Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 10 , 2013 Monday, 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs10 , 10 Photonews , 8 Weather Watch,

2 Regional Watch , 3 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 17 Online News

Weather Watch

15 minutes ago

DZMM: Mino-monitor ng Marikina Rescue ang lebel ng tubig sa Marikina River matapos magtaas ito kagabi dahil sa malakas

na buhos ng ulan. Nakahanda na rin ang tatlong bagong rubber boat ng Marikina.

Weather Watch

about an hour ago

Thunderstorm Advisory No. 15

Issued at 08:05 AM 10 June 2013

Thunderstorm is affecting portions of #MetroManila (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Manila ) which may persist for 1-2hrs

expected to affect nearby areas (Valenzuela, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Marikina and Southern Quezon City) within an hour.

All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, gusty winds, lightning strikes and possible flashfloods.

Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

Project NOAH director Dr. Mahar Lagmay on DZMM:

-Ngayon po ang kick-off nitong disaster preparedness kasama po diyan ang PHIVOLCS, PAGASA. Ang Project NOAH is a tool

for PAGASA po and other agencies para makita ng mga tao yung mga panganib.

-Pinagpulong-pulong po lahat ng research and development projects upang makatulong po sa ating mga disaster

preparedness efforts.

-This week po ay mag-uumpisa po yun, meron po tayong flood map, ang PHIVOLCS marami pong earthquake maps, yun po

ang gagamitin para itong pagsimula ng tag-ulan ay meron po tayong mga drills at preparation.

-Yung ginagawa naman doon sa Pampanga, gusto po sana natin mangyari kasama ang DILG, dahil alam natin mahirap i-access

yung Internet, yung mga mapa kaya ang gustong gawin ay i-print yung mga barangay boundary map na mga hazard, nilalagay

po sa tarpaulin at ilalagay po sa bawat barangay para nakikita ng mga tao.

-Iti-test bukas sa Pampanga, ewan ko lang po dito sa Metro Manila kung anong gagamitin muna kasi mas maganda ang

access po dito sa Internet.

-Gagamitin po lahat ng paraan, hindi lang po siyensya, hindi lang po teknolohiya kung hindi natin maipaalam sa mga tao ito

ay wala rin po, ang disaster ay hindi lang nasasagot ng siyensya.

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

NDRRMC spokesman Maj. Rey Balido on DZMM

-Ang programa na ito ay proyekto ng DILG-NCR.

-Aalamin po natin ang lawak nitong gagawin nilang flood drill.

-Actually itong mapa na ito ay galing ito sa ating Mines and Geosciences ng DENR, yung unang ipinalabas nila kung di ako

nagkakamali hindi pa ata mayadong detalyado, ginagawa ng paraan namin na makapaglabas ng mas detalyadong mapa na

kung saan makikita na yung mga ilog, bundok.

-Meron tayong ika-conduct na Regional Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Summit sa mga region, kung saan ang

audience natin ay ang ating mga bagong halal na lokal na lider.

-Dito nila malalaman kung anu-ano ang mga roles nila, at dito rin idi-discuss ng MGB yung tungkol sa hazard map na pinag-

uusapan natin.

-After nila mag-take ng oath nila sa June 30 sisimulan natin agad yung summit pati yung mga nanalo na second term o third

term hindi lang yung mga bagong halal.

[pia-dr/aa]

Weather Watch

2 hours ago

DZBB: Kinalma ng Rescue 161 ng Marikina City ang kanilang mga residente dahil umabot sa 14m ang lebel ng tubig sa

Marikina River kagabi kung saan 1m pa bago ideklara ang 1st alarm na 15m. Ayon sa pinuno ng rescue team ng Marikina,

nakaalerto sila sa lahat ng posibilidad ng mga pagbaha at sa ngayon maituturing na mahina pa ang mga pag-ulan sa mga

nakaraang araw kumpara sa mga nakalipas na taon gaya ng bagyong Ondoy.

Weather Watch

3 hours ago

DZRH: Magsasagawa ang DILG ng sabay-sabay na flood drills sa 16 na barangay mula sa 11 lungsod sa Metro Manila ngayong

araw. Itinaon ang flood drills sa ikinasang nationwide Disaster Preparedness Week. Layunin nitong matiyak ang "zero

casualty" sa panahon ng kalamidad tulad ng pagbaha na dala ng mga pag-ulan. Samantala, isang nationwide quake drill

naman ang ikinasa ng NDRRMC.

Weather Watch shared a link.

3 hours ago

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued at: 5:00AM 10 June 2013

SYNOPSIS: At 4:00 a.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm "DANTE" was estimated based on all available data at 1,030 km

Northeast of Basco, Batanes (22.2N, 133.1E) with maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up

to 90 kph. It is forecast to move North Northeast at 15 kph.

FORECAST: Forecast:

MIMAROPA, Bicol region and Western Visayas will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and

thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or

thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to west will prevail over Extreme Northern Luzon and its coastal

waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be moderate to occasionally strong coming from the southwest with

moderate to occasionally rough seas

Over METRO MANILA:

Maximum Temperature : 1:00 PM Yesterday ------- 33.6 C

Minimum Temperature : 8:00 PM Yesterday ------- 24.0 C

Maximum Relative Humidity: 8:00 PM Yesterday ----- 100 %

Minimum Relative Humidity : 12:00 NN Yesterday ----- 65 %

High Tide Today : 10:32 AM ... 1.20 meter

Low Tide Today : 6:56 PM ... -0.05 meter

Sunrise Today : 5:26 AM

Sunset Today : 6:24 PM

Moonrise Today : 6:34 AM

Moonset Today : 7:40 PM

llumination Tomorrow : 2 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or

log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

Weather Watch

3 hours ago

GMA resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz:

-Madaling araw ng Martes inaasahang lalabas ng PAR ang bagyong Dante.

-Ayon sa PAGASA, huli itong namataan sa layong 1,030km hilagang-silangan ng Basco, Batanes kaninang 4AM.

-Taglay nito ang lakas ng hangin na 75kph at pagbugso na 90kph.

-Kumikilos ito pa-hilaga hilagang-silangan sa bilis na 15kph.

-Sa datos ng Weather Central, kahit palabas na ang bagyo ay paiigtingin nito ang southwest monsoon na magdadala ng mga

pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng bansa sa buong linggo na ito.

Weather Watch

June 10 , 2013 (Monday) as of 7:00 AM

CAVITE : LAGUNA : Sunny

BATANGAS : Fair Weather RIZAL : Cloudy

QUEZON : Sunny in Lucena City

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

49 minutes ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ipinagkaloob sa may 271 SPES students ang 60% bahagi ng kanilang allowance mula sa pamahalaang

panlalawigan. Ito ay matapos ang pagbibigay ng kanilang serbisyo noong nakaraang dalawang buwan.

PIA Regional Watch

16 hours ago via mobile

PIA -4A/BATANGAS:.Ipinagdiwang ng bayan ng Rosario ang ika-326 taong pagkakatatag nito. Tampok dito ang sinukmani

festival na nilahukan ng may mahigit 100 samahan,grupo,pampubliko at pribado kung saan pinapakita ang sinukmani,isang

kakanin mula sa malagkit na hudyat ng masaganang ani ng mga mamamayan dito.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

PIA-10: OWWA-10 awards a total of P600,000 to 60 displaced OFWs under the P10,000 financial assistance from Natl

Reintegration Center for OFWs. 43 beneficiaries are from Misamis Oriental, 13 from Cagayan de Oro and 4 from Bukidnon.

The awarding highlights the Migrant Workers Day in Region 10.

.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

PIA-10: Social benefits totaling P1.6M were also released to surviving heirs of 11 deceased OFWs in today's Migrant Workers

Day celebration.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday

POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac on GMA-7

Re: Migrant Worker's Day celebration

-Mayroon tayong mga programa at mga government services para sa ating mga OFWs and their families dito sa POEA.

-Ang partner natin dito ang OWWA at may DOLE presence din dito.

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

D. BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: DENR, pinangunahan ang paglilinis ng bahagi ng karagatan

sa Batangas

By Mamerta P. De Castro

Monday 10th of June 2013

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 10 (PIA) -- Pinangunahan ng Department of Environment and Natural

Resources (DENR) sa pamamagitan ng Protected Area Wildlife Bureau-Coastal and Marine Management

Office (PAWB-CMMO) ang pag-aalis ng mga crown of thorns starfish na siyang sumisira ng mga corals o

bahura sa karagatan ng Barangay Pagkilatan, kamakailan bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Month of the

Ocean.

Ang crown of thorns ang siyang kumakain sa living coral tissues na nagdudulot ng malawakang pagkasira

ng coral population. Ang pag-alis ng mga ito ay makaktulong sa mga corals sa Barangay Pagkilatan upang

lumago ng walang balakid at magbigay proteksiyon sa mga isda dito, ayon sa paliwanag ni DENR Secretary

Ramon J. P. Paje.

Napili ang Barangay Pagkilatan na pagdausan ng naturang proyekto sapagkat ito ay bahagi ng Verde Island

Passage (VIP) na syang itinuturing na center of the worlds marine biodiversity.

Ang VIP ang kinokonsidera na pinakamahalagang bahagi ng coral triangle na siyang tahanan ng 40

porsyento ng worlds coral reef fish species at 75 porysento naman ng worlds coral species.

Katulong ng DENR sa proyektong ito ang lokal na pamahalaan, Philipine Coast Guard Auxiliary at ng

Malampaya Foundation Inc.

Humigit kumulang sa 40 divers mula sa Batangas community divers, mag-aaral mula sa UP Marine Science

Institute (MSI), DENR-PAWB-CMMO, Malampaya Batangas Reefwatch Team at ilang volunteer divers ang

lumahok dito.

Nagkaroon ng maiksing programa bago ang underwater activity kung saan dumalo sina City Environment

Officer Oliver Gonzales, Malampaya Foundation Executive Director Karen Agabin, DENRPAWB-CMMO

Executive Director Jacob Meimban Jr at PCGA Captain Geronimo Reyes.

Nakasama rin sa gawaing ito ang mga artistang sina Luis Manzano at Jennylyn Mercado na kilalang mga

environmental advocates at champions ng coral reef preservation. Bago ito, ay ginawaran sila ng titulong

ambassadors for sustainable coral reef ecosystems Management Program ng PAWB-CMMO.

Ang month of the Ocean ay ginugunita taun-taon sa bisa ng Presidential Proclamation No. 57. Ang tema

sa taong ito ay Ang Bahura ay Kagubatan sa Karagatan, ating Pangalagaan. (Ronna Endaya Contreras,

PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)

2. Tagalog news: Mga anak ng miyembro ng GSIS makikinabang sa

scholarship program

By Mamerta P. De Castro

Monday 10th of June 2013

LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Hunyo 10 (PIA) -- Inaasahang pakikinabangan ng mga anak ng miyembro ng

Government Service insurance System (GSIS) ang scholarship program na ipinagkakaloob nito.

Sinabi ni Ireen Dimaano, hepe ng GSIS Batangas Branch Office, na lahat ng aktibo at regular na miyembro

ng kanilang ahensya na may permanenteng posisyon sa kanilang pinaglilingkurang tanggapan ng

pamahalaan at may salary grade 24 o pababa ay maaaring kumuha nito para sa kanilang mga anak na

mag-aaral sa kolehiyo.

Sa buong bansa may 200 slots ang ibibigay at ang bilang bawat rehiyon ay ibabatay sa bilang ng miyembro

nito sa buong taon.

Sinabi pa ni Dimaano na iba ang prosesong ginawa ngayon sapagkat dati rati ay pinapayagan na maging

benepisyaryo ng miyembro ng GSIS ang hindi niya anak, tulad ng pamangkin. Ngunit ngayon ay tanging

mga anak lamang ng miyembro ang itinalagang makikinabang sa naturang programa.

Ang pagpili din ng kuwalipikado ay hindi pareho noong nagdaang mga taon na dinadaan sa raffle. Ngayon

ay magiging prayoridad ang mga miyembro na may pinakamababang kita.

"Halimbawa ako ay may salary Grade 10 tapos may isang aplikante na salary grade 4, ang mangyayari mas

magiging prayoridad ang aplikanteng iyon kesa sa akin, "dagdag pa ni Dimaano.

Ang bawat iskolar ay tatanggap ng P20,000 kada semestre, kabilang ang trisemesters ngunit hindi kasama

dito ang summer classes. Dagdag pa rito, pagkakalooban din ng P2,000 monthly stipend ang bawat

iskolar. (CPG/MPDC-PIA4A Batangas)

E. RIZAL

1. Tagalog news: Antipolo CEWMO nagsagawa ng 'Linis Creek'

By Gideon Gapayao

Monday 10th of June 2013

LUNSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Hunyo 10 (PIA) -- Nagsagawa kamakailan ng "Linis Creek Operation" ang

Antipolo City Environment and Waste Management Office (CEWMO) sa kahabaan ng Sapang Tae Creek,

Barangay San Roque nitong Mayo 30 bilang tugon sa Memorandum Circular No.2011-11 ng Department

of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Ang operasyon ang buwanang programa ng CEWMO bilang pagsunod sa inilabas na memorandum

circular ng DILG na nag-uutos sa mga local government unit (LGU) na magsagawa ng regular na paglilinis

ng mga estero, kanal at maging mga ilog upang masolusyunan ang lumalaking problema ng bansa sa baha.

Ang buwanang programa ng tanggapan ay sinasagawa tuwing ikatlong linggo ng buwan kaakibat ang

ibang opisina ng lungsod ng Antipolo gaya ng General Services Office (GSO), Task Force Manila Bay

(TFMB), Clean and Green Program (CNG) at ang Public Information Office (PIO).

Isinasagawa ito ng aming tanggapan bilang ahensya ng lungsod ng Antipolo na nangangalaga sa ating

kalikasan sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng buwanang 'linis creek operation.' Nagkakaroon ng

koordinasyon sa iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan na nagtutulong-tulong upang maisagawa ito at

makaiwas sa anumang sakuna na maaaring idulot kung mananatiling madumi at barado ang ating mga

daluyan ng tubig gaya istero, kanal at ilog, ayon kay Jocelyn Masangkay, pinuno ng CEWMO.

Ginagawa ang Linis Creek Operation sa nasabing daluyan ng tubig bilang paghahanda sa darating na tag-

ulan kung saan nagkakaroon ng malaking pagbaha.

Nakakolekta ng 85 sako ng basura na binubuo ng mga plastic, styrofoam, putol ng kahoy at tinabas na

damo na nagiging sanhi ng pagbabara ng mga daluyan ng tubig ang 24 empleyado ng lungsod ng Antipolo

na nakibahagi sa paglilinis. (GG-PIA4A/Antipolo PIO)

2. Tagalog news: Antipolo PESO job fair muling dinagsa

By Gideon Gapayao

Monday 10th of June 2013

LUNSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Hunyo 10 -- Tinangkilik ng mga naghahanap ng trabaho sa lungsod ng

Antipolo ang job fair ng Antipolo Public Employment Service Office (PESO) na ginanap sa Victory Park and

Shop Multi-Purpose Covered Court noong Hunyo 1.

Pinangunahan ng City Government sa pamamagitan ng PESO at ilang business establishment at employers

sa lungsod ng Antipolo.

Ayon kay Antipolo PESO Head Engineer Roger Atim muling bumuhos ang mga aplikante para sa kanilang

job fair sa pagbubukas ng buwan ng Hunyo.

Marami na naman tayong natulungang mga kababayan para sa Hanap Trabaho para sa Antipolenyo

2013. Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga employers at business establishment na nakibahagi sa ating jobs fair.

Nakakatuwa dahil marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nabigyan ng trabaho on-the-spot, sabi ni Atim.

Halos 2,000 aplikante na nagtungo sa job fair ang na-interview ng mga employers ayon sa tala ng PESO.

Mahigit 1,000 sa mga ito ay nag qualify sa kani-kanilang inaplayang trabaho at 106 aplikante ang

natanggap ng hired-on-the-spot (HOTS).

Nakibahagi ang halos 70 business establishment at kanilang mga empleyado kasama ang local at overseas

employment agency sa naturang job fair kabilang ang SM group of companies at ibang employers sa

lungsod ng Antipolo. Dumalo rin ang ilang kawani ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Rizal

sa pangunguna ni Melissa Montalbo. (Antipolo PIO/GG-PIA4A)

3. Tagalog news: Comelec-Antipolo tuloy ang serbisyo sa kabila ng sakuna

By Gideon Gapayao

Monday 10th of June 2013

LUNSOD NG ANTIPOLO, Rizal, Hunyo 10 (PIA) -- Patuloy ang serbisyo publiko ng Commission on Elections

(Comelec) Antipolo sa kabila ng naganap na sunog na nakaapekto dito kamakailan.

Muntik masunog ang tanggapan ng Comelec kasama ang ilang importanteng dokumentong kaugnay sa

eleksyon na ginanap nitong Mayo.

Kasalukuyang nag-oopisina ang tanggapan sa parking area ng Antipolo City Hall at patuloy ang mga

transaksyon sa mamamayan ng Antipolo tulad ng pagkuha ng Voters ID na hindi pa nakuha bago mag-

eleksyon.

Hindi man tuluyang natupok ng sunog ang Comelec ay nabasa naman ang mga importanteng dokumento

dala ng pagbuhos ng mga bumbero ng tubig sa ikalawang palapag ng gusali kung saan matatagpuan ang

City Library.

Nagsimula ang sunog sa isang gusaling pagawaan ng kandila na tumupok sa maraming kabahayan

hanggang sa makarating sa gusali kung saan nag-oopisina ang City Library at Comelec. (CPG/GG-PIA4A

Antipolo PIO)

09 JUNE 2013.

Prime Minister Gusmao of Timor-Leste visits Fort Bonifacio Global City

Myanmar asking country's assistance to improve its agriculture sector, bureaucracy

President Aquino says Myanmar could attain development through cooperation

Aquino administration elated over inclusion of country's three beaches in CNN's list of best 100 beaches in the

world

Aquino to lead 115th Independence Day celebration at Liwasang Bonifacio

Former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. cited as inspiration of the people of Timor Leste's struggle for independence

Philippines seen as Timor-Leste's client for fossil fuels

Malacanang says P13.25 billion world class communication, navigation, surveillance system for aviation fully in

place by November 2015

GOCC remittances will be used for infrastructure projects, rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoons

Malacanang says Aquino government confident that country's bilateral relations with China remains strong despite

territorial disputes

Prime Minister Gusmao of Timor-Leste visits Fort Bonifacio Global City

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmo of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and his ministers visited the

Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig Ciy on Saturday night to get inputs and ideas in achieving a stable business

environment in Timor-Leste.

Gusmo, who arrived in Manila on Thursday morning for a 4-day official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation

of President Benigno S. Aquino III, was welcomed by the representatives from the Bases Conversion and

Development Authority (BCDA) and the Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) at the Mind Museum in

Fort Bonifacio Global City.

Gusmo was accompanied by State and Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Minister Jose Luis Guterres, Education

Minister Bendito Freitas, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, Public Works and

Highways Minister Gasto Francisco de Sousa and Tourism Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, when the Prime

Minister arrived at the museum at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The Timor-Leste delegation was briefed about the Fort Bonifacio Global City (formerly known as Fort Bonifacio),

a highly urbanized district in Taguig City. The Fort Bonifacio Global City has experienced robust commercial

growth in recent years through the sale of military land by the BCDA. The entire Fort Bonifacio district used to be

a part of the main Philippine Army camp in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

After the briefing, Gusmo and his ministers then toured the Fort Bonifacio Global City.

Early Saturday morning, Gusmo sent his ministers to Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales to explore ways to

encourage greater collaboration between the Philippines and Timor-Leste on tourism and business sectors. The

five ministers from Timor-Leste met with the officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) in Subic Bay

Freeport Zone in Olongapo City in Zambales.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto V. Garcia briefed the ministers about the operations of the authority

which is the operating and implementing arm of the Philippine government for the development of the 262 square

mile (670 square kilometer) former US Naval facility in Subic Bay into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial,

commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities.

The SBMA continues to attract local and foreign investments for the socio-economic benefit of nearby local

communities, as well as Central Luzon and the rest of the country.

The SBMA officials told the ministers that the SBMA remains committed to sustaining an investment-friendly and

stable business environment in the freeport. They also told the delegation that the authority continues to assist

investors in setting up their businesses by providing quality services.

The foreign ministers asked Garcia to further elaborate on how the SBMA managed to promote environmental

protection despite the rapid business development in the freeport. Garcia presented to the ministers the

strategies and mechanisms to protect the environment.

For their part, the Timorese ministers commended the SBMA for successfully pursuing the development of the

Freeport not only as an investment site but also as a tourism destination.

Garcia reiterated the Philippine government's commitment to extend assistance to Timor-Leste in its bid to

enhance the state's eco-tourism while Guterres thanked the SBMA for sharing its expierience and expertise. PND

(js)

TOP

Myanmar asking country's assistance to improve its agriculture sector, bureaucracy

Myanmar is asking the Philippines to help improve its agriculture sector as well as in building its bureaucracy,

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.

During an interview with the Philippine media Friday at the sidelines of his participation to the 22nd World

Economic Forum on East Asia in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, President Aquino said Myanmar President Thein Sein

asked the Philippines to help their agriculture, energy sectors, and reorganize its bureaucracy.

Merong invitation yung bureaucracy nila na ibi-build-up. NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority],

I understand, will be inviting their counterparts to undertake trainings in the Philippines with regards to this. Pero

ang concentration ni President Thein Sein was agriculture, the President said.

The Myanmar leader also thanked the Philippines for allowing its students to be trained in agricultural institutes in

the Philippines, the President said.

President Aquino said hes glad that the Philippines was able to help Myanmar in this area, and the country

appears to be excelling in palay production because the Philippines now sources its rice imports from that fellow

Southeast Asian country.

Pinuri ko naman sila... nag-aral kayo sa amin, siguro may ma-impart kami sa inyo. Mukhang natuto kayo nang

mahusay dahil nag-i-import na kami sa inyo ng bigas. I think the biggest component of our trade with Myanmar

currently is rice, he said.

The President noted that his Myanmar trip is also seen to boost economic cooperation with Myanmar.

There are three Philippine companies that are already doing their businesses in Myanmar, according to the

President.

Philex mining is working or talking with its partners in Myanmar for possible copper mining operations in that

country, adding that Maynilad is also engaging in water distribution and management. Meralco is also eyeing

electric distribution in Myanmar. PND (as)

TOP

President Aquino says Myanmar could attain development through cooperation

Cooperation among major players in Myanmar will be the key towards attaining a prosperous and stable country,

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday.

During an interview with the Philippine media delegation at the sidelines of the Presidents attendance to the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the President said the good thing is that opposing forces in Myanmar appears to be working towards a common goal.

The President, who met Myanmars democracy leader Madame Aung San Suu Kyi, said he sees in her the struggles of his parents in restoring democracy in the Philippines.

You have two groups who were dramatically opposed to each other, but the key to Myanmars prosperity and stability, and the enhancement for the entire region needs a certain amount of cooperation between the two factions, the President noted.

So when you look at President Thein Sein, and you look at Madame Aung San Suu Kyi, they are from the focal point of at trying to achieve that unity of purpose in advancing the cause for Myanmar. So yung difficulties in achieving that, napag-usapan rin yon, he added.

The President said he also had the opportunity to talk to the speaker of Myanmars parliament, who has a good working relationship with Madame Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar President Thein Sein, the speaker of the parliament, and Madame Aung San Suu Kyi have long-standing invitations to come to the Philippines, the President said.

After Suu Kyi was released from her house arrest a few years back, the President said he had the opportunity to talk to her on the phone and invited her to visit the Philippines. He said that he reiterated his invitation during their meeting.

Suu Kyi wished to come to the country soon, but the President said that with the upcoming election in Myanmar, her trip may be delayed.

Their elections are not that far off. Ang focus nila ngayon is to really deliver more before the next elections. That might, I assume, will put a lot of burden on her time, he said.

The President arrived Saturday morning in Manila after attending the WEF in Myanmar. PND (as)

TOP

Aquino administration elated over inclusion of country's three beaches in CNN's list of best 100 beaches

in the world

The Aquino administration expressed elation over the inclusion of three beaches in the Philippines in the

international news organization CNN's list of the best 100 beaches in the world, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over government-run radio dzRB

Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday that the Palau Island in Cagayan Valley, El Nido in Palawan, and Puka beach in

Boracay have been recognized as among the 100 best in the world.

A survey on the CNN travel website listed Palau on No. 10, the only Southeast Asian beach that landed in the

Top 10. Palau Island was cited for "its glorious white sand, volcanic rocks and blue green water."

The Atlanta-based cable news channel said divers who visited Palau enjoy the sighting of white corals and rich

marine species.

El Nido beach captured the 14th spot for "its powder-fine sand, gin-clear water, stunning views of karst limestone

formations, lagoons and prehistoric caves."

El Nidos surrounding waters contain more than 50 species of corals and endangered turtles, the CNN said.

In 84th spot was Puka beach, the second longest beach in Boracay Island. Puka Beach was cited for its puka

shells which are being made into jewelry accessories and ornaments.

Last Thursday, the Department of Tourism said foreign visitor arrivals during the first four months of 2013

reached 1,649,458 million, or a 10.12 percent increase from the same period in 2012. PND (js)

TOP

Aquino to lead 115th Independence Day celebration at Liwasang Bonifacio

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the celebration of the Philippine's 115th Independence Day at the

Liwasang Bonifacio in the city of Manila on Wednesday.

"Ang Independence Day celebration po natin ay tatanghalin sa Liwasang Bonifacio bilang tribute na rin po kay

Andres Bonifacio on his sesquicentennial also this year," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in

an interview aired over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.

The country celebrates the Independence Day each year to raise awareness among the Filipinos that freedom is

the most precious right of every citizen.

The holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and

the Filipino revolutionary forces from Spanish colonization.

Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166 that designated June 12 as

the country's Independence Day was signed by the late President Diosdado Macapagal on August 4, 1964.

The Palace earlier called on Filipinos to display the Philippine flag at their respective home, offices, schools,

public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning May 28, in celebration of

National Flag Day, until June 12, in preparation for the Independence Day.

In commemoration of this year's annual observance of Flag Days, Valte said the Presidential Communications

Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) is publishing a series of features on the development of

the flag, the countrys coat of arms, as well as other historical flags of the Philippines on the Presidential Museum

and Library website.

"Sa June 10 ay ilalabas po ng PCDSPO at ng Presidential Museum and Library ang third part po, Part III ng

kanilang infographics on the flag," Valte said.

"At para doon po sa mga hindi nakakaalam, ise-celebrate na po ang sesquicentennial ng Malacaang on

Tuesday, on June 11. Kasi ang Palasyo po ang naging official residence ng Chief Executive after the great

earthquake of June 6, 1863. Ang PhilPost will be issuing a new stamp to mark the Malacaang sesquicentennial,"

she added. PND (js)

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Former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. cited as inspiration of the people of Timor Leste's struggle for

independence

President Benigno S. Aquino IIIs father, the former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., was cited by Timor-Leste Prime

Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao as an inspiration from where his people drew strength and courage in its

struggle for independence.

Gusmao gave the citation in an interview at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City on Sunday.

We had to have very many examples (in order) to say (that our struggle for independence) was moving on. He

(former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.) was an inspiration for us. His blood gave us hope and (the) fighting spirit (to

go on with our struggle for independence), Gusmao said.

we cannot give up. We have to play our role in this movement. That is why we were psychologically, politically

and morally prepared in ourselves by following his (former Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr.) deeds, he added.

Relations between East Timor and the Philippines became strong when the Philippines became actively involved

in the United Nations peacekeeping forces in East Timor during its move towards independence.

When several nations recognized East Timor's sovereignty, the Philippines began official diplomatic relations

between the two governments with the establishment of an embassy in Dili and East Timor established its

embassy in Manila.

The Philippines has maintained strong ties with the newly born independent country sending peacekeepers to the

country since 1999 amid its struggle for independence from Indonesia. PND (rck)

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Philippines seen as Timor-Leste's client for fossil fuels

The Philippines may soon become one of Timor-Lestes client for oil and its by-products after reports showed vast

offshore oil and gas fields in the Timor Sea have led to the formation of a petroleum and gas fund worth an

estimated $11.7billion.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, who is on a four-day Official Visit to the Philippines, said

in a press conference at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City on Sunday, said that once these fuel

sources have been tapped, Timor Leste will consider supplying the Philippines with oil.

It will happen, Gusmao said noting that this arrangement would be beneficial for both countries.

What we need is to sell our oil, he added.

Timor-Lestes oil company recently signed up for a 24 percent stake in its first joint venture with Italian and

Japanese partners to explore an area 240km from Dili and 500km from Darwin.

It is East Timor's first direct participation in developing resources in the Joint Petroleum Development Area it

shares with Australia. PND (rck)

TOP

Malacanang says P13.25 billion world class communication, navigation, surveillance system for aviation

fully in place by November 2015

The P13.25-billion world-class communication, navigation and surveillance system for aviation will be fully in

place by November 2015, a Palace official said on Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over government-run radio station

dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) assured

that the aviation system will be in place before President Benigno S. Aquino III steps down from office.

"Nilalayon po nitong sistemang ito na magkaroon tayo ng increased security and airport capacity while cutting

flight delays," Valte said.

The DOTC has signed an amended contract with the joint venture between Sumitomo Corp. of Japan and Thales

Australia Ltd. for the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) Systems

Development Project Package I.

The CNS/ATM system was conceptualized to replace the existing air traffic control systems, navigation,

communication and surveillance equipment in the country which are all aging and falling short of the required

numbers.

Under the amended contract, the Sumitomo-Thales joint venture would immediately restart the construction of an

air traffic management building and the supply of various components such as automation equipment and

terminal radars, to enable the use of the satellite technology-based system. PND (js)

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GOCC remittances will be used for infrastructure projects, rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoons

The P27.89-billion remitted by the 38 Government-Owned andControlled Corporations (GOCCs) to the national

government will be utilized for infrastructure projects, as well as the rehabilitation of areas devastated by

typhoons in recent years, a Palace official said on Sunday.

"Magagamit naman po ito sa mas marami pang infrastructure projects, kasama na po dito ang rehabilitation ng

mga typhoon-hit areas across the country," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview

aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday.

Aside from infrastructure projects, the P27.89-billion funds representing the dividend contributions and other

forms of remittances from 38 GOCCs will be used for the governments various social programs such as

providing education, healthcare, food and livelihood for the Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sector.

Last June 3, the 38 GOCCs turned over P27.89-billion dividends and other forms of remittances to the national

coffers out of their operations in 2012 in simple ceremonies marking the GOCC Dividend Day in Malacaang

Palace.

Under the Republic Act No. 7656, all GOCCs are required to "declare and remit at least 50% of their annual net

earnings as cash, stock or property dividends to the National Government.

In 2011, President Aquino signed Republic Act 10149 or the Government Owned and Controlled Corporations

(GOCC) Governance Act of 2011 that seeks to reform the operations of state-owned enterprises and to curb the

perceived abuses particularly on excessive bonuses and allowances of its officials.

Upon the enactment of GOCC Governance Act of 2011, the GOCCs had remitted P29-billion for 2010 and P19.2-

billion for 2011.

The P28-billion dividends and other forms of remittances from the 2012 operations surpassed the collections

made the previous year with eight GOCCs belonging to the elite circle of the so-called "Billionaire's Club," namely

the Philippine Reclamation Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine

Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, Bases

Conversion Development Authority, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines, each

remitted at least P1-billion. PND (js)

TOP

Malacanang says Aquino government confident that country's bilateral relations with China remains

strong despite territorial disputes

The Aquino government expressed strong belief that its multifaceted bilateral relations with the People's Republic

of China (PROC) remains strong despite of territorial disputes on the West Philippine Sea, a Palace official said

on Sunday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in an interview aired over government-run radio station

dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday that both the Philippines and PROC remain committed at enhancing their

bilateral relations in various fields.

"Our relationship with our neighbor is multifaceted. There are other facets of that relationship that we continue to

develop, and that we continue to move forward," Valte said.

"Let's not make the maritime disputes be the whole of our relationship but, rather, just a part of it," Valte said.

The Aquino administration remains steadfast in using diplomatic solutions in resolving the maritime disputes in

the West Philippine Sea, Valte said.

"And, again, allow us to reiterate that we have taken a deliberate policy of avoiding or responding to any

provocative action or statement that may be presented to us in the course of this dispute," Valte noted.

She also reiterated that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is helping Filipino fishermen who

were affected by the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

"Nagpunta po doon ang administrador ng BFAR at inikot ang mga barangay, kinausap ang mga mangingisda,

yung mga small fisherfolk natin, at nakipag-dayalogo sa kanila kung ano ang mga pwede nating itulong," she

said.

"As the BFAR has said earlier, meron po silang mga in-identify na iba pang fishing areas in the West Philippine

Sea that can be an alternative for our small fishermen, at yung iba naman binigyan na po nila ng assistance, at

dinamihan po nila ang mga agri-Pinoy payao natin para hindi na po kailangang lumayo doon sa may Bajo de

Masinloc," Valte stressed. PND (js)

TOP

07 HUNYO 2013

P6-M ang budget ng gobyerno sa pagdalo ng Pangulo sa World Economic Forum on East Asia sa Myanmar

Tutularan ng Timor Leste ang Pilipinas ang Public Private Partnership Program ng Pilipinas

Nais ng mga Pilipino sa Myanmar na ipagpatuloy ni Aquino ang maiinam na patakaran at mga reporma

Karapat-dapat paglagakan ng puhunan ang Pilipinas, ito ang isusulong ng Pangulo sa pagtungo niya sa Myanmar

Pag-uusapan ng Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Thein Sein kung paano higit pang mapabubuti ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas

at Myanmar

Hiniling ng Pangulo sa Kongreso pagtibayin ang panukalang batas ukol sa makabagong weather forecasting

Inanyayahan ng Pangulong Aquino na dumalaw sa Pilipinas ang Pangulong Thein Sein ng Myanmar

Ulat tungkol sa Serendra blast, ibinigay ni Roxas sa Pangulong Aquino

Kapayapaan at pagkakasundo ang kailangan para matamo ang pambansang kaunlaran, ayon kay Punong Ministro

Gusmao

Masigasig na paghimok ng Pangulong Aquino sa karagdagang mga pamumuhunan at binigyang diin ang nagawa na ng

bansa

P6-M ang budget ng gobyerno sa pagdalo ng Pangulo sa World Economic Forum on East Asia sa Myanmar

Naglaan ang pamahalaan ng P6 na milyon sa pagdalo ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa 22nd World

Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia sa Myanmar na lalahukan ng mahigit na 900 kalahok, karamihan ay mga lider

ng 55 bansa upang talakayin ang mga hamon na kinakaharap ng rehiyon, sabi ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito

N. Ochoa, Jr. Biyernes.

Kaninang umagang-umaga umalis ang Pangulong Aquino patungo sa Nay Pyi Taw sakay ng chartered Philippine

Airlines flight kasama ang 57 kataong delegasyong kinabibilangan nina Kalihim Albert Del Rosario ng Ugnayang

Panlabas, Gregory Domingo ng Kalakal at Industriya, Carlos Jericho Petilla ng Enerhiya, Arsenio Balisacan ng

Socio-Economic Planning, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia

Andrea Abad at Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

Kasama rin sa opisyal na delegasyon sina Kalihim Cesar Purisima ng Pananalapi, Ramon Jimenez, Jr. ng Turismo,

Florencio Abad ng Budget at Ramon Carandang ng PCDSPO.

Kabilang sa pinaglaanan ng nasabing gugulin ang charter lease, akomodasyon, trasportasyon, pagkain at iba pang

kagamitan.

Ito ang unang biyahe ng Pangulo sa Myanmar at unang pagdalaw roon sapul nang magtungo sa naturang kapit-

bansa sa ASEAN ang Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos noong 1997.

Sinabi ni Ochoa na nakatakdang umuwi ang Pangulo kinagabihan pagkaraan ng pulong nila ng mga lider ng

negosyo na hihimuking mamuhunan sa Pilipinas.

Sa WEF on East Asia meeting, lalahok ang Pangulong Aquino sa talakayang may kaugnayan sa mahahalagang

isyung tulad ng panrehiyong integrasyon at ang mga hamon na kinakaharap nito, dugtong pa ng Kalihim

Tagapagpaganap.

Ayon sa Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas na nakatakdang mag-usap ang Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Thein

Sein ng Myanmar at kay Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, ang 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate na isa nang mambabatas

ngayon at lider ng oposisyong National League for Democracy. PND

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Tutularan ng Timor Leste ang Pilipinas ang Public Private Partnership Program ng Pilipinas

Tutularan ng Republika ng Timor Leste ang Pilipinas sa pagpapatupad ng programa nilang Public Private

Partnership upang makalikom ng pondong magagamit sa Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030, sang-ayon kay

Punong Ministro Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao Huwebes.

Sa pagsasalita sa welcome dinner interaction sa mga potensiyal na mamumuhunan na idinaos sa Grand Ballroom

ng Solaire Resort and Casino sa Lungsod ng Pasay, binanggit ni Gusmao ang tagumpay ng Pilipinas sa

pagsasagawa ng programang PPP na naging daan sa mabilis na pag-unlad ng bansa at nakatulong din upang

tumaas sa 7.8 porsiyento ang gross domestic product ng bansa sa unang kuwarter ng 2013, na isa sa

pinakamataas sa rehiyon.

Sinabi ni Gusmao na sa pagpapatupad ng PPP sa kanyang bansa, mapoponduhan na ng kanilang pamahalaan ang

mga bagay na panlipunan at pagpapaunlad ng imprastraktura, lalo na sa mahahalagang sektor ng pagsasaka,

petroleo at turismo habang itinutuon ang pansin sa kaunlaran ng kanayunan at pamumuhunan ng pribadong sektor.

Una rito, nagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa tanghalian sa Malacanang kung saan sinabi ng

Pangulo ang suporta sa hangarin ng Timor-Leste na maging kasapi ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations at

umaasang makakaisa niya ang Timor-Leste sa pagsusulong ng talakayan sa kaunlaran ng rehiyon.

Sinaksihan din nina Gusmao at Pangulong Aquino ang paglagda sa mga kasunduan ukol sa edukasyon,

imprastraktura at ugnayang panlabas na inaasahang lalo pang magpapatibay ng ugnayan ng dalawang bansa. PND

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Nais ng mga Pilipino sa Myanmar na ipagpatuloy ni Aquino ang maiinam na patakaran at mga reporma

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Umaasa ang mga Pilipinong naninirahan at nagtatrabaho rito sa Myanmar na ipagpatuloy

ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang maiinam na patakaran at mga repormang pinasimulan sapul nang

manungkulan ito noong 2010, ayon kay Embahador Alex Chua ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito.

Sa panayam ng PBS-RTVM, sinabi ni Embahador Chua na may 500 Pilipino ang naninirahan at nagtatrabaho sa

Myanmar at karamihan sa kanila ay matatagpuan sa Yangon na capital na komersiyal dito.

Ang mga Pilipino sa Myanmar ay may iba-ibang hanapbuhay. Mayroong mga guro, inhinyero, arkitekto, technical

experts at mga propesyonal, sabi pa ng Embahador. Karamihan sa mga Pilipino rito ay iginagalang sa naitutulong

nila tungo sa pagsulong at kaunlaran ng bansang ito.

Iidnugtong ni Embahador Chua na popular ang Pangulong Aquino sa Myanmar at siya ang nanguna sa ginanap dito

na Overseas Absentee Voting sa halalan ng pangulo noong 2010.

Sinabi pa ng Embahador na alam ng mga Pilipino rito ang pag-unlad na nagaganap sa bansa, gayundin ang mga

nagawa na ng administrasyong Aquino, lalo na sa larangan ng ekonomya.

Ang mga kababayan natin dito, tulad ng karamihan sa mga Pilipino sa ating bayan ay umaasa na ipagpapatuloy ng

Pangulo ang kanyang mabubuting patakaran at makabuluhang mga programang ukol sa kapakanan at higit na

magandang kinabukasan ng ating bansa at mga kababayan, pagbibigay-diin ni Embahador Chua.

Biyernes magtutungo ang Pangulong Aquino rito upang dumalo sa 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia,

gayundin para mag-anyaya ng mga delegado sa WEF na idaraos sa Pilipinas sa darating na taon. Inaasahan ding

aanyayahan niya ang mga dayuhang imbestor na magtungo sa Pilipinas at tingnan ang mga pagkakataon sa

negosyo sa bansa. PND

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Karapat-dapat paglagakan ng puhunan ang Pilipinas, ito ang isusulong ng Pangulo sa pagtungo niya sa

Myanmar

Karapat-dapat paglagakan ng puhunan ang Pilipinas ang inaasahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na

maisusulong niya sa pagdalo sa World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia sa Myanmar yamang ang bansa ay

kinikilala ngayon bilang pinakamalungning sa Timog Silangang Asya.

Lumisan ang Pangulo patungong Myanmar sakay ng chartered Philippine Air Lines flight (PR 001) ika-7:45 ng

umaga Biyernes upang makiisa sa mga pandaigdig na lider ng negosyo sa taunang World Economic Forum (WEF)

na idinaraos sa Myanmar.

Sinabi ng Pangulo sa talumpati sa Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II bago siya umalis na hihimukin niya

ang mga dayuhang imbestor na maglagak ng negosyo sa Pilipinas.

Lalong nagiging makabuluhan ang pagdalo natin dito dahil nakatakdang ganapin ang World Economic Forum on

East Asia 2014 dito po sa atin sa Pilipinas. Ibig sabihin, pagkakataon ito upang ipaalam ang kakaibang sigla na

tinatamasa ng ating ekonomya sa tuwid na landas at hikayatin pa ang mga pinuno at negosyante na huwag

sayangin ang pagkakataong makasabay sa pag-angat ng kinikilalang brightest spark ng Timog Silangang Asya,

walang iba kundi ang minamahal nating Pilipinas, wika ng Pangulo.

Ayon sa Pangulo, ang pagdalo niya sa WEF ay pagkakataong maipakita sa mga lider ng Europa at ng iba pang

panig ng daigdig ang mga nagawa ng administrasyon niya sa pagpapatupad ng malaganap at makabuluhang

reporma sa pamahalaan.

Idinugtong ng Pangulo na ang mga lider ng daigdig ay patuloy na nakahandang harapin ang mga hamon na tulad

ng patuloy na pagsulong ng ekonomya, bawasan ang mga panganib sa daigdig, pagpapabuti ng kalagayang

panlipunan at pagsusulong ng maayos na kapaligiran, una sa lahat sa layuning mapabuti ang ekonomya ng daigdig.

Kasama ang mga pinuno at mamumuhunan mula sa ibat ibang panig ng daigdig, layunin ng pulong na ito na

patibayin, hindi lamang ang ugnayang pang-ekonomya ng mga bansa, kundi maging ang pagtutulungan sa ibat

ibang pang larangan, dagdag ng Pangulo.

Sa Myanmar, nakatakdang makipagpulong ang Pangulo kay Pangulong Thein Sein ng bansang nasabi, gayundin

sa lider ng oposisyon na si Aung San Suu Kyi.

Magpupulong din tayo ng Pangulong Thein Sein ng Myanmar upang bumuo ng mga mekanismo para paigtingin

ang pagkakapit-bisig ng ating mga bansa sa kalakalan, pulitika at seguridad. Nasasabik din po tayo sa

pakikipagpulong natin kay Madam Aung San Suu Kyi, ang pinuno ng National League for Democracy na nagkamit

ng Nobel Peace Prize noong 1991 dahil sa kanyang paninindigan at kabayanihan para sa demokrasya, sabi ng

Pangulo.

Umaasa po tayong magiging mabunga ang palitan ng mga ideya kasama ang mga nasabing mga pinuno upang

pagmulan ng mga kasunduang magpapatibay sa ugnayan at magdudulot ng kaunlaran sa ating mga bansa. Agad

din po tayong babalik mamayang gabi bitbit ang mga positibong oportunidad mula sa Myanmar, pahayag pa ng

Pangulo.

Sa ganitong mga biyahe, hindi natin kailanman kinakalimutan ang pangunahing pakay namin bilang mga lingkod-

bayan: Ang mag-uwi ng mas marami pang makabuluhang pagkakataon para sa mga Pilipino, at ibandila ang

bagong mukha ng Pilipinasisang bansang handang makipagbayanihan sa ibang nayon tungo sa maaliwalas na

ekonomya at pagnenegosyo. Isang bansang tunay na nagniningning at tinitingala ng mundo, anang Pangulo.

Pormal ding aanyayahan ng Pangulo ang mga delegasyon ng WEF na dumalo sa 2014 WEF on East Asia sa

Maynila sa lilipat na taon.

Ang 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia na ang Myanmar ang punung-abala sa kauna-unahang

pagkakataon ay nagsimula Miyerkoles sa Myanmar International Convention Center sa Nay Pyi Taw, ulung-lungsod

ng Myanmar.

Paksang-diwa ng tatlong araw na kapulungang ito ang Courageous Transformation for Inclusion and Integration at

may 900 delegado ang kalahok, kabilang ang 500 mga lider ng kalakalan buhat sa 55 bansa. PND

TOP

Pag-uusapan ng Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Thein Sein kung paano higit pang mapabubuti ang

ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Kung paano pa higit na mapabubuti ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at ng Republic Union of

Myanmar ang magiging paksa ng pag-uusap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Thein Sein ng

Myanmar, sabi ni Embahador Alex Chua ng Pilipinas sa bansang ito.

Sa panayam ng PBS-RTVM, sinabi ni Embahador Chua na sa pulong ng dalawang Pangulo, aanyayahan ng

Pangulong Aquino si Pangulong Thein Sein na dumalaw sa Pilipinas.

Maraming mahalagang bagay ang pag-uusapan ng Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Thein Sein kaugnay ng ibayo

pang mabuting samahan ng dalawang bansa, gayundin ang gagawing pag-aanyaya ng Pangulong Aquino na

dumalaw sa Pilipinas ang Pangulo ng Myanmar, sabi pa ni Embahador Chua.

Nakatakdang dumating dito ang Pangulong Aquino kasama ang delegasyong Pilipino Biyernes ng umaga para

daluhan ang 22nd World Economic Forum at upang mag-anyaya ng mga delegado sa 2014 WEF East Asia Summit

na ang Pilipinas ang magiging punung-abala.

Ang Pilipinas at Myanmar ay nagkaroon ng ugnayang diplomatiko noong Setyembre 1956 a sa loob ng halos 57

taon ay maganda ang ugnayan ng dalawang bansa, sabi ng Embahador.

Sa nakaraang mga taon, naging kapuna-puna na marami ang mga kinatawan ng pamahalaan, academe, civil

society at mga negosyante na nagsasadya rito at tayo naman ay sa Myanmar, dugtong ng Embahador.

Nagpahayag ng pag-asa si Embahador Chua na sa pagtungo rito ng Pangulong Aquino, lalong magiging mabuti

ang samahan ng dalawang bansa lalo na sa kalakalan at pamumuhunan.

Magpupulong din ang Pangulong Aquino at ang lider ng oposisyon Aung San Suu Kyi habang narito siya. Si Suu

Kyi ang tagapangulo at pangkalahatang kalihim ng National League for Democracy. PND

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Hiniling ng Pangulo sa Kongreso pagtibayin ang panukalang batas ukol sa makabagong weather

forecasting

Sinertipikahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na kailangang-kailangang pagtibayin ng Kongreso ang

panukalang batas tungo sa modernisasyon ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA).

Ang naturang sertipikayon para sa House Bill 6546 o An Act Providing for the Modernization of Philippine

Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Providing Funds and for Other

Purposes ay ipinadala sa Senado Hunyo 5, alinsunod kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa

pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes.

Ipinaliwanag ni Valte na sinertipikahan ng Pangulo na kailangang-kailangan ang panukalang batas na nasabi para

mapagtibay bago magtapos ang pulong ng Kongreso.

Sayang naman kung hindi ito maipapasa ng Kongreso dahil mahalaga ang batas na ito sapagkat para ito sa

modernisasyon ng PAGASA, sabi ni Valte.

Kailangang-kailangan ng PAGASA ang pondo para magkaroon ng makabagong mga kagamitang tulad ng

paglalagay ng panukat ng ulan (rain gauges) sa iba-ibang dako para matulungan ang PAGASA na malaman kung

gaano karaming tubig ang bubuhos nang mababalaan ang taong bayan tungkol sa pagbahang maaaring mangyari.

Maglalagay rin tayo ng Doppler radars para makatulong sa pagtaya o pagsasabi sa madla ng kalagayan ng

panahon sa bansa. Ito ay isa sa mga kailangang-kailangan ng PAGASA, dugtong pa ni Valte. PND

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Inanyayahan ng Pangulong Aquino na dumalaw sa Pilipinas ang Pangulong Thein Sein ng Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW, MyanmarInanyayahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Pangulong Thein Sein ng

Myanmar na magsagawa ng state visit sa Pilipinas nang mag-usap sila Biyernes ng umaga sa Presidential Palace

dito.

Nagpulong ang Pangulong Aquino at si Pangulong Thein Sein sa sidelines ng ginaganap na 22nd World Economic

Forum on East Asia na ang punung-abala ay ang Myanmar.

Pagdating ng Pangulo at ng delegasyong Pilipino sa Nay Pyi Taw Biyernes ng umaga, tumuloy agad ang Pangulo

sa Presidential Palace para sa pulong nila ng lider ng nasabing bansa.

Setyembre 1956 nang buksan ang ugnayang diplomata ng Pilipinas at Myanmar.

Sa pag-uusap nila, tinanggap ng Pangulong Thein Sein ang Pangulong Aquino at ang delegasyon ng Pilipinas.

Sinabi niya na ang pagdalaw na ito ng Pangulo sa Myanmar ay pagpapamalas ng mabuting pagsasamahan ng

dalawang bansa.

Sa kanyang panig naman, nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino sa kagandahang-loob ng Pangulong Thein Sein sa

masiglang pagtanggap at kagandahang-loob sa delegasyong Pilipino. Inanyayahan ng Pangulong Aquino ang

Pangulong Thein Sein na magsagawa ng state visit sa Pilipinas.

Pagkaraang makipagpulong sa lider ng Myanmar, nakipagpulong naman ang Pangulo kay Klaus Schwab,

tagapagtatag at tagapagpaganap na tagapangulo ng WEF sa Myanmar International Convention Center.

TOP

Ulat tungkol sa Serendra blast, ibinigay ni Roxas sa Pangulong Aquino

Ibinigay ni Kalihim Manuel Roxas II sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang ulat na may kinalaman sa naganap na

pagsabog sa Serendra Place noong nakaraang linggo na nagpapahiwatig na ang nangyari ay malamang dahil sa

gas leak.

Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes, sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na ipinaalam

sa Pangulo ang pinakahuling ulat tungkol sa pagsisiyasat sa Serendra bago ito umalis patungong Myanmar

Biyernes ng umaga.

Alinsunod kay Valte, nasiyahan naman ang Pangulo sa resulta ng pagsisiyasat.

Nang tanungin ng mga reporter kung may ano mang iniutos ang Pangulo pagkaraang matanggap ang report, sinabi

ni Valte na ipagpapatuloy pa ng interagency team ang pagsisiyasat.

Hindi pa tapos ang imbestigasyon. Sa yugtong ito, nabigyan na nila tayo ng mga paunang mga natuklasan nila.

Natuklasang ang pagsabog ay hindi dahil sa ano mang bomba at dito nga sinasabi ng mga imbestigador na

malamang na bunga ito ng gas explosion, malamang ay LPG, sabi pa ni Valte.

Pinapurihan din ni Valte ang grupong tagapagsiyasat na puspusang pagsisikap ng mga ito na matuklasan ang tunay

na sanhi ng pagsabog.

Talagang puspusan ang ginawa nilang pagsisiyasat. Nakita naman ang ginawang trabaho at pagtutulungan ng

mga tauhan ng interagency investigative team, kasama na diyan ang Kalihim ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan

na talaga namang sinisigurong natututukan at mailalabas sa madaling panahon ang kinalabasan ng pagsisiyasat na

talaga namang totohanan at puspusan, wika pa ni Valte.

Pagkatapos ng pagsabog, agad iniutos ng Pangulo sa interagency task force na tiyaking ang resulta ng

imbestigasyon ay makapapasa sa pinakamasusing pagsusuri ng sino man at ang mga natuklasan ay dapat

nakasalig sa mga katibayang natipon sa pinangyarihan nito.

Tatlo katao ang agad binawan ng buhay sa pagsabog na ito na nakalikha ng isang malaking butas sa gusali ng

Serendra Place kaya bumagsak ang malaking pader na bato. Lima katao ang nasaktan sa pagsabog na ito. PND

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Kapayapaan at pagkakasundo ang kailangan para matamo ang pambansang kaunlaran, ayon kay Punong

Ministro Gusmao

Binigyang diin ni Punong Ministro Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao ng Democratic Republic of Timor Leste na kailangang

isulong ang patakaran ng kapayapaan at pakikipagkasundo upang maitayo ang matatag na panulukang bato ng

pambansang kaunlaran.

Si Gusmao na nasa apat na araw na official visit sa Pilipinas sa anyaya ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ay

nagsalita sa Kolehiyo ng Abugasya sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas na ginanap sa Malcolm Theater sa UP Diliman,

Lungsod ng Quezon.

Inulit ni Gusmao ang kanyang pangakong pag-iibayuhin niya ang pagsisikap upang magka-roon ng pambansang

pagkakasundo at mamayani ang kapatiran sa kanyang pananalita sa talakayang pinamagatang Peace and

Reconciliation: Timor-Leste Now and Then.

Ang Democratic Republic of Timor- Leste sa pamumuno ni Gusmao ay nagtagumpay sa hangaring magkaroon ng

kapanatagang pampulitika at pang-ekonomya mula noong 2007.

Sa mga nagawa nito ay kabilang ang pag-uwi sa tahanan nila at paggawa ng bagong bahay ng mga displaced

people, pagtatatag at paggamit ng auditing public bodies upang magbago ang palingkurang bayan, pagbibigay ng

pensiyon sa mga nakipaglaban para sa pambansang katu-busan, batas na nangangalaga lalo na sa mga

nakatatanda at pagtatayo ng planta ng kor-yente nang magkailaw ang buong bansa.

Pagkatapos ng lecture sa UP, tumuloy si Gusmao sa East La Mesa Water Treatment Plant kung saan ipinaliwanag

sa kanya ang tungkol sa operasyon ng pasilidad.

Dumating si Gusmao sa Maynila ika-12:18 ng madaling-araw ng Huwebes para sa apat na araw na opisyal na

pagdalaw sa Pilipinas.

Huwebes ng umaga tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino si Gusmao sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang kung saan nag-usap

ang dalawang lider tungo sa ibayong pagtutulungan ng Pilipinas at Timor-Leste sa larangan ng edukasyon,

kalakalan at pamumuhunan, imprastraktura at tang-gulan.

Sabado ay nakatakda siyang magtungo sa Subic at Clark Field ukol sa posibleng pagkakataon sa negosyo. Tutuloy

siya Lungsod ng Olongapo Sabado (Hunyo 8) at makikipagpulong sa mga pinuno ng Subic Bay Metropolitan

Authority at papasyal sa Clark International Airport sa Pampanga.

Isinilang si Gusmao sa isang nayon sa Timor-Leste at nag-aral sa paaralang Katoliko. Guro siya at nang lumaya

ang Timor-Leste noong 1974 ay naging Deputy Director of Information.

Kinikilala ang Punong Ministro sa kanyang liderato at maraming natanggap na mga parangal at gawad buhat sa

mga pandaigdig na samahang tulad ng UNESCO Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Priza at First Class Medal for

Contributionto Humanity buhat sa Pangulo ng Republika ng Vanuatu.

Siya ay nagsimulang manungkulang Punong Ministro mula noong 2007. Siya rin ang kasa-lukuyang Ministro ng

Tanggulang Bansa at Kapanataganng kanyang bansa. PND

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Masigasig na paghimok ng Pangulong Aquino sa karagdagang mga pamumuhunan at binigyang diin ang

nagawa na ng bansa

NAY PYI TAW,MyanmarMasigasig na paghimok sa mga dayuhang mangangalakal ang ginawa ng Pangulong

Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes kasabay ng pagtatampok niya sa mga nagawa na ng administrasyon niya sa

tanghaliang handog ng Ayala Corporation.

Dumating dito ang Pangulong Aquino Biyernesng umaga at dinaluhan ang tanghalian ng mga dayuhang

negosyante. Narito ang Pangulo para daluhan ang 22nd World Economic Forum on Eas Asia na punung-abala ang

Myanmar.

Parami nang paraming pagkakataon ang nalikha sa aming bansa na bunga at pagpapatibay n gaming pangakong

reporma. Narito kami ngayon upang anyayahan kahong makibalikat sa aming gawain, sabi ng Pangulo.

Binanggit ng Pangulo ang turismo, pagsasaka at mga imprastraktura bialng pangunahin sa maaaring pasukin ng

mga CEOs at mangangalakal para sa pamumuhunan. Ang tatlong sektor na ito, sabi ng Pangulo ang may malaking

ginagampanan sa pagsigla ng ekonomya ng Pilipinas.

Sinabi ng Pangulo ang mga nagawa ng Pilipinas sa pamamahala niya na tulad ng 7.8 porsi-yentong paglago ng

Gross Domestic Product at ang pagtataas ng investment grade ng dala-wang malaking credit rating agencies.

Ngayon, maliwanag na ang mabuting pamamahala ay naging daan ng pagtitiwala sa Pilipinas. Umimbulog nang

mataas ang Philippine Stock market sa nakalipas na mga taon at ang mga mapanuri sa daigdig ang nagbansag na

ang bansa ay a hotspot, Asias Rising Tiger or the brightest spark sa Timog Silangang Asya, sabi ng Pangulo.

Binigyang diin ng Pangulo ang mga reporma at parakarang ginawa ng pamahalaan upang maayos ang larangan ng

kalakalan, mabawasan ang regulatory risk at matiyak ang matatag na kapaligiran para sa mga negosyante.

Ayon sa Pangulo, gumawa ng hakbang ang administrasyon niya para mat8yak ang kinabu-kasan ng Pilipinas,

kasama na ang pagpapatibay ng responsible parenthood at sin taxes, bukod pa sa paglagda sa Framework

Agreement on the Bangsamoro sa pagitan ng pama-halaang pambansa at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Sa kasalukuyan, nakaayos na ang lahat: kapanatagang pampulitika, mababang inflation at low barrowing rates,

mga pagkakataon sa pag-unlad ng lahat ng sektor halos, isang pamaha-laang naninindigan sa dangal at isang

lahing kilala sa buong daigdig sa kasipagan, katapatan at pagiging malikhain, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino.

Sa aming bansa ngayon, mayroon na kayong resipe para sa patuloy, tunay na pagsulong na makikinabang kapuwa

ang mga imbestor at ang taong bayan. Ang kailangan na lamang ay magtulungan tayo at magkasamang

magsikapat iyan ang dahilan kaya kami nasa inyong mga harap ngayon. pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo.

PND(co/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Remarks during the luncheon hosted by Ayala Corporation, CEO's and Businessmen, Rakhine

Room, 1st Floor, Myanmar International Convention Center, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar 07 June 2013

I was asked earlier if I would be entertaining questions, and I said, that I think is the main purpose of being here, until I saw the ballroom, and I was told that there are about 300 of us here. One question per personI wonder when Ill finish answering all of your questions. [Laughter] But I will do try to maximize my participation today. Allow me first to congratulate the government of Myanmar, led by His Excellency, the President, not only hosting this years World Economic Forum on East Asia, but for more importantly paving the way for greater economic and political inclusiveness in this very beautiful country. This truly serves to inspire others to pursue and institute meaningful social reform. Three years ago, I came into office faced with the task of uprooting a long-entrenched culture of corruption and impunity in government, knowing that therein lay the key to reviving the economy and fostering broad-based growth for my countrymen. In our first weeks, and actually first months in office, we uncovered new and bigger problems every dayproblems that seemed to have been, in large part and for the longest time, ignored by the people who created them. But we did not allow ourselves to be daunted: the Filipino people had elected us into office for a reason, and so we rolled up our sleeves and went straight to work.

We reformed the procurement and budgeting processes, taking funding away from programs that did not work, and pouring our resources into those that would benefit our people the mostfrom social services, to health and education, to key reforms and infrastructure development. All this was done while adhering to strict standards of accountability and transparency. These same standards allowed us to make improvements to our revenue collection mechanisms, with our Bureau of Internal Revenue collections growing by 28 percent. May we add that this was achieved without raising taxes. All of you will agree with the simple belief that guides our reform agenda: corruption breeds waste. Today, it is clear: good governance has created a climate of confidence in the Philippines. Our stock market has soared over the past three years, while analysts the world over have given different names to our success. I have heard our country called a hotspot, Asias Rising Tiger, or the brightest spark in Southeast Asia, just to name a few. These accolades are not unwarranted. For the first time in history, the Philippines is rated investment grade by two major credit rating agencies. These agencies have cited our robust growth as well as the low and stable inflation rate in the countryall while many other economies are experiencing slowdowns. In fact, the Philippine economy has consistently surpassed all expectations so far: full-year growth for 2012 was at 6.8 percenthigher than our growth assumption of six percentwhile in the first quarter of 2013, our economy expanded by 7.8 percent. On the production side, this first quarter growth was the result of the expansion of all major sectors: agriculture expanded 3.3 percent, services, by 7 percent, and industry, by 10.9 percent. I should emphasize that the key drivers of industry were manufacturing, which grew by 9.7 percent, and construction, which grew by 32.5 percent. On the demand side, I am told investment was just as significant a contributor to growth as household consumption. In particular, fixed capital formation grew by 16.8 percent due to vast increases in both public and private construction activity, as well as investments on durable equipment. I hope you do not mind my going into some detail. I do so only because these most recent numbers, together with our other achievements, tell a story that might be of interest to you. For example, manufacturing increased despite an 8.4 percent decline in goods exports; this implies large domestic demandlarge enough to offset lowered international demand. Public and private construction activities have expanded, indicating great improvements in our infrastructure. That this kind of economic growth is happening when we have just been upgraded to investment grade means that development can take place at an even faster rateopening more sources of financing, and redounding to lower borrowing costs not only for our government, but also for businesses and investors. The lesson? This is the perfect time to invest in the Philippines. More and more opportunities have been created, both as a result and as an affirmation of our commitment to reform, and we are here today to share these opportunities and invite you to work with us. The development of infrastructure is necessary for the growth of all other sectors. Right now, the Philippines is behind its ASEAN counterparts in this regard, including the state of our roads. Instead of seeing this as a setback, we choose to see it as an opportunity to make quality investments into infrastructure. So, we have increased our budget for infrastructure, from 4.86 billion dollars in 2012 to 5.94 billion dollars in 2013. This more than one billion dollar increase will go towards paving all unpaved sections of our national road network, and developing airports and other transport hubs in the country. At the same time, we also know that harnessing the expertise of the private sector will help us accelerate infrastructure development, which is why we are fostering greater engagement and partnership between the public and private spheres. We have already rolled out a number of projects; some are under construction, while others are still open for participationfrom the construction of classrooms, and the rehabilitation, operation, and management of hydroelectric power plants, to the construction of highways, among others. Agriculture and tourism are our other two priority sectors not only because they make the most of our countrys strengths, but also because they create jobs, complement existing livelihoods, and ignite rural development. Lack of infrastructure and support to farmers, among others, hampered the growth of our agriculture sector in the past. To remedy this, we went back to basics, improving irrigation systems, and constructing and rehabilitating farm to market roads. We are also moving up the value chain and discovering new uses for certain products. For example, the coconut water that was once discarded as a waste product today has become a booming industry in its own right. From 2010 to 2011 alone, coco water exports increased by more than 700 percent in value and more than 800 percent in volume, with large demand coming from countries like the United States, Australia, and the Netherlandsand the sector is still growing. Tourism is another sector whose attraction is obvious, not only to those who are looking to invest or set up business, but also to those just looking to enjoy themselves. The Philippines is in high demand, with 4.3 million tourists in 2012 discovering that, indeed, its more fun in the Philippines. With publications like Conde Nast Traveller, the New York Times, and Travel and Leisure Magazine trumpeting our beaches, nightlife, and divingnot to mention the Filipino hospitality that has made our people so famouswe are confident that we will meet, and hopefully even surpass, our 2016 target of 10 million tourist arrivals. Again, may I take this opportunity to invite you to come and visit the Philippines, whether for a vacation, for businessperhaps to explore the hotel industry, or for the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2014, which will be held in our country. Whatever it is that you may be looking forbusiness opportunities in the sectors as I have mentioned, or in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and information technology and business process management; a secluded and beautiful beach in Palawan, or the most lively street dancing in any of our festivalswhatever it is, I am certain that you will find it in our country, and find it more fun at that. Tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure have played big roles in the revival of our economy; they remain our focus because we believe in their potential to contribute to job creation. This is why our investments into these priority sectors have been matched by great investments in our peoplein healthcare, education, social services, among

others. These ensure that, when investors set up shop in the Philippines, they will find a healthy and capable labor pool ready to man their workstations, and empowered consumers able to patronize their products and services. This is also why we have instituted key reforms and policies to level the playing field, minimize regulatory risk, and ensure a stable environment. At the same time, we know that sustained, inclusive growth that benefits investors and the public alike can only be achieved through longevitythe longevity of reform and the good governance that has built trust, confidence, and optimism in the Philippines. And we have taken steps to secure our countrys future. Key legislation on subjects such as responsible parenthood and sin taxes, which have been enacted, even as a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, paving the way for a final, enduring peace in the southern part of our country. As you may know, the Philippines has recently concluded midterm elections to elect candidates to our Senate and Congressa process I viewed as a referendum on my first three years as President. The idea was that, if the public were in agreement with the direction in which my administration was taking the country, they would elect our candidates into the legislature. Of the 12 Senate seats up for election, the voters gave us nine. In Congress, the Liberal Party and its coalition partners also have a very, very significant majority. To me, this is an affirmation of the mandate that I won in 2010 and a vote for continuity. If the public continues to share my vision for the country, as they have done in the past years, then anyone who aspires to succeed me would do well to continue down the path we have takenand continue the tradition of good governance and public service, as well as the reform agenda that has brought the country so much success to our country. Today, all the factors are in place: political stability, low inflation and low borrowing rates, opportunities for growth in almost all sectors, a government committed to integrity and empowerment, and a people known the world over for their industry, loyalty, and creativity. In our country, you have the recipe for sustained, inclusive growth that benefits investors and public alike. All that is left is for us to engage each other, and work togetherand this is precisely why we are here today. In fact, members of my Cabinet are seated among you now, and I encourage you to approach them and ask questionsif you do have themabout our plans for the Philippines or about opportunities for investment. They will only be too happy to give you the information you require. After all, we are here to form partnerships with you. We are here because we are certain that, together, we can achieve great things for your businesses, for our economy, and for our people. Thank you. Good day.

[HOME]

ONLINE NEWS

08 JUNE 2013

1. P313-M agro-export project to set up in Davao and Bukidnon

2. South Cotabato to launch two new eco-tourism sites

3. End-May 2013 GIR settles at US$82.9 billion

4. DOLE regional offices designates Kasambahay desk officers

5. Seven seafarers get P18 M in monetary awards through conciliation

6. DSWD turns over educational facilities to CARAGA town

7. DOJ Brings Max Planck Institute to Asia

8. National Government posts highest growth on health expenditures but households continue to bear most of the spending on

health

9. DepEd addresses temporary first day shortages

10. June 09 is World Accreditation Day

11. DTI, JICA to hold investment conference

12. Govt doing its best to ensure more doable and durable peace in Mindanao - Deles

13. DOE issues circular on FIT Guidelines for RE Projects

14. Phl Ambassador inaugurates Dive Exhibit in Metro Islas Filipinas in Madrid

15. Phl Consulate General conducts mobile consular outreach in Maui, Hawaii

16. Oleochemicals will help ailing coconut sector - DOST Advisory body

17. Deadline of application for the September 2013 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) moved

P313-M agro-export project to set up in Davao and Bukidnon

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

The Board of Investments (BOI) has approved the P313.353-M project of Maharlika Agro-Marine Ventures

Corporation (MAVC) as new export producer of dressed ducks and its by-products. The MAVC with facilities located

in Davao and Bukidnon is scheduled to begin commercial operation in July 2013. It will employ 207 personnel once

operational.

The project involves the production and processing of Peking ducks. The dressed ducks facilities will have an

annual capacity of 2,758 metric tons (MT).

The firm intends to export about 75% of the produced dressed Peking ducks to China and Hong Kong. The

remaining 25% of production will be distributed to the local market as a healthy and affordable protein-rich food.

To ensure a steady supply, the wholly locally-owned MAVC will raise its own Peking ducks. Its production facilities

will be located in different areas. The hatchery will be located in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur. The broiler farm will be

situated in Mandug, Davao City, while its dressing component will be in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Export production is included in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) qualified for incentives availment. This priority

sector covers the manufacture of export products, services exports, and activities in support of exporters. The BOI

is the lead implementor of the IPP. The Plan is annually crafted to identify priority sectors that will increase

investment inflows and create more jobs for the countrys citizenry.

These export projects will boost the capacity of homegrown products to increase its share in the global market. Per

National Statistics Office (NSO) figures, the country posted aggregate exports of USD51.99B in 2012, up by 7.5%

from USD48.30B in 2011. Specifically, latest figures show that agro-based products increased 38% to USD732.70M

in the first two months of 2013, compared to USD531.10M in the same period last year.

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South Cotabato to launch two new eco-tourism sites

Source: http://www.tourism.gov.ph

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, June 7 (PNA) -- The provincial government of South Cotabato is set to launch two new

adventure attractions that are seen to further perk up the areas thriving eco-tourism industry.

Cesar Sulit Jr., provincial tourism officer, said Friday the local government will formally open in July the famed Kofnit

Cave and the bird watching area of Sitio Kanco in Lake Sebu town as part of the provinces tourism circuit.

He said they will offer caving tours at the Kofnit Cave, which is located in Sitio Lambila of Barangay Lamfugon, and

bird-watching activities at Sitio Kanco in Barangay Lamlahak.

Sulit said the two areas were among the sites within the Allah Valley Protected Watershed that are being developed

by as eco-tourism attractions by the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA).

AVLDA, which is an environmental body established by the local governments of South Cotabato and Sultan

Kudarat, spearheads the protection, conservation and management of the critical Allah River and its immediate

environs.

The official said AVLDA earlier received separate grants from the national government and the Canadian

International Development Agency (CIDA) to facilitate the development of the two eco-tourism sites.

Sulit said that through the CIDA grant, 10 residents of Barangay Lampugon were recently trained as caving guides

through the Sarangani Bay Area Outdoors Club (SBAOC).

He said 10 more residents and local government personnel of Lake Sebu were trained as bird watching guides.

SBAOC was earlier tapped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)as a

recommendatory body on cave assessment in Region 12.

(SBAOCs) cave assessment team is presently looking at certifying the Kofnit Cave as a first class cave, Sulit said.

Johnnie Victor Ferrer, a certified birder, said the bird watching area in Lake Sebu is home to hundreds of bird

species that includes native and migratory birds.

He said that his group -- Wild Birds Photographers of the Philippines -- once visited the area and saw various birds

like the spotted and long-tailed dove, olive-backed sunbird, popular cage bird Java Sparrow, black-nape Blue

Flycatcher, among others.(PNA)

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End-May 2013 GIR settles at US$82.9 billion

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

Preliminary data showed that the countrys gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$82.9 billion as of end-

May 2013, slightly lower by US$0.3 billion than the end-April 2013 GIR of US$83.2 billion, Bangko Sentral ng

Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 At this level, reserves remain adequate to

cover 11.7 months worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. The GIR is also equivalent to

9.8 times the countrys short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6.6 times based on residual

maturity.2

The slight decline in the reserves was due mainly to revaluation adjustments on the BSPs gold holdings arising

from the decrease in the price of gold in the international market, payments for maturing foreign exchange

obligations of the National Government (NG), and foreign currency withdrawals by a government corporation. These

outflows were partially offset by inflows from the foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad

of the BSP as well as foreign currency deposits by the NG.

Net international reserves (NIR), which refers to the difference between the BSPs GIR and total short-term

liabilities, decreased by US$0.3 billion to reach US$82.9 billion as of end-May 2013, compared to the end-April

2013 NIR of US$83.2 billion.

-------------

1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSPs

website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend

or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th.

2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or

less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the

next 12 months.

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DOLE regional offices designates Kasambahay desk officers

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

As the implementing rules and regulations of Batas Kasambahay takes effect DOLE regional offices designates

Kasambahay desk officers

Following Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldozs instructions to effect the smooth

implementation of the rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as An Act Instituting

Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, or more commonly known as Batas Kasambahay, the

regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment designated a Single-Entry Approach Desk Officer

(SEADO) who shall act as the Kasambahay Desk Officer in their respective areas.

Questions on the implementation of the IRR of the Batas Kasambahay are unavoidable, especially during the first

few weeks of its implementation. That is why having a DOLE personnel specifically assigned to handle queries and

concerns in relation to the rules and regulations of the Batas Kasambahay is a good means to ensure that

understanding can be fostered. This could lead to acceptance of the law, and hence, compliance, Baldoz

explained.

Administrative Order No. 207, Series of 2013, mandates the designation of a Kasambahay Desk Officers in every

regional offices of the DOLE tasked to conciliate complaints filed by kasambahays in the respective regional office.

They are also responsible for coordinating with other focal persons in the local government units with regards the

implementation of the law.

The administrative order also tasked the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the DOLEs

Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) and Human Resource Development Service (HRDS) to provide and facilitate

training to capacitate the appointed Kasambahay desk officers in conciliating complaints filed in the regional office.

Aside from having a dedicated desk officer attending to all Batas Kasambahay-related queries, the public can also

contact the DOLE Call Center, the labor and employment chief said.

The DOLE Call Center operates from 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Mondays through Saturdays and can be reached

through telephone numbers (02) 527-8000.

On another note, the DOLE regional offices are likewise directed to initially provide hard copies of Batas

Kasambahay Forms and attachments to barangays located within their respective areas of responsibilities.

With the Batas Kasambahay already taking effect, we hope for a smooth implementation for the sake of our

household service workers. It is really a high time that we give them the proper care and protection they need

considering the necessary role that they play in our lives, Baldoz said.

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Seven seafarers get P18 M in monetary awards through conciliation

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced the settlement, through conciliation, of

various claims filed by seven seafarers in the National Conciliation and Mediation Board-National Capital Region

(NCMB-NCR). Baldoz, citing a report from NCMB Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo, said that seven seafarers

benefited from more than P18 M in monetary awards resulting from the settlement of their cases during the months

of February and March 2013. Each of the seven seafarers got benefits ranging from P1.4 M to P3.6 M, Baldoz

said. According to the report, one of the complaining seafarers, Elmer R. Tolentino, a bosun of MV Cosco China,

sought the intervention of RNCB NCR on 5 March 2013 for press his claim for payment of total and permanent

disability compensation. After a series of conciliation-mediation conferences facilitated by RCMB NCR OIC

Amorsolo V. Aglibut, the agreed to pay Tolentino with P3,626,555.33 as full and complete settlement for his claims

on 26 march 2013 or three weeks after he sought the intervention of the Board. Another seafarer, Giovanni Arnesto,

a bosun of MV Alam Seri which is operated by Arctic Shipping Corporation, sought the intervention of NCMB NCR

on 7 December 2012 to for disability compensation and benefits, medical allowances and expenses, attorneys

fees, and damages. After a series of conciliation-mediation conferences facilitated by Conciliator-Mediator Estelita

S. Bautista the repr