ALBAY ACHIEVES MDG TARGETS AHEAD OF TARGET DATE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Albay provincial government has achieved most of its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets earlier than the 2015 global deadline. Since 2007, the province has adopted the United Nations’ defined MDGs as its very own objectives.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said their MDG performance is actually way up the targets at all levels, largely through the efforts of the Albay Millennium Development Goals Office (AMDGO) which he created to monitor their MDG performance and manage their social assets program.

Salceda said he created the AMDGO after re-visioning the original vision of "safe and shared development" where “safe” came to include Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) under the Hyogo Framework (Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters), and “shared” was operationally defined as MDG compliance and sustained improvement in the Human Development Index.

“To put money where our hearts lay, our health budget was increased from P103 million in 2007 to P173 million in 2010, nearly 17 percent of the budget. The allocation for education was similarly increased from virtually nothing outside of the Special Education Fund (SEF) to P178 million this year, while the SEF itself was hiked from P5 million to P18 million,” he added.

The outcomes of the bold moves are most fulfilling -- elementary school participation rates went up from 77 percent to 89 percent in 2009; Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) improved to 12/1000 from 33/1000; Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) dipped to 59/100,000 from 133/100,000); and Child Mortality Rate (CMR) went down to 18/1000 from 23/1000 seven years earlier than target date. Philhealth coverage also increased from 10,000 to 173,000 -- the biggest for any province and virtually universal.

Poverty rate has similarly fallen to 38.7 percent in 2006, the lowest in the Bicol region. And while still high compared to the national 33 percent, recent GDP trends (8.2 percent in 2009) suggest that the downward trajectory is gaining traction. The full coverage of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) combined with massive investments of P37 billion over the past three years are likely to sustain poverty reduction.

This impressive MDG performance, Salceda said, leaves them only two problematic goals -- access to sanitation and improved cohort survival in elementary education.

Currently, Albay focuses on further improving its performance in the National Achievement Test (NAT) of the Department of Education, aiming to hit the top 10 of the NAT by 2016. This objective is not among the MDG targets but is complementary to its enhanced education goal.

Salceda said they have also lobbied with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for full coverage of their 18 towns and cities under the agency’s conditional cash transfers.

”On our part, we have limited the utilization of our annual P100,000 subsidy for barangays to education projects. We will launch BAKAS or Barangay Kasangga sa Edukasyon to recognize barangays which host schools that achieve 100 percent participation and excellent performance in the NAT,” the governor said.

On HIV/AIDs, Albay has activated its Provincial AIDS Council and partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Department of Health (DOH) on programs and projects to outperform the MDG goal. “We put in a dedicated program manager, Mike de la Rama, and recruited an Assistant Chief of the Provincial Health Office, Dr. Felino, with expertise in public health,” he added.

Salceda said he has asked help from DOH and seeks financial assistance from partner NGOs and INGOs to help ensure meeting their problematic goal of access to sanitation as 76,000 homes still do not have sanitary toilets although 96 percent have access to potable water.

“All told, Albay is single-mindedly focused on achieving its MDGs by 2015. We are confident we will. Preliminary results of our journey towards this destination have essentially been rewarding to our people in terms of better health and education outcomes. We have shifted our overall development strategy from physical capital formation to human capital formation. We have also shifted our approach from opportunity-seeking to capability-building,” he explained.

Sound governance is indeed a key to MDG achievement as it helps generate the required resources.
”Similarly, local ownership of set MDGs compels communities to develop pathways and expenditure patterns where good governance is spontaneously built-in. MDG and good governance are twins. They reinforce one another and one cannot do without the other,” Salceda pointed out. (PNA/PIA)

NATIONAL PHILHEALTH REGISTRATION DAY SET OCT 2

LEGAZPI CITY – Bicol region is all set for the holding of the Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day (NPRD) on October 2, 2010 which is expected to see the registration of some 800,000 new PhilHealth members nationwide who will benefit under the government health insurance program and eventually attain universal health coverage, according to the Department of Health (DoH) regional office here.

Dr. Nestor Santiago, DoH regional director, said that all preparations are on schedule including the organization of the regional and provincial committees’ task to oversee the registration day activities next month.

Santiago said that of the 800,000 indigent families initially targeted nationwide, 72,044 is earmarked for the region or 9 percent of the more than 379,424 poorest families identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here.

He said that initially the six PhilHealth provincial service offices will serve as the registration venue while other sites like shopping malls are being considered because of their accessibility.

Santiago added that aside from the indigent families the registration venue will also accommodate enrollment of self employed or the individually paying members and those with expired coverage who wish to continue with their membership.

He said that an IEC campaign on NPRD will be launched by the middle of this month to further inform the prospective PhilHealth members of the medical benefits to be derived from the program.

The Nationwide PhilHealth Registration Day campaign is led by the DOH with PhilHealth, DSWD, DepEd and DILG as members. (EDLeon, PIA V)

TABACO MSMEs INSPIRE SORSOGON PRODUCERS

SORSOGON Province — Ten Handicraft producers of Sorsogon embarked on a Benchmarking Mission on August 31, 2010 to successful craft makers in Albay province.

Visited firms include RCB Crafts and Design, Nesscraft Philippine Industries, Sola’s Handicraft and the makers of bag handles, buttons, buckles and accessories, the Puenlabrada Handles and Accessories and Balance Handicraft, all located in Tabaco City.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Leah Pagao said, the one-day activity was considered highly beneficial to the participating Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) achieving its objectives of exposing the local firms to the industry practices of known and established handicraft companies.

“It inspired them to improve their own production and competencies to produce more competitive products, allowed them to forge business alliances with other local producers in terms of supply of raw materials and pre-fabricated components, as well as identified potential buyers and widen the market opportunities,” she added.

Pagao said that aside from its being an eye opener, it has also become productive particularly for Fulgosino’s Handicraft of Barcelona who got initial order for her “bacbac” ring bags from Nesscraft Philippine Industries amounting to P16,000.00.

Meanwhile, the companies visited by the group showed interest on Sorsogon products. “In fact, negotiations now are ongoing for the supply of coco shell necklaces, earrings and accessories to said Albay MSMEs,” said Pagao.

Among the firms in Sorsogon that participated in the negotiations were Biday’s Bagol Ini Handicraft of Bulan, Dinglasan Unique Woodworks of Sorsogon City, Irosin Woodworking of Irosin, Sanj Handicraft of Matnog, and five other micro entrepreneurs from the municipalities of Castilla, Donsol and Pilar that is being assisted by Intervida Philippines.

Pagao futher said that to enhance the capabilities of these firms, a technology transfer training was also identified specifically on the new “bayong” trends on coloring and shaping as well as processing of bacbac ring bags to ensure that the demand created by the Tabaco-based handicraft producers will be served according to schedules.

The group likewise visited the OKB (Orgullo Kan Bikol) Showroom in Legazpi City where they were able to acquire valuable inputs on the designs, functions and product presentations.

The activity was successfully accomplished through the collaborative effort of DTI-Sorsogon and Intervida Philippines. (JGMance & SCMalaya, DTI Sor/PIA)

CHR OFFICIAL TO REBELS, STOP HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

PILI, Camarines Sur — A senior official of the regional office of the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) has called on the New People’s Army ‘not to commit dastardly acts’.

CHR Bicol Regional Director Atty. Pelagio Senar was referring to the reported rising numbers of extra-judicial killings perpetrated by the NPA which, this year alone, had claimed at least 34 people including 12 of 9ID’s soldiers and militiamen.

Senar made the statement in an interview with the local media during the CHR Bicol information and education campaign at the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army headquarter here.

“Rebels can only engage the soldiers and militiamen, the combatants, during combat engagements. If you are a non-combatant, termed as ‘hors de combat’, or if you have no firearm, you are not supposed to be fired-upon or killed, that is human rights violation,” said Senar.

Asked about the CPP-NPA-NDF’s continuous outcry about allegations of human rights abuses by the Army, Senar said that, “Dyan sila nagkakamali”.

“CPP-NPA-NDF would like the government forces’ adherence to the International Humanitarian Law; so, they (NPA) must also observe the same provisions. Hindi lang dapat ang Philippine Army ang mag-observe nyan(IHL)”.

Senar also expressed appreciation for the Army’s continuous indoctrination campaign to educate the soldiers on human rights protection.

“The minor infractions allegedly committed by the soldiers in the Bicol Region are practically negligible,” commented Senar.

Army officials led by Colonel Arthur Ang, the Army 9ID chief of staff, toured Senar to the various camp facilities. He (Senar) was shown the Army’s detention center where soldiers with various administrative cases are currently held in custody.

As the soldiers vowed to uphold the provisions of the international humanitarian law, the CPP-NPA-NDF has turned deaf ears on the mounting calls for them to stop committing human rights abuses.

Senar’s visit was punctuated by the NPA’s latest extrajudicial killing when Sonny Rey Diolata, 24, of Tigkiw village in Gubat, Sorsogon was shot and killed by two NPA assassins in front of his wife and children inside his residence at around 7:45pm last night (September 10).

The rebels fled the crime scene after ensuring that Diolata was dead. Responding policemen from Gubat town recovered empty shells for cal .45 pistol and 9mm pistol.

The death of Diolata followed after the exhumation of the skeletal remains of a certain Julius Escudero (previously identified as Julius Espadera) by Army troops on September 9, Thursday. Escudero was a victim of the NPA’s summary execution sometime in 2006. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

AFP INVITES ADVOCATES FOR HR SUMMIT NEXT MONTH

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines exhorts all human rights advocates to join in the human rights summit on October this year and be part of a convergence that promotes and protects civil liberties.

Maj Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, Group Commander, Information Development Group of the CRSAFP said that this bid of the military leadership to bring together various groups and personalities is based on a clear and hopeful vision for the realization of human rights; as well as mirror the aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“Realization of human rights is one of the most fundamental roles of a state. As embodied in the Philippine Constitution, the AFP is firm on its role as protectors of the people and be a paragon of human rights advocacy. However, all of us who believe in equal rights share the responsibility of promoting it. We hope that this summit can provide the coalition of human rights groups who can be a steady guiding light for every Filipino,” Osias noted.

The AFP also expresses hope that groups like Karapatan and other AFP critics not to immediately cast doubts and easily dismiss the forthcoming summit and the many possibilities it may offer.

“We hope that Karapatan and other groups will listen first to the different voices of human rights advocates before issuing judgments. In fact, the summit may be the best forum for them to raise their issues concerning the AFP. We would appreciate their inputs especially those that can improve AFP’s adherence to human rights. We believe that any event that gives importance to human rights is worth attending and should not be held in low esteem,” conveyed Osias.

The AFP expects other government bureaus, law enforcement and security agencies, non-government organizations, policymakers, human rights foundations, academic institutions, and religious groups, among others to attend the October 2010 summit.

“I believe that we can set aside our differences and work with mutual respect to forge common grounds to ensure human rights and human dignity for every Filipino. Indeed, together, we can make a world of difference,” concluded Osias. (CRS AFP/PIA)

SUSPECTED NPA 'KILLING FIELDS' DISCOVERED IN SORSOGON

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur — Army soldiers discovered a suspected ‘killing fields’ in an upland village of Sorsogon City Thursday last week, a military official said.

1st Lieutenant Oliver Dela Cruz, commander of Charlie Company of 49th IB Philippine Army, said that a former rebel pinpointed the location of one of the remains believed to be that of Julius Espadera, a CAFGU member who was abducted by NPA terrorist rebels about four years ago.

The skeletal remains were unearthed by the soldiers in a shallow grave located in Marinas village in Sorsogon City.

Dela Cruz said that the burial site is located in an unpopulated and hilly portion of the village bordering with Gubat town. The local police and some media practitioners accompanied the soldiers as the remains were dug out.

“My informant revealed that Espadera is one of the victims of the summary executions perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-NDF in CY 2006. He (informant) was the one who identified the victim through his clothing,” said Dela Cruz.

The informant had also claimed that there were many other skeletal remains of victims buried by the NPA rebels in that same area. He said that he is finding a way to contact the other former rebels who have direct knowledge about the precise locations of these burial sites.

Espadera’s remains were brought to the police station in Sorsogon City for further investigation. Relatives of the victims were also contacted to help in the identification process.

The terrorist rebels have continued its policy of extra-judicial killings in the Bicol Region as it wage its ‘protracted war’ against the government.

Last year, 52 people were summarily executed for various allegations of ‘offenses against the masses’.

In 2010, military records have tallied 33 people killed all over Bicol Region.

A certain Dondie Dioda of Irosin town was the latest victim after he was gunned down by suspected NPA bandits in Gubat town on September 7. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

‘DOLLY’ OF AGUA BENDITA IN ‘MARMAM’ TRAINING

PILI, Camarines Sur — Ocean Adventure’s most popular dolphin named C2 or better known as “Dolly” in ABS-CBN’s Fantaserye - Agua Bendita, helped the participants from the Provincial Government of Albay and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol in its Training on Marine Mammal (MarMam) Stranding Response held in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City on September 1-2, 2010.

Along with two other dolphins, Dolly’s aesthetic beauty, charisma and the ability to brazenly simulate stranding incident assisted the trainees to learn hands-on marine mammal rescue.
“Dolly” is a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). It is an archetypal and the most adaptable dolphin species found abundantly worldwide and common all over the Philippine waters. It belongs to the Order Cetacea and is classified in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II which means, it is not yet in danger of extinction but could easily become so unless trade is strictly regulated.

Marine mammals like C2 is protected by various laws such as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA9174), Animal Welfare Act (RA8485), the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA8550) and by international agreements signed and embraced by the Philippine Government like the CITES, Convention on Migratory Species (CMS or the Bonn Convention), Convention on the Biological Diversity, and Agenda 21 of UNEP’s Sustainable Development.

The hands-on activity in Ocean Adventure was the conclusion of the Marine Mammal Stranding Response Training held in Bacacay, Albay last July 21-23, 2010. It is part of the capacity building activities of the BFAR Bicol in partnership with the Provincial Government of Albay with the objective of strengthening the Local Government Units and other allied agencies in enhancing the technical know-how on responding to stranded whales and dolphins.

Trainees included veterinarians, LGU personnel from coastal municipalities, Provincial Agricultural Services, PNP-Maritime, Philippine Navy, FLET members, MFARMC chairpersons and BFAR Bicol personnel.

The Philippines harbor a diverse assemblage of marine mammals, yet limited studies has been conducted, so far. The people may lose some of the important areas for these animals before they can discover it. Thus, more researches are needed in this field.

With these pressing issues, the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Inc. (PMMSN) was founded as a result of an inter-agency workshop on marine mammals in 2003. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between BFAR and Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium, Inc. (Ocean Adventure) in 2004 for capacity building and development of programs for marine mammal conservation.

From 2005 onwards, the PMMSN has conducted several trainings nationwide. The network has also established a database system to standardize and systematically collect as much information from every stranding - alive or dead, and to collate all data on stranding events nationwide.

BFAR Bicol Director Dennis del Socorro is optimistic in providing similar trainings to more LGU personnel of coastal municipalities and allied agencies in the coming years to strengthen capacities and to raise the level of awareness in terms of marine mammal protection and conservation. Dir. del Socorro added that the bureau has the Fisheries Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team (BFAR-FIRST) that could be pooled round-the-clock. (NPEenolva, BFAR V/PIA)

PALACE KEEPS HANDS OFF IMPASSE ON OMBUDSMAN CASE

MANILA— Malacanang is keeping its hands off the impasse between the judiciary and the legislative branch anent the impeachment proceedings on Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

Newly-designated Deputy Spokesperson Abigail de la Fuente-Valte said in a press briefing that although the Palace is concerned with the issue between the two branches, it still respects their independence.

“Is not proper to intervene. As co-equal branches of the government, they’re separate and entitled to do what their leadership thinks is best,” she said

The Supreme Court yesterday (September 14), with a vote of 8-3, suspended impeachment proceedings against Gutierrez and asked for a status quo on the case.

Gutierrez filed on Monday a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for a temporary restraining order or writ of injunction. She urged the High Tribunal to stop the committee on justice headed by Rep. Niel Tupas from hearing two impeachment complaints filed against her by former Akbayan representative Risa Hontiveros Baraquel and the progressive group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).

Tupas, from reports yesterday, said that his committee would proceed with the impeachment hearings scheduled on Sept. 28 and 29 in defiance of the SC order and warned of a constitutional crisis.

De la Fuente-Valte said that it is still too early to consider that the impasse will lead to such a crisis as the leadership of both branches is open to talks. (PIA V Release)

AQUINO OPTIMISTIC OVER FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

CEBU CITY — “There is renewed interest among foreign businessmen to invest in the Philippines,” President Benigno S. Aquino III told some 120 local business leaders and economic managers here.

In his message at the Regional Economic Managers’ Briefing and Dialogue held on Wednesday (September 15) at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel here, the Chief Executive said the reinvigorated confidence of the international financial community and the bullishness of businessmen on the Philippines can be attributed to his determination to get rid of corruption, propel the economic engine to prosperity, and achieve political stability.

The President further said that some of the business leaders who were turned off by the corruption and uncertainty in the economy and politics over the last decade have expressed a desire to invest again in the Philippines as evidenced by the recent business trip of his economic managers in the U.S.

“The prognosis is very, very good, that we can offer a better business environment for the investors,” he stressed.

For one, the President said, there are positive signs of economic recovery early on in his administration as he cited the bullish performance of the Philippine Stock Market index Monday closed at 3,972.60, so far the highest in the Philippine Stock Exchange’s history.

The President also cited last week’s resounding success of the first-ever peso denominated global bond float where the government sold 44.109 billion pesos worth of 10-year Philippine Peso Global Bonds. He added the maiden issue was 13 times oversubscribed.

According to the President several portfolio investments are on the table such as investors who want to build an expressway from Manila that will pass through Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, until Cagayan Valley, thus will save government billions of pesos that can be used to fund needed social services.

For Cebu province and the rest of the Central Visayas region, the President said his administration continues to strive to enhance the business climate in the area.

He pointed out that the infrastructure projects to help boost the tourism industry in the region are among the potential public-private partnership projects. Among these are the redevelopment and upgrading of the Mactan International Airport, where a new instrument landing system will be installed in the next few months, and eight new air bridges will be bidded out in order to finally retire and replace the old ones.

A cold chain system from Mindanao to Cebu and Manila will also be established.

The President noted that with these projects coming to reality with the help of the private sector, tourist arrivals in the region will significantly increase and thus provide the country a more successful entrepreneurship.

For the power situation in the region, he assured them that the government is addressing the problem of the power shortage.

Plans are also underway for the possible liberalization of the air transport sector to make it easier for people to visit Cebu and other parts of the country.

“You can count on us to do our part,” the President empathically said.

The Regional Economic Managers Briefing intends to inform the industry leaders on the economic plan of the new administration and at the same time provide an opportunity for key business leaders to have a meaningful dialogue with the President. (PIA V Release)

AQUINO VOWS TO ADVANCE WELFARE OF MUSLIM FILIPINOS

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III assured Muslim communities that his administration will work doubly hard to advance the welfare, aspirations and interest of Muslim Filipinos by supporting and strengthening the autonomous region in Southern Philippines.

In his remarks at the Hariraya dinner held at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall on Monday (September 13), the Chief Executive thanked the envoys from different Muslim nations and local Muslim leaders for attending the Hariraya dinner celebration he hosted for them in the spirit of solidarity, celebration, obedience and devotion.

The President told them that his administration is committed to end decades of government neglect that has afflicted Muslim Filipinos.

“We will do better. Muslim Filipinos are part of our nation,” he stressed.

He assured them that the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos will be strengthened and will serve as the government’s principal arm in advancing the rights, welfare and aspirations of Muslim Filipinos.

“We will support and strengthen the autonomous regional government. It will be our lead government instrumentality in advancing the welfare of the inhabitants of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he said.

According to the President, he has already appointed Luwalhati Antonino as chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority “who will kindle and lead the conversation among Christians, Muslims and Lumads for their inclusive and integrative development.”

The President likewise vowed to resume the stalled peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

With the Moro National Liberation Front, “we are about to complete the legal bond to rectify imperfections in the implementation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement,” he said. (PIA V Release)

BACALZO VOWS TO CONTINUE REFORMS OF PREDECESSORS

MANILA — Newly-appointed Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Raul M. Bacalzo this morning vowed to continue the good work that his predecessors started shortly after assuming the leadership from Gen. Jesus Versoza.

“Continuity is the operative word and it is in this spirit that we define our goals,” said Bacalzo at the change of command rites at the PNP headquarters attended by no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Hundreds of active and retired police officers and the provincemates and classmates of Bacalzo from his law school at the University of the East and his mistahs at the Philippine Military Academy Class 1977 attended the change of command. Bacalzo served for five years in concurrent capacity as member of the GRP Peace Negotiating Panel in 1993 to 1998.

He enumerated the three tenets of his leadership: a) Our service is a continuing challenge to right what is wrong and review our policies and implement practical action plans; b) discipline, perseverance and dedication will be the hallmarks of our service and c) every police officer must learn the lessons well, focus on the day-to-day responsibilities and push the program for reform.

Bacalzo is an outstanding graduate of the Masikap Class of 1977 of the Philippine Military Academy landing both in the Dean’s List and Commandant’s list and finishing 12th in the 1984 bar with a rating of 87.43 percent. He made a strong point towards training and re-training of police men to transform them as a “mentor to all, a problem-solver as needed and a teacher to others.”

Stressing that PNP’s training will go back to basics, Bacalzo cited the importance of “reviving the virtues of discipline and courtesy, good manners and right conduct that are the hallmarks of a public servant and essential to being a good citizen.”

“Basic equipment must also be reviewed for the street policeman and the special units for different types of crisis situations. With appropriate (budget) support, we will equip our men and women with the training and resources to handle local problems and provide appropriate solutions,” he said. “Every police station must be at the cutting edge of performance and professionalism.”

Citing President Aquino’s observation about improving the procurement system, the order of the day, according to Bacalzo, is to set the proper standards and specifications attuned to the requirements on the ground.

Bacalzo revealed his plan to put up a human rights help desk similar to the women and children’s desk in all 1,528 police stations all over the country.

Bacalzo, who hails from the small town of Tuy, Batangas, said he would begin his “back to basics” training and re-training programs with the 23-strong police force of his hometown. “We will not waste any time,” he said. (PIA V Release)

AQUINO SAYS HE WON’T GO ABROAD WITHOUT BENEFIT TO THE PEOPLE

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III said he will not go to any foreign trips “without direct benefits to the people.”

The Chief Executive made this statement during an ambush interview on Tuesday (September 14) after he personally witnessed the change of command between retired Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jesus Versoza and newly-appointed PNP Chief Gen. Raul M. Bacalzo at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Asked if he would be bringing projects with him to propose to foreign investors during his trips to the United States, the President said “I would rather have them (investments) in hand before I start mentioning what exactly these (projects) are. That way people will have an assurance of the investments that are arriving.”

The President is set to leave for the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, to sign the Millennium Challenge Corporation grants and a lot of business conferences from both east and west coasts. “I think I will also be visiting my mother’s (former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino) alma mater, the College of Mount Saint Vincent, at the Riverdale section of New York.

The President also said he is bringing with him during his US trip Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, among others.

The President, who earlier rang the bell marking the opening of trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange, said he was informed that the market already breached the 4,000 points.

“I understand that this is the first time which has ever reached that particular record. At some point in time, there will be corrections. There will be people who will be taking their profits (after selling their stocks). What is significant is these records have been coming one on top of the other. Obviously there is no such thing as endless bull runs. But the point is there is increased confidence demonstrated by the activities of the stock market,” the President stressed.

The President stressed that he expects foreign direct investments to increase. As regards the public private partnerships, he added that “we already have a list but I would rather talk of them when they are already completed or close to fruition rather than talk of potentials.” (PIA V Release)

MALAYSIA TO REMAIN AS PEACE TALKS FACILITATOR

MANILA — Malaysia will continue to act as facilitator at the resumption of peace talks in Mindanao.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo disclosed this Tuesday (September 14) following the courtesy call of Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato Sri Anifah Aman on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang.

Romulo said Malaysia has been playing a constructive and positive role to encourage a peaceful resolution in the Mindanao problem.

The President welcomed Minister Anifah who was accompanied by Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Saad.

Also present during the call were Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles and DFA Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio.

Minister Anifah’s visit centered on Malaysia’s role in the formal peace negotiations scheduled this month between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

As its closest neighbor in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines earlier decided to retain Malaysia as third party facilitator in the resumption of the GRP-MILF peace talks, a role which Malaysia has assumed since 2001.

Since 2004, Malaysia also led the International Monitoring Team together with Libya, Japan and Brunei which successfully contributed to the comprehensive peace process in Mindanao. (PIA V Release)