Aquino pushes for modernization plan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

President Benigno S. Aquino III pushed for the modernization of the country’s armed forces to make it more capable in addressing modern-day challenges.

In his third State of the Nation Address on Monday before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, the President said his administration was able to allocate P28 billion in less than two years for the Modernization Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The amount allotted by the Aquino administration almost matched the P30 billion allocated by the previous administrations in the last 15 years, the chief executive said.

“Bumubuwelo pa lang po tayo sa lagay na ‘yan: kapag naipasa na ang panukala nating AFP modernization bill sa Kongreso, makakapaglaan tayo ng P75 bilyon para sa susunod na limang taon,” the President said.

“Kasado na rin po ang tatlumpung milyong dolyar na pondong kaloob ng Estados Unidos para sa Defense Capability Upgrade and Sustainment of Equipment Program ng AFP. Bukod pa po ito sa tulong nila upang pahusayin pa ang pagmanman sa ating mga baybayin sa ilalim ng itatayong Coast Watch Center ng Pilipinas,” he added.

The President also said the AFP has started shopping for modern equipment such as cannons, armored personnel carriers and frigates adding that a warship from the US would be arriving in January.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the country’s second Hamilton class cutter will arrive next year, he said. Last year, the Philippine Navy commissioned the BRP Gregorio del Pilar to guard the Philippine waters.

Two C130 cargo aircraft will also augment airlift capabilities of the Philippine Air Force, the President said. This will help the single C-130 that has been operating for more than 30 years.

The President said that next year, 21 refurbished UH-1H Helicopter will be delivered to the air force, in addition to four combat utility helicopters, radio and communication equipment, rifles, mortars, mobile diagnostic laboratories and bullet station assembly.

While the government is providing equipment to soldiers and policemen, the administration is also working to make their lives better, President Aquino said.

More than 22,000 homes were constructed by the government through the AFP-PNP housing program, he said.

“Hindi po ito tungkol sa pakikipaggirian o pakikipagmatigasan. Hindi ito tungkol sa pagsisiga-sigaan. Tungkol ito sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan. Tungkol ito sa kakayahan nating ipagtanggol ang ating sarili—isang bagay na kay tagal nating inisip na imposible,” the President said.

These government efforts are also about protecting the lives of soldiers and policemen to make their jobs safer for the benefit of their families, the President concluded. (as/6:21pm)

Philhealth benefits and services are now available to 85 percent of Filipinos, says Aquino

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s advocacy to provide healthcare to more and more Filipinos is slowly becoming a reality as coverage to the national health insurance program has reached 85 percent.

This, the President said in his third State of the Nation Address at the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, was made possible through reforms implemented in the health sector and “not on being in the good graces of politicians.”

“When we first took office, only 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled in PhilHealth. Now, 85 percent of our citizens are members. This means that since we received our mandate, 23.31 million more Filipinos have access to PhilHealth’s array of benefits and services,” the President said.

He added that included in this increase are the 5.2 million poorest households identified by the Department of Social Welfare and its National Household Targeting System.

Now, all members can now avail the services of Philhealth-accredited hospitals and medical practitioners free of charge through the Department of Health’s No Balance Billing Policy.

“The process for our poorest PhilHealth members: Enter any government hospital. Show your PhilHealth card. Get treatment. And they return to their homes without having to shell out a single centavo,” the President said.

To address the ratio mismatch of medical practitioners to the number of Filipinos, the President said, 30,801 nurses and midwives have been deployed to remote areas of the country under the Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement and Local Service (RNHEALS) program.

“And today, because of efficient targeting, they (nurses and midwives) are deployed to where they are most needed: to areas that have been for so long left in the margins of society. We have sent our health professionals to 1,021 localities covered by the Pantawid Pamilya, and to the 609 poorest cities and municipalities, as identified by the National Anti-Poverty Commission,” the President said.

“This new system addresses two issues: thousands of nurses and midwives now have jobs and an opportunity to gain valuable work experience; at the same time, millions of our countrymen now have increased access to quality health care,” he added. (rck)

Aquino assures Filipinos of adequate protection against calamities, storms through nationwide operational assessment of hazards

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured Filipinos of adequate protection against various calamities and other destructive storms through the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH.

In his third State of the Nation Address on Monday during the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City, the Chief Executive said Project NOAH was launched in Marikina last July in a bid to step up national efforts toward greater and more intensive disaster risk reduction and management procedures in the face of typhoons and calamities.

"Let us talk about the situation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. Once, the government, which is supposed to give aid, was the one asking for aid. Today, even when the storm is still brewing, we already know how to craft clear plans to avoid catastrophe," President Aquino said.

"Talking about disasters reminds me of the time when a typhoon struck Tarlac. The dike collapsed due to the rains; when one of the barangay captains awoke, the floods had already taken his family, as well as his farming equipment. Fortunately, the entire family survived. But the carabao they had left tied to a tree wasn’t as lucky; it was strangled to death from the force of the flood," he said.

President Aquino stressed that natural hazards inflicted loss of lives and costly damage to property in the past years.

"Many of those affected by typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Sendong were just as defenseless. We lost so many lives to these natural disasters," he said.

"And now, through Project NOAH, all our anti-disaster initiatives have been brought inside one boat, and we no longer leave the evacuation of families up to mere luck. We now have the technology to give fair warning to Filipinos in order to prepare for and avoid the worst," the President said.

Through the use of advanced science and technology, the President said Project NOAH will improve disaster management capacity of the government and assure homeland security by reducing casualties and property loss from extremely hazardous events.

"Our 86 automated rain gauges and 28 water level monitoring sensors in various regions now benefit us directly and in real time. Our target before the end of 2013 are 600 automated rain gauges and 422 water level sensors. We will have them installed in 80 primary river basins around the country," he said. (js)

Aquino’s State of the Nation Address earned positive reactions

President Benigno S. Aquino III earned positive reactions from the members of both Houses of Congress - the Senate and the House of Representatives - as he delivered his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) in over two years of his six-year term of office.

In his SONA before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, President Aquino was applauded one hundred and twenty one (121) times by the audience and a standing ovation during the whole duration of his SONA which was also witnessed by the members of the cabinet, business groups, religious sector, youth and members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.

The Chief Executive cited the major reforms being implemented in the government that has brought considerable progress to the nation and eventually uplifted the living standards of the Filipinos.

The President, together with his party, arrived at the Batasan Complex at exactly 3:40 p.m. via the Presidential convoy. Upon his arrival, the President was received by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa, House Sergeant at Arms Police Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan Jr. (Ret.) and Senate Sergeant at Arms MGen. Jose Balajadia Jr. (Ret.).

President Aquino then proceeded to the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, which served as the holding room.

The Joint Session was called into order at exactly 4:00 p.m. by the Senate President and the House Speaker.

The Mandaluyong Children’s Choir sang the National Anthem while religious leaders from various religious groups led the opening prayer.

The President’s one hour and twenty-minute speech also featured the Aquino administration’s continuing initiatives to achieve sustainable development that will ensure a brighter future for the Filipinos and the coming generations. (jcl/6:40 p.m.)

Aquino vows to distribute all lands covered by Comprehensive Agrarian Program during his term

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to distribute to legitimate farmer beneficiaries all lands covered by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (Carper) during his administration.

"My mother initiated the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. It is only just that this program sees its conclusion during my term," President Aquino said in his third State of the Nation Address before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

The Chief Executive remains committed to complete the objectives of CARPER and attain a genuine agricultural development in the country.

"We are improving the system, so that we can more swiftly and more efficiently realize agrarian reform. The government is doing everything in its power to ensure that our farmers can claim as their own the land they have tilled and nurtured with their sweat," he said.

"There are those, however, who wish to obstruct us. I say to them: We will obey the law. The law says, the nation says, and I say --- Before I step down, all the land covered by CARP will have been distributed," he said. (js)

Reforms start to benefit the education sector, Aquino says

Reforms in the education sector have started to bear fruits, President Benigno S. Aquino III said, as he noted that his government was able to address shortage in classrooms and books, as well as the meager budget for the country’s state universities and colleges.

In his third State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress on Monday at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, President Aquino said his administration inherited 66,800 classroom backlogs amounting to P53.44 billion. There was also the shortage of 2,573,212 chairs worth around P2.31 billion, he noted.

But after carrying out government reforms, the President said he expects the education department to fully address the shortage in classrooms next school year. He pointed out that this year, the government was able to construct 40,000 classrooms.

According to the President, by the end of 2012, he said he expects the Department of Education to completely fill more than two-million backlogs in chairs as well as the 61.7 million textbook shortage.

“At para naman po hindi mapag-iwanan ang ating mga State Universities and Colleges, mayroon tayong panukalang 43.61 percent na pag-angat sa kanilang budget para sa susunod na taon. Paalala lang po: lahat ng ginagawa natin, may direksyon; may kaakibat na kondisyon ang dagdag-budget na ito,” the President said.

To ensure quality education being offered by the state colleges and universities, the President said the agreed SUC Reform Roadmap of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) must be carried out.

“Kung mataas ang grado ninyo sa assignment na ito, asahan ninyong dodoblehin din namin ang kayod para matugunan ang mga natitirang pangangailangan po ninyo,” he said.

The President also explained the continuing increases in education’s budget. DepEd’s 2010 budget at the start of the Aquino administration was P177 billion, he said. For 2013, the government proposed for P292.7 billion budget for education.

For SUC’s, the 2010 budget was 21.03 billion, the President said adding that his administration is making yearly increases. He said that for next year, the administration increased it to P37.13 billion. (as/7:02pm)

President Aquino pegs retirement benefits of old-age and disability pensioners at P5,000

Old-age and disability pensioners have something to look forward to next year as President Benigno S. Aquino III has pegged their retirement benefits at P5,000 a month.

The President said in his third State of the Nation Address before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday that this was the State's way of saying thank you for the long years of dedicated service of government retirees.

“From the womb, to school, to work, change has touched the Filipinos. And should a life of government service be chosen, our people can expect the same level of care from the state, until retirement,” the President said.

“Our administration will recognize their contributions to our society as public servants, and will not withhold from them the pensions they themselves contributed to,” he added.

The President said he was shocked to discover that some retirees receive less than P500 a month in pension benefits, barely enough to cover the daily expenses of water, power and food.

“Our response -- when the New Year comes our resolution would be that all old-age and disability pensioners will receive no less than five thousand pesos monthly,” the President said.

He added the prudent government spending together with fiscal reforms have allowed the government to use sources to fund priority programs such as the retirement benefits.

"We are heartened that we can meet their needs now, without jeopardizing their future benefits,” the President said. (rck)

Former President Estrada cites Aquino's leadership in pursuing reforms

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada expressed satisfaction for the leadership of President Benigno S. Aquino III in pursuing reforms within his administration particularly in his efforts to achieve lasting progress and development to the nation.

In an interview prior to President Aquino's third State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the Joint Session of the 15h Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, Estrada noted the obvious positive effects of the efforts of the Aquino administration to effect reforms in the government.

“Malaki ang accomplishments… umakyat ang ating ekonomiya, iyon ang pinakamahalagang bagay…” Estrada said adding that the people need to give the present administration more time to perform for the benefit of the country and the Filipino citizenry.

“Iyong siyam na taon ng nakaraang administrasyon sobra-sobra ang katiwalian na nangyari, hindi naman maso-solve agad ang problema sa loob lamang ng dalawang taon kaya bigyan pa natin ng panahon ang ating kasalukuyang Pangulo para mai-ayos lahat ang mga iniwang katiwalian ng nakaraang administrasyon,” Estrada said.

When asked on his thoughts on the initiatives of the government to go after those who betrayed the people’s trust, Estrada said “Hindi naman sa naninisi kaya lang dapat lipulin lahat ang mga nagnakaw sa kaban ng bayan”. (jcl/7:12 p.m.)

President Aquino asks for the public to support the country's claim in the West Philippine Sea

President Benigno S. Aquino III asked for public support in connection with the country’s territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea adding that he has been consulting with experts and working for a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

“Kaya nga po hinihiling ko sa sambayanan ang pakikiisa sa isyung ito. Iisa lang po dapat ang kumpas natin. Tulungan ninyo akong iparinig sa kabilang panig ang katuwiran ng ating mga paninindigan,” the President said in his third State of the Nation address before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.

“Hindi po simple ang sitwasyon, at hindi magiging simple ang solusyon. Magtiwala po kayo --- kumokonsulta tayo sa mga eksperto, at sa lahat ng pinuno ng ating bansa, pati na sa kaalyado natin—gayundin sa mga nasa kabilang panig ng usaping ito—upang makahanap ng solusyon na katanggap-tanggap sa lahat,” he added.

The Philippines has shown patience and calmness in handling the present stand-off with China, the President said, as he expressed hope that the Chinese government and its people will also respect the Philippine position.

As to proposals advising the Philippine government to abandon its claims, such move would be unacceptable for him, the President said.

“Kung may pumasok sa inyong bakuran at sinabing ang kanyang kinatatayuan ay sa kanya na, papayag ba kayo? Hindi naman po yata tamang ipamigay na lang natin sa iba ang sadyang atin talaga,” he said.

The Philippine government said it wants a peaceful resolution to the dispute through dialogue with China. It also proposed to raise the issue to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS, a proposal opposed by China.

The members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have also agreed to the so-called six-point principles to resolve conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea.

China claims the West Philippine Sea nearly in its entirety, while Taiwan is also pursuing its own claim. ASEAN member countries seeking ownership over the disputed territory include Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. (as/7:26pm)

Aquino remains committed to fight corruption

President Benigno S. Aquino III renewed his resolved Monday to fight corruption and injustice in the country reiterating that he will continue to hold accountable those who committed wrongdoings in the previous administration.

In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, the President said that while his administration carries out bureaucratic reforms there are those who continue to oppose his initiatives and derail his plans.

“Sa bawat hakbang sa tuwid na daan, nagpunla tayo ng pagbabago. Ngunit may mangilan-ngilan pa ring pilit na bubunot nito. Habang nagtatalumpati ako ngayon, may mga nagbubulung-bulungan sa isang silid at hinihimay ang aking mga sinasabi; naghahanap ng butas na ipambabatikos bukas. Sasabihin nila, ‘Salita lang ito, at hindi totoo ang tuwid na landas.’ Sila na rin po ang magsasabing hayaan na, magkaisa na; forgive and forget na lang para makausad na tayo,” the President said.

“Hindi ko po matatanggap ito. Forgive and forget na lang ang sampung taon na nawala sa atin? Forgive and forget na lang para sa magsasakang nabaon sa utang dahil sa kakaangkat natin ng bigas, gayong puwede naman palang pagyamanin sa ating sariling lupa?”

Filipinos shouldn’t forgive and forget those who erred and wanted to retain the status quo, including the perpetrators of the Maguindanao massacre.

“Ang tugon ko, ang magpatawad, maaari; ang makalimot, hindi. Kung ang nagkasala ay hindi mananagot, gagarantiyahan mo ang pagpapahirap muli sa sambayanan,” the President stressed.

“Ang tunay na pagkakaisa at pagkakasunduan ay magmumula lamang sa tunay at ganap na katarungan. Katarungan ang tawag sa plunder case na isinampa laban sa dating pangulo.”

With the charges filed against the former leader, she’ll have an opportunity to defend herself in court, the President said noting that this is the only way to attain justice.

The removal from office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is also a significant achievement in the country’s quest for justice, the President said, adding that the recent impeachment trial against the former chief magistrate proved that there’s equality under the law. (as/7:44pm)

President Aquino cites Filipinos as inspiration for his 3rd State of the Nation Address

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Filipino people as his inspiration in delivering his third State of the Nation Address before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.

The President said the indomitable and positive spirit of Filipinos to rise above challenges in their quest for change was the wellspring that guided his Administration in the last two years.

“This is what I have learned in the 25 months I have served as your President: nothing is impossible. Nothing is impossible because if the Filipino people see that they are the only Bosses of their government, they will carry you, they will guide you, they themselves will lead you towards meaningful change,” the President said.

“I stand before you today as the face of a government that knows you as its Boss, and draws its strength from you. I am only here to narrate the changes that you yourselves have made possible,” he added.

The President’s SONA centered on his administration’s efforts to improve the delivery of services from the different branches, offices and agencies of government.

These include electricity; infrastructure projects such as highways, bridges, airports, trains, and ports; fair contracts; peace in our cities and our rural areas; every classroom, desk, and book assigned to a child; and every Filipino granted a future.

“This is why, to all the nurses, midwives, or doctors who chose to serve in the barrios; to each new graduate who has chosen to work for the government; to each Filipino athlete who proudly carries the flag in any corner of the globe, to each government official who renders true and honest service: You made this change possible,” the President said.

“I repeat: what was once impossible is now possible. I stand before you today and tell you: this is not my SONA. You made this happen. This is the SONA of the Filipino nation,” he added. (rck)

Aquino confident Congress will pass law on mining

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed confidence that Congress would pass a law on mining in a bid to improve environmental mining standards and increase government revenues to promote sustainable economic development and social growth.

"Umaasa po tayo sa pakikiisa ng Kongreso upang makapagpasa ng batas na sisigurong mapapangalagaan ang kalikasan at matitiyak na makatarungan ang magiging pakinabang ng publiko at pribadong sektor sa mga biyayang makukuha natin mula sa industriyang ito," President Aquino said in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday during the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

Last July 6, the Chief Executive signed Executive Order No. 79 to strengthen environmental protection, promote responsible mining and provide a more equitable revenue-sharing scheme amid the projected boom in the sector.

"Mapayapang pag-uusap rin po ang prinsipyong isinulong natin upang mabuo ang ating Executive Order ukol sa pagmimina. Ang kaisipan sa likod ng nabuong consensus: mapakinabangan ang ating likas na yaman upang iangat ang buhay ng Pilipino, hindi lamang ngayon kundi pati na rin sa susunod na salinlahi. Hindi natin pipitasin ang ginintuang bunga ng industriyang ito, kung ang magiging kabayaran ay ang pagkasira ng kalikasan," he said.

The President said the passage of legislation on mining is still needed to complement the Executive Order.

"Ngunit unang hakbang lamang ito. Isipin po ninyo: Noong 2010, 145 billion pesos ang kabuuang halaga na nakuha mula sa pagmimina, subalit 13.4 billion pesos lamang o siyam na porsyento ang napunta sa kaban ng bayan. Ang likas na yamanay pag-aari ninyo; hindi tayo papayag na balato lang ang mapupunta sa Pilipino," he said. (js)

Aquino confident about the country achieving targetted 4.6 million tourist arrivals for 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday expressed confidence that the Philippines will achieve its target of 4.6 million tourist arrivals for 2012, saying that more tourists will visit the country before the end of the year.

During his third State of the Nation Address before the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City, the President said that the number of tourist arrivals by June of this year had reached 2.1 million. He is optimistic that more tourists will arrive during the peak season.

President Aquino said that in 2001 under the previous administration, the Philippines was only able to attract 1.8 million foreign tourists to visit the country. When the Aquino administration assumed office, he said the number of tourists had grown to only around 3.1 million.

“Mantakin po ninyo: sa hinaba-haba ng kanilang administrasyon, ang naidagdag nilang tourist arrivals, 1.3 million lamang; may ambag pa kaming kalahating taon diyan,” the President said.

“Tayo naman po, Hunyo pa lang ng 2012—2.1 million na turista na ang napalapag. Mas marami pang dadagsa sa peak season bago matapos ang taon, kaya hindi ako nagdududang maaabot natin ang quota na 4.6 million na turista para sa 2012,” he said.

“Ibig sabihin po: 1.5 million na turista ang ating maidadagdag. Samakatuwid, sa dalawang taon, mas malaki ang magiging paglago ng ating tourist arrivals, kumpara sa naidagdag ng pinalitan natin sa loob ng siyam at kalahating taon. Hindi po tayo nagtataas ng bangko; nagsasabi lang po tayo ng totoo,” he further said.

President Aquino said that if Filipinos continue to embody the “same solidarity” that allowed the Puerto Princesa Underground River to become one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, there is no doubt that the country will be able to reach its goal of 10 million foreign tourists by 2016.

The Puerto Princesa Underground River was named one of the world’s New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN) early this year. It is located some 50 kilometers north of the city of Puerto Princesa in the province of Palawan.

During his State of the Nation Address, the President also lauded Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez for his efforts to promote the country’s tourism campaign “It‘s more fun in the Philippines.”

“Ang pahayag nga po natin sa daigdig: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.” Kahit wala pang isang taon sa puwesto si Secretary Mon Jimenez, nagagapas na natin ang positibong bunga ng ating mga naipunlang reporma,” he said. (co)

Stronger economy shields the country from global uncertainty, Aquino says

While many countries struggle to regain their footing in the midst of the global economic slowdown, President Benigno S. Aquino III said the Philippines was able to strengthen its economy through reforms and good leadership.

“Tunay nga po: Ang matatag at malakas na ekonomyang pinanday ng mabuting pamamahala ang pinakamabisang kalasag laban sa mga hamon na kinakaharap ng daigdig. Dalawang taon po nating binaklas ang mga balakid sa pag-unlad, at ngayon, tayo na lang mismo ang makakapigil sa ating sariling pag-angat,” the President said during his third State of the Nation Address at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday.

“Hindi po tayo nag-iisa sa mundo, kaya’t habang tinutugunan natin ang sarili nating mga suliranin, angkop lamang na bantayan din ang ilang pangyayaring maaaring makaapekto sa atin,” he added.

The President boasted recent changes in the way investors do business in the Philippines. He said that in the past administration, businessmen weren’t confident in putting their money in the country because of corruption and secrecy in government policies.

“Ngayon, dahil patas na ang laban, at may hayag at hindi pabagu-bagong mga patakaran, patuloy ang pagtaas ng kumpiyansa sa ating ekonomya. Patuloy ang pagpasok ng puhunan; patuloy ang pagdami ng trabaho; patuloy ang positibong siklo ng pagkonsumo, paglago ng negosyo, at pagdami ng mamamayang na-eempleyo,” he said.

“Dahil maayos ang paggugol ng gobyerno, walang tagas sa sistema. Dahil maayos ang pangkolekta ng buwis, lumalago ang kaban ng bayan. Bawat pisong nakokolekta, tiyak ang pupuntahan: Piso itong diretso sa kalsada, piso para sa bakuna, piso para sa classroom at upuan, piso para sa ating kinabukasan,” he said.

As a result of a more efficient tax collection, the government could sufficiently fund projects such as construction of bridges, roads, and other infrastructures. These reforms also result to better the flow of goods and services to the people.

According to the President, the agriculture sector also benefited from these reforms adding that food production, stability of prices, and better wages were the end results of these reforms. (as/8:27pm)

Aquino cites country’s rice, coco coir export potentials

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration will focus on the country’s agriculture sector recognizing its potential for exporting different agricultural products.

In his third State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday, the President said, the Philippines could export rice next year as well as increasing its capacity to ship out coco water as well as coco coir.

While farmers disposed coco water as waste in the past, it is now a source of income for them because of its export potentials, the Chief Executive said.

“Noong 2009—483,862 liters ng cocowater ang iniluwas natin. Umangat po ito ng 1,807,583 liters noong 2010. Huwag po kayong magugulat: noong 2011 --- 16,756,498 liters liters ng cocowater ang in-export ng Pilipinas,” he said.

In the case of coco coir, the product that seemed to be unimportant in the past is now very important to farmers and exporters, the President said.

The President asked the people to seize the opportunity to export this product vowing to allocate more money for modern processing equipment of coco coir.

“Hindi natin sasayangin ang pagkakataong ito: bibili pa tayo ng mga bagong makinang magpoproseso ng bunot para makuha ang mga hiblang ginagawa mula sa coco coir. Sa susunod na taon, lalo nating mapapakinabangan ang industriya ng niyog: Naglaan na tayo ng P1.75 billion upang mamuhunan at palaguin ito,” President Aquino said.

Although the country was a major rice importer in the past, the agriculture department was able to reverse this trend. Next year if good weather permits, the Philippines could ship rice overseas, the President said.

The previous government imported two million metric tons of rice in 2010 and this large volume ended up in government warehouses and left to rot, he said.

The present government reduced the volume of rice imports, and this year, it only imported 500,000 tons, including the buffer stock intended for the time of disasters. (as/8:48pm)

Government continues to push for reforms in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to attain genuine peace

President Benigno S. Aquino III said his administration has taken significant steps to improve the peace and order situation in the country by defeating over 1,700 outlaws and initiating reforms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"Tagumpay pong maituturing ang dalawandaan at tatlong rebeldeng sumuko at nagbabalik-loob na sa lipunan, at ang 1,772 na bandidong nawakasan na ang karahasan. Halimbawa po ang kilabot na teroristang si Doctor Abu, na hindi na makakapaghasik ng kaniyang lagim," President Aquino said in his third State of the Nation Address on Monday during the Joint Session of the 15th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.

With the vigorous efforts of all law enforcement agencies, peace and order were restored in most places in the country.

"Nagpupugay rin po tayo sa panunumbalik ng katahimikan sa mga lugar na matagal nang biningi ng putukan. Ang resulta nga po ng bayanihan: 365 na barangay ang naagaw sa kamay ng kaaway, 270 na gusali’t paaralan ang naipaayos, at 74 health centers ang naipagawa," he said.

The Chief Executive said the government continues to push for reforms in the ARMM in order to attain genuine peace and order in the region.

"Kung kapayapaan na lang din po ang usapan, dumako naman tayo sa lugar na matagal naging mukha ng mga mithiing ‘di makamtan-kamtan. Bago po magsimula ang mga reporma natin sa ARMM, at alam naman po n’yo, may mga ghost students doon, na naglalakad sa isang ghost road, tungo sa isang ghost school, para magpaturo sa isang ghost teacher," he said.

"Iniimbestigahan na rin ang mga teacher na hindi lumilitaw ang pangalan sa talaan ng Professional Regulation Commission, gayundin ang mga tauhan ng gobyernong hindi nakalista sa plantilya. Limampu’t limang ghost entry ang tinanggal sa payroll. Ang dating paulit-ulit na pagsasaboy ng graba sa kalsada para lang pagkakitaan ng pera, bawal na," he said.

The President lauded Officer-In-Charge Govenor Mujiv Hataman for the reforms in the region, including the cleansing of the voters' list. "Wala nang cash advance sa mga ahensya, para maiwasan ang pagsasamantala. Ang mga multo sa voters list, mapapatahimik na ang kaluluwa," he said.

"Ang pumalit po --- pabahay, tulay, at learning center para sa mga Badjao sa Basilan. Mga community-based hatchery, lambat, materyales para maglinang ng seaweeds, at punlang napakinabangan ng 2,588 na mangingisda. Certified seeds, punla ng gabi, cassava, goma, at mga punong namumunga para sa 145,121 na magsasaka," he said.

The President said the government allocates more funds for the ARMM's development. He said the government set aside P183 million for fire stations; P515 million for clean drinking water; P551.9 million for health-care equipment; P691.9 million for daycare centers; and P2.85 billion for the roads and bridges across the region.

"Ilan lang po iyan sa patutunguhan ng kabuuang 8.59 billion pesos na ipinagkaloob ng pambansang gobyerno para isakatuparan ang mga reporma sa ARMM. Lilinawin ko rin po: hindi pa kasama rito ang taunang suportang natatanggap nila, na ngayong 2012 ay umabot sa 11.7 billion pesos," he stressed.

"Sa peace process naman po: hayag at lantaran ang usapan; nagpapamalas ang magkabilang panig ng tiwala sa isa’t isa. Maaaring minsan, magiging masalimuot ang proseso; signos lang po ito na malapit na nating makamit ang nag-iisa nating mithiin--- ang kapayapaan," he said. (js)