PGMA CREATES SPECIAL NATIONAL RECONSTRUCTION COMMISSION, SALCEDA SAYS

LEGAZPI CITY ---Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda yesterday said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo created on Monday the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission to study the causes of the weather abnormalities, what actions to take to prepare the country, and the cost such actions will entail.

The commission will also handle fresh aid given by external sources to fund reconstruction efforts destroyed by typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Frank in Metro Manila and neighboring regions in Luzon.

The President made the announcement during the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) cum Cabinet meeting held Tuesday in Dagupan City.

The chief executive has signed the executive order the other day, but she said it has not yet been authorized for release by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita which explains why the E.O. still has no number.

The President said she issued the executive order because of the magnitude of the impact of the recent calamities that hit the country in the midst of the global financial crunch that also affected fiscal capacity.

The Commission was tasked to undertake a study on the causes, costs and actions to be taken in the wake of the three typhoons that caused enormous damage to the country.

It will also undertake the rehabilitation plan for wrecked infrastructure and other priorities; prioritize programs as well as oversee implementation of these programs.

The special commission that will be headed by a business leader will also raise funds, especially grants, to fund reconstruction.

It will also serve as a clearing house for international assistance implemented by donors themselves using the cluster approach.

The Chief executive designated Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and a church leader as co-chairs with all department heads and business groups, representatives of Philippine and international non-government organizations as members.

Furthermore, the Commission was also tasked to request the United Nations and the World Bank to coordinate an international pledging session.

Salceda said under his proposal the country needs to seek $1 billion fresh aid from international communities, to overcome the impact of global crisis and the magnitude of the calamity that recently wrought havoc to the country.

Salceda, a senior economic adviser of President Arroyo, said the $1-billion financial aid would finance reconstruction of various social and infrastructure programs destroyed by Tropical Storm Ondoy and Pepeng.

The fresh aid would be used to finance relocation of thousands of families displaced by the calamities at P20-billion; infrastructure rehabilitation at P21-billion; and livelihood and agriculture at P5-billion.

This totals P46-billion of which P27-billion funding to rehabilitate projects destroyed by Ondoy, P12-billion for Pepeng and P7-billion for Frank.

“The commission will operate like the original CCPAP (Coordinating Council for the Philippine Assistance Plan) headed by businessman Roberto Villanueva of AGPI. The CCPAP has since evolved into the CCPSP which operates the BOT Center under DTI, Salceda said.

The Office of Civil Defence (OCD) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to form the secretariat, key tasks are to raise funds especially grants, prioritize programs and oversee implementation. (MSArguelles, PNA/PIA)


HEAVY RAINS TRIGGER FLOODS IN ALBAY AND SORSOGON

LEGAZPI CITY --- Heavy rains spawned by a Low Pressure in the eastern part of Visayas triggered flooding and lahar to cascade down from the slopes of Mt. Mayon rendering some major roads in Albay and Sorsogon provinces temporarily impassable to both heavy and light vehicles.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol reported flooding in the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Pioduran, Libon including the cities in Ligao and Legazpi, all in Albay, and in the towns of Gubat, Prieto Diaz including Sorsogon City following a 12 hour rains pelting these places Wednesday.

OCD reports said flooding affected portions of road networks along Camalig-Guinobatan Maharlika Highway, Tagaytay road in Camalig, Libon-pantao Road in Libon. Ligao-Pioduran Road in Ligao City, Padang road in this city.

Flash floods also affected the Gubat-Prieto Diaz road and Gogon-San Isidro Sorsogon road in Sorsogon City.

Except for the Padang road in this city which was covered by heavy volume of lahar that cascaded down the slopes of Mayon volcano all these road network were now cleared by government engineers and are now open to traffic.

In Albay, Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda directed various disaster councils with flood and landslide prone areas to be on high alert and prepare for selective evacuation in case heavy rains might further trigger flooding and landslides.

He said villages prone to flooding and landslides are the towns of s Libon, Sto Domingo, Malinao, Manito, the cities of Ligao and Legazpi.

Salceda quoting PDCC report said some 172 families or 897 people from the villages in low lying areas Camalig and Guinobatan were evacuated to safer grounds on Wednesday.

Army Col. Marlou Salazar, commanding officer of the 901st Army Brigade said he has dispatch 10 Army trucks prepositioned for preemptive evacuation measures of residents threatened by flooding and landslides.

Lt. Darwin Nieva Philippine Navy, OCD Bicol spokesman, said the navy, police and DPWH Bicol have also deployed additional six trucks for evacuation purposes.

Salceda also suspended classes in the elementary and secondary level across the province as a preemptive disaster measure.

He also cancelled the Provincial Boy Scout Jamboree set on Wednesday in Manito, Albay because of the bad weather prevailing in the province. Scouters from across the province were sent home via Army trucks.

Disaster managers here, meanwhile, said flood waters submerged the main road networks leading to the town in the 1st district of Albay in barangay Padang, here..

Salceda said as a precautionary measure to prevent loss of lives he directed the various town disaster councils affected by flooding to set up holding areas as temporary evacuation sites for residents affected by flooding and landslide.

Elsewhere in Bicol, roads traversing the Maharlika Highways in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte are passable to light and heavy vehicles. (MALoterte, PIA V)


PCIC FAST TRACKS PAYMENT OF P127-M TO CALAMITY STRICKEN FARMERS

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) has announced it is now working double time to fast track the in indemnity payment of some P127 million to farmers all over the country who had been hit by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and the ensuing floods that brought heavy losses to agriculture.

The amount represents the claims or amount covered b y farmers who agreed to insure their palay and corn crops with the state-run crop insurance firm, said PCIC President Atty. Jovy C. Bernabe.

In Bicol region, the corporation will pay about P13 million to various farmers hit by the recent natural calamities, according to PCIC OIC regional manager Corazon SM. Realubit.

“Our adjusters are now working double time and have started paying farmer-clients promptly,” said Realubit.

She has also assured farmers who availed of PCIC insurance programs that the Corporation has the available funds to pay all their legitimate claims, and would be more than willing to extend help because it is part of its commitment and social responsibility to provide assistance to small and marginalized farmers.

Realubit has strongly encouraged farmers to have their crops, farm animals and other agricultural investments insured with PCIC now because climate change and other natural calamities have made farming riskier than before.

“It’s about time our farmers should realize the importance of crop insurance. Without insurance, they have lesser hope to recover and rebuild their lives from natural calamities like what we are experiencing now,” said Realubit.

“Farmers should move now. They should go to our regional office located at the 2nd floor of DBP Legazpi Branch, Quezon Avenue, Legazpi City or at any Department of Agriculture office at their municipality, so they can enroll in our various insurance programs,” Realubit added. (PCIC V/PIA)


NAGA CITY HOSTS NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRI CONFAB

NAGA CITY – Some 300 organic farming practitioners, advocates and enthusiasts have gathered since Tuesday until October 15 for the 6th National Organic Conference at the Villa Caceres Hotel here.

The conference intends to discuss current and emerging issues confronting the sector to collectively address these challenges; and to promote their products and services to the public and potential clients and link up with other sectors and institutions towards creating a more vibrant sector.

The three-day event features plenary sessions focusing on the major theme: “Sustaining the Gains of Organic Agriculture: Enhancing Biodiversity, Providing Safe and Adequate Food”. There will also be trade exhibit booths and on the third day visit to organic farms and related institutions will be conducted.

One of the highlights of the event will be the awarding ceremony for the Secretary’s Award for Outstanding Organic Agriculture Initiative. The winning LGU will receive a cash prize of P100,000 plus a project fund support worth P200,000; the outstanding certified organic farm to receive P75,000 and for the outstanding individual organic agriculture advocate a cash prize of P50,000. To cap the event a general conference resolution will be drafted and signed by all participants for the next annual national organic conference to consider.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap was invited to give the keynote address and DA undersecretary for special concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and GMA High-Value Crops national coordinator Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino to grace the occasion.

The well-chosen topics will be tackled by top caliber speakers from all over the country. These are: Organic Agriculture Challenges: Then, Now and Tomorrow” to be discussed by Director Gilberto F. Layese of the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards; Sustainable Agriculture Responds to Climate Change and Disaster,” by Fr. Francis Lucas, chairman of Asian NGO Coalition (ANGOC); PCARRD’s S&T Based Farms on Organic Agriculture by Dr. Rodolfo Ilao, acting director, ARMRD-PCARRD; Paving Market Opportunities for Organic Products by Jerry Pacturan, director of Phil. Dev’t. Assistance Program (PDAD); OPTA Experience by Mara de Tavera, president, Organic Producers & Trade Association (OPTA); Organic Certification and Introduction to Trade Fair by Leilani Limpin, director, Organic Certification Center of the Philipines (OCPC).

Congressman Proceso Alcala of Quezon province; Armi Genia Benedicto of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Negros Occidental; Mayor Romulo Solivio of Surallah, Cotabato; Fr. Ian Trillanes of Prelature Libmanan Dev’t. Foundation Initiatives will share experiences, practices, and initiatives for Organic Agriculture Promotion.

For the technology session Miller Bicaldo, manager of Pecuaria Development Coop, Inc. will present Pecuaria’s Organic Way of Farming; Keith Mekkelson of Aloha House will share experiences in making organic farm sanctuary; Morlito Apuzen of TUBAGA will share good practices in organic banana production; Dr. Susan Balingit of UPLB will discuss the benefits of organic agriculture on health and wellness; Dr. Rogelio Colting of Genguet State University will present best organic practices for sector development; and Erlinda Corsiga of Sorsogon Food Enterprise will share her success story on organic vinegar production.

Meanwhile, Andry Lim of Tribal Mission Foundation (TMF) will discuss natural farming system technology; Dr. Rodel Maghirang of UPLB will give tips on how to produce organic seeds; and, Dr. Eduardo Fajaro & Dr. Rosalie Rafael of Natividad farms will share their experience and good practices in organic hydroponics in greenhouses for large-scale vegetable farming. (EBBordado, DA/PIA)


NAVFORSOL SETS 1ST YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT

LEGAZPI CITY ---All preparations are in place for the holding of the 1st Youth Empowerment Summit 09’ set on October 23 to 25, this year sponsored by the Philippine Navy- Naval Forces
Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) here.

Navy Commodore Joel Babas, NAVFORSOL commanding officer, said the summit aims to enhance youth awareness and active participation to community-based programs, which will contribute to personality development and social consciousness.

Babas said the summit dubbed as “Kabataan, Ngayon na” will be participated in by 150 youth from Albqay at Costa Rita Resort in Sto Domingo town in Albay.

Activities will include team building sessions, promote advocacy on strengthening disaster risk management at the community level, orient each participant on climate change and its effect, and to develop youth’s social consciousness and responsibility towards community development.

The 3-day training will be carried out under the auspices of the Navy, in cooperation with the Bicol University (BU) – University Student Council and United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP), a conduit partner of NAVFORSOL, as part of the multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional approach towards the realization of the advocacy program.

“We have engaged the most dynamic and valuable stakeholder in the community, the youth sector, as our partner in youth empowerment,” Babas pointed out.

The summit expects the participants to be empowered with renewed techniques in managing their duties and responsibilities in their respective community.

The training will teach the youth to respond to the current issues and concerns of society and challenged to initiate programs or projects that they may execute in their community-based organizations for a positive change, and be more motivated in rendering service towards the betterment of their area, through, meaningful, and responsible actions.

Disaster authorities said the country is constantly visited by calamities with a high frequency of occurrence, with sever consequences in losses.

They said calamities has impacted adversely the economic development and social stability of various communities with this program, there is a need to rally the support of government and non-government institutions in order to prevent emergencies, mitigate their effects and ensure the provision to those in need.

It is in this context that the Navy and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol has collaborated on various activities to develop consciousness and implore support of various sectors on strengthening disaster risk management at the community level.

The program would focus on the need to take a proactive stance on the holistic concept of disaster risk management instead of mere disaster response and to involve and enhance the risk management capability of the local government units.

Earlier, the Navy and other members of various sectors convened the 1st Bicol Stakeholder’s Summit last August 29, 2009 here to promote DRR advocacy.

During the forum, the general assembly affirmed its unequivocal support on the passing of Senate Bill 3086 entitled: “Strengthening Philippine Disaster Risk Management by Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Management Framework, Appropriating Funds therefore and other Purposes.” (DFNieva, NAVFORSOL/PIA)


COAST GUARD BICOL LAUNCHES “BASURA MO, SAGIP BUHAY KO”

SORSOGON CITY — The Coast Guard District Bicol (CGDBCL), as part of its continuing commitment to prevent maritime incidents and save lives, had launched recently the “Basura Mo, Sagip Buhay Ko” project in this city.

Lt.JG Jose Ronnie T. Ong, newly installed Coast Guard Sorsogon City Station Commander, said that the project launching was successfully realized with a pilot distribution of improvised life saving device to at least eight marginalized fisher folks.

Ong said that aside from the first eight recipients, another six fishermen will benefit for their next round of distribution targeting an initial fourteen beneficiaries before October ends.

“This is a very simple project but can save lives of people particularly the fisher folks who do not have the capacity of buying commercially available life saving equipment such as life jacket due to monetary constrain,” he said.

“Also, with the flooding that happens everywhere now in the country, life saving equipment is a must to every residents particularly those living in low-lying or easily flooded areas for their own survival,” he added.

Ong bared that the success and the positive feedback of the community during the initial distribution in this city has challenged them to produce more life saving device for the many who need it most.

According to him, the initial distribution did not only manifest the PCG and private entities’ cooperation to produce an efficient and less expensive cost of a life saving device for the people, but also taught the community of the importance and value of self reliance, instilling in them the value that not all things are to be bought.

“In a way, CGDBCL had given them an idea and taught them to be self sufficient in fabricating their own life saving device through the samples we had distributed utilizing “basura” or waste materials,” Ong further said.

It can be noted that ‘Basura Mo, Sagip Buhay Ko”, conceptualized by PCG Bicol Region District Commander Capt. Elson E. Hermogino, was launched as a project on August 9, 2009, initially requesting the region’s chain of restaurants, food manufacturers, and chemical companies to donate empty 4 liter gallon size plastic containers for the project’s kick off activities.

The project’s goal is to fabricate an improvised life saving device made of 2 empty plastic galloon (1 gal. capacity size), 1 empty galloon (1 liter capacity size), 1 ½ meter length (3/4” diameter) nylon rope, bolt and nut (size 5/16 x 3/4), 2 pcs, washer, marine epoxy adhesive and orange color paint to be distributed to the fisher folks in the region to address survivability at sea and much more to save lives during any maritime disaster.

“Much more, this initiative is also a response to the Solid Waste Management Program implemented by the national government,” said Ong. (BARecebido, with reports from RTOng, PCG/PIA)


NAVFORSOL COMMEMORATES 7TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY

LEGAZPI CITY– Commodore Joel Babas AFP, commander of Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) led the culmination of the 7th Foundation Anniversary through a series of simple but meaningful activities last October 5 at the navy headquarters here.

In his message to the Fleet-Marine Team, Babas stressed, “We will work as a pride of the Philippine Navy and as a vital partner of Southern Luzon Command towards peace and progress in our area of operations.

Babas added, “We must stand together as one with one heart for us to face all of the challenges that lie ahead. As God Gives to see the light, let us drive to finish the work we have at hand. We must do everything which would foster real peace between the command and other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and so with the civilian sector.”

Earlier, the command led several activities benefiting Team NAVFORSOL and its foremost stakeholders, the community, highlighted by tree planting, feeding program, Handog sa Kapus- Palad, media night, and the anniversary ball.

On the other hand, NAVFORSOL ladies, led by Mrs. Josie Babas, spearheaded an Outreach Program for the Special Education Center here, with a feeding program and orientation on dental hygiene. The children were also treated to a day filled with laughter.

Furthermore, “Handog Para sa mga Kapus Palad” was formally launched with Social Action Center (SAC) and United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNAP) as conduit partners. The program intends to give wheelchair to deserving beneficiaries from indigent families in Bicol.

To help sustain, further strengthen relationship, and express gratitude to the unwavering support of the media, the Public Affairs Office of NAVFORSOL, lead by Lt Darwin F Nieva PN, hosted a night for the press people.

Finally, NAVFORSOL personnel, together with their families, were ushered to a time honored tradition Navy Anniversary Ball. The activity was held at the newly rehabilitated “Fleet-Marine Quarterdeck” a newly refurbished facility that shall cater to activities to uplift the moral and welfare of personnel. (DFNieva, NAVFORSOL/PIA)


PGMA vows to intensify infrastructure investments to sustain growth

MANILA — The current administration will pursue poverty amelioration program even as it tackles the grim task of rehabilitation to address the damage left behind by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” in the past three weeks and typhoon “Frank” last year.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made the assurance before local and foreign investors as well as members of the diplomatic corps during the mid-year economic briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel today.

According to the President, her administration will work aggressively to ensure growth, generate jobs, and increase revenue.

“We will continue with the Economic Resiliency Program, and its key components: the conditional cash transfers and emergency employment. With government support and the hard work of our people, we will maintain growth and intensify investment in infrastructure, especially post-calamity reconstruction,” she said.

Yesterday, the President announced the creation of the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission to determine the cost of rehabilitation and raise the fund to cover that cost.

The country, said the President, would push for grants or non-repayable inflows; concessional loans such as the zero-interest yen loan package from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); and, as a last option, commercial borrowings either through bonds or other instruments.

The President added calamity victims should not be penalized with high interest rates.

“We are grateful to the UN for launching a flash appeal to mobilize grants. We count on Congress for a joint resolution authorizing us to avail ourselves of what we call an ‘unprogrammed provision’,” she said.

Through the commission, the President pointed out, the government will coordinate an international pledging session with the UN and the World Bank.

“A special pledging session would tap into the huge underlying global constituency for climate change adaptation. It would capitalize on ongoing discussions and negotiations leading to Copenhagen. Even in Bangkok, the Philippine case was widely cited as proof for the need for adaptation financing. We should use the umbrella of the UN framework, not just the World Bank,” she added.

Depending on the recommendation of the special commission, the President pointed out that the government may also issue reconstruction bonds to which multilateral financing institutions (MFIs) such as the World Bank can subscribe to. (PIA V Release)


RP stronger because of fiscal reforms, prudent banking practices--PGMA

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo this morning told local and international investors the Philippines remains one of the best investment destinations among the world’s emerging markets.

Speaking at the 2009 Philippine mid-year economic briefing at the Makati Shangrila Hotel, the President traced the country’s stronger and stable economy to fiscal reforms, prudent banking practices, and sound macroeconomic fundamentals.

“Because of the bitter medicine of fiscal reform that we took years ago and the economic resilience that it has in turn created, we are today a stronger, more robust nation. We are poised to ride the wave of the impending global economic rebound and to offer investors an opportunity to capture the growth prospects that come with it,” the President said.

With strong Investor appetite for Asian equities, the Philippine Stock Exchange posted a 48 percent rise and foreign direct investment (FDI) saw a double digit increase so far this year.

The President said much have been achieved in the areas of infrastructure investment, job creation and macroeconomic stability that have helped the Philippines withstand external shocks and even sustain positive economic growth throughout the global recession. The Philippines is one of only three countries in the Far East which continues to post positive growth.

She said international rating agencies such as Moody’s Investors Service and multilateral financing institutions (MFIs) such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) have also maintained their positive outlook on the country’s economic growth for this year and 2010.

The President, however, cautioned much remains to be done to build a strong middle-class and ensure the country’s long-term economic prosperity.

“Our goal is to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio (or the country’s ability to settle its debts) so we can stop wasting our resources on debt servicing, and to maintain higher spending for infrastructure and human capital as we have done before and during the global food, economic, and now climate change crisis. Having the ability to invest is a gift that we must not squander. Having money to provide a safety net to our poor, invest in our children’s future, and lay the groundwork for long term prosperity must be sustained in the years to come,” she said.

The President stressed her administration has laid the groundwork that generated the country’s fastest growth in 30 years; created 8 million jobs; and the highest level of revenues in decades.

The President said the Philippines has become one of the world’s most competitive locations for business process outsourcing (BPO), an industry that today employs over 400,000 workers compared to only 4,000 in 2001.

The President added strong investments and various reforms have produced highly skilled and world-class workers that give the country one of the best value-for-investment propositions among emerging markets.

“This Administration has delivered over the last eight years. I am hopeful that our economic progress will be sustained, and that the Philippines will continue to be one of the havens of stability among the emerging markets of the world,” the President said.

Meanwhile, Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the Philippines has sufficient liquidity to ensure orderly market conditions and fund growth requirements.

Tetangco said the banking system remains stable, with a manageable external debt of $51.8 billion as of June 2009, down 5.4 percent from the year ago level.

Tetangco said FDI is projected at $1.5 billion; and gross international reserves (GIR), excluding short-term liabilities, at between $42 billion and 43 billion or the equivalent of seven months’ worth of imports. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is expected to exceed last year's level by three percent.

Tetangco said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has also allocated P5 billion in special rediscounting loans for typhoon-affected micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Tetangco said government will push domestic demand and consumption as the key economic driver in the short term. (PIA V Release)


PGMA orders review of Palafox master plan

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered today her Cabinet to look into a 1977 study on flooding in Metro Manila by urban planner Architect Jun Palafox and find out if there’s something in it the government can adapt.

“Let’s look at it again. It was a master plan for NCR during the Marcos administration but it was never implemented. Let’s see what we can do about it,” the President said during the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC)-Cabinet meeting in Dagupan city Tuesday (October 13).

Thirty-two years ago, Palafox warned that relaxing control of urban development would have adverse consequences. The devastation wrought by typhoon “Ondoy” last Sept.26 proved him right.

In that study, Palafox singles out Marikina Valley as unsuitable for development. Indeed, the city of Marikina was among those that sustained the most damage.

The Palafox report submitted in July 1977 to then Public Works and Highways Minister Alfredo Juinio states that “development should be restricted by the application of controls in three major areas---the Marikina Valley, the western shores of Laguna de Bay, and the Manila Bay coastal areas to the north of Manila.”

The World Bank-funded land-use plan was finalized by Hong Kong-based consulting firm, Freeman Fox and Associates.

The report recommends that the government monitor the Marikina River bank and make sure water does not reach 90 meters in height. It also provides no structure should have been allowed within nine meters from the river bank.

The three-volume report also notes that “urban development is spreading into [these] areas which are, in their present state, unsuitable for development—either because they are low-lying and liable to flooding, or because development is without adequate facilities for the treatment and disposal of sewage [the norm in Manila] and so will continue to contribute to the severe pollution of areas, such as Laguna de Bay.”

The study adds: “The unsuitable areas for development, where pressures are nevertheless considerable, are primarily the flat coastal areas to the north where extensive areas are liable to flooding and where increased pressures for reclamation are likely to further exacerbate this problem.”

“Marikina Valley to the east, where the land is liable to flooding and where development with inadequate provision for the treatment and disposal of sewage is contributing to the severe pollution of Laguna de Bay and where flooding is a problem in the adjacent areas.

“The western shores of Laguna de Bay, where development without adequate facilities for the treatment and disposal of sewage is contributing to the severe pollution of Laguna de Bay and where flooding, is a problem in the adjacent areas.”

“In order to avoid development contributing to longer-term flooding and water pollution, it is necessary that the short-term development is restricted in these areas. Only when remedial measures to deal with the problems have been implemented, should the development of these areas proceed on a significant scale,” the report says. (PIA V Release)


PGMA pushes for passage of US ‘Save our Industries Act of 2009’

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pushed for the passage of the “Save our Industries Act of 2009” filed by American Rep. James McDermott (D-Washington) before the US Congress last June 25, 2009 when she keynotes a high-level meeting of the Philippine Garments and Textiles Association (PGTA) at the Davao ballroom of the Hotel Sofitel HERE today (October 14).

Under House Resolution 3039, the Philippines, a former American colony, will be given “preferential duty treatment to certain apparel articles” sold to the United States.

HB 3039 is currently being deliberated by the US Committee on Ways and Means.

When enacted into law, Philippine garment manufacturers will be allowed to import and use American textiles for eventual shipment back to the United States as finished garments under the cut-and-sew concept. This will allow Philippine garment exports to enter the US duty-free instead of pay the standard 30 percent to 40 percent tariff.

Since heading the Garments and Textile Export Board (GTEB), the President has seen industry employment dropped from a high of 600,000 workers to the current 200,000.

Nevertheless, the industry remains one of the country’s major dollar-earners, generating US$2 billion last year. Of that total, the United States accounted for $1.2 billion.

The President is confident the industry will easily bring in $3 billion in export revenues within the first three years of the bill’s passage.

Joining the President will be Trade Secretary Peter Favila and Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines (CONGEP) president Laurence delos Santos.

Other PGTA members are the Garment Business Association of the Philippines (GBAP), Textile Mills Association of the Philippines (TMAP) and the Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines (FOBAP). (PIA V Release)