may mga pinaghihinalaan ang mga pulis na mga taong matagal na matagal nang kumakalaban sa pamahalaan. Gayunman, idinugtong niya na inaalam pa ng mga alagad ng batas kung ang mga pinaghihinalaan ay siyang may kagagawan ng pagpapa-sabog ng bomba sa Lungsod ng Cotabato. Nahihirapan ang mga alagad ng batas sa pagtugis sa mga pinaghihinalaan dahil na rin sa kakulangan ng mga tauhan. Sa kabila ng mabilis na paglaki ng populasyon ng bansa, ang bilang ng mga pulis ay hindi nagbabago buhat pa noong kalagitnaan ng 1980s, paliwanag ng Pangulo. Kaalinsabay pa nito, sabi ng Pangulo, may mga grupong ang hangarin ay biguin ang kasalukuyang usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front o ang MILF. Huwag nating kalimutan na mayroon talagang ilang sektor na tutol magpatuloy ang ating proseso ng kapayapaan. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayong parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para maiwasan ang lahat nang ito, dugtong ng Pangulo. Nakikipagnegosasyon ang gobyerno sa MILF at nalagdaan na ang Framework Agreement para sa kapayapaan sa Mindanao noong isang taon. Ang dalawang panig ay nasa mga huling yugto na ng usapan at nagkasundo na sa maraming maseselang bagay na tulad ng hatian ng kayamanan. Nang tanungin kung sa palagay niya ay may kinalaman ang pagsalakay sa Mindanao sa global alert na inilabas ng Estados Unidos laban sa Al Qaeda, sinabi ng Pangulo na wala siyang nakikitang ano mang palatandaang ganito. Gayunman, sinabi rin ng Pangulo na lahat ng anggulo ay pinag-aaralan ng mga imbestigador at sa kanilang mga pagsisiyasat ay kabilang ang terorismo, pulitika at grupong criminal. Malakas na bombang inilagay sa isang sasakyan sa Lungsod ng Cotabato noong Lunes ng hapon ang pinasabog at kumitil ng buhay ng walong tao at sumugat sa 30 iba pa, kabilang ang ilang pulis. Sumambulat ang bomba habang dumaraan ang bulletproof SUV na sinasakyan ng administrador ng Lungsod ng Cotabato. Hindi nasaktan ang administrador, subalit dalawa sa bodyguard niyang pulis na sakay ng security van ang napatay, ayon sa mga pinuno. Hindi pa malinaw kung ang naturang administrador ang pakay sa pambobombang nasabi. PND (as/zaf)

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President S. Aquino III's Speech during the Arrival Ceremony of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF16) Alava Pier, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City, Zambales

06 August 2013 Ngayong araw, sinasalubong at binibigyang-pugay natin ang Hukbong Dagat na matagumpay na naglayag mula sa Estados Unidos, upang maihatid sa ating sariling pampang ang ikalawang Hamilton Class Cutter ng Pilipinasang BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga tauhan at opisyal ng barkong ito, sa pangunguna ni Captain Ernesto Baldovino na nagtimon sa maayos at mapayapang paglalakbay ng ating pinakabagot modernong barko. Sa pagdating ng BRP Alcaraz sa ating bansa, pinapatunayan natin ang hangarin nating magkaroon ng sandatahang tunay na may kakayahang ipagtanggol ang sambayanan. Kaya naman ang hamon ko sa buong Hukbong Dagat at sa mga kawal na sasampa sa barkong ito: Isabuhay ninyo

ang katapangan at pananagutan ng mga Pilipinong hindi nag-atubiling mag-alay ng dugot pawis para sa kapakanan ng kanilang kapwa at bandila. Isipin na lamang ninyo ang katapangang ipinamalas ni Commodore Ramon Alcaraz noong kalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig: siyam na zero fighters ng Hapon, laban sa nag-iisang Q-boat na yari sa kahoy, pero nakapagpabagsak pa si Commodore Alcaraz ng tatlo sa siyam na ito at matagumpay na naibalik ang kaniyang Q-boat. Ibig sabihin: dehado sa gamit,dehado sa sitwasyon, dehado sa kasanayan, pero hindi siya nagpatinag sa kalaban. Nagawang daigin ni Commodore Alcaraz ang tila napaka-imposibleng sitwasyon dahil mulat siyang walang ibang magtatanggol sa ating bansa kundi tayo rin lang. At ngayon, ang kanyang pangalan ay hindi na lamang mga letrang nakaukit sa Dambana ng Kagitingan o nakapinta sa pisngi ng ating pinakabagong barko; higit sa lahat, habambuhay na itong nakaukit sa pusot isipan ng bawat Pilipino. Balita kot hitik din sa kasaysayan at simbolismo ang dinaanang mga lugar ng ating bagong barko: Sa Pearl Harbor kung saan nagbalik-tanaw kayo sa mga Pilipinong nagpamalas ng giting at paninindigan sa pagtatanggol ng bansa noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig; at sa Guam kung saan minsang ipinatapon ang gaya ni Apolinario Mabini na nakipaglaban para sa ating kasarinlan. Sumasalamin ito, hindi lamang sa pagpapahalaga natin sa mga aral ng ating nakaraan, kundi pati na rin sa kahandaan ng ating Hukbong Dagat na tuparin ang kanilang mandato: ang paglingkuran ang ating bandila, bantayan ang ating soberanya, at pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan. At hindi nga po maikakailang napakalaki ng naiambag ng BRP Gregorio del Pilarang ating unang Hamilton Class Cutterupang mas mahusay na magampanan ng Hukbong Dagat ang kanilang tungkulin. Sa tulong nito, naging mas pangmatagalan, mas malawak, at mas mabilis ang pagtatanod sa ating mga baybayin. At ngayong narito na rin ang BRP Alcaraz, tiyak na lalo pang mapapaigting ang pagpapatrolya natin sa Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone; at ang kakayahan nating sugpuin ang anumang banta at masasamang elemento, tumugon sa search and rescue operations, at sa pangangalaga ng ating mga yamang-dagat. Ganitong mga positibong resulta ang nagbibigay-lakas sa ating pamahalaan upang lalo pang isulong ang modernisasyon sa ating kasundaluhan. Binubura na po natin ang dating imahen ng kulang-kulang na kagamitan at pahirapang kalagayan ng ating mga kawal ng bayan. Sa loob ng tatlong taon nating panunungkulan, umabot na sa 27.62 billion pesos ang ating ginugol para sa AFP Modernization Program. Hinigitan na natin ang 26.27 billion pesos na ginastos para sa inyong modernisasyon sa nakalipas na mahigit siyam na taon bago tayo maupo sa katungkulan. Noong nakaraang taon, nilagdaan na rin natin ang Revised AFP Modernization Act, na nagpatibay sa labinlimang taong ekstensiyon ng programa, kaakibat ang paglalaan ng pitumput limang bilyong pisong pondo sa unang limang taon ng implementasyon nito. Hindi naman rito natatapos ang ating pagkalinga sa mga kawal ng bayan. Nariyan din po ang patuloy na pagkakaloob ng disente at abot-kayang pabahay, pati na rin ang paglulunsad ng mga programang pangkabuhayan para sa ating kasundaluhan. Kompiyansa tayong sa pagtugon sa mga pangangailangan, at pagtutok sa kapakanan ng ating mga kawal, lalo natin silang nabibigyang-lakas upang itaguyod ang seguridad ng bansa, at mauna sa pagsusulong ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Gaya ng lagi, matuwid na paggastos ng pondo ang ipinapairal natin, tinitiyak natin ang salaping para sa ating mga sundalo ay napupunta sa makabuluhang serbisyo at benepisyo. Patuloy nating patitibayin ang puwersa ng ating mga unipormadong hanay, kasabay ng pagpapalakas at pagtutok sa kapakanan ng mga mas nangangailangan. Makakaasa kayo sa bawat pagsubok at laban na kailangang lampasan; nasa panig ninyo ang ating pamahalaan, handang kumalinga at umalalay. Malinaw po: Posible lamang ang ganap na kaunlaran kung may tunay na kaayusan at kapayapaan sa ating bayan. Narating po natin ang yugtong ito ng ating kasaysayan dahil sa mga kawal na handang ialay ang buhay para sa kapakanan ng ating bansa. Naging posible ang pagbabagong tinatamasa natin ngayon dahil sa mga Pilipinong nagmamalasakit sa kapwa Pilipino. Ipagpatuloy lang natin ang paglalayag sa iisang direksyon, patungo sa isang payapa at masaganang kinabukasan. Sa katapusan po, nagpapasalamat rin tayo sa ating mga kaalyado, galing sa Estados Unidos, na walang tigil po sa pagtutulong sa atin sa mahabang kasaysayan. Magandang araw po, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

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ONLINE NEWS

AUGUST 6, 2013

1. Ombudsman Panel to hear DARs CARP fund mess

2. Another recruitment agency loses license

3. BSP honors its stakeholders in Davao City

4. BSP holds 2013 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for stakeholders in Davao City

5. Abused woman bounces back, becomes successful entrepreneur

6. Estero folk transfer to new homes in Bulacan

7. DOJ/NBI leads intensified operations against black sand mining

8. Tax watch: DOF uses statistics to reveal tax anomalies

9. Biazon Welcomes DOFs Proposed Organizational Reform

10. Baldoz reports on progress of MLC implementation

11. In Basilan, DOLE teaches informal sector workers how to organize and avail of livelihood opportunities

12. DTI Bulacan launches two SSFs in the towns of Sta. Maria and Bulacan

13. Government on track with inflation targets

14. PEZA Director General drums up interest among Singaporean investors

15. Philippine Teachers participate in 2nd Forum on ASEAN Traditional Music and Dance for Music Teachers in Bangkok

16. Schedule of Depositors-Borrowers Forum for the closed Rural Bank of San Jose Del Monte, Inc.

17. 3rd CES Club: Rediscovering a big part of us

18. Extension needed for poor to outgrow CCT programs, says PIDS experts

1. Ombudsman Panel to hear DARs CARP fund mess Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph

AN Ombudsman panel composed of five lawyers shall hear the formal complaint filed in connection with the alleged misuse of the P200 Million allotted for agri-business development under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales today created a Special Panel to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication of the criminal and administrative charges filed by the Field Investigation Office (FIO) after the FIO has completed its case build-up which commenced even before Benhur Luy blew the whistle on the reported pork barrel scam. Impleaded in the criminal complaint for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Falsification under Article 171, pars. (1) and (2) of the Revised Penal Code are former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary [and now party-list Representative] Nasser Pangandaman, Undersecretary Narciso Nieto, Director Teresita Panlilio, Chief Accountant Angelita Cacananta, Budget Officer Ronald Venancio, Cashier Nilda Baui, three (3) notaries public, three (3) certified public accountants, and twenty-four (24) private individuals including Benhur Luy. Facing administrative charges for Grave Misconduct, Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, Gross Neglect of Duty, and Serious Dishonesty are Pangandaman, Nieto, Panlilio, Venancio, and Baui. The FIO complaint alleges that in 2007 and 2008, the DAR officials granted funds for Agri-Business Development, Micro-Livelihood Project or Agricultural Production to seven (7) non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in violation of the Commission on Audit (COA) circular on the release of funds to NGOs and POs, and which projects appeared to have been delivered to certain municipalities in Cagayan, Pangasinan, Cavite, Dinagat Island, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur, but whose supposed beneficiaries denied having signed or received anything. The 245-page complaint identified the seven NGOs as: Philippine Agri and Social Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (PASEDFI); Agri and Economic Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (AEPFFI); Agricultura Para sa Magbubukid Foundation, Inc. (APMFI); Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation, Inc. (SDPFFI); Peoples Organization for Progress and Development Foundation, Inc. (POPDFI); Masaganang Ani para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Inc. (MAMFI); Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation, Inc. (CARED). The same Panel was also directed to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication of all other cases that may arise from or involve the utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund.

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2. Another recruitment agency loses license

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

POEA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac ordered the cancellation of license of MHHR Manpower Recruitment and Placement Agency Corporation after three instances of non-issuance of appropriate receipt, in violation of Section 2(d), Rule I, Part VI, of the POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land -based Workers. Administrator Cacdac also found MHHR Manpower liable for deploying a worker whose employment documents were not submitted to POEA for processing, and for deploying a worker to an employer not registered or accredited by the Administration (Section 2 (p) and (q) of the same Rule). In her affidavit, the complainant alleged that she applied as a household service worker with MHHR Manpower and paid a total of Php4,800 for medical test and documentation fees but no receipt was given to her. She left for Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on October 2007 but was not able to finish her two year contract. The complainant found out that she was not a registered OFW when she asked OWWA for assistance. She was not an OWWA member and has no record at the POEA.

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3. BSP honors its stakeholders in Davao City

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

Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila led the awards ceremony for stakeholders of the Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) in Regions X, XI and Caraga during the annual appreciation lunch held at The Apo View Hotel, Davao City on 6 August 2013. LTS Department Stores, Inc. was chosen as the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES) in Region XI. Established in 1978, the company is headed by its President, Ms. Jennifer Ang. Meanwhile, Southern Bee Foods Corporation (Jollibee Davao Victoria) was recognized as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms in the region. The company, which started its operations in 1993, is a franchise holder of Jollibee. Mr. Jaime T. Cruz is the Chief Executive Officer of the company. Awarded the Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments was the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) - Region X. Headed by its Regional Director Mr. Leon M. Dacanay, Jr., NEDA-Region X serves as the technical arm of the Regional Development Council. The Outstanding Partner for the Financial Learning Campaign (FLC) for Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their Beneficiaries was given to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Regional Welfare Office X. The regional office is headed by its Director, Ms. Petrona M. Bergado. st Valley Rural Bank (Lanao del Norte) was conferred the Pagtugon Award for Rural and Cooperative Banks. Headed by its President and CEO, Atty. Nicolas J. Lim, the company started its operations in 1956 and is providing rural banking services in the area. This annual event is one way by which the BSP gives recognition to BES respondents as well as to public and private institutions that have provided exemplary support to the BSPs various statistical initiatives, information requirements and advocacy programs. The stakeholders award in Davao City, which the BSP has been holding since 2004, is the second among the regional events for this year. Similar occasions will be held in other areas outside the National Capital Region (NCR) from August to October 2013. The stakeholders award in NCR was held last 16 July 2013 at the BSP Main Office.

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4. BSP holds 2013 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for stakeholders in Davao City

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

In celebration of the Bangko Sentrals 20th anniversary, the BSP will hold the 2013 Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Lunch for stakeholders in Regions X, XI and Caraga that have provided exemplary support to the BSPs statistical undertakings, information needs and advocacy programs. The event, with the theme Hand in Hand in Sustaining a Steadfast and Strong Economy will be held on Tuesday, 6 August 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Apo View Hotel, Davao City. Monetary Board Member Peter B. Favila will lead in honoring this years awardees and stakeholders. Five awards will be giventwo for the Business Expectations Survey (BES), one for the Information Sources for the Report on Regional Economic Developments, one for the Financial Learning Campaign (FLC) and one for the Pagtugon Award. The Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms and the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms will be conferred to the BES awardees in Region XI. They were selected from among the countrys top corporations in the region that are respondents to the survey. In addition, the Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments will be given to the government agency that provided the BSP with information support to have an effective scan of the environment in Region X. Furthermore, the Outstanding Partner for the Financial Learning Campaign (FLC) will be awarded to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administrations (OWWA) regional office that provided strong partnership with the BSP in the conduct of FLCs to educate Overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families on the importance of using remittances to build up savings and directing these into productive investments. Meanwhile, the Pagtugon Award for Rural and Cooperative Banks will be given to the bank that promptly responded to referrals of consumer issues in line with the advocacy of the BSP to ensure that banks are responsive and efficient in serving and protecting the interest of their clients and the public. The event in Davao City is the second leg of the BSPs regional stakeholders events which started on 30 July 2013 in Region VI and will be conducted until October 2013 in seven areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) to honor stakeholders in various awards categories. Stakeholders of the BSP in the National Capital Region (NCR) were earlier recognized during the awards ceremony held last 16 July 2013 at the BSP Main Office. This event is expected to further strengthen the partnerships between the BSP and its stakeholders in information gathering and advocacy campaigns that will help the BSP carry out its mandate of maintaining price stability and promoting financial stability as well as ensuring an effective payments and settlements system in the country.

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5. Abused woman bounces back, becomes successful entrepreneur

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

Experiencing abuse at the hands of someone who vowed to love and cherish you is a nightmare for any woman. Often, the road to recovery and the healing process take a long time, the pain buried deep inside ones heart. Lily, 42, from Ormoc City, Leyte, is a battered wife. She endured the physical and emotional abuse of her estranged husband, Mario, for the sake of keeping their family together. However, things became worse when Mario started having an affair with a 23 year-old woman, neglecting his family even more. Lily narrated that she was a plain housewife, thus, financially dependent on her husband, a skilled worker of a big company. When the company went through retrenchment, Mario received his separation pay amounting to close to two million pesos. With this amount, our family could have started anew, but my husband spent all his money on his mistress, she related.

The last straw was when Mario arrived home one day and threw a big kerosene lamp on Lily, who fortunately escaped harm. Starting anew, singlehandedly With the help of the Local Social Welfare and Development Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII, Lily went through counseling sessions and filed a case against her former husband citing RA 9262 or Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act. Being a solo parent was very hard for Lily, jobless with four children to take care of. Her determination paid off when she was hired as a storekeeper in their locality, receiving a daily wage of P120.00. Then, she became a member of a livelihood group, with other abused women from their community under the DSWDs Self Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program. Through the program, Lily and the other members of the group received an interestfree loan of P10, 000.00 each from the DSWD. The program also accesses beneficiaries to microfinance facilities and institutions for vocational and life-changing skills training provided by the DSWD and the local government unit. I began to realize my worth as a woman and observant of my personal rights, to be treated with respect and dignity. Di ako uurong (I wont withdraw), Lily emphasized referring to the legal case she filed against her husband. Determined to succeed, Lily started retailing rice in the neighborhood where she lives. Lily bought sacks of rice and a weighing scale. She profits more than a hundred pesos for each sack. Further, Lily also attended the training on flower making, as well as crafting personal and house accessories from recycled paper. Soon, she excelled in her craft. On Saturdays and Sundays, Lily worked on her collection, made of used tetra packs, which she finds in her neighborhood. To help Lily market her wares, the DSWD invited her group to participate in trade fairs during special events, such as the Departments anniversary and the National Womens Month. With her determination, Lilys transformation was short and easy. Rather than dwelling on her traumatic past, she chose to let go of the pain and move on to a productive, happier life with her children. Domestic Violence Based on the data of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the number of reported VAW cases increased from 218 in 2004 to 11,531 in 2012. The 2012 report is so far the highest number of reported VAW cases since 1997. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman said that there must be strengthening of awareness to womens rights as specified in RA 9262 that urged the women to break their silence and should report their cases to authorities. Among the different regions, Region 6 (Western Visayas) posted the highest reported VAW cases from January to December 2012 with 3,211 reported cases, accounting for 20.1 percent of the total reported VAW cases nationwide. Region 11 (Davao) comes next at 3,102 (19.4%) reported VAW cases followed by Region 7 (Central Visayas) with 2,035 reported VAW cases or 12.7 percent of the total reported VAW cases nationwide, the PNP report cited. Aside from the livelihood assistance given to victims of domestic violence like Lily, the DSWD also provides center-based and community-based programs and services. These include counseling sessions, temporary shelter, medical and psychological services, self-enhancement, skills development, legal assistance in coordination with the Department of Justice and Commission on Human Rights, referral to other government organizations and non-government organizations (NGOs) and other service providers. The DSWD continues to work closely with local government units, NGOs and other stakeholders in implementing protective and rehabilitative programs and services for abused women. With the provisions of RA 9262 firmly in place, we are hoping that the incidence of domestic violence will decrease in the coming years. The DSWD is also implementing programs to prevent domestic violence such as the Community-Based Rehabilitation Program for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence, partnership with other agencies to prevent domestic violence, Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities Program (ERPAT), and the Family Development Sessions (FDS) for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino beneficiaries, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman stated.

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6. Estero folk transfer to new homes in Bulacan

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

Teresita Soreta left her familys shanty near the San Juan River in Barangay (village) Salapan, San Juan City, before dawn Monday and excitedly went to the village covered court. Holding a folder, the 54-year-old housewife joined hundreds of her neighbors in submitting documents to personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who were processing their relocation to a government housing project in Barangay Muzon, San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan province. Soreta and her family were among the first batch of informal settlers who voluntarily agreed to tear down their

dwellings to allow the government to clear the clogged San Juan River, one of the primary waterways in Metro Manila. My children and I are very happy because we now have a chance to own a house, a smiling Soreta told the Inquirer. After four decades, we will no longer have to fear being washed away by floods during the rainy season. Unlike previous demolitions of squatter colonies in the metropolis, the clearing of the San Juan River on Monday pushed through without the usual violence and resistance from affected residents. Instead of flying rocks and glass bottles thrown by angry residents, smiles and handshakes greeted the police and other government officials who visited the site. Why should we fight the government? We understand that our house is located in a danger zone. Were actually lucky that we were given a safe place to live in, said Soretas neighbor, Leticia Manuel. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said a total of 87 families had already moved in to their new homes in San Jose del Monte Heights as of 6 p.m. Monday. Besides the keys to their new residence, they also received P18,000 in cash assistance from the DSWD. Soliman said 606 families of informal settlers from Barangay Salapan had agreed to leave the place and transfer to San Jose del Monte. 8 major waterways The families were the initial batch of the 19,440 families that the government was targeting to move from eight major waterways crisscrossing the capital of 13 million people by yearend. Public works officials have identified the San Juan River, Tullahan River, Pasig River, Maricaban Creek, Manggahan Floodway, Estero Tripa de Gallina, Estero de Maypajo and Estero de Sunog Apog as critical areas needing widening. Rainwater from Sierra Madre normally flows through these waterways before emptying into Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. Since the waterways are clogged, the rainwater overflows into the streets, leading to flooding. Some 104,000 families are living in danger zones such as canals, rivers, creeks, railroad tracks and dumps, and 60,000 households have built their homes near waterways. The families living along waterways are to be relocated by the end of President Aquinos term in 2016. Aquino has allotted P10 billion a year for the relocation of the estero-dwellers. And this is on top of the P350-billion flood control project that public works officials plan to implement in the metropolis and nearby provinces. On Aug. 2, the President issued Memorandum Order No. 57 directing Roxas to immediately spearhead the transfer of informal-settler families living precariously near estuaries, creeks and rivers in the flood-prone metropolis to decent housing sites and pave the way for the clearing of clogged waterways. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President issued the memorandum order to ensure that the relocation was coordinated under one lead agency, the DILG, headed by Roxas. After leading the flag-raising ceremony at San Juan City Hall, Roxas immediately went to the covered court to oversee the preparations for the relocation of the displaced informal settlers. Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Dinky Soliman, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, National Housing Authority (NHA) Chief Chito Cruz and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino joined him in a short sendoff program for the relocatees. Thank you Roxas went around and approached over a dozen residents who were waiting for the release of the documents on their relocation from the DSWD and NHA personnel. Good luck and thank you for your cooperation. A better life and community await you there, Roxas said as he shook hands with the displaced residents. The interior secretary also thanked San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez for her support for the national governments efforts to clear the eight primary waterways in the metropolis, which the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said were critical to its flood-control program. Roxas said the city governments assistance in explaining the need to remove squatter colonies from the San Juan River helped the national government expedite the relocation of the informal settlers. As if to show his gratitude, Roxas drove Gomezs Lexus sedan and brought her to the covered court. Let me drive you there This would not have happened if not for your leadership, Roxas told the visibly amused mayor. Gomez said the informal settlers living along the rivers and creeks were forced to evacuate to higher ground every time floodwaters inundated the city.

During the rainy season, the residents here are anxious because of the floods. For years, they had been battling that fear of getting drowned and stricken with deadly water-borne diseases, Gomez said. But now they will have a better and safer community for them and their family. Thats why I told them to be thankful to the national government, President Aquino and Secretary Roxas for giving them the opportunity to improve their lives, she said. Singson said the DPWH would start tearing down all illegal structures along the San Juan River within the week. He said the agency would also bring equipment for the dredging and widening of the waterway. The MMDA, for its part, would put up a pumping station in the area to increase the volume of water so the river can drain out the excess to Manila Bay. The overall flood-control master plan requires an increase in the carrying capacity of the drainage. We can only do this by clearing the clogged waterways. Its that simple, Singson told the Inquirer. San Juan as model Cruz said the orderly transfer of the informal settlers from Barangay Salapan would be the model for the over 19,000 more families of illegal settlers who were set to be relocated to other government housing projects. What happened here in San Juan is an example of good synergy and cooperation between the national and city governments, Roxas said. Before noon, Roxas took a 25-kilometer drive to San Jose del Monte Heights and led the formal turnover of the housing units to the beneficiaries. By Marlon Ramos, TJ Burgonio Philippine Daily Inquirer Reprinted from: http://newsinfo.inquirer

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7. DOJ/NBI leads intensified operations against black sand mining

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

Department of Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima confirmed that two successive operations were undertaken last August 1 and 3 in Cagayan and Ilocos Sur, respectively, against illegal black sand mining through the joint efforts of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), under the umbrella of the Joint DOJ-DILG-DENR Fact-Finding Committee/Task Force on Illegal Mining created under the Joint Department Order No. 002-2012 dated 10 October 2012. Cagayan Operations Last August 1, 2013, the NBI operatives and their MGB counterparts, acting on a lead given to them, proceeded to the mineral processing plants of HUA XIA MINING AND TRADING CORPORATION in Paddaya and Dodan, Aparri, Cagayan, wherein a total of eighteen (18) Chinese nationals were found illegally operating a mineral processing plant for MAGNETITE or BLACKSAND. The MGB underscored that Hua Xia Mining and Trading Corp. was a permit holder to extract sand only in Casiitan and Batangan, Gonzaga, Cagayan but not in Paddaya and Dodan in Aparri, Cagayan. Its sister corporation, the Hua Xia Resources Corporation, had a special permit to dredge and rehabilitate a river where magnetite sand unearthed from the river bed is given to them as a compensation. In Paddaya, it was discovered that nine (9) Chinese nationals were engaged in the burrow and processing of MAGNETITE SAND within the prohibited zone of 200 meters from the mean low tide level along the beach, and without a permit from the MGB. The MGB ordered the operators to cease operation and confiscated three (3) units Generator sets, three (3) units three-phase induction motor used in their operation and 1,500 metric tons more or less of magnetite concentrate already processed from said plant. A few distance from Paddaya, in Dodan, Aparri, the team found another processing plant being illegally constructed by the HUA XIA MINING and TRADING CORPORATION without the necessary permit from MGB-Region 2. Another set of nine (9) Chinese nationals were found to be in the process of constructing the plant. A Generator set was also confiscated in the NBI operation. These nine (9) Chinese nationals from Dodan, along with the other nine (9) from Paddaya, Aparri, were turned-over to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) who reported that five of the Chinese did not have passports. Verification from the Department of Labor and Employment-R02 disclosed that they were not holders of working permits. Criminal charges are being prepared against these individuals. Ilocos Sur Operations On August 3, 2013, another team led by the NBI was also dispatched by Sec. De Lima to address complaints by the community against illegal black sand mining activities in IIocos Sur. The team was composed of officers from the MGB, BI, National Prosecution Service (NPS), Philippine National Police (PNP), Naval Intelligence and Security Forces (NISF). The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and some

religious personalities were also invited as observers. The team proceeded to the designated target area along the shoreline of Bgy. Nagtupacan, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, where stockpiles of black sand concentrates were found. Extraction pumps, dredging equipment and facilities were also seen in the area. However, the mine site appeared to have been abandoned with no personnel manning the site. Two (2) marine vessels were also sighted about 100kms away from the shoreline presumably being used to transport the black sand out of the country. In a compound located approximately 500 meters away from the mine extraction site, sixteen (16) Chinese nationals were found, thirteen (13) of whom presented valid working permits while the remaining three (3) only had temporary visas. It appeared that the 13 Chinese nationals are personnel of HONGZE MINING CORPORATION. Based on initial findings, said Hongze Mining Corporation was a holder also of a special permit to dredge a river system in the area. However, it has no existing and valid permits to extract and process black sand. As of this writing, the NBI-led operation is in the process of dismantling conveyors and structures built along the beach in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur. An initial assessment from the MGB and NPS reveals that mining laws and regulations were violated by said individuals and appropriate criminal charges will be filed. Sec. De Lima expressed dismay in the proliferation of illegal black sand mining, particularly in the "no-go zones" or the prohibited zone of 200 meters from the mean low tide level along the beach. She said that "we simply cannot tolerate these illegal and immoral abuse and exploitation of our natural resources." She warned how these illegal operatives appear to use innocuous and legal processes, such as the acquisition of permits to dredge rivers, to cover-up "these nefarious and illicit activities" and promised that the DOJ/NBI will continue to lead the campaign against black sand mining. She confirmed that they are in the process of mapping out the schedule of operations against black sand mining all over the country. Sec. De Lima is asking for the continuing cooperation of the community to report all illegal mining activities to DOJ/NBI and/or the DOJ-DILG-DENR Joint Task Force. She added that "we owe it to future generations to act on this now, not later, not tomorrow but NOW."

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8. Tax watch: DOF uses statistics to reveal tax anomalies

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

Broadening the tax base has always been a goal of Secretary of Finance Cesar V. Purisima. The finance chief however stressed the need to monitor statistics specific to different taxpaying groups. As part of our tax watch campaign to increase transparency in tax payments and ask our citizenry to be conscientious in paying the right taxes, we will be regularly revealing insights about payments from taxpayers in various classifications, Purisima said. We want to raise awareness about tax payments and ask the public if the numbers we observe make sense. While the Bureau of Internal Revenue notched a 7-percent year-on-year increase in the number of income tax filers from 2011 to 2012, Purisima also highlighted a number of examples from analyses of BIR collections that signified areas for improvement and increased vigilance. Purisima noted the anomalous nature of the tax base of pawnshops to illustrate the need for reconciled statistics. Why is it that we have 5,230 pawnshops that paid in 2012, but the BSP supervises 6,301? The average tax payment for pawnshops also went down from P363,085 in 2011 to P315,812 in 2012, Purisima said. The finance secretary noted that questionable tax statistics could be found all over the Philippines, especially in some of its popular tourist traps. In Binondo, based on BIR records, there are only 120 registered restaurants. The interesting thing is, the average tax they paid in 2012 was P156,780, which is actually a decrease from 2010 of P222,000, Purisima said, referring to the crowded home of popular Chinatown eateries. This average is lower than the average tax payment of restaurants in Baguio, Tarlac, Legaspi City, and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Is that right?

In Palawan, we only have 47 restaurants that paid taxes, and those restaurants paid P353,000 on average. But data from DOT says that Palawan arrivals have increased dramatically since the Underground River was registered as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Purisima added.

The Finance Secretary also pointed out that while the BIR has managed an impressive performance in collection of income taxes, collections of value-added tax (VAT) lagged. Between 2009 and 2012, income tax collection from corporations increased by 46%. Income tax from wage-earners increased by 63%. VAT collection only increased by 19% over that period, so there is much room for improvement on VAT, added the finance chief. Statistical analysis has also revealed promising results from the implementation of the recently passed Sin Tax Law. Excise tax collections from sin products from January to May of 2013 are up 32%, despite the fifty percent drop in tobacco removals, Purisima said. Purisima left with words of advice for those who persisted in their efforts to evade tax collection.

You can run, but you cannot hide from Commissioner Henares.

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9. Biazon Welcomes DOFs Proposed Organizational Reform Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph

Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon welcomed the Department of Finance (DOF) proposal to transfer the Bureau of Customs (BOC) accreditation and post entry audit functions to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). In a briefing with the Customs media today (August 5, 2013), Biazon said, while he is generally happy with the performance of the BOCs Post Entry Audit Group (PEAG) when its revenues of over PhP 400 million in 2011 jumped to over PhP 700 million in 2013, he has no objection to the DOF proposal to transfer PEAGs function to the BIR. This will definitely be a big help for the BOC as the BIR does not only have more trained people in audit and taxation, but they also have more stringent audit procedures. Biazon said, adding that, However, there are considerations that we need to iron-out with the BIR before the DOF proposal could be a reality, like the valuation and classification issue on importations. According to Biazon, the function of PEAG is to elevate the level of compliance by importers to customs rules and procedures. As such, PEAGs role is not only about collecting the right duties on importations, but also its compliance to world customs rules and procedures in the area of classification and valuation. These are customs functions that will have to be addressed first before PEAG could be transferred to the BIR. And this compliance involves proper valuation and classification of importations, in accordance with the Tariffs and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) and World Customs Organizations (WCO) practices. Biazon said. Biazon also said, the DOF proposal to transfer the BOCs accreditation function to the BIR will help unburden the BOC of its task of seeing to it that all importers are legitimate. Prior to Biazons assumption as Customs Chief, the BOCs Interim Customs Accreditation and Registration (ICARE) was one of the problematic units of the bureau. However, with Biazons reorganization of ICARE, fictitious companies earlier registered by ICARE were delisted. The BIR would be the best agency to determine the legitimacy of companies as they have extensive records and more comprehensive procedures in verifying the real existence of companies. Biazon said. According to Biazon, the BOC is now in the midst of several reform programs, in compliance with President Simeon Benigno Aquino IIIs order to clean the BOC of misfits, curb smuggling and generate more revenues. The DOF proposal is, therefore, a welcome move which we hope to seriously explore and discuss its implementing rules and guidelines. Biazon said.

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10. Baldoz reports on progress of MLC implementation

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

"We are on track and achieving progress in the implementation of the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006." Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz stated this yesterday as she bared the progress of the Philippines in the implementation of the landmark ILO convention which serves as the Bills of Rights of seafarers. The convention provides the highest internationally-accepted standards on welfare and protection of seafarers. The MLC, 2006 will come into force on 20 August, a year after the Philippines deposited its instrument of ratification as the 30th ratifying country. Baldoz said that to ensure compliance, the DOLE, after a series of strakeholder consultations , both at the national and local levels, has issued the following orders: (1) D.O. No. 130 (Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Filipino Seafarers Onboard Philippine Registered Ships Engaged in International Voyage). This order, which took effect 3 July, covers 125 Philippine registered ships with 500 gross tonnage and above engaged in international voyage. Excluded are warships, naval auxiliaries, government ships not engaged in commercial operation, and ships of traditional build, such as pump boats and fishing vessels. (2) D.O. No. 129 (Rules and Regulations Governing the Employment and Working Conditions of Seafarers Onboard Ships Engaged in Domestic Shipping). This order took effect on 3 July and covers 8,981 Philippine registered ships engaged in domestic shipping, except warships, naval auxiliaries, government ships, and fishing vessels. (3) D.O. No. 130-A (Guidelines on the Authorization of Recognized Organizations to Conduct Inspection and Certification of Philippine Registered Ships Engaged in International Voyages). This order took effect on 19 July 2013. "In accordance with D.O. No. 130-A, the DOLE has accredited eight recognized organizations/classification societies that will inspect Philippine-registered ships engaged in international voyages and issue the Maritime Labor Certificate on behalf of the Secretary of Labor and Employment," said Baldoz. The labor and employment chief stated that the DOLE has issued the necessary compliance forms pursuant to the three orders.

The DOLE, according to Baldoz, is drafting the Guidelines on Maritime Occupational Safety and Health and the complimentarity instrument between the DOLE, Department of Transportation and Communications, MARINA, and Philippine Coast Guard to ensure coherence and coordination in the delivery of government programs and services for maritime industry stakeholders, both domestic and overseas. "With these developments, we are on track in the implementation of the MLC, 2006, the vital instrument which affords protection to approximately 368,158 Filipino seafarers deployed overseas and the estimated 59,000 seafarers plying domestic waters," Baldoz said. "The Philippines is the largest source--comprising 30 percent--of the world's more than 1.2 million seafarers. Therefore, our compliance with the MLC, 2006 will demonstrate our resolve to protect our seafarers," Baldoz noted. The MLC, 2006 completes the fourth pillar on maritime labor standards, the other three being the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS); Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of the International Maritime Organization.

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11. In Basilan, DOLE teaches informal sector workers how to organize and avail of livelihood opportunities

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

ISABELA CITY, Basilan--Consistent with the government's thrust to attain inclusive growth through productive employment, the Department of Labor and Employment-Isabela City Field Office (DOLE-ICFO) recently conducted a consultation with rural workers association in Basilan and an orientation on how to register a rural workers association, DOLE Regional Office No. 9 Director Sisinio Cano reported to Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz. "The DOLE partnered with the Isabela City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) in the conduct of the consultation and orientation, aimed at providing knowledge to RWAs on how to acquire legal personality," reported Director Cano. The orientation was unique, for it involved hands-on training on filling-up the relevant forms and preparation of attachments required for an RWA to be registered. A part of the orientation was a discussion of the DOLEs Anti-Illegal Recruitment-Trafficking In Person (AIR-TIP) efforts, particularly the Sampung Kautusan Kontra sa Illegal Recruitment, which sought to familiarize the participants on the campaign against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. Cely Cabang of the DOLE-ISFO facilitated the discussion. Eighty-three (83) participants, mostly officers of 19 RWAs, attended the multi- organization convergence meeting of different marginalized groups composed of women, the youth, fisher folks, and farmers who are potential recipients of livelihood assistance under the Self Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The consultation-cum-orientation followed the earlier conduct by the DOLE-ICFO of a series of orientation and briefing on the DOLE integrated Livelihood Program towards Community Enterprise Development for three women associations from Barangays Sta. Barbara, Sumagdang, and Lanote in Isabela City, held on 6, 12, and 22 July. A total of 210 informal sectors worker-members of the women associations attended the orientation, also participated by barangay officials who engaged the women in a dialogue for possible livelihood intervention and services for the residents of the three barangays. Director Cano reported that the DOLE-ICFO has been very active in implementing DOLE programs and in the delievery of services to the people of Basilan. "Just recently, the DOLE-ICFO had facilitated the turn-over of business starter kits worth P950,000 to 110 informal sector beneficiaries in the province. Aside from distributing tools, jigs, and equipment, the provincial field office also facilitated the enrollment of the beneficiaries to the Social Security System," reported Cano.

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12. DTI Bulacan launches two SSFs in the towns of Sta. Maria and Bulacan

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened two shared services facilities (SSFs) in Bulacan that would serve food manufacturers in the province. DTI launched a "kropek" or shrimp crackers production SSF worth P374,600 for the members of the San Francisco Multipurpose Cooperative. The cooperative will produce "kropek" so farmers in the area would have an alternative source of livelihood, DTI-Bulacan Provincial Director Zorina D. Aldana said. The SSF has a cooling rack, dishwashing sink table, electronic weighing scale, planetary mixer, stainless table, steam gas machine, and woks. Also last July 15, a dairy production SSF worth P350,000 was inaugurated in Santa Maria town. The dairy SSF has one vacuum packaging machine, two foot sealers and 10 chest-type freezers, which would extend the shelf-life of dairy goods. The 1,000 members of the Santa Maria Dairy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperat