SALCEDA SAYS: BETTER TIMES AHEAD FOR FILIPINOS UNDER P-NOY
By Danny O. Calleja

LEGAZPI CITY -- Compared to the three presidents before him, Filipinos see better times ahead under President Benigno S. Aquino III, according to a top Philippine economist from the Bicol region.

Incumbent Albay Governor Joey Salceda, who is an erstwhile economic adviser of former President and now Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, made this assessment based on economic considerations that the Aquino administration has been able to build on during its first 100 days.

Salceda said these considerations, used as yardstick in measuring and comparing President Aquino’s performance with the past three administrations, are a strong peso and radiant financial market that the national economy achieved in the past 100 days since June 30, 2010, when the only son of the late former President Corazon C. Aquino assumed the country's highest post.

“It is under Aquino's administration that the peso strengthened the most in the first 100 days at +.5.5 percent, followed by President Ramos at +1.85 percent, while all the other two posted negative -- Arroyo at -3.53 percent and Joseph Estrada at -3.92 percent," Salceda said.

The Albay governor claimed that President Aquino has brought back business confidence, a key indicator in economic growth with a positive +22 percent, followed by Ramos but still negative at -nine percent, PGMA at negative -18 percent and Estrada at -28 percent.

“P-Noy's first 100 days exhibited a strong financial markets backed by 'real peso votes' while stock prices and currency movements are forward looking. These factors have been proven to be good predictor of economic trends,” Salceda said.

They discount the forward impacts of current policies and the overall world view of top management as they play out in the dynamics of international competition and global market trends, he added.

"Surely, contrary opinion would swiftly resort to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remittances and higher risk appetite for extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EMEs) but these trends persisted throughout all four administrations."

Salceda said that based on these objective measurements, President Aquino has performed best among the past four administrations.

“In short, markets uniformly and unequivocally point to better times ahead for Filipinos," he said.

These yardstick measures indicate that at least, robust markets suggest there is fuel for Philippine growth, now it is the turn of the administration to rev up the engines to use such fuel.

He claimed that the first 100 days are affirmatively auspicious -- the next 100 days are more critical in determining how the Aquino administration will convert strong financial markets into programs and projects that prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

President Aquino's policy on good governance has created sufficient impetus for an initial spate of growth as the public trust and business confidence it elicits will lift private investment rate and tax collection efficiency, he noted.

This will sustain public capital outlays very much, and with the public-private partnership paradigm he has skillfully picked to sustain higher output expansion, would create jobs and lower prices, thus reduce poverty.

Salceda, less than a month before the May 10, 2010 elections, bolted the then ruling Lakas-Kampi-CMD party of the Arroyo administration and joined the Liberal Party whose standard-bearer was his classmate and now President Aquino.

At that point, Salceda predicted that the country’s economy would improve under "Noynoy" Aquino’s leadership.

"I have come to the preliminary conclusion that a new mandate under an Aquino presidency would have the highest statistical probability of triggering a significant increase in the investment rate from the current 14 percent of economic output," he said.

Salceda claimed then that an Aquino presidency could increase it instantly by eight percentage points, or almost P642 billion more in private investments in the first 18 months.

"This would create 642,000 more jobs on top of the organic capacity of the economy for job creation," he added. (PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)


MOST FILIPINOS SATISFIED WITH PNOY’S START

MANILA — Nearly 7 out of 10 Filipinos gave President Benigno Aquino III a good starting score for his first 100 days in office despite a botched hostage crisis and the jueteng controversy, a survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) showed.

The Sept. 28-29 survey found 69 per cent of respondents across all geographical areas and sectors satisfied with the Aquino administration’s initial performance, against the 31 per cent dissatisfied.

President Aquino also scored high net satisfaction ratings (% satisfied less % dissatisfied) in 10 out of 15 issues tested in the survey.

The policy against the use of wang-wang or sirens on the road earned for President Aquino the highest satisfaction rating of +82. He was also rated highly for ensuring transparency (+74) and fighting graft and corruption (+52).

President Aquino gained a good rating of +34 both for reducing the budget deficit and investigating officials linked to anomalies, +28 for controlling dengue, while recording moderate ratings in the areas of jobs and livelihood (+14), education (+10), Cabinet appointments (+9), and public-private partnerships (+6).

About half of Filipinos rated the administration fairly for its efforts to alleviate poverty and control the spiraling prices of basic commodities.

On the other hand, only 17 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the government’s handling of the Manila hostage crisis last August 23 where eight Hong Kong tourists died and which made international news.

President Aquino also acquired poor ratings in curbing jueteng (-10) and in pursuing peace initiatives with secessionist and extremist groups (-14).

The same survey showed that Filipinos perceive President Aquino’s credibility and simple lifestyle, good governance and strong political will, and fight against graft and corruption as his strongest marks as a leader.

Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) credited this to President Aquino’s unwavering commitment to good and honest leadership as embodied in his campaign slogan “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”

He added that President Aquino is focused on the work ahead and remains committed to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty.

Meanwhile, respondents want the Aquino administration to focus on jobs and livelihood (78%), anti-corruption measures (63%), and quality education (59%) in the days ahead.

The PIA poll was fielded nationwide with 629 respondents coming from various sectors including elected and appointed government officials, business groups, religious leaders, uniformed men, laborers, and members of the media. (PIA V/mal)


ARMY DEPLOYS MORE SOLDIERS TO COMBAT INSURGENCY IN BICOL

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camsur – A new batch of soldiers will be deployed to help the government’s counterinsurgency campaign in the Bicol Region, a ranking military official said.

Major General Ruperto R Pabustan, commander of the Army forces in the Bicol region said 345 soldiers who have just hurdled the Army’s combat training will be distributed to different battalions to beef up the forces which are tasked to confront the communist insurgency.

Pabustan said that the Army is now heavily engaged in the implementation of the peace and development programs which are designed to address the root causes of the insurgency problem.

“We are maximizing our efforts in helping the national government implement the development projects here in the region. These infrastructure projects can surely alleviate the economic hardships of our people especially those who are in remote areas where public services are limited,” said Pabustan.

Pabustan has also said that the new soldiers will augment the manning of COMELEC checkpoints during the upcoming barangay elections. Soldiers and policemen are tapped to conduct checkpoint operations to control the carrying of firearms during the election period.

In Masbate Province, recent joint-operations by military and police personnel have netted 8 high powered firearms and arrested 6 suspected members of partisan armed groups (PAGs). (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)

FISHPOND OWNERS IN CANTANDUANES GET TILAPIA FINGERLINGS, BREEDERS FROM BFAR

PILI, Camarines Sur — Forty fishpond operators from San Miguel, Virac, Bato, Caramoran, and Gigmoto towns in Catanduanes received some 50,600 tilapia fingerlings and breeders from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol.

BFAR Bicol Regional Director Dennis del Socorro said that the tilapia fingerlings and breeders were distributed to backyard fishpond operators of these towns in support to the Agri-Business development program of the province.

Del Socorro furthered 20,000 fingerlings went to fishpond operators of San Miguel; 12,000 to Virac; 9,500 to Bato; 6,000 to Caramoran; and 2,500 to Gigmoto, while 600 tilapia breeders went to Panganiban town.

The tilapia fingerlings were supplied by the Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center in Fabrica, Bula, Camarines Sur and Tiwi Fry Bank in Tiwi, Albay through the efforts of BFAR Provincial Fisheries Office and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG) of Catanduanes.

According to the BFAR Bicol chief, distribution of fingerlings is one of the production support services given by the BFAR to assist small fisherfolk and help increase fish production in the region. (RACanabe, BFAR/PFO Catanduanes/PIA/mal)

TOTAL GUN BAN DRIVE IN FULL STREAM IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY — The total gun ban campaign in connection with the October Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election went on full swing after police and military authorities in Bicol arrested 13 people and seized from them at least 22 various types of low and high powered firearms and explosives, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol said Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja, PNP Bicol regional director, said the arrest of gun ban violators and the subsequent confiscation of their firearms all came from the PNP checkpoints set in strategic areas across the six provinces of the region.

Calleja said various police commands in the six provinces in Bicol were placed on heightened alert since the last week of September following the total gun ban imposed by the Commission on Election (COMELEC) for the upcoming barangay and SK election on October 25 this year.

He said the PNP has set up stationary and mobile check points and conducted 537 operations that led to the arrest of 13 people and the confiscation of 13 hand guns, nine high powered firearms consisting of M16 rifles, KG9 submachine guns, and shotguns, including chemical substance for explosives and detonating caps.

Calleja said at the start of the gun ban campaign Task Force Masbate (TFM) has arrested at least four suspected members of a Private Armed Groups (PAGs) operating in the towns of Aroroy and San Pascual in Masbate.

San Pascual town was the site of the deadliest poll- related violence incidents this year where five people, including a town councilman were killed in a daylight ambush staged by suspected PAGs in a remote village here.

Calleja said TFM operatives have confiscated at least eight high-powered firearms since its reactivation about two months ago. (PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)

DENR BANS NEW LOGGING PERMITS IN SECOND-GROWTH FOREST

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has cordoned off from new logging contracts the country’s second-growth forest, which is also referred to as “natural forest.”

DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje issued Memorandum Order No. 9 directing all field officials of the department to stop accepting and processing all forms of applications for new timber contracts “with logging component in the natural forests.”

The order was issued with a stern warning that “any official who will violate this instruction shall be automatically relieved and charged accordingly.”

Paje explained his order is consistent with the country’s climate change mitigation program as it will effectively remove the pressure from existing old-growth and second-growth forests that are important in the fight against climate change. Trees have excellent capacity to store carbon dioxide, according to him.

At the same time, Paje said the move will promote tree planting in both public and private lands, from which to source domestic timber needs to minimize timber importation.

The Forestry Master Plan recommends the establishment of at least 550,000 hectares of timber plantations for the country to achieve self-sufficiency in its wood requirements.

On existing logging contracts, the environment chief said a thorough review by the department is in place, adding that erring holders of DENR-issued timber permits will be trimmed especially those whose concession area include natural forests.

With the passage of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) in 1992, the remaining old-growth forest areas have been designated as “protection forests” and that logging has shifted to residual forests.

Results of a 2004 study, Forest Resource Assessment (FRA), showed that old-growth forest designated for protection purposes account for some 1,700,050 hectares or 24% of the total forest cover of 7,162,560 hectares. Protection forests include natural reserves, national parks, and managed protected areas.

In terms of use, FRA data show that about 5,462,510 ha. or 76 % is set aside for production purposes with 2,102,942 ha. was covered with tenurial instruments some of which involve logging activities within natural forests.

Natural forest, on the other hand, covers about 6,535,368 hectares or 91.2% while the tree plantations cover about 627,192 hectares or 8.8%. Natural forest and tree plantations are the primary sources of the country’s wood needs.

The government pursues reforestation and plantation development approaches to sustainably manage the country’s forest resources while addressing the local timber requirements and forest-based services.

These strategies consist of the development of open, denuded, and inadequately stocked residual natural forest through tenure instruments in varying scope, such as the Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) at 500 hectares to 40,000 hectares; Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) at 1 to 10 hectares per family or individual and up to 500 hectares for cooperatives; and the Community-Based Forest Management Program (CBFMP) at an average of 912 hectares per agreement-contract. (DENR V/PIA/mal)

PCOO vows to fulfill its mandate despite lower budget

MANILA — The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) vows to dispose its duties and functions as mandated by law despite a lower budget for next year.

In a radio interview over government-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan (DzRB) on Monday (October 11), PCOO Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. assured the public that his office will exert all efforts to perform well despite a meager budget as part of the government’s austerity measures.

PCOO will have P976-million budget for fiscal year 2011, which is 15.86 percent lower than the P1.160 billion pesos share for 2010.

The said budget allocation will be broken down as follows: PCOO proper, P99.137 million; Bureau of Broadcast Services, P292.653; Bureau of Communications Services, P28.952; National Printing Office, P136.96 million; News and Information Bureau, P91.073 million; Philippine Information Agency, P249.569 million; and the Presidential Broadcast Staff (RTVM) P77.809 million pesos.

Coloma also said that plans are afoot to submit a comprehensive framework to the privatization council regarding the possible privatization of Channels 9 (Radio Philippines Network) and 13 (Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation). Both networks were sequestered by the government in 1986.

The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) was renamed as Presidential Communications Operations Office under Executive Order No. 4 to ensure transparency and full disclosure of the government’s policies, programs, activities and achievements.

It aims to systemize, rationalize and complement the existing structure to achieve a more efficient interaction between the people, the Office of the President and the Executive Branch. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino to continue to serve Filipinos through good governance and transparency

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino’s efforts to provide a stark difference in the presidency, and new hope and trust in government were not left unnoticed early on in his administration.

A survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency showed that nearly 7 out of 10 Filipinos gave the President a good starting score for his first 100 days in office despite a botched hostage crisis and the jueteng controversy.

The survey, which was conducted a week before the President marked his 100 days in office, showed that 69 per cent of respondents across all geographical areas and sectors were satisfied with the Aquino administration's initial performance while only 31 per cent were dissatisfied.

The same survey also showed that Filipinos perceive the President’s credibility and simple lifestyle, good governance and strong political will, and fight against graft and corruption as his strongest marks as a leader.

Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) credited this to the President’s unwavering commitment to good and honest leadership as embodied in his campaign slogan "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap."

He added that President Aquino is focused on the work ahead and remains committed to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty.

The policy against the use of wang-wang or sirens on the road earned for the Chief Executive highest satisfaction rating of +82. He was also rated highly for ensuring transparency (+74) and fighting graft and corruption (+52).

President Aquino gained a good rating of +34 both for reducing the budget deficit and investigating officials linked to anomalies, +28 for controlling dengue, while recording moderate ratings in the areas of jobs and livelihood (+14), education (+10), Cabinet appointments (+9), and public-private partnerships (+6).

About half of Filipinos rated the administration fairly for its efforts to alleviate poverty and control the spiraling prices of basic commodities.

On the other hand, only 17 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the government's handling of the Manila hostage crisis last August 23 where eight Hong Kong tourists died and which made international news.

The PIA poll was fielded nationwide with 629 respondents from various sectors,including elected and appointed government officials, business groups, religious leaders, uniformed men, laborers, and members of the media. (PIA V/mal)

President Aquino calls for renewed spirit of volunteerism

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III exchorted all Filipinos to adopt a renewed spirit of volunteerism saying the “bayanihan” spirit will serve as a catalyst to bring the country back to greatness.

The Chief Executive issued the call in his speech keynoting the celebration of the 7th anniversary of Gawad Kalinga at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday (October 10).

“Gaya po ng ginagawa ng Gawad Kalinga, hinihikayat ko po kayong makipagbayanihan upang kumpunihin natin ang ating bayan. Lahat tayo ay may magagawa. Ang pagiging simpleng mamamayan ay hindi dahilan upang sabihing wala tayong lakas. Pinatunayan na ito ng Gawad Kalinga,” the President said.

“Gaya ng nagawa ng diwa ng bolunterismo sa inyong grupo, malaki rin po ang iniambag ng mga nag-volunteer at nakiisa sa atin sa paninigurong ang tatahakin natin ay ang matuwid na landas lamang, at hindi na maliligaw pa sa kung saang gubat ng kurapsyon ang ating bayan,” he stressed.

The President said his government would implement measures to improve private-public partnerships’ ability to address the concerns of their direct constituents.

“Kaya naman po natin isinusulong ang pag-uugnayan ng pribadong sektor sa pamahalaan, at sa mga mamamayan. Ito po ang silbi ng Public-Private Partnership Center. Kung negosyante ka, at gusto mong makilahok sa pagbabago, bukas ang pintuan ng gobyerno para sa iyo. Magiging tapat, malinaw, at mabilis ang proseso ng mga papeles mo,” the President said.

He added that local government officials, who fall under the auspices of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and other civil society organizations are working hand in hand to improve regional coordination to address issues notably the procurement and the peace and order at their respective levels.

The President said that he has instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to strengthen its program monitoring and auditing services to ensure that funds for projects such as the Conditional Cash Transfers and the KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) are properly utilized.

These, he said, are just some of the examples of what the ordinary citizen can do to continue his administration’s advocacy of good governance.

“Bibigyang-lakas natin ang isa’t-isa. Sa atin pong pagbabayanihan nakasalalay ang patuloy na tagumpay ng mamamayang Pilipino,” the President said.

“Ngayong nasa kamay nang muli ng taumbayan ang pamahalaan, wala po tayong hindi magagawa. Napakaganda na po ng ating nasimulan, at napakaganda rin ng napipinto nating kinabukasan. Kumakatok na po ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Para sa susunod na salinlahi, atin po itong pagbuksan,” he said. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino asks KBP to take up the cudgels for Rogas, Tulfo over hostage tragedy

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III had asked the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) to take up the cudgels for radio reporter Michael Rogas and broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo for interfering in the negotiations and violating police instructions during the hostage tragedy last August.

In a press briefing this afternoon (October 11), the President said it is now in the hands of the KBP to castigate Rogas and Tulfo for interfering in the actual negotiations and violating police instructions when the hostage situation occurred.

He said the review committee headed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Chief Legal Counsel Ed De Mesa found out that Rogas interfered in the negotiations and effectively aided and supported the hostage taker, Sr. Inspector Rolando Mendoza, by giving him a platform to air his demands.

Citing the admission he gave recently during Senate inquiry over the bloody hostage drama, the President said Tulfo violated police instructions.

“Tulfo, by his own admission, violated police instructions. Their behavior was irresponsible bordering on the criminal,” the President said hoping that this kind of behavior should not be repeated.

However, the President assured that the state will continue to champion press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution because media is the effective partner of the government in providing checks and balances.

“We understand that the major networks have taken action to discipline errant reporters and are reviewing and revising guidelines for coverage in emergency situations. These are encouraging signs that media is taking responsibility for its actions,” he said. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino lauds GK chairman for providing homes to Filipinos

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III honored the founder and chairman of Gawad Kalinga, Antonio Meloto for his pioneering efforts in bringing together private and public partnerships to provide homes for numerous Filipino families.

In his speech keynoting the Gawad Kalinga Expo dubbed Hope 2010: Kalinga sa Bayan held at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday (October 10), the Chief Executive cited Meloto as the “father” who planted and nurtured the seed of volunteerism called Gawad Kalinga.

“…nais ko po munang bigyang pugay si Ginoong Tony Meloto: ang Ama ng Gawad Kalinga. At wala na nga po sigurong mas aangkop pa sa salitang “ama” upang ilarawan siya. Siya ang tatay na nagtanim ng binhi upang umusbong ang pamilyang ito. Siya ang haliging nagbibigay pag-asa sa mga walang masilungan. Siya ang amang gumabay sa mga myembro upang maisapuso nila ang dalisay na adhikaing makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. Siya rin ang sandigan ng bawat kasapi at volunteer tuwing may mga kumukwestyon sa tunay na layunin ng Gawad Kalinga,” the President told the audience composed of stakeholders, member-beneficiaries, and media practitioners who jampacked the section of the QC Circle fronting Commonwealth Avenue.

“Kaya naman po, kasama ko ang lahat ng Pilipino na nagpapasalamat sa lakas, yaman at panahong inialay ni Tony para itaguyod ang Gawad Kalinga. Patunay po siya at ang pitong (7) matagumpay na taon ng Gawad Kalinga na wala tayong hindi kayang gawin kung ang puhunan natin ay ang tiwala ng bawat isa sa atin. Muli, maraming salamat, Tony,” he added.

Gawad Kalinga (GK), which means to "give care" in Filipino, is officially known as the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement.

It is concerned in building communities empowered by people with faith and patriotism; a nation made up of caring and sharing communities, dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity.

Simultaneously celebrating its 7th year anniversary and the GK Expo last night, GK aims to end poverty for 5 million families by 2024. (PIA V/mal)