PIA Information Officer IV and NUTRICOMNET member Ms. Aida A. Naz, was the emcee and quiz master during the Nutri Quiz Regional Level Competition (Level II) last Friday (Nov. 19) held at LCC Event Center, LCC Mall, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)Monday, November 22, 2010
Chair, NUTRICOMNET Bicol & PIA Regional Dir. Eduardo A. de Leon delivers his message during the Nutri Quiz, Regional Level Competition (Year II) last Friday (Nov. 29) with the Theme: “Sa Pagkaing Tama at Sapat, Wastong Timbang ni Baby ang Katapat”. Also in photo are (from right) Ms. Marilyn C. Valeza, Nutrition Officer III, NNC Region V, Ms. Shirley B. Borja, Nutritionist-Dietitian II, DepEd Region V and Ms. Marilou R. Galang, FNRI Representative Chair, Board of Judges, held at LCC Event Center, LCC Mall, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
ALBAY TOURISM LEAPS BY +109%, THIRD FASTEST GROWING TOURISM HUB IN PHL
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol said tourist arrivals in Albay posted a remarkable surge by 109 percent with 62,280 local and foreign visitors making the province the third fastest growing tourist hub in the country.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, quoting on Tuesday a DOT report, said tourist arrivals in Albay posted from July to September 62, 280, of whom 27,290 were foreign and 34,990 domestic tourists, a surge that boosts Bicol’s new title as the “third fastest growing tourist destination” of the Philippines .
Salceda said “Albay is finally actualizing its tourism potential both for hosting iconic endowments’ and for its role as gateway to Bicol’s emerging tourist destinations- witness: arrivals leaping to record high of +109% during the last three months. “
Tourism Secretary Albert A. Lim, during a recent visit here, referred to Albay as the third fastest growing tourist destinations in the country second only to Cebu and Boracay with new and diversified tourism come-ons.
Such standing, according to Lim, necessitated recommending the speedy completion of Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), to make Bicol a top tourist destination as well as support DOT’s target of doubling the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country.
Lim at a with tourist stakeholders forum said “I will strongly recommend SLIA to Department of Transportation and Communication as one of the top priority airports in the country.”
Also a recent come for tourist – among others – was the province of Sorsogon due to Mt. Bulusan’s restive character, according to Governor Salceda. Mount Bulusan spewed ash about three weeks ago, but volcanologists said there's no threat of an explosive eruption.
“There is something truly amazing – and disturbing – in the way danger attracts humans. We saw similar display of predisposition for danger in the Mayon eruption only last year. In 2009, Mayon eruption induced arrivals in the month of December what it would take a majestic yet slumbering volcano a year to attract’, Salceda said.
He added that this gave rise to a perverse mode of tourist movement- disaster tourism. Thus, disaster response strategy had be to significantly reconfigured to secure our zero casualty goal since a dead tourist is al so a violation of zero casualty.
But he said recent developments, such that of Bulusan Volcano eruption, were a bit different; Albay is getting tourists without incurring the risks clearly establishing the geostrategic position of Legazpi as the gateway to Bicol destinations.
He said Albay is more comfortable with tourists due to Donsol encounters than to Bulusan eruption.
Also boosting tourist arrivals in Albay is the six–times a day flight of three big airlines by way of the Legazpi City Domestic airport; PAL, Cebu Pacific, and most recently Air Philippines, which helps establish Albay’s role as gateway to the Bicol Region, Salceda added. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
ALBAY LAUNCHES GREEN CHRISTMAS INITIATIVE:CHRISTMAS WITHOUT RISK
LEGAZPI CITY — The provincial government of Albay will launch the Green Christmas Initiative: Christmas without risk, an environmental protection and climate change adaptation measure in the advent of the Yuletide season.
Albay Gov.Joey Salceda said the Green Christmas Initiative: Christmas without risks in line with our overarching provincial governance goal- environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
He said the initiative is to set the tone for the Christmas celebration in the entire province, the scheme must begin in the capitol before we publicly unveil the major components of the project.
Green Christmas Initiative will essentially include: social marketing of “zero casualty” sa paputok, reduced use of plastic bags in shopping, and low-carbon celebration, he said.
He explained that generally the goals are to Celebrate Christmas safely through prevention of use of firecrackers, minimize pollution through proper use of plastic shopping bags and promote low-carbon modes of celebration.
Salceda, setting the phase for the Green Christmas Initiative, has directed provincial government employees to celebrate Christmas by either undertaking activities such as tree planting, beach or river clean-up, holding social activities in resettlement areas and disaster risk reduction (DRR) through games and magic in children’s homes or among children of informal settlers.
He also directed bans all departments from procuring Christmas Trees and other plastic ornaments and decors and are, therefore, encouraged to decorate existing trees at the Park and spruce up ornamental plants inside your offices with recyclable or biodegrable decorative materials.
During parties the serving of food by plastic or Styrofoam plates and cups should be banned and their procurement is prohibited; instead banana leaves, banana bark, coconut shell and/or “bilaos” shall be used.
He said the use of more earth-friendly and, given current trends, more fashionable and “going native”, more patriotic.
Another feature during the Green Christmas Celebration shall be an inter-department contest in the making of a Christmas Tree out of trash. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
ARMY SOLDIERS CLASH WITH NPA REBELS IN CAMARINES SUR
TIGAON, Camarines Sur— Patrolling Army soldiers clashed with NPA bandits in a remote village in Camarines Sur, a military official said here today.
LtCol Ernesto Cruz, Commanding Officer of the 42nd Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur said that a 9-man squad of his unit led by 2nd Lieutenant Mariel Bonilla clashed with more or less 10 bandits in San Ramon village, Pamplona town at around 2:30pm yesterday.
"My soldiers were conducting security patrols in the hinterlands of Pamplona town when a'walk-in' informant told them about the presence of a band of NPA rebels. The 5-minute clash erupted when the troops were fired upon by the rebels as they were approaching the said location," said Cruz.
The rebels immediately fled after the brief clash, carrying with them their casualties. The soldiers promptly pursued the rebels following the blood trails along the route of withdrawal.
Bonilla and his men confiscated a 9mm KG9 Submachinegun and a laptop computer in the encounter site.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed Colonel Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, to intensify its security operations in CamSur Province.
Small bands of NPA rebels have kept their presence felt in the upland villages but they have lost the support of the local people who are now fed up by their oppressive extortion activities. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)
RaSSFIP EXTENSION PHASE REELS OFF
PILI,Camarines Sur — The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office here in tandem with the National Food Authority (NFA) is now implementing the Extension Phase of the Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project (RaSSFIP) under the Rapid Food Production Enhancement Program (RaFPEP) to support the Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan nationwide effort to regain self-sufficiency in rice production and to respond to the rice price crisis in 2008.
Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina, acting regional technical director for Operations and Extension and Regional Rice Program, said that it is an urgent response to prevent an emergency by providing seeds rapidly to increase rice production immediately.
Catalina added that the program funded through a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and grant assistance from the European Commission provides funds for the procurement of certified seeds for distribution to eligible farmers on a subsidized scheme.
Eligible farmers are those who are landowners, farm tenants, leaseholders and administrators who are actually tilling the land and whose farms are located in rainfed areas and lowland irrigated areas with an average yield of less than 3.8 metric tons per hectare.
Catalina explained that eligible farmers will be entitled to one bag (40 kg) of certified inbred rice seeds per hectare. The DA through the NFA will provide seed subsidy of P600, while the other half (P600) shall be borne by the farmers as their equity.
The LGUs through DA, according to her, shall also provide the NFA the volume and variety of palay seeds to be procured and distributed and the latter implements the procurement and distribution based on the masterlist of farmers provided by the Municipal/City Agriculturists’ Office.
She explained that the certified seeds to be procured by the NFA should have passed the testing by the Regional Seed Quality Control Service which requires that the seed should not be more than two months old at the time of purchase and with a germination rate of not less than 85%, free from pests and with tags as proof that the seeds passed the standards.
The RaSSFIP was launched dry season in 2009 to support the government’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan but due to some problems in the implementation the guidelines were reviewed and the program is again implemented in its extension phase starting last September 16 till March 15, 2011.
Catalina furthered that icol Region is among the 10 regions included in this special program. She encourages Bicol farmers to seize the opportunity and avail of the certified seed subsidy as there are no more similar scheme under DA’s regular programs. (EBBordado, DA RFU V/PIA/mal)
Aquino's rating performance, trust still high, says Coloma
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino continues to enjoy high trust and performance ratings, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma in a radio interview Tuesday morning.
In a Pulse Asia survey conducted Oct. 20-29, Coloma said Aquino’s performance rating was recorded at 79 percent, while his trust rating remained at 80 percent.
The President’s performance rating according to Coloma was highest in the Visayas at 86 percent, followed by Mindanao, 79 percent; Metro Manila, 78 percent and Luzon, 65 percent. The President rated highest in Class E (83 percent), followed by Class D (77 percent) and Class ABC (74 percent).
Coloma said 23 percent of those surveyed came from the poorest of the poor which he said will benefit greatly from the Millennium Challenge Development Corp. grant.
The bulk of this grant will be used for the construction of a highway linking Samar to Eastern Samar provinces and the others will fund the Poverty Reduction Program of the Aquino administration to address the needs of the poorest of the poor.
The grant, Coloma said, showed the trust and confidence of the US government in the current administration in terms of good governance and the decisiveness of the President to eradicate poverty.
Even the 2011 General Appropriations Act or the national budget reflects the steadfastness of the Aquino administration to lick poverty by reducing government operations expenditures and channeling the savings to poverty alleviation and social welfare programs, he added.
“Understandably, we encounter a lot of criticisms and many people are dismayed by such moves that displaces them from their usual comfort zones,” said Coloma.
The removal of midnight appointees, according to him had not gone as fast as desired because the midnight appointees refuse to vacate their positions and contest government’s actions in the courts.
Coloma who has served during the terms of President Cory, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, said the transition of appointees then was smooth and fast because the appointees immediately vacated their posts upon assumption of the new administration. (PIA V)
Aquino welcomes manufacturing plant’s P2.5-B expansion in Cabuyao
MANILA — Having just brought home good news of over $5 billion in fresh investments from his foreign callers during his attendance of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders summit in Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III was delighted anew last night when Procter & Gamble Philippines announced it would be expanding its Cabuyao plant soon worth P2.5 billion or $60 million.
In his speech marking the 75th anniversary of P & G in the country, the Chief Executive said the company’s Cabuyao plant expansion will not just bring more jobs and improve the lives of Filipinos in the years to come but also demonstrates its continued trust and confidence in the capacities of the Filipino as well as its commitment to improve the quality of its products in the Philippines.
The company’s expansion plan was announced by P & G Global president and chief executive officer Robert McDonald in a report before introducing the President for the latter’s keynote speech.
McDonald, who headed the Philippine operation in 1991 to 1995, said P & G Philippines is the oldest subsidiary in Asia and the second oldest in the world, beginning as the Manila Refining Company in 1908 and incorporated as Philippine Manufacturing Company in 1913.
“Today we distribute 20 leading brands across product categories. From just 10 employees when we started we are now 1,300 strong nationwide,” he said.
P & G Asia head, Deb Henretta said 1/3 of the company’s global revenues of $15 billion come from the Philippines. The total consumer base of P & G in Asia is 2 billion.
“Your P2.5-billion expansion is a testimony of your commitment to the Philippines and in your past 75 years of operations, P & G has had significant contributions to the Filipinos for several generations,” the President said.
In a lighter mode, the President said one of his greatest critics, younger sister Kris, complimented him for his skin, which he said is due to his use of Safeguard (which brought loud laughter from the jampacked Hotel Sofitel function room) and he went on to say that “in 5 or 6 years I might be using your Downy also.”
The manufacturing sector, he said, contributed P83 billion as of the second quarter of 2010, or 12 percent over that in the same period last year.
And, as of July this year, 8 percent of the 3 million of the total labor force came from the manufacturing sector, the President said.
The President noted that P & G has created jobs, nurtured the Filipino families and generated revenues for the government. “We look forward to more increased investments from your company in the years to come,” the President added.
He also invited the P & G and its foreign partners to take a look at the private public partnerships that will be launched tomorrow (Thursday, November 18) initially involving the first 10 infrastructure projects to be rolled out in 2011 and will eventually cover projects in a broader spectrum of the Philippine economy.
The President reiterated his administration’s efforts to curb corruption through transparency (with the Department of Budget and Management posting online its fund disbursements for projects) and running after smugglers and tax evaders (by the Department of Finance).
The President thanked the company for being one of the most responsible corporate citizens of the country by turning over 200 houses to the Gawad Kalinga and its numerous and quick interventions to victims of calamities and natural disasters. All told, he said, P & G gave P20 million of such relief goods to victims of calamities.
He pointed out that his administration’s strategy is to get the private sector to collaborate with the government in its vital programs and projects “so that together we can bring more benefits to the people.” (PIA V)
Aquino inducts 3 new members of U.P. Board of Regents
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted three new members of the 11-man Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines, of which 5 to 6 are appointed by the Office of the President. The term of regents is two years until reappointed.
Inducted at the lobby of the Premier Guest House by the President were former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Elizabeth Siguion-Reyna and Magdaleno Albaraccin Jr.
The President according to Puno reminded the new UP Board of Regents members of the many things he wanted done in UP given the resources of the government to restore the state university into its premier status.
Siguion-Reyna took her Imaginative Writing Program at the English Department (now called the Creative Writing program) at the UP from 1970 to 1975. She is currently a director of a parenting show at QTV, gag shows and writer for film and television.
Puno, who took his two-year associate in arts course and finished law at UP in 1962, said the President also asked him to go over the UP development plan which would help the university attain its academic and non-academic objectives.
Puno, as the then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, became the 2008 Most Distinguished Alumnus of UP in its centennial celebration.
Albaraccin, whose uncle Narciso served as Deputy Minister for Education of the late strongman, President Marcos, finished his engineering course at UP in 1956. He continues to be active in the College of Engineering. (PIA V)
Aquino to launch electronic payments processing center
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III will launch and keynote the country’s first Global Payments Processing Center Inc. (GPPC) at the Robinsons Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong on Thursday (Nov. 18).
GPPC is a leading provider of electronic payments transaction processing services with clients in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Asia Pacific region, Czech Republic and Russia.
Aquino will be welcomed at Robinson’s by Lance Gokongwei, chairman of the Robinsons Land Corp. and Claire Ann Yap, senior vice president and head of the Global Service Center.
At the Global Payments’ office, the President will be received by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Paul Garcia, chairman/CEO of the Global Payments; Morgan Schuessler, chief administrative and operations officer of Global Center, Vincent Perrell Jr., credit and operations officer, Global Center and Ian Courtnage, president Global Payments Asia-Pacific.
The President will lead the “torch lighting” ceremony assisted by four Global Payments Inc. officials. He will then unveil the company emblem to signal the formal launching of GPPC. On his way to the program venue, the President will have the chance to tour and inspect the work stations and other facilities of the company.
Yap will deliver the welcome remarks followed by an overview by Garcia of the company’s global operations and the President’s message.
GPPC serves as an intermediary in facilitating payment transactions. Its registered revenues for the fiscal year ending May 2010 was at $1.6 billion.
The company operates in two business segments namely North America and International Merchant Services and employs 3,600 people worldwide. (PIA V)
Aquino optimistic of PPP support
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III today (November 17) expressed confidence in getting support from major stakeholders for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects that will be launched tomorrow in Pasay City.
In a press briefing the President said various private entities have shown interest on the first 10 projects that will be launched tomorrow.
The President said that the travel advisories previously issued by other countries may not affect the launching and implementation of the PPP projects.
“There really seems to be a lot of interest, hopefully, the travel advisory brouhaha last week will not seriously dampen it. At this point we’re really optimistic that there will be a lot of interest at least the first 10 that will be rolled out by tomorrow”, the Chief Executive said.
The government, in cooperation with the private sector, launched “Infrastructure Philippines”, that will run until Friday, Nov. 19 at the Manila Mariott Hotel.
The event is part of President Aquino’s socio-economic agenda which aims to achieve a high and sustained economic growth needed to generate jobs and to examine investment opportunities, profiles of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the country, as well as policy, regulatory, and legal concerns in developing the infrastructure sector in the country.
The government has committed to channel the gains from the PPP into essential social services, such as those in education, health, and its centerpiece program on poverty alleviation.
Implementing agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Transportation and Communications will present their pipeline of infrastructure projects for possible private-public partnership as well as their planned timelines for bidding out such projects. (PIA V)
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol said tourist arrivals in Albay posted a remarkable surge by 109 percent with 62,280 local and foreign visitors making the province the third fastest growing tourist hub in the country.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, quoting on Tuesday a DOT report, said tourist arrivals in Albay posted from July to September 62, 280, of whom 27,290 were foreign and 34,990 domestic tourists, a surge that boosts Bicol’s new title as the “third fastest growing tourist destination” of the Philippines .
Salceda said “Albay is finally actualizing its tourism potential both for hosting iconic endowments’ and for its role as gateway to Bicol’s emerging tourist destinations- witness: arrivals leaping to record high of +109% during the last three months. “
Tourism Secretary Albert A. Lim, during a recent visit here, referred to Albay as the third fastest growing tourist destinations in the country second only to Cebu and Boracay with new and diversified tourism come-ons.
Such standing, according to Lim, necessitated recommending the speedy completion of Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), to make Bicol a top tourist destination as well as support DOT’s target of doubling the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country.
Lim at a with tourist stakeholders forum said “I will strongly recommend SLIA to Department of Transportation and Communication as one of the top priority airports in the country.”
Also a recent come for tourist – among others – was the province of Sorsogon due to Mt. Bulusan’s restive character, according to Governor Salceda. Mount Bulusan spewed ash about three weeks ago, but volcanologists said there's no threat of an explosive eruption.
“There is something truly amazing – and disturbing – in the way danger attracts humans. We saw similar display of predisposition for danger in the Mayon eruption only last year. In 2009, Mayon eruption induced arrivals in the month of December what it would take a majestic yet slumbering volcano a year to attract’, Salceda said.
He added that this gave rise to a perverse mode of tourist movement- disaster tourism. Thus, disaster response strategy had be to significantly reconfigured to secure our zero casualty goal since a dead tourist is al so a violation of zero casualty.
But he said recent developments, such that of Bulusan Volcano eruption, were a bit different; Albay is getting tourists without incurring the risks clearly establishing the geostrategic position of Legazpi as the gateway to Bicol destinations.
He said Albay is more comfortable with tourists due to Donsol encounters than to Bulusan eruption.
Also boosting tourist arrivals in Albay is the six–times a day flight of three big airlines by way of the Legazpi City Domestic airport; PAL, Cebu Pacific, and most recently Air Philippines, which helps establish Albay’s role as gateway to the Bicol Region, Salceda added. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
ALBAY LAUNCHES GREEN CHRISTMAS INITIATIVE:CHRISTMAS WITHOUT RISK
LEGAZPI CITY — The provincial government of Albay will launch the Green Christmas Initiative: Christmas without risk, an environmental protection and climate change adaptation measure in the advent of the Yuletide season.
Albay Gov.Joey Salceda said the Green Christmas Initiative: Christmas without risks in line with our overarching provincial governance goal- environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
He said the initiative is to set the tone for the Christmas celebration in the entire province, the scheme must begin in the capitol before we publicly unveil the major components of the project.
Green Christmas Initiative will essentially include: social marketing of “zero casualty” sa paputok, reduced use of plastic bags in shopping, and low-carbon celebration, he said.
He explained that generally the goals are to Celebrate Christmas safely through prevention of use of firecrackers, minimize pollution through proper use of plastic shopping bags and promote low-carbon modes of celebration.
Salceda, setting the phase for the Green Christmas Initiative, has directed provincial government employees to celebrate Christmas by either undertaking activities such as tree planting, beach or river clean-up, holding social activities in resettlement areas and disaster risk reduction (DRR) through games and magic in children’s homes or among children of informal settlers.
He also directed bans all departments from procuring Christmas Trees and other plastic ornaments and decors and are, therefore, encouraged to decorate existing trees at the Park and spruce up ornamental plants inside your offices with recyclable or biodegrable decorative materials.
During parties the serving of food by plastic or Styrofoam plates and cups should be banned and their procurement is prohibited; instead banana leaves, banana bark, coconut shell and/or “bilaos” shall be used.
He said the use of more earth-friendly and, given current trends, more fashionable and “going native”, more patriotic.
Another feature during the Green Christmas Celebration shall be an inter-department contest in the making of a Christmas Tree out of trash. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
ARMY SOLDIERS CLASH WITH NPA REBELS IN CAMARINES SUR
TIGAON, Camarines Sur— Patrolling Army soldiers clashed with NPA bandits in a remote village in Camarines Sur, a military official said here today.
LtCol Ernesto Cruz, Commanding Officer of the 42nd Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Camarines Sur said that a 9-man squad of his unit led by 2nd Lieutenant Mariel Bonilla clashed with more or less 10 bandits in San Ramon village, Pamplona town at around 2:30pm yesterday.
"My soldiers were conducting security patrols in the hinterlands of Pamplona town when a'walk-in' informant told them about the presence of a band of NPA rebels. The 5-minute clash erupted when the troops were fired upon by the rebels as they were approaching the said location," said Cruz.
The rebels immediately fled after the brief clash, carrying with them their casualties. The soldiers promptly pursued the rebels following the blood trails along the route of withdrawal.
Bonilla and his men confiscated a 9mm KG9 Submachinegun and a laptop computer in the encounter site.
Major General Ruperto Pabustan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, has directed Colonel Teodoro Cirilo Torralba, Commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, to intensify its security operations in CamSur Province.
Small bands of NPA rebels have kept their presence felt in the upland villages but they have lost the support of the local people who are now fed up by their oppressive extortion activities. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)
RaSSFIP EXTENSION PHASE REELS OFF
PILI,Camarines Sur — The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office here in tandem with the National Food Authority (NFA) is now implementing the Extension Phase of the Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project (RaSSFIP) under the Rapid Food Production Enhancement Program (RaFPEP) to support the Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan nationwide effort to regain self-sufficiency in rice production and to respond to the rice price crisis in 2008.
Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina, acting regional technical director for Operations and Extension and Regional Rice Program, said that it is an urgent response to prevent an emergency by providing seeds rapidly to increase rice production immediately.
Catalina added that the program funded through a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and grant assistance from the European Commission provides funds for the procurement of certified seeds for distribution to eligible farmers on a subsidized scheme.
Eligible farmers are those who are landowners, farm tenants, leaseholders and administrators who are actually tilling the land and whose farms are located in rainfed areas and lowland irrigated areas with an average yield of less than 3.8 metric tons per hectare.
Catalina explained that eligible farmers will be entitled to one bag (40 kg) of certified inbred rice seeds per hectare. The DA through the NFA will provide seed subsidy of P600, while the other half (P600) shall be borne by the farmers as their equity.
The LGUs through DA, according to her, shall also provide the NFA the volume and variety of palay seeds to be procured and distributed and the latter implements the procurement and distribution based on the masterlist of farmers provided by the Municipal/City Agriculturists’ Office.
She explained that the certified seeds to be procured by the NFA should have passed the testing by the Regional Seed Quality Control Service which requires that the seed should not be more than two months old at the time of purchase and with a germination rate of not less than 85%, free from pests and with tags as proof that the seeds passed the standards.
The RaSSFIP was launched dry season in 2009 to support the government’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan but due to some problems in the implementation the guidelines were reviewed and the program is again implemented in its extension phase starting last September 16 till March 15, 2011.
Catalina furthered that icol Region is among the 10 regions included in this special program. She encourages Bicol farmers to seize the opportunity and avail of the certified seed subsidy as there are no more similar scheme under DA’s regular programs. (EBBordado, DA RFU V/PIA/mal)
Aquino's rating performance, trust still high, says Coloma
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino continues to enjoy high trust and performance ratings, according to Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma in a radio interview Tuesday morning.
In a Pulse Asia survey conducted Oct. 20-29, Coloma said Aquino’s performance rating was recorded at 79 percent, while his trust rating remained at 80 percent.
The President’s performance rating according to Coloma was highest in the Visayas at 86 percent, followed by Mindanao, 79 percent; Metro Manila, 78 percent and Luzon, 65 percent. The President rated highest in Class E (83 percent), followed by Class D (77 percent) and Class ABC (74 percent).
Coloma said 23 percent of those surveyed came from the poorest of the poor which he said will benefit greatly from the Millennium Challenge Development Corp. grant.
The bulk of this grant will be used for the construction of a highway linking Samar to Eastern Samar provinces and the others will fund the Poverty Reduction Program of the Aquino administration to address the needs of the poorest of the poor.
The grant, Coloma said, showed the trust and confidence of the US government in the current administration in terms of good governance and the decisiveness of the President to eradicate poverty.
Even the 2011 General Appropriations Act or the national budget reflects the steadfastness of the Aquino administration to lick poverty by reducing government operations expenditures and channeling the savings to poverty alleviation and social welfare programs, he added.
“Understandably, we encounter a lot of criticisms and many people are dismayed by such moves that displaces them from their usual comfort zones,” said Coloma.
The removal of midnight appointees, according to him had not gone as fast as desired because the midnight appointees refuse to vacate their positions and contest government’s actions in the courts.
Coloma who has served during the terms of President Cory, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, said the transition of appointees then was smooth and fast because the appointees immediately vacated their posts upon assumption of the new administration. (PIA V)
Aquino welcomes manufacturing plant’s P2.5-B expansion in Cabuyao
MANILA — Having just brought home good news of over $5 billion in fresh investments from his foreign callers during his attendance of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders summit in Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III was delighted anew last night when Procter & Gamble Philippines announced it would be expanding its Cabuyao plant soon worth P2.5 billion or $60 million.
In his speech marking the 75th anniversary of P & G in the country, the Chief Executive said the company’s Cabuyao plant expansion will not just bring more jobs and improve the lives of Filipinos in the years to come but also demonstrates its continued trust and confidence in the capacities of the Filipino as well as its commitment to improve the quality of its products in the Philippines.
The company’s expansion plan was announced by P & G Global president and chief executive officer Robert McDonald in a report before introducing the President for the latter’s keynote speech.
McDonald, who headed the Philippine operation in 1991 to 1995, said P & G Philippines is the oldest subsidiary in Asia and the second oldest in the world, beginning as the Manila Refining Company in 1908 and incorporated as Philippine Manufacturing Company in 1913.
“Today we distribute 20 leading brands across product categories. From just 10 employees when we started we are now 1,300 strong nationwide,” he said.
P & G Asia head, Deb Henretta said 1/3 of the company’s global revenues of $15 billion come from the Philippines. The total consumer base of P & G in Asia is 2 billion.
“Your P2.5-billion expansion is a testimony of your commitment to the Philippines and in your past 75 years of operations, P & G has had significant contributions to the Filipinos for several generations,” the President said.
In a lighter mode, the President said one of his greatest critics, younger sister Kris, complimented him for his skin, which he said is due to his use of Safeguard (which brought loud laughter from the jampacked Hotel Sofitel function room) and he went on to say that “in 5 or 6 years I might be using your Downy also.”
The manufacturing sector, he said, contributed P83 billion as of the second quarter of 2010, or 12 percent over that in the same period last year.
And, as of July this year, 8 percent of the 3 million of the total labor force came from the manufacturing sector, the President said.
The President noted that P & G has created jobs, nurtured the Filipino families and generated revenues for the government. “We look forward to more increased investments from your company in the years to come,” the President added.
He also invited the P & G and its foreign partners to take a look at the private public partnerships that will be launched tomorrow (Thursday, November 18) initially involving the first 10 infrastructure projects to be rolled out in 2011 and will eventually cover projects in a broader spectrum of the Philippine economy.
The President reiterated his administration’s efforts to curb corruption through transparency (with the Department of Budget and Management posting online its fund disbursements for projects) and running after smugglers and tax evaders (by the Department of Finance).
The President thanked the company for being one of the most responsible corporate citizens of the country by turning over 200 houses to the Gawad Kalinga and its numerous and quick interventions to victims of calamities and natural disasters. All told, he said, P & G gave P20 million of such relief goods to victims of calamities.
He pointed out that his administration’s strategy is to get the private sector to collaborate with the government in its vital programs and projects “so that together we can bring more benefits to the people.” (PIA V)
Aquino inducts 3 new members of U.P. Board of Regents
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted three new members of the 11-man Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines, of which 5 to 6 are appointed by the Office of the President. The term of regents is two years until reappointed.
Inducted at the lobby of the Premier Guest House by the President were former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Elizabeth Siguion-Reyna and Magdaleno Albaraccin Jr.
The President according to Puno reminded the new UP Board of Regents members of the many things he wanted done in UP given the resources of the government to restore the state university into its premier status.
Siguion-Reyna took her Imaginative Writing Program at the English Department (now called the Creative Writing program) at the UP from 1970 to 1975. She is currently a director of a parenting show at QTV, gag shows and writer for film and television.
Puno, who took his two-year associate in arts course and finished law at UP in 1962, said the President also asked him to go over the UP development plan which would help the university attain its academic and non-academic objectives.
Puno, as the then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, became the 2008 Most Distinguished Alumnus of UP in its centennial celebration.
Albaraccin, whose uncle Narciso served as Deputy Minister for Education of the late strongman, President Marcos, finished his engineering course at UP in 1956. He continues to be active in the College of Engineering. (PIA V)
Aquino to launch electronic payments processing center
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III will launch and keynote the country’s first Global Payments Processing Center Inc. (GPPC) at the Robinsons Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong on Thursday (Nov. 18).
GPPC is a leading provider of electronic payments transaction processing services with clients in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Asia Pacific region, Czech Republic and Russia.
Aquino will be welcomed at Robinson’s by Lance Gokongwei, chairman of the Robinsons Land Corp. and Claire Ann Yap, senior vice president and head of the Global Service Center.
At the Global Payments’ office, the President will be received by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Paul Garcia, chairman/CEO of the Global Payments; Morgan Schuessler, chief administrative and operations officer of Global Center, Vincent Perrell Jr., credit and operations officer, Global Center and Ian Courtnage, president Global Payments Asia-Pacific.
The President will lead the “torch lighting” ceremony assisted by four Global Payments Inc. officials. He will then unveil the company emblem to signal the formal launching of GPPC. On his way to the program venue, the President will have the chance to tour and inspect the work stations and other facilities of the company.
Yap will deliver the welcome remarks followed by an overview by Garcia of the company’s global operations and the President’s message.
GPPC serves as an intermediary in facilitating payment transactions. Its registered revenues for the fiscal year ending May 2010 was at $1.6 billion.
The company operates in two business segments namely North America and International Merchant Services and employs 3,600 people worldwide. (PIA V)
Aquino optimistic of PPP support
MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III today (November 17) expressed confidence in getting support from major stakeholders for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects that will be launched tomorrow in Pasay City.
In a press briefing the President said various private entities have shown interest on the first 10 projects that will be launched tomorrow.
The President said that the travel advisories previously issued by other countries may not affect the launching and implementation of the PPP projects.
“There really seems to be a lot of interest, hopefully, the travel advisory brouhaha last week will not seriously dampen it. At this point we’re really optimistic that there will be a lot of interest at least the first 10 that will be rolled out by tomorrow”, the Chief Executive said.
The government, in cooperation with the private sector, launched “Infrastructure Philippines”, that will run until Friday, Nov. 19 at the Manila Mariott Hotel.
The event is part of President Aquino’s socio-economic agenda which aims to achieve a high and sustained economic growth needed to generate jobs and to examine investment opportunities, profiles of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the country, as well as policy, regulatory, and legal concerns in developing the infrastructure sector in the country.
The government has committed to channel the gains from the PPP into essential social services, such as those in education, health, and its centerpiece program on poverty alleviation.
Implementing agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and Department of Transportation and Communications will present their pipeline of infrastructure projects for possible private-public partnership as well as their planned timelines for bidding out such projects. (PIA V)
Monday, November 15, 2010
SENATE DEFENSE COMMITTEE APPROVES INCREASE OF COMBAT DUTY PAY
LEGAZPI CITY -- Military personnel can now look forward to a better combat pay under a report submitted by the Senate committee on national defense to the upper chamber for approval.
Senator Chiz Escudero, defense committee chairman, said the committee has recommended a combat duty pay raise for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) according to the danger they are exposed to.
Senate Committee Report No. 8 increases the combat duty pay of officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP from a minimum of five percent to a maximum of 25 percent of their base pay.
At present, each soldier assigned to combat zones receives a measly sum of P240 per month.
In the proposed measure, soldiers assigned to tactical brigades and its combat compliments will receive an increase based on the category of danger they are in. Those assigned to the most hazardous areas shall receive 25 percent of a private’s base pay, 15 percent for the more hazardous areas and 15 percent for the hazardous areas.
The current private base pay is P12,150.
“It has been 22 years since the AFP increased its combat pay for our soldiers. This is most timely given the increasingly hazardous duties our soldiers are facing in the service of our country coupled with inflation rates and higher cost of commodities and services. This will surely augment the salaries of those in the field whose one foot is already in the grave,” Escudero explained.
At present, there are 88,075 soldiers receiving combat duty pay. The AFP currently allocates a total of P253 million for the combat duty of its eligible soldiers.
Once the measure is approved, the AFP needs a total of P2.5 billion to fund the proposed increase.
The defense committee is joined by the finance committee in pushing for the approval of the measure in the Senate.(Office of Sen. Francis Escudero/PIA/mal)
PACQUIAO DAY IN ALBAY A WISE CALL: SALCEDA
LEGAZPI CITY— To celebrate national pride and savor the positive economic repercussions, Albay Governor Joey Salceda has declared Monday as Pacquiao Day though with work and with classes still going on between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday tomorrow.
But this new call awaits the feel of the nation if only to declare a no-work, no classes in the future.
Salceda said that very timely with a day that is between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday, Monday should be declared a special no-work, no-class holiday in the whole province of Albay.
“But, since there are already several holidays in November and several more in December, I balked at the unilateral move that may be perceived to be frivolous and would rather wait for the national leadership to set the feel of the nation. The idea of a Pacquiao day should blossom into a National OFW Day as a legislated national holiday,” Salceda explained.
“The heroism of Manny Pacquiao partakes of the day-to-day "living" heroism of our ordinary OFWs. And, without doubt, he has stacked up by far the biggest export by a single individual in our country's economic history- in National Income Accounts- he would visibly stand out in the NFIA or Net Foreign Income from Abroad- the item added to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to get Gross National Production (GNP),” Salceda furthered.
According to Salceda, with Michael Jordan now retired and Tiger Woods now in decline, Pacquiao is now possibly the most important brand franchise in the whole world of global sporting market- a significant investment class that would assure recurring inflows (eg sponsorships, events) to our economy in the medium term.
“But more than the forex resources, he brings honor to our nation. Pacquiao plays what economists call "a binding force" even quite briefly and fleeting- by enabling stubbornly disparate forces in Philippine society to come together and overcome our differences to celebrate our national pride,” he said.
“That would have been sufficient fundamental basis for us to succumb to the pervasive suggestion of declaring tomorrow as Pacquiao Day in Albay as a no-work, no-class holiday (also practical since it is sandwiched by Nov 16's Al Adha holiday) so our people could celebrate pride in being Filipino and discern the spirit of the possible that is enlarged by Pacquiao's achievements,” Salceda concluded. LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
NO FISH KILL IN MALAGUIT RIVER –EMB
PARACALE, Camarines Norte -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has allayed fears of an incident fish kill in Malaguit River here reportedly due to small scale gold processing operations.
EMB Bicol Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales reported that the Bureau’s investigators found no fish kill in the areas traversed by Malaguit River on October 17, 2010.
“However minimal fish kill was noted at the mouth of Matanlang river, a tributary upstream of Malaguit River,” Engr. Henry Lopez, Provincial Environmental Management Officer (PEMO) of Camarines Norte clarified in his report.
EMB Bicol investigators observed floating dead fish (2 species Midyad & Butete) along Matanlang stream believed to be in decaying stage due to its foul stench.
"The dead fish observed in the upstream of Malaguit River were either remains of poisoned fishes by fishermen or from the remains of fishponds clearing after harvest,” Lopez added.
He cited Malaguit Punong Barangay Zaldy Moya’s account on local fishermen’s practices wherein they apply “sosa” or “bayate” (poison) in fishing. According to Moya, the practice involves installing a net at the mouth of the river during high tide and when low tide occurs they gather the catch utilizing poison to hasten their work.
To verify allegations of mine tailings overflow, EMB Bicol investigators inspected the tailings pond of small scale gold processing plants in Barangay Tugos, Paracale for seepage, but no leaks were discovered. The Bureau assured a close monitoring of the tailings pond and the sources of chemicals which might have been used by some fishermen in illegal fishing.
Earlier, Governor Edgardo Tallado requested the bureau to check reports of fish kill in Malaguit River allegedly caused by mine tailings seepage. Tallado said despite compliance by small scale gold processing plants with environmental permits, it is the provincial government’s utmost priority to determine the possible cause and who will be held responsible in the incident.(ASAraya, RPAO DENR V/PIA/mal)
ARMY’S MEDICAL MISSION BENEFITS 1,500 PEOPLE IN CAMSUR
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur – More than a thousand locals has benefited from a medical and dental mission participated in by the Army unit in Bicol held in Naga City last week.
Captain Raul Sasuca, medical officer of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division said that a total of 1,555 residents availed of the free medical and dental services during the medical and dental mission participated by the Philippine Army in the past two days (10-11 November 2010) held in SM City Naga City.
Sasuca said that his team has also visited several communities in Camarines Sur providing free medical and medical assistance to poor people.
“We are very glad to be part of this medical mission because this is part of the 9th ID’s community service here in the Bicol Region. We have communities in far-flung areas which do not have ready access to health facilities and through this medical mission they can avail of free medical checkup and medicines which many of them cannot afford,” said Sasuca.
Ms Tina Sumayao, the Public Relations Officer of the SM City Naga, said that the project was part of the corporate social responsibility of the SM Foundation Inc.
“Aware about the health needs of the poor people in the countryside, we coordinated with various agencies and NGOs to make this project a reality,” Sumayao said.
The other partners during the medical mission include the Philippine National Red Cross, Provincial Health Office of Camarines Sur, Bicol Medical Center, DSWD Naga City and the 9th ID Press Corps. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)
BU IS CHAMPION IN BICOL SCUAA
LEGAZPI CITY---After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.
The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).
This year’s competition is geared on the theme “Strengthening Regional Solidarity through Sports”. Bicol University (BU) as the host school utilized all of its facilities and resources offering superb and well-prepared services to the participating delegations as spearheaded by its Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the
weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA
participants,” Lauraya said.
On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”
“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.
SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (CEDematera, BUCAL/PIA/mal)
Remittance of OFWs in Japan will be simplified and cheaper, says Aquino
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III said it will now be easier and more affordable for Filipinos in Japan to send money back home following the signing of an agreement between the Land Bank of the Philippines and Japan Post Bank.
Speaking before some 1,000 members of the Filipino community here on Sunday at the Yokohama Futaba High School, the President said he learned that many Filipinos were lamenting the high fees their remittances were being charged.
“To help bring down the remittance cost, the Land Bank of the Philippines and Japan Post Bank have agreed to simplify the process and make sending money back home faster, safer and more affordable for overseas Filipino workers so their families can receive their hard-earned income,” said the President.
The agreement between Land Bank and the Japan Post Bank, according to the President, will take effect middle of January next year.
“We expect this simplified procedure to be available for workers here by January 17, 2011,” continued the Chief Executive, adding that Filipino workers can send their remittances through the nearest Japan Post Bank and their relatives can pick up the money from any Land Bank branch in the Philippines.
The President also said that during the APEC Leaders’ Summit here, the Philippines worked closely with other countries in dealing with the erratic appreciation of regional currencies, including the peso, to make sure that dollars being remitted by OFWs will enjoy a favorable exchange rate. (PIA V)
APEC leaders vow to pursue closer integrated regional economy
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reiterated their commitment to pursue an even more closely integrated regional economy and strong sustainable and balanced growth in the region.
This would include taking steps toward the realization of the Free Trade Area for Asia and the Pacific (FTAAP) to meet new opportunities and challenges in the 21st century through the implementation of the APEC Leader’s Growth Strategy.
In the APEC Declaration aptly called the “Yokohama Vision – Bogor and Beyond,” which was presented by Japanase Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders’ Meeting here, the 21 APEC leaders also committed to take necessary and concrete steps toward making this vision a reality.
They expressed confidence that this will bring about greater prosperity and well-being for all in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
“We will implement the Growth Strategy to 2015, focusing on the five desired attributes of balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth,” they said.
According to the APEC leaders the Growth Strategy includes an Action Plan that encompasses work elements on structural reform; human resource and entrepreneurship development; green growth; a knowledge-based economy; and human security.
“The Action Plan will be supported and promoted through specific work programs that draw in all aspects of APEC ‘s work, including sectoral Ministerial meetings, extensive regional networks of experts, and close cooperation with the business community.
The APEC leaders agreed that their respective ministers and senior officials will accelerate work on strengthening and deepening regional economic integration in the coming year, which is consistent with the vision articulated in the document.
“They will design and implement specific initiatives to address barriers to trade and investment, and to ensure high-quality, sustainable growth in the future,” the leaders said, stressing that they look forward to ambitious progress on APEC’s agenda under the leadership of the United States. (PIA V)
APEC leaders reaffirms commitment to Doha Development Agenda
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reaffirmed their strong commitment to bring the Doha Development Agenda to a prompt and successful conclusion.
“Bearing in mind that 2011 will be a critically important ‘window of opportunity,’ we direct our Ministers to empower our representatives to engage in comprehensive negotiations with a sense of urgency in the end game, built on the progress achieved, including with regard to modalities, consistent with the Doha mandate,” the 21 APEC leaders said in the APEC Declaration aptly called “Yokohama Vision – Bogor And Beyond,” which was presented by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders’ Meeting on Sunday here.
“We affirm our commitment to win domestic support in our respective systems for a strong engagement,” the APEC leaders said.
In their continued efforts to resist protectionism, the APEC leaders agreed to “extend their commitment on standstill made in 2008 to the end of 2013 to refrain from raising new barriers to investment or to trade in goods and services, imposing new export restrictions or implementing World Trade Organization (WTO) inconsistent measures in all areas, including those that stimulate exports.”
The APEC leaders likewise committed themselves “to take steps to rollback trade distorting measures introduced during the crisis.”
Furthermore, the APEC leaders pledged to continue to exercise “maximum restraint in implementing measures that may be considered to be consistent with WTO provisions if they have a significant protectionist effect and promptly rectify such measures where implemented.” (PIA V)
APEC leaders reiterate commitment to UN climate change negotiations
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reiterated their commitment to “take strong and action-oriented measures and remain fully dedicated to the United Nations climate change negotiations.”
“Addressing the threat of global climate change is an urgent priority for all nations. “the 21 APEC leaders said in the APEC Declaration aptly called “Yokohama Vision – Bogor and Beyond,” which was presented by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders Meeting here on Sunday.
“We reaffirm the objective, provisions and the Principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, including common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” the 21 APEC leaders said.
“Those of us who have associated with the Copenhagen Accord reaffirm our support for it and its implementation. We are all committed to achieving a successful, balanced result that includes the core issues of mitigation, transparency, finance, technology, adaptation, and forest preservation,” the APEC Declaration stated.
The APEC leaders likewise expressed their appreciation for Mexico’s hard work in preparing for and hosting COP16 or the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties’16th Summit. (PIA V)
Aquino mulls creation of Philippine Center in Japan
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III has asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to study the proposal of the members of the Filipino community to set up a Philippine center that will help promote the Filipino culture as well as cater to the welfare of the next generation of children of Filipino and Japanese descent.
The President made the statement at the gathering of some 1,000 members of the Filipino community at the Yokohama Futaba High School late Sunday afternoon, during which he instructed Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to look into the proposal to establish the center to be called “Tahanan”.
“We are here with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and I have directed him to study at the soonest possible time the creation of a Philippine center here,” said the President.
Aside from promoting Filipino culture, members of the Filipino community said the center could also help foster trade and investments between the Philippines and Japan, provide legal assistance to distressed overseas Filipino workers, and care for a number of illegitimate and abandoned “Japinos,” or children of Filipino and Japanese parents, among others. (PIA V)
LEGAZPI CITY -- Military personnel can now look forward to a better combat pay under a report submitted by the Senate committee on national defense to the upper chamber for approval.
Senator Chiz Escudero, defense committee chairman, said the committee has recommended a combat duty pay raise for personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) according to the danger they are exposed to.
Senate Committee Report No. 8 increases the combat duty pay of officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP from a minimum of five percent to a maximum of 25 percent of their base pay.
At present, each soldier assigned to combat zones receives a measly sum of P240 per month.
In the proposed measure, soldiers assigned to tactical brigades and its combat compliments will receive an increase based on the category of danger they are in. Those assigned to the most hazardous areas shall receive 25 percent of a private’s base pay, 15 percent for the more hazardous areas and 15 percent for the hazardous areas.
The current private base pay is P12,150.
“It has been 22 years since the AFP increased its combat pay for our soldiers. This is most timely given the increasingly hazardous duties our soldiers are facing in the service of our country coupled with inflation rates and higher cost of commodities and services. This will surely augment the salaries of those in the field whose one foot is already in the grave,” Escudero explained.
At present, there are 88,075 soldiers receiving combat duty pay. The AFP currently allocates a total of P253 million for the combat duty of its eligible soldiers.
Once the measure is approved, the AFP needs a total of P2.5 billion to fund the proposed increase.
The defense committee is joined by the finance committee in pushing for the approval of the measure in the Senate.(Office of Sen. Francis Escudero/PIA/mal)
PACQUIAO DAY IN ALBAY A WISE CALL: SALCEDA
LEGAZPI CITY— To celebrate national pride and savor the positive economic repercussions, Albay Governor Joey Salceda has declared Monday as Pacquiao Day though with work and with classes still going on between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday tomorrow.
But this new call awaits the feel of the nation if only to declare a no-work, no classes in the future.
Salceda said that very timely with a day that is between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday, Monday should be declared a special no-work, no-class holiday in the whole province of Albay.
“But, since there are already several holidays in November and several more in December, I balked at the unilateral move that may be perceived to be frivolous and would rather wait for the national leadership to set the feel of the nation. The idea of a Pacquiao day should blossom into a National OFW Day as a legislated national holiday,” Salceda explained.
“The heroism of Manny Pacquiao partakes of the day-to-day "living" heroism of our ordinary OFWs. And, without doubt, he has stacked up by far the biggest export by a single individual in our country's economic history- in National Income Accounts- he would visibly stand out in the NFIA or Net Foreign Income from Abroad- the item added to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to get Gross National Production (GNP),” Salceda furthered.
According to Salceda, with Michael Jordan now retired and Tiger Woods now in decline, Pacquiao is now possibly the most important brand franchise in the whole world of global sporting market- a significant investment class that would assure recurring inflows (eg sponsorships, events) to our economy in the medium term.
“But more than the forex resources, he brings honor to our nation. Pacquiao plays what economists call "a binding force" even quite briefly and fleeting- by enabling stubbornly disparate forces in Philippine society to come together and overcome our differences to celebrate our national pride,” he said.
“That would have been sufficient fundamental basis for us to succumb to the pervasive suggestion of declaring tomorrow as Pacquiao Day in Albay as a no-work, no-class holiday (also practical since it is sandwiched by Nov 16's Al Adha holiday) so our people could celebrate pride in being Filipino and discern the spirit of the possible that is enlarged by Pacquiao's achievements,” Salceda concluded. LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
NO FISH KILL IN MALAGUIT RIVER –EMB
PARACALE, Camarines Norte -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has allayed fears of an incident fish kill in Malaguit River here reportedly due to small scale gold processing operations.
EMB Bicol Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales reported that the Bureau’s investigators found no fish kill in the areas traversed by Malaguit River on October 17, 2010.
“However minimal fish kill was noted at the mouth of Matanlang river, a tributary upstream of Malaguit River,” Engr. Henry Lopez, Provincial Environmental Management Officer (PEMO) of Camarines Norte clarified in his report.
EMB Bicol investigators observed floating dead fish (2 species Midyad & Butete) along Matanlang stream believed to be in decaying stage due to its foul stench.
"The dead fish observed in the upstream of Malaguit River were either remains of poisoned fishes by fishermen or from the remains of fishponds clearing after harvest,” Lopez added.
He cited Malaguit Punong Barangay Zaldy Moya’s account on local fishermen’s practices wherein they apply “sosa” or “bayate” (poison) in fishing. According to Moya, the practice involves installing a net at the mouth of the river during high tide and when low tide occurs they gather the catch utilizing poison to hasten their work.
To verify allegations of mine tailings overflow, EMB Bicol investigators inspected the tailings pond of small scale gold processing plants in Barangay Tugos, Paracale for seepage, but no leaks were discovered. The Bureau assured a close monitoring of the tailings pond and the sources of chemicals which might have been used by some fishermen in illegal fishing.
Earlier, Governor Edgardo Tallado requested the bureau to check reports of fish kill in Malaguit River allegedly caused by mine tailings seepage. Tallado said despite compliance by small scale gold processing plants with environmental permits, it is the provincial government’s utmost priority to determine the possible cause and who will be held responsible in the incident.(ASAraya, RPAO DENR V/PIA/mal)
ARMY’S MEDICAL MISSION BENEFITS 1,500 PEOPLE IN CAMSUR
CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, Camarines Sur – More than a thousand locals has benefited from a medical and dental mission participated in by the Army unit in Bicol held in Naga City last week.
Captain Raul Sasuca, medical officer of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division said that a total of 1,555 residents availed of the free medical and dental services during the medical and dental mission participated by the Philippine Army in the past two days (10-11 November 2010) held in SM City Naga City.
Sasuca said that his team has also visited several communities in Camarines Sur providing free medical and medical assistance to poor people.
“We are very glad to be part of this medical mission because this is part of the 9th ID’s community service here in the Bicol Region. We have communities in far-flung areas which do not have ready access to health facilities and through this medical mission they can avail of free medical checkup and medicines which many of them cannot afford,” said Sasuca.
Ms Tina Sumayao, the Public Relations Officer of the SM City Naga, said that the project was part of the corporate social responsibility of the SM Foundation Inc.
“Aware about the health needs of the poor people in the countryside, we coordinated with various agencies and NGOs to make this project a reality,” Sumayao said.
The other partners during the medical mission include the Philippine National Red Cross, Provincial Health Office of Camarines Sur, Bicol Medical Center, DSWD Naga City and the 9th ID Press Corps. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)
BU IS CHAMPION IN BICOL SCUAA
LEGAZPI CITY---After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.
The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).
This year’s competition is geared on the theme “Strengthening Regional Solidarity through Sports”. Bicol University (BU) as the host school utilized all of its facilities and resources offering superb and well-prepared services to the participating delegations as spearheaded by its Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the
weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA
participants,” Lauraya said.
On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”
“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.
SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (CEDematera, BUCAL/PIA/mal)
Remittance of OFWs in Japan will be simplified and cheaper, says Aquino
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III said it will now be easier and more affordable for Filipinos in Japan to send money back home following the signing of an agreement between the Land Bank of the Philippines and Japan Post Bank.
Speaking before some 1,000 members of the Filipino community here on Sunday at the Yokohama Futaba High School, the President said he learned that many Filipinos were lamenting the high fees their remittances were being charged.
“To help bring down the remittance cost, the Land Bank of the Philippines and Japan Post Bank have agreed to simplify the process and make sending money back home faster, safer and more affordable for overseas Filipino workers so their families can receive their hard-earned income,” said the President.
The agreement between Land Bank and the Japan Post Bank, according to the President, will take effect middle of January next year.
“We expect this simplified procedure to be available for workers here by January 17, 2011,” continued the Chief Executive, adding that Filipino workers can send their remittances through the nearest Japan Post Bank and their relatives can pick up the money from any Land Bank branch in the Philippines.
The President also said that during the APEC Leaders’ Summit here, the Philippines worked closely with other countries in dealing with the erratic appreciation of regional currencies, including the peso, to make sure that dollars being remitted by OFWs will enjoy a favorable exchange rate. (PIA V)
APEC leaders vow to pursue closer integrated regional economy
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reiterated their commitment to pursue an even more closely integrated regional economy and strong sustainable and balanced growth in the region.
This would include taking steps toward the realization of the Free Trade Area for Asia and the Pacific (FTAAP) to meet new opportunities and challenges in the 21st century through the implementation of the APEC Leader’s Growth Strategy.
In the APEC Declaration aptly called the “Yokohama Vision – Bogor and Beyond,” which was presented by Japanase Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders’ Meeting here, the 21 APEC leaders also committed to take necessary and concrete steps toward making this vision a reality.
They expressed confidence that this will bring about greater prosperity and well-being for all in the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
“We will implement the Growth Strategy to 2015, focusing on the five desired attributes of balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth,” they said.
According to the APEC leaders the Growth Strategy includes an Action Plan that encompasses work elements on structural reform; human resource and entrepreneurship development; green growth; a knowledge-based economy; and human security.
“The Action Plan will be supported and promoted through specific work programs that draw in all aspects of APEC ‘s work, including sectoral Ministerial meetings, extensive regional networks of experts, and close cooperation with the business community.
The APEC leaders agreed that their respective ministers and senior officials will accelerate work on strengthening and deepening regional economic integration in the coming year, which is consistent with the vision articulated in the document.
“They will design and implement specific initiatives to address barriers to trade and investment, and to ensure high-quality, sustainable growth in the future,” the leaders said, stressing that they look forward to ambitious progress on APEC’s agenda under the leadership of the United States. (PIA V)
APEC leaders reaffirms commitment to Doha Development Agenda
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reaffirmed their strong commitment to bring the Doha Development Agenda to a prompt and successful conclusion.
“Bearing in mind that 2011 will be a critically important ‘window of opportunity,’ we direct our Ministers to empower our representatives to engage in comprehensive negotiations with a sense of urgency in the end game, built on the progress achieved, including with regard to modalities, consistent with the Doha mandate,” the 21 APEC leaders said in the APEC Declaration aptly called “Yokohama Vision – Bogor And Beyond,” which was presented by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders’ Meeting on Sunday here.
“We affirm our commitment to win domestic support in our respective systems for a strong engagement,” the APEC leaders said.
In their continued efforts to resist protectionism, the APEC leaders agreed to “extend their commitment on standstill made in 2008 to the end of 2013 to refrain from raising new barriers to investment or to trade in goods and services, imposing new export restrictions or implementing World Trade Organization (WTO) inconsistent measures in all areas, including those that stimulate exports.”
The APEC leaders likewise committed themselves “to take steps to rollback trade distorting measures introduced during the crisis.”
Furthermore, the APEC leaders pledged to continue to exercise “maximum restraint in implementing measures that may be considered to be consistent with WTO provisions if they have a significant protectionist effect and promptly rectify such measures where implemented.” (PIA V)
APEC leaders reiterate commitment to UN climate change negotiations
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/SMART): President Benigno S. Aquino III and the 20 other leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) reiterated their commitment to “take strong and action-oriented measures and remain fully dedicated to the United Nations climate change negotiations.”
“Addressing the threat of global climate change is an urgent priority for all nations. “the 21 APEC leaders said in the APEC Declaration aptly called “Yokohama Vision – Bogor and Beyond,” which was presented by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the conclusion of the 3-day APEC Leaders Meeting here on Sunday.
“We reaffirm the objective, provisions and the Principles of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, including common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities,” the 21 APEC leaders said.
“Those of us who have associated with the Copenhagen Accord reaffirm our support for it and its implementation. We are all committed to achieving a successful, balanced result that includes the core issues of mitigation, transparency, finance, technology, adaptation, and forest preservation,” the APEC Declaration stated.
The APEC leaders likewise expressed their appreciation for Mexico’s hard work in preparing for and hosting COP16 or the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties’16th Summit. (PIA V)
Aquino mulls creation of Philippine Center in Japan
YOKOHAMA, Japan (via PLDT/Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III has asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to study the proposal of the members of the Filipino community to set up a Philippine center that will help promote the Filipino culture as well as cater to the welfare of the next generation of children of Filipino and Japanese descent.
The President made the statement at the gathering of some 1,000 members of the Filipino community at the Yokohama Futaba High School late Sunday afternoon, during which he instructed Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to look into the proposal to establish the center to be called “Tahanan”.
“We are here with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and I have directed him to study at the soonest possible time the creation of a Philippine center here,” said the President.
Aside from promoting Filipino culture, members of the Filipino community said the center could also help foster trade and investments between the Philippines and Japan, provide legal assistance to distressed overseas Filipino workers, and care for a number of illegitimate and abandoned “Japinos,” or children of Filipino and Japanese parents, among others. (PIA V)
VICTORY DANCE... Bicol University (BU) students perform “Hataw” dance as warm welcome to the participating delegates while two Huey helicopters from the Philippine Air Force simultaneously rains the grounds with confetti during the opening of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association SCUAA)2010 hosted by BU. Photo by: Philip Villamor, Legazpi City Philippines
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