Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 4 PRs ( May 7 , 2013), Dispatch for May 8 , 2013 (Wednesday),

1 Pres. PNOY Speech , 15 Weather Watch, 3 Regl.Watch , 6 OFW Watch , 10 Online News

Weather Watch shared a link.

3 hours ago

24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST

Issued at: 5:00 AM 08 May 2013

SYNOPSIS: Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting southern Mindanao. Easterlies affecting the eastern section

of Luzon and Visayas.

FORECAST: Palawan, western Visayas and Mindanao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers

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

thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over northern Luzon and its

coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east

to northeast with slight to moderate seas.

Over METRO MANILA:

Maximum Temperature : 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 35.3°C

Minimum Temperature : 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.9 °C

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 90 %

Minimum Relative Humidity : 1:00 PM Yesterday --- 52 %

High Tide Today : 9:02 AM ……... 0.87 meter

Low Tide Today : 4:05 PM ......... 0.11 meter

High Tide Today : 10:15 PM ……… 0.49 meter

Low Tide Tomorrow : 2:20 AM ……… 0.34 meter

Sunrise Today : 5:30 AM

Sunset Today : 6:14 PM

Moonset Today : 4:50 PM

Moonrise Tomorrow : 4:45 AM

llumination Tomorrow : 1 %

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 near Quezon City

GMA resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz:

-Ayon sa datos mula sa PAGASA, ITCZ pa rin ang nakakaapekto sa Southern Mindanao habang easterlies naman sa

silangang bahagi ng Luzon at sa Visayas.

-Ang Palawan, Kanlurang Kabisayaan at Mindanao ay makakaranas ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa

katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.

-Ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap na may mga pulu-pulong pag-ulan

o pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.

-Samantala, ayon sa pagtaya ng Weather Central, nasa 70-80% ang posibilidad na ulanin ng 4mm ang Legazpi City na

makakaapekto sa rescue operations na isinasagawa sa Bulkang Mayon.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

13 hours ago

PHIVOLCS Dir. Renato Solidum on DZMM:

Re: Volcanoes in the PHL

- Dapat tignan kung 'yong mga grupo ng mountaineers ay may permit sa pag-akyat nila. Sana napaunawa sa kanila na

kapag umaakyat sa danger zone ay may permanent danger. Tulad kanina maganda, naman ang panahon, zero alert,

kaya lang nagkaroon ng explosion.

- Napakulo 'yung tubig na pumapasok sa bunganga, pagnakulob 'yan magkakaroon ng pagsabog. Kung kami ang

tatanungin mahirap ang may umaakyat sa Mayon.

- Ang talagang pangunahing layunin ng kilometer permanent danger zone sa anumang active volcanoes ay ipagbawal

talaga ang permanent settlement. Pero yong pagpasok tulad ng mga climber, dapat talaga ay may policy.

- Ang nakakamatay talaga 'yong nasa crater ka. Pero itong mga namatay ngayon ay wala naman sila sa crater pero

malapit. Sila ay dumadaan sa mga kanal o bangin. Kaya noong gumalaw 'yung bulkan, maraming bato na mahuhulog at

ito ay dadaan sa kanal o sa bangin.

- May mga procedures diyan na dapat may diskusyon na masinsinan.

- Kahit anong bulkan ang pag-usapan at aktibo, andiyan ang posibleng magkaroon ng explosion na walang warning.

- Mayroon namang itinalagang lugar, 'yong Lignon Hill, doon lang ang mga turista.

- Sa Taal Volcano naman, ang mga tao ay nasa shore line wala naman sa bunganga ng bulkan.

- Ang Taal Volcano kasi ay mahigit 40 ang crater niyan. 'Yun ang napapasyalan ng mga turista yong pinakamalaking

crater.

- Sa kasalukuyan ay hindi natin malalaman ang aktibidad ng bulkan.

- Paulit-ulit naming sinasabi na huwag papasok sa crater kasi mababa lang ang Taal.

- At iwasan ang mga lugar na may mga sumisingaw na usok. Kasi maglalabas 'yan ng toxic smoke at nagiging cause din

ng explosion.

- Ang permanent danger zone sa buong Taal Volcano ay ang buong isla. 6,000 tao sa shoreline ng Taal.

- Dapat magdesisyon ang lokal na pamahalaan na i-relocate ang mga tao diyan.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Joey Figuracion on DZBB:

- Ang ITCZ ay nakakaapekto pa rin sa Southern Mindanao samantalang ang easterlies pa rin ay nakakaapekto sa eastern

section ng Luzon at Visayas.

- Ang Kabikulan, Kabisayaan at Mindanao ay magiging maulap na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at

pagkidlat-pagkulog.

- Ang Metro Manila at ang natitirang bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap na may pulu-pulong pag-ulan o

pagkidlat-pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.

- Kaninang 1:00 ng hapon, naitala natin sa Metro Manila ang temperatura na 35.3°C. Inaasahan pa rin natin na mainit pa

rin po tayo bukas sa agwat na temperatura na 25°C hanggang 36°C.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

DZMM: Niyanig ng magnitude 3 na lindol ngayong 6:30 ng gabi ang bahagi ng Surigao del Sur. Ayon sa PHIVOLCS

natukoy ang sentro nito sa layong 55km silangan ng Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. May lalim ito na 32km at tectonic ang

origin. Naramdaman ang intensity 2 sa Bislig City. Wala namang inaasahang aftershock sa nasabing pagyanig.

Weather Watch shared Weather Watch's photo.

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Magkakaroon ng annular solar eclipse sa umaga ng May 10. Mangyayari ito sa pagitan ng 5:30am hanggang

7:30am. Nangyayari ang solar eclipse sa tuwing tumatawid ang Buwan sa gitna ng Araw at ng Earth kung saan ay

magmimistula itong singsing kaya kung minsan ay tinatawag itong "Ring of Fire." Pinapaalalahanan naman ang lahat na

huwag titingin nang direkta sa araw dahil maaaring mabulag ang mata.

PAGASA: An annular solar eclipse will occur on May 10, 2013. It will be visible from Central Pacific Region, most of New

Zealand, Australia, Indonesia and the southern parts of Philippines. In the Southern Philippines, the event will be

observed as a partial solar eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby

totally or partially obscuring the image of the Sun as viewed from the Earth. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the

Moon's apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun, causing the Sun to look like an annulus (ring), blocking most of the

Sun's light.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Patuloy ang maaraw na panahon sa bansa maliban sa southern part ng Mindanao dahil sa umiiral na ITCZ.

Nakakaapekto naman sa Luzon ang easterlies. Pinakamainit bukas sa Metro Manila sa 35°C. Asahan ang maulap na

panahon sa Aurora, Quezon, Naga, Legazpi. May mahinang pag-ulan naman sa ilang bahagi ng Visayas.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

GMA: Posibleng umulan sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon bukas kabilang na sa Legazpi, Albay. Magiging maalinsangan

naman ang panahon sa Metro Manila bagama't mayroong 50% chance of rain pagdating ng hapon. Mas magiging

maayos naman ang panahon sa Visayas pero posible pa ring umulan, partikular na sa silangang bahagi nito. Inaasahan

namang magiging maulap na may pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

15 hours ago

PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum on GMA-7:

- Iyong eksaktong oras na mangyayari iyan (ang stream-driven explosion ng Mayon Volcano), mahirap malaman dahil

walang senyales. Pero ang posibilidad, nandiyan.

- Mayroon kasing usok na lumalabas, may posibilidad na makulob iyan. Ang nangyari kanina, nagkaroon ng build-up

kaya may pagsabog.

- Ang Mayon Volcano ay isa sa mga well-instrumented volcanoes in the world. Kaya namo-monitor namin iyong mga

activity. Pagdating sa magmatic eruption, nababanggit natin iyon na dapat maghanda.

- Hindi naman ganoon karami ang abong nailabas kanina. After the explosion, wala nang sumunod pero may na-record

kaming rock fall.

- Kapag Alert Level 0, nandiyan ang possibility na magkaroon ng steam-driven explosions.

- Lagi naming sinasabi na huwag pumasok sa crater dahil laging may posibilidad ng phreatic explos

Weather Watch

18 hours ago

GMA News TV: Malaki ang tsansang umulan at kumulimlim sa Albay bukas kaya pinapayuhan ang mga magsasagawa ng

search and rescue operations doon na mag-doble ingat. Ramdam naman ang init sa Dagupan kung saan ay tinatayang

aabot sa 37°C ang temperatura. Bahagyang magiging mainit naman sa Visayas. Ayon sa PAGASA, nakakaapekto ang

easterlies sa Luzon at Visayas habang ang ITCZ naman ang nakakaapekto sa Southern Mindanao na makapagdudulot ng

pag-ulan doon.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

19 hours ago

GMA News TV: Nililinis na ng mga residente sa mga bayan sa Albay, gaya ng Malilipot, ang mga abong bumagsak

matapos na magbuga ng abo ang Bulkang Mayon. Nangangamba pa rin ang mga residente na maaaring masira ng abo

ang bubong ng kanilang mga bahay habang ang mga magsasaka naman ay nangangamba na maapektuhan ang kanilang

mga pananim. Lima ang napaulat na namatay habang pito naman ang sugatan sa insidente.

Weather Watch

19 hours ago

Volcano Watch:

GMA News: Five dead in Mayon explosion, including three Germans, a Pinoy tour guide and another foreigner whose

nationality is still being determined.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

22 hours ago

PHIVOLCS Dir. Renato Solidum:

Re: Mayon Volcano ash explosion

-In alert level zero, normal ang magmatic eruption. Kaya nga meron tayong 6kms permanent danger zone para malayo

sila sa summit ‘pag may mga ganitong insidente.

-Ito steam muna bago sumabog. 500 metro ang inabot ng abong ibinuga ng Mayon kaninang pasado 8:00 ng umaga.

-Wala pa kaming information kung may umabot sa barangay na ash falls.

-Bawat volcano iba-iba ang measure ng permanent danger zone. Sa Mayon Volcano, 60% naapektuhan ang buong 6km

permanent danger zone. Kaya dapat ang zone na iyon walang permanent settlement.

-Mere risks sa pag-akyat sa volcano (ang pagpasok ng turista doon).

-Kapag magma kasi iyon ang delikadong eruption sa mga residente.

-Paulit-ulit naming sinasabi that in any active volcano, kahit seemingly walang sign of magmatic eruption, mayroong

possibility na steam-driven explosion.

- Balita ko nga yung iba diyan umaakyat kahit may alert level.

-Officially, we strongly advised that public must refrain from enetring the 6-km permanent danger zone. It’s up to the

LGU.

-Kung iyong kanina ang pag-uusapan natin, hindi na iyan makakaapekto sa mga pananim.

-Walang magma (na sanhi ng explosion).

-Taal Volcano is currently at alert level 1. Patuloy na namamaga ang Taal Volcano.

-May GPS tayo na nakaposisyon diyan. May GPS din tayo sa Mayon at hindi iyon nagpapakita ng pamamaga.

-Hindi ito nakakagulat sa amin (under alert level 0).

-We need to see changes on the volcano (before elevating alert level).

-There is no imminent magmatic eruption.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

22 hours ago

NDRRMC Executive Dir. Eduardo del Rosario on ANC:

- Nagkaroon nga ng phreatic eruption ang Mayon Volcano at 8:25 this morning.

- There are about 20 mountaineers in 3 groups when this happened.

- We don't not know yet the identities of the casualties.

- This is just a normal occurrence.

- Alert level zero is still being observed and no eruption is imminent.

- Pupunta na ngayon doon ang chopper natin to get the casualties and to get the details. It is expected to land in a few

minutes.

Weather Watch shared Volcano Watch's status.

22 hours ago

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on ANC:

Re: Mayon Volcano ash explosion

-There are 7 people who are caught in camp 2 at 3 ang reported casualty base doon sa na-interview sa radyo na

napakinggan namin.

- Sa part ng PHIVOLCS alert zero (ang nakataas sa Mayon).

-Talagang mainit lang sa bunganga nito at umulan ng malakas kagabi.

-We are organizing a rescue team for the reported casualties in camp 2. Isang turista (na kasamang umakyat) ay foreign.

- Yung apat (na injured) nasa camp 2 at ino-organize namin ang pag-akyat. We are trying to ensure the safe route.

- Right now it is back to normal.

-Pwedeng umakyat ng Mayon pero kailangan ng permit or approval. Karamihan ayaw magpa-alam kasi nire-regulate

namin (ang pag-akyat ng tourist doon).

-7 years na ako dito (as gov't official) at ngayon lang nangyari ito.

-We are suspending all human activities within the 6kms permanent danger zone for the meantime.

-We are now coordinating with the local officials na nakakasakop dito.

Weather Watch

May 7 , 2013 (Tuesday) 2 hours ago

CAVITE : LAGUNA : BATANGAS : RIZAL :

QUEZON : Partly cloudy

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

PIA-4A/RIZAL: DOST - Rizal, DTI - Rizal and DOLE - Rizal is conducting a joint training for local businesses on food hygiene

at the DOLE Rizal Conference Room, Cainta, Rizal today from 9am onwards. The seminar is being conducted to show the

proper methods of food hygiene and preparation.

PIA Regional Watch

18 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The National Food Authority (NFA-Laguna) will hold a wide scale ""Ugnayan"" with the members of

Farmers' Organization/Cooperatives/Irrigators' Associations and Farmers at the Cultural Center of Laguna on May 8,

2013. The activity aims to elevate the plight and welfare of agricultural workers especially the palay- producing farmers

of Laguna.

PIA Regional Watch

Yesterday

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Pinalitan kamakailan bilang hepe ng pulisya ng Antipolo City si Supt. Manuel Placido na inilipat sa bayan

ng Montalban. Kasalukuyang nagsisilbing hepe ng Antipolo ang dating hepe ng Montalban na si Supt. Arturo

Masungsong dala ng nakaraang kaso ng pamamaril o election related violence sa siyudad.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

Carlito Fojas, father of Nerisa Fojas on DZMM:

Re: Pilipinang namatay matapos masunog ang sinasakyang Limousine

-2005 pa po (nasa US na si Nerisa Fojas).

-Hindi pa tumatawag si Carlo sa amin (asawa ni Nerisa).

-Tapos na ‘yung civil wedding nila sa Las Vegas. Sa June 19 po sana (church wedding dito sa Batangas).

-Nanggaling daw sa likod ‘yung usok, naka-usap din namin si Nelia, ‘yung survivor. Sabi niya nung konti pa lang ang usok

kinakatok na niya ‘yung driver ng limousine.

-Si Nelia at ‘yung iba pang nakaligtas ay nasa bandang harapan daw po. Sila Nerisa nasa likod.

-Ang kwento po ni Nelia kinakatok daw niya ‘yung driver ang sabi niya smoke, smoke pero hindi raw siya pinapansin

nung driver (akala ng driver humihingi ng permiso na makapanigarilyo).

-Lumabas po ‘yung driver, si Nelia kasi maliit ‘yung katawa kaya nakalabas siya sa bintana tapos hinila niya ‘yung tatlong

kasama niya.

-Nung pabalik na daw po si Nelia pinigilan siya ng mga bystander kasi malakas na ‘yung apoy.

-Sila pong lahat na siyam na nakasakay doon mga nurse po iyon.

-Physical therapist po (asawa ni Nerisa).

-Opo (ibabalik sa Pilipinas ang bangkay ni Nerisa) pero wala pa pong sinasabi si Carlo.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

ABS-CBN: Kinumpirma ng UN na dinukot ng Syrian rebel group ang 4 na Pinoy na nagsisilbing UN peacekeepers sa Golan

Heights. Giniit naman ng mga rebelde na hindi nila dinukot kundi niligtas lang nila ang mga ito.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Napag-alaman na limang Filipina nurse ang namatay sa nasunog na limousine sa California. Patungo sana ang

grupo sa bridal shower ng isa sa kanila. Isa naman sa apat na nakaligtas ay sinabing binalewala sila ng driver ng

limousine nang sabihin nila na nAsusunog ang bahagi ng kanilang sasakyan.

PIA OFW Watch

14 hours ago

GMA: Hindi pa rin matukoy ang sanhi ng pagkasunog ng isang limousine sa California, USA na ikinamatay ng lima katao,

kabilang ang isang Pinay bride. Aminado naman ang driver ng limousine na nalito siya at hindi sila nagkaintindihan ng

kanyang mga pasahero.

PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago

GMA News TV: 37 undocumented OFWs sa Jeddah ang malapit na raw makabalik sa bansa ayon sa DFA.

PIA OFW Watch

21 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines

DZMM: Nakauwi na sa bansa ang limang Pilipinong overstaying sa Jeddah na dumating ngayong umaga. Sinalubong sila

ng mga kinatawan ng DFA subalit tumanggi ang mga ito na magbigay ng anumang pahayag sa media maging ang mga

dumating na Pilipino ay tipid din sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon.

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE

1. Maynilad to build pumping station in Bacoor

Monday 6th of May 2013

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TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, May 6 (PIA) --The Maynilad Water Services, Incorporated (Maynilad) will

construct a P166.5-million pumping station to increase water pressure in Bacoor City.

In a statement posted in their website, Maynilad revealed that once completed, the construction of a 10-

million liter per day pumping station along Molino Boulevard is expected to increase water pressure to 6,900

households in the city thus, providing water to an additional 13,159 households.

“Through this infrastructure investment, we hope to enrich the lives of our current and future customers in

the South,” Ricky Reyes, Maynilad president and chief executive officer, said.

The facility will be equipped with Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and high-efficiency electric motors, which

enables the adjustment of operation speed depending on customer water consumption, making it more

energy efficient.

This year, Maynilad will invest approximately P7.63 billion to improve and extend its services in Parañaque,

Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Cavite.

Maynilad is owned and managed by DMCI-MPIC Water Company, Inc., a joint venture between Metro Pacific

Investments Corporation and DMCI Holdings, Inc. Aside from Bacoor, Maynilad also serves the towns of Imus,

Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/mayniladwater.com.ph)

C. LAGUNA

1. Tagalog news: 700 estudyante, benepisyaryo ng SPES program ng San

Pablo

By Alan C. Ortillano

Tuesday 7th of May 2013

LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Mayo 7 (PIA) -- May 700 mag-aaral sa kolehiyo ang nabigyan ng

pagkakataon ng pamahalaang lungsod na makapagtrabaho ngayong bakasyon sa ilalim ng Special Program for

Employment of Students (SPES) sa pangunguna ng Office of Social Welfare and Development (OSWD).

Hinati sila sa dalawang grupo, ang isang grupo na binubuo ng 650 estudyante ay bibigyan ng sahod ng P200

kada araw sa loob ng 10 araw ng pamahalaang lungsod, habang ang 50 estudyante naman ay pasasahurin ng

pamahalaang panlalawigan ng P275 kada araw sa loob ng 20 araw na trabaho.

Bago sumabak sa kani-kanilang trabaho, sumailalim muna sa oryentasyon ang mga benepisyaryo upang

magkaroon ng impormasyon at kaalaman ukol sa programa at malaman din nila kung ano ang kanilang mga

responsibilidad.

Ang "summer jobs" ay nagsimula noong Abril 29 para sa local batch at Mayo 2 para sa provincial batch.

Ang mga estudyante ay itinalaga sa kanilang sariling barangay upang hindi na gumastos sa pamasahe at

pagkain. Sila ay tutulong sa monitoring at assistance sa mga barangay youths na benepisyaryo ng Pantawid

Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps). (CIO-SPC/ACO, PIA-Laguna)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

1. Haven for the elderly celebrates 3rd founding anniversary

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 7th of May 2013

TANAY, Rizal, May 7 (PIA) -- Celebrating its 3rd anniversary last April 25, the Haven for the Elderly located in

Barangay Sampaloc, this municipality, held a series of activities under the theme “Nagkakaisa sa Maayos at

Mahusay na Paglilingkod sa mga Nakatatanda.”

The celebration, which focused on developing bond between and among center staff, its resident-elders and

other center stakeholders, was graced by officials of the Department led by Undersecretary Parisya Taradji,

Region IV-A Director Leticia T. Diokno and other partner government agencies and non-government

organizations.

Among the activities conducted during the anniversary celebration were a thanksgiving mass, launching of

convergence extension office or rehabilitation team office, photo and video exhibits, livelihood product

exhibit, sport fest for the elders and staff, wellness activities, partner’s forum and tree planting.

Ricky Bunao, center head, said the goal of the center as it marks its 3rd year anniversary is to improve its

facilities in order to sustain the physical, social, emotional and mental functioning of the elderly residents and

to conduct activities aimed at providing additional skills to the residents to enable them to continuously be

productive.

“We want to achieve a center of excellence in residential care facility for older persons in the country. As we

celebrate our 3rd year anniversary, we are also putting in place mechanisms in order to achieve our goal,"

Bunao said.

He added, "We have to make a difference to the lives of the older persons by giving them satisfaction,

contentment and happiness despite of their not so happy experience. We can only do this through the

collective efforts of not only the staff here at the center but also and most importantly through the help our

partner non-government organizations and government agencies.”

The home for the elderly is a residential care facility that provides care to abandoned and neglected male and

female senior citizens 60 years old and above.

At present, the center provides an array of services such as residential and dietary care, health and medical

services and socio-recreational to 141 elderly residents. (RIO-DSWD4A with report from Ma. Theresa Corazon

D. Ladrera/CPG/PIA4A)

2. Clean-up activities mark Earth day celebration in Antipolo

By Carlo P. Gonzaga

Tuesday 7th of May 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, May 7 (PIA) -- The city environment and waste management office (CEWMO) here

spearheaded a clean-up operation in celebrating Earth Day 2013 last April 27.

Included in the activity are the "Linis Creek" operation along Sapang Tae Creek located at Sumulong St. up to

P. Oliveros St. and street sweeping on the stretch of Sumulong St., ML Quezon St., Gen. Luna St., M. Santos

St., Dimanlig St., Martinez St., and P. Oliveros St., Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City.

About 64 persons participated in the Linis Creek while 237 persons joined the street sweeping activity. The

clean-up activity that ended at lunch time resulted in the collection of 30 bags of trash, including logs and

grass removed from the waterways, and 91 sacks of trash collected from the streets.

“It’s good to know that people are now aware of what is happening in our environment and made initiatives

to act and save it. We need to work hand in hand to care for Mother Earth, not just for ourselves but for

future generations too so they will also have a glimpse of what we have right now,” Jocelyn Masangkay,

CEWMO said.

According to Masangkay, the activity is in compliance with the DILG Memorandum No. 2011-11 and pursuant

to Presidential Proclamation No. 553, s. 1990 for the celebration of “Earth Day 2013.”

The city government of Antipolo conducted the clean-up drive operation, through the combined efforts of the

City Environment and Waste Management Office (CEWMO), General Services Office (GSO), Clean & Green

Program, Task Force Manila Bay (TFMB), Public Information Office (PIO) and in cooperation of The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (CPG/PIA4A with report from Antipolo-CIO)

07 MAY 2013.

Malacanang announces election liquor ban from May 9 to 13

Malacanang assures the public of government's readiness in responding to the needs of those

affected by Mayon Volcano's eruption

Intellectual Property Office vows to step up anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting efforts

Malacanang announces election liquor ban from May 9 to 13

The Aquino government has released in the internet an infographic regarding the election liquor ban for the May 13 national and local elections, a Palace official said on Tuesday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that the government encouraged the people to visit the Official Gazette website through http://www.gov.ph to get information regarding the election liquor ban that will take effect on May 9 (12 a.m.) until May 13 (11:59 p.m.) this year. "It‘s a short public service information that can be found on the Official Gazette about certain things that everybody should know about the liquor ban, which is in place in connection with the elections on Monday," Valte said.

The Philippine National Police will be strictly implementing the nationwide liquor ban imposed by the Commission on Elections. Under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, it is prohibited for any person to sell, furnish, offer, buy, serve or take intoxicating liquor during the liquor ban period, but hotels and other establishments certified by the government as ―tourist-oriented‖ may be exempted from the ban. The law also provides that drinking alcoholic beverages within private property is allowed. Foreign tourists may take alcoholic beverages in exempted establishments. PND (js)

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Malacanang assures the public of government's readiness in responding to the needs of those affected by Mayon Volcano's eruption

Malacanang assured the public of the concerned government agencies' readiness to respond to the needs of the people affected by Mayon Volcano's eruption on Tuesday morning, a Palace official said. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday after Mayon Volcano spewed ash and smoke in Albay province in the Bicol region. Latest reports said four foreigners and a Filipino were killed by falling rocks. Valte said President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that the system and the available facilities and resources are in place in retrieving the casualties and attending to the injured victims. "There are already two airforce choppers that have been deployed to retrieve the casualties. The focus now is attending to the injured and, of course, facilitating the repatriation of the fatalities," Valte said. The Chief Executive told the NDRRMC to brief him of the circumstances behind the incident and update him on the progress of the contingency operations. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) appealed to the public not to enter Mayon Volcano's six-kilometer permanent danger zone. "What we understand is the local government has restricted activity and, precisely, the President wanted to know kung ano ‗yung mga parameters because the six-kilometer danger zone is something that is enforced by the local government. So sila po ‗yung toka doon sa pag-enforce to make sure that nobody gets hurt," Valte said. President Aquino told the NDRRMC to update him on how the concerned government agencies will proceed with the evacuation of the people living near the volcano. The government earlier urged all the residents near the Mayon Volcano to follow the directives of the NDRRMC and local government authorities for them to evacuate to a safer place. PND (js)

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Intellectual Property Office vows to step up anti-piracy and anti-counterfeiting efforts

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHIL) has vowed to ―work harder‖ in its quest to end piracy and counterfeiting in order to remove the country from the United States Trade Representative piracy watch list. In a statement, IPOPHIL Director General Ricardo Blancaflor vowed ―vigorous efforts‖ to address the strict enforcement of the intellectual property rights by the law enforcement agencies of IPRs in the country. He said ―law enforcement agencies involved in IPR work…will work harder in fighting piracy and counterfeiting,‖ Blancaflor said. Blancaflor added IPOPHIL has been successful in addressing piracy and counterfeiting activities in the country with ―a record breaking volume of seizures‖ two years ago and with the passing of the internet treaty law last March 22. In its latest Special 301 Report, the Philippines was retained on the ordinary watch list of IPR violators due to Washington‘s piracy concerns over the Internet. IPOPHIL hopes that the Philippines will be removed by the USTR from the watch list after Washington‘s conduct of an off-cycle review. The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights area confident that the additional requirements can be addressed in the immediate future,‖ Blancaflor said. PND (rck)

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07 MAY 2013

Inihayag ng Malacanang ang liquor ban mula sa Mayo 9-13 dahil sa halalan

Tiniyak ng Malacanang na nakahanda ang pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga apektado ng pagputok ng Bulkang Mayon

Puspusang haharapin ng Intellectual Property Office ang kampanya sa anti-piracy at anti-counterfeiting

Inihayag ng Malacanang ang liquor ban mula sa Mayo 9-13 dahil sa halalan

Inihayag ng Malacanang na may liquor ban o pagbabawal sa inuming nakalalasing mula sa Mayo 9 hanggang Mayo 13 kaugnay ng halalang pambansa at lokal sa Mayo 13. Sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes na hinihikayat ng Palasyo ang taong bayan na tingnan ang Official Gazette website sa pamamagitan ng http://www.gov.ph upang makita ang impormasyong may kinalaman sa pagbabawal ng mga nakalalasing na inumin dahil sa idaraos na halalan mula sa ika-12:00 ng hating-gabi ng Mayo 9 hanggang ika-11:59 ng gabi ng Mayo 13 ng kasalukuyang taon. ―Ang maikling patalastas na ito sa sambayanan ay makikita sa Official Gazette kaugnay ng pagbabawal sa mga inuming nakalalasing dahil sa halalang gaganapin,‖ paliwanag ni Valte. Mahigpit na ipatutupad ng Pambansang Pulisya sa buong bansa ang pagbabawal sa inuming nakalalasing na itinakda ng Komisyon sa Halalan. Sa Seksyon 261 ng Omnibus Election Code ay nakasaad na ipinagbabawal sa sino mang tao na magbili, magbigay, mag-alok, bumili, magpainom o uminom ng nakalalasing na inumin sa panahong ito, subali‘t ang mga otel at iba pang establisyamentong may sertipikasyon ng pamahalaan bilang tourist-oriented ay maaaring exempted o hindi kasama sa pinagbabawalan. Isinaad din sa batas na pinapayagan ang pag-inom ng alcoholic beverages loob ng mga bahay, at ang mga turistang dayuhan ay maaaring uminom ng alcoholic beverages sa mga establisyamentong hindi saklaw ng kautusan ng pagbabawal. PND

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Tiniyak ng Malacanang na nakahanda ang pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga apektado ng pagputok ng Bulkang Mayon

Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa sambayanan na nakahanda ang mga kinauukulang sangay ng gobyerno na tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga taong apektado ng pagputok ng Bulkang Mayon. Sinabi ito ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes matapos magbuga ng usok at abo ang Bulkang Mayon sa lalawigan ng Albay sa Kabikulan. Ayon sa pinakahuling ulat, apat na dayuhan at isang Pilipino ang nasawi nang tamaan ng malalaking tipak ng batong ibinuga ng bulkan. Inatasan na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) na tiyaking nakahanda ang lahat ng mga pasilidad, kagamitan at mga bagay na kailangan sa pagkuha sa mga nasawi at paglalapat ng lunas sa mga nabiktima. ―May dalawa nang Air Force choppers na ipinagagamit para makuha ang mga biktima. Nakatuon ang mga pagsisikap ngayon upang malapatan ng lunas ang mga nasaktan at ang mabilis na pagkuha sa mga nasawi,‖ sabi pa ni Valte.

Pinagbilinan ng Pangulo ang NDRRMC na ipagbigay-alam na lagi sa kanya ang mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa ginagawang contingency operations. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na ipaalam sa kanya ang paglilikas na ginagawa sa mga taong naninirahan sa malapit sa bulkan at dapat gawin agad ng lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan ang pagtulong sa taong bayan.. Nanawagan naman sa taong bayan ang Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) na huwag pupunta sa pook na saklaw ng anim na kilometrong laging mapanganib na lugar na sakop ng Bulkang Mayon. ―Sa pagkaalam namin, ang lokal na pamahalaan ang maykapangyarihang maghigpit sa pagpunta sa mapanganib na mga lugar. Nais malaman ng Pangulo kung ano ang mga parameters dahil ang lokal na pamahalaan ang nagpapatupad ng six kilometer danger zone. Kaya dapat na mahigpit na ipatupad ang tuntunin para matiyak na walang masasaktan,‖ dagdag ni Valte. Una rito, nanawagan na ang pamahalaan sa lahat ng nakatira sa malapit sa Bulkang Mayon na sundin ang utos ng NDRRMC at mga pinuno ng lokal na pamahalaan upang huwag malagay sa panganib ang buhay ng mga naninirahan sa naturang pook. PND (js/zaf)

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Puspusang haharapin ng Intellectual Property Office ang kampanya sa anti-piracy at anti-counterfeiting

Nangako ang Intellectual Property Office ng Pilipinas (IPOPHIL) na puspusan ang gagawin nilang kampanya upang masugpo ang piracy at counterfeiting nang maalis ang Pilipinas sa Trade Representative piracy watch list ng Estados Unidos. Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Direktor Heneral Ricardo Blancaflor ng IPOPHIL na pag-iibayuhin pa nila ang pagsisikap upang mahigpit na maipatupad ng mga alagad ng batas sa bansa ang intellectual property rights. Idinugtong ni Blancaflor na hindi tatantanan ng mga alagad ng batas ang pagdigma laban sa piracy at panghuhuwad (pamemeke). Idinagdag ni Blancaflor na naging matagumpay ang IPOPHIL sa kampanyang ito at napakarami ang nasamsam nila sa nakaraang dalawang taon, lalo na nang mapagtibay noong Marso ang Internet Treaty Law. Sa pinakahuling Special 301 Report, ang Pilipinas ay nanatiling nasa ordinary watch list ng mga lumalabag sa IPR dahil sa pagkabahala ng Washington sa piracy sa Internet. Umaasa ang IPOPHIL na ang Pilipinas ay matatanggal na buhat sa trade representative watch list ng Estados Unidos pagkatapos ng gagawing off-cycle review ng Washington. ―Nagtitiwala rin ang Pambansang Lupon sa Intellectual Property Rights na ang mga karagdagang mga kailangang gawin ay matutugunan na agad sa madaling panahon,‖ sabi pa ni Blancaflor. PND (rck/zaf)

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President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Speech during a Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community Calabanga People‘s Center ―Octagon,‖ Bgy. San Francisco, Calabanga, Camarines Sur

03 May 2013 Yung may mga silya ho maupo na tayo. Yung wala po sasabayan ko na lang kayo nakatayo, lalo na po yung nandito sa init ng araw. Magandang hapon sa inyo. Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Jun Abaya; syempre, para maliwanag ho, ang kandidato po natin at susunod na kongresista, Leni Robredo. Baka ho hindi natin naintindihan yun, ulitin ko lang ho ha, Leni. Hindi ho Neli, baligtad ho yun. Leni ang kailangan po natin; atin pong susunod na mayor, Philip Dumalasa; syempre buting mayor ng Naga, John Bongat; ating susunod pong vice mayor, si Mhon Robles para sa Calabanga; the district chair of the Liberal Party for the district, Mr. Ruben Medroso; local leaders of the third district of Camarines Sur; fellow workers in government; mga namumutan kong kahimanwa: Marahay na hapon sa indo gabos. Nito pong huling mga linggo, talaga pong naglibot tayo sa buong bansa para makasalamuha ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino. Noong nakaraang linggo po, lumapag tayo sa Kabisayaan at Mindanao. Ngayong linggo naman po, para po nating sinampolan ang buong Luzon sa ating pag-iikot: Galing Batangas at Quezon noong Lunes, bumalik ng Maynila

ng Martes, nasa Tarlac noong Miyerkules, akyat sa Pangasinan nung Huwebes, at ngayon naman pong Biyernes, nandito ako sa kaBikulan sa Camarines Sur. Kaya kung ang boses po natin ay hindi na yata pang Philippines Got Talent at pang Kermit the Frog na, pagpapasensyahan na niyo muna ako. Ang probinsyang nagsilang kay Jesse Robredo, na nagpatunay na ang tuwid na daan ay hindi lamang isang panaginip, kundi katotohanang puwedeng isabuhay. Yan po ang Camarines Sur. Sa pag-iikot ko nga po, marami-rami rin tayong mga wikang narinig: Ilokano, Waray, Ilonggo, Bisaya, lahat po iyan ay sinubukang ituro sa atin ng mga kaibigan natin sa iba‘t-ibang lalawigan. Ngunit sa dinami-rami po ng wikang narinig natin, ibang ibang isla man tayo nanggaling, talaga naman pong iisa ang sentimyentong nangingibabaw sa puso ng bawat Pilipino. Ito po ang sinubukang praktisin namin ni Mar kanina: Nagpupuon na kitang magpudo kan mga bunga nin pagbabago. Dapat ta ining ipagpadagos. Tama ho ba? Kung tama po, pasalamatan ulit natin ang kaisa-isa nating kandidato sa kongresista, walang iba kundi si Attorney—ulitin po natin—Leni Robredo. Siya rin po sinusubukan na akong turuan… sinusubukan akong turuan mag Bikol, siguro mga isang dekada na lang gagaling na ako. Baka bukas makalawa po, pumasa na ako bilang honorary Oragon. Una hong nagsabi sa akin nun si Chiz Escudero. Sabi ko: Pare, yung Oragon ba puri yan o sumpa? Sabi niya, depende sa pagka gamit. Sana pag tinawag... kung tatawagin niyo akong Oragon medyo doon sa positive. Alam ko pong malinaw na malinaw sa ating mga kababayan ang mga resulta ng reporma; pati nga po ang mga hindi natin kapanig sa pulitika, hindi na ito maikakaila. Nabalitaan pa nga po natin, at nakita natin mismo, sa ilang bahagi ng bansa may mga taga-kabilang koalisyon na nangangampanyang nang naka-dilaw po. Yung kalaban natin naka-dilaw, at pati nga raw po mga poster nila—nakita ko rin po—lahat sila naka-dilaw. Di po ba‘t malinaw itong pahiwatig ng kagustuhan nilang makisakay sa mga positibong pagbabagong tinatamasa ng ating bayan ngayon? Baka ho may makalimot lang ha, Leni. Ganun ho yung syllables nun: Le-ni. Hindi ho... huwag na nating banggitin baka may maligaw sa... Pero gusto ko lang ho madama eh, yung kasangga ho natin nagsusugod ng kandidatura ni Leni, pwede ho ba itaas ang kanang kamay na may Laban na sign para malaman kong kasangga natin dito. Itaas po natin sabay sabay. Ganun, okey. Parang dito sa kanan konti ho yata. Alam niyo nahirapan ho akong magsalita sa inyo ganito ang boses eh. Okay lang ho sa akin mapagod, okay lang ho sa akin lahat ng pagod na ito, lahat ng hirap na ito, dahil kayo naman talaga ang lakas ko. Nahihiya lang akong iparinig sa inyo yung boses na ganitong parang sampung paper bag yata ang dinaanan, nalulon pa yung paper bag. Kung sa bagay po, mahirap naman po talagang magbulag-bulagan sa mga pagkukulang, kunyari po, sa textbook at upuan sa paaralan na ngayon po ay hindi na backlog dahil natapos na po natin ang kakulangan 2012 pa lang. Pati po ang minana nating backlog na gusto rin makiangkas ng ating mga katunggali. Sabi po nung aking pinalitan kasi, kung naalala niyo, wala ng kulang na classrooms sa Pilipinas, tama po ba? Ang paliwanag po dun: sa umaga merong morning session, sa parehong classroom sa hapon afternoon session, sa evening meron pa rin pa lang evening session. Sabi ko, grade school mag-uumpisa kang mag-aral evening, gabi—ang tindi naman. Yung makatotohanan po, itong taon na ito, 2013, December, sabi po ni Brother Armin, sa loob ng tatlong taon yung hindi nagawa nung pinalitan natin sa siyam at kalahating taon wala na tayong kakulangan ng classroom para sa ating mga kabataan. At ulit po, kayo ang gumawa nito. Napipinto na ring maisara bago matapos ang taong ito po ang isa pang... Sorry po. Mahirap talaga rin para sa mga kalaban natin na magbulag-bulagan sa mga proyektong pang-irigasyon. Dito nga po sa CamSur, limampu‘t dalawa na ang nakukumpletong proyekto, at may pinapagawa pa tayong labinlimang irrigation projects na papakinabangan po ng mga magsasaka sa dalawampu‘t pitong munisipyo, kabilang na ang Calabanga. Ating susunod na mayor, Dumalasa, sumasang-ayon yata dahil hindi na niya binanggit ang irrigation, ang binanggit niya district hospital. Mahirap rin hong magbulag-bulagan sa mga pamilyang gumiginhawa ang buhay dahil sa ating Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Kung dati nga po, halos walongdaang libong benepisyaryo lang ang naiparehistro sa programa, ngayong araw na pong ‗to, umabot na tayo sa 3.9 million family beneficiaries. Sa Camarines Sur po, noong araw, nung 2010, mayroong 3,970 na kabahayang benepisyaryo ang Pantawid Pamilya. Ngayon pong Marso 2013, umabot na yan sa 108,497 na kabahayan—99.95 percent po ito ng ating target para sa buong taon. Ulitin ko po: may kakayahan ang gobyernong tumulong dito sa mahigit isandaang libong pamilyang ito, pero nung araw tatlong libo, halos apat na libo lang tinutulungan. Paano kaya yung hindi natulungan? Hindi rin po tayo nagkukulang pagdating sa mga proyektong magdadala ng kalakal at turista sa inyong bayan tulad ng pagpapaunlad ng mga daungan sa Sabang at San Vicente. Sa mga nasa ibang panig naman po, pero gusto pa ring sumakay sa atin nasa kabilang grupo, baka po mas mapabilis pa ang kanilang biyahe ng Bicol Commuter Train na inaasahan nating magsisimulang tumakbo mula Naga hanggang Legazpi sa Abril ng susunod na taon. Ito pa po ang dagdag na magandang balita. Sa pangunguna ni DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya, nakapaglaan na po tayo ng limampung milyong pisong budget para sa pagpapatayo ng inyong Sabang-Calabanga Port. Baka ho hindi niyo kilala si Junjun, pwede bang tumayo ka lang para maliwanag? Target po: maipa-bid na ang proyektong ito sa darating na Agosto, para sa susunod na taon pa lang, ay makumpleto at mapakinabangan na ito. Ang handog nito sa mahal nating mga taga-Calabanga: mas maunlad na komersiyo at turismo. Ulit po, talagang magaling itong susunod nating mayor, hindi po niya binanggit yang port, ospital lang ang binanggit niya. Hindi pa ho siya mayor, nasabi na sa atin nyan kaya nagpapasalamat nga po tayo kay Attorney, ulitin po natin ha, Leni Robredo na talaga naman pong puspusang tinututukan ang progreso ng inisyatibang ito. Sa mga proyektong ito, di po ba‘t malinaw naman: Ang dating napapabayaan—dito po yung pinraktis ko na naman—ngodian, natatawan na ning panahon. Parang… pasensya na parang prep. Ang dating imposible, pirmi ta nang naaabot.¹ Malinaw din po: Hindi isang tao ang gumawa ng pagbabago. Naabot ito sa pakikipag-ambagan ng bawat Pilipino: Kamo ang nag gibo kaini. Kaya nga po lalo pa… Ay, Tagalog na ho pala ‗to. Kanina ho mas mahaba yung pinapraktis ko nawala eh. Kaya nga po lalo pa nating mapapapaspas ang pagsulong ng ating bayan tungo sa malawakang pag-unlad, kung dadami ang makikibuhat, sa halip na magiging pabigat lamang. Tunay po: Kung taliwas sa pambansang agenda ang mga kilos, desisyon at pagkatao ng nasa lokal na gobyerno, maaantala ang ating pag-arangkada. Napakahalaga po talaga ang tungkulin ng mga pinuno natin sa lokal na antas, pagdating sa pagsiguro ang mga

benepisyo ng mga programa natin sa pambansang pamahalaan ay talagang aabot sa ating mga komunidad. Kaya nga po, inilalapit ko sa inyo ang mga sigurado nating makikisagwan tungo sa iisang direksyon. Sa gobernador po, si Joel Cadiz. Hiniram po namin sandali itong si Joel para magsilbing bilang Solicitor General. Hiniram rin po namin syempre si Jesse. Ngayon po, buong-buo naman inaalay ni Joel ang sarili upang maglingkod sa inyong probinsya. Para naman po sa ating mayor dito sa Calabanga, wala na pong iba, kundi si Philip Dumalasa. Kasama po ang kanyang vice mayor na si Mhon Robles at ang kanilang mga konsehal tinanggap niya ang hamon na isulong ang daang matuwid dito po sa inyong munisipyo. Iboto rin po natin sila. Alam po niyo, syempre, pag may pangangailangan kayo, at siguro naman lahat ho tayo dito‘y either—maliban yung dito nasa harapan—baka lahat ho tayo dito‘y minsan man lang nanligaw o niligawan, tama po ba? Syempre, pag tayo‘y may nililigawan, kunyari ho may kailangan kayo dito, nililigawan tayo ni mayor na kailangan natin ang ganito. Pag nagkita ho kami, binigyan ako ng sampung balikbayan box na mga proyektong kailangan niya, baka taguan ko si mayor, ang bigat naman ng dala dala nito. Pero magaling po, alam naman niya tutugunan na natin yung irigasyon, alam naman niyang tutugunan yung port, kaya isa lang ang binanggit, napakadali, hindi ho ba? District hospital ho wala kami. Pero alam po niyo, hindi ko naman masasabi sa inyong ayos yan, kakausapin ko muna si Secretary Ona dahil kailangan nating ilagay sa tamang lugar para mapakinabangan ng buong distrito. Pero ulitin ko lang ho, kailangan niyo mapakitang kailangan talaga, hindi ho problemang gawin natin yan. Syempre po, last but not the least, bilang kinatawan sa Kongreso para sa inyong ikatlong distrito, walang iba kung hindi si Attorney—dahan dahanin natin, mahirap na—Attorney Leni Robredo. Hindi pa po nahahalal, kitang-kita na ang malasakit at pagsisikap niya para sa mga taga-Camarines Sur. Isipin po ninyo, miski raw po si Enchong Dee na busy sa pagka-artista, umuwi sa Naga para siguruhing masusunod ang tinig ng sambayanan. Sa pamumuno ni Attorney Leni, talagang masasabi nating hindi tayo tuluyang iniwan ng pinakamamahal nating si Jesse Robredo: buhay ang kanyang integridad, husay, kabutihang-loob sa kanyang maybahay. Iboto po natin, para sa ikatlong distrito, walang iba kundi si Attorney Leni Robredo. at sa harapan niyo, yung pag naupo naman ho si Leni, sa tulong niyo at pahintulot niyo, sa susunod na tatlong taon po na natitira sa ating mandato, siya po ang magiging tulay para maabot natin ang mga pangarap. Yung kulang niya sagot ko na po. Sa antas naman po ng pambansang pamahalaan, syempre, ang mga tunay na tuwid sa daang matuwid: atin pong Team PNOY para sa Senado. Hindi po nila tayo bibiguin, tiyak na makikisagwan sila sa nagkakaisa nating direksyong tungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Alam po ninyo, halos mangangalahati na po ang termino natin. Marami na po tayong hamon na hinarap at dinaig. Tiyak ko po, marami pa ang darating dahil hindi pa rin po nauubos ang mga nais magbalik sa atin sa baluktot na kalakaran. Baka yung iba ho hindi masyadong malayo sa bulwagang ito, hindi po madali ang mga problemang kailangan nating solusyonan, pero kapag naiisip ko ang kinabukasan na maaari nating marating, lalo pong nabubuhayan ang aking loob; kapag nakikita ko kayong patuloy na nakikilahok at nakikiambag para sa ikabubuti ng Pilipinas, lalo po akong ginaganahang ipagpatuloy ang ating nasimulan. Naalala ko tuloy ho si Secretary Ona, nagkita kami kanina, tinignan ako mula paa hanggang ulo. Siya po ang kalihim ng kalusugan, para akong ine-examine habang kinakausap ako. Ako po‘y masunurin sa aking doktor. Sabi niya, magpahinga ka. Umasa ka, Sec. Ike malapit na, malapit ng matapos ang eleksyon, pag natapos yung bilangan, bigyan mo ako ng isang linggo magpapahinga tayo ng isang araw tapos nun, siguro bandang Sunday. Hindi pa rin po nagbabago: Kamong mga mamamanwa ang sakuyang boss. Kamo ang sakuyang kusog. Kaya nga po, sa ika-labintatlo ng Mayo, nananawagan po tayo: ipakita natin sa buong mundo na hinding-hindi na magmamaneobra ang Pilipinas; handang-handa na tayong pitasin ang kabuuan ng ating mga pangarap; ihalal po sana natin ang mga pinunong titiyak na magpapatuloy ang napakagandang direksyong tinatahak natin ngayon. Napakasarap pong maging Pilipino sa mga panahong ito; at kung itutuloy po natin ang pagtahak sa daang matuwid, tiyak po, lalo pa nating ikagagalak ang kinabukasang nag-aabang sa atin. Pagkakataon na po natin ito. Tayo na po‘t ituloy ang pagbabagong tinatamasa natin sa kasalukuyan. Bago po ako magpaaalam, meron lang akong ikukwento sa inyo, nung araw pa naman nangyari. Nung aking ama po‘y pinaslang nanggigising tayo ng sambayanan, at dumating dito sa Kabisayaan—may rally, parang ganito—may darating na dating senador, bago Martial Law. Nung magsasalita siya, eh na-late dun sa rally, ang dinatnan niyang tao tatatlo. Sabi niya dun sa emcee, magsasalita pa ba ako tatatlo lang nandyan? Sabi po sa kanya: Mukha hong hindi pa kumbinsido baka maganda subukan niyo baka makumbinse natin. Sumampa ng entablado itong dating senador nagtalumpati. Kalagitnaan ng talumpati tumayo yung isa dun sa tatlo umuwi. Lumingon siya sa emcee: Bah, mukhang nakumbinse na ninyo yun, ituloy na po niyo, dalawa na lang magiging 100 percent na tayo. Matatapos na niya yung talumpati tumayo na naman yung isa umuwi na naman. Sabi nung emcee: Ang galing mo, lahat ng nauna sa iyo hindi nakuhang makumbinse yan, ikaw lang pala ang kulang. Ituloy mo na, isa na lang, 100 percent na tayo talaga. Habang nagsasalita po siya, gamit pa niya yung mic, isa na lang ang kausap niya. Natapos ang talumpati hindi siya iniwan. Binabaan niya sa entablado… mula sa entablado, kinamayan, sinabi, kumbinsido ka na ba? Ang sagot sa kanya nung tao: Bah, sa totoo lang po bago pa kayo dumating kumbinsido na ako. Ang katunayan po nyan, yang ginagamit niyong sound system akin po yan, ipinahiram ko lang ho at hinintay ko kayo matapos nang maiuwi ko na yung sound system ko. Trabaho ho natin na mangumbinse lalo na sa pagtahak natin sa tuwid na daan, dahil baka meron pang iba na mas gugustuhin pa yung dating sistema na pansarili lang ang inaasikaso imbes na intindihin ang kapwa. Kung tayo naman ho dito, itatanong ko lang ho muna, klaro ho ba kung sino ang kandidato nating kinatawan ng ikatlong distrito? Kung klaro ho pakisabi lang yung pangalan. (crowd saying: ―Leni‖) Parang lilima ho yata yung kumbinsido. Pwede ho ba sabay sabay tayo, bilang ako 1, 2, 3: (crowd loud response: ―Leni‖) O, wala ng 1, 2, 3. Yung hindi pa ho kumbinsidong wala dito kailangan nating puntahan. Syempre sa demokrasya ho yung nakakarami ang nagdedesisyon para sa lahat. Hindi ho pwedeng para tayong si Juan Tamad, di ba? Yung bayabas hinintay, habang nasa ilalim siya hinihintay niya bumagsak yung bayabas imbes na pinitas. Alam niyo hindi ko ho maintindihan yun eh. Kung nandun ka hinihintay mo sa ilalim ng puno ng bayabas bumagsak yung bayabas, pag bumagsak yun masakit yun. Pero mas matindi ho dun pag bumagsak nun malamang bulok na, di ba, kailangan pitasin natin sa tamang oras.

So dito po ang kailangan kung magpapatuloy serbisyong Jesse, yung pinagkatiwalaan natin sa kanilang buong angkan, yung alam na nating maaasahan sa kanila. Hindi ho pwedeng boboto lang tayo, kailangan ikampanya pa natin ang kandidato nating ang pangalan ay… Leni. (together with the crowd saying: ―Leni‖) So, ako po‘y hanggang dito na lang. Kayo nga po ang lakas ko: kayo po ang boss ko; kayo po ang masusunod. Magandang hapon po. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.

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ONLINE NEWS

07 MAY 2013

Solo parents call for more benefits

End-April 2013 GIR settles at US$83.4 billion

DPWH chief orders investigation on Leyte road

DBM: No deadline extension for budget submissions

DTI rolls out Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela Edition nationwide

Phl Consulate in Jeddah repatriates five overstaying pilgrims

State, Defense Officials back Phl arbitration initiative Phl, US commit to further strengthen security relations

DOST-TRC offers cool summer business ideas via seminars

Phl exports 35 tons of aromatic, black rice to Dubai

Q1 Tourist arrivals bring ‘More Fun’ with 1.27M visitors

Solo parents call for more benefits

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

More than 5,000 solo parents from different solo parents associations (SPAs) in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Romblon joined the Launching of the National Solo Parents Day held recently at Quezon Memorial Circle. The SPAs called for the immediate enactment of a law that will stipulate additional rights and benefits for solo parents. According to Lito Alcaraz, President of the Bulacan Confederation of Solo Parents Inc. the solo parents sector recognizes the passage of HB 6184 by the Lower House on June 2012. The Bill carries additional benefits for solo parents such as 10 to 15 percent discount on milk, diapers, and vitamins to be granted to solo parents with children five years old and below; and decrease of waiting period from one year to six months for a separated and/or abandoned spouse to be declared a legitimate solo parent. However, Alcaraz explained that solo parents pointed out other important benefits that need to be included in the proposed amendments to RA 8972. These are equal access to employment and educational opportunities, reduction of taxes of employed solo parents, discounts in tuition fees for children of solo parents (at least 10% discount), scrapping of the ―No payment of tuition, no exam policy‖ of private schools, and scholarship programs for solo parents and their children. A group of solo parents from Romblon said, ―We came all the way here to join our fellow solo parents in lobbying to our legislators to include our additional proposed amendments. Marami sa atin ang may mga pinapaaral na anak na anim na taong gulang pataas, sa elementarya, high school at college at hindi naman sila makakasama sa mga benepisyong nakasaad sa HB 6184 dahil limitado lang ito sa five years old and below, sana naman ay mapagtuunan din ito ng pansin, lalo na ang mga educational benefits para sa mga anak ng solo parents,‖ (There are numerous solo parents who have children six years old and above enrolled in elementary, high school and college. They are not covered in HB 6184 because it is limited to children of solo parents five years old and below. We are hoping this will be given due attention, particularly the educational benefits for our older children.‖) Another group of solo parents from Barangay Krus na Ligas, Quezon City, the 4Ks Solo Parents Association, added, ―Masaya kami na makiisa sa okasyon na eto, dahil first time na nagsama-sama ang napakaraming solo parents upang maisatinig ang ating mga hinaing,‖ (We are very happy to join this event because this is the first time that so many solo parents gathered to make our voices heard.) The event, spearheaded by the Bulacan Confederation of Solo Parents Inc. and Nain Foundation, with the support of the DSWD, was dubbed as ―Nag-iisang Ikaw,‖ with the theme, ―Advancing Social Integration and Intergenerational Solidarity.‖ The event highlighted the formal launching of the partnership between the Solo Parents Confederation of Bulacan, Inc. and NAIN Foundation and the signing of the resolution ―Declaring Last Saturday of April as Solo Parents Day.‖ Estelito Alcaraz, Ms. Lizel Po and Ms. Carina A. Javier, presidents of the Solo Parents Confederation of Bulacan, Nain Foundation, and the DSWD Central Office Solo Parents Group signed the resolution. ―We are hopeful that the National Solo Parents Day will become an annual event by virtue of a Presidential Proclamation to further strengthen advocacy on the rights and welfare of solo parents,‖ the leaders of the solo

parents organizations said.

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End-April 2013 GIR settles at US$83.4 billion

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

Preliminary data showed that the country‘s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$83.4 billion as of end-April 2013, slightly lower by US$0.6 billion than the end-March 2013 GIR of US$84 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 At this level, reserves remain adequate to cover 11.8 months worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 9.8 times the country‘s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 6.3 times based on residual maturity.2 The decline in the reserves level was due mainly to revaluation adjustments on the BSP‘s 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 net foreign currency withdrawals by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM). 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 BSP‘s GIR and total short-term liabilities, decreased by US$0.5 billion to reach US$83.4 billion as of end-April 2013, compared to the end-March 2013 NIR of US$83.9 billion. ------ 1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP‘s 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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DPWH chief orders investigation on Leyte road

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

―Leave no stones, unturned.‖ Literally and figuratively, DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson ordered a thorough investigation on the Burauen – Albuera road section in Leyte covering two (2) DPWH engineering districts wherein based on documents, the government has already poured an approximate total amount of P500 Million with at least twenty (20) contracts entered into by and between the DPWH and local contractors in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and yet, the road remains unfinished and cannot be used by the local residents until now. ―I cannot figure out why this road remains impassable and useless despite the amount of taxpayers‘ money poured into this 13.72-kilometer road,‖ said Singson. ― I do understand that this road project is a new road opening, but, with the amount of money spent on the road section, local residents should have already been using this road, even if it is still on gravel surface. But, there is no continuous road to speak‖ added Singson. Based on an initial report conducted by the DPWH‘s Quality Assurance Unit (QAU), some sections of this road cannot even accommodate any kind of transportation, not even a motorcycle, because they remain as mountain trail. Also, a crossing structure should have been provided at Tabgas river in Albuera section, but, there was no such bridge structure, added Singson. Some sections are reported now even covered with lush vegetations. ―I want to get into the bottom of this,‖ said Singson.

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DBM: No deadline extension for budget submissions

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

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today countered reports announcing the deadline extension for agency budget proposals for FY 2014, adding that the May 13 deadline was intended for budget proposal adjustments, including the fleshing out of lump-sum amounts in agencies‘ budget submissions. The clarification was made following news reports that the budget submission deadline had been extended from April 15 to May 13 this year. However, guidelines under National Budget Memorandum No. 118 specify that agency budget proposals should have been submitted by April 15, while the refocusing of agency‘s proposed budgets and the fleshing-out of lump-sum funds may be completed by May 13. The DBM also urged agencies to meet all their budget submission requirements in time for their scheduled Technical Budget Hearings, as well as to ensure their compliance with the budget preparation deadlines set by the budget department.

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DTI rolls out Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela Edition nationwide

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

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is targeting to conduct 29 Diskwento Caravans-Balik Eskwela Edition across the country to provide cheaper school supplies, school bags, shoes, and uniforms before the start of classes this coming June.

DTI-National Capital Region (NCR) Assistant Director Ferdinand L. Manfoste said the Diskwento Caravan will be organized nationwide from May 6 to June 15, 2013. ―The Diskwento Caravan is a good opportunity for our consumers who want to maximize their budget for school supplies, school bags, shoes and uniforms of their students,‖ Manfoste said during the Diskwento Caravan Balik Eskwela Edition kick-off in Makati City. Products sold in Diskwento Caravan such as notebooks, pad papers, pencils, pens, crayolas, scissors, school bags and uniforms, shoes, among others are offered in cheap prices with discounts ranging from 20%-70%. Click here to view the schedule for the Diskwento Caravan and here for Diskwento Caravan-Balik Eskwela Edition. Interested consumers may contact DTI Regional and Provincial Offices to know more about the confirmed date and venue of Diskwento Caravans in their area. Manfoste meanwhile assured the consumers that even though the school supplies sold in the Diskwento Caravans are cheap, these are made by reputable manufacturers and are of good quality. ―The school supplies offered in our Diskwento Caravans are safe and comply with standards,‖ Manfoste added. Aside from school supplies, Diskwento Caravan-Balik Eskwela Edition also features basic items such as cooking oil, bread, canned goods, processed meat, detergent bars, soaps, and shampoos. Products from the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are also highlighted in the Diskwento Caravan. Started in 2008, Diskwento Caravan is a flagship project of DTI that aims to provide non-wage benefits for wage earners and employees to ease the consumers‘ burden of rising prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.

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Phl Consulate in Jeddah repatriates five overstaying pilgrims

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

07 May 2013– Continuing its determined efforts to send home all Filipinos with illegal status in its area of responsibility, the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah succeeded in repatriating on May 06 another group of Filipino ―illegals‖ consisting of five (5) Filipino umrah pilgrims who have overstayed their visas in the Kingdom. The five who were originally with the 700 Filipino ―illegals‖ who have pitched camp, and continue to camp, beside the Consulate are: Mohammad Guro Mangacop, 30 yrs old from Cagayan de Oro City; Solaiman Lindungan Salik, 35 yrs old from Talitay, Maguindanao; Ms. Saniya P. Duray, 46 yrs old from Basilan; Akrima Baid Jumdani, 28 yrs old from Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte; and Ms. Hajiria Esteban Abison, 32 yrs old from Ipil, Zamboanga del Sur. They arrived in Manila today, May 07 at 6:25 a.m. The repatriation of the umrah overstayers came after the Consulate facilitated their compliance with the requirements of the Saudi immigration authorities. The repatriation requirements of umrah or haj visa overstayers are more easily met compared with those of runaways (huroobs). The latter have to secure ―no objection certificates‖ from their sponsors/employers and pay government penalties and fines, which can reach huge amounts depending on the number of years they have absconded. These are not required of the former.

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State, Defense Officials back Phl arbitration initiative Phl, US commit to further strengthen security relations Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

07 May 2013 – United States (US) State, Defense, and National Security Council (NSC) officials reiterated their strong support for the Philippines‘ legal track to settle the disputes in the West Philippine Sea, according to a senior Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official. ―Once more, officials from the State and Defense departments as well as the NSC made clear that the US backs our resort to arbitration proceedings under UNCLOS to peacefully resolve the disputes in the West Philippine Sea,‖ said DFA Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia who had a series of meetings in the run up to the ASEAN-US Dialogue last May 03 in Washington, D.C. According to Undersecretary Garcia, ―The US has conveyed their strong interest in the maintenance of the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific region. For them, a rules-based regime in the West Philippine Sea is essential to promote peace and stability.‖ ―Our resort to arbitration is consistent with promoting the rule of law in Asia-Pacific. This is complimentary to ASEAN efforts to draft a Code of Conduct for the West Philippine Sea,‖ Undersecretary Garcia added. Among the officials that Undersecretary Garcia met in Washington, D.C. were Defense Assistant Secretary Mark Lippert, State Acting Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific Joseph Yun, State Acting Assistant Secretary for Political Military Tom Kelly, and NSC Senior Director for Asia Daniel Russel. PHL-US to continue to strengthen alliance

―Our countries acknowledged the security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region. Territorial and maritime disputes have increased tensions in East Asia. We discussed how our efforts as allies will address these issues and help maintain stability in the region,‖ according to Undersecretary Garcia. ―US assistance will reinforce Philippine efforts to build our defense capabilities. We also had fruitful discussions on how to implement our agreed policy of increased rotational presence and enhanced exercises. These are important in order for the Philippines-US alliance to continue to be a cornerstone of regional stability,‖ said Undersecretary Garcia. The Philippines has been heavily investing in defense. The Aquino Administration has spent over Php28 billion for the AFP modernization program, in contrast with the Php33 billion spent for modernization in the fifteen years before 2010. Relatedly, the recently signed AFP Modernization Act (RA10349) will allocate PhP75 billion in the first five years of implementation for the Philippines' military upgrade. The Undersecretary added that Philippine-US defense cooperation also extends to non-traditional threats in Asia-Pacific such as natural disasters. ―We continue to develop our capacities in humanitarian assistance and disaster response,‖ Undersecretary Garcia said.

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DOST-TRC offers cool summer business ideas via seminars

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

This summer, get a taste of refreshing business ideas that can be profitable all year round at the Department of Science and Technology‘s Technology Resource Center (DOST-TRC) with its training courses for aspiring entrepreneurs. With the summer vacation now on its final stretch this May, it isn‘t too late to put up a small business perfect for beating the heat. One such business is ice cream production. For a minimal training fee, one can enroll in TRC‘s two-day training on commercial ice cream production to learn about the basic technology, material and equipment requirements, product formulation, and costing. Trainees will also get the chance to have a hands-on experience in ice cream making and a field trip to an ice cream plant. One can also opt to put up a buko juice/shake kiosk TRC‘s two-day training includes lectures on plain and flavored buko juice product formulation, processing guidelines, sanitation procedures, packaging and cost requirements. As in the ice cream production training seminar, enrollees will similarly have a hands-on experience in the preparation of buko shake/juice. TRC also offers livelihood trainings for other business enterprises perfect for the whole year . These include food business, services, agriculture and other small-scale industries that cater to the varied interests of aspiring entrepreneurs. Providing affordable livelihood trainings is just one of TRC‘s ways of creating opportunities for the public. ―We expect to create not just more livelihood opportunities for more individuals; we also look forward to developing better and more relevant programs, efficiently and with higher success rate,‖ says Dennis Cunanan, TRC director general. The TRC office is located at Jacinta Bldg. 2, Guadalupe Nuevo, EDSA, Makati City. For more details on the schedule and fees please contact 8225087, or visit trc.dost.gov.ph or like its facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/trc.dost.

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Phl exports 35 tons of aromatic, black rice to Dubai

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

With rice self-sufficiency in sight, the Philippines after 40 years will once again export rice, initially comprising of 35 metric tons (MT) of aromatic, long-grain and organic black rice bound for Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, who led the ceremonial send-off at the Manila Harbor Center yesterday (May 6, 2013), said the event is historic as it ushers in a new era in the country‘s rice industry and the agriculture sector, in general. ―Ang okasyong ito ay makasaysayan at patunay lamang na kayang-kaya ng ating mga magsasaka ng maka-ani at maka-export ng kalidad na bigas patungong ibang bansa (This occasion is historic and indeed proves that Filipino farmers can produce and export quality rice to other countries),‖ Secretary Alcala said. As the country is set to achieve rice sufficiency by end of this year, he said it is prudent to start eyeing the export market, particularly for fancy or aromatic, long-grain white varieties and organic colored and heirloom rice varieties, where Filipino farmers are competitive. He said the initial rice export was a result of concerted efforts of farmers‘ groups, the private sector, and the DA family all over the country. ―Ang pagluluwas natin ng bigas ngayon ay bunga ng maigting na pagtutulungan ng mga samahan ng mga magsasaka, pribadong sektor at mga pinuno at kawani ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa buong bansa,‖ Secretary Alcala said.

He said the initial 35-MT shipment is comprised of 20 MT of ‗Jasponica‘ or long-grain, aromatic white rice variety, and 15 MT of organic black rice. The Jasponica aromatic white rice was produced by farmers from Talavera, Nueva Ecija, who planted a commercial variety of SL Agritech. The black rice was produced by farmers from Mlang, North Cotabato, who are members of the Bios Dynamis Farmers‘ Cooperative, in partnership with the Don Bosco Development Foundation. The black rice was milled and packed at a DA-KOICA rice processing center in Matanao, Davao del Sur. The DA through its national rice program directorate coordinated the initial export rice shipment to Dubai with the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association (VIEVA). Together with other DA family officials, regional directors, the private sector and farmers‘ groups, Secretary Alcala also led the ceremonially send-off of 166 MT of shallots (or small red onions locally known as ‗lasona‘) bound for Indonesia. Another batch of 80 MT aromatic and heirloom rice varieties are set for export in succeeding months, said DA assistant secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante S. Delima. It is composed of 40 MT of long-grain, aromatic white rice bound for Hong Kong, and 40 MT of Cordillera heirloom rice to the United States. He said the DA is also sending a trial shipment of 800 kilograms of black rice to the Netherlands. The DA — in partnership with farmers‘ groups and the private sector — is finalizing negotiations with other prospective buyers in Singapore, the Middle East and Africa. ―At the rate we are going, we are confident we could meet our self-imposed target of 100 metric tons of rice exports by the first half of the year,‖ Delima said. Among those present during the send-off ceremonies were: Atty. Miguel Varela, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; SL Agritech president and CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong; VIEVA president Lea Cruz; Romano Laurelia of Bios Dynamis; and Maria Helenita Gamela of Don Bosco Dev‘t. Foundation. Dozens of DA officials also graced the event, led by assistant secretaries Dante Delima and Salvador Salacup, National Food Authority Administrator Orlan Calayag, Director Eufemio Rasco of the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Clarito Barron, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Director Jennifer Remoquillo, Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) Director Leandro Gazmin, National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) President Honesto Baniqued, and all the DA regional executive directors all over the country.

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Q1 Tourist arrivals bring ‘More Fun’ with 1.27M visitors

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

First quarter visitor arrivals reached 1.27 million, a 10.76 percent growth from last year‘s 1.15 million for the same period. This marks the second time that foreign tourist arrivals breached the one-million mark in the first quarter, setting the pace for the Department of Tourism to reach its 5.5 million arrival target for 2013. The first quarter performance accounts for 23 percent of the target arrivals for the year. Korea remains the leading visitor market, which captured 25.83% of the total inbound traffic with 328,454 arrivals, followed by the United States with 186,065 or 14.63% of the overall visitor volume. The Japanese market contributed the third biggest arrivals with 114,269 or 8.99%. Rounding up the top five visitor markets for the first quarter are China with 98,242 and Taiwan with 53,867 visitors. The Korean market rose by 23.93%, the highest among the top five major markets. Other key markets contributing significant volume of arrivals include Australia with 53,679; Singapore with 41,524; Canada with 38,486; Hongkong with 36,005; United Kingdom with 32,475; Malaysia with 27,212; and Germany with 22,491. Double-digit gains were recorded by the Russian Federation (26.9%), Hongkong (25.04%), Korea (23.93%), India (22.1%), Singapore (15.42%), Australia (12.65%), and Malaysia (11.86%). The ASEAN source markets grew 14.82% while East Asia increased by 14.15%. Visitor arrivals for March 2013 also saw a double-digit increase of 11.28% with 417,392 visitors compared to the previous year‘s volume of 375,083. For the fourth consecutive month since December 2012, the country has been surpassing the 400,000 visitor arrival mark. The upward trend may be attributed to the upcoming summer season, which is a peak season for the tourism industry. ―Month after month, we bear witness to a steady upward performance and new record highs. This only means that the efforts of the Department and its partners are bearing fruit. To achieve our 2013 target of 5.5 million and 2016 target of 10 million, the Department and its industry partners are actively working on stimulating greater demand overseas, while infrastructure agencies have committed to step up our convergence programs to facilitate entry and access to the different destinations in the country,‖ Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. said. He added that the expansion and development of secondary gateways could ease the volume of traffic in the primary gateways of Manila and open the country to more visitors by bringing them closer to their end

destinations. Significant investments in the air transportation, as well as in the accommodation sector, are seen to beef up capacities in the years to come. ―With key policy reforms such as the lifting of significant security concerns by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the rationalization of the Common Carriers Tax (CCT), the focus is shifted to the tangible areas such as connectivity and improvement of tourism products,‖ Secretary Jimenez concluded.

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Thank You and God Bless !!!!